News: Rotherham-based Environmental Regeneration branches out

Rotherham business Environmental Regeneration has grown rapidly in the last 12 months, supported by part-funded training from South Yorkshire’s Skills Bank, which has promoted a greater resilience amongst the skills of the staff and across the wider business.

The Wickersley firm offers a range of services from tree felling and removal to woodland planting, fencing, hedgerow maintenance, grounds maintenance, tree surgery and vegetation clearance. The business has gone from strength-to-strength over the past two years and now employs nine people.

Darren Butt, Director of Environmental Regeneration, applied for Skills Bank funding for his new team of employees in pesticide training, forestry operations and chain saw certification.

Darren Butt explains: “I’d worked with Skills Bank in a previous role and knew how valuable skills training can be. As we’ve grown, taking on a new people to join the team, a number of them needed upskilling and I wanted to brush up on my skills too. Without the funded training at the early stages of the business, I wouldn’t have been able to grow the team and fulfil our contracts. It meant that the new staff could get up to speed quickly with the skills they needed and meet our customer’s requirements.”

Darren, who had worked for infrastructure services and engineering contractor Amey for ten years, decided during the lockdown to set up his own forestry and woodland management business offering services to private estates, local authorities and other organisations.

Darren adds: “I enjoy being outdoors and working on worthwhile environmental projects, whether its maintenance alongside the canal network, woodland creation works, tree planting and associated maintenance or general forestry work. I’m passionate about what we do – and I’m really optimistic about the future.”

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Alexander Rothwell, Growth Skills Advisor at South Yorkshire Growth Hub, added: “It is fantastic to see how the Skills Bank training has directly impacted the team at Environmental Regeneration, giving them the skills they need to offer a wide range of services to their customers. The business is a real post-Covid success story and has grown tremendously in a very short time, creating a number of new jobs, which is great for the local economy.”

Skills Bank provides employers across South Yorkshire with access to high quality training and funding to support skills training that will enable them to develop their business. Skills Bank is part of South Yorkshire Growth Hub, a service which exists to help businesses to find the best possible support to grow, whether that is investment in Skills and Training, access to finance options, support with innovation or export or even helping new businesses to get off the ground.

South Yorkshire Growth Hub Skills Advisors are available across the region to support and assist businesses with their needs. The Growth Hub supports the aims of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership to create jobs and drive economic growth by providing local businesses with the tools they need to succeed.

The Skills Bank Programme has been extended until 2025 by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. The extension is in recognition of the needs of local businesses and as part of the support to boost South Yorkshire’s post pandemic recovery and renewal.

Skills Bank website

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News: New grant designed to attract tech businesses

A new grant has been launched designed to attract tech businesses to South Yorkshire, generating more digital jobs and boosting the local economy.

The Tech Welcome Grant, funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), will provide grants of between £5k to £10k to businesses new to South Yorkshire and start-ups from outside the area to relocate here and create jobs in the region.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Thanks to our entrepreneurs, world-class research universities and talent pool, South Yorkshire is not just attracting, but creating high-quality tech companies and high-value jobs. Innovation is part of South Yorkshire's DNA, and we are going to make sure our region flourishes by working closely with stars of the sector to create an action plan for tech growth in our region. Digital and tech are the lifeblood of our economy; increasingly, every barrier is a digital or technology barrier, so it’s a vital sector for the whole of South Yorkshire.

The grant was announced at a tech summit held at the end of 2022 which was a chance for businesses that work in the tech sector to network and showcase their expertise, build local, national and international relationships and share knowledge. The summit focused on the actions needed to ensure the right support, talent, finance, workspaces and culture are in place to help entrepreneurs and innovators from all backgrounds to achieve success.

Coppard added: “The ecosystem we are building here, and the assets we already have in South Yorkshire, will mean those businesses and people who do relocate will thrive here – creating more value for them, the region, and the UK.”

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The Tech Summit, which was attended by 188 digital & technology sector specialists and held at Cineworld in Barnsley, was a chance for businesses that work in the tech sector to network and showcase their expertise, build local, national and international relationships and share knowledge. The summit focused on the actions needed to ensure the right support, talent, finance, workspaces and culture are in place to help entrepreneurs and innovators from all backgrounds to achieve success.

Gary Stewart, Managing Director of Techstars NYC powered by J.P. Morgan who has spent the past 15 years investing in global start-ups, was keynote speaker at the event. He explains: “What I’ve learned over the years is that great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Entrepreneurs are the wealth creators and we need new start-ups to create wealth. Start-ups fail when companies run out of money and the US has a large proportion of Venture Capitalists willing to invest in early stage companies. Tech start ups therefore need to build bridges to places like London and the US, as the money is concentrated in a few global clusters.”

Gary also gave his top tips from his many years of working with Tech start-ups. This included advising that small markets can offer big opportunities, where a company can gain a niche over competitors. He discussed how important it is to get corporate companies involved as they offer big funding opportunities. He also recommended that start-ups should celebrate small wins and encouraged them to build a positive narrative around what they were doing through the press and social media.

Tracey Johnson, Digital Economy Lead in Barnsley presented on why South Yorkshire is a great place to locate a Tech business, with a rapidly developing eco system and why creating the right spaces for businesses to flourish is so important.

Tracey Johnson, Digital Economy Lead in Barnsley said: “The Summit was a huge success and celebrated what has been achieved so far by Tech businesses in South Yorkshire. The focus was on how we can build on this and move forward with the momentum we have built up. There are some exciting things happening in South Yorkshire and UK and global businesses are no longer asking, why should we move to South Yorkshire, but why not?”

The half day summit also featured discussions involving some of the region’s leading Tech entrepreneurs and support organisations, discussing subjects such as building regional ecosystems and why changing the face of Tech matters. Dr Sam Chapman, CEO of The Floow, discussed how Sheffield is ‘engine room’ of the business, as the company has ambitions to be truly global.

Delegates also heard from Darren Balcombe, Deputy CEO of TEAM SY, who discussed the impact that TEAM SY is already having in South Yorkshire and how the Tech Welcome Grant is set to boost the region’s popularity for all things Tech on a national and international basis.

South Yorkshire Growth Hub website

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News: Rotherham firms invited to supply chain event

An event is being held next week to help South Yorkshire businesses understand what social value is and why it's important to businesses in the supply chain.

