News: Adult day-care centre opens in Rotherham

Vintage Years, an adult day-care centre that provides respite for the Elderly – in particular those suffering from dementia – has recently opened at the Unity Centre on the edge of Rotherham town centre with the support of UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

Launched by friends and former dementia support workers at the Alzheimer's Society, Debbie Wilson and Helen Hermoso, the centre welcomes visitors three days a week to enjoy activities - such as crafts, games, light exercise and quizzes - in order to combat loneliness, support wellbeing and meet friends.

UKSE, which supports businesses in areas affected by changes in the steel industry, awarded Vintage Years £500 as part of its Kickstart Grant scheme which the duo put towards the design and printing of exterior signage as well as marketing collateral to raise awareness of the new service in the community.

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Co-founder Debbie said: "Together, Helen and I are committed to making a difference to the lives of the people we work with and launched Vintage Years to support both the individuals we serve as well as their families.

"Caring for someone with dementia can often prove difficult and so we wanted to create a warm and friendly atmosphere that families are welcome to join.

"We were delighted to receive the funding from UKSE and hope that, by investing it in marketing materials, we can open our doors to more and more!"

Looking ahead, the pair hope to be able to extend their opening times to five days a week and, if demand rises, take on a number of employees to support the running of the centre.

Alan Stanley of UKSE said: "It's great to see that Debbie and Helen are working to provide the much-needed support that many individuals and families in the area rely on, especially since Rotherham has seen a number of its adult day-care centres close down over the last few years.

"I'd like to wish them both the best of luck with achieving their vision for the future of Vintage Years!"

Vintage Years website

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News: Rotherham’s new football training academy looking to kick on

Foot Famous, a football development academy that supports the progression of grassroots players into local and national professional academies has launched and held its first set of trials after receiving a Kickstart grant from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

Founded in October 2018, business owner Lewis Mills decided to pursue his dreams of facilitating the exposure of talented young footballers in the area to scouts and managers from the top football clubs in the region - including Rotherham United and Barnsley FC - and beyond.

UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, was launched in 1975 to support the economic development of steel industry areas. Launched in 2016, the Kickstart Fund supports people looking to establish a business in the local area. UKSE also provides equity and loan finance up to £1m to growing companies.

Using the £500 grant from UKSE Lewis "kick-started" the business by purchasing branded kit, training equipment and marketing collateral to spread the word amongst the region's up-and-coming football stars.

The team of four coaches run weekly sessions from Wath Comprehensive School in Rotherham and, having recently completed its first round of trials, now has ten players in the Under 8s, 9s and 10s age groups signed up to a structured 12-week programme that aims to develop overall footballing ability.

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Lewis Mills, founder of Foot Famous (pictured, right), said: "I'm thrilled to have completed my first lot of trials and am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm all of the players have to progress - I have no doubt that each and every one of them will go on to achieve great things in the footballing world!

"The academy works to a comprehensive structure and we regularly assess each player to make sure they are progressing – our mission is to see the players thrive and reach their final goals no matter what.

"With links to a number of top clubs I hope it's only a matter of time before we’ve got players from Foot Famous trialling for their prestigious junior academies!"

Allan Wood of UKSE (pictured, left), added: "With clear routes for development and providing a stepping stone between local, regional and national football clubs, Foot Famous will be instrumental in bolstering the region's next generation of football stars.

"I'm delighted that funding from our Kickstart programme has allowed Lewis to bring his dream to fruition and hope that, with his expertise and team of coaches, the business will thrive."

Foot Famous website
UKSE website

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News: Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2016

Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) has launched the annual Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in association with UK Steel Enterprise.

RYE encourages young people (up to the age of 30) to explore business ideas and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be their own boss. Supported by Rotherham Council, office and workshop space is also made available in Rotherham business centres on reduced rates.

The awards, now in their eleventh year, cover all sectors and aim to celebrate and promote the best businesses run by 18-30 year olds in Rotherham that have been up and running for at least six months.

Categories include Best New Start-Up, Business Most Determined to Succeed, Best Established Business, Most Innovative Business, and Best Customer Service; with one winner also going on to be crowned Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.

Winners will win a £500 boost to help further their business, with an additional cash prize of £1,000 also awarded to the overarching winner.

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Darren McDool, business coach at RYE, said: "This is a really important event in the Rotherham Youth Enterprise calendar because it gives us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all of the fantastic, ambitious, innovative businesses established in the region that are run by young people.

"Previous winners have really benefited from being associated with the competition, and in our eleventh year of hosting the awards it would be fantastic to see yet more Rotherham-based enterprises reaping those rewards."

Jessica Long, the founder of J L Dance Academy was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015, having also won the Best New Start Up category last year.

In addition to the cash boost she was presented with a special trophy and a year's free membership to Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber in recognition of her achievements at the event.

