unLTD. Connecting business across Sheffield City Region #66

SURVIVE AND THRIVE

WAYNE FLETCHER AND A RAFT OF REGIONAL BUSINESSES TELL US WHY SETTING UP IN LOCKDOWN HAS MADE THEM A SUCCESS

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

ENTRIES FOR THE INAUGURAL UNLTD BUSINESS AWARDS ARE NOW OPEN!

MEET THE DISRUPTORS

WE FOCUS ON SOUTH YORKSHIRE BUSINESSES EMBRACING CHANGE AND REDEFINING THE FUTURE PLUS NEWS, INTERVIEWS, APPOINTMENTS, OPINION, EXPERT ADVICE AND MORE

AT NAPOLEONS

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Contents

ON THE COVER...

27: PROSPERING IN A PANDEMIC

Three years since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is still processing the profound changes it brought. While many businesses struggled amid lockdowns, unLTD’s Ash Birch speaks to five businesses that not only survived but thrived.

12:

OPINION

Dr Lindsey Thomas emphasizes the importance of addressing menopause in the workplace, advocating for workplace awareness, education and support for women during this period, benefiting both employees and employers in the process.

AWARDS SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

As regular readers of this publication will no doubt be aware, showcasing the incredible SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs we have across South Yorkshire is very much our raison d’etre here at unLTD.

EDITORIAL EDITOR

Joe Food

Joe@unltdbusiness.com

ONLINE EDITOR

Ash Birch Ash@unltdbusiness.com

COLUMN EDITOR

Olivia Warburton olivia@unltdbusiness.com

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

22:

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

The very first unLTD Business Awards will be held in November and entries are now open for SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs to get involved! Get the full scoop here.

32: ANIMATE AND INNOVATE

Laura Blackburn, the founder and creative director of B Animated, shines a light on the world of 2D animation and design. From their unique approach to recent projects and the challenges of running a business while balancing family life, Laura shares insights into her creative journey so far.

39: MEET THE DISRUPTORS

With a vision that blends automation, technology and a people-centric ethos, we hear from Gravitate co-founder Sam Newton about how they’re working to embrace change and reshape the future of accounting services.

In which case, you can imagine just how excited we are to be bringing the first ever unLTD Business Awards to Sheffield’s Peddler Warehouse on November 30 this year.

The event will be hosted by The Chase’s Paul Sinha, who will be onstage to congratulate the winners in 19 categories designed to celebrate businesses and individuals who’ve helped to drive the region’s economy forward over the last 12 months.

Entries are open now and close on October 13, so don’t leave it too late! All you have to do is complete a very straightforward application form at awards.unltdbusiness.com and upload a short video explaining why you or your nominated business should win. The judging process will then take place before nominations are revealed on October 27.

You can discover additional details regarding the specific award categories and learn how to secure a ticket for the grand event by turning to page 22. Furthermore, to set the stage for our first-ever awards ceremony, you can peruse another issue brimming with innovative business stories and the latest big news across the region.

Here’s to another successful month for businesses in South Yorkshire, and we look forward to catching up with you in October!

Lis Ellis accounts@ exposedmagazine.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Chloe Angus

Kate Ash

Adam Bradley

Ray Byrne

Jackie Cook

Jo Davison

Wayne Fletcher

Ellie Grace

Lisa Pogson

Matthew Risdale

Wendy Ward

Josh Weston

Jill White

Rhys Wyborn

Dave Woodfine

unLTD

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.

Level Designers don’t just place 3D assets

The basics: the role of a level designer is to design and create game levels, usually within the game engine (the core software used to make a video game). This starts at the design stage, where you create pen and paper designs and start working in the engine, and finishes at the polishing stage, where you’ve worked with all the other disciplines to get the level ready for the release of the game.

Our job is, at its core, about finding the best layout, flow and pacing for desired gameplay, visual composition and weaving in the game’s narrative. Finding the best way to showcase the gameplay and making the level a joy to navigate is fundamental for any level designer. Not to mention making everything technically work together in the level, and fixing all those wonderful bugs we make.

Cubes are your best friend, but other shapes are pretty

Using 3D cubes is the quickest and easiest way to create a 3D space; you have everything you need to prove out some cool ideas and test the gameplay. Occasionally, though, we want to make things pretty too, so using other basic shapes like cylinders, arches, spheres and cones all help to create different gameplay, as well as the right vibe and framing to a space.

You are the bridge

A lot of the time, you will be the one taking all the nice shiny things the other team members have made and adding them to the game’s level. I’m talking gameplay mechanics, level objects, enemies, NPC (non-playable

characters), collectables (if the game has any) and more! You’re also always working closely with other disciplines to make sure that everything matches the overall vision for the level.

Communication is key

COMMUNICATION IS KEY (just in case I wasn’t clear enough!). Working closely with all the other disciplines on a project is one of the most important parts of working in a team of game developers, and if you’re the bridge, you’d better make sure you’re listening, collaborating, and keeping everyone else in the loop.

And everyone’s generally happier when they are surrounded by excited collaborating team members who all know what’s going on.

4 5

Every project is different

Every studio and every project will have its own definition of what a level designer does day-to-day, even if the overall idea of it stays the same.

The skillset a level designer develops will also depend on the type of game that they work on. A level designer who only works on racing games will have different experience and skills than someone who only works on 3D platformers. Not every game is the same, and you’re always learning new tricks and skills to get the best out of the levels for the game you’re making.

Georgia Rerrie-Thomas is Senior Level Designer at Sumo Sheffield

GLU RECRUIT’S OFFICE HEROES RETURNS!

Rotherham-based recruitment agency, Glu Recruit, has announced the return of their Office Heroes event, an event that celebrates the unsung heroes of businesses in the region.

We all know them – those individuals who bring an aura of positivity to the office, the ones who know just when to crack a joke, organise impromptu celebrations, or offer a listening ear when things get tough.

The return of Glu Recruit’s Office Heroes goes beyond just nostalgia – it signifies a renewed focus on the human element of the workplace.

It reminds us that a successful work environment is not solely built on KPIs and project milestones, but also on the people who better the working day for their colleagues.

Last year, Charlotte Palmer from Clear Quality Ltd was

crowned Office Hero 2022. Both Marie Barrett from SCX Special Projects Ltd and Lindsay Hudson from MED-EL

were highly commended.

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL Master Cutler and The Lord Mayor of Sheffield were there

Chesterfield Expo

The Chesterfield Business Expo, taking place on Wednesday 25th October 2023, 9.30am - 3.30pm at the Casa Hotel, is an exciting new event for local companies to promote their business, raise brand awareness, increase sales and network.

During a conversation about networking opportunities earlier this year, Chesterfield Business Expo founders, Emily and Simon Coy, realised that there was no all-day business exhibition taking place in the town, so they set about making it happen.

Within a matter of weeks, the Chesterfield Business Expo was born.

Professional network host

and Chesterfield resident Simon Coy said: “Our vision for the Chesterfield Business Expo is to create an outstanding event that brings together a significant number of business people from

to present the awards and offer their congratulations to the nominees.

This year’s nominations open on Monday 18th of September and businesses across all industries will be invited to nominate their heroes.

The entries will be scored by The Office Heroes Judging Panel, with 10 nominees shortlisted and invited to the event – alongside their nominators, the judging panel, and the Glu Recruit team.

The event will take place at Cutler’s Hall, Sheffield, on Friday 8th of December, where one winner and two highly commended awards will be announced.

Glu Recruit will be updating their social media channels with more information on how to nominate – make sure you’re following them using the QR code!

@glurecruit

Expo founder, and wellknown local Business Coach, Emily Coy added: “There are around 10,000 incredible businesses in Chesterfield, and we want to help them connect and work together to thrive and enhance the local economy”

An A5 expo brochure, available on the day, will feature all exhibitors together with advertising opportunities. The brochure will be given free to all exhibitors and attendees.

across the town and beyond.”

The target is to attract 500 free attendees who can spend an enjoyable day engaging with the exhibitors, and building high-quality business relationships.

The cost to exhibit is £275.00 + VAT which includes a 2m x 1.5m space, trestle table, welcome drink and two freshly made lunches. Exhibitors and attendees can book their place now via the expo website.

NIBS

HENTONS AWARDS RECOGNITION

Hachette Jobs

As part of its ongoing commitment to accelerate the diversification of its workforce and publishing, Hachette UK, who work with a number of famous authors including Joanne Harris (pictured) is expanding their national office in Sheffield. The 23-strong team have moved to a workspace previously used by Twinkl, a leading education business founded in Sheffield.

Hachette UK now has 120 staff based across the cities of Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Sheffield. Of the 120 staff over 40% have been recruited locally and in Sheffield that number rises to over 50%. This growth at a national level is proof of Hachette UK’s desire to broaden its workforce and deepen its understanding of existing and potential new readers.

The Sheffield team includes colleagues from 8 different

MADE IN YORKSHIRE

Made and Found Yorkshire, a collective gift shop that proudly showcases more than 25 Yorkshire artisan sellers, is open in The Glass Works, in Barnsley town centre.

After starting out in Wakefield six years ago, Made and Found Yorkshire is moving to a new store within The Glass Works – Barnsley town centre’s acclaimed retail, leisure and food & drink hotspot.

Set up by owner of Yorkshire Blankets Victoria Cawthorne, Made and Found Yorkshire aims to celebrate local artisan makers, and sells everything from

publishing divisions and a similar number of job functions, with particular strengths in editorial, marketing, sales, rights and IT.

Since opening in 2021, the team has established strong relationships with the local literary community, including local independent bookshops Juno Books and La Biblioteka and Sheffield Central Library, where its popular fortnightly open mic night Sheffield Draft Night is held.

Nick Davies, MD of John Murray Press and national office lead at Hachette UK, said: “We are committed to growing our creative hubs across the UK. In just over two years, the national offices have more than doubled in size.

"The growth in Sheffield – from five staff to twenty-three – has been particularly exciting to see. And this impressive new space gives us the potential to grow that office to 75 colleagues or more."

Hentons, a leading national accounting and advisory firm, has achieved a significant feat with dual nominations for Accounting Excellence Awards, the most prestigious ceremony in the Accountancy sector. The company has been shortlisted for two significant categories: Large Firm of the Year and Progressive Audit Firm of the Year.

(NO) KEY TO SELF-STORAGE SUCCESS

A new state-of-the-art keyless selfstorage facility in the centre of Sheffield has opened its doors. McCarthy’s Storage World has created a 55,000 square foot storage centre on the site of what was previously a Land Rover dealership on Savile Street, opposite Tesco.

PEDDLIN CHESTERFIELD

Sheffield’s popular Peddler Market launched in Chesterfield for the first time in June, and is now getting ready to welcome businesses from across the town and region to Peddler Connect, an exclusive networking session at its next market in September.

INVESTING IN HEALTH AND WELLBEING

As the Government urges employers to do more to keep workers healthy, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is investing in wellbeing services for its staff, members, and the regional business community by partnering with wellbeing provider Betterminds to deliver training and support for its employees.

DONCASTER GREENLIGHTS SECOND UTC

handmade cards and decorations to candles, blankets, and baby clothes. All the shop’s makers are based in and around Barnsley.

Victoria Cawthorne, owner of Made and Found Yorkshire, said: “We are hugely excited to be moving to Barnsley. We have been really impressed with the recent town centre regeneration and can’t wait to open our new store and play our part.”

@madeandfoundyorkshire

Doncaster Chamber has announced the town will be getting a second University Technical College (UTC) in 2025, which aims to broaden the horizons of local young people and ensure that they have the desirable skills they need for a prosperous future.

LEADING ENGINEERING FIRM LAUNCHES IN CHESTERFIELD

One of Ireland’s leading industrial automation and electrical engineering companies, NeoDyne, has opened its UK headquarters in the centre of Chesterfield.

New Look for Orchard Square

Orchard Square in the heart of Sheffield has revealed a new look this month, 35 years on from first opening in 1987, marking the start of a new era for the city centre’s open-air Square and occupants.

This month sees the completion of extensive refurbishment work within the Square, including new and improved paving throughout - plus the installation of awnings and a central canopy to provide this popular destination with a dedicated and weatherproof event space.

Commenting on the works, Orchard Square Manager Shay Murray said: “We are delighted to be unveiling the Square’s updated look following our futureproofing, refurbishment programme.

“The updated Square now offers our tenants and customers a more modern look and feel, alongside covered outdoor spaces, which has long been asked for and will be used for city centre events and gatherings - providing even more reasons for people to visit.”

Alongside the refurbishment,

the Square now boasts a line-up of new tenants including, The Old Shoe, the much-anticipated city centre bar, offering one of the UK’s most diverse drinks list with a rotating selection of 20 draft lines, a huge range of ciders including products made on site, plus a vast and varied array of wines.

Award-winning, authentic Neapolitan pizza restaurant, Proove has also recently opened its doors in the Square, a place where customers can enjoy some of the finest pizza in town, alongside an array of drinks and cocktails from their premium bar.

And coming soon to the Square is Game Show All-Stars, from the owners of Sheffield’s Great Escape Rooms. Opening in Septemberthis one is not to be missed!

The latest openings form part of Orchard Square’s diverse choice of food, drink, entertainment and retail outlets including, TK Maxx, Waterstones, Sheffield Plate independent food hall, Terrace Goods, Body Shop - and many more.

Rethync-ing transportation

Rethync Ltd, a leading provider of construction site hoarding solutions in Doncaster, has announced the purchase of a new fleet of vehicles to coincide with the company’s office relocation. The vehicles were sourced from fellow Doncaster business, Lyndon Systems, a trusted supplier renowned for their quality and reliability.

The acquisition of these seven new vehicles marks an important milestone for Rethync as they continue to expand their operations and meet the growing demands of their customers.

The newly acquired fleet, all of which are class 6 compliant, will significantly enhance Rethync’s transportation capacity, as well as providing the team

with more environmentally friendly and efficient modes of transport.

Phil Chadwick, Managing Director at Rethync, comments: “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of our new fleet of class 6 compliant vehicles. This investment demonstrates

our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and ensuring their satisfaction. The expanded transportation capacity will enable us to respond even more efficiently to project demands, regardless of the location.

