News: Start-up business programme available to Rotherham residents

Rotherham’s Investment and Development Office (RiDO) is encouraging locals to get involved in their fully-funded business start-up programme.

Aspiring entrepreneurs and budding business owners can get expert support right from the initial ideas stage and up to three years of trading.

Julia Millea, New Business Developer, said: “We’ve supported hundreds of people in their business journey so far and it’s great to see them and their business grow and flourish. We offer impartial and structured support that can help people to define and refine their business idea. The programme is delivered collaboratively between our in-house team and a range of associates who are experts in their fields.”

The programme includes masterclasses and workshops on business planning, marketing and promotion, social media, online business and e-commerce, photography and video creation and legal and financial aspects of running a business.

A new Business Start-Up Fast Track programme with virtual workshops starts this week.

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Stuart Turner, of LenGo Visual Media, received support from the RiDO start-up programme back in 2018 and he’s now the proud owner of an award-winning video production agency.

Stuart said: “I’d worked in the visual media industry for years but nothing is as exhilarating or as rewarding as running your own business. I knew my industry inside and out, and I reached out to RiDO to make sure I’d got a structured approach to things like marketing, my business accounts and all the legal aspects too. The support I received was invaluable, the business advisors have a wealth of knowledge and help you explore your ideas and concepts. I’d encourage anyone, like I did in 2018, to follow your dreams and RiDO will make that feel less scary.”

RiDO’s business start-up programme is part of the Sheffield City Region Launchpad initiative. The programme began in April 2016 as a £4m initiative across the Sheffield City Region. Due to the success of Launchpad between April 2016 to March 2019, further funding of £3.5m has been secured to continue delivering Launchpad until the 31st March 2022.

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Record number of guests at chamber awards night

A record number of guests came together at a glittering awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise the important contributions businesses, charities and individuals have made over the past twelve months in helping to shape the local economy.

Regarded by many as being one of the most important events on the local business calendar, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by AAG IT Services, took place at Magna in Rotherham and saw more than 575 members of the local business community support the popular event.

Hosted by Rotherham-based actor Dean Andrews, currently appearing on award-winning TV soap Emmerdale, the event saw ENGIE secure a double award win, after securing the Commitment to People Development award, which lead to them becoming the worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year 2019 (pictured), sponsored by Gibson Booth Business Solutions & Insolvency.

The beginning of the event saw FareShare walk away with a £3,000 donation from award sponsor Fortem, after securing the title of Charity of Year, and later in the evening securing another win for the Business Community Impact award.

The ceremony also recognised the longstanding achievements of a number of businesses with a special salute to business, which included two presentations of 100 years in business to Progress Rail Services UK Ltd and Westfield Health. Special recognition was given to Ted Lowe who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award, whilst Jonathan Morley of Secure Power Ltd was awarded the Business Person of the Year.

The awards also recognised young individuals who are taking the first steps in their career and Oliver Wilde of Engie Regeneration Ltd won the Apprentice of the Year Award, with Charles Hauge of Enzygo Ltd and Gracie Smith of Russell Richardson receiving highly commended.

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Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said: "This year's awards has seen a record number of entries, culminating in a sell out event which proved to be a memorable evening which celebrated the achievements of businesses of all shapes and sizes based in the region.

"I would like to congratulate the winners on the evening, especially our newly crowned business of the year ENGIE. The success of the event illustrates some of the truly amazing work which is being undertaken in our region, from the new and promising companies who have a bright future ahead of them to established companies who are celebrating milestone anniversaries."

