RING LEADERS
HOW CAHVE IS RESHAPING THE JEWELLERY GAME
DESIGN FOR LIFE RITUAL FOUNDER LAUREN WILD ON TURNING ADVERSITY INTO IMPACT
BREAKING OUT THE SHEFFIELD ENTREPRENEUR BUILDING AN ESCAPE ROOM EMPIRE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT BIG IDEAS BROUGHT TO THE TABLE AT UNLTD’S FIRST WORKING LUNCH
PLUS… NEWS, INTERVIEWS, EXPERT ADVICE AND MORE!
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
Contents
THE COVER...
32: BREAKING THE MOULD
Brothers Luke and James Cottingham, founders of Cahve, join the unLTD Business Podcast to share how they’re making bespoke jewellery accessible for everyone –from home DIY kits to workshops in their Kelham Island studio.
12: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Our Working Lunch series recently launched at the stunning Victoria venue in Neepsend. With a theme focused on digital transformation in manufacturing, hear how leading voices from the industry came together to share insights and new ideas.
24: CHUCKLES FOR CHARITY
Last month, eight brave amateur comedians – including unLTD’s own Phil Turner – stepped up to the mic at the Leadmill for Sheffield Hospitals Charity’s comedy fundraiser. But did they bring the house down or bomb under the spotlight?
46: THE INSIDE TRACK
Russell Thompson explores how Hannah Duraid went from a spontaneous travelling experience and a spark of curiosity into launching The Great Escape Game – now one of the UK’s top escape room brands.
56: HIGHFIELD ADVENTURES
We get the lowdown on a gamechanging new space that is nearing completion in Mount Pleasant Park, thanks to a jointeffort from Sharrow Community Forum and local consultancy Austin Fletcher.
We’ve been getting into the swing of spring here at HQ, embracing the season’s spirit of fresh beginnings and innovation. With that in mind, this month’s issue introduces a couple of new features, social events and offers – a few of which I’ll highlight shortly.
After our customary post-Xmas hibernation, the unLTD team were long overdue a team night out. So when our MD, Phil Turner, announced he’d be trying his hand at stand-up in front of a sold-out crowd at The Leadmill, it felt like the perfect excuse for a few drinks and – hopefully, for his sake – some good laughs.
If you’re wondering whether our gaffer is planning to swap publishing for a career in comedy – or if this all hints at a midlife crisis in full flow – you’ll be relieved to hear it was in aid of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. The fantastic Chuckles for Charity event saw him joined by seven other business leaders, all stepping up to the mic and testing their material. Each act was superb, and the audience were in stitches from the off – especially when Phil, first on the bill, strode onto the stage in a rather snug Ziggy Stardust jumpsuit. Low-hanging fruit comes to mind… but you can read more about the night and the impressive amount raised on page 24.
I promised some new things, didn’t I? How about the launch of our Working Lunch series? The inaugural event was developed in partnership with Brook Consult and hosted at the recently opened Victoria in Neepsend.
The theme, Future-Ready: Smart Industry & Manufacturing, brought together a panel of industry leaders from Gripple, Sheffield Forgemasters and Brook. Topics ranged from digital transformation to strategic planning, with plenty of insight shared during the session and conversations that carried on well into the afternoon. We’re already planning the next one!
Elsewhere, Russ Thompson launches his new Inside Track column, charting the journeys and growth mindsets of some of South Yorkshire’s best entrepreneurs (p46). We share the inspirational story of Lauren Wild, who overcame a devastating childhood diagnosis to launch her own creative studio (p40). And for our cover feature, James Marriott meets the fraternal duo behind Cahve – a Sheffield business reshaping the jewellery industry (p32).
Enjoy the read and we'll see you next month!
Joseph Food, Editor.
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Joe Food
Joe@unltdbusiness.com
ONLINE EDITOR
Ash Birch
Ash@unltdbusiness.com
COLUMN EDITOR
Holly Dibden
holly@unltdbusiness.com
VIDEO CONTENT CREATOR
Lizzy Capps
lizzy@unltdbusiness.com
DESIGN
Marc Barker
ADVERTISING
Phil Turner phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498 034
Nick Hallam
nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk 07843 483536
FINANCE Lis Ellis accounts@ exposedmagazine.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
Dan Bumby
Steve Brown
Wendy Ward
Jill White
unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Sq., Kelham Riverside, Sheffield S3 8SD
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and while every effort is made to ensure information throughout unLTD is correct, changes prior to distribution may take place which can affect the accuracy of copy, therefore Blind Mice Media Ltd cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific listings.
JOIN THE CLUB
Introducing the unLTD Business Club –Your Gateway to Smarter Networking and Greater Business Visibility
At unLTD Business Magazine, our mission has always been clear – to connect, support and celebrate the South Yorkshire business community. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further with the launch of the unLTD Business Club – an exciting new membership initiative designed to give local businesses of all sizes more opportunities to grow, collaborate and thrive.
Whether you’re a growing SME looking for meaningful networking opportunities, an entrepreneur wanting to stay ahead of the curve, or a larger organisation seeking strategic brand exposure, subscribing will unlock a range of benefits tailored to meet your goals.
Launching officially in June 2025, the club is already open for sign-ups – with immediate access to a host of benefits depending on your subscription tier.
SO… WHY JOIN?
The unLTD Business Club is about more than just perks – it’s about being part of a community. Members will benefit from the power of local connections, increased visibility through South Yorkshire’s leading business publication, and insider access to some of the region’s most anticipated networking events.
Whether you’re looking to raise your profile, grow your network, or simply stay up to speed with the region’s dynamic business landscape, the unLTD Business Club offers a platform to support your ambitions.
GET STARTED TODAY
Early members will start receiving their benefits straight away – including access to event discounts and networking opportunities. The first printed issue of the magazine as part of your subscription will arrive in June, with recurring payments beginning from 1 July.
Visit unltdbusiness.com/businessclub to sign up or email phil@unltdbusiness.com for more information on Business Partner opportunities.
THREE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
BUSINESS SUBSCRIBER
£2.50/month (plus VAT)
Ideal for readers who want to stay informed, this entry-level tier ensures you receive:
– A guaranteed copy of unLTD Business magazine each month
– Monthly e-newsletter featuring news, insights and upcoming events
BUSINESS MEMBER
£10/month or £99/year (plus VAT)
Designed for professionals who want to network and engage more actively:
– Priority access to all unLTD Business Breakfasts, Socials and other events – free of charge
– Monthly e-newsletter
– A guaranteed print copy of unLTD Business magazine
– 10% discount on exhibition stands at the unLTD Business Expo
BUSINESS PARTNER
Tailored packages available
Our premium tier for businesses looking for strategic exposure and deeper engagement:
– Monthly print advertising and editorial features in unLTD Business magazine and on unLTDbusiness.com
– Social media promotion via LinkedIn
– Free priority access to all unLTD events for the duration of the campaign
– 10% discount on both unLTD Business Expo stands and unLTD Business Awards tickets and tables
– Opportunity to co-host networking events with the unLTD team
1 A RETRO FOOTBALL SHIRT COLLECTOR
4
IT PAYS TO SHOP INDEPENDENT
When it comes to vintage shirts, it really does pay to support indie businesses. The classic shirt market is dominated by a few big shops and sites, and unlike a lot of retail, you won’t find big hitters undercutting small sellers. You’ll often find shirts for half the price you’d expect just by doing a quick Google search and looking at the listings that sit at the top of the rankings.
2
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
Collecting football shirts is a complete minefield at times –there are so many intricacies that dictate desirability and value. Often, things such as the country of manufacture, stitching, wash labels and applied namesets all play a pivotal role in determining authenticity, variations and price points. Understanding the specifics of your kits is the best way to avoid getting stung in a space full of chancers – knowledge is power.
3
COLLECT WHAT YOU LOVE
Collecting shirts is all about embracing what you’re passionate about. A lot of people fall into the trap of FOMO and influence from others. Your kits should always be a reflection of your love of football and fabric. A lot of collectors and sellers who jumped onto the Covid boom have long since left the space –I’m a firm believer that if you haven’t got a deep interest in your hobby, you’re probably in it for the wrong reasons.
FOOTBALL IS THE WORLD’S GLOBAL LANGUAGE
In an age where social media throws up so many controversies, the connections and friendships I’ve created with people from all over the globe are really quite special. In the few months at our studio in The Steamworks, we’ve had visitors from Japan, Argentina and across Europe – most of these friendships were forged over a shared love of football and kits online.
5
THERE ARE LOADS OF KIT RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you’re looking to get into collecting kits, there are tonnes of free online resources available to everyone. Oldfootballshirts. com and Football Kit Archive are two great sites for determining years of use and researching kits in general. YouTube is another great resource – I’ve spent many hours flicking through old archive clips to determine details, specifically on rarer shirts. You’ll also find an abundance of knowledgeable and friendly sellers and collectors
Tom Granville is the founder and owner of Granny’s Football Store, based in The Steamworks on Randall Street. Browse online at grannysfootballstore. com and follow @ grannysfootballstore for news of monthly pop-up events.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
unLTD Business Magazine, in collaboration with Brook Consult, launched its inaugural Working Lunch event last week – the first in a new series set to spotlight innovation and growth across South Yorkshire’s business community.
Hosted at Victoria in Neepsend – a stylish, welcoming new venue that proved ideal for networking and conversation – the event focused on the theme Future-Ready: Smart Industry & Manufacturing. It drew together industry leaders, technology experts and local business decision-makers for a thought-provoking morning exploring digital transformation in manufacturing.
Panellists included Charlotte Hill, Operations Director at employee-owned Sheffield success story Gripple Ltd; Steven Price, Head of Manufacturing Strategy at Forgemasters; and Andrew Armstrong, Project Director at Brook Consult. Each brought practical insights into how traditional manufacturing operations are evolving – from process automation and data-led decision-making, to funding and planning support for long-term transformation.
With Forgemasters now under Ministry of Defence ownership and Gripple continuing to reinvest profits into innovation,
the discussion highlighted the different but equally ambitious approaches companies are taking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world. Brook Consult’s contribution added a valuable advisory perspective on how businesses can access support and strategically manage their modernisation journey.
The event’s format – a 45-minute panel session bookended by informal networking and a relaxed lunch –aimed to strike the right balance between insight and interaction. Attendees praised both the content and the atmosphere, with particularly strong feedback on the food – a standout Greek meze spread – and the overall organisation of the morning.
“It was a brilliant start,” said unLTD’s MD and event co-host, Phil Turner. “Great energy in the room, excellent speakers and a lot of interest from attendees in keeping the conversation going. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
With top-notch venues, engaged audiences and discussions designed to spark innovation, the Working Lunch series looks set to become a valuable fixture in the region’s business calendar.
Keep an eye on our LinkedIn, Instagram and website for details of the next get-together!
Saturday 22n d November
Back for the first time in six years, join The Children’s Hospital Charity as we celebrate the long awaited return of The Winter Ball, hosted by TV’s Dan Walker, raising vital funds for Sheffield Children’s!
VA Services
Sometimes, it’s all the tasks that you wouldn’t technically include in a job description that takes up the most time. Like, they need doing, or else you could lose out on business opportunities and profit or risk being noncompliant, but life glued to the computer is just not what you signed up for. But fortunately for you… It IS what we signed up for! Jokes aside, Slice Virtual Assistance lends itself to any business who needs additional support.
Recruitment
Here at Slice, we’re experienced in working with large corporates, independents, and offering internal Recruitment support for growing businesses. We get to know your
and development.
HR
At Slice Solutions, we offer tailored Virtual Assistance, Recruitment and HR services designed to help you reach your goals – without the stress. Whether you’re just starting to grow or already well established, we’re here to be that extra pair of hands you can rely on. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your
Agenda BUSINESSES FACE FURTHER UNCERTAINTY AFTER SPRING STATEMENT
Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented her Spring Statement to Parliament last month, including plans for deep cuts to welfare spending and public services.
Responding to the statement, Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said:
“Today’s announcement will offer little comfort to businesses. Many of our members are facing enormous pressures as a direct result of the decisions taken in Westminster.
