MADE 2015

“A unique event for business start ups and entrepreneurs”

The Entrepreneur Festival: Sheffield FESTIVAL GUIDE 22 October 2015

madefestival.com

Conference Programme SHEFFIELD CITY HALL, 22 OCTOBER 2015

8.00am Registration opens. Coffee and networking 9.00am Welcome address Nigel Risner conference host 9.30am - Session 1 Featuring JB Gill, farmer and entrepreneur, Jenny Mortimer, director, KyNa Boutique 10.30am - Break 11.00am - Session 2 Featuring killer telesales techniques Anthony Stears,

The Telephone Assassin. Petra Wetzel, managing director, WEST Brewery. Creating a values led business Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitche n and Paddy’s Bathroom 12.30pm - Lunch 1.30pm - Session 3 Emerging entrepreneur awards finalist. Featuring Geoff Ramm, author and creator, Celebrity Service. John Marren, chairman, Company Shop & Community Shop. Annabel Karmel, cookery author and entrepreneur. Kevin Byrne, founder and CEO, Checkatrade.com 3.40pm - Break 4.10pm - Session 4 Featuring The rise of the humans: How to outsmart the

digital deluge Dave Coplin, Chief envisioning officer, Microsoft UK. Lewis Bowen, Geco Industries the art of digital marke ting. Joe McEwan, Head of digital, innocent drinks. Jude Ower, Founder, Playmob 6.00pm - Close

Please note that all timings are subject to change. Please note that individual session titles may change

ffield

Cementation Furnace Snow Lane

Fringe Events Festival centre

St Vincent’s

Throughout the week over 35 MADE Fringe events will take place in Sheffield covering a wide range of topics from Marketing, Branding, Starting a Business, Finance and Funding, International Trade, and much more. Most fringe events are free to attend* and a ticket to the main City Hall conference is not needed to visit any of these events.

19-OCTOBER

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Hollis Croft

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10.00 - 12.00 Business & IP Centre Sheffield beginner’s guide to business information Sheffield Central Library, Surrey St, Sheffield S1 1XZ 13.30 - 16.30 Business Sheffield How to build successful networks and influence people Creative Sheffield Offices, 11 Broad Street West, Sheffield, S1 2BQ Health Centre

20 OCTOBER

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St George’ e Lan pet p i Tr

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10.00 - 12.00 Tech North Telling the story of digital tech in the north for growth Creative Junction 6 Lounge, Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1 2BX University 10.00 - 12.30 Red Vanilla Networking Skills for Conferences, Events and Exhibitions Adelphi of Sheffield Room, Crucible Theatre, 55 Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 1DA & Turner Museum55 Norfolk St, 14.00 - 16.00 Red Vanilla What shape are you? Adelphi Room, Crucible Theatre, y of Glass Sheffield S1 1DA Jessop West stars Union St, 18-20 Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2JP 17.00 - 21.00 Tech North Northern Street rtobellowith 18.00 - 20.00 Sheffield University Management School Go Entrepreneur: anPo evening Information Commons John Graham, founder of GO Outdoors Sheffield University Management School, Conduit Road, Crookesmoor The University of Sheffield 21 OCTOBER 9.30 - 13.00 Confucius Institute Cue China, let’s do business. Ballroom North, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA 10.00 - 12.00 Hart Shaw Employment law and tax implications Vincent Harris Room, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA 12.00 - 00.00 University of Sheffield Enterprise Entrpreneurs pub Great Gatsby, 73-75 Division Street, S1 4GE 14.00 - 15.00 Business Sheffield Essential tips for start-up success John Barbirolli Room, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA Devonshire Playground 15.00 - 17.00 Big Young Entrepreneurs Club Young entrepreneurs club - relaunch Green John Barbirolli Room, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA 8.00 - 20.00 Chartered Institue of Marketing & Sheffield College Seven steps to brilliant B2B digital marketing LIVE Memorial Hall, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA Skateboard 19.30 - 20.30 Peter TS Convert strangers into clients or contacts Webinar Park

Arts Tower

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t Stree ndish Cave

22 OCTOBER 8.00 - 8.45 Sheffield City Region ontrack4hs2 John Barbirolli Room, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA 8.00 - 9.30 Irwin Mitchell Financing ambition through alternative finance solutions in a panel debate Memorial Hall, Sheffield City Hall, Barker's Pool S1 2JA 10.25 - 4.00 Sheffield Hallam University Ideas Engine Vincent Harris Room, Sheffield City Hall, Corporation Barker's Pool S1 2JA 12.00 - 00.00 University of Sheffield Enterprise Entrepreneurs pub Great Gatsby, 73-75 Division Street, S1 4GE t 12.30 - 13.30 Lifelong Learning and Skills Service Big challenge legacy projectreeBallroom, t S Sheffield City Hall, Barker's PooladS1 2JA on Ro ilt Sheffield, S1 4FS 18.00 - late Business Sheffield Made celebration event The Viper Rooms, all M h om Bro

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Wicker Vulcan House

The Law Courts

1

Sheffield Law Centre Five Weirs Walk

Upper Don Walk

Family Court

8 9 11 12 13

22 OCTOBER 2015, SHEFFIELD Qu een Stre et Paradise Square

Cathedral

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Castlegate

16 18 2 14 15 Victoria Quays

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6 Fitzalan Square/ Ponds Forge

Sheffield Cathedral

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Cana Walk

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5 Park Square Junction 2

Tram to Meadow

7 Cutlers’ Hall

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Leopold Square

Travel

Orchard Square

4 5

Nor folk Row

Crucible

Lane

Lyceum

Sheffield Interchange

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Digital Campus & Electric Works Sheaf Valley Park

s field Back

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Park Hill

10

6

Sheaf

First Point

Science Park

Travel

3

HUBS Butcher Works

Market

Sheaf Square

Sheffield Station/ Sheffield Hallam University

e festival it carries a tru a e lik d an ts en ev s es sin E feel different from other bu make MAD Plug ages positivity above all” ur co en k in th #made2015 to e lik e w ch pirit, one whi

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BBC

Some events may charge but this is outside the control of MADE festival

Welcome A big welcome to Sheffield, a city with a strong tradition of enterprise and entrepreneurship and at the vanguard of innovative new industries such as advanced manufacturing, creative, digital and healthcare technology. This, alongside a number of exciting new developments, are beginning to reshape the city and there’s a real sense that things are truly on the up once again. It’s a great time to be here Brendan Moffett,d and if you’re visiting for the first time we hope irector,M arketing you get some time to sample what the city has to Sheffield offer including an array of exciting independent cafes, bars and restaurants, many run by inspiring entrepreneurs. Now in its 6th year MADE has become an important date in the event calendar for businesses to stop and think, get some inspiration, meet some new people, and consider doing things differently. We set out to make MADE feel different from other business events and like a true festival it carries a celebratory spirit, one which we like to think encourages positivity above all. This year’s line-up embraces this once again. From big names such as JB Gill of JLS fame and Annabel Carmel to big brands such as Microsoft and innocent drinks and entrepreneurs from closer to home such as Jenny Mortimer from Kyna Boutique, there’s loads of great stories to learn from. Whether you want to sit back and listen or get more engaged with one of the Materclasses, we hope you find something to excite and motivate you. Enjoy MADE 2015 and here’s to the future success of your business. Brendan Moffett, director, Marketing Sheffield.