Social value and sustainability are fast becoming purchasing priorities for consumers alongside price and convenience, and supply chains are under intense scrutiny as a result.

The South Yorkshire Supply Chain Managers and the Social Value Portal team are hosting an online event on January 25.

Social value can be a narrow or broad term referring to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of an organisation, such as procurement policies or standards and values set by an organisation or project on how to address socio-economic difference within the local community. It is also used to describe how to achieve greater value through whatever an entity is engaged in, for the benefit of the wider society or particular groups.

The event is free and is open to all businesses within the South Yorkshire Region – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. It is part of the South Yorkshire Supply Chain Support Scheme, a new, free service aiming to enhance the trading opportunities in the region.

Businesses can book a place on the South Yorkshire supply chain event here.

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Four Supply Chain Managers have been brought in as part of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s (MCA's) Renewal Action Plan (RAP), which has been developed in close partnership with the South Yorkshire business community, councils, universities and other partners. The RAP sets out a roadmap for how the region can put itself on the path to recovering from the massive economic disruption the pandemic has caused.

SME businesses can access advice through the Supply Chain Managers on a one-to-one basis, through their local authority. The experts have been brought in to research and bring forward tender, sales and supply chain opportunities for South Yorkshire businesses.

Neil Wilkinson is the supply chain manager for Rotherham

Chair of South Yorkshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership James Muir, explains: “There are many challenges to the supply chain at the moment: the energy crisis, increasing costs when buying from overseas, pressure on businesses to be more sustainable and the impact of Brexit. These highly experienced Supply Chain Managers are here to advise and support local businesses in sourcing goods, suppliers and staff locally or within the wider region.

“We’re looking forward to helping to bring buyers and suppliers much closer together in South Yorkshire for mutual benefit.”

Recommended reading: How To Avoid These Classic Mistakes For Small Business Owners The MCA is also developing a Social Value Contract for South Yorkshire having chosen to ensure that investment and economic growth goes together with inclusion. It is committed to the principle that investment has to return good social and economic value.

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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.

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News: South Yorkshire businesses boosted with northern powerhouse funding

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has revealed that 116 businesses across South Yorkshire have collectively secured more than £31m worth of investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), in addition to £24m attracted as private sector co-investment.

Since the start of the pandemic, just over £14m has been deployed as part of driving the region’s growth and innovation and supporting businesses through the economic impacts.

NPIF is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships situated across Northern England, including South Yorkshire. It is designed to support new and growing SMEs, create jobs and encourage and attract additional private sector investment.

The Fund is a key part of the government’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’ vision, which aims to help reduce the North/South divide and create economic prosperity in the North of England on part with London and the South East.

Mayor of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) Dan Jarvis said: “We are pleased to be working alongside the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to support South Yorkshire businesses. Since 2017, 116 businesses in our region have secured a combined total of £31m worth of investment, with the fund leveraging just under £24m from the private sector and in turn creating 477 jobs. This is having a significant impact on driving growth and prosperity in the region.”

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Funds received through the NPIF helps businesses working across various sectors from manufacturing, engineering and construction to financial, hospitality, retail and education, plus others, to make key investments that will help them grow. This includes purchasing new equipment, relocation, expansion, staff training and recruitment, research and development, marketing, introducing new services and enhanced management processes.

Businesses that have so far benefited from NPIF support in South Yorkshire include Sheffield based technology manufacturer Tribosonics, Steps Rehabilitation, Televideo, Airship, Azzure, and Tinsley Bridge also in Sheffield, Barnsley based Pet Supplies Warehouse, Libertine in Rotherham and Togel and Barnsdales, which are located in Doncaster.

Libertine was the first company in the region to receive an NPIF equity investment, with £770,000 secured in 2019. The funds have enabled the company to build and demonstrate a number of prototype ‘intelliGEN’ smart engine modules incorporating its e-machine and control technology, engage with automotive manufacturers and further develop the business.

Neil MacDonald, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board Member and NPIF Strategic Oversight Board Member, comments: “Our specialisms in industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, digital and healthcare, combined with a wealth of skills and strength in innovation, means South Yorkshire offers a great level of investment potential. We’re extremely pleased that this is being recognised more than ever and our partnership and collaboration with the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund has resulted in so many businesses across the region benefiting from financial investment and support.”

Through its annual Small Business Equity Tracker, the Sheffield-headquartered British Business Bank’s has also reported that the number of equity investments in companies across the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber reached £146m in 2020, a 145 per cent increase on the previous year.

Ken Cooper, Managing Director at British Business Bank, said: “Yorkshire and the Humber remains a hotbed for innovation, with many strengths such as advanced manufacturing, tech and life sciences, making it well placed for equity investment. While the latest figures are moving in the right direction and help address regional imbalances in access to finance, more needs to be done to support ambitious businesses in our area.”

“In 2020, NPIF supported one in five of all equity investments in the North and given the opportunity available, we would encourage all equity investors to explore Yorkshire and the Humber when it comes to future investments. This will not only support growth for local smaller businesses, but it will act as the catalyst to further fuel the levelling up agenda.”

Neil MacDonald adds: “Although things are looking up and the NPIF funding is certainly having a positive impact, South Yorkshire is still suffering from under-investment compared to some regions in the South. We are working hard to change this and looking to identify and support more SME businesses across South Yorkshire.”

Operating from the British Business Bank’s Sheffield head office, the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund provides a mix of debt and equity funding (£25,000 to £2m). It works alongside ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), the combined authorities and Growth Hubs, as well as local accountants, fund managers and banks, to support Northern-based SMEs at all stages of their development.

NPIF website
SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Growth Hub outlines support available

As local businesses have been particularly hard hit by the global pandemic, the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has responded by securing a further £9m into the Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG).

The boost includes over £9m grant funding available across all sectors, with specific funding to help businesses ease out of the global pandemic.

The additional funding packages of support for South Yorkshire businesses includes:

- £4m to help growing businesses thrive
- £1m to boost existing business productivity
- £1.5m to support outdoor hospitality equipment – for venues such as pubs, restaurants, and hotels
- £0.8m towards digital innovation
- £2m Restart funding for the Culture and Visitor sector

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “There is a wide range of support available to South Yorkshire businesses from funding for venues to be able to serve customers outdoors through to major grants for capital equipment and to enable businesses to invest in digital innovation. It remains a hugely challenging time for South Yorkshire businesses and the grant funding plus the support that businesses can get through business support advisors based at each local authority, is very much needed.”

