GIVE US A RING: 01226 327000

GIVE US A RING: 01226 327000

About Us

OUR SUPPORTERS

OUR PATRONS

Ian McMillan

The ‘Bard of Barnsley’ writes a column in the Barnsley Chronicle, has the freedom of the borough of Barnsley and regularly appears on BBC radio.

 

 

Ken Loach

Ken Loach is one of Britain’s most acclaimed film directors. From Cathy Come Home and Kes continuing with Land and Freedom, Sweet Sixteen and, with the writer Paul Laverty, The Wind That Shakes The Barley, and I, Daniel Blake which both won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.  Kes (1969) from Barry Hines’ book is said to be one of the finest films ever made in Britain. Few directors have been as consistent in their themes and their filmic style, or as principled in their politics, as Loach.

OUR PATRONS

Andrew Barton

Shaun Dooley

Ashley Jackson

Dame Jenni Murray

Kate Rusby

Stephanie Hirst

Sarah Walker

Sam Nixon

Kathryn Roberts

Milly Johnson

Gary Clarke

Joanne Harris

Tala Lee Turton

OUR TRUSTEES

Charlotte Peel

Carol Cooper Smith

Tracy Rodgers

Alister Albert

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Cllr Robert Frost

PROFILE Wombwell - Robert Frost - Labour

RESIDENT COMPANIES

Mark Mark Production

Markmark Productions; founded in 1990 is one of Britain’s leading festival and street theatre companies.

As well as creating their own shows they also work on commissions and workshops from primary level to professional actors in training.

Markmark regularly animate our outdoor events in Barnsley with their hilarious comedy and pop up performances. We will be working with them over the next few years to develop more work in partnership and an exciting programme of participatory workshops.

Cross The Sky

Cross The Sky is our integrated theatre company based here at Barnsley Civic. The company is made up of actors with learning and physical disabilities and co-ordinated for us by three specialist artists.

By using a wide spectrum of art forms the company write and perform original songs and devise their own visual and theatre work that is exciting to watch.

The group draw on personal experiences as their inspiration and work towards a new show to tour approximately every two years.

To find out more & how to join Cross the Sky you can contact [email protected]

OUR SPONSORS

CIVIC BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

Barnsley Civic Business Champions is a membership opportunity that offers you the following:​

  • A regular newsletter with updates about our programme, our development projects and networking opportunities.
  • 20% discount on venue hire for all meeting, entertaining and conferencing spaces.
  • A presence on our new website which signposts our customers to access your services and products
  • 20% discount on advertising rates in our season brochure.
  • An invitation to all exhibition private views, an opportunity for you to enjoy excellent art work, network and entertain clients.
  • Discount on tickets for your employees on shows marked with the early bird symbol.
  • Corporate hospitality, special VIP parties of ten or more tickets booked by Civic Business Champions will receive a free interval drink for each member of the party.

All for an annual membership fee of £500 per annum plus VAT.

  • In addition to this, special events will be organised throughout the year bringing our champions together. We will also recommend you to our networks and contacts throughout the country.

To find out more about becoming a Civic Business Champion contact us [email protected]

OUR BUSINESS CHAMPIONS

Gbac

With offices in Barnsley and Leeds, gbac provide business support and advice to help create and retain wealth for a large variety of clients, in a range of different sectors and industries. gbac consists of a team of 40 professionals including: accountants, auditors, tax advisors, payroll and legal compliance experts, trainees and support assistants.

Throughout the years the world of accounting has changed substantially but the accuracy and quality of accounting data is still at the core of everything we do. From the latest cloud accounting applications to the latest management tools, we look to provide the perfect mix for our clients.

We specialise in supporting Owner Managed Businesses through-out the full life cycle, from business plans, through to growth and retirement planning. We understand the factors that motivate and drive growth within a business and pride ourselves on providing an individual approach to our clients, working closely alongside them to better understand their business, sharing in their aspirations and challenges along the way.

Highlander Computing Solutions

Highlander Computing Solutions, a South Yorkshire based IT solutions and services provider, has a long-standing relationship with The Civic and are delighted to be participating in the Civic Champions programme.

 IT innovation continues to make a positive impact on businesses across every industry. Highlander is committed to delivering the support, guidance and technical expertise that ensures organisations of all sizes can harness the latest technologies for the benefit of their business. Built on a strong set of core values, Highlander use a caring and common-sense approach to provide responsive IT support and ensure exceptional delivery of IT projects.

