unLTD. Connecting business across Sheffield City Region #39 by unLTD magazine

JUNE 2021 | ISSUE 39 | FREE | UNLTDBUSINESS.COM

PUTTING

YOU

FIRST

Helen Williams on how swapping the glitz of London for the ‘vibrance’ of South Yorkshire helped establish her coaching business

GETTING ACTIVE ON SEDENTARY OFFICE LIFE

: N O S U C O F G

N I T S E V IN PROPERTY IN

LEGAL MATTERS ● EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY ● unLTD PODCAST ● FINANCIAL HEALTH

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CONTENTS

ON: INVESTING IN PROPERTY 36 FOCUS

STORY: HELEN WILLIAMS 26 COVER

YOU ASK ME: SITTING SURVEY 64 IFACTIVE

RECOVERY 62 KICKBACK

MINUTES WITH... COMPLIANCE POD 75 FIVE

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CONTENTS

INSIDE... 6-10: News A round-up of news in the region, including award wins, US deals, and property news from Conroy Brook, Redbrik, and Cubo. 11, 12 & 13: Appointments All the latest appointments from around South Yorkshire, including news from Glu Recruit. 25: Technology Ian Snow, CT’s MD on why switching to cloud computing is a must for businesses. 35: Property Column Four Trees Lettings on the benefits of investing in the property lettings market.

41: Five Minutes With... City Hearts’ Phillip Clayton on the ‘positive, persistent and purposeful’ charity. 48-51: Prodek Discover why enquiries are coming in thick and fast at the design and storage systems firm. 54-57: Simoda Find out how the business’s unique structure helps them stand out. 79: Five Minutes With... Element Society's Matt Brewer shares the ‘real impact’ of the youth charity. 80: Your Pitch Hannah Duraid on playing card experience Unspoken Moments that encourages conversation.

EVERYTHING ELSE: 15: The Diary 17: Financial Health 19: Legal Matters 21: Evolving Technology 23: Skills Focus 39: Launchpad 43: Podcast Spotlight 82: Charities

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‘RELATABLE, MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL’ Those are the words our cover star Helen Williams instilled into Helping Entrepreneurs Win (HEW) when establishing her coaching business. She tells unLTD’s Jade March why she swapped the glitz and glamour of life in London for the ‘vibrance’ of South Yorkshire in the full feature from page 26. The ‘relatable, motivational and inspirational’ qualities of both Helen and the HEW brand were quickly identified by our former cover star Rachel Topliss of The Sheffield College who has invited Helen to run a number or extremely popular workshops at the employer academies. Rachel told us: “On my first meeting with Helen, it was evident straight away that she had the drive and passion about the development of young people that I was looking for in industry.” The UK’s annual Active Sitting Survey® found 47 per cent of office workers spent nearly their whole working day sedentary – up more than a quarter pre-pandemic. With many planning a return to the office – and others still working remotely – we take a look at how South Yorkshire employers and employees can tackle the problem in If You Ask Me from page 64. And a third former unLTD cover star crops up elsewhere in this issue, too. The Great Escape’s MD and self-confessed ‘fixer’ Hannah Duraid started Unspoken Moments during the pandemic – a playing card experience that embraces and encourages conversation during these tricky times. And she’s keen to spread the positivity as wide as possible with the game – as Hannah says in the Your Pitch feature on page 80: “My hope is that it will encourage conversation between people or even on an individual basis, to encourage untold stories, connection and, most importantly, be a simple way to start to tackle those more difficult unspoken moments.”

UNLTDBUSINESS EDITORIAL Richard Fidler richard@unltdbusiness.com Jill Theobald editorial@unltdbusiness.com General hello@unltdbusiness.com 0114 252 7781 ADVERTISING Dan Laver dan@unltdbusiness.com 07867 313995 Phil Turner phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498034 General advertising@unltdbusiness.com FINANCE Michael Johnson accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Simon Waller and Simon Garlick CONTRIBUTORS Matthew Ainscough Marc Barker Chris Coates Jo Davison Mike Durham Matt Holmes Andy Kershaw

Sam Leeder Jade March James Marriott Raj & Fiona Shah Faye Smith Ian Snow Ash Young

unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Sq., Kelham Riverside, Sheffield S3 8SD and HRM PR | Creative Unit 1A Speedwell Works, Sidney Street, Sheffield S1 4RG The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and HRM 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 and HRM cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific listings.

AGENDA NEWS

BEAT THE STREET SHEFFIELD RECEIVES OFFICIAL LAUNCH TwinklHive offers £250,000 to help young entrepreneurs A business accelerator that supports budding entrepreneurs is offering £250,000 to young people who want to grow a mission-led, digital business. The TwinklHive scheme provides grants and mentorship to people aged 18 to 24. To apply, the young entrepreneurs must have a validated concept for a technology-enabled business and a clear vision. Each successful applicant will receive a grant of up to £40,000, which also covers the founding team’s salaries of up to £20,000 for the sixmonth programme. There is also an opportunity to apply for follow-on investment from the TwinklHive accelerator at the end of the six-month period. Alongside the grant, candidates will receive mentorship from Twinkl CoFounder and CEO Jonathan Seaton and the current startup founders from within the Hive. Jonathan said: “For young people who are looking to pursue their business ideas, it can be an exciting yet daunting time. Through the TwinklHive scholarship we endeavour to support those young entrepreneurs looking to take that leap and grow a business of their own.” The scholarship is open to people across the UK. For more information or to apply, email hive@twinkl. co.uk. The closing date for applications is Friday 11th June.

Beat the Street Sheffield, the city-wide physical activity game taking place this Summer, received an official launch this May at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Beat the Street will get underway from 16th June to 28th July and challenges schools, workplaces and community groups to clock up active travel miles. More than 450 sensors called ‘Beat Boxes’ have been placed around Sheffield which players simply tap and exercise between to accrue points. The teams which clock up the most points will be ranked on leaderboards for the chance to win various prizes. Dr Anna Lowe, Programme Manager at the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “As we emerge from the difficult lockdown period, Beat the Street is a great way to reorientate ourselves with the city and to explore new areas.” Richard Caborn, former

CHILDREN FROM THE OASIS ACADEMY DON VALLEY AT THE LAUNCH OF THE BEAT THE STREET SHEFFIELD GAME

Government Sports Minister and Project Lead for Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said: “It’s fantastic to be welcoming such an imaginative initiative to Sheffield. Our city has many incredible outdoor spaces just waiting to be explored, and Beat the Street is a simple and fun way for people of all ages to get out and enjoy them. “Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the surrounding area

offers such a lot for people of all ages to explore. I can’t wait to see families, friends, workplaces, schools and the rest of the local community scanning their cards as they experience the many physical and mental benefits of getting active.” For more information about Beat the Street, visit www. beatthestreet.me/sheffield

COLLEGE LAUNCHES #NOTON CAMPAIGN TO RAISE AWARENESS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE The Sheffield College students and staff joined forces on a new campaign to raise awareness of sexual harassment and violence and where to get support. #NotOn was led by The Sheffield College Students’ Union and backed by the College’s Student Participation team. The month-long campaign aimed to highlight the support services available to survivors of sexual violence and harassment and reaffirm the College’s zero tolerance approach.

ANGELA FOULKES

The campaign also appealed for backing from Sheffield’s civic and political leaders and

calling on organisations in the city to adopt the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme or similar. Angela Foulkes, chief executive and principal, The Sheffield College, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our students is absolutely paramount. “We have a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and violence and take all complaints and allegations extremely seriously. However, we are not complacent. That’s why we launched the #NotOn campaign.”

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AGENDA

DONCASTER NHS RESEARCHER WINS NATIONAL BAME AWARD Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber (RDaSH) NHS Trust’s Clinical Studies Officer, Louis Palmer, has been named Researcher of the Year 2021 at the National black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Health and Care Awards. Louis, 24, works with RDaSH’s research team in Doncaster, where his main role is recruiting BAME people to take part in research. Louis was named Researcher of the Year at a virtual awards ceremony on 22 April. He said: “My family have the NHS in our blood, so to be nominated for this award was fantastic and I feel very honoured to have won. These awards show some of the progress being made to support BAME staff to thrive in health and care, and I’m pleased to play my part in increasing equality, diversity and inclusion for our colleagues and patients.”

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: GRANDMA BLANCHE HINES, LOUIS AND HIS MUM ANDREA PALMER

1IN6

of all NHS staff are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds

Kathryn Singh, Chief Executive at RDaSH said: “The work Louis has undertaken in recruiting people with a black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage to take part in research has been fantastic. Louis is such a credit to our Trust and is inspiring a whole new generation of people to have their say.”

UK SPORTS TECH SPECIALIST WINS CONTRACTS WITH US GOVERNING BODIES Sheffield sports tech specialist Sport:80 has announced its appointment by two US sporting governing bodies, bringing its total roster to 55 worldwide – an increase of 18 since the start of the pandemic. The company, which develops cloud-based sport management software for governing bodies to manage their operations and deliver online services to members, has commenced work with both USA Track & Field and USA Karate. Sport:80 CEO Gary Hargreaves said: “By the end of this year we will have onboarded a minimum of 23

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Wentworth Woodhouse bounces back with can-do attitude Despite Wentworth Woodhouse being closed for months during the pandemic, not a single redundancy has been made and four new jobs have been created at the Grade I listed country house.

New Era as £70m ‘East Meets West’ destination opens The New Era Square mixed-use development in Sheffield is now completed and gearing up to open several new food and beverage venues in the coming months, in line with government COVID protocols.

Henry Boot PLC launches equality, diversity & inclusion strategy Henry Boot PLC has set out a ‘deliberately ambitious’ strategy to create a fair, accessible, diverse and inclusive working environment.

Research shows physical activity sector needs further support national governing bodies since the start of 2020. This includes the likes of US Bobsled & Skeleton, US Speedskating, USA Curling, USA Judo, USA Surfing, and USA Taekwondo among others.

“We are continuously developing our digital ecosystem which includes our flagship platform, while also introducing new products to enable our clients to capitalise on the power and value of technology.”

Grassroots physical activity providers have shown ‘resilience, determination and passion’ during the pandemic but require support to recover to prepandemic levels, according to a study led by Sheffield Hallam University.

AGENDA NEWS Hydra Creative provides new website for national meal prep provider

Sheffield-based digital agency Hydra Creative has stepped up to the challenge of designing and building a new website, and then adapting it due to COVID-19 restrictions less than a month after launch. The website, designed and built for Rotherhambased fresh meal prep provider, Nutri-Fast, launched with full e-commerce capability in December 2020. Less than a month later, changes in UK Government COVID-19 guidelines meant that the business could no longer trade due to being situated within a gym. As the website had already started gaining momentum, Hydra Creative worked with Nutri-Fast to reactively make changes to the website to alert new and current customers that they were temporarily not able to place orders, whilst expanding the offering on the website to include subscriptions and a new menu for the reopening of the business on 12 April 2021. UX Designer David Saunderson, who worked on the initial project, said: "I was very excited to work on the Nutri-Fast website, as the product offering was so unique from a user perspective. Creating user flows through the site and visualising how the product could be customised was a unique and enjoyable challenge."

NEW WORLD TRADING COMPANY ANNOUNCES SECOND VENUE New World Trading Company, owners of The Botanist Sheffield, has announced its second site in Sheffield as part of the Heart of the City scheme will be called The Furnace. Whilst the name has taken inspiration from the city’s industrial spirit, there is an additional local influence behind it. According to The Furnace team, a digital survey of over 8,000 residents helped provide a name for the new

concept. Liam Wood, Head of Recruitment at The Furnace, said: "Sheffield is famous for being an industrious city, so we’re excited to meet the hardworking local staff as we open up applications to join The Furnace family." Nalin Seneviratne, Director of City Centre Development at Sheffield City Council said: "We are delighted to see The Furnace nearly completed and look forward to it opening next month.

"It’s always wonderful to see new businesses open. It is a venue of real quality run by a much-celebrated UK operator and we’re confident it will be a strong addition to the city centre. "With its bespoke Sheffield brand and styling, the venue looks fantastic and I’m sure after several lockdowns over the past 12 months, the Sheffield public can’t wait to go and try it out."

Club Doncaster’s Lauren Cuttell named Doncaster Business Hero Club Doncaster Foundation’s health and wellbeing officer Lauren Cuttell was voted the Doncaster Business Hero at Doncaster Chamber’s Awards ceremony. The campaign was launched over the summer of 2020 to help celebrate the outstanding contribution of the region’s business and not-for-profit community and those who have gone the extra mile to help during the pandemic. A live vote took place during the virtual awards ceremony in March. Lauren was nominated for her

commitment to keeping the Doncaster community healthy with creative and innovative stay-home solutions as part of the Foundation’s Home Goals campaign.

Doncaster Chamber President Jill Wood said: “Over the past 12 months we have heard some amazing stories from the Doncaster Business Hero nominees of how individuals and businesses were going above and beyond. “Doncaster Chamber is deeply committed to championing Doncaster’s private and third sectors and celebrating the work that takes place within it. The Doncaster Business Hero award that was awarded to Lauren at Club Doncaster was thoroughly deserved.”

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AGENDA

TECH-ENTREPRENEUR LAUNCHES NEW ‘GAME CHANGING’ NETWORKING PLATFORM A South Yorkshire-based tech entrepreneur is hoping to transform the way in which business owners click, connect and collaborate after announcing ambitious plans to launch an innovative new virtual networking platform which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new platform Network 24/7 is the brainchild of accountant-turned-tech entrepreneur Ednan Karim who was inspired to develop a more flexible way of helping business owners to build stronger business connections. With many businesses being unable to meet at physical networking events since the beginning of the pandemic, Ednan hit on the idea of developing a 24-hour networking platform after becoming frustrated with short-format networking events. He said: I spent time talking to business owners

EDNAN KARIM

across South Yorkshire and realised there was a golden opportunity to create a different type of networking experience: one which removed the element of chance, and enabled business owners to strike up meaningful conversations with others.” Network 24/7 has received

the backing of all three chambers of commerce operating in South Yorkshire and entrepreneurs from across the region are being given an exclusive opportunity to trial the platform for themselves, prior to its formal launch later this year. Sign up to the platform www.network247.co.uk.

VERUS RECRUITMENT EXPANDS ON ‘MISSION TO MAKE MORE PERFECT JOB MATCHES’ Verus Recruitment, based in Sheffield, is striving for bigger and brighter things and, as the team continues to support businesses across Yorkshire in finding staff that fit postpandemic, they’re also making sure their in-house team reflect their business values of authenticity, trust and quality. Earlier this year, Verus welcomed business development manager Sarah Briggs to the team and last month, the recruitment firm also announced the appointment of Dr Laura Cutress as the head of marketing and commercial operations (plus her cocker spaniel Beinn as ‘barketing’ assistant).