“As we continue to expand

our operations, it is essential to have reliable and efficient transportation options in place. The new fleet will not only increase our overall capacity but also enhance our ability to deliver projects on time, ensuring customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of our priorities.”

If you’re in the market for a new job, September may bring some good news.

While this year has seen an uptick in layoffs compared to 2022, those rates have been falling steadily since April and saw their lowest point in 11 months in July, according to recent data released by executive outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. That’s partly why it’s no surprise that “September Surge” has recently been trending on TikTok.

Becca Morris, Managing Director of Benchmark Recruitment, a renowned Sheffield-based recruitment agency, believes that our region should also benefit from the traditional Autumn uptick in recruitment.

She explained: “In August, typically, decision makers go on holiday, or they can’t get their boards together. So, decisions become really slow, and everyone has this kind of perception that there’s no jobs in summer, which kind of means there isn’t.

“Come September, it’s like normality sets in again. Kids are back at school, whether you’ve got them or not, and you just kind of get into that autumn term mindset.

“Businesses also get into the mindset of what they want their team to look like by the end of the year. For me, the last quarter of the year has always been my busiest and it really starts ramping up in September.”

Becca also believes there are more general reasons for optimism. She said: “Inflation has finally started to come down, petrol prices have come down, interest rates and even mortgage rates came down last month. The energy price news that we had last week; I think that

is what everyone needs to know before we go into winter.

“Because of all these factors, last year, everyone was super cautious, and that’s completely understandable. But I had a conversation with a client last week who had a meeting with her businesses’ bank, and they told them that interest rates next year will come down and everything’s going to be fine,

basically.

“I think people perhaps need to hear that more, because what we absorb is all the negative instead of the positive.

“Hopefully, all that will give employers confidence to start recruiting again.”

September 2nd marks the one-year anniversary of Becca taking on Benchmark and as if to emphasise the health of the recruitment industry, Benchmark has

made profit in each month across that year, something which Becca is rightly very proud of.

She attributes some of that success to her shift in working-style and a move away from 12-hour days, allowing her to focus on what’s important and avoid burnout.

Follow Benchmark on socials here: @ benchmarkrecruit

An experienced

MENOPAUSE

Many people ask me why menopause is important in the workplace and it can be summed up by this one shocking fact: that one in ten women leave their jobs because of it.

The menopause transition is something all women will experience at some point in their lives.

For most women in the UK this happens between the ages of 45 and 55 with an average age of 51. But for some women this can happen much earlier; under the age of 45 this is classed as an early menopause and under the age of 40 a condition called Primary Ovarian Insufficiency which requires specialist management.

Menopause can also happen as a result of surgery or medications and cancer treatments. And as this usually results in a very abrupt cut off of hormones, the symptoms can be more severe

Leading up to the menopause is a time where hormone levels are fluctuating and declining, but women are still having periods, which is known as the perimenopause which can start up to 10 years before the menopause.

There can be a misconception that symptoms only start once periods have stopped, but the perimenopause can be an equally tricky time. And in fact, with fluctuations in hormone levels meaning symptoms can come and go, it can be even harder for women to register what is going on.

The majority of women will experience some symptoms, and as hormones have an impact all over the body, symptoms are far broader than the hot flushes and night sweats most people think of. Often

the symptoms women struggle the most with can be those which impact them emotionally such as anxiety, low mood and poor sleep.

Lots of women can find that they can’t think as clearly as they did, they forget words or can’t focus in the same way, which can really undermine confidence especially at work, and make some women very fearful that they are developing dementia.

And there can be physical symptoms such as palpitations, headaches and worsening migraines, which can often lead to a lot of anxiety, unless these are recognised as part of the menopause transition. How women experience these symptoms, and the impact on their lives is very individual, but it is estimated that as many as 25 per cent of women will find their symptoms debilitating.

With women over the age of 50 forming the fastest growing demographic in the workplace, it is easy to see how this transition for some can have a significant impact on their working as well as personal lives.

In fact, surveys suggest these are not small numbers with 45 per cent of women feeling the menopause has had a negative impact on their work life, and one in 10 having left a job due to their symptoms.

With an estimated 14 million working days lost to menopause every year, and significant costs to employers to replace staff, how to address this in the workplace is becoming a key topic.

These are women generally with years of

GP of 17 years, Dr Lindsey Thomas has a specialist interest in the perimenopause, menopause and all aspects of women’s health and tells us why we should be talking more about the menopause in the workplace

LINDSEY THOMAS IS A BRITISH MENOPAUSE SOCIETY SPECIALIST DOCTOR AND WORKS CLINICALLY BOTH IN THE NHS AND PRIVATELY

experience and skills and implementing policies and strategies which can improve their work lives and improve retention are essential in any organisation.

At Myla Health we work with organisations to provide bespoke workplace packages as we understand not all workplaces have the same needs.

Working with both small and large organisations in the corporate and public sector, we focus on awareness and education for all staff and managers.

But also look to develop internal support with the development of ‘menopause champions’ and peer support such as menopause cafes.

With an aim of developing a workplace culture which is understanding, aware and supportive of women during this transition allowing women to thrive and achieve their potential, with the consequent beneficial impact on their employer.

Lindsey Thomas is a British Menopause Society, specialist doctor and works clinically both in the NHS and privately at Myla Health. As well as working with organisations to develop menopause workplace strategies.

In this article we use ‘women’ to refer to people assigned female at birth. Not all people experiencing menopause identify as women. Transgender, nonbinary and intersex people may experience the menopause.

To discuss how Myla Health might help your organisation please visit www.mylahealth.co.uk/myla-corporate or email info@mylahealth.co.uk

Normally, it’s a quieter month with not much happening other than the odd summer party here and there. However, we did manage to get out and about and find one or two little gems.

On the subject of summer parties, the Master Cutler charity garden party was all set to go ahead at Wentworth Woodhouse on 29th July, but the great British weather put paid to that! It’s now rearranged for 3rd September, so keep your fingers crossed!

Thankfully, we were luckier at our own 3D Connect July event; the sun shone and allowed us to enjoy the outdoor rooftop at the AWRC. Our theme for the event was AI and we were treated to a wonderful insight from a first-class panel. Professor Paul Dimitri from Sheffield Children’s Hospital set the bar high with his opening presentation, ‘Redefining the Future through Child Health Technology’, which was a real eye-opener into stunning tech transformations that will make a huge difference for children’s futures – and it’s all happening here in Sheffield!

Fellow panel members Laura Cutress from Touchstone Education, Jake Bower from Resolve IT and Ryan Daniels from Hydracreative were equally as impressive sharing their own experiences of utilising AI within their own organisations on a day-to-day basis.

Dr Peter Clayton from Infini joined us virtually from his holiday cottage and gave us a whistle-stop tour of Chat GPT. From website content to job ad creation and funding applications, he left no stone unturned. I know many of our charity members were massively impressed, and so was I. AI, here I come!

But first: gin! We were off to Locksley Distillery for our Summer Social. And what a treat lay behind those doors at Portland Works. Elliott Rose did a superb job talking us through the Locksley story and we all did an equally superb job tasting our way through the Locksley range. Thank goodness we left the car at home…

Next up was something completely different: The Adam Bradford Agency’s one year in business celebration. Not so different, you might say, as several businesses have those. Indeed they do – but not in Rwanda!

What a privilege it was to be there, poolside with a global guestlist toasting this young Sheffield entrepreneur. Hats off to Adam and his brother Alex for all they are doing to support young people in Rwanda.

And it doesn’t stop there, as our final August happening was when 3D Connect went global! What a delight it was to connect Sheffield 3D Connect members with Rwandan startups and social entrepreneurs.

Early technical issues were soon overcome and it was great to hear Sheffield and Rwanda connecting and collaborating in hopefully the first of many such events. Who said August was quiet? And already a busy September beckons. Find out all about it next time!

Follow Jill at uk.linkedin.com/in/jilltywhite or find Andy Hanselman Consulting at andyhanselman.com.

With Jill White of Andy Hanselman Consulting

LIGHTBULB MOMENT: JONATHAN EDGELEY

Jonathan Edgeley, CEO and co-founder of Montrose Retreats, discusses how his personal battle with addiction inspired him to set up a company offering luxury healing retreats based in the Peak District.

Could

you tell us

what Montrose Retreats is all about?

Montrose Retreats is a very bespoke, highend health and wellness service that provides residential retreats and a precision-focused treatment and therapy programme for the individual. What makes us different is we work with one guest at a time; we don’t offer multioccupancy retreats. It’s the only retreat of its type in the UK.

We’re in the process of registering with CQC so we can provide medical services as well. This will be around offering guests who need it detoxification from alcohol and stimulant misuse. We treat everything from stress, and burnout to anxiety, addiction and trauma.

What is your target market?

The target market for us has been celebrities, CEOs, sports personalities, high net-worth individuals and professionals. It’s for people who are looking for something that is off-grid and away from traditional rehab services where they may be unable to preserve their anonymity.

On a personal level, what influenced you to set up Montrose Retreats?

My own journey. In 2006, I landed in rehab in South Africa at the age of 30. This was due to my own alcohol and cocaine addiction; my life had gotten completely out of control and unmanageable. There were a lot of consequences which had an impact on my work, family and friendships. So, I spent four months in a rehab centre in South Africa, where I had what I could only describe as a spiritual awakening. I found myself going through deep therapy and a programme of recovery to help me get well, to move away from those problematic behaviours.

What was it about this rehab programme that had such a significant impact on you?

A few things. The fact that it was a 12-step programme; being a long way from home also helped; the beautiful outdoors and nature experiences surrounding me were another important factor. In terms of the therapy, it was the first time in my life I was sitting with a group of people in the same boat, which meant they could call me out on stuff. I had a way of telling my life story in a grandiose way, almost like it was a pub story. There was a lot of humour, cockiness and bravado involved, which was basically a protective system. But when I was told by these

people that they didn’t find my story particularly funny – they instead told me it was actually quite shocking and devastating – I realised that I’d been living a lie for many years. It all laid the foundations for where I am today in terms of waking up and wanting to help people.

What were the next steps professionally after returning from that treatment?

I got back from South Africa in 2007, so there was a 16-year gap between then and now. In that time, I had a period of sobriety, relapsed, and then got clean again. A lot happened in that period, and I lost everything I’d built back, so I had to start the journey again when I was 38. I’ve now been sober for the last nine years, but in the first six months of sobriety, my mum died of alcoholism. It was a very difficult time, but it also spurred me on to work in this industry. I retrained as a coach, started working in the health and wellness industry, and I’ve built up a career from that over the last nine years.

How did those experiences inform your plan for Montrose Retreats?

Between starting Montrose Retreats, I’ve worked in different addiction services. And I’ve learned a lot. I was able to learn about what worked, what wasn’t needed, and what we could refine to work better. So, when a family comes to me and says, “My son is drinking and using cocaine and we’re really worried about him”, I want to make sure that if they’re going to trust us with their child, then they are going to feel comfortable with me, the team and our approach. I’ve built a team of people that I would trust with my own children.

The whole thing has been designed to provide a holistic, compassionate service that allows somebody to feel cocooned in the safety of a stabilising team and programme. We offer a full approach to recalibrating mind, body and spirit. We’re not just going solely down the route of a medical intervention and detox. Whether it’s someone coming in with stress, burnout, anxiety, addiction, or whatever is causing them pain, we realise we need to deep-dive to fully understand what’s going on with them, rather than just treat the surface stuff. Let’s get to the root cause and work it through with compassion and kindness. That’s so important because we want people to get well and stay well.

For more information on what Montrose Retreats can offer, head to www. montroseretreats.com

NAME: MARK STOREY

EMPLOYER: SCCCC

ROLE: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

What motivated you to get involved in the SIBI Ambassador group?

Young people are the future and it’s vitally important to invest in their growth and development. By inspiring them to dream big and chase after their goals, we can set them up for success in their personal and professional lives. As an Ambassador, I feel like I can really make a difference and encourage young people to reach their full potential.

What have you enjoyed most about being involved in the campaign?

It’s fulfilling to know that I’m making a positive impact on the lives of young people, helping them to discover their potential and providing them with the tools and resources to achieve their goals. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm and energy of young people as they engage with us.

What are the benefits to your business?

It goes without saying that our reputation as a socially responsible business and engaged organisation is enhanced. By supporting initiatives such as this we are demonstrating our commitment to making a positive impact in the community. We also see this as a way to attract and retain talent. We know that young people are often drawn to organisations that offer opportunities for personal growth and development. By being involved in SIBI in Sheffield we are positioning ourselves as an attractive and rewarding place to work. We can start to build relationships with potential future employees and gain fresh perspectives and ideas.

Sheffield City Council’s See it Be it in Sheffield campaign aims to inspire the next generation by linking up schools and colleges with local employers to provide meaningful encounters and experiences of the workplace. You can find more information at sheffield.startprofile.com/ page/seeitbeit-employers or by following @SeeItBeIt_Sheff on Twitter.

MINDSET AND CONFIDENCE COACHING

“Steve has been the catalyst to so many positive changes in my life. He has helped put my inner most thoughts and dreams into reality. He’s made me realise it’s the small habits I make daily that make the biggest difference.”

Joanne C

In a world full of comparison, judgement, perfectionism, fear of failure and self-doubt, is it any wonder that so many lack confidence and self-worth?

Research shows that your mindset plays a significant role in determining life’s outcomes. By understanding, adapting and shifting your mindset, you can improve your health, decrease stress, become more resilient to life’s challenges, and think more positively about yourself.

To book a free 15-minute consultation visit www. thecuriousnortherner.co.uk, call 07885 902913 or email steven. lenagh@thecuriousnortherner.co.uk

DISC personality profiling expert (licenced trainer) | 1:1 coaching (certified/accredited) | Group training | Workshops | Presentations | Engaging and motivational speaking

XLN keeps Britain working with

Legal Matters

KATIE ASH - BANNER JONES

MANAGING CHANGES IN EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Most companies work hard to create a safe and productive workplace, but how can businesses stay up to date on these policy and initiative changes, as well as mitigating the risks?

What is EDI, and why does it matter?

“EDI stands for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, which is underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 providing legal protection for employees based on nine ‘protected characteristics’,” Katie explains. “Employers have a legal duty not to discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

“In practical terms though, having a strong EDI policy in place goes far beyond the legal obligation of an employer. It’s also about creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and valued and can reach their full potential.”