“The Chancellor clearly signalled that the property, construction and defence sectors will all play vital roles in re-igniting Britain’s ailing economy, but if these ambitions are to be realised, it must coincide with wholesale reform of Britain’s planning system – something that is unlikely to happen overnight.
“At the same time the Government must do more to safeguard the futures of Britain’s hospitality, leisure and retail sectors. In recent weeks we have successfully worked with Barnsley Council to deliver some relief to businesses operating in these sectors. I would encourage both the Government and other local authorities to follow this example, which is helping to safeguard the future of businesses which play such a vital role in shaping our high streets and town and city centres.”
Reacting to the OBR Spring Statement, Louisa Harrison-Walker
OBE, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive, said that whilst long-term forecasts are positive, the current business environment remains volatile and confusing.
Louisa said: “The small businesses that continue to power the UK’s economy, while driving innovation and creating jobs, will feel as apprehensive after today’s update as they did last Autumn.
“While the long-term forecast appears positive, the reality is that it is difficult
for businesses to operate in the current economic environment and that will only get harder once the NIC increase comes into play next month.
“Although inflation saw a slight dip, the reality is that very little has changed for the British business community, or indeed Sheffield’s. While the doubling of Employment Allowance thresholds next month offers businesses some support, it is no secret that businesses in the UK are struggling.
“Nevertheless, there were
THE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT CONTINUE TO POWER THE UK’S ECONOMY, WHILE DRIVING INNOVATION AND CREATING JOBS, WILL FEEL AS APPREHENSIVE AFTER TODAY’S UPDATE AS THEY DID LAST AUTUMN.
some positive signs in the Chancellor’s statement. Increased investment in training in construction, the removal of planning barriers and plans to make it easier for SMEs to bid for defence contracts are welcome policies.
“Operating a business in the UK is a challenge at the moment and in the immediate future it will get tougher, but it is hoped that the Chancellor’s longerterm framework will provide stability for the economy in the coming years.”
LOCAL OPERATOR ANNOUNCED FOR NEW CREATIVE HUB
Sheffield’s city centre is set to welcome a brand-new creative hub as Event Central moves a step closer to opening its doors – and it’s now got a familiar Sheffield name at the helm.
The ambitious project will see a building in the middle of Fargate transformed into a multi-purpose event space, designed to showcase the very best of Sheffield’s diverse creative talent.
Backed by Sheffield City Council and Government funding, the venue will play host to gigs, exhibitions, community workshops and more, adding a fresh cultural focal point to the city’s high street.
In a major milestone for the project, Sheffield City Council has revealed Creative Arts Development Space (CADS) as the preferred operator to run Event Central when it opens in 2026.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said the venue would play a key role in supporting Sheffield’s creative community.
“We know that Sheffield is packed with talent, and we have some fantastic venues. Event Central will be an ideal location, right in the heart of our city, for all the various types of talent to be showcased under one roof,” he said. “The transformation of the building will be a crucial part of our vision for Fargate, attracting more visitors to this well-loved area of the city centre.”
CADS, the non-profit organisation known for supporting creative industries and repurposing unique spaces across Sheffield, will bring their expertise to the project. Dan Butlin, Head of Operations at CADS, said the team was looking forward to delivering a diverse programme of events once the venue was ready.
“We’re delighted to have been selected as the operator for Event Central. Once renovations are completed, we look forward to delivering a diverse programme of events and making the most of the space for years to come,” he said. “With over 15 years of experience in managing cultural spaces and supporting creative industries in Sheffield, we’re committed to ensuring Event Central becomes a vibrant hub that serves the people of Sheffield in the best way possible.”
Updated plans for the venue include a 250-capacity live event space on the ground floor, alongside a café/bar area and the main entrance. The three upper floors will be used for co-working spaces and meeting rooms, offering a creative hub for freelancers, businesses and artists alike.
NIBS
NEW CEO FOR SYCF
Martin Singer has taken over as chief executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF). Martin has joined SYCF from South Yorkshire Charity Mentors (SYCM) where he was CEO. Martin is also a Director and a Trustee at Sheffield Museums and Age UK Rotherham, as well as a Director at Sheffield Cathedral Enterprises. He takes over from Ruth Willis, who has retired.
TRIPLE TREAT FOR HYGGE CAFÉ
Much-loved indie café Hygge will open its third location on the ground floor of Elshaw House on Wellington Street, offering customers a new spot overlooking the green space of Pounds Park. Hygge along with multinational companies and creatives are flocking to Sheffield City Council’s Heart of the City development.
SPELLBINDING SUCCESS
Grimm & Co, the Rotherham-based children’s literacy charity that helped inspire the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture, has been recognised with a prestigious Cultural Enterprise Award in the Best Visitor Experience category. The announcement came at an awards ceremony in Liverpool, where Founding Chief Executive Deborah Bullivant proudly collected the award.
GREEN LIGHT FOR CANAL FLATS
Urban Front Reality Ltd have been given the green light to convert landmark building ‘The Straddle’ on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal basin. The grade II-listed former grain warehouse was built in the 1880s but has been vacant since August 2021. Planning permission is sought to convert the building into 27 apartments, with a mix of one, two, and threebedroom units.
OLYMPIC LEGACY PARK ENTERS NEW ERA
The Community Stadium at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park has been officially renamed Steel City Stadium, celebrating Sheffield’s industrial heritage while embracing its future as a global centre of excellence for innovation in sport, health and wellbeing. Opened in 2022, the stadium was developed by leading property regeneration and placemaking specialist Scarborough Group International (SGI).
Agenda
NEW LAB FACILITY TRANSFORMING INNOVATION LANDSCAPE
Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) has launched a brand-new shared lab facility, responding to the increasing demand for high-quality laboratory space from science and technology startups, university spinouts, and companies relocating to Sheffield.
Adjacent to the new labs, STP has also unveiled a dedicated shared office space, designed to support lab users with the additional facilities they need to grow their businesses.
The space is a direct response to the rising number of knowledge-led companies choosing Sheffield as their base. With the University of Sheffield producing world-class research with high potential for commercialisation, the need for specialist lab space has never been greater. At the same time, companies from across the UK are increasingly looking outside traditional hubs to cities like Sheffield, where access to affordable, high-quality facilities and a supportive ecosystem make scaling a business more viable.
The first company to benefit from the new shared lab space is Deep Blue Biotech, a sustainable biotech firm that has relocated from the Southeast of England.
“For an early-stage business, being in a communal lab is a far more economical way of doing things,” Tim Corcoran, CoFounder and Chief Operations Officer comments. “It works well for us as we are only a small team and rarely have all members in at once, so we don’t need a huge space.”
Specialising in harnessing marine ‘cyanobacteria’ to develop eco-friendly alternatives for the health and beauty industries, Deep Blue Biotech was drawn
to Sheffield’s collaborative environment and access to cutting-edge research and expertise within the city’s innovation network.
Tim adds, “Having the University on our doorstep is incredibly useful—we’ve had some great conversations, and they’re a fantastic resource to tap into. If we can commercialise the use of cyanobacteria in chemical production, it will be a big advantage to them as well.”
Beyond providing physical space, the expansion of STP’s facilities plays a crucial role in boosting collaboration. Clustering science and technology businesses together increases opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation driven by shared expertise. By co-locating lab and office users, STP is ensuring that researchers and entrepreneurs can connect, share insights, and accelerate their growth within a dynamic and supportive community.
“The launch of our shared lab and office spaces marks a significant milestone for Sheffield’s DeepTech sector,” says Tom Wolfenden, Chief Executive at Sheffield Technology Parks.
“STP remains the starting point for many early-stage companies, giving them the flexible, high-quality space they need to scale. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, and by creating an environment that encourages collaboration, we’re ensuring that Sheffield remains a magnet for ambitious people, and the science and technology businesses they are starting.”
For more information or to enquire about labspace availability, please visit shefftechparks.com/labspace or contact hello@shefftechparks.com
NEEPSEND PADEL CLUB APPROVED
Developer Capital&Centric and Club de Padel’s application to Sheffield City Council earlier this year for development at the former Cannon Brewery site in Neepsend, have been approved following much anticipation surrounding the famous building's redevelopment.
The application covers the temporary use of a warehouse on the site for use as a padel facility for a period of five years.
Five courts are proposed, together with a club shop, coffee and bar.
James Wigglesworth, co-founder of Club de Padel, added: “We’re looking forward to opening our second site in this incredible space. Sheffield has all the ingredients for us, and this building in Neepsend has bags of character, which felt perfect for our urban, inclusive club.”
Club de Padel is set to open at the former Cannon Brewery in summer 2025.
Capital&Centric is working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Sheffield City Council to bring Cannon Brewery forward. The combined authority awarded a £11.67m grant to kick-start the regeneration last year. www.clubdepadel.co.uk
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT PHIL TURNER AND SHEFFIELD HOSPITALS CHARITY
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT PHIL TURNER AND SHEFFIELD HOSPITALS CHARITY
Mad March Agenda
Whyy? Change Shortlisted for Prestigious Award
Whyy? Change, a leading training provider in Rotherham, has recently announced its nomination for the Training Provider of the Year award at the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2025, marking its fifth consecutive shortlisting at the prestigious ceremony.
In 2024, Whyy? Change was Highly Commended, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality apprenticeships across South Yorkshire. Over the past two years, apprentices Kiya Cannon and Amy Webster have won their individual award categories. This year, Rebecca Beever, a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprentice at Straaltechniek UK Ltd, is shortlisted for Advanced Apprentice of the Year and Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year.
Emma Harrison, Managing Director of Whyy? Change, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, telling unLTD: “Being shortlisted for the Training Provider of the Year award for five consecutive years is a testament to the consistent hard work and dedication of our team in supporting and developing our apprentices. We are committed to providing our apprentices with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers, and this nomination reinforces our position as a leading apprenticeship provider in South Yorkshire.”
Whyy? Change’s face-to-face delivery approach to apprenticeship training focuses on personalised learning experiences, industry-relevant skills and are designed to meet the needs of both apprentices and employers.
For further information on how Whyy? can help develop staff members to transform businesses or the latest advice on a range of apprenticeship, leadership and learning courses, head over to www. whyychange.com
With Jill White of Andy Hanselman Consulting
This month’s column is as much about the ones I didn’t make as the ones I did.
First up, two Expos - well, one Expo and one Showcase!
Hats off again to the unLTD team and their event at Magna and Cannon Medical Arena proved to be a super venue later in the month for the Sheffield Chamber Showcase.
Inspiring Sheffield panels and speakers plus a half pipe and a racing car both made their event debut.
Bravo, Amy Cooper and the Onboard Skatepark team plus Rowan Campbell-Pilling with his impressive car as he commences his 2025 driving season.
International Women’s Day gave us an inspirational and inclusive event, Leadership Unleashed, at The Showroom with more incredible speeches and insights. Special mention to the Next Generation speakers and attendees from Sheffield College. They wowed us. Bravo to Sheffield Chamber, Sheffield City Council and partners who made this happen.
I also have to highlight the Chuckles for Charity event at The Leadmill where a very brave lineup of standup comedians helped raise a whopping £15,000 for Sheffield Hospital’s Charity Dementia Appeal. Sam Headford, Nigel Short, Joe Gleadall, Phil Turner, Laura Cartwright, Mark Rawson, Ross Musgrove and Alex Dobson, take a bow. You were all awesome and very tough to judge!
Business beyond the Game with SUFC took us to Yard Ball, a Cavendish Cancer Care fundraiser with David Heugh gave us a Day at the Races and a Twilight of Treats and Tales entertained us at Grimm and Co’s first fundraising event. Grimm and tonic, anyone?
What a behind the scenes triumph from the team at Hydracreative who made the event happen, Ryan, Gemma and Alex - you were phantasmagorical!
As were the young entrepreneurs pitching at the Big Challenge Dragons Den event at Sheffield Town Hall, another tough line up to judge. Trust me, the future is safe.
And the ones I didn’t make?
Apologies to Get Up to Speed’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, Wine and Cheese with Andrew Lofthouse, Grappa’s re-opening event and Yard Gallery’s launch of From the City to the Peaks.
The latter show is on for 6 weeks, so maybe next month?