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DR LAURA CUTRESS

She said: “I wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves to be in a company and position that is challenging, fulfilling and where you feel valued. After a rollercoaster 2020, I have to say it's great to feel valued so much to be offered this opportunity – and I look forward to helping candidates find the same job satisfaction I do!” Whether that’s childcare, dog sitting or simply a work from home day, the Verus Recruitment team are thrilled to be bringing the things they enjoyed about lockdown (including lunchtime dog walks, flexible hours and Cake Fridays) into the office and are looking forward to a successful year ahead.

Dentech IT expand their service offering

Dentech IT, the South Yorkshire-based managed IT service provider, has developed a new website after expanding its service offering to clients. Led by MD Luke Denman, the new website has been built to reaffirm the company’s presence as a leading IT provider in the Sheffield City Region, and allow existing clients to learn more about the full range of added value services on offer. Luke said: “Despite having many years’ personal experience at director level in leading IT service providers in the region, Dentech itself is a relatively young company that is now experiencing significant growth.

LUKE DENMAN

“While we felt our existing website did its job in helping to establish our brand, it became evident that, as we have grown and added a broader range of services, the site started to feel outdated – a common scenario, as technology constantly adapts to new trends and user requirements. “It’s been a fantastic project to work on, and I’d like to extend our thanks to Brendan Hall at Hallmark Branding and Mike Robinson at RD&M Web Designers for bringing it all to life.” Visit the new website – www.dentechit.org.uk

AGENDA PROPERTY NEWS

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESSES ADAPTING TO NEW WAY OF WORKING IN SHEFFIELD Cubo Sheffield opened on April 1 2021 and has since generated interest from businesses looking for flexible office space with a modern working atmosphere. The flexible office space provider offers co-working space, private offices, meeting rooms and designated desks, all with 24hr security and a barista on-site. Pro-Executive Limited have taken a private office at the city centre site, providing a centrally based hosting and working space. The business membership organisation works alongside public sector bodies and UK/global connections focused on the economic development of the region. Ben Sequerra, Pro-Executive Limited partner, was born and worked in London until moving recently to Sheffield to establish a family. “Having operated in North America, South East Asia and the Caribbean in the last five years the changes from COVID-19 reconnected me

Barnsley Council approves pub development

to Sheffield,” he said. “I was looking for a workspace to match the places I have been working in. "Cubo offers something we have not seen anywhere else – it was the only place to meet my requirements

in Sheffield. We are very excited to build a world-class business from 38 Carver Street in the Heart of the City. I would like to thank Queensbury and Cubo Holdings for providing such a high-quality platform.”

Plans that will ensure the future of the historic Fountain Inn in the South Yorkshire village of Ingbirchworth have been approved by Barnsley Council. Award-winning Yorkshire property developer Conroy Brook, in association with Brook Leisure Group, will restore the currently derelict pub and restaurant, with work on site scheduled to start this summer. Jason Brook, director of Conroy Brook and Brook Leisure Group, added: “We look forward to bringing a revitalised pub back to life with the support of the local community.”

Redbrik celebrates launching second hospitality offering Leading South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Estate Agents, Redbrik has officially launched Raffina Caffè Bar & Ristorante on Ecclesall Road, marking its second hospitality opening in Sheffield. Created to bring authentic Italian flavours, high-quality ingredients and world-class service to the people of Sheffield, the latest opening follows the successful introduction of Raffina Coffee & Deli to Fox Valley Shopping Park, Stocksbridge, earlier this year. Since opening on Monday 17th May, bookings have been filling up at the Ecclesall Road Caffè Bar & Ristorante, as many seek to take advantage

LEFT TO RIGHT: REDBRIK DIRECTORS DAVID COOPER, PETER LEE AND MARK ROSS

of the end of restrictions for indoor hospitality. Managing director, Mark Ross, commented: “We’ve always been avid supporters of the high street and

our local community. We wholeheartedly believe that by creating quality social spaces within the communities we serve, we are enriching the local area. We hope they will

become treasured community hubs.” Book a table by visiting www.raffina.co.uk/book (walk-in space available).

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AGENDA

APPOINTMENTS

SPONSORED BY

THE DIFFICULTIES OF HIRING IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE The last few months have seen a complete switch for the recruitment market – from buoyant, active, and candidate-led to very cautious and stagnant. So what can you do to position yourselves as an employer of choice to a hesitant market? The past 12 months (and counting) has thrown many obstacles at employers and employees alike. A combination of extended furlough and a change in working patterns and flexibility has made many employees, particularly if office-based, reassess what they want from their career. This has created a shift in some areas of the market – from not enough jobs for quality candidates, to not enough quality candidates for jobs. Glu Recruit MD Rob Shaw said: “Job seekers are still optimistic, but they are more cautious about making a

ROB SHAW, MD OF GLU RECRUIT

move right now due to the uncertainty created by the pandemic. As we are only just starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, some candidates deem it too premature to consider moving jobs. “They may still have problems with their current role – unhappy with salary, commute or a lack of

flexibility – but for now they are accepting these, with job security more important to them. “Job application levels are lower than normal, which means a lower quality of applicants. Equally, good candidates are in demand so aren’t hanging around, so speed is definitely key to making recruitment decisions.

Promotion at Shorts chartered accountants Shorts Chartered Accountants has promoted Gary Moorhouse to Genus director. Gary joined Shorts in 2013 and has played an active role in the growth and development of the Genus service, providing businesses with meaningful management accounts to make better-informed business decisions. Partner at Shorts and head of Genus Malcolm Pope said: “Gary’s performance has been consistently excellent, helping us to develop and further enhance our management accounts offering for local businesses. Gary said: “It is great to be asked to take this position – I

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GARY MOOREHOUSE, GENUS DIRECTOR AT SHORTS

have been with Shorts eight years and it has been such an interesting journey. “We have developed our

support for clients to enable us to be the leading firm in the region and the Genus team is an integral part of this.”

“Hiring managers and recruiters need to get creative to attract talent in a difficult market. How a job advert sells your company, and its culture, is a great start, and can make a real difference. “With candidate demand high, employers need to interview more effectively and sell the whole opportunity, including available perks and opportunities for future progression. Speed and efficiency in shortlisting, interviewing, and making a final decision is vital. “Forward-thinking recruitment agencies add significant value to candidate attraction, negotiating offers and managing counter offers to ensure the candidate starts, but also stays. “Recruitment is buoyant in our region, and there’s increased confidence from hiring employers – so if your current methods aren’t hitting the mark, talk to us about our expert solutions.”

Sheffield College appoints new Governing Body chair The Sheffield College has appointed John Mothersole as Governing Body chair. He joined the Governing Body in 2020 as a governor and chair designate. John said: "Great further education is needed more than ever, being at the forefront of the post-Brexit and pandemic skills-led recovery. My focus will be on the challenges and seizing the opportunities.”

AGENDA APPOINTMENTS

CURRENT VACANCIES Creative Role: Marketing officer Salary: £23,200 per annum Location: Rotherham / Worksop Sector: Education and Training Provider

ABOUT GLU RECRUIT Glu Recruit are a full-service recruitment agency established in 2016. We specialise in temporary, permanent, contract and graduate recruitment – offering a tailored solution from entry level to senior management and board level spanning your entire organisation. As an independent recruitment

agency, we focus on the long-term stick of the placement. Whether you’re a candidate looking to make a career move, or an employer looking to add to your team, our thorough and proactive recruitment and retention service ensures you are well looked after! Call: 0114 321 1873 Email: hello@glurecruit.co.uk www.glurecruit.co.uk

Office Support Role: Procurement administrator Salary: £19,000 to £20,000 per annum Location: Doncaster Sector: Waste Management and Recycling Sales Role: Business development executive Salary: £25,000 to £35,000 per annum depending on experience level Location: Barnsley Sector: Financial Services

BRIDGE HELP ADDS TO GROWING TEAM WITH NEW APPOINTMENT Chesterfield-based bridging loan provider Bridge Help has added to its growing team with the appointment of Naseer Ahmed as head of sales for London and the South East. Naseer brings 13 years in client relationship management and corporate and commercial banking to his new role and 10 years’ experience with major high street banks where he specialised in commercial banking before making the move to the bridging sector in 2019. He joins Bridge Help from TFG Capital Limited.

He said: “Bridge Help offers a fresh and evolving approach in a saturated market. The company puts relationshipbuilding at the heart of the deal, backed by some excellent in-house systems.” Chief executive Chris Sellars said: “Naseer’s appointment represents a very important milestone for the business. “Our loan book is growing daily and it’s important we have the right people in place at a regional level to continue to develop solid, long-term relationships with brokers throughout the country.”

NASEER AHMED

Former hostage negotiator becomes anti-trafficking trustee Geoff Cheshire has been appointed trustee at global anti-trafficking and crime-free futures charity City Hearts, headquartered in Sheffield. Geoff had a 32-year career with Merseyside Police in senior leadership roles, including 14

years as a hostage negotiator. He said: “I was inspired by City Hearts’ commitment and approach to supporting survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. “When the opportunity presented itself to join their

board of trustees, I jumped at the chance to work with this group of highly motivated and effective people with a proven track record of making a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the UK today.”

Office assistant joins growing IT provider Dentech IT, the South Yorkshire based managed service provider, has appointed Destiny Wallace as office assistant. In a newly created role to support the growing team, Destiny will be responsible for internal admin. She said: “This is my first job out of university and I’m looking forward to working in a field that is constantly changing and upgrading.”

Promotion at Urbana Town Planning Innovative planners and urbanists Urbana have promoted Charles Dunn to director in the firm’s next phase of growth. Described by MD Adam Murray as someone who ‘lives and breathes the values of the business’, Charles is responsible for managing the Sheffield team and guiding them to improve the built environment and deliver for clients.

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AGENDA SPONSORED BY

DYNAMIC DUO PROMOTED AT TOP ACCOUNTANCY FIRM A Sheffield chartered accountancy and business advisory firm has made two senior promotions as the business continues to go from strength to strength. Hentons – ranked as one of the top 100 accountancy firms by fee income in the UK by industry bible Accountancy Age – has promoted Anthony Hamilton to director and Olivia Broadhead to manager. Both are based at Hentons’ Sheffield office, at Kollider in the city centre. Chartered accountant Anthony joined Hentons almost two years ago and has been instrumental in growing the digital offering at the fast-growing, independently owned firm. Olivia is a client-focused accountant, skilled in financial

ANTHONY HAMILTON

accounting, VAT, tax and HMRC issues. Hentons partner Tim Baum-Dixon said: “Anthony leads from the front and has brought in several larger clients while managing the 11-strong Sheffield team on a

OLIVIA BROADHEAD

day-to-day basis. “Olivia is very capable and phenomenally hardworking member of our team. A safe pair of hands, her determination to deliver the highest quality of service is inspirational.”

New client relationship manager for Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Mutual has welcomed Alison Palmer (pictured) as client relationship manager after consulting Glu Recruit for appointment advice. Dawn Gregory, chief commercial officer, said: “Glu Recruit are the first recruitment company I’d used, and I’m impressed. We wanted to work with a local agency to ensure we attracted the right person for our growing business development team. “Not only was the role quite niche, but we wanted to bring someone on board with the right values and skills. The candidate we actually appointed hadn’t applied via the online postings, but was sourced by Glu – if it hadn’t been for them we’d likely still be looking!

‘Familiar face’ joins Highlander team Sheffield-based IT services provider Highlander has appointed Rich Davies as business development manager. A member of the Sheffield Chamber Council, Rich is a familiar face to many within the Sheffield City Region and brings a wealth of industry experience to the role. Owen Hanley, Highlander sales director said: “As we continue to develop all areas of the business, we will look to Rich to lead our local campaigns and work with our marketing team to increase our influence. “He is a great fit for the business, and we’re excited to have him on board.” Rich said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have joined Highlander and I’m looking

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RICH DAVIES

forward to working with Steve, Owen, and the rest of the team to further raise Highlander’s

profile in Yorkshire and beyond in the coming months – and indeed years!”

“The process was quick and easy and saved a significant amount of time for us in the office, as much of the work was done before we were even passed the details of the suitable candidates. “The relationship has continued with us having regular updates on the new starter’s first day, week and month.” New recruit Alison Palmer said: “I honestly could not feel happier and more suited to the people here at Sheffield Mutual and the role. I can now look forward to Monday mornings again!”

Secure confidence STOP YOUR ORGANIZATION FALLING VICTIM TO CYBER-ATTACKS AND ENSURE BUSINESS RESILIENCE By implementing both ISO/IEC 27001, the international standard for information security management and ISO 22301, the standard for business continuity management, you can ensure that you’re protecting your organization from potential threats. Having a robust set of management systems will help you identify and manage your risks, build resilience, and set you apart from the competition.

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AGENDA

THE DIARY BY RICHARD FIDLER

Our editor is optimistic about the business world taking on more normality

RE-OPENING THE DOORS TO SURE AND STEADY SUCCESS As we head towards the final stages of the roadmap, it has been heartening to see the world beginning to take on some form of normality. Those of us who have tried to retain some semblance of a pre-COVID routine over the past few months have noticed for many weeks the increase in traffic and bustle returning to our city and town centres. The shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, salons, cafes, markets and leisure attractions all depend on us to make the

effort to get out of the house and visit them. May’s weather certainly hasn’t helped but it is good to see people back out and about. In an office setting, too, more and more firms are seeing their teams return. The next challenge will be for leaders and managers to maintain contact with those who remain on flexible working patterns. The long-term effects of more than a year, in some cases, of working from home won’t be known for some

time but I remain convinced it is the younger members of our workforce who will be hampered most if they don’t come into regular contact with more experienced members of their team. It could also spill over into a recruitment issue with some firms preferring those who want to work primarily in an office and others who take their entire operation to a remote model. Neither one will be perfect, and neither should be seen

as ‘the way forward’. Every business operates in a slightly different way and as long as customers and clients are getting the service they are paying for then everyone should be happy. My feeling is that slowly but surely – in the majority of sectors – businesses will feel more like 2019 than 2020. The caveat there is that we will take the learnings from 2020 (and 2021) and implement them into a model which is more like 2019.

A taste of normality as hospitality returns The agency that I run – HRM PR & Creative – has had a busy few weeks with the return of the hospitality sector. We have been proud to launch two brand new restaurants, one in Sheffield and one in Doncaster, to rave reviews.

Raffina, on Ecclesall Road, is the big brother to a smaller outlet at Fox Valley in Stocksbridge. It is a new concept (the food is amazing, by the way) and in both cases sits below the offices of estate agents Redbrik.

Elephant & Castle at Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster – last month’s unLTD cover stars – is a more established brand having started in Dublin 30 years ago. Doncaster is the first stop off in the UK and, from early signs, it won’t be the last.