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Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise (pictured with last year's winner), said: "We are delighted to be involved once again in sponsoring and supporting with the judging of the awards.

"This annual event serves to recognise the breadth of talent and the overwhelming amount of innovation that is based right here in Rotherham, and we are always impressed by the calibre of the entries and the entrepreneurial spirit of so many young people."

Entries for the awards will close on October 17 2016 and entry forms are available by contacting Rotherham Youth Enterprise online and completing the enquiry form; alternatively visit the Facebook page for further information, or contact Darren McDool on 0114 2695053.

RYE website
UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: Former trainees in MBO at Rotherham firm

Rotherham-based pump supplier Industrial Pumps is set for further growth and new jobs after undergoing a management buyout, with the help of a significant investment from UK Steel Enterprise.

Founded as a partnership in 1988, Industrial Pumps started trading as a Limited Company in 2006. Originally a Mono distributor selling pumps/spares and solutions, the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate business quickly moved into pump repairs and other general engineering.

Existing company directors David Carley and David Stacey, who have both worked at Industrial Pumps since trainee level in the 1990s, have bought the business from previous owner Chris Garner. They have now revealed expansion plans which build on the company's reputation and recent growth which has seen turnover double to around £4m in the last four years.

UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, provided investment through its Equity Growth Fund, which is backed by the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The deal was referred by John Parkin of PKN Chartered Accountants in Rotherham.

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The funding is expected to facilitate continued expansion of Industrial Pumps across its impressive customer base, which includes water utility companies and leading OEMs; as well as enable the company to improve its digital platforms and create new jobs in Rotherham in the coming years.

The buyout sees David Carley take on the role of managing director – having started as an apprentice pump fitter in 1996; and David Stacey take up the post of sales director having joined as a trainee tech sales agent in 1998.

David Carley, managing director at Industrial Pumps, said: "This investment from UK Steel Enterprise has provided us the opportunity to carry on building the company’s reputation and work towards our ambitious growth plans.

"Our immediate vision is to take the company into both new long-term contracts in the utility and industrial sector, whilst also ensuring that the existing employees have both security and opportunity to progress as well as recruiting for new roles from across the region."

Allan Wood from UK Steel Enterprise, added: "Industrial Pumps is a great example of an already successful South Yorkshire business, with significant opportunities for further expansion. We have backed them because we believe they can grow and create more jobs locally."

Part of the Equity Growth Fund is aimed at young, early stage companies with high growth potential, while established companies can apply for amounts up to £1m.

Industrial Pumps website
UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: UK Steel Enterprise boosts SCR support with new hire

UK Steel Enterprise has announced the appointment of regional executive Alan Stanley who joins the company's growing team with immediate effect.

A subsidiary of Tata Steel, UK Steel Enterprise supports the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry and has helped over 6,000 organisations to date.

Focused on working with SMEs and providing funding of up to £1m to companies looking to grow and expand across the Sheffield City Region and Humber areas, Alan brings with him more than 28 years' experience within the finance industry.

His previous roles have included working for the Royal Bank of Scotland Group where he was focused on business development, and providing funding solutions to SMEs.

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Alan (pictured, centre) said: "I am delighted to be joining the UKSE team at a time when they are increasing the number of companies they work with at pace with an increased level of finance available.

"I look forward to meeting existing clients, and working to support further SMEs to access the funding they need to drive their businesses forward and create more jobs."

Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise Pictured, right), added: "Alan's appointment provides us with additional capacity to provide more finance to growing companies in the region and we are delighted to have secured someone with great experience across a range of sectors. Expanding the local team is part of our plan to be able to increase the number of companies that we can help. I'm sure Alan's expertise and commitment will help us achieve these goals.

"Any business that needs finance to grow or create jobs should get in touch. We can provide loans from £25,000 and investment finance up to £1m."

UK Steel Enterprise pledged £1.55m to support job creation following Tata Steel's latest restructure that saw almost 700 staff were made redundant within the Rotherham and Stocksbridge plants. Last year it launched the 40:40 challenge, marking its 40th anniversary, with a £40,000 pot open to schools and other youth organisations to work with students aged 18 or under.

UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: Enterprising Y-Accelerator programme returns

Up to ten individuals, teams or companies in the Sheffield City Region are to benefit from a three-month intensive business support programme and the chance to win £25,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise, to kick start the business idea with the most potential for growth.

The UKSE Y-Accelerator, launched by Y-Accelerator and UK Steel Enterprise and funded by the newly established Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, is now open for entries. The programme is welcoming business ideas from "anyone with aspirations and an innovative business idea."

After three months intensive training each entrepreneur will be invited to pitch to an audience of seed investors and be in with the chance to win an investment of up to £25,000 from UK Steel Enterprise; enabling them to get their idea off the ground.