Let’s see...
Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.
• Do you have the knowledge to gain ISO certification, but not the time?
• Are you struggling to know where to start?
At Glade we can take the worries of certification away with our tailor-made service to help you through the process.
ISO certification can be a big lever to winning new business, and you often need it if you are tendering for contracts, especially for government organisations, utilities companies and major industrial supply chains. The journey to certification might seem daunting but Glade Consulting can help you complete it smoothly.
Rather than simply achieving ISO, we aim to help you implement a system that benefits your whole business; this might include ISO9001 (Quality), ISO14001 (Environment), ISO27001 (Information Security) or ISO45001 (Health and Safety). If you require additional standards just ask.
With experience in operations and sales across a range of sectors, such as construction, fire and security, service industries and renewables, Glade Consulting Services take a pragmatic approach to ISO certification – one that fits in with your business.
Call Now
Tel: 0114 398 4123 www.gladecs.co.uk enquiries@gladecs.co.uk
Dearly Department Agenda
START SMALL, DREAM BIG!
What age were you when you started to have an idea about careers?
Starting careers conversations at an early age is so important to help children explore the huge range of options they have in front of them. If we want them to have big ambitions, it is essential that we keep their minds open to lots of possibilities.
Following the closure of Kommune, one of Castlegate’s most recognisable buildings is set for a major transformation. Rising from the ashes of the former food hall comes Department – a new multi-use social space built around collaboration, culture and creativity.
Led by Jon Perry, one of the original minds behind Kommune, Department is not a rebrand but a completely fresh venture with a new company, new partners and a clear sense of purpose. “We’ve gone back to the drawing board and asked, ‘What does the city need now?’” he says.
Gone is the pure food-hall model. In its place: a curated mix of independent food and drink, grassroots cultural programming, and flexible creative space. “It’s more about nurturing talent, offering up space to creatives and makers, and getting back to that original idea of cultural programming,” Jon adds.
Live events are central to the vision, with plans for gigs, workshops, screenings and more. “We’re working with local promoters and curating the experience – we don’t just want to open the doors and hope people turn up.”
From a business perspective, Department is scaling back the number of food vendors to focus on fewer, more invested partners, supported by a renewed bar offer and considered interior redesign. “It’s about atmosphere and flexibility – somewhere people want to spend time, even if they’re not eating.”
Set to open this spring, Department is shaping up to be a bold and timely addition to Sheffield’s city centre revival. “We’ve listened, we’ve learned – and we’re building something that reflects where the city’s at today.”
Research tells us that children aged 6-8 start to form ideas of jobs based on gender stereotypes, so we are always looking for volunteers who work in jobs that are not ‘typical’ for their gender to get involved.
At age 9-13, children start to limit their aspirations to what they see around them, so arranging encounters with professionals in jobs they may not have heard of promotes awareness and aspiration.
In March, with funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company ‘Start Small Dream Big’ initiative, we supported 400+ primary school children to take part in Skills Street led activities at the ‘Get Up To Speed’ event at Magna..
The brilliant team at Skills Street supported the children around their carousel of business volunteers including a pilot, youth worker, accountant, sporting events promoter, HR and business development.
They then went to explore a mega marketplace of employers offering engaging activities to explain their careers and immersive sector specific skills workshops.
If you are not already working with us and want to find out how you can help us to improve life chances and career choices, we’d love to hear from you at seeitbeit@sheffield.gov.uk
CHUCKLES FOR CHARITY
Last month, eight brave souls – including unLTD’s very own head honcho – took to the Leadmill stage to try their hand at standup comedy, all in aid of people in Sheffield living with dementia.
Chuckles for Charity, organised by Sheffield Hospitals Charity, played to a sell-out crowd of 400 and, at time of print, has raised a whopping £17,309.18 – with donations still rolling in.
The performers came from across Sheffield’s business community and included: Laura Cartwright (Terra Nova Equipment), Alex Dobson (Freeths), Joe Gleadall (Amby Recruitment), Sam Headford (See It, Be It), Ross Musgrove (Bravand), Mark Rawson (Seven Hills Creative), Nigel Short (VOOT Telecom) and representing unLTD Magazine… drumroll, please… our very own Phil Turner.
Ahead of the big night, the rookie comedians trained with seasoned stand-up and MC for the evening, Anthony J Brown, who led five sessions to help them shape and sharpen their ten-minute routines.
The crowd was warmed up by Anthony and award-winning Bradford comic Howard Walker, before our Phil (or should we say Ziggy?) opened the show.
“I was actually really excited and quietly confident because we’d been well prepped and we knew our material,” said Phil. “Everyone laughed more than I thought they would, which is obviously a bonus, and the audience were incredible throughout. There were some nerves, of course, but it really was a lot of fun.”
While the main aim was raising funds, there was also a healthy dose of competition with three awards on the line: Chuckle Champion (selected by a guest judging panel), Audience Favourite (decided by crowd vote) and Charity Champion (awarded to the top fundraiser).
Joe Gleadall took home the Chuckle Champion
title for a slick set that included on-screen flow charts and a particularly gruelling tale involving a brush with airport security. Alex Dobson scooped the Audience Favourite, while Nigel Short was crowned Charity Champion for his impressive fundraising efforts.
Reflecting on the evening, Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, told unLTD: “I asked our audience at the Leadmill why these fantastic newbie comedians had signed up for our first ever comedy gig. Were they p****d, brave or stupid? After watching all their incredible performances, I can tell you they were very much one of the three –brave! But they were also wonderfully funny and did a phenomenal job raising funds to support people in Sheffield living with dementia.
“Sheffield Hospitals Charity is investing £600,000 in dementia projects over the next two years. Through ticket sales and fundraising, Phil and our other seven beautiful people have raised a huge amount towards this. A massive thank you to all our comedians and to the hugely supportive audience that filled the Leadmill with laughter.”
After another successful, laughter-filled night for a fantastic cause, Chuckles for Charity will return in 2026. Think you’ve got what it takes? Find out more and register your interest via the QR code below.
At FluidOne, we can help secure your Copilot by:
• Enabling multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access.
• Providing next-gen antivirus protection and real-time cyber threat detection.
• Manually classifying sensitive data to control what Copilot can access.
• Deploying mobile device management to protect business data and prevent leaks.
• Securing emails and collaboration tools with technologies to mitigate cyber threats.
FluidOne
BY STEVE BROWN, MD, FLUIDONE BUSINESS IT - SHEFFIELD
SECURING MICROSOFT COPILOT: HOW TO MAINTAIN GOVERNANCE AND PROTECT YOUR DATA
Since its release in 2024, Microsoft Copilot has significantly impacted business IT. While it offers substantial productivity gains, it requires planning, proactive management, and user training to mitigate data protection and governance risks.
Governance Challenge Research shows that 75% of users incorporate AI in their workflows, with 78% using personal tools. This creates a “shadow IT” environment, where IT teams struggle to monitor tools and prevent data breaches. This is especially concerning when confidential data is shared unknowingly.
While corporate AI tools, like Microsoft Copilot, help reduce some of these issues, they bring their own concerns. Copilot operates within an organisation’s environment and surfaces data based on individual permissions, streamlining workflows. However, without proper governance, it can expose sensitive information.
AI lacks human discretion. For example, Copilot might surface potentially harmful links or attachments in emails, which could unknowingly compromise a device. Therefore, securing Copilot deployments with proper controls is crucial to preventing data leaks and cyber risks.
Immediate Measures
• Microsoft 365 Business Premium provides several tools to secure Copilot:
• Microsoft Entra ID P1: Enables multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access and safeguards data from accidental breaches by preventing user input
from training the model.
• Microsoft Intune P1: Offers mobile device management to protect business data and prevents leaks via unauthorised apps or screenshots.
• Microsoft Defender for Business: Provides nextgen antivirus protection and real-time cyber threat detection.
• Microsoft Defender for Office 365 P1: Secures emails and collaboration tools with technologies like Safe Links and Safe Attachments to mitigate cyber threats.
• Microsoft Purview: Allows for manual classification of sensitive data, helping
to control what Copilot can access.
Outside Business Premium, organisations can enable Restricted SharePoint Search to limit Copilot’s access to specific folders, though this feature will soon be removed.
Advanced Security
Microsoft Purview’s P2 licence enhances security with automatic detection and labelling of sensitive information. Copilot integrates with Purview, ensuring that sensitive files are properly flagged, preventing accidental data exposure. Additionally, SharePoint
Advanced Management helps manage permissions and enforce conditional access policies, protecting data from both accidental exposure and insider threats.
Conclusion
Deploying Copilot requires robust security measures. Whether you’re just starting or retroactively securing data, we can help you with Copilot Optimisation Assessments to ensure proper governance and data protection. You can reach us through our website at www.fluidone.com or call us at 0114 292 3800 or email sheffieldenquiries@ fluidone.com.
Lightbulb Moment CONNECTED VEHICLE SOLUTIONS
Situated in the heart of Doncaster, Connected Vehicle Solutions (CVS) recently marked its first anniversary. Founder Jason Craven tells unLTD how his goal has always been to bring a genuinely innovative approach to a crowded market…
With over 18 years of experience in the video telematics industry, Jason has partnered with global organisations to deliver advanced technology that helps fleet operators reduce incident claims while simultaneously decreasing their carbon footprint - just two of the many benefits his solutions provide to fleet operations
This wealth of experience has shaped Jason’s understanding of the industry, allowing him to identify both its strengths and weaknesses. He felt it was the right moment to provide a fresh alternative, one that directly addresses the specific challenges and pain points faced by businesses - an approach that has been long overdue in the sector.
The past year has been foundational, ensuring that effective solutions are established, including cutting-edge hardware that incorporates genuine machine learning AI technology. With these innovations, CVS is poised to deliver meaningful benefits to customers by evaluating their current setups and pinpointing what is necessary. New adopters of this technology often assume they require everything, which is not always the case.
Jason has also welcomed Graham Gardner to the team. With more than 20 years of experience in the fleet industry across various sectors, including incident management, risk management, telematics, and video telematics, Graham’s extensive background will enhance the business strategy and facilitate growth.
“Fleets have followed the same route for years with little disruption in the market,” explained Graham. “Companies often find themselves trapped in a cycle of endless contracts, wary of the costs associated with change and its effects on operations. It’s time for an innovative approach, and I was immediately drawn to what Jason and CVS are developing and the benefits it offers to customers.”
Business Doncaster has been instrumental in supporting Jason by connecting him with various networking and supply chain opportunities, guiding him to business forums where he can engage with other like-minded organisations, share insights and forge new connections.
What sets CVS apart is their commitment to saving clients’ money while delivering exceptional service. To start, they identify what clients already have in place to see if it can be leveraged. If the existing systems are functional, there’s no need for clients to make unnecessary purchases. Unfortunately, the industry often requires clients to buy new hardware when switching providers, which is unjust. Hardware typically remains operational and can be migrated to a new platform, and it represents one of the largest expenses for fleets.
Connected Vehicle Solutions provides a diverse array of customisable options tailored to meet clients’ needs. While many fleets and businesses face similar challenges, they distinguishes themselves by striving to understand precisely what clients aim to achieve, implementing solutions from day one.
Jason expands on this: “Clients are at the core of our mission. From our initial meeting to ongoing support, we don’t just sell a generic solution; we focus on understanding their operations and the specific challenges they encounter, crafting a solution that supports them.
“The industry has lost sight of client needs. Video telematics offer numerous benefits, many of which are secondary to primary objectives. For instance, integrating a video telematics solution can enhance insurance claims, which can lead to improved driver behaviour, ultimately driving better efficiency and reducing fuel costs. The solution essentially becomes self-sustaining once adopted, and that’s where we come in.”
CVS also offers various fleet solutions, such as driver walkaround checks. Many companies still rely on paperbased methods or neglect these checks entirely; why not have drivers report vehicle issues to enhance safety?
