EAR TO THE GROUND

Jill White, who runs Andy Hanselman Consulting with her husband, has made a career of helping entrepreneurs get off the ground as well as helping businesses grow and develop. She’s also one of the best connected people in the region, so each month we hear from her about where’s she’s been, who’s she’s met and what’s gripped her most in the last 28 days…

New Year, New Plans.Well, my 2023 plan is to slow down a little but of course, it never quite happens that way and January was no exception…First up I was thrilled to be asked by the current Master Cutler Julie Kenny (only the second ever female Master Cutler in almost 400 years), to attend The Cutler’s Hall for a discussion about inclusivity and diversity and about ‘Being a Woman in a Cutler’s World’. It was a fascinating discussion and great to be in the company of approximately 25 other women, young, old, manufacturers, non-manufacturers all keen to contribute and join the challenge of increasing women and diversity into ‘The Hall’.

Then, it was a real contrast, off to Gulliver’s Valley the very next day for the launch of Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture. Yes, that’s right! And wow, what a showcase. Skateboards, Hip Hop, BMX Bikes, music, dance, poetry, rap… and all by young people. A world first for Rotherham in 2025. Watch this space!

Then onto our very own 3D Connect Network. A packed full room at Westfield Health with a super panel comprising of Louisa Harrison-Walker from Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Jack Kidder from Henry Boot, Lynette

Parkes from Westfield Health, and David Cross from Sky-House sharing their thoughts and aspirations for 2023. A great start to our 3D Connect year; the next one is at Sheffield College on 23rd Feb where we’ll be focusing on Higher Skills, Higher Growth.

Finally, off to Whitley Hall for the South Yorkshire Women Angels/ Supporting Female Entrepreneurs lunch. And what an eye opener that was! 25 switched on female founders, investors and advisors in one room… and only three I knew! I’m losing my touch. Huge thanks to Jordan Dargue from North Invest for the invite and great to see where this one goes.

Ooh and now a late addition. I was very fortunate to be invited to the Lunar New Year celebrations hosted by Kelvin Quick and Jerry Cheung at China Red Restaurant. Oh what a feast! Superb hospitality, attentive customer service and such fabulous entertainment provided by the Sheffield Lion Dance Team. I was told by my table companion, Dr Panni Poh Yoke Loh that this is the year of the Water Rabbit and it’s all about HOPE.

I sincerely hope it’s a good one for you. ‘Kung Hei Fat Choy.’

Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.