News: SCR Growth Hub smashes business support targets

Over 4,000 businesses have worked with expert advisors at the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub, smashing an initial target of 500.

The SCR Growth Hub is the model that coordinates and simplifies business support so that it joins up national, local, public and private business provisions across the city region.

By the end of April 2017, the Growth Hub and its spokes of specialist advisors had worked with 4,122 businesses. The target was 500.

And the city region's businesses are pleased: the feedback is that they are getting "excellent" support and the Growth Hub has been awarded a satisfaction rating of 89% across the three different levels of help – light, medium and high.

The bulk of inquiries over the year have been about help to grow businesses and finance, while help with skills training, starting a new business, and innovation were roughly equally in demand.

Advertisement

David Grimes, head of the SCR Growth Hub, said: "This is a very pleasing set of figures. The Growth Hub and its partners have been working extremely hard to help create growth and jobs across the region, and I am delighted that so many people have taken advantage of our services.

"This demonstrates that there is a huge appetite for businesses to grow and create jobs and prosperity across the region.

"Enterprise has always been at the heart of what we do in this region. It's a tribute to the hard work ethos here which is helping to attract, retain and develop skills in the region which are so important for sustainable growth."

Projects within the hub include, Launchpad, a £4m co-ordinated programme of start-up support for new start enterprises delivered by a consortium of the region's local authorities, and the Princes Trust.

A mentoring service is also in operation and the Enhancement Project targets businesses with high-growth potential.

SCR Growth Hub website

Images: SCR Growth Hub

Read more...

News: National enterprise award for Rotherham retailer

A young entrepreneur whose shop is the focal point for the skate community in Rotherham has won a national award from the Prince's Trust.

Props Skate Store in Rotherham town centre is owned by Tom Jones and has been building up a cult following since opening at the end of 2011. Last year, the store kicked on and expanded into trick new premises in the Imperial Buildings.

Having received support on his journey through the Prince's Trust, the youth charity that supports 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion, Tom entered the Tomorrow's Business Awards which recognises enterprises who are making a positive difference to their own lives, their community or the environment through their businesses.

Tom was one of three national winners taking home £3,000 to be invested in the business. The trio attended a recent celebration event hosted by NatWest in their offices which saw the successful businesses receiving coaching and mentoring sessions from high profile business people and experts to help them take their next step on their enterprise journey.

Trust Chairman, Lloyd Dorfman CBE, was joined by M&S CEO Steve Rowe and Claire Locke, founder of fashion retailer Artigiano and Vice Chair of the Trust's Enterprise Fellowship, in mentoring the young people. Senior NatWest representatives David Wheldon, Peter Ryan-Bell, James Gardiner and Kirsty Britz all spent time with the winners alongside Marcelino Castrillo, Head of Business Banking who presented the trophies.

Advertisement

Martina Milburn CBE, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, said: "The Tomorrow's Business Awards were designed to showcase the talent and innovation of young people who have set up businesses with help from The Prince's Trust. We're proud of all the young people who, with our support, transform their lives and set up their own amazing businesses, so choosing the winners was difficult."

Tom Jones, owner of Props Skate Store (pictured with his award), said: "I grew up in a deprived area and there seemed to be no jobs available. I was stuck in a rut for a long time and felt like giving up. So many young people were in the same boat as me, and spend their time hanging around down at the park. It was soul-destroying.

"Rotherham has become increasing run down over the past few years, but I love the area and felt passionate about bringing people back into the community again – to help boost the local economy.

"Young people who used to hang out at the park are now taking up skating and coming to my shop to hang out – so I am really pleased that I have given something positive to keep them focused."

Tom managed to secure a loan from the Trust's Enterprise programme, which helped with purchasing stock, and opened in his first premises in a shop unit close to Rotherham market and the town's college campus. The current premises (pictured) allows Tom to print new designs on site and there's even a skate ramp set up in the basement.

Tom added: "I literally had no business experience before I came to The Prince's Trust, but the course gave me the confidence straight away. I had the idea of setting up a skate shop in Rotherham town centre and with the support of the trust, I decided to go for it.

"The Trust give me a business mentor and it was so helpful to have someone to talk to and advice me on my business plan – something I would have never imagined myself doing before.