Regarding security asset tracking, many telematics devices are typically installed in the same location, often connected to the ignition. While this is convenient, it also makes it easier for thieves. By incorporating a batterypowered security tracker that reports once or twice daily, fleets gain an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
CVS’s camera solutions span from a single forwardfacing dashcam to intricate multi-camera setups covering an entire fleet. These solutions include driverfacing AI cameras designed to reduce distractions, such as mobile phone usage. Fleets may also want to monitor their surroundings, both inside and outside the vehicle, for added security. The approach is straightforward: CVS provide only the solutions clients desire from the outset, allowing for upgrades and additional features as needed.
The business was established with the core pillar of providing exceptional customer service from the very beginning. This commitment extends from the initial meeting and onboarding process to the ongoing review meetings. Both directors uphold this principle, and anyone who joins the business in the future will embrace the same ethos.
Contact CVS today on 0800 7555253 or at connectedvehiclesolutions.co.uk. and saferroads@ connectedvehiclesolutions.co.uk
In the latest episode of the unLTD Business Podcast, host James Marriott chats to brothers Luke and James Cottingham – the founders of Cahve, a Sheffield-born brand that’s reshaping the jewellery world.
From fashion and football to fingerprint rings and bottle-opener bands, the pair share the story behind a business that makes bespoke jewellery beautifully simple – whether you’re whittling wax at your kitchen table or designing something meaningful in their Kelham Island studio.
First of all, could you introduce yourselves?
JC: Sure! I’m James, co-founder of Cahve.
LC: And I’m Luke, the other cofounder of Cahve – and his brother.
Tell us a little bit more about what you do?
JC: Whenever anyone asks that question, Luke will give me the sideeye or a nudge under the table as if to say, you take this one.
I’ll give you the short-ish version: we help people create bespoke jewellery. We’re kind of glorified middle-men, without doing ourselves a disservice.
We’ve made the workshop and the process of making and designing your own jewellery accessible to anybody.
We sell kits all over the world that allow people to create bespoke jewellery from home and we also host workshops here in the studio and remotely across the UK and now in the US.
It’s a unique concept but it has been really successful, really popular across the UK, and now the US, and it’s something we deeply love to do.
No day is the same. There’s always a new creation, a new project, a new enquiry. At its core, we help people to create really meaningful jewellery.
When I think about making jewellery, I have this image of
really hot machines and big hammers – something very specialist. How does it work, sending people kits so they can do it themselves at home?
LC: The kits have a range of tools – shaping tools, sandpapers, everything you need to whittle away blue pieces of wax into the desired jewellery piece.
Then you post it back to us, create an online submission telling us exactly how you want it, and we work with our production teams to batch-cast every single unique piece.
It looks a bit like a Brussel sprout branch, with each branch holding a unique piece. We cast that entire structure in a solid precious metal. We work in sterling silver as standard but also cast in gold, platinum and more.
We’ve had some wild requests like – was it tantalum? But yes, we’ve had some interesting enquiries. We cast the structure, hand finish each individual piece to the customer’s specification and post it back.
We open up the doors of a traditional jewellery casting facility, which can be chaotic and dirty, to anybody who wants to try it from the comfort of their own home.
JC: I would like to add that not all jewellers work in dire conditions, with black roofs and tools everywhere. They all have their systems.
But it’s very authentic – exactly how you imagine the workshop
process to be. While casting and silversmithing are supremely specialist skills, the design part is subjective.
What’s beautiful to me might be different to Luke or to you. That’s the part we leaned into when we first started the business.
We had no silversmithing or design background. We had a perspective and felt we could make the expert part accessible to people with no experience but a desire to create something unique.
When I think of the jewellery world, you go into a shop and it’s all off-the-shelf. Why does that personalisation element matter so much to you?
LC: I always think of case studies when we host wedding ring events here in the studio or things we hear from customers.
One couple made plain polished wedding bands but had each other’s thumbprints mounted into the inside of the band – a hidden detail they could cherish.
On the other end of the scale, we’ve had wedding rings with spikes in them and all sorts of stuff. People want something meaningful that tells a story – something they can talk to and about with people.
No matter how traditional or off-piste you want to go, that’s something that we’re able to offer.
JC: From our perspective, it goes back to where we started. Prior
WE’VE MADE THE WORKSHOP AND THE PROCESS OF MAKING AND DESIGNING YOUR OWN JEWELLERY ACCESSIBLE TO ANYBODY.”
to Cahve, Luke and I designed clothes. It wasn’t based on trends or styles; we made what we wanted in our own wardrobe.
In the same way with jewellery, it was: “What am I missing? What would I love to wear? What have I seen that I’d like to change a little bit?”
Many people around the world share that perspective – they see something they like but want to change it.
That process of creating something super unique and meaningful is just as memorable as the piece itself.
When people come in to design their engagement or wedding rings in here, the process is very relaxed and it’s very meaningful.
It’s double-pronged – the physical piece and the memory of designing it with your partner or a friend, a parent, a brother. Those times are eternalised in the piece as well.
One of the things I love saying is people are gloriously weird. So, what’s the coolest or weirdest design that someone has come up with?
JC: You could view our business in two camps: you have “make at home” and “make in person.”
For make-at-home you have heirloom kits, which is impression jewellery – you press into wax and create fingerprints of babies, toddlers, a parent, even dog nose prints!
Yesterday, Liam brought through a wax impression that had two rabbit’s nails pressed in, so there are some really cool impressions that
are captured.
The jewellery-making kit though, that’s where people do tend to venture off-piste. People make pieces to celebrate a moment or a person, and the sky’s kind of the limit in terms of designs with that kit – rings, earrings, pendants, cufflinks – and what you do is entirely up to you.
We had a guy create a ring that also doubles up as a bottle opener once, which is cool.
LC: We had one that was basically like what I would imagine Mount Doom to look like on your finger!
I imagine now that with the weight on it, the arm they wear it on is probably now one inch longer.
We’ve had some absolutely incredible, show-stopping pieces through that.
You said “the sky’s the limit.” Is that true? Has there ever been a design you just couldn’t do?
JC: The other day we had a request for a Japanese-style ring that layers different metals – gold, silver plates, whatever concoction you want.
They’re compressed and rolled to create a rippled effect, showing the different layers of metal in there.
That’s a handmade process –that’s not something you can cast. You can’t CAD and cast that.
So there are designs like that which have to be handmade. That’s
something that happens in the workshop by the guys and girls there. We had to say no to that one.
In theory, we could do it, but in terms of our wider business plan, taking on those edge cases isn’t something we do. We are casting items as single pieces or in batches –grouped items.
So, yeah, when you look at casting as a process and go, “Design-wise, what can I achieve?” – the limit is your creative ability maybe.
There are so many beautiful designs out there. Some people go, “Right, I’d love to create this,” and we say, “Yeah, that’s totally possible.”
The caveat being… you’ll have to make it. So can you make it?
LC: We normally say, “If you can draw it, you can carve it.”
When you have these super, you know, like Celtic cut-outs and really intricate styles, you think, if you can’t draw that, then you probably can’t make that.
But equally, I’ve seen it done. There’s been some incredible designs. And we have a tendency to shoot ourselves in the foot and say yes to everything, because we just want to please everyone.
But sometimes it bites us in the ass. However, there’s not much we can’t do.
This is how my brain works –
there’s a warped part that wants to ask, what’s the rudest design that anyone’s ever come up with? But I’m not going to ask that. That’s a Friday night in the pub conversation.
JC: Just imagine it.
LC: Yeah, and that’s probably it.
JC: That’s about right.
Let’s swiftly move on. You gave us a few clues earlier –you hinted at a background in creating clothes and fashion. So I’m interested in asking you both about your background, but also about what was the moment where this idea kind of came up?
JC: Right. Luke – you can start first.
LC: I thought you were going to throw me under the bus with that. Right, so my actual background is music. I’ve always run a business. I’ve always worked for myself – all the way back from when I was 16 years old. I had a brief tenure at an online retailer for two weeks and that’s as much as I could last being told what to do before I quit. And then I’ve always had a business. So first one was a recording studio, which is why, you know, setting up microphones and stuff is all my jam this morning. So yeah, my background is in music. And if you’re really interested and want to search into the deep, dark depths of YouTube, I do have videos on there of me singing with my guitar. Singing soulful tunes like Rihanna and Justin Bieber. You know, all the good ones.
JC: Also on Britain’s Got Talent. Let’s just throw that one in there. You know, we’re here to share…
LC:. I’m batting over to you now.
JC: So, yeah, Luke’s background obviously is music. He’s done himself a disservice, I would say – or he’s underplayed his hand there. You know, he had a recording studio at 16 and it was pretty successful. We have very different brains, clearly. And Luke is the tech guy – which, again, is underplaying his hand.
With me, my background is sport. I played professional football for Sheffield Wednesday, I played in LA, played in Spain. And I ultimately failed... there you go. We’ll cut that one there.
So, music and sport backgrounds. We tried our hand at a clothing line.
When we first started that – I think it was probably 2012, 2013 – we were screen printing T-shirts. I’m going to say we were the first in the world to do the skull t-shirts around that time. LC: Yeah, they all ended up getting ripped off and ended up in Topman and H&M.
JC: Alexander McQueen released a set of tees not long after us – clearly ripped us off! But we screen printed tees here in Sheffield. That got a bit of traction. And we then we produced hoodies and tees.
We got a bit more traction, and we thought, what do we actually want to wear? What are we missing? Because we now have the ability to create anything we want. We had a manufacturer in Nepal, one in Europe. We managed to source that through just blind faith. And so we were able to create anything we wanted.
So we flew out, I learned to pattern cut and sew. We did all the sampling. So yeah, that became a bit more of a ready-to-wear collection – a bit fuller-bodied. It was not so much T-shirts anymore, but jackets and pants and coats and all of that stuff. That was really good for a couple of years.
But that space is supremely competitive and you require a lot of funding in order to sustain it. We had a good run at it – had a showroom in London, did bits and bobs, made so many mistakes, just learned on the fly. Made no money, made loads of mistakes, managed to keep our heads above water, and just kept on pumping.
And the Cahve – previously Cast – crossover came when we began to get creative with marketing. With the old brand, we had a jewellery collection. Luke and I designed jewellery – so I’ve said we’re not designers, but again, nobody has to be a designer to design stuff. We took those designs to a local jeweller – a silversmith – and said, “Can you make these?” That was all done off Little London Road all those years ago.
He’d create those pieces, we’d sell them, go back, rinse and repeat. And we felt like – well, we’re doing this. Why can’t other people do this? It’s way more fun than buying a piece of jewellery. Why can’t we package this in a fun way and drop this into
a retail space? So you come into the shop, design it with us, we go away, cast it, return it – it’s a good time.
We tested it – it was great. Mostly a female demographic. The brand was very male-centric – it was a menswear brand – so that didn’t quite align. But the traction seemed really good on the DIY jewellery side. So ultimately, we canned the brand – which had the worst name imaginable – and then we started Cast.
Our first event was with Tamper in town. The reason we picked there was because historically that building – and particularly that street
THAT PROCESS OF CREATING SOMETHING SUPER UNIQUE AND MEANINGFUL IS JUST AS MEMORABLE AS THE PIECE ITSELF.”
– was steeped in silversmithing history. The room that we hosted our first event in was where the foreman would QC all the work, and then send it out the door.
So we thought, it’s got history, it’s got a story, we’re the kind of new breed – a modern interpretation of this. So we approached the guys at Tamper. They did a lock-in. We did an off-menu menu. We did it as a ticketed event – we said, buy a ticket, come in, all get round this one table. There’ll be food you’ve never had from Tamper before, there’ll be drinks and then you can create a piece of jewellery – and it’ll be a
great time. That was the first event. Final thing that I want to ask you – just give me an insight if you would into what comes next. What does the future hold?
LC: Bigger and more wonderful things for the brand. So we want to move into different markets and have operations out in different markets.
We’re wanting to extend the uses of the kit – so provide new products, and different ways and exciting ways of using the kits and accessorising with the kit. I’m trying not to give away too much.
JC: Well, the studio here in Sheffield has done incredibly well. It’s very new, I would say, but it’s done amazingly well. But what that does is localise your market to a point. We have lots of people travel up from London and the South West, but obviously it’s a long way to travel.