The ARG complements the Renewal Action Plan (RAP), developed by the Mayoral Combined Authority, which is led by Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Local Enterprise Partnership. The RAP has been developed in response to the impacts of COVID-19 and sets out a roadmap for how South Yorkshire can put itself on the path to recovering from the massive economic disruption the pandemic has caused.

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In response to demand from businesses, Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority has worked hard to secure a further financial boost to the schemes where there was most demand. As a result, South Yorkshire businesses who have continually been engaging with the authorities can now take advantage of a top up to the Capital Investment Scheme, which provides up to £100,000 with a maximum 50% intervention rate for new plant or equipment.

The call has gone out to businesses who have projects which can start immediately and be completed within six months. Large software implementation projects will also be considered but eligibility rules apply.

The Outdoor Hospitality Equipment Scheme is another new grant, which is available for this region’s business to invest in capital works and equipment to allow them to adapt to increase capacity for outdoor hospitality. This is part of meeting the Government’s roadmap to reopening and to increase outdoor hospitality options going forward. Businesses can claim up to £3K support for adaptations (for example, outdoor seating, decking, structures). Support is limited to one grant per premises.

A new Digital Innovation Grant is also available to provide support for businesses on introducing or enhancing digitisation. 100% grant funding is available up to a value of £10k.

Projects need to show clear added value, be part of a clear growth strategy and be targeted at growing the business through the adoption of digitisation.

The Business Productivity Scheme has also been reintroduced with funding from the Additional Resources Grant to meet demand from across South Yorkshire. Grants are for a maximum of £25,000 (includes 50% match funding).

The aim of this scheme is to support businesses in South Yorkshire to improve their productivity through the provision of a capital or revenue grant and to improve how they measure and report productivity gains. Whilst the project is initially looking to safeguard businesses and jobs, priority will be given to applicants that can best demonstrate how the investments will have a positive impact on productivity and the creation of potential new employment opportunities in South Yorkshire.

Grant awards will be 50% of eligible costs therefore the minimum size of the total project cost will be £5k, the maximum will be £24,999.

To further enhance the support available to businesses, Sheffield City Region has recently expanded its team of expert advisors by appointing a number of new Business Support Advisors who are based in each council. All these advisors have many years of industry experience; from manufacturing and service sector through to finance and international operations, and offer an independent, impartial perspective, which can make all the difference.

Businesses are advised to get in touch with the Gateway team in the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub to be guided through the range of support available to them.

Growth Hub website

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News: Re-Start to Growth reminder

Businesses in Rotherham are being reminded that help and guidance is available through the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub to meet the challenges brought about by this latest Coronavirus lockdown.

The Re-Start to Growth initiative was introduced to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, by giving them access to experienced and skilled advisors to help assess, plan and restart through an agreed programme of intensive support.

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, explains: ”The latest lockdown is another major blow to businesses that have been struggling through local and national restrictions for months. The Growth Hub is here to provide essential advice to these businesses, helping them navigate the support available and find solutions to the key challenges they are facing.”

The Mayoral Combined Authority, Mayor Dan Jarvis and the Local Enterprise Partnership recently launched its ambitious £1.7bn Renewal Action Plan (RAP) clearly demonstrating how the Sheffield City Region is investing in and supporting the local economy. The Renewal Action Plan is designed to support businesses to adapt, survive and thrive in the new environment and to create a more productive and innovative economy.

At the moment, the Growth Hub is supporting and guiding hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail businesses that are affected by the national lockdown. These businesses, including travel agents, caterers to events or celebrations, or companies supplying equipment or services to gym and leisure centres, are eligible to receive a one-off payment grant, based on their rateable or rental values, to help them whilst restrictions are in place.

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Many businesses are also taking advantage of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s Re-Start to Growth initiative, which gives businesses access to experienced and skilled experts to help assess, plan and restart their business through an agreed programme of intensive support.

This free initiative comprises two full days with an experienced growth specialist, who can offer business leaders help and guidance in the following areas:

- Strategic planning & Leadership support
- Sales and Marketing
- Operations
- Financial advice
- Skills, including Digital and IT

In addition to Re-Start to Growth, Peer Networks are being introduced in South Yorkshire with SME business leaders invited to work with others to address challenges and grow their businesses.

The programme, which is being delivered by the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, will enable business leaders to build trusted connections to support them now and in the future, with a view to improving their long term personal and business performance. Many businesses impacted by the coronavirus lockdown are looking to use this time to network with other like-minded businesses, gain an important external perspective on their business challenges, as well as gaining knowledge of digital technology to help achieve growth in the future.

James Muir adds: “Peer Networks are a great way for local SME business leaders to work collaboratively with others to find solutions to common business problems in a non-competitive environment. In these unprecedented times, we believe this will enhance and strengthen the local business community so we can build back better for a stronger post-COVID recovery.”

To further enhance the support available to businesses, Sheffield City Region has recently expanded its team of expert advisers by appointing seven new Business Growth Specialists. Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s advisors all have many years of industry experience; from manufacturing and service sector through to finance and international operations, and offer an independent, impartial perspective, which can make all the difference.

James Muir explains: “It is a critical time for many businesses in our region. What they are experiencing is totally unprecedented, which means it is important that we have a strong team of advisers in place to be able to guide South Yorkshire companies through the local and national growth schemes that are available to them.

“We are planning to recruit even more specialists and advisors in the coming months, in line with the Renewal Action Plan as it will help this region’s businesses to return to growth and prosperity – making our economy and society stronger, greener and fairer.”

Sheffield City Region Growth Hub website

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News: Aquatics expert scales start up

With a lifelong love of tropical fish, Rotherham-based Carl Goodman is setting his sights on scaling his ethical aquatics business after calling on help from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Launchpad programme.

Carl's love of all things aquatic began in childhood. One of his earliest memories was leaving his old life behind and meeting his adoptive parents for the very first time, with just the clothes on his back and a goldfish in a bag for company.

Carl first began exploring the idea of earning a living from his long-held hobby in 2019, having spent several years working in unfulfilling customer service roles. When he discovered a pet store he had supported for many years was closing its doors, the 25 year old entrepreneur decided to take the plunge and reached out to Launchpad, a unique programme which provides tailored business support to new and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Working alongside an experienced business adviser, Carl successfully secured the licenses he needed to trade in live animals, and began putting his plans into action. Unsure whether his business idea would sink or swim, Carl decided to base his business at home and set about building a large, insulated summer house which could house a diverse range of fish.