"I am amazed at how my business has evolved and grown. Over the past five years I have managed to move into bigger premises in the centre of town and develop my own brand of clothing. I also organise skating events all over the borough for local skaters on a regular basis which is great fun. Props is not only a skate store but continues to be a community hub where young people meet on a regular basis to get advice and mutual support."

Having also received support from Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), Tom is a previous winner of the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, picking up the title in 2012.

Props Skate Store website

Images: Prince's Trust / Props / Facebook

Read more...

News: Apprentice route for unemployed young people

The AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham is helping unemployed young people get into the manufacturing thanks to the Prince's Trust charity and aerospace giant, Boeing.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the £20.5m centre focuses on students aged from 16 upwards, taken on paid apprenticeships. It forms part of the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, where the focus is on training in the practical and academic skills that engineering and manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

The Prince's Trust is a youth charity that supports 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

The Trust's "Get Started with Product Design" programme will return twice in 2016 following its hugely successful pilot last year. The five-day programme is a personal and social development training programme, focussed on manufacturing, targeted to 16-25 year olds who are not in education, training or employment.

Made possible by Boeing's corporate citizenship programme, it combines the best of the AMRC Training Centre's existing, advanced manufacturing training and facilities, with the mentoring and life-skills support offered by The Prince's Trust; to give young people a helping hand to embark on a rewarding career in manufacturing.

Advertisement

Eamon Myers, a 22 year old from Sheffield was one of the first participants to benefit from the programme, leading to him securing a new job as an AMRC Training Centre apprentice; sponsored by Riverside ECS in Sheffield.

Eamon said: "The programme gave me the confidence to succeed in interviews and helped me secure a three year-long apprenticeship run by Riverside ECS, in partnership with AMRC Training Centre.

"I am extremely proud of what I have achieved and would definitely encourage any young person who is unemployed to get in touch with The Prince's Trust. I feel immensely positive about the future now."

Following the success of last year's programme, Get Started with Product Design will run twice and support a total of 24 young people to help them develop professional skills in the area of advanced manufacturing.

Richard Chadwick, director of programmes and development at The Prince's Trust said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Boeing and the AMRC Training Centre to inspire young people to consider career paths in manufacturing, engineering and technology.

"Get Started with Product Design gives young people who have previously faced barriers to education or work a rare chance to take on an engineering challenge with industry experts, and build their aspirations for the future."

Kerry Featherstone, operations manager at the AMRC Training Centre, added: "We are happy to be supporting The Prince's Trust Get Started with Product Design programme again this year. We feel the programme helps open up valuable opportunities for young people who may not have considered an apprenticeship as a route into an exciting career in engineering, and we are looking forward to welcoming this year's participants to the AMRC Training Centre."

Two "taster" days for anyone interested in participating in the programme from 1-4pm on Tuesday April 19 and Tuesday July 12.

AMRC Training Centre website
Prince's Trust website

Images:

Read more...

News: An illustration of what can be achieved

Lewis Houghton, a young, enterprising illustrator from Rotherham has secured a book deal in America after setting up in business with the backing of local organisations and national charities.

From a young age, Lewis used drawing as an escape route from his depression and difficulties at home. Lewis was home-schooled and entered the world of work at 16 without any formal qualifications or basic grades in Maths and English.

Faced with unemployment, Lewis took on some temporary job opportunities including labouring and cleaning but struggled to secure permanent work. Possessing little confidence or self-esteem, he rarely showed people his illustrations for fear of how they would respond. However, after he confided in a friend that he would love to start his own business, she convinced him to develop the idea.

Within weeks Lewis had joined The Prince's Trust four day Enterprise programme, which supports unemployed 18-30 year olds interested in self-employment. He set about developing some customised drawings and an illustration service for publishers.

Lewis has also accessed a range of small grants through Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) which have supported him to look at the branding of his business, making the best use of social media through LinkedIn, use of photography to market his products, and to exhibit his artwork at the Rotherham Show. 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.

After completing his business plan, Lewis was awarded a £650 grant from The Printing Charity who, in partnership with The Prince's Trust, helps disadvantaged young people in the North of England set up their own print-related businesses.

Lewis was able to invest in essential specialist illustration tools to help make his dreams a reality. He based his paper doll illustrations on children's books to make the business more relevant and began posting his work on social media sites. Lewis's talent soon caught the attention of an award-winning children's author in America who has now commissioned Lewis to illustrate his next 12 books.