RAFFINA ON ECCLESALL ROAD

Got views of your own? Let me know: richard@unltdbusiness.com LinkedIn: Richard Fidler

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The financial planners share their advice for successful investment to reach your goals

IS CASH REALLY KING? We think it is important every once in a while, to close your eyes, tune out from the daily media onslaught of political, market and economic chaos, take a deep breath and think: what am I actually investing for? And how will I know if I am successful or not? The answer can only be found in your own personal situation and will depend on whether you are following these three fundamental steps to successful investing: Have you set specific goals? Ask yourself: what am I investing for? What are my deepest, most cherished goals? Will I outlive my money, or will it outlive me? How

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The (very human) temptation to stay in cash Perhaps you have been feeling a pull to stay in cash until things 'settle down'? The market is 'too high', 'it’s shot up too quickly', 'there’s bound to be another crash', isn’t there? The impulse to stay in cash is every bit as basic as the instinct to sell everything when stock prices are nose-diving and the media onslaught is relentless. But until you take a step back, (or your high-quality financial planner saves you from yourself!), the chances are you will give in to this temptation over and over again, meaning you never have true, lasting investment success. As Warren Buffet’s

mentor Benjamin Graham put it, “The investor’s chief problem – and even her worst enemy – is likely to be herself”. The chart to your left shows that equity funds have barely taken in fresh investments since the March 2009 bottom, despite a 660 per cent return for the Standard & Poor’s 500. Bond funds and exchangetraded funds, meanwhile, have taken in more than $3 trillion. In the last 13 months the S&P 500 has gone from circa 2200 to 4100 index points. It has nearly doubled. Just let that sink in… “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now” Chinese proverb. Engaging a high-quality financial planner could help you plant your tree and ensure it is fed, nurtured and pruned as you go through your life. Raj Shah is founder of Blue Wealth Capital and has been shortlisted for Financial Planner of the Year and Investment Adviser of the Year. Raj can be reached at: raj@bluewealthcapital.com Fiona Shah is operations director at Blue Wealth Capital. Fiona can be reached at: office@ bluewealthcapital.com www.bluewealthcapital.com

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YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO TAKE UP AN APPRENTICESHIP, SAYS THE SOURCE Age is just a number at The Source Skills Academy. Some 30 percent of its apprentices are over 25 and two per cent are over 50. They are studying for apprenticeship standards from level 2 to 5 in subjects including supply chain warehousing, customer service, team leadership and health care. Richard Willis, business development manager, said: “Apprenticeships are open

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HOMELESS CHARITY ONE OF MANY TAKING ON A KICKSTART RECRUIT THANKS TO THE SOURCE Sheffield charity Nomad Open Doors is one of 150 employers The Source has helped access the Kickstart programme. Applications have been submitted by its specialist Gateway Team to give more than 300 unemployed young people the chance of lifechanging work placements via the scheme.

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Over a quarter of approved roles are on target to be filled and a ‘Super-Recruitment event at The Source on June 2 is expected to create dozens more placements. Kickstart encourages businesses to give six-month placements to unemployed 16to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit. The government pays 100

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SIX REASONS TO MOVE TO THE CLOUD CT's managing director Ian Snow explains why switching to cloud computing is a must for businesses in 2021 Cloud computing has always been about modern infrastructure for quicker innovation, faster time to market and cost savings. But in 2020 the world realised the importance of the cloud. It offers flexible remote workforce management, lower cost for backup recovery, legacy skill risk, safe return to the workplace and business agility. The value of the cloud and the need to embrace digital business models have been clear for years, but the realities of the pandemic have made this shift a key business priority. 2021 and beyond will see organisations building upon this momentum, moving to mature their cloud adoption strategies, kick-off their migration and modernise their technical platforms. Here is a reminder of why moving to the cloud is so important for your business.

surprising that businesses identify operational agility as a key reason for cloud adoption.

Cloud computing is flexible Cloud-based services are ideal for businesses with growing or fluctuating bandwidth demands as it’s easy to scale up or down your cloud capacity. This level of agility can give businesses using cloud computing a real advantage over competitors – it’s not

Disaster recovery keeps data safe All businesses should be investing in robust disaster recovery, but for smaller businesses this is often more an ideal than the reality. Cloud is now helping more organisations shirk that trend. In fact, cloud-based recovery solutions are now available

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

BRIGHT LIGHTS – BETTER CITY From the bright lights of London to the steel city of Sheffield, Rotherham born and bred entrepreneur Helen Williams believes in Health, Excellence and Wealth and instilled those principles in her business Helping Entrepreneurs Win (HEW). She tells unLTD’s Jade March why swapping the glitz of the capital for the ‘vibrance’ of South Yorkshire helped mould the ‘relatable, motivational and inspirational’ HEW – and created a strong following along the way.

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COVER STORY “When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I just respond with, ‘Because I’m brave and I back myself’. “Our ethos for our business is, ‘You First’, and we weave that into all that we do with our clients.” Before setting up her business, HEW Coaching, Helen Williams was working in the corporate world in London but escaped back to Sheffield in 2019. It is her life in the capital that has inspired so much of what she does now with clients – combined with the supportive business community of her adopted city of Sheffield. She said: “In London, even though I was living an amazing life, with a great salary and commission, had access to fantastic perks, attended events like Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and Goodwood – I just didn’t feel fulfilled, and I found myself asking ‘what else?’” At the time of talking – over a cup of Yorkshire Tea on Zoom – it is the end of Mental Health Awareness Week. Making reference to a post she shared on social media, Helen says that mental health isn’t just to be talked about during a weeklong campaign. While that is great to do, mental health needs to be talked about every single day. A strong believer in nurturing mental health and personal growth, Helen applies this every day for her clients. As a personal development coach and the founder of HEW Coaching she helps business owners to invest in themselves to create personal growth – which is then transferable into their companies. But in her youth, like many university students, Helen didn’t know what she would be doing when she graduated or where she would end up. After graduating from university in Leeds with a Degree in Humanities and Social Studies, she held several sales and corporate roles in Doncaster and Sheffield – including corporate sales manager at Sheffield International Venues (now Sheffield City Trust). Back in 2014, Helen made the big leap to up sticks and

move to the fabled golden streets of London where she worked in events and sales for some of the biggest and most iconic events in the country. I had to ask if she had met anyone famous while working in London – and she then went on to tell me that, in fact, yes … she met David Beckham and Prince Charles – only a few of the biggest names, eh?! Helen landed herself on tables with top Michelin star chefs including Jason Atherton and the late Albert Roux as well as attending high-profile events like the British Fashion Awards and the Polo in Windsor. But it wasn’t always managing big corporate events for Helen. She told me about her time at university, starting out in the events industry and her experiences that led her to set up her business. “I’ve been adopted into Sheffield after working here for so long. After studying in Leeds I then returned to South Yorkshire and started my career here. “I went through quite a tricky time during my most crucial years of studying – my parents got divorced, I was drinking and going out more than I should. I chose my course on a bit of a whim at the time, but actually the humanities and sociology side of what I did study is now really coming out in the work that I do with HEW Coaching. “After not knowing what I really wanted to do after university, I went travelling to Malaysia and Australia. I came back and completed a Masters in Events Management. “All of my paid employment has been within the events management sector in a variety of roles in hospitality, events, commercial and sales and have been predominantly in the sports and health industries.” While enjoying the high life of all things London, it wasn’t all business and liquid lunches. Helen was silently living with endometriosis – a disease that affects a woman’s reproductive system. “Undiagnosed for more than 14 years, I underwent various operations,

We practice everything that we preach. We are not a ‘fashionable’ coaching brand, and we don’t expect people to do anything that we wouldn’t do.

testing and had symptoms that were really starting to take a hold of my life. “I loved my job – but I needed something that I felt more in control of and a lifestyle that would fit in around me. I was working long and unsocial hours and it was doing me and my body no favours. “I quit the corporate world and it wasn’t the job or the sector. I had a great job in London where I headed up the sales team for Twickenham. I was involved in selling corporate packages for high profile events like Wimbledon and Test match cricket at Lord's – I’ve been so spoilt when it comes to the experience I’ve gained in events and hospitality. “During my time in London I was really suffering with my health, though. I have lived with endometriosis for my whole life but for 14 years it was undiagnosed so I was living with it, without really understanding why my health and energy levels were constantly fluctuating. “I really suffered with the working hours, demands of the job and the vast range of responsibilities and it was affecting my health. I just found myself asking – is living this high life in London worth my health and overall happiness? The answer was no. “I had to put my health first, and although the luxuries and benefits of working and living in London have gone down, my happiness has gone up… which really is the most important thing.” Re-evaluating both her life and her career, Helen set up in business for herself first in property and then two years later formed HEW Coaching. She said: “Towards the end of 2019 and after more than five years living in London, I made the decision to move back to Sheffield and base my business from here. “I love Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region. I’ll always have a soft spot for all things Northern – I grew up here, I love the people, the potential of the city and just the general vibrant vibe.

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COVER STORY

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L I M I T E D

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Our ethos for our business is, ‘You First’, and we weave that into all that we do with our clients.

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COVER STORY “Sheffield is a fantastic base for HEW and I live in the city centre which is a great location for networking, getting out and about and meeting clients and contacts. There’s always somewhere to go and grab a quick coffee and catch up.” With both UK and international clients, Helen, alongside her now business partner Lauren Brady, leads a team of four. “We pride ourselves in all things ‘real’ and we want to reflect that in everything we do and deliver for our clients. We want to be relatable, motivational and inspire people with real life experiences and tangible things to implement into their business. “Our ethos for our business is, ‘You First’, and we weave that into all that we do with our clients. We take the time to get to know them, understand their needs and really work with them on a one-to-one basis to get the best outcomes. “We talk about the prioritising of you, your needs, your health and what really makes you fulfilled and happy. We’re always talking about how to get the best out of you! “When we say real, we mean people recognise that in us and they can relate to us. We believe that to get the best out of people you have to be yourself for them to feel comfortable to be themselves. “One of our main values is individuality – when we’re talking about the corporate world, we feel that sometimes that can be missed, so we highlight this is a strength that needs to be recognised.” Helen always reminds her clients that, ‘it is never too late to prioritise you’. “We let our clients know that it is okay to be you, we encourage them to embrace confidence to express their individuality and I believe that because myself and my business partner Lauren do so, they are then able to mirror those beliefs and values and take them back into the corporate world. “There is so much I do around personal development,

mindset and people-topeople care that needs to be implemented into the corporate world rather than it all being largely around performance, sales and finances. I think people’s fulfilment levels would rise which actually in the end would lead to happier and more successful people. “I would really like to see a shift in the corporate world that encompasses more of a focus on personal development, learning and individual growth within businesses. Corporate identity is one thing but actually organisations are made up of sometimes hundreds of people that need be recognised.” When the world went online at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, HEW was ahead of the curve with some of their business already operating via Zoom. As well as one-to-one coaching and group sessions, HEW is also developing an online learning platform for

Sheffield is such a vibrant city, and I really can’t wait to get back into the face-to-face realm of meetings and networking events.

people to access training modules. Although adapting to the virtual world, Helen can’t wait to get back to face-to-face working and networking. “Sheffield is such a vibrant city, and I really can’t wait to get back into the face-toface realm of meetings and networking events. We do a lot of public speaking so it will be great to be out there again. Although I think there is a space for resources online, I think it will form just part of a wider package for our clients," she said. “We predominately work in the UK, but we have worked with clients across the world including in Australia, Italy and America – so, being online is definitely a perk for us. “Networking is vitally important to both me personally and our business. When I returned to Sheffield it was a case of me building a new network and I have done that both via social media and physical networking. I have found partnerships with organisations key to building the success of the business. “As well as the involvement with The Sheffield College, I have just been part of Sheffield Hallam University’s mentorship panel on the accelerator wellbeing programme. “Networking is invaluable to us, and it is something I advise my clients on. We always ask our clients ‘who can you connect with to help somebody else and add value to your network?’” While hearing Helen’s story it is impossible not to feel inspired. I asked her about her biggest inspirations and how she has got to where she is. She said: “I’ve always had a strong head on my shoulders, and I follow a strong entrepreneurial streak within my family as my dad is a business owner. I always knew I wanted my own business when I was in my early 20s, but I just didn’t know what in at that time. “I am a product of very big, bold decisions. I would say that I take a risk when a lot of people don’t make that

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COVER STORY

decision. When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I just respond with, ‘because I’m brave and I back myself'. “I’ve always been the first in my family to do anything big. I was the first to go to university, I was the first to move to different cities and change jobs to gain experience. My dad was a major inspiration – however, he was the realist

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when it came to me being the one making the big decisions. “He was worried about me moving away from the corporate world and going from having everything to starting again. He was just making sure I was aware of the risks, but I knew it was the right thing to do and I don’t regret any decisions I’ve made to be in the position I am today.

“We have created HEW Coaching with real experiences and that is what people really like and can really relate to. “We practice everything that we preach. We are not a ‘fashionable’ coaching brand, and we don’t expect people to do anything that we wouldn’t do. “We lead from the front with everything. A lot of

what we have created, what we have based our business model on and the tools and the techniques we implement has been formed from our own direct experiences. We are in the arena with you – pushing boundaries, building businesses, learning and growing in all areas of life and business. To me that’s what it is all about.”

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Providing people with a home and a future

PROPERTY

BRANCHING OUT INTO PROPERTY LETTINGS INVESTMENT During the past year South Yorkshire residents have seen the value of their homes increase and are now looking for ways to benefit. Julian Wasley, lettings agency coordinator of Four Trees Lettings, tells us more about the benefits of investing in the property lettings market Over the past year, UK residents are estimated to have saved up £192 billion, but most are not seeing any returns from having it in cash, even in ISAs. Meanwhile, residents of South Yorkshire have seen the value of their homes increase and are looking for ways to benefit. But once you’ve been to the auction house, signed the paperwork and fitted the new carpets, you might find your investment becoming a financial drain. An empty property still needs to be paid for and tenants can be harder to find than you think. The face of property is changing rapidly in Sheffield and the student population is on the move. Landlords who have relied on the student market are watching their

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tenants move into purpose built high rises, away from the terraced streets they used to live in. While it can sometimes feel like high street lettings agencies are always on the hunt for glossy, refurbished spaces, there is always a need for landlords who want to provide good, solid homes for a reasonable price. Four Trees Lettings Agency specialises in renting to those who are facing homelessness, providing long-term accommodation to those in need, while protecting landlords from the risk of unpaid rents. Lettings agency coordinator, Julian Wasley said: “Four Trees Lettings is able to guarantee rent of up to 75 per cent for our landlords with no other fees attached. The unique place

we have put ourselves within the lettings market means a hands-on approach, tenants approved and ready to take tenancies plus an excellent service to our landlords. This enables us to offer more properties to those in need and tackle the ever-growing demand for our services.” The aim is also to bring life back into areas where students have left and there is a tenant void ensuring landlords are getting a rental income without too many fees. Areas like Highfield, Abbeydale Road, Crookesmoor and Norfolk Park have been hugely affected by students staying home this past year. Many landlords who have focused on the student market in the past are finding the current climate deeply concerning.