So next for us is to establish another studio and another space in another part of the UK to increase our volume and make it more accessible to more people. The same applies in the US. We have a base in Denver, Colorado, but no physical studio. The next phase for us this year – or the second part of the year – is to introduce a space and a person.
It sounds way sexier than it is, but either East Coast, West Coast – so LA or New York. That part of the business is where that will go.
And then with the kits, as Luke said – really fun new additions to the kits. We will introduce a loyalty programme that really does add layers to the product. And Luke – I say we, but Luke – will build an app that will be really, really cool and interesting.
Let me go with ‘revolutionary’. It’s a big word. It’s bold. But it’s a good word. And seeing as we’re being a little abstract – I can’t give too much away, but what we’re developing in the background has not been done before. We are reinventing the way jewellery can be designed. I’ll say that.
uk.cahve.com // @cavhe.uk Studio Unit 9a Merchants Court 43 Mowbray Street S3
THIS IS AN EDITED VERSION OF THE UNLTD BUSINESS PODCAST INTERVIEW. SCAN THE QR CODE TO LISTEN IN FULL.
Smart Solutions for Sheffield’s Manufacturers
Struggling with outdated systems?
BrookTech
•
•
•
•
•
Transform
Design for Life
Lauren Wild didn’t expect a childhood illness to shape the direction of her adult life, but being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13 had a profound effect – one that would go on to influence not only her personal perspective but her professional purpose.
“When you’re that young, you don’t fully understand what’s happening,” she says. “But it does something to you. It changes how you look at things. I think from then on, I always had this sense that life’s short, and if I was going to do something, I wanted it to matter.”
That deeply rooted desire to do meaningful work eventually led her to found Ritual – a Sheffield-based graphic design studio that puts sustainability and ethics at the heart of every project. Today, Ritual is growing steadily, carving out a distinct space in the creative landscape with an approach that goes far beyond beautiful visuals.
In addition to offering sustainable design services, Ritual is committed to giving back to the environment. Lauren’s passion for nature and sustainability is deeply woven into the business model, with the studio partnering with several eco-focused charities.
“I’m a big outdoorsy person,” Lauren explains. “I wanted to marry my love for creative work with my commitment to the planet.”
Through Ritual, Lauren supports the Woodland Trust, Revive and Rewild Sheffield, and 1% for the Planet.
When clients work with Ritual, they’re not only receiving high-quality design, but also contributing to the positive impact of these vital environmental efforts.
“The charities we contribute to focus on planting trees, reviving urban areas, and reversing the harmful effects of climate change,” she says.
“I think it’s a unique and symbiotic relationship between business and charity, and it’s something I truly believe more companies should embrace.”
By incorporating these charitable donations into her business, Lauren ensures that every project is part of a larger movement towards sustainability, proving that ethical design can also make a significant environmental difference.
Lauren’s journey into the world of design has been anything but traditional. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she was always full of energy, constantly creating and experimenting with different mediums – doodling, painting, sculpting – anything that sparked her imagination. But it wasn’t until she was 13 that life threw her a curveball that would shape her future in ways she never expected: she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be around for my birthday,” Lauren reflects. “They told me I had only a few months left to live.”
With her future uncertain, Lauren’s school life came to a halt. She couldn’t attend classes, missed her GCSEs and A-levels, and had to teach herself everything from home. Despite the heavy toll, she turned to her computer and began selflearning, using her time to dive deeper into her creative passions.
The battle with cancer wasn’t easy, involving months of intense treatments and therapies, but Lauren sees it as a turning point.
“It woke me up emotionally and made me realise that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously,” she explains. “I would get distracted and end up
making something creative on Photoshop or Illustrator – and that’s when I really fell in love with digital design.”
However, the real challenge came after her recovery. The emotional scars left by cancer and the struggles with depression and anxiety were far harder to navigate than the physical fight against the illness.
“The cancer part was straightforward – it was all about surviving,” she says. “But mental health? That was tougher, and it took longer to heal.”
It was during this period that she fully realised how creative expression and design had become her lifeline, offering both a therapeutic outlet and a path forward.
As she found her way back to
normality, she decided to pursue a degree in graphic design.
“University was a breath of fresh air,” Lauren recalls. “I finally found my tribe, a group of people who understood me, and we were all creative and a bit weird in our own ways.”
This creative community helped Lauren rediscover herself and solidified her passion for design.
It’s this blend of personal challenges, resilience, and creative freedom that Lauren brings to Ritual. The studio is more than just a business to her; it’s a way to channel her energy and create something meaningful.
“Design became a way for me to connect with others and express myself,” she says. “It’s my superpower.”
But the path to launching her
own studio was also far from linear. Like many creatives, Lauren’s route was winding – shaped by intuition, necessity and a good deal of courage.
Lauren decided to pursue design at Sheffield Hallam University, but after her first year, she once again found herself learning from home as Covid hit and teaching time was limited.
While at uni, Lauren got a job working in a Sheffield bar, which she enjoyed. After graduating, she continued working in bars to make ends meet, picking up bits of freelance work on the side and slowly finding her feet in the creative world.
“I used to feel a bit lost, if I’m honest,” she says. “I knew I loved design, and I knew I wanted to make things that helped people. But I didn’t have a clear roadmap. There’s so much pressure when you leave uni to have it all figured out straight away – especially in creative industries – but that just wasn’t my reality.”
What was her reality was working evenings and weekends, saving what she could, and building up a portfolio of small projects – often for friends or independent businesses who couldn’t afford agency fees. Fortunately, Lauren’s parents were able to provide a grounding support system, really believing in her ability to do this. Though this period may not have been glamorous, it taught her the practical skills that can’t be learned in the classroom.
“I learned how to work with clients, how to manage my time, how to price my work – all the stuff you need to survive as a freelancer. And I realised that actually, I didn’t need to wait for someone to hire me. I could build something myself.”
Lauren worked her way up to a bar manager role – something she’s proud of. But even then, her drive to do more meaningful, conscious work kept surfacing.
“I remember asking someone higher up in the business about a composting scheme – just a small internal thing to make the business more sustainable,” she says. “And they just brushed it off and didn’t think twice about it.”
That moment stuck with her.
“It was a real eye-opener. I realised if I wanted to bring those values into my work, I’d probably have to create the space to do it myself.”
In 2024, Lauren took the leap
Whether you're looking to expand globally, optimise your import/export strategies, or gain insights from industry leaders, SYITC 2025 is the must-attend event.
When: 14th May 2025
Where: The OEC, Sheffield Register today! www.scci.org.uk/events
Organised in partnership with:
and founded Ritual. The name was chosen with care, reflecting the intention, thoughtfulness and values behind her work.
“I wanted it to feel rooted, to feel purposeful,” she explains. “Design, for me, isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about the way we interact with the world. The choices we make. The impact we leave behind.”
That ethos of conscious creativity runs through everything Ritual does. From branding and editorial design to packaging and print, every project is approached with sustainability in mind – not just in materials, but in methods and messaging.
“Sustainability isn’t just about recycled paper,” Lauren says. “It’s about asking the right questions. Do we even need to print this? Can we create something that’s digital-first? Can we simplify the message so we’re not overproducing? I try to guide clients toward making choices that are better for people and the planet.”
That guidance isn’t always easy – especially when clients have preconceived ideas about what ‘good’ design looks like. But Lauren’s approach is grounded, collaborative and rooted in education. She doesn’t lecture – she listens.
“I think it’s about having honest conversations,” she says. “Most people want to do the right thing, they just don’t always know how. My job is to help them figure that out –to show them that good design can be ethical, effective and beautiful.”
It’s not about being preachy. Lauren is the first to admit that working sustainably is a journey, not a fixed standard.
“I still make mistakes, and I still learn all the time,” she says. “But I think the important thing is to try – to be intentional. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.”
This honesty and openness have helped Ritual build trust among its growing client base. Many of those who work with Lauren are valuesdriven businesses themselves – small independents, charities, not-forprofits and creative start-ups who care deeply about their impact.
One standout project was for Ecofit, a social enterprise based in Sheffield that works to improve the energy efficiency of homes and communities. The work included leaflet design and an online toolkit – a mixture of editorial, UX and illustration work.
“They were such a great fit
because their whole business is about working with nature, not against it,” she says. “The design we developed reflected that – it was earthy, understated and really in tune with who they are. We kept it minimal, we used eco-friendly materials, and we thought carefully about every detail.”
Another highlight was rebranding and creating the website for Real Finance Ltd.
“I loved that one because it was great to see similar mindsets within more corporate communities, and the promise it shows for future businesses.”
It’s this kind of purpose-led design that fuels Lauren’s passion – the projects where creativity meets community, and where design serves something bigger than just branding.
“When I get to work on something that aligns with my values and has a positive impact, that’s the sweet spot,” she says.
And while she’s found her niche, building a business hasn’t come without its challenges. Like many selfemployed creatives, Lauren wears every hat – from creative director and client manager to accountant, marketer and strategist.
“It can be a lot,” she admits. “Some weeks I feel totally in control, and others I’m questioning everything. But that’s part of running a small
business. You learn to ride the waves.”
That said, she’s also passionate about setting boundaries and protecting her energy – a mindset sharpened by her earlier health experiences.
“I know how easy it is to burn out,” she says. “I’ve already had a crash course in how fragile life can be. So I try to build a business that supports my wellbeing, not one that drains it.”
That means working at a slower, more considered pace, saying no to projects that don’t align, and giving herself permission to rest.
“There’s still this idea that you have to be constantly ‘on’ to be successful – always busy, always available,” she says. “But that’s not sustainable for anyone. And honestly, I don’t think it leads to better work. When I have time and space to breathe, that’s when I do my best thinking.”
Looking ahead, Lauren is excited to keep growing Ritual in a way that feels aligned. She’s not chasing agency size or flashy awards – what she wants is to keep doing work that feels authentic, and to support clients who care as much about impact as they do about image.
“There are so many incredible businesses out there doing amazing things,” she says. “If I can support them with design that’s thoughtful, sustainable and aligned with their values, then I’m doing what I set out to do.”
For Lauren Wild, sustainability isn’t a box to tick – it’s a mindset, a method, and a motivation. And in Ritual, she’s built a studio that proves great design doesn’t have to come at the cost of people or the planet. www.ritualcreative.studio
The Inside Track
REAL INSIGHTS FROM THOSE WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN
Welcome to the first instalment of Inside Track – a new unLTD feature from Russell Thompson, Director on Demand, dedicated to uncovering the real stories behind South Yorkshire’s most inspiring business journeys. This month Russell talks to...
HANNAH DURAID
When Hannah Duraid set off for Australia in her early twenties, she had no idea she’d return to Sheffield and launch one of the UK’s most successful escape room businesses. Armed with an art degree, a love for travel and the instinct to say “yes” to unexpected opportunities, she created The Great Escape Game – an enterprise that would soon outgrow its DIY beginnings and change her life forever.
After graduating, Hannah was between courses and juggling five part-time jobs. A chance reunion with an old friend who was heading to Australia changed everything. “She said she was scared to go alone, so I booked a one-way ticket the next day,” says Hannah. That spontaneous decision became her first sliding doors moment.
THE FIRST ESCAPE
While travelling, she met Peter. The two became a couple and continued their journey together. On the way back from Australia – via Kuala Lumpur (a detour taken more out of convenience than planning) – they stumbled across their first escape room. “They didn’t really exist in the UK yet,” she recalls, “but in Asia, the standard was amazing. That trip completely changed our perspective.”
Back in Sheffield, Hannah began a teacher training course. Peter, waiting to get certified to work in construction, took a temp job in a call centre. “We’d talked about doing something big. I’d saved about ten grand from working so many jobs – so I said, why not?” That conversation turned into action, and, inspired by their escape room experience abroad, the two signed a lease on a derelict building in the city centre.
“I’d never had a full-time job. Neither had he. We bought random props off eBay, got a mate to build a wall and opened our first room.” Within weeks, it took off. Word spread. Bookings poured in. “We were flying by the seat of our pants,” she laughs. “We didn’t even realise we’d hit the
In a world where comparison is just a scroll away, I'm flipping the script. Inside Track champions a mindset shift – from envy to inspiration, from watching to doing. Each month will highlight the bold thinkers, the changemakers and the doers from our region who’ve turned instinct into impact, setbacks into stepping stones and ideas into enterprises.
