Over the last 20 years South Yorkshire has seen a change in its economic base, moving form a predominately manufacturing to a service industry. The first generation worked hard to initially establish themselves in their new homes and then establishing enterprises to meet a need in the market. They identified a need and exploited that by providing a range of services predominately in the retail sector to their own communities.

This enabled the second and third generations to build on the success and grow the retail outlets and branch out in to the service sector industries and there are many “rags to riches” stories that can be related.

BAME enterprises have generally developed themselves through sheer hard work, good luck and judgement. They have rarely gone to the banks for loans or overdrafts or contacted Business Support Services for help and assistance. However if they want to become sustainable and grow in the current harsh economic climate they have to not only work hard but smarter.

ABDN South Yorkshire has been establish to help entrepreneurs realise their potential. The brand ABDN has been around for the last thirteen years in West Yorkshire and the success of the brand can be seen in the sub region where businesses have been supported to move from their corner shops to wholesalers, take away businesses have established into major caterers and their products are now sold in supermarkets up and down the country. These are just a couple of examples where the brand has ensured that businesses can flourish and develop. This needs to happen in South Yorkshire, in creating the South Yorkshire branch, we have established a vision.

Our Vision is to become a “one stop” shop for any individual that requires advice, information or support in relation to enterprise.

ABDN-SY mission is to provide members an environment where local businesses, mainstream providers, local key stakeholder, and communities can work in collaboration become sustainable and enhance the quality of life in the sub region.

ABDN-SY is committed to its mission by:

• Promoting the businesses and communities it serves

• Developing programmes that help businesses prosper and grow.

• Advocating for the interests of our membership locally, sub regionally and regionally as appropriate on issues of business support and polices.

• Partnering with the local business support agencies, emerging Local enterprise partnerships and Local Authorities  to strengthen the economic viability of business in South Yorkshire

• Providing a referral source to prospective entrepreneurs/businesses on information that will help them to develop their ventures.

• Our mission will be realized through an ongoing partnership with ABDN HQ, members, local, sub regional and regional government bodies, volunteers and the public we serve.

• Support and nurture entrepreneurs of the future through mentoring and supporting children and young people throughout their educational institutes.

• Sustain and enhance growth in revenue for members.

• Establish and maintain a positive reputation within the community in which we conduct our business.

• Establish a reputation for dealing with members with honesty and integrity at all time.

 ABDN provides a structured, supportive, business environment in which local business people can get together to network, learn valuable new marketing techniques and develop the strong personal relationships that lead to trust and generation of business for each other.