Four Trees is helping landlords to ensure their vacancies are reaching the right people. Mary, a Four Trees landlord, said: “We moved to Sheffield from Kent and were able to invest in a rental property for our retirement fund. We didn’t fancy being hands on landlords and wanted to ensure we were doing some good with our money. Knowing Four Trees works with those at risk of homelessness means we’re making a difference, while making a good investment.” Four Trees Lettings is hoping this commitment to ethical property investments and reducing landlord costs will ensure they are a key player in the residential lettings market in Sheffield.

FOCUS ON

INVESTING IN

PROPERTY With interest rates currently at an all-time low, and the stocks and shares market often volatile due to the ongoing pandemic, investment in property has seen a renewed surge. But successful property investing – especially for newcomers to the market – comes from ‘finding the right team to work with and guide you along the way’. In this month’s Focus On we chat to two regional experts to help you identify, and achieve, your goals.

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FOCUS ON MARK PEREIRA, DIRECTOR, RESONATE

the world invest their money successfully into property.

What makes now a good time to consider property investment? Interest rates are at record-low levels and, for those with long-term savings goals, property can provide a steady reliable income and the potential for capital growth.

We can help you:

Who is investing in property and what is the most successful way of doing so? Those looking to make what is widely considered to be a safe investment over the longer term are turning to property to help build a successful financial future. Before investing in property, it is imperative to understand that you are setting up a business, even if you only plan to purchase one buy-to-let property. You have obligations and responsibilities as a

Identify what type of properties you should invest in and why.

Find the right properties to invest in and understand the numbers.

landlord and must be sure to understand the risks as well as the rewards before investing. Successful property investing comes from finding the right team to work with and guide you along the way. What are the first steps that someone investing in property (especially for the first time) should take? You should first understand why you want to invest in property. What are your longterm goals and how long would

you like to invest for? Being able to answer these questions is key to your success. Working with established property investment businesses can help you to identify your specific goals, prior to investing. How can you help investors and what tips would you give a first-time investor? We have been investing in property collectively for more than a decade and now help investors from all over

JAMES HOLDING, REGIONAL AUCTION MANAGER, AUCTION HOUSE SOUTH YORKSHIRE What makes now a good time to consider property investment? As we are all aware, interest rates are currently at an alltime low, meaning investors are receiving little to no interest on any savings, and the stocks and shares market has often been volatile due to the ongoing global COVID pandemic. Investment in property has therefore seen a renewed surge, as opposed to having money saved away for a ‘rainy day’. Prices within the Sheffield City Region have continued to rise so now is a fantastic time to make the leap as either a firsttime landlord, developer or add to a current portfolio.

Who is investing in property and what is the most successful way of doing so? Property investors come from a variety of backgrounds and the most successful are open to purchasing through a variety of difference routes including on and off market,

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property sourcing agents and, of course, auction! There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these routes, but we are finding a lot of investors are now solely buying through auction due to the speed and certainty it offers – largely due to being able to avoid the lengthy, time-consuming, and often extremely frustrating conveyancing process. Auction completely bypasses this and the most popular route of purchase is via an immediate, unconditional exchange of contracts on the fall of the gavel, giving certainty and peace of mind to both buyers and sellers that both parties are legally committed to the process.

What are the first steps someone investing in property (especially for the first time) should take? Research and speak to as many property professionals as you can and enlist the services of a reputable and, ideally, personally recommended solicitor. They will be able to provide you with the legal advice you need and advise you in respect of any purchase. If buying via auction, we would always recommend you read the legal pack provided and inspect the property prior to purchase. How can you help investors and what tips would you give a first-time investor?

Negotiate the best price from the seller and see the sale through to completion.

Refurbish, let, and manage your property over the long term.

What is the most important thing an investor needs to consider during the process? Remember that investing is a long-term game. While it is possible to make money relatively quickly in property, the biggest wins find you over the longer term.

Know your budget and be clear in relation to your expected return, making sure to take into account all of the costs associated with a purchase, which can impact your financial return or yield. These can include purchasing costs, legal costs, Stamp Duty Land Tax, as well as any potential refurbishment costs to ensure the property is legally fit to rent out. For example, the government is in the process of tightening up the regulations in relation to Energy Performance Certificate ratings for rental properties, as well as the introduction of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) so ensure you do your research! What is the most important thing an investor needs to consider during the process? The additional costs – make sure you work out a realistic and comprehensive breakdown of costs associated with an investment purchase, including allowing for future maintenance and potential void periods to ensure you are not left out of pocket.

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SIMON IS A LOCAL WHOLE OF MARKET MORTGAGE BROKER. AT BURNETT MORTGAGES WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN MAKING YOUR MORTGAGE JOURNEY AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE BY LISTENING TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS, UNDERSTANDING YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES, TAILORING YOUR NEEDS AND BUILDING AN ONGOING RELATIONSHIP FOR YOUR CURRENT AND FUTURE MORTGAGE NEEDS Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Burnett Mortgages Limited is an Appointed Representative of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions LTD, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Oce : Burnett Mortgages Limited, Gresley House, Ten Pound Walk, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 5HX. England. Registered Company Number : 11224301. Registered in England and Wales. © 2021 Burnett Mortgages Limited. All Rights Reserved.

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LAUNCHPAD

PAWS & PRESTO ‘Dogtrapreneur’ Tom Bennett tells unLTD how Launchpad helped him and his business paw-tner Digby Doodle the cockapoodle start up and grow dog products and accessories company Paws & Presto into a brand with more than 30,000 customers Tell us about your company? Paws & Presto is a pet brand which specialises in products that solve problems for dogs and their owners. Founded by Digby Doodle the cockapoodle and Tom (his assistant!) they focus on the many problems faced when owning a pet. That could be drying them after it’s raining, cleaning them, cooling them…the list goes on! The products are exceptionally good quality, and all have to endure the ‘Digby Test’ – meaning if it’s not good enough for Digby to use himself it does not go onto our shelves! Digby’s test has paid dividends earning him an Indy Best Buy for his dog towels! When did you first decide to start up on your own and what inspired you? I was involved in a small nonprofit business at university which utilised supply chain food waste and donated the proceeds to charity. It gave me an insight into what running a business would be like and I loved it. It was from this point I set myself a goal of starting my own business and have then worked since leaving university to develop a skillset that would allow me to be successful at this. The business was launched to help dogs get top quality products and to help foster that bond between dogs and their owners because

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with! Our aim is to make Paws & Presto the go-to brand for drying, cleaning, cooling and many other issues we are going to address in the years to come. Who knows…we might even move into cats eventually – meow!

TOM AND HIS BUSINESS PAW-TNER DIGBY

we believe they deserve the best. This was partnered with my understanding of the wider macro trend of the humanisation of pets – essentially meaning dogs becoming small humans, having social media profiles, wearing clothing (dog accessories) eating better and genuinely being celebrated for the amazing creatures they are. How has Launchpad helped you? Launchpad has helped me in so many ways. It’s been a sounding board and helped me deal with my doubt and

push me through to making this into a business that now has more than 30,000 customers. What are your hopes and aims for the business? I want Paws & Presto to become a household name around the UK. We believe every dog in the world should have our products! We’re looking to add new solutions in the future and develop Digby’s Dog Club which already has 600 members. It’s an invite only group that Digby runs and one we are having a lot of fun

Launchpad business growth advisor Christina Lima Trindade said: “Tom has been great to work with – he has shown courage and determination in great measure, always listens and has taken all advice given. “The time and effort he’s put into the business is incredible – I have no doubt that Paws and Presto will come to be known as a trusted international pet brand under the watchful eye of Digby who, of course, attends our meetings! “Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.” Launchpad is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund meaning there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality.

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FIVE MINUTES WITH...

CITY HEARTS Phillip Clayton is the head of fundraising and development at City Hearts, one of the UK’s leading anti-trafficking charities and headquartered in Sheffield. He tells unLTD about the ‘positive, persistent and purposeful’ charity which over the last 15 years has supported more than 3,500 survivors of modern slavery I was inspired to join my business by... When working in banking I spent two hours with a family, helping them manage their personal finances – they left with a plan and peace of mind. But my manager wasn’t very impressed, because I had not sold them a credit card or other banking product. At this point I realised I got more fulfilment from helping people than making money. When the opportunity came up to work for a life-changing organisation like City Hearts, I jumped at the chance. Over the last 10 years, I’ve set up multiple safe houses for victims of human trafficking, community projects serving hundreds of survivors and pioneered life-saving support programmes. My favourite thing about my role is… Seeing lives changed every day – knowing because of my work people are being released from trauma and into free, dignified, brighter futures. The fulfilment from this will last longer than any monetary reward.

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The three words that best describe my business are… Positive, persistent and purposeful. Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because… The care and compassion, as well as innovation, in the charity sector is incredible. The sense of collaboration and drive to make the region better by helping people to

be the best they can be is excellent. Sheffield City Region is a great place to grow a business because… It’s full of people who want to help people. From businesses to universities and nongovernmental organisations, the drive for positive change makes it a constant joy to work and collaborate here. The best advice I ever got was… Failure is your friend. Don’t be afraid to try something – if you aim at nothing, you hit nothing. Pioneering is not easy, clean or smooth, but it is the way great things are born. The worst advice I ever got was… Wait until you have the money before you start! If I had, hundreds of victims would be alone and

unsupported right now. I believe resource follows vision, creativity is released when cornered – having little or no money is often when the best ideas take seed. When an idea is grown from the grassroots, meeting a real need, then the money and resource will find it. I don’t chase money, I chase change. The organisations that have supported me and my business include… Business in the Community, The Archer Project, John Lewis, Greencore, Aldi, Tony’s Chocolonely, Asda, and the Police, Probation, and Social Services. The main challenges facing my industry/sector are… Access to trauma counselling and therapeutic interventions, appropriate legal advice, essential items and items that add human value beyond the bare minimum. In 5 years’ time I expect my business to… Be continuing to lead the way in supporting survivors of modern slavery and helping people find a crime-free future.

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unLTD PODCAST

PODCAST SPOTLIGHT

STREETS IN

THE SKIES

REBORN AND SHEFFIELD GOES DIGITAL

The current episode of the unLTD podcast focuses on a real Sheffield icon – Park Hills flats. Producer James Marriott chats to Urban Splash about their incredible work regenerating the complex and bringing it back to life. unLTD’s Dan Laver also meets Jonny Briggs to find out about the Sheffield Digital Festival. If you’ve not listened before, check it out. Just search in any podcast app for ‘unLTD’ and we’ll pop up.

Introducing: Sound Media I’ve been working as a podcast strategist for a while now, helping businesses, brands and individuals to plan, launch, grow and develop a successful podcast. It’s been an exciting time for me as I’ve now taken things a step

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further and launched my own business, Sound Media. I’m still doing the same things, working with clients, and will still be leading the unLTD podcast, but I have a couple of people in the team so we can offer a range of services including production, editing and even some design. Find out more at wearesoundmedia.com and get in touch if you’d like to chat about what we offer. Podcast Showcase We have a newcomer onto the Sheffield podcasting scheme – the Site Gallery has launched its own five-part series to support its online season called Digital Realness.

The first episode features award-winning consultant and journalist Annalisa Toccara and gives us an interesting insight into her local and national activism among other things. Premium Podcasts Something we’ve long expected in podcast circles is finally here – premium podcast subscriptions. Both Apple and Spotify have announced their own takes on it in the last few weeks. Unsurprisingly, Apple take a bigger cut of whatever you charge, but offer a smoother process. Since podcasts arrived 15 years ago, listening to them

has almost entirely been free, with sponsorship and advertising the main routes to monetisation. Subscribers in this new model might get ad-free versions of episodes, exclusive content, or be able to listen before anybody else. It creates a new layer of potential for monetising podcasts. 2021 really is shaping into a huge year for podcasting. If you’d like to find out how to launch, develop and grow a podcast for your business, get in touch. Just drop me a line at james@unltdbusiness.com and we’ll get a good old chinwag in the diary!

ADVERTORIAL

DAYDREAMING IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE Whyy? Change CEO Ray Byrne says we already know what excellence looks like for our businesses – and gives unLTD readers a ‘mid-term report’ on the training firm’s successful adaptation to the challenges of the pandemic We all daydream… But when was the last time you imagined making the output from your job worse than today? When did you last imagine not helping your team? And feel that a bad manager should be the template as a role model? Or maybe wish your competition more success than you? The answer is never. This is because we already know what excellence looks like. What it creates and even what it makes space for. What we find difficult is how to mix just the right amount of maths, a sprinkling of risk and a tablespoon of hard graft to create the perfect cake. I want to be excellent at whatever I turn my attention too, but more importantly I want to be a part of something big. They call this fulfilment, and it turns out they are mutually beneficial. When we featured in unLTD in November 2020 it was to talk about the pain of change

and how our team adapted to the challenges of COVID-19. Well, today, I would like to set out our mid-term report. Governance OFSTED surprised us with a monitoring visit. It was expected and even welcomed, but in the middle of a pandemic. Not perfect timing, but a true test. The good news is we received the highest available grading of ‘significant progress’. But what now… People In November 2020, we had four in the team. We now have nine. Great, but we still stumble when it comes to finding the right behaviours. It’s a challenge to find the right skills, but more of an ‘art’ to have the talent and approach to meet the vision. Matt Trueman is a true find. In nine months, he has gone from an intern to marketing lead to now our head of communication and is

currently recruiting for a new intern to join his team. So, what now… Approach We have the right accredited partnerships. We act as though we are in the entertainment and hospitality business and probably received more positive feedback from our delegates on the high standards of the lunches provided than we do about the standard of our delivery. So, what now… I dream about transforming people and industry and the interactions between them. I dream about South Yorkshire transforming its standing in the country and being recognised as the heart of the latest thinking in technology, insight, and practice at whatever we choose to excel in.

and intend to talk ‘excellence’ in everything we engage with. We are planning our first annual event to be held at New York Stadium, Rotherham in July 2021 on all things Business Operational Excellence, and even press-ganged unLTD’s very own Dan Laver to host the panel discussion! If you want to know more, drop me a line on raybyrne@ whyychange.com but let me leave you with this one question… What steps are you taking today to make your daydreams come true?

