SEALING THE DEAL
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF BUSINESS SALES WITH BSE’S DAVID NEALE
HIGH FIVE EXPLORING ONE OF THE LARGEST BUSINESS CAMPUSES IN THE UK
EDUCATION REVOLUTION
MERCIA LEARNING TRUST OPEN A NEW CHAPTER
STEELY RESOLVE
PETER FISH’S JOURNEY FROM SHEFFIELD STEELWORKS TO GLOBAL SUCCESS
PLUS… NEWS, INTERVIEWS, APPOINTMENTS, EXPERT ADVICE AND MORE
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Contents
ON THE COVER
30: DOWN TO BUSINESS
Eighteen months after launching Business Selling Experts, David Neale discusses his professional journey with unLTD’s Phil Turner, sharing the story behind his strong entrepreneurial spirit and the handson approach that sets BSE apart in the business brokerage industry.
30: LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Gabriel Barteškaitė, co-founder of Future Greens, shares how an interest in sustainability and healthy food sparked the creation of an innovative business realising the potential controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics.
30: HIGH FIVE
Pennine Five has transformed Sheffield’s former HSBC headquarters into one of the UK’s largest business campuses, providing space for 3,500 workers. UnLTD’s Ruby Deakin rounds up what else we can expect from this groundbreaking development.
30: GRANTING WISHES
We highlight Sheffield’s £1.75 million Business Productivity and Digitisation grant programme, available to SMEs looking to boost efficiency and embrace digital innovation. Hear how you can get involved!
30: NEW SCHOOL APPROACH
After a hugely impressive 2023 that saw Mercia School become the top school in the country for disadvantages pupils, a leadership handover is taking place at Mercia Learning Trust as Neil Miley succeeds Chris French. We discuss the transition and plans for the future with the newly installed CEO.
Welcome, readers, to the *checks notes* 78th instalment of your friendly neighbourhood business mag. Wow, we’re clocking up some serious mileage here!
Another month flies by, and following a busy August, we’ve got a magazine brimming with fresh news and insights from the South Yorkshire business scene.
It’s been a big month back at our HQ too, with the exciting announcement of the unLTD Business Awards returning to Peddler Warehouse this December. After last year’s inaugural event was such a huge success, we couldn’t resist bringing it back –even bigger and better for 2024. Head over to page 8 for everything you need to know about the night and how to enter your business for an award.
Sticking on the events front, we’ve been applying the finishing touches to plans for our upcoming business expo at Magna next month. There are quite literally days remaining to secure your spot (16 September is the deadline) and we’re hugely excited about giving SMEs across the region the chance to promote their business, raise brand awareness, increase sales and network to their heart’s content. Hopefully, I’ll see some of you there – pop over to the unLTD welcome stand and say hello!
As ever, our team has been busy covering a range of inspiring business and community stories. For this month’s cover story, David Neale shares the journey behind Business Selling Experts and the hands-on approach that sets his company apart (p.28), and Gabriel Barteškaitėof Future Greens explains how discovering hydroponics led to creating an innovative sustainable farming business (p.20). Ruby Deakin explores the transformation of Sheffield’s former HSBC headquarters into Pennine Five, a major business campus focused on collaboration and sustainability (p.48). We also highlight Sheffield’s £1.75 million Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant, helping SMEs boost efficiency (p.40), and Ash Birch covers the leadership handover at Mercia Learning Trust (p.44).
And that’s just to whet your whistle – we’ve got plenty more in terms of regional news, interviews and expert advice to keep you occupied. Enjoy catching up, and we’ll see you next month!
Joseph Food, Editor.
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Joe Food
Joe@unltdbusiness.com
ONLINE EDITOR
Ash Birch
Ash@unltdbusiness.com
COLUMN EDITOR
Holly Dibden
holly@unltdbusiness.com
WRITER
Ruby Deakin
VIDEO CONTENT CREATOR
Lizzy Capps
lizzy@unltdbusiness.com
DESIGN
Marc Barker
ADVERTISING
Phil Turner
phil@unltdbusiness.com 07979 498 034
Nick Hallam
nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk 07843 483536
FINANCE
Lis Ellis accounts@ exposedmagazine.co.uk
CONTRIBUTORS
Dan Bumby
Steve Brown
Ruby Deakin
Wendy Ward
Jill White
unLTD is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1B Rialto, 2 Kelham Island Sq., Kelham Riverside, Sheffield S3 8SD
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd 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 cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific listings.
unLTD Business Expo –last chance to book! Deadline looming
for stand space…
The unLTD Business Expo takes place on October 2nd at the Magna Centre and the last chance to book your stand is looming fats… September 16th.
The event, the first run by the unLTD team, runs from 10am3.30pm and will see more than 80 exhibitors showcase their organisation to a crowd of likeminded business people.
The event will also feature keynote speaker sessions from business coach Andy Hanselman, ActionCoach’s Jon Asquith as well as a Breakfast Panel debate, which kicks the day off at 8.30am, and includes the head of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Louisa Harrison-Walker, SYMCA’s Tom Bousfield and the Federation of Small Business’s Barney Mynott. They will be debating how the potential of increased powers for SYMCA could help boost the South Yorkshire economy.
WHAT IS THE UNLTD BUSINESS EXPO?
The unLTD Business Expo is a brand new event for companies in the South Yorkshire region to promote their business, raise brand awareness, increase sales and network. Based in the Magna
ABOUT US
Centre in Rotherham, it’s just ten minutes from Sheffield city centre and will showcase the vibrant, forward-thinking business community in the region. As an exhibitor, you will have a full day to showcase your business, make new contacts and network. The expo is a fantastic opportunity for you to interact with potential clients, customers, suppliers, industry professionals and the public. As an attendee you can book your FREE place to visit the expo at any time from 10am until 3.30pm. Make the most of your day and meet many excellent local exhibitors. You will have a great opportunity to engage in networking, learn about new products and services and make informed purchasing decisions.
WHEN IS IT?
October 2, 2024 10am-3.30pm
WHERE IS IT?
Magna Centre, Magna Way, Templeborough, Rotherham S60 1FD
HOW DO I BOOK?
Visit expo.unltdbusiness.com or email phil@unltdbusiness.com. You can also register your free space to attend on the same page.
The unLTD Business Expo is organised by the team behind unLTD Business Magazine and the unLTD Business Awards as well as the organisers of the Chesterfield Business Expo.
SIMON COY
Simon Coy is a full-time, experienced event organiser. He has been hosting networking events for over eight years and is currently host of one of the largest monthly business networking lunches in Birmingham as well as organising the bi-annual Chesterfield Business Expo.
PHIL TURNER
Phil heads up Blind Mice Media Ltd, publishers of unLTD Business Magazine and Exposed Magazine. He has run his own publishing company for 21 years and organises a range of networking events in the region as well as the annual unLTD Business Awards.
Back by popular demand
After the huge success of our inaugural event last year, the unLTD Business Awards are making a triumphant return, promising to be the region’s most exciting, relevant and downright fun business awards ceremony.
The unLTD Business Awards 2024, sponsored by Sheffield-based IT specialists Millgate, are now open for entries. Want to get involved? Simply head to awards. unltdbusiness.com and complete your entry (it’s nice and easy) by 18 October.
The awards will be held at Peddler Warehouse on 5 December 2024 in Kelham Island, accommodating 500 people in an event perfectly suited for the region’s modern, forwardthinking businesses.
Just like last year, the event will be an evening of celebration and encouragement for SMEs that have had a fantastic 12 months and are helping drive the region’s economy forward. With our awards categories, you’ll only be competing against businesses in your sector, and our awards entry and judging process is designed to be simple and transparent to encourage participation.
HOW TO ENTER?
Just head to awards.unltdbusiness. com, register, and complete the (very brief) application form. The goal of these awards is to make entry easy, so we’ll only ask for some basic information about the business. Then, you have the option to upload a video (maximum of 5 minutes) explaining why you should win or submit a written explanation. The choice is yours.
CHOOSING CATEGORIES
You can enter as many categories as you like, and - once more from the top – the closing date is 18 October. Information about all the judges is available on our website, along with key dates and other relevant details.
ABOUT THE NIGHT
The awards will take place at Peddler Warehouse in Sheffield on 5 December, and the host will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets will go on sale once judging is complete!
NOMINATIONS
Once the judging process is completed, nominations will be announced on 4 November!
SCAN QR TO APPLY FOR THE UNLTD BUSINESS AWARDS 2024 awards.unltdbusiness.com
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REDEVELOPING ROTHERHAM
Work is well underway on the £36 million redevelopment of Rotherham Markets as Henry Boot Construction begins fabrication works in the outdoor market and underground carpark. Preparation work for demolition has begun on the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings. These are set to be demolished in autumn 2024 to make way for a brand-new library building.
Following the demolition of the Drummond Street shops, the outdoor market canopy will be removed in stages. Covering over 3,500sqm of the market, removing the structure will be a very complex operation.
The Indoor Market remains open throughout the redevelopment, with a range of stalls and products available from local traders. Outdoor markets, such as the Tuesday Market, have been relocated to Effingham Street while the project is under way.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Local Economy,
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKETS IS A COMPLEX PROJECT WHICH WILL NOT ONLY BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO OUR COMMUNITY, BUT ALSO PROVIDE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES.
Cllr Robert Taylor, added: “The Markets redevelopment is part of the Town Centre Masterplan, and to see people on site and spades in the ground shows that the plan is becoming a reality.
“The redevelopment of the markets is a complex project which will not only breathe new life into our community, but also provide economic opportunities for our local businesses. Working with Henry Boot Construction, the
markets redevelopment will provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all which celebrates our diverse community and heritage.
“Rotherham Market continues to remain open for the public, so I encourage residents to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.”
Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, extensive public realm, a new modern and accessible central library and improved links to the town centre and college.
Rotherham Council received funding from the government’s Future High Street Fund to pay for part of the improvements at the market with additional funding secured from the Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Keep up to date with the market’s redevelopment project at www. rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk.
REBRAND AND RENEWED VISION
HE Barnes, one of the Sheffield City region’s most wellestablished companies has undergone a full rebrand and unveiled a new look as it celebrates 100 years in business and focuses on the future.
As part of HE Barnes Ltd strategic vision for growth, the company has consolidated its Mechanical and Electrical Services, Facilities Management, and Cleaning Services business under one new unified brand - Heb Group.
For over a century, Heb Group’s unwavering dedication has been the driving force behind its success, propelling the company to be one of the market leaders in their field. The group now has offices in Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster, and Liverpool, and is heading towards a group turnover of £40 million. The rebrand marks an important milestone in their business journey.
The company was established in the heart of industrialised Sheffield in 1923 and over the years they have expanded their offering and grown to meet the changing needs of clients both regionally and nationally.
Managing Director of Heb Group, Nigel Pollard, said: “This strategic move is a testament to our commitment to innovation and our relentless pursuit of excellence.
“By bringing together our divisions under the united brand of Heb Group, we aim to provide a more streamlined and comprehensive service offering to better meet clients’ evolving needs. This strategic move will allow us to leverage our collective expertise, resources, and industry knowledge across all our services.
“While our brand identity may have transformed, our core values and unwavering commitment to quality remain steadfast. Our customers can expect the same exceptional services they have come to trust, now enhanced by the collective strength of Heb Group. Our dedication to professionalism, customer satisfaction, and delivering outstanding results is deeply ingrained in our DNA and in everything we do.”
NIBS
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AT BUSY SPOT
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is seeking new tenants for a retail unit at Sheffield Station on a high-traffic platform which is regularly filled with customers waiting to board services nationwide. The space is ideal for a grab-and-go coffee or food operator, with open space and a seating area. Contact enquiries@advanceventures. co.uk for more info.
IMPROVING OUR PARKS
An estimated £1.4million has been invested in improvements to playgrounds and outdoor leisure facilities across the city. Playgrounds in Oxley Park, Hollinsend Park, Ecclesfield Park, Ellesmere Park, Frecheville Park and Batemoor Park have all been improved with new play equipment and more.
STUDENTS CREATE RECORD LABEL
A new record label managed entirely by students - believed to be the first-of-itskind in the UK - has been launched by students at the University of Sheffield. Octagon Records publishes new music from student artists who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to have their music heard. The label has already forged several successful partnerships in the city.
DOUBLE TREE OPEN DÖ DELI
DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City on Bramall Lane has openend the first location of dö deli, a new all-day bar and dining concept. Dö deli (pronounced “dough”) is an innovative bar and dining experience rooted in sustainable craftsmanship, local purchasing and rich European bakery traditions.
CINEMA SET TO RETURN TO CRYSTAL PEAKS
Crystal Peaks shopping centre in Sheffield is submitting plans for the creation of a four-screen cinema within the complex. Crystal Peaks was home to UCI multiplexstyle cinema, which opened in 1988 and in August 1997, was chosen for the starstudded world premiere of Sheffield-made film comedy The Full Monty.
MAJOR ARTWORK CELEBRATING SHEFFIELD CANALS
A major contemporary artwork for Yorkshire is being installed on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal and will be unveiled in midSeptember. Some sneak peek photographs have been released, showing not only the projects complexity and size, but a giant loop-de-loop steel narrowboat artwork being built and assembled.
