As we step into 2025, unLTD’s first cover story brings together insights from a range of South Yorkshire business leaders, offering a glimpse into their ambitions, challenges and predictions for the year ahead.
Alexis Krachai
President of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
Hello 2025. What have you got in store for Sheffield’s business community?
Predicting is tough in uncertain times. Sheffield buzzes, but frustrations linger. The new Labour government is promising growth whilst increasing taxes on small businesses.
Bigger issues in our economy continue to loom large. Confidence is the maker and breaker of businesses and economies. Data at the end of 2024 suggested businesses up and down the country were feeling less confident. Energy prices and labour shortages are still hitting many businesses hard. The costs of running a business continue to go up, eating away at profit and investment plans.
Then you have the even bigger questions that come around once in a generation. What does artificial intelligence really mean for every business? Is it a fad, a software tool or an agent of transformational change? How will this new technology shape investment and recruitment strategies? Will it make some businesses obsolete? Which new businesses will emerge?
Some things are impossible to predict with certainty. Other things are within our control. Sheffield has real potential
to navigate these choppy and turbulent waters, if we continue to pull together as a business community.
Last year, for the first time in over a decade, Sheffield City Council brought partners together to develop a plan to grow our economy over the next 10 years. We know in business, if you do not have a plan, you are likely to fail. That is why Sheffield Growth’s Plan matters. Sheffield’s business community can be the difference between whether this plan sits on a shelf gathering dust or whether it gets delivered, helping businesses to grow and generate new jobs and wealth across the city.
The Council has been bold in its ambitions. It has extended an invitation to work alongside the private sector so that together we get things done. The opening introduction to the Plan could not be clearer:
“We need economic growth to improve the lives of everyone living, working and doing business in Sheffield. To increase living standards over the long term for all, we need to increase our productivity, as well as reduce inequality. The Growth Plan is a blueprint for how we will achieve that.”
It is hard to see that plan being delivered without the innovation, smart-thinking and drive that runs through the veins of Sheffield’s business community. So, if you want to shape the future, think about getting more involved or joining one of our city’s business organisations: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry; The Company of Cutlers; Sheffield Digital; Sheffield Property Association; and The Sheffield Social Enterprise Network. These organisations are central to ensuring our business community has a strong and positive role in making sure that plan begins to be delivered.
You have your business to run, but lending a bit of your energy to these organisations can make all the difference. Your city needs you more than you might think.
Predicting the future can be fun. Shaping it can be even more rewarding.
Happy New Year!
Daniel Bumby
Simoda
As head honcho of Simoda, an innovative IT solutions firm, Daniel tells us that he is focused on achieving “intelligent growth” in 2025, targeting a 20% increase in revenue while expanding the company’s local footprint. “This year, one of our ambitions is to grow our local presence,” he says. “We’ll be focusing especially in the medium, large and enterprise-sized space, where we can offer high-end technologies like cloud services, optimisation, managed services and cybersecurity.”
The company has already taken proactive steps to achieve this goal, forming a dedicated “Special Forces” team to identify and approach key businesses in the region. “It’s a bit of a cheesy name,” Daniel admits, “but it’s effective. The team meets monthly to review progress and ensure we’re targeting the right companies.”
However, like many businesses, Simoda faces plenty of challenges ahead. Economic uncertainty, AI regulation and talent acquisition are at the top of Daniel’s list. “Although the economic outlook is improving, it’s still unpredictable, and costs like rising taxes and National Insurance impact our ability to reinvest,” he explains. On AI, Daniel emphasised the importance of governance: “AI adoption needs to be embraced in a regulated fashion. Tools like ChatGPT are powerful, but without proper oversight, sensitive information could be exposed and there are some ethical concerns, too.”
Staff acquisition remains a particular concern, one which they are taken steps to address. “We still see a pull towards cities like Leeds and Manchester,” he says. “Our focus is on creating an attractive culture, making it a fun and engaging place to work, while working with institutions like Sheffield College and Hallam University to attract and develop new talent.”
Daniel also predicts some key trends shaping the year ahead in the IT sector, including the rise of AI-powered PCs, hybrid cloud solutions and increased investment in cybersecurity. “We’re seeing businesses move away from full cloud models back to hybrid systems for cost and security reasons,” he explains. “Cybersecurity budgets are also growing, with a focus on modernising threat landscapes and ensuring robust disaster recovery plans.”
Reflecting on the company’s trajectory, Daniel remained optimistic: “Last year was a strong year for revenue growth and laying the foundations for the next five years. We’ve invested in our systems, people and customer relationships, and we’re ready to take the business to the next level.”
David Neale
Business Selling Experts
Building on a busy 2024, David, director of Business Selling Experts, and his team are focused on continuing to help business owners navigate the challenges of selling and buying businesses in 2025.
Reflecting on the past year, David noted shifts in the economic landscape, including tighter lending conditions and changes to tax relief. “The end of the entrepreneur’s relief has made it harder for some owners to sell,” he explains. “And lenders are becoming increasingly cautious, demanding extensive guarantees even for strong business cases.”
A key message from David for potential clients in 2025 is the importance of preparation. “Many business owners are ready to sell because they’re worn out, but their businesses aren’t. We work with owners to get their businesses into a position that’s attractive to buyers – ensuring clear processes are in place and the business isn’t overly reliant on a single person.”