Crack On The fact is daydreaming plays a part and so to ACTION. We at Whyy? intend to be at the heart of the conversation

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ADVERTORIAL

NEW PARTNERSHIP SET TO UNITE SHEFFIELD’S

BUSINESSES & CHARITIES Sheffield Chamber is teaming up with Sheffield Business Together to help businesses and charities work together across the city

Two years ago, some of Sheffield’s most high profile and generous businesses including Arm, Arup, Henry Boot, Irwin Mitchell and John Lewis - joined forces with Voluntary Action Sheffield, Business in the Community and the city’s universities to form Sheffield Business Together. Supported by Benchmark, Mantra Media and South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, they focused on increasing employer-led volunteering and the impact that charities and businesses could have by working together. Since then, Sheffield Business Together has made a real difference by delivering over 130 projects to support communities across the city. These include GoGoGreen, which built a living green barrier around Hunters Bar School to combat air pollution. Other projects

have seen businesses work closely with schools in our city’s most deprived communities to raise attainment and inspire students. When the pandemic hit, lockdown conversations started about how Sheffield Business Together could join forces with Sheffield Chamber. Why? Because it was clear Covid-19 was going to have a disproportionate impact on the city’s poorest communities. Those facing a cliff edge would need businesses and charities to work closer together. Starting this month, Sheffield Business Together, working through Voluntary Action Sheffield and Business in the

Community, are teaming up with Sheffield Chamber to create a citywide network of thousands of businesses and charities. The focus of this new partnership will be linking more businesses and charities together to deliver projects across the city to solve challenges faced by communities as the city continues to live with the impact of the pandemic. The new partnership will be built around a brokering service managed by Sheffield Chamber staff and colleagues from Sheffield Business Together and Business in the Community. Charities that need help

will be introduced to Chamber members with the skills and expertise to help. Businesses who want to give something back to the city will have a one stop shop to understand how they can help. At the centre of this new partnership is the shared belief that this city we call home is at its best when we come together. Businesses and charities working as one to deliver a real, lasting impact for Sheffield. To find out more about the new partnership between Sheffield Business Together and Sheffield Chamber, visit: www.scci.org.uk/sheffieldbusiness-together To find out more about Sheffield Business Together, please visit: www.sheffieldbusiness together.org.uk

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW MCDOWELL, CAROLYNN MCCONNELL, CHARLOTTE FAULKNER, CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR-COOK, DARREN LITTLEWOOD MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: GREG BURKE, JACK KIDDER, JOHNNY PAWLIK, KAREN CODLING, KAREN HILL BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: LOUISA HARRISON-WALKER, MARTIN SINGER, MICHELLE DICKINSON, PAUL HARVEY, PETER ROWE

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Team Talk

Q&A

with

As workplaces start to come back together after many months of being apart, the team at Sheffield-based Digital Agency, Hydra Creative, discuss the importance of having a strong team that brings together varying skill sets, levels of experience and perspectives.

Participants: Thea Chapman, QA Technician Ruth Morgan, Senior Account Manager Richard Graham, SEO Executive Jana Kukebal, Studio Assistant Jasmine Savery, Digital Marketing Assistant Amy Hart, Graphic Designer Chris Chapman, Web Developer

A: Working in a team brings together different skills, life, and work experiences that can be called upon to serve our clients effectively.

Dividing up workloads between employees also allows team members to grow their skills they learn faster, and it creates a learning culture where different skills are shared between members of the team.

Christa Chambers, Multimedia Executive

Q: To you, how important is teamwork in the workplace? A: In my view, teamwork is a crucial aspect of every company’s success. Whenever I work in a team, I see that the results of our synergy are much better than those which I would have achieved working alone. You can always split the tasks by persons’ skills and knowledge and this 100% helps to achieve the goal more efficiently. In addition, teamwork helps to reduce the number of mistakes one makes because there will always be a pair of fresh eyes to spot whatever one has missed.

“ Tip:

Bring your good habits back to the office with you – such as taking regular breaks, eating healthy, going for walks.

“

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Employee morale and motivation can also be boosted when they feel they have the full support of others working in ‘the team’. A team culture also creates positivity in the workplace in that everyone is steering in the same direction towards a common goal.

Q: What makes a team successful? A: Ultimately, it’s the people. I believe to create a good team you need to have the right mix of people, each of whom brings their own unique set of skills and views. If everyone in the team shared the same standpoint, experience and talents then it just wouldn’t work it’d be like making a meal with only one ingredient – while you could eat it, it’d be bland and uninspiring. Instead, if your team blends together differing opinions, skills and personalities, then you are far more likely to be able to challenge the status quo; think beyond the

brief and create new, exciting and innovative solutions. However, whilst it’s important to embrace everyone’s individuality and differences, there does need to be some common ground. The best teams, in my opinion, consist of hardworking individuals, who are united by their passion and determination to achieve great results for our clients. It’s this common goal that brings the team together and drives them to succeed.

“ Tip:

Bring snacks such as cakes and biscuits in to share with colleagues – it will give everyone something to smile about.

“

Q: What are the benefits of working as a team?

At Hydra, after some trial and error, I feel we now have a really strong team. We have such a lovely bunch of people, who all support each other, and this has helped us through the challenges of the last year. Everyone at Hydra genuinely cares about what they do, works hard, and wants to see our clients succeed.

Q: What are the strengths of your team? A: A standout strength of our team is the diversity of knowledge we each have. As individuals we each

“ Tip:

“

Take the time to chat and catch up with colleagues perhaps in the morning when you come in. have certain expertise, which helps us look at issues in different ways, this enables us to come up with innovative solutions together.

Q: What are the qualities of a good team?

managers at Hydra Creative are great at making everyone feel comfortable. We can come back into the office at our own pace and we have implemented strict measures to ensure we are all as safe as possible.

Communication is key. You need to be able to pass on the correct information in a clear way to other people in the team, to ensure they can fulfil their job to the best of their ability. It’s just as important to listen to what your team has to say, and not be afraid to ask questions so that you can successfully deliver your task.

Q: How have you felt since coming back to the workplace?

Although we are not quite all back yet, I am starting to feel the benefits of being immersed in a busy agency environment. Being in the same building with designers, developers, and marketers means new ideas are thrown about all the time, and you are always feeling creatively inspired. This is something that took me a bit longer when working from home. We have an array of expertise at Hydra Creative, so being in the same building as them has meant that you can quickly grab someone for help or a second opinion.

A: Coming back to the workplace after working at home for months has been a strange, but good adjustment. Some of us are still wary of the ongoing Covid-19 situation, but the

Although we were great at keeping in touch and helping each other over lockdown, seeing people in person makes you feel much more connected to your team.

We are great communicators - being in lockdown and working from home like many others, has meant that we have solely relied on technology to connect us. We’ve maintained our supportive network and been able to embrace new team members despite the challenges before us. We have fun! We don’t take ourselves too seriously and can have a laugh with each other in and out of work. We enjoy each other’s company which makes us all the more productive, being in a more relaxed atmosphere helps maintain a positive team.

Having a clear understanding of what everyone’s role is within the team, and what their responsibilities are. This will help avoid any confusion when it comes to assigning tasks. You must respect each other’s opinions. The great thing about working in a team is that you have people with different skill sets, who therefore have different outlooks on a situation.

Next Month: Hydra Creative discusses sustainability in marketing.

When we put our heads together – we’re Hydra We are the digital agency devoted to collaboration and client success. Hydra_Creative

HydraCreative

hydracreative

0114 250 9578 | www.hydracreative.com

21/05/2021 17:17

FEATURE

ENSURING EVERY

SQUARE METRE

WORKS HARD Enquiries are coming in thick and fast at Prodek Design and Storage Systems. Business development manager Ben Ellis tells unLTD how projects across the city are forging ahead as business leaders are quietly optimistic about the future

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FEATURE

DECORATIVE PANELS, ELLAND

“We’re pleased to be in high demand. It has been an anxious year for business so to see the first signs of green shoots – in a year dominated by the government roadmap – has allowed us to breathe a small, tentative sigh of relief.” Prodek design and install bespoke storage systems for all business sectors. From towering racking for vehicle recyclers to elegant restaurant mezzanine floors, Prodek’s raison d'être is to maximise every square metre a business has available. “We can completely transform an entire workspace, from the warehouse to client meeting areas. We can install a mezzanine to increase floorspace, bespoke racking and shelving all the way to the rafters, create rooms with partitions, then totally redesign and refurbish office spaces.” While racking and

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mezzanine floors might not seem particularly exciting, the impact these systems have on business costs and operations is where the wow-factor becomes apparent. Soaring e-commerce demand is a key factor in Prodek’s recent surge in enquiries. “In distribution, speed and accuracy are where the competitive edge lies. Fulfilment centres are popping up across the region and existing warehouses are investing heavily to increase throughput.” Storage infrastructure plays a significant part in maximising ROI for every square metre and boosting accuracy and speed in picking and packing operations. Prodek regularly provide site surveys for retailers and distributors looking to fine-tune their warehouse operations.

“A well-known reusable transit packaging company in Sheffield asked us to look at their warehouse. Raw materials were received on all kinds of non-standard pallet sizes with excessive overhang. Everything had to be stored on the floor, which severely reduced capacity and slowed operations to an unacceptable level.” Prodek engineers will find all the pinch points, every metre that is underutilised, identify risks, and recommend a perfect-fit storage system to enhance operations. “We installed a bespoke racking system designed to accommodate various pallet sizes and overhang, using a layout to speed up FLT picking processes and made the warehouse a lot safer. They are now enjoying appreciably more return per square metre.” The future of the office has been under the spotlight

since the government ordered the country to work from home last year. With many businesses now planning a staged return to the office, changes to the office environment are inevitable. “Business owners are enquiring with our office refurbishment team to prepare for a return to the office this summer. The focus here is on creating space for social distancing, enhancing airflow, and segregating open plan offices to create individual workspaces.” When it comes to office design, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is unlikely to work. Every team is different and has unique needs in their workspace. “Fortunately, every Prodek project is bespoke so redesigning how space is used to enhance staff experience and safety is an exciting challenge for our design

“Maximising every square metre of your business”

Over 28 years experience in delivering mezzanine flooring, storage solutions and racking systems.

Racking Systems

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Mezzanine Systems

An extensive range of racking systems designed to store large heavy items.

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Multiple levels of additional floor space, free standing from your existing building.

Office Interiors Partnering with award winning British manufacturers, Prodek create cutting edge working environments.

Office Partitions Cost effective solution for creating offices, clean rooms and dividing areas within your workspace.

0114 244 0100 mail@pro-dek.co.uk 3 Atlas Way • Atlas North • Sheffield • S4 7QQ

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FEATURE

team. Our glass partitions are proving themselves as the best way to balance light, space and safety needs.” The way we work is likely to change for good. There will be a new balance of social contact for mental health while working safely in shared spaces. With scientists warning of more pandemics on the horizon due to global environment degradation, workspaces will need to adapt to this new reality. Prodek engineers are completely transforming offices across the region, with fast turnaround times and little disruption. They cover every requirement – storage, desking and seating, segregating offices, safety signage, with full mechanical and electrical systems (M&E) and redecoration covered. “Business owners are embracing change. There is certainly a solution for every budget. Many workers in Sheffield will think they’ve turned up at the wrong place when they return to the office this summer.”

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Despite the uncertainty of the last year, work to develop Sheffield city centre continues apace. The Government’s Future High Streets Fund is providing momentum for the Heart of the City project to fulfil its ambitions. Development work is predicted to continue beyond the scope of the project as the city centre is likely to attract the attention of investors. “City centre properties are on the agenda for full refurbishment. The street level will be developed for retail, culture and hospitality, and the upper levels transformed into work and living spaces. The potential to repurpose existing property is phenomenal.” City centre property owners have an opportunity to maximise their assets on the back of the scheme. With the help of a specialist contractor like Prodek, new life can be breathed into a property without having to invest in structural alterations. “Property owners can make

Many workers in Sheffield will think they’ve turned up at the wrong place when they return to the office this summer.

full use of space maximising solutions, like our Made in Sheffield mezzanine floors, to get the most out of a unit.” Mezzanine floors are ideal to increase retail space by up to 100 per cent and are a low-cost alternative when faced with moving to bigger premises. Partitions offer a stylish, space enhancing method to segregate large, open areas on a temporary or permanent basis. Glass partitions are an increasingly popular method to provide versatile spaces without impeding natural light. You can see the results for yourself – Prodek recently installed new mezzanine floors for Firehouse Fitness, and Bullion Chocolate, and partitioning at Silversmiths Restaurant in the city centre. “We have worked with well-established businesses, perfectly located for their customers and staff, but in desperate need of more space. We have increased their floorspace and storage capacity to avoid a costly and disruptive move.”

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THE SPIRIT OF

SOLIDARITY Future Life’s MD Jill Thomas tells unLTD how the financial planning company have come out of the pandemic stronger and how she now wants to help companies who have been less fortunate thrive as they emerge out of this crisis The last year has been tough. We have all faced different issues and dealt with them in different ways. As the saying goes, we are all in the same storm, but in different boats. I, like many, have been lucky. But then I realise it isn’t just luck; my team and I have worked hard. We have worked long hours for our clients and gone the extra mile, we have succeeded in growing the business where some financial planning companies have gone under. As a company we have come out of the pandemic stronger than we went in. This makes me want to help others who are not so fortunate. If the region’s economy is to survive and thrive, we need to help each other. It happened a lot at the start of the pandemic, with individuals signing up to be volunteers and businesses helping others for free. We walked dogs, fetched prescriptions and shopped for vulnerable clients; we sent our friends cake and we mentored business owners. I was explaining to someone recently about how Future Life had come through COVID stronger than before, when I realised I had been here already. I have been through a major world event and it made me determined to succeed, rather than being cowered by the experience. That

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was the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004. It was the worst day of my life. We survived because luckily, we were in a hotel high enough up. It was so traumatic I can hardly think about it. But one thing I realised it did for me was give me determination to survive, help others and thrive. We have made a point of being out there throughout the pandemic. I thought if we can stand tall with strong shoulders, we can support others; we can keep on listening, talking and encouraging. We issued our newsletters more often, we wrote blogs, recorded videos and podcasts, made phone calls and Zoom calls to our clients to keep them informed of what was going on in the turbulent world markets. It’s been tough for so many businesses, but we are coming out the other end and as we do, we need to help each other. We need to reach out to others who may be in boats that have got battered by the storm and emerge from the rough waters together and keep that spirit of solidarity.

FEATURE

TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR BUSINESS:

A FRAMEWORK

FOR SUCCESS unLTD’s Mike Durham chatted with technology expert Daniel Bumby, the managing director of Sheffield’s Simoda, to learn more about how the business’s unique structure has helped them stand out in a crowded IT marketplace

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FEATURE

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: LEE WRAGG, TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS DIRECTOR, CRAIG BUMBY, CHAIRMAN, JOHN DELAMORE, SERVICES DIRECTOR. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: JASON GARNER, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, DANIEL BUMBY, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Across all different sectors and industries, businesses today have one key thing in common they likely would struggle to function without - technology. Even before the pandemic businesses had to rely on technology in some shape or form, whether that was for infrastructure, storage of data, modern workplace, or anything else you can think of, so it’s no surprise that there are endless businesses competing for attention in the IT market. Having been working in the industry for over 20 years, Daniel has plenty of experience when it comes to the do’s and don’ts of IT and technology. It was his time working for other businesses that sparked the idea for a new venture of his own. Daniel said: “There is that much technology available at the minute that, at the touch of a button, anyone can do anything. As a business, it can be quite challenging when you have to figure out

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what you should use to solve a certain problem. Typically, when you work with an IT provider, they tend to look at the solution which is the most commercially favourable to them. “Simoda was built around answering the question of how do we move away from a commercial model whilst still being profitable as a technology business. We don’t have sales targets, we don’t have numbers, we just have a team of skilled experts who’ve been in the industry a long time who’re here to talk about the latest technology to businesses. “We see ourselves as a technology business, rather than an IT reseller. By removing the commercial aspects, we can fully focus on addressing challenges, solving issues and helping achieve objectives through technology.” To accomplish their mission, Simoda designed a clear way of distinguishing

between different technology products, solutions and service offerings to identify which are the best fit for each customer’s individual requirements. This was how Simoda’s ‘Value Framework’ was born; a simple structure focusing on important business outcomes which act as critical drivers in any technology decision making process. After chatting to a business about their challenges and understanding the outcome they’re trying to achieve through technology, Simoda break down the request and review possible products, solutions and services against three key criteria. The first of these is ‘Commercial Value,’ which asks whether the adoption of technology could offer the business reduced costs, or if it will open up new revenue sources and markets. The second, and arguably biggest criteria, is the ‘Technical Value’ the solution can deliver.