This will be the first artwork on water by ‘Art’s Master Illusionist’ British artist Alex Chinneck. The impressive canal boat artwork measures 13 metres long and six metres high. It incorporates signwriting and traditional canal boat colours to celebrate the history of Tinsley, Sheffield’s historic waterways and industrial heritage.
Alex said: “It’s extremely exciting to share the progress of this project which we’ve been working on for several years.
“This is a collaborative work involving structural engineers, specialist steel fabricators, waterway contractors, professional painters and traditional canal boat sign writers. Without question, this will be my most complex and challenging artwork to date.”
Positioned between locks 4 and 5 of Sheffield & Tinsley Canal, near to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, its position away from the navigable channel of the canal will serve as a gallery space for the sculpture, enabling the loop-de-loop work to be viewed from 180 degrees by passing narrowboats and from the towpath.
Sean McGinley, regional director, Yorkshire & North East at Canal & River Trust, said: “Sheffield, like many cities, is intrinsically shaped by its historic waterways. Still used and operated by boats as they have been for hundreds of years, it’s wonderful to see our nation’s canals, a remarkable national treasure, being celebrated by this contemporary artwork.
“Our job is to keep the canal network alive for boating and the community to enjoy. It is great to be able to work with such an amazing contemporary artist and funders of the project to celebrate canals, canal boating and our local heritage.”
The planning application for the artwork was submitted by artist Alex Chinneck on behalf of the Tinsley Art Project Board, which includes Sheffield City Council, E.ON, British Land, Tinsley Forum, Canal & River Trust and Yorkshire Water.
Graham Whitfield, Tinsley Forum, said: “We are looking forward to seeing Alex’s vision and our ideas becoming a reality. It will be fantastic for the area to have this unusual and playful addition that will help to inspire young and old to have an interest in art, health and the local waterways, whilst transforming an area of Sheffield, where there is a lack of public art.”
NURSERY FUNDED FOR UPSKILLING
Abbeydale Cottage Nursery, based in Dore, is one of the first businesses to benefit from a new regional scheme providing access to apprenticeship funding.
The Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is led by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub and enables larger employers to pledge their unspent Apprenticeship Levy funding to smaller and medium-sized businesses.
Manager of Abbeydale Cottage Nursery, Emily Steele, said: “We are delighted to receive funding to train and upskill two of our staff. Given the significant demand for nursery places and the need to retain skilled staff, it was a no brainer - we couldn’t not apply to the fund.”
While small businesses typically have to make a 5% contribution towards training costs of apprentices, the scheme allows organisations to access this training for free.
“There are so many advantages to training apprentices,” Emily added. “They bring fresh, new ideas and we can mould their training to suit our business skill needs. The fact that apprentices learn in the workplace really helps with the development of their knowledge and skills. There is no substitute for learning on the job.”
Keith Richardson, Manager of South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub, commented: “We are committed to building the skills that South Yorkshire needs by ensuring that smaller employers get the support to grow their businesses. Apprenticeships are a great way to invest in the future of your organisation and we would encourage more businesses to get in touch and find out more.”
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BIOTECH BUSINESS’ BIG MOVE Agenda
Unicorn Biotechnologies (Unicorn Bio), a Sheffield startup, has moved its team of scientists and engineers from Sheffield Technology Parks to a newly refurbished city-centre space in a former nightclub. This a decisive move in the company’s mission to instigate an ‘industrial revolution’ in cell manufacturing worldwide.
Co-founded by Adam Glen and Jack Reid, Unicorn Bio is developing groundbreaking technology designed to automate cell culture and free up scientists’ time for valuable analysis and experimentation.
The startup began life in Adam’s attic after the founding duo met on an entrepreneur programme, hosted virtually during the pandemic. On realising the full potential of their ideas, Unicorn Bio moved into office space at Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) in 2021, which they soon transformed into a bespoke lab space.
With a dual focus on developing cell lines used in meat production, medicine, and numerous other applications, as well as innovating the unique technology to augment this cell culture, Unicorn Bio’s team grew to ten and they began looking for new premises early in 2024.
When considering the former nightclub located on Shoreham Street, Adam and Jack quickly saw an opportunity. The unique venue had existing features well-suited to their needs, such as high-quality air conditioning.
Crucially, the building offers ample space to innovate across both the scientific and engineering sides of the business, maintaining efficiency by keeping processes in-house. In the new spacious labs Unicorn’s scientists can undertake cell culture, experimentation and analysis whilst the dedicated workshop is a hub of engineering, housing 3D printers, tools and prototypes.
Reflecting on the suitability of the new premises, Adam remarks; “There’s no reason not to create a lab space here. People tend to stay in their lane in the UK, but who says we can’t turn a bar into a biotech lab? Companies like Hewlett Packard and Apple started in garages. This is a fantastic space that meets our needs, why wouldn’t we move here? I want more people to start biotech businesses here in Sheffield and I hope our example shows that it can be done. There are many talented individuals in this city, and if I can do it, so can they.” Find out more at www.unicornb.io
STEVE KNOWLES PEER2PEER GLOBAL
WHY I’M NOT RETIRING
Naturally, the first thing people asked when I finally sold Knowles Warwick and immediately wanted to start something new was: why?
Surely retirement is the endgame…
When I was a newborn baby, I almost died. As a result, I wanted for nothing (relative to a working-class family from Sheffield). One of the only times I was told “no” was asking my grandad for sixpence to put in a jukebox, three times in a row when it was three songs for a shilling. If I’d asked for a shilling for three songs up front, he’d have said yes. I grew up being the centre of attention, but it didn’t extend to being silly with money. It was still Sheffield, after all.
Fast forward to my career: I built a successful business, helped people achieve their goals and ambitions through better planning and business advice, and I made countless wonderful relationships along the way. Arguably better than a third song on the jukebox.
That childhood desire to be the centre of attention spurred me into a life where being integral was vital. Being outside of the room where things happen doesn’t appeal to me.
Inwardly, Peer2Peer was conceived to give myself a focus, a purpose and an interest. What drives me is being valuable to others and helping businesspeople solve meaningful problems - it’s a large part of what I’ve been doing all my career and why I’ve loved that process.
Running Peer2Peer gives me the two things that drive me in a pure, concentrated form: connecting with people and solving problems. I already do one-to-one business coaching, but the group dynamic of Peer2Peer provides the added value of collective wisdom and the experience of everyone in the room - you just can’t replicate that in any other way.
Ultimately, when what you do is part of what makes you feel alive, you don’t stop by choice.
If you’re running a business and want to experience what Peer2Peer offers, sign up for a free guest place by emailing me at steve.knowles@ peer2peer.global
READY, SET, ACTION!
For the first time since 1990 it is now possible to see the latest Hollywood blockbusters in Rotherham, following the official opening of The Arc Cinema Rotherham, which opens its doors for the first time today.
The centre-piece of Rotherham’s Forge Island regeneration project, work commenced on building the new multimillion pound cinema in January and since that time The Arc Cinema Group has left no stone unturned in a bid to bring a luxury cinema experience to South Yorkshire.
The new facility, which will feature eight screens, has combined contemporary design, whilst also giving a nod to the golden age of cinema houses. Each screen is equipped with luxury reclining seats, designed to give film lovers the ultimate viewing experience.
Over the past two months, The Arc Cinema
has successfully recruited a 30-strong workforce, and will be managed by newly appointed General Manager, Laura Vickers.
The cinema also features two state-of-the-art HYPERSENSE screens.
The latest development in
cinema technology, the two giant wall-to-wall cinema screens have been carefully designed to provide the ultimate viewing experience and feature state-of-the-art 4K laser projection as well as boasting Dolby Atmos® surround sound to create
a truly immersive viewing experience.
Laura Vickers, General Manager, The Arc Cinema Rotherham said “The opening of a new cinema in Rotherham is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events that the town has seen for many years. We’ve received a terrific amount of support from across the whole community.”
To celebrate the opening of The Arc Cinema Rotherham, throughout September, all films every Friday, Sunday and Saturday before 3pm can be viewed for just five pounds.
Details of the latest films can be found at rotherham. arccinema.co.uk.
1
WILD SWIMMER
WILD SWIMMING IS REALLY JUST SWIMMING IN THE OUTDOORS.
People have done it FOREVER. Obviously, you can make it as wild as you like, but there are literally dozens of places in the Peak District to swim outside, which don’t require you to be Wim Hoff or Bear Grylls. You can wear a wetsuit if you don’t get on with the cold, or you can wear a cossie – there really aren’t many rules. If you remove the ‘wild’ word and remember that babies and pensioners do it, then so can you.
IMMERSING YOURSELF IN COLD WATER IS WILDLY GOOD FOR YOU.
It’s been studied, written about at length, and is increasingly prescribed by health professionals for people with poor mental as well as physical health. You already know that exercise is good for you, so combining the two - a good walk with a swim or two is brilliant medicine, whether you feel that you need it or not. Take a friend or two along and you have the perfect combination.
CONTRARY TO WHAT WE ARE TOLD, IF IT’S DONE PROPERLY, WILD SWIMMING IS NOT DANGEROUS.
2 3 4 5
Walk around the Peak District or much of England and Wales and you will be forgiven for thinking that swimming, especially in reservoirs, is a highly dangerous activity. But if you can swim, and treat the water with respect, then it really isn’t. Many of the dangers of have been well and truly debunked as is in evidence by the demographic of the wild swimming community - it’s not made up of adrenaline hungry Red Bull sponsored young men. Of course, you need to treat all water with respect, but there’s really little reason to fear it.
WATER QUALITY IS AN ISSUE, BUT WITH A COLLECTIVE VOICE WE CAN CHANGE THIS FOR THE GOOD.
Changes in legislation, or rather, a slackening of the rules, combined with budget cuts over recent decades means that raw sewage is released into our rivers much more often than it should be (there’s a precedent for controlled release during times of flood). Is this a problem? Yes, it is, and not just for wild swimmers, but any river users, human or not. Can we do anything about it? Yes, we can. With a growing collective voice and visible presence, we will surely make a difference and stop this practice, meaning cleaner water for everybody. Write to your MP and demand change.
THE PEAK DISTRICT IS A HAVEN FOR WILD SWIM WALKS.
Surrounded by the major cities of Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham, millions have ready access to the Peak with its huge network of footpaths, streams, open access land, lakes and waterfalls. If you don’t know where to go to find decent walk and swim spot combos, then I’ve written a book which will help you. With 28 walks ranging from a few km on the flat, to full days out over the moors, there is something for everybody, each and every walk detailing the best swim spots along the way. There’s also a wealth of information on how to get into wild swimming, the kit you can use, the countryside code and more.
Matt Heason is a Sheffield-based wild swimmer, events consultant and outdoors fanatic. He co-founded Sheffield Adventure Film Festival and recently wrote Wild Swimming Walks Peak District – scan the QR code to purchase a copy.
BUY WILD SWIMMING WALKS – PEAK DISTRICT
Lightbulb Moment
GABRIELÉ BARTEŠKAITÉ
CO-FOUNDER OF FUTURE GREENS.
What was the initial spark or idea that led you to start your business?
It started from interest in sustainability and healthy food. My co-founder and I were working in software and finance remotely during Covid, and we decided to grow some organic veggies in an allotment. Despite our best efforts, one variable felt out of control – the weather. The summer we started there was an unprecedented draught. A farmer with a field nearby was pumping water for weeks non-stop to keep their crops alive. Most of it, though, seemed to be evaporating in the heat, wasting this scarce resource. We witnessed first-hand how climate change is a threat to food security and is pushing farmers towards unsustainable practices. We couldn’t help but brainstorm potential solutions.
Can you describe the moment when you realised this idea could become a reality?
Through research we stumbled upon controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics. These methods enable growing all year round with up to 95% less water – this sounds truly future-proof! Intrigued by it’s potential, we put our engineering hats on and prototyped an indoor farming system. Our crops grew miraculously fast, without needing to fight pests or being at the mercy of the weather.
What problem did you see that your business could solve?
Our greens were grown year-round without any pesticides. With the rising trend of organic produce, we figured that there would be a customer willing to pay for it.
Did you have a “eureka” moment when everything just clicked?
We set up a stand at Pollen Market and brought growing greens – demonstrating how we grow. Each time was a sellout and we got great feedback on the quality, freshness and flavour of our crops. This served as validation to keep growing and approach Sheffield’s independent grocers with our product.
What advice would you give to others seeking their own 'lightbulb moment'?
Find the potential customer and make your first sales
WE WITNESSED FIRST-HAND HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS A THREAT TO FOOD SECURITY AND IS PUSHING FARMERS TOWARDS UNSUSTAINABLE PRACTICES. WE COULDN’T HELP BUT BRAINSTORM POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS.
fast. There’s no point ruminating over an idea or developing an ideal product until you have signs it’s worth your time. Furthermore, getting out there and starting to sell brings to light so many things you may not think of. So, the sooner you start speaking to your customers and understand what they value, the better.
What does the future hold?
The vertical farming space has been turbulent the past few years due to fluctuating energy costs which led to a lot of bigger and smaller projects closing down. At Future Greens we’ve had our fair share of challenges, like having to close down our initial pilot and pivoting into generating renewable electricity for our new farm. We’ve just started operating our new farm in Attercliffe and will soon be opening it up to the community. In the meantime, we recently launched our Future Greens kitchen serving healthy lunch on Deliveroo with our freshly harvested greens.
For more information on Future Greens’ vision for next-level farming, head to www.futuregreens.uk.
