News: How a Rotherham balloon business stayed afloat during the pandemic

Positivity, flexibility and hard work have ensured that a Rotherham balloon specialist has not been too deflated during an extremely tough time for the events industry.

The Covid pandemic meant that successful Rotherham events business, The Ultimate Balloon Company UK ltd, and its owner of 29 years Jacqui Saxon, had to radically change how she did business.

The company is based at Fusion Business Centre at Templeborough and Jacqui went from decorating events for a 1,000 people to quickly changing lane and creating "insta worthy" designs for individual birthdays and new babies in order to survive.

With staff shielding, and to comply with social distance rules, Jacqui completed many online seminars to increase her skills and create designs that would cheer up the public. Every week during the pandemic she created a design to say thank you to our NHS Heroes with Rainbows on roofs and Hearts in her garden.

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She also managed to acquire some new blue chip clients such as Amazon, Doncaster Robin Hood Airport and even Harrods.

Jacqui is now gearing up for when events can take place again from June 2021 and intends to recruit new staff members from people who have lost their jobs in retail such as Debenhams and John Lewis to help with expansion.

Jacqui said: "It will have been a rollercoaster 18 months but Rotherham people are resilient and always find a way to succeed."

Ultimate Balloon Company website

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News: Former nurse links up with Launchpad

A former nurse who put her life-saving skills to good use after her husband experienced a heart-attack,is now helping new parents and families to master essential life-saving skills after calling on help from Launchpad.

The Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme helps individuals who are thinking of starting their own business as well as providing ongoing support and guidance during their first three years of trading.

Claire Knight's life changed overnight when her husband Thomas suffered a heart attack. With a young family to care for while her husband recuperated, Claire began re-assessing her work-life balance and decided to leave the security of the NHS and make plans to launch her own business.

With a clear idea to help parents learn essential first aid skills,built around her teaching knowledge and nursing experience, Claire began researching the assistance available to help her transform her ideas into a reality. She contacted the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme and, with some trepidation, attended her first workshop. After several months planning, developing and refining her ideas, the Whiston-based entrepreneur launched Rotherham-based Links Care in June 2019.

Claire realised she needed to build a customer base for her business. Selling her company’s services and charging individuals for the skills and expertise was something which did not come naturally. Working with an experienced Launchpad business adviser, Claire was able to access a range of workshops, training events and one-to-one support, helping to build her business confidence and identify new ways of securing customers for her fledgling business.

As the new entrepreneur began attending networking events, Claire spotted a unique niche in the marketplace. She realised that many new parents turned to A&E simply because they were unsure how to spot the signs of common childhood ailments. She realised by helping parents to master basic first-aid skills, it could not only help to reduce worry, but also avoid unnecessary trips to A&E.

Like many businesses this year, Links Care was affected by COVID19. Claire began re-assessing her business model and moved her training workshops online – something she felt initially would not be practical. She was particularly concerned about teaching skills like Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, however her fears proved to be unfounded. Since launching her live online training sessions, Claire has been able to teach a minimum of two sessions a week and expand the geographical reach of her business.

With COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown measures beginning to ease, Claire is hoping to grow and develop her business further by providing parents with the flexibility to attend online workshops as well as returning to delivering face-to-face sessions.

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Claire Knight, managing director of Links Care, said: "I had enjoyed my career working with the NHS, but I always liked the idea of working for myself. When a colleague mentioned she was thinking of setting up her own business, I decided to join her at a Launchpad training event to find out more about self-employment.

"I was excited about the prospect, but I knew starting a business would be a huge time commitment. When my husband survived his heart attack, I began to re-evaluate my working life and spending time with my family and being able to work flexibly around the children was the most important thing to me.

"One of the greatest lessons I've learned since working with the Launchpad team has been the flexibility and opportunities which are open to you as an entrepreneur. When Covid-19 forced me to stop delivering my face-to-face sessions, I knew it would have a significant impact upon my business. I been considering moving some elements of my training online, but I felt my business was not quite ready, for example, I was unsure whether resuscitation could be taught remotely. All that changed overnight and since launching our online live training sessions, demand for my services have risen significantly.

"The support I've received from Julia and the Launchpad team has been invaluable to my business. The workshops have helped me to develop a stronger grasp of the reality of running a business and the advice and support has helped me to unlock the potential in my business and as a result I’m now hoping to recruit additional nurses to help me delivery of my training services and grow the business further."

Julia Millea, business adviser at Launchpad, added: "Claire saw an opportunity to build a business around the skills she had developing during her nursing career. Like many people, she was initially apprehensive about leaving the security of employment, but when her circumstances at home changed, she began to realise running her own business could help her to achieve a better work-life balance.

"Through her work with Launchpad, she has successfully laid solid foundations for her business, as well as being quick to spot and respond to changes in the marketplace.  COVID-19 was potentially a huge stumbling block for many businesses, including Links Care. However, Claire successfully changed adversity into opportunity and by moving her training sessions online, she was able to open up new markets to her business. As a result, her business hasn't just survived, but it's been an incredible success story."