Who checks if my business is compliant?

“For many small businesses, it will only come to light that a company is not committed to EDI if a complaint is made following an incident or a claim is made. If, further to any claim, an employment tribunal finds that an employer has

breached the Equality Act, the consequences can be extremely costly.

Katie clarifies that for larger businesses, there are specific reporting regulations that make public their commitment to equality. “For example, the gender pay gap, being the difference in average pay between the men and women in your workforce. Research shows that people want to work for employers with good employment practices, and so the consequences of not having the right policies and procedures in place could also have a negative impact on staff retention.”

How do I know I have the right policies and procedures in place?

“The law is constantly evolving, so it can be difficult for business owners and decision makers to stay abreast of all changes. It’s important to maintain a regular review of your policies and contracts by an employment lawyer. This can be invaluable if a complaint is made or a claim is filed further down the line.

“In a recent case, while our client had an EDI policy in place, it was found to be outdated and may not have been sufficient in demonstrating they had taken steps to prevent

discrimination in the workplace. In this instance, the employer was able to resolve the matter amicably with the staff member, but if it had gone to court, they could have found themselves in hot water having to explain why their policy was inadequate and why they should not be liable for any alleged discrimination.

Katie reiterates how it’s far easier and more cost effective to put appropriate plans in place to protect your employees and business, rather than to deal with a grievance or claim.

www.bannerjones.co.uk

Here, Head of Employment Law at Banner Jones Solicitors, Lynne Pope explains the importance of EDI and why it is important to businesses.

SPONSORED BY THE SOURCE SKILLS ACADEMY

THE SOURCE SAYS: WE’RE HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE FIND BRIGHT FUTURES IN TOUGHEST OF TIMES

September is traditionally when school and collegeleavers need to make big decisions about their futures.

This year, that’s harder than ever.

Those set on university face one of the toughest battles for places in living memory.

A growth of 18-year-olds in the population, and high international demand, means greater competition.

In addition, a postpandemic marking clampdown has seen around 70,000 fewer A-level grades awarded at A/A*.

A similar story for GCSE results means thousands of 16-year-olds intent on A-levels face rejection. Those job-hunting won’t have grades that impress bosses - and they face increased competition in the jobs market.

New data shows 30 per cent of university students with ‘pandemic’ grades awarded by teachers in 2020 and 2021 are dropping out and hunting for work.

“It sounds a very gloomy picture and undoubtedly it’s going to be tough for many. But there are brilliant, life-changing options open to young people right here on their doorsteps, and we are ready to help,” said Natalie Doherty, Deputy

CEO of award-winning skills academy The Source. The academy has transformed over 10,000 lives since launching in 2003.

A registered charity which was crowned Training Provider of 2023 in the Sheffield City Region Apprenticeship Awards, it has helped over 5,600 apprentices gain qualifications, upskilled 4,099 workers and got 531 NEETs who didn’t achieve in education ‘work ready’ via the government-funded Traineeships scheme.

“Traineeships have now ended but the Study Programme replaces it and we see our ground-breaking version as a real gamechanger for 16-19 year-olds and 19-24s with special educational needs. We are

throwing our expertise and enthusiasm into delivering it,” said Natalie.

Study Programmes will help young people identify their potential, gain confidence, skills and qualifications and forge relationships with employers via work experience.

It will also appeal to budding young entrepreneurs. A key element of the free, ninemonth course will see teams set up and run profit-making companies.

“Mentors from leading local businesses will be teaching vital skills - from HR, sales and marketing to negotiation, conflict resolution, motivating and managing employees,” said Natalie.

“The project will spark

entrepreneurialism and young people joining workforces will have experience-borne understanding of how businesses operate.

“Business profits will be donated to charities of their choice, which encourages social responsibility. If you’re looking for a challenge, contact us for a September 11 enrolment.”

Learners will have 38 weeks of face-to-face tuition with The Source’s expert tutors. Personalised study programmes could encompass BTECs Level 1&2, Functional English, Digital Technology and Maths or GCSE retakes and cohorts will be supported into further education, jobs or apprenticeships.

The Source, now based at Magna, currently has 27 apprenticeship vacancies and expects a surge in demand this autumn.

“We urge employers to offer roles. Apprenticeships are a highly effective way of growing talent and developing motivated, skilled and qualified workforces. There are Government cash grants and we fully support learners with their studies.” For information on the Study Programme or apprenticeships, contact Business.Development@ thesourceacademy.co.uk

The Source Skills Academy in Sheffield is passionate about bringing out the best in people. It has been helping businesses to increase the talents of their teams since 2003 and is proud to sponsor Skills Focus, a monthly spotlight on training and apprenticeship news and funding to help you develop your staff.

“There are brilliant, life-changing options open to them right here, on their doorsteps”

The Source Study Programme with tutor

Your Training Solved

We

equality in STEM

Upcoming events

in partnership with unLTD Business Magazine

Allyship in the Workplace

Date: Thursday 23 November 2023

Timings: 8.45am Arrival 9.00am 4-hour Workshop 1.00pm Finish

Venue: AMP Technology Centre

Advanced Manufacturing Park

Brunel Way, Rotherham, S60 5WG

Price: £100 per person + VAT

Learn how to take meaningful action as an ally. Allyship at Work helps you understand privilege, recognise your positional power at work, and learn specific actions you can take to show up as an ally.

Let’s create an inclusive workplace together!

equalityinstem.org.uk

2024 Events Programme

February

Imposter syndrome & building confidence

Chloe Angus

Confidence and Leadership Coach Via Courses and Coaching

April

Neurodiversity and invisible illnesses

Panel Discussion chaired by Phil Turner

unLTD Business Magazine

September

Menopause in the Workplace

November

Cultural intelligence and managing multicultural teams

Find out more about how we can help individuals and businesses benefit from better equality in STEMvisit our website now or scan here

unLTD Awards Are Now Open!

The first unLTD Business Awards are now open for entries – celebrating the best entrepreneurs, start ups and SMEs in the region.

The first ever unLTD Business Awards are now open for entries – and you have until October 13 to make sure you don’t miss out. The awards will be held at Peddler Warehouse on November 30, in Sheffield’s Kelham Island district, housing 500 people in an event that is apt for the region’s modern, forward-thinking businesses.

Hosted by The Chase’s Paul Sinha, it will be an evening of celebration and encouragement for those SMEs who have had a fantastic 12 months and are helping drive the region’s economy forward. With our awards categories, you’ll only be up against businesses in your sector, while our awards entry and judging process is designed to be simple and transparent, in order to encourage participation.

HOW TO ENTER?

Just head to awards.unltdbusiness. com, register and complete the (very brief) application form. The idea of these awards is that it’s easy to enter, so we’ll just ask for some very simple info about the business and then ask you to upload a maximum 5 minute video explaining why you should win. You can enter as many awards as you like and the closing date is October 13th. Information about all the judges is housed on our website, as well as all the key dates and other info.

ABOUT THE NIGHT

The awards take place at Peddler Warehouse in Sheffield on November 30, hosted by Paul Sinha. Tickets will go on sale once judging is complete!

List of Awards

•Best Nightlife or Hospitality Business

•Best Independent Retailer

•Property and Construction Company of the Year

•Best Business Support or Consultancy

•Creative Business of the Year

•Manufacturing Company of the Year sponsored by MEPS

•Best Recruitment or HR Business

•Best Technology Business

•Finance and Accountancy

Company of the Year

•Legal Company of the Year

•Best Not For Profit, Charity or Social Enterprise sponsored by Bag It Don’t Bin It

•Best Business Start Up sponsored by Business Sheffield

•Best Micro Business sponsored by Sevenhills Creative (less than 10 employees and under £2 million)

•Best Small Business sponsored by Chapter II (less than 50 employees and an annual turnover under

unLTD Business Awards

IN A NUTSHELL

Head to awards.unltdbusiness.com, complete your entry (it’s nice and easy) by October 13. Judging will take place after that with nominations announced on October 27th!

WHEN'S THE CEREMONY?

November 30, 2023 at Peddler Warehouse in Sheffield.

£10 million)

•Best Medium-sized Business sponsored by Simoda (less than 250 employees and an annual turnover under £50 million).

•See It Be It Award for Inspiring The Future Workforce

•Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by Andy Hanselman Consulting

•Best Company Culture

•Sustainable Business of the Year

Thanks to all our sponsors

The period of lockdowns, and the uncertainty that surrounded that time, was detrimental to many people’s livelihoods, as well as their health, but there were still those those who took the decision to start their own business either in the run up to, or during, the lockdowns.

Through no fault of their own, some of these businesses struggled to find a foothold and the requisite support in this new environment,

and speaking from the experience of setting up my own business up in February 2020, I know all too well the pitfalls and difficulties that new businesses faced.

That isn’t the whole picture though, and thanks to a mixture of resilience and ingenuity, many new businesses in our region managed to thrive and this month’s cover feature shines a light on six such businesses, delving into their experiences of setting up shop in

tumultuous times and finding out if these experiences made them more durable as a result.

One of the hardest hit sectors in the early stages was events. Venues across the country were forced to close, with little indication of when or even if they would be able to reopen. Against this backdrop, you’d be forgiven for thinking that an upstart ticketing platform may have gone to the wall, but Sheffieldbased national success story

IT’S BEEN THREE LONG YEARS SINCE THE COVID PANDEMIC TORE UP THE WORLD AS WE KNEW IT. IN MANY WAYS, THINGS HAVE REVERTED BACK TO SOME SORT OF NORMALITY COMPARED TO THE CHAOS OF 2020, BUT YEARS DOWN THE LINE SINCE THE FINAL RESTRICTIONS WERE LIFTED, WE’RE ALL STILL UNPACKING WHAT COLLECTIVELY HAPPENED TO US, BOTH ON A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. WORDS: ASH BIRCH

Tickets for Good flies in the face of this assumption.

Tickets For Good is a social enterprise that provides free and heavily discounted tickets to NHS Staff, charities and social groups across the UK. Working alongside over 500-plus events partners, their mission is to support the improvement of health and wellbeing and to increase access to events for their 250,000 members, saving them over £10m on face value tickets.

Set up initially in 2019 as a ticketing platform to rival the likes of Eventbrite, founders Steve Rimmer and Neville Mosey took the decision to reposition the platform with the idea of distributing unsold tickets to charitable organisations in March 2020, just two-weeks before the lockdowns hit.

The unfortunate timing meant that this new model was rendered impossible, at least in those early months and Tickets For Good’s UK Operations Director Pippa Le Grand explains how the business and the arts sector as a whole

reacted: “First it was panic, and then it became time to reflect, and that period of reflection was really valuable.

“Founders Steve and Nev took the opportunity to reset what they wanted to do and the key opportunity for Tickets For Good came a year later, when they developed the current model, aimed primarily at NHS workers.

“It made a lot of sense for the events industry that wanted to be able to come out of the pandemic reminding people that events are a safe and valuable way to spend time to then give free tickets to NHS workers.

“It allowed events to really start going again and to get audiences through the door, but also to reward NHS workers for seeing everyone through a tough year. We felt it was fulfilling that need on both sides; the events partners get something valuable and meaningful, and the audiences get something valuable and meaningful too.

“In a sense, Covid’s timing did play a role in that we were

approaching NHS Trusts at a time when staff understood that the NHS was under the most enormous pressure.”

Now on the cusp of extending their remit to allow access to tickets to those in receipt of Cost of Living payments, the business has gone from strength to strength as the events industry regains its feet and looks for different ways to entice new audiences into their venues.

For those not in the events or hospitality sectors, the necessity of remote working meant that technology played an even more important role in our working lives during lockdowns, with a shift to platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Sheffield tech firm Simoda, who set up in 2019 and began trading in October of that year, are another local start up that can boast success despite setting up just before the pandemic hit.

Born out of the frustrations of working in other tech companies, its founder’s intended to shake up the way the tech industry worked, creating a company based on technology and not sale team’s profits, instilling a community spirit amongst their workforce, while simplifying, modernising and accelerating (hence the name Simoda, geddit?).

They found that many of the practises they were keen to introduce became the norm and they were well positioned to tackle the challenges of lockdown head on.

“Effectively, the pandemic helped us build together,” says Simoda Managing Director Daniel Bumby, “While our competitors were putting people on furlough, we only had six people, so we decided we needed to maintain what we were doing, keep a good head on where we were, and build a strategy for when we got out of the pandemic.

“The technologies we’d been pushing for the previous four or four or five years were exactly what we were pushing during the pandemic. We were already talking to people about moving over to cloud services and modernising their environment.

“One of the reasons that I really believe we were successful through the pandemic was not going out to people and saying, "You need to do this." Instead, we were there to

DANIEL BUMBY

advise and help. We didn’t see it as a business opportunity.

“I look at some businesses in our industry, and they saw it as an opportunity to make loads of money and started selling things like heat sensors, which, frankly, was a load of nonsense. We just worked how we’d always worked by helping businesses achieve what they needed to achieve.”

Much in the same way as Tickets For Good, they also found their work stream closely tied to the NHS. Initially, they were asked by The Sheffield CCG (Clincial Commissioning Group) to look after doctor’s surgeries IT in the region and provide devices so that doctors in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Bassetlaw could work remotely.

Following the success of that project, they were then asked to help set up the tech required to operate the region’s vaccination centres. Given the urgency of the situation, their flexibility and willingness to take risks meant that people in our area could start being vaccinated efficiently.

“One of the big frustrations I had at previous companies was that there was no willingness to take risks,” says Daniel. “In setting up Simoda, we did something different and then the pandemic taught people to think differently. I think the companies that have succeeded and were strong during the pandemic had the ability to be agile.

“I’m pleased, in a way, that the pandemic happened when it did, because it’s helped us along our journey. I’ll be honest, there were a few sleepless nights, but it’s worked out well.”

Another business looking to differentiate themselves with the use of technology was Chesterfieldbased law firm CMP Legal, who opened the doors to their new offices, or at least stood outside them in a socially distanced fashion, in March 2021.

Solicitors Anna Cattee, Jason Skelton, Neil Brown and Stacey Pocock made the decision to pool together their business legal knowledge and begin the process of launching CMP Legal in 2020, before suddenly being plunged into lockdown and a sea of uncertainty.