Cause 4

We deliver a comprehensive range of property and construction services tailored to meet the needs of both public and private sector clients in South Yorkshire and across the UK.

Our professional, coordinated approach can help to acquire or build new premises, expand or improve existing accommodation and save you money by optimising the performance of your property.

Whatever the scope or scale of the project, we are able to provide either a fully interconnected service where we integrate all the elements required, or just an individual service.

Our highly qualified and experienced staff have a wide range of skills and expertise, together with in-depth knowledge of local markets and the property development process.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has been supporting the local economy and facilitating individual and business success since 1882. Today we support over 1100 businesses with around 100,000 employees across South Yorkshire, to ensure the voice of business is heard and that the vital contribution that Chamber members make to the economic success of the region is recognised and supported.

We believe that as part of the British Chambers of Commerce national network, with over 100,000 members employing 5 million people, our Chamber has a key role to play as we shape the future of the city region’s economy. Additional our strategic partnership with many organisations including our local authorities, enterprise agencies and educational institution and our invaluable working relationship with our Members of Parliament mean the Chamber continues its key role in supporting business.

T: 01709 386200

E: [email protected]

Copier Systems

Barnsley based Copier Systems provide managed print solutions to companies throughout the UK. With leading solutions from Develop, Canon and Epson we have the ideal portfolio to ensure we can meet all requirements.

With a 23 year history we are now one of the leading independently owned managed print solutions providers in the North of England.

See what our customers think of us!

Henry Boot Construction

Henry Boot Construction is the principal contractor for The Glass Works. The redevelopment is funded by Barnsley Council and will provide a vibrant and modern town centre, significantly enhancing the town’s retail and leisure experience, and helping to attract and retain more shoppers and visitors.

Henry Boot Construction is an award-winning construction company with true family values and over 130 years’ experience delivering building, civil engineering, refurbishment and fit-out projects for a range of public and private sector clients. With an enviable reputation, they provide high quality construction work that’s built to last. From early involvement and design management, to construction and after-care, Henry Boot guide their clients every step of the way.

By employing Barnsley-based subcontractors and providing new jobs and work placements throughout the project, Henry Boot will leave a lasting employment and skills legacy in Barnsley.

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Andrew Barton

Celebrity Hairdresser Andrew Barton is a proud Yorkshireman originally from Barnsley awarded a Doc D Arts for his services to the hairdressing industry and a Champion of The Civic.

A former British Hairdresser of The Year and stylist to the stars Andrew is the Creative and Communications Director for London based salon group Headmasters.

Shaun Dooley

The Barnsley-born TV and film actor has had starring roles: Coronation Street, EastEnders, Benidorm, The Awakening, Eden Lake, The Woman in Black and Misfits and won the RTS Northwest award best actor in the multi award-winning film: The Mark of Cain in 2007.

Ashley Jackson

Yorkshire watercolour artist Ashley Jackson has had an extremely distinctive and illustrious life in the world of art. Since opening his first gallery back in 1963 in Dodworth, he has become one of the country’s leading and most successful landscape watercolourists. Awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contribution to the Arts .Born in Penang but bred in Barnsley.

Dame Jenni Murray

Dame Jennifer Susan “Jenni” Murray, DBE (née Bailey; born 12 May 1950 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire) is an English journalist and broadcaster, best known for presenting BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour since 1987. In 2010 she won a Sony Award for her interview with Sharon Shoesmith and, in 2011, Sony Gold for an outstanding and exemplary career.

Kate Rusby

The ‘Barnsley Nightingale’ is a folk singer and songwriter and has headlined various British national folk festival.  One of the most famous contemporary English folk singers, she is one of the few to have been nominated for the Mercury Prize.

Stephanie Hirst

With over 15 awards, & 11 years hosting Capital FM’s breakfast show, Stephanie is one of the UKs biggest radio stars. In 2014 she took a break from broadcasting but was eventually lured back after 18 months to the BBC where she now hosts ‘The Stephanie Hirst Show’ weekday mornings 9-12pm on BBC Radio Leeds and her unique ‘Vinyl Revival’ show every Saturday night on BBC Radio Manchester.

Expanding into TV, she has presented for ITV’s Lorraine, BBC Breakfast, BBC Inside Out, along with writing for The Guardian & The Independent.

Sarah Walker

A British music broadcaster for the BBC, co-presenting Classical Collection – a sequence of great music in classic recordings each weekday on Radio 3.

