Chamber Connect Winter 21 Q1

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CHAMBER

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

connect Sheffield City Region Chambers of Commerce

WINTER 2021

Taking a walk on the wild side of Yorkshire #Walkshire campaign will take the region to new heights

PLUS: APPRENTICESHIPS, SKILLS & TRAINING Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Support. Grow. Connect.

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Contents Winter 2021 15

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Making Connections 4

James Muir, Chair of the SCR LEP, on looking to the future

Business News 7

2021: a year of growth for the SCR

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UK’s first digital food bank created

10 Entrepreneur makes inspirational list 12 Expansion for Investors in Community 15 Welcome to Yorkshire launches year-long #Walkshire campaign 16 Doncaster Deaf Trust joins Sign Language project 17 SCR takes on Adult Education Budget

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18 Tribepad launch HR technology hub 20 Council to deliver energy efficiency 23 Construction firm leads UK in list of diversity leaders

Features

24 Shortlist success for The Hallam i-Lab

The SCR Chambers

54 Apprenticeships, Skills & Training Top five things SMEs say about RISE 59 Is in-house training right for your business?

60 Enterprise & Innovation Understanding Cloud IT

29 Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber A message from the Chamber President

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35 Doncaster Chamber Here to support your business 41 East Midlands Chamber Call to deliver HS2 in full

63 PPEXtra rise to the Covid-19 challenge 47 Sheffield Chamber Business is leading the recovery

Sector Focus 64 Legal Law firm advises on major share acquisition 67 Corporate Hospitality New team member for events company 69 Finance Preparing for the future 73 Manufacturing Local manufacturer celebrates milestone 76 Skills & Training Partnership to meet autistic pupils’ needs Winter 2021 CHAMBER connect 3

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Making Connections

Welcome... ...to Chamber Connect

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, on how the region will move forward

The importance of looking to the future he latest national lockdown has taken its toll on our business community once again, but South Yorkshire’s resilience, strength and togetherness never fails to shine through.

It’s devastating to have started the year with further restrictions, but with the roll out of a vaccine taking place, in the Sheffield City Region we are looking to the future with hope and positivity as we focus on our recovery, renewal and growth in 2021 and beyond.

Throughout the local and national restrictions of the past year, we have been providing the business community with as much support as possible, with dedicated business advice and grant funding available to those forced to close or suffering a severe loss of trade. We’re pleased to have been able to support as many businesses as we have, but we know there are still some who have unfortunately fallen through the cracks. We have called on Government to put in place a long-term plan for the recovery of the business community to give us all certainty as we look to recover and rebuild.

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Through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, we’re helping businesses navigate the support available to them and providing advice and guidance through a number of initiatives.

We’ve distributed millions of pounds in Additional Restrictions Grants to support those severely impacted by Covid restrictions, and many businesses are also taking advantage of our Re-Start to Growth initiative, which gives businesses access to experienced and skilled experts to help assess, plan and restart their business through an agreed programme of intensive support. As the UK’s exit from the EU further impacts businesses, the Growth Hub has invested in a UK Transition Adviser to help businesses navigate guidance around working in a post-Brexit environment.

These are unprecedented times, but it is so important we look to the future, focusing on renewal and building back better from coronavirus to enable our people, employers and places to grow and thrive following the pandemic. That is why we are driving forward

our implementation of the Sheffield City Region Renewal Action Plan, with a jobs led recovery at the heart of our plans.

It is more important now than ever to improve the prospects of people across the region, and essential to our recovery and fight back from the pandemic, is investing in our people through skills and education, providing people and businesses with the tools they need to grow and progress.

We have fantastic success stories and a diverse business community in South Yorkshire, from national names like McLaren and Boeing, to Liberty Steel who have committed to a £60m investment programme at its South Yorkshire green steel plant and MRMK who have received £4m of investment to boost growth plans from its Sheffield manufacturing base. A key focus of the Sheffield City Region moving forward is supporting these businesses on a national and international stage. Now is the time to invest in our region, develop our strengths and support our businesses to recover, grow and thrive.

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CHAMBER

connect The Official Publication of

Sheffield City Region Chambers of Commerce

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Support. Grow. Connect.

Front cover: Welcome to Yorkshire launches new campaign See page 15 You can read the latest issue of Chamber Connect and view back issues online at: www.kempspublishing.co.uk/chamber-connect

Published by

Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Birmingham B26 1BU 0121 765 4144 www.kempspublishing.co.uk Managing Editor Laura Blake laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk Designer Lloyd Hollingworth

‘Throughout the local and national restrictions of the past year, we have been providing the business community with as much support as possible’

Advertising 0121 765 4144 jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk Printers Buxton Press The next issue of Chamber Connect will be available in May 2021 CHAMBER CONNECT is produced on behalf of Sheffield City Region Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. 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. PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps' customers; and • To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects.

Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.

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Chamber Connect

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Business News

2021: a year of growth for the SCR

By Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region he seismic events of Covid-19 and Brexit will have a lasting impact on people and businesses across South Yorkshire for decades to come. This year, with the vaccine being rolled out across the country, we can look forward to seeing our family and friends without restrictions again.

However, we have a herculean task of rebuilding our economy and society. Crucially, this must not be a slow and steady return to broken status quo. 2021 must be the year we fix the foundations and start the job of building back better.

Global events like the pandemic and Brexit are often filtered through the Westminster news agenda, but it’s at a local level they meet people’s lives and their reality is felt. That’s why the response has to be local too.

In South Yorkshire, we will continue to use our powers and resources to turnaround the prospects of people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.

Covid-19 has made our task even more challenging, and we will deploy our resources wisely to kick start recovery and renewal.

That’s why despite all the challenges we face, I believe 2021 is when people in our region will begin to see the difference devolution can make to their lives.

My vision is for a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire and that is the compass that will guide my plan for recovery and renewal. My priorities will be leading our economic fight back from Covid-19, kick starting our ambitious programme to reach net zero

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emissions and ensuring the pandemic does not stifle people’s life chances and opportunities.

With over £250m secured from Government, which we will use for transport, housing and infrastructure projects in our region, we can start the task with optimism amid an otherwise gloomy economic outlook. This, alongside our devolution deal, means 2021 is the year we start to deliver.

Our devolved gainshare money will support people back into work through our Kickstart programme and help young people and businesses secure the apprenticeships they need. We’ll invest in our businesses so they can access the support they need to adapt and grow.

Inward investment after Brexit is crucial for our prosperity, and I’ll be leading efforts to drum up trade for South Yorkshire, starting by hosting a virtual delegation from India. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, I will deliver another manifesto commitment to support South Yorkshire’s visitor economy, with a new campaign to encourage people to visit our region and get our leisure, culture and heritage sector back on its feet. We will make clear that South Yorkshire is open for business.

We will act on climate change and start our journey to reach net zero emissions by 2040. A better public transport system is at the heart of this and a swathe of

schemes from the £166m Transforming Cities Fund I secured from Government will get underway. It means people will see improvements in our town centres for walking and cycling, revitalised and better train stations and new bus routes which will make choosing public transport the norm.

A project close to my heart, the Northern Forest, will see more trees planted through the South Yorkshire Nature Partnership.

If we are to level up, this must not only be about the economy, but opportunity. We will put our new Adult Education Budget skills powers to use to help people back to work, so they can find and get on at work, particularly in sectors of our economy which have skills gaps. I’ll be working with our health leaders to understand how we can address the underlying inequality and conditions which made people more vulnerable to Covid-19.

All this is possible because of devolution, allowing South Yorkshire to shape its destiny.

However, we cannot do this alone. While we will use every pound and every lever available to us, without a fundamental shift from Government, we will only be able to fiddle at the margins of the challenges we face.

Entering their second year of office, the Government’s record on levelling up has been patchy at best. The Government has

‘We must stay the course, then the job of rebuilding can begin’

Dan Jarvis

promised a Devolution White Paper, where I’ll set out how South Yorkshire can unlock prosperity for the North, if given the meaningful tools to do so. It’s time to stop tinkering and start transforming.

But we must remember we are not through the worst of the pandemic.

It’s vital we continue to stick to the rules to ensure we protect South Yorkshire’s hospitals and NHS staff, and prevent more lives and livelihoods from being lost.

We must stay the course, then the job of rebuilding can begin.

Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, find an apprenticeship, see your business grow, I want everyone across South Yorkshire to know that I’m fighting for you as we look to emerge from this crisis even stronger.

It’s my great privilege to represent you – in good times and bad – and in 2021, I’ll be working around the clock to ensure we can enjoy a happier, healthier and more prosperous future.

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Business News

UK’s first digital food bank created ne of the UK’s first digital food banks has offered hope to people in need over the winter – after the project was assembled by a Leicestershire company.

Meridian Digital Solutions, in Peckleton, worked with global locker manufacturer Kern to help the charity Surviving the Streets to create selfservice lockers that provide 24/7 access to food, sleeping bags and tents.

The first of the contactless lockers was installed in Hastings, Sussex, with the aim of keeping the charity’s staff and service users safe during the pandemic while also increasing the hours of operation without needing more volunteers.

Andy Viner, Managing Director of Meridian, said: “Surviving the Streets carries out amazing work and we love what it does for the community.

“Between ourselves and Kern, we have provided the solution for a free trial initially to prove the concept and then the hope is that these units are rolled out in towns on the Sussex coastline.

“The technology could easily be expanded to a national level to help with a problem that is common across our country, especially in these trying times. Referrals for service users can come in at all times of the day or night so the increased access provides an incredible new service. Our main role has been bringing the project together, best practice advice and consultancy, and a heap of passion.”

Meridian is an expert in self-service kiosks, smart lockers and digital signage, while during the pandemic it has mobilised facial recognition technology to develop personnel management systems that can be used to scan employees’ and visitors’ temperatures before allowing access to workplaces.

Meridian’s customer success manager Connie Masini Amena led the project and, working with Kern, helped Surviving the Streets understand what was achievable from installation, hardware and how the software could be used.

The locker is set up to allow a service user to contact the charity via phone or email to receive a unique locker access code.

Items available include long-life, tinned and dried food packs for one to four people, lasting up to four days. Volunteers stock the locker and make the items accessible 24 hours a day, rather than having to wait for shops, offices and support centres to open.

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‘The technology could easily be expanded to a national level’ Meridian Digital Solutions Customer Success Manager Connie Masini Amena

James Robinson, Co-founder of Surviving the Streets UK, said: “Our digital foodbank will give a massive boost to how we operate, delivering a range of benefits at a time of year which traditionally puts many people under financial pressure, made worse this year by coronavirus.

“We expect calls for help to double or triple over the next few months and the new lockers will help fill gaps in how we support our local community.”

Improve digital skills with Barnsley College Barnsley College has launched a new course to help improve digital skills across the region.

The fully-funded Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills course is aimed at those aged 19 and over who need to develop their IT literacy in order to secure employment or improve their professional performance.

It is designed to be completed online via the Skills Network’s digital learning platform over a period of six to 10 weeks, depending on the applicant’s prior knowledge.

The course has a weekly intake, which means that it is open to accept a new cohort of applicants every Monday. As a part-time programme, students need only study one day per week and they do not need to sit exams. To gain the certificate, they complete assignments for each of the five modules they work on.

On completion of the course, students will have the IT skills required for the modern workplace.

This includes the production of 8 CHAMBER connect Winter 2021

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presentations and spreadsheets, as well as fundamental knowledge of IT software and security.

Abby Holmes, Programme Manager of Business, Warehousing and Logistics (the Department responsible for delivering the course), said: “A basic understanding of IT is imperative for anyone living and working in

our digital age. At the moment, there are a huge number of people across Barnsley and South Yorkshire who simply do not possess those skills.

“By offering this course, the college is giving residents of all ages the opportunity to gain new digital skills and boost employability in the local area, as

well as promoting an ethos of lifelong learning and professional development.”

The arrival of this course also reflects the college’s commitment to delivering on the proposals set out in the Government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper. The document sets out reforms to post-16 technical education and training, and encourages schools and colleges to support people developing the skills needed to secure employment and improve national productivity.

In response to the Government’s proposals, Yiannis Koursis, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, said: “Colleges must continue to rise to the challenge and offer solutions that drive the future economy, meet the nation’s skills gaps, and present an opportunity for real progression to students.”

To find out more about the course, or to apply for a place, visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/it-user or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

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Business News

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Business News

Entrepreneur makes inspirational list female entrepreneurs that lead female Entrepreneur based small businesses alongside a roster in Doncaster has been of other responsibilities. named as one of the UK’s Frederika was also called out for 100 most inspirational female her work as a Positive Psychology entrepreneurs by Small Business and Education Wellbeing speaker, Britain’s f:Entrepreneur ‘#ialso100’ trainer and author, which she campaign. does alongside Frederika Roberts occasional (pictured), founder postgraduate and managing ‘This year’s lecturing in Positive director of Educate campaign Psychology, partto Flourish CIC, a time work as a social enterprise celebrates Wellbeing Trainer dedicated to inspiring and for a mental supporting resilient female health charity, and children’s undertaking a sixflourishing, is being entrepreneurs’ year Doctorate in showcased alongside Education research 100 female programme. Frederika is entrepreneurs from across also Chair of Best for Doncaster, a the UK, as part of the campaign’s grassroots campaign group recognition of the multiaffiliated to the European achievements of women that have Movement that she co-founded proved critical to society during the following the 2016 EU referendum.

Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s campaign celebrates Now in its fourth year, inspiring and resilient female f:Entrepreneur was launched in entrepreneurs that have flourished 2017 to highlight amazing female despite Covid-19, with many still role models to help and inspire all growing or starting new ventures. small businesses through content, On being listed in the #ialso100, stories and events. It particularly Frederika said: “I am over the aims to showcase trailblazing

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moon, and a little stunned, to have been chosen to join this year’s #ialso100 amongst such a fantastic cohort of female entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to getting to

know the other amazing women being showcased, and to working alongside them to highlight the brilliant female business talent we have in the UK.” Both f:Entrepreneur and Small Business Britain were founded by Michelle Ovens CBE, who is also the Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “Congratulations to all the inspiring women chosen to join this year’s #ialso100,” said Michelle Ovens.

“Despite the significant obstacles thrown at them in the last year, female entrepreneurship continues to grow and flourish.

“We need to continue, and increase, our support for these incredible women and celebrate their amazing strength and success in the face of huge challenges.

“We have seen so many women embracing change, generating and exploring new ideas, rallying around their communities and supporting their peers. This resilience is hugely valuable and will set them up for success as they will be at the very heart of the UK’s recovery.”

Jenx announces new partnership with Paces Sheffield-headquartered postural support specialist, Jenx, has announced a new year-long partnership with High Green-based Paces, a specialist school for conductive education.

Jenx – alongside its UK distribution division, Jiraffe – will work with the school across fundraising activities and events for the next 12 months, after the charity was selected as the company’s charity of the year for 2021.

The partnership will provide Jenx staff with the opportunity to personally support children with special needs at Paces School in High Green through volunteering activities and initiatives.

Funds raised by the partnership will contribute to the £3.5m needed by Paces for its new state-of-the-art home, a move which would enable the charity to support up to three times as many families with the hope of no longer having to turn anyone away.

Paces specialises in supporting children and adults living with neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis (MS), which affect their physical and learning ability.

The partnership announcement follows a donation by Jiraffe of a specialist ‘Rifton Tricycle’ to 10-year-old Sheffield fundraising hero ‘Captain’ Tobias Weller, who was crowned Young Unsung Hero at BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020. Tobias used his Rifton Trike to complete a 480-mile virtual bike ride which raised funds for Paces.

Holly Jenkins, Jenx Director, said: “There are few more appropriate 2021 charity partners for us as a business than Paces School.

‘Tobias used his “Every day, Jenx and Jiraffe support children all over the Rifton Trike to world who face challenges of living with conditions like Cerebral Palsy, so we’re proud to support an organisation complete a 480which truly understands our vision. I’m excited to see how mile virtual bike this partnership will enable us to complement Paces’ fundraising and awareness goals.” ride’ David Hall, Paces Corporate Fundraising Manager, added: “We are so excited to be working in partnership with Jenx and Jiraffe as we head into 2021. The goals we have here at Paces align perfectly with theirs and we can’t wait to welcome them onto our journey.

We would like to thank the whole team for choosing to support us.”

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Tobias Weller completed a 480-mile virtual bike ride to raise funds for Paces

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Business News

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Business News

Expansion for Investors in Community hesterfield-based Investors in Community has expanded its team after seeing a 68% increase in the number of charities using the platform since last March, including the Teenage Cancer Trust, British Heart Foundation, and Mind.

After the first national lockdown brought challenges to traditional methods of fundraising, the platform, which brings individuals, businesses and charities together, has seen donations increase by 600%, businesses using the platform rise by 50%, and the number of individuals signed up for charitable activities more than double.

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‘We know that CSR activity is hugely important to businesses’

The growth has resulted in two new additions to the Investors in Community team, with Juliet Thompson and Nadea Van Der Merwe appointed as Relationship Manager and Executive Assistant respectively.

Commenting on the announcement, Philip Webb (pictured), managing director of Investors in Community, said: “We are delighted to welcome Juliet and Nadea to our team, they will be valuable additions. Last year brought significant challenges for the charity sector and those who

need its support the most. We have been delighted to work with so many good causes and businesses to bring people together and enable them to have a positive impact on society.

“We know that CSR activity is hugely important to businesses and their employees and we are proud to offer our platform to charities for free so they can benefit from the outstanding charitable work that goes on in so many organisations.”

Investors in Community recently partnered with Wakefield Council and Street Support to bring charities in Wakefield together to tackle the challenge of rough sleeping, with more than 30 charities linked to provide services such as help with a place to sleep, where to get food, or support for alcohol or drug addiction.

Damage caused by the River Don bursting its banks in the November 2019 Flood near Meadowhall

£80m funding for flooding defences Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, has welcomed almost “It’s therefore incredibly welcome that the Environment Agency’s £80m of new Government investment for South Yorkshire flood defences, Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee has approved substantial following sustained pressure and cooperation with local leaders and the new investment for South Yorkshire, following extensive work by local Environment Agency in response to the November 2019 floods in the leaders to develop a plan which will help protect our region from harm in region. future.

Combined with other public and private funding, this means “Local leaders and I have put forward almost £6m of our own that almost £93m has been secured for flood risk investment funding to kick start the works and alongside this funding over the next six-year period. boost, we can go a long way to delivering our plan, which ‘People in It marks a three-fold increase in the scale of investment will help keep our communities and businesses safe. I want South Yorkshire to South Yorkshire and comes after the Mayor, local to pay tribute to the Chair of the Regional Committee and authority leaders and the Environment Agency worked to Environment Agency Yorkshire area colleagues for their cannot afford together on plans to respond to the November 2019 hard work in addressing this challenge and for their any more floods. The funding marks a significant step towards the continued efforts to keep us safe as we deal with the delivery of 27 priority projects identified by the Mayor and threat from this week’s flood warnings. sleepless nights’ local leaders to protect more homes and businesses. It “I’m determined we see the South Yorkshire catchment comes in the week large swathes of the area faced a renewed plan delivered in full, and that’s why the onus is now on risk of flooding from Storm Christoph.

