News: Collaboration for Korean startups

Rotherham firms have been offering advice and support to new business startups from South Korea that are taking part in an innovative accelerator programme hosted by the borough.

Following a successful trade mission, five companies have now invested in the region, bringing remarkable new products to market. After receiving initial support from the South Korean Government, they are being housed in one of Rotherham's four enterprise centres run by RiDO, the Council's regeneration arm.

Based at Moorgate Crofts Businesses Centre, the five companies have teamed up with over 15 local businesses to help them gain an insight into the UK market. Through a number of workshops, mentoring sessions and knowledge exchange the South Korean companies are now much better informed on running a business in the UK.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Housing and the Local Environment at Rotherham Council, said: "Our local businesses have proven to be great ambassadors for Rotherham and the UK. They have all been extremely forthcoming in sharing their skills and knowledge which has been well received by the South Korean companies."

Town centre retailer Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig has been passing on her wholesaler and customer experience with the "Daytripper" team who have come up with an innovative idea for the umbrella. Charlotte (pictured, right) said: "The Daytripper team have been wonderful to work with, they have great energy and enthusiasm for their product which would work well in the giftware and retail market."

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Local accountancy firm, Allotts, organised focus groups to enable Daytripper to develop the features of their new umbrella and led workshops to give advice on the legal requirements for operating a business in the UK. Jackie Saunders from Allotts said: "It's been an exciting new venture working with high tech businesses that are new to the region."

The "Ultimate Drone" team has been supported by Vertex Access, a Templeborough company, to help develop their first drone prototype. Vertex Access have shared their expertise in the market and enabled them to identify their customer segments and applications for the use of the drone.

Julia Millea for RiDO (pictured, second right) said: "We've being delighted by the response from local businesses to get involved, they have been very generous with their time and support, which has been one of the key successes of the programme. The teams received a warm welcome which has helped them to integrate into the business community."

"The South Korean Government is delighted by the teams' progress here in the UK and we hope to see at least three of the teams setting-up their business in the region over the coming months."

The Accelerator programme runs until mid-November with a final pitch day for investment being made on November 12.

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Ambassadorial role for Patchwork Pig owner

Positive and passionate, Patchwork Pig's Charlotte Scothern is a perfect ambassador for Rotherham.

Opened in Rotherham town centre in October 2012, the colourful gift shop sells a wide variety of products, from children's toys to soaps and bath bombs.

The award-winning shopkeeper is part of group of young entrepreneurs acting as ambassadors, visiting schools and colleges in the borough with Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) to discuss self-employment and enterprise at careers fairs and other events.

"I'm a great believer in using word of mouth to spread positive messages so I was more than happy to get involved with Rotherham Youth Enterprise and go out to schools to talk about my business," said Charlotte, 23. "There still seems to be a push towards an academic route so it's good to be able to raise the awareness of self-employment."

Hundreds of young people have been inspired to explore business ideas and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be their own boss in Rotherham. RYE secured part-funding through the European Regional Development Fund, to provide self-employment support, advice and premises for young adults (up to the age of 30) in the area.

Charlotte added: "Rotherham is a great place for young people to start their own business with support such as RYE, and especially in retail, where ideas can be tested out in the Makers Emporium."

A few doors down from Charlotte's shop is the Makers Emporium shared retail space that has seen a number of creative young entrepreneurs "test trade" with support from agencies such as RYE. Charlotte admits that in contrast, she jumped in and took on a vacant unit with no previous experience in retail but a positive attitude, enthusiasm and a desire to bring something unique to her hometown.

Patchwork Pig has been there since the start of the changing face of Rotherham's High Street, a testament to tenacity, and is now surrounded by other enterprising retailers, boutique shops and heritage regeneration. It is often picked out by senior council figures as the sort of independent and unique business that is thriving in the town.

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The success of the business has seen Charlotte recognised at the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber Awards and again at a recent city region wide awards.