Through his work with the Launchpad programme, Carl learned how to write a business plan, as well as gaining an insight into how to build a website and attract customers via social media. Since diving into self-employment last summer, Sustainable Aquatics has built a loyal customer base, which gave Carl the confidence to expand his business further.

Today, the little boy who found sanctuary in sea life has expanded his fledgling start-up, Sustainable Aquatics, to larger premises, creating three new jobs and a haven for aquarium enthusiasts. The new centre which is based in a converted former industrial unit at Eastwood Trading Estate has enabled Carl to increase his diverse range of freshwater and tropical fish tenfold, all of which are carefully sourced from traceable breeders from across the world.

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Carl Goodman, founder of Sustainable Aquatics, said: "One of the reasons why I wanted to run my own business was to play a small part in protecting wild tropical fish stocks. As a student I was shocked to learn how marine ecosystems are being decimated, due to the practice of harvesting wild fish, which often find themselves in unsuitable aquariums across the world. I called my business Sustainable Aquatics because all the fish I sell are sourced from captivity and can be traced to individual breeders across the world.

"Although I knew a lot about how to build and manage aquariums, I knew that running a business would be a sharp learning curve, particularly when it came to making sure the company complied with current rules and regulations. I knew it was something of a minefield and after contacting my local authority for advice, I was referred to the Launchpad team who not only helped me to understand my legal responsibilities but also helped me to develop the essential business skills needed to build and grow my business.

"Working with a business adviser proved to be an invaluable experience. One of the best parts about the experience was the questions I was asked. The advice I received wasn't prescriptive, but it helped me to draw my own conclusions and it has given me the confidence in my ideas to expand the business into new premises. It's been an invaluable experience and one which has helped me to grow the business beyond my wildest dreams.

"My aim has always been to build a business which helps to support those interested in building their own aquariums, but also to support the broader community.  Watching an aquarium can have a positive effect on mental health and as the business has grown, I've been keen to use my knowledge to help others, including donating an aquarium to Rotherham Hospice, which I maintain on their behalf.

Darren McDool, Business Advisor at Launchpad said: "Carl came to Launchpad with the idea for a business which was built around his knowledge and passion for aquatics. He didn't simply want to sell tropical fish, but to educate and support his customers, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that with such a meticulous approach towards delivering excellent customer service that he quickly built a loyal customer base, giving him the confidence to grow and expand his operations.

"The success Carl has enjoyed illustrates how the support provided by Launchpad can help new entrepreneurs to overcome the potential barriers many face. Despite lockdown forcing Carl to delay the planned relocation of his new business, he has successfully adapted his business model accordingly. One of the unique elements of the Launchpad programme is that we don't just help new entrepreneurs to create their business, but we provide ongoing support as their business grows and evolves. As Carl's business enters a new phase of growth, I’m looking forward to working with him as he continues to develop and grow his business."

As part of Sustainable Aquatics' commitment towards supporting the local community Carl has installed a new aquarium at Rotherham Hospice which he manages and maintains free of charge.

Sustainable Aquatic website
SCR Launchpad website

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News: Innovative Rotherham manufacturer reaps the benefit of Growth Hub support

Rotherham-based Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) has seen its turnover double in the past 12 months from £2m to £4m and has created 12 new jobs, which is due, in part, to the support it has received from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub.

The support has enabled the company to access grant funding for innovations within its production process, embark on a dedicated skills programme and gain strategic business planning advice for future growth.

The company is a market leader in the machining of complex gas turbine products including shafts and discs, aerofoils and bearings, serving both the aerospace and energy industries.

A spinoff of the AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), the company is based at Catcliffe in Rotherham.

Dr Gareth Morgan, managing director of AML, said: "When we were faced, like most businesses, with the challenges of COVID-19 earlier this year, the funding we had secured meant that we could mitigate damage to our business and respond to customer changing needs. We were also able to grow and recruit new staff at a very difficult economic time."

AML had successfully secured a Productivity Grant from the Sheffield City Region, of £100k in 2019, which provided a platform for the company to purchase new machinery and invest in technical development. This new equipment meant that the impact of the Lockdown to the business could be minimised as the forced grounding of aircraft led to many aerospace companies bringing forward their maintenance programmes, which increased demand for AML's services.

It also created a step change in the production process, as well as opening up new business opportunities by removing the process of grinding certain parts. This meant that AML secured new contracts to provide specialist high precision machining services to aerospace companies.

Without the investment secured through the Productivity Grant, AML would have found it difficult to respond to this increased demand from industry. It also meant staff could be retained during this challenging period and remained focused and morale at the business could be kept high.

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It was during the lockdown that AML installed another machine for this specific product range, which it funded itself and enabled it to quickly scale up production of spares for the defence and aerospace sectors.

Morgan added: "The support we have had through the Growth Hub has made a huge difference in enhancing our future. It has meant that we have been able to achieve consistent growth and continue to create new employment opportunities in this region. It is all part of our grand plan to keep innovating and growing the business.

“The Growth Hub team has a great understanding of our business and has been able to advise on the most suitable funding streams and support available to us.”

Rachel Fletcher, Access to Finance Advisor at the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, added: "It has been a real delight to work with AML. They're such a forward-thinking company and never cease to amaze us with their innovative thinking and ability to recognise new opportunities and how this could contribute to their future growth."

Working with Rachel Fletcher, AML undertook a further AFCoE (Access to Finance Centre of Excellence) diagnostic that involved a strategic plan for funding for equipment to enable further business growth.

She adds: "The company has always been keen to access whatever grants are available to them. Wherever we have helped them to secure funding it has translated to new services they can offer that has created or helped to maintain employment in our region."

AML started working with the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub back in 2016, on the innovation programme, Rise. It also gained support for staff training through the Sheffield City Region Skills Bank. Over the past four years, the company has successfully accessed grant funding through the Sheffield City Region’s Scale Up, Made Smarter, Productivity, Enhancement Project and Exporting for Growth programmes.

In 2018, the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub successfully supported AML with an application for the Enhancement Project Specialist Grant as part of the company’s ambitious business growth plans. This involved creation of a business plan to get the company ready to maximise its growth.

AML also secured a Made Smarter grant (which provided 50% of the total cost of the project), AML could invest in a number of software solutions which enabled it to merge and digitally enhance its IT systems.