Advertisement

Lewis, 25, said: "I always wanted to start my own business but didn't think I was smart enough so when I found The Prince's Trust I thought, it's now or never. I'm creative rather than business-minded so it was great to have support in being more business savvy. If it wasn't for the grant from The Printing Charity, I wouldn't be working for a world-famous author so I'm hugely grateful for all the support I've received."

Lucy Hornsby, head of philanthropy at The Prince's Trust, added: "Setting up in business can be an escape route out of unemployment – and a positive step towards success. Lewis is an inspirational example of just how much can be achieved."

Mark Johnson, helps and futures manager at The Printing Charity, added: "Our successful partnership with The Prince's Trust Enterprise Programme is an important part of our work in the North of England. Since 2012 we have been providing grants to help unemployed young people in the region set up their own businesses in sectors such as printing, publishing, photography or graphic design."

Lewis is now part of group of young entrepreneurs acting as ambassadors, visiting schools and colleges in the borough with RYE to discuss self-employment and enterprise at careers fairs and other events.

Lewis, added: "I enjoyed talking to the creative college students about my experiences and the possibilities of self-employment. Sometimes I forget how far I've come from starting out on this whole journey. If I can do it anyone can, believe me."

Jackie Frost, manager at Rotherham Youth Enterprise, added: "Lewis has an obvious talent but just needed some business advice and that boost in confidence that is often required to get a business idea off the ground. I'm delighted that he has received commissions for his wonderful illustrations and look forward to seeing many more of them in print in the future."

LewBot Facebook page
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: Lewis Houghton / Facebook

Read more...

News: Prince's Trust trainees gain work experience

Seven unemployed young people from Rotherham have gained hands-on experience of working in the NHS as part of a unique training programme.

The programme was arranged by charity The Prince's Trust and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust (TRFT), to offer unemployed people aged 16-25 real, practical work experience, training and vocational knowledge.

The Prince's Trust is a youth charity that supports 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

The NHS Trust serves the health needs of the borough and delivers care at Rotherham Hospital, as well as community-based sites and directly in patients' homes. It employs over 4,000 staff with an annual turnover of over £215m.

Over the six week programme the young people demonstrated their ability to learn new skills and work as part of a team. They gained practical work experience alongside hospital domestics, porters and admin teams. In addition they received mandatory Trust training in areas such as information governance, infection prevention and control, conflict resolution, manual handling and in working with people with dementia.

The trainees were given the opportunity to improve their teamwork and communication skills, boost their confidence, build their interview skills and gain experience to share on their CV. Following the training, the individuals will receive a further six months of support, via The Prince's Trust, to help them find a job.

Claire Fretwell, head of learning and development at TRFT, said: "As a Trust we want to support the people of Rotherham who are not in either employment or any form of education or training, to get into work or to take up a development opportunity. I'm pleased that we have been able to help people in the local community to realise their potential by joining forces with organisations such as The Princes Trust."

Donna Jones, head of facilities services at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, was responsible for organising the opportunity for the Prince's Trust trainees to work alongside hospital facilities staff, who provided daily support and supervision. She said: "We were very happy to be able to lend our support to this fabulous charity by providing work placements.

"Those who have been part of our Trust and worked alongside our teams for the last six weeks have shown enthusiasm, maturity and an eagerness to learn new skills. I hope what they have learnt will help them in their future careers."

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust website
Prince's Trust website

Images: Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust

Read more...

News: Rotherham town trader at 20

An independent, different retail offer in Rotherham town centre is nothing new as Mesmerize, Rotherham's premier alternative store, celebrates its 20th year in business in this weekend.

The shop opened for the first time on May 8, 1995, and has proved to be enduringly popular with shoppers to the town searching for more alternative gifts and jewellery.

Starting on a stall on the old outdoor Rotherham market, the store is now based on Wellgate and was last year was named Rotherham Town Centre's "Independent Retailer of the Year" - an award voted for by the public.

Advertisement

Over the years, the range of items sold has expanded to include Gothic and alternative clothing as well as a large range of aromatherapy oils, incense, home fragrances and licensed Nemesis artist collections and figures.

Mesmerize is also a popular venue to buy tickets for local gigs and concerts.

Lynda Crampton, owner of Mesmerize, said: "I received help from Business Link and the Prince's Youth Trust to open a bricks and mortar shop and I am still here today 20 years on thanks to the incredible continued support from Rotherham shoppers.