Sam Nixon

Former Pop Idol contestant Sam Nixon is one half or the presenting duo Sam and Mark. They are best-known for presenting Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up (CBBC) for which they received a Children’s BAFTA in 2013 and in 2015. Other credits include presenting Junior Bake off for CBBC, Sam & Mark’s Sport Showdown (CBBC), and the family quiz show Copycats. Sam was born in Barnsley.

Kathryn Roberts

A lauded singer, one of the finest of her generation, Kathryn Roberts is held in the highest regard by peers and music fans alike. Born and raised in Barnsley, Kathryn has simply sung since she could speak.

Milly Johnson

Award-winning Sunday Times best-selling author of fiction novels. Poet, scriptwriter, newspaper columnist, professional joke writer and after dinner speaker. Milly is also Vice President of the Yorkshire Society.

Gary Clarke

Winner of the 1998 Brian Glover Memorial Award, Barnsley-born Gary Clarke is an award winning contemporary dancer and choreographer whose work has received both critical and audience acclaim.

Joanne Harris

Acclaimed British author, world famous for writing the award-winning novel Chocolat which was later turned into a highly successful film.

Tala Lee Turton

In 2016, Tala Lee-Turton became only the third British female student to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow in its 243 year history, after four years of intensive training. Tala was born and brought up in Barnsley and is proud of her Barnsley roots.  Tala has danced professionally with English National Ballet and Astrakhan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, performing in theatres around the world. She is now based in the UK working as a freelance artist.

Charlotte Peel

Charlotte Peel is the Chair of the Board. Charlotte lives in Barnsley and currently works as a Commercial Disputes Lawyer at Irwin Mitchell LLP; she has a Masters in Intellectual Property and has a broad range of experience in advising on and resolving commercial and contractual issues for a range of businesses from start-ups to global FTSE 100 firms.

Charlotte is passionate about the Arts and in particular Drama. She came first in Northern Ireland in her A-level Performing Arts and was a member of the Amateur Dramatics Society at both School and University. She regularly see shows whether they be plays, musicals, dance or poetry.

Carol Cooper Smith

Carol Cooper-Smith is Barnsley born and played a strong team role in the funding and the redevelopment of the Civic.  She is currently Interim Chief Executive for Ashfield District Council having worked extensively in Regeneration and Economic Development.  She has developed an expertise in the Place Shaping agenda and commercialism.  She has an MBA gained with Distinction from Manchester Business School, specialising in Strategy, Marketing and Enterprise. In her spare time, she is a long suffering season ticket holder at Barnsley FC, thus demonstrating a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Tracy Rodgers

Tracy Rodgers is employed as a solicitor with MKB Solicitors.  This is a local business established for several years with proud and strong local connections.  Her day to day role is in the litigation department with an emphasis on handling personal injury claims.  She lives in Barnsley and is a proud advocate for the town.  She has experience of being a member of the Board of Governors for both Primary and Secondary Schools.  In the past she was involved in the formation of a parent lead school in Sheffield. 

In addition to her role as a litigator, Tracy also works as a wellness coach for a national weight-loss company and is shortly to take over running the group that meets at the Civic on Saturday mornings.

Outside of work she is a mum to two adult daughters and is an enthusiastic supporter of theatre and the arts. 

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Alister Albert

Alister is a Saint Lucian born actor, Founder of the website The Actors’ Post that interviews and highlights stories of entertainment industry professionals around the world and is also a trained Business Process Analyst, who currently works at the University of Leeds.

While a versatile individual, Alister’s passion about the arts and performance has been a major influence in his life, driving his love for performance and started in the Caribbean where he was introduced to acting during his teens. At 27, he had his first internationally recognised performance as part of the cast for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympics and has acted in movies such as James Bond’s Spectre, Marvel Comic’s Dr. Strange and Bollywood blockbuster Pagalpanti. Alister was also a former semi-professional basketball player here in the UK and continues his active participation in the sport as an NBA Analyst on live Jamaican-based, Caribbean television station, Sports Max Zone.

Coming from a hardworking family, Alister believes all is professional, artistic and creative experiences will contribute positively to the Civic and looks forward to providing support, insight and ideas that will help cater to Barnsley residents directly, the region and also the wider, entertainment industry. He is keen to work alongside and learn from the rest of the Civic’s Trustees and continue to add to the rich heritage of the Civic.