Links Care website
Launchpad website

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News: Scott has successful self-employment all sewn up

A Rotherham-based entrepreneur who channelled his creative talents into producing custom-made dresses has stitched up a bright future for his fledgling business after relocating the company to the RiDO-operated Fusion@Magna business centre.

Life could have been very different for Scott Nickson who seized a “now or never” moment when he was made redundant from his shelf-stacking job in a national hardware chain. Determined to try and earn a living by harnessing his natural creativity, Scott decided to try his hand at dressmaking.

Largely self-taught, Scott received his first sewing lessons from his mother, who spent much of her career working as a professional seamstress and he quickly discovered that his new talents were in high demand.

To keep his start-up costs as low as possible, Scott opted to transform the family dining table into a makeshift studio, whilst turning to his mother for sewing lessons. Within a relatively short period of time, Scott began receiving his commissions from friends and family who were impressed by the quality of his work and attention to detail, however with his designs in high demand, Scott realised that he had outgrown the family home and in 2017 he set about looking for new premises.

After spending time scouring the local market for a suitable location for this business, he chose Fusion@Magna at Templeborough to become the home for his growing company. Relocating his company to the centre proved to be perfect fit for Scott's business, which has seen him build the business through word of mouth recommendations and referrals.

However, all that changed when Scott launched his first website, resulting in orders being secured from across the UK, from Birmingham to Belfast, as well as helping him to land his largest order to date.

Each hand made design takes Scott between 8-12 weeks to produce from scratch and are carefully tailored to suit the tastes of his growing number of satisfied customers. However, the additional space provided in Scott’s new studio enables him to work on a larger number of designs simultaneously.

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It is fast approaching five years since Scott transformed his passion of dressmaking into a vibrant and successful business, with RiDO helping to provide Scott with a good level of business confidence and other valuable entrepreneurial attributes, but he isn’t done just yet. And with hopes of continuing to support prom nights, weddings and even dipping his toe in the world of costume design, he is working towards realising his long term goals of seeing his designs feature in London Fashion Week.

Scott Nickson said: "When I first started the company I wanted to try and keep my overheads as low as possible, but working from home wasn't ideal, particularly when I was working on a number of different orders, so I began scouring the market for suitable premises to develop my business further. Since relocating the business, I've noticed that I've become much more productive and it has also helped to improve things like time management, as there are a lot fewer distractions in the office than there was when I was working at home.

"One of the best things about the centre is that it’s filled with lots of like-minded entrepreneurs and I feel as if I've become part of a community which is helping my business to grow. The centre is everything I hoped it would be. It helps me to offer my clients a private place for fittings, as well as enabling me to concentrate upon growing and developing my business further. It’s been quite a journey over the past five years, but the five years of hard work and time I've invested in my company are starting to pay off, and I’m setting my sights on building and developing my business further in the future."

Julie Hall, RiDO Business Centre Coordnator, Fusion@Magna said: “Scott’s keen eye for detail has stood his business in good stead, and it was clear from the time that he relocated his business to Fusion@Magna, that he has the passion, talent, and entrepreneurial knowhow to succeed. Scott’s beautiful bespoke dresses are a testament to Scott’s skills and I am sure it won’t be long before we see his designs parading on the catwalks as part of London Fashion Week.

“Our business centres were designed with the needs of entrepreneurs in mind, offering flexible easy-in, easy-out terms and one of the advantages of being based in a centre like Fusion is that you instantly become part of a business community. Scott has benefitted from ongoing support and guidance from the RiDO team, as well as offering the flexibility to take on additional office space as their business has evolved.”

Scott Nickson website
RiDO Business Centres website

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News: Rotherham recruitment specialist set to double workforce

A Rotherham-based entrepreneur who set his sights on tackling the critical skills shortages affecting the Sheffield city region's (SCR's) engineering and manufacturing sectors by applying his love of technology to the recruitment sector is planning to expand his business by doubling his number of employees as well as opening offices in West Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

Luke Bell realised that many companies operating in the engineering sector were being held back, simply because they were unable to find the skilled staff needed to grow. After teaming up with recruitment consultant and business partner Sam Wilkinson, the entrepreneurial duo began developing a specialist recruitment business, which sought to tackle the growing problem.

The duo began exploring the concept and after spending time researching, developing and testing their business idea, they launched Metalis, which is based in the RiDO-operated Fusion@Magna Business Centre in April 2019.

The combination of Luke's interest in problem solving coupled with Sam's knowledge of the recruitment sector has proved to be a winning formula. Within just a few months of opening for business, Metalis has secured significant contracts with some of South Yorkshire's best known engineering and manufacturing companies.

Today, Metalis employs seven members of staff and after enjoying an impressive first year in business, the company has ambitious expansion plans. It has recently launched a new dedicated division targeting the construction sector as well as doubling its workforce within the next quarter and opening offices in the East Midlands and West Yorkshire – with a long term of aim of expanding Metalis throughout the UK.

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Luke Bell, founder of Metalis (pictured), said: "Finding and retaining members of staff is a perennial problem which can stifle business growth. Many businesses invest vast sums of money each year in a bid to plug skills gaps within their workforce. Sam and I had worked together previously and we felt that our combined knowledge could help businesses to overcome a key issue which all too often stifles business growth.