UK Steel Enterprise is a subsidiary of Tata Steel established in 1975 to provide financial support to small to medium sized businesses in areas affected by challenges within the steel industry.

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Further support for the initiative comes from Y-Accelerator, the Yorkshire based start-up accelerator, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, business consultancy TRoom, and law firm Freeths.

It ran last year in Rotherham which saw five companies come to the region following a successful trade mission. After receiving initial support from the South Korean Government, they were housed in one of Rotherham's four enterprise centres run by RiDO, the Council's regeneration arm. Ultimate Drone was the big winner of the Y-Accelerator programme, picking up a £30,000 investment to support the commercialisation of a new generation of drone.

Keith Williams from UK Steel Enterprise, said: "This is a unique initiative that brings together various forms of support to create an intensive incubator for entrepreneurs with start-up ideas. The process will help validate ideas, develop strong business models and provide people with the tools and skills to launch new businesses.

"Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate that their concepts are not only viable in today's market, but that there is potential for growth and expansion.

"We're delighted to be able to support the programme, providing the £25,000 investment fund, and we're very much looking forward to seeing what business ideas are submitted and meeting the individuals, teams and businesses behind them."

The project, which has no sector-restrictions, forms part of the SCR Economic Plan that is working to position the SCR as the best "start-up" zone in the country; raising the existing start-up rate in the region which currently stands at two-thirds of the national average.

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The newly launched SCR Growth Hub, aims to be the single point of contact for all business support across the Sheffield City Region. Its experienced teams can best advise and signpost to the most appropriate support for businesses in a range of areas including exporting, innovation, finance and training.

As well as the Y-Accelerator for would-be entrepreneurs, the Growth Hub offers a service for start-ups called Launchpad, which includes workshops and mentoring.

The Government has proclaimed this week as Growth Hub Week to promote simple, joined up and easy to access business support.

David Grimes, Head of SCR Growth Hub, said: "Y-Accelerator is a great way to encourage would-be entrepreneurs to start up a business. These entrepreneurs will become the employers and wealth generators of the future. Projects like this show that the public and private sector working together is the way to make our region stronger."

The application process will close on June 20 2016.

SCR Growth Hub website

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News: UKSE continue to support Rotherham entrepreneurs

UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) has announced the launch of their new Kickstart Fund, an initiative launched in partnership with Rotherham Council to support people looking to establish a business or to become self-employed by offering grants of up to £1,000.

A subsidiary of Tata Steel, UK Steel Enterprise supports the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry and has helped over 6,000 organisations to date. In Rotherham it has previously offered loans and investment to growing companies such as Macalloy, Assured Fire & Security and Approved Food, as well as setting aside funding to support young entrepreneurs through its Kickstart Fund.

An initial £40,000 has been set aside for this year's fund which is supported by the council's Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) and Youth Enterprise arm (RYE). It has been introduced in a bid to support people looking to establish a business or become self-employed by helping with initial costs - especially for those with limited funds.

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Grants, worth up to £1,000, alongside guidance and advice provided by advisers from RiDO and RYE, will be made available to the budding entrepreneurs.

Jessica Long, the founder of a Rotherham based dance academy J L Dance, received support from UK Steel Enterprise and Rotherham Youth Enterprise when she launched her start-up business. She used the funds to pay for an awareness raising campaign and went on to win the title of Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015.

Jessica, owner of the J L Dance Academy (pictured, centre), said: "I always knew that I wanted to run my own business, and I was confident that I could make the dance academy a success with the right advice and support behind me.

"Receiving the money and advice in 2014 meant I was able to really raise awareness of the business in the early days and I saw an immediate return on investment. Now I conduct dozens of classes every week and employ three assistants to help me."

UK Steel Enterprise has pledged £1.55m of extra funding for job creation in the wake of the most recent redundancy announcements by Tata Steel in South Yorkshire. The new Kickstart Fund is open to anybody starting a business in Rotherham, including those affected by restructuring at Tata Steel.

Keith Williams, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise, said: “Small businesses are the life blood of the economy, but starting a business is a big challenge. This funding, as well as the support and advice provided alongside it, will help those budding entrepreneurs who need an extra boost to get the ball rolling.

"In time we hope that some of these companies will develop and expand – eventually generating further job opportunities across the region.

"We are committed to supporting the local business community, and would like to hear from any business looking for finance in order to facilitate growth - whether in need £500, £50,000 or £500,000."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "This initiative is a welcome boost to people in Rotherham who want to start up their own business but need that extra bit of support.

"I hope that many people – including those affected by recent events at Tata Steel – will now be given the incentive to consider setting up on their own."