VERTICAL FARMING EXPLAINED
Vertical farming is an innovative approach to agriculture that has the potential to transform food production, particularly in urban areas where space is limited. It promotes the growing of crops in stacked layers, maximising space, reducing water use and minimising pesticides in the process.
Recruitment
BECCA MORRIS - MANAGING DIRECTOR AT BENCHMARK RECRUIT
IS QUIET QUITTING A PROBLEM IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Quiet Quitting, whether you have heard this term being described or not before, it’s a real problem across businesses right now and is potentially happening in yours.
Quiet Quitting describes employees who fulfil their job requirements, but do not go beyond their prescribed duties, essentially, they are ‘just doing their job’. This can cause problems for businesses with employees ‘checking out’ slowly, increasing disengagement and running huge risks of absenteeism.
It can be difficult to spot Quiet Quitting but I have outlined below some of the top traits for you to look out for;
Reduction in productivity
– Quiet Quitting employees are likely to be just meeting the minimum requirements of their job – this can be tricky to manage but the drop in engagement and productivity could affect targets and deadlines being met.
Disengagement – Low morale and disengagement can lead to a difficult working atmosphere, often with other employees being dragged down too. The last thing you need is a toxic working environment.
Customer Satisfaction
– With employees less engaged and less likely to go above and beyond this can have a knock-on effect for customers. Customer service levels may drop which could in turn lead to damaging the businesses reputation.
Leadership Challenges
– It can be super difficult
for managers to address Quiet Quitting as it can go unnoticed for a long period of time. Additional pressure is likely to be put on leadership teams to spend more time and resources on these members of the team to re-engage them.
Increased Turnover – Quiet Quitting can eventually lead to actual quitting.
Disengaged employees are likely to be looking for a better opportunity. This will increase your costs of hiring and training new staff as well as potentially destroying your employer brand.
To mitigate your risks of Quiet Quitting, I would recommend you consider and action the following;
• It’s important for managers to be able to identify early
stages of burnout and act quickly by providing regular wellness check-ins. Wellness check-ins can be super helpful to ensure your team are fulfilled and happy, and don’t forget to check-in on your managers too.
• Conducing regular oneto-one meetings is really important to ensure employees feel valued and heard. This is also an opportunity to review workloads and address any concerns.
• Building a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and heard is vital. Encouraging team-building activities and regular team meetings is also helpful.
• Offering regular training and development
opportunities for growth is likely to mitigate Quiet Quitting, keeping employees engaged and bought into your business and the direction of their career. It is also vital that employees are recognised and rewarded regularly.
• Expectations including goals and targets should be clearly communicated and regularly reviewed. Make it fun by setting challenges and rewarding performance.
By implementing the above actions, employers should be able to create a supportive working environment that addresses any underlying issues of Quiet Quitting, which in turn should lead to an engaged and motivated workforce.
Be a part of South Yorkshire’s OPEX meet-up and learn from the best!
Learn from expert speakers
Network with industry leaders
Gain insights into operational excellence
Focus on culture, growth and more
Refreshments & light lunch included
Tuesday 15th October 2024
8:30AM-1:30PM
AESSEAL New York Stadium, Rotherham
Headline Speakers
Are you a process-driven professional who believes in improving operational performance, reducing waste and improving efficiency?
If you answered yes, this event is for you!
This FREE event aims to enhance your skills and expand your understanding of Quality, Lean & Six Sigma, and Business Transformation.
Book your tickets
With limited places available, this is one not to be missed, scan the QR code to book your ticket.
Sponsored by
Glade Consulting Services
BY RICHARD DOLMAN AND JULIA WATTS OF GLADE CONSULTING
HOW CAN WE BECOME ISO CERTIFIED?
ISO certification is a common requirement for tenders involving frameworks or supplying products and services to large organisations. Achieving ISO certification can significantly enhance your chances of progressing in competitive tendering rounds.
Obtaining ISO certification involves several steps tailored to the specific ISO standard relevant to your organisation, such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), or ISO 27001 (information security). When you have determined which standard or standards you want to become certified to here’s a guide as to what to do
: Understand the Requirements
Start by thoroughly understanding the ISO standard’s requirements. This understanding is crucial for aligning your organisation’s processes with the standard. Breaking down the requirements and integrating them into your business can be challenging, so consider hiring consultants if necessary.
Develop and Deploy the Implementation Plan
Create a plan to address the gaps that you have identified in a gap analysis. This plan should outline any changes in processes, documentation, and employee training necessary, including who will be the implementors of these elements. As these elements are implemented
they will need to be communicated to those who need to be involved, with training and awareness carried out as a part of the programme.
Carry out Internal Audits and Management Review
Conduct internal audits to ensure that the changes align with the ISO standard. Internal audits help identify any remaining non-conformities before the official certification audit. They also check your compliance with your own requirements. The review is completed with a management review – a helicopter view of the business that is required but allows the space for the leadership team to identify further opportunities for improvement.
Select a Certification Body
Choose a UKAS accredited
certification body to conduct the external audit. UKAS is the UK Accreditation Service who accredit certification and inspection bodies to carry out that work. This ensures standardisation of approach of the audit planning and reporting. It is not commonly known that there are a wide range of certification bodies with varying day rates depending on the standard to be audited and the body – just make sure that they have the right code to audit your industry. If you have engaged with a consultant they should help you to choose a suitable body.
Certification Audit
The certification process involves two stages: Stage 1 Audit: The certification body reviews your documentation and readiness.
Stage 2 Audit: A detailed audit of your processes to verify compliance with the ISO standard. If nonconformities are found, you’ll need to correct them before certification is granted. If the stage 2 audit is successful you will receive a certificate a month or so after the audit.
Maintain Certification
Although your ISO certificate will last for 3 years you will need to improve your processes to maintain compliance with the ISO standard. This involves internal audits and management reviews in preparation for the certification body’s annual surveillance audits.
If you want to know more, get in touch the team at Glade Consulting Services on 0114 398 4123 or email us at info@gladecs.co.uk
FluidOne
BY STEVE BROWN, MD, FLUIDONE BUSINESS IT - SHEFFIELD
WHY GOOD CYBER SECURITY IS CRUCIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Cyber security is not just a technical concern; it’s essential to the survival of your business. The cost of neglecting it can be catastrophic, both financially and reputationally. Customers trust you with their data, and a single breach can destroy that trust, along with years of hard-earned reputation. Additionally, there are regulatory fines from laws like GDPR add further financial risks if you fail to protect sensitive information.
KEY CYBER SECURITY CHALLENGES
Complex Threats
Cyber-attacks are increasingly sophisticated, often involving organised groups with the resources to exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities. This complexity makes it challenging for businesses to stay ahead without expert help.
Human Error
Your employees are your first line of defence, but they can also be your biggest vulnerability. Phishing attacks and other scams are becoming harder to detect, and even the best technology can’t compensate for a lack of training.
Resource Limitations
Many businesses, especially smaller ones, struggle with
limited budgets and may be tempted to cut corners on security. However, cyber criminals often target these businesses precisely because they are perceived as easier targets.
STEPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR SECURITY
Regular Audits: Keep your systems up-to-date with regular reviews to address vulnerabilities. Cyber security is an ongoing process that requires continuous attention.
Employee Training: Equip your team with the
knowledge to identify threats. Implement strong policies on password management, data handling, and access controls.
Multi-layered Defences: Don’t rely on a single security measure. Combine firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems to create a robust defence.
Incident Response Plan: Be prepared for the worst. A clear, actionable plan for identifying, containing, and responding to breaches is essential.
READY TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS?
Cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities and build solid defences. Whether you need an audit, training, or guidance on where to start, we can assist. Get in touch for a consultation to discuss your specific needs. Find more details on how we can support your business here: info.fluidone. com/lp/cyber-securityconsultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late – invest in your security today.
SEALING THE DEAL
EIGHTEEN MONTHS AFTER LAUNCHING BUSINESS SELLING EXPERTS, DAVID NEALE SAT DOWN WITH UNLTD’S PHIL TURNER TO SHARE THE STORY BEHIND HIS ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, BSE’S HANDS-ON APPROACH AND WHAT EXACTLY MAKES A BUSINESS SELLABLE.
WORDS: HOLLY DIBDEN PICTURES: MARC BARKER
David’s story begins in the S12 area of Sheffield, where he grew up, shaped by the values instilled in him by his parents. He attributes much of his success and relentless work ethic to their ‘work hard, play hard’ approach to life. His mother, in particular, had a significant influence on his entrepreneurial awakenings. “My mum always had something going on the sidelines – my entrepreneurial spirit comes from her,” David explains. “We’d be up at 5am on Sundays, doing car boot sales, selling doughnuts or jacket spuds. It was always about finding ways to make extra money, which meant we had fantastic holidays, whether in a caravan or abroad multiple times a year. That’s what she worked for – holidays,” he adds, smiling at the memory.
As the eldest of five children, David grew up in a close-knit family. Over the years, he even did business with some of his siblings, such as setting up a motorbike dealership with his brother. However, his career path didn’t follow the conventional route. David studied mechanics in college, but he’s never worked as a mechanic professionally. Instead, he channels his love for mechanics into a hobby, working on bikes in his spare time. “I can’t do the same thing over and over again,” he explains. “It’s probably ADHD, but I call it my superpower. It lets me come up with ideas and act on them quickly. Ultimately, I wanted to create something that could run without me.”
This drive to build businesses that could operate independently has been a consistent theme throughout David’s career. From an early age, he was determined to be a business owner, and his so-called “superpower” helped him turn ideas into action. One of his first ventures was Saving British Business Money, a venture that offered business cost savings that were client-led.
David also thrived in a more corporate environment as a business development manager for a communications company, where he managed clients and closed deals. His success in that role eventually led him to work independently, knocking on doors and drumming up business for himself, but also taking on more than most people would find reasonable. “I was already working sixty hours a week,” he says, “and my wife said she could see me working eighty because she knows what I’m like!”
In time, David outsourced many of the administrative tasks in his businesses and recruited a team of commission-based salespeople. The goal was always to create a system that could run without his constant involvement. “I got it to a point where it was running without me, and I got quite bored,” he says with a chuckle. “As I was building other businesses, I realised it was a lot of hard work. Then I started educating myself on buying businesses, which was a lot easier because someone
else had already done the hard work. I sold some and realised I really liked the selling part.”
This realisation eventually led to the creation of Business Selling Experts. By this time, David had a few businesses that were largely self-sufficient, giving him the freedom to focus on new opportunities. His interest in buying and selling businesses grew, but he soon discovered that the industry had its challenges. “When you go to a broker to buy a business, the prices are often ridiculous,” he says. “The seller has a figure in mind, and the broker just lists it at that price, without properly evaluating its worth.”
David found that many businesses stayed listed for years, with the owners continuing to pay fees but seeing no real interest from potential buyers. “It’s listed on a website and then just left there,” he explains. This inefficiency, coupled with the inflated valuations, frustrated David and ultimately inspired him to create BSE. His goal was to offer a more ethical, effective way to buy and sell businesses, with a focus on proper valuations and real buyer engagement.
“We don’t list businesses for sale on websites – we’ve already got buyers,” David says, laying out BSE’s different approach. The company’s finance team values the business first, and if the initial valuation doesn’t meet the seller’s expectations, they work together to improve the business’s value. “Do you want to learn how to make your business worth a
IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT TYPE OF BUYER FOR YOUR BUSINESS IS CRUCIAL TO THE PROCESS, AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON DOING EXCEPTIONALLY WELL.”
million pounds, or sell it for two hundred grand today?” David asks, emphasising the practical, results-oriented ethos at the heart of BSE.
Another aspect that sets Business Selling Experts apart from traditional brokers is their proactive, hands-on approach. BSE isn’t just about listing and waiting for someone to bite. Instead, they guide clients through the entire process, offering support at every stage. David’s assistant, Abbie Bryant, explains that maintaining close contact with clients is a top priority. “Even if there’s no update, we call to check in and keep it personal,” she says. This level of communication ensures that sellers are always in the loop, and it helps build trust throughout the process.
At this point in the interview, unLTD’s MD Phil Turner asks a question that many business owners would likely have on their minds: “OK. Say I want to sell my business. What happens next?”
EXPERTS
Expert Recruitment Solutions
INSIDE THE SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP: GLU RECRUIT AND WHYY? CHANGE DISCUSS THEIR WINNING COLLABORATION
Having worked together for several years, Glu Recruit is thrilled to have successfully placed Rachel Ovens as the new Head of Marketing Programmes at Whyy? Change.
To gain insight into the recruitment experience, Jessica Canning, Marketing and Communications Manager at Glu Recruit, sat down with Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change, and Rachel to gather their thoughts.
RACHEL OVENS ON HER EXPERIENCE WITH GLU RECRUIT:
How would you describe your experience with Glu Recruit?
“Really great! I had a very short period of time to secure a new role after being made redundant and having a holiday booked. Rob kept in regular contact with me and adapted to my availability. I had an interview on the Friday, and a second one on the following Tuesday, and then received an offer.”
Did you feel supported during the process?
“Absolutely. Rob went above and beyond – he was always contactable, even calling me from the pub! Nothing ever felt like too much trouble.”
How well did Glu Recruit match what you were looking for?
“I’m really enjoying the role! Glu didn’t oversell or undersell and perfectly described the culture. The role aligns perfectly with my skills, location, and everything I was looking for.”