#made2015

Contents 08 Making the most out of the Firth effect

Paul Firth is a leading figure in the legal world – and is recognised as an outstanding ambassador for MADE

10 Taking a childish view

Paul Lindley was once on very good terms with SpongeBob SquarePants - and is still looking after children’s interests with his two companies

12 A breath of fresh air

Geoff Ra

mm, Pag

e 28

Lewis Bowen tells how he learned his business skills in the schoolyard and on campus

14 National Emerging Entrepreneur Final 2015 Four young businesses from around the country have been battling it out for the title of BQ Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

18 Building on experience

Problems for her three boys as they were growing up led Jenny Mortimer to set up her own business

20 Bringing the cowboys to book

Frustration with cowboy builders led Kevin Byrne to set up a new kind of service for householders

24 Duo save waste and build lives

John Marren is moving mountains to make his business successful and now a new venture could help struggling communities

DaveCoplin,Page32

26 Business tips A selection of opinion and business tips from the people BQ has been talking to, covering every sector of working life

28 Be inspired by the best OMG he’s back, but this time it’s personal! Geoff Ramm will challenge your customer service delivery like never before…

30 Learn how to be an engaging personailty Anthony Stears has come a long way since his first business enterprise - selling his dad’s prize possessions at a garage sale

32 After the deluge

Microsoft’s Dave Coplin explains why Star Trek is important for business leaders

38 10 ways to engage your employees JBGill,Page42

Speaker of the year from the Academy for Chief Executives on how to get the best from your people

42 JB is walking a new beat now

JB Gill turned his back on stardom to follow his business dream

#made2015

Big ambitions for business As one of the fastest growing law firms in the UK, we have big ambitions and share a tenacious drive to succeed. We look forward to helping like-minded investors and investees learn from our wealth of experience. 0370 1500 100 www.irwinmitchell.com @irwinmitchell BLS-0052-AD

For a list of our offices visit our website. Irwin Mitchell LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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Paul Firth is a leading figure in the legal world – and is

Making the most out A

spiring entrepreneuers at the MADE Festival would do well to carry a small notebook if they get a chance to meet Paul Firth. As one of the driving forces behind the festival, Paul’s list of influential achievements would make the ideal checklist for anyone hoping to build their futures in Yorkshire. Very few will get to his level, but it’s always good to aim high... Paul is the Regional Managing Partner at Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield, which is a long-time supporter of MADE and this year will hold its own fringe event. He is also Chairman of Creative Sheffield, the Economic Development Agency for the city as well as being Chairman of the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. Irwin Mitchell offers a broad range of legal services to national and international organisations and institutions, small and medium-sized businesses and private individuals. The firm was founded in 1912 by Walter Irwin Mitchell. With a concentration on criminal law, he aimed to provide the highest quality legal services to the general public from his small legal practice in Sheffield. Today, it is the 20th largest law firm

TOPTips Have the building blocks in place at the start don’t rely on handshakes over documents glenn hayes @glennhayes1, @MADEfestival, @galcollins, @sheffblue @irwinmitchell

08 03

recognised as an outstanding ambassador for MADE

of the Firth Effect in the UK and amongst the top 50 in Europe, operating out of 11 UK offices. Creative Sheffield is Sheffield City Council's economic development function, focusing on enterprise, investment and the economy. Its roles and responsibilities fall into four key areas: Economic Strategy - shaping the city's economic policy; Investment - inward and indigenous investment activity, driving growth in Sheffield's key sectors; Enterprise - promoting a culture of enterprise across the city and providing targeted support to start-ups and SMEs; and Strategic Development and Funding - developing new forms of regeneration and finance, and helping ensure an appropriate supply of office and industrial development. Add to that the time Paul and Irwin Mitchell give to the success of the festival and the Firth Effect is clear to see, and was recognised with an honorary degree from the University of Sheffield for “distinguished pro bono service to Sheffield and its region”. Paul has received a number of other awards including the Institute of Directors (Yorkshire & Humber) Business Advisor of the Year and an International IVCA Clarion Award for a conference he conceived and organised with Vice President Al Gore to raise business leaders’ awareness of the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. Paul says: “As a firm, Irwin Mitchell has long believed that entrepreneurs

are the lifeblood of the economy and recognise the importance of ensuring that they get off to the best start with the right support. “We are delighted to once again be supporting the MADE festival, a fantastic event where those looking to start their own businesses can get that inspirational advice and support to push forward with their endeavours.” Recognising the importance of that support and how it is focussed, he told a recent BQ Live debate: “If you are a small business, you don't necessarily know what your weaknesses are and where you need support. It’s not just about the inspiration that non-execs or mentors can provide, but the actual experience. If you haven’t worked through a recession before, you need support from owners and managers out there who do know what to do because they have been through that situation. “MADE is about creating an open environment where people can learn from others, getting a date in the calendar to get political buy-in, get the stars here and get people excited about business. “One of the issues we have as a city is that we educate tens of thousands every year, many of whom have a brilliant time and love the city. But they can’t always find the jobs here that reflect their interests. “We need to start creating that sort of economy.”

This year Irwin Mitchell will host a practical session for start-up companies, and will discuss and provide advice about accessing early stage finance. Paul is the National Head of the Real Estate group at Irwin Mitchell, with extensive development and property experience. He has advised many major property companies in both public and private sectors over many years, including Keepmoat PLC, J F Finnegan Limited and Carillion PLC. He has also advised many major organisations in relation to their property portfolios, including Lafarge, Sibelco UK, Arnold Laver & Company, Manchester Airport Group and the University of Sheffield. He says his recent career highlights include acting for Laver Leisure in relation to the redevelopment of a 450 acre quarry as an eco friendly leisure resort; advising Sibelco UK in relation to a major development in Newton Abbot for residential and mixed use schemes, and working with Arnold Laver and Bolsterstone Group PLC on a £100m residential and mixed use scheme in Bradford. His high profile in the legal sector has attracted much praise, with Chambers & Partners, which identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers around the world, choosing such superlatives as “charismatic, forthright, robust, decisive and very dynamic”.

m others, nt where people can learn fro me on vir en en op an ng ati “MADE is about cre t in, get the stars here and ge ybu l ca liti po t ge to r da len getting a date in the ca ess.” people excited about busin 0903

Taking a

W

childish view

ondering whether to have a change of direction? Sometimes the lightbulb moment can happen on more than one occasion. You can be some years into a job when the switch goes on and you clearly see where your future lies. Just ask MADE speaker Paul Lindley. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG, where he worked for five years. He then spent nine years as deputy MD at children’s TV brand Nickelodeon – home to SpongeBob SquarePants - and is now an award-winning British entrepreneur, having founded Ella's Kitchen and Paddy's Bathroom. His ethical stance and pioneering support for children has earned him a global reputation and all his work has an in-built benefit for the environment and communities that need a helping hand. Ella’s Kitchen was founded in 2004 as a brand of organic food for babies and young children. It is now the largest baby food brand in the UK and has

TOPTips Remember biz is ultimately about people not money. Your reputation counts. Paul Lindley

sales of over US$100m all around the world, with a mission to improve children’s lives by giving them a better relationship with food. In 2013 he sold the business to The Hain Celestial group but remains actively involved. In 2015 he founded Paddy’s Bathroom, a brand of natural and organic toiletries for young children, that makes getting clean as fun as it was to get dirty, whilst also creating safe, clean water for children in Rwanda through its integrated Drop Buy Drop programme. It uses mild and gentle ingredients to make natural soaps that are soft on the skin, and are produced in fun textures and packaging. Paul believes the best businesses are those that make profits and have a core purpose to do social good, and his personal focus is upon improving the rights and welfare of children. He says: “I passionately believe that