These are stories not just to admire, but to learn from. Stories that show how a growth mindset and a sense of curiosity can shape careers, companies and communities. Whether you’re a start-up founder, a seasoned business leader or someone still searching for their next move, Inside Track is your call to look closer to home for motivation – because in South Yorkshire, inspiration is everywhere.
VAT threshold – we had to pay £130k the following year. That’s how little we knew.”
BUILDING SOMETHING BIGGER
Their makeshift escape room, made on a small budget, became the foundation for something much bigger. Hannah and Peter opened new rooms, hired their first employee (who’s still with them today), and expanded into Leeds. “We went from kids who’d never done an interview to running two sites and being number one on TripAdvisor. It was surreal.”
But success brought pressure. “We weren’t prepared for the explosion of competition. There were five escape rooms in the UK when we started. Two years later, there were five in every city.”
Still, their instinct for innovation carried them through. They hired set designers from Alton Towers, opened corporate areas and bars, and built a brand so solid that people mistook for a national franchise. “We just kept running and hoped we didn’t trip.”
LEADING WITH EMPATHY
What sets Hannah apart isn’t just her energy – it’s how she leads. “I don’t attach my identity to a job title or business. I know people call me ‘Hannah from The Great Escape’, but I’m not that. I’m me.” That mindset shaped her approach to leadership. She describes one of her most useful skills as being able to “see potential in people before they see it themselves”. One example is Beth, who started out fairly shy and unsure and now leads meetings, handles complaints and trains new staff. “I create a safe space for people to fail,” Hannah says. “Because if you’re not failing, you’re not pushing yourself.”
There’s no hierarchy or blame culture in her team. “We’re very honest. We talk. We
own mistakes. And we move the needle together.”
For Hannah, there’s no hard divide between work and life – and she prefers it that way. “I don’t really believe in work-life balance. It’s more a blend. Sometimes you work more, sometimes you don’t. I love what I do – I’d do it on holiday.”
Despite all this drive, she’s also good at slowing down. “If I need to lie in for an hour, I do. I’m not hard on myself. I listen to what I need.”
AUTHENTICITY ABOVE ALL
Authenticity is a recurring theme in her business story. “I couldn’t keep up a pretence,” she says. “What you see is what you get.” That transparency extends to her team, her customers and her approach to business.
If she could make one rule for everyone to follow? “Don’t react instantly” is the answer. “Take a moment. Think. Consider. That pause can change everything.”
“I don’t think a business is ever finished,” she says. “There’s no endgame. It’s just what’s next, what’s next, what’s next.” That forward-looking mindset has led Hannah and the team to their latest venture –Gameshow Allstars – the UK’s first-of-itskind TV gameshow activity bar. Based at Orchard Square and designed to channel the thrill of prime-time television into a live, interactive experience, it’s another example of a knack for spotting untapped potential and turning it into something fun and immersive.
From someone who built a six-figure business from a whim and a whiteboard, that sense of ongoing momentum feels not just fitting – but inevitable.
www.thegreatescapegame.co.uk
Sector: Pharmaceutical / Health
Contract:
Sector:
Catering
Full Mechanical Design & Build Full
Contract: Install new cold room
T:
E:
Schools & Universities
THE MAIN EVENT
Molly’s Café & Deli has fast become a staple of Hillsborough, a cosy spot where regulars drop in for their morning caffeine fix, a catch-up, or a quiet moment with a book. But behind the scenes, something much bigger has been simmering away in their kitchen.
What started as a simple lockdown pivot – offering cheeseboards and charcuterie platters for delivery – has grown into a full-scale outside catering business, feeding up to 1,000 people a week and supplying some of Sheffield’s biggest names.
“We started off with our cheese and charcuterie boards, with a bit of a Polish twist,” co-owner Lucy Poplawski explains. “Pete, my husband, makes them all. It’s not just a normal cheeseboard – there’s something a little bit different about it.”
Word spread quickly, and soon people were asking for larger versions for family gatherings, then weddings, then corporate events. “It just got bigger and bigger. Now we do up to 350 people at a time, and some of the boards stretch out to these incredible graze tables.” explains Lucy.
Despite their rapid growth, Molly’s catering business is still very much defined by its personal touch. The food itself is refined
and aesthetically stunning, offering a welcome contrast to the usual sad buffet fare of curledup sandwiches and uninspired pastries. “We’re not the kind of buffet where you’ll get dry triangle sandwiches,” Lucy says. “Even if it’s a five-person board meeting or a 200-person wedding, you’ll get the same quality – artisan cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, fresh fruit, and Polish delicacies you might not have tried before.”
This dedication to detail has attracted an impressive roster of clients. “We do a lot for universities, hospitals, biotech firms, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the council… even Disney, when they come across the pond,” Lucy says. “We do events for up to 1,000 people a day, but it’s all tailored to each client.”
It’s all been built almost entirely through word of mouth – and the feedback speaks for itself. “I love it when we’re delivering a work lunch and people walk in and say, ‘Yes! We’ve got Molly’s again!’ It really perks the team up.”
As much as they’ve thrived in catering, the heart of Molly’s remains in Hillsborough. “Having a café gives people confidence in what we do,” Lucy says. “We get people coming from Nottingham, Leeds, all over, saying, ‘I want you for my wedding, but I want to try something first.’ And we say, ‘Yeah, come in, have a coffee on us, try a cheeseboard.’ Meeting us first makes a big difference.”
The past year has been particularly tough for Lucy and Pete, balancing the demands of a
booming business with personal challenges. “In the last seven months, we’ve had a newborn, I gave birth the same weekend as three weddings, and then my dad passed away,” Lucy shares. “He was the life and soul of the café – a decorator by trade, so his touches are everywhere in the café. He was also a baker so half of his recipes are in what we do. He’d be so proud of how far it’s come.”
That’s part of the reason they’re finally shouting about what they do. “We’ve been flying under the radar, but we’ve got weddings booked till the end of 2026. The catering side is 75% of our business now, and with everything changing in April, so many businesses going under, you have to be forwardthinking. We’ve got something special here – it’s time to tell people about it.”
@mollyscafeanddeli
Bookings and Info:
Email mollyscafedeli@gmail. com with event details, dietary requirements, and contact info. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your date. Gluten-free and vegan options available (+£4pp).
WHAT’S ON THE MENU
From working lunches to wedding feasts, Molly’s outside catering has a package for all occasions.
Buffet (£12pp + VAT)
• Cheese board and crackers
• Crudités and antipasti
• Deli sandwiches and salads
• Homemade sausage rolls and homity pie
• Fresh fruit and triple chocolate brownies
• For groups of 20+, artisan bread boards and charcuterie included
Signature Grazing Table (£14.95pp + VAT, min. 30 people)
• Cheese and charcuterie selection
• Polish smoked sausage, artisan breads and deli sliders
• Crudités, antipasti and deli salads
• Homemade sausage rolls and homity pie
• Fresh fruit and triple chocolate brownie grazing table
• Includes catering equipment and foliage hire, with setup and next-day clean-up
TRUSTING THE PROCESS
Becoming a trustee is a unique opportunity to give back, grow professionally and support a cause you care about – yet many people still assume it’s a role reserved for those nearing retirement or with decades of experience behind them.
Paula Barber, Director at Inclusive Consulting, regularly recruits for trustee roles and shared her insights into what the position really involves, why it’s more accessible than many people think, and how it can benefit your career as much as the organisation you support.
To those who might not be familiar, how would you define the role of a trustee in simple terms?
A trustee is a ‘critical friend’ to the organisation. You’re not an operational member of the team but an advisor – able and willing to question and respectfully challenge the organisation.
What are the main responsibilities of a trustee, and how do they differ from operational roles within a charity or organisation?
The trustee’s role is to ensure that everything carried out by the organisation aligns with the articles of association set by the charity. You’re not delivering or running the dayto-day activities – instead, you’re reviewing what’s been set and constructively challenging what’s proposed.
What skills and experience are typically useful – or even essential – for someone thinking about becoming a trustee?
Trustee skills often mirror those found on a commercial board: HR, finance, operations, procurement or income generation/sales, for example. In some cases, lived experience of what the organisation represents or supports is also incredibly valuable – although this depends on the charity’s work.
Interpersonally, you need to be able to respectfully challenge your fellow trustees. This isn’t a passive role –you’re expected to actively contribute and add value.
Are there common misconceptions about what trustees do, or who can become one?
Absolutely. People often assume trustees are retired or in the later stages of their careers. While there are some fantastic trustees who are, they’re not the majority – the trustee community is much more diverse than people realise.
Imposter syndrome is also very real in this space. Many people think, I don’t know what value I could add, but the truth is you can be a brilliant trustee whether you’re early in your career or well established.
What are the first steps someone should take if they’re interested in becoming a trustee? Start by thinking about charities or not-for-profit
(NFP) organisations you’re passionate about. As this is a voluntary role, it’s important your values align with the organisation’s mission. Speaking to an agent who regularly recruits trustees (like me!) is a good next step. It’s also really useful to chat to someone already in a trustee role to get a feel for what it’s like.
How can being a trustee benefit someone’s professional development or wider career?
If you’re earlier in your career, it’s a brilliant upskilling opportunity. You’ll be sitting on a board with people who have more – or different – experience, giving you exposure to a range of perspectives and challenges you wouldn’t normally encounter in your day-to-day role. It can open unexpected
doors and really broaden your thinking.
How much time does the average trustee role take up, and what kind of commitment should people expect?
It depends on the organisation, but typically you’re looking at four to eight meetings a year. Many trustees also get involved in fundraising or supporting campaigns, though that’s not mandatory.
What advice would you give to someone who feels they’re not ‘qualified enough’ or doubts whether they’d be a good fit as a trustee?
Speak to the charity you’re interested in or talk to someone who’s already a trustee. And, again, speak to me! I often talk to people who feel they aren’t ready – and the process of exploring the opportunity is often eyeopening and inspiring. You likely have more to offer than you think.
What’s the one thing you wish more people knew about trustee roles?
The value you can add is huge – and the reward is just as great. Trustee roles are open to everyone, from all backgrounds and walks of life. Don’t count yourself out.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TRUSTEE?
Get in touch with Paula: Email: paula.barber@ incconsulting.co.uk Phone: 07858 518413
REASONS WHYY APPRENTICESHIPS ARE THE SECRET SAUCE FOR A SKILLED WORKFORCE
Imagine a workforce where every employee is trained to meet your exact needs, bringing fresh ideas and unwavering loyalty. This isn’t a distant dream…it’s the reality of apprenticeships.
This month, Emma Harrison PCQI, Managing Director of Whyy? Change, shares the benefits apprenticeships can offer employers.
1. Save ££££’s on National Insurance costs
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room, National Insurance Costs. The secondary Class 1 National Insurance contributions rate will rise from 13.8% to 15%, and the threshold will decrease from £9,100 to £5,000. However, apprenticeships can help mitigate these rising costs. Employers can benefit from National Insurance relief for apprentices under 25, hiring an apprentice at an annual salary of £30,000 can yield National Insurance savings of £3,600 per year. This makes apprenticeships a strategic choice for managing financial pressures while investing in workforce development.
2. Improve employee retention
Apprenticeships create loyalty amongst employees. Apprentices trained within the company develop a deep connection to the business and its values. Studies show that employees who start as apprentices are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. According to the National Apprenticeship Service, 80% of companies that invest in apprentices report an increase in employee retention.
3. Tailor skill development to your needs
Apprenticeships allow employers to shape employees to fit specific
roles, ensuring they meet operational demands while aligning with the company’s culture and objectives. This tailored approach to skills development means businesses can train apprentices in the exact skills required, leading to a more efficient and effective workforce.
4. Enhance productivity and efficiency
Apprentices gain hands-on experience whilst working, contributing to business operations from the start. With structured training, they become productive members of the team faster than new hires who may require lengthy onboarding periods. A report from the UK Department for Education revealed that 76% of employers reported improved productivity as a direct result of apprenticeships.