The company is now looking at other grant funding options to help accelerate its growth and expand even further, with plans to acquire further manufacturing space close to the site of the Advanced Manufacturing Park where it is based.

These would be used to service the precision machining needs of customers in the aerospace industry and enable AML to offer new techniques to OEM manufacturers. The company has plans to grow to £6m turnover in 2021 and this includes moving into a new sector and into new international markets.

The Sheffield City Region Growth Hub is also working with AML to secure an Advanced Heat grant and to secure future grant funding through Innovate UK. AML is also looking into developing its automation systems through use of robotics.

AML website
SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Rotherham company back on track thanks to "Re-start To Growth" programme

Multitask Personnel, a permanent and temporary recruitment specialist based in Rotherham, has gained a new strategic direction that should put it back on track, thanks to Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) "Re-Start to Growth" programme.

The initiative was introduced to help businesses affected by the Coronavirus lockdown, by giving them access to experienced and skilled advisors to help assess, plan and restart through an agreed programme of intensive support.

Managing director of Multitask Personnel Claire Lee had been working with the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub on a long-term strategic growth plan – involving skills support and training – and was just about to implement this when the lockdown was announced. The company's core business was to provide managerial and qualified tradespeople for the Building services, Facilities management and Mechanical & Electrical industries.  Overnight this business reduced by two thirds and Claire was left wondering what to do next.

Claire, said: "It was a really scary time for us as a business and I wasn’t sure which way to turn.  I'd been impressed with John Hassall, the Growth Hub Business Growth Specialist , so I contacted him again to see if there was anything he could do to help. John let me know straightaway about Re-Start to Growth initiative and it sounded just what the business needed.”

John Hassall carried out four 90 minute online consultations with Claire as part of the programme and this started with a full SWOT analysis. He then tailored the Re-Start to Growth programme to suit the company structure, focusing on four core areas: People, Processes, Technology and Financials.

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John then created a strategic plan which included a vision of what the next 18 months in business could look like for Multitask Personnel, with target markets identified, staff roles, financial projections, all of which was broken down into six monthly goals. Reallocation of resources was a key criteria and John and Claire worked on restructuring employee roles and creating newly formed teams. In Multitask's case, this involved creating a team dedicated to recruitment and another to business development, with each team given a simple set of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to work towards.

Claire, added: "It was a really simple plan, but not an approach we’d used before. It means that the business development team can focus purely on generating sales and the recruitment team on filling the roles we bring in.  So far this is working really well."

John Hassall, Business Growth Specialist at Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, said: "Multitask Personnel were perfect candidates for the Re-Start to Growth initiative. As a business they had been performing well, but the lockdown had an immediate and severe impact. By focusing on their strengths and areas of expertise we looked at ways they could maximise their existing client base, whilst refocusing their resources much more specifically on generating sales and filling roles. Our role at the Growth Hub is to guide businesses through and this approach certainly seems to be working for Multitask Personnel.

"There is great potential in this business and by having a new strategic direction it should help them to maximise on new and existing markets and recover more quickly from the lockdown."

John and Claire identified that parcel delivery services and the retail sector could offer potential growth, especially for supply of staff working in distribution and warehousing, which the company had not specifically targeted before.

Although Multitask Personnel is focusing on potentially lower margin work, Claire recognised the need to start getting the volume back. She added: "There's nothing worse than staff not having enough to do, but now we are starting to pick up again and we're using our existing experience to extend our services to current and new clients. We know it won't be easy, but already we have our number of temporary contractors up to pre-lockdown levels, albeit working on lower margins and in different sectors."

Multitask Personnel website
Growth Hub website

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News: Businesses step up to PPE challenge

Businesses across South Yorkshire have stepped forward to switch production to make Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the NHS and care sector, supporting the region’s efforts to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, Mayor Dan Jarvis, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS) issued a call to arms, asking firms to help make gowns, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.

Dozens of offers from South Yorkshire businesses have been received and are being worked through by the ICS and supported by the LEP and the region's four local authorities. Five suppliers are already manufacturing gowns, two providing hand sanitiser and aprons for NHS staff and care workers.

Many of the offers have been directed to the NHS England procurement scheme, where companies who can produce at scale contribute to the national effort to supply PPE to the rest of the country. The NHS has procured 1.3m items of PPE since the call out, with another 250,000 pieces being actively pursued.

The LEP and its Growth Hub business advisors have been supporting companies, including small and  medium sized firms, to switch production – providing guidance to ensure PPE is made to the required standards and their production efforts can be directed to meet local demand, working closely with the ICS and local authorities.

The LEP has offered new support as part of its Skills Bank service, to provide dedicated advice and training for businesses directly helping with the government's coronavirus response, such as producing PPE or sanitisers. Skills Bank can support employers to source and fund training to ensure changes to the business are put in place quickly and safely.

While the peak of the virus has passed, PPE is still required to protect patients, doctors, nurses and all health and care staff, and help ensure the region's health and care facilities have equipment to save lives and keep people safe from the virus. The ICS is working through the responses to ensure offers can be taken forward. Some will not meet requirements and have been politely declined.

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Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our companies have made an enormous contribution to efforts to overcome the coronavirus, and they have shown South Yorkshire’s strengths and resilience. Our makers and creators power our economy, and now they have switched production to save lives. Businesses, NHS and care colleagues and key workers are pulling together to help us get through this challenge. I’m proud that PPE is being made in South Yorkshire and worn by heroes. I would like to thank everyone who has stepped forward – your contributions have played a vital role in saving lives and will continue to make a difference as we emerge from this challenge."

James Muir, Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "South Yorkshire's businesses have stepped forward during this challenging time, innovating and adapting to support the production of PPE. I’m proud of the contribution they have made and that the LEP has supported this crucial effort, brokering contacts for the NHS and supporting firms to switch production. The LEP is supporting jobs and businesses during the pandemic, and we must build on our workers’ and businesses’ skills and strengths to create a prosperous future for South Yorkshire."

Sir Andrew Cash, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw ICS, said: "Thank you very much to all the businesses which came forward to offer support in our efforts to source Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Obviously, this is a time of great need in the health and care sector and we are very grateful to those which responded so quickly to the call. In the last couple of weeks, we have carefully worked through the offers and are delighted that so many local businesses are now working with us to produce much needed equipment."