RAY BYRNE ON HIS EXPERIENCE WITH GLU RECRUIT:
How would you describe your experience with Glu Recruit?
“Excellent. I value their professionalism, their approach, and how they engage with people.”
Were there any parts of Glu Recruit’s service that stood out?
“The openness and feedback from Rob were great. I trusted his gut feeling throughout the process. You can’t always capture everything you want on paper, so that trust element was essential.”
How well did the recruitment journey align with your company culture?
“It was bang on! The culture at Glu and the one Rob has built is massively important to me. The minute I sense that something is purely transactional, I’m out of there. Both of our cultures and behaviours align very well, and that’s difficult to replicate.”
Do you have any other comments on the recruitment journey?
“The personal contact and onboarding process were excellent. I feel that you care about our business and our people. It truly felt like we were partners, and we were working together to solve a problem.”
Glu Recruit 0114 321 1873 eyup@glurecruit. co.uk
Whyy? Change 0114 400 0077 info@whyychange. com
FORGED IN STEEL
unLTD spoke to MEPS International founder, Peter Fish, to find out how a decision not to move to Birmingham in 1979 led to the formation of a company that has become one of the market leaders in international steel market analysis...
In the mid to late ‘70s, Peter Fish was rapidly climbing the ladder of Sheffield’s world-renowned steel industry and was already one of the youngest directors at stainless steel manufacturers Firth Vickers. But unbeknownst to him at the time, his career was about to take an unexpected turn.
“It happened right out of the blue,” says Peter. “The chairman of the group came to me and said, ‘You’re moving and taking the Birmingham factory.’
“I thought, well, I’m not going to Birmingham, so I told the bosses this, and they said, ‘You know what’s going to happen if you don’t?’ I did and I was quite happy with that because I knew one thing: I was not going to Birmingham!
“I was proud, in a way, because I’d been offered such an opportunity at a relatively young age, but nevertheless, it wasn’t for me. My life and my family were all in Sheffield.
“I decided to do something for myself, and I thought to myself, what do I know about? I know about the steel industry because I’d worked in it, and I’d been a draftsman in my early years. I knew about management, I knew about engineering, and I knew about production, so the easiest thing was to start a business called Management, Engineering, and Production Services.
“That didn’t easily fit on a letterhead, so I decided to shorten it to MEPS.”
From there, Peter moved
into consultancy work, before being introduced to the European Commission. At that time there were suspicions of price-fixing and Peter was tasked with auditing invoices of steel companies all across Europe.
“I travelled a lot, and I was given the power to go in and look at their invoices. They were required to show me, and I then compared those steel prices for the European Union.
“I visited all the steel companies in Europe. I don’t think I was well liked by many of the owners. I even think I frightened a few people!”
After collecting all of this data, and looking for his next project, Peter had the foresight to use this knowledge to create MEPS’s European Steel Review, which celebrated its 40-year anniversary this year.
“There were a few other companies providing steel prices. By that time, MEPS had already accumulated and analysed several years of steel price data and had made many contacts throughout Europe and I saw an opportunity to join that market, providing our own robust, reliable steel price data.”
By the late ‘70s, traditional steel-making countries like the UK were being challenged by companies based in Asia, particularly China, and they were very price-competitive. Steel-consuming companies suddenly had the need for more information to inform their buying decisions, and MEPS’ European Steel Review
quickly became very popular reading.
But, as the name suggests, the review initially only covered prices in Europe, and not all European countries that were producing steel were included in the first editions, leading to a further supplement being created for smaller steel-producing countries like Norway.
Following the success of these monthly reviews, MEPS then created the International Steel Review, followed by Stainless Steel Review and Developing Markets Steel Review, in the process taking on more and more researchers in Sheffield to make sure it provided market leading steel price data. The business expanded to become the market leader in Europe.
As well as Peter’s breadth of contacts in Europe from his time with the European Commission, it also helped that the business was based in Sheffield. Being based in a city so well known for its steel industry leant the business even more credibility.
“Sheffield was famous for creating good quality steel and was very influential,” explains Peter. “People knew Sheffield Steel all around the world, and people all around Europe got to know me and my background in the Sheffield Steel industry. Some of them might have thought, ‘Oh God, he’s coming again, mind!’
“We’re very proud of being from Sheffield and all the years we’ve been in business
we’ve always talked about Sheffield to people. In our own little way, we’ve spread the name of Sheffield.
“We also recruit from Sheffield and benefit from people’s lived experience of the steel industry. People in Sheffield are steeped in steel and can trust what we do because of that.”
These days, MEPS also works closely with other highprofile Sheffield organisations, being the main sponsor of Sheffield FC’s stadium and holding sponsorships with Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. After adding a modern extension to its Glossop Road building, it has brightened up the area with the addition of a landmark mural by Sheffield artist Jo Peel.
The business has also been shortlisted for Sheffield’s Chamber of Commerce’s School of Excellence, in recognition of the health and well-being initiatives they have in place for their staff.
To this day, Peter remains involved with the company but has handed over the day-to-day running of the business to his daughter, Jayne Craven, and under her expert stewardship, the business continues to thrive.
“My knowledge of the industry gave me the opportunities,” says Peter. “I didn’t necessarily design all these things; companies sometimes just form like this, but I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
mepsinternational.com
PAUL STINSON DIRECTOR AT HOVALOFT LTD.
What inspired you to start Hovaloft?
I used to work as a communications manager at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the northeast. I would often hire videographers and drone operators to photograph and film the site, production, and interviews. I bought my own drone and video camera and started using them at work as well as at home, as I am a big film fan. In 2017, GSK made all site-based communications managers redundant. I had since met my future wife in Sheffield, so this gave me the impetus to move and start my own company. So, I am a foreigner in these parts, being from Darlington, but Sheffield is so welcoming that I found myself at home as soon as I moved here.
What do you enjoy most about the job?
Creating. I love just to create, and when I’m not doing it for money, I’m doing it for fun, for training, or just for myself. My YouTube channel and my work on Collective Pictures are testament to that.
How do you stay updated with the latest drone technology?
That’s easy; I’m interested. Drone technology is still pretty new, so it changes often, often when new aviation rules come in too. I look out for new products in trade news and online, but then must hold myself back to stop from buying them, or the office would be full of them.
What industries benefit the most from aerial videography?
The construction industry is my biggest aerial client, as buildings lend themselves to aerial videography, but I don’t only use drones. I use handheld videography too and combine traditional drone
with FPV drone and handheld videography.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this field?
Make yourself different. You can’t just start a drone business; there’s not enough there unless you own specialist drones for surveys, heat mapping, or agriculture. This is why I try to offer everything “videographical” i.e., drone, FPV drone, timelapse, handheld, and editing.
What trends do you see shaping the future of aerial videography?
I see Artificial Intelligence taking over a lot of the media industry until making a film or video by hand will become artisanal and special. A video produced by hand will become something more “real,” at least in the feeling. Maybe that will signal a step back towards film, which now has its own rustic charm. I think I’ll be retired by then, although I will always be pointing a camera at something.
www.hovaloft.co.uk
APPLY NOW FOR BUSINESS PRODUCTIVITY AND DIGITISATION GRANT SCHEME
If you’re an SME based in Sheffield, you could be eligible for the Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant programme. The £1.75m funding pot for Sheffield businesses is derived from a sub-regional scheme that has received £5,199,593 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
As part of the programme, businesses can apply for a grant to help them pay for changes that make their business more productive. This could mean saving time, space, energy, or materials, and all applicants will be allocated a specialist Productivity Advisor to work with them to develop their project and submit the application, so it couldn’t be easier.
There are two types of grants available to apply for: Productivity or Digital Innovation
With a Digital Innovation Grant:
• You can apply for a grant of between £2,500 and £5,000.
• This grant can pay for half of your project; your business will need to fund the other half.
With a Productivity Grant:
• You can apply for a grant of between £2,500 and £12,499.
• Your business must be able to pay at least the same amount as your grant towards your project (in total, your project cannot cost more than £125,000).
£1.2m has already been awarded to 140 businesses, and the remaining £500,000 must be committed before the end of this year, so it’s time to act now.
TO HEAR MORE ABOUT HOW BUSINESSES BENEFITED FROM THE GRANT, WE SPOKE TO A NUMBER OF SHEFFIELD SMES WHO'VE SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED FOR SUPPORT
Can you start by giving us a brief explanation of your business?
Trading for over 15 years, we are a small business providing graphic design and commercial printing services. See our website for more details of what we do: dscreative.co.uk.
DS CREATIVEFunding and support to take your business to
the next level!
Can you tell us what your productivity/digital challenge was?
There were several challenges we faced. Firstly, we had to use a print partner for a lot of small and large format and specialist products, which added several days to process and complete the order. Secondly, our old equipment was unable to be linked to online orders, which meant manual input work and increased chances of errors. The result was that we were far less competitive, losing customers who wanted on-demand products.
What did you use the grant for and how much were you awarded?
We bought several state-of-the-art print machines from small to large format, and they came with the capability to be linked to online orders. The grant through Business Sheffield contributed to half of the overall costs.
What has been the main impact of the grant, and what difference has it made to your business? It enabled us to buy several state-of-the-art digital print
machines, enabling us to provide direct-from-website printing on the same day a product is ordered. This has made us far more efficient and enabled us to compete in a very busy market.
Can you detail any support you received from SCC through the application process?
We initially got in touch with Business Sheffield, with whom we discussed our project needs. Following this, we were then referred to the programme team, who assigned us a bid writer to help us with our grant application and grant claim. We received 50% grant funding to purchase the print machinery.
YORKSHIRE CANDLE COMPANY
Can you start by giving me a brief explanation of your business?
The Yorkshire Candle Company is a small, independent business based in Yorkshire, specialising in handcrafted, small batch candles inspired by local landscapes through fragrance. We produce a range of candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, room mists and candle making kits. Our most notable fragrance range is our Yorkshire Inspired range, which includes scents such as The Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby Harbour and more.
Can you tell us what your digital challenge was?
Our productivity challenge was to streamline the manual part of our production process. Our team collectively spent nine hours per day labeling products by hand – this was time-consuming, and it was certainly no one’s favourite job. The manual labeling process was so time-consuming that our output was limited, and we were therefore unable to meet the growing demand for our products. We were concerned that our customers would potentially have to source their products elsewhere, putting our business and staff in a vulnerable position. We wanted to overcome this challenge and offer security to our staff and customers.
What did you use the grant for and how much were you awarded?
The grant allowed us to automate our labeling process, which has now freed up staff to focus on other jobs. This, in turn, increases our production output, allowing us to fulfil orders more efficiently and cost-effectively. As a result, we can secure more work without fear of letting customers down with long lead times and secure our team’s employment through increased revenues. We feel incredibly lucky to have been supported by the grant, and we were awarded 50% match funding, so we as a business only covered half of the cost of the new machinery.
What has been the main impact of the grant, and what difference has it made to your business?
Since we introduced the labeling machinery into our business, we have reduced labeling from a combined 45 hours per week to around 8 hours per week. This gives our team the equivalent of 37 extra hours per week to focus on other jobs. This doesn’t just free up time; it also removes a repetitive job that can be draining for our staff. The benefits are an increase in both productivity and staff happiness.
Can you detail any support you received from SCC through the application process?
Throughout the application process, we were supported by the Business Sheffield team, who I can only thank for their support. They have had a hugely positive impact on our business, and we are very grateful for everything they have done for us. For anyone who hasn’t considered applying due to not being sure about the process, I recommend reaching out as you will be supported along the way.
Can you start by giving me a brief explanation of your business?
Stream 7 has been at the forefront of event broadcasting for over a decade. Our experienced team combines cutting-edge technology with expertise to generate worldwide reach and connect audiences with your successful event. We specialise in Hybrid Events, Virtual Events, Content Creation, Event Studios, and Event Production.
Can you tell us what your productivity/ digital challenge was?
Our productivity challenge was the need to modernise our equipment to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Investing in new, state-of-the-art cameras and associated accessories was crucial to not only maintain our competitive edge but also to expand our capabilities. Upgrading our equipment would also allow us to increase our staffing levels, creating opportunities to bring on additional camera operators and provide upskilling opportunities for our existing team.
What did you use the grant for and how much were you awarded?
We were awarded around £12,500, and we used the grant to invest in modern cameras and associated accessories. This investment allowed us to upgrade our equipment to deliver higher-quality productions and ensure the team is proficient with the latest professional equipment. The grant also enabled us to expand our team by recruiting two new members: Emily Woods, our new Business Development and Marketing Manager, and Damian Palli, our Creative Producer.
What has been the main impact of the grant, and what difference has it made to your business?
The grant has been transformative for our business. By investing in modern cameras and associated accessories, we have been able to upgrade the quality of our productions. As mentioned previously, we have also been able to invest more in business development and marketing through the recruitment of Emily as our new Business Development and Marketing Manager, while we have also brought Damien on board as our Creative Producer to meet the growing demand from our clients for high-quality content. As a result, the grant has helped us gain a significant advantage over our competitors, allowing us to take on new clients and jobs that we previously wouldn’t have been able to accommodate. The grant has been a catalyst for growth, enabling us to strengthen our market position, expand our team, and deliver even better services to our clients.
Can you detail any support you received from SCC through the application process?