This assesses whether technology can improve performance and productivity, as well as reduce any cybersecurity risks associated with a business’s services, applications, systems and people. The final part of the Value Framework focuses on the ‘Emotional Value’ technology can bring to an organisation. This looks into whether there is a solution which can help the business, and particularly their IT team, relax and enjoy more precious time with their families as they know everything is safely and securely managed. Daniel said: “We often find when we sit down with a business, and ask them what are your biggest challenges, they tend to say things like ‘making sure the business is up and running, that it’s secure, that it can progress, that it can make money, save money…’ “Then when we ask them about the challenges they have with their personal life

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FEATURE around work, it tends to be the time they spend at work, or on call – which with an IT team can often be 24/7. “If we can provide a technology solution that enables people to have weekends off - which is also commercially valuable, technically valuable, emotionally valuable - there is no reason why an organisation wouldn’t want to take us up on that offer.” A good example of the Value Framework recently in action is with North-East manufacturing company CA Group, that has just two people in its IT team, and was struggling to recruit more IT staff due to various administration issues. The company approached Simoda with their challenge and Simoda suggested moving to a cloud-based architecture, which would free up valuable time and move them to an opex IT as a service consumption model where they simply pay monthly for the IT resources they use. This way they can use cash in the bank for other growth investments. This meant they got a technically-better solution that reduced their costs and saved the IT team having to work weekends, achieving all three criteria of the Value Framework. Daniel added: “Most of my job over past six to 12 months has been showing other IT professionals how they can embrace change. Most people working in the IT industry get into their role and think they can do everything themselves, and it’s about showing them there are other ways they can succeed. “We’ve also had a few instances of talking to a company and they wanted to do something, but we don’t get involved as we don’t think it’s the right decision. “Commercially, you might think we’re daft as we could have made some money there, but if it’s not right we’re not afraid to tell a business what they’re doing is wrong and show them the correct way to approach a challenge.” Daniel and the rest of his

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INDY THE COMPANY DOG

team must have been doing something right, because the company is now entering its third year in business. They’ve had some impressive client wins too, including helping with the roll out of five Covid vaccine centres in South Yorkshire by getting them connected to the NHS network. Simoda’s success led to a grand move last September from a tiny six-man space to a 2,500 square ft office space in a former factory in Kelham Island, just above Domo restaurant. Daniel said having a creative space for the Simoda team, in a good city-centre based location, was an incredibly important part of achieving both a good worklife balance and a modern feel. “We’re trying to create a company culture that reflects we’re a technology business.

It’s really important for us that everyone is able to work with a smile. That sounds really boring, but we do like to have a laugh and a joke; you spend most of your life at work so you may as well enjoy yourself.

We didn’t want everyone wearing a shirt and tie in some corporate building on the edge of town, that’s too 1980s. “We’re moving in modern times; we have open brickwork, pool tables, retro game consoles, dart boards, it’s a great working environment and we believe that’s a massive thing. “We encourage healthy conflict. If anyone has something they want to say we encourage people to just say it, that way we can identify if there is a problem and work to resolve it. “It’s really important for us that everyone is able to work with a smile. That sounds really boring, but we do like to have a laugh and a joke; you spend most of your life at work so you may as well enjoy yourself.” Of course, technology tends to evolve at a rapid pace, meaning Simoda’s team are in a constant state of continuous learning as staff need to be aware and accredited in the latest technologies if they’re to identify the most useful software and products. Daniel hopes this will prove a vital part of the puzzle in achieving Simoda’s future aspirations which is to help more businesses become ‘disruptive.’ “We as a business need to have the brand names - we have to have the Microsofts, the HPs, the Dells, the Ciscos - but we also decided that we want to focus down on innovation through new technologies to drive ‘disruptive businesses.’ “These are businesses that enter the market providing a service which other businesses are already providing, but doing it in a way that’s completely different, like Uber or Air B&B. "Our aspiration is to help businesses use technology so they can become an Uber. It’s a cycle; disruption plus innovation, equals transformation.” To learn more about how Simoda can help you conquer your business’s digital challenges, just head to: www.simoda.co.uk

Joe Faulkner Founder of Krio Kanteen

BRIGHT IDEAS INSPIRING PEOPLE Join a thriving business community in your library Business & IP Centre South Yorkshire supports entrepreneurs, inventors, and small businesses to develop and grow by partnering with local libraries across South Yorkshire to provide free expert advice and guidance to help you protect your intellectual property and commercialise your business ideas. Whether you are just starting out, need advice on protecting your IP, or are ready to take the next step in your journey, we are here to help.

There are many different sorts of IP and we can help you identify the type you need to know about and how to protect it.

You may not have thought that you have intellectual property (IP) that you need to protect, or it’s something you can think about later. To be successful and grow your business, understanding what it is that is unique about you is crucial. That’s where we come in.

To find out more about how we can support your business, if you have an intellectual property query or need advice on how to research a new business idea, get in touch.

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HEALTH IS WEALTH:

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BUSINESS AND HEALTH Richard Stubbs is a board member for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), CEO of the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network (YHAHSN) and Vice-Chair of the national AHSN Network The impact of COVID-19 on the economy has been profound, with GDP in January 2021 9 per cent lower than pre-pandemic levels. The direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the population has also been clear, with more than 150,000 people tragically dying as a result. The prevalence and impact of the inequalities which exist within society have also been thrown into sharp focus throughout the pandemic. Does health have an impact on the economy, and vice versa, does the economy have an impact on health? The answer is undoubtedly yes. The connection between health and wealth is cyclic – if we rebuild the economy, we improve the health of the population and present employment opportunities. If we tackle health inequalities people can access new opportunities and further invest in the economy as they prioritise health and wellbeing. Those who have greater opportunities and healthier lives will reinvest back into leisure and the region. Over the months and years ahead there’s a real opportunity to embed a deeper focus on health across all

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sectors and parts of society. Not only will this improve wellbeing and personal prosperity, it will help drive us out of the economic challenges we currently face as a society. Businesses of all sizes have an increasingly important role to play in this agenda. Generally, when we think about health and the NHS we think of a reactive service we only engage with when we’re ill. But proactively engaging and managing health and wellbeing as individuals, employers and businesses is key to rebuilding and growing our economy and society. In Yorkshire and the Humber, we have an increasing productivity

challenge, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. However, if we reduced the number of working age people with long-term health conditions by just 10 per cent, we would decrease rates of economic inactivity by 30 per cent. In contrast, a 1 per cent fall in employment has the potential to increase the prevalence of chronic illness by 2 per cent. Business leaders should be more aware of their role in improving the region’s health and the economy and invest in their workforce, including health and wellbeing, offering greater skills and training, and

supporting flexible working. Leaders should also understand the business case for their individual business and how investing in their workforce will have a positive impact on their productivity in the long run: we know a healthy and happy population is productive and prosperous and vice versa. We want a more productive, more prosperous, and healthier region, and we shouldn’t underestimate the role of business in achieving this. Recognising the region’s skills gaps now and in the future, diversifying our offering for employees and customers, investing in jobs, and focusing on workforce wellbeing all link back to the cycle of health and wealth. As part of the region’s Renewal Action Plan (RAP), The Sheffield City Region Growth Hub provides support to businesses of all sectors and sizes to identify challenges, growth areas, and working with regional public and private sector partners, to develop a specialist framework of support. For more information visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk

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EU SETTLEMENT, RIGHT TO WORK AND REMOTE WORKING – CONSIDERATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS The deadline for EU nationals to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme is fast approaching. Right to Work checks will soon need to be carried out in person and there’s no UK provision for digital nomads. Fragomen’s Kathleen O’Donnell discusses the immigration issues currently facing employers We’re all enjoying the gentle roll into summer in our stunning region, wandering out at lunch with a colleague down the Wicker canal, for a coffee at Victoria Quays or for some local street food. What are the key issues we can think about on that amble, to help our people continue to work for us, whether they are European or non-European? The EU Settlement Scheme: Upcoming deadline The EU Settlement Scheme is the residency process for Europeans who were in the UK before the end of the Brexit transition period. Most Europeans should now have applied and received status under the scheme – it has been widely publicised by the Home Office, employers and across the media. However, applications must be submitted before the 30 June 2021 deadline. Those who don’t will be considered to be in the UK illegally from 1 July 2021 and find themselves in difficulty with working, renting, accessing healthcare etc. You don’t need to check if employees have applied under current guidance but if they don’t, they may not be able to continue working for you. Right to Work checks Many employers have been enjoying

the virtual right to work checks, permitted by the Home Office as part of the COVID-19 concessions. These will end on 20 June and this means you will need to check either the employee’s original documents or the employee’s right to work online, if they are eligible. You can check a prospective employee’s right to work online if they hold a Biometric Residence Card or have

applied under the EU Settlement Scheme. This doesn’t apply to British and Irish nationals or those who don’t hold a Biometric Residence Card. This is difficult for employers who haven’t yet returned to the office and may cause issues around the need to send original documents by post/courier. It’s important to consider alternatives – for example, meeting the employee

in person somewhere convenient. Shaping the new future: Remote working Finally, as many employers are looking at returning to the office and considering remote working models, there are immigration considerations for employees holding a visa. For UK employees holding visa status, there may be immigration implications to consider – especially for those holding sponsored status. In the UK, there is no express guidance for remote workers. Common questions are whether a sponsored person can work from home in the country they have a visa for or work overseas for a UK entity? And on your stroll back, cup in hand and looking out at the barges, it’s good to feel we are all in the same boat – and that we can navigate the weirs for our teams with the right knowledge and tools. Kathleen is a manager in Fragomen’s UK immigration team based in Sheffield. Fragomen is a leading worldwide firm dedicated exclusively to immigration and citizenship services. Fragomen offers immigration support in more than 170 countries globally.

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ENHANCING THE GREAT BRITISH STAYCATION WITH TRAVELMASTER In this third part of our series of articles on TravelMaster business partnerships, we are looking ahead to summer 2021 and the rise of the “staycation”. We want to explore the ways in which we can add extra value to bookings for the region’s hotels as more people vacation at home this year As we journey out of lockdown, for many of us a return to Spain, France and other summer holiday favourites isn’t on the cards just yet. As many of us look closer to home for our holidays this year, TravelMaster wants to work with our region’s hotels to offer the best value possible to staycationers. We want to work with hotels throughout South Yorkshire to provide the cherry on top for their guests – easy and affordable travel during their stay. Our offer to hotels TravelMaster provide affordable and flexible travel across South Yorkshire, and

we want to bring that to your hotel guests. Travelling in a new area, with unfamiliar operators and services, can be a headache for many, but here at TravelMaster we want to take some of that stress out of the equation. With a TravelMaster card, your guests can travel on any bus, tram, or train in South Yorkshire regardless of operator. No worrying or wasting money because you don’t know which service or operator you need for your journey; just one ticket, and

all of South Yorkshire is your oyster. A TravelMaster add-on for your hotel guests could serve as a great way to ensure a pleasant stay for those looking to explore the region’s wonderful cities and green spaces this summer. How it works When booking a room with your hotel, a TravelMaster add-on option would allow customers to bundle their travel into their stay in a way that’s easy for both your business and your guests.

Guests pay you, the hotel, for a credit code which they can use to redeem their travel ticket. They can then buy a card on arrival from your hotel, or order one through a link provided at purchase. With card in hand, they will then use the code to redeem their ticket online and load the ticket easily by downloading the TravelMaster App. This means less stress for your customers, and it’s as easy as one, two, three for your business. Plus, you’ll only pay us once they redeem the code with our Pay on Redemption system. If you want to find out more about how this could work for your business, just get in touch via partnerships@ sytravelmaster.com today.

Learn more about TravelMaster at sytravelmaster.com

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FEATURE

KICKING THE HABIT Former Sheffield nightclub owner and ex-drug dealer Mick Hartley is almost six years clean. Here he tells Andy Kershaw his remarkable story, from addiction to running a successful recovery charity

“I was brought up on the Gleadless estate by my mum, who wouldn’t tell me who my real dad was until I was 12. Once he knew she was pregnant, he was off, and I didn’t meet him or my four previously unknown stepbrothers until I was 27,” Mick said. Mick experienced long periods of exclusion until he left school and drifted into a series of ‘dead-end’ jobs, before he got drawn into further criminal activity and drug use. This led Mick into early brushes with the law and time in court with sentences varying from probation to community service, fines and custody. “I was arrested for shoplifting and assaulting a police officer as a teenager, after breaking into my school to rob the tuck shop. “I was given the opportunity to go onto a

Youth Training Scheme doing landscape gardening and I was paid £27 a week. This only lasted a few months because I then got a job at a local Co-op Dairy, pasteurising milk.” “I got a job at a local dairy, but ended up robbing it and got 12 months in prison, all to feed my addiction” “After working there for six weeks, I decided to rob it one night and got caught. I spent my 17th birthday at HMP Armley in Leeds awaiting sentence and ended up in prison for 12 months.” Over the next decade Mick became more involved in dealing drugs and was introduced to supplier contacts in Liverpool. “I began selling cannabis, LSD, and amphetamines in considerable quantities to fund my habit and pay my bills by dealing actively at clubs like Bed, The Music

Factory and Occasions in Sheffield.” When he was 26, Mick was introduced to cocaine and this led to him becoming what he describes as a ‘high functioning addict’. “I started working as a bouncer due to my muscular build when I left prison at 27, and I worked the doors until I was 43.” Mick set up his own nightclub and bar in Sheffield in 2002, called The Ruby Lounge - Cellar 35. “I used drugs heavily, but my successful businesses meant the money never ran out. Over the next five years my life became unmanageable, and I became powerless to cocaine.” Inevitably, this lifestyle led Mick into more contact with the police and more time in prison, fines, and community sentences. “Over the years I’ve been

arrested for assaulting a police officer, GBH and ABH, commercial burglary, possession with intent to supply Class ‘A’ drugs, dangerous driving and tendering counterfeit money – all caused by my addiction. I’d done four prison sentences between the ages of 16 and 26.” “I’d lost everything – cocaine always came first” By the age of 45, Mick had reached rock bottom. “I’d lost my sanity, my partner, five-year-old son and friends, the businesses, savings, the lot - cocaine always came first,” Mick said. “I entered Arc House rehabilitation clinic in Scarborough, who put me on the right track and gave me the tools I needed to get clean after attending hundreds of meetings with various anonymous fellowships. I’m now