He also highlighted the imbalance between buyers and sellers, with far more businesses for sale than buyers in the market. To address this, his firm is prioritising training for both groups. “Our focus this year is teaching buyers how to buy and sellers how to sell,” he says. “We want to create smoother transitions by matching well-prepared businesses with informed buyers.”
Looking beyond his own company, David hopes for greater collaboration among South Yorkshire’s business community. “Business owners need to connect more – to share solutions to common challenges,” he emphasises. “We also need local councils to back initiatives that support entrepreneurship and reduce red tape.”
Despite the obstacles ahead, he remains optimistic. “Entrepreneurs and business people in South Yorkshire are resilient,” he states. “If we start planning and support each other, there’s a real opportunity for growth in our region.” His vision for the year ahead is clear: helping more business owners prepare for a successful exit and helping to foster a stronger, more connected local business community.
More information on buying and selling is available on their website www.businesssellingexperts.com, where a free eBook with more details can be downloaded.
Lisa Pogson
Airmaster
The next 12 months are all about “cautious optimism” for Lisa, who oversaw a year of game-changing milestones and challenges at Airmaster in 2024.
The air conditioning and mechanical services company, based in South Yorkshire, celebrated a significant achievement last year – fully paying off its employee ownership trust. “We’re now completely employee-owned, which is something we’re immensely proud of,” Lisa shares. However, despite some exciting developments, she acknowledged the fatigue felt by the team at the end of 2024, citing external factors like economic uncertainty and global events and how they can impact morale.
Looking ahead, Airmaster is focusing on consolidation and investing in its people. “We’ve decided to spend the first few weeks of 2025 on training and getting everyone up to speed,” she explains. This includes building on the company’s core values and targeting growth in new sectors while ensuring the business remains resilient amidst industry challenges, such as cash flow pressures and insolvencies in the construction sector.
Moving forward, Lisa highlighted the importance of continued collaboration within the South Yorkshire business community. “Just from attending events like the unLTD Awards last year, you can see there’s been a noticeable shift towards businesses working together. That exchange of ideas and mutual support can make a real difference, especially when times are tough.”
On a personal level, Lisa’s priorities include looking after her health and continuing to foster a culture of wellbeing at Airmaster. “Last year was difficult for me health-wise, so I’m hoping for a better year in that respect, and we’re working with organisations like Westfield Health and the Skills Bank to enhance our approach to employee wellbeing. When setting goals and aims for the year, wellbeing is something that doesn’t get spoken about enough.”
With a track record of overcoming challenges and a renewed focus on team development, the plan is to navigate 2025 with the same determination and adaptability that has driven their success so far. “We’ve achieved so much already,” Lisa says. “Now it’s about streamlining and shaping up for an even stronger future.”
Leanne Keetley
Sheaf Design Works
For 2025, Leanne and Martin have ambitious plans for their Sheffield-based design studio. With January and February projects already secured, they aim to book more brand refresh projects from March onwards. “We specialise in updating established brands that need a slicker, more modern presence online and in print,” Leanne explains.
While digital marketing continues to dominate, Leanne sees print evolving rather than fading away. “We’re doing fewer mass leaflets but more bespoke items like branded packaging and textured business cards.” Recent projects include custom packaging for beauty brands, blending design with practicality to enhance customer experience.
Looking ahead, Sheaf Design will also expand its in-house web development services for smaller businesses needing brochure-style websites. “It’s about making professional websites more affordable while maintaining quality.”
The studio occupies a unique niche between freelance designers and full-service agencies, offering tailored solutions that rival larger agencies without the hefty price tag. “We’re not a full-service agency with in-house photographers or copywriters, but we’re more than just freelancers. We deliver high-end branding at a mid-range budget.”
On broader industry trends, she remains optimistic despite challenges like AI’s rise. While acknowledging AI’s role as a creative tool, she also emphasises its limits. “AI can’t replace the human understanding of tone, style or brand identity. People come to us because they struggle to define these elements themselves.”
Stuart McDonald
You Can Hire
The events industry is poised for another transformative year in 2025. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape, several trends are being predicted and utilised here at YouCan Hire.
Advances in technology remain at the forefront of our predictions throughout the events industry. The continued integration of hybrid event formats, combining in-person and virtual experiences has redefined accessibility and engagement. Alongside this, the rise of AI has revolutionised events as well as almost all things technology in the modern age. We believe that AI
will become an essential tool for any organiser, providing new ways to plan and market events, deliver content, and much more.
Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a priority. Events are under increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact, and green certifications have become a much-needed benchmark of excellence. At YouCan Hire, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through eco-friendly materials, waste management programs, and partnerships with sustainable suppliers and organisations.
Post-COVID, the demand for large-scale events has surged. People crave connection and shared experiences, and this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. YouCan Hire is prepared to meet this demand by expanding our capabilities, fostering relationships with venues and clients, and delivering memorable, impactful events for up to thousands of delegates/guests.
As we embrace these changes, YouCan Hire is excited to continue growing as a business, building on our reputation for innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Together with our clients, we look forward to creating experiences that inspire and connect throughout the UK.
