Business conditions are improving across South Yorkshire, according to the region’s latest Infrastructure survey. But the survey also says it’s worth noting that organisations are continuing to face significant inflationary pressures, and that many of them are forecasting an imminent rise in the costs of their goods and services. Conducted by the three regional Chambers of Commerce — for Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham — this questionnaire ran between November and December 2023, and was used to gauge the views of local business owners on a wide range of different issues. Chief Execs for all three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement:“While none of our results are especially surprising — given the current macroeconomic climate and the assorted headwinds that businesses are contending with — they are nevertheless incredibly revealing. “Although there have been tentative improvements in sales figures and order books, growth remains weak across South Yorkshire and several factors are putting additional pressure on firms at the moment; most notably high levels of inflation, rising interest rates and corporate taxation. Meanwhile, recruitment continues to be a perennial sticking point for many organisations in the region, with 85% of the firms that have tried to recruit in this last quarter having struggled to do so. “Of course, these findings are in line with the national trends being observed by our umbrella body, The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) right now. As such, we are echoing their call for a long-term plan for growth from the Government, and are similarly urging politicians to remain focused on growing the economy and helping businesses thrive, as they head into a noisy election year. “On the subject of South Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure, our survey respondents made it clear that improvements are widely needed. The majority of organisations (65%) reported that they are facing regular delays on the roads, while over a third of them also pointed out similar problems with our rail networks and our public transportation services. “In turn, these various issues are leading to increased travel costs for firms, restricted access to prospective employees and even the loss of some business opportunities.” Peter Kennan and Sam Chapman, Co-Chairs for the South Yorkshire Transport Forum, added: “These findings are very much aligned with what businesses have previously told us and reaffirm many of our own priorities. It is particularly clear that opportunities to enhance business at home and abroad are being negatively impacted by poor infrastructure in the region, which is why we must continue to press for investment in our road networks, railways, trams and buses.” Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “I’m grateful for this report, and the insight it offers into the challenges facing our businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators. It offers yet more evidence that our shared priorities are the right ones: better public transport, skilling up our communities, and making economic growth a priority. Because I am determined to build a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire. “Of course that has to be a partnership between the public and private sector, and between us here in the region and national government. None of the challenges we face are easy to overcome but I will do everything I can to help our brilliant businesses to thrive, and continue to push Westminster to do the same.”

It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.  It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years. Here we speak to Matt Sheridan, Senior Fundraising Manager at St Luke’s – Sheffield’s Hospice, who shares predictions on corporate fundraising trends in 2024.   In 2024, the UK hospice sector is anticipated to witness a paradigm shift in corporate fundraising strategies, aligning with evolving societal values and technological advancements. Corporations will increasingly prioritise purpose-driven initiatives, fostering long-term partnerships with hospices to create meaningful social impact. Collaborations will transcend traditional philanthropy, focusing on innovative campaigns tailored to engage employees and customers. Personalised and immersive experiences will drive corporate involvement, leveraging augmented reality and virtual reality to offer stakeholders a first-hand understanding of the hospice’s mission and impact. Interactive digital platforms will facilitate employee engagement, encouraging more people to volunteer and fundraise, fostering a sense of shared purpose among staff. Moreover, sustainability and environmental consciousness will influence fundraising approaches, with companies emphasising eco-friendly events and initiatives that resonate with both the hospice cause and broader societal concerns. Collaborative efforts will prioritise community-building events, leveraging social media and crowdfunding to amplify reach and garner support from diverse demographics. Partnerships will evolve beyond monetary contributions, emphasising skill-based volunteering, pro-bono services, and knowledge-sharing sessions to empower hospice staff and optimise operations. The symbiotic relationship between corporations and hospices will shift towards a more strategic, integrated, and mutually beneficial alliance, driving innovative fundraising strategies rooted in shared values and amplified social impact.