"I am very proud to be trading in Rotherham town centre. I have made many new friends over the years and I would really like to thank all my great and loyal customers for their support over the past two decades."

Many of these customers helped Lynda celebrate last month at a special anniversary bash attended by 300 people, which included a host of live music and entertainment including local band Papa Legba's. The store is running offers and a raffle as celebrations continue.

Mesmerize Facebook page

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Mesmerize voted Rotherham's independent shop of the year

Mesmerize, the Rotherham shop that features an eclectic range of goth, rock, alternative and Pagan essentials and gifts, has been voted the town's independent shop of the year.

Mesmerize first opened in 1995 with a small grant from the Prince's Trust and will be celebrating 20 years on Wellgate next spring.

The competition was launched by the council on the back of the national Independents' Day campaign. Skate store, Props, based at Eastwood Lane was in second place, and finishing third was The Whistle Stop Sweet Shop located at Imperial Buildings.

Lynda Delizium, manager of Mesmerize, said: "I would like to thank everyone who voted for Mesmerize.

"I am extremely proud in winning as the quality and service of the independent shops in Rotherham is amazing. As a small independent, trading in a recession can be very challenging and this support is astounding and well received.

"I love my job and there is never a boring day. I try to provide a hub of information for the alternative scene alongside the gifts, jewellery and clothing for sale in the shop."

Cllr. Dominic Beck, cabinet member for Business Growth and Regeneration, added: "Congratulations to all the businesses who received votes and particularly to Mesmerize. Shoppers cited the "Aladdin's cave" of unique products and fantastic customer service as reasons why they were their winner.

"It was incredibly difficult to tell who would win and with over 150 independent town centre retailers, the eclectic mix was sure to inspire debate.

"It was great to see the incredible support businesses have received from customers. It shows the public are really passionate about Rotherham's independent retail offer and had fantastic things to say about stores across the whole town centre."

Mesmerize Facebook page
Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Hip-Rocker's great start leads to global success

Hip-Rocker, a jellybean-shaped rocking chair that helps children who wear a hip spica cast to immobilise the hip as it heals, is in demand across the globe.

The business was founded by Brampton-born Claire Bradwell, whose inspirational story was recently recognised at the Yorkshire and Humber "Celebrate Success" awards hosted by the Prince's Trust.

Claire came up with the idea of Hip Rocker after her daughter Daisy who has hip dysplasia, had to spend three months in a cast that stretched from her toes to her chest. Claire was keen to create something which didn't look clinical, was bright and colourful and would be a design that young children would want to sit in.

Established in RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, Rotherham it was here that she accessed support which helped her to begin trading internationally in Australia and across Europe.

Claire Bradwell, managing director of Hip Rocker, said: "I was getting lots of recommendations from customers, which meant sales were growing rapidly, not just in the UK but internationally.

"I received a number of orders from Australia, but didn't have any idea how to go about arranging payment for overseas customers or what to do about things like charging VAT. I hadn't expected to begin trading overseas so quickly, so I was straight on the phone to Bob Langley from RiDO's Soft Landing Zone. Bob helped me to understand more about the export side of the business and trading internationally, which was a great help and gave me the confidence to approach business overseas professionally and correctly."

Bob Langley, business co-ordinator for RiDO's Soft Landing Zone, added: "Claire has done exceptionally well in establishing and growing a business not just in the UK, but in a number of other countries. With our support she has been able to take advantage of some tremendous opportunities in Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Norway and these look like they will become major growth markets for her products.

"For a business in a specialist market sector like this, it is important to be able to sell overseas and Claire has gained the necessary skills quickly and adapted her business model to enable her to take advantage."

The Soft Landing Zone project aims to embed additional international business into the area, and help existing businesses to grow in global markets. It has attracted investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

After almost a year at Century Business Centre, Claire decided she needed additional room to expand her business and her and her partner bought a cottage in Wadsley, Sheffield, where they have converted the large stable and hayloft into a purpose designed workshop for Hip Rocker.

Claire added: "I had a great start for my business in Rotherham and what I learned here this has given me the confidence and knowledge to expand into international markets, which I never believed I would have been able to do."

Hip-Rocker website

Images: RiDO

Read more...

News: Inspirational Claire celebrates success

Hip-Rocker, a business born out of a mother's personal desire to help others, has gone international.

