32 minute read

DISRUPTIVE BUSINESSES

From flexible working hours to impressive employee benefits and innovative uses of technology, businesses across the Sheffield City Region are setting the bar high. We asked some of the most disruptive companies across the area to tell us what they’re doing, why and how it’s helping them elevate their business to the next level….

Simoda - Managing director Daniel Bumby

Advertisement

Tell us a little bit about your business

Simoda are based in the fantastic eagle works at Kelham Island in Sheffield, we work with business leaders & IT teams to help them solve issues, address challenges and achieve objectives through technology products, solutions and services.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

We have implemented what we call the ‘technology first’ strategy – unlike our competitors we don’t have a traditional sales approach, we have a team of experienced and skilled technology experts (commercial and technical) who work together to help our customers.

This means we don’t operate a traditional sales structure where you would see a salesperson targeted to earn the business profit from sales to customers, instead we provide healthy basic salaries and everyone in the business is included in our companywide profit share scheme. This ensures our first focus is on finding and delivering the right technology solutions and support rather than the salespersons commission cheque.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

Our culture and our people are our major strength, lots of businesses talk about teamwork or collaboration but it is at the very heart of our success. We also like to market our business using our own voice rather than using lots of IT acronyms.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

Our technology first strategy means we have committed to providing our commercial team with healthy salaries to remove the commission/ bonus elements, this is a financial risk but one that we knew would pay off as our customers love our values, culture and ethos.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

We see many benefits from implementing our strategy, which include:

• Collaboration without fear or resentment • Focus on training and development • Customers are clear on our objectives • Fantastic culture

The reception has been fantastic, our customers love the fact that we strive to understand their business needs before we talk technology, they also love that we have offerings that put technology first rather than commercials. Our partners and vendors love the clarity we provide them when engaging in market opportunities.

Gravitate - Cofounder Sam Newton

Tell us a little bit about your business

We are a digital accountancy firm based in Kelham Island, with a people-first approach and a big focus on using the best technology to make life easier for our clients. We’ve scrapped timesheets and charging by the hour to focus on client relationships.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

We are working hard to change the perceptions of typical accountants and do something a bit more personable and fun – we have a very modern outlook on business. Our digital approach means we work with some great technology, freeing up both our time and that of our clients so we can focus on building a strong relationship and growing their business.

We know how important Google reviews are for referrals so we have a big focus on that, as well as our social media. We use LinkedIn a lot – it’s a huge source of revenue for us – and that’s where we show the more personal side of us, as well as through other channels like TikTok. We’re not the typical suitwearing, briefcase-holding accountants, we wear our own hoodies and merch most of the time!

We have a fun office to work in, with mini golf, a Sheffield mural and a beer fridge, and we offer great employee benefits like bonuses, profit sharing, a flexible working policy and plenty of social events, from after work drinks to days out at Go Ape and Crystal Maze.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

The way we work is a real reflection of who we are as people – what you see is what you get. I think a lot of people find that very refreshing and most businesses just want to talk to real people who have their best interests at heart and who they can genuinely get along with. The fact we are offering them an effective service that will save them time, while being upfront about who we are, is probably our biggest selling point.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

Not everyone is interested in doing things differently and there are still some people who prefer business to be much more formal and traditional, so they might be put off by our approach – but that probably means they’re not the right client for us either.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

I think the benefits speak for themselves – we have a 100 per cent staff retention in our accounting team and our employees shout about us from the rooftops because they love working here so much. We’ve also attracted the best people in the industry and their ethos really aligns with ours.

We have received some amazing reviews and have great engagement on social media, which is also where most of our clients come from.

The team has grown each year and our up-front attitude means we get to work with people who have the same values as us. We have built great relationships with our clients and a positive atmosphere around everything we do – and our unique way of working means we can focus on offering the best service rather than time on the clock.