They decided to stick to their guns and spent the summer of

2020 doing the groundwork for the business from their back gardens, while they waited for authorisation from the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

Co-founder Stacey Pocock said: “It was a leap of faith because we didn’t know what was going to happen. But we thought, 'Well, we didn’t know what was going to happen anyway' so realised we were in no worse position because of the lockdown.

“Initially, it was just myself and Anna, but we were eventually joined by Neil Brown and Jason Skelton after deciding rather than just the two of us, let’s be the four of us.

“I’d never worked with Neil and Jason before and Anna had only worked with them when she was a trainee, but we couldn’t meet and get to know each other like you would over coffee.

“Like many people, we had to switch to online meetings. It brought forward the use of technology in a way that we envisaged and planned, but suddenly were forced into.

“It allowed us the time to roadtest the technology, because one of the principles we have as a business is to be engaged with and embracing of new technology. We can’t change the law and the processes, but we can change the way those processes are delivered and, even before Covid and lockdowns, that was something that was important to us.”

Stacey also believes that the slowing down of the world allowed them to think about some key decisions in a way that might not have been possible previously. It also allowed them to engage with other professionals using online communication, rather than relying on organised meetings and networking events, which meant that when the doors opened for business, they were able to hit the ground running.

“On reflection, being forced to be more proactive was a good thing,” explains Stacey. “One of the big takeaways from that time was there was a lot in the press about how business because of Covid was on its backside. Being in the thrust of that, and being a new start-up, our experience was completely different to what was being reported in the press. It was a really

different picture.

“There’s a lot of negatives to come out of the pandemic, and obviously some people had some really sad times and lost family members – and that’s awful. But from a business perspective, the picture painted nationally is that it was the worst thing that has ever happened. Whereas, we can look back now and say it gave us the impetus to work in a different way.”

Wayne Fletcher, Founder and Director of Austin Fletcher, set up his property and construction consultancy in 2019, six months before lockdown, and also believes that flexibility, alongside a willingness to embrace technology played a part in his business’s success through the pandemic, as well as giving them the breathing space to grow at a manageable rate.

Wayne said: “We weathered Covid well, as I’d deliberately designed the business to be flexible: we weren’t stuck in an office 24/7, we utilised Microsoft Teams and Office 365, worked remotely when it made sense and generally fitted things around our clients.

“So, when the lockdown came in, it wasn’t such a shock to the system. We were also lucky in the sense that while construction was impacted, our industry was still able to go to work, so site visits and working remotely just continued for us.

“I spent a lot of time on Teams and Zoom calls for business development, trying to help us grow. For businesses in general this was difficult, but for a new business trying to make new connections and network over video calls, it was particularly challenging.

“But on reflection, Covid may have helped the business. Yes, projects coming through slowed up a little bit, but it meant we didn’t jump into recruiting people earlier than we wanted to. We were able to grow initially at a manageable rate without having to take any rash decisions that might have come back to bite us.

“Plus, it provided the time to get a lot of the processes and administration behind the business in place, which whilst not the glamorous side of running a business, it’s important to be prepared rather than picking it up as you go along.”

Technology and innovation weren’t the only driving forces for successful business in Covid; some people simply used the time to take stock of their life and embark on a passion project that had long been on the backburner.

Former professional former footballer Steve Lenagh joined the Police Force at the end of his sporting career, but right from the start, Steve knew he wasn’t happy in the role. As Covid hit, Steve was still working full time in the Force and tells us that it was this was the "straw that broke the camel’s back" in terms of motivating him to work towards setting up his own coaching and training provider, The Curious Northerner.

“I just felt life’s too short for this,” says Steve. “My story is heavily linked to Covid, but in a positive way, because I gave up a life I wasn’t happy in, and started to create one that I really wanted. It was a pivotal moment for me.

“I fell into the police because I didn’t know what else to do, but it was never for me. My home life probably masked the fact that I

didn’t like my job. Covid highlighted how much I hated it because there wasn’t anything else.”

Following a stint working with another coaching company, Steve set up The Curious Northerner and now works with individuals on a one-to-one basis, focusing on mindset, confidence and motivation, as well as with teams to maximise performance. As coaching and training could be done online through the pandemic, Steve found himself able to reprioritise his life.

“Covid, bizarrely, ended up being a positive for me. Amongst a really tough time, I was able to establish what was important to me. My wife got diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer right at the start of Covid and that was a massive motivating factor for me to make the switch.

“I was obviously heartbroken, but Covid gave both me and my wife the opportunity to sit back and go, 'This is horrendous but what are we going to do?' For me, it was I’m going to quit that job I hate and I’m going to start living. It was so liberating.”

The adversity that all these businesses faced meant that many of them feel much more resilient when faced with the challenges of the current climate.

Ticket’s For Good’s Pippa said: “I think the startup experience through the pandemic has been tough, but it’s also meant that resilience has been baked in from the very beginning.

“Instead of it being about survival, it was about how do we initiate something great in this incredibly difficult climate? That in itself has been a useful experience and exercise for us. Start ups had the opportunity to be innovative, with no more risks than they’re already taking.”

CMP Legal’s Stacey added: “Some of the more established firms, have really had to step back and look at how they deliver services to make themselves resilient, whereas we’ve started up from scratch with resilience in mind.”

Steve from The Curious Northerner commented: “I'd say it didn’t make me more resilient, it highlighted how resilient I am. We tend to worry about insignificant things, but when the s**t really hits the fan, we all step up.”

WAYNE FLECTCHER

STACEY POCOCK

Cover: Shakespeare Martineau

BUILDING BUSINESS DURABILITY: NAVIGATING CRISES AND THRIVING AMID UNCERTAINTY

In the first six months of 2023, Yorkshire businesses accounted for 10% of UK administrations, the fourth highest region in the country – making it clear there is a need for proactive measures to ensure durability, especially during an era marked by unexpected upheavals and unprecedented challenges. Despite weathering the Covid-19 storm and, in many cases, emerging stronger from the pandemic, surging energy prices, high interest rates, supply chain disruptions, inflation and the cost-of-living crises are plaguing businesses up and down the country. These factors can significantly impact cash flow, operational efficiency and overall stability.

Five key steps to ensure your business remains viable in turbulent times

• Focus on cash flow: the importance of accurate forecasting

• Manage your debtors carefully

• Review existing and ongoing liabilities to suppliers

• Manage stock carefully

• Ensure regular dialogue with key stakeholders: seeking financial support or forbearance where necessary

Protecting against risks and recognising the warning signs

The cornerstone of business durability lies in the ability to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. The environment demands

businesses remain agile and flexible, capable of pivoting their operations, products or services in response to shifting market dynamics. Forward-thinking businesses are proactive, fostering a culture of innovation and openness to change, where employees at all levels are empowered to contribute ideas and insights.

It is vital businesses are not caught out by issues arising in their own supply chain and must remain vigilant for red flags that could indicate a problem with customers or suppliers. These include failing to meet debt obligations or deliver on commitments to customers and suppliers, sudden management changes, and negative market information.

Additionally, tracking legal filings and notices can provide insights into a company’s financial health.

Durability and resilience

Embracing durability means proactively

identifying and managing risks. Companies should conduct thorough risk assessments and develop comprehensive contingency plans. This includes diversifying supply chains, building cash reserves and leveraging technology for efficient remote operations. By having a well-rounded risk management strategy, businesses can mitigate potential disruptions. Durability stems from a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences. Engaging with customers on a regular basis and incorporating their feedback into decisionmaking processes can help businesses tailor their offerings to match evolving demands. Customer loyalty is a crucial buffer during tough times.

Technology and leadership

Technological advancement is a key driver of durability. Companies that integrate digital solutions into their operations are better

equipped to navigate remote work scenarios, tap into global markets and streamline processes. The pandemic highlighted the importance of technology in maintaining business continuity – from e-commerce platforms to virtual collaboration tools. Resilient leaders communicate transparently, inspire their teams and make tough decisions with empathy, ensuring employees remain aligned with company goals.

Navigating a way forward

Implementing riskmitigation measures are the first step to navigating crises. However, it is important not to ignore any warning signs – seeking professional advice can open up more options. Taking a proactive approach to address underlying issues will allow businesses to better navigating the tough trading conditions and increase their chance of survival.

With the economic landscape continuing to shift, Sean Moran, insolvency partner at Sheffield law firm Shakespeare Martineau, discusses how businesses can enhance their durability to navigate turbulent times.

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ANIMATING AND INNOVATING

In our interview with Laura Blackburn, the founder and creative director of B Animated, we delve into the world of animation and creativity. B Animated Ltd, headquartered at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley, is making waves in the realm of 2D animation and design with their work being showcased across the region – and even all the way out to New York! Laura spoke with Phil Turner last month to share her insights into the business, its unique approach, recent projects, and balancing out running a company with looking after her young children.

Could you give us a brief description of B Animated and the services you offer?

B Animated Ltd is a 2D animation and design studio, based at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley. Our mission is simple: to use our expertise in animation to help businesses get the best results. We can help with everything from explaining a product or service in clear and simple terms with one of our animated ‘explainer’ videos, to designing eye-catching graphics for social media, or creating an animated logo to make brand stands out.

In a constantly shifting marketplace, how do you differentiate your business to give it an edge over others?

We pride ourselves on being ‘small but mighty’ and having that personal touch. We don’t supply off-theshelf content to our clients. We help organisations tell their stories through bespoke high-quality 2D animation that really connects with their audience. We work not just to complete a project, but to knock it out of the park, and we achieve this by really getting to know our clients. We understand that every organisation is unique, so we get to know them, their sticking points and how we can use our skills and expertise to help them reach the top level in their creative content. By tapping into their brand to find their voice, we successfully tell their stories in a way that really reflects them and engages with their audience.

What have you been working on recently, and do any projects stand out?

We’ve been working with a lot of white-label clients over the past year, so I’m not able to go into too much detail about those jobs. Aside from that, we’ve been working on a lot of sports graphics with huge clients such as Science in Sport (SiS), creating animations for the pitchside LED advertising screens at the Yankee

Stadium in New York and the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. We’ve had quite a few big-name clients come on board this year, which is great!

Closer to home, we’re also very proud of a local project we worked on for The Seam – Barnsley’s Digital Campus – who held the very first Tech Summit in Yorkshire at Barnsley IMAX Cineworld towards the end of last year. This was the biggest screen we have produced content for to date. As a digital business ourselves, it felt like a great personal success to champion other businesses within the region as well as receive positive client feedback.

We spoke to you in an earlier issue about your inspiration in setting up the business and your aspirations for the company. Has that journey been similar to the one you anticipated when starting out? There have certainly been challenges along the way. The very first week I started trading, my grandad died. We were really close, so it was a difficult time, but he was really interested in what I did and wanted me to go on and do well in it. I did it for him really. So, right from the start there were difficult periods, but I managed to get that first contract in and it’s all grown from there – to be honest, probably a lot faster than I anticipated! I never thought I’d be working with some of the companies that I work with today and I’ve never really had to go looking for work in the last five years. Most jobs have come through referrals.

What do you put that success down to?

I think our expertise in animation is quite niche. Rolling back to about seven years ago, I remember sitting with Ben from Enterprise Barnsley, telling him about how I wanted to open a creative studio to do websites, animation, logo and graphic design, etc, and I remember him saying there were plenty of companies doing that and I needed a niche. Not many of those companies could animate, so I built it around that key

focus. That said, when people tell me how well I’m doing, I still get imposter syndrome and can’t seem to see it myself!

That’s interesting. Why do you think that is?

I’m not so sure. Maybe it’s built into me? Even though I know I’m talented at what I do, I always think I’ve got to do better – but that’s been with me going right back to university, college and even my GCSEs. However, as my confidence has grown over the years, I’ve managed to get to the point where I can run and grow a business. I think sometimes I need a bit of a break from work, then after a bit of time away from it, I can step back and appreciate what I’ve done more.

On that note, do you think perhaps it’s easier to become more self-critical when running your own business?

I think it’s more that sometimes you can end up drowning a little bit. If you’re employed for a company, it’s often easier to finish at the end of a working day, shut your laptop, and switch off a bit. It tends to be a bit more difficult when you’re running a business. Sometimes after I’ve put the kids to bed, I’ll open the computer again and start doing my accounts. Or get back onto checking and answering emails on my phone. It can feel a bit more non-stop.

On the flip side of that, what are the biggest positives you take from being self-employed? Flexibility. Especially when it comes to childcare: the lack of it and how expensive it is. I’ve got an eightyear-old and a two-year-old, so everything I do is working around my kids. I’m open with my clients about that, but I’ve never missed a deadline yet, so it’s never been an issue for me in terms of getting the work done. There might be times when I have to draft in some freelance people to help out on certain jobs, but if that’s the way to make it work, so be it.

In terms of that flexibility and the juggling of work and childcare, what might an average working day look like?

An average day will involve dropping my eldest off at school before working nine ‘til two-thirty, and then heading out on the school run again. After that, it’ll be getting the teas ready, bedtime for the kids, and once that’s done I’ll open my laptop and work a couple of extra hours in the evening. I still fit in the working hours, but I’m able to work it around the day. It’s never been an issue for my clients, especially when you consider how flexible working has become far more popular since Covid. It can be difficult, of course, but

I get it done and use trusted freelancers if there’s a situation with the kids that means I need to step away from work for a bit.

You also are active in charity work with a number of causes. Could you talk a bit about how and why you got involved in that?

Yeah, I just think it’s important to give back, especially when the charities are close to our hearts. We’ve donated around £10,000 worth of working time for chosen charities in the past year. One is for Resolute, a domestic abuse charity; and the other is Healthwatch, which is an organisation dedicated to improving standards in health and social care. Every November it’s World Prematurity Day, so around that time I’ll do work for certain charities and create animated social media posts to raise awareness around that.

What are the visions for the future of the business? Do you envisage bringing some people in full-time, or growing the company in other ways?

I do want to grow the business a bit more. That said, I’m happy with the clients I’ve got at the moment, and I genuinely enjoy doing what I do. I’m not motivated by money; the most important thing to me is that I like my job and enjoy showing off our work. Seeing your work on huge screens at worldwide stadiums – that’s an incredible feeling and keeps me coming back for more.