Ella, my daughter, along with her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better food and also to discover that healthy food can be fun, tasty and cool. “From my experience with Ella and her brother Paddy, we think it’s important to always approach things from a child’s point of view. So, we took simple, natural ingredients that ooze goodness and created baby foods, and packaging, that really connects with little ones – with flavours, colours, textures and even names that will appeal to all of their senses. “We’ve done research with parents, little ones, psychologists and supermarkets to understand the very important role that all five of the senses play in developing healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.” Ella’s kitchen has always had an eye on the environment, and makes sure its young customers realise the importance of looking after their planet. Ella pouches, snack bags, wrappers and cereal pouches are recycled by Terracycle, which offers redeemable points to reward waste collection. It uses Ella’s Kitchen packaging to make benches, bins and watering cans and even binds them together for lunch bags and carrier bags. And Paul, who grew up in Zambia, is also working with Kasisi Children’s Home just outside Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, where the company has sent seeds for an organic garden, medicines, books and toys, essential bedding, clothing and more for the 250 orphaned children who live there. “As a

more permanent legacy, we have also funded the construction of two new buildings at Kasisi. First, a new baby room, which leads on to a garden area and will improve the lives of the babies tremendously, creating an area where they can play, nicely protected from the rain and any cold weather. More recently, a new pre-school has been completed with classrooms and play areas kitted out with lots of fun and interactive play equipment and learning materials, where the 2 to 7-year-olds can go each day to play and learn.” Paddy’s Bathroom also created a Drop By Drop campaign to help those who need it most, get access to clean water for health and hygiene. It gives 50 cents for every product it sells toward clean water initiatives that help families in Africa. Paul is working with DelAgua, which is partnering with the Government of Rwanda, to provide water filters to some of the poorest families in Rwanda. But there are even bigger things in store from Paul Lindley. He plans to create whole new class of business where social and environmental impact is written into their constitution. Paul has become a standard-bearer for business ethics, addressing businesses at the London Stock Exchange last month, where he unveiled his recommendations for the new ‘Public Benefit Companies’ - driven by profit, whilst also generating a clear public benefit, which could be audited and

Meet.... Paul Lindley and Ella’s Kitchen during Session 2 at 11am

evaluated. Paul says they would be bound by their articles of association to take active responsibility for the effect they have socially and environmentally. Having satisfied rigorous criteria measuring that impact, these companies would be offered benefits – for example, tax breaks in return for doing good. “Government alone cannot be solely responsible for society’s issues and impacting change,” he says. “We are calling for business to start actively solving some of the problems it previously created. We need to create a brand new type of company, one that is for profit, but also for social and environmental benefit.” Last year he co-founded

Ella, my “I passionately believe that neration, daughter, along with her ge y to eat better should have the opportunit at healthy food and also to discover th ol” food can be fun, tasty and co

The Key is E, a social business that engages and entices young people to support entrepreneurs in Africa who build businesses that socially benefit children. With co-founder Emmanuel Jal, Paul uses the enterprise to identify and invest in inspiring projects across the continent, which improve children’s health, education and confidence. The name comes from several key words from the programme’s own strategy, but could also sum up the way Paul looks at things and how he is driven to make a difference. For him, E stands for Education, Empowerment, Enterprise, Enfranchise, Entertain, Equality, Environment and, of course, Entrepreneurialism.

Lewis Bowen tells how he learned his business skills in the schoolyard

L

A breath of

ewis Bowen, founder and CEO of Sheffield-based Geco Industries, is literally shining a light onto a hidden problem that is killing two million people every year. Geco Industries was founded in 2011 to tackle indoor air pollution problems across the world. All the company’s products provide smokeless and nontoxic alternative solutions to indoor and outdoor heating, cooking and lighting. Claiming nearly two million lives every year, indoor air pollution creates a huge health burden whilst adding to a major climate problem. the world we live in and that’s why Lewis’s first product – a bio-ethanol we source, manufacture and develop gel fuel – was very well received and innovative products that tackle the quickly became the product of choice numerous threats to our environment by the likes of the Duke of Edinburgh’s both naturally and socially. Awards. “Whilst the environment is our core A deal with retail giant Go Outdoors concern, we understand the need for for the Geco’s fuels was followed last affordable and relevant products. With year by a £250,000 per year, six-year plans to create projects across the contract with European camping world, we aim to aid economic growth distributor AMG Ltd. through employment and social growth This took the Geco’s products into through education using 5% of our 1,200 new stores including Blacks, profits to support it. Millets and Cotswolds Outdoor, and it His roots go back to the schoolyard, as even counts the Scouting Association he told BQ recently. as an ambassador. It is also ““Everyone’s got a story about selling recommended by three of the UK’s cans of drink at school, but I did that largest music festivals; Leeds, Reading when I was 12 and made and Latitude. £40 a week. When By selling in the UK I was about 15, and Europe, Geco is I sold hooded able to make its sweatshirts and products affordable T-shirts to my in developing Be passionate and school and local countries where focused. Find the right clubs. Then in people are in need university, I ran of a cleaner, safer people and wisdom to a telemarketing and sustainable help you grow. Age should campaign where alternative to their never be an issue. I gave a lot of current fuel source. Lewis Bowen, friends Skype Lewis says: “At Geco Geco Industries credit and a list of Industries we love

fresh air

TOPTips

12

9,000 numbers to ring.” Now his vision for the future of Geco is inspiring and could make a real difference to thousands of struggling communities. “We have a vision to create products that overcome some of the biggest problems globally. By doing so, we can support communities around the world who are most affected by dangerous and harmful fuels. “From consumers and retailers to suppliers, universities and communities. We work with everyone to make sure that our products are relevant, meet a need and are ultimately sustainable. One of its latest products is the LightMe Bio-oil Candle. Released in response to EU plans to ban the use of paraffin liquid in candles and lamp oils in 2016, it has already been snapped up by wholesale retail giant, Makro. The candles are made from a patent pending mix of bio-oils derived and refined from a sustainable source of Palm Kernel oil. They are the safest and cleanest real flame candles in the world, and are the only one of their kind. @lewis_bowen @lightme_uk

and on campus

Meet.... Lewis Bowen and hear his success story on stage during Session 4 at 4.10pm

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he future of entrepreneurialism in the UK is more than safe – it’s exciting and inspiring. At this year’s festival you will hear many headline-making stories of achievement and aspiration, from the biggest businesses to the newest start-ups. This year one Emerging Entrepreneuer will be named as the outstanding national example of a young business that will make its own headlines very soon. Together, the four shortlisted finalists for the title, one from each of the BQ regions, have the vision and confidence – and the product - to attract investors and customers from around the world. In Scotland, Fiona Houston and Alexandra Milne founded Mara Seaweed after meeting in the school playground, and discovered a shared passion for rediscovering Britain’s forgotten tastes and natural landscape. Their book Seaweed and Eat It explored Britain’s forgotten foods. It was that seaweed, one of Scotland’s most undervalued natural resources, that captured their imagination most, and they set up Mara to bring this

ancient food to a modern audience. They sank their own savings into developing the brand and the products and in 2013 raised investment to allow Mara to launch its premium range of seaweed flakes into UK retailers such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Whole Foods. Fiona said: “It is a real thrill for me that this unconventional vision – to build a British seaweed brand that nourishes body and soul – has been recognised by business leaders. The award is a great platform for future growth.” Down in the neighbouring NorthEast, Richard Kirk is chief executive of PolyPhotonix which he founded in 2009 and is based at the Centre for Process Innovation in Sedgefield. It has two divisions, one develops treatments for macular eye disease among other medical applications and the other is focused on developing process solutions for manufacturing organic electronic devices in large volumes. Its phototherapy eye mask, which is worn during sleep, uses light therapy to treat diabetic retinopathy and could save the NHS more than £1bn a year. >>

Onestowatch...

