|
1 April 2025 - Business Sheffield Update
Panellist from Meet the Local expert event, from the left: Tom Wolfenden, Frazer Habershon, Natalia Welch, Luke Horton, Rachel Abbott, Martin Smith
Business Sheffield welcomes 70 local businesses at the Meet the Local Expert Networking event
Our recent Meet the Local Expert event saw over 70 businesses connect, with a panel discussion featuring Tom Wolfenden, Tim Lindley, Frazer Habershon, Natalia Welch, Rachel Abbott, and Luke Horton. The panel highlighted the importance of support and determination in building a successful business.
We also showcased food from local businesses: Paradiso Authentic Italian, Ying Bakery, Frazer Coffee Roasters, My Açaí Ltd, Loro Crisps, Best Boy Bagels, and Marmadukes. Luke Horton also distributed his Mother’s Day gift cards.
We are now looking forward to our Access to Finance Event: Funding, Investment, Grant & Networking Event on 29 April.
Business Rates and National Insurance Changes – Implications and Guidance
We understand that many businesses may have concerns about the changes in April, but rest assured, support is available to help you navigate them. Here’s what’s changing and how you can prepare.
The business rates relief for retail, hospitality, and leisure has reduced from 75% to 40%, but the small business multiplier remains frozen, preventing additional increases. Charity organisations will continue to benefit from 80% relief on business rates. Businesses and charities should review their eligibility for reliefs and consider appealing valuations if circumstances have changed.
Employer National Insurance contributions will see a slight increase, but the Employment Allowance is rising from £5,000 to £10,500, helping small businesses and charities reduce costs. Organisations can explore payroll adjustments, funding opportunities, or operational efficiencies to manage these changes effectively.
Charities and businesses that plan ahead by reviewing finances, exploring grants, and making use of available reliefs will be better positioned to adapt.
What you can do:
-
Review Finances: Assess your financial position to understand how these changes may affect your operations.
-
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with financial advisors to develop strategies for managing increased costs and ensuring compliance.
-
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of government announcements regarding reliefs and support schemes that may benefit your business.
If you have questions about how we can support your business please contact businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk, if you have any queries related to your business rates bill please get in touch with business.rates@sheffield.gov.uk.
SYPA launches £40m Investment to Boost Business Growth in South Yorkshire
The South Yorkshire Pensions Authority (SYPA) has launched two new £20 million funds aimed at bolstering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region. The South Yorkshire Debt Fund, managed by FW Capital, offers loans of up to £2 million to businesses in Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham.
These loans can be utilised for purposes such as working capital, equipment purchases, recruitment, marketing, and product development. The South Yorkshire Growth Equity Fund, overseen by Foresight Group, provides equity investments of up to £2 million, typically as part of larger funding rounds up to £15 million, to support ambitious companies across various sectors. This initiative aims to stimulate regional growth and create high-quality, sustainable jobs.
Access to Finance Event: Funding, Investment, Grant & Networking Event
We would like to invite you to our Access to Finance networking event, where you'll discover a wide range of funding opportunities, including grants, investments, and asset-based lending, and insights into Northern Powerhouse investment options. Whether you're seeking startup funding, grants, loans, or investment strategies, this session will equip you with practical advice to navigate the world of finance with confidence.
South Yorkshire Networking Event by FSB and HSBC
Join local businesses on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am for a networking event hosted by FSB and HSBC. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect, explore funding options, and discuss business growth strategies
Spring Careers Fair 2025 at the University of Sheffield is open for bookings!
Spring Careers Fair is now open for bookings for organisations recruiting for roles starting in Summer or Autumn 2025. Join University of Sheffield on 7th May 2025 and meet with students from all years and degree subjects, eager to find out more about graduate jobs, internships, placements, and part-time jobs starting in the Summer/Autumn 2025.
A limited number of free stands is available for eligible organisations.