If you’re interested in a bespoke animation for your business, you can find more details at banimated. co.uk.

@b_animated1

BY TAPPING INTO THEIR BRAND TO FIND THEIR VOICE, WE SUCCESSFULLY TELL THEIR STORIES IN A WAY THAT REALLY REFLECTS THEM AND ENGAGES WITH THEIR AUDIENCE.

CREDIT: KIN

CREDIT: DANIEL BERRY

See It Be It

Sheffield City Council’s See it Be it in Sheffield campaign recently completed its second full academic year of activities in Sheffield schools and colleges.

The campaign, which is run in partnership with South Yorkshire Careers Hub and Sheffield Business Together, and is supported by funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company and European Social Fund, provides a service to help schools and colleges find volunteers from local businesses to bring to life the world of work and take part in activities such as mock interviews, careers talks, mentoring, skills workshops and workplace visits.

Over the course of 2022/23 608 volunteers from 118 different employers and businesses took part in 122 opportunities with 37 schools and colleges. There were interactions with 16,093 students and 1,642 hours were volunteered – a total leveraged value of £64,038.

Highlights included ‘What’s my Line’ sessions at various schools, with students attempting to guess volunteers’ job roles, and workplace visits to CMS with Astrea Academy, Mattress Online with Holgate Meadows, Fragomen with Longley Park Sixth Form and SCCCCs with Seven Hills

Employers also took part in careers talks, including Sheffield City Council’s own Executive Director of Neighbourhoods Ajman Ali visiting his old school Firth Park to tell the story of his journey from working in refuse collection, all the way up to a senior management position.

The campaign supported several mock interview days, giving students a chance to practice interview skills, and Careers in the Curriculum sessions highlighting why skills learned in English and Maths are important in the workplace.

And we can’t forget The BiG Challenge, Sheffield’s flagship enterprise competition that saw 280 teams from 19 schools design and grow their own businesses from a £25 start-up loan, with support from employers throughout.

An independent report by Kada Research looked at some of the activities and found that 83% of students involved were now aware of the different types of careers available to them, and 80% were now aware of how the subjects they are studying relate to their future career. There was also improvement in Sheffield schools on the Gatsby Benchmarks (a framework used to measure the quality of careers education in schools and colleges), with those relating to employer engagement receiving their highest ever scores.

A range of businesses and sectors were involved in the See it Be it in Sheffield campaign, from sole traders and microbusinesses, to global corporations and national public sector organisations. The beauty of the campaign is that it can fit around your needs and availability, with one of the volunteers Rhian Scott from RJS Business Support saying “as a sole trader this campaign allows me to give back at times that are convenient to me, getting to spend time in schools and seeing the difference it makes to students and their confidence”.

Feedback from educators was also positive; following a workplace visit to Food Circle Supermarket, Tom Daniels from Seven Hills said “Students really enjoyed themselves – one even said ‘I could really do this when I leave school?’ He said this as both a question and a statement of belief, and has been floating on cloud of self-belief ever since!”

CASE STUDY Paul Simpson: Food Circle Supermarket

Paul is Co-Founder of Food Circle Supermarket, a small business based in the outskirts of Sheffield. He has been involved in See it Be it since its inception and has a passion and drive to support entrepreneurship in young people. He signed up to the campaign and received free advice and support from the See it Be it Team, including attending a training session, before being placed with The Sheffield College to deliver a talk to inspiring entrepreneurs on their StartUp course. This developed into a longer-term relationship, where he continues to speak to students, helping them to understand more about what it takes to start and grow a business.

When he decided he wanted to get more involved in the strategic side of things, he was matched as an Enterprise Adviser with Seven Hills school, meeting with them regularly to provide an insight into the working world and helping them make their careers education programme more relevant to the world of work.

Paul says “I’m fortunate to be in the position I am in running a successful business, and See it Be it gives me the chance to provide opportunities for people that don’t normally get them. I’ve met some fantastic new people, and feel a sense of achievement that goes beyond just business”

GET INVOLVED

The See it Be it team want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in the campaign over the past academic year, for helping to improve life chances and careers aspirations.

If you would like to access free support from in the See it Be it in Sheffield team and get involved in activities in schools and colleges, just drop them a line on seeitbeit@ sheffield.gov.uk

GRAVITATE ACCOUNTING

IN THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF THE ACCOUNTING INDUSTRY, GRAVITATE ACCOUNTING STANDS OUT AS A DISRUPTOR. EMBRACING AUTOMATION, TECH AND A PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH, THEY ARE REDEFINING TRADITIONAL PRACTICES TO OFFER A FRESH, MODERN PERSPECTIVE ON ACCOUNTING SERVICES. CO-FOUNDER SAM NEWTON TALKS US THROUGH SOME OF THE KEY WAYS IN WHICH THEY’RE INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE.

EMBRACING AUTOMATION AND TECH

Prior to setting up Gravitate Accounting, I worked for a number of accountancy firms and was able to see in some cases where old processes could be holding back progress. Digitisation is huge in this industry, so I saw plenty of big opportunities for pushing that further. There’s an event each year called Xerocon, which is a cloud accounting conference run by the people behind Xero – a piece of online accountancy software that has overtaken Sage. There’s an app that links it to just about every industry, and it is massively helpful in terms of automating clients and finance functions, saving them time and money in the process. Even though other firms in Sheffield were using part of its functionality, I saw a chance to make a full go of it and build a firm around this software, supported by additional tools such as Pleo, GoCardless, DEXT and the growth of online-only banks like Starling, Monzo and Revolut. These all provide game-changing solutions to some of the historically time-consuming tasks of the past.

LOSE THE TIMESHEETS

So, automation and embracing tech was one driver. Another was realising how being driven by traditional timesheets can be a restrictive way of working with clients. For example, if I had a client who perhaps were struggling a bit, I’d want to go spend half a day in the business so I could understand the difficulties more and advise on some changes. The traditional model will have an hourly rate for that sort of service, which can become very expensive - and the issues still might not get resolved! To combat the issues of charging per hour, we use GoProposal, where the client can select a bespoke service from a list of options, guided by a member of our team, which tailors everything to their needs and quotes them there and then for the job. It feels like

a much more open way of doing it, especially with it being a fixed monthly price rather than a big bill landing once a year. If people want to call, email or WhatsApp us, there are no extra charges as it’s all built into the monthly fee.

PEOPLE MATTER

We always say that we can train a person to be a good accountant, but we can’t train a good accountant to be a good person. Now more than ever, we make sure that we’re recruiting the right personalities: individuals who are comfortable interacting and presenting themselves to clients. Even if we’re sending over some monthly accounts, we’ll use an app called Loom which records a video of us talking through the accounts bit by bit. It’s much more personable and helpful than simply sending over a report with some notes; we can translate the numbers and explain precisely what they mean for the business concerned in an engaging way.

OFFICE CULTURE

It starts with getting the right people in, but then you’ve got to put things in place to make sure the office culture reflects the sort of business you want to run. We want it to be a lively, welcoming atmosphere in the office here. Throughout the team, we’ve got decades-worth of experience with big firms, so we’ve been able to discuss and cherry-pick the best bits of office culture across a wide range of companies and implement it here. We offer flexible working, but the majority of the time people come into the office, which is probably a good sign!

It’s about constantly trying to improve the overall experience. We recently sent around a list of potential benefits to the staff, asking which they’d prefer. This year we were able to implement the top eight from the responses. It could be as simple as having a fresh fruit delivery for the office each week or going on a ‘work-cation’, where

we combine a bit of work with a trip away and some team bonding time. We’re currently rolling out staff mobiles and trialling dual sim phones so staff can keep personal time and work time apart. We have local start-up businesses and freelancers rent desk space in the office, which keeps things fresh, interesting and more often than not, leads to some form of collaboration or useful networking. Oh, and a beer fridge in the office keeps a lot of people happy too!

OUTSOURCING FINANCIAL DIRECTORS

In accountancy, you’re either working in practice or industry. But here at Gravitate, we’ve looked at how we can bridge that gap. What I've personally always liked about the job is getting involved in people’s businesses, spending time with them and getting to the crux of issues. As such, we offer our Outsource FD services to companies and keep it flexible: they might do one day one month, and then five days the following month – whatever works best! We can move things around and deliver that service as well as practice-based advisory work for a wide range of clients.

Personally, I am the FD for a company called Unity Health Group and work up to three days a week on that, but I can also mix that with my practice-based work from the office. For the clients themselves, it means that rather than using a big chunk of the budget to hire an in-house financial director on a sixfigure salary, they can have access to a full team of financial directors working together for a fraction of that cost. Plus, we’ll be able to keep them up to date with all the latest technology, advising on how they can optimise and automate their business for the future. It seems to more sense for all involved.

PROVIDE A PATH

A lot of accounting companies have a ceiling when it comes to staff progression. There’s no clear

path other than knowing a person is above you and perhaps it’s a case of waiting for them to leave before there’s any chance of stepping up.

We’ve built a model where staff members can develop and grow. When they have got to the stage where they are ready, they can set up what we call a ‘squad’. They essentially run a business within a business and begin building a team, taking on clients and building up a portfolio. When they reach a certain portfolio size, they’ll earn 20% of whatever they bring in for the company. Then, following that, when they’ve hit another set target, we’ll give them a shareholding in the company itself. It’s essentially an open model that sets out a path from member of the team to a shareholder running a squad.

HONEST SOCIALS

Of course, when business is going well, it’s right to shout about that in your socials. But I do think it’s important to give the honest side of running a business, where you discuss how difficult it can be to juggle workload with family life, the importance of taking a break and avoiding burnout. LinkedIn, for example, can be a strange place where everything is always so positive, but I think starting genuine discussions about where things aren’t as great is just as important.

Sticking with social media, I feel like we’ve embraced some platforms that may traditionally be overlooked by other firms in the industry. For example, I think we’ve got the most Google reviews out of any Sheffield accountancy firm. It may not be something which we win much work from at the moment, but there’s every chance it will become a more important factor over the next few years. We make sure we’re making noise across all the main platforms, growing our following on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. We will soon start using TikTok to create educational content around accounting services, which I think is also important even though I might get a bit of stick whenever I appear on one! It’s important as a modern business to move with the times and anticipate the increasing importance of social media across all industries.

For more info on the services offered by Gravitate Accounting, head to www.gravitate.digital.

SNACK BRANDS

CRUNCH TIME

For decades, amidst evolving culinary trends and changing tastes, one iconic snack has stood unwaveringly at the forefront of the UK’s pub culture – the humble pork scratching.

It’s a legacy that transcends generations, the unmatched accompaniment for a pint down the local, and an everpresent feature amidst scenes of socialising, unwinding and merriment up and down the country.

With over 50 years of experience in the food and drink industry, the Morrisey family, operating under the banner of Snack Brands LTD, have been keeping the heritage of these beloved savoury morsels alive with their traditional hand-cooked scratchings, known as ‘Uncle Albert’s Porkshire Pigs’, which they’ve been selling for over thirty years.

Behind the business are Brian and Alex Morrisey, a fatherand-son team from Sheffield. Brian cut his teeth working for iconic Yorkshire brands such as Bassett’s Sweets and Tetley Tea before the family moved into the pub trade in 1991, initially

purchasing the East House pub on Spital Hill, and later The Riverside on Mowbray Street, formerly called The Brown Cow. In fact, if you look carefully, you should still be able to make out the old ‘Morrissey’s’ pub sign on the first floor of The Riverside.

It was after acquiring The Wortley Arms in Wortley Village that the family became involved in the bar snack business, initially supplying their own brand of pork scratchings to other pubs. Their three best-selling Uncle Albert’s products – Porkshire Pig Pork Scratchings (the quintessential classic), Porkshire Pig Pork Crackling (double-cooked indulgence) and Pork Crunch (a lighter, crisp-like variation) – swiftly propelled their snack enterprise into the forefront. This trajectory continues today, with Alex poised to carry the legacy forward and grown the business for the next three decades.

Part of that growth plan

involves expanding on their retail offering, selling products directly to consumers, pubs and smaller shops via their website. Strangely enough, it’s an opportunity that presented itself to them most clearly during Covid lockdown. “When the pubs closed, that was the majority of our business gone overnight,” says Brian. “However, after a bit of time, people started setting up bars in their back garden and because they wanted the full pub experience, we started getting orders for onekilo bags of scratchings. We’re looking to build on that.”

“The wholesale side of things is pretty steady,” says Alex. “But moving forward, we want to grow our eCommerce, dealing directly with the pubs outside of the local area who wholesalers are unable to reach and making sure people can buy from us via online platforms such as Amazon, Ebay and Etsy, which they are now able to do.”

While their marketing horizons may have expanded, Brian tells us that when it comes to a timeless snack, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. “Pork scratchings are eternal. There have been plenty of new entrants into the market, and we’ve diversified slightly by also offering our own range of Nuthatch Nuts, but the nostalgia and love for traditional pork scratchings continues. We want to keep those values alive and continue supplying local people and businesses in South Yorkshire and further afield.”

Should you wish to indulge in traditional pork snacks, crisps, and nuts from Snack Brands, feel free to reach out to them at 0114 2881520 or visit www. snackbrands.co.uk to request a complimentary sample.

LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

When you’re running a new business, advice from a friendly face or an hour in supportive, like-minded company can feel like a lifeline. Since the spring, Business Sheffield’s been developing their new hub at Electric Works so that Sheffield entrepreneurs can have just that. With their growing number of in-person courses, new business owners can get invaluable support from experienced business experts and grow their networks of fellow businesses across the city.

Business Sheffield is always evolving its service to meet what’s needed in Sheffield right now. This autumn, they’re launching two new strands of support for startups.

TECHFORGE

Following a successful series of tech startup workshops, Chris Wheater and Morgan Killick are launching Business Sheffield’s TechForge Accelerator.

Designed for early-stage tech-centred businesses, this sleek six-session programme will fast-track your journey from side hustle to startup. As well as guidance from experienced tech entrepreneurs Chris and Morgan, you’ll tap into the expertise of guest founders and join the TechForge Founders Network, plugging into the local ecosystem and investment world.

You’ll finish the programme with strong foundations for your startup, from a practical understanding of how to build your prototype to strategies for attracting investment, bringing in revenue and accessing the rich network of support our region has to offer.