Grimm & Co

Tell us a little bit about your

business

Grimm & Co is a charity that champions the writer in every child. We build confidence, self-esteem and skills through workshops with schools, after school activities, holiday clubs, school residencies and family programmes. We’re all about the socio-cultural literacies that support us in making meaning of the world around us and we do this through the joyful discovery of stories.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

Currently, we are operating from a pop-up story street, Linger Longer Lane, in the Old Town Hall of Rotherham town centre. We’re hosting festivals - our shop is open online and in the street with a magic-o-meter to check your inner character and many unique story-based products, many created in our workshop as artisan gifts. In 2022 we will be opening Grimm & Co’s Emporium of Stories with secret doors, a feast of story-based foddery, a book nook, children’s workshops and story parties all on site. Whatever your age, you’ll be able to come to Grimm & Co and engage in story activities at your table or sit in a quiet nook to enjoy artisan coffee and a good book. This will act as a social enterprise, embracing our mission whilst supporting the charity that operates behind the secret door and at the top of the beanstalk.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

We are strong on authenticity. Every customer or school class visit is greeted with a theatrical explanation of how Grimm & Co was created and the attention to detail is fundamental. Our story was written by our writer, Jeremy Dyson (League of Gentleman) and is the backbone for our work.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

There was always a risk that people might not engage in this artistic, creative approach to retail that would provide the magical front of the charity. However, this hasn’t been a problem. People of all ages embrace the opportunity to have fun, to escape the everyday and to be playful.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

The Emporium of Stories has emerged because of demand. We receive three school visits a week, our workshops have waiting lists and the café and book nook are as a result of customer requests for us to do this. People across Yorkshire and beyond have truly embraced this arts destination and we receive beautiful messages from customers about

their experiences and their delight with our products. It’s immersive – a witty joke told with a straight face – and we all need occasional relief from our everyday, a chance to embrace stories… we all love a good story!

Shakespeare Martineau - Ben Buckton, chief marketing and people officer

Tell us a little bit about your business

Shakespeare Martineau is a full-service law firm providing specialist legal services for life and business and is a brand within professional services group Ampa. We work with businesses and organisations of all sizes, as well as individuals, families and private clients.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

In November 2020, we announced our innovative house of brands strategy and group, Ampa, which creates opportunities and provides businesses within the group with the infrastructure needed to enable growth. Ampa offers bigger buying power and access to expertise, as well as shared values and beliefs – what we call our ‘Golden Threads’. Brands within the group include life and business law firm Shakespeare Martineau, consumer champion law firm Lime Solicitors, planning consultancy Marrons Planning, uninsured loss recovery experts Corclaim, cyber security consultancy CSS Assure and Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

Clients and people across our sector are crying out for change and transformation. It is time to consider the agile needs of clients more broadly and step away from the traditional consolidator model – our house of brands strategy does just that. Our approach is different because we do not combine with failing or flailing businesses, but ones that are ambitious, looking for a route to fast-track and fuel growth. Culture comes first and if the main objective is to make a quick gain at others’ expense, then we know we’re not aligned. So often in our industry, large and aggressive businesses will acquire firms only to destroy the very heart of that brand and ultimately the reason they have loyal clients – we want to reverse that.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

This is the first time this strategy has been followed in the legal and professional services industry so as ever there are no guarantees or role-models. That said, other industries have done something similar and done it well, and it feels like the right change for our sector, the results to date are positive and we are remaining agile, open to change and new ideas. Ampa is growing rapidly, which is exciting but could pose new challenges for the group’s risk profile. In response, we created a new group information security officer role, who is working closely with teams to preempt these challenges, developing a robust multi-year information security programme that will continuously measure and manage risk.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

A key benefit of our group is shared access to greater support for the benefit of our clients, whether that be from other professionals across different brands, our enhanced infrastructure or our combined business operations capabilities. We offer a greater breadth of career progression opportunities and adaptability across our legal teams, specialist teams and professional business operation areas. Each brand is empowered to deliver on its growth ambitions and retain autonomy while collaborating when it makes sense to do so.

The benefit of a portfolio house of brands approach helps mitigate risk for those businesses, brands, and people that join us – having a wider sector and service offering means we’ll be in a better position to weather future economic shifts and enable individual brands to focus on what they do best.