The winners on the night in full:

Launchpad Most Promising New Business Award:
Winner: The Elite Wax Group
Highly Commended: Dawson Radford Solicitors
Highly Commended: Greigallen.design

Jelf Business Community Impact Award:
Winner: FareShare Yorkshire
Highly Commended: Home Instead Senior Care Rotherham
Highly Commended: Rotherham United Community Sports Trust

AAG IT Services Best Use of Technology Award:
Winner: Hogen Systems Ltd
Highly Commended: Hallam FM Cash for Kids
Highly Commended: LNS Turbo UK Ltd

Enzygo Business Growth Award:
Winner: Corrosion Resistant Materials
Highly Commended: Secure Power Ltd
Highly Commended: Wellspring Academy Trust

Masonite Apprentice of the Year Award:
Winner: Oliver Wilde – Engie Regeneration Ltd
Highly Commended: Charles Hauge – Enzygo Ltd
Highly Commended: Gracie Smith – Russell Richardson

Finance For Enterprise Marketing Campaign of the Year Award:
Winner: LensGo Visual Media
Highly Commended: Electrical Safety UK Limited
Highly Commended: No18 Interiors LTD

Brook Corporate Developments Excellence in Customer Service Award:
Winner: Amanda’s Blinds
Highly Commended: DEB Chartered Accountants
Highly Commended: Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP

RNN Training Commitment to People Development Award:
Winner: ENGIE
Highly Commended: Bob’s Business
Highly Commended: XPO Logistics

National Fluid Power Centre Excellence in Manufacturing Award:
Winner: Charles H Coward Ltd
Highly Commended: Oracle Precision Ltd
Highly Commended: Specialised Laser Products Ltd

Rotherham Together Partnership Workplace Wellbeing Award:
Winner: British Glass
Highly Commended: LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Highly Commended: Russell Richardson

Shorts Business Person of the Year Award:
Winner: Jonathan Morley – Secure Power Ltd
Highly Commended: Mark Scanlan – LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Highly Commended: Rose Dyson – Pura Cosmetics

Charity of the Year Award, in association with Fortem:
Winner: FareShare Yorkshire
Highly Commended: Barnsley Sea Cadets
Highly Commended: YWCA Yorkshire

Salute to Business Award, in association with XPO Logistics:
AAG IT Services Ltd – 10 Years
Howells Solicitors LLP – 40 Years
Wybone Ltd – 50 Years
Metalliform Holdings Ltd – 75 Years
Progress Rail Services UK Ltd – 100 Years
Westfield Health – 100 Years

BR Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Success for Rotherham entrepreneurs at Launchpad Awards

A Rotherham-based videographer who began his business by capturing rock legends Def Leppard perform live in the Albert Hall has been named as one of the Sheffield city region's (SCR's) most promising new businesses at a special event which celebrated and showcased the achievements of start-up businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the SCR.

LensGo Visual Media was crowned the 2019 Launchpad Champion after being chosen by fellow entrepreneurs during a live vote on the evening of the awards. It proved to be a night to remember for company founder Stuart Turner, who saw the company he founded lift the title of "Growth Business of Year" as well as being named as a finalist in two other categories.

Financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by local authorities and the Prince's Trust, Launchpad is a business support programme which provides free advice to those exploring self-employment for the first time

In a remarkable first year of trading, LensGo Visual Media has secured more than 50 new clients including Gulliver's Theme Parks, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Rotherham United as well as a range of businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

Despite enjoying a highly successful first year, Stuart has been keen not to sit on his laurels and the ambitious entrepreneur is already setting his sights on growing his business further by expanding his core videography service to introduce complimenting social media and marketing support services, enabling his clients to harness digital marketing channels effectively.

The Launchpad Awards proved to be a memorable night for Rotherham's growing start-up community, with fellow start-up online furniture retailer and interior design specialist No18 Interiors winning the Start Up Business of the Year title, whilst Rockingham Media, Utility Source, Yugen Explore, Evolution and Vamaya were all named as finalists on an evening which celebrated the do-ers and achievers from across the city region.

Now in its second year, The Launchpad Awards saw nearly 100 new and aspiring entrepreneurs take part in the competition, with the finalists in each category being recognised on the evening.

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Stuart Turner, founder of LensGo Visual Media said: "It feels like we've achieved a huge amount in such a short space of time and for LensGo to be chosen as the Launchpad Champion is an amazing feeling. The growth in video has resulted in a new wave of digital marketing channels that are easily accessible and we’re on track to double our customer base in our current financial year.