Ministers to step up and fill the remaining £125m gap in the South Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis said: “I’ve fought Yorkshire’s Flooding Priority Programme. People in South Yorkshire tirelessly to get the Government to act and deliver investment to protect South cannot afford any more sleepless nights. Local leaders have acted Yorkshire from flooding since the devastating scenes of November 2019. decisively, now Ministers must do the same.”

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News

Discovering Yorkshire’s

wonderful walks

channels. The destination marketing organisation walk for ‘every day of the year’ is promised believe this will be a great PR opportunity for the as one of the many highlights underpinning county and its visitor economy, as Welcome to Welcome to Yorkshire’s new groundbreaking Yorkshire’s annual social reach is almost 20 million #Walkshire campaign which launched on New and has a global brand reach of over 23 million.

Year’s Day 2021. The aim is to promote Yorkshire as The campaign will feature a daily walk with the walking capital of the world and the year-long businesses and organisations invited to sponsor and project will see 365 walks covering all corners of nominate routes. There are four big seasonal walks the county to showcase the very best of the region with some very special plans for Yorkshire Day on across the globe.

1st August as well as a very special Tour de Walkshire Walkshire will demonstrate Yorkshire’s rich to replace the postponed Tour de Yorkshire cycle race. diversity of place, landscapes, people, architecture, Welcome to Yorkshire have partnered with Yorkshire heritage, history, economies, attractions and of Cancer Research as the official charity partner course food and drink all through the for the Walkshire campaign with plenty of medium of walking with a strong fundraising opportunities planned emphasis on inclusion and ‘The campaign throughout the year. accessibility with walks planned will feature a Welcome to Yorkshire Chief for all abilities.

The largest county in England Executive James Mason said: “2020 daily walk with has a wealth of wonderful walks, was a tricky year for all and businesses and from short strolls to hilly hikes, certainly a time to reflect on the organisations some challenging, others more importance of health and wellaccessible to all and with three being, so what better way to start invited to sponsor national parks, a breathtaking the new year and continue through and nominate coastline, vibrant cities, stunning 2021, than promoting walking in routes’ countryside, rich in heritage, delicious Yorkshire to the world. #Walkshire is dining, perfectly placed pubs and the most inclusive of campaigns and we amazing arts, the top trails will take you on a really hope visitors in and out of county will voyage of discovery through vast open gorgeous understand the rich depth and layers of this green spaces and inspiring inner city strolls. campaign. Everyone and everything will be included.

At a time when health, well-being and the great #Walkshire will not only show the county as the outdoors are a top priority for all, whatever age and perfect place to step out in, or into, but will also ability, #Walkshire will show spectacular Yorkshire promote tourism businesses and the need for them and all it has to offer on foot and with wheelchair to be supported and cherished.” access, regionally, nationally and internationally, Welcome to Yorkshire Chair Peter Box added: “I highlighting world-class walks and wildlife watching, am in no doubt that this fantastic year-long as well as businesses and tourist attractions en route Walkshire initiative from Welcome to Yorkshire will to a huge audience, while considering current be a great boost to the whole county, showcasing Government guidelines. the stunning scenery and the brilliant benefits of People will be invited to participate in Walkshire walking in magnificent Yorkshire across the world, by sharing their own favourite walks and inspire promoting fitness and well-being, plus tourism others by using the hashtag #Walkshire, as well as businesses and attractions too. I’m looking forward sharing on Welcome to Yorkshire’s social media to getting outdoors and being involved.”

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Yorkshire is the place to Visit, Live, Work and Study, with wonderful walking to be enjoyed by all, and participation can be en masse or on your own. Yorkshire’s tourism industry was worth a staggering £9bn annually prepandemic and Welcome to Yorkshire is committed to a step by step approach to building back brilliant tourism opportunities. #Walkshire - walkshire.com

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Business News New facility for medical tech The next generation of medical devices and technologies will be produced at a new Nottingham Trent University dual-site centre.

The £23m Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) will bring organisations and clinicians together with university researchers to develop their ideas and get them to market as quickly as possible.

By accelerating the development of innovative products and advanced materials to meet a range of future healthcare needs, it is expected to improve the lives of patients and reduce the cost of care – while also stimulating the regional economy.

Work has now been completed at the university’s Clifton campus and the Boots site within the Nottingham Enterprise Zone.

MTIF Managing Director Mike Hannay said: “This is a hugely exciting development for Nottingham and the wider region. MTIF will bring companies, clinicians and university researchers together to take their ideas from bench to bedside, accelerating the speed of innovation to improve patient care.”

The Clifton Campus site will focus on research and development, linking academics with industry to provide a multidisciplinary approach to medical technology development.

The Boots site, meanwhile, will be dedicated to the development, clinical production and commercialisation of new medical technologies.

The project was supported with £9.7m funding from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership via the Local Growth Fund, through its Local Growth Fund allocation.

Henry Brothers and GF Tomlinson were the main contractors for the Clifton Campus and Boots site, respectively.

Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of D2N2, said: “Life sciences and healthcare is a key sector for the D2N2 LEP, not only helping patients get better treatment but also playing a dynamic role in driving forward the economic growth of the region.”

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Doncaster Deaf Trust joins new Sign Language project team from Doncaster are working with partners on an international sign language project focusing on tourism. Staff from Doncaster Deaf Trust have teamed up with colleagues from Turkey, Germany and Portugal to deliver the Vocational Sign Language on Tourism project.

Alexis Johnson, Executive Principal at Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are extremely pleased to be working on this Turkish led international project.

“We’ve worked with partners from across Europe and beyond for more than a decade now developing online tools and resources to help Deaf people from across the globe.

“This latest project aims to develop training for Deaf and hearing people who want to work in tourism. Together we are creating a new course that will equip people with the skills to become tourist guides in their home country.

“The benefit of this project is not only for those who take part and learn the skills to enable them to gain employment in tourism but will also benefit Deaf travellers who are visiting a country who will then be able to enjoy a signed tour giving them a cultural insight into the country.”

The European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH) stated in its report titled Hearing Loss: The Statistics, published in 2015, that although it is difficult to know the exact number of

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Alexis Johnson

hearing-impaired people, there were an estimated nne per cent of the population of the European Union (some 51 million people) with hearing loss at the time the report was written.

Alexis added: “Together we will create a robust curriculum for training for tourism and tour guides and A1 and A2 levels. Included in this will be a tourism sign language dictionary and a suite of resources.

“We are very proud to be the UK representative on this project, working together with partners to further improve the lives of Deaf people.”

‘We’ve worked with partners from across Europe and beyond’

For further information about Doncaster Deaf Trust and the international projects it is involved with visit www.deaf-trust.co.uk

Firm singled out by Facebook A Sheffield e-commerce business has become the only company in Yorkshire to be accepted onto Facebook’s Leaders Network programme.

Dirty Stop Outs have become one of just 150 other companies across the country that have been singled out for their growth prospects.

The programme is designed to nurture companies that use Facebook as an integral part of their business.

Dirty Stop Outs switched its focus to e-commerce as the pandemic took hold earlier this year and launched its first range of merchandise in the summer.

It now offers a range of over 160 products and is set to launch new books in Liverpool and Manchester in the first half of 2021.

The company has just launched a 10th anniversary copy of its first book.

Dirty Stop Out’s Guide to 1970s Sheffield became famous nationally as the title that persuaded Chris and Ann Jackson to get re-married after 26 years apart.

Dirty Stop Outs’ Neil Anderson said: “Being accepted onto the Facebook Leaders Network

Neil Anderson and local star Bernie Clifton

programme has been a real boost in a very challenging year. The platform has always been an amazing tool for us.

“We’ve traditionally done much of the research for our books on Facebook and created communities celebrating different eras in nightlife. It has made the

transition to e-commerce and the launch of the new-look www.dirtystopouts.com site very easy.”

Find Dirty Stop Outs on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ dirtystopouts Or visit: www.dirtystopouts.com

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Business News

SCR takes on Adult Education Budget s part of its Devolution Deal, the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority will take responsibility for devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB) from 1 August 2021 and will commission adult skills provision for the residents of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Education, Skills and Employability Board, said: “We’re embarking on a new journey with adult education in South Yorkshire. Improving skills at all ages can make a real difference to all our futures, so

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we’re shaping South Yorkshire’s skills agenda to meet our region’s unique needs and to support our residents to be the best they can be.

“Together we can increase the supply of skills to support the key sectors, deliver the skills needed for the future, make learning more inclusive to support everyone, and unlock opportunities for progression.”

The adult education budget funds colleges, local authorities, training providers, voluntary, third sector and community organisations to provide support to both employed and unemployed

residents, helping them to acquire the skills they need to move into or progress in a job, a traineeship, an apprenticeship or further learning.

Nigel Brewster, Vice-chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), added: “This is an exciting opportunity for our region. We are transforming our approach to local skills delivery to make sure our residents have the skills they need to get jobs in local businesses.

“There are several growth industries that will require specific skills in the future, such as advanced manufacturing and digital.

“Supporting people to find and get on in work and backing businesses to grow is critical to our region’s recovery from the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Transforming adult education is part of the Mayoral Combined Authority’s Renewal Action Plan promise to give a hand up for people to improve their skills, get back to work, remain and progress in work.

Find out more about the adult education budget on the Sheffield City Region website, sheffieldcityregion.org.uk

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Business News

Tribepad launch HR technology hub ribepad have announced plans to place Sheffield at the centre of work-tech innovation, with the launch of Tribepad Ventures and a new £1m fund.

Tribepad Ventures aims to attract work tech businesses at the incubator and accelerator stages of their life cycles. Those businesses will get advice to help refine their ideas, scale the technology and build out business plans. They will also have access to seed capital, technical support, and business coaching so they can achieve growth outcomes over a defined period.

Based in Sheffield, Tribepad Ventures will serve as rocket fuel for new companies in the HR technology space. As a nonexecutive Director of Tribepad, Alex Raubitschek joins Tribepad founders Dean Sadler and Dan Kirkland on the board of Tribepad Ventures. Alex is a specialist work tech adviser with over 20 years’ experience and will lead Tribepad Venture’s investment committee, offering strategic oversight to companies within the ecosystem.

Dean Sadler, CEO, said: “The UK economy has been hard hit by Covid-19. At the same time, we’ve seen huge changes in the way companies, large and small, operate.

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(L-R): Alex Raubitschek, Dean Sadler and Dan Kirkland

“We’ve gone from occasional flexible working, to full-time hybrid models. And that’s thrown up huge challenges in how businesses manage and hire people.

“But we’ve hit a problem.

Businesses are demanding better solutions to help them cope with these challenges. But investment is hard to come by at a time where

the economy has contracted and purses have tightened.

“Through Tribepad Ventures we want to offer budding entrepreneurs our tech expertise, world leading enterprise-level technology, and anonymised data on millions of job applications to create the work-tech of the future.

We want to work with new

companies to help change the face of business productivity and employee experiences at businesses large and small, while driving and establishing Sheffield at the centre of tech excellence.”

For more information visit: www.tribepad.ventures/apply-forinvestment

Jobs demand prompts recruiter to expand Chesterfield-based Edwards Employment Solutions has appointed four members of staff to help meet increased employer demand for new staff.

Priya Sachania, Bekki Mason, Francesca McCann and Samantha Morley have all joined the business following a significant contract win to recruit 300 new starters at a large call centre.

Samantha Morley has been appointed to manage the new contract. She said: “As well as extensive recruitment experience, I have also previously worked in a call centre myself as an inbound agent giving me an excellent understanding of the roles available and the opportunities for progression within the industry.”

Bekki Mason joins as a Recruiter Co-ordinator responsible for payroll for Edwards’ contractor workforce. She brings six years’ recruitment experience to the role as well as retail and customer services management experience.

Recruitment Consultant Francesca joins from a national recruiter bringing five years’ experience in recruitment to the role. She said: “I am so excited to work for Edwards Employment Solutions. It is a company that shares my passion for going above and beyond for clients.”

Recruitment Consultant Priya brings extensive experience to her role at Edwards Employment Solutions having worked in both corporate and temporary recruitment over the last six years. She said: “I have a passion for helping people and providing them with a job.”

Speaking about the appointments, Managing Director Izabella Edwards said: “Despite media reports, the job market is buoyant particularly in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire which has directly led to Francesca, Bekki, Priya and Samantha joining the business.

‘We are advertising new temporary and permanent roles weekly’

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The Edwards Employment Solutions team (L-R): Samantha Morley, Francesca McCann, Izabella Edwards, Priya Sachania and Bekki Mason

“We are advertising new temporary and permanent roles weekly, many of which have an immediate start. Some of the jobs we are dealing with could be a lifeline for people who have been made redundant during the pandemic. The temporary roles particularly, could get many people through the Christmas period and into 2021 when, hopefully, the economy will be starting to return to normal.”

2020 has been a year of growth for Edwards Employment Solutions. As well as the new appointments, the business relocated to new premises on Old Brick Lane in Chesterfield. It also plans to further increase its team numbers with the appointment of an industrial recruiter.

Visit: www.edwards-employment.co.uk

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Business News

Council to deliver energy efficiency ollowing the success of the Better Homes Barnsley scheme, Barnsley Council is seeking tradespeople to register their interest in working with them to deliver energy efficiency measures to support improvements of private sector housing stock across the borough.

As part of the drive towards Zero45, the council is planning work to improve energy efficiency in homes, ranging from wall, loft and floor insulation to low carbon energy solutions such as solar PV and heat pumps. A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is being established, which is like an electronic supplier list and will host opportunities in Barnsley and other South Yorkshire authorities.

Local and regional contractors are invited to be involved and have the opportunity to work with the council. ECO delivery partners who can access external funding to help meet the costs for vulnerable residents are also encouraged to register their interest.

Applications to join the supplier list are being accepted through YORtender.

Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We understand the need to tackle the climate emergency in Barnsley, and establishing an electronic supplier list for green improvements is a great place to start.

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‘Local and regional contractors are invited to be involved’

“We want to engage with local businesses to support the local economy, and we welcome a variety of tradespeople to see what opportunities are available.

The supplier list may also be used by other South Yorkshire authorities so there will be plenty of work opportunities across the whole region.”

Applicants can find more information by visiting www.barnsley.gov.uk

Doncaster’s £100m housebuilding plans Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet are set to consider plans for an ambitious new housebuilding programme which will see £100m invested in new affordable homes in Doncaster over the next five years.

The report went to cabinet in January and, if approved, will see an updated Housing Strategy 20152025 and a New Homes Delivery Plan build on the work over the previous five years.

Cllr Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Equalities, said: “We have a first class track record of delivering new homes and we want to build on that success.

“We are committed to investing in an aspirational housebuilding programme creating more new affordable homes in all parts of the borough.

“We are looking to invest in high quality, super energy efficient, greener homes that meet the needs and wants of Doncaster residents, support wellbeing and independence and help with our climate change and biodiversity emergency agenda.

“We want to support our local economy and help with the revitalisation of our town centres

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£100m will be invested in affordable homes over the next five years

and communities. Top quality, new homes certainly deliver on this front.

“The new Housing Strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan for new homes will help us create homes fit for the future. We want good homes for everyone.”

Between 2015 and 2020 the council’s efforts saw 925 new affordable homes built. This included £54m of council investment to provide over 400 new council homes.

The new council housebuilding programme will be split into three delivery phases over the next five years through to 2025 with an ambition to build over 500 new council homes.

The plans will also see further affordable homes for families, older people and residents with special needs worked up and delivered through partnerships with housing associations and the private sector.

Engagement with private developers will also expand the choice of quality new homes right across the borough. This will help satisfy housing needs and meet the targets set out in the new Local Plan. The new developments will be built on land already identified for housing and where ever possible mainly brownfield sites.

As well as providing new homes that meet demand, the new Housing Strategy will look to reduce levels of homelessness and rough sleeping, bring more empty homes back into use and improve decency standards and housing conditions.

As homes have a powerful influence on our health and wellbeing, the Housing Strategy aims to enhance safety and housing conditions to provide good homes for everyone.

The council will aim to complete a new Private Sector Housing Stock

Condition Survey as the bedrock for targeted support and enforcement to tackle poor property conditions in private sector homes, and working more proactively with landlords and tenants will be an important part of this process too.

People will receive more support and guidance to make their homes more energy efficient through better insulation and heating and encouraged to take up the Government’s Green Homes Grants.

A long term housing retrofit programme will also be established to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from homes. This will unlock the ability and appetite for people to make improvements to their own homes that protect their future independent living and have a positive impact on the environment.

This will support the ambitions of the Doncaster Climate and Biodiversity Commission.

Cllr Jones added: “Councils working alone cannot meet the challenges we face from climate change and an ageing population.

By working with our residents, community organisations and other partners, we can help the people of Doncaster to protect their independence and wellbeing. We want to enable and support people to plan, act and invest in their homes.”

The council will work closely with a range of partners such as St Leger Homes to help with the implementation of the new strategy and plans.

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Business News

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Business News

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Business News Safety scheme for busy road

Willmott Dixon leads UK in list of diversity leaders illmott Dixon was the UK’s highest-placed construction company in a European league table that recognised workplace diversity and inclusion.

The contractor, which has a presence in the East Midlands via its Nottingham office, ranked at number 43 out of 850 cross-sector organisations in the Financial Times Diversity Leaders 2021 list.

It was the second time the firm has featured, and once again

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scored higher ratings than any other construction company for its approach to diversity, while it was also one of only 13 UK firms to appear in the top 50.

The FT, aided by HR and recruitment experts, rated 15,000 companies across 16 European countries, based on online feedback from more than 100,000 employees.

Willmott Dixon Group Chief Executive Rick Willmott said: "Our inclusion in the latest Financial Times Diversity Leaders list again

puts construction on the corporate map as an industry that is making huge strides in its approach to diversity and inclusion.

“This is important, as the industry is facing a skills shortage so broadening the talent pool available is fundamental to ensure a sustainable flow of future skills.”

Willmott Dixon has pledged to have 50/50 parity of gender across all management levels by 2030 and is rolling out a series of initiatives to support inclusivity.

SCR MCA approve 20-year plan for stronger and greener growth The Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership have approved their 20-year Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), which sets out local leaders’ blueprint to drive the region’s recovery from Covid-19 and transform South Yorkshire’s economy and society for people, businesses and places.

The SEP paves the way to a stronger, greener and fairer economy as the region looks to unlock its potential and create prosperity and opportunity for all.

Implementing its 20-year Strategic Economic Plan will mean by 2041 the South Yorkshire economy will look very different, with an extra £7.6bn GVA, 33,000 extra people in higher level jobs, reduced income inequality and improved wages by over £1,500 for the lowest paid, and a net zero carbon economy.

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis said: “The approval of the Strategic Economic Plan is a significant signal of intent to Government, investors and people and businesses in our region. This landmark plan sets out how we will transform our region as we seek to overcome the biggest economic challenge in a generation.