NTUK

Tell us a little bit about your business

NTUK was founded to assist with connecting contractors to suppliers in the construction sector. Our platform is easy-touse and helps tackle key industry issues such as supply chain availability, price inflation, net zero targets and compliance in procurement by connecting national contractors to local suppliers.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

We have introduced the first digital platform to connect contractors and suppliers more efficiently through the supply chain all the way to onsite delivery of projects, meeting the needs of all parties.

We are revolutionising procurement through our online platform to provide in-depth data-driven reporting, offering insights to help businesses improve their offering and de-risk their strategy.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

A major benefit of our platform is that the contractor pays suppliers directly with no commission. The platform is solely subscription based – therefore there are no hidden or additional costs for end users. Our platform is provided using the SaaS (Software as a Service) model stored on the cloud, which gives our users unrestricted access and means there is no requirement for any complex software installations or hardware management.

We are the first business in the sector to create and roll-out a platform like this. We operate nationally across the UK, for every sector within construction, and offer a solution for all sizes of businesses.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

As with all new and disruptive ideas, there can be a reluctance to move away from traditional methods and adopt new technology, particularly in the construction industry.

The biggest risk to the industry is resisting the need to adopt digital solutions - we feel moving online is inevitable and the right course of action for both contractors and merchants.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

Our users benefit from speeding up the procurement process, accessing new customers, improving stock availability, and introducing compliance.

Contractors will get the best availability and have access to the local supply chain for better compliance and to meet Environmental and Social Governance criteria. Contractors will also benefit from supply chain information if working in new regions.

Likewise, merchants get access to new customers and can service existing customers better. Merchants can also access detailed data reports that support regional stock profiles and assess the effectiveness of their branch network.

Our digital footprint means that suppliers and contractors can be reassured of transparency, while also homing in on any challenges such as missed sales and leads. This is a huge benefit that has not been seen so far in the sector.

To find out more about NTUK, please visit: www. ntuk.co.uk

Jessica Flinn Jewellery

Tell us a little bit about your business

Jessica Flinn is a fine jewellery brand founded by Jessica Flinn-Allen 13 years ago. We specialise in unique and unusual engagement, wedding and eternity rings. Selling both online and in-person, we’re most known for our one-of-a-kind centre stones which include salt and pepper diamonds, teal, blue and green sapphires and lab grown diamonds.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

Firstly, we are the antithesis of typical high street jewellers. Among a sea of white diamond solitaires, we exist to offer customers something refreshingly different. Our designs and gemstones are proudly nontraditional.

Secondly, we work with salt and pepper diamonds - aka, the rebels of the diamond world. Unlike traditional white diamonds which are coveted for their colourless and flawless appearance, salt and pepper diamonds celebrate inclusions and imperfections.

Thirdly, we operate in other niches too. When most people think of sapphires, they see blue - yet we work with teals, greens, violets and more.

Our showroom is unlike any other jewellery experience – an intimate space hidden away in the leafy suburb of Tapton. The Art Deco inspired space has two intimate ‘stations’ where people can experience our jewellery. This summer we will be refurbishing our space to create a ‘fine diamond’ experience, complete with a fine jewellery sushi track.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

We’re offering customers something they didn’t know even know they wanted. Our alternative designs and gemstones capture people’s attention and drives customers to choose us. But that’s not the only reason.

Many customers choose us because of our values. Not only are we proudly non-traditional, we’re fiercely inclusive. Our models are always diverse and we actively support the LGBTQIA+ community.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

Operating within fine jewellery niches has its highs and lows. We’ll sometimes take a punt on a gemstone colour, or what we perceive to be an emerging trend, only for it to flop. Figuring out what our customers want to see next from us is always a learning curve.

Occasionally we’ll also receive some push back from people who don’t align with our values.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

The reception to both of our brands has been remarkable. Actively disrupting the industry with alternative gemstones is exactly what our customers have been searching for. Between the two of our brands (Jessica Flinn and sister brand Flinn & Steel) we’ve grown over 800 per cent since the start of the pandemic and gone from a team of three to over 20. Together, our two brands achieved a turnover above £2million - which is impressive considering that this time two year ago, we were still working out of our founder’s living room.

