News

Regional skills high on agenda with leading national partnership

A regional skills partnership for the Sheffield City Region is aiming to tackle current and future skills shortages in the wake of COVID-19.

The Regional Post-18 Education Partnership has been developed to identify positive and practical actions, which can impact the most disadvantaged young people and adults in the region, as they enter the post-18 system through education or work.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University and Chair of the Partnership, said: “As local anchor institutions, we believe we have a civic duty to support our region’s economy, health and communities.”

Yiannis Koursis, Principal and CEO of Barnsley College and Chair of the South Yorkshire Principals’ Group, said: “As the education systems leaders in South Yorkshire, it is upon us to meet the skills demands of the future, and successfully rebuild our region’s economy post-pandemic.”

Regional organisations currently represented in the Partnership: Barnsley College, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Chesterfield College, DN Colleges Group, Higher Education Progression Partnership, Northern College, Sheffield City Region, Sheffield Hallam University, The RNN Group, The Sheffield College, and The University of Sheffield.

NEWS BUSINESS FOUNDER AND EX-MARINE AWARDED OBE

Lee Hallam was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for his ‘inspirational industry leadership, philanthropy, and being a tireless champion of the disadvantaged’.

Describing himself as a former ‘teenage tearaway’ from a disadvantaged estate, at 16, Lee joined The Royal Marines, going on to win the coveted Green Beret.

Having trained and employed hundreds of service personnel, many of whom were seriously injured during fierce combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, Lee has spearheaded military resettlement programmes, launched local apprenticeship programmes, supported disadvantaged children, and raised hundreds of thousands for charities.

He launched Linbrooke Services in 2002 with his friend, Andrew Wilson, from a small bedsit in Greenhill, which has since become a successful SME employing more than 350 people and improving the lives of local and national individuals and communities through employment and rehabilitation, restoring hope and self-belief.

Joseph Dunn, Lee’s retired headteacher, nominated him for an OBE.

He said: “Having taught for 34 years, I have engaged with thousands of children and still have contacts in the education sector across the country, but I have yet to learn of an individual who has turned his life around and made such an impact quite like Lee.

“Leaving school with no qualifications and a juvenile criminal record, Lee is now hailed as a 'Face of the Vibrant Economy.'

Lee said: ''I don't have an education, any GCSEs or degree, but I went to the University of Parson Cross. Coming off that estate gives you spirit, character and a thirst for survival. Education will get you far, but drive and determination will take you all the way.''

Having been instrumental in building Linbrooke, and put in place a new management team, Lee has recently stepped back from the Board in order to focus more time on his charitable interests and supporting those in need in and around South Yorkshire.

EX-MARINE LEE HALLAM, AWARDED OBE

Linbrooke Services was launched in

2002

‘PIONEERS IN THEIR FIELD’ – JENX LTD ANNOUNCES CO-FOUNDER RETIREMENT

Leading Sheffield-based postural support specialist, Jenx, has announced the retirement of company cofounders Clive and Catherine Jenkins.

The entrepreneurial couple, who formed Jenx Ltd in the cellar of their Walkley home in 1982, are widely known as ‘pioneers in their field’.

During the pandemic, Jenx offered innovative, adapted services to ensure the children and families it provides with vital postural support and advice could continue to access help when they have needed it, and are continuing to do so throughout the latest lockdown.

Clive said: “At times like this it almost feels as though you can’t do it (retire) as you don’t want to just walk away, but it’s important for Jenx as a company to adapt and change and to allow the next generation to continue to innovate and to keep move the business forwards.”

Catherine continued: “We wanted to create a great place to work, so that people who work with us enjoy what they’re doing and they know that they’re doing a worthwhile job.”

Holly Jenkins, director of Jenx’s UK Distribution Division, Jiraffe, will spearhead a new management team at the Sheffield-based firm alongside fellow director, Dan Limb.

CLIVE & CATHERINE JENKINS ANNOUNCE JOINT RETIREMENT

NEW STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SCHEME GETS UNDERWAY

A new scheme to support Sheffield College students with their mental health and wellbeing has got underway.

