Funding deal sees former Tata Steel employees launch vinyl record business
Two former employees of Tata Steel have launched a business specialising in rare records and music memorabilia at Rotherham’s Centenary Indoor Market with the help of a funding boost from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.
Vinyl Soundbar founders Jason Sayles and Ian Hawkridge established the company in December 2016 after both being made redundant from their jobs as non-destructive testing engineers following 21 years with the company.
Selling CDs, audio cassettes and event tickets for live music hotspot Cutlers Arms – a real-ale venue in Rotherham renowned for hosting local up-and-coming artists – the £500 from the Kickstart Fund also allowed the business to purchase vital record cleaning and office administration equipment to help it get off the ground.
The duo are now able to offer a wider range of services, develop the company website and manage its social media presence.
Sayles said: “Music is a huge passion of ours. When we were made redundant in 2016 it was only a natural progression for us to use the opportunity to follow our dream of owning our own business in the sector – providing local people with access to good music, new and old, as well as a host of other services.
“The funding that we have received from the UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart Fund has allowed us to buy a computer and a record cleaning machine and now, after just four months, we’ve got a strong and loyal customer base who are delighted to have the shop on their doorstep, as well as access to our product range online.”
UKSE is part of Tata Steel and invests up to £1m in growing companies, particularly those creating jobs.
Keith Williams of UK Steel Enterprise said: “In just a few short months Jason and Ian have established a reputation on the local music scene; not only selling records, CDs, cassettes and gig tickets, but also providing services that weren’t previously available.
“They have their sights set firmly on growth and expansion –with plans to recruit an additional team member in the coming months – and we’re looking forward to following Vinyl Soundbar’s journey.”
