Summary
Based in Deepcar's Step Business Centre, VOTR set out, from the very beginning, to create a responsible approach to their business practise. They provide leadership and pro bono advice and assistance to two local groups, SYAC, the South Yorkshire African Caribbean Enterprise and Training Agency and the Stocksbridge Business Development Forum (SBDF).

Background
For over nine years, economic regeneration and community development have been at the heart and forefront of VOTR's management ethos and main sphere of its' activity.  The company's philosophy is a simple and highly effective one which is reflected in its' name - V.O.T.R. The four initial letters explain the acronym: Vision in the beginning, followed by Objective(s) that are to be achieved to attain that vision. Then, a need to develop a Team capable of reaching those objectives and finally, assurance that the team can or will be Rewarded. The Sheffield Company utilises skills as diverse as psychology and sustainable change dynamics to create a more cohesive approach to helping organisations understand attitudes affecting their own businesses. It is this approach that has made award-winning VOTR the successful company it is today.

VOTR has achieved the CommunityMark standard.

How they do it

• South Yorkshire African Caribbean (SYAC) Advisory Group.  VOTR provides a variety of support for SYAC, primarily assisting them to develop community enterprise initiatives.  They recently prepared a business plan for the organisation which helped SYAC to gain access to government support funding.

• Stocksbridge Business Development Forum.  The director of VOTR founded and now chairs the Stocksbridge Business Development Forum, a community group focused on regeneration.  The group consists of local businesses, who are committed to working with other community groups and work together to address common issues.  The group offers subsidised specialist advice and guidance to established and potential businesses.

Business Benefits

• Build relationships.  VOTR is building relationships with key stakeholders in regeneration areas through their community work.
  
• Gain greater understanding of local community.
  
• New business.  As a management consultancy firm focusing on regenerating businesses, VOTR's community involvement is seen as a means of opening business opportunities.  The company has obtained several new contracts for consultancy services based on the relationships they have built through their community work.