5. Drive innovation with fresh perspectives
Apprentices bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to the workplace. Young apprentices, in particular, are often more digitally literate and adaptable to emerging technologies. Businesses benefit from their innovative approaches and enthusiasm, leading to creative problemsolving and improvements in processes.
6. Enhance your brand reputation
Consumers and stakeholders increasingly prefer businesses that invest in skills development. Supporting apprenticeships demonstrates corporate social responsibility and commitment to industry growth. According to the British Chambers of Commerce, 81% of consumers favour companies that employ apprentices, with 88% of employers stating
that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated workforce.
7. Inspire a culture of lifelong learning
Apprenticeships develop a culture of lifelong learning, creating future-proof skills that strengthen your teams and inspire others to upskill. Apprentices are eager to learn and grow alongside the business, making them valuable assets in achieving long-term business sustainability.
Future-proof your workforce with Whyy? Change, to get started, visit their website, www.whyychange. com, email them on info@ whyychange.com
Developing People to Transform YOUR Business
Nestled in the corner of Mount Pleasant Park, a vibrant new community space is taking shape. The Highfield Adventure Playground and Community Building is set to become a hub of activity, support and opportunity for local families and young people in the area, thanks to the tireless efforts of Sharrow Community Forum and their partners. With just a few months left until the grand opening, unLTD discovered how this ambitious project, guided by the expertise of local construction consultancy Austin Fletcher, is transforming not just a building and play space but also the aspirations of the community around it.
For over 40 years, the playground in Highfield has been a cornerstone of childhood in the area, a place where generations have come to play, explore and grow. The responsibility for the site was taken on by Sharrow Community Forum a decade ago, initially managing the daily operations and keeping it free to access. As time passed, the need for an improved offering became evident, so they secured a 25-year lease on the space from the council three years ago. This long-term commitment opened the door to vital capital funding, and eventually led to securing investment from the Youth Investment Fund to develop the new centre.
“The playground has been here for decades,” says Jonathan Roberts, CEO of Sharrow Community Forum. “People who played here as kids will bring their children along – sometimes even their grandchildren. It’s a generational thing. That’s what makes this project so special.”
“We started off just looking after the playground,” explains Rachel Cosens, Deputy Chief Exec at Sharrow Community Forum. “But we soon realised that if we wanted to secure its future, we needed a better space that could support the children, young people and families who rely on it.”
A project of this scale requires expertise, and that’s where Wayne Fletcher, Director of Austin Fletcher, and his team have played a crucial
role. Specialising in delivering community, commercial and educational developments, they ensured the project met funding and procurement requirements while remaining financially viable. Their involvement has been a significant one throughout, beginning with costing the initial designs and evolving into full project management and contract administration.
“Projects like this are different,” Wayne explains. “It’s not just about delivering a building on time and within budget – it’s about working together, being flexible and understanding what the space truly means to the community.
Austin Fletcher also brought in Jarvale Construction, a family-run firm based nearby, ensuring that as much of the investment as possible remained within the local economy.
“Having a local contractor was really important to us,” says Jonathan. “We wanted this to be built by the community, for the community.”
The relationship between Sharrow Community Forum and Austin Fletcher has been more than just professional; it’s been genuinely collaborative.
“Wayne has been like a shepherd guiding us through this process,” Jonathan adds. “Communication is key to these relationships, and having people like him on board has just helped to smooth the whole process for us.”
Designed with aspiration and
community in mind, the new threestorey building is more than just a replacement for the old structure, which had become unfit for use and an uninspiring space. The vision was to create a multi-functional space where young people and their families could access education, employment support, health services and offerings from local organisations – all in a setting that felt welcoming and familiar.
“It’s not just about having a nice building,” says Jonathan. “It’s about creating a space that genuinely
makes people feel inspired, that gives them pride in their community and a sense of belonging. The playground itself is incredible for the kids – we’ve got slides and ziplines and all sorts going in.”
“It’s good, old fashioned community development, creating an inspiring space that promotes public health through fun, play and physical activity. There will also be access to really important support networks sitting quietly alongside that, in a place where people can access that support discreetly and somewhere they feel familiar with.”
Once finished, the new centre will house:
• Dedicated office spaces for organisations that work with children and families.
• Lettable rooms for activities like dance, yoga, meetings, and support groups.
• Confidential consultation
rooms for organisations to deliver discreet services.
• A kiosk-style café, designed to be a training space for young people to develop barista and catering skills.
“We want this to be a beacon,” Rachel adds. “A place where people know they can come, whether they’re looking for fun, support or just want to be part of something.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of the project has been the deep involvement of local young people. Through design workshops, they’ve helped shape elements of the building’s interior, ensuring that their voices are embedded in its very fabric.
“Some of these kids have never been asked what they want in their community before,” Rachel points out. “So to see their ideas coming to life in a building that they’ll use for years to come – that’s incredibly
powerful.”
A standout feature will be an art installation called “Coracles of Sharrow”, created in collaboration with local artist Chris Jarratt.
Inspired by the community’s diverse backgrounds, the young people built coracles (small boats) as a symbol of unity. These boats will be displayed throughout the building, reinforcing themes of journey, belonging and shared heritage.
“We took the kids out to Pennine Sailing Club to sail the coracles, and some of them had never been out to these Peak District spaces before,” recalls Jonathan. “By the end, they were asking when they could go back. That’s what this project is about – creating space for new experiences, new opportunities.”
As the final few months of construction unfold, excitement is building. Doors and windows are in, walls are being skimmed and the vision is becoming a reality. The official handover is expected in May 2025, followed by a grand opening event that will put the new centre at the heart of the community.
“People are already stopping us in the park to tell us how excited they are,” says Rachel. “And they’ve not even been inside or seen the spaces yet!”
The long-term impact of the project is clear. Young people who helped design the space are now part of a shadow leadership programme, preparing them to take on roles in community development. The centre’s sustainable business model will ensure funding continues to flow back into improving the playground and park. And with a café providing training for young people, it will serve as a stepping stone to employment opportunities – and that’s just skimming the surface in terms of the wider impact this development will have on the community.
For Wayne, the project has been more than just another job.
“Understanding why the building is needed, how it will operate and serve the community, and working with Jonathan, Rachel and the team at SCF has been a very enjoyable experience,” he says. “It’s been a challenging journey at times, but one we’ve all been personally invested in. And that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
Highfield Adventures is set to open in Spring 2025. For more info on construction projects by Austin Fletcher, head to austinfletcher. co.uk.
AIRMASTER: CASE STUDY
COOLING WITH A CONSCIENCE
Airmaster and AESSEAL Unite to Lead the Way in Sustainable HVAC Innovation
In the heart of Rotherham, a global engineering firm is demonstrating how sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. When AESSEAL – renowned for its commitment to environmental responsibility – sought to modernise its office climate systems, it turned to Airmaster for a solution that would match its high standards for efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
The result? A state-ofthe-art, low-carbon hybrid HVAC system designed not only to reduce environmental impact, but to future-proof the workplace for changing climates and working patterns.
High Efficiency, Low Impact
The brief from AESSEAL was clear: reduce the carbon footprint of their office HVAC system while maintaining high performance and comfort for staff. Airmaster responded with the installation of a Mitsubishi Electric R32 Hybrid VRF system – a significant upgrade from traditional refrigerant systems thanks to its lower global warming potential (GWP) and hybrid use of refrigerant and water to deliver both heating and cooling simultaneously.
With a GWP of 675 – a considerable drop from the previous R410a-based system – the new setup not only cuts emissions, but supports AESSEAL’s wider decarbonisation goals.
Intelligent Infrastructure
As part of the office refurbishment, Airmaster carried out extensive
ductwork modifications to optimise airflow. Fresh air is delivered to fan coil units mounted in the ceiling void, where it is pre-conditioned before being distributed evenly throughout the office. Secondary ductwork was connected and insulated to ensure balanced delivery via sleek linear grilles running the full length of the space.
The hybrid system required sophisticated integration –including a category 5 break tank, pressure monitoring, and distribution pipework – all connected to a central
touch-screen controller. This intelligent system provides advanced diagnostics, zoning and scheduling, while seamlessly linking with AESSEAL’s building management system through BACnet protocol.
Partnership in Progress
Phase one of the installation was completed in August 2024, transforming the comfort and energy profile of the company’s modernised office floor. A second phase is already underway, expanding the system to additional
areas of the Rotherham site from February 2025. Later this year, AESSEAL will go even further – removing legacy gas boilers in favour of more efficient, lower-carbon technologies inspired by the success of their warehouse heating systems.
Airmaster’s work with AESSEAL reflects a growing trend in South Yorkshire’s business community: a shift towards sustainable, intelligent infrastructure that supports both environmental goals and workplace wellbeing. As the region continues to lead in advanced manufacturing and green innovation, collaborations like this one are setting the benchmark for what a modern, climateconscious workplace can look like.
For businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance, Airmaster is proving to be the partner of choice.
For more information on how Airmaster can help your business achieve energy-efficient, low-carbon mechanical systems, get in touch:
Airmaster Air Conditioning Ltd Wetherby House, Park Hill, Swallownest, Sheffield, S26 4UN T: 0114 288 9911
E: team@airmaster.uk.com www.airmaster.uk.com
With a background in navigating complex supply chains — including sourcing from the Far East into UK construction — and a decade of consulting experience across sectors such as steel distribution, modular housing and professional services, Richard Dolman now leads a business with one clear mission: to help UK SMEs unlock their potential through ISO certification.
Based in Sheffield, Glade Consulting was founded in 2017 to fill a vital gap. “A lot of businesses either don’t know where to start with ISO, or they simply don’t have the time,” Richard explains. “We step in to support them, using ISO as a framework to help improve operations, reduce waste and ultimately grow.”
What sets Glade apart in a crowded field of consultants is its pragmatic approach. Rather than
introducing layers of unnecessary paperwork or expecting businesses to reinvent their processes, Glade works with what’s already in place – making ISO certification an achievable, beneficial goal, not a bureaucratic hurdle.
“Some consultants are very technically driven,” Richard says. “We understand the technical side, of course, but our approach is about listening to the client, understanding how they work and building from there. It’s about
making ISO work for them, not the other way around.”
That tailored approach has helped the business grow largely through word of mouth. Clients value the partnership and often bring Glade with them when they move on to new roles – a testament to the trust the team has built.
Since launching, the company has grown beyond Sheffield, recently opening a Midlands office to meet increasing demand. Glade now works with businesses across the UK, from Cumbria to Devon and London to Essex. Its client base spans sectors, from steel to healthcare to elite motorsport. “We’ve worked with a top Formula One team,” Richard says. “We were lucky enough to audit their processes and see the cars being made – that was an incredible experience.”
Despite this variety, a common thread runs through every business Glade supports. “Every organisation has processes, whether they realise it or not,” Richard says. “We help make those processes more visible, efficient and measurable – and that often leads to tangible benefits like cost savings, improved compliance and better access to bigger contracts.”
ISO certification can be the key that unlocks new opportunities – especially for SMEs hoping to break into sectors like government, construction or healthcare. “For many tenders, the first question is: do you have ISO 9001?” says Richard. “If the answer is yes, you skip 18 pages of pre-qualifying questions. If not, you’re out of the running before you’ve even started.”
Glade’s offering isn’t just about securing certification either – it’s
WE HELP MAKE ISO WORK FOR BUSINESSES –NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.”
about continuous improvement. Services include internal auditing, management reviews and ongoing support to ensure businesses remain compliant and competitive. Looking ahead, Glade is continuing to grow through strategic partnerships – particularly in areas like cyber security and information management. ISO 27001, focused on information security, is one of the company’s key areas of development over the next 12 months.
But at its core, Glade remains committed to helping UK businesses – particularly in manufacturing and supply chains – build for the future. “For us, it’s about using ISO not just as a badge, but as a tool for real, sustainable growth,” Richard says. “If we can help a company become more efficient, reduce risk and win more work – that’s a job well done.”
To find out more about how Glade can help your business, head to www.gladecs.co.uk.
Why ISO Certification Matters for SMEs
ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management – and it can be a game changer for small and medium-sized enterprises. Here’s why:
• Open new markets
Many public sector contracts and large private tenders require ISO certification just to be considered. It can be the difference between getting a seat at the table – or missing out entirely.