Webmart - Founder Simon Biltcliffe

Tell us a little bit about your business

Webmart is an entirely self-funded print marketing company with three UK offices. Our motto is: ‘innovate, create, communicate’.

What are you doing to shake things up in your industry?

We are a Marxist-Capitalist business, which is less frightening than it sounds! Basically, we use capitalism, which is really good for making wealth, but then Marxism for sharing it out equitably. Once we’ve made profits, we have a minimum retained profit level which is £400,000 a year and the rest of it gets shared out amongst the team. This last financial year we shared out £700,000 of surplus profits, which equated to a 26.93 per cent base salary bonus for everybody in the business. Putting profits back into the business means we can support lots of charities and we have a real passion for good causes.

We offer paid volunteer days and are committed to sustainability and helping the environment as much as possible.

How does what you’re doing make your business stand out?

We are a marketing services business which is based purely on delivering the optimal mix of marketing online and offline, to ensure customers get the best return on advertising spend, and we’ve got a skill set that allows people to do that faster than anywhere else, more efficiently than anywhere else and more effectively than anywhere else.

We’ve got the world’s first postal calculator, so it’ll work out the carbon offsetting required in the product range.

Our whole business model offers a unique approach to hiring and people development – we just had one of our younger members of stuff win a European award for talent which was amazing and shows how much we invest into our team.

What are the risks that come with doing something a little bit different?

Telling people you are a Marxist-Capitalist definitely gets a mixed reaction and can put some people off who don’t understand the concept. But personally I think it’s riskier to do the same old things you’ve always done without any change or growth because that’s how you end up going out of business.

Bringing something new to the market can make people a little apprehensive but as soon as you explain it properly, they’re on board and can’t stop shouting about how much they love working with you.

I’m currently writing a book to explain the benefits of Marxist-Capitalism so hopefully more people will understand why it’s so useful.

What are the benefits and what has the reception been like?

We offer a radically evolving environment and the people that generally come to us and get through the first probationary period love it and bring all the people with them.

We have a wonderful opportunity to work with great talent, and you maximise your intellectual, emotional and financial return as part of the outcome of us working together.

The people who love working with us recommend us to some really cool companies who align with our ethos, and it allows us to be selective about our suppliers too.

Ultimately, we want to bring the best solution and the best marketing expertise that we can to help them develop their business better and be more successful going forward.

DISTRUPTIVE BUSINESSES DIFFERENT WAYS OF WORKING

THE OLD FIVE-DAY WEEK IN THE OFFICE IS OVER.

We live in a post-pandemic world, where our ways of working have seen massive disruptions. From being asked to abandon our offices and work from home to finding a new normal within a culture of hybrid working, coworking spaces and even the traditional, we’re heading back into the ‘office’ and returning to commuting.

The popularity of the hybrid working model can’t be doubted and it is the new way many of us work. There have been some incredible benefits provided by working from home, many of which employers and employees can’t deny, but hybrid working is not without its challenges.

Not everyone’s home is fit for work. Homes were not intended to be our place of work but our haven, where we would leave the stresses of the day at the door. According to a study by Leeds University, 33 per cent of UK office workers have no dedicated workspace at home. With hybrid and at-home working, our work/ home lives are becoming merged and our routine is all over the place. Suddenly, we must find a space in our home that we call our office.

Then, to add to the work/ life balance pressure, we’re met with the cost-of-living crisis. Not travelling to the office was a massive benefit for many. There were no traffic jams, no need to set the alarm two hours before work and no paying petrol prices and public transport fares at their highest. While commuting adds new financial stress,

staying at home is not much better. The cost of heating and electricity is skyrocketing, similarly increasing the pressure on individuals’ budgets.

Emerging solutions for the ‘new normal’

Working from home is here to stay. However, it still cannot be the norm for many due to its challenges. Having autonomy and flexibility for individuals to choose where to work is a key long-term solution that works for both staff and employees.

Having a ‘third space’ to work from, which is convenient to get to, is an excellent new option to separate work from home. This is where WorkfromHub comes in.