PROFILE Wombwell - Robert Frost - Labour

Cllr Robert Frost

Councillor Robert Frost represents the Wombwell ward. He was elected in September 2013. 

He is a member of the Labour Group. He is also the cabinet spokesman for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council. 

Robert was a maths teacher for over 17 years and previous to that was a coal miner at Manvers and Manton Collieries.

In his free time he enjoys spending time on his allotment and is a season ticket holder at Barnsley FC.

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Tony Wright

Tony works for South West Yorkshire Partnership Trust and he recently celebrated his 25th year working in the local NHS. Following various previous roles, Tony has spent the past ten years working as a full time trade union officer filling the roles of Staff Side Secretary, UNISON Branch Char and an elected role on the UNISON National Executive Council.

As well as performing as the lead singer and lyricist for local band The Hurriers, Tony has significant experience promoting events and is jointly responsible for organising the May Day Festival of Solidarity, which takes place in Barnsley each year. Tony has been responsible for bringing together 3 CD compilation albums involving over a 100 acts.

Cllr Tim Cheetham

Councillor Tim Cheetham represents the Royston Ward in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He was elected in May 2006.

He is a member of the Labour Group. He is also the Cabinet Spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture (Strategy, Programmes and Projects) which is responsible for issues relating to Remaking Barnsley, Spatial Policy Development, Housing Market Renewal, Green Corridor, Dearne Eco Valley and Affordable Housing, Enterprising Barnsley, BDA, Housing Commissioning, Private Sector Housing, Town Centre Services, Museums, Arts and Culture, Sport, Parks, Bereavement Services, Trans Pennine Trail, Creative Industries, Visitor Economy and Working and Skills.

Tim is a PhD researcher and teaches Undergraduate Politics at University. He is also a Local Government Association peer mentor working with councils across the country.

Tim is a passionate believer in the use of digital technologies to improve lives. He is himself an award winning blogger and social networker and strongly promotes the use of the web as a tool of communication and engagement.

Jade Trustee

Jade Samuels

Jade Samuels is an Artist based in the West Midlands. She is a founding member of the UKs first Black and Brown Improv group ‘Jumprov’ as well as producer for Triforce Promotions Monologue Slam Midlands (Birmingham REP/Coventry Belgrade).

She is an Actor, working regularly with Birmingham REP & Coventry Belgrade on productions as well as BBC Doctors and has appeared in national & international commercial campaigns with ‘Nestle’ & ‘Disney’.

Jade is a founding member & producer for the UKs first all Black Female Shakespeare Company ‘Mawa’. Jade is interested in getting untold, unknown stories out there, only taking on projects that align with this cause. She is also a proud Mama to her daughter ‘Rae’. 

Dave Grimes

David Grimes lives in Barnsley and currently works as the Head of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.  David has an MBA and a first class honours degree in Creative Digital Technology both from the University of Sheffield.

David has over 10 years’ experience working with a range of businesses from start-ups to global FTSE 100 firms in supporting business growth & Innovation, and has run several small businesses including his own.  David is a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts’.

Mark Wilcockson

Mark is a professionally qualified and highly successful Corporate Banker with proven public and private sector record in senior stakeholder relationship building, people leadership, and managing complex relationships at a strategic level.  Barnsley born and bred he is keen to see the Civic, the town and Region succeed and grow. 

After working 32 years in the private sector in the corporate division of a major high street bank, Mark made the transition to the public sector.  Initially with a spell in NHS England Mark has now moved to help finance for SME’s by joining the British Business Bank, which is the UK’s economic development bank which used UK and European public sector finance to fill funding gaps in the market.

Steve Wragg

Stephen joined the Board in 2010 and became Chairman in June 2014. He is a self-employed management consultant, prior to which he was Technical Director at W2Networking where he was responsible for customer technical solutions, customer service and satisfaction and the development of commercial data centre strategy.

From 2001 to 2007 he was Head of ICT & e Business at Business Link South Yorkshire and Head of ICT at Barnsley and Doncaster TEC from 1997 to 2001.

Stephen was Chairman of Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust from 1 January 2009 until December 2018. Before joining the hospital, he was a non-executive director of NHS Barnsley a position he held from April 2006.

Ian McMillan

The ‘Bard of Barnsley’ writes a column in the Barnsley Chronicle, has the freedom of the borough of Barnsley and regularly appears on BBC Radio 4.

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