Brampton-born Claire Bradwell, 29, was devastated when, aged 17, she was told she couldn't have children. Five years later and against the odds, Claire gave birth to twin boys, but was also diagnosed with cancer. The following year, Claire had her third child, a daughter called Daisy, who was born with hip dysplasia, a condition where the baby's ball and socket hip joint fails to develop fully and doesn't fit snugly together. The condition affects 1 to 3% of newborns and requires an operation to correct it and a hip spica cast to immobilise the hip as it heals.

Worn down by the emotional stress, Claire hit a real low point, which worsened when she went into hospital for a hysterectomy and ended up in intensive care for over two weeks with internal bleeding.

It was during her recuperation, that Claire was inspired to design a chair to give comfort and security to children while in a hip spica cast. Helped by her father, a skilled joiner, she created a prototype.

Inspired by the shape of a jelly bean, the Hip-Rocker is a specially designed rocking chair with table that allows children to sit upright to be fed and entertained, whilst in a restrictive hip spica cast.

To help bring the unique product to market, Claire attended the Explore Enterprise Course in January 2012, which was organised by the Prince's Trust and attended by 16 young business people and a special guest – HRH The Prince of Wales.

Claire produced a business plan with support from the Trust and gradually brought the product to market, launching the business in March 2012 with a workshop in RiDO's Century Business Centre at Manvers. Support came from Rotherham Youth Enterprise and The Prince's Trust also supported her with her start up costs.

Claire's goal for her first year was to not enter into her bank overdraft and she wanted to be able to move to a new home by her third year of trading – she achieved both of these in her first year.

Her business has continued to grow through her first year of trading, having started with just two designs of the chairs, the business now has six, with 19 different finishes compared to the eight when the business started. The business is now finding success overseas – having sold to Australia, Sweden, USA and Ireland, from a marketing spend of just £72.

Claire was recently named the winner of the Enterprise Award at the Yorkshire and Humber "Celebrate Success" awards hosted by the Trust, recognising how she overcame serious difficulties in order to achieve success in creating a sustainable business.

On winning the award, Claire (picture above, right), said: "I loved every minute of the evening, even when I broke down and cried.

"It's difficult to put into words, in a space of six months I went from not knowing if I was going to live or die and leave three young children - to running my own business and helping other parents with my products.

"If someone had said to me two years ago, "you will beat the cancer and all the other health problems and be running your own business helping children like Daisy," I would have said "the men in white coats need to come and get you.""

This year has seen Claire speak on behalf of The Prince's Trust in front of 1,200 guests at the National Business Awards and volunteer to be a Young Ambassador for the charity.

On the business side, Claire continues to improve and modify the Hip-Rocker design to suit customers' needs. It has been made available to buy or hire and is also suitable for children with other conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

Future products include rocking chairs and innovative ways of modifying prams and car seats to enable children with lower-limb complaints to use them.

Hip-Rocker website

Images: The Prince's Trust / Hip-Rocker

Read more...

News: Engineering students learn at cutting edge with B. Braun

A team of students from Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham learned at the cutting edge with a tour of B. Braun Medical Ltd in Sheffield.

As part of a Prince's Trust initiative, the students and academy lead tutor Peter Wooding visited its purpose-built showcase facility which repairs, services and maintains the precision surgical instruments and medical equipment the company provides to hospitals throughout the UK.

The Prince's Trust runs "Get into" courses for young unemployed adults which includes a visit to an employer in their area of interest. Participants from Brinsworth Academy who visited B. Braun Medical Ltd as part of their "Get into Engineering" programme were given a short presentation introducing the company as well as a tour demonstrating B. Braun products and the engineering skills required to repair and maintain them.

Andrew Pritchard, technical services operations manager at B. Braun, said: "Our technical services building enables us to provide excellence in technical innovation, education and support solutions for the healthcare organisations that we work with, in particular the NHS.

"Brinsworth Academy asked B. Braun Medical Ltd to provide the employer experience on the grounds that our company is cutting edge, both in terms of the facility and the engineering we undertake.

"We were very pleased to be able to show the students around and hope it inspires them to further explore the world of – and career opportunities involved in - engineering."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "We were delighted to see the involvement of an organisation the size and scope of B. Braun Medical Ltd in this programme.

"It was a great opportunity to demonstrate how employers can get directly involved with our training facility and it also provided a fascinating and educational experience for the learners to find out about the intricate and technical side of modern engineering."