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News: SCR Skills Bank has new offer for businesses battling Coronavirus

Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Skills Bank has launched two new strands to its programme to help businesses and training providers affected by the Coronavirus.

Skills Bank, part of SCR’s Growth Hub, has launched two new strands to the scheme; a suite of online training programmes has been developed for businesses who want to access training to support them through the challenges that Covid-19 is presenting.

Skills Bank has also opened a rapid response ­offer which is dedicated to securing training and support for businesses directly helping with the government's Coronavirus strategy, such as producing protective personal equipment (PPE) or sanitisers.

The Skills Bank’s expert advisors are available for businesses who need help with their applications, or advice on what other business support is available.

Skills Bank will also be continuing to offer their usual programme of securing bespoke-training to businesses who have ambitions to grow.

The first new strand of activity has been devised to support businesses as they make changes to day to day working. This suite of practical responsive training will help to stabilise businesses as they move to increased online methods to operate and communicate.

The package will include skills training focusing on areas such as entering new markets if their usual market is no longer operating, for example food producers selling to supermarkets rather than restaurants, or using online ways to communicate and work with customers.

The second new strand is focused on providing a rapid response to businesses that are directly contributing to the government’s COVID-19 strategy, for example, businesses who have shifted to manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment. Skills Bank can support employers to source and fund training quickly to ensure rapid changes to the business are put in place quickly and safely.

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James Muir, Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "We have already seen many businesses across our region leap into action and help support the national effort in battling Coronavirus and supporting our heroic frontline staff.

"Skills Bank is uniquely placed to ensure those businesses who are helping in the fight have the right skills and training. Our rapid response strand is designed to ensure that the process in getting staff trained up isn’t time consuming and delaying the important work at hand.

"The ongoing crisis has changed how all of us work. With these new working ways, it’s important companies are accessing the right training and knowledge to make sure they can operate as best as they can, whether that’s with a shift of focus, with reduced staffing numbers, or working from home.

"As always, we are open and here to help. The Growth Hub’s team of skills and business advisors are working around the clock to help businesses navigate through this crisis; whether that’s with accessing training or understanding which government grant or scheme is the most relevant to their business.

"I would urge anyone who is unsure where to turn, to get in touch with the Growth Hub and get the advice they need."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Businesses in Rotherham urged not to miss out on COVID-19 funding and support

Almost 6,000 businesses across South Yorkshire still have not accessed financial support they’re entitled to, to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has made grants available for small businesses struggling to cope with the financial impact of Covid-19.  Different types of grant are available, all of which are being administered through local councils.

These grants consist of:

- £10,000 for businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief
- £10,000 for retail, hospitality or leisure businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less
- £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

The four local authorities in South Yorkshire have attempted to contact the 22,980 businesses in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield that are eligible for the funding. However, almost 6,000 businesses have not yet taken up the offer – and are therefore missing out on thousands of pounds in funding.

To steer a path through all the sources of business support, a full package of bespoke advice is available through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub. Businesses can also contact business support teams, and apply for the funding, through their own local authorities.

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= James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "We know Covid-19 is the greatest challenge most of the businesses across our region will have faced. That's why Government has made this extra support available, and is also why our Growth Hub is there to provide bespoke expert advice to all businesses across our region, whatever their size or sector.

"However, we also know that a large number of businesses still have not accessed the funding to which they are entitled. This may be for any number of reasons, but I believe many businesses aren’t aware they're eligible.

"I would therefore strongly encourage all retail, hospitality or leisure businesses, or those eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief, to contact the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub on 03330 00 00 39 for individual, tailored support, including help with accessing the available funding streams."

Councillor Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, added: "The Council has prioritised the fast payment of grants to businesses because we know they are a lifeline to many firms, in fact in just a few weeks we’ve processed payments worth in excess of £36m to over 3,100 businesses.

"But we're desperate to hear from those businesses who are yet to apply – it's an easy and quick process, we just need a small amount of information and we will get payments for eligible businesses turned round with the cash in bank accounts within days.

"We know this support will make a huge difference in helping to keep companies afloat, local people in jobs and in helping our local economy to recover quicker as we begin the exit from coronavirus restrictions."

Grants can be directly applied for through the Rotherham Council website.

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News: SCR Growth Hub ramps up advice service

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) is stepping up its efforts to help businesses across South Yorkshire, so they can access support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SCR Growth Hub is the gateway for businesses to access specialist support. It has received increasing numbers of enquiries as people look for guidance on Government business support schemes.

A dedicated webpage which outlines all of the schemes announced, who is eligible for each, what the scheme is worth, how to apply, and who the scheme is operated by.

SCR has written directly to more than 7,500 of the region's businesses offering guidance during an unprecedented challenge for the economy.

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Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "We are in the midst of the greatest public health crisis any of us have faced. The Coronavirus also presents a massive challenge to our regional economy and I’m working around the clock to protect jobs and businesses across South Yorkshire.

"We know one of the biggest challenges facing firms is knowing what help is on offer and being able to access this quickly. That’s why I have put additional resources into the Growth Hub, so businesses of all sizes and from across South Yorkshire can get the help and advice they need.

"I am in regular contact with the Government to ensure South Yorkshire has what it needs to deal with Coronavirus. This week I convened the South Yorkshire COVID-19 Response Group, working with the region's anchor institutions, to coordinate our economic response together, as well as working closely with the other Metro Mayors around the country.

"There will be challenging days ahead, but I am determined that we build a prosperous future for our workers and businesses when the worst is over."

James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "The Mayor, the LEP and the Growth Hub are doing everything we can to protect our economy from the Coronavirus during this difficult time.

"The Coronavirus has brought about extraordinary upheaval and challenges for all businesses; from international manufacturers, to small limited companies, and the self-employed.

"Our Growth Hub is on hand for those who need guidance, advice and help working through the myriad of business support schemes that have been announced. I would urge any business, no matter how big or how small, to visit our website, get in touch, and make sure they get the support they need."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Enterprising former bus driver's route to success

Developing a new business can be a little bit like waiting for a bus. Nothing happens for ages and then two arrive at once. When Conrad Kirk decided to leave his bus driving job last January, little did the Rawmarsh-based entrepreneur realise he would be at the helm of not one, but two successful businesses within just twelve months.

Keen to build a new career which allowed him to balance childcare commitments with his partner, the former area sales manager turned bus driver decided to draw on experiences from his former careers to pioneer a leaflet and distribution business.