"Our first year was very much about developing a business model that works, we've proved this and now we're firmly setting our sights on further growth. We've built up some great client relationships and many of them recommend our services to others.

"Launchpad has helped my business in so many different ways. There's a world of difference between working for someone else and running your own business. I didn't really know what to expect, but the support I have received in laying the foundations to the business has been invaluable and I feel incredibly honoured that LensGo was chosen by other entrepreneurs as being this year's Launchpad Champion and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next twelve months will bring!"

Anna Smith, programme manager of Launchpad, added: "Securing the title of Growth business of the year, as well as being named as a finalist in the Start Up of the Year and Inspiring Achiever categories was no mean feat and the success achieved by Stuart during his first year in business made him a very worthy winner.

"I'd like to wish Stuart and his team every success in the future. The Sheffield city region is filled with some truly amazing entrepreneurs and the Launchpad programme was developed to help equip them with the vital skills and knowhow to build successful companies."

Since the Launchpad programme began in 2016, it has helped more than 5,400 aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first steps towards self-employment by providing access to a range of business support including workshops and one-to-one business support.

LensGo website
Launchpad website

Images: SCR Launchpad

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News: Rotherham firm gets exclusive first look at Gulliver’s Valley

Rotherham-based visual media company, LensGo, have been appointed to capture the Gulliver's Valley build at Rother Valley, from concept to completion.

The new Gulliver's Valley theme park in Rotherham is being built in phases and LensGo has joined forces with the Gulliver's team to capture some remarkable footage of the process.

Phase 1 of construction at the £38m project is well underway on land adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park.

Gulliver's Valley is to be a year round destination aimed at 2 - 13 year olds and include a theme park hub, woodland adventure centre, ecology and education centre, lodges, hotels and a holiday village.

LensGo has been allowed exclusive access to the site to utilise their drone technology, time-lapse photography and film to capture the theme park transform from the land of a former pit.

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Julie Dalton, managing director at Gulliver's Theme Parks, said: "We are so pleased with the work LensGo have completed to date and can't wait to release the footage. It was important for us to use local companies throughout the build process. We're excited to welcome many visitors to our new attraction but there's so much we can do until we open to give back to the local economy.

"We heard about LensGo and their MD Stuart when he filmed a local martial arts school enjoying a fun day out at our Matlock site, and he has since worked with us capturing content on our parks. We're excited to see the end result and it'll be available to everyone to view once complete to watch how we shaped the history of the area."

The firm recently released a sneak peek of the site's "Western World" where guests will be able to explore individual sections such as the Sheriff's Office, Bank and General Store. The main structures for the street are in place and in the coming months Gulliver's will be including rides and attractions that will compliment the western theme.

Stuart, managing director of LensGo, said: "We're thrilled to be part of such an exciting project and especially one that's right on our doorstep. We visit the site every month to capture the latest developments. It's fascinating to be part of the process and to see how quickly it's coming together.

"I launched LensGo just over a year ago, after a career as a cameraman. Securing a contract with Gulliver's has given us a real boost. We can't wait to see how the site unfolds."

Gulliver's Valley Theme Park and Resort is set to open in Spring 2020.

Gulliver's Valley website
LensGo website

Images: LensGo / Gulliver's

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News: LensGo joins Rotherham & Barnsley Mind as a business ambassador

LensGo, the visual media firm established last year by Rotherham-based videographer, Stuart Turner has become an ambassador for Rotherham & Barnsley Mind.

The charity is an independent local provider of high quality mental health services in Rotherham, Barnsley and its surrounding areas.

Frankie Parker, Rotherham and Barnsley Mind (pictured, second right), said: "As a local charity, we are passionate about working with local companies and the support of LensGo has been invaluable to Rotherham and Barnsley Mind. Having worked with Stuart and the team on a variety of projects, they have treated us and our clients with the utmost respect. We feel that they are the perfect company to be awarded this role."