UKSE website
RiDO website
RYE website

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2015

The shortlist has been announced containing a wide range of businesses in with a chance of being named Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015.

Part of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) Project, which provides help and support to young business owners, the awards take place annually in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel that has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

Further support is provided by awards category sponsors AESSEAL, Rotherham College, The Source Retail Skills Academy and Willmott Dixon. Judges are assessing the entries with the winners due to be recognised at a ceremony on November 16 which makes up part of the Rotherham Local Employment Advisory Forum targeted at young people across the region and taking place at Magna.

Darren McDool, business coach from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "The calibre of the candidates that entered this year has again been exceptional. We have a fantastic mixture of creative new starts, and growing established businesses, representing the increasing number of entrepreneurial young individuals in our region."

Jackie Frost, enterprise projects manager at Rotherham Council, added: "Previous winners of this award have gone on to do great things, capitalising on the exposure that this accolade provides, so we are pleased to see another group of really strong candidates on this year's shortlist."

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RYE secured part-funding through the European Regional Development Fund and aims to equip the young people of Rotherham with the enterprise and employability skills that they need to make a success of their future and to contribute to the economy of the borough.

Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise, said: "The work of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise, and their dedication to supporting job opportunities and economic growth across the region, is well aligned to UK Steel Enterprises ethos and, to that end, we are delighted to be once again sponsoring these awards.

"The entries have been excellent, and we're looking forward to further recognising the success of the winners at the awards ceremony on the 16th."

The finalists:

- Simple Office Supplies Ltd - a fast growing business offering a free next day delivery service
- Lewbot Art - the work of talented freelance illustrator, Lewis Houghton
- F1 Showcars - the specialists in motorsport simulators and games
- Team Katalyst - operators of the new performance centre in Rotherham
- The Screening Project - creators of original and cutting edge digital media for businesses and charities
- Pie Eyed - serving proper Pie & Mash at events and festivals
- The Corner Space - a creative studio and room hire facility
- Inertia Computers - builder of bespoke PCs for gamers
- Favell Recruitment - providing staff to the education and construction industry
- Infinity Digital - innovative social media specialists
- J L Dance Academy - a dance and performing arts school teaching over 150 students

The finalists will be featured in Rothbiz in the coming weeks.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RYE

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News: Sam shines as Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2014

Sam Goddard of Response Vehicle Lighting has been named as Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2014.

The awards, now in their ninth year, cover all sectors and look to recognise the achievements of business owners under the age of 30. Part of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) project, which provides help and support to young business owners, the awards take place annually in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel that has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

With twelve high-calibre finalists, judges were impressed with the vision, commitment and personal courage shown by all of the entrants. The winners were announced at the Local Employment Advisory Forum taking place at Magna.

Taking the top prize was Sam Goddard, whose company, Response Vehicle Lighting, first impressed the judges to win the Best Established Business category sponsored by The Source.

Sam developed his skills throughout his childhood until he could confidently get broken lights to work again. He found that there was a market on the internet for the products and maintenance services that he could offer to operators of recovery vehicles, highway maintenance firms and haulage companies.

After finishing his GCSEs, Sam decided to turn his hobby into a profession and visited business coaches at Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) for some valuable advice and to discuss the way forward. Having steadily grown his sales through eBay and his own website over the past four years, the firm now supplies a wide range of vehicle lighting products to domestic and business customers and Sam has seen a huge increase in sales and growth over the last 12 months after securing accounts with two leading UK brands.

Having won the Most Innovative Business award last year, Sam this year received a special trophy and a cheque for £1,000 for winning overall.

Other worthy category winners included Adil Hussain, who won the Best New Start-up sponsored by Parkgate Shopping for his Adspec Ltd business that markets its own range of consumer electronic products and specialises in Android tablet computers.

In the Most Innovative Business category, sponsored by AESSEAL, digital marketing specialist Rebecca Coupe and Infinity Digital was recognised for delivering a marketing service that brings together social media, content marketing, public relations and search engine optimisation to deliver tangible results.

RCAT sponsored the Business Most Determined to Succeed category which was won by Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig, the colourful gift shop on Rotherham's High Street. The award recognised Charlotte's involvement in initiatives to work with other town centre businesses, the relaunch of Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Rotherham, and in local schools.

Presenting the awards, Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "Despite challenging times, Rotherham continues to be amongst the leaders in encouraging and stimulating enterprise amongst young people."

After thanking organisers, judges and sponsors, Jackie thanked the young entrepreneurs for having the courage to start their own business and to enter the competition. "Judging by the standards we have seen here today, the future of the Rotherham economy is in good hands."

Response Vehicle Lighting website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards - shortlist revealed

Young entrepreneurs from a wide range of businesses have made it to the final and are in with a chance of being named Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2014.