Paul has recently been shortlisted for Sales Director of the Year Award by The Institute of Sales & Marketing Management (ISMM), an individual award for directors responsible for creating and delivering sales strategy.

Paul said: "To be shortlisted for this National award is a great accolade, to be in an awards ceremony that includes sales staff from major brands such as Sky, Virgin, and DHL speaks volumes for what we have achieved here at the Academy."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

B. Braun Medical website

Images: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Read more...

News: Andrew moulds a bright future in engineering

A 17-year-old who dropped out of college has landed a job and a promising future thanks to a pioneering training programme.

A two-week Prince's Trust "Get Into Engineering" course at Brinsworth Training, South Yorkshire's leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, convinced Andrew Pearson, of East Dene, Rotherham, that engineering was the career he wanted to follow.

After completing the Prince's Trust scheme, Andrew landed a place on a 14-week course specially designed by Brinsworth Training in Templeborough to give young people without qualifications an opportunity to build up their engineering foundation skills.

And now he has been offered an apprenticeship at Active Moulds Ltd., of Dinnington, Rotherham.

Andrew said: "I realise how fortunate I am to be in full-time employment because of the course, particularly at a time when there aren't many jobs around. And I'm absolutely determined to make the best of the opportunity.

"I love the job and realised as soon as I went on the Prince's Trust taster course that engineering was the way forward for me. It was a lucky break for me. When I decided to leave college because I felt I wasn't getting anywhere, I didn't really know what the future held."

Craig Trembath, workshop manager, at Active Moulds, who make moulds for the blockpaving industry, said: "Andrew is doing very well and giving us 100 per cent and more. He is keen to learn, asking lots of relevant questions and showing a lot of promise. It's obvious that the course at Brinsworth Training has given him a good, sound foundation in engineering basics."

The Prince's Trust will be running, with Brinsworth Training, another "Get Into Engineering" course for unemployed young people in Rotherham from July 11-22.

Active Moulds website
Brinsworth Training website

Images: Brinsworth Training

Read more...

News: Harworth Estates join Prince's Trust leadership group

Harworth Estates, the property division of mining company UK COAL, is the first major business in Yorkshire to back an initiative by The Prince's Trust focused on developing the skills of young people needed to support the construction industry.


The charity has established a network of national sector-based Leadership Groups, with Harworth Estates being the first to sign up from the Yorkshire and The Humber region to support the national Construction and Business Services Group, which focuses on upskilling disadvantaged young people for careers in construction and related industries.

Michael Jones, Harworth Estates construction and development director, says: "UK COAL continues to be a major employer, directly and indirectly, in the Yorkshire region, and with our regeneration plans for the future, we have the chance to create new opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the construction industry and the future facilities management that will follow.

"We believe that working in unison with The Prince's Trust, we and other businesses can focus resources into the training and development of the skills needed to ensure Yorkshire and the Humber region benefits from harnessing the enthusiasm and abilities of our young people, giving them new opportunities and a rewarding career path through involvement in the regeneration of their own communities."

UK Coal has submitted plans to develop the 300 hectare former coal mining and industrial site at Waverley in Rotherham.

Waverley website
Rotherham

Images: waverleycommunity.org.uk

Read more...

News: Call to support region's young start-ups

As The Prince's Trust celebrate their 25th anniversary, a report from the youth charity states that a lack of support for Yorkshire's budding entrepreneurs is putting the region's economy at risk. The survey of 1,000 young people shows 59% would like to start a business, but less than 6% have actually done it. Forty per cent cited high start-up costs as the biggest barrier to starting a business, while almost three-quarters (73%) believe that schools and colleges encourage safe, conventional careers rather than supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Eighty per cent of young people also claim careers advisors do not mention starting a business as a career option. Peter Branson, Yorkshire's regional director of the Prince's Trust, told the Yorkshire Post: "Young people are the spark plugs of the economy. This region has produced some of the country's most talented business people, but it risks falling behind when it comes to investing in young talent. "The Prince's Trust is calling on businesses across Yorkshire to support more young start-ups." The Prince's Trust has helped 1,544 disadvantaged young people set up in business in Yorkshire and the Humber over the last five years. This year alone it hopes to support a further 206 young people into business.

Read the full survey results

Prince's Trust website
Yorkshire Post article
The Star article
Rotherham

Read more...