On the latest win, Charlotte said: "I really didn't expect to win as it was for businesses across the whole of the Sheffield city region. Not only that but it was for leisure businesses as well as retail.

"It is an amazing achievement, to be up against other wonderful established businesses and to have to won is just unbelievable. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends, the RIDO team at the council and Rotherham Youth Enterprise. It just goes to show how amazing it is to have a business in Rotherham town centre."

Jackie Frost, manager at Rotherham Youth Enterprise, added: "Charlotte is a great ambassador for youth enterprise, providing a real world insight into self-employment for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her enthusiasm and positivity is infectious and a big part of the success of the business is that you can tell that she loves what she does and loves what she sells.

"We look forward to working with more young potential retailers to develop ideas for unique and niche businesses in Rotherham."

Looking ahead, a new Patchwork Pig website has recently launched that keeps control of stock and updates products. Enabling shoppers to buy direct, it is also proving useful for shoppers who like to browse online and then come into town to see and feel the gifts before buying.

"I'm hoping to attract even more visitors from further afield," concludes Charlotte. "I'm off to Japan in my role as local president of JCI [Junior Chamber International] later this year where I'll be flying the flag for Rotherham."

Patchwork Pig website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Hatfield on top at Chamber awards

Rotherham manufacturing and recycling company, Roy Hatfield Limited took the top prize at this year's Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards event, a follow up to being awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise earlier in the year.

The company triumphed over the competition and walked away with the RBS Business of the Year trophy in front a record number of guests (close to 600) at the Barnsley Metrodome.

The achievement followed the company's earlier success in the Wosskow Brown Solicitors Business Growth Award. Company directors, Grant and Mark Hatfield said: "It really is an honour to be recognised by our local chamber during these awards. We are extremely proud to have won the "Business Growth" category and the "Business of the Year Award" which was truly the icing on the cake for what has been an exciting, but challenging few years during the company's development.

"We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by a dedicated and hardworking team at Roy Hatfield Ltd and these awards are testament to their efforts."

Roy Hatfield Ltd was formed in 1971 when the founder Roy Hatfield recognised a demand in the market place for quality and consistent alternative raw materials destined for the concrete industry. The firm grew to become the UK's first and largest manufacturer of decorative and industrial concrete finishing products.

In 1985 the firm moved to Templeborough with a custom manufacturing facility and on site laboratory which is where the company still operates from today.

Anticipating legislation banning gypsum-based waste streams from landfills, the company developed methods for stripping the substance from ceramics and plasterboard. Following continual investment and expansion, the Rotherham site processes 50,000 tonnes of waste plasterboard per annum. More shifts have begun and plans have been submitted for further expansion.

Other Rotherham firms successful on the night included wheeled-bin manufacturer, MGB Plastics in the manufacturing category; S3 ID, the provider of cutting edge location awareness solutions in the innovation category; and colourful town centre gift shop, Patchwork Pig in the retail category. Remember the Date, the online card enterprise started by former Aston Comprehensive student, Lauren Nicholson was recognised as the most promising new business.

This year's ceremony, hosted by former international referee Howard Webb, was held for the first time in Barnsley at the Metrodome and the change of venue was well received with the event being declared a sell out with three weeks still to go.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive at Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "What a fantastic evening, one that has exceeded all our expectations. My congratulations go to all our winners and especially everyone at Roy Hatfield's, the Business of the Year.

"Holding the evening in Barnsley has certainly set the bar for our future events and has given us a real challenge, one I am sure the Chamber will rise to next year."

This year also saw the Chamber present their first Charity of the Year award, which was awarded to The Pippa Jones Little Treasure Trust who received £3,000 in prize money.