"We launched Metalis with a view to providing specialist recruitment advice within the engineering and manufacturing sectors. When we first began developing the business, we realised quite early on that although the Sheffield city region is home to some amazing engineering companies, many faced similar problems when it came to finding the staff needed to grow. After hitting on the idea to develop the business, we needed to find the right premises to support our business, and after spending time looking at different options we chose the Fusion business centre.

"Fusion is quite close to the Sheffield-Rotherham border [at Templeborough] and surrounded by many of the businesses we felt we could support. Sam and I first began working together through a  business start-up programme for young people in 2016 provided by Rotherham Council and part of that support included access to office space at their Fusion Business Centre. Today we occupy three offices in the building and setting our sights on further growth, not only in South Yorkshire, but our long term goal is to see the business provide specialist support to engineering and manufacturing companies as well as construction and civil engineering businesses based throughout the UK."

Julie Hall, RiDO Business Centre Coordinator, Fusion@Magna, added: "Since being supported by Rotherham's start-up support, it became clear that Luke and Sam are natural entrepreneurs and the launch and success they have enjoyed to date is a testament to their dedication and hard work. Metalis is not only helping a number of significant employers in the Sheffield city region's engineering sector to overcome recruitment challenges they face, but they are also helping businesses throughout the UK.

"Our business centres were designed with the needs of entrepreneurs in mind, offering flexible easy-in, easy-out terms and one of the advantages of being based in a centre like Fusion is that you instantly become part of a business community. Luke has benefitted from ongoing support and guidance from the RiDO team, as well as offering the flexibility to take on additional office space as their business has evolved."

Metalis website
RiDO website

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News: Linktagger at Hack4Europe event

Linktagger, a digital development company based in Rotherham, has been selected to help bring the physical and online worlds closer together at Hack4Europe, the leading "hackathon" dedicated to regional startups.

Based in RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre, the enterprise was founded by Liam Winder and is using cutting edge technology such as NFC Chips, QR Codes and iBeacon to communicate with the public.

The event pits teams and individuals in five countries – France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom and Spain – who will have two months in which to code innovative apps using the latest technologies from the likes of Uber, Paypal, HP and Alcatel.

Joining the big names, Linktagger has been chosen to provide teams with access to its Physical Web platform and will be useful in the "Internet of Things" category, making use of the ever-growing network of physical objects that have internet connectivity. For example, Linktagger Beacons are tiny coin battery size devices that emit radio signals, these signals can be picked up by smartphones, triggering actions and providing information for shoppers or visitors.

Liam Winder, founder of Linktagger, said: "It's fantastic to be chosen to represent UK tech startups in the Hack4Europe event, we're a small startup standing next to giants in the internet industry like Uber, and HP. We're passionate about building the physical web and are excited to see what the teams do with our technology."

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Hack4Europe will host Kick off events across Europe in April, with Linktagger representing the UK at Stack Overflow's offices in London on April 23. The news came to Linktagger as they are going live with a number of innovative mobile projects spanning several key areas of increasing innovation attention from smart cities and ecommerce to fitness and medical.

The system has been used by growing Rotherham health specialist, Vitalife to turn advertising space into shelves full of its products. The concept has been trialled initially in Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester Piccadilly train stations with "Smart Posters" embedded with NFC Chips and include QR Codes relating to Vitalife's products, with a view to providing an innovative way to increase sales.

Recommended reading: Rotherham Businesses Should Get Ahead by Creating Their Own Apps with AI

HelloCity! - a new form of city guide that brings the latest information to the smartphones of visitors and shoppers - has also been launched in Rotherham town centre to complement the current paper-based Shop Local scheme. QR Codes have been mounted in 50 prominent locations around town, linking to information on shopping, places to eat, visitor attractions, events and real-time travel information.

Linktagger website

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News: Another chance to get Ready for Business in Rotherham

A national start-up programme that is being delivered successfully in Rotherham is searching for tomorrow's business stars.

Ready for Business began in 2012 following support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund and Barclays. Supported by the National Enterprise Network (NEN) it has been operated by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) in Rotherham since September 2013, providing general business start-up training and support.

Government statistics recorded 1,934 new businesses registering in Rotherham in 2014, 721 more than the previous year, and an extra workshop is being held in the borough on Saturday, February 7, for people who can't get to the regular monthly sessions held on Thursdays.

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The programme is aimed at people who may have an idea for starting their own business or who may be ready to start and works with start-ups with a particular focus upon helping make those businesses investment ready.

Support ranges from one-to-one sessions with specialist advisers and potential links to loan funding. But it's a case of grab it while you can, as the programme, whose main backer is Barclays Bank, closes at the end of March.

In Rotherham, support includes an "Introduction to Self-employment Workshop", a shorter "Masterclasses" programme, which focuses on book-keeping, basic accounting and tax, and "one-to-one" support, where individuals work with an experienced business advisor, with the aim of getting viable business ideas to the point of start-up. Follow-up support is then provided in the first few months of businesses and as they mature.

Cllr Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Business Growth and Regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "We've got a massively successful track record on supporting entrepreneurs. It's great to see us boosting that through practical sessions such as this."