Since taking the plunge into self-employment last January, from his initial 1,000 leaflet drops, Conrad and his team have delivered more than a million leaflets throughout Yorkshire during his first year of operations. Today, the company employs six permanent and fifteen casual members of staff after securing help for his business idea from the Launchpad programme, a unique initiative which supports aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners which have been trading for less than three years.

Conrad hit on the idea of leaflet distribution as he realised the business could provide the flexibility in his working day to balance raising his young family. After trialling the idea and securing a number of small orders, the business moved from a bedroom office at home to a larger site in Barnsley.

As the business grew, Conrad has invested in technology enabling customers to check when their leaflets have been delivered as well as sharing live data from his distributors including the speed they are walking and the areas they have visited in real-time.

Securing additional space wasn't the only challenge faced by Evolution: larger leaflet deliveries meant larger quantities of packaging to dispose of. Sensing a fresh business opportunity, the new entrepreneur wasted no time in launching a second business aimed at recycling waste paper which is shredded and transformed into decomposable horse bedding.

Although Conrad's focus remains firmly on growing and developing his distribution company, Ecolution currently processes over 20 tonnes of waste paper each month after securing partnerships with several schools within the Dearne Valley.

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Conrad Kirk, founder of Evolution and Ecolution said: "Working as a bus driver gave me lots of time to reflect on my future. I had enjoyed a successful career working as an area sales manager previously, but felt guilty that I was unable to play a greater role in supporting my partner and our young family. We have four children under the age of four, including twins and I just felt there was a better way to earn a living. When I saw the advert for Launchpad, I realised it was a now or never moment and my ideas began to fall into place.

"At that time I had no real idea as to what my business would look like, but I wanted to realise a better work-life balance, and reduce our enormous outlay on childcare costs. I felt self-employment offered a golden opportunity to shape my future and since starting my own business I haven't looked back.

"The biggest challenge I faced was securing new customers. I realised that whilst a small run of leaflet distribution would help me to test the idea, if the company was to grow to a point where I could earn a living from the business, it needed to be scalable. I took part in a number of workshops hosted by Launchpad which helped me to understand what's involved with running a business, particularly when it came to understanding what’s involved when securing premises and especially when employing other people, which can be a legal minefield."

Recommended reading: 4 Taxes Small Businesses Should Be Aware Of

Julie Millea, Launchpad Business Advisor, added: "Conrad is a natural entrepreneur who is always brimming with lots of different business ideas, but ultimately he wanted to achieve a better work-life balance, but to do this he knew he needed to secure larger orders but wasn't sure how to access these.

"Through our one-to-one sessions, as well as taking part in a series of workshops, Conrad has successfully developed a robust business model which isn’t just helping to achieve a better lifestyle for himself and his partner, but after realising he was not alone in facing problems balancing childcare responsibilities with earning a living, he's also helped others to return to the workforce."

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News: Engineering firm offers new services to customers thanks to Skills Bank

Engineering design firm PES Performance has used Skills Bank to increase services available for existing clients, as well as target new customers.

The high-performance engineering solutions business based at Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) recently put four of their senior engineering design team through training with the support of the city region's Skills Bank.

The team attended Finite Element Analysis (FEA) after the company spotted the opportunity to grow their offer to existing and new clients.

Mike Maddock, managing director at PES Performance, said: "We had a positive experience of working with Skills Bank through a previous tranche of funding, and so when we heard that the opportunity for further support was available, we decided to contact Skills Bank again.

"We anticipated that the introduction of Finite Element Analysis as a new technology would have several benefits for our business, especially around growth. We knew it would increase the range of services that we could offer existing clients, plus allow us to target new clients.

"We are now able to target both new customers within existing market sectors, who would benefit from FEA, and new market sectors yet to be targeted by PES that would benefit from FEA analysis as part of their product development process. There are real prospects of gaining additional revenue from new clients in those sectors, meeting our ambitions to grow our business.

"Also incorporating FEA into our in-house capabilities provides the opportunity to improve our efficiency and productivity as now we don’t need to commission external suppliers to undertake this FEA analysis work in projects."

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PES have also received direct support from one of the Sheffield City Region (SR) Growth Hub's Skills Advisors, to deliver business support by assessing skills problems and offer solutions and finance advisor support; helping a business work out what finance support is available and the best options.

The firm successful secured funding from Funding Circle as a direct result of support received from the Growth Hub, the gateway for businesses to access specialist support.

PES also came through the Growth Hub Enhancement Project, which offered support for high growth companies, including hosting a series of free masterclasses to improve the skill set within the regions businesses.

Skills Bank provides employers across the SCR access to high-quality training and funding, to enable them to develop their business.

Training accessed through Skills Bank can be in the form of an existing qualification or industry-recognised training programme or can also be designed to meet bespoke requirements.

PES Performance website
SCR Skills Bank website

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News: Rotherham specialists boost business prospects

Accurate Laser Cutting (SJS) Ltd, a Rotherham based laser cutting specialist, recently gained ISO9001 certification with dedicated support from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Growth Hub.

The Aldwarke company occupies both mainstream and niche markets in the laser cutting industry, concentrating on short run orders or awkward shapes, often with the need for other processes such as bending or folding.

The company had been under growing pressure from customers to become ISO9001 certified, and their usual response – "we're working towards it" – was becoming increasingly difficult to justify. They had a head start in that their sister group company based in the West Midlands already had certification, but the procedures and processes, although very similar, didn’t truly match what was happening in Rotherham.

Managing director Stephen Rolfe first enquired via the Rotherham Industrial Development Office (RIDO) to ask for advice, and was referred directly to the SCR Growth Hub, who passed the project over to systems specialist Steve Goodare to advise the company on the requirements of the standard, and how its system could best be developed.

SCR Growth Hub is the gateway for businesses to access specialist support.

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The process of setting up and running the new system took place more than three months and involved Steven and Accurate Laser working closely together over the period. As a result, the company took a good hard look at how it operated, both on a daily basis and strategically, a process which produced its own benefits as some gaps were high-lighted in their own disciplines going forward.

The outcome of Steve's support is a new Quality Management System which has been successfully audited by Alcumus, a UKAS accredited certification body.

Accurate Laser Cutting (SJS) are now looking forward to a sustained period of growth and are keen to start marketing themselves as ISO 9001 certified to boost their credentials, especially with target customers who demand high standards of quality and consistency of service.