“We want to create good, high-paid jobs for local people, attract investment and ensure our people have the skills they need to thrive. We will work with our partners to improve the health of our residents, reach net zero emissions by 2040 and transform the places people live. The SEP provides the blueprint for how we can come together to build a stronger, greener and fairer city region – creating not just a bigger, but a

better economy for us all. The South Yorkshire economy has huge untapped potential. This is an unashamedly ambitious plan, but I am already working closely with our local authorities, business partners and Government to making our goals a reality.”

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, welcomed the approval of the SEP and highlights the important role of the business community in delivering its ambitious aims. He said: “The SEP is a fantastic example of how beneficial it is for the public and private sectors to come together so we can improve the lives of people across the region.

“South Yorkshire’s business community is integral to the implementation of this plan as we look to accelerate them on the national and global stage and improve our ways of working so that business and employment contributes to the wellbeing and quality of life of our people.

“Industrialising innovation and creating the skill sets to match are at the heart of this SEP. It will shape the way we operate for many years to come as we unlock the potential of people and businesses across South Yorkshire and generate a significant uplift in productivity and wellbeing across as broad a spectrum of our population as possible.”

The Strategic Economic Plan has been developed in collaboration with South Yorkshire’s four councils and will help the Sheffield City Region MCA and LEP secure additional funding from Government, such as through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

‘This landmark plan sets out how we will transform our region’

A new average speed based camera system is set to be installed on a busy Doncaster road.

The council-led scheme is a proactive project to address road safety concerns of local residents and will help reduce the number of potential road incidents on this well-used road in Hickleton and Marr.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster, said: “We are determined to do all we can to improve road safety right across the borough. The stretch of the A635 running through and between Marr and Hickleton is very busy and after listening to residents and looking into it further we now plan to install a dedicated average speed based camera system to help control speeds and improve road safety for the two communities and the road users.

‘We are continuing to pursue plans for a bypass in the area’ “As well as the road safety benefits the system should also smooth out traffic flows which can help with air quality in the villages. Reducing carbon emissions is an important part of our Climate Change and Biodiversity Emergency agenda and our new Environment Strategy.

“We are continuing to pursue plans for a bypass in the area and this investment in the speed camera scheme is a sound intermediate measure with the possibility of a bypass to come in the future.”

As part of the £250,000 scheme, a number of cameras will be installed in Hickleton and Marr, alongside appropriate signage, to encourage motorists to drive within the speed limit.

The scheme is funded from Doncaster’s share of South Yorkshire’s Local Transport Plan funding and the camera system will be managed by South Yorkshire Police.

Doncaster Council, together with the Sheffield City Region and Barnsley Council, are continuing to work hard to pursue the bypass for the area to relieve traffic volumes, air quality and road safety pressures.

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Business News

Shortlist success for The Hallam i-Lab heffield Hallam’s business incubation space, The Hallam i-Lab, has been shortlisted in the Accelerator of the Year category at the Yorkshire Financial Awards.

The award recognises the best incubation and accelerator programmes in Yorkshire, dedicated to encouraging local entrepreneurs and start-ups to flourish whilst offering high-tech facilities and support services.

The shortlisting comes after significant growth in membership of those using the facility since its opening in 2019, more than tripling to 214 in November 2020.

The business incubation space also plays a key role within ScaleUp 360, a programme tailored to support entrepreneurs and startups in the Sheffield City Region scale up their business.

The ScaleUp 360 programme is delivered by an expert partnership led by Sheffield Hallam University, with The Business Village @

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BarnsleyBIC, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and East Midlands Chamber of Commerce.

One start-up who used the base of the Hallam i-Lab to boost their business is Loro Crisps, a food company who joined the ScaleUp 360 programme to grow their company into a global brand.

Daniela Orrego, Founder of Loro Crisps, said: “It has been very beneficial for us to have access to different mentors in the Sheffield Hallam i-Lab co-working space where we are based. This has helped us to solve day to day challenges and questions and helped us to focus on the bigger issues for the future of our company.”

Darren Chouings, Business Incubation Manager at the Hallam iLab, said: “It is fantastic that we have been shortlisted for this award and a recognition of how we have

‘The Hallam i-Lab is now a well-established dynamic hub’ Loro Crisps Founders Natalie Welch and Daniela Orrego

grown in the last couple of years.

“The Hallam i-Lab is now a wellestablished dynamic hub for entrepreneurial students, graduates as well as space to help SMEs in the Sheffield City Region grow through the ScaleUp 360 programme.

“I am especially proud of the way the team have responded to the challenge of Covid-19, adapting

Black Diamonds, the book that revealed the untold story of Wentworth Woodhouse, brought the Rotherham stately home international fame.

Author Catherine Bailey achieved her aim. She wrote the best-seller in 2007 to highlight the plight of ‘England’s forgotten palace’.

Now Catherine has again put pen to paper to help the house, which has been closed for much of the pandemic. She has created the first ever Black Diamonds Tour for the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WPT).

A must-do experience for fans of the book, the tour will launch when the house re-opens after Covid-19 restrictions ease, hopefully in the spring. It will take visitors on a fascinating journey into the house’s past, detailing life above and below stairs, and into rooms no tour has previously entered.

“Catherine is passionate about the house and telling its story and was very excited to be involved,” said WPT’s Visitor Operations Manager Jen Booth.

“Her script brings to life the tasks of the servants, from preparing feasts for the Earls’ house parties to the daily drudgery of carrying bathwater along 24 CHAMBER connect Winter 2021

endless corridors. The tour also focuses on the Rockinghams and Fitzwilliams and the splendour they lived in, with visits to the George IV Suite in the South Wing, where The Prince of Wales, destined to be George IV, stayed. The suite was later occupied by Princess Victoria and her mother the Duchess of Kent, and King George V and Queen Mary.

“The suite’s Blue Bedroom, Crimson Velvet Rooms and Green Bedroom have never previously been seen by the public and are certain to be a highlight.”

Catherine Bailey was moved to write Black Diamonds after visiting as a TV researcher in 1999, eight years before the Trust now regenerating the house bought it for £7m.

The author came back to Wentworth Woodhouse prelockdown and walked through the rooms featured in her pages to create a pathway for the tour, which will run once a day, Wednesday to Sunday.

Jen added: “Tickets are not yet on sale, but gift vouchers can be purchased.”

Gift vouchers are available at wentworthwoodhouse.digitickets. co.uk

Picture by Dean Atkins Photography.

Black Diamonds tour to bring stately home to life

workshops with pandemic related information, including funding opportunities, and providing more one-to-one guidance to ensure that companies survive and thrive in these challenging times.”

The Yorkshire Financial Awards celebrate the achievements and successes of the region’s best and brightest within the financial services industry.

Black Diamonds author Catherine Bailey, pictured in the Marble Saloon at Wentworth Woodhouse

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Business News

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The SCR Chambers Barnsley Office T: 01226 491421 Rotherham Office T: 01709 386200

E: info@brchamber.co.uk W: www.brchamber.co.uk Twitter: @brchamberuk

A message of reflection from our Chamber President F

irstly may I wish you all a Happy New Year! Secondly I will refrain from talking about the negative chaos felt by so many in 2020, enough of this has been discussed through many media channels.

As we start a new year I urge members to acknowledge the decisions they made and the changes implemented that have kept businesses moving forward.

We have all embraced different mindsets in one way or another on both business and personal issues, this may have been us having our hands forced but it is important to develop our mindsets, our ways of thinking and change. I hope you have found better ways of working and possibly a better work life balance.

Many businesses have not just survived but have thrived through a difficult year and I hope you take time to reward yourselves and share your positive stories, we all need inspiration, stories of hope can do so much for people who are in difficult places.

2021 will be another unique year but with many more great opportunities for businesses, we continue to battle through the pandemic but are seeing a light at the end of a tunnel in the latest mass vaccination programme. We can begin to plan for events towards the end of the year and I hope we can see our members in person at a celebration event of some sort.

As we begin to see the Kickstart Scheme gathering momentum, our companies have the chance to create or fill job opportunities and build our workforce, whilst supporting people aged 16-25 years on Universal Credit. One could question why this was not already in motion before the pandemic? Finally, fully funded staff, with training grants to help fill the long discussed skills gap and long term unemployment issue we have had for years.

Businesses have the opportunity to train these new additions to their individual requirements which is often difficult in the previous labour market.

We also have the chance to support older job seekers who may have fallen through the cracks for a variety of reasons, wherever the new workforce comes from I hope we can all be responsible employers who are now more open about flexibility, mental health and adapting to people and situations.

Our relationships with both our Local Authorities are stronger than ever, we are in partnership delivering support programmes around Brexit, Health and Well-being and Mental Health. We are collaborating with our neighbouring Chambers of Commerce in Sheffield and Doncaster, this is so important and shows not only an aligned thinking around the direction of South Yorkshire but a mutual respect for our colleagues and individual strengths.

We hope that being the voice of businesses in South Yorkshire will help us be on the front foot for Government initiatives, funding opportunities and policy creation or lobbying. I hope that we can work together to prosper through the changes that Brexit brings, navigate devolution funding, minimise the impact of the recession and redundancies within our town and build a stronger South Yorkshire, if 2020 taught us anything let it be that we are stronger than we think we are.

With the range of opportunities on the horizon, I urge us to all embrace the unlimited possibilities, feel supported by your Chamber network, feel brave in the decisions you need to make as 2021 is full of the unknown except we are all starting from a much wiser place.

‘2021 will be another unique year but with many more great opportunities for businesses’

Joada Allen President

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The SCR Chambers: Barnsley & Rotherham The chamber helps its members by focusing activity in 5 key areas: 1. Protecting your business 2. Raising your profile 3. Growing your network 4. Representing and sharing your views 5. Saving you money

KAT Communications make award shortlist Chamber Platinum Member KAT Communications are delighted to announce they have made the shortlist for the 2021 Yorkshire Family Business of the Year.

When you immediately think of family run businesses you immediately think of your local butchers, bakers and corner shops but did you now family businesses account for over 30% of the UK GDP and account for over half of the employees in the UK private sector?

Anthony Temperton, of KAT, said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised for such a prestigious award. The success of KAT Communications has been based on core family values of trust, respect for people, a quality service, and support for the local Doncaster community.”

In what is an extremely competitive marketplace, KAT Communications is seen as a leading business telecoms provider in the South Yorkshire area and is trusted to provide essential telecoms for over 200 businesses throughout the area.

Anthony added: “Our success as a company has been based on our values. We spend time to get to know our customers, understand their requirements and provide solutions accordingly. Our customers see us as an extension of their business rather than a supplier and they know they can rely on us to support them proactively.”

KAT Communications are also very active in their local community as partners of Doncaster Business for the Community and patrons of the Club Doncaster Foundation In addition to being shortlisted for the 2021 Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award, the firm is also shortlisted for the 2021 Peoples Choice Family Business Award.

Family Business United is now in its ninth year of promoting and celebrating the best of British family businessess.

For further information on the awards visit familybusinessunited.com To learn more about KAT Communications, email enquiries@katcommunications.co.uk or call 01302 260195.

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Natalie Ward, Tim Cheetham and Matthew Gladstone at the launch

Kickstarting a digital revolution in Barnsley arnsley is celebrating a major milestone in its digital transformation as work begins on a full fibre network that will reach almost every home and business locally.

As part of a £32m private investment from CityFibre, Barnsley will benefit from the townwide full fibre network roll-out with construction now underway in the Redbrook area of the town.

According to research from economic consultancy Regeneris, full fibre connectivity will have a major impact in Barnsley over the next 15 years. It shows that up to £21m could be added to the value of local homes, while Smart City initiatives could add as much as £35m locally.

Access to full fibre could also unlock £22m in business productivity and innovation, while a further £14m in growth could be driven from new business start-ups, with enhanced connectivity making it easier and less expensive to set up base and run efficiently.

Contractor nmcm PLC is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf, using modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly. The team is also working closely with CityFibre, Barnsley Council and local communities to manage disruption and ensure a fast and successful roll-out.

Natalie Ward, CityFibre’s City Manager for Barnsley, said: “CityFibre is leading the charge in South Yorkshire when it comes to delivering

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gigabit-capable broadband and Barnsley is next in line to reap the benefits.

“As we’ve all seen this year, digital technology is increasingly important for maintaining connections. Full fibre will help to make that simpler than ever while enabling smart home technology and allowing people to work from home with ease. It will also play a pivotal role in growing and protecting the local economy, supporting businesses as they implement digital solutions.”

Matthew Gladstone, Executive Director of Place at Barnsley Council, said: “We welcome this private investment by CityFibre into Barnsley to deliver a modern, fit-forpurpose digital infrastructure that will futureproof residents and businesses.”

Councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Culture, added: “This investment in digital infrastructure from CityFibre represents not just a multimillion investment but an additional multimillion-pound opportunity for businesses and individuals across Barnsley.”

‘Digital technology is increasingly important for maintaining connections’

The full fibre network is not yet live, but once activated, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers.

Residents interested in connecting to full fibre broadband can pre-register their interest at cityfibre.com/residential and will receive information when services are available.

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The SCR Chambers: Barnsley & Rotherham

Making a splash during pandemic arnsley & Rotherham Chamber has praised the efforts of 23 local businesses after presenting them with a unique accolade to recognise their work during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Developed by Chamber president, Joada Allen, the President’s Recognition was created to pay tribute to the way in which many businesses in the local community have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their response to the challenges posed during 2020 and celebrated the efforts made by the local businesses to innovate, support employees, as well as helping the local community.

From taking part in Joe Wicks workouts to raise funds for local good causes, investing in technology to enable members of staff to work from home, to delivering products used in the front-line battle against Covid-19, businesses ranging from sole traders to large established manufacturers made submissions which were judged by a panel of business experts, including the Chamber president.

Businesses recognised included Barnsley businesses the Hickton Group, which kept staff entertained throughout lockdown by organising a range of challenges which helped to raise funds for the Lennox Children’s Cancer Charity, and Barnsley Hot Tubs, which defied major supply issues to see its turnover triple as more families swapped their summer holidays for garden saunas, while healthcare supplier Amity saw staff work around the clock to meet demands within the NHS. In Rotherham, a number of businesses working in the manufacturing industry bucked the downward national trend, with Workwear manufacturer Portwest introducing a new range of Covid-19 friendly clothing, as well as producing more than 200,000 masks per day.

United Caps defied the odds to relocate to a new site, while Gala Tent saw its senior management team swap their suits for stockroom duties, working without pay to help safeguard the company’s future. Maltby Independent Funeral Services was also recognised as one of the “unsung heroes” of the pandemic, to help the families of victims of Covid-19 to say farewell to their loved ones in a safe, dignified way.

Other Rotherham businesses to be recognised included Never Average Marketing, which helped a number of charitable organisations, education provider Morthyng, for their efforts in helping apprentices to continue their training, and business training provider Opes Libertas, which introduced a number of new services during lockdown.

Elsewhere in the Sheffield City Region, other businesses to receive recognition included VOOT Telecom, Professional Energy Purchasing, Whyy? Change, Mike Lawrence Health & Wellbeing, The IT Trainer, GH Magic, Affinity IT, Plan. Grow. Do., FAB Events, and Doncasterbased alternative lending provider Finance For

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Photo Courtesy of Marquis Spas

‘We wanted to recognise those incredible efforts made by businesses which have risen to the challenges’

Enterprise, which helped businesses to safeguard over 1,200 roles through their work as a delivery partner for the Government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

In addition to recognising the efforts of local businesses, two charities were also praised for their efforts: Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation, which helped nearly 150 community-led organisations across Rotherham and Barnsley access grant funding worth over £200,000, as well as helping others to access an additional £150,000 delivered by working in collaboration with strategic partners within South Yorkshire.

Joada Allen, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “The business community is one of the forgotten heroes of Covid-19; many have faced incredibly difficult challenges, with some being forced to close their doors almost overnight and we wanted to recognise some of the incredible achievements made by the local business community over the past 12 months.

“The amazing work undertaken by all the businesses deserves recognition and as a Chamber of Commerce we wanted to recognise those incredible efforts made by businesses which have risen to the challenges posed by a difficult year for many businesses.

“Some have turned adversity into opportunity, others have rolled their sleeves up and played their part in helping the communities they serve and many have adapted new ways of doing things, helping them to lay the foundations for future success.”

Barnsley Hot Tubs tripled its turnover last year

FULL LIST OF BUSINESSES TO RECEIVE A CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S RECOGNITION ACCOLADE: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Affinity IT Services Ltd (Sheffield) Amity Ltd (Barnsley) Barnsley Hot Tubs Ltd (Barnsley) Dark Cherry Creative (Bradford) Fab Events (Sheffield) Finance For Enterprise (Doncaster) Gala Tent (Rotherham) GH Magic & MagicSpeaker (Sheffield) Hickton Group Ltd (Barnsley) Maltby Independent Funeral Services (Rotherham) Mike Lawrence Health & Wellbeing Management Consultancy (Sheffield) Morthyng Group Ltd (Rotherham) Never Average Marketing – Yorkshire Information Point (Rotherham) Opes Libertas Ltd (Rotherham) Plan. Grow. Do. (Sheffield) Portwest Limited (Rotherham) Professional Energy Purchasing (Sheffield) Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (Liverpool) South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (Sheffield) The IT Trainer (Sheffield) TWA Lean Consulting Ltd t/a Whyy?

Change (Sheffield) United caps UK (Rotherham) VOOT (Sheffield)

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The SCR Chambers: Barnsley & Rotherham

We’re here to support your business Membership of the Chamber is about supporting your business and helping you to flourish and grow in today’s markets.We welcome all businesses large and small and understand that the needs of businesses can be very different.

Chamber welcomes Matthew Stephens as President Elect e are delighted to announce Matthew Stephens has been appointed President Elect. Matthew has been the Development Director at Barnsley-based Brook Group since 2003.

Since arriving from his native Swansea, South Wales to Yorkshire in 1992, in order to study at University in Hull and setting up home in Sheffield in 2006, Matthew has gained an enviable track record within the regional and national property industry.

Matthew has played a key role in one of the region’s largest private sector regeneration projects at Gateway Plaza in Barnsley, working from site acquisition through to site completion and the delivery of one of the flagship developments within the Remaking Barnsley initiative as well as residential, commercial and leisure developments across South Yorkshire.

Notably, Matthew also led the development of the former NUM Headquarters in Sheffield City Centre which had laid empty for 30 years, creating new office and leisure space in a prime location. He joined The Brook Group from a Dublinbased development company, dealing heavily in the residential sector, purchasing schemes for investment, and also selling developments to the investor markets within the UK and Europe.

Matthew has a strong network of contacts within both the property and local and national government sectors, has gained a strong understanding of the support that our chamber members need during these challenging times and has the ability to mentor and work with business to facilitate growth and support opportunities through those networks.

Matthew first engaged with the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber in November 2007 by joining our Representation Council, the Chamber’s unified voice of local businesses. From this stepping stone, he was elected onto the Chamber’s board of Directors in 2014 and has helped steer the company into the successful organisation it is today.

Matthew also represents the Chamber of Commerce on a number of key strategic boards including the Barnsley Inclusive Economy Board, Principal Towns Board run by Barnsley Council in addition to the Goldthorpe Towns Board, utilising his significant experience in placemaking and regeneration.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “I’m incredibly privileged to be put forward as President Elect of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. The last year has been very difficult, but it is outstandingly positive in how the Chamber has responded with adapting and supporting its members.