Director Neal Byers founded WorkfromHub in early 2021, using his experience in planning future mobility and working closely with local authorities.

He recognised a demand for private hybrid working spaces and noticed unused space on the public sector estate. Seeing the potential to reimagine what could happen in these underused spaces, WorkfromHub meets the demands of hybrid working - as 30 per cent of home workers are seeking a third space to work from – while giving unused space a new lease of life and new revenue for the hosts.

WorkfromHub is a highquality, private, calming workspace environment close to excellent transport links and community facilities.

Currently, there are three hubs in South Yorkshire, located at Sheffield interchange, Swinton Rail station and Halfway Park and Ride. These spaces are the perfect solution for people who are on the go and need a place to focus and escape their usual remote working chaos.

To find out more about WorkfromHub visit www. workfromhub.co.uk

CRE8 Workspaces, Scunthorpe-based furniture and home furnishing manufacturer, tells all about creating workspaces that reflect the changing needs of offices in 2022.

HYBRID WORKING

COVID-19 has accelerated the transition to flexible working practices and the subsequent need for smarter, more flexible and more focused environments. Many organisations have adopted this new normal due to the freedom it gives employees in how, when and where they work.

The hybrid model combines the best of working from home and the office. Gone are the days when you come into the office to spend your day in front of a screen – this can now be done at home, so your time in the office can focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing and connection with colleagues.

THE SOCIAL HUB

Conversations on multi-use, flexible office spaces are not new – as with many things, an experience has accelerated the change. Most companies are coming around to the fact that various work settings need to be offered to allow employees flexibility in how they work and improve productivity.

There has been an increasing emphasis on creating more social, collaborative spaces where staff can come together formally or informally. The collaboration ‘hub’ will offer staff more opportunities for chance encounters, social events, planned knowledge sharing or teambuilding sessions while they spend time in the office.

ZOOM BOOTH

It is important to appreciate that offices still need to support both desk-based and collaborative working. Focused working may be required between team meetings, and the rise of homeworking means video calls will be frequent and require acoustic separation. The focus/phone/zoom booth will be crucial to ensure that focused work, virtual meetings and team-based activities can function simultaneously.

THE HEALTHY OFFICE

People are now more aware of how the workplace can directly impact their occupant’s health. We can expect an increase in natural ventilation systems being installed in commercial buildings and more widespread monitoring of air quality through accreditations such as WELL and BREEAM. Biophilia through indoor planting and natural textures, colours and patterns will become even more prevalent in design concepts.

Everyone’s mental health has suffered in some way during the pandemic. The importance of the social aspects of working in an office has been realised and forwardthinking companies will seek to bring employees together through space in the office or organised activities.

Find out more about CRE8 here: www.cre8-workspaces. co.uk.

Between helter-skelters, innovative interior design, unique collaboration space and roulette tables, South Yorkshire offices have it all. Sliding into this issue, the unLTD team were welcomed through the keyhole at a number of quirky offices in the region as they explored different ways of working.

WIZU, SHEFFIELD

An award-winning, disruptive operator with a specific focus on the North, 32 Eyre Street is a prominent city-centre landmark that has been completely re-developed to provide a beautifully designed flexible workspace.

The interior design is bright and modern, offering a mix of uniquely designed private offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms. There’s also a state-of-the-art fitness suite on the ground floor. unLTD’s Rachel Measures spoke to Katie Sanders, Wizu’s marketing manager. She said: “We have seen an uplift in co-working and flexibility. More people have gone freelance or grown tired of working from home which can be lonely.

“We have seen more companies come into the flex workspace from traditional leases that can tie them in for ten years or more. They are taking a more ‘hub and spoke’ approach to their real estate strategy, operating much more efficiently from a flexible workspace where they can grow and contract more easily.

“Wizu is a thriving community of like-minded businesses. Our spaces boost productivity and help people have those water-cooler moments. We deliberately refer to people as ‘members’, not ‘tenants’ because we’re about hospitality, not buildings.”

Find out more about Wizu at www.wizuworkspace.com/ eyre-street.

