News: City Deal of the Day launches in Rotherham

Groupon reportedly turned down a $6bn buyout offer from Google recently. City Deal of the Day secured £500 through RiDO and UKSE's Kickstart funds. They are currently at different ends of the business scale, but both have the same aim - to save people money.

Established by Rotherham couple Jamie Clarke and wife Sharon, www.sheffielddealoftheday.co.uk is a niche online marketing tool which brings slashed price deals from local businesses to South Yorkshire via email and online.

Previously unemployed Jamie and former event planner Sharon, were given a helping hand to shape their business with a £500 grant and expert advice from the Rotherham Enterprise Project.

Jamie, who worked as a sales manager for a local website company previously, said: "When I was unemployed for six months I didn't know what I wanted to do until I couldn't sleep one night thinking of the City Deal of the Day idea.

"Within 24 hours we'd purchased everything we needed and got the ball rolling as a family – including getting in touch with the Rotherham Enterprise Project."

The Rotherham Enterprise Project offers professional support for businesses and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Jamie added: "As soon as we knew what we wanted to do we borrowed money from friends and family, but through Rotherham Enterprise business coach, Robert Moorhouse, we were able to secure the grant which paid for our email marketing system and e-shot campaign design - which is how the whole business works."

The website went live in February this year and targets local businesses encouraging them to offer discounted offers of more than 50% for 24 hours, which are delivered to an email database and made available online – the business then takes a commission when deals are snapped up.

Many enterprises have been offering deals, working with the company to drum up more business – from balloon suppliers, rock climbing instructors to hair dressers and CV writers.

Now Jamie is looking for the next step to grow City Deal of the Day. He said: "We hope to launch into other cities, gain investment and plan the next stage of the business. The support we've had from the Rotherham Enterprise Project has been fantastic and here's to a promising 2011!"

Rachel Clark, of the Rotherham Enterprise Project, added: "To see Jamie and Sharon make their business dream a reality is truly inspiring, and proves they have had the courage to prioritise their family while not sacrificing their vision. We wish them all the best with their excellent new enterprise."

Sheffield Deal of the Day website
Rotherham Enterprise website

Images: sheffielddealoftheday.co.uk