“The Chamber’s, and its current President Joada’s response to the pandemic, has been exceptional. I shall look forward to continuing the hard work and working alongside you all.”

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‘The Chamber’s, and its current President Joada’s response to the pandemic, has been exceptional’

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The SCR Chambers: Barnsley & Rotherham

Chamber Events A calendar of events designed to engage both members and non-members and enhance their business.

For full booking information on all Chamber events visit: www.brchamber.co.uk/events

Live Events Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Business (online) Date: Time: Cost: Chris Rea

AESSEAL® to shift to electric vehicle fleet AESSEAL® is to invest £250,000 to introduce electric vehicles at its Rotherham headquarters.

In the first stage of its campaign to adopt a greener transport infrastructure, in support of the Government’s drive towards abolishing the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2030, it will purchase a company van and two pool cars this year. Charging points will also be installed at its Rotherham and Bradford sites for employees and visitors who have electric vehicles.

AESSEAL® recently announced that it had achieved net zero carbon emissions across its UK operations and is on track to achieve global net zero by 2029 and launched a global campaign – Betterworld – to drive collective action to mitigate climate change across all industries.

Managing Director Chris Rea stressed that there will be no financial return on investment for the electric vehicles and infrastructure, and that the move was based purely on AESSEAL’s® commitment to the environment.

He said: “The only reason to do this is nonfinancial. We feel strongly that somebody has to lead the way in being an early adopter of electric vehicles, despite the lack of financial incentive to do so.

“For AESSEAL®, electrification of our UK vehicle fleet is an act of faith.

“We see it as a laboratory for the future, which will enable industry leaders to evaluate what makes sense for both businesses and the environment.

“At a time when private businesses are already facing significant financial challenges, there is little incentive to make this kind of ethos-led decision and, if the UK Government is serious about creating a more environmentally sustainable future, it is imperative that the gap between investment and return is narrowed.”

AESSEAL intends to make itself a live ‘test case’ and a detailed study of the pros and cons of green fleet vehicle investment will be posted on the Betterworld website, alongside proven and costed studies of all other investments that are helping the planet.

Visit: aesseal.com Visit: betterworld.solutions

24 February 10am - 11.30am Free

In these challenging times, where we are seeing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people and have witnessed anti-racism protests around the globe.

Business leaders want and have a responsibility to act on diversity and inclusion within their organisations, being aware of the issues that affect our people, customers and communities around Race, Disability, Age, LGBTQ and Gender.

This is not just the right thing for businesses to do, it’s the smart thing – research shows that businesses that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace are more productive and more profitable. www.brchamber.co.uk/event/embracing-diversity-inclusion-in-business/

City Region Business Networking (online) Date: Time: Cost:

3 March 9am - 10.30am Free (Chamber members only)

Our popular City Region Business Networking Event is back (online).

The three South Yorkshire Chambers are working together to bring you a unique networking event (for Chamber members only).

Membership of the Chamber is all about helping your business to grow and what better way to meet new businesses and make new contacts from across the area than at the City Region Business Networking Event. Each Chamber will have 20 places available. Please come and join us and book through the website of the Chamber you are a member of. We will run the event through Zoom and it is free of charge. www.brchamber.co.uk/event/city-region-business-networking-4/

Getting More Business From The Public Sector (online) Date: Time: Cost:

18 March 10am - 11am Free

The Public Sector is a big customer and includes Local Authorities, Health & Care, Emergency Services, Education and Central Government: In 2019 £93bn of public sector contracts were awarded and that will have only grown in 2020. With new procurement rules in the process of being agreed and a drive from Government to ensure that public sector work is delivered through a broad and diverse business base, now could be a great time to get involved or add to what you’re already doing in this sector.

The webinar gives an introduction and overview of a program called Go4Growth designed specifically for SMEs and VCSEs who are either starting out, or aspiring to grow their business within the public sector. It has typically been too difficult for many smaller organisations to get involved and so Go4Growth is a free program to help organisations of any type, in any sector to identify and remove obstacles and to ensure that they have all the right skills, know-how and tools in order to take advantage of the public sector work on offer. www.brchamber.co.uk/event/getting-more-business-from-the-public-sector/

Webinars Webinar Recap Did you miss out on a Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber webinar? You can now catch up on our previous webinars through the webinar recap section on Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website. Hosted through Barnsley & Rotherham YouTube channel you can now re-watch and review any of our uploaded webinars in your own time. These webinars cover numerous topics which will help you restart your business and revive your processes. The webinars available range from returning to work safely, creating your digital marketing strategy, and overcoming HR challenges during the COVID-19 shutdown plus many more.

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Chamber Connect

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The SCR Chambers: Doncaster

T: 01302 640100 E: chamber@doncaster-chamber.co.uk W: www.doncaster-chamber.co.uk Twitter: @DNChamber

Supporting SMEs across the region to navigate a post-Brexit Britain For more information visit doncaster-chamber.co.uk

Here to support your business Things might not be business as usual just yet, but one thing remains the same: membership with Doncaster Chamber gives you peace of mind so that you can keep your business moving. he UK left the EU, including the single market and customs union, on 31 January 2020, and then entered a ‘stand still’ transition period. During that time, most aspects of the UK’s relationship with the EU, and with other countries which were unaffected by our EU rights and responsibilities, remained the same.

British business has always looked overseas for opportunities and foreign trade is vital to the UK economy. For companies who are already trading internationally or for those who are looking to seize new overseas opportunities, the international trade team at Doncaster Chamber is on hand and has a portfolio of services to assist your business to trade both easily and efficiently.

With close working relationships with export/import agencies including the BCC Global Business Network, HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for International Trade (DIT), and discounted rates for members, we are best placed to offer support and advice to keep your business moving.

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Looking for international trade support? We go the extra mile to help you with…

Customs Declaration Services ChamberCustoms® delivers a customs declaration service for UK importers and exporters and is offered both direct to businesses and through UK freight forwarders,

ensuring that customs clearance is accurate, timely and avoids additional costs through delays or errors.

Safe, secure and accurate documentation We provide a comprehensive export documentation service – offering a range of documents that will enable your business to export goods around the world.

Our knowledgeable team of export documentation experts are able to guide you through the application process, so you can export your products abroad with confidence.

Accredited training Access a range of training options including BCC accredited courses to meet your individual needs in key areas of international trade. We operate scheduled courses, tailored courses and can also arrange in-house training if that works best for you.

Courses include: • Export Documentation • Export Letters of Credit • Import Procedures • International Documents and Customs Procedures • Letters of Credit and Methods of Payment • Preference Rules of Origin • Inward and Outward Processing • Incoterms® • Understanding Commodity Codes

£20m SME Brexit Support Fund Are you prepared for new import controls from April and July?

The Government has announced a £20m SME Brexit Support Fund to support SMEs adjust to new customs, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU. SMEs who trade only with the EU and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes can apply for up to £2,000 to pay for practical support including training and professional advice to ensure they can continue trading effectively with the EU. http://bit.ly/SMEBrexitGrant

Translation services Our comprehensive and professional translation service with Sema4 enables you to communicate with businesses around the world.

Fast and easy foreign exchange services As part of our ongoing efforts to help members that trade overseas, the British Chambers of Commerce has identified that many small and mid-sized businesses ambitions for growth are being hindered by currency volatility and expensive international payments.

To help you protect your business against adverse rate fluctuations and minimise your international payment costs, we’ve partnered with specialists Moneycorp.

“I know the Chamber can provide us with excellent advice and security concerning exports and customs.” – Jan Peterson, J P Peterson.

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The SCR Chambers: Doncaster

We’re a credible Chamber We believe in the power of collaboration to get things done on behalf of our members and partners across the borough

Join us on 12 March at 2020/21 Doncaster Business Awards After a year that challenged us all in every way imaginable, you – the business community – deserve to be recognised and celebrated for your resilience and achievements. So, while we remain unable to celebrate together in person, we're bringing the Doncaster Business Awards directly to your screen.

But you won’t just watch the Business Awards on a screen. You'll be part of them. You'll catch up with colleagues and friends, shake and stir your way to cocktail greatness, get your gig fix, dine on delicious gourmet food and, of course, watch real-time reactions as winners are revealed.

Most importantly though, we hope you'll come away feeling proud to contribute to it all.

The Doncaster Business Awards will feature:

• A unique hybrid event platform with prerecorded content, live video feeds for awards presentations and networking • Entertainment from local venues and performers • Interactive content throughout the evening, so you still feel like you're part of the event!

• Live voting for the Doncaster Business Hero Award • NHS Recognition Awards presentations.

Previous award winners

Ceremony will be ground-breaking hybrid event ollowing the announcement of extended lockdowns, Doncaster Chamber has concluded that there is no option but to bring the Doncaster Business Awards 2020/21 directly to audience’s screens.

When the ceremony was postponed until March, the Chamber hoped that the business community could come together to celebrate the achievements of local businesses after an extraordinarily difficult year.

Business Director Jade Dyer said: “While we are devastated that we won’t be returning to Doncaster Racecourse in March 2021, we recognise the need to lead by example and commit to keeping the community safe.”

The Doncaster Business Awards, sponsored by Doncaster College and University Centre, is the most-attended business awards ceremony in the region, with over 800 people in attendance in 2019.

Ms Dyer continued: “The roll out of the vaccine was a big step towards tackling the virus and is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it remains crucial that we do not unnecessarily put people at risk just when the end is in sight. We want to do right by our members and wider business community.

“We are determined to deliver an awards ceremony that offers a much-needed opportunity to celebrate the grit, spirit and

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‘It remains crucial that we do not unnecessarily put people at risk just when the end is in sight’

36 CHAMBER connect Winter 2021

achievements of Doncaster businesses and communities after what has been a devastating year.”

The live event will bring the best bits of the black-tie awards to attendees in their homes, including: • High-level networking opportunities – for attendees to connect with colleagues, associates and all other guests • Entertainment – from local artists in local venues, supporting hospitality and music venues • Awards presentations – to recognise NHS workers and the business achievements and

accomplishments of 2020 The online ceremony will combine a virtual platform with live video feeds and interactive areas, as well as live voting.

Throughout the event, guests will be able to cast their vote for their Doncaster Business Hero, following the Chamber’s campaign over the summer months to recognise the contributions of local businesses in the fight against the pandemic and shout about the community’s unsung heroes.

More information and tickets can be found at www.doncaster-chamber.co.uk/doncasterbusiness-awards

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The SCR Chambers: Doncaster Last year’s winners

This year’s finalists Excellence in Customer Service Sponsored by Pristine Commercial Cleaning Services Fellowes, Lakeside Village; Merlinsoft Ltd; Murray, Morrison & Knowles; Paintman Paint Ltd; Weldricks Pharmacy Marketing Campaign of the Year Sponsored by HSR Law Be More Social, Fellowes; Plan.Grow.Do; Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust; SMTXtra; The Gentleman Fishmonger Excellence in Corporate, Social Responsibility Sponsored by Investors in Community Carlton Forest Group; Keepmoat Homes; Make Your Mark UK; NCM Auctions; ORB Recruitment Ltd; SYNETIQ Ltd Business Engaging with Education Sponsored by Opportunities Doncaster Active Fusion; Higher Rhythm; SmartaTutoring; We Can Grow Excellence in People Development Sponsored by ORB Recruitment Ltd Be More Social; Concorde BGW Group; Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals; Intastop Ltd; Sutherland & Co Law; Touchstone Education Success through Partnerships Sponsored by Ellgia Cast, The Sleep Charity; Total Training Provision; Unipart Rail; Doncaster UTC; Weston Park Cancer Charity Success through Innovation and Diversification Sponsored by Pegler Yorkshire Concorde BGW Group; Curly’s Athletes; Merlinsoft Ltd; Navy Professional Limited; NCM Auctions; Paintman Paint Ltd

Business Start-Up of the Year Sponsored by Finance for Enterprise GNR Training; HD Forwarding Limited; Humana Ltd; Plan.Grow.Do; SmartaTutoring; Taylor Stevenson Ltd

Recognising the NHS heroes on the frontline To recognise and honour the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly on the front line during the pandemic, Doncaster Chamber is pleased to introduce four NHS Recognition Awards.

Voting will be held internally at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust.

Suzy Brain England OBE (pictured), Chair of the Board at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH), said: “This pandemic has been an extraordinary event in the history of the NHS. I am pleased and proud to have seen the response of our loyal and skilled NHS employees.

“Every part of our health service has rallied to protect patients and save lives. It is marvellous that the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and its members are now thanking this amazing effort from our NHS Team. Thank you.”

Third Sector Organisation of the Year Sponsored by Atherton Godfrey LLP Active Fusion; Children’s Air Ambulance; darts (Doncaster Community Arts); South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation; The Avalon Group; The Sleep Charity SME Business of the Year Sponsored by Keebles LLP Diamond Estates; EMS Engineering Services Ltd; Navy Professional Limited; NCM Auctions; ORB Recruitment Ltd; Peak Mechanical Services Large Business of the Year Sponsored by Polypipe Carlton Forest Group; Concorde BGW Group; SYNETIQ Ltd Young Business Person of the Year Sponsored by VolkerRail Tom Miller, Fellowes; Daniel McLaughlin, Unipart Rail; Natalie Ball, Welcome to Yorkshire Green Business of the Year Ecofficiency Ltd; ENGIE; NCM Auctions; St Leger Homes of Doncaster; SYNETIQ Ltd; VolkerRail Apprentice of the Year Sponsored by Doncaster College & University Centre Alisha Whitehead, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals; Tracey Johnson, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals; Danielle Polliston, Concorde BGW Group; Bethany Pensom, Paintman Paint Ltd; Owen Cooper, St Leger Homes of Doncaster; Michael Bent, Unipart Rail

Who is your Doncaster Business Hero?

A live vote will take place on the night for a Doncaster Business Hero. The award will formally recognise and pay tribute to contributions from the business or individual to their local communities throughout the pandemic.

It might be supplying PPE, packing and distributing food and essentials for the most vulnerable, innovative new ways of operating, or an initiative or new product that has made a positive impact on the community in some way.

Jade Dyer, Business Director at Doncaster Chamber said; “Our Business Hero Award is about the importance of recognising the efforts of businesses during an incredibly challenging year. We’ve been blown away by the energy, positivity and generosity of businesses throughout the pandemic and the hard work of staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

Award sponsors

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The SCR Chambers: Doncaster Helping businesses create jobs for young people Whether you're a small or large organisation, investing in employees that will implement new ideas and skills to your business is a must.We're here to help make the process easier.

Doncaster businesses put learners at heart of Covid recovery T he post Covid-19 economy will almost certainly be a changed one, with shifting skills gaps. While opportunities in sectors like digital technology and health care are likely to grow exponentially over the next few years, other industries like creative arts and hospitality will take time to recover from the pandemic’s huge hit.

The economy is changing and the world will take time to recover economically and socially, but opportunities will be available. And when they are, we need to ensure that everybody is well informed about their prospects.

The Doncaster Promise: an agreement between business and education to help build a growing, productive and inclusive local economy.

Opportunities Doncaster – the education arm of Doncaster Chamber – is working closely with businesses, educators and communities to ensure they can access the support they need to develop the local skills base.

Businesses have the power to motivate and inspires success. This is absolutely crucial in the

current climate, as we battle with huge negativity and a ‘bad news’-focused media. To do this effectively, employers and industries have to take a central role in educating people about the career opportunities available. Without this, skills gaps will continue to remain unfilled and unemployment will continue to rise sharply.

Employers need to know there is a pipeline of talent to see them into this uncertain future, and those who are unemployed need to know there are opportunities awaiting them beyond this crisis.

Who else is already involved?

Despite closures, many schools are working with employers to understand the changing skills demands so they can guide people onto career pathways with longevity and opportunity.

‘Employers need to know there is a pipeline of talent to see them into this uncertain future’

From large organisations such as Doncaster College, MechFS, Unipart Rail and Willmott Dixon to businesses with teams fewer than 10 – over 100 organisations in Doncaster have signed the Doncaster Promise, pledging their commitment to supporting local schools, colleges and young people.

Play your part Engage, inspire and celebrate There are plenty of fun and flexible ways to share your professional story with young people, inspire them to reach their potential and help them unlock new skills. Host a virtual careers talk, industry visit or simply list your business on the borough’s careers platform, Start.

Doncaster Chamber President Jill Wood

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Skills for your future workforce Could you create a six-month Kickstart placement? The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage, plus associated national insurance and automatic enrolment contributions. You’ll also be entitled

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The SCR Chambers: Doncaster

Chamber Events A calendar of events designed to engage both members and non-members and enhance their business.

For full booking information on all Chamber events visit: www.doncaster-chamber.co.uk Our in-person events programme might be on hold for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped creating opportunities for our community to connect and learn from one another to grow their business.

Incoterms 2020® to meet business needs Date: 11 March Time: 9.15am - 12.30pm Register: http://bit.ly/37fXn6S Incoterms® form an integral part of the export sales contract. A set of rules around the responsibilities of the seller and buyer, it is important that your staff understand the implications of the Incoterm your company negotiates. Failure to do so can mean £100’s shaved off your bottom line.

Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Business Date: 24 March Time: 10am - 11.30am Register: http://bit.ly/3qE4IEw In partnership with the Sheffield City Region Chambers of Commerce, Business in the Community, the Department for Work and Pensions and Sheffield Business Together.

As business leaders we have a responsibility to make Diversity & Inclusion business as usual, raising our consciousness of issues that affect our people, customers and communities, becoming less hesitant and more confident on issues that embrace agenda’s around race, disability, age, LGBTQ and gender.

This is not just the right thing for businesses to do, it's the smart thing – research shows that businesses that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace are more productive and more profitable.

How to ensure your social enterprise continues to THRIVE and GROW throughout these turbulent times to a £1,500 payment per placement to get the ball rolling with training, support and set up costs.

We also offer support to businesses who want to develop graduate or apprenticeship schemes.

CSR, communities and supply chains Whether it’s as a mentor, disability confident employer, or offering a supported internship, we have a range of opportunities available for you to develop your corporate social responsibility efforts. Each one inspiring and flexible so that it fits around a busy schedule while still having a life-changing impact.

Promise a better future: www.doncasterchamber.co.uk/opportunities-doncaster/ doncaster-promise

Date: 1 March, 8 March Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm Register: http://bit.ly/35UvRLi The charity and social enterprise sector has been particularly hit hard by the impact of the global pandemic, seeing a dramatic fall in donations and sales, which has meant there is greater competition for funding. This has forced the sector to pivot their approach to the new norm.

Whether you are in a management/leadership role or are working on the front line, being able to thrive and grow on an individual, as well as on an organisational basis has never been more important.

How to write a winning tender and grant application Date: 11 March Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm Register: http://bit.ly/39Rh05s If you would like help and guidance on tender and grant applications, Carley Consults CEO, Jim Carley will give you the knowledge and skills set to help you write a successful bid.

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Chamber Connect

EMCAL Systems Limited are a specialist company providing bespoke consultancy, maintenance and design services for your fire safety, emergency lighting and renewable energy 'off grid' systems.