And the winner is... Find out at 1.30pm as Nigel Risner reveals the winner

National Emerging Entrepreneur Final 2015 In partnership with

Finalists Fiona Houston (Scotland) Mara Seaweed

Sector: Food and drink Website: www.maraseaweed.com

Richard Kirk (North East) Polyphotonix Ltd Sector: Medical/healthcare/research Website: www.polyphotonix.com

Darren Padgett (Yorkshire) Team Activ

Sector: Social enterprise Website: www.teamactiv.org

Spencer Bloomfield (West Midlands) Yolo Food Company

Four young businesses from around the country have been battling it out for the title of BQ Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

Sector: Healthy Fast Food Website: www.yolofoodcompany.com

National Emerging Entrepreneur Final 2015

l will be named as the outstanding nationa “This year one Emerging Entrepreneuer ke its own headlines very soon.” example of a young business that will ma He said: “It’s not only a great delight to have won the North East BQ Emerging Entrepreneur award, it’s a great recognition of the strength and calibre of the PolyPhotonix team and the innovation.’’ Fifteen years ago he was an artist living in Paris, with a successful career as a painter with a number of works in national collections. He moved to London where at a chance meeting in a Soho pub he was shown a small piece of electroluminescent material, which illuminated when powered by a battery. He recalls: “Despite having no scientific experience I was intrigued and embarked on a journey that has culminated in the development of medical devices to treat some of the most common causes of blindness.’’ Yorkshire’s winner, Darren Padgett of Team Activ, led a secondary school PE department for almost 20 years before managing the School Sports Partnership in Barnsley for a decade until funding was scrapped when he set up Team Activ, which works with

schools to help physical education play a key role in communities and businesses. He introduced a programme of community and business-based services to generate extra revenue to support his work with schoolchildren, re-employed former colleagues and now has a company employing 20 qualified teachers and coaches. In the West Midlands, Spencer Bloomfield founded Yolo Food Company just over a year ago to offer customers a choice of healthy fast food not available elsewhere. The company’s business model is based on the preparation of a wide range of Yolo products sold as food plan meals for home consumption or in cafes, gyms, offices, sports premises and other suitable outlets. The company now has 11 employees. Other names that made it on to the shortlists in each area include: Scotland: Jude Ower – Playmob, Nathan Pike – Pike & Bambridge, Calum Leslie – Wooju North East: Jamie Cooke & Ben

Ridgeway – Iam-sold, Yaqoob Ishaq – The Punjab Kitchen, Daniel Robson – Green Digit Yorkshire: Sophie Maxwell – Really Neet College, Chris Burgess – CB Information Systems, Rowena Johnson – Bugbrush West Midlands: Ben Nimmo – Socialsignin, Mike Bandar – Turn Partners, Oojal Jhutti - Iwazat All shortlisted entrants were chosen on the basis of entrepreneurial character, business performance, business strategy, business impact, innovation and personal values. Bryan Hoare, managing director of BQ magazine, said: “Congratulations to all our worthy winners in an extremely strong field of contestants who bear testimony to the vibrant entrepreneurial culture in their respective areas. “BQ magazine is all about profiling and encouraging entrepreneurs and we are delighted to be able to showcase them at the awards and to give the finalists such an important national platform as the MADE festival.’’

Darren Padgett Team Activ (Yorkshire)

Richard Kirk

Polyphotonix Ltd (North East)

Fiona Houston Mara Seaweed (Scotland)

Spencer Bloomfield Yolo Foods (West Midlands)

Building on experience

F

amily can be a powerful influence for any business, either as adviser, funder or inspiration. For Jenny Mortimer of KyNa boutique, the eczema that troubled her three boys prompted a radical change of career. She left behind a 13-year career in management at Aviva and embarked on a new venture and set up her business without any expertise in the industry. Jenny’s ideas had a ready-made market and her own experiences were all the assessment she needed. In 2011, KyNa Boutique began to take shape following a global search which brought together styles from Australia to Poland and Singapore to Derbyshire. Jenny wanted to find clothing that was organic and stylish. Without any sort of marketing or advertising budget, social media helped her meet new people, many of which would become loyal customers. In years gone by, it would have taken some months to build a following through presentations and leaflet drops, but now a handful of well-timed and is carefully written Tweets and posts can woek wonders. Along the way Jenny has also managed to get the business featured in popular publications such as Mother & Baby, OK magazine and has also been featured in the top five ethical children’s stores by The Guardian. www.kynaboutique.co.uk is now packed with bright and safe clothing and as well as a powerful web brand, Jenny has built up a wealth of experience for mums in her own position, particularly those whose children suffer from eczema. “It’s been over three years since KyNa

will help reduce the chances of skin drying out and cracking. “If your child is particularly susceptible, try swapping products you use around the house to find more natural ingredients. Start with the bathroom and the products you use to wash clothes with. “My family regularly use Aveeno lotions and creams every day. Whenever washing or getting out of the bath, to add moisture back into the skin and help prevent dry patches. “Additives and fragrances in bubble baths can also act as an irritant. But Be prepared. Starting a try not to use business is like having a just water either, Boutique first as that can also opened its doors, baby. 24hrs. Always on cause dry patches in that time a topic duty but the rewards on the skin.” of conversation that are amazing Jenny says: frequently comes up “Attempting to how to help manage a Jenny Mortimer find organic clothing child’s eczema and dry skin,” kids love is very difficult, she says. especially if you want them “It’s the reason KyNa Boutique was to be colourful, contemporary and created - I wasn’t just looking for cute fashionable. The designers featured clothes for the boys. All three have on the website have all been tried and suffered in some way, with eczema or tested and come highly recommended dry skin. I like to think in that time I’ve by myself. Having young children is been able to gather some knowledge tough, it’s more than a full time job along the way that might help. and getting them to try on clothes in “My own tips would include keeping the shop is something that all parents rooms cool, using natural ingredients dread. Time is precious as a parent, and avoiding scented bubble baths. so you can place an order and have “When the weather is cold outside, the them in a day or two and anything that central heating tends to go up which doesn’t fit or doesn’t look right on your can dry skin. Try to keep rooms at a child you can send back.” moderate temperature throughout, this

TOPTips

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Frustration with cowboy builders led Kevin Byrne to set up a new kind of service for householders

Meet.... Kevin Byrne from checkatrade.com during Session 3 at 1.30pm

Bringing the

cowboys to book

I

t was a fairly rough night in the small West Sussex town of Selsey. Just before midnight there was heavy hail and residents who weren’t already in bed were making sure windows were shut and fastened. Then came the tornado. Ferocious 100mph winds smashed windows, removed walls lifted cars into the air and brought chimney stacks crashing to the ground. The final bill was close to £10m, but there were more stormy times facing the town. Opportunist builders, glaziers and repair firms swooped on weary homeowners desperate to make their homes safe again. Selsey man Kevin Byrne was appalled at what was happening back in 1998 and wanted to help protect his neighbours. So he became the founder

and CEO of checkatrade.com, which provides access to trusted, vetted and monitored tradespeople. It has now become a nationwide success, employing more than 200 people with its 18,700 members carrying out a combined total of £2.7bn worth of work, with complaints at just one in 200, compared to the national average of one in five. So far the website has carried just under two million reviews from customers. They can use a search facility to find the trade or service they need in their area. Stringent vetting and a transparent monitoring system ensures that every business is recommended and works to a high standard. Customers can also find details and

reviews of a members’ past work by clicking on their names. The reviews will highlight how each business has performed in areas such as timekeeping or value for money. Kevin’s advice is to then get quotes from several businesses that catch the eye. In the end, it might be availability or disposition that helps customers choose between them, but checkatrade’s success has been built on the fact that whatever the choice, people using the site feel they are choosing a business that has made itself accountable to the public. The company is also now big enough and trusted enough to be the sponsor of the National Weather on ITV’s >>

onsor of the trusted enough to be the sp d an gh ou en big w no o als “The company is annel 5” and Cowboy Builders on Ch in ita Br ing rn Mo od Go V’s National Weather on IT

The E-Class Saloon From ÂŁ349* a month.

Business users only. *Based on an E 220 BlueTEC SE Saloon. Contract Hire. Advance rental ÂŁ1,047. Mileage and damage charges apply. No ownership option. Eligibility conditions apply. Orders/credit approvals by 31 December 2015.