Part of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) Project, which provides help and support to young business owners, the awards take place annually in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel that has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

Judges including AESSEAL, Parkgate Shopping, RCAT and The Source Retail Skills Academy are now pouring over the entries, with the winners due to be recognised at a ceremony on November 17 which makes up part of the Rotherham Local Employment Advisory Forum targeted at young people across the region and taking placed at Magna.

The awards, now in their ninth year, cover all sectors and look to recognise the achievements of business owners under the age of 30. Finalists are competing to be named Best New Business Start, Most Established Business, Most Determined to Succeed and Most Innovative Business. One of the winners of these four categories will then be awarded the main prize of Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Darren McDool, Business Coach from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "The calibre of the candidates that entered this year has been exceptional. We have thoroughly enjoyed reading the submissions and are privileged to have been invited to learn more about these businesses and these truly entrepreneurial young individuals in our region."

"Previous winners have gone on to do great things, capitalising on the exposure that this accolade provides, so we are pleased to see another group of really strong candidates on this year's shortlist."

Rotherham Youth Enterprise, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to equip the young people of Rotherham with the enterprise skills that they need to make a success of their future and to contribute to the economy in the borough.

Allan Wood of UK Steel Enterprise said: "The work of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise, and their dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs and economic growth, is well aligned to the UK Steel Enterprise ethos and, to that end, we are delighted to be once again sponsoring these awards.

"The entries have been excellent, and we're looking forward to further recognising the success of the winners at the awards ceremony on the 17th."

The finalists:

- JL Dance Academy, a dance and performing arts school teaching over 150 students

- Infinity Digital, a marketing agency with a flair for all things digital

- Koochie Koo Customisation, specialising in the personalisation of many items, including corporate uniforms

- Patchwork Pig, a high-street shop in Rotherham with a unique and affordable gift selection

- House of S, a stylish hair salon in Wickersley with a focus on innovation

- 4 Ever Able Ltd – a specialist bathroom design and installation firm based on Rotherham's Eastwood trading estate

- The Screening Project, producer of innovative and interactive film events across the UK

- Adspec Ltd, a company aiming to provide the latest technology at cheaper prices than major players such as Apple and Microsoft

- GSK Hair Lounge, a hair & beauty salon in Swallownest with the aim of providing a high end finish without the expensive price tag

- RG Baits, a supplier of speciality bait to UK fishing enthusiasts

- Response Vehicle Lighting, supplier of emergency and commercial vehicle lighting equipment

- Sally Shortcake, a vintage-style-tea-shop serving home-cooked food and freshly baked treats

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RYE

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News: UK Steel Enterprise launches Equity Growth Fund

South Yorkshire companies with plans for expansion and creating sustainable jobs will be able to benefit from a new £6m Equity Growth Fund launched by UK Steel Enterprise.

A subsidiary of Tata Steel, UK Steel Enterprise is inviting applications from companies interested in accessing funds of up to £1m to help drive growth and deliver job opportunities within their local communities. The finance will be available to support a range of projects, which can include securing larger premises, investment in new equipment, new technology or to support working capital needs.

UK Steel Enterprise supports the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry and has helped over 6,000 organisations to date. In Rotherham it has previously supported growing companies such as Macalloy, Assured Fire & Security and Approved Food, as well as setting aside funding to support young entrepreneurs through its Kickstart Fund.

The latest fund has received backing from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF), the government's main source of funding for economic development and regeneration.

Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, right), said: "This new fund allows us to invest more money in a greater number of companies to support their expansion ambitions. Part of the fund will be aimed at young, early stage companies with high growth potential, while established companies can apply for amounts up to £1m.

"Businesses with a clear strategy to drive recruitment opportunities in the local communities in which they operate are encouraged to get in touch and discuss the funding options available.

"As an organisation, we are committed to supporting sustainable business growth – making sure that we implement a finance solution that is appropriate, whilst ensuring that management teams retain full control of their company."

Greg Clark, minister for Universities, Science and Cities. added: "This £6m boost for the midlands and northern steel regions will support growing businesses as they create jobs.

"This investment from the Regional Growth Fund is a great example of how business and government can work together to create the jobs that are fuelling our recovery and building a stronger economy."

UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: Kickstart support for specialist accountant

A Cameroonian entrepreneur who moved to South Yorkshire in 2011 and launched her accountancy business a year later is looking at doubling her customer base in the next 12 months with specialist translation and accountancy services.

Nelly Tchoudi from Swallownest in Rotherham set up Tchoudi Accountancy Services Ltd with a grant from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund and business planning support from Rotherham Youth Enterprise in 2012.

Since then she has secured a number of small and medium sized enterprise clients across the UK that need bookkeeping, payroll and taxation services. She also specialises in French credit control, import and export documentation services, as French is her first language. Nelly also provides French secretariat or administration services offering clients travel bookings, preparation of dairies for meetings.