A full list of results is as follows:

The Solar Europa Most Promising New Business Award

Winner - Remember the Date
Highly Commended - Themesparx Ltd
Highly Commended - Vertex Rope Access Ltd

The Wosskow Brown Solicitors Business Growth Award

Winner - Roy Hatfield Ltd
Highly Commended - Cornerstones Education
Highly Commended - Pollywiggles Day Nursery

The NPS Barnsley Business Community Impact Award

Winner - One Barnsley Apprenticeship Pledge
Highly Commended - LASER Credit Union
Highly Commended - Wosskow Brown Solicitors

The Brook Corporate Developments Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Winner - MGB Plastics
Highly Commended - Specialised Laser Products
Highly Commended - Wintwire Ltd

The Sheffield Hallam University Design & Innovation Award

Winner - Osborne Technologies Ltd
Highly Commended - Merlin Software
Highly Commended - S3 ID

The Gala Tent Business Person of the Year Award

Winner - Lynne Darwin – Building Product Solutions
Highly Commended - Katie Buckle – Provide Education
Highly Commended - Nigel Short – VOOT

The ASD Lighting/Rotherham United Excellence in International Trade Award

Winner - S3 ID
Highly Commended - D A Cooper & Sons
Highly Commended - Merlin Software

The Source Skills Academy Outstanding Retailer of the Year

Winner - Patchwork Pig
Highly Commended - Fresh n Chic Boutique
Highly Commended - Sara's Flowers and Teas

The Rotherham College Digital & Creativity in Business Award

Winner - DEB Chartered Accountants
Highly Commended - Berneslai Homes
Highly Commended - Bigfoot Digital

The Barnsley College Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner - Tom Matthews – Tata Steel Speciality Steels
Highly Commended - Elliott Mann – ITS Group
Highly Commended - Elspeth Jones - Harris+Co

Chamber website

Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber

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News: JCI Rotherham wins first competition

Speaking of success, Charlotte Scothern, owner of Patchwork Pig, has been named as the most outstanding public speaker in the region after entering and competing in the JCI regional public speaking competition.

Charlotte, who runs the colourful gift shop on the High Street in Rotherham town centre, joined Junior Chamber International (JCI) Rotherham after its relaunch in February. Quickly seeing what good the chamber could do in Rotherham, she threw herself into making a difference and was voted in as deputy president in April.

The public speaking competition sees the best public speakers from all over Yorkshire compete and has been run in the region for over 65 years. With a number of set topics to choose from, the competition requires a special kind of public speaking, challenging participants to express creative ideas in a clear and captivating manner. The regional competition is made up from the winners of local competitions. The winner will then go on to compete at the national level.

Following the event, Charlotte (pictured) said: "After A-level drama you'd think I'd be ready for "performing" but the nerves still got to me. I'm used to talking. In fact most of the time I'm never quiet but I've never done a speech about a topic before and "performed" as me.

"I was up against brilliant competition which is why I still can't believe I won. I can't stop smiling."

Charlie Pearson, JCI Rotherham 2014 president, added: "For a chamber that relaunched only a few months ago to go on and make such a great impression on a regional level is just incredible. Charlotte is a fantastic public speaker and I could not have been more proud watching her speak. I know the whole region will be behind her when she competes in the national finals in November."

The public speaking competition is a big part of the training and opportunities that are offered by JCI Rotherham as well as other Junior Chambers all over the world. People wishing to develop their skills in Rotherham will have the chance to take part in the exciting projects which JCI offers for people aged between 18 – 40, joining existing opportunities already available in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Barnsley, Harrogate and Doncaster as well as an exciting new monthly program held in Rotherham. Membership of JCI allows people to:

- network with other young professionals (Grow)

- increase your confidence in public speaking and debating (Shine)

-support your local community and charitable projects (Challenge)

-travel to events locally, nationally and internationally (Connect)

- develop your social network (Laugh)

JCI's membership is very diverse – from start-up entrepreneurs to people working in blue chip companies, non-profit organizations and charities, as well as people looking for work. JCI members come from all walks of life, and from all around the world. But they are united in one common aim: Be better buy being who you want to be.