Find out more at www.mercedes-benzofsheffield.co.uk JCT600 Mercedes-Benz of Sheffield Sheffield Road, Meadowhall, Sheffield S9 2FZ T: 01246 222 600 Calls will be recorded for training purposes.

e UK of rogue traders and th rid to al go a th wi s es sin w bu “Back in 1998 I began a ne n Checkatrade.com must joi to s nt wa o wh n so er sp ery trade cowboys. To achieve this, ev ” monitored by the consumer. sly ou inu nt co d an d ke ec ch be interviewed, background Good Morning Britain and Cowboy Builders on Channel 5. Kevin is a committed Christian and considers people to be more important than business, protecting the greater general public from being a victim of a rogue trade is a mission for him and he is always looking at ways in which this can be improved. Integrity and making a difference is foremost. Believing the best in people and helping those in need is close to his heart. Kevin says: “Back in 1998 I began a new business with a goal to rid the UK of rogue traders and cowboys. To achieve this, every tradesperson who wants to join Checkatrade.com must be interviewed, background checked and continuously monitored by the consumer. The results are made public for everyone to read and benefit from. “Our members are proud to be part of Checkatrade.com, and everyone has agreed for us to publish feedback about their work.” Kevin, described by one industry consultant as “a true visionary who embraces social responsibility as the foundation of his business ventures” has a national reputation and is keen to pass on what he has learned. His own MD, Gavin Dutton said: “Kevin is an inspirational and motivating leader. His key aim is to make a difference and that he does in abundance! He’s an energetic empowering, open and rewarding entrepreneur whose style allows you to flourish and succeed. “He has pioneered an industry to monitor and vet tradesman, and pioneered online reviews to the internet - a true go-giver and difference maker.” In 2012 Kevin was part of the judging panel for the Startups Awards, which recognise the UK’s most creative, innovative and ambitious new businesses and entrepreneurs,

alongside Duncan Bannatyne. He also participated in Entrepreneurs 2012, the leading annual conference for budding businesspeople, alongside former US President Bill Clinton who delivered the keynote speech. Kevin was on a debating panel with leading broadcaster Julie Meyer discussing motivation and inspiration leadership techniques in business. At the prestigious Sussex Business Awards Kevin has won four years in a row, picking up ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2011, ‘Businessperson of the Year’ in 2012 and ‘Company of the Year’ in 2013 and ‘Sussex best charity fund raiser’ in 2014. The pinnacle of business award came in 2014 when Checkatrade was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. But he says his proudest day came in July 2012 - when he ran with the Olympic torch through his home town of Bognor Regis. He also takes great pride in the Checkatrade Foundation, which raises money to help people in Britain and abroad, from Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Sussex to Bangladesh, where Checkatrade

supports many that have been made homeless by a typhoon and flooding and on to Nepal where they help young girls rescued from the sex trade. Kevin hit the headlines last year by completing a punishing 12 marathons in 12 months as part of a fundraising drive for Redwood Park School for mentally challenged teenagers in Portsmouth, a £350,000 project. He is recognised as an authoritative voice on honest, reputable trading. When asked what advice he would give to people starting a business Kevin said: “Take risks, nine times out of ten go with your gut feeling, you need passion and vision to start a business. With both in place your business will mature, flourish and grow.” He added: “As one of the MADE speakers, I’m not just going to turn up for my slot and leave, I am there for the whole day, I see the festival as a key to future growth of my company, I am excited and expectant. I’d encourage all in business or thinking of going into business to make sure it is in their diary.”

4 Excellent Campuses 1000s of Opportunities 1 Incredible City

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Duo save waste and build lives

J

ohn Marren is the founder and Chairman of Company Shop the UK’s largest redistributor of surplus food - having devised its original business concept over 40 years ago. He started the business from scratch in South Yorkshire, after seeing first-hand that perfectly edible, surplus food was too often being thrown away across the supply chain. Instead of watching that surplus food go to waste, John started to buy it and sell it on, in factory shops in the food manufacturing industry, at a reduced price. There can be a number of reasons why food wouldn’t reach the supermarket shelves. This could be because of a packaging error, food being slightly over or under weight, a seasonal promotion that may have ended, or because of forecasting issues. Now working alongside Mark Game, who became Managing Director in 2011, Company Shop today handles more than 30,000 tonnes of surplus stock from the food supply chain each year through a national network of staff shops on food manufacturing sites and standalone stores, operated on a strict membership-only basis. They ensure that as much of this good food reaches people’s plates as possible, rather than going to landfill or anaerobic digestion. It now employs more than 500 people in sites across the country and has proud partnerships in place with major retailers and many household brands – including Waitrose, Tesco, ASDA, Marks & Spencer, Heinz, Muller, Innocent and Nestle to name a few – helping them to achieve a positive economic, environmental and social impact. As well as pioneering the Company Shop model, John and Mark wanted to do more to achieve an even greater social impact.

So in December 2013 they launched Community Shop, the UK’s first network of social supermarkets, which has taken their surplus redistribution model out into disadvantaged areas. Members of Community Shop gain access to wholesome, surplus food at reduced prices, but also get access to free personal development support to help them build confidence, manage debt, learn about home budgeting and seek employment or greater independence. Membership is open to those living in the local area, receiving some form of government support, and motivated to make a positive change in their lives. There are two Community Shop stores so far – the first opened in Goldthorpe, South Yorkshire, in 2013, with a store in Lambeth, South London opening in December last year – and plans are underway to open another 20 across the country. Earlier this year Company Shop was announced as a winner of a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the UK’s top business prize. This recognised their “outstanding achievement” in sustainable development and their ongoing work

Meet....

The author and cr eator, John Marren w ho will be on stage during Session 3 at 1.30pm to “ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come”. John said: “Food waste once happened under the radar and this award shows how it is becoming an increasingly important issue on our national agenda.” Mark added: “We have always been motivated by doing business differently and we put social and environmental considerations at the heart of every decision we make. We’re very excited to receive a Queen’s Award and we hope this will only serve to raise further awareness of the solutions that are in place to avoid unnecessary waste and drive behaviour change.” Company Shop was also recently named as one of ‘1,000 companies to inspire Britain’ by the London Stock Exchange. The LSE compiled a report to identify the fastest-growing and most dynamic SMEs that will shape the future of the UK economy. It identified Company Shop’s model, as “an incredibly successful business”. John said: “As we continue to expand, we’re keen to work with even more of the grocery supply chain and hope this will encourage more people to come on board. We’re excited about what the future has in store, and look forward to our continued expansion across the UK.”

Business tips Throughout the year BQ has enabled you to meet the finest entrepreneurs and business leaders in the country – and now the MADE Festival is turning the spotlight on more inspiring stories. They all have their own methods and strategies, as we can tell from this selection of opinion and business tips from the people BQ has been talking to, covering every sector of working life. Star Trek teaches you that technology is supposed to be a force for good in our society. It's supposed to be this thing that enables human beings to achieve more in their lives, to do things differently, to transform what they do. Dave Coplin, Microsoft You can’t just be the big ‘I am’ when you are running a business. I have always embraced bringing in the best possible people. You need to bring people with you and if you are prepared to sacrifice yourself to some degree, then you have a better chance of achieving things. Martin Donnachie, Fulcrum, Sheffield There always needs to be research, research, innovation, innovation. And if you take your eye off the ball you will be history in a very short space of time. Linda Pollard, chairman of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Bringing in foreign investors is a long process. It’s about having an investor like us that knows the local market and can invest alongside new entrants. We need a diversity of supply – a variety of funds available to our companies to support their growth ambitions. Kerry Sharp, Scottish Investment Bank I went for three interviews and got offered all three jobs and I decided not to be greedy and took the job with the best training opportunities. Anthony Stears, the Telephone Assassin Most businesses are constantly evaluating costs, and so it’s crucial to make sure we’re in touch with the business community and representing them, understanding, listening and enticing people. We want people to come to us. Paul Faulkner, chief executive at Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

