News: Italian job for Pyronix

Rotherham-based security experts, Pyronix is making an impact in the Italian market thanks to exhibition company, The Expo People.

Security systems manufacturer Pyronix has enjoyed average annual growth of between 10 to 15% thanks to international trade and the Hellaby firm is looking to replicate its UK success in export markets including Russia, Italy, Poland and South Africa.

With backing from Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) and RiDO, The Expo People was set up two years ago by international event specialist, Paul Tomes who has worked with events organisers around the world. It has since expanded into new premises in Sheffield city centre, taking on new staff and picking up new contracts.

The specialists recently delivered an exhibition project in Milan for the second year running for Pyronix Ltd. The exhibition – Sicurezza – is one of the biggest in Europe for the security sector and saw a significant growth in sales in the Italian market for Pyronix last year.

Such was the success of the exhibition, the company has now appointed a specialist marketing manager specifically for the region.

Julie Kenny CBE DL, chair and chief executive at Pyronix, said: "Italy has become an extremely important market for us – and Sicurezza has so far delivered almost £2m of orders for the company with clients right across Europe.

"We are always keen to work with local businesses and The Expo People have certainly delivered for us. Their management of the project meant we could get on with the process of building our commercial profile with potential customers – and we're looking forward to even more success following this year's exhibition."

The Expo People specialises in the design, build and project management of exhibition stands for shows across the globe.

Paul Tomes, managing director at The Expo People, said: "We're delighted to be working with Pyronix on their events programme. The company has a strong footprint in the UK and the next stage for them is growing their brand across European markets.

"The buzz we get from seeing a client leave an event, full of enthusiasm and excited about the work that they have done and impact they have made is extremely fulfilling. If our clients continue to be successful then we will grow, which is all the incentive we need to keep providing a quality service.

"When I established the business I built it around an ethos of developing partnerships with businesses – not quick fixes and not short term wins. That has stood us in good stead and whilst we are growing well, we are always interested to talk to businesses locally and nationally to see how we can support their exhibition needs."

Pyronix website
The Expo People

Images: Pyronix / twitter

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News: Business Lounge suits growing Rotherham enterprises

A Business Lounge has been established at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre in Rotherham to provide greater opportunities for new and growing businesses to co-work and network in this purpose-designed workspace.

Moorgate Crofts is one of four purpose built centres operated by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO). On the edge of the town centre, 54 office units, ranging from 9 to 51 sq m in size, have now been joined by a professional meeting space with IT suite including high-spec computers with Adobe graphic design software, plus tea and coffee making facilities. The Business Lounge can be booked free of charge and is available for use by any business or start-up in the Rotherham area.

Amanda Parris, business centre manager for RiDO, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for businesses to meet, network and we are hoping it will become a hub for stimulating new business relationships. We responded to demand from local entrepreneurs who were looking for a professional meeting space where they can grow their businesses and work together with other like-minded people."

Paul Tomes, managing director of The Expo People, based in Moorgate Crofts, said: "It's a great place to meet up with business contacts in a relaxed environment. It's useful to have access to the graphic design software too. I'm sure I'll be using the Business Lounge many times in the future."

The centres, which regularly exceed its own targets of 85% of businesses surviving at least three years, has seen a number of companies moving on after experiencing rapid growth and requiring much larger premises, as happened with renewable energy business, Energy Max UK.

Henry Walsh, managing director of Energy Max UK, said: "We had a great start to our business at Moorgate Crofts, with all the support we needed in those important early days. It gave our business the right image and impression and we liked its central location and flexible contract structure. After just over a year at Moorgate Crofts, we have expanded and moved into new premises to cater for our business growth. I would definitely recommend Moorgate Crofts to any new or growing business."

The new Business Lounge was funded thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which RiDO also utilises to help local firms to expand internationally through the Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project.

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: SCR companies to show their metal in China

Sheffield City Region companies are set to attend one of the world's biggest steel exhibitions in September as part of an initiative supported by the region's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).


After a successful regional mission to the event in 2012, ConnectChina and The Expo People are organising a regional pavilion at CISSIE 2014 in Shanghai. Taking place on September 18 - 21, the China International Special Steel Industry Exhibition is the special steel industry's unique biennial trade show and exposition. Bringing together industry professionals, it also includes a technology conference showcasing advancements in all phases of steelmaking.

With backing from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Expo People is based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham and has been set up by international event specialist, Paul Tomes who has worked with events organisers around the world to promote events from Morocco to Abu Dhabi and across Europe.

ConnectChina provides a range of services to facilitate businesses and organisations to develop trade and investment with China.

Speaking about the event in 2012, Joanna Lavan of ConnectChina said: "This exhibition open doors to opportunities with some of the largest steel companies in China and we are keen to keep the relationships thriving."

The package means that companies can exhibit at the event for as little as £1,600.

Ellen Cutler, director of inward investment at Sheffield City Region LEP, said: "We continue to work hard to support companies from within the region to perform globally, particularly within emerging and growing markets such as China.

"We also put a lot of time and effort into promoting the region as an advanced manufacturing zone."