JCI Rotherham website

Images: JCI Rotherham

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News: Rotherham sets example for retail revival

"You give us the money and we'll make it work." That was the message from the Labour leader of Rotherham Council to the Tory minister for high streets, town centres and markets, as they opened the newest retail outlet on Rotherham's revitalised High Street, alongside leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas.

The evidence is there for all to see. Firstly, the government has stumped over £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

And secondly, Roger Stone is right, the funding has been used wisely, with the opening of over 80 shops and an overall increase of 13% in pedestrian foot flow in the past three years.

Granted, in those three years, some national and independent retailers have closed their Rotherham stores. Ethel Austin, Internacionale, and Co-op Travel have found the climate tough and closed stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, not just Rotherham.

Helping to go a long way to fill the voids in the South Yorkshire town that has been identified as having the highest amount of retail competition in the UK, are independent retailers supported by the council's Business Vitality Grants Scheme, which since 2009 has supported over 20 businesses to get started, offering help towards rent and fit-out costs for retailers that have potential to widen the appeal and drive footfall for the benefit of all businesses.

Pop-up shops have also been successful with the council offering a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. After an initial trial, Vintage Dolls has this month celebrated its first birthday.

The most recent addition to Rotherham's retail mix is the Makers Emporium, a project offering 3,000 sq ft of retail space on a temporary basis to more than 30 local entrepreneurs and designers to launch their products and test the market.

Physical regeneration is also taking place on the High Street with local retailer Chris Hamby progressing the next stage of the heritage-led project to bring historic buildings back into use.

Miele Delicatessen, a new Italian deli has also opened in the refurbished former Muntus department store on the High Street, selling a range of authentic food and quality coffee.

High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis and retail expert Mary Portas visited Rotherham to see first hand the progress being made and to officially open the Makers Emporium.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who has the responsibility for improving high streets and town centres, said: "Rotherham is a prime example of how a struggling town centre can be turned around into a success story, and in the last three years 86 new businesses have opened their doors in the high street.

"The town has grabbed the opportunities offered to it and is a great example of how our high streets can become shopping destinations that serve the whole community. It's an example to other town centres around the country."

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street, Mary Portas met with some of the independent retailers, the town team and Chris Hamby. She said: "I'm bursting with pride at everything that's been achieved in Rotherham.

"The town team have done an extraordinary job increasing footfall and reducing vacancy rates but most of all producing a place people want to shop in and feel at home in. They have huge competition from some of the UK's biggest shopping malls right on the doorstep but they are bearing out the national statistics that people prefer high streets."

Joining independent retailers like colourful gift shop, Patchwork Pig, and specialists in all things manly, Things That Boys Like, the former Snafu rock bar has been transformed into a light and airy retail space selling locally-designed and hand-crafted products.

Funded by the Government's High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Makers include Our Tiny Bees, Badger & Kingdom, Oddle Doddle Jewellery, Poco Nido, Seraphina Pearl Designs and Panache par Paris.

Terry Cooper of Tea Wear Recycled Cutlery, who works with metal and wood to create unique items of jewellery and homewares, sold Mary Portas a set of coat hooks fashioned from recycled ornate spoons. He summed up the new project: "When everywhere looks the same and you could be stood on any High Street in the UK, what we need is something unique. This place is, and it just lifts everything."

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Miele Delicatessen / Twitter

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 announced

Gavin Edley, managing director of health specialist, Vitalife Ltd has been named Rotherham's Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013.

The Awards, now in their eighth year, look to recognise the achievements of business owners under the age of 30 and for the last two years have been organised by Rotherham Youth Enterprise.

Based at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre at Templeborough, the award-winning enterprise started life in 2010 in the niche industry of specialist teas. Constant product research and development since then has seen the company’s range grow to 15 lines of tea, two lines of organic coconut oil, over 30 lines of vitamins and minerals and more than 1,300 lines of third-party branded products.