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MEET MICROSOFT EXPERTS @ MADE! Registration: 0203 603 2420 “Over the last three decades, Microsoft has consistently transformed the way that people live, work, play and connect through great technology. We are inspired every day by the genuine belief that we can change the world for the better.“ – Sharon Jandu Mobility is changing how we work and live, blending personal and professional lives. Many organisations are already realising the benefits of having access to the right technology. Productivity tools need to work well across different devices and employees increasingly expect to work from anywhere. Today, going mobile means having instant access to all documents, content and tools. Office 365 brings these together into an always on service providing you with secure tools like calendars, email, instant messaging, document storage and the desktop versions of Microsoft applications. We want Forward Ladies members to be at the cutting edge of this technology shift and in partnership with Microsoft, we are delighted to announce the Technology Challenge specifically for Forward Ladies Members. THE TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE The Silver Cloud are leading Microsoft Partners and are offering a unique programme for Forward Ladies Members. We are offering you the opportunity to join us on an interactive modular journey over three weeks that will help you accelerate your knowledge of the latest technology developments. The programme is free to join and will consist of three modules: Module 1: Where is technology going? We will help uncover how the trends of cloud, mobility, big data, and social might be impacting your business, your customers, suppliers and industry. We will discuss where your business is going, and the role that technology could play in this. Module 2: We will bring to life the technologies available to help you (both free resources to get you going) and Microsoft technologies that can help accelerate growth like Office 365 and other cloud based technologies. Expect demos, thought provoking ideas and the opportunity to experience the technology for yourself through a loan device. Module 3: Our experts will guide you through the information uncovered in module 1 and 2 to help you build a meaningful plan for your business. By this stage, you will be familiar with a range of new technologies and approaches and how they can help you grow. You will have access to a skilled technical advisor who can answer your questions. The programme is targeted at senior representatives within your business and each module will last approximately 45 minutes. Email techchallenge@thesilvercloud.com or call 0203 603 2420.

Registration: 0204 603 2420 techchallenge@thesilvercloud.com

ged with your

e you will be challen tim is Th al! on rs pe s it’ e G he’s back, but this tim

OM

Meet.... Geoff Ramm during Session 3 at 1.30pm revealing the success of his new book

e never before… customer service delivery lik

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Be inspired

by the best

G

eoff Ramm is the creator and author of ‘Celebrity Service’ and ‘OMG Marketing’ and is making his second appearance at the MADE Festival. He’s a multi-award winning speaker who has inspired audiences across five continents. With a genuine passion and an infectious love of his subject, his mission is to challenge businesses to greater results. His observational content is passionately delivered to enable entrepreneurs to look deeper, think harder and create better, which will inevitably stand them out from the competition. His fast-paced, high interaction style has been recognised with a number of awards, including being voted best marketing speaker at the first World Advertising and Marketing Forum by an audience of 2,000 entrepreneurs and corporate clients in Tehran, Iran. He also won a further four awards in the Middle East and North America. Question: So what’s new this year Geoff? Answer: Celebrity Service. On the back of his latest book launched earlier this year, MADE delegates should prepare to be entertained, energised and enlightened on a journey of memorable customer service ideas,

that will enthrall, enthuse and most certainly inspire. At this year’s event delegates will discover the brilliant techniques and amazing stories of the people who deliver exceptional service from around the world and how to apply the same thinking to set them apart. Word of mouth used to be local, but now is global. Geoff Ramm is top of the list for high-profile clients across all industries and has worked with entrepreneurs to launch start-up enterprises without a budget and created marketing and customer service ideas which have become long-term success stories. His clients include British Airways, Honda, Tata, Dixons Carphone, Sage, Tiger Brands & Goldwell. He’s the youngest ever President of the Professional Speaking Association UK and also a member of the Global Speakers Federation and a recipient of the PSAE (Excellence) award in 2014, as well as being a UK Enterprise Ambassador. Geoff’s Celebrity Service book has captured the imagination of business leaders across the world. “Through some great real-world examples, Geoff is quite rightly challenging us to identify our

ll discover the brilliant “At this year’s event you wi er ries of the people who deliv techniques and amazing sto can und the world and how you exceptional service from aro set you apart. Word of mouth apply the same thinking to global!!!” used to be local, but now is

competitive service gap and improve our customer service to ‘celebrity’ status, which will benefit the top and bottom line,” said Philip Singh, vice president of Epsilon. Dr Graeme Codrington of Tomorrow Today called Celebrity Service “a simple and elegant idea that everyone in your team will instantly understand”. Sharmila Nahna of Ovations International described it as a business wake-up call and added: “Do yourself a favour and put it at the top of your list. Or go one step better and get Geoff to present to your team – it will be a session to remember!” And Natalie Hudson of Venuemasters said: “Geoff knows how to capture an audience, whether it is during his interactive keynotes or through his books. He always delivers powerful, practical examples that are sure to inspire audiences to help them stand out from the competition. You will never forget Geoff Ramm, and certainly not his tagline: ‘When the competition goes one way, do you follow them or od uoy og eht rehto yaw?’

TOPTips Surround yourself with a handful of great people (supporters & challengers) and delete any negative people! Geoff Ramm

Meet....

Anthony Stears has come a long way since his first business enterprise - selling his dad’s prize possessions at a garage sale

The entrepreneur, Anthony Sears who will be on stage during Session 2 at 11am

Learn how to be an

engaging personality T he Telephone Assassin is on a mission to get businesses talking again and stop people from hiding behind their emails and social media. Helping clients to get in front of more of their ideal customers and getting more business from their existing customers, Anthony has made calls for a huge range of business and when he found himself as the sales or marketing manager for five different companies all at the same time, he realised that his growing waiting list of clients needed to be serviced too. After working closely with an NLP master trainer he was able to teach people to “fish for themselves” as he started to really understand the power of his communication style, so

combined with the structure he had developed, Anthony began to run a Telemarketing Masterclass. Not realising just how many people are daunted by picking up the phone to a potential customer, calling someone to deliver bad news, or addressing an awkward situation/customer, Anthony was asked to develop a selection of mini master-classes that would help people to, ‘Avoid Rejection’, ‘Get Past the Gatekeeper’, ‘Perfect their Pitch’ and ‘Build Rapport Fast over the Phone’. Working with business owners, sales departments, account managers and customer service teams, Anthony gives clear structures to follow, ways

to stay motivated when making calls, instils the importance of prospect management, techniques for closing more appointments, and “the art” of a perfect follow up call. His advice helps people take control of their conversations and give them the ability to make each call count. Engaging customers and prospects in the right way brings huge value to both parties. Helping business to find more opportunities and converting more enquires in to sales. Anthony doesn’t teach people how to sell, but simply shows them how to help their customers to buy.

rties. brings huge value to both pa y wa ht rig e th in cts pe os pr “Engaging customers and . g more enquires in to sales tin er nv co d an ies nit rtu po re op Helping business to find mo their ply shows them how to help sim t bu ll, se to w ho le op pe Anthony doesn’t teach customers to buy.” 03 30

TOPTips Talk to as many people as you can. Emails are too easy to ignore/miss, and there’s opportunity in EVERY conversation we have Anthony Sears

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k is important for business leaders

r Tre Microsoft’s Dave Coplin explains why Sta

After the

D

ave Coplin, the chief envisioning officer of Microsoft UK, is joining a host of world class business speakers and trainers to deliver a masterclass at MADE to provide business leaders with an insight into the future of technology in business. He will be telling the MADE audiences that while the rapid growth of internetconnected devices has brought huge advantages, the same technology has also disconnected us. We are in danger of drowning in a digital deluge where the haze of information and devices vie for our attention to the point where they are beginning to remove us from the real world. That can lead to concerns for business leaders, who worry that they might miss the next big technology trend and fail to realise the true potential of the big data wave. Dave explores how the rapidly rising volume of information is affecting all aspects of our lives as individuals, as consumers and customers, as workers, and in business. He looks at the problems we face, and the mistakes and assumptions we make and how we should be using technology to reimagine how we live, work and do business. We often hear that technology is making work easier and more efficient, but we also hear of the stress,

deluge

depression and anxiety it sometimes brings to employees. Could the way we use technology be the solution to this? In particular, Dave will discuss how small businesses could in fact increase their productivity by using technology in the right way and removing the stresses that can be caused by technology not working for the user. Speaking about his masterclass, Dave said: “The success of our future depends entirely on our ability to grasp the potential that technology offers us. As a result, our aspiration should be to do things differently, not the same things slightly better.” The masterclass will look at the problems that face business leaders and the mistakes and assumptions made and how people should be using technology to reimagine how we live, work and do business. For entrepreneurs at the festival, tech can be a daunting challenge. There is so much out there and it is changing all the time - how do you keep up? Dave has advised on man versus machine before, and how businesses can tackle the ‘digital deluge’, telling businesses around the country that Microsoft’s humans are as important as its technology. “I work for a company that you all know loves to talk to you about technology and products. We love to talk to you about the stuff we make. What we don’t do enough of, in my opinion, is