Martyn Benson, RiDO start-up adviser, added: "These events give people confidence and a wealth of information."

The extra event will be held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in Templeborough from 9.30am to 4 pm. Bookings can be made online via the Ready for Business website.

RiDO website

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News: Export experts at Rotherham event

Rotherham businesses are being given the chance to find out more about the opportunities to win new overseas business at an interactive workshop next month. .

Organised by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the event is free for Rotherham-based companies and will take place at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre at Templeborough on November 13. The theme will be "winning new overseas business through market research and customer service."

The event is part of RiDO's ERDF-funded Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham – Soft Landing Zone project which offers support to Rotherham companies with accessing international markets and helping foreign inward investors who choose to locate to its business centres. UKTI is the Government's trade body that works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports.

The workshop will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from UK Trade & Investment, who will provide information on how Rotherham businesses can identify and explore opportunities in international markets, with the aim of achieving international growth. He will look at where, when and how to access new markets, the importance of being customer-focused and he will also reveal some interesting global findings on customer service.

Nathan Woodcock, business development co-ordinator at RiDO will also speak about what advice and support is available in Rotherham to help businesses to increase their export sales. This includes free access to market research that RiDO’s experienced team can carry out for Rotherham companies to assist them in identifying and exploring new overseas markets.

Nathan said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses who are thinking of exporting, or who have already started to trade internationally, to learn from experts at UKTI and network with other businesses who are doing so. Any Rotherham business that is looking for help with international market research through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone should register now as this opportunity will be coming to an end in the next few months."

Rotherham businesses can also benefit from RiDO's free Export Communication Review (ECR). This is designed to help local businesses to develop trading relations with both English and non-English speaking export markets by reviewing a company's literature, branding and website.

RiDO website

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News: Linktagger brings the physical and online worlds closer together

Linktagger, a digital development company based in Rotherham, is aiming to help retailers across the globe to reach potential customers by converting standard advertising hoardings into virtual stores.

Based in RiDO's Fusion @Magna business centre, the enterprise was founded by Liam Winder and is using cutting edge technology such as NFC Chips, QR Codes and iBeacon to communicate with the public. The first example was featured on Rothbiz last month with growing Rotherham health specialist, Vitalife using Linktagger to turn advertising space into shelves full of its products.

The concept is being trialled initially in Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester Piccadilly train stations with "Smart Posters" embedded with NFC Chips and include QR Codes relating to Vitalife's products, with a view to providing an innovative way to increase sales.

Liam Winder of Linktagger (pictured, left), said: "The posters are like virtual shopping shelves. You just tap them with your phone or scan the QR code for a product and it takes you through to a "buy now" option. It's a really exciting concept which could lead to huge increases in sales for retailers like Vitalife, in locations that attract large populations, such as city centres and train stations."

Linktagger has been able to access support through RiDO's (Rotherham Investment & Development Office) European-funded Soft Landing Zone project to explore international opportunities with RiDO's Nathan Woodcock supporting Liam in the development of CAD drawings for the Linktagger product range and also with securing international patents for his innovative use of technology.

Nathan Woodcock, business development co-ordinator for RiDO (pictured, right), said: "Linktagger operates in a fast moving industry with huge opportunities and it has been fantastic to help Liam to research opportunities where his business could expand not just in the UK, but internationally. We are looking forward to seeing how his Smart Poster concept develops, but this is just one of a whole series of exciting concepts where Linktagger could secure market opportunities overseas."

Liam added: "It has been fantastic to have the support of RiDO to research the market for my products internationally and also to help with securing worldwide patents. Because what we do uses the latest technology to connect the physical and digital world, it has no boundaries to what applications and countries it could be used in and so we are really excited about the future markets for our products."

A serial entrepreneur, Liam has returned from his time consulting after his experiences of running ISP, RipWire, to establish Betacities, which has the aim of helping to bring the physical and online worlds closer together. One example is HelloCity! - a new form of city guide that brings the latest information to the smartphones of visitors and shoppers. It is set to launch first in Rotherham town centre to complement the current paper-based Shop Local scheme with QR Codes mounted in 50 prominent locations around town, linking to information on shopping, places to eat, visitor attractions, events and real-time travel information.

Linktagger website
RiDO website

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News: Businesses continue to thrive in Rotherham

New enterprises setting up in one of Rotherham's dedicated business centres are being given a great chance to thrive and survive the crucial first three years.

Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) is the regeneration arm of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. RiDO now operate four modern business incubation centres across the borough offering support and assistance to local and international businesses.

The centres at Moorgate Crofts, Templeborough, Manvers and Dinnington provide over 180 offices and workshops at easy-in/easy-out terms on a monthly licence basis.

In the 13 years since Century Business Centre was opened in Manvers, RiDO has helped over 540 companies start up and the create over 1,800 jobs.

Further support includes on site business adviser support, access to training, marketing, supply chain linkages, plus access to other partner organisations who can contribute to achieving the growth aspirations of your business. Space is also reserved for young entrepreneurs through the successful Rotherham Youth Enterprise programme.

It is this support that means that businesses located in the centres have a three year survival rate of 85.4 per cent, well above the national average.