Rolfe said: "We had the bare bones of a system but didn't really know how to make it fit what we did, the help we got free of charge from the Growth Hub via Steve really accelerated the process for us, without his help we’d probably still be struggling with it now. The strategic support was particularly very useful, and therefore invaluable to us."

Accurate Laser Cutting website
SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Masterclasses for Rotherham businesses

Rotherham businesses have the chance to increase their expertise at a series of masterclasses taking place across the Sheffield city region (SCR).

Organised by SCR's Growth Hub, the events will take place between October and spring 2020, focusing on subjects such as leadership and management, social media, and digital marketing.

Designed by business leaders for business leaders, the Growth Hub aims to remove internal boundaries within the city region, so that every growing business gets the support it needs to thrive.

The ISO De-mystified masterclass, hosted at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna in Rotherham on December 3, will focus on clearly explaining why International Organisation for Standardisation is important to businesses and is a hallmark of quality.

In December, attendees at other masterclasses can learn how social media can support and benefit businesses; from using it as a customer-services channel, to ensuring it is an important outlet for self-promotion.

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The free programme continues with more classes in the New Year aimed at businesses who are growing but need support. Digital media, leadership and management, and finance for growth are penciled in for 2020.

David Grimes, head of the SCR Growth Hub, said: "The Growth Hub is dedicated to helping businesses to grow, improve and succeed and these series of masterclasses will broaden expertise and knowledge amongst the attendees.

"Each session will be led by an industry expert who will cut through the jargon and equip delegates with vital skills and, importantly, confidence in the field."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Skills Bank back open for business

A new look Skills Bank has been launched as part of a strategic aim to increase the number of high productivity jobs in the Sheffield city region (SCR).

The Skills Bank was designed to give employers greater purchasing power and control in how Government funded training is accessed. The aim is to create a demand-led skills system and encourage companies to co-invest in skills support for their own employees.

After a new procurement exercise, Skills Bank is now delivered by Calderdale College. The business led programme developed by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) uses devolved government funding, matching private sector investment with public funding.

Part of the SCR Growth Hub offer to businesses, funding is available to businesses that make a strong case for how the investment will deliver growth. The service aims to cut through red tape to enable firms to access bespoke, tailor made training.

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "We're a region that has some fantastic businesses and world class training facilities, including our Further Education Colleges, the National College for High Speed Rail and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre. The Sheffield City Region Skills Bank is another important part of our work to build a skills system that delivers for businesses, communities and the economy.

"Skills Bank is an example of an innovative locally designed solution and shows the benefits of devolving resources to local areas."

Recommended reading: The Crucial Role of Line Managers in Boosting Employee Productivity

James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP, added: "Businesses tell us that publicly funded training for businesses can be hard to access and that the system is complicated. Skills Bank and our advisors can help businesses cut through this. This is good for the region, good for the profitability of businesses and helps grow the skills of our workforce.

"So long as a business can show that it helps boost productivity and grow our economy it should be a straightforward transaction. It's win-win. I'm absolutely delighted that it has gone live."

Ebrahim Dockrat, director of commercial services and partnerships at Calderdale College, said: "Skills Bank is a fantastic initiative for Sheffield City Region and we are thrilled to be in a position where we can support local businesses.

"Our focus will be on helping employers develop the skills they need to grow their business and we bring a huge amount of expertise from our many years of working closely with the Education and Skills Funding Agency on major funded training programmes."

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: Expanding Rotherham IT firm is well connected

An expanding Rotherham-based software development company, which has pioneered new ground-breaking technology to protect members of staff in the workplace during emergency evacuations, has launched a new South East division.

Founded in 2015 by experienced software engineers Paul Chatwin and Andy Ford who drew on their extensive development expertise to launch a new range of products which support businesses with large numbers of staff.

The enterprise moved into RiDO's Moorgate Crofts in 2016 and has been responsible for pioneering "Roll Call" – a unique and ground-breaking software system designed to protect employees during emergency evacuations.

Just ten months after launching the business, Connected Data Solutions moved into one of the centre's dedicated business incubation units. It proved to be an ideal platform to grow the business further and within just four months, the firm had outgrown its first unit and was ready to recruit additional members of staff. With further contracts and a doubling in employee numbers, Connected Data Solutions relocated to a larger unit.

Andy Ford, co-founder, Connected Data Solutions said: "We were keen to find premises which could not only provide us with a platform to grow our business, but crucially also helped us to access business support. Working in Moorgate Crofts is like being a part of a community; everyone supports each other and there is an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise within the building. The building had everything we needed and we knew that it would not only support our short term goals, but also had great facilities to help us grow the business.

"Like many new entrepreneurs we were unsure how quickly the business would grow. The flexible leasing terms offered at Moorgate Crofts has enabled us to source office space which suits our needs, and as we have recruited additional members of staff, we've been able to move to larger units without the added hassle of changing our telephone numbers or address."

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Amanda Parris at RiDO, added: "Connected Data Solutions has enjoyed rapid growth over the past three years and with a number of exciting projects in the pipeline the business has a very bright future. It was very clear from an early stage that it was equally important for the business to be able to find the right business support, as well as sourcing suitable premises. We have helped the company to access specialist support from the RiDO business support team as well as specialist help from the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.

"At RiDO we understand no new business owner has a crystal ball and the needs of a company can change rapidly. The flexible leasing terms we offer enables companies to relocate to larger units without the stress and costs of relocating to new business premises."

The company's new South East division will operate from Whitstable, Kent and create up to five new jobs. The centre will be used to support the company's growing national portfolio of clients which includes 3M and Epson as well as providing additional capacity as the company continues to invest in developing its own range of products.

In addition to producing its own range of products, Connected Data Solutions also acts as a delivery partner for the global software developer Kronos, a leading developer of workforce management software.

Paul Chatwin, director at Connected Data Solutions, said: "Launching a new South East division for the business is an important part of our future growth plans. I grew up in the area and felt Whitstable offered an excellent platform to continue growing our business.

"Since launching the business, we have developed a national client base, and our Roll Call software, the result of more than a decade of research and development is helping to ensure companies with large numbers of employees are accounted for quickly during emergency evacuations.

"We're at a very exciting time in our business journey and with a number of new products currently in development, our new office will support our operations in South Yorkshire and we are planning to create a number of new positions within both locations."

Connected Data Solutions website

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