Our ethos is that everyone deserves to have their own personal engineer. Our main priority is to ensure that you get the best service possible from the moment that you first contact us.

Every project, whether it is a residential or commercial property, requires its own unique solution. That’s why here at emcal systems, we take the time to understand your needs and to create bespoke solutions specifically for you. To this end, we work closely with our customers to ensure high quality, responsive client led service. Most importantly, we guarantee a professional service from start to finish.

Whether you are in the industrial, commercial, health or educational sectors we have the perfect solution for you. Our clients include supermarkets, hospitals, local authorities, landlords, universities, schools retail outlets and developers needing their own ‘off-grid’ solutions.

A family-run firm, with over 35 years of experience in the emergency lighting and Fire Alarm industries, we also have extensive knowledge and expertise with off-grid power solutions including central battery units, static inverter units, self-contained luminaires and addressable emergency lighting systems.

Whether you’re looking for an upgrade, maintenance or an entirely new solution, CONTACT US TODAY to see how we can help you.

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The SCR Chambers: East Midlands East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) T: 0333 320 0333 E: info@emc-dnl.co.uk W: www.emc-dnl.co.uk Twitter: @EMChamberNews

The Chamber is the largest business representation organisation in the East Midlands.With a growing membership of more than 4,300 businesses, it represents the interests of businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Deliver HS2 in full The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has published its Rail Needs Assessment Plan, in which it outlined recommendations to Government for the future of HS2 – including a suggestion for the high-speed rail line from Birmingham to terminate at East Midlands Parkway, rather than continue to Leeds via a planned new Toton hub station and Sheffield. East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles (pictured), who has joined other leaders along the HS2 Eastern Leg in rejecting scaled-back proposals, explains why it must be built in full.

S2 is the single-biggest transport infrastructure project in a generation and represents a huge opportunity for businesses, with the potential to unlock economic benefits of more than £4bn for the East Midlands and part of Yorkshire.

By connecting the region with a first-class UK and Europe-wide rail network, it will bring enormous opportunities to local firms and make the East Midlands a much more attractive location for inward investment.

However, these benefits for both the region and country will only be realised once it is delivered in full. That means the Eastern Leg being built exactly as the Government has promised all along, rather than a diluted version of this, and at pace.

We will have major capacity issues on the Midland Main Line within the next two decades unless something is done to upgrade the rail network, so this needs to be addressed urgently.

HS2 would achieve this, while also offering much-needed improvements in connectivity between the region’s towns and cities.

However, this is so much more than just a railway line. It’s been great to see many parts of the East Midlands come together to commit to a blueprint for the future of the region that will bring economic growth and jobs. We have been very clear on our vision, which is built on the idea that the Toton hub station becomes a destination in its own right – a magnet for inward investment and an industrial hub that unlocks further development opportunities.

The NIC’s report is therefore very concerning as it doesn’t take any of the regional growth plans into account and we absolutely do not accept its findings.

Any suggestion that involves stopping HS2 at East Midlands Parkway would not work for the region, and has already been considered and dismissed from a feasibility perspective years ago.

When the Government makes its decision about which option to include in its Integrated

H

Rail Plan, it will have a clear choice between an exciting vision created by a region that’s focused on long-term growth and prosperity – one that will shape how we want our country to look as we leave the UK-EU transition period – and another that applies rough methodology, offers short-term logic and ultimately doesn’t deliver the same benefits.

We have a plan that’s ready to go and it’s time the Government delivered on promises it has made so many times over the past 12 months since it firmly committed to the scheme – and in the years that preceded it.

The East Midlands currently has the lowest transport spend per capita – £245 per head – of any region in the UK, receiving just 51% of the £483 UK average. The region is in desperate need of investment and finally putting any questions to bed on the HS2 Eastern Leg would go some way to proving the Government is serious about delivering on the ‘levelling-up’ agenda – a point on which it has repeatedly banged the drum without any serious proof of what this actually means.

To do anything else would be a huge mistake, critically undermining the entire project and blowing a huge hole in Government rhetoric.

D2 Business Starter Programme set to continue into 2021 A pioneering project aimed at helping people across Derbyshire to start their own business will continue throughout 2021 to support workers affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The D2 Business Starter Programme was launched in January 2017 to help people move into self-employment and develop their ideas into commercially viable businesses.

Through a series of themed workshops and one-to-one support from expert advisers, the East Midlands Chamber-run programme – funded by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council – aims to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills they need to get up and running.

So far, it has supported more than 1,000 people and helped to create more than 190 new businesses and 220 new jobs. More than 10,000 hours of free support has been provided to those taking part.

Paul Stuart, the Chamber’s Head of Enterprise, said: “The D2 Business Starter Programme has been a huge success since launching in 2017 and has helped many people across Derby and Derbyshire to take the leap into self-employment and start their own businesses.

“We’re delighted to be able to continue to offer this free support throughout 2021, to help even more people follow their dreams and make their business ideas a reality.”

An individual, tailored package of support is offered to each person taking part in the programme. It includes one-toone mentor support and a series of workshops, led by experienced professionals and designed to complement the mentoring sessions.

Workshops include subjects such as an introduction to self-employment, marketing, business planning, book-keeping and social media.

The workshop programme kicked off on 3 February but remains open to participants with a Derbyshire postcode who have the desire to start a business.

For more information, visit www.pushthebuttontoday.com

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The SCR Chambers: East Midlands

Your Chamber The go to place for answers in business

An economy treading water Since the pandemic began, the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey has offered a valuable insight into the health of the East Midlands economy.

The results of the Q4 2020 study showed the summer recovery had stalled by winter – but there was tentative optimism ahead of 2021, explains Chris Hobson (pictured), Director of Policy and External Affairs.

“Unprecedented”. “Uncertain”.

“Unpredictable”. The adjectives that characterised the vast majority of 2020 for businesses were again at play in the final quarter of the year covered by the Quarterly Economic Survey.

There were hopes heading into late autumn and early winter that news of a vaccine would support planning to reopen to economy more fully. Businesses were also told by politicians to finally expect some answers and clarity on our post-transition trading arrangements with the EU. As it transpired, neither of these things came to pass. Instead, businesses were faced with further restrictions to trading and continued uncertainty as to the future rules – both domestically and international – by which they would be running their operations.

Despite this, the results in the Q4 survey were not wholly negative. Reflecting the innovation and ingenuity shown by businesses throughout the year, many saw small improvements in their activity levels. A number still made plans for investment – in both people (a net 10% increased training spending budgets compared to Q3) and equipment (a net 2% increase) – and a small, but significant number were planning on future

recruitment, with a net 16% expecting to grow their workforce over the next three months.

There were still disappointments. Cashflow remains a crippling problem for many – it worsened for a net 15% of companies – undermining both resilience to future shocks and the ability to respond to opportunities when they present themselves.

Future pricing intentions started to creep up as increases in raw material costs – along with access difficulties – began to impact on manufacturers. Advanced orders and bookings were down for many (a net 14% of businesses involved in the domestic market and a net 21% for overseas operators) as the national lockdown in November caused some to pause their plans and a general sentiment of “wait and see” started to pervade the conversations of some.

In conversation with businesses, many spoke of a “weariness” and “fatigue” at navigating themselves and their staff through the difficulties of the past 10 months. However, there was still an undercurrent of tentative optimism for the coming year, as reflected in the confidence indicators for future turnover and profitability (a net 35% and 20% of respondents, respectively, expected these to improve over the

next three months), perhaps acknowledging that the current predicament can’t last forever.

Overall, when looking at the State of the Economy Index, the flatlining figure from Q3 to Q4 doesn’t represent a total disaster for businesses in the region, but instead a stalling of the recovery seen in the summer after the spring’s historic falls.

The economy, as a whole, hasn’t slipped back to the place it was in during May and June, nor has it continued its rebound from that position.

Instead, it can best be described as “treading water”, waiting to see whether the final days of a year that asked more questions than anyone would have anticipated finally delivered some answers.

Despite all the challenges of the past year, the vast majority of businesses have made it through – with some even finding opportunities to excel.

If the first half of 2021 follows a similar pattern to the past six months, then more of those currently treading water may sadly slip under.

The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2021 will be open to responses from 15 February to 8 March. To take part, visit bit.ly/QEStakepart

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-200 -300 -400 -500

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The SCR Chambers: East Midlands

Webinar series to focus on how the Peak District can grow its economy fter a well-attended round of online discussions during the first lockdown, Business Peak District, in partnership with its accountable body East Midlands Chamber, began the second series in December.

Titled Radical Thinking to Develop a Sustainable Future for the Peak District, it will bring to the attention of the wider Peak District community the numerous projects and opportunities that are being considered for the national park, with a view to delivering a beneficial impact on livelihoods and local economies.

It aims to spark a lively discussion and input into the various plans as they develop and evolve.

Robin Eyre, Chairman of Business Peak District, said: “We have some really exciting topics lined up.

“From hotels and retail projects to geographically-targeted investment corridors, greening and wildlife, quarrying and alternative materials, sustainable transport and more – we hope the series of webinars will be of real interest and benefit to our communities in and around the National Park.

“The pandemic has caused investors, businesses, decision-makers, and local and county councils to completely rethink their growth and development strategies.

“What we see now is a slew of new ideas, revitalised projects, and schemes we may never have considered even just 10 months ago.”

Confirmed webinars include talks that will look at place-shaping and the role of sustainable transport in rural areas.

The projects under discussion are all at different stages of development. Some are in their infancy, while others are well underway and some may never even see the light of day.

Questions prior to each session are

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welcome and attendees are encouraged to ask questions during the event.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, the accountable body for Business Peak District, said: “The Peak District is a unique environment for businesses in the region spanning a huge area within Sheffield, Derby, Manchester and Huddersfield.

“It includes some of the most dynamic businesses around and with the multitude of potential opportunities, we have some very interesting topics lined up.”

All webinars are free to join and open to everyone. They will take place typically on the first Wednesday of each month between 5pm and 6pm, with special events also to be announced. All attendees must register to attend but they don’t have to be a member of Business Peak District.

For a full list of the webinars, visit www.businesspeakdistrict.com/webinarspeakers-schedule

Upcoming webinars with Business Peak District Wednesday 3 March, 5pm Harnessing creativity and culture in economic recovery and place shaping, by Derbyshire County Council senior economic development officer Alison Foote.

Wednesday 14 April, 5pm Sustainable transport and alternative fuels in Derbyshire and the Peak District,

by Go Electric director Jim Sweeney.

Wednesday 5 May, 5pm Derwent Valley innovation corridor, speaker TBC.

Marketing firm kickstarts recruitment drive Marketing agency Digital Ethos is seeking five full-time young workers to join its growing team after being accepted onto the Government’s Kickstarter scheme – with the help of East Midlands Chamber.

The Leicester-headquartered company wants to fill vacancies for a Research Assistant, Office Administrator, Marketing Executive, Content Executive and Social Media Executive by the end of March.

The £2bn Kickstart scheme was announced by the Government last year to cover the cost of a six-month work placement for 16 to 24-year-olds, and the Chamber is acting as a gateway organisation to apply on behalf of firms that have fewer than 30 roles.

Digital Ethos, which hired eight permanent staff at the end of 2020 to take headcount to 28, is among this cohort and has become one of the first businesses in Leicestershire to be accepted for the new funding.

Luke Tobin, CEO of Digital Ethos, said: “In a creative industry such as ours, where marketing in all its disciplines has resurrected businesses through the pandemic, we have a great deal to share and welcome the ideas of Generation Z, those who have recently completed college or recent graduates.

“We need to move with the times and it’s this generation that will drive our sector forward – that’s why we intend to keep our five recruits on

‘We have a great deal to share and welcome the ideas of Generation Z’

long term and will encourage them to see the bigger picture. Business owners should consider the skills that are valuable – assessing what is needed, or even wanted, in their sector. Then reach out to their local Chambers, which are more than willing to help.”

Pieter Eksteen, Education and Business Partnership Manager at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Digital Ethos is providing incredible opportunities for unemployed young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.

“We strongly urge other businesses interested in the Kickstart Scheme to reach out to their local chambers.”

For more information about how the Chamber can help businesses to apply for Kickstart funding, email pieter.eksteen@emc-dnl.co.uk Winter 2021 CHAMBER connect 43

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The SCR Chambers: East Midlands

Putting your business needs at the heart of our strategy New centre of excellence for Chesterfield College new centre of excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies will be built at Chesterfield College after the scheme was awarded a £500,000 grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The new funding will allow Chesterfield College to create a new £875,000 centre where local students are able to learn modern construction techniques such as building information modelling, as well as augmented and virtual reality.

The investment will support the D2N2 LEP’s vision of greener homes and technology, along with more energy-efficient public buildings, with construction being one of the most important sectors to the regional economy.

David Malone, Deputy Principal of the Chesterfield College Group, said: “This funding will allow us to give local people the chance to develop the skills they need to be competitive in the job market as demands of the construction and engineering sector change.”

The project is one of 10 across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to have received funding from D2N2’s £44m share of the Government’s £900m Getting Building Fund.

The programme of investment is being used to improve digital infrastructure, support skills and career opportunities, and the transition to a low-carbon economy to drive economic growth following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. It will complement the current curriculum being delivered to teach advanced manufacturing and building techniques. It will

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SureScreen Diagnostic’s lateral flow antigen tests

Derby firm lands deal to supply rapid tests SureScreen Diagnostics will create 200 jobs at its Derby factory after landing a contract to supply the UK Government with 20 million rapid Covid-19 test kits.

The family-run company’s lateral flow antigen tests, which can produce a result in under 30 minutes, are the first British-made tests to be validated in the laboratory by Public Health England (PHE). They will be used as part of the Government’s rapid testing programme for people without symptoms, which has involved deploying the kits across the country to test NHS and care home staff, as well as in targeting settings including schools, universities and in businesses featuring key workers.

SureScreen director David Campbell said: “We believe our rapid antigen tests can really help in screening people both in the community and in clinical settings. Routine testing is crucial to help business, as well as hospitals and GPs.” Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “The brilliant work done by SureScreen, and the contribution it will make to our rapid testing programme, is another example of the homegrown talent, ingenuity and industry that exists right here in the UK.”

offer learners the opportunity to develop the skills which employers need to meet current and future demands in their sector.

It’s hoped these new skills will enhance learners’ employment and career development opportunities, as well as their earning potential. The facility will also support the growing demand from employers for a workforce well versed in new technologies and construction methods.

With funding for the facility now secured, work will begin on the site and ready to accept learners by April 2021.

D2N2 Chairwoman Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Ensuring our workforce has the skills to take advantage of ever more sophisticated and greener construction methods is an essential part of our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable economy.”

Everards to open new brewery and beer hall Family-owned business Everards is creating 40 jobs as plans progress for its new state-of-theart brewery, beer hall and shop.

The company will move into the Everards Meadow site, just off junction 21 of the M1 and opposite Fosse Park in Leicester, this spring. The 70-acre food, drink and leisure destination is already home to Jenno's Coffee House and Rutland Cycle after opening in summer 2019.

Everards, which sold its previous home across the road and has been brewing outside the county for the past couple of years, will invite customers to use the space to meet, eat and drink while taking in all the action of the brewery and its spectacular views.

They will also be able to take home a selection of their favourite beers from the shop.

44 CHAMBER connect Winter 2021

Everards has confirmed it will host brewery tours, allowing customers to get a behind-thescenes look at the brewery, alongside its plans to launch tasting sessions and brewing workshops in late 2021.

“This really is an exciting time for us and the beginning of a brand new chapter in our 170year history,” said Chairman Richard Everard OBE DL. “We are still an independent family business with strong roots in Leicestershire and we are about to move into the sixth generation of the family leading the business. We look forward to welcoming customers to our new home, where they will be able to enjoy fantastic hospitality while overlooking both the wonderful meadows and our state-of-the-art brewery.”

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The SCR Chambers: East Midlands

Chamber Events For full booking information on all Chamber events visit: www.emc-dnl.co.uk

CYBER WEEK SCHEDULE MONDAY 1 MARCH 9-10 11-12

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The risk of emerging technologies – Sheila Pancholi, RSM From digital footprint to cyber fortress – Neil Sinclair, Police Digital Security Centre Regaining control of your organisation’s data – Chris Muscroft and Bryn Hawkins, Highlander

TUESDAY 2 MARCH 9-10

11-12 3-4

Protecting your business and users in a remote world – Lee Johnson, Air IT Financial cyber-crime and fraud – Amber Launder, NatWest Website protection – Kazzoo IT Solutions

WEDNESDAY 3 MARCH 9-4 11-12

dentifying the practical steps that businesses should take to protect themselves against cyber-crime is the aim of an upcoming weeklong East Midlands Chamber conference.

Lockdown Your Data: East Midlands Cyber Security Week, held in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), will bring together businesses, digital specialists and policymakers to provide insights and tools on an issue that has become more prominent during Covid-19.

Taking place from Monday 1 March to Friday 5 March, it will involve industry leaders and experts delivering webinars each day – giving delegates the opportunity to understand the challenges faced from cyber-crime, how to establish a holistic, risk-based approach to cyber security, and how to devise and implement continuity and recovery plans.

The National Cyber Security Centre warned that phishing scams rose by more than 600% in the early stages of the pandemic.

Diane Beresford, the Chamber’s Deputy Chief Executive and Digital Lead, said: “As technology is incorporated into more aspects of our daily lives, remote working has become the norm. This has meant cyber-crimes and cyber security have evolved and diversified, bringing new challenges.

Our event has been designed to inform and support businesses looking to understand the strategic decisions needed to ensure digital resilience.”

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Cyber Week will explore a range of themes, including online security, digital identity, homeworking solutions, process automation, data redundancy, scalability, best practice, emerging technologies, threat detection and landscapes, malware and the human factor, and risk reduction.

Presenters include C-level speakers from businesses at the forefront of IT and cyber security, such as Chamber strategic partners Air IT and RSM, and patrons Highlander, Quiet Storm and RDS Global.

Professor David Mba, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research and enterprise at the university, said: “With more and more people working remotely, on a variety of devices, staying safe online and protecting data has arguably never been more important. As one of the country’s leading centres for cyber security, DMU is delighted to be teaming up with East Midlands Chamber to ensure businesses get the advice and support they need to protect them against cyber-crime.”

Other sponsors include Air IT, Highlander, Quiet Storm, RDS Global, RSM, Kazzoo, Neuways and the Police Digital Security Centre.