We received invaluable support from Sheffield City Council throughout the application process, particularly from the team at Business Sheffield, who guided us from start to finish. They informed us about the funding opportunity and provided continuous assistance in navigating the application process. That guidance was crucial in securing the grant, which has since helped to strengthen our business.
Funding and support to take your business to the next level!
For more information on how to apply and eligbility criteria, scan the QR code on this page.
You can also head to the council website at www.sheffield. gov.uk/productivitygrant, call 0114 224 5000 or email businesssheffield@ sheffield.gov.uk.
THE NEW SCHOOL
Following a successful tenure, Mercia Learning Trust CEO Chris French retired at the end of the previous school year, with Neil Miley officially taking over as CEO this month. The trust, formed in 2012, includes primary schools Woodlands, Totley, Nether Edge and Ann’s Grove, as well as secondary schools King Ecgbert, Newfield and Mercia.
Under Chris French’s leadership since 2018, the trust launched Mercia School, a new ‘free school’ in the southwest of Sheffield, which became the number one school in the country for the progress of disadvantaged pupils in 2023.
With Chris’ retirement, Neil Miley takes over following a sevenweek handover process. Neil expressed gratitude to Chris for his openness during the transition, saying: “Chris doesn’t like to blow his own trumpet, but not many outgoing CEOs would be happy to have the incoming CEO spend seven weeks in their office asking open questions, listening to them, and being open and honest. It’s a testament to Chris’s leadership and character.”
Reflecting on the smooth transition, Neil added: “It’s been a great opportunity to get a real understanding of the organisation and allows me to make a great start without losing time or momentum.
“It speaks to the type of trust we are and Chris’ humility, and it’s allowed me to start developing a strategic plan. Hopefully, we’ll have a seamless transition.”
Neil, who spent 14 years in his previous role, is looking forward to the challenge, stating: “I’m really excited. Obviously, there’s a level of trepidation when starting any new role, but it feels like in September I can hit the ground running and continue the great work that’s already been done.”
Chris praised Neil’s approach, noting: “Neil has handled the transition extremely sensibly, sensitively and coherently. That’s
meant people have been reassured and are excited about what comes next. We’ve taken the trust on a journey, and Neil’s thinking on continuity and where he takes the trust are absolutely in the right place.”
Reflecting on his legacy, Chris said: “The point of the trust is that it runs exceptional schools for every child, irrespective of their background, and we’re uncompromising on that because the reality is that quality education will be the passport to opportunities.
“Ripples of what we do, if we do it well or if we do it badly, are profound.”
The ripples of Chris’ achievements will certainly be felt in our region. Having been in senior educational roles since 1999, he was responsible for setting up the first multi-academy trust in the North of Sheffield before joining Mercia Academy Trust in 2018.
“I inherited a trust that was doing well but was a loose federation of schools,” explains Chris, “so I set to work on our identity, vision, and values, and a lot of work around school effectiveness. We also pursued growth over that time. All the schools are now oversubscribed. Ann’s Grove joined the trust last year, Totley has doubled in size, King Ecgbert’s increased substantially, and we created a beautiful new sixth form building, and Mercia was launched from a standing start.”
Mercia School, perhaps the most well-known and controversial of the trust’s portfolio, received national attention when it was
labelled the ‘UK’s strictest school.’
Chris told unLTD: “To take a school from new and have it be the most oversubscribed in the city, the only school graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, rated the number one school in the country for the progress of disadvantaged pupils in 2023 and third overall, with attainment higher than any school in Yorkshire, and higher than many private schools, has been an incredible journey.
“Parents, who we’re accountable to, want the offer. If there were any issues with the offer, parents would say something, and they don’t because the offer is exceptional. The sector has been slow to realise that something is going on here that is different and people need to understand it. Mercia doesn’t represent the whole of the trust –it’s one school within the trust and we’re a broad church.”
Chris emphasised the impact on children, saying: “Schools are for children, and children at Mercia have more options than any child across the region, and disadvantaged children have done better than any school in the country, and surely that should be the agenda. People need to wake up to the fact that there’s a revolution going on here, and that people have taken things to the next level, and instead of throwing bricks at it, they might want to be curious about what’s happening and how they can provide that for their own kids.”
Chris continued: “Mercia had to be something that was different and better. It’s a bit like buying a car; you’re not going to buy a
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new car that’s exactly the same as the one you’ve got. It had to be differentiated, and in that process, that might have set it up in opposition to other schools. If it had fallen on its face, that would have been different, but it hasn’t. We’re an organisation trying to run great schools for kids, and the community and parental confidence is pretty high across all seven schools. We’re not richer than any school; that’s one of the misconceptions that we battle with.”
There are many misconceptions about multi-academy trusts, particularly around the idea that they are part of a privatisation of education. In reality, academies are free, state-funded schools run by charitable trusts. They cannot be run for profit, and there are strict rules preventing individuals and companies from profiting from their relationship with an academy. Like local-authority schools, academies cannot sell or change the use of publicly funded school land without government approval.
Chris used this analogy to explain further why he believes the model works: “If you want to go for a nice meal, you probably don’t go and consume it in a multi-national chain, you probably go to a small, highquality independent. And that’s what we are.
“We are local. We’re very close to the action in terms of accountability, but also live in terms of how we deploy our resources, and how we focus on partnership and improvement. We’re funded in exactly the same way; we’re accountable in the same way, but actually more so. The governance structures are entirely led by volunteers; and we use our resources, hopefully, effectively, to drive standards within a very local context, for children from ages two to eighteen.”
Heading into retirement, Chris remains focused on the educational outcomes he has pioneered for bu is also cautiously looking forward to taking a step back. He said: “We’ve kind of got to the end of Phase Two and if this was about maturing an organisation and creating an identity, the next one is to what extent can we be even more aligned without losing the essential elements of the schools and communities we serve.
“It felt like the right time, and I feel like organisations are better
when they’re refreshed, and Neil will bring new energy and new impetus and build on what we’ve created so far. I believe in another six years’ time, the organisation will be significantly better than it is now.”
The Trust is set to open three specialist resource provisions in three of their schools to meet the needs of their special educational needs students, and Neil has plans to progress the trust in both the long and short term. Neil said: “We’ve already talked about moving from a traditional model of appraisal into a more coaching approach for our staff and making sure that our staff understand they are critical to the organisation in order to make sure our children are successful.
“I think we already have a great model of aligned autonomy, but it’s now about giving that a bit more codification, so our families, staff, and pupils know exactly what we mean. We can then optimise use of resources, so we’re not sub-optimizing and people aren’t doing their own thing in their own settings. If we can all coalesce around a really strong model for a particular element of our schools, and get the best minds around it, we can use that collective wisdom and intelligence to create a really fantastic model.”
Neil emphasised the importance of maintaining the trust’s core
purpose, stating: “For me, the critical thing is to make sure that kids get the best possible education and go on to be successful. Ultimately, we want to be a part of our local community and be an anchor institution in our local community. We want to be a point where our parents know they can go to get access to the services and support they need, not just for education.
“Something that’s going to be the future move for our current government is that schools become the places where people will go to get the social support they might need or mental health services. We want to be sector-leading in that. We want to be, in Sheffield, the trust that is actually pioneering that approach and making sure that our local families and communities do have access to the services they need through us.”
Mercia Learning Trust is looking for new trustees to join their dynamic board and contribute to their mission of providing outstanding educational opportunities for every child. They are seeking applicants from all walks of life and backgrounds in order to best reflect the diversity of experience that already exists within their school setting.
HIGH 5
PENNINE FIVE HAS OPENED UP THE FORMER HSBC HEADQUARTERS ON TENTER STREET, TRANSFORMING THE SITE INTO ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST BUSINESS CAMPUSES AS PART OF A MAJOR NEW RENEWAL PROGRAMME. WORDS: RUBY DEAKIN
The campus, which spans five office blocks and will be home to 3,500 workers, hopes to breathe new life into a key area of the city that has long been overlooked.
Pennine Five aims to drive future investment while also bringing a new sense of place and identity to the region, creating an inclusive and welcoming focal point for on-site businesses and the wider community.
At the core of Pennine Five’s design is a commitment to facilitating strong working relationships with the creation of substantial co-working facilities and resources, allowing businesses to maximise floor space most efficiently. Tenants can expect to access meeting rooms, event spaces and conference suites, encouraging productivity and collaboration. Communal areas, outdoor space and food and drink options also create natural opportunities for organisations to connect.
Developers RBH Properties are dedicated to making sustainable choices in renewing the campus, and Pennine Five hopes to become a blueprint for how regeneration can help lower carbon emissions today, not decades down the line. By transforming, rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project has saved over 150,000 tonnes of concrete and steel, corresponding to over 170,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“If we are to truly address the climate crisis, it is vital that property developers take bolder and braver decisions to renew, reuse and reinvent,” commented Jeremy Hughes, director of RBH Properties.
“Only when this reinvention mindset is adopted can we move our towns and cities forward and create holistic, prosperous and sustainable city centres.”
The site is located at the heart of Sheffield Innovation Spine, a long-term economic strategy that seeks to connect innovation infrastructure and technology
businesses in the city centre. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Sheffield Technology Parks, Sheffield City Council, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
“The University of Sheffield is generating many exciting spinouts and tech start-ups.” added Jeremy.
“With our flexible floorplates and tenant agreements, the campus can foster a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration, creativity and knowledge-sharing.”
Phlux Technology is one such spinout company from the University of Sheffield that has chosen Pennine Five to set up its new headquarters. The fast-growing
infrared sensor technology firm, founded in 2020, develops and commercialises breakthrough infrared sensor technology, revolutionising the performance of autonomous cars and advanced driver-assisted systems.
Ben White, Co-Founder and CEO of Phlux Technology, said:
“The location of Pennine Five was ideal for us. The campus is just down the road from the University - with whom we will continue to work closely - while providing us with a beautiful space for Phlux’s employees to continue to innovate as we scale up.”
The demand for attractive and accessible outdoor public spaces in busy urban environments is greater
than ever, and the campus’ stylish central plaza hopes to become a key destination in Sheffield City Centre. The outdoor space is just one way the project combines healthy wellbeing and work, with the buildings designed to maximise fresh air, natural light and frame farreaching views of Europe’s greenest city.
“Ultimately, if we had taken the rebuild route, our new £1.5 million public plaza would never have existed. It is set to become a vibrant hub not only for the campus’ tenants, but for the surrounding residential properties and businesses to utilise as well,” Jeremy explained. “The revitalisation of Pennine Five’s unique architecture has created a
real point of difference and brings life to this once-forgotten part of the city, acting as a catalyst for further inward investment in the area.”
With a dynamic mix of workspace and lease solutions, Pennine Five can flex to anticipate the needs of any commercial tenant. A company can mature from a one-person start-up to an international market leader - all on a single campus. The renewed site is quickly becoming a melting pot for firms of all sizes and sectors, a meeting point for knowledge-sharing, creative thinking and generating opportunities.
For more information on the campus and accommodation, head to penninefive.com.
A RISING STAR IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S IT AND TECHNOLOGY SCENE
SIMODA, A DYNAMIC IT AND TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS BASED IN KELHAM ISLAND, SOUTH YORKSHIRE, HAS BEEN MAKING WAVES IN THE INDUSTRY WITH A STRING OF IMPRESSIVE AWARDS. RECOGNISED FOR ITS EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH, INNOVATION AND COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, SIMODA HAS SOLIDIFIED ITS POSITION AS A LEADING PLAYER IN THE REGION.
Founded in 2019 by Daniel Bumby, Managing Director, and Jason Garner, Commercial Director, Simoda was born out of a shared frustration with the traditional IT and technology business model. Their vision was to create a company that prioritised customer needs over sales targets, offering tailored solutions that truly addressed their unique challenges.
One of Simoda’s key strengths lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive range of IT services.
From Microsoft licenses to HPE GreenLake infrastructure and cuttingedge AI and technology solutions, Simoda offers a first-class service for local businesses. Their expertise in cybersecurity and communications ensures that their clients are protected and connected in today’s digital world.
Simoda’s commitment to excellence has been widely acknowledged. The company has recently been honoured with multiple awards, including:
• 2 x Action Coach Growth Awards
• Action Coach Best Business Award
• TD Synnex HPE Partner of the Year
• HPE GreenLake Partner of the Year (UK, Ireland, Middle East, Africa)
These accolades highlight Simoda’s exceptional growth, innovation, and dedication to delivering outstanding customer experiences.
At the heart of Simoda’s success is its unwavering commitment to its core values. The company’s “technology first” approach ensures that they always find the right solutions for their clients, rather than prioritising sales figures. This customer-centric philosophy has helped Simoda build strong relationships with its clients and
establish a reputation for trust and reliability.
What do Simoda do?
Simoda’s commitment to excellence is evident in their comprehensive range of services:
• End User Compute: Providing reliable and efficient devices and software for your workforce including Microsoft productivity tools.
• Connectivity: Ensuring seamless and secure internet access for your organisation.
• Cloud: Leveraging cloud-based solutions to enhance scalability and flexibility.
• Infrastructure: Designing and implementing robust IT infrastructure to support your operations.
• Cyber Security: Protecting your business from cyber threats with market-leading security solutions, services and training.
• AI & Data Intelligence: Harnessing the power of AI and data analytics to drive informed decision-making.
