JUNE 2020 | ISSUE 27 | FREE | UNLTDBUSINESS.COM
ACTIVE
LOCKDOWN
LESSONS SCR Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey on why we must ‘lock in’ the behavioural changes to travel during COVID-19 for a healthier, more active future
DATA USE
& COVID-19
O T N R U T E R
K R O W s are sinesse and u b w o H ng staff preparirkplaces wo
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Selling Online Overseas Accelerator Programme Available throughout 2020 Delivered via Zoom
To help you accelerate your international business growth, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is launching a free six week programme for eligible businesses in Yorkshire who are looking to take advantage of the huge potential that selling online presents.
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Choose from up to nine virtual workshops delivered by industry experts with knowledge of the very latest techniques and innovations. Whether you are new to e-Commerce or looking to optimise your potential, you will be shown step-by-step how to successfully set up selling and delivering ongoing sales to overseas customers online.
• Optimising Shopify
In addition, you will receive free ongoing one-to-one support from your local DIT e-Commerce adviser who can work with you to produce an online strategy and answer any questions you may have along the way.
• Listing on marketplaces beyond Amazon and eBay
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Step 2 | Utilise e-Marketplaces • Listing on Amazon • Listing on eBay
Step 3 | Sell Internationally • Developing your website • Marketing on social media
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Step 4 | Service Global Customers • Pricing your product • Packaging and delivering your product
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CONTENTS
INSIDE... 6: News A round-up of the news during COVID-19, plus specialist manufacturer supplies equipment to New Zealand. 9: The Diary Our editor says we must learn lockdown lessons and be kinder to each other. 18: If You Ask Me Organisations tell us how they are preparing staff and the workforce for the return to work. 27: Product Guide Steel City’s James Biggin chooses his ‘return to work’ social distancing products. 28: Cover Story: Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey Dame Sarah and the SCR team want us to ‘lock in’ the active travel behavioural changes seen during the pandemic for a healthier, more active future. 37: Active Travel Travel South Yorkshire’s Active and Sustainable Travel team with their roadmap to the ‘new normal’ commute. 39: Data Use & COVID-19 Jill Thomas of Future Life Wealth Management on the personal and economic cost of the ‘lockdown click’. 43: Skills Focus The Source on apprenticeships and support for the unemployed. 44: Sheffield City Region The SCR team outline financial support during COVID-19 and how to apply. 48: Technology CT’s Chris Barr looks at the most frequent cyber-attacks on businesses.
EVERYTHING ELSE: 11: Entrepreneur Support 13: Legal Matters 15: Financial Health 17: Evolving Technology 51: Business Post Lockdown 53: Finance 55: Launchpad 56: Charities
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LAST MONTH'S VIRTUAL UNLTD SOCIAL
ZOOMING IN ON AN ACTIVE FUTURE We’ve been getting used to hosting meetings via Zoom by now – as no doubt many of our readers are. But our features writer Jill Theobald had a Zoom interview with a difference for this month’s cover story – after she chatted online with the most successful female British Paralympian of all time, Dame Sarah Storey. Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis appointed Dame Sarah as Active Travel Commissioner for the SCR last year. Twelve months on and with the country reacting and adapting to COVID-19, we find out why, with lockdown easing, Dane Sarah and the SCR team want us to ‘lock in’ the active travel behavioural changes seen during the pandemic for a healthier, more active future. As Dame Sarah says: “We’re at a crossroads or a fork in the road – which way are we going to go?” Read the full feature with the World Champion cyclist and swimmer from page 26 to find out which way she wants to steer the SCR. The Government began easing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions last month – and results from the British Chambers of Commerce Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker revealed the majority of firms surveyed were in a position to partially restart operations in line with easing. So, with many businesses now preparing to return to work – and some already back but with strict COVID-19 safe measures and policies in place – we caught up with a range of SCR organisations to find out their take on preparing staff and the workplace for the return to the ‘new normal’. Read our If You Ask Me feature from page 16. And returning to the subject of Zoom, we used the technology to take our unLTD social event online and the reaction was great! Host Andy Hanselman interviewed Evoluted’s Ash Young, HLM’s Karen Mosley and City Taxis and Citygrab’s Arnie Singh who all shared their experiences about what's working for them (and what's not!) during COVID-19. We were joined by more than 50 businesses and the fab feedback means we are returning for our second event on June 10. This time we’ll be joined by Redbrik Estate Agents’ Mark Ross, Jiraffe’s Holly Jenkins and Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Darren Hayes so join us and register here now: bit.ly/3cmGNBY.
@UNLTDBUSINESS UNLTD BUSINESS UNLTDBUSINESS EDITORIAL Richard Fidler richard@unltdbusiness.com Jill Theobald editorial@unltdbusiness.com General hello@unltdbusiness.com 0114 252 7781 ADVERTISING Phil Turner phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498034 General advertising@unltdbusiness.com FINANCE Michael Johnson accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk DESIGN HRM | PR & Creative CONTRIBUTORS Pat Abel Jamie Baggaley Rick Bailey Chris Barr Jay Bhayani James Biggin Jo Davison John Fidler Charlotte Higgins
Tibor Killi Jade March Mark Ross Bronte Saulle Raj Shah Richard Smith Jill Thomas Helen Williams Ash Young
unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Square, 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.
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AGENDA NEWS Heart of the City II milestone Planning applications for the next phase of the Heart of the City II scheme, including a cultural destination and a low-carbon office building, have been submitted by Sheffield City Council.
SHU to reopen campus for September Sheffield Hallam University has announced plans that will see its campus open safely for the start of the academic year in September 2020.
Capturing Doncaster life during COVID Doncaster film maker and multimedia specialist Wayne Sables is using digital technology to create a picture of life and people in the town during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Homeless charity’s virtual gift scheme Roundabout is supporting vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness with a virtual gift scheme to donate to the charity.
Warehouse expansion for global wholesaler Wholesaler and distributor Pricecheck has expanded its warehouse operations to cope with demand.
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SHEFFIELD FIRM LAUNCHES ORGANIC BANKNOTE PROTECTION Sheffield company Inovink has brought to the banknote printing industry a newly patented, novel, antimicrobial material – launching early because of COVID-19. BioNote® Organic Banknote Protection had been four years in development with Inovink and development partner Penrhos Bio, a Unilever joint venture company. Inovink’s research showed a naturally occurring material used in marine ecosystems can be applied to banknotes to inhibit microbial growth, preventing problems before they start. MD David Bedford said: “BioNote does not rely solely
on killing microbes on contact like other solutions. Uniquely, it works in a more innovative and sustainable way using nature’s ability to keep surfaces clean. It’s simple, environmentally friendly technology. “The patented technology material prevents contamination from forming in the first place by disrupting harmful microbial colonisation, keeping banknotes safer and cleaner for longer.” Angus Ward, commercial director said: “The World Health Organisation (WHO) say banknotes pose no more threat to spreading germs than any other hard surface. However, our product had
been tested and its efficacy proven by December last year and we were looking to launch in July so when the pandemic happened, it made sense for us to accelerate matters in order to assist with improving public trust in banknotes. “It is a new science for the banknote industry and very different to current antibacterial products.” David added: “It’s great to be a Sheffield company with innovative products going out all over the world – the Sheffield City Region has so much to offer with the universities and the AMRC and we’re proud to be part of that community.”
Work ethic continues for college students despite COVID-19
Employers are continuing to develop their workforces by supporting Barnsley College apprentices and students in industry placements during COVID-19. Candidates applied for roles with Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) by attending online interviews, with the College’s Business Development team helping them prepare, get familiar with the software, and hosting mock interviews.
YAS recruited three candidates as a result and are advertising for two more roles. Indulgence Hair Salon in Monk Bretton has provided online lessons and tutorials to Hair Professional apprentice Olivia Cryer during lockdown. Salon manager Steffany Logan said: “We have an excellent relationship with Barnsley College and are considering taking on an
additional apprentice when we re-open.” Animal Management student Ellie Jordan has continued to attend her work placement at Mount Pleasant Farm in Great Houghton. Farmer Steve Richardson added: “We have adapted the way we work to maintain social distancing. Several of our regular staff are key workers so Ellie’s help has proven invaluable during this busy time of year.”
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AGENDA
New Zealand orders raise Mechan’s global presence Two rail depots in New Zealand are to benefit from equipment supplied by Sheffield-based Mechan, as the firm’s reputation for reliability and durability spreads across the world. The specialist manufacturer is supplying eight 30-tonne lifting jacks to KiwiRail, eight years after it installed four identical units at the operator’s Hamilton depot.
The lifting jacks will be used in the Wellington and Dunedin rail depots on New Zealand’s north and south islands respectively, to cater for a fleet extension and maintain several different types of locomotives. Lindsey Mills, Mechan’s sales manager, said: “Despite our existing links with KiwiRail, these orders were won through tender and our
products judged impartially on their quality and value for money. We have proven the high level of reliability our jacks achieve and we expect that this was viewed positively in the decision-making process. We look forward to returning to New Zealand to complete the installation and by doing so, further extending our reputation for excellence across the country.”
New tech launched to help social distancing A new app has been developed by Sheffieldbased Dale Office Interiors with Dutch tech company iotspot to help businesses return to the office safely after lockdown.
Chamber announces new membership packages Doncaster Chamber has introduced a range of new membership packages, designed to help businesses of all shapes and sizes grow and succeed.
Sky-House sales and interest soar CODA Studios and Redbrik Estate Agents have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response to the acclaimed Sky-House development – with no decline in interest despite lockdown.
Wizu Workspace responds to lockdown easing
JO CAVALOT OF DECLUTTERING BUSINESS DOTTYMOW
QUEEN OF CLUTTER TO TACKLE SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S HOARDING HABITS A UK not-for-profit organisation which helps individuals to overcome the chaos caused by amassing excessive amounts of clutter is set to offer a helping hand to hoarders across South Yorkshire after launching a new dedicated support service. Hoarding Disorders UK, which delivers practical advice and support for people affected by hoarding, excessive clutter and chronic disorganisation,
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has opened a new regional hub headquartered in Sheffield. The support service will be headed by founder of Sheffieldbased decluttering business Dottymow Jo Cavalot, who joins the community interest company as a director. She will be responsible for building and developing support groups across the north, as well as providing one-to-one support direct to individuals affected and specialist training
to organisations working with those with hoarding behaviours. Jo, who will be joined in her new role by fellow decluttering experts Rebecca Chauhan and Heather Tingle, said: “Since its inception, Hoarding Disorders UK has played an important role in raising awareness of the condition and I am looking forward to extending the levels of support and help available across South Yorkshire.”
Flexible workspace provider Wizu Workspace has pioneered a strict COVID-19 working policy in a bid to safeguard members’ health and wellbeing as they transition back to work.
SCT golf courses ‘coping well with demand’ The Health and Wellbeing Charity, and Sheffield's largest operator of golf courses, Sheffield City Trust, experienced ‘unprecedented demand’ for bookings on courses after lockdown easing.