The next round of the programme starts on 13 September.

“I recently had the privilege of attending a series of five tech startup workshops, and I can’t emphasise enough how invaluable the experience was! What stood out the most was the expertise of the presenters and their ability to distil complex concepts into practical, actionable advice. I’m grateful for the knowledge gained, the connections made, and the inspiration received.”

Alan Hunt, Software Engineer

START-UP POWER HOURS

Thinking of starting a new business? Want to take your side-hustle full time? Making your dream a reality alongside your day-to-day takes a toll on your schedule – you need to learn the basics and set your direction fast!

Business Sheffield’s Start-up Power Hours are intensive sessions to supercharge you with everything you need to know to start your business. Led by experienced business advisor Alan Ball, they cover everything from registering your business and deciding on your legal structure to finding your premises and attracting customers.

You’ll get a chance to have your burning questions answered, and the opportunity to book a one-to-one with Alan for tailored support with your next steps.

The next round of Startup Power Hours starts on 11 September.

“The Power Hour startup workshop was a game-changer. In just an hour, Alan shared practical advice on starting a business, covering everything from ideas to getting funds, marketing and so much more. It was like a shot of useful entrepreneurial tips.

“The best part? It was made simple. Just clear guidance. By the end, I felt ready to start my own business. I recommend it to anyone who wants quick, practical startup help. It’s like a shortcut to getting started on the right foot.”

Linda Mirembe Nakimbugwe, aspiring entrepreneur in alternative therapies

To register your interest in either of these programmes or find out what else is going on, call on 0114 224 5000, email businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk, visit www. welcometosheffield.co.uk/business-workshops

PENNY GIBBS HAVE LUNCH WITH...

This month, unLTD’s Phil Turner heads to Raffina to grab lunch with Penny Gibbs, a property consultant at Sheffield-based estate agents Redbrik, to find out about what drove her drastic career change as well as her busy life, balancing a full-time job with two young children.

Hi Penny. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I started my role with Redbrik in May after deciding to take my career in a new direction. It’s a completely different industry from what I’m used to, as I previously worked in media sales for 20 years, predominantly radio. My career to date has involved account management, creating campaigns, executing them, working with clients on brand portfolios and raising their profile through different media streams. Over the last 10 years or so the media landscape has changed drastically, and much of the advertising went online and onto social media, so my role took on another dimension - but all the skills I acquired have been very transferable.

So what led you to move on from that?

I had been in the role for so long and so much had changed in that time, so I just decided it was time for a new challenge, both personally and professionally. I’d had two children in the meantime and after COVID hit, everything looked so different. I’ve always been interested in property, both myself and my partner have properties that we let, so I wanted to fuse my passion and industry knowledge with the sales skills I’d mastered over the years. That’s when I met with Mark Ross, managing director at Redbrik, and we discussed me taking on the property consultant role in the North West Sheffield office.

Some of the things that have happened to the media industry have happened to the property industry, in terms of the proliferation of online. People used to advertise in the Sheffield Telegraph if they wanted to sell

a house, do they still do that? There is still a place for print advertising in property, but advertising online is definitely the quickest, easiest and most popular way to get your home seen now, so we’re big advocates of this. At Redbrik, we’re really passionate about using social media to attract potential buyers and show off your property in all its glory with a range of innovative marketing techniques like video tours and image collections. We also rely heavily on property portals outside of our own database of buyers. But the beauty of using Redbrik, rather than an online agent, is that you get all the online content, alongside our start-tofinish customer service. We don’t only deal with the pre-sale, going to speak to that person during the valuation, instructing their property, and all the viewings, but once it’s sold, we also deal with the post-sale through our revolutionary new service SecureMove.

So you started touching on SecureMove. Could you explain more about what that is? Essentially, SecureMove has been created to speed up the sales process and create reassurance for both the vendor and the buyer, by legally preparing properties before they go to market. Upon instruction, we prepare the property information form and then as a company, we order the searches for that property. Once we have a buyer financially secured, we then ask for a reservation fee, to take it off the market and give them access to the searches, shaving weeks off the sales process and providing more security. Since introducing SecureMove, the majority of our sales complete

within 90 days - usually less - and our fall-through rates have gone from 49% to just 8% - it’s a real USP for us.

Have you had any pushback from people who haven’t liked the idea?

It’s really popular, once people understand the concept of it. I’ve sold houses before and the process has been soul-destroying, to a point where I’ve had offers accepted on my property where buyers haven’t even got a mortgage in place, plus chasing the solicitor and the estate agents just constantly can be exhausting. I can understand why someone might have doubts, but once you understand the concept, you can really see the benefit it has and what a difference it makes to your sale. Everything is quicker, easier and you have so much more security, so there is a lot less to worry about. You also have everything managed under one roof, so it’s much easier to keep track of.

What is the working culture like at Redbrik?

Fantastic. When you start a new job, walking in for the first time can be really nerve-wracking, especially when you don’t know anyone or what to expect. But at Redbrik, from the minute I walked in, I’ve felt welcome and at home, they’re genuinely really

lovely people. No one can do enough here, they always want to help and they’ve gone above and beyond to help me settle in and learn the ropes, which I’m so grateful for.

What have been the things that have been most difficult?

Working in a new industry is always difficult to start off with - learning the terminology, and understanding the systems and processes. When I started working at Redbrik, I received extensive training and by the end of it, I felt so confident and was ready to get out on the road. I had spent my whole previous career knowing the industry inside-out, so the change was nerve-wracking for me, but I feel a lot better now.

How do you find balancing being a mum with very young kids with a full time job?

It’s a constant battle. I have always been very career-driven, so when I had my little girl I must admit I found that I lost myself a little bit. Equally, mum-guilt is the worst - I feel guilty dropping my son off in the mornings and my daughter is going through a clingy phase. I have to remind myself that everything that I do is for them, to give them a good life. So I am working full time, but it’s to give them the best possible life that I can.

WHERE WE ATE: RAFFINA

Raffina is a charming café/coffee shop on the way into Fox Valley, which also houses the Redbrik offices upstairs. It’s open for breakfast and lunch with a menu that includes a range of breakfast options, including homemade waffles and pastries as well as plenty of lunch options such as toasted paninis, salads, bagels, quiches, wraps and cold sandwiches. They also serve sundaes and cream teas if you’ve a sweet tooth, so it’s a great lunch destination.

I went for a Caprese panini – toasted with buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomato, pesto and rocket, alongside an oat milk latte, while Penny tucked into a chicken caesar salad. Find them at Unit B5, Fox Valley Way, Stocksbridge, Sheffield S36 2AB or on 0114 698 0321. www.raffina.co.uk

INCLUSIVE CONSULTING

In this month’s issue, we have a quick debrief from Emma Conroy, MD of Sheffield-based recruitment consultancy Inclusive Consulting, who aim to put their staff at the heart of their business.

What inspired you to start the business?

I wanted to create a recruitment business that truly puts people and not ‘a fee’ at the heart of what we do.

There’s a reason we’re called Inclusive Consulting, and that’s because it was always my goal to cultivate a company that offers growth, progression and opportunity to each and every member of our team. Our people, our values, and our dedication to getting it right is what makes Inclusive a trusted recruitment partner for now and the future.

I wanted to create a truly consultative company that offers long-term support, guidance and expertise both to companies and professionals.

Here at Inclusive, we pride ourselves on our personal, tailored approach. We live and breathe our values of care, commitment and courage in everything we do, and this is ultimately what has led us to becoming a disruptive force in the recruitment sector, offering long-term solutions and approaches to both help people in their career goals and to ensure our clients attract and, most importantly, retain their top talent.

How do you differ from other recruitment agencies?

Our values and more importantly, our people. I am incredibly proud to work with a highly talented team that share the same values and ethics that I do. Career moves are often one of the biggest decisions we make in our lives, and we recognise the importance of getting it right. We work with individuals to understand their aspirations, and to make sure that everything we do is with their goals at the forefront of our minds.

There is no ‘one-size-fitsall’ approach to recruitment, and a fundamental part of our outlook is to ensure that we tailor our approach and service to suit every company and individual that we partner with.

Everyone at Inclusive recognises that attracting the right people to your organisation is only one step in the journey, and being able to keep your people motivated and engaged is just as important to the success of any company. We set ourselves apart as a true partner to our candidates and clients, offering coaching for teams, leaders and individuals to ensure continual

development and progress.

We’re hugely passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion and provide training and coaching in these areas. The team at Inclusive have all been trained in subconscious bias and impartial recruitment practices to ensure that our clients are always presented with the very best candidates.

Do you help your clients retain staff as well as find new ones?

Absolutely! Retaining staff is an essential aspect to the success of any company and is an aspect of the career lifecycle that is often overlooked by recruiters. Throughout my time recruiting in the region, I recognised that many businesses were going through the same recruitment cycles, which is disruptive and costly. I wanted to create a business that can assist them in retaining talent by looking at the bigger picture of workplace culture. That’s why we offer tailored consultancy around EDI, mentoring, coaching and employer branding.

Retaining great people not only requires patience and diligence, but also the right skills and expertise to create, recognise and

communicate your Employer Value Proposition. Our aim at Inclusive Consulting is to collaborate with our clients not just on their recruitment journey, but also to partner with them on how to retain their best people. Whether that be through career coaching, employer branding projects, or team building and executive level courses, Inclusive Consulting can ensure that our clients attract and retain their people.

Recruitment agencies often have their finger on the pulse of the success of their clients, does the local economy seem to be holding strong in your eyes?

Luckily, our local economy is fuelled by good old Yorkshire grit, so I definitely think it’ll hold strong!

Many senior professional and business leaders that we speak with would all agree that the last four years has been an incredibly steep learning curve in terms of navigating businesses through varying challenges, whether that be the pandemic and its aftermath, or current economical challenges. However, the businesses we’re seeing that have successfully navigated

these challenging times are those that have ensured they have the best people and best ways of working that they can offer.

We’re incredibly privileged here at Inclusive to be partnered with forwardthinking companies who recognise that innovation is an essential aspect of remaining strong through challenging times. Innovative approaches to hiring and retaining talent mean that our clients are succeeding in the face of economical challenges.

Undeniably, there are some sectors that are still facing challenges and I think it’s really important during these times for local business communities and leaders to come together, share best practice to ensure a successful and resilient local economy.

Any advice for people looking for quality candidates to help them make good hiring decisions? Absolutely: successful companies are diverse companies. It’s always good to think of any new hire as a ‘culture add’ as opposed to ‘culture fit’. Think about what qualities that person can bring to your team that you don’t currently have. Skillset, qualifications and expertise are relatively simple aspects to qualify, but a great employee will be one who can bring a fresh perspective to your team.

Looking for a great candidate is only half the battle, and in today’s market it’s just as important to position yourself as a desirable employer. We’re currently in a candidate-driven market and this has meant that in the war for talent, those organisations with an attractive culture that offers genuine progression and opportunity to their employees are those that successfully attract and retain the best people.

For more information about Inclusive Consulting, you can find them at www. incconsulting.co.uk.

Behind the numbers on income tax

New income tax statistics from HMRC appear to be good news, but the numbers are not what they seem.

The table below, recently released by HMRC, shows the average income tax rate for the three main categories of taxpayer. For example, in 2020/21, on average, basic rate taxpayers paid 9.5% of their income in tax and in the current tax year are expected to pay a slightly larger share, 9.9%. At first sight, higher rate and additional rate taxpayers seem to be doing better, as their average income tax rate drops.

HMRC offers no real explanation for the difference, other than a statement that says, “Average rates of income tax vary over time depending on the number of overall income tax payers and the number in each marginal rate band, as well as growth in incomes and changes to income tax thresholds and allowances.”

The story behind the changing numbers may be why HMRC is less than comprehensive in setting out what has happened:

For basic rate taxpayers, the average rate has increased because the personal allowance has only risen by £70 (0.56%) since 2020/21, whereas average weekly earnings increased by 23% between April 2020 and April 2023. So a greater share of income is taxable in 2023/24 than in 2020/21 and the proportionate tax rate rises.

The backdrop for higher rate taxpayers is the same, so why the falling average rate? What HMRC forgot to mention is that in 2020/21, the higher rate tax band ended at £150,000, whereas in 2023/24 it stops at £125,140. Many higher rate taxpayers towards the top of the band three years ago have now migrated into the additional rate band. The overall result is the lower average rate for higher rate taxpayers.

The picture for additional

rate taxpayers is almost a mirror image of the higher rate scenario. The near £25,000 lower starting point for additional rate in 2023/24 than 2020/21 means there are just about double the number of additional rate taxpayers in 2023/24 than in 2020/21. That extra, lower income population in the additional rate band drags down the average rate.

Check your tax band

All of which should make

you check what tax band you fall into for 2023/24 and seek professional advice if you have questions or concerns about how the changing rates might affect you.

Group on 0114 266 4432 or email info@smh.group to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.

DANIEL WOOD DESIGNS LTD

Tell us about your business – sell yourselves!

Daniel Wood Designs Ltd is a graphic design company that craft exceptional logos and brand identities. Our expertise lies in making businesses shine through designs that naturally attract customers.

With a solid four years of experience in the design realm, we don’t just create remarkable brands – we also provide ongoing support for your business. From crafting flyers, business cards and posters to curating engaging social media content, website graphics and even animations.

How did you get into graphic design?

As far as I can remember I’ve always been design-minded. Anywhere I went I had my trusty sketch pencils and pad with me. I was first introduced to graphic design while on a media, animation and games course at my local college and was tasked with designing a box cover for an imaginary game. This was when 18-year-old me wanted to pursue a career as a game designer. From there, I studied graphic design for over seven years (three years at college and four years at university), before landing my first in-house job working across two companies within the fishing industry - creating everything from catalogues, packaging, and wall murals for shops to marketing campaigns, web design, and animations for social media and YouTube films.

Why did you decide to set up your own agency?

After working in my design role for over three years, learning a lot along the way and being promoted to lead graphic designer,

I was inspired to establish the business as a way to spread my wings and build a career with no limitations. I’ve always been business-orientated and it was a lifelong dream, so when the opportunity arose, I grabbed it by the horns. I’m extremely passionate about design and pushing myself as an individual, and as a result it has driven me to create forward-thinking design solutions for businesses in the UK and internationally, which I never thought would’ve been remotely possible if you asked me a year ago!