Following a recent visit to the centres, Cllr. Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Business Growth and Regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "By any standards RiDO has been an incredible success story.

"Even in our current economic climate early stage companies have thrived with a three year survival rate of 85.4 per cent against a national average of 44 per cent.

"Once again Rotherham is bucking the national trend and the support offered to companies has been invaluable in cementing their success.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, meeting and chatting with the businesses, occupants and staff there. I was impressed at both the quality of the Business Centres and the support offered to start up and small businesses.

"It was great to hear that even in this tough economic climate businesses were healthy and on a growth path.

"I have nothing but praise for the fantastic folk who are making the centre a haven for local growth and investment. It is essential that Rotherham encourages new business and I cannot praise the work that is taking place here too highly."

RiDO Business Centres website

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News: JEC Vac Solutions looking to clean up with international deal

JEC Vac Solutions Ltd, a Rotherham company that supplies dust free vacuuming and conveying solutions, has secured a deal with Lajac, a Swedish manufacturer of dust handling systems, which was looking for a UK-based distributor of its products.

Established in 2009, JEC Vac supplies products ranging from small industrial standard vacuum cleaners to the design, manufacturing and supply of vacuum solutions tailored to the customer's requirements.

The enterprise is based in RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre which means that it can tap into expert support through the ERDF-funded Soft Landing Zone project, which aims to assist Rotherham companies in accessing international markets and also helps foreign inward investors who choose to locate to RiDO's business centres.

RiDO's business development co-ordinators identified an opportunity through the Enterprise Europe Network with Swedish firm, Lajac and organised a meeting for managing director of JEC Vac Solutions Ltd, John Clarkson, who travelled to Sweden to meet directors of Lajac.

John Clarkson, managing director of JECVac Solutions Ltd, said: "We found there was a great fit between the two businesses. As a business we specialise in supplying bespoke systems, but by becoming a supplier of products and components it means that we will be able to secure a new income stream. We are very excited about this opportunity and hope it will mean we can create new jobs in the local area."

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, added: "An important part of our role is to help Rotherham companies to expand their business by taking advantage of international opportunities. It is really exciting that JEC Vac Solutions has secured the UK distributorship for Lajac products and we look forward to seeing their business growing and developing in the coming months."

On leaving school John worked as an mechanical apprentice in the local coal mine and gained mining mechanical engineer qualifications. He progressed into sales and marketing and went on to sell fastening systems to the mining industry, before progressing into vacuum solutions, selling into all industries from food and pharmaceutical through to mining, power and iron and steel, both nationally and internationally. JEC Vac Solutions Ltd was formed by John following redundancy from his previous role as vacuum technologies manager for a major international company.

JEC Vac Solutions website
RiDO website

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News: Vitalife's virtual expansion

Rotherham-based health specialist, Vitalife, is harnessing new technologies to boost online sales by turning billboards into prime retail space.

Based at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre at Templeborough, the enterprise started life in 2010 in the niche industry of specialist teas. It has gone on to launch a new line of organic coconut oil and develop a range of vitamins and minerals that feature no artificial or highly processed bulking agents or fillers.

The growing brand opened a physical store in Rotherham town centre earlier this year following several years operating purely online and via resellers as a successful health food brand and retailer. Now it is though to be the first retailer in the UK to use Near Field Communication (NFC) and Quick Response (QR) Codes to turn advertising space into shelves full of its products.

Supermarket giant Tesco trialled a similar concept in South Korea, where busy commuters could order their groceries using just QR technology whilst waiting for the train, to have them delivered at their home the same evening. As a result, Tesco's South Korean sales rose by 130% in just three months.

Vitalife Health's projections for sales growth from their virtual stores are a little more reserved than Tesco's, given the level of smartphone uptake in the UK is not as high as South Korea, and the average UK consumer is yet to become properly familiarised with QR and NFC technology, but they still have high hopes for the concept.

Gavin Edley, CEO at Vitalife, said: "We'll be trialling the concept initially in Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester Piccadilly train stations towards the end of August, and the stores will be here for a minimum of eight weeks. We're really excited to see the results from these stores, and then we'll look towards rolling the concept out Nationwide later in 2014, targeting other commuting environments like airports and bus stops too."

Customers wanting to use the new stores will have to own an NFC enabled smartphone device, or have a QR code app installed in order to "tap" or "scan" products from Vitalife's shelves into their online baskets.

The concept was developed by Vitalife in partnership with QR and NFC specialist Linktagger, after they realised the limitations and financial hurdles involved in opening traditional "bricks and mortar" stores on the high street.

"We are a small company, with limited funding and big ambitions, so we have to be smart about the way we try to grow and develop" said Edley. "So we thought, how can we compete with the big players in the health product retail market without millions of pounds to throw at opening new stores? The answer is to be smarter about approaching our customers, and connect with them in new, innovative, and more cost-effective ways – with virtual stores being one of these approaches."