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Back to work
essentials
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AGENDA
THE DIARY BY RICHARD FIDLER
Our editor says we must learn the lessons of lockdown and be kinder to each other
UNLOCKING THE FUTURE BEGINS NOW FOR BUSINESSES At some point this will end. Let’s be clear on this – this issue that has dominated our lives for a large part of 2020 will be over. When will it be officially over, who knows? But history tells us that pandemics come and go – not quickly, but they do eventually end. Let’s hope it is soon and any second or third waves of COVID-19 are managed in a way that minimises human suffering. We will get through it. There’s no doubt that we are in a far better position that we were in March and April. However, many people have lost loved ones, businesses have been put in peril with some going to the wall and job security is nowhere near as strong as it was at the turn of the year. But the figures suggest
we’re on the way out of it and there are plenty of reasons to be positive. It’s hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes but, being a glass half-full kind of person, I have to tried to make the most of lockdown. My experiences are in no way representative of the whole population – however, I’d like to think that there are a significant number of people who have also been able to take stock of certain things in their lives, have had a bit of time-out from the treadmill they were on and have been able to enjoy the simple things again. For me, when I look back on this time, it will be the little things I remember. The weather has been glorious which has enabled us to spend much more time outdoors whether that’s having a walk
with our children or just reading in the garden. Or even just having your lunch in the sunshine before heading back inside to do some more work. Has it made us kinder and more understanding of each other? I’d like to think so, although I can’t be the only one who has sat opened mouthed at the hounding of people in the media and on social media who may have erred but definitely don’t deserve a modern day ‘tar and feathering’. Speaking as someone who has worked in the media in many different guises over two decades, I have been disappointed with plenty that I have seen. I understand the pressures that journalists and editors have been under but I think there has been too much emphasis on
trying to ‘catch-out’ politicians and medical or scientific experts to fit a narrative, rather than providing accurate information that reflects what is actually happening. It will be interesting to see what happens as everyone begins to return to work. I do worry that coming out of lockdown will be equally as traumatic as going in while we adjust to new guidelines and attempt to pick up relationships with colleagues, customers and clients. There will be a ‘first day back at school’ feel to the early days and bosses will have to be understanding as their staff find their feet again. It should be short-lived though and I have no doubt there will a great energy around Sheffield City Region over the next few months.
Got views of your own? Let me know: richard@unltdbusiness.com LinkedIn: Richard Fidler
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AGENDA
ENTREPRENEURSUPPORT BY HELEN WILLIAMS
Inspiring ideas for change management to continue on the return to work
BE INSPIRED BY CHANGE With workplaces and businesses starting to go back to some kind of ‘normal’ (whatever that means), have you reviewed what changes you can be inspired by and keep as part of your routine and approach? As we all have been navigating our way through change, it has been interesting exploring new ways of working and having stark reality checks over what can really benefit us in the long term. Here are some of the findings we have discovered for ourselves and among our clients: Effective time management We can control our time and diaries so much more effectively, especially when we are juggling extra tasks through the demands of childcare and some kind of education delivery from home. Many business operators have had these two worlds collide these past couple of months,
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meaning time is demanded even more and therefore their required level of discipline needs to be turned right up. End the endless meetings There is no need for endless meetings, and meetings about more meetings. In sync with being more time-effective, it means we have to be more productive in this time frame. Set strict agendas, stipulate boundaries, demand more from yourself and the team around you so that you aren’t going back to old habits of ‘catching up’ in meetings and blurring lines around time and productivity potential.
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You have control over your environment Working from home has been a challenge for many – too many distractions, not enough stimulation and difference in setup/layout etc. What it is HAS ensured, though, is that you have had to take control over your environment to keep on top and keep sane.
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This is down to the media you consume, to the time you spend on social media, the books you read and the people you Zoom with. If your environment previously hadn’t served you, and you never did enjoy gossiping around the water cooler with the other negative Nancys, then take control and change it.
monthly networking meetings and webinars.
Clarity over your priorities It has been a huge revelation for many how valuable their health and wellbeing is – the importance of looking after number one, for a whole host of reasons has hit home. Priorities around expenditure, money are more adaptable management, family, people 4 You than you think around you have all been Despite the fear and the brought into the spotlight, too, uncertainty, it has been a and given many people the testament to everyone how opportunity to take control. they have applied themselves to stay present, adapt and, for Regardless of your individual some, even grow themselves experience at this time, it is a and their businesses. Change collective given that change is will no doubt always be inevitable and that nothing is feared but with change comes guaranteed to stay the same. learning and we can assess the Benefit from these learnings areas we are adaptive in. The and keep going forward, not implementation and constant necessarily backwards. use of technology has been the biggest variable here. Those Change can be inspiring without an online presence and allow you to experience and a fear of the web-cam are different perspectives now showcasing their business personally and in business. products and services online and participating in weekly/ helpingentrepreneurswin.com
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Looking to support staff to manage their own health and wellbeing? Anxiety, fear and stress are but a few things we will experience in times of uncertainty, and its important we manage these well through it. Group workshops and 1:1 sessions are all available online to support this. There are many things we can do to look after our mental and physical health, we just need to be able to understand and act on it for ourselves. Contact me for more information Holly Crosby: 07896876150 holly@thinkmeinfo.co.uk www.thinkmeinfo.co.uk
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AGENDA
LEGAL MATTERS BY CHARLOTTE HIGGINS, BELL & BUXTON
The company and commercial solicitor with a back to work guide for employers
RETURN TO WORK PLAN - WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER? What measures should your business take in order for your employees to return work? The UK’s lockdown has had a significant impact on businesses and their employees. With the Government’s latest plans to start easing the lockdown, it is now time to start planning ahead to devise a lockdown exit strategy for your business. With this in mind, in this article I discuss how a gradual return to work should be managed by your business. How and when do you unfurlough staff? There are various reasons why you may be looking to take your employees off furlough. This might be because you now have more work and therefore have a need for your employees to return to work.
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You will first need to check the terms of the furlough agreement. When the Government introduced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme it was made clear that employees being furloughed must be furloughed for a minimum period of three weeks. You must therefore ensure that the employee has completed a minimum threeweek period before bringing them off furlough. You will then need to check any applicable notice period to be given before you can expect the employee to return to work. This should be specified within the furlough agreement. If you do not have a formal agreement in place, you should still consult with your employees about bringing furlough to an end. You should try and be flexible
where possible and ensure that your employees have had the opportunity to arrange childcare (if applicable). Health and safety measures Before a return to the workplace, you will need to carry out risk assessments. These should cover risks such as: • Premises • Working conditions • Composition of the workforce. You will need to consider the premises in general. How will employees enter and exit? How will you ensure that everywhere is clean and cleaned regularly? Consider setting up a cleaning rota to track how often cleaning takes place. Consider working conditions. How are the desks/work areas set out? How can social
distancing be achieved? On the composition of the workforce, think about whether some employees should be phased back into the office. What about staggering working hours? You will also need to consider what additional health and safety policies are required due to COVID-19. What next? As your employees return to the workplace, you should regularly carry out audits to ensure that policies are implemented effectively and are being adhered to. Should you require any further advice in relation to how to get your employees back into the workplace, please contact Charlotte Higgins on 0114 249 5969.
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AGENDA
FINANCIAL HEALTH
BY RAJ SHAH, DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL OF BLUE WEALTH CAPITAL The financial planner on how a community could look in the ‘new normal’
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO COMMUNITIES – POST LOCKDOWN So what will the post lockdown ‘new normal’ look like? Will out of town office hubs appear for a better work/life balance? The case study below explains how a local community could have new life breathed into it. Commercial property renovation: a case study Mr Jones is planning to buy a rundown social club with the intention to renovate the club to create a public house and develop the upper floor into office space, which could be let out. He intends to fund the proposed purchase as an investment through his pension scheme. The facts • Mr Jones has three separate personal pensions valued at around £190,000, which he intends to consolidate by transferring them into a SelfInvested Personal Pension (SIPP). • The loan, as with any transaction between the SIPP and the member or any other connected party, must
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be on commercial terms and documented. • Mr Jones has personal savings earning little interest, which he can lend to the SIPP to augment the funds needed to fund the renovation. Any transaction such as a loan between the SIPP and a connected party (the member) must be established on commercial terms and documented. The process • Mr Jones completes a pension provider questionnaire. • The questionnaire captures the data necessary for the provider to ensure the property is fully commercial, that it meets other acceptance criteria and that there are sufficient funds to cover the property purchase, associated expenses and expected renovation costs. • The provider accepts the property, along with the required renovation work. • Mr Jones establishes a SIPP and arranges the transfers from his three personal pension funds into the SIPP.
• The provider sends instructions to the solicitor named on their questionnaire who is to act for the SIPP trustees who are Mr Jones and Providers' bare trustee company (XYZ & Co Trustees Limited). • The property purchase is from an unconnected third party – therefore, a professional opinion of valuation is not required. • The transfers into the SIPP are subject to a 30-day mandatory cancellation period. Once this period has expired, the SIPP funds can be used to pay the property deposit and complete the property purchase. • Mr Jones arranges for his solicitor to prepare the documentation on the loan from him to the SIPP having obtained evidence of commercial life-for-like terms.
Working with a high-quality financial planner who understands the way in which your retirement funds could be used to benefit both you and your local community.
The result • Once the renovations are complete the pub on the ground floor is let to an unconnected public house company for £200,000 per annum and the offices
Raj Shah is founder of Blue Wealth capital and has been shortlisted for Financial Planner of the Year and Investment Adviser of the Year. www.bluewealthcapital.com
on the upper floor to an unconnected company for £6,000 per annum. The rents received by the SIPP are then used to service and repay the loan from Mr Jones. • Mr Jones uses his own solicitor for the property. • Mr Jones manages the property himself and the SIPP avoids having to pay additional management costs. • The leases provide tax-free investment income to the SIPP. • Any gain in the value of the property is free from capital gains tax.
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AGENDA
EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY BY ASH YOUNG
Our tech expert with his top tips on outsourcing pay-per-click
USING AN AGENCY FOR DIGITAL MARKETING: TIPS FOR SUCCESS Online visibility is everything when you’re selling your services and products. Undoubtedly, one of the most successful tactics is pay-perclick (PPC). Many businesses choose to use external experts for their paid search strategy – doing so usually gets the results they’re looking for, while saving money and time in the long-run. Whether you choose an agency or a freelancer, I’ve put together my top tips on outsourcing PPC. Find the Right Fit Ultimately, the best way to get what you want is to review their case studies and testimonials. It’s also important to find out if the agency or freelancer is Google Ads Certified. Being a ‘Google Partner’ shows that specific partners have passed Google Ads product
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certification exams and are upto-date with the latest product knowledge. An external expert who has put in the time and effort to best understand the Google ads platform is more likely to do a better job at implementing your campaigns.
influenced by many external factors. Like any market, conditions such as weather can cause people to behave differently.