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THURSDAY 4 MARCH 9-10

East Midlands Chamber digital funding and support – Marcus Harrison 10.30-11.30 Practice makes perfect: Preparing and rehearsing for a cyber incident before it happens – Dr Allan Cooke, DMU Cyber Technology Institute 11-12 How business continuity and disaster recovery plans can save your business in the event of a cyber-attack – Martin Roberts and Toby Stephenson, Neuways 2-3 The cyber skills gap in your business and how to fill it – Althaus Digital 3-4 Big data and cyber security: Your competitive advantage – Andy Flinn and Nigel Humphreys, RDS Global

FRIDAY 5 MARCH 9-10

To register for the free event, visit bit.ly/EMCyberWeek For information on getting involved with Cyber Week and potentially exhibiting, contact Kate Nemeth on 0333 320 0333 or kate.nemeth@emc-dnl.co.uk

AI and machine learning in cyber security: Airbus and DMU How will Brexit affect the UK's position on data protection? – Simon Newman, Police Digital Security Centre How to make payments online – Rob Gregory, Magnifica Technologies

11-12.30 2-3

Covid, process automation, data redundancy and your future – Steve Megson, Quiet Storm Introducing: The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands Cyber security in an immersive world – Craig Brothers, Affari Media

Business Awards to celebrate collaboration The past year has involved great examples of businesses teaming up to prosper despite the pandemic – and such alliances will be recognised at this year’s East Midlands Chamber Business Awards.

A brand-new category for Collaboration Project of the Year has been introduced for the 2021 awards to celebrate success stories of pioneering partnerships within Chamber membership.

There’s also a new-look Excellence in Innovation award, which replaces the Innovation in Manufacturing category as more ground-breaking firms are invited to showcase how they are pushing boundaries in their sectors.

Fresh off the back of virtual awards ceremonies being held for the first time across the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Business Awards throughout November and December, entries are now open for this year.

Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “These awards are a great opportunity to shout about what our region has to offer and the Chamber – along with our sponsors, whose continued support enables us these

celebrations to happen – can’t wait to read another set of high-quality entries.”

Alongside the new awards, there will also be a return for the Environmental Impact Award introduced last year, as well as old returning favourites such as Apprentice of the Year, Community Impact, Excellence in International Trade and Small Business of the Year.

There will also be an overall Business of the Year for each county chosen by headline sponsor Mazards. Last year’s winners were PR Marriott Drilling (Derbyshire), Air IT (Nottinghamshire), and db automation and Premier Bowl Feeders (Leicestershire).

The deadline for entries this year is Friday 7 May and finalists will be announced on Thursday 30 June, with the awards ceremonies to take place later in the year.

To enter visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards and for enquiries about sponsorship opportunities email sanjib.sahota@emc-dnl.co.uk Winter 2021 CHAMBER connect 45

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Chamber Connect

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The SCR Chambers: Sheffield Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Support. Grow. Connect.

T: 0114 201 8888 E: membership@scci.org.uk W: www.scci.org.uk Twitter: @sheffchamber

Supporting our members Our region’s businesses will lead the way in the recovery and Sheffield Chamber will be right beside you every step of the way.

Supporting business. Connecting business.

Representing business.

Business is leading the recovery n response to the pandemic Sheffield Chamber positioned itself as a key business hub in the city. A place where business people were able to access vital information and support to help them navigate the challenges presented by 2020.

Partnership working played a pivotal role. Last year we saw many examples of organisations joining together to support each other in a time of need. And Sheffield Chamber was no different.

From the Covid-19 Sheffield Business Response Group to the Sheffield Partnerships for Jobs and Skills, we joined together with leading organisations across the city, to collate resources and provide support to the business community in areas where they needed it most.

The role of the Chamber in the New Year remains the same but with added optimism. Our attention has turned to recovery. And our partnership working with Patrons in 2021, will play a significant role.

See below the commitment our Patrons have set for the year ahead, as we navigate continued challenges:

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Evoluted Local businesses have relied on digital marketing more than ever before to captivate their audience. Evoluted will continue to share insight on how to utilise your marketing to drive brand awareness, traffic and engagement.

Fragomen With a Post-Brexit immigration system underway, Fragomen will continue to partner with employers, to help Europeans already in the UK or new arrivals to obtain permission to work.

The Sheffield College

University of Sheffield

Business, civic and education leaders are pulling together, overcoming enormous challenges, to support our brilliant city and a skills-led recovery.

Via the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Business and Enterprise Academy, we will continue to equip young people with the skills businesses need to create entrepreneurs of the future.

The University will continue to play a leading role in supporting organisations in their drive to innovate and to emerge from the pandemic even stronger. Together we will achieve better health outcomes for the city's population and stimulate a cultural offer that brings life back to its pavements.

Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield Hallam University is a civic university, rooted in the city, its people and businesses. We are working positively and proactively with Sheffield Chamber and other partners across Sheffield City Region to deliver skills training, lifelong learning and innovation support to help the city’s economic, social and cultural recovery during 2021 and beyond.

Hallam FM Hallam FM are passionate about supporting our business community and will continue to work with the Chamber in 2021 to ensure important updates continue to be aired.

Shorts Chartered Accountants Shorts will continue to help local business access significant corporation tax savings, via a simple claim process made easy by Radius.

Westfield Health Westfield Health will be focusing on wellbeing solutions and mental health support to assist the business community through this challenging time.

Wosskow Brown Solicitors Wosskow Brown has a focus on recovery and growth. They will continue to provide members with commercial legal services and advice, to assist with recovery and returning to healthy growth.

SHEFFIELD CHAMBER PATRONS 2021

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The SCR Chambers: Sheffield Sheffield Chamber of Commerce

Membership packages We offer a range of membership packages to suit all sizes of businesses across various sectors. Our benefits package is aimed at providing you with a choice, to accommodate your specific business needs and future strategy.

Support. Grow. Connect.

For more information visit: www.scci.org.uk

R&D tax credits – is your company missing out?

R&D tax credits reward innovation through generous tax relief.

An SME incurring £100k of costs could save around £25k in corporation tax.

Which companies qualify for R&D Tax Credits?

Emma Marshall

James Berry

Dan Kirkland

Martin McKervey

Faaiza Ramji

A welcome to new Non-Executive Board Directors he vision of Sheffield Chamber is to make Sheffield the best place to grow and run a sustainable business. Its executive board plays a pivotal role in driving this ambition forward. Business leaders, representing a diverse range of key sectors in the city, sit on the board to provide passion, expertise and support in helping to make the Chambers vison a reality.

Sheffield Chamber are delighted to announce that after a rigorous recruitment process, five new Non-Executive Directors will be joining its board of directors from March 2021.

Combined with the Chambers existing board members, these new business individuals will strengthen the boards diverse range of experience and expertise, across a variety of industries. They will help challenge the Chamber to go further and further. To support its members and assist the Chamber in achieving its strategic objectives.

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The Chamber welcomes: • • • • •

Emma Marshall, Operations Director of 3Squared Ltd Dan Kirkland, Co-founder and Director of Tribepad James Berry, Partner at Freeths LLP Martin McKervey, Director of AESSEAL plc and Vulcan Engineering Ltd Faaiza Ramji, Principal of OnPurpose, a marketing strategy firm based in Edmonton, Canada

Louisa Harrison-Walker, Interim Executive Director at Sheffield Chamber, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dan, Emma, Faaiza, Martin and James to our board. As the Chamber continues to grow and think differently, the recruitment of our new board members is one of many milestones we will achieve, as we work towards building the Chamber of the Future.”

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Is your company an innovator?

Innovative companies seek to advance science and technology through the resolution of technological uncertainties.

Innovative companies may not even know they qualify. Innovation could include the development of new/improved products or processes, which many SMEs do all the time.

The scope of the R&D tax credit scheme can best be seen if we consider a few case studies from recent successful claims made by the R&D team at Shorts’ Radius (R&D Partners of Sheffield, East Midlands and Barnsley and Rotherham Chambers of Commerce): • A software company developing products to improve cyber security.

• A packaging manufacturer developing innovative packaging solutions.

• An engineering consultancy developing design solutions for new products and systems.

• A medical device manufacturer developing new orthopaedic instrumentation.

• A manufacturer of thermoformed components improving heating and cooling processes.

All these companies saved £50k+ in tax, with one saving over £500k.

How does the R&D tax credit scheme work?

The R&D Tax Credit scheme provides relief of up to 24.7% of a profitable company’s R&D costs through a reduction in the company’s CT liability. Loss making companies can surrender losses to HMRC in exchange for cash credit, typically received within 28 days of submission.

Too many companies in our region are missing out on this valuable relief during a period of unprecedented economic challenge.

Get started with R&D Tax Credits today Radius is a unique service designed to ensure businesses receive their full R&D Tax Credit entitlement.

If you work for an innovative company, or perhaps you want to know if your recent projects qualify for R&D Tax Credits, get in touch with the Radius team today to find out more. www.shorts.uk.com/radius An SME incurring costs of £100k could save around £25k in corporation tax

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The SCR Chambers: Sheffield The way in which UK businesses sell and buy goods from Europe and move goods across borders has changed

The immigration system and your business

By Laurence Keir-Thomas, Senior Associate and Abbeygail Harmsworth, Paralegal, Fragomen Sheffield Most people would agree that the end of 2020 was a welcome relief, but the start of 2021 is already bringing its own challenges in the immigration world, with the overhaul of the UK’s immigration system.

Freedom of movement has now ended for new arrivals to the UK from the EU. For those who arrived pre 1 January 2021, if they haven’t already applied under the EU settlement scheme, they have until the end of June 2021 to do this. It is a straightforward application that is made via a phone app.

Applicants are then granted pre-settled or settled status, depending on how long they can establish they have been here.

What does this mean in practice?

The end of transition... help is at hand! t precisely 11.00 pm on 31 December 2020, the United Kingdom left the European customs union and the single market.

A tangible sigh of relief was felt when the UK and the EU signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 24 December.

The way in which UK businesses sell and buy goods from Europe and move goods across borders has changed.

And Sheffield Chamber are your local trusted trade partner to help you understand these changes.

As an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), we are specialists in customs compliance for all aspects of moving goods across borders. From following customs practices and procedures to the letter, ensuring international traders understand their responsibilities when it comes to ‘doing it right’ and maintaining compliant documentation.

Like other Chambers in the UK network, we are also an authorised Customs Broker. Meaning that we are able to offer advice and guidance to businesses struggling to understand how the new rules will affect their business, their relationship with their EU customers/suppliers and facilitate trade by completing import and export declarations on their behalf.

It is fair to say that Sheffield Chamber has been inundated with emails and telephone calls asking for guidance and assistance. Many of the questions are the same or similar, even though the products or countries vary significantly.

The chief concerns include: rules of origin; commodity codes; customs procedures, declarations and paperwork; customs processing relief and part processing in the EU/UK; duties

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and VAT considerations; incoterms; Northern Ireland traffic, FTA continuity agreements and claiming preference.

The list of general questions goes on.

Answers to some questions are still unknown, however the Chamber of Commerce network across the UK is a formidable source of information and knowledge.

The British Chambers of Commerce have set up an efficient and rapid facility to harness information. If there is an answer, we will find it and offer an explanation which will be lucid and relevant to specific business concerns.

The EU-UK FTA was agreed in principle at the 11th hour. The detail is very deep and complicated and will be negotiated, agreed, and published for many months to come.

Sheffield International Trade Centre are committed to supporting business. We will continue to be there to provide support as and when new information is published and agreed.

‘Sheffield Chamber has been inundated with emails and telephone calls asking for guidance’

If you are looking to hire new talent from outside the UK and Ireland and the candidate doesn’t have a family link or are not a recent graduate from a UK university, they will need a Skilled Worker visa.

Key criteria: 1. Approved sponsor.

2. Skilled role.

3. English language.

Entrepreneurs If you are an EU national looking to start and grow your business in the UK, the best option for now may be the UK’s Global Talent visa.

The Government will soon publish more on the new Highly Skilled Worker visa. This will permit those with relevant skills and experience to come here without a job offer.

Key considerations: • Talent source? Do you recruit from the EU – can you continue?

• Sponsor licence? can take some time and needs to be done carefully.

• Budget ? Employers will have to pay £199 for Certificates of Sponsorship and the Immigration Skills Charge of up to £1000 per year per candidate.

• Will you help candidates with application fees they need to pay?

If you would like to discuss, please contact us at Sheffieldinfo@fragomen.com

Brexit Support for Businesses in South Yorkshire Businesses can contact the South Yorkshire Brexit Support Service with any query relating to Brexit. Experts are on hand to provide information and advice to help you keep trading successfully. Call 0114 223 8188 or email brexitsupport@scci.org.uk.

This service is a collaboration between the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, Sheffield City Region Local Authorities, City Region Chambers and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

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The SCR Chambers: Sheffield Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Support. Grow. Connect.

Our mission is to lead the way in making Sheffield the best place in the UK to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business.

Balancing business today with a renewable future s businesses continue to grapple with Covid-19, the Net Zero 2050 target is looming in the background. The Government has recently released its energy white paper which pledges to create 250,000 jobs, bring forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2030, and cut emissions by 230 million metric tonnes from industry, transport, and buildings.

There are plans in place to achieve this but what can businesses do now to reduce emissions whilst balancing the books?

A

Cutting energy waste

‘We always provide green energy as an option when quoting for new contracts’

Research indicates that on average, a business wastes about 20% of the energy it uses. That’s not only a sustainability problem, work that into a financial cost and it’s money down the drain.

Businesses can start by developing energy efficiency plans to make immediate savings. Reviewing operating processes against consumption data and making changes to old equipment such as lighting will move the business forward on their journey.

Buying green doesn’t cost the earth Buying green energy generated by renewable sources has become more available, with suppliers offering most or all energy from zero-carbon sources.

Kayleigh Thompson, Energy Manager from Professional Energy Purchasing, said: “We always provide green energy as an option when quoting for new contracts which is often no more expensive than brown energy. We’ve also just helped a member who needed to buy green energy as part of the conditions of applying for a Covid grant which indicates a push towards it.”

So even at a basic level, with a bit of shrewd buying, businesses could save money and start to do their bit to save the planet.

Professional Energy Purchasing is the approved Energy Partner for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and has saved members over £80,000 on energy costs.

To discover more, join Sheffield Chamber at their upcoming event, What ‘net-zero carbon’ really means for business, on 30 March 2021.

Understanding the importance of credit control If you’re struggling with cashflow in your business, you need a credit control solution.

Asking for overdue invoices can often be a task relegated to the bottom of the list – but it’s vital that it isn’t. £50bn is overdue to businesses at any one time – and 47% of invoices are paid late.

This can not only cause stress and worry for you and your employees, but it can have a serious impact on your cash flow and your business as a whole. With a good credit control system in place, you can focus on doing what you do best.

It can be daunting to ask your customers for an unpaid invoice, but with an app like itsettled, your credit control will never be a difficult and unwanted task.

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You simply upload your invoices to the app, and will be automatically prompted each time you need to complete the next step – it really is that easy.

You can choose to send your invoice letters yourself, or the app can send them for you. You are always in control. The process that itsettled uses has been tried and tested by thousands of customers, and retrieved over £350m for businesses just like yours.

Members of Sheffield Chamber can trial itsettled for free and receive an exclusive 20% off subscription rates.

For more information, call Sheffield Chamber on 0114 201 8888 or email membership@scci.org.uk

Chase late payments and maintain a positive cashflow

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The SCR Chambers: Sheffield

Chamber Events A calendar of events designed to engage both members and non-members and enhance their business.

For full booking information on all Chamber events visit: www.scci.org.uk/events

Inspiring Women in Tech Date: Time: Price:

8 March 3pm – 4pm Free to all

Our Inspiring Women Network is back for 2021 on International Womens Day. This edition will focus on inspiring women from the tech sector, helping make Sheffield a centre of excellence for technology and once again putting Sheffield front and centre on the world stage.

Join us to hear from two keynote speakers, Anna Bollinger, Director and Founder of international award-winning digital agency Appt and Amber Jardine, TwinklHive Accelerator Manager at Twinkl Educational Publishing. Co-hosted by Sheffield Chamber's Interim Director, Louisa Harrison-Walker and NonExecutive Director, Faaiza Ramji, this virtual event offers a platform for both men and women to come together, share best practice, build new relationships, and promote equality.

Simply Business. Online Networking

Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Business

Date: Time: Price:

Date: Time: Price:

23 March 9.30am – 10.45am Members: Free Non-members: £10 + VAT

A fantastic platform for business individuals to meet new people, build relationships and ensure your business continues to grow.

24 March 10am – 11.30pm Free to all

Create a working environment that truly is inclusive to all. Join us to hear from Sonia Tate MBE DWP Race Equality Lead, as she discusses how bias, if left unchecked, may impair your decision-making process. Hosted by Sheffield City Region Chambers in partnership with Business in the Community, the Department for Work and Pensions and Sheffield Business Together.

What net-zero means for business Date: Time: Price:

30 March 9.30am – 11am Members: Free Non-members: £10 + VAT

Having no net emissions in the atmosphere by 2050 is scientifically heralded as essential to put us on track for a sustainable world with thriving ecosystems, healthy people, and prosperous economies. Join Sheffield Chamber, Professional Energy Purchasing, Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens and Gripple, to understand how to create a strategy that will improve your carbon footprint.

City Region Business Networking Date: Time: Price:

6 April 9am – 10.30am Members: Free Non-members: £10 + VAT

Delivered in partnership with Barnsley & Rotherham and Doncaster Chambers, join us at this event to meet new businesses and make new contacts from across the Sheffield City Region.

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Chamber Connect

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Chamber Connect

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Feature:Apprenticeships, Skills & Training Five of the graduates recruited by Durham Duplex in Sheffield

Top 5 things SMEs say about RISE RISE is an innovative business support initiative that connects small and medium sized businesses across the Sheffield City Region with talented, hardworking graduates. We’ve been catching up with the business leaders who’ve employed graduates through RISE to hear how people-power is helping them to innovate, quickly pivot and diversify during one of the most volatile business years in living memory.

1.We find and match you with the very best graduate talent from all universities.

“RISE gives you access to a pool of talent that you wouldn't have access to otherwise. It is an intervention that supports commercial growth, helps attract, retain and develop talent in the region.”

Charles Turner, Managing Director, Durham Duplex

2. RISE graduates are wowing businesscritical clients and driving innovation.

“Aidan [Johnson] has brought a great deal of enthusiasm to the project. Developers thrive on the discussion of ‘how’ to solve problems and Aidan has really contributed to those discussions, leading to more rigorous problem solving and ultimately a much more innovative platform for the client.”

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3. We support you to think differently – to up your talent attraction and retention game.

“RISE support has helped us refine our employer value proposition so that it resonates with graduates and we have built a more robust mid-level management structure to better mentor and support career progression!”

Matthew Wilding, Chief Operating Officer, Marjolo

4. The quality of RISE graduates is too good to miss.

“We engaged with RISE to bring two new graduates into our team. We came away with five! When you’re growing at pace as we are, it isn’t just about expanding the client-facing side of things, you also need to invest in the back-end functions and processes to scale up that service

Aidan Johnson of HMA

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Feature:Apprenticeships, Skills & Training

Our current provision covers: • Sustainable Resource Management – Level 2, 3, 4 • Facilities Management – Level 2, 3 and 4 • Management – Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 • Business Improvement Techniques – Level 2 • Personal Licence – Level 2 • Food Safety in Catering – Level 2 • Cleaning Skills – Level 1 and Level 2 We have more courses in development which will be available shortly.

We bring the experience of an accomplished work-based apprenticeship provider that have worked with large and small organisations.

In turn bringing fresh new innovative ideas and delivery systems consistently.