Selling online through a growing network of distributors and high street retailers such as Holland and Barrett, Gavin went on to open his first retail outlet in Sheffield earlier this year and is planning to open one in Rotherham early in 2014.

Speaking after the awards ceremony at New York Stadium, Gavin said: "Being an entrepreneur and business owner can be a lonely place at times so it's great to get recognition for all the hard work and effort we put in. The financial reward is also very welcome as it will go toward our new warehousing project which will make product selection easier for the despatch team, which in turn will mean an improvement in service for our customers."

The Young Entrepreneur of 2013 received a special trophy, a cheque for £1000 and a year's membership of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber.

Gavin also collected the Best Established Business award, which was sponsored by The Source Skills Academy. Other category winners, presented with cheques for £500 by respective sponsors, were Charlotte Scothern, owner of Patchwork Pig, named as Best Start-up Business, sponsored by Parkgate Shopping.

Sam Goddard from Response Vehicle Lighting won the Most Innovative Business award which was sponsored by AESSEAL Charitable Trust Discretionary Fund.

Winner of the Business Most Determined to Succeed was Dawn Brown from FreshnChic Boutique, who collected her award from sponsor Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Paul Tomes of Expo People was presented with a certificate and a prize of £250 for Best Business with Growth Potential, which was sponsored by Rotherham Youth Enterprise.

Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "Our judges were impressed with the vision, commitment and personal courage shown by all of the entrants to these awards. All of those qualities are required to successfully start up and run businesses in the present economy, and once again we have had a very high calibre of entries which has made the judges' task extremely difficult."

Rotherham Youth Enterprise provides self-employment support and advice for young adults in the area. Office and workshop provision is also available across the borough.

Principle sponsor, UK Steel Enterprise has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

Allan Wood, regional executive at UK Steel Enterprise, said: "Despite challenging times Rotherham continues to support its young entrepreneurs by encouraging and stimulating enterprise amongst young people. We have some great examples with our award winners this year and we look forward to seeing them all prosper in future.

"Our congratulations go to all of the category winners but there can only be one overall winner and Gavin has shown excellent business vision and determination to be named this year's Young Entrepreneur."

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: RiDO

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013

The shortlist has been confirmed for the Rotherham Young Entrepreneurs' Awards 2013 following the final judging phase this week.

The Awards, now in their eighth year, look to recognise the achievements of business owners under the age of 30 and for the last two years have been organised by Rotherham Youth Enterprise.

The shortlisted nominees are: Dawn Brown from Fresh n Chic Boutique, Gavin Edley from Vitalife, Sam Goddard from Response Vehicle Lighting, Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig and Paul Tomes from The Expo People.

A panel of experts and sponsors interviewed the shortlist who will now have to wait till Friday November 22 to find out who has won. The winners will be announced at the Local Employment Advisory Forum skills day, which is being held at the New York Stadium in Rotherham.

There are four category awards to be won with a prize of £500 each and an overall winner collecting £1,000. The prizes are: Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by UK Steel Enterprise; Best New Start Up, sponsored by Parkgate Shopping; Most Determined to Succeed, sponsored by Rotherham College of Art and Technology; Best Established Business, sponsored by The Source and Most Innovative Business, sponsored by AESSEAL.

Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise and sponsor of the overall prize was impressed with the determination of all five finalists. He said: "It is really pleasing to see so many promising and aspiring young people running their own businesses in Rotherham. They are all facing the future with confidence and we are delighted to be able to support them all."

Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise added: "Each one of the finalists deserves huge credit not just for getting this far but for the attitude they all have in wanting to be successful business owners. It’s going to be very exciting for everyone involved when the winners are announced in November."

Rotherham Youth Enterprise provides self-employment support and advice for young adults in the area. Office and workshop provision is also available across the borough.

UK Steel Enterprise has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website
UK Steel Enterprise website

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