Shared Reporting Metrics With PPC, there are plenty of potential reporting metrics, but they might not all be relevant to you. It helps to share your Understand the Basics overall marketing and business While you’re paying for their goals, so everyone is on the expertise, it’s still really useful same page about your key to be clued up on the basics performance indicators. yourself. Here are a few of the Likewise, beware of key points: • An advertiser is billed by each reporting jargon and make individual click. If you get no sure your agency or freelancer clicks, you don’t pay. explains what the measures • Budgets can be changed mean in the report and why at any time, so you aren’t they matter. committed to a fixed For example, conversions budget structure for the should be ‘enquiries’, ‘sales’ long-term. Budgets can be or ‘leads’ depending on your easily adjusted based on business type and goals. performance. Instead of just reporting • PPC performance can be on CPA (cost-per-action), this
should be tied to your specific goal – if the account is driving leads, you’ll be interested in cost-per-lead. Quality Over Quantity It’s not all about volume of clicks, it’s about the right clicks. You pay when someone clicks through to your ad, so you want the highest possibility of a conversion. A reputable PPC expert will focus on providing the best ROI (return on investment). They should be looking to get relevant traffic at the right time, and optimising the campaign so the clicks convert at the lowest cost possible. For help growing your business through PPC, contact the Evoluted team. Ash Young, Evoluted www.evoluted.net
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IF YOU ASK ME
O T N R U T E R
WORK
The Government began easing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions last month – and results from the British Chambers of Commerce Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker revealed the majority of firms surveyed were in a position to partially restart operations in line with easing. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick also announced the reopening of the property market in mid-May. Many businesses are now preparing to return to work – and some have already headed back but with strict COVID-19 safe measures and policies in place. Here we chat to a range of organisations in sectors including security, cleaning, property, legal and finance, to find out their take on preparing staff and the workplace for the return to the ‘new normal’
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IF YOU ASK ME JAY BHAYANI, MD BHAYANI LAW The last few weeks have been turbulent ones for us all, whatever the sector. As specialists in employment, HR and Health and Safety we have dealt with hundreds of questions around sickness, furlough, redundancies, TUPE transfers, disciplinary and grievance issues amongst others. Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) The furlough scheme has been extended to October 31 2020 with flexible furlough
coming into play from August. It is likely that government will expect to see a gradual introduction of employer contributions to the furlough scheme and will allow employees to return to work part time whilst still offering the furlough scheme. Can I force staff to return to work? There will be some who will refuse, some who prefer to be on furlough as long as possible and some who have genuine concerns for their safety. In law, an employee is protected from detriment and dismissal if they refuse to attend a workplace where they are in “serious and imminent danger”. The employee’s belief must be genuine and
reasonable. So, your job over the next few weeks is to ensure that you can provide a safe place to work. How do I make my premises safe? The government guidance is set out here https://www.gov. uk/guidance/working-safelyduring-coronavirus-covid-19. The starting point is five steps to demonstrate to staff and visitors that you are doing this: 1. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment 2. Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures 3. Help people to work from home 4. Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible 5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk
As specialists in employment, HR and Health and Safety we have dealt with hundreds of questions around sickness and furlough amongst others.
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Our checklist will help you conduct some workforce planning: • In what order do you need employees to return? Stagger the workforce and work out how you will transition from home working to business premises • Bring back staff from furlough – on same terms or altered terms and conditions e.g. pay or hours may need to reduce • Make sure contract variation letters or new contracts are given to staff to reflect any changes • Check holiday entitlements and ask staff to take holidays during furlough where possible to avoid a sudden rush • How will you respond to those who can’t return to work if they are shielding, self isolating, have childcare commitments or concerns for their safety • Have staff suffered bereavement or family illness while on furlough and need continued time off? • How will you manage mental health needs? These have risen and for some it will require a carefully managed and phased return with reasonable adjustments • What are your staffing needs going forwards? Redundancies must be undertaken with advice on processes to include consultation, fair selection, non-discriminatory approach and considering all alternatives. This will avoid expensive tribunal claims.
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Group
PHASE ONE Protective measures to implement before your employees return to work
Deep clean of your workplace
Installation of social distancing screenings and markers
Our professional and experienced cleaning staff will ensure your premises are cleaned to the highest possible standards, ensuring all surfaces are disinfected to provide a safe working environment.
Provide clear and effective social distancing with IPM’s screens, markers and signage.
Enhanced Technology upgrades to identify anyone with a high temperature Using our latest temperature screening, density control, access control with facial recognition/mask detection and housed access control unit for areas such as construction sites, offices, warehouses, sporting facilities, schools and public areas.
PHASE TWO Continual, on-going safety measures to maintain the safety of your employees
Regular supply of PPE Help protect the spread of viruses by equipping your workforce with appropriate PPE.
Regular cleaning to ensure your workplace is virus free Protect your staff, visitors and suppliers by increasing your cleaning schedules.
Monitoring of data IPM Group can provide live monitoring of your temperature screening camera feed from our state of the art monitoring station.
t: 0114 218 06 79 e: info@ipmgroupuk.com w: www.ipmgroupuk.com UNIT 101/103, WESTTHORPE BUSINESS INNOVATION CENTRE, WESTTHORPE FIELDS BUSINESS PARK, KILLAMARSH, SHEFFIELD, S21 1TZ
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IF YOU ASK ME
It is invaluable for any business to continue to be flexible and adaptable, to review procedures and make short to mid-term business plans.
RICK BAILEY, MD, IPM GROUP LTD
offices, enabling as many as possible to work from home. Our practical Six-Step Return Operating in the security To Work Safely Strategy has and investigations industry, been designed for businesses it’s in our nature and skill set to support them to reopen to evaluate situations and safely when the time is right. conduct forward planning. We The steps are social distancing knew immediately we were screens, markers and signage; essential, key workers and temperature screening were providing vital services technology; COVID-19 secure for businesses during a lengthy deep clean; PPE and sanitiser shut-down period. Our support supply; regular enhanced for businesses who became cleaning; and data monitoring. dormant, together with other These can be taken in key businesses continuing to succession or businesses can operate, would become vital to choose different options to their long-term continuity. meet their needs, making IPM IPM Group had many crisis a one-stop solution. meetings following the news IPM continue to monitor of the impending outbreak our own performance, follow and implemented a plan well new daily guidance from the before lockdown. We deep government, and implement cleaned and sanitised our the guidelines where offices and introduced new necessary. We continue to policies regarding sanitisation do deep, enhanced cleaning of shared workstations and and have installed a thermal staff hand sanitising. We imaging camera which ensured our workers were assesses each staff member’s – what became known as – body temperature when social distancing and reduced entering our offices to ensure the number coming into the it is at a safe level.
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We’ve invested in technology to allow meetings over the internet, additional IT hardware, and a regular supply of PPE and safety equipment for all staff. We advise any business to do a new risk assessment, which if they require assistance we can help with, along with help implementing and adapting our six-step process. IPM have been proactive reaching for new targets and sectors, as well as offering local support for charities and the vulnerable. We have worked with local councils to support and secure the homeless, on a regional basis with national brands such as Aldi to help manage the initial panic buying, and designed the inteliPod for the construction industry – the first facial recognition, thermal screening and touchless solution, making it a much safer access control unit. We have moved into the sporting and educational sectors with our return to
work/school steps by offering free educational webinars, and are currently installing our thermal body temperature screening cameras in schools and football training grounds allowing pupils and professional footballers to return to a safe environment. It is invaluable for any business to continue to be flexible and adaptable, to review procedures and make short to mid-term business plans. We encourage everyone to follow new government guidelines and continue to monitor and assess risk. Updating safety measures and tweaking your approach to the current climate is the most important way to keep your team communicating and working efficiently and safely. We have become a much more flexible and dynamic business during this testing phase of our development and strongly advise any business to follow our strategy, ethos, and guidance to not just survive, but potentially thrive.
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IF YOU ASK ME KILLIS MD, TIBOR KILLI COVID-19 has caused a stir across the globe, from changing the way we work, to the way we shop, and coordinate around public spaces. The unprecedented lockdown across the UK has encouraged businesses to work remotely – making the most of digital communication and services. As lockdown is being gradually lifted, individuals are returning to using public spaces, retail, leisure and hospitality facilities, as well as public transport on a more regular basis, putting themselves and staff at potential risk. The public are now well aware that COVID-19, along with other viruses, is spread through droplets in the air and on surfaces which is leading people to take extra precautions to limit the risk including wearing face masks and gloves. These are becoming essential in the
working environment as a preventative measure. Killis PPE Division offer a range of face masks, face shields, gloves, coveralls, and other PPE. We are also offering Essential Care Kits, tailored to various work environments, that have a range of products essential to keeping employees safe during this
dangerous time, for either inside a working environment or working from home. These packages can be fully branded to your business and are great way to show that the company care about staff safety. With re-opening becoming imminent, airlines, public transport, retail, leisure, hospitality and other big group space activities will have to win the public’s trust that every
reasonable precaution has been taken to protect public health and safety. WHO (World Health Organisation) advises taking extra precautions in public spaces and workspaces to prevent the spread of infections. Killis offer a full range of hand sanitising solutions for your business, including alcohol-free hand sanitisers, the revolutionary Zoono GermFree range and our sanitising stations, manufactured ourselves in the UK. Zoono GermFree Hand Sanitiser uses a combination of inert ingredients and a formulation giving it unique long-lasting bonding capabilities and providing a 24-hour protective barrier that lasts even through hand washing. To help promote hand hygiene, floor-standing and wall-mounted hand sanitising stations can be positioned around your buildings. These come with a choice of dispenser and backboard and can be fully branded.
With re-opening becoming imminent, airlines, public transport, retail, leisure, hospitality and other big group space activities will have to win the public’s trust that every reasonable precaution has been taken.
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IF YOU ASK ME MARK ROSS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, REDBRIK ESTATE AGENTS COVID-19 has been one of, if not the, most challenging periods ever faced by the property industry. However, I believe that as a sector, as a business community, and as individuals we should all be better placed to adapt to change as a result. During the lockdown period the Redbrik team has done just that – adapting, diversifying and not just planning for the future, but actively preparing for our return to the ‘new normal’. Indeed, the fact that we reached our milestone 5,000th sale during lockdown is testament to the fantastic work of our team responding and reacting to these testing times. We had already implemented new services such as virtual viewings and valuations, which are proving extremely popular, and meant we were well placed to hit the ground running following the reopening of the housing market last month. That groundwork has led to a considerable boom of activity Redbrik experienced since Housing Secretary
Robert Jenrick announced the reopening of the market in mid-May, with our team’s diaries getting booked up fast. We saw an immediate increase in week-by-week valuation bookings of more than 500 per cent in the days after lockdown restrictions were eased. The number of new applicants registered during week
commencing May 11 was also more than double the previous four-week average – indicating that the market is certainly coming back strong. Our ability to adapt at short notice has been one which I am particularly proud of, especially as we were effectively given 12 hours’ notice ahead of reopening last month. Although there have been challenges
– sourcing PPE has been understandably difficult – our team has been able to rise to them. All five of our branches across Sheffield and Chesterfield reopened last month and are now subject to appointment-only admittance – with all our branches and staff now fully stocked and prepared with PPE. We are currently offering valuations both virtually, as well as in person – or a combination of the two. Video viewings and virtual launch events are also now at the forefront of our award-winning services. In-person viewings can now take place, with no more than two attendees permitted, and owners and viewers must provide and wear their own PPE (gloves and mask). These have been trying times, but we are excited to continue providing awardwinning customer service in a safe environment and our ability to adapt and diversify our services at short notice will continue – as lockdown eases and beyond. Full details of all our new services and procedures are available on our website – search for our news section at redbrik.co.uk.
The fact that we reached our milestone 5,000th sale during lockdown is testament to the fantastic work of our team responding and reacting to these testing times.