ELECTRIC WORKS, SHEFFIELD

A welcoming, professional environment for fast-growing creative, digital, technology and media companies, Electric Works provides flexible office spaces for any business, with a range of office space, meeting rooms, a co-working lounge and even a three-storey helter-skelter!

The idea behind the helter-skelter was based on how fairgrounds have always functioned as a community on several levels. The sense of release that unifies individuals survives over centuries, and this jouissance is pervasive and powerful. You can read about it in a book called Disordered Haste: An Introduction to the HelterSkelter Office Electric Works.

Find out more about Electric Works at www.electric-works.net/.

NAVARTIS OFFICES, DONCASTER

Project-focused technical recruitment specialists, Narvartis, have particularly quirky offices – and if you need proof, I offer two words – ROULETTE and TABLE. unLTD spoke to marketing manager Dan Stargatt all about their workspace.

He said: “In our office, everyone sits together no matter the level of seniority, which helps create a supportive environment and a collaborative way of working. A positive, vibrant and functioning office space gives our employees an environment to thrive. Recruitment is a fast-paced, personable and lively industry, so having the right ‘buzz’ in the office is paramount. “We have a roulette table because we play weekly games for prizes, fun, and team bonding. People sit with their teams, so this time allows everyone to interact. It also helps that we'll have a Friday beer or prosecco in hand! “Our team talk about how working in an open space helps them feel motivated, as they are surrounded by like-minded, successful people who will always be there to support each other and through this, they achieve the best results for our customers.”

DISTRICT FOUR DESIGN

Doncaster-based District Four Design are strategists, storytellers, thinkers, creators and relationship-builders who are hardworking, trustworthy, detaildriven and passionate about the power of branding.

Managing director Kyle Donnachie told us all about designing workspaces in 2022.

He said: “We always look at a project from a brand perspective when designing a space. We ask our clients, ‘what is the first impression you want a visitor to have of your company?’ and ‘how do you want your employees to feel when they step through the door?’. Strengthening your brand message through interior design reinforces what your business is all about and shows people your values and why you are different.

Learn more about District Four Design at www.districtfour.co.uk/.

BMC 01, BARNSLEY

DMC is more than just a workspace. DMC brings style with co-working spaces, meeting and conference rooms, a Maker Lab and a roof terrace.

Matthew Snowden, communications and marketing manager at DMC, said: “DMC 01 is where we began. A home for anyone with a digital and creative business idea to start and scale their company and a collaboration space for companies wanting to do more with technology in their own business. “Across the road from DMC 01, our expansion into DMC 02 provides much-needed growth space for larger companies who are scaling up. We’re powered by Barnsley Council, putting people at the centre of our creative world.

“We provide real support to the businesses and individuals that make this space their own. Like you, we’re entrepreneurs, as well as nice people that want to make great things happen.”

Find out more about DMC at www. barnsleydmc.co.uk/.

A ‘LOAD’ OF GOOD ADVICE FOR VAN DRIVERS

Businesses operating vans as part of their fleet of vehicles could benefit from the advice being offered as part of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership’s latest video.

The partnership has produced a short film to remind drivers and businesses about the importance of having a properly maintained and correctly loaded van and show how some simple predrive checks can keep you within the law, improve road safety and help save you time and money.

The film covers some basic roadworthiness checks that drivers of light commercial goods vehicles can complete before they start their journey.

Presented by a South Yorkshire Police officer, the film then goes on to look at the correct loading of goods to ensure vehicles are not overweight and the payloads are securely fastened for the journey. Both are important as overloaded or poorly secured loads can affect a vehicle’s handling and ability to stop, which can severely impact its safety on the road.

Insecure loads also risk causing harm to the driver or other members of the public if they become loose and fall from the vehicle. And if stopped by the police, drivers could risk hefty fines and their vehicles being prohibited from being moved until the faults are rectified.

Finally, the film looks at the role of the driver and ensuring they have the correct documentation to drive the vehicle, including the right insurance cover and driving licence entitlements for the type of vehicles being used. Is the driver fit to drive – properly rested, not on any medication that may affect their ability to drive safely or under the influence of alcohol? Does the driver know the speed limits that apply to their vehicle, which may differ from those of a car, and are they driving to that speed limit and the conditions of the road?