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Nelly Tchoudi, owner of Tchoudi Accountancy Services (pictured, centre), said: "I'm very happy with the way the business is going. I go to networking events to meet people to try and get across to them how they can get help with translations services for important documentation. Import and export documents to any French speaking country can be difficult to understand for a normal UK based company, but I of course can interpret them perfectly and prevent any problems that may happen, which in turn can improve their own businesses success."

Hayely Middlebrook, regional secretary for UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, right), added: "At UK Steel Enterprise we believe in working with business owners to help them grow: but providing finance is just one part of that. We often work with other specialists to assist our clients so that they get the support they need.

"Nelly is offering a problem-solving service that goes beyond accountancy to an area that can make a substantial difference to one of her clients and we wish her all the best in reaching her business goals."

Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise,added: "When we worked with Nelly to produce a business plan for the grant application it became clear that she has the right kind of qualifications and experience to make a real go of self-employment. We hope to support Nelly over the coming years as she works to establish herself as a specialist in her field."

UK Steel Enterprise website

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News: Sweet support for Cocoa Chic

A young entrepreneur from Rotherham who has experienced sustained growth since launching her chocolate manufacturing business says it's important that startups get the right support in the early stages of launching a new business.

Libby Carl (29) from Wickersley (pictured, left) launched Cocoa Chic two years ago with help from UK Steel Enterprise and a grant from its Kickstart Fund, as well as business planning support from Rotherham Youth Enterprise.

Libby, who always knew that she'd open her own business one day, said: "It's been very hard running a new business as a sole trader for the last two years but the support I had at the start was critical. The grant I got from UK Steel was very useful and the help I got from Rotherham Youth Enterprise in finding me subsidised premises was critical; without both of them I don't think I would be here today."

Two years on from launching the business that makes artisan chocolates for special occasions Libby has expanded the business to include collaborations with Sheffield food manufacturers, chocolate making workshops in schools and colleges as well as teaming up with other businesses for special complementary events. The latest venture sees Libby supplying chocolate creations to a Rotherham coffee shop.

Cocoa Chic is the only chocolate manufacturer and one of only a very small number of food manufacturers to have been awarded the Made in Sheffield Mark; a standard that recognises an ongoing commitment to quality and excellence in manufacturing by companies in the Sheffield city region.

Hayley Middlebrook, regional secretary for UK Steel Enterprise, said: "Libby's passion for what she does is obvious and underpins all she does with Cocoa Chic. She's taken the business in new directions and creates part-time jobs at peak times such as Christmas. She has vision and drive and sets a brilliant example for other aspiring entrepreneurs."

Applicants to the Kickstart Fund can get support from Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and Rotherham Youth Enterprise to help them with business planning and mentoring through the early stages of running the business. UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "Libby is a great role model for what can be achieved with hard work and determination. It's nice to hear her say how much we helped her in the early days. We are delighted she is doing so well and look forward to providing further support as her business goes from strength to strength."

Cocoa Chic website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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News: Sally Shortcake finds the right ingredients

An enterprising coffee shop owner has found the right recipe for successful self-employment by combining a talent for baking with business support from Rotherham Youth Enterprise and funding from UK Steel Enterprise.

When Sally Corns (29) moved back to Wath upon Dearne she wanted to use her catering skills to start working for herself, baking and selling cakes. Sally is now the proud owner of Sally Shortcake on Church Street, a warm and welcoming coffee shop that also sells fresh homemade cakes, sandwiches, Panini and soup.

Sally, who lives in Brampton, moved back to South Yorkshire after spending time working in various catering jobs, including at the Bolton Castle Tea Rooms in Wensleydale. Time spent in call centres did not satisfy her so she set about looking at becoming self-employed. Sally received support from Rotherham Youth Enterprise with her business planning and then applied for a grant from UK Steel Enterprise to convert the former chip shop into her new dream business.

Sally Corns, owner of Sally Shortcake (pictured, right), said: "When we stripped the old fryers out it took most of the tiling up, so the floor had to be re-laid. I also needed good quality signage outside. I've not done much in the way of advertising and as I'm relying on word of mouth the shop has to look good from outside so as to entice people inside. I used all the grant from UKSE to do the floor and the sign as well as topping the budget up with some of my own funds, but if it had not been for the grant I could not have opened up – the new floor was just so important to get sorted."

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading.

Applicants to the Kickstart Fund can get support from Rotherham Investment & Development Office and Rotherham Youth Enterprise to help them with business planning and mentoring through the early stages of running the business. UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, left), said: "Sally’s passion for cooking really good food is obvious to anyone who has tasted one of her cakes. The Kickstart Fund is there to help people with new business ideas that have potential to grow and create jobs in the area. The fact that Sally is already planning on being open for special occasions like Mother’s Day when she will be serving special cakes and biscuits shows she knows how to spot a market opening and go for it.