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IF YOU ASK ME RICHARD SMITH, PARTNER AND HEAD OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, KEEBLES LLP When the country formally went into lockdown on March 23, we had already made significant changes to how we were working at Keebles following the Prime Minister’s instruction to businesses the week before to work from home if possible. We had to make immediate alterations to our traditional working practices as we implemented remote working with meetings being moved to video calls and company and client events being postponed. It was a fantastic achievement how well we adapted in such a small amount of time and is a true testament to the teams across all three of our Yorkshire offices – Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster – and our fantastic IT team – for ensuring that the transition was as smooth as possible.
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Over the last three months, despite the huge amount of change and uncertainty, our teams have continued to go above and beyond for our clients. We recognised early on that companies needed help in understanding the very fast paced information the government was releasing, which back in March and early
April was changing day by day. We transformed our online media hub and parts of our website to provide legal and business support for our clients and connections. Now in June, we’re planning for what the future return to our offices looks like, how best to work client meetings and ensuring that our working practices
adapt to the ever-changing challenges ahead. Like many companies across the world, we have embraced the use of technology in keeping connected with each other and our clients as new ways of working look like they will stay with us well into the future.
Over the last three months, despite the huge amount of change and uncertainty, our teams have continued to go above and beyond for our clients.
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ADVERTORIAL
BUSINESSES ‘UNLTD’ SUPPORT FOR ANIMALS IN NEED DURING COVID-19 COVID-19 has brought new pressures to the RSPCA Sheffield Animal Centre. But operations director Dianna Radford says supporters and friends from the business community – including some familiar faces! – has helped them think differently and deal with challenges head-on As a charity responsible for raising all of its own running costs we feel a real affinity for the support of the business community. During the pandemic, nearly all our dogs and cats have been looked after in the homes of people either working from home or furloughed – and unLTD’s own Dan Laver and Phil Turner both fostered dogs from us! Dan has been looking after Bella while spending time at home and is considering how she will be able to fit into his lifestyle going forward. “I’ve wanted a pet dog since being a kid and having Bella around has been brilliant. She’s on old girl and I fell in love with her pretty quickly! Bella has settled in and we plan to keep her permanently. I think having her with us throughout the last few months and the restrictions on normal life has been a real boost during lockdown!” Meanwhile, Pep has been
PHIL TURNER WITH PEP
staying with Phil and his family, which already includes a pet cat. “We all have a real soft spot for Pep and we’ve all become really fond of him – apart from our cat, who hasn’t quite bonded with him in the same way!” Knowing Pep wouldn’t be able to stay with Phil permanently, the RSPCA Sheffield have continued looking for a suitable new home for him, where Pep won’t have to share with any other pets!
As the lockdown eases many of our furry friends have not made their way back to the centre and have been adopted by the same people. The sad fact is the spaces these lucky animals leave will be filled up again and again particularly by those that are unwanted, neglected and have been subject to cruelty and we expect demand to go up. However, it’s been the business community, particularly SMEs, who have rallied in support. Forrester research produced a survey of 1,100 people which reported that most consumers think businesses should support charities and, when faced with a choice between two companies offering the same services for the same price, 82 percent said their decision would be affected by whether a company engaged with charities and its local community. As one of the biggest animal centres in the country, we get
RSPCA Sheffield Branch 26
why businesses want to benefit from being involved with a charity, and we want to help. It’s a two-way street and we work with our business supporters closely so that we both reap the rewards. It could be as simple as a team event to raise employee morale and encourage better teamwork, or a fundraising event, to becoming a corporate hero by making a regular donation and in turn, your business getting PR and meaningful exposure. We can offer cat and dog cuddling but there is so much more to do at a branch involving so many different areas including charity shops, admin, grounds maintenance, events and cleaning, which all contributes to the animals in our care. If you are interested or have an enquiry please get in contact with dianna.radford@ rspcasheffield.org.
Registered Charity No. 225570
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PRODUCT GUIDE
PRODUCT GUIDE WITH JAMES BIGGIN, STEEL CITY MD
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JAMES’S PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: CUSTOMISABLE DESK DIVIDERS As businesses make plans for staff to return to the workplace – and with some already heading back – there are important decisions to be made on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and social distancing measures. So, for my product of the month, I have chosen these customisable desk dividers. They are made from sturdy, yet lightweight Correx material with clear Perspex screens for safety and visibility whilst also providing protection. Easy to assemble and adjustable to suit different screen sizes, they act as the perfect social distancing solution to shield staff from any potential risks. Vibrant designs, corporate branding or essential hygiene messages can be added to help make staff feel safe and at home. Vinyl Floor Stickers Remind your team, suppliers and visitors of social distancing measures with easy to read, vinyl floor stickers. Full-colour printed on a permanent monomeric vinyl and with a textured antislip laminate, they can be cut into custom shapes and can be printed with your own design. Counter-top Sneeze Guard Counter-top sneeze guards are advisable for those in a retail-based environment who are having frequent contact with customers. Portable, lightweight, and assembled quickly to act as a temporary barrier, the acetate window also aids communication with a cut-out area at the bottom for transactions.
Social Distancing Signage A change to access your premises, till areas or layout of working/ canteen spaces may be needed and branded signage can act as the perfect guide to inform and direct visitors and employees. There are a number of options available and a variety of sizes to choose from including branded pull-up banners - customisable with fullcolour digital print.
STEEL CITY WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PROMOTIONAL GIFT DISTRIBUTORS IN THE UK AND WE ARE STILL GOING STRONG TODAY! WWW.STEEL-CITY.CO.UK • TWITTER: @STEELCITYM • FACEBOOK: @STEELCITYMARKETING • INSTAGRAM: STEELCITYTHEDON
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COVER STORY
LOCKING IN LOCKDOWN
LESSONS ON ACTIVE TRAVEL When Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis appointed Dame Sarah Storey as Active Travel Commissioner for the SCR last year Jill Theobald attended the launch. Twelve months on and with the country reacting and adapting to COVID-19, she caught up with the most successful female British Paralympian of all time again – via Zoom – to find out why, with lockdown easing we must ‘lock in’ the active travel behavioural changes seen during the pandemic for a healthier, more active future
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COVER STORY “We’re at a crossroads or a fork in the road – which way are we going to go?” It’s an interesting question posed by Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for the Sheffield City Region, when we talk about travel – and how we use and adapt our roads and pathways in the region during COVID-19 and beyond. Indeed, when we reported on the World Champion cyclist and swimmer’s appointment back in our May 2019 issue, we quoted SCR Mayor Dan Jarvis saying the active travel agenda was ‘NOT a PR exercise – but instead all about sustainable travel and REAL exercise’. Sure enough, chatting to Dame Sarah via Zoom, it’s clear just how much of a mission she and the SCR team have been on from the get go, how that didn’t let up because of COVID-19, and now – with restrictions starting to ease – she feels we are at a pivotal point for active travel.
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“In terms of this particular health crisis, it’s horrific that we’ve needed something so stark to make us pay so much more attention to the importance of physical activity within public health,” she acknowledges. But Dame Sarah and the SCR team had laid plenty of groundwork since her appointment and during COVID-19 – and have health, exercise, and sustainable transport plans for beyond the pandemic and into the next two decades. “The idea we could do short
journeys on our feet or two wheels has come into people’s conscience more – it’s become a reality they can manage. “Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, even 10 minutes a day is better than nothing. What we’ve found during this crisis is those people who started to walk because it was one of the reasons they could leave the house, massively improved their health and increased their life expectancy. Some of the health issues they were suffering with, because they previously weren’t active at all, became more manageable. “Having spent the last 50 years designing exercise out of people’s lives by getting them door to
door in a vehicle, now’s the time for the country to get people actively moving, especially for the shortest journeys.” Going back to the beginning, Dame Sarah describes her appointment last year as ‘unexpected turn in the path’. “It was a complete surprise,” she says. “I’d worked alongside British Cycling policy advocate Chris Boardman for several years and been involved in the Everyday Cycling campaigns which British Cycling ran. “Because of that and my work on road safety and the changes needed to infrastructure, it all put me another step along my journey to this role. Like any new challenge, it’s an unexpected turn in the path but I talked with Chris and British Cycling and my family to see if I could balance the role with training because going to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was so important to me – and there’s another COVID-related twist in the tale!
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COVER STORY “Dan Jarvis was so supportive and assured me my career in sport could be followed while SCR could have the advantages of working with someone like me who uses the roads for training every day, as well as understanding the needs of parents – as a mum of two – right across to the people travelling to work in the SCR who have been the hardiest commuters for years. “I was really excited, but I don’t shy away from acknowledging how much I’ve learned over the last year. We’ve built a great team around me.” How did she view the SCR in terms of its strengths and challenges when it came to active travel? “One of Sheffield’s strengths is its Outdoor City tag and you see that with initiatives like Move More Sheffield, and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Both the
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universities are very active already, there’s the AWRC (Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre), while elsewhere in the region there’s the Doncaster cycle track at the Dome and so many beautiful parks, the Dearne Valley, the Don Valley, Rother Valley. “So there’s already a huge level of activity and a lot of engaged people but also a lot of potential to improve where they could exercise and how they could incorporate activity into their daily lives, too, specifically around the roads and provision for active travel.” Dame Sarah also found out a lot more about the needs of cycle groups at grassroots level after joining several on their bikes – pre-lockdown, of course. “I was very well engaged with the Wheels for Wellbeing group in Hillsborough Park and we’re busy creating a regional coordinator for disability cycling. We want to have a group
One of Sheffield’s strengths is its Outdoor City tag and you see that with initiatives like Move More Sheffield, and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
at Doncaster Dome, have earmarked a location in the east of Barnsley and looking at a site in Rotherham. “We want anyone in the region with an impairment of any kind to find a way into cycling for everyday purposes, but it’s also a potential part of the pathway within British Cycling. I’m on the paracycling pathway at an elite level but underneath that it can be a postcode lottery and depends on if you live near somewhere that has access or could you borrow a bike. “I also met with a Muslim women’s cycle group in Rotherham. It was heartwarming and a little bit of a shock moment, too, after they told me the way they are treated by people if they travel outside that group – it’s not just about safe facilities or fear of traffic but also the prejudice they face. But it was so lovely to ride with them and we hope to develop that network as well across the region but due to social distancing those group developments are on hold at the moment.”
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COVER STORY
DAME SARAH SPEAKING TO ROTHERHAM WOMEN CYCLING GROUP
As Dame Sarah herself acknowledges: “There’s so many strands to adapting to COVID” – including the impact on the SCR’s Active Travel Implementation Plan, a comprehensive network of how SCR would like active travel in the region to look by 2040. “We were due to launch the ATIP on the anniversary of my appointment on March 23 ironically – everyone in our team will remember the day we locked down. We’re now hoping it will go before the Mayoral Combined Authority on June 1 for approval and then it can be made public. “The ATIP is a guiding document that will allow us to fulfil some things early, if that’s required because of measures needed with COVID-19, or other areas that need to be adjusted as we adapt to the virus, the lockdown, the easing of lockdown and any subsequent changes depending on that R value. “We now need to have an emergency plan for each part of the region because what’s right for Sheffield city centre might not be right for Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham so we’re working with each of the district authorities to arrive at the best solution possible. “All of the areas are already making progress though – parts of Doncaster town centre are pedestrianized between 10am and 4pm every day and in Sheffield there’s been widening of some pavements. Short popup bikeways are in their initial phase and there are further plans to evolve. But councils have had to deploy staff into other areas during lockdown, of course, delivering meals and PPE on the
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frontline, as well as a recovery plan for when easing happens so there’s had to be overlap. “In lockdown we issued guidance notes to local authorities about moving quickly to capture those new to cycling and walking to make sure we locked in that behavioural change while it was still happening, before old habits retuned. “The number of vehicles has crept up, but lockdown has given people a taste of what roads could be like if we had the right type of infrastructure to enable to use them with their feet or two wheels. “Millions of 500 metre trips are made in cars every year because people felt they had no choice – now they had a choice and walked those distances because the car journey wasn’t essential travel.” Lockdown also saw the interactive map launched by SCR last year return to collate people’s views on South Yorkshire’s network of roads, cycle paths and footpaths. “We used it as part of the development of the ATIP and found that 90 per cent of the comments from the public matched with what local authorities were putting on their own network maps. During lockdown I asked for it to be re-opened so we could find out where challenges were for people with social distancing and how cycling and walking routes were affected with parked cars. “We passed that information on to the local authorities and it’s been great to see lots of places around the UK quickly deploying these maps to help them, too.