32

talk about the human beings that use them. “My theory is if we can understand what human beings are going to want to do, how they are going to want to live, work and play in the future, then we can be much more mindful about the kind of technology that they’re going to need. “I’m one of those really annoying, sad, boring people that is quite optimistic about the future. I’ve chosen to work for one of the world’s largest technology companies. I’ve gone to the extremes of personal grooming to grow a beard and a ponytail and I also quite like Star Trek. “The reason that Star Trek is important is when you’re a young, naive, gullible kid like I was, Star Trek teaches you that technology is supposed to be a force for good in our society. It’s supposed to be this thing that enables human beings to achieve more in their lives, to do things differently, to transform what they do. That’s why I work for Microsoft. “I look around at all of us and how we use technology. I don’t see this great, liberating force. I see a prison. I see something that controls how we work, constrains how we think, and I refuse to accept that as our future. “Technology is getting in our way. But what we have to remember is we are but the first generation of a digital society. We don’t know how this works. We haven’t figured it out yet. We’ve >>

Meet.... Dave Coplin from Microsoft during Session 4 at 4.10pm

33

“I look around at all of us . and how we use technology ting I don’t see this great, libera force. I see a prison. I see w something that controls ho we work, constrains how we think, and I refuse to accept that as our future.”

got to evolve our etiquette as to what we do. “The government did a really nice report last year about the future of identity. Within that report, they basically showed that, on average, human beings exhibit 10 to 12 different personalities every single day. Now, we’re not all running around with multiple personality disorder, it’s just that we have different affinities. And we will choose to surface those affinities depending on what we’re doing at any given point in time. “I am not just Dave the Microsoft employee. I’m Dave the dad, I’m Dave the motorcyclist. All of these things are me. And you better figure out which is my primary persona when I come to your site, when I engage with you as a brand, if you’re going to deliver me that kind of service. “You all have to stop talking about organisations and instead start talking about what I call intelligent organisms, because organisms evolve. They change, they bend, they’re malleable. It

doesn’t matter what the market does, it doesn’t matter what the opportunity in the business is, it doesn’t matter how the organisation changes. They will adapt. “And if you have an organisation that’s based on that kind of organism, then you’ve got an agile organisation. You’ve got somebody who can respond to changes. It means you’ve got to think differently about your people.” As a self-confessed technology alchemist, Dave is passionate about turning the base metal of technology into valuable assets that effect the way that we live, learn, work and play and in so doing, move the focus from the technology itself to the actual outcome. His first book: “Business Reimagined”, provided a view of a new working environment based on collaborative and flexible working. His latest book, “The Rise of the Humans” provides a further call to action, for both individuals and organisations to harness not hate the digital deluge, to rise up and take back control of the potential that technology

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offers our society. Since joining Microsoft in 2005, Dave has worked across a wide range of industries and customers, providing strategic advice and guidance around the impact of technology on a modern society both at work and in play. As an established ‘thought leader’ in the UK, he has spent a considerable amount of time in both the public and private sectors providing leadership and guidance around key technology issues like cloud computing, privacy, big and open data, social media, open government, advertising and the “consumerisation” of IT. Prior to joining Microsoft, he spent 13 years delivering IT strategy and solutions within the Professional Services industry in the UK, Canada and the Netherlands, helping to build the foundations of a global IT infrastructure. Now as the chief envisioning officer, Dave is helping organisations and individuals envision the full potential that technology offers a modern, digital society.

Join our community of 10,000 Sheffield business people, starts-ups and entrepreneurs! @fancy_an_indian @SheffBusiness of course ... business is going from strength to strength! Well structured sessions & great follow up support

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Business

Sheffield

Helping great ideas to grow Whether it’s offering free business advice, driving innovation, or developing the next generation of talent Sheffield Hallam University has been bringing ideas to life by supporting entrepreneurs of the future.

Through the annual Enterprise Challenge, the Hatchery office space, various development funds and dedicated advisors, our students and graduates have been setting up successful businesses in everything from furniture design, adventure sport photography and even jams and chutneys!

You can also hear from a range of inspiring entrepreneurs who are all Sheffield Hallam alumni - including Charleh Dickenson, a champion swimmer with Coeliac’s Disease and allergies to dairy, soy and gluten products. Charleh founded Designed2Eat out of a need for sweet and nutritious snacks that didn’t affect her allergies.

This year we celebrated ten years of the Hatchery business incubation project, which has nurtured 300 young entrepreneurs and has created more than 450 jobs in the region since its opening in 2005.

Lucy Rocca will also be there to talk about how her journey from alcohol addiction to recovery led to her setting up Soberistas - a social network website aimed at women with alcohol dependency issues. Lucy has been a happy Soberista for over four years.

Sheila Quairney is the Enterprise Team manager at Sheffield Hallam. She said: “Often students come to us with their ideas, dreams and ambitions. To be able to help them transform their ideas into successful and profitable businesses is a real privilege.” As part of Sheffield Hallam’s partnership with MADE Festival, our business experts and inspiring entrepreneurs will be on hand at the Ideas Engine to talk to you about your idea. We can offer practical advice on a range of topics including starting your business, student enterprise, innovation in business, and leadership programmes to grow your company.

Also attending is Matthew Parks, he became a radiographer and then a science teacher thanks to his studies at Sheffield Hallam University. And, after winning £2000 in the Sheffield Hallam Enterprise Challenge 2014, Matt Parks is now an entrepreneur. His travel search engine 1Plus2Travel allows customers to compare flight and hotel prices in a single search. For advice on taking your ideas to the next level, visit Sheffield Hallam’s Ideas Engine in the City Bar and the Vincent Harris Suite between 10.25am and 4pm.

Meet the team behind two world speed records at MADE festival When TV presenter and motorcyclist fanatic Guy Martin wanted to break two downhill world speed records, he turned to the experts in our Centre for Sports Engineering Research. We designed two vehicles – a gravity-powered sled and a motorless vehicle – both of which sent him flying into the record books, egged on by millions of Channel 4 viewers.

It’s how we work with hundreds of businesses every year – taking their ideas and ambitions, and using our expertise and facilities to take them to the next level.

Guy first approached us after we helped skeleton racer Amy Williams win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics. We took a scan of his body, then used our world-class engineering facilities to design, test and finalise the vehicles, before heading to the south of France with Guy to help him achieve his world records.