Joanne Wehrle, safer roads manager, said: “All the issues we cover in the film are important safety considerations for anyone who drives a van or operates a fleet which includes light commercial goods vehicles. South Yorkshire Police do enforce these issues, so we would urge drivers and operators to avoid the risk of getting caught or worse still, being involved in a collision, because their vehicles are not properly maintained, correctly loaded or drivers are not fit to drive.”

For further information and to view the film visit our website South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership www. sysrp.co.uk

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR

TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR

FREE Swing Dance Class BIG SWING EVERY Cubana Bottomless Brunch WEDNESDAY!from 8pm. Live music Every FRIDAY, Saturday & Sunday, morning & afternoon At Cubana, it’s so much more than just the fabulous drinks on offer! THE BIG SWING IS AN EXCITING NIGHT OF UPBEAT JAZZ AND SWING FROM 8pm IN THE CUBANA DOWNSTAIRS LOUNGE BAR. “A raucous mix of live music and dancing that everyone can’t help getting involved in!” starts from 8.45pm. Swing & Jazz DJ sets from 11pm

cubanatapasbar.co.uk free! SWING DANCE CLASS ALL LEVELS - STARTS 8pm FREE ENTRY ALL NIGHT!

TA PA S RES TA URANT

WEDNESDAY

We wanted to raise the bar with our unique BB offering and provide a package which includes a substantial and wide selection of top quality food. Our talented chefs have put BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH THE EASY ROLLERS Celebrating their debut album launch ‘Drop Me Off In Harlem’ it is a pleasure to welcome The Easy Rollers back to The Big Swing. Taking you back to the golden age of jazz, a roaring swing band performing hits from the speakeasy bars of the Prohibition era. They have had audiences jumpin’ and jivin’ on 1 JUNE @together a delicious combination of Spanish and Latin brunch dishes for you all to enjoy alongside the usual on tap supply of Prosecco, Sangria, premium cocktails and more. TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR TA PA S RES TA URANT & CUBAN BAR TA PA S RES TA URANT dance floors across the country! ‘They present the music of their chosen era with verve,showmanship and great technical skill. KATE PETERS QUARTET Another fantastic Leeds export The Kate Peters Quartet play a mix of Jazz, Swing, Funk, and Latin. Kate herself is a uniquely talented and versatile vocalist who has worked extensively as a session singer and plays with some of the UK s most talented 8 WEDNESDAY LIVE BANDS FREE DANCE JUNE jazz musicians. Loved by dancers and Jazzers alike these guys know how to play to a crowd and get everyone moving!

WEDNESDAY

Choose two dishes from our mouth watering brunch menu 15 AND We’ll keep the drinks flowing… JUNE Sitting times: starting at 11.30am through until 2.15pm Packages and pricing: STARTING FROM £28.50 - £46.50 per person22 JUNE

EMILY WEST

Sheffield Songstress Emily West is joined by the Ryan Taylor Trio for a colourful combination of Jazz, Swing and Soul. Beautiful renditions of classic vocal standards injected with Ryan’s usual serving of improvised melodies, spontaneous jams and swinging grooves. WEDNESDAY NICOLA FARNON Queen of Swing! Internationally acclaimed vocalist and double bassist Nicola Farnon is joined by her very own ‘Kings of Swing’ Piero Tucci on keyboards/tenor sax and Phil Johnson on drums for a thoroughly entertaining evening of true Swing, Jazz & Funk.

WEDNESDAY

FREE ENTRY Bookings & INFO SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO OR FOR BOOKINGS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM AT: www.cubanatapasbar.co.uk/request.php29 JUNE YOU CAN ALSO CALL ON 01142 760475

TESSA SMITH

Leeds Vocalist Tessa and her Applejacks are entertaining and captivating. With a strong Lindy Hop background Tessa knows how to play for dancers and does so regularly all over the UK. Their music choice has a variety of flavours and will stretch your dancing to its optimum.

This article is from: