News: New utilities consultancy launches in Rotherham

An independent utilities consultancy which prepares bespoke utility installation packages has launched following receipt of a £500 grant from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.

Founded by experienced utilities advisor Dean Pattison, Utility Source Limited provides advice to businesses that manage gas, water and electric infrastructure installations, specifically to those in the residential development, commercial construction and demolition industries.

The enterprise has recently taken space at the Dearne Valley Business Centre in Wath-Upon-Dearne.

The cash provided by UKSE - a subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with assisting the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry – funded the production of strategic advertising and marketing collateral including a logo, website and business cards.

A former National Grid employee with more than 15 years' experience, Dean launched Utility Source to act as an intermediary between sub-contractors and their clients - providing consultancy advice to property developers overseeing commercial and residential projects.

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Dean Pattison, founder of Utility Source Limited (pictured, left), said: "Launching my own utilities consultancy business was a natural progression for me, and the funds provided by UK Steel Enterprise have been vital in allowing me to market my offering to my customers effectively. I am very grateful for their support.

"My background in the industry and the network of professionals that I have immersed myself in means that I can provide the best service to my clients, liaising directly with engineers and designers in order to implement the most effective resolutions.

"Often, smaller construction businesses may not be aware of how to navigate the utilities industry. My aim is to make life easier for these individuals by managing their utilities provision, whether they're looking to install utilities for a new store or retail park or if they're needing to disconnect the supplies before beginning the demolition of a site."

Looking to the future Dean hopes to grow his business in the local area and further afield in line with demand – building his team accordingly, including recruiting a number of apprentices.

UKSE launched the Kickstart fund, with support from RIDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), to support people looking to establish a business in the local area.

Alan Stanley, regional executive at UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, right), said: "Dean is offering a vital utilities service to the region's small and medium-sized construction businesses. We are proud to support new businesses, such as Utility Source Limited, as they begin to gain traction in their respective markets following receipt of our Kickstart grant."

Utility Source Limited website
UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Dearne Valley Business Centre open day

New start and growing enterprises are being invited to the Dearne Valley Business Centre next week where a number of local organisations will be on hand to highlight the business support available in the area.

The former Wesleyan Reform Church on Coronation Road in Wath was sold by trustees and has opened as Dearne Valley Business Centre under the brand of "My Head Office" earlier this year.

Ten office "pods" ranging in size have been created in the 7,000 sq ft building, which has undergone a redesign and restoration to offer unique space complete with high ceilings, parquet floors and large windows. Suitable for one, two or three people, the units are aimed at growing small businesses from the local area that are taking the next step, moving out of the home office or up the premises ladder.

The open day on November 7 will showcase the centre and will bring together organisations that have supported the development including Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Small Businesses, RiDO, the SCR Launchpad, Novus Marketing Solutions and Unimax Solutions.

Two sessions will operate during the day from 11.00am – 1.00pm and 4.00 – 6.00pm and four "zones" will operate to offer help and guidance to visitors. The zones will focus on: growing your customer base; start up support; finance and insurance; internet and CRM.

Places for the open day can be reserved here for the morning and here for the afternoon.

Julia and Stephen Hollings, the pair that has created the Dearne Valley Business Centre were recently delighted and proud to be presented with an award in the category of "Product" by Legacy Education Alliance, the world's most successful property training company.

The award was presented at a glamourous event held at The Savoy Hotel in London with 300 other guests. Hosted by Roger Black and Steve Backley, the evening was attended by Robbie Fowler and Martin Roberts from TV's Homes Under the Hammer.

The judges were very impressed with the concept of the business centre that offers coaching and support to its tenant's successful transition from their home office to "Head Office."

The Dearne Valley Business Centre is the first business centre under the brand and has been well received by all who have been round it. Julia and Stephen commented that the award was in recognition of all the demanding work put into the building converting a church to a business centre. They praised all the local craftsmen and suppliers who made everything possible.

My Head Office website

Images: My Head Office

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News: Dearne Valley Business Centre opens in Rotherham

A disused church in Rotherham has undergone a full conversion to create much-needed high-quality business space, ideal for enterprises taking the next step.

The former Wesleyan Reform Church on Coronation Road in Wath was sold by trustees and has recently opened as Dearne Valley Business Centre under the brand of "My Head Office."

Ten office "pods" ranging in size have been created in the 7,000 sq ft building, which has undergone a redesign and restoration to offer unique space complete with high ceilings, parquet floors and large windows. Suitable for one, two or three people, the units are aimed at growing small businesses from the local area that are taking the next step, moving out of the home office or up the premises ladder.

Property investor, Stephen Hollings was supported in buying the property by Smiths Chartered Surveyors in Barnsley. It was advertised as a residential development plot.

"Everyone else who looked at it wanted to flatten in," said Hollings (pictured, left), proudly showing off the conversion work that has taken place. "But we saw the appeal of creating a business centre which is close to the community.

"The building is fresh and unusual and now we are focusing on creating an ethos. Our motto is for it to be a place where businesses thrive. We want tenants to buzz of each other."

The centre is certainly unusual, with original features retained alongside a very modern solution for the new occupants. The church piano remains in the foyer alongside the hi-tech printer.

Much of the work on the building has been done using suppliers from the local area who also attended the recent launch event where the outgoing mayor of Rotherham, Lindsay Pitchley, cut the ribbon in one of her final engagements in the role.

The centre is working with Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, RIDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council and the Federation of Small Business to further develop linkages and networks.

One way of helping businesses with their next steps is that there are no additional costs that often come with renting premises. Utility charges and service charges are included with rents that start from £100 a week.

It is not just the tenants that are looking to grow, but the developers too. Hollings added: "This is the pilot, we are aiming for ten more centres."

My Head Office website

Images: My Head Office

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