“There is a bigger group of people wanting to walk and cycle but there’s still that same challenge of the big motor lobby saying ‘no, roads are for cars’. These are the same challenges we had before but we have a much shorter window potentially to implement the measures needed so it’s about working with the councils who own the roads and can place that infrastructure to say ‘Is this something you’d like to do for your residents, the people who work there? And how can we help you arrive at the best network?’” And this is where businesses can play their part. “Employers are a huge advocate group for putting in this infrastructure and telling councils what they want to see on certain roads,” says Sarah.
“Businesses should join their voice with the army of people saying what they want in terms of pop-up cycle ways or trial infrastructure. The more councils know people want this, the easier it becomes to implement because it’s a big balancing act between businesses with huge amounts of equipment they can only ever transport in their vehicle and others who could walk or cycle. Businesses have a huge part to play in supporting this.” And with companies starting to return to work, what is Dame Sarah’s message to employers and employees? “I would absolutely encourage them to look at their active travel options and a travel plan for their workforce that means that, as well as
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COVER STORY
the recommended staggered start times, they explore opportunities to get their staff to work without it being a single car journey. “In SCR up to 40 per cent of journeys of up to a kilometre are still made in a car and could be walked. The average commute is nine miles – so while a few people might be doing 20 or 30 miles everybody else is doing far, far less. For those who are doing longer journeys it might be they could utilise a park and ride and then walk or cycle the last part. “A third of households don’t have access to a car at all so we know COVID- 19 has affected people disproportionately on lower incomes and the recovery could affect them with public transport capacity being lower.
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"If they are dependent on journey times being reliable so get to work on time then they really need other commuters to walk and cycle if possible – if they have no choice but to get the bus they need to know there will be a space for them, if they are walking or cycling they must be able to do that safely or if they do have a car they need to not be stuck in traffic.” And e-bikes could be a possible solution, too – especially in a city of seven hills! – although Dame Sarah is disappointed there are currently no plans to provide grants or subsidies, as with electric vehicles. “It’s a real shame and a missed opportunity – after all, if you’re giving up a car for an e-bike it should be majorly
There is a bigger group of people wanting to walk and cycle but there’s still that same challenge of the big motor lobby saying ‘no, roads are for cars’.
incentivised. An electric car still takes up the same space as a regular car. “We’re looking into an e-bike for me to get to work quicker because I can’t use the trains through Hope Valley at the moment and I could potentially get to Sheffield faster because of the e-assist on the hills.” Which brings us on to Dame Sarah and Mayor Dan’s lobbying work with the government in the run up to and beyond COVID – from attending a Downing Street meeting to outline their vision, their letter to PM Boris Johnson asking for walking and cycling to be at the heart of plans to get the country moving, and Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps announcing investing £2 billion in active travel.
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COVER STORY
Our authorities have already started implementing schemes for social distancing and we are now working to rapidly deploy this funding so that we can use it for pop-up cycle lanes and to widen footways.
“The meeting in February with (transport advisor) Andrew Gilligan was so positive. It was a meeting of like minds to share our plans and hear theirs! “We wanted government direction on this, so it was great to see Grant Shapps saying this was a nationwide need to focus on active travel. “This leadership from government provides assurances to councils to act with confidence that it’s not just us, this is happening across the UK.” More recently still, the Department for Transport announced a national funding pot of £283 million to increase the frequency and capacity of bus and tram services and help people travel safely during COVID-19. And swiftly after that announcement, communities in Yorkshire and the Humber found out they were to benefit from more than £27 million in funding to increase light rail services, regenerate local economies and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists – including £2.6 million for the Sheffield Supertram to
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help increase the number of services as quickly as possible. The Transport Secretary also amended laws to reduce red tape and halve the time it takes for councils to get these schemes up and running, helping local authorities accommodate for the step-change in behaviour as more people turn to cycling and walking. Adds Dame Sarah: “Our authorities have already started implementing schemes for social distancing and we are now working to rapidly deploy this funding so that we can use it for pop-up cycle lanes and to widen footways, to get more people’s essential journeys by active travel and ease the demand on public transport, making space for those who most need it. “By reclaiming space for people to move around, through low traffic neighbourhoods, pedestrianised town and city centres and the installation of bike routes on key corridors, we can transform the region in to a place where it becomes normal for people to choose to leave their cars behind.”
SCR MAYOR – ‘LET’S SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY’ Mayor Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “I’m looking forward to sharing our ambitious plan for active travel in South Yorkshire. Walking and cycling has always been at the heart of my transport strategy for the region and the impact of coronavirus has made active travel even more vital as more people choose to travel on foot or by bike. “Our Active Travel Implementation Plan has been developed with the support of our local councils, active travel planning expert Brian Deegan and the public, who have made more than 4,000 comments on our online interactive map. “As a result of this support, we have developed a plan which sets out how we will enable more people to walk and cycle for short, everyday journeys. It will connect our urban centres and cover rural routes, and will be accessible to all, including trikes and adapted bikes. “During coronavirus we have seen what a world with less cars would look like. Air pollution has dropped, and families have been enjoying going out for a walk or cycle, reaping the health benefits that come with regular activity. “We’ve had a glimpse of what can be – now we need to seize the opportunity with both hands. “Active travel should be part of an even wider strategy – a green new deal to transform our economy, create millions of new jobs, and counter the economic damage the pandemic has caused. “If we do nothing, the quiet roads, clear air and safer streets we have been experiencing will soon become a distant memory as gridlock, pollution and danger returns. That would be a colossal waste.”
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TRAVEL SOUTH YORKSHIRE
A ROADMAP TO THE ‘NEW NORMAL’
COMMUTE The loosening of lockdown measures will inevitably mean more people begin to travel and for some that will see the return to commuting. unLTD’s Bronte Saulle spoke to Richard Pilgrim from Travel South Yorkshire’s Active Travel team The travel landscape is very different today than the one we left behind in mid-March. Many individuals will have paused their previous commuting habits – saving them both time and money – and some will have used this time to re-assess their travel behaviour. There is always going to be a need to keep public transport services running for those people that need to use bus, tram and train and the safety and wellbeing of public transport users and its employees remains a top priority for Travel South Yorkshire. Richard explained: “It has been a great opportunity for people to re-think what they did before and ask is there a better way I could be travelling? One that is less stressful and contributes towards reducing our environmental impact?
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“During the period of lockdown, more of us were able to explore our local areas and many more people re-discovered cycling – and in some ways walking. Walking or commuting by bike can be easier than you think, particularly if you consider the length of a journey. “Around 40 per cent of journeys that are 1km or less are driven in a car – resulting in a negative impact on our health and the environment. However, a walk of 2km can be done in as little as 20-25 minutes for many. A 5km journey by bike for a new cycle commuter (depending on the route) could be in the region of 30-40 minutes. “If you’re more than 2km away from your workplace, is there an option to reduce the trip length by car and walk the final part of the journey? Getting
started with a more active commute whilst the weather is ‘nice’ also helps to embed the change and make the commute a more pleasurable one. “There are several ways employers can help support this change – if they don’t already know, find out how their staff were commuting before lockdown measures came into place and ask how they plan on travelling to work going forward. “For example, can the employer look at working patterns and/or enable earlier/ later starts and finishes to the working day to ease pressure at typical commuting times? It is
also about finding out what employees need to help them to adjust their commute. “If there are areas that need addressing to help people to walk or commute by bike, we would encourage you to share your comments on Sheffield City Region’s interactive map online.” Get in touch with Travel South Yorkshire’s Active Travel team to find out how they can help: sustainabletravel@sypte.co.uk or visit travelsouthyorkshire.com/ business Sheffield City Region’s interactive map can be viewed at cyclewalkscrmap. sheffieldcityregion.org.uk
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L I M I T E D
The evolution of change Future Life Wealth Management offers a bespoke financial planning service to Generators of Wealth, including business owners, executives and professionals and also to Receivers of Wealth, such as inheritors, divorcees, widows and retirees. You may be at the beginning of your financial journey and need to establish your future life financial plan, or be heading towards your golden years and wishing to consider tax efficient ways in which your estate can be distributed. Future Life Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation & trust advice. We are entered on the FCA Register No 509960 at http://www.fca.org.uk/register.
Tel: 01246 435 996 | Fax: 01246 435 629 Email: info@wealthmanagement.uk.com www.wealthmanagement.uk.com Future House, 54 Ravenshorn Way, Renishaw, Sheffield, S21 3WY unLTDBUSINESS.COM
DATA USE & COVID-19
IT TOOK JUST ONE CLICK Jill Thomas, MD of Future Life Wealth Management Ltd, says the ‘lockdown click’ means we have moved from shopping on our local High Street to the internet – but at what personal and economic cost? So, what was the unintended consequence of the COVID-19 medical emergency across the world in 2020? Virtually overnight we moved from shopping on our local High Street to the internet, with us glibly accepting the GDPR terms and conditions on these websites – without understanding and comprehending the implications and how significant these clicks are/ were and what this commits us to. The substantial increase in the ‘lockdown click’ activity has meant that we are releasing copious amounts of data to third parties at historically unparalleled rates. This new High Street during ‘lockdown’ has operated alongside the enlarged, and targeted social media during this period, but at what personal and economic cost? In my area of expertise, financial services and the investment markets, this has been the catalyst to irrational behaviour, changes in attitude, ideas, emotions and
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sentiments. This compounding in the emotional contagion has been transmitted, flashing across the world at the speed of light, and the assumption that it must be true because it is on social media. Simply put, this overload of information does not mean that we convert this into sensible dialogue – what this has done is perpetuate misleading stories where we trust what is written down. But it is the expansion of the click framework at the onset of this medical emergency which causes me the greatest concern, because our increased internet interaction rapidly expanded us into becoming virtual information agents. Barriers to entry and the ability to obtain our data are very low, we just clicked ‘accept’ when going on a website for the first time, without a second thought as to who, what, where or how our information is going to be used. On a daily basis we have been handing over data at
extraordinary rates not seen before the COVID-19 outbreak – giving our personal data to unknown third parties who are subsequently going to use this information to sell on or use for their own purposes. Our expanded use has created us as new ‘actors’ in the information technology war, which has shaped a new vocabulary, and manipulated the future viability of business and the High Street as we knew it. Just before the medical emergency outbreak we had seen, for first time data brokers, new business
concerns which are forming industrial relationships to sell on our information to third parties, without constraints. Put simply, data is the new gold mine, providing information to third parties that could never normally be obtained, our personal preferences, views, points of view etc. What we are starting to see is the outbreak of information warfare – structural movements accelerated by change because of the pandemic. Data does not lead to more intelligent decisionmaking, it is actually leading to greater irrational behaviour and extremes and we have become the catalysts to this. The outcome – we have seen a crisis of capitalism which is reforming in Silicon Valley in California in the United States. This small area of the world, which is even more rapidly emerging as the most powerful, seeing levels of disruption never witnessed before and eclipsing our High Streets and economic futures.