• Network Solutions: Building and managing efficient and secure network infrastructure including design, installation and support of CCTV, video conferencing, structured cabling and door access solutions for your premises.
• IT Managed Services: Outsourcing your IT needs to experienced
professionals with packages to suit every size of business and requirement.
• Hardware: Providing top-quality hardware solutions tailored to your specific requirements including laptops, server equipment and everything in between.
Daniel Bumby, Managing Director at Simoda shared what the next 12 months looks like for Simoda and shared some advice for small business owners:
“Over the next year, we’re doubling down on our AI capabilities to serve larger enterprises and strengthen our IT infrastructure offerings for all clients. We’re also actively seeking ambitious talent to join our growing team and help us achieve our ambitious goals. We also prioritise staff wellbeing and don’t take ourselves too seriously, which helps us maintain strong relationships with our customers, connections and partners. If you’ve seen our socials, including our TikTok’s, you’ll see what we mean!
My advice to business owners is to prioritise hiring individuals who align with your company’s vision, culture and are passionate about driving its success. With a clear plan and unwavering focus, you can achieve remarkable results.”
As Simoda continues to expand its reach and offerings, it is poised to become an even more influential force in the IT and technology industry. With a focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and a deep understanding of the local business landscape, Simoda is well-positioned to drive the digital transformation agenda and productivity across South Yorkshire.
Find out more about Simoda here: www.simoda.co.uk
CONSULTING
BY RUSSELL THOMPSON, DIRECTOR ON DEMAND AT RUSSELL THOMPSON CONSULTING.
THREE MAGIC WORDS: AUTONOMY, AGENCY AND CHOICE
Like most entrepreneurs new to the world of business ownership, I started out with a vision of how my newfound freedom was going to change the world. I had an idea of what selfemployment might look like for me, and I was going to grab it by the horns and take everything it threw at me in stride.
Simple, I thought. Not so much, thought the world. Short term, the world was winning.
Cut to my first few years of self-employment. Fantastic assignments, traveling the country and sometimes beyond, helping corporate businesses be the best they can be.
Sounds great, and it was. But there was something missing from this picture. The prize that I thought self-employment would immediately deliver hadn’t shown up, and it took me a while to find it.
Autonomy, Agency and Choice.
Being completely in charge of my own destiny, with a dependence on only what I was armed with between my ears.
It wasn’t quite like that.
The reality of being a contractor – or a consultant as I’d badged myself – was that I was working full-time for someone else. Turning up 9-5 (or 7 to 7, as it happened to be in many cases), working 6, 9, 12-month contracts, spending my weeks largely away from home and becoming a weekend dad.
Sure, I had found something. It was called a job.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I was very grateful to have a job. The assignments were great, and so was the money. The projects came thick and fast, and I was carving out a reputation as someone
dependable, someone who could deliver. A safe pair of hands.
A safe pair of hands? Not exactly what you want your legacy to be, right?
What I’d forgotten was the reason I started up on my own rather than getting another job when I was made redundant.
Autonomy, Agency and Choice.
Having success and being in demand was fantastic. I was loving the work I was doing and the results the projects I worked on were delivering. No bad thing. No bad thing at all.
Except.I’d swapped it for the things that really mattered to me when I started up on my own.
Autonomy, Agency and Choice.
For a large part of the time since my sons have been born, my corporate career took me away from home. Late nights with lots of traveling, or weeks away in hotels with only a few precious family hours at the weekend before the machine cranked up again. It was a choice. A choice my
partner and I made to give our boys the best we could.
But one I was determined not to repeat when I started my own business. Or so I thought.
But I did. Over and over again. You could be forgiven for thinking that I didn’t like what I was doing.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
I LOVED IT.
What I didn’t love were the sacrifices I was making to take these opportunities, and so I resolved to put that autonomy, agency and choice back in my life.
Knock the business down to build it back up again. Find the work-life blend that I’d set out in pursuit of when I’d started out on my own.
To work these fantastic corporate assignments – but not at the cost of my values. To balance them with my family life, to spend more time making memories and to not just help corporates, but those smaller businesses who support our economy so ably but might just need the extra bit of support to achieve what they want to achieve.
Businesses just like mine, started by people who have a passion to take their talent to the world and make something from the things they love to do.
Businesses built on Autonomy, Agency and Choice.
I’m reminded of something I read a long time ago… “You can have anything you want, but you can’t have everything you want.”
You might agree, you might disagree. I think there is a lot to explore in that short sentence. But what it does remind me of is this: We all, to some degree, have Autonomy, Agency and Choice.
We just need to remember to exercise them.
Proud Yorkshireman Russell Thompson could be your Director on Demand. His mission is to assist businesses in overcoming challenges by delivering straightforward, tailored solutions that pave the way for future success. By addressing these obstacles, he aims to free up your time, allowing you to focus on what matters most in life.
For more information on how he could assist your business, head to director-on-demand.co.uk.
SD PARR & CO
THE SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS
SD Parr & Co Ltd has been a major player in the candied fruit industry for over 40 years...
Founded in 1980, the business has grown and adapted to market changes, while always keeping strong relationships with its customers and suppliers. Today, SD Parr is fully owned by the Spanish food company Helios and runs its business from offices in Cudworth.
Acting as an agent and broker for candied fruits in the UK, SD Parr’s main supplier is Helios. Based in Valladolid, Spain, they process the candied cherries SD Parr is so well known for. But the company also sources products from elsewhere. Their candied oranges and lemons, for example, are from Dutch supplier, Royal Steensma.
SD Parr works with a variety of customers, from bakeries to food service companies, both big and small. Many have been buying from SD Parr for years. Some will purchase container loads of cherries at a time, but the company also handles smaller and bespoke orders too. One well-known client is JG Foods Ltd which buys cherries from SD Parr to package under their Grape Tree label.
Office Manager Linda Bailey told unLTD:
“Since Brexit, we’ve been using a customs clearance agent for goods coming into the UK. We send them all the paperwork, and they do everything else to clear customs. They’re experts in the field and it works well for us.”
SD Parr holds a BRC accreditation, which is an important food quality
certification. This global standard requires annual audits to ensure products are of the highest quality. Importantly though, everyone in the supply chain holds similar quality accreditations too, including the distributor.
“Many customers will now only deal with companies holding recognised quality accreditations. We’re proud of our last BRC audit where we earned an AA grade, the highest you can get. We’ve always achieved either A or AA grades, giving customers the confidence that our products meet the highest standards.”
Though recent years have not been easy, Linda believes their loyal customers have helped SD Parr weather the storm.
“We’re lucky to have
customers who trust our quality and who have stuck with us over the years,” she added.
SD Parr moved from Cheshire to The Business Village in 2007 when their processing factory closed. Helios bought the company and, although now fully owned, SD Parr has continued to operate independently.
Linda explained: “The location and flexibility sold us on The Business Village. We needed a good-sized office, and this has everything. The staffed reception is a bonus, and it’s close to the motorway which is perfect for our visitors.”
The office in Cudworth handles all day-to-day operations. It’s a perfect location, near to the warehouse in Goldthorpe,
THE HOME OF BUSINESS IN BARNSLEY
We provide small businesses with a supportive environment that nurtures business growth with our wide range of meeting and office space in Barnsley. Visit: www.business-village.co.uk
owned by Ken Mallinson & Son. This close setup makes for easy travelling between the two, helping streamline processes.
Being at The Business Village has also helped SD Parr in other ways.
“We cut our telecoms cost significantly by moving to an in-house provider around six years ago. We’ve had amazing support from the management team too. Kevin Steel was great when we set up our CRM system, making sure we were comfortable using it, and it didn’t cost us a penny.”
Looking to the future, Linda says the company is always keeping an eye out for new opportunities. Helios has recently sent samples of new products they would like to introduce into the UK market. Although it’s early days, she thinks there’s some potential in premium outlets.
“The feedback from the samples has been good, but it’s all about finding the right niche. Customers in farm shops and delis are often willing to pay a little more for quality products, so we’re looking for that type of customer to come on board.”
In closing, Linda reflects on what she believes makes The Business Village special.
“It’s been a fantastic home for SD Parr. We have everything we need to run the business smoothly and to continue growing. There’s a real sense of community here and an excellent reception team. Having free parking is just the icing on the cake!”
www.business-village.co.uk www.sdparr.co.uk
Sky’s the limit
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) welcomes physicist Steve Roberts to their growing board of trustees.
Steve, aged 61, joins the board with a diverse background in physics, business, education, and STEM advocacy, bringing a unique blend of expertise to support the Trust’s mission.
Marc Walters, chief executive of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “We are excited to welcome Steve to our board of trustees. His background in physics, coupled with his experience in business and education, aligns perfectly with our mission to preserve the legacy of the Avro Vulcan XH558 and inspire future generations in STEM fields.
“Steve’s passion for physics education and his understanding of the importance of employer engagement in schools will be invaluable as we continue to develop our educational programs and outreach initiatives.”
Steve added: “I am honoured to join the board of the VTST and contribute to preserving the legacy of the iconic Vulcan XH558. The Avro Vulcan played a crucial role in keeping peace, and there’s an important educational aspect to this history that I’m excited to help share.
“As a STEM ambassador, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of bringing realworld engineering and science into the classroom. I look forward to using my experience to help VTST inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and aviators.”
For more information about the VTST, visit www.vulcantothesky.org.
Jessica Blaney has joined Chesterfieldbased Pinelog Limited, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.
She has joined the long-standing family-owned business as a sales administrator, bringing over 15 years of experience within construction and sales administration to Pinelog.
In her new role, Jessica will be supporting Pinelog’s busy sales team in managing customer enquiries and ensuring a seamless experience for clients from their initial contact through to the completion of their luxury timber lodge purchase.
The role has enabled Jessica to return to an industry she knows and loves as well as have a better work life balance for her young daughter.
Pinelog, now in its fiftieth year, prides itself on its parent-friendly work environment across the company,
NEW RECRUIT LOGS ON PROMOTION AND PLACEMENT AT KNIGHT FRANK
Sheffield’s Knight Frank has promoted commercial property surveyor Harry Orwin-Allen to associate and has recruited Eddie Slater to join the team as part of their successful work placement scheme.
Harry Orwin-Alllen joined the awardwinning agency’s Sheffield office as a Graduate Surveyor in 2020 and has worked with a range of clients and developers across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire office and industrial market.
Rebecca Schofield, Partner and office head at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “Harry’s promotion is thoroughly deserved, he has contributed to the continuing success of the Sheffield office and has successfully built a reputation in the industrial sector by handling a wide portfolio of clients.”
Real estate student Eddie Slater joins the Knight Frank team as part of his degree at Leeds Beckett University. He will work with the team on industrial and office agency matters across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire for the next year.
including its manufacturing facility in Chesterfield. The company recently relocated to a larger site in Chesterfield which has facilitated an increase in production capacity, allowing for greater innovation and efficiency in their manufacturing process.
Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, welcomed Jessica to the team, saying, “We are delighted to have Jessica join us. Her extensive experience in sales administration and her enthusiasm for the industry make her a great addition to our growing team.”
Eddie said, “To secure a placement at Knight Frank, with its reputation and respect, means I can apply the classroom knowledge to a real-life environment. Everyone is so friendly; I know I will be able to pick up and learn so much during my time here.”
Rebecca added, “All our placement students gain a valuable insight into life as a commercial property agent, honing both their technical and commercial skills.
“As a company we are keen to support the undergraduate work placement scheme, to invest in talent and build our future property professionals.”
www.knightfrank.co.uk
A new Objective
Award-winning Sheffield B2B creative marketing agency Objective has continued to strengthen its expanding team with two new appointments.
Rob Coyle joins the agency as Senior Creative Designer and arrives at Objective with 15 years creative experience, including roles with the biggest creative agencies in the region.
Fleur Breen-Faudemar worked as a creative designer in Brighton and joins Objective, after relocating from the south coast to Sheffield.
“The past 12 months has seen the agency enjoy significant business growth,” said Objective Managing
Director Dan Broadbent.
“We are delighted to welcome both Rob and Fleur to the team as we consolidate our position as the UK’s fastest growing B2B creative marketing agency.
“Our investment in fantastic people and sector leading infrastructure has helped us generate incredible B2B sales leads on behalf of leading clients.”
Objective successfully deliver board level marketing strategy, creative, digital and content marketing.
For more information on Objective visit www. objectivecreative.com
Leading South Yorkshire home improvements specialist Yorkshire Windows is continuing its programme of expansion as it welcomes a new sales designer to the team.
Vykki Tufnell is based at the company’s new Rotherham showroom but also visits clients in their homes to assist with design choices and product selection.
“We are delighted to welcome Vykki to the Yorkshire Windows team,” said Managing Director Ian Chester.
“She joins us with the direct aim of increasing sales and capitalising on our sustained period of growth over recent months.
“She brings with her the sort of enthusiasm, ideas and inspiration that are already converting into successful sales.
“The fact that Vykki arrives just as we launch our new Rotherham showroom is giving us access to an even greater slice of the market and she has already proved herself an outstanding addition to our team.”
With Jill White of Andy Hanselman Consulting
It’s that time of year again: school holidays. Holiday fun for some and crazy juggling for others, but hopefully a bit of a timeout for many.
The 3D Connect summer social was held at Heist Brew in Kelham, it’s chaotic down there at the minute, with road changes and diversions. Thanks to Dan Laver at BIDBI, who told us that traders were struggling and as a result we thought we’d try and lend a hand!