Speaking about why this role is so important to him, Stuart (pictured, second left) said: "I'm delighted that LensGo Visual Media have been awarded the role of Business Ambassador for Rotherham and Barnsley Mind. It enables us to help promote the great work Mind do through the power of film."

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind is committed to supporting those in need by promoting good mental health by offering high-quality support so that no-one feels alone when dealing with mental health problems.

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Stuart and the LensGo team started working alongside the team to help them tell their story through video. Their relationship has grown from there and they're now on a mission to make more people aware of the great work the charity does.

Stuart continued, "I've learnt much more about the importance of good mental health since I started my business. I meet so many different people in my line of work and I realised that regardless of whether your a rock star, footballer, business owner, personal trainer, teacher, parent, carer or child our mental health is something we should all take care of.

"We're proud to be associated with Mind and the amazing work they do to promote good mental health. It's important for us to give back to our local community and being a business ambassador enables us to do just that."

LensGo was on hand to capture "Awarefest" - a mental health health awareness festival for the local community, held recently at the Geoerge Wright Boutique Hotel in Rotherham.

Rotherham and Barnsley Mind website
LensGo website

Images: Rotherham & Barnsley Mind

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News: Enterprising Rotherham-based videographer on a roll

A Rotherham-based videographer is setting his sights on a record-breaking first year after his business was given an unexpected boost by one of the best-known names in the rock industry.

Stuart Turner launched LensGo in the spring after deciding to turn down the chance to build a lucrative career working for a large media agency in favour of using his skills to support South Yorkshire's business community, with the long-term aim of creating new skilled jobs within Rotherham's growing creative industries sector.

Just a week after opening the doors of his new business, Stuart's services were snapped up by Def Leppard who commissioned his business to capture a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall, organised to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Working closely with business advisor Julia Millea from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Launchpad programme, Stuart began formulating his business ideas and putting his plans into practice. At the same time, Stuart attended workshops exploring how to market his business, as well as learning how he could harness new business opportunities through social media.

With the help and support Stuart received from the Launchpad programme he has successfully secured work with a growing number of businesses throughout the UK, as well as supporting a number of organisations in the SCR including, Sheffield City Council, Rotherham United Community Trust, Gulliver's, Rotherham Hospice, the Doncaster Knights and has even worked with actor Brian Blessed.

Stuart was also on hand to capture Def Leppard's latest homecoming gig at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield this past week.

Having spent more than a decade working as a professional videographer, Stuart is no stranger to capturing life through a lens, and after building a workforce of camera operators, editors and designers and securing new contracts throughout the UK, LensGo was named as one of South Yorkshire's most promising new business start-ups at the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Business Awards.

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Stuart Turner, Founder of LensGo (pictured), said: "Video is fast becoming one of the best tools to help businesses engage with their customers and audiences and I felt there was a clear gap in the market for our services. I was keen to base my business in Rotherham to help create new skilled jobs within the creative industries sector and since launching the business we've successfully built a local, regional and national client base, resulting in new jobs being created within the local economy.

"Having spent most of my career working as a professional videographer, I knew my industry well and working with the Launchpad programme helped to give my business direction – I was conscious that when it comes to video there's quite a large market for the services but I didn't want to be all things to all people.

"The workshops provided an invaluable opportunity to learn the latest business tools and techniques whilst the one-to-one sessions enabled me to focus on developing my business model and strategy. Since completing the training, I've put the lessons into practice, helping me to attract new clients as well as developing the company's social media profile."

Julia Millea, business advisor at SCR Launchpad, added: "Stuart has come a very long way in a short space of time. Working as a freelancer for a number of years, Stuart benefitted from an insight into what is needed to run a business, but there can be very different challenges associated with running your own company.

"A key element of the Launchpad programme is encouraging entrepreneurs to understand the importance of business planning, enabling the business to grow and develop. Stuart has gained a lot from the workshops and one-to-one planning sessions and although he is perhaps more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, gaining recognition as a finalist at the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Business Awards is a well-deserved reward for his efforts over the past few months."

LensGo website
SCR Launchpad website

Images: Launchpad

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