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Next generation Internet with superior flexibility at unbeatable costs. DarkLight is centred around your needs.
darklight.city 0345 145 1234 unLTDBUSINESS.COM
ADVERTORIAL
CARRYING THE
SAFETY NET With the return to ‘normal’ almost in sight, the transition from remote working isn’t necessarily too clear yet. unLTD spoke to Mark Booth from Exa Networks – via Zoom, of course – to explain the benefits of internet flexibility when the future is uncertain
Currently, the need for increased internet capacity boils down to this – if you have an office space and you have staff working from that office space, then you have a need for stronger internet connectivity. From business to business, you can reliably judge what you’ll need as you personally will know what equipment you have to hand in the office, how many staff there are and what goes on from day-to-day workwise. As we move into the new norm, there’s going to be new unknowns, and one of the things that’s going to be a massive drain on broadband capacity is cloud computing. This is because it requires your data to be transferred to and received from the cloud – a constant draw on bandwidth. Your central office space needs stronger connectivity to allow for all of this – it doesn’t have a dramatic impact on employees’ own home space bandwidth requirements, but it’s crucial that your office space can accommodate it. In the current state of remote working, our home space capacity is compromised as we’re connected to the office space’s
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EXA'S MARK BOOTH CHATS TO UNLTD'S DAN LAVER AND SASHA MOSSMAN server. In some ways, possibly even more so as people are working more independently and much of the work, data and connectivity is duplicated. In these circumstances, business is pivoting, and people are needing to look for opportunities that may not have previously existed. This might put a temporary headache on businesses’ bandwidth, which traditionally may have been able to be upgraded within a rigid long-term contract, but with Exa, this can be for as little as a month at a time. The idea of pivoting is the ability to take on new opportunities with the ability to be flexible without
We’re a Yorkshirebased firm with a Yorkshire attitude and this gives us the edge over some of the big names that are our competitors
committing to something unnecessary. This can grow with you and your business as well – traditionally, you’d pick the maximum speed your internet can deliver, whereas with Exa we can increase your speed as your business grows. We’re a Yorkshire-based firm with a Yorkshire attitude and this gives us the edge over some of the big names that are our competitors – we can offer more personal help and support whenever we’re needed. Our award-winning team are all located in Bradford, and so have a completely different business model to these competitors. We’re solely based on helping businesses and schools – most recently, our team have been enabling businesses to adapt to remote working by organising their VPNs, a major necessity for secure remote access to business systems and files. Most importantly, we’re offering flexibility at a time of unknowns when business need reassurance that they don’t need to commit to anything too long-term. For more information about Exa Networks, visit www.exa. net.uk or call 0345 145 1234.
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ADVERTORIAL
TECHNOLOGY AT ITS
ESSENCE I miss my counselling room. It is a space for people who put aside an hour each week to focus on themselves and issues that they want to address, away from the hubbub of life and work. But mostly, I miss meeting my clients in-person. I prefer to meet people in-person and as a counsellor, I was initially sceptical about online therapy, until I began to receive enquiries from abroad and decided to train and give it a go. I was soon offering online therapy as part of my private practice, and so felt prepared when all counselling had to be moved online due to COVID-19. Much has been written about ways in which technology disconnects us, but our ‘new normal’ has shown us new ways of being. Technology has become a powerful tool for interpersonal connection throughout social distancing. Are you or someone you know considering online counselling or psychotherapy? Here are some of the benefits and things to consider: Benefits Accessibility – if you are unable to attend therapy in-person, due to mobility or illness or working away, having access to online therapy means that you can still talk to a trained professional and get the support that you need. Convenience – online therapy can save you time and expenses because you won’t need to travel. Continuity – if you’re
already having counselling, and unable to attend in-person, online sessions will allow you to continue without having to pause or end suddenly. Opening up – some people find it easier to open up online. Less restrictions – you are not restricted to finding a counsellor in your area. Although if you want to continue therapy in-person once restrictions are lifted, you might still decide to find a local counsellor. Therapeutic relationship – you can still build a strong therapeutic relationship online, if you find the right therapist for you.
Sally Moore (MBACP) of Essence Counselling & Psychotherapy is an experienced and qualified Counsellor and is in advanced psychotherapy training. Here she shares with unLTD how technology has helped open up online counselling in the ‘new normal’
face, with the light in front of you to avoid being in shadow. Check your microphone and make sure that it is not covered. Platform – practise using the online platform beforehand if it is new to you to help your first session begin smoothly.
Technology backup plan – usually, your therapist will agree a plan B in case of technology issues.
Considerations Check credentials – as always, make sure you are arranging sessions with a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist. Confidentiality – make sure that you are in a confidential space where you won’t be overheard. Equipment – you will need a smart phone, tablet or computer and a reliable internet connection. Comfort – make sure that you are comfortable; if using a mobile or tablet, propping it up against a surface rather than holding it yourself, will help to prevent aches and pains. Avoid distractions – turn off notifications on your devices. Visibility and sound – make sure that you are positioned so that your therapist can see your
Find out more: essencecounsellinghub.co.uk
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SKILLS
SKILLS FOCUS
SPONSORED BY THE SOURCE SKILLS ACADEMY The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield is passionate about bringing out the best in people. It has been helping businesses to increase the talents of their teams since 2003 and is proud to sponsor Skills Focus, a monthly spotlight on training and apprenticeship news and funding to help you develop your staff.
APPRENTICES CAN REBUILD WORKFORCE AFTER LOCKDOWN
Companies re-emerging from lockdown are being urged not to forsake apprenticeships and plunge the Covid Class of 2020 into long-term unemployment.
Many education-leavers get their first step on the career ladder as apprentices. But Sheffield charity The Source Skills Academy fears companies will not have
them on their agenda as they focus on huge dilemmas over existing workforces. “We are urging businesses to remember how vital it is that the Class of 2020 get the chance of a future and also to realise that setting on apprentices now brings many benefits,” said CEO Tricia Smith. “They can play a crucial role in rebuilding workforces. Apprentices taking on junior tasks will free up experienced staff as you work through the crisis and rebuild your workforce of the future. “In addition, apprenticeships are open to people of all ages and could give new careers to
workers made redundant as a result of the pandemic.” Some 14,000 apprentices are appointed annually in the Sheffield City Region and normally the awardwinning training academy has companies lining up to recruit for summer. Pre lockdown many were ready to interview candidates. But in line with other training providers, The Source is forecasting a worrying decrease in apprenticeship availability by at least 25 per cent. Call The Source on 0114 2635717 or email apprenticeships@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
SOURCE TEAM READY WITH SUPPORT AS JOBLESS CRISIS DEEPENS Specialists at The Source are on hand for workers losing jobs in the pandemic. “They will be shocked, worried about money and afraid they won’t find another job. But we have got hundreds of unemployed people back into work and are ready to help,” said Helen Lee, who runs the academy’s Steps To Work programme. By up-skilling, rebuilding confidence and keeping spirits positive, Steps To Work helps
jobless people who are not in education or training. Skills in English, maths and ICT, plus CV-writing and interview techniques, are boosted and additional qualifications can be studied online with supportive tutors in subjects ranging from Health and Safety and Customer Service to Payroll and Accountancy. “Then we hunt for jobs and help candidates through the process,” said Helen. “We look
for jobs to match their skills, but also prepare those who need to change direction.” Apprenticeships, which are for people of all ages
and levels of experience, are another route open to people losing jobs in the crisis. Email community@ thesourceacademy.co.uk
BUSINESS TRAINING AT THE SOURCE IS NOW ONLINE... To support companies affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, innovative national training provider The Source has redesigned its accredited training courses so they can be fully accessed online. Full funding has been secured to cover the costs for SMEs in the Sheffield City Region. Contact vernon.tolson@thesourceacademy.co.uk
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SHEFFIELD CITY REGION
DON’T MISS OUT ON COVID-19 FUNDING AND SUPPORT
COVID-19 is the biggest challenge most businesses across our region have ever faced – but thousands of firms across South Yorkshire still have not accessed financial support they’re entitled to. Over to the team at Sheffield City Region to outline what’s available and how to apply Although support has been made available to businesses across the Sheffield City Region as a result of COVID-19, it can be hard to navigate the various sources of funding and advice. One issue known to be affecting our region is that of small businesses not being aware they’re eligible for specific Government funding streams, introduced to help businesses struggling to cope with the
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financial impact of COVID-19. As a result, thousands of businesses across South Yorkshire still have not accessed financial support they’re entitled to. Different types of grants are available, all of which are being administered through local councils.
Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief • £10,000 for retail, hospitality or leisure businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less • £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
These grants consist of: • £10,000 for businesses in Other sources of support receipt of Small Business Rates available include loans and
tax relief, as well as these cash grants – whether businesses are open or closed. James Muir (pictured), chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We know COVID-19 is the greatest challenge most of the businesses across our region will have faced. That’s why Government has made this extra support available, and is also why our Growth Hub is
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SHEFFIELD CITY REGION there to provide bespoke expert advice to all businesses across our region, whatever their size or sector. “However, we also know that a large number of businesses still have not accessed the funding to which they are entitled. This may be for any number of reasons, but I believe many businesses aren’t aware they’re eligible. “I would therefore strongly encourage all retail, hospitality or leisure businesses, or those eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief, to contact the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub for individual, tailored support, including help with accessing the available funding streams.” To steer a path through these grants and other sources of business support, a full package of bespoke advice is available online through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub. Contact details are available on the website, as are full details of all support available. Businesses can also contact business support teams, and apply for the funding they’re entitled to, through their own local authorities in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council’s spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We acted very quickly to support a large number of businesses with access to grants. “We’ve now paid out over £36m but we’re aware that there are still those who are eligible but have yet to get in touch. Our Enterprising Barnsley website remains our hub for business information and online business advisers are there ready to answer any queries.” Cllr Bill Mordue, Doncaster Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Economic Development, said: “We have already paid out £48.3m to 4,275 businesses. However, there are still local businesses out there who have not submitted their details to receive the grant payment. I would urge them to get in touch and get support, so they have every chance of surviving this crisis.”