The Heist team were great and looked after us! I’m happy to report that one or two did carry on and continue to other local pubs, Gravitate team, Just Telecom and Jibba Jabba, we thank you!
We also used the event to launch our 3D Glasses Challenge supporting the Big House Heroes Challenge at the wonderful Wentworth Woodhouse. You may have seen many of the glasses appearing on LinkedIn. There’s lots more to come, keep watching.
The biggest event this month was the opening of the fabulous Leah’s Yard, sadly we were away and missed it. However, we saw it was a very busy Bank Holiday weekend for all the businesses based there.
We did manage to pop in after the weekend and were delighted to make a few purchases from Ian Procter at Mester’s Market, we also spotted a few treasures in the adjoining Mester’s Gallery.
Max Scotford’s Chocolate Bar proved very tempting, and Gina from Roots and Bloom made our day with a stunning bouquet and participated in our 3D Glasses Challenge! Well worth a look if you haven’t already been.
Now it’s all about preparing for a very hectic September with lots of events in the diary already. Paces’ Expo, unLTD’s breakfast event, Endeavours’ fundraising dinner, Gripple’s Charity Ball and the Bhayani Bollywood Ball to name a few!
It’s certainly going to be a busy one!
Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.
CHARITY
MACKINNON’S MILESTONE GOLF DAY
Retired children’s surgeon, Ewen Mackinnon, celebrated a second 30year anniversary in August, when he hosted his 30th Sickleholme Golf Day in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity - the charity that supports Sheffield Children’s.
Former Sheffield Children’s colleagues and patients, local businesses and golf aficionados alike met at the stunning Sickleholme Golf Course in Bamford and enjoyed a day of golf. There was a prize presentation and charity auction later in the day.
Ewen joined Sheffield Children’s in 1978 as a surgeon. During his 30year career, he connected with countless families, providing care and kind reassurance during some of their most vulnerable
moments. Remembered fondly for his gentle manner, Ewen was known for going above and beyond for his patients and colleagues.
Since retiring in 2007, Ewen has focused on continuing to fundraise for the institution to which he’d dedicated his career. The first Sickleholme Golf Day fundraiser was held in 1994, and to-date has raised over £126,000 for Sheffield Children’s.
In his 30th year, Ewen aims to raise £2400 which will be used to fund a vCreate license within the Neonatal Surgical Unit (NSU) at Sheffield Children’s.
vCreate is a technology that allows secure communication between parents, carers and clinicians. With this, staff
can send video and image updates to parents and carers, who might not be able to stay on-site.
Ewen said: “Supporting the charity is a pleasure. Sheffield Children’s is a precious part of the community, and residents are so proud to have a dedicated children’s
hospital that is continuously developing and innovating.
“I can’t wait to see the helipad when it’s completed as it was entirely supporter funded. We all need to invest in the future of Sheffield Children’s so that it can continue providing the best care for generations to come.”
The charity is currently raising £2million towards the build of a brand-new, world-class research and technology centrethe National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) - which will be run by Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and based at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
To get involved in fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity, visit tchc.org.uk
THE RECOVERY GAMES
A Doncaster service which supports the recovery of people living with a drug or alcohol addiction is holding its annual Recovery Games on Saturday 14th September as part of national Recovery Month.
Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service, which is run in partnership by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) and registered charity The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS), provides a full range of drug and alcohol services to people aged over 18 years across Doncaster.
The Recovery Games is a free community event and is being held at Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre, Old Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN7 6EQ between 10am and 5pm.
There will be lots of fun activities for all the family including circus skills workshops, children’s inflatable play park, treasure hunt and live music.
There will be plenty of live action to entertain visitors by supporting teams competing in giant It’s a Knockout and gladiator style obstacle courses on the lake and on land.
Visitors can also try one of the Recovery Games challenges and take part in the exciting festival of colour.
Tim Young, Chief Executive of the Alcohol and Drug Service, said: “Many of the people taking part in the games have achieved so much and are duly proud of their
achievements. There are lots of benefits of recovery, both for the person themselves and for those around them. These games are a fantastic reminder of that.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing drug or alcohol issues and want to talk to someone in confidence, please visit Aspire’s website www.aspire.community, or ring 03000 213900.
SUN SAFE CITY
Local charity Weston Park Cancer Charity collaborated with national charity, Melanoma Focus, to educate The Outdoor City on the importance of skin protection, especially in the summer.
The event was spearheaded by Charlotte Killeya, who is working tirelessly for Sheffield to be a ‘sun safe city’. Charlotte has stage four skin cancer and is campaigning to raise awareness of skin cancer and prevention of the disease.
Charlotte said: “86% of melanoma cases are preventable and there are some easy ways to prevent it such as regularly applying factor 30+ sunscreen, seeking shade and covering up. As the Outdoor City, our leaders have a responsibility to keep people safe in the sun to cut the risk of skin cancer.
“I am campaigning for Sheffield City Council to make several changes such as providing our outdoor workers with sunscreen. I am also supporting the campaign to end VAT on sunscreen.”
CEO of Weston Park Cancer Charity, Emma Clarke, said: “We are so pleased to be supporting Charlotte in her mission to educate the people of Sheffield on skin cancer with the aim to reduce the number of cases. We all love spending time outside, but we can all do more to look after our skin.”
Susanna Daniels CEO of Melanoma Focus said: “Early detection of melanoma is essential as the cure rate is very high if caught early. Anybody concerned about changes to their skin should contact to their GP. Remember – if in doubt, check it out!”
For more information on skin cancer, signs and symptoms and helpful advice, visit the Melanoma Focus website: melanomafocus.org or contact their free and confidential helpline at 0808 801 0777.
A CHANGE OF SEASON
September is often a second chance to start your year and reset the targets again, isn’t it? The academic year begins, the seasons start to change, and the end of the year is in sight; we only have a third of the year left to go!
It’s also a great time to see how far away you are from your annual budget figures, what do you need to do between now and then to keep on track? Are there some tweaks you need to make? Maybe the start of the year has you way ahead of forecast and you are going to easily meet expectations, or maybe not and you need
to really dig deep to pull it around.
Getting a fresh pair of eyes on what is happening can be the easiest way to identify where the gaps are. Bringing in your accountant, a consultant or even a CEO of another not for profit can be helpful. They may see things that you don’t. Decide on strategy changes, ask all the ‘have you considered’ type questions and the ‘what if’ suggestions. It’s a good investment of time and money to get this done now, don’t leave it until the year ends when nothing can be done to change the outcome.
For more ideas relating to compliant volunteer and staff recruitment contact - Wendy Ward, Let’s Save Consultancy Services, 0772 9481010. wendy@letssave.biz
CHARITY
As part of their new strategy, Sheffield Hospitals Charity is making sure they get input from the most informed and influential people. This can help shape their work, so that the biggest difference and the greatest impact can be made.
SHAPING FUTURE HEALTH SUPPORT FOR SINGING
The charity has now announced the appointment of two new ambassadors. Professor Bola Owolabi, Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, who will be helping develop SHC’s approach to tackling health inequalities in Sheffield, and Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, will support the charity’s work around maximising technology, research and innovation.
As a practising GP in the Northeast of Derbyshire, Bola is passionate about reducing health inequalities and is one of the leading experts in the country.
Bola said, “When I was approached by Sheffield Hospitals Charity to be an ambassador for the reduction of health inequalities in Sheffield, I saw this as a great opportunity to get involved and lend my support in local communities.
“Our shared vision is to reach those at the margins of our communities across the city. Focus is on the most socially, economically, disadvantaged people and those that we tend to forget, despite our best intentions. Working with the charity, I can help to shape and develop projects which will improve health access, experience and outcomes for these people.”
In addition to his role as Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, Richard is also Chair of the National Health Innovation Network. He brings together sectors and regions to accelerate the role that technology and life sciences can play in improving patient care, whilst also championing how increasing economic growth contributes to better health outcomes for communities.
Richard added, “I am honoured to support Sheffield Hospitals Charity by accepting the role of ambassador for maximising technology, research and innovation – one of four funding priorities of the charity.
“My experience in working with the NHS, academic partners and health
innovators will allow me to share specialist information and help to shape the charity’s approach to funding, championing their work across the city. I’ve also worked closely with Bola and share her passion and enthusiasm for tackling health inequalities and within that, the digital divide which is prevalent here in Sheffield.”
About the new ambassadors Beth Crackles, Chief Executive of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said; “Health inequalities is a funding priority for us, but really, it’s not a standalone. It should underpin everything we do. It’s a privilege for the charity to benefit from Bola’s extensive expertise and networks.
“Richard’s contribution will also be game-changing for us. We’re now thinking more strategically and cohesively about what we fund across technology, research and innovation.
“As well as projects which translate into patient benefit, we’re considering what we fund that supports the infrastructure and environment for research in Sheffield to flourish. We’re really looking forward to working with Bola and Richard to deliver even more meaningful and impactful projects for the NHS and the people of Sheffield over the coming years.”
For more information visit www. sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk or call 0114 226 7351.
Barnsley Youth Choir has received a £1,000 funding boost as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards, supporting the charity’s vital work.
The donation will be instrumental in funding inspiring musical opportunities for children aged 7-12 in the South of Barnsley, and the new Children’s Choir South will provide world-class vocal training for children in some of the most deprived areas of the borough. The charity is committed to changing lives through music, offering music education that is accessible and inclusive to all.
Artistic Director of Barnsley Youth Choir, Mat Wright, MBE, said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding which will support the development of our new Children’s Choir South, ensuring all children have access to the very highest levels of vocal training, regardless of circumstances.”
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away over £1 million to charities across the year, inviting members of the public to nominate causes close to their hearts.
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Benefact Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause. Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do. All our available profits go to good causes and the more the Group grows, the more the Group can give.”
Benefact Group has donated over £200 million to charitable causes since 2014 and last year was recognised as the third biggest corporate giver in the UK. The organisation aims to reach £250 million in donations by 2025.
THE BENCHMARK.
Helping brilliant businesses to grow and matching candidates to their perfect role.
Providing a bespoke, efficient, and dedicated recruitment service.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE FUND
For this month’s local business pitch, unLTD had a quick chat with Emma Bashforth, Investment Manager from Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) and talked about their mission in supporting SMEs growth, success and impact in local communities.
Firstly, tell us about BEF. Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) provides flexible finance and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across South Yorkshire and the North. As a non-profit social enterprise and Community Development Finance Institute (CDFI) we invest for impact not for profit. Our loans which range from £500 to £250,000 can be accessed by start-ups and growing businesses and used for any purpose. We are a regional Business Support Partner for the Start Up Loans programme in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East, and Northern Powerhouse Investment II Smaller Loans in Yorkshire and the Humber. The NPIF II Smaller Loans Fund will enable us to deliver increased investment across South Yorkshire. As a South Yorkshire native, I support businesses across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield with funding from £25,000 to £250,000.
How has BEF shifted since its inception?
BEF started out 20 years ago. We began by lending money to small Bradfordbased businesses, especially those in underserved communities. Today, we have expanded to support underserved businesses across the North of England with the finance they need to thrive and grow. It’s a simple mission that helps transform local businesses and the communities they serve. In the last year alone, we invested £21.5m, added £86m to the economy, and helped create or safeguard 4,470 jobs. 60% of our lending supports businesses and communities in the UK’s most deprived regions.
Why is BEF a better choice than traditional lending methods?
Sadly, too many small business owners and entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire struggle to access finance from traditional lenders. Their computers often say no due to the constraints placed on their available funds. This adversely affects start-ups and established businesses across the region, especially those owned by women, ethnic minorities, young people, or older entrepreneurs. That’s why we take a different view. We are here to open access to flexible finance that will empower the region’s small businesses to create local jobs and wealth. What’s more, our lending decisions are made by experienced investment managers like me who understand and empathise with the needs and challenges of small business owners.
Are there any client success stories that stand out?
Following the launch of NPIF II in March, we are working to support more businesses across South Yorkshire. We recently funded one of the region’s growing marketing studios that provides full service creative solutions to clients across the private, public, and third sectors. The five-figure investment of NPIF II funds provided working capital to upgrade the existing premises and equipment. Most importantly for the business and us, the investment helped create four new jobs. Watch this space for more client success stories.
What does the future look like for BEF?
South Yorkshire is full of talented and potential business owners which we see as exciting for the regional economy. It is, and will be, home to business that we will support with
flexible finance to enable real change within their local communities. This includes lending greater quantities to the region’s businesses led by women and ethnic minorities. Our lending to these groups already outstrips traditional lenders. We plan to maintain this position. We also plan to support university and graduate start-ups with innovative finance solutions.
To achieve this, we will continue to work with local, regional and national partners who share our mission and purpose. Renewed support for CDFIs from government, local stakeholders, and mainstream funders will enable us to satisfy the unmet demand for finance from businesses across South Yorkshire.
How can people get in touch / enquire?
You can get in touch with me via emma.bashforth@befund. org or visit our website www. befund.org. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn!
TUFCOT: MEET THE TEAM
Tufcot are a Sheffield manufacturing success story, with over 50 staff and big expansion plans in place. This month, unLTD sat down with their technical team to hear about their roles and discover what makes them stand out in their sector.