Vitalife Health website

Images: Vitalife

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News: Exporters can improve international customer service

Rotherham businesses are being given the chance to enhance their customer service skills to international clients at a workshop organised by RiDO's (Rotherham Investment & Development Office's) Soft Landing Zone in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The "Delivering great international Customer Service£ workshop will be held at Fusion@Magna Business Centre on Magna Way in Rotherham on Thursday March 6 from 9.30 - 12.30pm.

The free workshop will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from the UK Trade & Investment. Simon will provide an insight into how to deliver great customer service to international clients, based on key global findings. This will cover how to be customer focused, how to develop customer loyalty and retention strategies, the eight key customer objectives, as well as developing and managing customer relationships.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, said: "This workshop is a great opportunity for any local business which currently trades overseas, or is thinking of doing so, to learn more about what makes great international customer service. Delegates can also gain an understanding about how RiDO's Soft Landing Zone can help local companies looking to gain more opportunities internationally."

With financial support from the European Unition, the Soft Landing Zone project sees RiDO working with home grown companies through accelerated support programmes to develop ideas that have true potential to create export focused businesses, and help local higher education establishments to encourage spinout companies. The project also helps overseas companies looking to establish operations in the UK, explore the UK market or to use the UK as a base for further European activities.

The interactive sessions provides ample opportunity for questions and answers and numbers are restricted for this reason. To book a place, contact Julia Millea by email at Julia.millea@rotherham.gov.uk or call 07810 151953.

RiDO website

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News: Rotherham Export Masterclass

RiDO (Rotherham Investment & Development Office) is hosting a free Overseas Exhibition Masterclass later this month for any local business which is interested in growing their sales by exhibiting overseas.

The interactive workshop is being held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre on the morning of January 23 and will be delivered by Paul Tomes, managing director of Rotherham-based exhibition company The Expo People.

Expo People, recently named Best Business with Growth Potential at Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 awards, helps to support companies new to exporting overseas to realise their potential without requiring additional permanent resource. Based at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre it provides a full exhibition design and support service for any business looking to exhibit in the UK or overseas.

Previously international co-ordinator at healthcare consultancy, Medilink, Paul has planned, developed and executed exhibition projects around the world, with a focus on Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. His masterclass will cover topics including establishing realistic and measureable goals, analysing cost and setting budgets for exhibitions, collating and following up leads, maximising a businesses' marketing presence, plus information and advice on everything you need to know when planning for an overseas exhibition.

Paul Tomes, managing director of The Expo People (pictured, right), said: "There is huge potential for local businesses to grow their businesses overseas and attending an exhibition is often the best way to do this. This Masterclass will give delegates an overview of how to get the most out of an overseas exhibition, and hopefully inspire them to use tradeshows to increase their business overseas."

Julia Millea will also explain how the Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham – Soft Landing Zone – works, offering support to Rotherham companies with accessing international markets and helping foreign inward investors who choose to locate to RiDO's business centres. RiDO is the only Soft Landing Zone in the UK, alongside 23 others across the world.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO (pictured, left), said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses who are thinking of exhibiting overseas to learn from an expert in planning and organising international exhibitions. Delegates can also learn more about the support available through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone to help businesses to grow their export sales and stimulate new overseas markets."

The Expo People has itself accessed support through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone project, which is supported financially by the European Union having secured investment from the European Regional Development Fund.

Places are free but are limited and can be booked by contacting Julia Millea, julia.millea@rotherham.gov.uk, Tel: 07810 151953.

RiDO are planning a number of export workshops for 2014.

Expo People website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Jacqui's decorations help to lift spirits

Local businesswoman Jacqui Saxon decked the halls at the world famous Great Ormond St Children's Hospital this week for its annual Christmas party.

Jacqui is one of Europe's leading balloon artists and runs The Ultimate Balloon Company at RIDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in Rotherham, providing décor for weddings, parties and corporate events.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is an international centre of excellence in child healthcare with over 220,000 patient visits every year. Its Christmas parties provide festive cheer for ill children, many of whom will be unable to spend Christmas at home. Held this year at the Royal National Hotel in London, the "Snow Ball" was attended by the big man himself, Father Christmas plus X Factor finalists, TV stars and musicians.

Jacqui's expertise was called upon as the hospital required no ordinary party décor. Due to allergy concerns for some of the youngsters, only non-latex balloons could be used and the décor had to survive four separate parties over two days. As some children cannot leave the hospital they would not have been able to attend the parties, so experts made the décor moveable so the staff and volunteers could "take the party to the children" afterwards.

Jacqui Saxon, owner of The Ultimate Balloon Company was delighted that she had been chosen for the event. She said: "This ranks alongside providing décor for the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner. As the mother of two sons I can empathise with the parents of the sick children, and it's a privilege to bring some happiness to the children at an anxious time."

After 20 years working in the Inland Revenue, Jacqui opted for a complete change of career and set up her own business with the aim of creating special events for special people at special times in their life and career.

It hasn't always been party time though, it took Jacqui two years and seven exams (theoretical and practical) to achieve The Certificate in Balloon Artistry, but it has paid off, with the high profile contracts to decorate events for companies such as Vodafone, Boots, Mercedes, The Royal Armouries.

