This month’s guest editor, and one of the founders of unLTD, Martin Ross, reflects on the journey of the magazine since its first issue and how far the South Yorkshire business community has come in the last five years… It was all the way back in 2017 when the idea of unLTD was first introduced, and it is fair to say it has come a long way since then. Originally, we came up with the concept because we felt the Sheffield City Region wanted a real outlet for positive and relevant business news, celebrating everything the area had to offer. While we wanted to share good news stories and bring the local business community together, we also wanted to add something fresh and different, which is why unLTD has always been so visually led and had such a strong presence on social media. Our aim was to break from the more traditional forums and provide a platform that was engaging, newsy and informative while still being interesting and entertaining. From stories on overcoming the challenges faced by businesses in every sector, to after-hours pieces on the best places to visit with your colleagues, we have worked hard to produce a wellrounded product that has something for everyone. We have championed local independents as well as larger firms, told some incredible success stories and highlighted the wealth of talent we have right on our doorstep.
50
In the five years – and 50 issues – since the magazine first started, I don’t think that has ever changed. However, what has changed is the wonderful team working on unLTD behind the scenes. The idea was first discussed between myself and Richard Wright, then chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, before we engaged with Phil Turner at Blind Mice Media, and, as they say, the rest is history. Over time there have been plenty of talented and creative people working on this magazine, from former editor Richard Fidler to designers Simon Garlick and Simon Waller, and features writer Jill Theobald, all of whom have made unLTD what it is today.
Head of sales Dan Laver has been integral to the continuing expansion of the brand, and there would be no magazine at all without the copywriters at HRM – and, of course, our fantastic columnists and contributors. However, in true business style, the magazine has evolved a lot since that first issue in 2017, picking up plenty of fresh faces along the way. Rather fittingly, the theme for our 50th issue is ‘regeneration’, and there is plenty of that here at unLTD, as well as across the wider city region. In the last few months alone, we have appointed a new designer and photographer, Marc Barker, and news and features editor
Brogan Maguire, to help unLTD continue on its journey. Coupled with the arrival of HRM’s new chief executive, Jen Beal, the magazine really is entering a whole new phase of its life. And isn’t that true of our businesses as a whole, reemerging after two gruelling years of the pandemic and ready to move on to the next chapter. A lot has changed in our region in the last five years and there has been so much to celebrate. From the Sheffield Business Awards to the growth of the Advanced Business Park, and the opening of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium - headed up Government minister Richard Caborn.
Former chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Richard Wright, said: “I am personally delighted to see unLTD go from strength to strength. “As the chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce at the time, I met with Martin Ross from HR Media and Phil Turner from Blind Mice Media, believing their relevant experience would prove to be a catalyst for the creation of a successful business publication serving Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley. “It is the responsibility of an organisation like the Chamber, and a platform like unLTD, to ensure that the independent voice and opinion of the business community is heard. “I am so pleased to see to see that my encouragement was not misplaced. “As a result, our business community now has a publication that it can be proud of. Here’s to the next 50 editions!”
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