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Meet the new Business Account Managers and Telephone Engagement Team working on the Opportunity Sheffield project. The Opportunity Sheffield project is supported financially by Yorkshire Forward and the European Union. The project has attracted £7.2 million investment from Yorkshire Forward, including £1.8m from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

Alex, tell us a little bit more about the Opportunity Sheffield project...
"Opportunity Sheffield is all about offering support in varied forms to local businesses, particularly in recruiting, retaining and training staff. The idea of the project is to ensure that Sheffield business remains strong, as well as helping the local area come out strongly from the recent recession."

Steve, what do your day to day duties include?
"My role is to establish contact with SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) which are small to medium sized businesses. After initial contact with the employer, I will arrange a meeting to learn as much as I can about the employer, and to appraise them of the services available from Opportunity Sheffield. I then work with them on a series of agreed objectives, calling in specialist colleagues as and when appropriate."

Mike, what are you enjoying most about your job role?
"The most enjoyable part of my role so far, is working with a team that is passionate about helping businesses in Sheffield develop. Everyone in the team has their own area of expertise, which is a real benefit to the project and to us as Account Manager's as we can call on each other for help."

Lenette, what background knowledge and experience do you bring to the project?
"I have a strong passion for helping other people, not only in my personal life, but in business. I set up my business in 1983; therefore I have firsthand experience of all the pitfalls that every business faces at some point in their journey. I think my strengths are that I am a ‘people person' and willing to help and guide those in need where my knowledge and experience allows me. I am looking forward to meeting new start up businesses and help them begin a life in business."

Steve, what do think is so special about Opportunity Sheffield and working for The Source?
"When working at The Source, you are left in no doubt about the enthusiasm of colleagues to deliver a high level of service in whatever activity they are engaged in, including Opportunity Sheffield. This means that whichever service I recommend, I can be certain that the delivery will be professional and tailored to the business needs of the client."

Bev, how does it feel to be working for a growing organisation?
"It's fantastic to be working for such a fast growing organisation. I am able to meet new and interesting people in many varied areas and roles, which keeps the work environment interesting. To be part of an organisation that consistently strives to offer excellent services and is very successful doing so is great!"

And the Million Dollar question for June, where do you want to go on your summer holiday this year?
Mike: "Unfortunately this year I haven't booked a holiday but, I have got a stag do in Las Vegas next year which should make up for it!"

Steve: "As a keen scuba diver, I like to visit places where the water is warm! This year it's going to be the Indian Ocean and a holiday in Mauritius."

Bev: "I have already booked my holiday to Benidorm in July."

Lenette: "I don't know about this year but, I'd love to go to Graceland and visit Elvis' home. Sad to some I know, but I've been a massive fan all my life! Oh... and my daughter is pushing me to do a sky dive, so I guess I'll have to fit that one in whilst I'm away!"

Alex: "It's already planned; I'm off to Boston for a family wedding!"

Photo caption - L-R: Steve Pilgrim, Mike Rayyan, Alex Beaumont, Lenette Cato and Bev Hirst.