The Ultimate Balloon Company website

Images: GOSH / Ultimate Balloon Company / Facebook

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News: Rotherham event gives a boost to local businesses looking to export

Business owners were given a better insight into export opportunities at an International Trade Workshop organised by RiDO (Rotherham Investment & Development Office) in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and held at Fusion Business Centre in Templeborough recently.

The event was led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from UK Trade & Investment, who looked at the population trends in particular overseas markets, which make them attractive for certain types of businesses, what the barriers are to entry and how they can be overcome and what support is available for exporters. The aim was to give local businesses greater confidence to exploit their export potential and to provide information about new markets and guidance with securing business internationally.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO's Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham, Soft Landing Zone said: "This was a great opportunity for businesses from a wide variety of markets to learn more about exporting and to network with other businesses who are already doing so. As UK GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is only 3% of World GDP, there is huge potential out there for local companies, plus lots of support available through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone and UKTI to help businesses to grow their export sales and stimulate new overseas markets."

Dylan Stuchbury, technical director at Woodview Electronics on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, said: "I am looking to export to the USA, as it's a large potential market for our Rev Counter products for motorbikes. This event has given me a useful insight into overseas opportunities and the added motivation to progress with plans to expand our business in the United States."

The ERDF Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £842k investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-13.

RiDO website

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News: Rotherham firms urged to get export help

Rotherham companies make stuff and sell it abroad, but it is not just the likes of Macalloy, Martek Marine and MTL than can increase profits through international trade.

An exporting workshop is being organised by RiDO (Rotherham Investment & Development Office) in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) that will give local businesses the chance to learn all about overseas trade.


The International Trade Workshop will be held at RiDO's Fusion Business Centre in Templeborough on October 8 from 10-1pm. It will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from UKTI, who will provide information on how Rotherham businesses can start selling their products and services to new overseas markets, or increase sales to existing international markets. He will also speak about what advice and support is available in Rotherham to help businesses to increase their export sales.

Julia Millea will also explain how the Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham – Soft Landing Zone – works, offering support to Rotherham companies with accessing international markets and helping foreign inward investors who choose to locate to RiDO's business centres. RiDO is the only Soft Landing Zone in the UK, alongside 23 others across the world.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses who are thinking of exporting, or who have already started to trade internationally, to learn from experts at UKTI and network with other businesses who are doing so.  There is lots of support available through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone and UKTI to help businesses to grow their export sales and stimulate new overseas markets."

The ERDF Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £842k investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-13.

To book a place, contact Julia Millea by email at Julia.millea@rido.org.uk or call 07810 151953.

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: Fusion is a safe bet to help in Pennine's growth

Rotherham electrical safety and training specialists, Pennine (Elec-Tech) Ltd, has moved into new premises at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre in line with the company's expansion and ambitions.

The electrical solutions and training provider offers expert electrical safety guidance, support and training and has moved the short distance from Bradmarsh Business Park at Templeborough.

An award-winning environmentally-friendly building, Fusion provides a combination of high-quality offices and workshops designed for new and growing enterprises.

A spokesperson for Pennine (Elec-Tech) Ltd said that it was a difficult decision to re-locate but added that: "Fortunately within two minutes drive of our existing premises we found the prefect base. Fusion @ Magna provides us with modern offices, state of the art training rooms and importantly for us a training workshop. The training workshop is a vital step forward for the business as it allows us space to both develop and deliver the practical training our customers are regularly asking from us."

The management team at Pennine (Elec-Tech) Ltd has a background forged at the prominent Rotherham electrical safety and engineering company, the Lowe Group. It includes Ted Lowe, who established the Lowe Group of Companies in 1994 and helped it to grow over a period of 14 years to employ 230 people with a turnover of approximately £20m.

In 2008, Connaught acquired the Lowe Group (Holdings) Ltd, based in Rotherham and trading as Necta Ltd, for around £7.5m. It was later renamed Connaught Compliance Electrical Services. In 2010, the British Gas Business division acquired the assets of Connaught Compliance, for £11.2m, including the Templeborough training centre.

Following the 2008 sale, Ted decided to continue trading as the Lowe Group of Companies in association with the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels. In 2011, following meetings with some of his previous senior staff, he agreed to invest in and assume chairmanship of Pennine (Elec-Tech) Ltd.

The Pennine management team includes previous Lowe Group staff, Robert Armitage as managing director, Andrew Linley as technical director and Sue Myers as company secretary.

Pennine (Elec-Tech) Ltd website

Images: RiDO

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News: Vitalife set for supplemental income

Rotherham-based health specialist, Vitalife, is continuing to expand its product range with the launch of its own branded vitamins and minerals supplements.

Vitalife started life just two and a half years ago in the niche industry of specialist teas - with just one line of their signature matcha green tea (a powdered form of green tea). Since then, they have expanded to offer over 16 lines of specialist teas from matcha through to their popular "slimming" tea blend.

Expansion into RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre at Templeborough in 2012 has given the enterprise more space and access to specialist support from the ERDF-funded Soft Landing Zone project including research and support in developing contacts with international markets.

Now Vitalife plan to give the big vitamin brands a run for their money with a new approach. It has developed a range of vitamins and minerals that feature absolutely no artificial or highly processed bulking agents or fillers, allowing the active ingredients to be easily and fully absorbed by the body.