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FEATURE

celebrating almost six years’ abstinence from drugs and alcohol.” Mick decided that the best way to repay society and help others get clean was to establish Kickback Recovery, a peer-led support network to make recovery from addiction more easily accessible and sustainable in the local community. More than 2,000 people leave drug and alcohol rehab clinics in Sheffield every year with little support to help them sustain or support their recovery. “If we can help people stay off drugs, support them to recover their physical and mental health and become positive members of the community, that’s a ‘win-win’ for us, the NHS, the police, the criminal justice system and society as a whole,” Mick said. The services provided

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by Kickback Recovery Community CIO have grown enormously over the last 18 months, with 22,000 followers worldwide on social media including a closed group of over 3,000 weekly regulars. Kickback Recovery now runs a two-hour in-person therapy group at The Circle on Rockingham Street in Sheffield, along with three zoom therapy groups and 11 one-to-one clinics every week. They have had 2,573 attendances since August last year and provided over 3,000 hours of telephone support with 37 dedicated volunteers giving more than 650 hours of their time to the project. “We’ve been able to meet in groups of up to 15 throughout the pandemic and using technology like Zoom we’ve been able to deliver services in a new and

I got a job at a local dairy, but ended up robbing it and got 12 months in prison, all to feed my addiction

innovative way to people who need it,” says Mick. “I regret every minute I spent on drugs and in prison, but it has given me a unique perspective into how addiction destroys lives and the benefits of recovery. “I’m always willing to speak about my remarkable journey and the critical work we’re doing, and I’m hoping that Sheffield businesses will support us.” If you would like to become the CSR partner for Kickback Recovery Community CIO in Sheffield or book Mick Hartley as an inspirational, motivational speaker please contact kickbackrecovery community@outlook.com. Mick Hartley is the Founder and CEO at Kickback Recovery Community CIO. Charity No 1185300 Company No CE018826

IF YOU ASK ME

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IF YOU ASK ME

ACTIVE

SITTING SURVEY The UK’s annual Active Sitting Survey® found 47 per cent of office workers spent nearly their whole working day sedentary – up more than a quarter pre-pandemic. With many planning a return to the office – and others still working remotely – we asked a health lead, a coach, a travel expert and massage therapist how South Yorkshire employers and employees can tackle the problem.

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Would you like to support your employees to take ownership of their own wellbeing which in turn will reduce staff sickness, presenteeism and high staff turnover? This support is provided through group workshops and 1:1 coaching, both online and in person, bespoke to individual and organisational need. • Workshops include, but are not exclusive to, managing stress and anxiety, staff wellbeing, Mental Health awareness, and dealing with bereavement and loss. • 1:1’s are tailored to the individual, with the premise being to understand and be able to make positive changes where needed to improve mental and physical health. Such areas as anxiety, stress, relationships, or past events may be discussed.

For more information on how I can support your business contact me: holly@thinkmeinfo.co.uk 0789 687 6150

For wellbeing to be effective it requires taking ownership of our own mental and physical health. As a qualified Coach, Trainer and Counsellor with 16 year’s experience predominantly in the addictions, mental health and wellbeing field, I support staff within businesses to manage their own health and wellbeing.

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ANDREW PICKEN, NHS WORKFORCE HEALTH AND WELLBEING LEAD The annual Active Sitting Survey® run in the UK found that 47% of office workers surveyed spent nearly their whole working day (7+ hours) sedentary, up from 26% pre-pandemic. Two thirds of respondents also indicated that their workday sitting time had increased during lockdown. That’s the equivalent of a flight to New York from the UK. Everyday. Active Working have been carrying out the annual survey of over 1,000 participants since 2015. The survey also looked specifically at prolonged sedentary time, finding that 51% of public sector staff said they spend at least 90 minutes at a time seated each day compared to 39% of private sector colleagues. “If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the most costeffective drugs ever invented,” said Dr Nick Cavill, health promotion consultant (NHS). Research shows that physical activity can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress,

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few storeys. Stair climbing burns more calories per minute than jogging. If working from home, jog on the spot or squat whilst the kettle boils for example. Tag some movement onto a purpose/routine activity (tea break or accepting a parcel delivery for example). Stair climbing benefits Climbing just eight flights of stairs a day lowers average early mortality risk by 33%.

Seven minutes stair climbing a day can halve the risk of heart attack over 10 years.

Just two minutes extra stair climbing a day is enough to stop average middle age weight gain.

depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Find creative ways to move Aim for 3 x 10 minutes of speedy walking a day – this has been found to have more benefit than 10,000 steps a day (approx. 90 minutes of walking).

Building movement into everyday life is key.

If you are desk-based walk over to your colleague’s desk instead of using instant messenger or the phone. If working from home, and it is safe to do so, take a walking phone call. Prioritise active breaks – these aid work performance and aren't a ‘skive’. Use the toilet on the above or below floor if working in a building with a

By raising our heart rate, stair climbing helps protect against high blood pressure, weight gain and clogged arteries. This lowers the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, vascular dementia and even some cancers. WFH can be ‘workout from home’ too – be creative and aim to move more.

IF YOU ASK ME

HOLLY CROSBY, HEALTH & WELLBEING COACH & TRAINER, THINK:ME Working from home became the norm for many of us at the start of the pandemic, yet it has not been without its challenges. One which is just starting to emerge is the amount of time we are sitting in a day. Being in a physical office space brought about more movement by very nature of the set up. A walk to ask a colleague a question, nipping to the photocopier, or a walk to make a coffee. Yet now our full set up is confined to one small space. All we need is now within reaching distance, so the little trips are redundant. The rise of the flask of coffee to keep it warm over back to back zoom meetings means less trips to the kitchen! Even for those still working in the office, movement around the building is limited to help manage the risk. A large part of our working day now involves the use of Zoom and Teams. Whilst they’ve been instrumental in keeping businesses going, it

does mean we are encouraged to stay sat and join yet another video call. Lots of individuals are reporting their workload has increased quite significantly which can mean working through breaks to ‘catch up’

SINCE 2015 ACTIVE WORKING HAVE BEEN CARRYING OUT THEIR ANNUAL SITTING SURVEY® OF MORE THAN

1,000 RESPONDENTS

instead. I’m also hearing that staff want to be seen to be working, which is difficult to do at home. This means there’s an urge to answer that call when it comes or respond to that ‘ping’ straight away. This presents a bigger question of

trust – do employers have it and do employees feel that they are trusted? I also don’t think we believe the benefits of small movement throughout the day and often think that a workout will offset a day sat at a desk. It doesn’t. There’s lots of research out there to show it’s hugely important to both physical and mental health. Yet sometimes that’s still not enough to motivate us to take those breaks and to generally be more active because we are navigating all of the above and more. To add more movement in to your day it’s important to find what will work for you best. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking: Can you hold any of your calls over the phone and walk whilst having them? If trust is a barrier, leave a message on your platform (Teams, Jabber etc) whilst on a break to let your colleagues know when you’ll be back. You might even encourage others to do the same! Diarise breaks/lunch like you would a meeting and leave the room you are working in for it.

51% WOMEN

41% SPEND 7 HOURS OR MORE WORKING SEATED

MEN

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IF YOU ASK ME

RICHARD PILGRIM, MARKETING MANAGER, SYPTE The headlines from Active Working’s latest Annual Sitting Survey should act as a real wake-up call to us all, whatever working situation we find ourselves in. The survey reported that levels of dangerous sitting time almost doubled during the past year. In 2020, 26% of survey respondents said they sat for a length of time that could be considered dangerous to their health and wellbeing. By 2021, 47% claimed they were typically seated for their entire working day. Dangerous sitting levels are identified as periods of around seven hours or longer and the long-term harm that can be caused by sitting for long periods is well documented. During the past year, many of us shifted to remote working as the pandemic took hold and we adapted our place of work from the office to the home office, living room or kitchen. This presented a number of challenges, but

51% OF PUBLIC SECTOR WORKERS

many people were actually losing activity time that they were undertaking as part of their commute. Walking always played an important role in our team’s work, with our focus on active and sustainable travel. Between October 2018 and March 2020, we delivered over 70 walks as part of a weekly lunchtime walk programme for staff across our workplace. It was a great way to get some activity into the day, whilst also serving as a way to get people connecting from across the workplace. No topic seemed to be off limits when you were on a walk.

also gave us back some of that precious commuting time. Pre-pandemic we typically commuted for around 50

COMPARED TO

minutes each day in our region. Getting back this ‘lost’ time should have been a positive. At the same time,

Whilst the weekly sessions came to a sudden halt in March 2020, we tried a number of other ways to keep that ‘active’ connection going, such as meeting ‘virtually’ whilst walking in our respective local areas. And whenever there has been an opportunity to piggy-back on a local, regional or national event to get some steps in we’ve jumped at the chance. It’s even better when there’s a bit of a team challenge involved!

39% OF PRIVATE SECTOR WORKERS

SAID THEY DAILY SPEND 90 MINS AT A TIME SEATED

47%

26%

OF US SPEND VIRTUALLY THE WHOLE WORKING DAY

SAT DOWN

UP FROM BEFORE THE PANDEMIC

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#Bac kToB us

iness

ADVERTORIAL BRADLEY RODGER, OWNER AND THERAPIST, B WELL THERAPY Over the last year, we’ve all had to make major adjustments to our daily lives. A large proportion of us have had no choice but to work from home and adapt very quickly to a different way of working. While companies have struggled to carry out proper risk assessments of their employee workspaces, employees have spent more time sat down at their desks than ever before. In fact, the Annual Sitting Survey reports that sitting time has doubled during lockdown. Take a moment to let that sink in, in a time where before lockdown we were already struggling to fit in 10,000 steps, we’re now sitting down for double the time as we were before. So, why is it important for employers to wake up and pay attention to the wellbeing deficit? As well as the physical harm associated

with a lack of movement and exercise, such as commonly reported musculoskeletal and lower back pains, the benefit to emotional and mental wellness can also be positively impacted by moving more and taking some well-earned time away from your desk. In my practice in Sheffield the volume of clients I see who are seated at work on a daily basis with chronic shoulder, back and neck pain is quite frightening. Over 90 per cent of my clients also reported that their reason for having a

treatment was work related stress and anxiety as a result of working from home and feeling isolated. Stress is an epidemic, and seated massage is among the best ways to limit its effects. This cost-effective treatment has become an increasingly popular way of supporting wellbeing and minimising stress in workplaces up and down the country, and all over the world. Not only does a seated massage offer some relaxing solitude for the individual (and a break from

those back-to-back meetings), a ten-minute treatment offers countless benefits including: alleviates stress, increased energy levels, pain relief, enhancement of the immune system, increased blood flow circulation, reduced feelings of anxiety, confusion, and promotion of calm and balance within the body. Although massage isn’t the answer to every ailment, adding seated massage to your wellbeing offering can bring a multitude of benefits as well as helping you stand out as an employer of choice. As the treatment is non-invasive, fully clothed and doesn’t involve the use of oils, up to 25 people per therapist per day can be treated. B Well Therapy is your local Sheffield-based seated massage service, ready to support you with your return to work plans. Our promise to you is that you’re in safe hands. For more information please contact me on info@bwelltherapy.co.uk. See you all on the chair.

Massage in the workplace Looking for ways to enhance wellbeing in the workplace? Seated massage offers countless benefits including:

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ADVERTORIAL

PACES CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THEIR NEW HOME TO SUPPORT ADULTS WITH BRAIN INJURIES Paces Charity and Adult Services has found a new home and thanks to the generosity of their supporters, they have now opened the doors to a new adult and charity base to support even more adults from across the region with brain injuries such as Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, MS and Parkinson’s. Kirstin Hague and Sarah Perrin, who have been supported by the organisation since day one and whose parents were among the founders of the charity, cut the ribbon on the new 8,000 square foot facility at

Smithy Wood Business Park, Chapeltown. The additional space will allow three-times as many adults to be supported in the future with an improved space to offer conductive education sessions that improve the mobility of those who have acquired brain injuries. Paces will also develop a service for young adults aged between 18-25 to ensure the organisation is able to offer the best possible care for those who need it no matter what their age. Julie Booth, head of fundraising at Paces, said: “It has been a hugely challenging

12 months for the charity sector, which is why I am so proud that we have been able to secure this new base, refurbish and open it despite everything we have faced. “I want to thank everyone who has raised money for Paces, donated or signed up as a Corporate Charity Partner. Your support has allowed us to move to Smithy Wood, enhance what we can offer to the existing adults we work with and ensure we can help more individuals with brain injuries and complex needs, from across Yorkshire and beyond, in the near future

“Our unique offer for them, teaching life-changing skills through conductive education, in an environment that is fun, where friendships are developed, and everyone feels like they belong, is one I am excited will be available to more people in the months and years ahead.” Paces now continue their journey to raise funds to move their school to a new and improved facility. If your company would like to support the life-changing work that Paces does, please get in touch at julie.booth@ pacessheffield.org.uk.

PHOTO: THE STAR

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ADVERTORIAL

AIRSHIP AT THE HEART OFINNOVATIVE HOSPITALITYSUPPORT Customer relationship manager provider Airship Ltd has found itself at the centre of the nation’s effort to rejuvenate the hospitality industry during COVID-19. The team tell unLTD about being ‘at the forefront of the force’ Sheffield-based Airship Ltd works with some of the leading hospitality outlets in the UK. The company offers innovative technology that brings together data from different sources to help operators understand more about their customers and their visiting habits. The business has seen significant growth following a £500,000 investment from NPIF (managed by Mercia Asset Management PLC) in October 2019. Following the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson of a national lockdown in March 2020, Airship CEO Dan

Brookman launched Airship’s own track and trace service – trck.to – with some of the proceeds going towards giving back to the industry. “When Boris announced that hospitality would reopen in July, we quickly realised we needed to design and launch a track and trace system,” he said. “We ended up rolling

that out to 360 customers, across 11,000 locations and we checked in 23 million people through that platform – making it the number one track and trace service outside the NHS. “Airship has always been very supportive to the sector, and a sector charity called Hospitality Action. What

this charity does is provide small grants to people who are really on the brink, to help them pay rent or to find accommodation. “Airship donated £5,000 to them as a one-off and then will arrange a final settlement with them in June this year, as the sector reopens – this will be for a further 20 per cent of licenses that we've collected.” Following a tumultuous year for many, Airship is at the forefront of the force behind reigniting the hospitality sector. If you would like to speak with Mercia on finance for your business email info@mercia.co.uk

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FIVE MINUTES WITH...