• Build trust and credibility Certification signals that a business is serious about quality, consistency and continuous improvement – key values in competitive supply chains.
• Reduce risk and increase efficiency
Through improved processes and regular audits, ISO helps identify inefficiencies and reduce costly mistakes or compliance issues.
• Support sustainable growth
The ISO framework encourages ongoing evaluation and development, helping businesses improve performance and prepare for future challenges.
• Stand out from the competition Especially in crowded markets, ISO can give SMEs a clear edge when vying for new work or forming strategic partnerships.
CHARITY
COOKING UP SUCCESS
Ammi’s Kitchen, a Sheffield food social enterprise that brings together local women from different cultures to transform their authentic culinary skills into paid work, has been awarded a £1,000 grant from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) to help promote the unique project through social media and marketing.
Ammi’s Kitchen was set up in 2021 at Common Ground Community Centre, Woodstock Road, as part of Family Voice - a Community Interest Company which works with and supports migrant women in the Sharrow, Lowfield and Nether Edge areas of Sheffield.
After gaining the required qualifications, the female chefs create dishes on Fridays during term time and run a fortnightly takeaway service, with all profits supporting local women to build employment skills.
On alternate Fridays, they run a popular community lunch at Common Ground for 100 people from the community.
Janine Dos Remedios, kitchen manager at Ammi’s
said: “We’re incredibly grateful to South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation for funding Ammi’s Kitchen.
“Our hub at Common Ground Community Centre provides a welcoming atmosphere where women tell us they feel safe. This enables us to support women that wouldn’t usually have the confidence to look for work in
the wider community.
“They tell us that they can’t apply for jobs as they don’t know how, but they trust us and feel happy to work with us as they know we will help and guide them. The food they cook is loved by our customers - this year we have had chefs from Pakistan, Iraq, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Turkey.
“Working is incredibly important for the ladies. They gain so much self-esteem from being able to say they have a job. For some, it is life changing, it might be their first job.
“Once women have gained their certificates, they can get paid hours working in our professional kitchen.”
SYCF, based in High Green, is the region’s largest local grant giving charity and in the last year, awarded £1.7m to more than 400 groups across South Yorkshire.
Jess O’Neill, grants and partnership manager for SYCF, said: “We’re really proud to support Ammi’s Kitchen with this grant.
“The project provides a free, safe space for women who have exceptional culinary skills learnt from generations before them. By investing in groups like this, we’re celebrating culture, encouraging new connections, promoting community cohesion and creating life-changing new opportunities.”
For more information, visit www.ammiskitchensheffield. org and www.sycf.org.uk.
FUELING THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Barnsley Round Table, a men’s social group, has pledged to fuel one of Weston Park Cancer Charity’s free transport service buses for the next three years.
The group’s generous support kicked off with a £3,700 donation – which will cover the cost of fuel for the Barnsley bus service throughout 2025. Barnsley Round Table will be making similar donations in 2026 and 2027.
Since launching in 2021, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s free transport service has taken thousands of patients to and from appointments at Sheffield Teaching Hospital sites.
The service, which is powered by volunteer drivers, provides safe, reliable transport for passengers in Barnsley, Rotherham, and Chesterfield.
As well as raising money for local charities and organisations, Barnsley Round Table runs social activities and meet ups for men aged 18 to 45.
Jonny Brown from Barnsley Round Table, said: “We are delighted to be covering fuel costs for Weston Park Cancer
Charity’s Barnsley bus for the next three years.
“We know how important the service is to people in our area, and we’re proud to play a part in it. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended our bonfire charity event and made this donation possible.”
Kane Feek, Patient Transport and Support Officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “Last year alone, our free Barnsley transport service covered 17,000 miles and made 482 return journeys to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
“We’re so grateful for the Barnsley Round Table’s fantastic donation. By fuelling our Barnsley bus, they will directly support thousands of local people who are living with cancer.”
Weston Park Cancer Charity helps people across the region to live with and beyond cancer. The charity’s broad range of services enable them to be there – at every step – for cancer patients and their families.
To find out more, head to: westonpark.org.uk/transportservice
HALLAM AND ST LUKES JOIN FORCES IN UNITED VISION
Sheffield Hallam University and St Luke’s have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the collaboration between the two organisations.
Since 2023, more than 300 students from across Sheffield Hallam have worked with St Luke’s to bring their creativity and insight to raise awareness of the work we do and support our aims.
The collaboration has grown significantly since then, with applied student projects supporting us to explore themes such as end-of-life care, circular fashion, and the psychology of charity shopping.
One of the next joint projects will investigate textile recycling to help our staff make evidence-based decisions on their donation guidance to the public, income generation, and their commitment to the environment.
The projects have given students valuable real-world experience, whilst reducing the demand on St Luke’s resources to explore new projects and ideas.
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our work with St Luke’s and we’re extremely grateful to them for giving our students the opportunity to bring their creativity and insight to St Luke’s meaningful work.
“Working with St Luke’s has given our students a sense of purpose and community and allowed them to apply their knowledge to real questions and challenges that St Luke’s face, inspiring innovation and change.”
St Luke’s Exec Lead for Strategic Competitive Performance
Stephen King added: “Our relationship with Sheffield Hallam University and its students is extremely important to us.
“The students bring fresh eyes to the challenges we face as a leading Sheffield charity and their support and enthusiasm for all the projects they have been involved in has proved invaluable.
“We look forwards to developing and strengthening that relationship in the years to come and know that, in doing so, we are also creating a new generation of St Luke’s supporters and increasing understanding of hospice care in a younger audience.”
The collaboration is part of Hallam’s Future Now Programme, which provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience and have a genuine impact on their community, whilst providing local charities and businesses with access to the next generation of graduates.
SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
April marks the start of the second quarter of the year. Spring and summer months usually mean more contact with your community at events and fundraising activities.
Do you have lots to look forward to? Have you scheduled a calendar of events to attend? With lots of fairs and festivals going on, charities and not-forprofits can get subsidised or cheap stall fees so that you can promote your services, rattle those tins and recruit more volunteers. Have a look at Stallfinder on Facebook to find opportunities local to you, watch out for local schools and groups having fundays and get togethers in the better weather. Take advantage of the better weather and longer days and have some fun with your volunteers too!
Community fundraising is unrestricted funding –which means you don’t have to nominate what you are going to spend it on, and it can pay for those hard to fund costs such as the boring bills, salaries, insurances and overheads. These events are low cost, high energy and great for listening to the needs of your community too – why not do a questionnaire to ask them about your services or what their needs are?
For more consultation relating to impact measuring, financial forecasting, goal setting and business planning for your organisation contact - Wendy Ward, Let’s Save Consultancy Services, 0772 9481010. wendy@letssave.biz
CHARITY
NO WOMAN LEFT BEHIND CAMPAIGN
Coinciding with International Women’s Day last month, Sheffield Hospitals Charity have launched a campaign to tackle women’s health inequalities across Sheffield.
Reverend and the Makers’ Laura McClure and Sheffield United Women FC players have joined influential female leaders from across Sheffield to lend the charity their support by appearing in a campaign video titled #NoWomanLeftBehind.
Women play a pivotal role in everyone’s health – from their own health during pregnancy, through to the care they give to others throughout their lives.
There’s a wealth of data which demonstrates the need for improved support for women in Sheffield. Research has shown that the women and girls’ sector is not getting anywhere near sufficient investment. As such, there are social, moral, and economic reasons to invest in tackling women’s health inequalities in Sheffield.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity is scoping projects in three areas to help combat these inequalities:
Maternal health
Support for women with complex needs during pregnancy and beyond, including mental health support.
Charity funding will enable appropriate antenatal classes to tackle some of these issues. The benefits include increases in responsive parenting and improved bonding with baby which can support baby’s brain development, and increased engagement with public services including healthcare and education which help to reduce inequalities further on in life.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity is building on this work to tackle inequalities, with support for pregnant women with more complex lives who would benefit from extra support to get ready for, and care for baby.
Violence
against women
Practical and mental health support for female NHS staff who are affected by domestic abuse.
Women in Yorkshire and Humber have some of the highest levels of domestic violence abuse in the country and in 2022/23 South Yorkshire Police had the 10th highest rate across 42 police force areas of domestic abuse related crime.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity are working to develop projects that support NHS staff who have experienced
or are experiencing domestic abuse. These projects will be for female staff across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Sheffield Health and Social Care and compliment the hundreds of thousands of pounds the charity spends each year to support NHS staffs mental health and wellbeing, training and education.
By looking after the staff and services at the centre of patient care, they’re ready to look after you.
Early cancer diagnosis
Supporting women in the core 20% most deprived areas of the city to access screening, as more than a third of women are missing cervical screening.
The NHS aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through cervical screening
and uptake of the HPV vaccine.
Sheffield Hospitals Charity is working with GP practices to provide targeted support to local communities in Sheffield with the lowest uptake of cervical screening which falls well below the average rate for England.
More broadly, Sheffield Hospitals Charity fund complementary therapies for people undergoing cancer treatments, vital cancer research, and are investing over £1million in a surgical robot which will deliver some of the 3,000+ cancer surgeries that take place across Sheffield Teaching Hospitals every year.
More info at sheffieldhospitalscharity. org.uk.
Get a courier within 60 minutes of accepting a quote!
> Same Day Delivery
> Multi-Drop Delivery
> Next Day Delivery
> Overnight Delivery
> Nationwide Delivery > Pallet Delivery
RETHINKING REMOTE WORKING
Words: Alexis Krachai, President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
It’s the fifth anniversary since the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown. Like any birthday, it triggers reflection and many to reach for a soundbite. Here’s mine. In March 2020 the world of work changed, obviously and profoundly; but it didn’t. The economy is constantly changing, evolving and prone to sudden shifts. Just ask Donald Trump. As I write this, he has just turned the global trading system upside down. Prior to Covid the world of work wasn’t static. It never is. The pandemic meant we got used to some profound changes quite quickly, and then things settled down to a new ‘normal’.
If you work in a high-street business, I suspect working patterns are broadly the same – just quieter. Though Covid changed the flow of how cities and towns work. There are fewer office workers out to shop at lunch. The Friday drink has been replaced by the Thursday tipple. A trip to town is now a weekend blow-out.
If you work in a manufacturing business, I suspect working patterns are broadly the same – just busier. You’re likely working harder and longer. Work is more intense – money for investment is being spent on higher energy bills. New orders and new markets are in flux as the global trading system endures shock after shock.
If you work in frontline public services, I suspect working patterns are broadly the same – just more virtual. You might see your manager on a screen more than in person. There is a split
between those who can work from home and those who cannot. Prior to Covid things were difficult, and they likely still are, as the UK’s low investment in public services dates back to 2008.
If you work in an office, that’s where the changes have been most felt. Many, if not all of us, went through a similar experience. We went from wondering what Zoom was to becoming expert users in six months. And we suddenly realised the point of Microsoft Teams. As the years passed, we saw recruitment decisions change. You can now, theoretically, hire anyone from anywhere. You can, equally, lose a valued member of staff to a competitor halfway around the world. The monotony
of the 9–5 day in and day out was replaced by hybrid working, flexible working, fully remote working and everything in between.
Some mourn the passing of the predictability and certainty of having ‘everyone in’ Monday to Friday. More companies are supposedly demanding more time back in offices. That is their judgement in an everchanging world, but as the Covid pandemic reaches its fifth birthday, here is one prediction. AI will have more impact on the world of work than anything Covid threw at us. Or perhaps it won’t? As famed American researcher and futurist Roy Amara said: “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate
the effect in the long run.” What this all points to is the global economy is constantly changing, which in turn prompts constant changes in the world of work. Sometimes that change is accelerated owing to events like pandemics and the election of new American presidents. At other times the rate of change is slower. What always matters is those businesses who can lift their gaze and stay agile are likely to do well. Covid taught us that humans have incredible resilience, agility and the capacity to solve problems – whatever the circumstances. Does that mean where and how we work are simply passing fads?
www.scci.org.uk