We provide both online and in-house training opportunities for flexibility of delivery, which is fully supported. Our courses range from 1 to 5 days and our longer qualifications from 6 to 12 months.

We also provide bespoke training for individuals.

All our staff are qualified within their areas of vocational delivery and our courses are fully accredited by awarding bodies. We can deliver nationally, whilst catering for both employers and individuals alike. Please contact the office for further information.

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Feature: Apprenticeships, Skills & Training

efficiently. The calibre of people we met and the diverse range of perspectives, skills and experience was simply too good to ignore.”

Kate Hill, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Moore Insight

5. Our graduates inject energy, ideas and capacity to go further.

“During her first three months in post Ari has managed the onboarding and creative output of a graphic design intern and spearheaded a major public relations drive which saw the announcement of a £1.1 million investment to the business from Mercia Finance as part of the

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Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. We have ambitions to grow by 10 new roles in the next 12 months.”

Christina King, Chief Commercial Officer, Tribosonics

Above left: Moore Insight graduates, from left: Mercy Ubani, Isobel Cox, Nick Daly, Helen Colls and Thomas Walsh

Want to learn more about how we can support your business to grow? Visit our website www.risescr.co.uk for more information. We work closely with you to understand exactly what you need and the process is carefully managed by our expert team. The results? Well, as you’ve heard, the results can be mega!

Above: Christina King, Chief Commercial Officer of Tribosonics, with graduate and Ari Bastian

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Feature:Apprenticeships, Skills & Training

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Feature:Apprenticeships, Skills & Training

Is in-house training right for

your

business?

Choosing an effective training course for your managers and employees can be difficult – and one of the first issues is deciding whether to send your employees to an external course, or organising in-house training. Chamber Connect explores some of the benefits of bringing the trainer to you.

Access the best To deliver the best training, you need the best trainers.

And, while your senior managers will undoubtedly know your business inside out, they might not have the most upto-date information and training tools to hand in order to deliver the best possible experience.

Not only will an external trainer be qualified, they will also have all the latest knowledge at their disposal, as well as the hands-on experience needed to facilitate an engaging and successful training course.

Your trainer will bring all the necessary supplies your staff will need to take part, and you won’t have to come up with any ideas, tasks or activities.

Your trainer will be able to draw upon their experience working with other companies; content and activities that have proven successful elsewhere can be replicated for you.

In order to get the most out of your investment, check testimonials and read reviews.

Find out how effective the content and techniques were – after all, you want to make sure the training sticks.

behind with their work. In-house training will also allow your staff to learn in a familiar environment, which should put them at ease and more open to absorbing new information.

A tailored fit You’re considering sending your staff off on a training course – but some aspects of the course aren’t relevant to your business, while other aspects don’t go into the level of detail that you require. This can be frustrating, especially when you know exactly what you want your staff to get out of a training session (and considering how much a training course can cost) – but a good inhouse trainer will be happy to tailor a course to your business’ unique needs.

Before the session, you will have the opportunity to discuss the company’s history, goals, and, most importantly, your expectations of the course, and your trainer can make the sessions as relevant and specific as you need them to be. Your staff won’t have to waste time covering things that aren’t relevant and you can get the most out of your investment.

‘To deliver the best training, you need the best trainers’

Convenient and cost-effective

Fresh ideas

When it comes to training your employees, few business owners would disagree that an in-house course is the most convenient option for everyone involved. Not only will it minimise the hassle of travel, it will completely eliminate expensive travel costs. You only have to worry about one person getting lost and being late – the trainer!

Additionally, in-house training is cheaper per head than sending your staff on a training course, and it will reduce the amount of time your staff will have to spend away from their usual, day-to-day tasks, decreasing the chance of them falling

In-house training can breathe a breath of fresh air to your business. An internal trainer might know the company well – but they might also be blinkered by old ideas and the old ways of doing things. An external trainer will shake things up. They might suggest new ideas and techniques that haven’t been explored before, which will encourage your staff to challenge themselves, develop new ways of thinking and discover better ways to tackle tasks.

Innovative new ideas can help motivate staff to strive for excellence and be the best they can be.

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Feature: Enterprise & Innovation

Cloud IT

How secure are Cloud services, are they worth the financial cost and the cost associated with business change?

By Mark Frudd (pictured) TriplePs MD and Cyber Security Specialist T is changing drastically. The landscape and change to Cloud-based services with Office 365 and Microsoft services is simplifying IT or is it?

Moving to Cloud-based IT is just like opening Pandora’s box. The options and decisions surrounding the configuration of Cloud are huge.

Where the term “secure by default” appears, it is important that this pertains to the design, and very rarely the configuration of the cloud service. Microsoft and Amazon services have started to create default policies to comply with data protection loss, etc. but the application of these default policies can cause problems with standard functionality and present other issues.

There is an assumption that business decision makers are aware of the cost benefits of Cloud services. Very recently, we have seen news surrounding state-sponsored hacking attacks against USA organisations, and this is nothing new. Whether in the UK, or across the world, it is important to understand that organisations of any size are consistently being attacked, and smaller companies are more of a target. Why? Smaller companies have good Intellectual property ideas which can be stolen, but also as a company grows, the organisation communicates with larger companies and their IT systems

I

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become embedded. What starts as a seed, over time, may blossom into something either malware related, or lose valuable product information over years and eventually money/reputation. Further, there is perception within business that not all organisations have the staff numbers or turnover to make IT security a priority, and it can be seen by larger corporate entities and companies that working with SMEs is too much of a risk to take.

Cloud IT services can raise the external perception of all organisations where undertaken correctly. Cloud integrations provide assurance and security, enabling companies to progress to the next level.

When considering IT security, we must also discuss the location of your company data.

This is very important when considering Brexit, changes in legislation and much more importantly the things to come you don’t know about. Microsoft, Amazon and other providers have data centres in the UK. Contract owners and customers alike need to have confidence

that data is not only sent and received securely, but is held within the United Kingdom. This once again provides reassurance to customers that their data is not hosted in another country and at risk due to varying legislation.

So, there are a lot of hidden business benefits of Cloud IT services with the right partner.

Even large companies have problems with the security configuration of Cloud, but the positive is that the design of Cloud solutions and controls have alerted organisations to this or allows third parties to raise this with the organisation. Reputation is everything in business and loosing this to a data breach or hack can be very costly. This is why Cloud is safe, but in the right hands when you work with an IT provider that understands cloud services.

So, in summary, how safe is Cloud IT? Just like every aspect of business, if you have the right specialist supporting the skillset, it is very safe.

It is important to understand your requirements and design and plan just like any previous IT project - but the security benefits are well worth the investment.

‘Cloud integrations provide assurance and security’

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Security through

innovation stablished over 10 years ago, TriplePs are one of the best IT companies you may never have heard of.

They are behind the delivery of very complex services to major IT service providers. Their approach to TriplePs are able to rapidly deliver delivering business functionality and not just the normally a suite of services allowing your business to expected generic IT services, has made a significant make the move to remote working or to difference to their customers, enabling TriplePs to solve improve your current provision: their customer’s issues so that their customers can deliver what they do best.

• Reliable IT packages that grow with your Two years ago, TriplePs revised their business strategy business and set sail on a new journey fully adopting Microsoft Cloud Services. Using their experience and knowledge of • Remote working with minimal impact on production business systems and processes, TriplePs developed a • Secure cloud technology, giving you the highest levels of security range of services for SME’s enabling their growth and greater collaboration to achieve larger contracts.

• Delivery to your users homes with devices set up and ready to go TriplePs is proud that this has led to the design, development, and automation of a managed device service • A Service Desk to ensure that your users can resolve their technical for desktops, laptops, mobiles, and tablets, fit for any size issues quickly with a centrally managed customer portal allowing of organisation. Their service provides the full Microsoft users to easily log, track and review any issues they may have.

Office 365 functionality, delivered securely and quickly, at an affordable cost, working with partners to deliver fixed, • Early access to the latest TriplePs Secure Form Builder model is Wi-Fi and remote working solutions. available to those who need help to reduce demanding paperwork Managing Director Mark Frudd highlighted a key element loads, improve productivity and security. of their service, ‘The Microsoft 365 suite is complex and comprehensive. We took our time to identify and understand which tools were right for our business, so that we can offer our customers a review of their requirements you can understand. Our Company values promote an and provide practical help in deploying the right environment of trust which enables our teams to ensure combination of features for their business. When it TriplePs delivers the best possible service and comes to deployment, we understand that in outcomes for our customers.’ order to deliver functionality, we must The Leadership Team at TriplePs has a communicate and understand our client’s wealth of experience across industry and business, ensuring that we not only government and realise the importance of ‘The TPS team is provide a laptop or tablet which is how being a part of the community useable straight out of a box, but that local, talented, enables personal and business growth. the Microsoft automation products This is reflected in support for the enthusiastic and included within Office 365 simplifies our Sheffield Steelers Ice Hockey team, customer’s business processes.’ uses language you providing the Steelers with technical Security is fully embedded within its expertise to drive their digital can understand’ design, recognised by the award of the transformation forward.

Information Security Management System If you have read this far, the chances are Standard ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus that your business will benefit from a partnership (both are often required to successfully bid for with TriplePs – The Sales Team Mark Frudd and contracts), helping protect your systems and your Mick Fleming are waiting for your call, email or LinkedIn. data.

TriplePs are there to support SMEs not just in Yorkshire, but TriplePs also reviewed the support needs of SMEs which across the UK. led to the Software Development Team delivering the heart of the service, the TriplePS Portal. The Portal provides each customer with their own tailored dashboard designed to meet their business needs. Providing access to fault management and asset management the Portal gives users access to support for their devices and services, and management access to a range of reports with shared 24/7 real time access to a knowledge base of helpful online articles.

T: 01226 449600 When asked about his team, Head of Digital Operations, E: hello@triplepsltd.com Danny Bisby, responded ‘Our Service and Development Teams are local, talented, enthusiastic and use language W: www.triplepsltd.com

E

Our unique services

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Feature: Enterprise & Innovation

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Feature: Enterprise & Innovation Andrew Hill and the team at PPEXtra

PPEXtra rise to the Covid-19 challenge

By Katarina Kuzmova, Marketing Manager of PPEXtra PEXtra was established during the early stages of the pandemic to help support the national demand for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Despite having a limited time frame for creating such a complex engineering set up and business model, PPEXtra has achieved several accreditations, including ISO 13485. In the world of medical devices, this is a significant achievement due to high expectations from medical devices manufacturers. In the matter of a short time, one employee has significantly broadened his work, from Electrical Engineer to courageous ISO Auditor, Business Developer and Quality Control Inspector.

His attitude and endeavour has left both his team and directors in awe. He has inspired the whole team to challenge themselves and take on further education.

Andrew Hill first started in 2016 as an Electrical Engineer, installing electronic machines for many customers of PPEXtra’s mother company – SMTXtra.

Andrew has always had a ‘’hands on’’ attitude and is willing to work on different projects. His first experience with accreditation of ISO was back in 2016, when the company achieved the ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) accreditation.

When the company invested in its latest venture – manufacturing medical masks, aprons and other PPE – Andrew took over this project ensuring the company follows procedures that are recognised by international standards - also known as International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). Andrew said: “This would not be possible without everyone’s help, every team member contributed to get this audit completed properly.”

While determining what needed to be changed within the company’s system, Andy reached out to MHRA Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and their team helped Andy with the process which consisted of a range of documentation.

When we asked Andrew what he would advise he would give to other companies that want to achieve ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 he said: “Make sure your team already has systems in place, keep records, trace communications and save details. When you have an organised company, ISO accreditation can be achieved much quicker.”

PPEXtra is continuously developing and investing in better systems to ensure the highest quality of its products. The next venture is to modernise and develop sterilised surgical masks to use in hospital theaters.

The PPE industry has seen a surge in demand for 2020 which caused many companies to trade and import PPE from Asia. This surge allowed PPE to be sold with fake certificates and accreditations which compromised

P

the safety of the public. The Trading Standards Agency has trained hundreds of professionals to detect fake PPE and encourages British Manufacturers to achieve international standards certificates which enables them to meet the high standards of British public safety.

London Trading Standards (LTS) teams have stopped over 6.5 million low grade face masks coming through the UK’s airports. This number continue to rise on a daily basis.

LTS have reported that most masks seized had been labelled with false claims and around 4.25 million had to undergo label amendments before they were released. Many of the consignments were referred to trading standards by Border Force teams at the airport.

PPEXtra is part of the Made in Britain, not for profit organisation, and it is dedicated to support British Manufacturing and homegrown produce.

John Pearce, Chief Executive of Made in Britain, said: ‘’People are keener now more than ever to buy British made products to support the UK economy.’’

‘Every team member contributed to get this audit completed properly’

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Sector Focus

The latest news from Sheffield City Region businesses operating in the Legal, Corporate Hospitality, Finance and Skills & Training sectors.

Law firm advises on major share acquisition eading Yorkshire law firm, Keebles LLP, has advised Rotherham-headquartered international industrial supplier, Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, on its share acquisition of Gloucestershire-based R W Bearings Limited.

Keebles advised Acorn Industrial Services, part of Swedish group Axel Johnson International, on the corporate aspects of the deal, which will enable Acorn to continue its growth, increasing both its regional reach and customer base.

James Burdekin (pictured), Keebles LLP Senior Associate, led on the deal and was supported by fellow Associate Tom Rook.

James said: “We are pleased to have played a significant part in helping secure this investment for Acorn Industrial Services. This is a great opportunity and a good fit for Acorn in terms of size, geographical base and freedom of purchase. The company will also realise more direct purchase opportunities from R W Bearings.

“It represents a very exciting opportunity for both Acorn Industrial Services and R W Bearings, and we look forward to seeing the impact it will have on Acorn’s continued growth and expansion of its regional reach and customer base.”

With offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds, Keebles is regarded as a key player by the Legal 500 and Chambers guides.

The corporate department’s sector expertise includes advanced manufacturing, engineering, technology, healthcare and hospitality.

L

‘This is a great opportunity and a good fit for Acorn’

Visit: www.keebles.com Visit: www.acorn-ind.co.uk

Taylor&Emmet gathers gifts for poorly children Staff donated a range of festive gifts

A busy team of elves from Sheffield solicitors, Taylor&Emmet LLP, collected toys for children facing Christmas in hospital.

Staff from across the firm’s five offices in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire donated more than 50 festive gifts which were distributed among inpatients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The presents donated by Taylor&Emmet ranged in suitability from baby to teenager, boys and girls and were handed out by hospital staff on Christmas Day. The collection, led by the firm’s Head of Human Resources, Sharna Poxon, follows the firm’s support of The Children’s Hospital Charity’s snowflake appeal, enabling the organisation to spread some cheer across the city.

Sharna said: “This initiative was a pleasure to organise and I can’t thank my colleagues enough for their generosity. As a parent myself, I am extremely grateful that Sheffield Children’s Hospital is located on our doorstep and that we benefit from the specialist care it provides. I can only imagine how tough it is for children who have to spend Christmas in hospital - particularly while visiting is restricted - and I hope the gifts we have donated went some way to brightening their day.”

Call: (0114) 218 4000 Visit: www.tayloremmet.co.uk

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Sector Focus:Legal Acquisition takes Switalskis Solicitors to a £20m business Yorkshire law firm Switalskis Solicitors has acquired Doncaster-based Atherton Godfrey LLP for an undisclosed sum, in a move that creates a £20m turnover business.

Switalskis employs over 250 staff across 11 Yorkshire offices, handling a range of specialist legal services including medical negligence, brain and serious injury, child care, wills and probate, residential and commercial property, family law, and inquests. Atherton Godfrey specialises in commercial, property, personal injury, medical negligence, wills and probate, family and employment law.

The combined Switalskis Group will employ 380 staff across 12 offices in West, North, and South Yorkshire.

Atherton Godfrey’s Head of Litigation, John McQuater, Head of Personal Injury, Diane Parker, and Head of Commercial and Property, Sarah Naylor, join Switalskis as Directors. Don Bird has stepped down as Managing Partner and joins Switalskis as a Consultant. All four will continue in their departmental roles at Atherton Godfrey and the firm will continue to trade and act for clients under the Atherton Godfrey name.

The combining of the firms puts Switalskis into the top 150 law firms in the country and makes it the third largest firm in Yorkshire with offices solely in the region.

Switalskis Managing Director John Durkan said: “Over the last 28 years Switalskis has grown, both organically and via a series of acquisitions, into a highly successful firm with a strong reputation and many practitioners recognised as leaders in their field, regionally and nationally. Atherton Godfrey is a well-respected firm throughout South Yorkshire, with a 42-year history and specialist staff covering many of the legal services required by individuals, families, organisations, and businesses.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we will work on maximising the synergies and benefits that will flow from bringing the two firms together, as well as identifying new opportunities that will see the combined group go from strength to strength. In short, we believe Switalskis and Atherton Godfrey can do great things together.”

Don Bird, of Atherton Godfrey, said: “Atherton Godfrey has a strong reputation for providing high quality and client-focused legal services to individuals and businesses across the Doncaster and wider South Yorkshire region. With the benefit of the additional network and resources of the Switalskis Group, we look forward to building on this for the benefit of our clients and those who work in our business.”

Sutherland & Co Law are a firm of solicitors in Doncaster specialising in conveyancing, company commercial, wills ,trust probate ,lasting powers of attorney, and landlord and tenant work. We are accredited by the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

Caroline Sutherland, the Managing Director is born and raised in Doncaster, she is very passionate about supporting local businesses and local people. Caroline has created a friendly modern and approachable law firm, providing “jargon free “legal advice, a personal service, and an understanding approach. The mission statement of Sutherland & Co Law, is “if it’s personal to you it’s personal to us”, and this is at the core of our values. We offer very competitive prices for the services that we provide.

Caroline has transcended the parameters of a conventional law practice within her work culture. The Sutherland culture is inclusive, where every team member is valued, and has a voice, and CPD is for everyone, with robust career development plans in place. Caroline invests her time in her team, developing their technical knowledge, to ensure continuity of a consistent quality service for clients.

Caroline Sutherland

Sutherland & Co Law has been shortlisted in the Doncaster Business Awards 2020/21, for the excellence in people development category. This is an outstanding achievement for us, we are delighted to be shortlisted and to celebrate our team’s success story, which is something positive in these uncertain times. We have team members who have completed their Apprentice journey and team members who currently are on their Apprentice journey. We have harnessed our talent pool, to secure our businesses future.

Switalskis Group MD John Durkan with Don Bird and new Director Sarah Naylor

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Sector Focus:Corporate Hospitality

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Sector Focus:Corporate Hospitality

New team member for events company T

he FSB has predicted that 250,000 small businesses will close in 2021, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Award-winning Barnsley firm Fab Events is bucking this trend through their continued growth, starting the new year with a new member in the team.

The company, a specialist in events strategy, joined forces with Barnsley College to place a Level Three Business Student within the organisation. Ellie, the new member of team Fab, will be taking on the role of Junior Digital Marketer, managing the online wedding support community created by Fab Events in response to the impact Government restrictions have had on brides and grooms across the country.