"It's great to be able to welcome back and support entrepreneurs that want to build businesses in South Yorkshire and we hope to be doing the same for even more in 2014."

Jackie Frost, manager of Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "Sally is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. We are happy to have helped her in the grant application process and look forward to providing further support as her business goes from strength to strength."

Not satisfied with opening the new shop Sally has already begun extending the business by providing external catering for lunches and parties.

Sally Shortcake Facebook page
UK Steel Enterprise website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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News: Extra time for Job Club

The Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST) has been awarded a grant of £1,440 from UK Steel Enterprise so it can carry on running its Job Club. The Job Club is a programme that acts as a drop in session which allows members of the public to gain advice on CV writing and interview tips, in order to help them find employment. 

The Job Club ran a 20 week pilot programme in partnership with The Job Centre Plus which proved a huge success in 2013. The programme managed to help seven people gain jobs, four people go into higher education and a further two people gain volunteering experience.

Zanib Rasool MBE, community project manager for RUCST, said: "We have had great success over the summer with most of the people coming to us now in either full or part time employment. Basically if we did not have the grant from UK Steel we could not pay our tutor and even though we have used volunteers before we can’t carry on like that, so it’s great that we now have the funds to carry on making a difference in Rotherham."

The Jobshop takes place every Thursday at New York Stadium and is run on an informal proactive basis with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It is supported by Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service. It has also recently held sessions in other communities.

Allan Wood is Regional Executive for UK Steel Enterprise and says that RUCST fits perfectly with UK Steel Enterprise's social corporate responsibility ethics. He said: "We are committed to supporting community organisations that help people get into employment and this project has proved quite clearly that it can do that and that there is a demand for its services. It would be a shame to see a successful project like this close, which is why we are delighted to be able to support it."

UK Steel Enterprise is a subsidiary of Tata Steel that invests in growing businesses within the South Yorkshire area. It also supports community based organisations and helps them to make a positive difference within communities that have been affected by the changes to the UK's steel industry. UK Steel Enterprise has strong links with regeneration and community support projects through its work with South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF).

Rotherham United website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: RUCST

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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 graduate launches new fitness training business

A young graduate entrepreneur has found the right support in Rotherham to ensure that he is fit for business.

Scott Senior from Aston graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Sports Science this year and set his sights on becoming a personal trainer. After looking around at opportunities with the big fitness centres Scott decided to set up his own business and opened Simple Fitness at Treeton Youth Centre last month with backing from UK Steel Enterprise and its Kickstart Fund.

Scott (pictured, left) said: "I looked at the big chains and felt it was not for me. I prefer the freedom of working for myself and being able to apply my own techniques and philosophy on fitness. I see myself as a personal trainer first and foremost and want to work with people that appreciate the individual care and attention I can provide. People that want to lose weight or get really fit sometimes don't want to be in a gym with lots of other people. I have my own space and equipment which means I can offer a dedicated personal service for clients."

Scott was on Job Seekers Allowance for a short while before being directed to Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) who then helped him apply to the Kickstart Fund. Not having much in the way of financial resources behind him, the Kickstart grant was instrumental in helping Scott to start trading.

Scott adds: "I used the grant to pay for some rent and buy special equipment like the spinning bike, weights and a body mass indicator which have put me on professional standing. The help I've had from UK Steel and Rotherham Youth Enterprise has made a significant difference to the way I will be perceived by customers."

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, right) says it's really inspiring to see young people like Scott starting their own businesses: "Scott is one of the youngest people we have supported through the Kickstart Fund. The Fund's aim is to inspire the launch of new businesses with the potential to create wealth in Rotherham and to see a young man with so much self-belief set out on his own is really inspiring and we wish him well for the future."

Jackie Frost, manager of RYE, added: "When we started working with Scott to produce a business plan for the grant application it became clear that he has the right kind of qualifications and attitude to make a real go of self-employment. We hope to support Scott over the next couple of years as he works to establish his new business."

Simple Fitness PT Facebook page
UK Steel Enterprise website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: UKSE

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News: Vonhatski Amps starting to make waves

Vonhatski Amplification, the Rotherham-based designer and manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets, is sending waves through the music world and gaining a number of endorsements.

Based in Rotherham Investment & Development Office's (RiDO's) Century Business Centre in Manvers, Stefan Suchacki, a former electronics engineer, is on a mission to design the very best all valve guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets in the world and hand­-build them in Britain.