Gavin Edley managing director of Vitalife, said: "We wanted to create a range of vitamins and supplements that were genuinely good for you.

"Ingredients like Magnesium Stearate are often derived from pork and other animal fats - not necessarily an ingredient you would like to find in a health supplement. But the reality is that this is found in most supplements on the market. We use none of these ingredients in our range, opting for no fillers and bulking agents at all where applicable, and where this is not possible, we use natural rice flour as the only additional ingredient to the active substance."

Vitalife launch their first line-up of vitamins and minerals this month, with more due to launch throughout 2013. It follows the first move outside the niche of specialist teas with the launch of its organic coconut oil earlier this year.

Edley added: "We have developed a strong brand since our inception in 2010, and want to continue building on these foundations by offering a wider range of health products under the Vitalife brand - following our basic principles of developing products with completely natural ingredients and using strictly nothing that is highly-processed or artificial.

"We want to be seen by consumers as a broader 'health product' brand and have many more products that we are currently developing, testing, and planning to launch during 2013. It is set to be a very busy year for us in the New Product Development department."

Vitalife Health website

Images: Vitalife

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News: Organic growth for Vitalife

Rotherham-based healthy tea specialist, Vitalife Teas, is unlikely to find itself in hot water when trading in foreign markets thanks to help and support from from RiDO's (Rotherham investment Development Office) Soft Landing Zone project.

Established in 2010 by health fanatic and serial entrepreneur Gavin Edley, Vitalife has since become one of the most popular brands of matcha green tea in the UK. The company has grown and added eight new "teas with purpose" to their range followed by recently adding the popular, energising, South American tea "Yerba Mate."

The next stage of growth includes expanding into new overseas markets and supplying certified organic products.

Vitalife expanded into RiDO's Fusion@Magna business centre in Templeborough in March 2012 and has benefited from support from the ERDF-funded Soft Landing Zone project. This has included research and support in developing contacts with international markets.

This has already led to sales secured with consumers and retailers in Germany, France and Australia and the project is also looking into opportunities to set up a distributorship in the US and Poland.

Gavin Edley managing director of Vitalife Teas (pictured above, right), said: "We have had some great support from RiDO to identify new markets and to research opportunities in Europe, the US and Australia. We are also working with RiDO to establish a distributor network outside of Europe. Their help has been vital in putting us in contact with organisations such as UKTI and with trade associations in specific countries.

"We see tremendous market opportunities internationally for our products and are really excited what the future holds for us."

Under the Soft Landings programme assistance has been provided around; the UK legislation necessary to setting up a limited company; UK food hygiene regulations, potential equipment suppliers, and researching potential customers.

Building on two decades of successful delivery of incubation programmes and inward investment, the SLZ programme has attracted investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

As well as supporting local exporters, assistance is also given to overseas companies looking to establish operations in the UK, explore the UK market or to use the UK as a base for further European activities.

Bob Langley, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, said: "Gavin has a superb product, which is unlike any other in the market, because of its health benefits. We are finding great opportunities for him across the globe, where he has already made a number of sales. We have provided support with a proactive export strategy and assisting with setting up a distributorship outside Europe, to further enhance Vitalife Teas' growth internationally."

Closer to home, Vitalife has recently been awarded certification by the Soil Association to develop and market organic goods and have already celebrated this with the launch of new organic matcha green tea and organic coconut oil. Edley, added: "Despite the fact that all of our matcha green tea is grown in pesticide-free environments, some customers are willing to pay that little bit extra for the reassurance of certification to prove this.

"We have many more organic products planned throughout 2013. With our move into the wider health products market, our new organic certification will prove a valuable asset to drive our business and product range forward and establish our brand even further as an all-natural consumer favourite."

Vitalife website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Buy in bulk to help feed Africa

Bulk Meats, a new online enterprise that aims to deliver the widest choice of lean, high-quality fresh meats at wholesale prices, has launched in Rotherham.

Based at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, the new venture offers low-priced, high-quality fresh meat to people in the UK whilst also providing meals to starving children in Africa.


Every time the company sells a larger, "bulk" pack of fresh meat, of 1kg upwards, that people can then freeze and store at homes, they are donating a meal to starving African children via the United Nation's World Food Program.

Serial entrepreneur Gavin Edley, 25, has joined with Anthony Nettleship, 27 to launch the new venture and the Rotherham pair are targeting hard pressed families as well as body-builders, fitness fanatics and other athletes that rely on a high protein diet.

"We wanted to establish a business that tackled the financial issues people currently face over here, by offering competitively-priced, fresh, quality meat – a big part of most people's grocery bills" said Edley, "But also to give something to those less fortunate than people in the UK too."

Nettleship added: "With the current economic conditions, it's easy for people to become overly-focused on their own problems, and forget about those that are less fortunate.

"We wanted to develop a business model that helped people with their problems in the UK, but also maintained consciousness for those in much worse conditions, and try to help those people too."

The pair expect to feed over 7,000 starving African children within their first year of trading, with more meals being provided as the company grows and expands.

Bulk Meats website

Images: Bulk Meats

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