According to Good Things Foundation, over 300,000 young people do not have basic digital skills as a result of digital exclusion, with approximately one million people within the Yorkshire region not using the internet. This position created in partnership with Barnsley College for student Ellie allows Fab Events to provide a young person with the skills they need, as well as bringing new levels of service to their clients.

Company founder Zoe Wadsworth said: “It is so exciting to be taking the first steps in growing our company, even more so that we’re able to

provide an opportunity for a young person in our community to launch their career. Our customers will benefit greatly from Ellie’s creativity, and together we can help work towards rejuvenating the sector in our region after such a difficult year.”

Student Ellie said: “I’ve joined team Fab as a work placement student because I have a major interest in events and particularly the wedding sector. I am looking forward to meet new people in the events community and building my skillset.”

FAB Events repeatedly put customer service at the forefront of their business activity. Their recently launched wedding support service, centred around giving brides and grooms a platform to talk about help they need, will be supported by other businesses in the community to provide tips and updates with the aim of kickstarting growth back into the industry.

‘It is so exciting to be taking the first steps in growing our company’

Visit: www.eventsbyfab.co.uk Call: 07726 229983

Newest Fab Events team member Ellie

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Sector Focus:Finance

Whether just starting out or well established, businesses use finance for any number of reasons. Cash-flow along the supply chain is a frequent concern. Suppliers, tax liabilities and wages can’t wait. Assets and property require funding.

An extensive range of financing solutions is available, with access to lenders across the whole of the market.

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Sector Focus: Finance

Preparing for the future The pandemic has thrown up a host of issues for individuals, families and small to medium-sized business owners, leaving many experiencing uncertainty and even trauma. Sheena Doherty (pictured), a Halifax-based Senior Wealth Management Consultant with Sovereign Wealth,looks at the necessity to safeguard yourself, your family and business in the event of death or serious illness. This applies during the current public health crisis but also going forward. f you run an SME consider the impact on your business’s resilience and the impact on its mid and long term future.

How would you cope if you lost a key team member?

If you’ve taken out loans to tide you over the current crisis, do you have appropriate life assurance and income protection to cover death, serious illness or injury? This will ensure debts are covered, avoiding further financial burden on your business.

Also ensure that you have applied for Government support and grants where appropriate.

I

It’s also vital that any surviving shareholders can continue to run the business, with adequate finances in place to support a settlement to your estate while retaining operational control.

Planning ahead It’s always a good idea to run a personal risk audit. Consider the financial implications for your family if you suddenly experience serious health issues and/or die.

Surveys carried out (most notably by Swiss Re) to measure the existence and size of protection gaps in the UK have established that the shortfall is real and material. Too many are relying on company schemes and often there is no provision for income to increase in real terms, over time.

Ask yourself the hard questions - do you have cover? How much? Is it enough?

Have robust conversations with your adviser founded on carefully and knowledgeably constructed audits.

Remember it’s not an opportunity - it’s a responsibility.

‘How would you cope if you lost a key team member?’

SMEs and legalities In my professional experience, an extremely high number of businesses have no protection - or at best have inadequate legalities in place to protect shareholders.

Many business owners incorrectly assume that their Articles of Association automatically provide this.

Instead, it’s vital you have legal documentation and appropriate protection measures in place.

Key points of note are ensuring that your dependants receive the cash from your business easily.

For more information about this and other protection matters email Sheena at sheena.doherty@sjpp.co.uk

Sovereign Wealth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purposes of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products.

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Sector Focus: Finance

Belmayne extols achievements of learners ronfield-based Belmayne Independent Chartered Financial Planners is celebrating the achievements of a trio of rising stars who are forging careers in financial services.

The firm is helping three members of staff develop their skills through academic study, while gaining practical work experience.

Chris Pond joins Belmayne’s team of qualified financial planners, after successfully completing his diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. He began working for the firm as a trainee in June 2018 and has been mentored by Partner, David Bashforth, throughout his studies. He is now beginning to grow his own client base, while continuing to assist David and expand his qualifications to achieve chartered status.

Melanie Coleman began working as a Personal Assistant to Partner Martin Birch almost two years ago and is now a Paraplanner, analysing client information and risk, conducting cash flow planning and preparing reports. She achieved the RO1 Financial Regulation and Ethics qualification earlier this year and is currently studying the RO4

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Melissa Taylor

Chris Pond

Melanie Coleman

Pensions and Retirement Planning module, which she hopes to complete by the spring.

Former Administration Apprentice Melissa Taylor has recently been offered a fulltime role at Belmayne, after completing a diploma in Business Administration with Chesterfield College. She is now beginning her professional development, embarking on the RO1 unit of the Regulated Financial

Planning diploma, to develop her awareness of legislation and the industry’s code of ethics.

Belmayne Partner Martin Birch said: “We actively encourage professional development among staff to further their own careers and ensure they provide an informed, first class service. We are very proud of all three of our learners for the dedication and commitment they are showing to

their studies and we welcome Chris to our team of financial planners.

He is a great asset to the firm and is now ready to provide sound, considered advice to clients.”

For more information about the employment opportunities available at Belmayne, call 01246 298181, visit www.belmanyeifa.com or follow the firm on Twitter, @belmayneifa

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Sector Focus:Finance

If you’re an employee, sole trader or running a business then you’ll know how illness can impact on your income and productivity.

Plans available for individuals, families or your business.

With NHS waiting lists for non-essential surgery at an all-time high, (you could wait 18 weeks or more for the repair of a slipped disc!) wouldn’t it be good to know you can have treatment when YOU need it in the best possible private care.

Well, that’s where IPMI come in….

The preferred choice for Private Medical Insurance.

An independent PMI specialist broker, directly authorised and regulated by the FCA. We can find you the best private medical insurance based or your individual requirements and budget.

We can also help with life and relevant life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover through Clever Life Limited.

T: 01964 253 088 E: enquiries@cleverlife.co.uk W: cleverlife.co.uk

Don’t just take our word for it, check out our client reviews on our website. Call us now:

T: 01709 521160 W: intelligentpmi.co.uk E: healthcare@intelligentpmi.co.uk Winter 2021 CHAMBER connect 71

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Sector Focus:Manufacturing

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Sector Focus:Manufacturing

Local manufacturer celebrates milestone n the final few days of December, Pro-Roll Ltd celebrated its 20th anniversary of being in business. These two decades that have seen enormous growth for the company and its development from a hand-rolling mill to one of Sheffield’s leading metals manufacturers.

Pro-Roll Ltd started life back in 2000 as a small-quantity specialist hand rolling mill, fulfilling a gap in the industry after the closure of several small rolling mills in the Sheffield area. Making its home in the historic Little Matlock Rolling Mill in Loxley, Pro-Roll set-out with the business model of providing a bespoke service, dedicated to quality in the processing of specialised alloys for a variety of industries.

Since the company’s establishment in 2000, Pro-Roll Ltd’s levels of expertise in the rolling of "difficult" materials has continually developed, along with a host of more common grades of Steel, Alloys and Metals. Its main emphasis was as a hireworker; producing bars rolled to size or section shape from customer-supplied material, but as its reputation grew, it began to offer a complete supply package, from starting billet to finished bar, as and when customers required.

In August 2012, Pro-Roll opened up a brand-new bar finishing division on Claywheels Lane in Hillsborough, to bring “in-house” a lot of the processes that had previously been subcontracted

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externally. Fully equipped with a state-of-the-art pulse-fired heat treatment furnace, centreless grinding machines, bar straightening resources and bandsaws, as well as ultrasonic and hardness testing capabilities, the Claywheels Lane facility allowed Pro-Roll to further its expertise in the handling and processing of specialist alloys.

The most-recent expansion has seen it move to Pluto Works, off Penistone Road in Hillsborough.

Pro-Roll acquired the site at the end of 2016, combining together for the first time, all of its rolling and bar finishing activities onto one site.

This new expansion allowed it to further its capabilities and processes, most notably giving it the ability to melt its own product, and putting Pro-Roll in a position where it can provide customers with a full-supply service from ingot through to heattreated, machined bar.

In all of its history, Pro-Roll has never lost its focus on quality and customer service. In 2018, it added two new ingot annealing furnaces to further develop the melt capabilities. These facilities, paired with two existing six-tonne induction melting furnaces, which are retro-fitted with Argon shielding during the entire melt process, and a high-tech vacuum degassing station, argon purging, allow the firm to provide a quality product for applications such as: aerospace, nuclear, defence and engineering.

Pro-Roll also make a point of

‘Pro-Roll has never lost its focus on quality and customer service’

melting from prime materials, allowing It to control exactly what goes in to each material, and can produce bespoke melt chemistries to tight chemistry control.

Albeit Pro-Roll is a raw materials manufacturer, and ultimately there are further processes that take place with many of the materials it produces that turn them into their final forms; it is aware that material it has processed has made its way into aircraft parts (engine blades,

Pro-Roll employs state-of-the-art equipment

fasteners, and landing gear assemblies), biomedical implants (spinal fixtures, immobilisation structures and hip joints), petrochemical applications (seismic controls, sensors, valves and pumps), as well as motorsport and architectural purposes. Some notable applications of materials it has processed are: wrought Iron material for railings outside Buckingham Palace, chair struts inside the ISS, and historic Spitfire landing gear assemblies. It is also a first-tier supplier to the Rolls-Royce Nuclear Submarines programme, a position which the firm takes great pride in.

Pro-Roll’s dedication to quality product and service continues to this day with important quality accreditations being added such as; NadCap approval for heat treatment, AS9100 & ISO 9001, Rolls-Royce Aerospace & Submarines approvals, as well as a host of other OEM prime approvals for various industries.

Carrying on this legacy, Pro-Roll continues to develop and grow, proud to be a key name in Sheffield’s history of steel manufacturers.

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Sector Focus: Manufacturing

Rail depot specialist Mechan welcomes engineering duo

‘Tudor and Andrew stood out from other candidates, due to their experience’

Tudor Litoiu

Andrew Kennedy

ail depot equipment specialist Mechan is strengthening its technical expertise with the appointment of two experienced engineers.

Tudor Litoiu and Andrew Kennedy join the Sheffield-based manufacturer, to develop design solutions that will enhance the bespoke heavy lifting systems it supplies.

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Tudor Litoiu, will oversee the production of Mechan’s projects, from feasibility to installation. He will be responsible for liaising with clients, conducting tests, writing technical specifications and managing external suppliers.

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Local manufacturers appointed as official UK distributor for IMO Rotherham-based Neilson Hydraulics & Engineering Ltd and its sister company Sheffield-based VHS Hydraulic Components Ltd, producers of power packs, hydraulic systems and supply a vast range of hydraulic components, have been the appointed the official UK distributor for IMO, a specialist in turning and slewing solutions.

Made in Germany, IMO specialises in antifriction bearing technology.

The company provides a wide range of slew drives and slewing rings that can be used in a variety of applications including forestry, agriculture, mining, manlift platforms, maritime applications, machine construction and plant engineering.

Rob Turner, Managing Director of Neilson Hydraulics and VHS Hydraulic Components, said: “We have been working closely with IMO for nearly 10 years now on different projects and this news of the 74 CHAMBER connect Winter 2021

appointment in both companies comes with great excitement. We look forward to more collaboration with them in the UK marketplace.”

John Loonam, Technical Sales & Marketing Manager at IMO, said: “Neilson Hydraulics and VHS Hydraulic Components bring technical knowledge and the ability to engineer a total solution using IMO products, they are a key distributor for us.”

Neilson Hydraulics and VHS Hydraulic Components supply hydraulic components and solutions to companies in the agriculture, construction, engineering, farming, materials handling, marine, plastics, recycling and steel industry. The group also designs and manufactures hydraulic systems, power packs and cylinders at its two factories in Sheffield and Rotherham, in close proximity to the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Tudor has been involved in the creation of heavy lifting equipment in various sectors since 2006, working most recently as a mechanical design engineer for Goodwin International.

He said: “I am excited to become part of the small, friendly team at Mechan. The firm has an excellent reputation within the rail industry and I feel my skills and experience will help move it forward, improving the solutions we create to benefit customers and our service teams.”

Andrew Kennedy has taken on the role of Control Systems Engineer and will be tasked with developing a new control package, to improve existing and new products in the future.

He has a background in electrical design and has spent the last 14 years in a control systems role for Pentangle Engineering.

Martin Berry, Mechan’s Engineering Director, added: “Tudor and Andrew stood out from other candidates, due to their experience in related industries and I believe they will complement our existing design team perfectly. Both have excellent practical and theoretical knowledge that is going to be a real asset to us.”

For further information about Mechan’s portfolio of rail depot handling equipment, telephone (0114) 257 0563, visit www.mechan.co.uk or follow the firm on Twitter, @mechanuk

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Sector Focus: Manufacturing

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Sector Focus: Skills & Training Backing for centre of excellence A new Centre of Excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies will be built at Chesterfield College after the scheme was awarded a £500,000 grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The investment will support the D2N2 LEP’s vision of greener homes and technology, along with more energy-efficient public building; with construction being one of the most important sectors to the regional economy.

The project is one of 10 across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire which has received funding from D2N2’s £44m share of the government’s £900m Getting Building Fund.

The programme of investment is being used to improve digital infrastructure; support skills and career opportunities; and the transition to a low carbon economy to drive economic growth following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The funding award will allow Chesterfield College to create a new centre where local students will be able to learn state-of-the-art techniques such as Building Information Modelling and Virtual and Augmented reality.

The new centre, which will be housed in pre-existing premises owned by the college, will complement the current curriculum being delivered to teach advanced manufacturing and building techniques. It will offer learners the opportunity to develop the skills which employers need to meet the demands in their sector.

It’s hoped that these new skills will enhance learners employment and career development opportunities as well as their earning potential. The facility will also support the growing demand from employers for a workforce well versed in new technologies and construction methods.

With funding for the £875,000 facility now secured work will begin on the site ready to accept learner

by April 2021.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Through the Getting Building Fund, D2N2 is investing in projects that will drive the regeneration of our regional economy, adapt to new opportunities, and create a more resilient economy for everyone.

“I’m pleased D2N2 has been able to invest in this Centre of Excellence at Chesterfield College. Ensuring our workforce has the skills to take advantage of ever more sophisticated and greener construction methods is an essential part of our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable economy.”

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Partnership to meet autistic pupils’ needs A

Doncaster disability adaptations business has partnered with accessibility consultants to offer free training to help schools meet the needs of autistic pupils.

RISE Adaptations Ltd has teamed up with Access For All UK to deliver the webinars to primary and secondary schools around the country. Although specialist schools are available, 71% of autistic pupils attend mainstream schools and the organisations aim to enhance the experiences of young people with autism in these environments.

The webinars will be delivered by Derbyshire-based Access For All UK founders Jane Cooper and Gillian Scotford, who have autistic children themselves. They aim to help delegates understand autism, the barriers an autistic person may face in a school setting, and the solutions to overcome those barriers effectively.

Ben Hickey (pictured), who launched RISE Adaptations in October, said: “We are constantly speaking to heads and teachers, and beyond the typical role of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, there seems to be a real lack of confidence among

teaching and leadership staff about the best ways of supporting pupils with autism.

“Most of the specialist autism training already available is timeconsuming and costly, so we are trying to shift the model to make it more cost-effective and accessible for schools.

“We are thrilled to partner with Access For All UK, who are so committed to improving everyday life for children with additional needs, and we’re looking forward to the partnership developing further.”

RISE Adaptations design and install sensory rooms within schools to provide calming environments. They also work with other private and public sector organisations to provide modular and traditional build products, and despite the business being less than three months old, they are already in advanced talks with major transport providers, theme park operators, and NHS Trusts to provide sensory and changing

‘Our children are our greatest inspiration and our greatest teachers’

solutions to enhance disability provision.

The school training sessions are part of bigger plans with Access For All UK, which will see the companies work together on wider provision and support for schools around autism and sensory needs.

Jane Cooper, Co-founder of Access For All UK, said: “People think of accessibility and assume it must be really expensive, but most of it is about tiny little adjustments that make a massive difference.

“Our children are our greatest inspiration and our greatest teachers, and we want to share what we’ve learnt with others to improve learning experiences for autistic pupils.”

Brearley & Co welcome four new apprentices Top Rotherham Accountancy firm Brearley & Co have welcomed four new apprentices to their growing team. Florence Davidson, Alex Wootton, Luke Campbell and Casey Jo Ezeldine joined the Brearley team in late 2020. The apprentices will learn the skills needed for specific roles, and study for accountancy qualifications along the way.

Alan Cotton, Partner, said: “We have always been proud of the fact we invest in apprentices and fund all their studying up to the level they want to achieve. Setting on four people at the same time is a record for us and demonstrates that not only are we continuing to expand in these very difficult times, but we are adding extra resources to maintain the high level of service we provide to our clients.”

Brearley & Co specialise in a variety of accountancy services including tax planning, accounts, payroll, and corporate finance.

Founded in 1984, Brearley & Co have grown from their offices in Swinton, Mexborough employing 50 staff across their three offices in Swinton, Dinnington and Rotherham town centre.

Top: Florence Davidson and Alex Wootton Bottom: Luke Campbell and Casey Jo Ezeldine

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Sector Focus: Skills & Training

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Chamber Connect

For bookings or further information, please contact us:

t: 01709 529 709 e: rotherhamsales@daviesturner.co.uk

www.daviesturner.com

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Chamber Connect Davies Turner Plc, the long-established international freight and logistics company, has jumped 42 places to 119th position in the latest Sunday Times PwC Top Track 250 league table, sponsored by PwC and Lloyds Bank.

The rise up the Top Track 250 table follows Davies Turner’s earlier success in the British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) Freight Service Awards. Recognised as the UK's premier freight and logistics awards scheme, Davies Turner won gold in the European Logistics category.

This success is a testimony to the progressive investment that Davies Turner continues to make in its distribution centres, IT systems, services and staff training, while its strong audited results and financial performance are a product of its total focus on responding to ever-evolving customer needs.

With very few other logistics companies in the top 250 table, it gives Davies Turner a unique selling point in competitive and rapidly changing markets, which has been a characteristic of the company’s development throughout its 150 year history. Davies Turner is well placed to take on any challenges the future may bring.

Davies Turner Rotherham aim to give a high level of service to all its customers on all modes of transport, be it air, sea, road or courier.

We have the capabilities to move heavy and out of gauge consignments, as well as general freight forwarding by all modes. We also offer valued added services such as assisting with letter of credit and offering Marine Insurance. in essence from an envelope to a factory, normal to abnormal.

Andrew Ford Branch Manager d: 01709 529 709 e: andrewford@daviesturner.co.uk

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Chamber Connect

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Chamber Connect

We’re not just AirCentric we’re Customer Centric too…

A complete service tailored to your needs including design, installation and maintenance by our expert team • Market leading equipment from Daikin, Mitsubushi and Toshiba

• Air conditioning / Cooling / Chilling / Humidity Control Ventilation

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Angy Care is one of the leading health care staff providers in the UK. We have staff across the country, and are proud to support our local communities, by being a service you can rely on.

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We are currently recruiting for nurses and carers in the following regions: Lincoln, Doncaster, Hampshire, London and Kent, feel free to contact us to find out how we can guide you on your first steps towards a rewarding career in care.

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