COMPLIANCE POD Launched in late 2020, Compliance Pod was born of 15 years’ experience in developing intuitive compliance solutions for thousands of organisations across the globe. Here Richard Bunting, co-founder and MD, shares the story so far… Tell us about your business – sell yourselves! After leaving a large-scale software business in 2019, and a period of analysing the unique challenges faced by customers at all levels, in a variety of sectors, from a compliance perspective, Compliance Pod was formed by a small team of long-time former

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colleagues with a singular objective – to develop a solution which managed all aspects of operational compliance, within a single integrated platform. In our professional lives, we’ve obviously had contact with thousands of businesses which utilise software to manage various areas of compliance in some

capacity. But we had yet to find anything which consolidated everything – asset management, policy distribution, recurring tasks, reactive tasks and management of staff certification and training – in an effective and intelligent way. So, deciding that we were equipped to take on the challenge, we set out to develop something that did! In the following months, we consulted with establishments in sectors bound by strict and specific regulation, including (but not limited to!) care homes, dental practices, charities, education providers, haulage firms, manufacturing, and agricultural businesses. We found that, despite the variety in their services, the fundamentals are the same and there is commonality to the issues faced. Building the system around the feedback of thousands of professionals – concurrent to speaking with them – has proved to be Compliance Pod’s greatest strength, and what sets it apart from other

solutions of its kind – it is built to work the way the user works, rather than with the expectation that the user will adapt to how the system works. No two cases are the same, and we endeavour to make the adoption of Compliance Pod as easy as possible. Who are your customers and how are you targeting them? The bulk of our experience is within education, but the discussions we’ve had with leaders in other sectors have made it abundantly clear that Compliance Pod is infinitely flexible to the demands of almost any organisation. If you undertake any compliancerelated activity, operate in line with business or sector-specific policies or processes, require the operation of a helpdesk or manage any number of assets, we can help. We offer free consultations as standard, via Microsoft Teams (the demand for which has obviously increased hugely because of the pandemic) and in-person – whatever works best for the customer. We’re always happy to chat to people about how they currently manage compliance across the board, and explore the ways in which Compliance Pod might be of use. How can people get in touch with you? Anyone can book a completely free, no-obligation consultation at www. compliancepod.com/bookdemo, email enquiries@ compliancepod.com or give us a call on 0114 349 2765.

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BUSINESS GROWTH SPECIALIST GROWS

WITH NEW BARNSLEY OFFICE A family-run business is on track to double in size this year after moving into new offices at The Business Village @BarnsleyBIC and expanding their team Brook Corporate Developments has doubled the size of its office space, having previously had a smaller unit in one of the original buildings at the Wilthorpe site. The company, which provides a wide range of consultancy and training services to predominantly SME businesses in South and West Yorkshire, was set up by Mike Brook 20 years ago. Mike’s son Dom took over the reins recently, having joined the company 18 months ago. Dom said: “When we first moved into what was then BBIC it was a natural step to take for us. “We’ve grown with BBIC and moving into the new building was the next part of the journey for us. We have received some valuable support over the years and being based here has given us a great platform for the future. “We’ve grown quite extensively over the last 12-18 months, which is why we needed a bigger space with its own meeting area and a formal boardroom. We decided to take two inter-connected units in the new building and moved in at the beginning of February. Brook

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW ROWLEY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MIKE BROOK, SENIOR CONSULTANT, DOM BROOK, MANAGING DIRECTOR

Corporate Developments operates a multi-disciplinary approach, addressing issues affecting businesses, helping clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. The services its team of highly-skilled consultants can offer include everything from leadership and management to sales and marketing, and human resources to health and safety. Dom added: “The Business Village has provided us with good network and business support

through referrals and external brand awareness, which has been one of the most important things for us. “We’re bang in the middle of South Yorkshire, with easy links up the road to West Yorkshire. These two areas are where the majority of the businesses we deal with are based.”

Business development manager at The Business Village, Kevin Steel said: “The exciting growth demonstrated by Dom and the team at Brook is typical of what’s going on in Barnsley. With the opening of our latest building, business is really bouncing back in Barnsley, especially here at The Business Village! “The development of our new building has already seen nine existing tenant expansions, creating up to 15 new jobs in a variety of sectors including digital, creative, professional services, sales and marketing. “We’ve also welcomed nine businesses who have relocated from elsewhere in the borough and seen three out of area companies joining us, with up to 20 new workers coming into Barnsley across a wide selection of industries including software engineering, financial services and health and fitness.”

ENERGY CONSULTANCY EXPANDS TO

HELP BUSINESSES PLAN FOR NET ZERO Sheffield-based energy consultancy, Professional Energy Purchasing (PEP) has extended its services for businesses looking for support with energy reduction plans, legislation changes, and government led climate reduction targets. The investment is based on major changes taking place within the energy market and an internal client survey that was run last year. The survey results saw 90% of respondents looking for ways to cut energy consumption; with 50% wanting support with carbon emission reduction plans to hit government climate targets.

90%

of respondents are looking for ways to cut energy consumption

The new services which include net zero planning will help companies to identify energy savings and build a roadmap to achieve the UK’s aggressive carbon emissions goals.

“We’ve seen an increase in demand for these services from clients, and with the UK government pushing for net zero possibly as early as 2035, it felt the right time to invest and expand.”

business. This investment was made possible with help from a regional SME Restart & Recovery grant.

Linda adds “I’m really excited about the future of the MD Linda Spencer comments business. Despite lockdown “As the UK energy market “Jason Martin our new energy being incredibly challenging continues to change and with manager has been employed to as it has been for so many it, new legislation and net zero provide the specialist skills we businesses, we used the time targets, businesses that can’t needed and is already booked to plan. afford an in-house energy out until July!” manager need additional I’m confident with the changes support. In the past we’ve PEP has also launched a new we’ve made and the team I have helped clients with their energy website and refreshed its in place that we are in a really efficiency planning as part of brand identity to convey this strong position as we come out our procurement service but on new up-to-date era of the of the pandemic.” an ad hoc basis.”

Helping businesses to reduce energy and costs through bespoke efficiency plans and award-winning procurement.

The new energy management services complement PEP’s award-winning business energy and water procurement services. Get in touch for a free, no obligation chat about your energy today. 0114 3272645 info@pepgb.com www.pepgb.com

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

ELEMENT SOCIETY Matt Brewer volunteered with Element Society five years ago – today he is the youth charity’s brand manager. Here he shares the ‘real impact’ of the growing Sheffield organisation I was inspired to join Element Society after... Doing some volunteering with them when I finished university five years ago. After being away from Sheffield for a while, I saw working with Element Society as an opportunity to help the city and work with like-minded people.

state of mind where you see being nervous as a positive has been really useful for me. The worst advice I ever got was… Stick to what you're good at! I get it, you won't go wrong – but you won't grow either. The organisations that have supported Element Society include… Yorkshire Building Society has been very supportive with our office space, sponsorship from Reebok helped us run exciting workshops and gave us loads of new kit, and schools and colleges around the city help us work directly with young people. The flexibility of funders including Sheffield City Council and the National Lottery has been a huge factor in enabling us to grow.

My favourite thing about the business is… The breadth of work we do with the young people we help is massive and we're starting to get big enough to see a real impact. Our work covers so many areas from female empowerment to tackling knife crime, mental health to empowering young people with help in post-pandemic recovery. The three words that best describe the business are… Inspiring, empowering, person-centred. Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because… We're fortunate enough to live in a city with great public transport and have a population of young people who are keen to be independent and form their own identity. Now we are coming out the other side of the pandemic, I think we'll see a great deal of excitement about anything new they can experience. It might just be a positive perfect moment for a business that can come in and capture that.

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Sheffield City Region is a great place to grow a business because… We've worked with so many graduates from the two universities over the past few years who are keen to stay in Sheffield to live and work. If young, talented, and clever people like those I've been fortunate enough to work with continue to stick around,

who knows what could happen? It's really exciting – we’re looking forward to starting up a pizza company in the city centre run entirely by young people. The best advice I ever got was… Consider nerves as an expression of excitement. Being able to get yourself in a

The main challenges facing my industry/sector are… We've been severely limited in the amount of face-to-face youth work we've been able to do over the past 15 months. Doing what's right for young people will continue to guide us through challenging times. We’re planning to set up a youth-only gym in our headquarters – free to use to get people back in the city centre – and we’d love to hear from anyone able to help with this! In 5 years’ time I expect Element Society to… Be the go-to place for young people in Sheffield who want support, whether that’s directly, or a referral to an appropriate service.

YOUR PITCH

UNSPOKEN

MOMENTS Tell us about your business – sell yourselves! This was a little idea I had before Christmas. It was (sadly) born from the huge amount of people around me, or friends of friends who were suffering with the effects of lockdown, resulting in anything from low mood to loneliness to suicide. I'm a bit of a fixer and if I can help in anyway, I will try my hardest! One of the common patterns was that, until the individuals hit breaking point, genuinely no-one had any idea because they didn't talk. So, this experience is a series of question prompts spanning from the past, present and future. Some are light-hearted and other things dig a little deeper – but there is an option to pass or revisit, so players are always comfortable, too. My hope is that it will encourage conversation between people or even on an individual basis, to encourage untold stories, connection and, most importantly, be a simple way to start to tackle those more difficult unspoken moments. Reviews: I'm not a person to leave reviews, but I couldn't not. I've learnt so much about myself and the people close to me already – we have literally laughed, cried and felt every emotion in between. A truly

magical experience – thank you so much, I've now bought three so far! – Katie I'm in love with the Unspoken cards! Bought these as a present for my bestie. They look amazing and the questions (the ones I already read because I couldn't wait...) are so thoughtful. Can't wait to go through them with her. – Hannah I didn’t really know what to expect when I first ordered

The Great Escape MD, former unLTD cover star and self-confessed ‘fixer’ Hannah Duraid started Unspoken Moments during the pandemic – a playing card experience that embraces and encourages conversation during tricky times

the card game, however it has been an amazing experience. It has brought both friends and family together and we’ve had some real laughs… I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a different card game experience. – Jonathan Stunning unique product with such fine details. We played this at our latest family video games night and enjoyed finding even more about the people we love! – Amelia

Who are your customers and how are you targeting them? People who enjoy conversation and crave to understand how people and themselves tick! How can people get in touch with you? LinkedIn: Hannah Duraid Instagram: @_unspokenmoments Facebook: www.facebook. com/unspokenmomentsco Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/unspokenmomentsco

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ADVERTORIAL

VERYPC LAUNCH NEW

ONLINE WEBSHOP VeryPC, a leading IT company based at Parkwood Business Park in Neepsend are proud to announce the launch of their brand new online webshop, which further cements their role within the IT industry supporting both the business and education sectors of the UK. Having specialised in custom built desktop PCs, laptops, digital signage players and IT support to businesses and schools up and down the country for over 17 years, VeryPC’s new online shop is the natural next step for the business as it continues to go from strength to strength. No matter if you’re a home or business user they are confident that there will be a device or peripheral that meets your specific or

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individual requirements, all available with free UK delivery. Andrew Hopton, Managing Director at VeryPC said: “We’ve been trading as a business since 2004, primarily within the education sector, providing our range of custom-built PCs to over 1,000 schools. Over the past few years, we’ve been expanding into the business sectors and providing not only hardware and software but IT support to a wide range of different businesses in the South Yorkshire region and beyond. “Our online shop gives us a whole new platform and customer base for our products to reach and allows us to continue building on the hard work that the whole VeryPC team have put in over the years. Our dedicated in-

house IT support team have been working with a range of businesses including Evogo and Westpack to manage their IT infrastructures, provide support and training and diagnose any IT issues either via telephone, remotely or with an on-site visit.” VeryPC has seen its prominence within the IT industry increase significantly over recent years and is working with leading technology giants such as Intel, Microsoft, AMD and Western Digital to provide a wide range of devices that can meet the demands required from their users. The company, originally based on Langsett Road in Hillsborough, has been making strides in the digital signage market and has been providing a range

of devices that allow digital content to be displayed in businesses, schools, shopping centres and even airports. As the business grows, so does its employees and VeryPC plans to further increase its growing workforce over the coming months after seeing an increase in product sales and IT support throughout the pandemic. Combined with their new webshop, VeryPC are leading the way within the IT industry and further putting Sheffield on the map. To find out more visit shop.very-pc.co.uk or give us a call on 0114 321 8609.

CHARITY

SHEFFIELD CHARITY’S HUNT FOR BILINGUAL STUDENTS TO BOOST ANTI-LONELINESS WORK A Sheffield charity hopes multi-lingual students will volunteer to help cut loneliness amongst older people in the city. George Joseph is one of a handful of University of Sheffield students to sign up to Sheffield Church’s Council for Community Care’s (SCCCC) ‘Good Neighbour Scheme’, which matches volunteers with isolated, older residents. The 23-year-old’s ability to speak Malayalam means he could in the future be matched to an older person whose alternative first language

GEORGE JOSEPH

means they are isolated within their community. George said: “I’ve been

matched with a gentleman called Peter and I telephone him once a week.

“Peter has experienced the world much more than I have, so it's really interesting to hear stories from his life. We also have similar interests such as motorbikes and cars, so conversations never dry up. “I am fortunate that I am fluent in Malayalam, which is mainly spoken in the southern Indian state of Kerala. I’m hopeful that in the future I’ll be able to help a fellow Malayalam speaker whose language means they are even more cut off from their community than they might otherwise have been.”

CLINICAL TRIALS AND RESEARCH ‘CRUCIAL’ TO CANCER SECTOR’S COVID-19 RECOVERY Weston Park Cancer Charity has reaffirmed its commitment to support clinical trials and research to aid the cancer sector’s COVID-19 recovery, after figures suggested significant falls in cancer referral numbers and diagnoses during the pandemic. The charity is ‘committed to helping improve outcomes’ for people living with cancer by supporting clinical trials to improve access to, and awareness of, treatments which could offer ‘a lifeline’ for people, particularly those living with incurable cancer. While cancer services have been maintained in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw throughout COVID -19, estimates suggest there were 7,000 fewer cancer referrals and 500 fewer diagnoses in the region between March and December 2020. Weston Park Cancer Charity trustee, Professor Robert Coleman, Emeritus Professor of Medical Oncology, said:

“The drop in cancer referrals and diagnoses during COVID -19 will inevitably lead to many cancers being diagnosed at a later stage, meaning that support for clinical trials and research is more important now than ever.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic on income generation, clinical research and innovative patient support during and after cancer treatment will remain our top two priorities. “Over the last decade, Weston Park Cancer Charity

has invested more than £7.5 million into cancer research and was pivotal in the development of a purposebuilt Cancer Clinical Trials Centre (CCTC) at Weston Park Cancer Centre which has brought new treatments to Sheffield.”

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Space to work and play at Park Hill Opportunities for a variety of workspaces, retail and leisure space Get in touch to find out more 0333 666 0000 space@urbansplash.co.uk

More and more of Sheffield is opening including cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries, hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, play centres, heritage sites, sports and entertainment centres...

Ready when you are! For inspiration head to: welcometoSheffield.co.uk/makeyourselfathome @visitSheffield

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COVER STORY: HELEN WILLIAMS