Tell us about some work you’re particularly proud of?

I’m proud of all the projects we create for our clients, but the one that stands out is for our most recent client ‘IMBZ Group’. They are an up-and-coming German-based

medical/tech company who use cutting-edge technology to teach doctors. They came to us wanting a full brand identity ready to launch in September, which consisted of a versatile logo design, colour palette, branded fonts, marketing materials and an extensive 40-page brand guidelines booklet. Overall, the project lasted three months, and they’ve asked for ongoing support to maintain the prestigious quality of the brand. It's our most in-depth work to date and a huge milestone.

How can people get in touch with you?

I’m always happy to discuss projects of all sizes from startups to SMEs.

If you would like to discuss a project or have a general enquiry, you can contact me via email at dwd@danielwooddesigns.com or via phone on 07969979383.

A solicitor you can trust with your commercial property

This is positive news for businesses as the government promises to provide investors, developers and start-ups with support to start, grow, or relocate their business.

The award-winning team at Best Solicitors are here to help with all aspects of commercial property including sales and purchases, landlord and tenant leases, conditional contracts relating to the purchase or lease of property or land, refinancing and specialist lending.

There are many aspects to running a successful business and it is critical to have the right legal documentation in place for peace of mind.

If you are considering buying or selling a commercial property, there are a wide range of complicated considerations that we can assist with to ensure as smooth, and trouble free, a process as possible.

Landlord and tenant leases need to be carefully drafted to provide water tight protection and a clear agreement on the terms and conditions, obligations, and responsibilities, of both parties to prevent costly issues arising further down the line.

The experts at Best Solicitors can also advise and assist with the refinancing and specialist lending needs to support commercial businesses.

Recognised as the Commercial Property Team of the Year at the Sheffield & District Law Society 2023 Legal Awards, we are committed to delivering an excellent service to help clients’ business success.

Best Solicitors has offices in Sheffield, Barnsley, Stocksbridge and Filey. It offers a range of legal services to individuals and businesses including private individuals, limited companies, partnerships, large commercial organisations, and third sector businesses.

To find out more about our range of services, and to contact our team with your commercial property needs, visit www.bestsolicitorsonline.co.uk

It was announced in July that South Yorkshire will benefit from being the UK’s first Investment Zone which promises to bring £1.2 billion worth of private investment to the region by the end of the decade.

Elizabeth Harris, Director at Best Solicitors

Maximising Your IT Investment: A Roadmap to Efficiency

homes

Most companies look at IT innovation and investment as a way of making themselves more efficient.

We find that our most efficient clients deploy a strategic IT plan that works hand in hand with business goals.

Of course, we see some businesses that don’t have this joined-up thinking –departments working on disparate systems, budgets being spent on conflicting technology, staff costs wasted on pointless projects and much more. Many of you will have worked in or maybe still do work in these places!

For example, in the month of August, we worked with two very different organisations: a manufacturing business that

has 17 active users, and a training organisation with over 150 users.

Both have very different budgets and staff allocated to IT, but both have very similar needs.

What are some of these?

• Defend us. Are we doing all that we can to reduce the threat of cybercrime?

• We keep hearing about AI. This isn’t for us, or is it? (Often the answer is yes – but often not in the way in which they were thinking).

• We want to reduce our carbon footprint; we want to work towards ISO 14001. Clean tech, green tech – can we work with this? Will ‘the cloud’ help? What’s Edge Computing?

• Our systems aren’t easy to use, our staff are hybrid / home/ office working, or all of these. How do we keep making life better for our employees, retain our staff, and deliver better services to our customers?

• How do we efficiently manage our devices and our users? We’ve staff working on tablets, PC’s, mobiles. Staff working on superfast broadband, 5g and some working in the countryside who seem to struggle. Who can help them? Who can support, come up with resolutions, fix problems?

In essence, that’s what we like to talk about, that’s what we like to help

organisations with, that’s what we do well.

Since Covid, my world, as with most people, is spinning that little bit faster, and I’d love to be more efficient. A very small example… I’ve been ‘reintroduced’ to OneNote. It’s been sat there waiting for me to use it for a long time, it’s ‘free’, and it’s helping my efficiency. Who’s telling you about these things? Who’s helping you to gain an edge and gain some time back and keep you happy in the knowledge that you are getting everything that you can out of your IT investment?

We’d love to help! Drop me a line on Steve.brown@ highlanderuk.com

In all walks of life, the grand term ‘efficiency’ is much used. From our

and our finances to our time and our businesses.

HIRING AN ACCOUNTANCY

NICK BARKER. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR AT HE BARNES

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS FOR HE BARNES LTD

HE Barnes Ltd is a renowned industry leader in Mechanical, Electrical and Turnkey Facilities Management Services with a group turnover of £35 million. The HEB Group also encompasses Solutions 4 Cleaning which provides tailored cleaning solutions for businesses across several sectors.

Sheffield-born Nick Barker joined the company as Facilities Management Director 12 months ago and has led the Facilities Management division to securing a 25 percent growth, which is all part of the groups five-year plan to achieve sustainable growth.

Nick explains: “It is a really exciting time for the company as we celebrate our centenary year and look to grow the business in a number of key sectors.

“The company was set up in the heart of industrialised Sheffield by the Barnes family and over the years we have expanded our offering and grown to meet the changing needs of clients.

“I have worked in facilities management throughout my career across the UK and internationally and when the opportunity came up to work back in my home City at such a prestigious company, I couldn’t say no!

“It has been a year of change and development for the business since I joined as we have restructured our FM division and invested significantly in new systems

and technology and have defined our FM offering to take to market. Previously HE Barnes has been known more for our electrical and mechanical project work and we are working hard to shine a spotlight on our full-service, end-to-end FM offering.

“Our Facilities Management clients are based both locally, regionally as well as across the UK and some of them have been with us for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on delivering a holistic service and creating bespoke solutions for each individual client.

“As a business, I feel that we have a good moral compass and focus on doing the right thing for our

clients as well as our staff.

“We have got a fantastic, hard-working and loyal workforce and we have a really low staff turnover –which is something that we are proud of as the company has worked hard over the years to develop a great culture and working environment for all our colleagues.

“During the last 12 months, we have achieved excellent growth in our FM division and we are forecasting more significant growth for this year – which isn’t bad for a company celebrating its centenary!

“I am very much focused on achieving sustainable growth and growing the business across South

Yorkshire and beyond. For me, it is important that we do the basics well and continue to be customerfocused - as customer care is paramount in everything we do.

“We are holding a charity ball later this year to celebrate our 100 years in business with our staff, clients and suppliers. As a proud Sheffielder, I will certainly be raising a glass on the evening and toasting the past, present and future of HE Barnes. Here’s to the next 100 years!”

For more information about HE Barnes Ltd services please visit www.hebarnes. com, call 0114 275 1210 or email enquiries@hebarnes. com

Celebrating 100 years in business is a fantastic achievement for any company and this year HE Barnes Ltd is doing just that!

RITA CELEBRATES ALMOST HALF A CENTURY WITH ARCHES HOUSING

Rita Spillings was a young mum of three struggling to escape a failing and abusive marriage when she heard a new Sheffield housing association that she hoped might be able to give her shelter.

Almost 50 years later and at 80 years old, Rita is proud to say that she is not only the very first person to be supported by Arches Housing but that she is also now the longest-serving Arches tenant.

In addition, youngest son Darren was also with Arches when he was looking for his first independent home.

And Rita is hoping to create a unique three generations of Arches support as Darren’s daughter Natasha is now looking for her own home.

Arches Housing was

formed in 1975 with the aim of providing affordable decent homes for rent and regeneration and assisting in the revival of communities in Sheffieldmaking it the ideal choice

for Rita, who didn’t want to stray too far from her family’s industrial East End roots. Today, Arches Housing provides a range 1,300 properties offered at social

and affordable rentsincluding over 100 shared ownership properties - and continues to grow by developing homes for the people of Sheffield, Rotherham and Derbyshire.

“I was in a marriage with my first husband and we were having a really bad time,” Rita explains, as she looks back on her first meeting with the Arches team.

“I heard about this new organisation that was just starting off and so I got in touch with them and they said they had one house and that it would be between me and this other lady.

“I was determined to get it because I knew I had to get my sons away from my husband and I was so happy when they thought I needed that house the most.”

THE WILDCARD BAR & GRILL AND THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CHARITY CELEBRATE FUNDRAISING MILESTONE

The Children’s Hospital Charity and The Wildcard Bar & Grill are celebrating a magnificent £21,974 raised in their partnership over the last year.

The partnership began in May of 2022, with the Charity team reaching out to The Wildcard to host a quiz in the Ecclesall Road venue.

Charity Ambassador and BBC radio presenter, James Gregg helped launch the event on the 5th July 2022, which raised over £3,000.

Throughout the last year, The Wildcard has hosted four quizzes with a variety of themes and celebrity attendees including Lioness Esme Morgan, Squash World Champion Nick Matthew, Superbike World Champion James Toseland, musician Richard Hawley, and artist Pete McKee – who are all patrons of The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Rob Gurruchaga, Development Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We reached out to The Wildcard last year purely because we loved the bar. We didn’t expect it to turn into such a lovely, effective partnership that has raised £21,974!

“Events like this truly make a difference to Sheffield Children’s, and they are a great opportunity for both local businesses and supporters of the Charity to come along, have fun and raise money for a great cause. The next quiz for Sheffield Children’s will be returning on 21st November with an extra special Festive theme. To book a ticket, visit tchc.org.uk/wildcard-quiz.

STRIDING INTO 2023 CHALLENGE!

Night Strider, sponsored by Pricecheck and Gripple, the annual walking challenge that this year aims to raise vital funds towards patient care at Sheffield’s only hospice is back for a whole month this October.

Over the past decade, Night Strider has helped the hospice raise over an incredible half a million pounds and, with only 30% of St Luke’s funding coming from the government, this money helps them to continue supporting local people who need them.

With a whole month in which to complete the miles, participants are invited to take part in an activity of their choosing, allowing them to make Night Strider their own while they raise vital funds for St Luke’s patients and their families.

Whether you get the kids out this half term for a #LittleMiteStrider, take part in an early morning #BrightStrider (steps don’t have to be completed in the evening), complete your walk while trick n’ treating for a Halloween themed #FrightStrider or reconnect with friends and family for a #ReuniteStrider, the challenge is an opportunity for you to catch up with loved ones, boost your mental wellbeing, and raise money at the same time.

As part of the month-long challenge, the Night Strider team also encourages participants to walk in memory of a loved one.

Debbie Harrison OBE, Joint Managing Direction at Pricecheck, said: “St Luke’s Hospice is a local charity we’re proud to continually support, whether it’s through stock or time donations. As a large business based in Sheffield, quite a few of us have a link to the hospice or know someone who has been in their care, so it’s rewarding to be able to give something back.

“For almost a decade, Pricecheck has sponsored Night Strider, and it’s an event we look forward to every time it comes around. Our team love a challenge, and a virtual one is no different!”

To sign up for this year’s Night Strider Virtual Challenge, simply visit: www.nightstrider.co.uk

TIME TO MENTION THE 'C' WORD

Now is the time to look at the planning for your not for profit business in the run up to Christmas, sorry I said it, the C Word – so September is a great time to analyse what you have done so far and what you need to do in the final months to hit your targets set for the year!

Have you raised sufficient income to cover all your core costs for this year?

Have you sufficient funding to pay for all your project delivery?

Any deficits to fill?

How can you pull it out of the bag in the last quarter of the year?

A corporate sponsorship package, get business networking and hit the phones?

Get the for profit businesses in the area making you their Charity of the Year ASAP.

Ask a corporate to sponsor a Core Cost or a new project you want to deliver

Put together an offering for corporates and their employees to support you with fundraising activities

Devise an offering to commercial businesses who

Give

need educating on what you deliver – mental health and how to deal with this in the workplace workshops for Supervisors/Managers, how to spot domestic abuse in your workforce; how to support employees who have addiction issues; how to help your employees going through the menopause; how to help staff who are carers etc.

Or apply for some grant funding – sign up for the SYFAB Funding newsletter to find out what funding is available locally and nationally and have a go at applying.

Or putting on a Community Fundraising Event involving your volunteers and the commercial market sponsoring the various elements to maximise the cash you raise.

Or collaborate with another non-profit and help them deliver with funding they have to spend.

You can make those targets, engage with your local community and deliver that impact to your beneficiaries. They are after all, why we do what we do!

HOMELESS SURVIVAL GUIDE UPDATED TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED ACROSS SOUTH YORKSHIRE

People experiencing homelessness across South Yorkshire can access the latest public and charitable services, thanks to an updated online Survival Guide, produced by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).

Originally launched in 2019, the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide was a joint effort between the then High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Barry Eldred DL and SYCF.

Through an initial print run, followed by an online version, the Guide provides valuable information to people who are homeless, about services available in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.

It includes contact details for nearly five hundred services ranging from support with accommodation, homelessness advice and help around health and

wellbeing.

In the wake of Prince William’s visit to Sheffield in June, during which he highlighted the pressing issue of homelessness,

the significance of the updated online Homeless Survival Guide becomes even more pronounced. The revised version includes new services, including Welcome Spaces and community food banks, that have developed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the importance of the updated guide, SYCF Chief Executive Ruth Willis said: “The update of the South Yorkshire Homeless Survival Guide reaffirms our commitment to providing timely and relevant information to those in need. It will help navigate the wide-ranging landscape of public and charitable services available to people experiencing homelessness.”

The visionary behind the South Yorkshire Homeless

Survival Guide, Barry Eldred DL, praised the refinements made to the online site, adding: “I am grateful to the team at SYCF for their continuing support and commitment to this project, at a timely moment when homelessness – helped by Prince William’s new Homewards initiative – is in the headlines. The online guide takes into account new services across South Yorkshire which can only help people who are homeless.”