After years of development, the company launched the Purelight 1206 Series of dual rectifier all valve driven guitar amplifiers which are already being seen across festival stages and leading in-door venues all over Europe. What's more, they are being used and endorsed by some of the finest professional guitarists performing and recording with the world's biggest names in music.

Stefan Suchacki, managing director at Vonhatski Amplification (pictured above, right), said: "There are two types of amp on the market, the cheap ones made in China and the high quality ones used by serious professionals. Ours is the latter and is already being used by well-respected musicians."

Guitarist Greg Bone is an in demand leading session guitarist who has worked with Westlife, Tom Jones, Girls Aloud, Boyzone, Simply Red, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys amongst many other multimillion album selling artists. Greg is about to go on tour with Ronan Keating and will be taking Vonhatski amps with him.

Greg said: "I came across Stef's amps at Strawberry Fields Festival in Leicestershire this year and instantly loved the clean sound and how easy they are to use; they knock spots off of anything similar. Vonhatski were the guitar amplification sponsor for three of the main stages at the festival. It's the first time I've come across an amp where you just plug in and go.

"I love the two channels, one as clean as a cat's ass, the other with great hairy balls; it definitely has both sides of the coin and it works."

Stefan applied for a grant from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund with help from Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE). Kickstart Fund applicants based in the Borough of Rotherham can get support from RiDO to help them find work premises, sometimes with discounted rental rates. RYE works alongside UK Steel Enterprise to help applicants with business planning and mentoring through the early stages of running a new business.

UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Allan Wood, regional executive from UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel (pictured above, left), said: "We launched the Kickstart Fund to help boost the local economy and Stefan is currently supporting 25 jobs in his supply chain as well as the two sales people he is employing.

"It would've been easy to have the amps built in the Far East but Stefan knows the value of the British brand abroad and is making very good use of it. He has already signed up four of the 50 independent retailers in the UK he is targeting and has outlets on the Continent interested in stocking his equipment."

Jackie Frost, manager of RYE, added: "Stefan is a great example of a young entrepreneur with vision and a passion for his business. We are happy to have helped him through the grant application process and look forward to providing further support as his business grows and takes on more people."

Stefan is currently working on setting up distributors across the Scandinavian countries and then for every European country, before tackling his major targets North and South America early next year.

Backing and endorsements for Vonhatski Amps come from the likes of Jimmy Hiltula, legendary Swedish rocker of the band Sister Sin and the Bad Boys of British Rock, Jayde Starr and Rozey of Falling Red. Vonhatski is also supporting two American singer / songwriters, Robert Tepper and Reagan Browne, on their UK tours.

Vonhatski Amplification website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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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: Support from UKSE highlights growing Rotherham businesses of different styles

UK Steel Enterprise is continuing to support business growth in Rotherham with Robert Sommerville from Whiston, the latest to secure funding to help start up his own enterprise.

After years of working for other salons in Rotherham and rising to become a salon manager Robert felt his creative flair was becoming restricted. He took the decision to start his own business, Six60, and is now renting space at Simply Beauty, the beauty salon on Bawtry Road in Wickersley. Robert applied for a grant from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund to help get him trading.

Robert said: "I felt like I had reached the end of the line in terms of what I could achieve working for others. My real aim is to create a salon that becomes a training academy for other young hairstylists in Rotherham. I've already taken on one member of staff and hope that by this time next year I'll be in my own dedicated premises with a growing team."

UK Steel Enterprise has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham. Applicants based in the borough can get support from Rotherham Investment & Development Office to help them find work premises, sometimes with discounted rental rates. Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) works alongside UK Steel Enterprise to help applicants with business planning and mentoring through the early stages of running a new business.

UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009. They come from a wide range of sectors including retailers, a tattoo artist, a chiropractor and fishing bait specialists.

Robert won a scholarship with L'Oreal last year, which took him all over Europe to study and learn about different cutting styles. His connection with the world famous brand has been a big bonus for the young entrepreneur. "I used the grant to build up a stock of L'Oreal products, being supported by such a high profile brand gives me credibility. Without the grant from UK Steel I would not have been able to do that or pay for the training I'm undertaking to become an NVQ trainer and assessor; so it really made a massive difference to me," says Robert.

Robert is studying with In Touch Care at Crystal Peaks for his NVQ qualifications that will eventually lead to him being able to teach and assess others that want a career in hairdressing.

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise said: "The Kickstart Fund is designed for new businesses with the potential to create wealth in Rotherham and forms part of the UK Steel Enterprise ethos of supporting businesses that make a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs. Robert has already taken on one employee and we hope he goes on to create many jobs while helping other people to launch their own careers and obtain the qualifications they need."

Jackie Frost, chief Executive of RYE, added: "Robert is a great example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. We are happy to have helped Robert in the grant application process and look forward to providing further support as his hair salon grows."

Six60 Facebook page
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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