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Councillor Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: “The Council has prioritised the fast payment of grants to businesses because we know they are a lifeline to many firms, in fact in just a few weeks we’ve processed payments worth in excess of £36m to more than 3,100 businesses. “But we’re desperate to hear from those businesses who are yet to apply – it’s an easy and quick process, we just need a small amount of information and we will get payments for eligible businesses turned round with the cash in bank accounts within days. “We know this support will make a huge difference in helping to keep companies afloat, local people in jobs and in helping our local economy to recover quicker as we begin the exit from coronavirus restrictions.” Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business and Investment at Sheffield City Council, said: “More than 7,000 businesses in Sheffield have already applied for a COVID-19 business support grant, but we know there are still many businesses who are yet to apply and benefit from this funding. “We’re contacting eligible businesses this week to remind them to apply, but it’s
We know this support will make a huge difference in helping to keep companies afloat, local people in jobs and in helping our local economy to recover quicker.
also really worth checking to see if your business fits the criteria. The grants are one-off payments that businesses don’t need to pay back, and can help sustain your short-term cash flow in this challenging time. “To check if you’re eligible in Sheffield, you can submit an application via the Council’s website – you’ll just need to have your business rate account number to hand. “I’d encourage all business owners to check their eligibility to make sure you don’t miss out.” For further information, all businesses in South Yorkshire can visit the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub website at bit.ly/3d6jEVn.
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ADVERTORIAL
WORKING TOGETHER TO TACKLE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE
COMMUNITY
Due to the ongoing pandemic, demand at S6 Foodbank has sadly hit an all-time high. Here The Milestone Group’s commercial business manager Beth Green shares her work with the inspirational team – and calls on Sheffield businesses to help them tackle the crisis Over the last two years, I’ve worked with project manager Chris Hardy and the S6 Foodbank through the partnership we set up with The Milestone Group – pledging to donate 20,000 meals a year, as well as ongoing support with donations from ticket sales for workshops and events, instant donations from guests via our app, and volunteering at the foodbank itself. Throughout our partnership, we found that the foodbank supports every walk of life – everyone who visits has to be referred and the stories of how people have found themselves now needing the foodbank’s support have been really eye-opening. It’s predicted that individuals on an annual salary of more than £40,000 could be just two pay cheques away from finding themselves in food poverty – and that was before the pandemic. Sadly, due to the ongoing pandemic, demand for the S6 Foodbank has now hit an all-time high, supporting more than 300 families and going through eight tonnes of food a week – increasing as the weeks go by. Last year they
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BETH GREEN AT THE S6 FOODBANK
supplied 90 tonnes of food, but now in the last three months alone they’ve already supplied 80 tonnes! The foodbank predominantly covers the north of Sheffield but have also had to step in to cover eight further foodbanks across the centre and north of the city, as the existing ones have been unable to handle the demand. As well as changing the ways it works to adapt to the current climate – the foodbank is now a warehouse to sort and distribute food from – the team rely on people and businesses’
generosity to help deliver food across the city. The current smaller team are working around the clock to make this happen, as a lot of the previous volunteers are now having to self-isolate. Yet Chris’ passion and commitment to the foodbank is inspiring – he always has a smile on his face, when he must feel like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. But this shouldn’t be Chris or the foodbank’s battle alone. It’s all of ours as a city – we shouldn’t have this crisis on our
doorsteps. One thing Sheffield is good at is supporting each other and hopefully, by working together, we can reduce this need in our community. If you can help in anyway, whether that’s individually or as a business, to increase the awareness of the foodbank, donate some of the needed items, spare any finances if you’ve found yourself saving money from your commute or not going out (to any of our Milestone Group venues!), or come down to volunteer or help with links to any suppliers – it would be hugely appreciated. It’s devastating what’s happening in the world with COVID-19 affecting us all and our businesses in so many different ways, but to know families and individuals are worrying about where their or their children’s next meal is coming from (or even if they’ll have one) on top of this pandemic, is truly heartbreaking. Web: sheffields6.foodbank. org.uk/give-help/volunteer/ Tel: 0114 321 0733 Email: s6foodbank@ ncsheffield.org
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ADVERTORIAL
SHEFFIELD CATHEDRAL IS ‘BEACON OF HOPE FOR US ALL’ Ben Rossi, business development manager at Sheffield Cathedral, sets out the challenges to one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings – and explains why support will be crucial post COVID-19 People have been gathering on the site of Sheffield Cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. The Cathedral has survived the plague, the Reformation and the Sheffield Blitz. History suggests it will survive COVID-19 as well, but it won’t be easy. “It’s really tough,” says Ben. “One day we were welcoming hundreds of people to The Observatory to watch the Cathedral being transformed through light and sound and the next day we were closed. “We rely on innovative events like The Observatory to balance the books and keep the building open. I don’t think the doors to the Cathedral have ever been closed throughout its history until now!” Sheffield Cathedral is one of South Yorkshire’s top visitor attractions. In a ‘normal’ year more than a quarter of a million people visit, learn
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about the history of Sheffield, and enjoy the coffee shop and gift shop. “First and foremost, the Cathedral is a place of worship,” explains Ben. “Admission to the Cathedral is free so we rely on the generosity of our congregation and visitors to use the coffee shop, to spend in the gift shop and to make donations. In this sense we are also a business. We need people to visit the Cathedral to survive.” Like many businesses, Sheffield Cathedral has been able to furlough staff but despite operating in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector, assistance from other business support schemes has not been forthcoming. To make matters worse, the Cathedral was the victim of an arson attack on May 14. Although the fire was contained within The Cathedral Archer Project, a charity set up by the Cathedral
congregation over 25 years ago to help Sheffield’s homeless population, the Cathedral did suffer smoke damage. Ben is now working with colleagues on a ‘COVID-secure’ plan for when the Cathedral is allowed to open again. “Places of Worship are in Phase 3 of the Government’s recovery plan along with bars and restaurants, gyms and hairdressers, so it looks like it will be July at the earliest before we can open our doors again,” said Ben. “We were intending to host a free exhibition called ‘The Foundry’ during the summer and hope this will take place in the autumn now. We are also still fully committed to another ‘son et lumiere’ for the whole of Sheffield to enjoy in December although this time sponsorship will be crucial. “Sheffield Cathedral is a Grade 1 listed building and has the ongoing maintenance costs to match.
It is also custodian to many of Sheffield’s treasures. The Cathedral also tells the story of the city and its people. This is why it is important to support the Cathedral now so a new chapter can be written telling how the people of Sheffield came together to overcome the challenges of COVID-19.” Ben likens the Cathedral to an ‘old friend’ you take for granted. “You know they’re always there, so you’ll say ‘hello’ or visit tomorrow but you never do. So when the Cathedral is open again, please find the time to pop in and say: ‘hello old friend’.” To support Sheffield Cathedral visit: sheffieldcathedral.org/ donations For information about supporting Sheffield Cathedral as an individual or corporate patron email: patrons@sheffieldcathedral.org.uk
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TECHNOLOGY
CYBER ATTACKS – PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS
With a large number of firms now working from home Chris Barr, technical director at CT, looks at the most frequent cyber attacks on businesses – and what they are doing to protect customers Small firms in the UK suffer close to 10,000 cyber-attacks daily, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). This threat is evolving rapidly due to the current business climate with huge numbers now working from home and connecting to a remote system via the internet. Cyber crime can sometimes be overlooked by businesses and it is vitally important organisations have the right protection measures and a bullet-proof back up system should the unthinkable happen. Here we take a look at the most frequent cyber attacks and how we, as a business, are working with leading global security and back-up specialists to provide our customers with the ultimate protection. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) A DDoS attack involves bombarding a website or server with artificial traffic to the point where it can’t handle it, resulting in long delays for users
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or a server completely failing. Sometimes a denial-of-service attack can act as a diversion – hackers don’t actually get any benefit from the attack itself, but carry it out to create chaos so they can break into the organisation’s network whilst it focuses on restoring its website. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against a denialof-service is to secure your network with advanced systems – firewalls, anti-spam and content filtering together will enable consistent defence and allow little outside traffic. Spear Phishing Phishing – a term meaning to ‘fish’ for passwords and financial data – involves scammers posing as a trustworthy business or service such as a bank in order to gain sensitive information from victims. Spear Phishing is a little more complex and harder to spot. Just like Phishing, emails and messages will look completely convincing, but Spear Phishing
Cyber crime can sometimes be overlooked by businesses and it is vitally important organisations have the right protection measures and a bullet-proof back up system should the unthinkable happen.
is targeted. Attackers will take the time to create messages that are personal and relevant, often falsifying an email to make it appear as if it is coming from someone you know. They’ll even clone websites to fool you into entering personal information such as login credentials. If you do receive a suspicious email, don’t respond, and take immediate action. Your IT team should run anti-virus software on the device, change all passwords for accounts that use the password captured by the hacker and contact the company or person that was impersonated. To prevent Spear Phishing, be suspicious of unexpected emails, keep spam filters turned on and check them regularly. Man In The Middle (MITM) You might not have heard of the name – but Man In The Middle or MITM attacks are very common and you may have even experienced it. It’s a type of attack that occurs when a cyber criminal disrupts communication between
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TECHNOLOGY
people or systems. An attacker could impersonate two users – using both to manipulate each other and gain access to their data. The users are unaware that they are communicating with a cyber criminal and not each other. There are some simple things you can do to protect your business and its employees, such as HTTPs using browser plugs, to secure logins and online transactions, create separate Wi-Fi networks for guests, internal use and business data transfer, not allowing employees to use public networks for confidential work and asking your IT provider to install an Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
hackers – or they may redirect you to a malicious site. To protect yourself from this kind of attack, keep browsers and operating systems up to date and don’t keep too many unnecessary apps and plug-ins – this leaves you more vulnerable, for attackers to exploit through different means. Stick to sites you would normally use but be aware that popular websites may fall victim to drive-by attacks. It’s important to keep up to date on the latest and most common attack methods and learn how your business can remain protected. A disaster recovery plan is the next step in data protection and one every business should have. This could save you downtime, the Drive-by attack threat of a data breach and a During a drive-by attack a cyber loss of revenue. criminal will target you through At CT, our business your internet browser. They will continuity solutions involve a directly attack your computer, bespoke disaster recovery plan installing some form of malware for your business. Please get as soon as you land on an in touch with one of our sales infected site. It can even occur team today on 01246 266 130 if you visit a legitimate website to see how we can help protect that has been compromised by your organisation.