South Yorkshire pavilion exhibitors can also benefit from a partnership struck up between Emirates and the group organisers, offering exhibitors additional benefits including Skyward tier upgrade, bonus miles, airport lounge use and preferential fares.

CISSIE website
The Expo People website

Images: CISSIE

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News: Rotherham Export Masterclass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RiDO are planning a number of export workshops for 2014.

Expo People website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: The Expo People secures major international project

Rotherham exhibition company The Expo People has won a major new project to organise the UK pavilion for CISSIE (China International Special Steel Technology Conference and Exhibition), a major steel manufacturers' exhibition in China, which will be held in Shanghai in September 2014.

With backing from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, the new company is based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham and has been set up by international event specialist, Paul Tomes who has worked with events organizers around the world to promote events from Morocco to Abu Dhabi and across Europe.

On the recent win, Paul said: "We're really busy at the moment planning the convention to China, with lots of interest from local businesses already. We are advising any businesses in the steel or steel technology industries to get in touch with us to find out more."

The Expo People are hoping to take a convention of at least 12 UK metal and manufacturing companies, including a number from South Yorkshire, to China for the event for which they have secured a partnership with Connect China. The company will organise all the support that exhibitors need, including securing interpreters, exhibition stand design, travel and accommodation.

Being based at Moorgate Crofts means that The Expo People have been able to access support through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone project, which secured funding from The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and aims to assist Rotherham companies in accessing international markets. RiDO has commissioned research into the events industry in the Middle East, starting with Abu Dhabi, which involves sourcing exhibitions and events companies and looking at the opportunities to partner with them.

Paul added: "The first six months in business have been more successful than we could have imaged and we’re generating lots of new opportunities, both in the UK and internationally. The support from RiDO's Soft Landing Zone has been invaluable and means we are optimistic we can secure major new contracts with exhibition companies in the Middle East, thanks to the research they have done on our behalf."

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator at RiDO, said: "There is huge potential for The Expo People in the Middle East and Paul has a lot of experience in organising events in this area. The CISSIE exhibition in China is a very exciting venture too and it would be fantastic to see a strong convention representing South Yorkshire in Shanghai next year."

The Expo People website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 announced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: RiDO

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website
UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: The Expo People help make first Halal Food Festival a success

The Expo People, a Rotherham-based global events business, has helped the inaugural Halal Food Festival attract around 100 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors at the ExCel London.

The event is the brainchild of London based Halal Events Ltd and was created to fill the growing desire from affluent middle class Muslims to experience a greater range of Halal offerings and companies wishing to raise the profile of their Halal brands.

Paul Tomes, director of The Expo People, said: "We were approached by the organisers of the Halal Food Festival to help them with the recruitment of exhibitors. With such a specific brief and a really fresh vision, it was a project we were immediately excited about and are pleased that we were able to assist during the recruitment process and also provide a level of exhibition specific support to the participating exhibitors.

"We hope to continue to work with Halal Events to drive the continued success of this model and indeed other concepts that they have in the pipeline."

The festival featured many famous names on the food circuit and included top chefs such as Jean Christophe-Novelli, Shelina Permalloo and Abdul Yaseen as well as performances from superstars of the Islamic world Saif Adam and Mesut Kurtis, described as "the Michael Buble of the Islamic world."

With backing from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, the new company is based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre and is currently working on a number of projects offering consultancy services to companies organising or attending events with an exhibition element.

Paul added: "It's a really exciting time for the business – we have lots of projects ongoing both in the UK and overseas, we believe we are able to add value to many events and continue to engage with as many companies as possible."

The Expo People website

Images: Halal Events Ltd

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News: The Expo People are export experts

The Expo People, a new global events business has launched to support companies new to exporting overseas realise their potential without requiring additional permanent resource.

With backing from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, the new company is based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham and has been set up by international event specialist, Paul Tomes who has worked with events organizers around the world to promote events from Morocco to Abu Dhabi and across Europe.

Previously international co-ordinator at healthcare consultancy, Medilink, Paul has planned, developed and executed exhibition projects around the world, with a focus on Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America and believes successful export doesn't need to cost the earth if planned properly.

Paul Tomes, business development director at The Expo People, said: "Attending an international exhibition or trade show for lots of companies is the first step to trading globally. It's quite an expensive and often daunting prospect and the notion of doing business overseas can be frightening and time consuming for a small business.

"Having worked with lots of small to medium sized businesses in the UK and overseas I absolutely believe exhibiting internationally is the key to business success and I'm looking forward to helping more companies realise their global potential and reap the rewards from going global."

Witnessing the benefits for healthcare companies daring to export, Paul now wants to help more companies across sectors benefit and make sure they are making the most of their budget. The Expo People work with organisations on their sales or exhibition strategy to make sure they stand out at trade fairs and exhibitions whilst also being as cost-efficient and resource-efficient as possible.

Paul added: "We are currently working with several overseas organisers to encourage UK companies to display their products overseas and are able to offer support for stand build, travel and accommodation, freight restrictions and other related tasks involved in attending a successful exhibition."

The Expo People website

Images: RiDO

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