Twenty-three student mental health ambassadors have been appointed as part of the Uniheads Mental Health and Wellbeing Academy at the College.

James Smythe, Assistant Principal for Student Experience, The Sheffield College, said: “Ensuring our students know how to look after their mental health and wellbeing and where to go to get resources and support is a top priority. We are proud to be the first FE college nationally to provide the Uniheads platform to our students.”

Uniheads is an online mental health platform created by Sheffieldbased Champion Health, which specialises in online mental health training and resources for businesses and universities.

Harry Bliss, founder of Champion Health Ltd and co-founder of Uniheads, said: “Having a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do and it is a privilege to work with The Sheffield College and support young people in our region.”

Barnsley College raises over £900 for charity

Students and staff at Barnsley College have raised £943 for Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids fundraising programme which aims to improve the lives of children and young people across the region.

IT firm expands during lockdown

South Yorkshire-based ESP Projects has acquired another Sheffield based IT firm, The Digital Group and grown to 37 staff during the COVID-19 lockdown.

PAUL FLETCHER, MD AT CC33

CC33 creates 400 jobs after company growth

South Yorkshire-based contact centre CC33 is set to recruit a further 400 people after a period of massive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Audio odyssey’ to celebrate Peak District National Park

Derbyshire poet Mark Gwynne Jones is releasing the second chapter of Voices From The Peak an ‘audio artwork’ celebrating this year’s 70th Anniversary of the Peak District National Park.

Growth Hub to guide South Yorkshire businesses through lockdown

Sheffield City Region is reminding businesses that help and guidance is available through the Growth Hub to meet the challenges brought about by this latest COVID-19 lockdown.

The Mayoral Combined Authority, Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Local Enterprise Partnership recently launched its ambitious £1.7bn Renewal Action Plan (RAP) clearly demonstrating how the Sheffield City Region is investing in and supporting the local economy.

The Growth Hub is supporting and guiding hospitality, leisure and nonessential retail businesses that are affected by the national lockdown.

Many businesses are also taking advantage of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s Re-Start to Growth initiative, which gives businesses access to experienced and skilled experts to help assess, plan and restart their business through an agreed programme of intensive support.

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, explains: “It is a critical time for many businesses in our region. What they are experiencing is totally unprecedented, which means it is important that we have a strong team of advisers in place to be able to guide South Yorkshire companies through the local and national growth schemes that are available to them.”

NEWS LAW FIRM CONTINUES PATRONAGE AND LAUNCHES BUSINESS RECOVERY PROGRAMME

Wosskow Brown Solicitors have confirmed their continued patronage of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce for an eighth year, after announcing further plans for the law firm’s Foundation.

Managing partner, Ian Brown said: “Last year was turbulent for many Sheffield City Region businesses, ours included. We set out in early 2020 to deliver a business growth programme with our Wosskow Brown Foundation. Obviously, this didn’t go to plan, so for 2021, we are going to relaunch it as a business recovery programme.

“The Foundation was launched in 2014 as a private sector intuitive in response to the government’s call for private sector businesses to help regenerate the local economy and strengthen the region’s organisations. If there was ever a time that we all needed to pull together for the benefit of the local economy, now is that time.

“Through our Patronage IAN BROWN, MANAGING PARTNER AT WOSSOK BROWN SOLICITORS

with the Chamber, the Foundation’s programmes and our commercial lawyers, we have a fantastic footing to provide city region organisations with sound business advice and commercial legal services. We’re all incredibly proud of that.”

Tom Sutton, Sheffield Chamber head of policy and representation, said: “Our long-standing partnership has allowed us to work on key initiatives and programmes during this time. I am excited about the prospect of launching the ‘Let’s Recover Together’ initiative with Wosskow Brown and the Wosskow Brown Foundation. The provision of practical support to help business and business leaders recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be key to sustaining our economy in the long-term.”

Sheffield high street set for transformation following successful funding bid

Sheffield City Council has been successful in its bid for £15.8m of funding as part of the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, which will be used to rejuvenate Sheffield’s high street as part of the continuing transformation of the city centre.