See Guy’s sled and meet the team at Sheffield Hallam’s Ideas Engine in the City Bar and Vincent Harris Suite, between 10.25am and 4pm.

www.shu.ac.uk/made

10

ways to engage your employees

Know and care about the concerns of your employees Do they feel appreciated and listened to? Take the time to talk to them and discuss their priorities and desires. Frequent informal conversations will help you know more about them as individuals and enable you to better understand what really motivates each of your employees. Develop and communicate a compelling organisational vision People become motivated if they are excited about the purpose and goals of the organisation and how they can contribute towards achieving them. If you communicate a clear vision with passion and enthusiasm you will rally the troops. Each employee needs to understand how their own work contributes towards the company achieving its goals. Address ineffective teamwork Working as part of an effective team can lead to impressive improvements in morale and motivation. Unfortunately the converse is also true. Even the most self-motivated individual cannot maintain enthusiasm if they are part of a dysfunctional team. Be a role model for your organisation The attitude and behaviour of the leader sets the tone for the whole organisation. Your employees are constantly watching you and will take your lead if you are enthusiastic. At times this may mean that you need to pump yourself up, or

use the services of a colleague or coach to keep you motivated and focused. Communicate with everyone respectfully Treating people with respect is at the heart of building business relationships. Give people the freedom to be themselves and choose how to achieve the agreed-upon results. Provide employees with the opportunity to be creative People will feel more motivated if they work in an environment where they are challenged and still have the opportunity to innovate. Give people freedom to make decisions. Encourage collaborative problem solving. Develop strong skills in delegation. Solicit their opinion and feedback on the issues and challenges you cannot delegate entirely to them. Invest in developing employees Demonstrate that you care about your employees’ success by providing opportunities for them to grow professionally. Recommend books and articles that are useful resources. Provide an adequate training budget and encourage its use. Recommend the support of a business coach or mentor. Allow employees to spend some time on projects that they care about... even if they are outside their standard responsibilities. Regularly recognise and reward effort and results

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Look for opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate successes...even the small ones. Be specific in your praise so that they know what behaviour has contributed to the overall success of the organisation. Ensure compensation and other rewards and benefits are fair There are a number of extrinsic rewards that have a short-term impact on motivation. Salary increases, company stock options, bonuses, vacation days or upgrades to the work environment will be appreciated by your employees. However all of these basic motivational tools can become ‘de-motivators’ if they are not used fairly. Employees will compare their compensation packages with others, and will become discouraged if they perceive inequities. Ensure that the right person is doing the right task and fully understands their role This is perhaps one of the most often overlooked areas of motivation because it requires us to step back from the day to day and take a more holistic and strategic view of the business. Getting the right people in the right role and then ensuring that their responsibilities and expectations are clear is a critical foundation for success

39 The UK’s most-read site for high-growth, entrepreneurial SMEs We’ve been the champion of UK enterprise since 1997 and continue to provide support and recognition of the UK’s leading growing businesses and their leaders.

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Help our students help you During the summer, our talented Masters and MBA students undertake research projects within an organisational setting. The project challenges are set by you as the host organisation, and provide you with a free and practical solution to address those business issues which can otherwise be overlooked. Whether you are a small, local business, or a nationwide company, our students are geared up to help you find real business solutions. By offering a project opportunity, you’re enabling students to gain invaluable business experience; you will sample the graduate market ahead of competitors; and gain additional insight into business practice from a world-leading academic perspective. ‘A great opportunity for an SME to access a new way of thinking and tackle a strategic subject in a modern, professional way’ - Pryor Marking Technology We’re looking for project opportunities NOW for summer 2016. Our students study across all business areas including Marketing, Logistics, Finance and Human Resources. Here are just some specialist areas in which they can help you: • Integration of marketing communications • Employee wellbeing and worklife balance • Lean implementation • The role of volunteers in organisational settings • Activity based costing • Corporate identity • Consumer segmentation • Green and ethical practices for

employees, consumers and products • Corporate entrepreneurship …and many more. Our commitment to you is to provide highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals, prepared to tackle real business challenges. A competitive internal application and selection process, and specialised in-house training, fully prepares students before undertaking a project. We also welcome you to meet with proposed project candidates to ensure a mutual match is made. You will receive research feedback on completion of the project. Your commitment to us is to provide your time, access to people’s knowledge, and organisational support, to allow students to carry out a successful project with you. The experience our students gain is

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invaluable and the results can have a real impact on the way you do business. ‘Using a Masters student provided us with insight that would have otherwise taken us a lot of time and effort to put together. The research they provided was tailored to our needs and presented in a useful format’ - Siemens Next steps 1. Contact us with your student project idea and arrange to discuss with our Business Development Manager during December-January. 2. Following this, we will help you complete a project specification form in January. 3. The projects will be advertised internally to students in March. 4. Students will undergo an internal application, selection and training process during April-May. 5. Projects commence in May-June. 6. You will receive feedback on completion of the project in SeptemberOctober.

For more information contact Mr Ian Proctor, Head of External Relations at Sheffield University Management School Conduit Road, Sheffield S10 1FL t: 0114 2223426 or 07825 450328 e: I.proctor@sheffield.ac.uk w: management.sheffield.ac.uk/ businesshome/projects

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#entrepreneurspub

JB is walking a Meet.... The entrepreneur, JB Gill who will be on the main stage during Session 1 at 9.30am

owns and manages going he m far e th th wi ck ba d ke ver loo “Two years on and JB has ne and helps vocate for entrepreneurship ad g on str a w no is JB . gth from strength to stren to start their own business.� encourage 18-30 year olds

new beat now JB Gill turned his back on stardom to follow Perhaps it’s actually not too much of a stretch to go from pop star to entrepreneur. That X-Factor is a goal for many young people, to be spotted at the perfect moment and have the instant contacts to be reading BQLive one day and be one of its headlines the next. The self-belief is key as well. Young people can dream of a bright future and are sure they have what it takes, whether they are in bands or boardrooms. But to have achieved global success in one and then switch to the other is another story – the story of JB Gill. He shocked millions of tearful fans when, at the age of just 26, he left the celebrity lifestyle of JLS behind to start his own farm. Two years on and JB has never looked back with the farm he owns and manages going from strength to strength. JB is now also a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and helps encourage 18-30 year olds to start their own business. JLS first appeared on the X Factor in 2008, when they were runnersup to Alexandra Burke. But they still signed a record deal and released their debut single ‘Beat Again’ in July 2009. It became the fastest selling debut of the year and reached number one in the UK Singles Chart. The second single ‘Everybody in Love’, released in November 2009, also

went to number one. The band released their self titled debut album on 9 November 2009 and went on to win two Brit awards in 2010, for British Single ‘Beat Again’ and British Breakthrough, becoming the first X Factor contestants to ever win a Brit award. Now JB is combining mentoring and entertainment and has delivered his first masterclass to students following the launch of his new entertainment industries course developed by The Sheffield College. He said: “I found that everything that I picked up and everything that I learnt during my time at JLS was hugely invaluable. There’s not enough emphasis on the other part of the entertainment industries. “There’s always a focus on the talent and the talent is important but at the same time having an understanding of law, copyright, tax, financial planning, the things that come with the artist, are really important.” He added: “There’s other people who don’t want to be an artist but who want to be involved in the industry. They can be the designer, the events organiser, the PR, the marketing and still be attached to the same industry. This is a course that will produce industry professionals.” The two-year full time course for the JB School of the Entertainment Industries equips young people with the skills, knowledge and know-how to become the business brains behind

his business dream

artists, musicians and performers. Students gain a recognised qualification, an extended diploma, equivalent to three A Levels, which covers theoretical and practical skills. The extended diploma is part of a portfolio of courses being developed at the college to help address a skills shortage in the creative industries, highlighted as a sector for growth by Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership. The Sheffield College principal Heather Smith said: “We are attracting such a high level of expertise for this exciting new course, which will enable our students to get ahead in the entertainment industries or go onto university. Behind every successful music artist are publicists, agents, managers and assistants and there is a shortage of those skills in the industry. “ And the course has already had one student launching her own talent scout agency. The indie band have attracted a following in the US and are now seeking to build their fan base and raise their profile further nationally and internationally. Students are encouraged to complete industry placements as part of the course. Emma gained work experience one day a week in London for six months with an agent who has looked after the business affairs of A list celebrities. To find out more about the course visit www.sheffcol.ac.uk

The things I’d like to remember about today are...

TOPTips

5 1 0 2 e d #ma

Don’t be a fraid to make m istakes and take every opportunity to learn an d grow! NACUE

My favourite speakers were:

TOPTips

websites i want to look up:

Know your customer inside out a nd back to front. Put yourself in their sho es. Give them what they w ant not what yo u want KATIE BULM

ER-COOKE

5 1 0 2 e d #ma

Contacts from made 2015:

TOPTips

m Team Top Tip fro n’t go into WE ST: Do ith your business w :) husband! ERY WEST BREW

fantastic ideas:

We hope you enjoyed made 2015... see you next year

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“The UK’s most inspiring festival of entrepreneurship” The Entrepreneur Festival: Sheffield

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