SME in Brief: More funding for Young Chamber initiative; Restaurant recognised in top guide and more

SHEFFIELD Chamber of Commerce has secured extra funding to roll out its Young Chamber initiative to three  more schools.

The Young Chamber UK project is a national scheme that connects school students with local businesses.

The aim is to give schools and students an authentic insight into the real world of work and provide a dynamic framework for the enterprise needs of 14 to 19 year olds.

Students at Fir Vale School in Sheffield have already benefited from visits to business centres such as the Electric Works to help enliven the curriculum and give them a real taste of the working environment.

Sheffield Chamber are now extending the programme to three other local schools including Stocksbridge High School, High Storrs School and King Edward VII.

Debra Foster, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s contracts development manager, said: “In schools, it can be hard to understand about the nuts and bolts of business so we try to show them the route from school and what it is like out there from factory floor to boardroom.

“The Chamber will work closely with each school to recruit a student council, giving pupils a voice and letting them engage with businesses and entrepreneurs. This will help the youngsters to experience a better understanding of the real workplace, enterprise and future employment opportunities.”

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A NEW service has been launched by a Yorkshire market research company to help financial services providers meet new government rules.

Businesses failing to comply with directives from the Financial Services Authority on treating customers fairly risk heavy fines or in severe cases losing their authorisation.

Wetherby-based Swift Research has devised a new service to help firms meet the regulations .

Swift Research managing director Alison Flannery said: “Complying with this new directive can be onerous for some companies but the consequences of failing to meet the targets are severe.

“Businesses operating in financial services must be able to demonstrate that they have a clear policy for treating customers fairly.

“The FSA will be looking for evidence of these policies when they carry out their regular assessments for competence. Those that fail face severe penalties.”

High street banks, insurance brokers and loan providers have signed up to Swift’s services.

“Financial service providers cannot just pay lip service to these rules they have to be able to demonstrate a genuine TCF culture. Our system gathers evidence to prove our clients are meeting the new directives,” said Ms Flannery.

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A NORTH Yorkshire restaurant has been singled out by a top UK food guide.

Howards in Stokesley has earned a place in the new edition of Harden’s Restaurant Guide.
 
This year’s guide features the best places to eat around the UK and is based on 85,000 reports and features around 3,000 establishments.

Howards is recognised in the guide alongside big names such as London restaurants The Wolseley, The Ivy and J Sheekey’s.
 
Local businessman Graham Howard re-launched Howards last year. As well as investing in a major refurbishment programme Mr Howard recruited an experienced team including restaurant manager Peter Holligon and head chef Peter Barnes.

Since taking over the restaurant Mr Howard has seen its popularity soar with profits up by 20% compared to last year and people visiting from across the region.

Mr Howard said: “It means a lot to be included in such a prestigious guide alongside some of the most respected names in the restaurant world as we’ve only been up and running about a year.

“What’s more, the guide is compiled from reviews submitted by restaurant-goers who are very honest. I am thrilled that my brilliant team has put Stokesley on the culinary map as this accolade is all down to their hard work and commitment.”

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HYGIENE and clinical waste management provider Indigo Washroom Solutions is opening a new office in Thirsk.

Businesses in the region can now take advantage of Indigo’s workplace solutions including hygiene and clinical waste management services.

Indigo director Martin Williams said: “We are delighted to be opening the new office in Thirsk.

“It will enable us to have a greater presence in this part of the country and assist in delivering a personal service to our UK nationwide customer base.”