The Business of Sheffield Day, part of the 2025 World Seniors Snooker Championship, takes place on Thursday, 8th May 2025. Local businesses will have the opportunity to network, meet 1985 World Snooker Champion Dennis Taylor, and enjoy live snooker at the iconic Crucible Theatre. Places are limited, so secure your spot by emailing jason@jfsport.co.uk.
Our FREE business workshops are led by experts, tailored to the needs of Sheffield businesses, and completely free. Take a look at this month's programme:
Top Opportunities
Consultancy Opportunity: Business Information Officer Opportunity
We are looking to appoint 3 new Business Information Officers to work on the high streets supporting local independent retail and hospitality businesses in Sheffield’s 40 local high streets and 15 shopping areas/precincts.
Since late 2020 the team have worked with over 3000 independent high street businesses offering a wide range of support on energy bills, new leases, social media, marketing, cash flow and much more.
Each Business Information Officer is given their own “patch” and their role is to build rapport and go from door to door to offer business support.
We are looking to recruit consultants with specialist knowledge in any of the following areas –
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Finance/cashflow forecasting
A good understanding of the business regulations required for high street independents is highly desirable.
Please contact services.procurement@consultancyplus.com for more information about the opportunity
Consultancy Opportunity: Productivity Advisors Wanted
We are looking for Productivity Advisors to support local businesses through the UKSPF Business Productivity Programme.
Since 2023, this programme has helped over 214 Sheffield businesses improve efficiency, profitability, and job creation. This year, we’re aiming to support even more businesses.
We’re looking for experienced consultants to help businesses identify the right productivity and digital innovation solutions, ensuring they can measure and sustain improvements through their investment projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with SMEs across different sectors, guiding them from diagnostics to strategic growth and delivery.
If you have the expertise and passion to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.
To access this opportunity, interested parties must be registered with Consultancy+ and email services.procurement@consultancyplus.com for further details.
Regional Talent Engines launches Pre-accelerator
The Regional Talent Engines is a six-month pre-accelerator programme supporting early-stage engineering and tech founders in Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. It offers training, mentoring, and a £20,000 equity-free grant to help entrepreneurs refine their innovations and launch scalable startups. Participants gain access to expert coaching, co-working spaces, and a strong business network. Applications close on 6 May 2025.
Follow our LinkedIn Page
Business Sheffield has transitioned to a new LinkedIn page! We've paused all activity on our old page, which will be deleted soon.
Don't miss out - follow our new LinkedIn page to stay updated on our free support, events, and services designed to help your business thrive.
Sign up to Culture Sheffield Bulletin
The Sheffield Culture bulletin brings you a roundup of events, opportunities and news from the culture sector. From funding workshops and employee training to studio space applications and job vacancies.
Clearer communication is one of the initiatives of the Culture Strategy, and our bi-monthly update centralises information from the sector so that it is more readily accessible.
This bulletin is for anyone working in the culture sector who wants to stay up to date with cultural opportunities in the city and the broader South Yorkshire region.
We encourage people to submit events, news and opportunities to us through this link.
South Yorkshire International Trade Conference
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is inviting you to the 2025 South Yorkshire International Trade Conference (SYITC).
It will be an informative day dedicated to empowering South Yorkshire organisations to navigate and thrive in the world of international trade. Whether you're looking to expand globally, optimise your import/export strategies, or gain insights from industry leaders, SYITC 2025 is the must-attend event.
Networking Thursdays
Drop-in Thursdays from the Chamber allow you to expand your network, strengthen your relationships and generate leads.
Register using the link below to attend their next morning networking event.
Next date:
Turn Your Passion into a Business with Sheffield Markets
Sheffield Markets provides affordable and flexible trading spaces, perfect for startups, independent traders, and growing businesses. With locations at The Moor Market, Crystal Peaks, city-centre outdoor markets, and the Winter Gardens pop-up shop, traders benefit from a supportive environment, market-wide promotions, and a thriving community.
For more information, contact marketslettings@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 273 5281 to speak with our markets team.
Thank you!
|