Tufcot manufacture their own bespoke composite material from synthetic fibres and thermosetting resins which are primarily used in the marine, railway and mining/ oil/gas industries. They have had an incredibly successful 12 months, refining their offer to increase profits and grow their client base, which has enabled them to purchase the site next door in order to facilitate an enormous expansion. We met up with the key members of the technical team; Justin Krebs (Operations Manager), Carl Buddery (Engineering Manager) and Luke Chadbourne (Technical Sales) as well as Sheffield Uni intern Alex Santini to find out about their roles and how they had helped shaped the success of the company.
JK: So I’m the operations manager and I’ve been here 5 years now, with 20 years experience in the composites industry. I’ve worked with the main players in this industry working in technical sales through to production management. Here, I’m a bit of a jack of all trades so I get involved in almost everything, whether that’s helping the guys work out the calculations on the technical side or problem solving and trouble shooting in production. Then there’s designing and developing new tools that are bespoke not just Tufcot but the whole industry. So it’s a broad role; hectic, but enjoyable.
CB: I’ve been here just over two years and in the industry 20 years. I’m the engineering manager and have responsibility for all major technical decisions so I need to know all about the materials, their
Justin Krebs (Operations Manager)
Carl Buddery (Engineering Manager)
properties, applications and where they can and can’t be used. That’s 60% of my role here while the other 40% involves helping with the quotations and supporting existing customers as well as developing new ones.
JK: We’d both worked together before so we know the industry well and it’s a different culture here, it’s very employee focussed. There aren’t many companies that are genuinely family businesses –some might claim they are – but I’ve been around the block and not many follow that through. But I tell people that come to join the business that this is a genuine family-run business with a real family mindset.
LC: I’m a technical sales engineer and I’ll do a lot of the technical drawings and bearing calculations – so I’ll talk to customers like Carl about the applications. I’ve been here six years now and I’d definitely echo what they have said about the positive environment here.
JK: Really the sales aspect of the team is right here in this office. We’re selling a solution to a problem rather than a specific product so what comes with that might be Carl’s 20 years of engineering knowledge or a team effort in the drawings and calculations or even my knowledge of how to solve a problem and make something another supplier can’t.
AS: I’m here for four months and while there’s some shadowing of course I have also been getting involved in my own work too, such as research projects about the materials. I’m really enjoying it and while I’ve been studying engineering for three years, working in the industry is definitely very different.
CB: We like to have placements to help out the University and I try to make sure they don’t just come in to sit in the corner on their own and work on a project in the dark. Alex has been all around the company seeing every department to get a feel of the end-to-end business.
State of the Sector
Carl talks us through the key challenges in their business at the moment…
Energy prices. Not only in terms of our internal bills but all our raw materials are derived from the oil industry so material prices are increasing at the same time. We’ve combatted that well and managed to hold our prices these last two years by using efficiencies, reducing energy consumption and negotiating hard with our suppliers. Some of it we’ve had to absorb though and if a customer has a quote from 2022, we’ll honour it. We’re getting busier too which is a good thing but it does present the challenge of staying on top of lead times. We need new people in the factory, so finding good technical people is a also sometimes a challenge. There are also lots of other materials out there that we are in quoting against and that’s getting more competitive. Lead times are critical to a number of our clients so it can be frustrating that when we give an honest assessment of say six weeks for delivery and someone else promises five, then the customer will go for that, whether realistically they can meet it or not.
We’ve also been working on approvals in the marine industry a great deal recently which is essential for technical insurance reasons. And where we had one approval needed two years ago, now we have 10 and we’re already seeing the benefit of that by getting customers we wouldn’t have had without them. That’s been a big plus for the business.
www.tufcot.com
Luke Chadbourne (Technical Sales)
Alex Santini Sheffield Uni intern
CELEBRATING GLOBAL SUCCESS WITH A STYLISH NEW COLLECTION
Parkwood Springs, an art licensing company known for supporting British artists and producing eco-friendly giftware, is making another major stride in the industry by being shortlisted for its first award
A recognised leader in the design and production of unique giftware, they create beautiful, bespoke ranges for artists such as Julia Gash, Cherith Harrison, Lauren Thorley and more. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices has earned them recognition both locally and internationally. Having only begun trading in February 2021, the company has been shortlisted for the International Trade Champion award at the 2024 Sheffield Business Awards.
This shortlisting confirms that Parkwood Springs is on the right track to international success, and winning the award would be a significant milestone for the small enterprise. One of their flagship artists, Urban Illustration, will be launching a bold new range called Mono. This new collection showcases sleek, monochromatic illustrations that highlight the beauty and ingenuity of urban architecture. Using intricate line art designs, each piece in the Mono range is a tribute to iconic buildings from around the world, making it a perfect gift for city lovers and art enthusiasts.
The Mono range features various designs, including the 25 City Block, 3D Letter Block and the City Emblem. Each design can be customised to reflect buildings unique to your city, with the option to feature local landmarks, city names and even the office buildings of clients. This versatile new range is designed to cater to the specific needs of clients who are looking to provide gifts, souvenir, or stylish items for their retail stores. The launch will be announced at the Londonbased trade show, Top Drawer.
Among the other artists’ ranges that will be featured at Top Drawer, Parkwood Springs is poised to make a big splash with the all-new Mono range. To stock the Urban Illustration Mono range or explore other products offered by Parkwood Springs. Visit their website at www.parkwoodsprings.com or contact their UK & Europe office.
CHANGING SPACES WITH OVO: A BLEND OF INNOVATION AND HERITAGE
NINETEEN47 IS AN AWARD-WINNING PLANNING, URBAN DESIGN AND VISUALISATION PRACTICE KNOWN FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO INNOVATIVE IDEAS AND SUPPORTIVE ADVICE. WITH A MODERN APPROACH IN A TRADITIONAL INDUSTRY, THEY HAVE A CLEAR DESIRE TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
As the team tripled in size, the need arose to relocate their Sheffield office, and the iconic Park Hill, with its rich architectural history, proved to be the perfect fit. Their new unit is situated within the recently renovated Phase 2 of Park Hill, a space that houses a variety of mixed-use commercial spaces, cafe bars and restaurants, all within Europe’s largest listed building.
Ovo Spaces, known for their work in designing and fitting out a significant number of the Phase 1 Park Hill units, came highly recommended to Nineteen47. Leveraging their extensive experience, Ovo embarked on creating a workspace that truly reflected the ethos and aspirations of Nineteen47.
The design focused on an open-plan layout that emphasised collaboration and agile working. The space was thoughtfully divided into breakout areas, focused work zones, dedicated meeting spaces, and relaxed collaboration areas. A key aspect of the design was to highlight the Grade-II* listed building’s exposed concrete features, which add character and authenticity to the environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows were incorporated to flood the space
with natural light, ensuring that working areas connect seamlessly with views of Sheffield’s city skyline.
Nineteen47’s brand colours, particularly teal – chosen for its calming properties and revitalising qualities – were integrated into the design. These were contrasted with pops of terracotta and complemented by warm, soft tones, creating a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.
The transformation process was a significant undertaking.
With the building undergoing major refurbishment, the unit was initially a shell when Ovo began the project. They were responsible for the complete design and fit-out of the premises, working closely with Nineteen47 to create their ideal workplace in the heart of Park Hill’s thriving community.
The client was thrilled with the final result. Clare Plant, the Planning Director at Nineteen47, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “OVO pre-empted all our office requirements and made the whole design and fit-out process not only straightforward but also enjoyable. Nothing was too much trouble; challenges were solved quickly and effectively, and we couldn’t be happier with the final finish.”
www.ovospaces.co.uk
STAY AHEAD: FIVE CHANGES
SMALL BUSINESSES CAN MAKE TODAY TO PREPARE FOR LABOUR’S NEW EMPLOYMENT LAWS
Labour is planning to introduce significant changes to employment law that promise to strengthen employee rights and transform the workplace.
It’s all part of the government’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ initiative. And while we don’t have the exact details yet, there will be a focus on improving terms and conditions for employees while increasing protections at work.
Small and micro firms are most at risk of falling foul of the changes to the law as they usually don’t have the ‘HR armies’ that larger corporates equip themselves with. SMEs are usually also far less aware of employment laws.
But it’s important to remember that these changes apply even if you only have one employee.
So, what can we expect to be on the agenda – and how can you, as the owner or MD of a smaller growing business, get ready?
Key areas of focus include:
• Adding more ‘day one rights’, such as unfair dismissal, flexible working, sick pay and parental leave
• Banning zero-hours contracts
• Enhancements to family leave
• Reviewing redundancy rights
• Reviewing national minimum wage
• Doubling the time employees have to raise a tribunal claim
The question I’m often asked as a HR professional is: ‘How do I prepare?’
The good news is that acting
ahead of time can save your business time and money –and help you to avoid falling foul of the law.
Five tips to help you get ready
1. Revisit your employment contracts and employee handbooks. Are they up-todate as the starting point for any upcoming changes?
2. If you’re currently using zero-hours contracts, clarify how many people have these and whether they’re still the best option. Look at how you’re currently monitoring
hours worked each week and create a plan should zero-hours contracts become illegal.
3. Consider which areas of flexible working you’re currently using. What other aspects could be possible should the new laws state that flexible working must be provided unless there’s a good reason not to?
4. Start capturing data on your current salary spend. For the employees paid at national minimum wage, break this data down into the number of employees per
pay bracket based on age. This will give you an idea of the financial impact should a single rate be introduced.
5. Plan for who’ll need to be informed, and how you’ll do this, should sick pay become payable from day one of absence.
Kat Derbyshire, Director at Black Kat HR, specialises in helping growing businesses to get things right and get things done when it comes to being an employer. For more information, visit: blackkat-hr.com
BUSINESS ENERGISING FINANCE
FOR BUSINESSES IN BARNSLEY, DONCASTER, ROTHERHAM AND SHEFFIELD.
Energise your business’s potential with flexible finance up to £250,000.
Whether you’re looking to boost working capital (cashflow), expand operations or navigate unexpected challenges, we are here to support your growth.
Our people-first approach means humans make our lending decisions not algorithms. What’s more, we believe in supporting businesses even when other lenders won’t.
Emma, your dedicated Investment Manager, is ready to provide personalised support every step of the way.
Contact Emma today
T: 0800 080 3145
E: info@befund.org
W: www.befund.org
HAPPy DRINKS!
available until 6.00pm, SUNDay TO FRIDAY
Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail or two!
CHOOSE FROM OVER 20 COCKTAILS TAGGED WITH THE 'CUBANA STAR' IN OUR DRINKS MENU FOR ONLY £7.00! PLUS...
>> House Spirit Double £7.00
>> Selected bottled beers £3.50 - Corona and Super Bock
>> Selected house wines £4.25 per glass or £18.50 per bottle. Choose from Pinot Grigio White, Pinot Grigio Rosé or Montepulciano Red
>> Prosecco - £22.50 per bottle
>> Sangria or Sangria Blanca £22.50 per jug
**DOWNSTAIRS BAR EXTENDED HAPPY OFFER**
We have extended all of the above Happy Drinks offers for a further two hours, until 8pm, Monday to Friday in the downstairs bar **only available in the downstairs bar
available until 6.00pm, SUNDay TO FRIDAY
Call in and chill out at the end of a hard day, unwind and soak up our relaxed Latino vibe whilst enjoying our ‘Happy Tapas’ deals. ANY 2 tapas dishes for £12.95 £5.00 off ANY Of our tapas set menus –– OR ––
Fantastic value when you dine early. APPLIES TO ALL TABLES SEATED AND ORDERING BEFORE OR AT 6PM.
Please note our Happy Drinks and Happy Tapas Offers are not available on Bank Holiday Sundays
PA S RES TA URANT
SHEFFIELD’S OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The famous adage “if you build it, they will come…” looks set to be put to the test in Sheffield city centre.
The arrivals of the DoubleTree by Hilton at Bramall Lane and the Radisson Blu in Sheffield city centre marks significant growth in South Yorkshire’s hospitality offering, with promising implications for the broader business community in the region.
The DoubleTree, which you’ll find next to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium, brings a fresh wave of opportunities for the local economy. The 155-room hotel, featuring a penthouse suite and event spaces for up to 300 guests, looks set to become a focal point for business and leisure travellers, hosting corporate events, conferences and private functions. Its proximity to the stadium also makes it an ideal spot to build working relationships around a matchday experience, offering enhanced hospitality options to choose from (if your clients don’t mind a bit of football, that is).
Similarly, the Radisson Blu in Sheffield’s city centre, though slightly delayed in its opening, is set to become another key player in the hospitality market. Positioned near major commercial and cultural landmarks, the hotel’s numerous suites and upscale amenities, including a rooftop bar and restaurant, offer the perfect spot for business gettogethers, staff training days and stopovers.
Throw in the recent arrivals of Leah’s Yard and
Cambridge Street Collective – the former housing a range of independent companies ranging from audio producers to business consultants, and the latter being the biggest purposebuilt food hall in Europe with regular industry socials and table bookings for up to 20 guests – and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes for new spots to do business.
With more developments on the horizon, from affordable office spaces
to state-of-the-art event venues, the regional business scene is poised for a period of dynamic growth. These new facilities will not only enhance the city’s appeal to local entrepreneurs and established companies alike but also attract national and international attention, hopefully setting the stage for a prosperous few years ahead. South Yorkshire is clearly open for business, and the future looks bright.