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Leading the way in protection of customers’ most valuable data The surge in remote working not only increases the amount of ransomware threats, but creates a massive spike in the volume of unstructured data that businesses have to process, including phone calls, emails, IMs and collaborative files. As a result we needed to find a solution to provide a more robust ransomware protection and cost effective back up O365 solution for our customers. The technical team here at CT has joined forces with two global leaders, Veeam and Cloudian, to develop a unique solution that offers bullet proof protection for our O365 customers. Together we developed a unique solution built on Veeam software and Cloudian’s HyperStore object storage platform. This object lock solution
works on the techy acronym ‘WORM’ principle. ‘Write Once, Read Many’ which simply means you can write data onto a disk just once. After that, the data is permanent, cannot be infected but can be read any number of times. It is the perfect solution if you have vast amounts of data that you want to store and access as and when needed. This also allows us to take advantage of more cost-effective service models and pass savings on to our customers, using smart algorithms to intelligently move infrequentlyaccessed data to low-cost archive storage, saving our customers money and allowing them to focus on mission-critical data instead. If you would like to find out more about this enhanced service, visit the link below and view our recent global webinar. bit.ly/3g7gAu2
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BUSINESS POST LOCKDOWN
TROUBLESHOOTING BY PAT ABEL, CORPORATE FINANCE PARTNER AT HART SHAW
Hart Shaw’s Pat Abel says businesses must reimagine themselves post lockdown
BUSINESS IN A POST LOCKDOWN WORLD As I write this, it is a gorgeous sunny afternoon in Sheffield and I’ve just returned from my daily walk, in an attempt to keep mind and body reasonably healthy and prevent ‘cabin fever’ – a phrase that crops up in my regular Zoom / Teams virtual meetings. What is apparent with the Government relaxing lockdown rules – people can now meet five non-family members outside as long as they remain 2 metres apart and there’s increased traffic – is more businesses are re-opening, particularly those in nonessential retail, while office workers are largely still working from home. So, what will happen in the ‘post lockdown world’ from a business perspective? It is clear the ‘new normal’ will not be normal at all, as we try to increase our social interaction while social distancing. This is will be an enormous challenge particularly for those in the leisure and hospitality sectors and as diverse as bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, gyms, sport centres, swimming pools, airlines, airports, hotels,
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cruise and travel operators, football and rugby – the list goes on and on. What is also clear is social distancing will make many businesses and business models less viable – imagine the budget airline model of filling seats at low prices and turning flights around quickly to maximise yield. This is going to be very difficult or near impossible – social distancing isn’t practical and there will be added procedures in place at airports, slowing down boarding, while more frequent cleaning regimes will increase the time an aircraft spends on the ground. They may have to cut back on fleet and / or increase prices to cover the lower occupancy levels, which may in turn further cut demand from customers looking for cheap getaways. Cheap travel could be a thing of the past, for a few years at least. It is also important to think of the bigger picture. Whilst some people may think it is no big deal if a few airlines fail, they would be missing the broader context – fewer airlines and aircraft orders means fewer requirements for forgings and precision engineered
components that go into the aerospace industry and with it the direct hit on SCR businesses in the supply chain. The recent big local wins of Boeing and McLaren could also become victims and with it their supply chains locally too. Pubs and restaurants forced to operate with big reductions in customers to facilitate social distancing probably can’t afford to pay their high fixed costs such as rent and rates and may need to operate with skeleton staff. Again, this may impact on the customer experience, too, and reduce demand further – prices may need to increase to mitigate lower customer numbers. Even Premier League Football clubs are having to play behind closed doors in order to provide some value for the TV companies that prop them up with multi-million pound deals – will the football world be changed forever? Clearly there will be winners, too – food retailers have had a massive boost from the lockdown with everyone having to stay home to eat and drink. Online shopping will have been further boosted, albeit clothing will have been impacted with people having nowhere to go, but online gaming, home
exercise equipment, music and films will have experienced heightened demand. Companies that can service the NHS with PPE and medical equipment will have been boosted and many agile businesses that might have otherwise suffered have reinvented themselves to survive and flourish by switching production to ventilators, hand sanitisers, masks, and screens. Businesses that can reimagine themselves and reinvest their purpose are going to be best placed in the months and years ahead. Many bricks and mortar businesses have quickly adapted to offer online services. It was almost unimaginable a few months back that we would be thinking of this new world order. Let’s just hope the ingenuity and inventiveness that has fared Sheffield so well in the past comes to the fore once again and we bounce back strongly from this economic shock. Patrick Abel Corporate Finance Partner Hart Shaw LLP patrick.abel@hartshaw.co.uk
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Independent, impartial and honest As a small local business, we’re able to provide you with a level of service that other firms simply can’t. We take the time to get to know you and your business on a one-to-one basis with no obligation and no up-front fees, so you can make the best decision at your own pace.
Short Term Bridging Loans | Property Development Loans | Unsecured Business Loans Professional Practice Loans | Commercial Mortgages | Asset Leasing Contracts New Business Startup Support
For more details contact Jamie Baggaley for a free quote or to arrange a one-to-one meeting
Arrange a free no-obligation consultation today Call us on 07399 660 002 or 01709 805624 jamie.baggaley@jjcommercialfinance.co.uk
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FINANCE
FINANCE – GETTING THE RIGHT SUPPORT It’s been a tough few months for businesses and the level of support is constantly changing, so we caught up with Jamie Baggaley, director at J&J Commercial Finance, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the financial options available COVID-19 impact on businesses The UK government has brought out a raft of schemes to help businesses and individuals and continues to review these and launch new ones. We’ve been supporting businesses with their cash flow and helping them to navigate the support, from looking at forbearance, grants, VAT deferral, and furlough through to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan (CBILs) and Bounce Back Loan (BBL) Schemes. While a few of these schemes didn’t get off to the best of starts, and left some businesses highly frustrated, the speed at which they were released and the demand meant the few accredited lenders involved were overwhelmed. Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme The scheme was announced in the Chancellor’s March budget and set to launch a few weeks after. Having worked in the banking industry for several years, I know launching a new product in a short time-frame is a very demanding task, especially with banks affected by reduced workforces. CBILS started with 40 lenders and now has more than 60 and it’s been great to see those new lenders offering fast decisions and
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funds to successful applicants. The scheme covers business loans, invoice financing, asset finance and revolving credit (overdrafts), and businesses can use a combination, across several lenders if required. Bounce Back Loan Scheme Again, a product that needed to be delivered quickly, with some lenders reacting better than others. The legislation changes for this scheme are reminiscent of the time of self-certified mortgages. A quick application, with a few declarations for business and individuals to accept and then the money is in your account hopefully within days (not weeks!). This has certainly helped several businesses access funding fast. How have J&J Commercial been supporting businesses? We have continued to offer our free service, and have been undertaking a three-step support process: Cash Flow The starting point with all clients. This could be reviewing existing cash flow or helping create a forecast from scratch. We base this on what ‘normal’ should look like for the business and
overlay the impact of COVID-19, generally resulting in lower sales or delays in invoices being paid. Government Schemes We work through the vast number of schemes and identify those available to the client. We review VAT deferral, furloughing, grants, and forbearance first to see if these schemes alone will improve cash flow. If pinch points remain, we look at CBILs or BBL. Other Lending If after exploring all the government schemes the
business still needs additional funding, we work with our existing panel of lenders still active in the market and operating their usual products to help pull together an application. Why should a business seek advice? It’s important for businesses to be aware of the implications the schemes could have. A current concern we are raising with our trade bodies is businesses who applied for BBL because it was quick and easy to access, but this is locking them out of CBILS where they could have potentially received a higher amount of funding. We also want to ensure businesses are supported for the long-term particularly where they have supply chains, so they can release cash within the supply chain quickly and also that it’s protected. For a free review of your business finances with J&J Commercial please contact Jamie Baggaley on 07399 660 002 or email Jamie.Baggaley@ JJCommercialFinance.co.uk.
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LAUNCHPAD
HALLAM HOMECARE SERVICES With help from Launchpad, director Waseem Althulaya and manager Sabina Yasmin set up Hallam Homecare Services in 2016 to provide domiciliary care across the city region. They tell unLTD about starting a business – and adapting during COVID-19 Tell us about your company! We set up Hallam Homecare Services nearly four years ago with the objective of providing domiciliary care to those in the BME sector after noticing a shortage in Sheffield. When we started the business, it was a long process with many hurdles to overcome which we successfully managed to do as we are now a recognised provider. We started off by delivering domiciliary care and then opened a day centre and expanded into respite care and assisted living. When did you first decide to start up your own and what inspired you? After working in the local community we noticed that there were lots of people who needed additional support with medication, paperwork and health issues who unfortunately were not receiving it. We started to conduct research to find out if people felt there was a need for more BME companies and our research found that there was a need for more businesses to accommodate those with specific language, religion and cultural needs, so this gave us the go ahead. How has Launchpad helped you? When we launched there was lots of paperwork that needed to be completed from risk assessments and appraisals to policies and procedures.
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SABINA YASMIN, MANAGER OF HALLAM HOMECARE SERVICES
We also had to meet the minimum requirements to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and local authorities which were both challenging, however, with the support of Launchpad and their guidance we were able to successfully launch our business. Since the pandemic, you were one of the Sheffield BAMER COVID-19 Action Group founders. Tell us about that? We founded Sheffield BAMER COVID -19 Action Group to help those in the community who don’t have any additional support. Our staff were passionate about continuing to work but the demand got
bigger, so we started to work with similar organisations to help the wider community and those most vulnerable and hard to reach. We have a weekly Zoom meeting with Emma Dickenson from Sheffield City Council who signposts us in the right direction and so far, we have helped more than 700 families with food parcels. What are your hopes and aims for the business? In the future we hope that more people will use our services and we want to raise awareness of Hallam Homecare Services so that we can reach the people that need us the most.
Launchpad advisor Irshad Akbar said: I first met Waseem and Sabina when they approached the Launchpad Mentoring Programme. Having explained to them the steps needed, a mentor was assigned to them that supported them to obtain CQC registration. Following registration, they approached Launchpad and had one-to-one meetings with a business advisor, who emphasised the importance of establishing a fully functioning ‘back office’, marketing, networking and working strategically. HSS continue to receive support in terms of training, recruitment, providing services that add value and meet the needs of their diverse customer base. Starting and growing a business is not easy and that’s why the Launchpad programme was created. Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and our partners means there is no cost to the entrepreneur, so we can get straight to work on turning those dreams into reality. Stop dreaming and do it. Contact us for information now on 03330 00 00 39 or email growthhub@ sheffieldcityregion.org.uk.
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CHARITIES
SUPPORT AND CELEBRATION AT ST LUKE’S FOR VOLUNTEERS WEEK ST LUKE’S VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR FRANCESCA BRADSHAW AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER JOY WIGFIELD
St Luke’s Hospice isn’t only caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic – the charity is also supporting the wellbeing of more than 700 volunteers. The St Luke’s volunteers usually provide vital support in areas across the charity, from retail to fundraising event support, bereavement counselling services to flower arranging.
But during the current lockdown, those volunteers have been asked to stay at home, stay safe and follow all government guidance on social distancing. Throughout this period, however, St Luke’s has been maintaining regular contact with the volunteers via phone, texts and email, and launched a special isolation ideas webpage on the St Luke’s main website.
And as Britain celebrates National Volunteers Week from June 1 to 7, St Luke’s is looking forward to the time when the volunteers will be back to provide their usual levels of invaluable support. Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. St Luke’s volunteer
development manager Joy Wigfield said: “We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers during National Volunteers Week. “Their support makes a huge contribution towards the work we do and each and every one of them is so special. “We truly value their commitment and the time they choose to donate to St Luke’s.”
SHEFFIELD CHARITY OFFERS IBS ADVICE DURING LOCKDOWN If you are feeling stressed and anxious and are struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), The IBS Network, a national charity based in Sheffield, has resources and information to help. The charity offers practical advice on how you can avoid excessive snacking during lockdown, IBS diet advice and how to stay calm and manage
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your IBS well during these difficult times. More than 12 million people in the UK live with IBS, a common disorder of the gut-brain interaction leading to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation. The charity provides information to individuals on managing stress and anxiety through its online self-care programme and can also advise
employers on how they can best support employees with this debilitating condition. Alison Reid, chief executive, said: “Stress and anxiety can trigger and exacerbate IBS symptoms. As this is a particularly stressful time many people with IBS are experiencing additional challenges and more frequent flare-ups. Our self-care programme helps people to
understand their symptoms and triggers and find out what works for them. With the charity’s ongoing long-term support people can learn to live well with IBS.” The charity is giving away a free Take Control of Your IBS guide when you sign up to the network’s free newsletter www.theibsnetwork.org/news/ ibs-relief. For more information visit www.theibsnetwork.org.
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