Many businesses have had to close their doors or radically adapt to become COVIDsecure, including moving to online trading, opening with limitations and adaptations and supporting staff to operate safely.

Under the funding requirements, the plans must be delivered by

MARCH 2024

The new funding will focus on reinventing Fargate and High Street as social hubs, with plans to create a new multi-use space ‘Event Central’, which will be used to host events and exhibitions, as well as offering co-working space and a café. Current redundant space will be repurposed and refreshed with climate-resilient greenery and seating areas.

Councillor Bob Johnson, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The pandemic has been an incredibly challenging time for businesses, and I know that the new lockdown restrictions will impact even further on the vast majority. However, despite the current situation, this scheme provides hope for the future and will assist in the recovery of our local economy in the long term.”

PROPERTY NEWS AUCTION HOUSE SOUTH YORKSHIRE CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2020

JAMES HOLDING, REGIONAL AUCTION MANAGER OF AUCTION HOUSE

The region’s up-and-coming property auctioneer, Auction House South Yorkshire (AHSY) signed off on their most successful year of business yet in 2020 after successfully migrating their live auctions to an online and livestreamed format.

Regional auction manager James Holding said: “Despite the property market closing for over six weeks during the first lockdown, despite having to transfer all our room auctions to online or livestream sales, and despite ongoing coronavirus restrictions, we still managed to sell a higher percentage of lots than ever before!

“The auction market kept functioning, sellers and buyers remained both interested and active, and lockdown restrictions didn’t hold us back. AHSY was unique in that our immediate shift to remote bidding livestream auctions helped maintain momentum and they grew in popularity as the year progressed.”

Buyers and sellers have embraced the idea of internet and Livestream sales.

James adds: “Translating the format of our in-person auctions was important, but the demand was clearly still there so we had to demonstrate that the experience was not just viable, but secure, effective and reliable for our clients. Our growth has shown that it works and that they are as comfortable making a bid by telephone, proxy or online as they were in our room auctions. It also gives us confidence that even under another lockdown, we can look forward to similar successes in 2021.”

South Yorkshire property seeing increased demand for investment

The property market experienced many upsand-downs during 2020. The challenging trading environment made it difficult for many to keep pace with changes and no-one knew what was around the corner.

Homebuyers, tenants and investors alike experienced changes and setbacks throughout the year but the market bounced back strongly, assisted by various governmentbacked initiatives and has shown that the demand for property is not going away.

Sheffield-based property business RESONATE PROPERTY reports that the demand for quality investment property MARK PEREIRA

has been building over the past year, demonstrated by the uplift in property prices following the initial lockdown period. Alongside the increase in prices, the firm notes a shift in attitude and desire amongst those looking to invest in residential property, especially over the past quarter, with more looking to make their next investment purchase in Sheffield.

Mark Pereira, director of investments at RESONATE PROPERTY adds: “Investors that were previously fixated on investing in areas such as Manchester or Leeds have not only shown greater interest, but are now actively purchasing in South Yorkshire. The upturn in asking prices amongst popular rental properties such as terraced houses in Sheffield is demonstrating this increased demand and the strong growth potential of investing in the region.”

Redbrik branches into hospitality in 2021

Leading estate agents, Redbrik is opening two new branches early this year – on Ecclesall Road (the former Le Bistrot Pierre) and in Fox Valley Shopping Park, Stocksbridge.

As well as providing its award-winning property services, each of the branches will host a Raffina Coffee & Deli, representing the agent's first move into hospitality.

Redbrik has identified North West Sheffield as an area with huge potential for home movers over the next few years. Its recent evolution with the arrival of Fox Valley Shopping Park and the planned residential developments nearby make it an increasingly appealing area.

Managing director, Mark Ross, said: “We've always been avid supporters of the high street. We wholeheartedly believe that by creating quality new office and social spaces within the communities we serve – we are enriching the local area. We hope they will become treasured community hubs.

“We’re confident 2021 will bring more normality, particularly allowing us to create deeper relationships with our clients, providing a better, more personal service.”

UK-top 200 law firm Keebles LLP advised Redbrik on both their moves.