SYCF is encouraging people who wish to support this project by donating to a Just Giving page, generating funds for a new print run of the Homeless Survival Guide, at: justgiving.com/ campaign/sysurvivalguide

EVOLUTED ON THE TRAIL

Sheffield digital agency, Evoluted, has stepped forward to lend their expertise and create a free event website for Roundabout charity and their annual challenge. The website, dedicated to Roundabout’s ‘Bangers and Cash 2023’ event, will serve as a crucial platform to raise funds with bonnet auctions and event awareness.

Roundabout makes an incredible impact in the local community by providing essential shelter, support and life skills to young people in Sheffield and Rotherham, with the ultimate goal of putting an end to youth homelessness. Recognising the amazing work at Roundabout in our local community, Evoluted has willingly offered their services to build and design the Bangers and Cash Art Trail site without any charge. Evoluted have a team of specialist web development experts who build bespoke websites that bring value to businesses.

Caitlin Meakin, Marketing and Communications Manager at Roundabout tells us how Evoluted has added great value to their event: “Evoluted’s bespoke website has added enormous value to our plans for the Bangers and Cash Art Trail, which is a really exciting addition to the Bangers and Cash challenge. Having a website that focuses specifically on this one element of Bangers and Cash means the public will be able to easily find all the information they need in one place. The site is packed with facts about our fantastic artists who have all painted bonnets that are driving from Sheffield to Munich and also promotes the wonderful venues who are displaying our bonnets too.

“It increases the accessibility of the art trail,

allowing people to see all the artwork in detail before the bonnets are sold to the highest bidder at our auction dinner in November. We’re delighted too that Evoluted are so committed to Bangers and Cash that they’ll be joining the teams competing in the rally. We wish them and all our other teams the best of luck as they take the Roundabout message all the way to Munich.”

Bangers and Cash: 40 teams, 8 countries, 1092 miles Evoluted wanted a piece of the explorer action too, and have entered a team

with their old banger. This September, Evoluted’s intrepid rally driving crew James Hall, Rebeca Radford and Will Barron will take on the 1,092 mile journey through eight countries from Sheffield to Munich. Over five days, they’ll be piloting their banger through a series of mini-challenges across Europe en-route to their final destination.

Their car’s bonnet has been decorated by their chosen artist, Skeg, with a unique design that will be auctioned at the end of the rally, alongside the other decorated bonnets competing. This aims to

raise even more money for Roundabout. Evoluted’s car will also feature the logos of their generous sponsors - which will be seen by thousands of people as they travel across the continent.

The @evoluted_banger Instagram hosts the big reveal for their banger and their bonnet painting at Bakewell show!

If you can support the Evoluted team and raise money for a fantastic cause, you can sponsor them at bangersandcash. evoluted.net.

This year's expo promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with over 60 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services from a wide range of industries including IT, healthcare, �nance, training, marketing and more.

You'll have the chance to forge new partnerships, �nd new clients, and explore new markets - all in one place.

WISH YOU WERE HERE

Opening at Sheffield Cathedral this month, local charity

The Archer Project is proud to present ‘Wish You Were Here’ – a thought-provoking photography exhibition that aims to raise awareness about homelessness, the brutality of rough sleeping and its dire consequences.

The exhibition is a powerful narrative of the lives and experiences of individuals who have found themselves homeless or vulnerably housed. People who have experienced rough sleeping have collaborated with The Archer Project to share their stories through this remarkable collection of photographs and personal accounts.

Curated by creative marketing and design agency Black Eye Project, in a manner reminiscent of a seaside gift shop’s doorway, it invites visitors to embark on a journey through the hidden realities of our community. This innovative approach not only captures attention but also encourages contemplation and dialogue about the systemic issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.

Jim Lobley, Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner of Black Eye Project said of the exhibtion: “We wanted to create an exhibition which would genuinely excite the public. So, using our advertising & design skillsets, then leaning on friends with even greater talents, we’ve collectively curated a show we’re very proud of. More importantly, if it doesn’t raise the profile of the charity - I’m going to eat an exhibit.”

Tim Renshaw, Chief Executive The Archer Project added: “This is our third year of exhibitions giving space to people who are or have been homeless to tell the story of why and how homelessness, and particularly rough sleeping happens. We have been humbled by the reaction and feedback we have had to date. This year we invited the Black Eye Project to work with the stories and pictures and we believe the way they have presented them really packs a punch and highlights the urgent need for societal change.”

The inception of the Archer Project charity dates back to 1990, and today it provides aid to homeless and vulnerable individuals in both Sheffield city centre and the surrounding urban area. They hold the belief that forging connections, comprehending personal circumstances, and considering the broader context offer more effective solutions to challenges. The Archer Project extends its assistance encompassing education, mental wellness, healthcare, reintegration into the workforce, and guidance towards securing permanent housing.

At the foundation of the Archer Project lies the invaluable dedication of volunteers, including individuals from both active employment and retirement. These volunteers generously contribute a few hours per week to engage in the project’s activities. Additionally, some businesses in Sheffield contribute by donating staff hours for consistent volunteer efforts. For further information on this, please reach out to: ContactUs@archerproject.org.uk.

You can view Wish You Were Here at Sheffield Cathedral between 8-22 September archerproject.co.uk // @archerproject

IS MAINTAINING YOUR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IMPORTANT?

Airmaster has been servicing and maintaining air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems all over the UK for over 30 years – from retail to healthcare; education to residential; offices to laboratories and lots more besides.

Maintaining your air conditioning system is vital to keep it working efficiently and effectively. On new installations we always recommend that the system be serviced at least annually, depending on the location and importance of the area served, this could be up to four times a year!

Most air conditioning manufacturers require proof that the systems are being maintained by a reputable company should any parts be required under the warranty period.

Air conditioning systems are very efficient when they are installed, but the longer they run the less efficient they become. As a result, each year you will see a steady decline in your system’s efficiency unless you get it regularly maintained by a trained engineer.

The following three components inside your air conditioning system require regular attention:

Coils – The evaporator coil and condensing unit both collect dirt which reduces airflow around the unit. Regular cleaning and in some circumstances deep cleaning with industrial detergent and a jet wash will keep the system running efficiently, blocked condenser coils in the warmer months will cause the system to trip on a ‘high pressure’ fault. The latter being the number one fault that occurs through the summer (regular

maintenance will eliminate this).

Filter – The filter can become clogged, which restricts airflow to evaporator coil. This will then cause the system to run less efficiently and cause stress on the entire system. A blocked filter can also lead to dirt building upon the surface of the coil. Replacing or cleaning the filter regularly could increase your system’s efficiency by around 5-15%.

Drains – Occasionally, the condensate drain channels can become blocked which impacts the units ability to remove excess moisture from the air. The drain

channels should be checked and cleared annually to ensure there are no blockages. Our annual maintenance plans include the following checks:

• A refrigerant level check to ensure the right amount of refrigerant is present

• A leak test to ensure there are no refrigerant leaks

• Inspect and tighten all electrical terminals and connections

• Lubricate all motors and bearings

• Check fan belts are tensioned correctly

• A test to ensure the thermostat is accurately measuring temperature

• Inspect and clean all filters

• Clean and polish the indoor unit fascia covers

• Check all air on/off temperatures to ensure the system is running efficiently

It is the user/owner’s responsibility to upkeep an F-Gas register and also employ the services of a properly accredited F-Gas company to look after the equipment. Airmaster will complete all F-Gas checks and produce an F-Gas register to you after every service.

For more information, head to airmaster.uk.com.

A PAIR OF APPOINTMENTS AT SHEFFIELDBASED AFRICAN THEATRE COMPANY

Sheffield-based African theatre company Utopia Theatre has hired two new team members to engage and inspire the next generation of creatives as the organisation expands its work and reach.

Ethel Maqeda has been hired as Youth Participation Coordinator and Executive Assistant, while Julius Obende joins as Associate Artist. Utopia Theatre was named as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) by Arts Council England earlier this year and has since launched its own Youth Academy for 9-19 year-olds.

Talking about her new role, Ethel Maqeda said: “I’m very passionate about helping young people of African and Caribbean heritage to have equal access to the arts; whether that’s behind the scenes or on stage. We want them to feel empowered and thrive as creators. The next generation should be part of the fabric of the creative sector and be properly

represented, which can only happen by giving them opportunities to learn and develop.”

Julius Obende added: “I’ve always loved theatre, dance and music, and had always

dreamed of migrating to the UK and I’m so happy to be working with Utopia Theatre. It’s an inspiring, supportive organisation which really is helping people of African and Caribbean heritage to

New hire to business Development team helps bridge expansion

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has appointed Iona Reid to its Business Development team.

Iona brings a background in property sales and lettings to the role, joining the short-term commercial finance provider from Keepmoat Homes where she was a sales executive. Prior to this, she was a lettings manager with a national estate agent.

In her new role as Business Development Manager, Iona will be working with Bridge Help’s broker network supporting them to secure bridging finance for auction purchases, commercial and semicommercial acquisitions and buy-to-let

properties, as well as re-financing existing loans.

Her appointment follows growth at Bridge Help and a surge in new enquiries, and there’s no doubt that her expertise and enthusiasm will make her a great addition to the team.

Commenting on her new appointment, Iona said: “I am really looking forward to working with such a supportive team and within the short-term finance sector. I have plenty of transferable skills from previous roles within the property industry and I’m inspired by new manager, Katie, and what she has achieved!”

boost knowledge and skills which will help generations to come access the arts. To be a small part of that process is an honour and I can’t wait to be involved with a range of exciting projects.”

Charity leader appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire

ARCHITECTS’ PRACTICE SHUFFLES THE BOARD

Sheffield-based architectural practice Race Cottam Associates (RCA) has announced a reorganisation of its board to support its future growth.

Paul Foster has been promoted from associate director to director while Laurie Cottam has become the practice’s managing director after its current incumbent, David Speddings, stepped into a senior design lead role.

Pauline Lake’s role as director responsible for business development and David Cottam’s role as chairman both remain unchanged.

Laurie Cottam said: “This reorganisation of our board has been carefully planned to

implement our vision for growth but more importantly, to ensure business continuity. David Speddings has been a familiar face for RCA clients for almost 30 years and will continue to act as our design quality champion, mentoring the next generation with his expertise in the advanced manufacturing, industrial and energy sectors.

“Similarly, as our work in healthcare has significantly accelerated, it was right to recognise and reward Paul’s substantial contribution with this promotion. A popular and proactive ambassador for the sector, Paul is best placed to lead this growth and ensure we remain a leading authority on design for health.

New Managing Director cleaning up

H.E Barnes’s Facilities Management Division and Solutions 4 Cleaning have announced the appointment of Karen Staniforth as Managing Director.

Karen Staniforth has joined the company from Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster, where she held the role of general manager for several years.

Prior to that, she was a head of marketing in the music industry and has also previously worked in senior positions in the construction and property management sectors.

The cleaning division of HEB Group worked alongside

recruitment agency Andy File Associates to recruit Karen to the role.

Karen said: “I’m taking on the leadership of Solutions 4 Cleaning at a real time of growth and development for the company.

“Working with Andy File was insightful. Andy seems to have a real ability of getting to know how people

tick quickly he has razor like intuition, together with real honesty and friendly approach. He made me feel valued and the experience was pleasurable especially when changing jobs can be such a stressful time.

Solutions 4 Cleaning is the cleaning division of the HEB Group and provides tailored cleaning for businesses across several sectors. HE Barnes Ltd, which specialises in mechanical, electrical and turnkey facilities management, is celebrating 100 years in business this year and has group turnover of £35m.

Mark Storey, CEO of Sheffield’s awardwinning charity, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC) has been named as a Deputy Lieutenant of The County of South Yorkshire alongside other respected individuals.

His Majesty’s LordLieutenant of South Yorkshire, Prof Dame Hilary Chapman commissioned the appointment after getting to know Mark through his work at SCCCC, a charity that supports older people across the region.

Mark said; "I’m extremely proud, delighted and honoured when it was announced that I’ve been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Prof. Dame Hilary Chapman. I look forward to serving our local community as best I can."

The role involves supporting and deputising for His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

Duties may include attending Royal visits to the county, representing the Lieutenancy at ceremonial events such as Remembrance Day and citizenship ceremonies and any other duties that the Lord-Lieutenant may ask to be undertaken on her behalf.

£3.4million low carbon grant for South Yorkshire businesses’ green transition

Businesses in South Yorkshire will benefit from a £3.4million investment to help them reduce their carbon emissions, improve resilience and protect jobs.

Running until March 2025, the project will provide support to 260 small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across South Yorkshire to help them understand the opportunities available to reduce their carbon emissions.

Businesses will benefit from a free energy audit to identify potential energysaving improvements such as low-energy lighting systems or insulation.

Delivered by South Yorkshire’s local authorities, the project is part funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, with Sheffield City Council acting as Accountable Body for the Low Carbon Grant project, on behalf of Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham MBCs.

Councillor Minesh Parekh, Labour lead for Economic Development and Skills, said:

“We know that businesses across Sheffield want to be leaders on the climate crisis and to play their part to help reach net-zero.

“These Low Carbon Grants will help Sheffield businesses reduce their energy usage, cutting their

bills and carbon emissions at the same time. With energy costs at record highs, it’s so important for climate initiatives to deliver cost savings and environmental benefits.”

Low-carbon grants are also available to help businesses invest in solutions to reduce their energy consumption and costs, helping them to become more productive, resilient, and environmentally friendly.

As part of the package of support available, specialist advisors will provide comprehensive advice and support throughout the process.

UnLTD has already heard plenty of positive feedback about the project. Karen Sherwood is the founder and owner of Cupola Contemporary Art in Sheffield. She benefited from funding to help her save on energy costs, in particular heating and lighting. She was supported to lower ceilings, install insulation and motion sensor lighting, and upgrade the boiler. This helped Karen reduce her energy usage, improve the customer experience and demonstrate commitment to reducing her carbon footprint.

Karen said: “The Low Carbon Advisor

was personable, honest and responsive to my questions. I felt I was talking to somebody who understood what I might not know. They did what they said they were going to do when they said they were going to do it. Without support and match funding, I wouldn’t have been able to implement the same programme of improvements.”

To find out more, including whether your business is eligible for support, please contact Business Sheffield on 0114 224 5000 or email: businesssheffield@ sheffield.gov.uk

A huge project is set to be delivered across South Yorkshire, helping SMEs across the region in maximising their green potential.