Sheffield's Heart in Practice
A Morning of Inspiration, Action, and Connection at Cutlers' Hall
This morning, the historic Cutlers' Hall buzzed with a powerful blend of Sheffield's heritage and its forward-looking spirit. The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire hosted another of their impactful Business Breakfasts, bringing together voices dedicated to forging a stronger, more compassionate, and resilient city. It was a morning that resonated deeply with the core values of Love Sheffield and Project Ignite – a testament to what we can achieve when we connect, inspire, and take action.
Martin van Kan (FIH), Chief Executive Officer to The Company of Cutlers opened the event, setting a warm and welcoming tone before introducing a lineup of truly inspiring speakers.
Empowering Survivors: The Snowdrop Project's Vital Work
First, we heard from Rachel Medina, CEO of The Snowdrop Project, who delivered a sobering yet empowering presentation on the reality of modern slavery and exploitation – not as a distant issue, but one affecting lives right here in Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
Rachel shared some startling statistics:
The Global Slavery Index estimates there are 122,000 victims in the UK at any one time.
In 2024, 19,125 potential victims were identified.
Of reported exploitation, 43% happened within the UK.
The top nationalities of victims identified were UK (23%), Albanian (13%), and Vietnamese (11%).
Exploitation types include sexual, labour, domestic servitude, criminal (like cannabis farming or county lines), and even organ harvesting.
Crucially, Rachel highlighted that Snowdrop is the first organisation in the UK to provide long-term support for survivors. Last year alone, they supported 274 survivors and 114 dependents in South Yorkshire through casework advocacy, trauma-informed counselling, community activities, and even house renovations – turning houses into homes.
Snowdrop's approach is about empowering survivors to make informed choices, access their rights, and build positive futures. Their support isn't time-limited; it's there for as long as it's needed. Rachel's call to action was clear: awareness and support are vital. Fundraising, whether through bake sales or sponsored treks, can make a tangible difference – from funding an hour of counselling (£30) to covering the costs of a house renovation (£500).
This aligns perfectly with Project Ignite's principles of kindness, compassion, and working with communities, recognising their inherent strength and potential.
Supporting Our Heroes: The Armed Forces Community
Next, Melanie Bancroft, Business Development Manager at Irwin Mitchell, shed light on the immense value the Armed Forces Community brings to our businesses and society. She passionately spoke about "what it is, how it'll improve your business, and how to get a slice of the action!"
Melanie emphasised the incredible qualities that veterans and service leavers bring:
Motivated, dedicated, and experienced.
Strong in leadership, strategic thinking, and resilience.
Excellent team players with skills in timekeeping, security awareness, and adaptability.
(Image: Slide - Why recruit from the Armed Forces Community - word cloud)
She outlined practical ways businesses can engage:
Sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
Consider the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) journey.
Access government-backed services like Op ASCEND to connect with personnel leaving the forces.
Benefit from an NI sweetener for employing veterans.
Remember the cadets – our future leaders!
Melanie also highlighted the importance of cultural support within businesses for the differing needs of the Armed Forces community. Her message was a powerful reminder of the talent pool available and our collective responsibility to support those who have served.
The Journey of a Champion: Rowan Campbell Pilling
The final speaker was Rowan Campbell Pilling, an 18-year-old British F4 Racing Driver with JHR Developments, who shared "The Journey of the 'boy' behind the helmet!"
Rowan's story was a captivating account of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. From his early days in karting (becoming the youngest ever Junior Daniel Ricciardo Series UK Karting Champion) to his current F4 career, his journey is one of incredible focus. He spoke about:
The 10,000 hours (or miles!) it takes to master a skill.
Learning from legends like Colin McRae and Lewis Hamilton.
The meticulous preparation and physical training required – training with a multiple-time world champion to develop the mindset and physical endurance for high-pressure situations where "tenths or hundredths of a second are at stake."
His commitment to giving back, particularly as a champion for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Rowan's message about working smart, working hard, and the importance of a positive mindset resonated deeply. He is a fantastic ambassador for Sheffield, proving that with passion and preparation, incredible things are possible. His journey from local schoolboy to a rising star on the international racing scene is truly inspirational. He even managed to fit in his last A-Level exam just yesterday after a weekend of racing and supporting Meadowhall's Motofest for Bluebell Wood!
A Call for Connection and Action
The morning was filled with practical advice and heartfelt stories. Anne, our host for the morning, wrapped up by reminding us of a crucial upcoming event mentioned: The Walk of Hope on Friday, June 28th, from 1-5 pm, starting at Weston Park. This is part of the Baton of Hope initiative for suicide prevention – a vital cause, as suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK. Let’s walk together, not by. (Contact: info@walkofhope-sheffield.co.uk)
This breakfast was a powerful example of how Sheffield's business community, charities, and inspiring individuals are interconnected. It’s this very connection that Project Ignite seeks to nurture and expand. Each speaker, in their own way, highlighted how individual action, supported by community and shared purpose, can lead to profound change.
Before we dispersed for networking (and much-needed tea and coffee!), there was a call for a group photo to capture the energy in the room – a snapshot of Sheffield's commitment.
Looking Ahead:
If today sparked an idea, a connection, or a desire to get involved with any of these incredible initiatives, please do reach out.
Let's keep building a Sheffield rooted in kindness, compassion, and creativity.
With pride and hope,
Brian Mosley
Founder, Love Sheffield & Project Ignite
Author of "Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change"