Of immense joy this year was realizing a project conceived in 2020 -the launch of our podcast!
The 'Sheffield's Hidden Gems podcast' (https://spoti.fi/2YVhIti) grew from online networking in 2020 which had led to me meeting many business owners and representatives of charities in my local area. The idea of the podcast came from me thinking how can I retain the experience of connecting with so many others in the local area and create additional value for guests visiting Sheffield.
The Excel City Apartments (business brand) is based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire (that's in the north of England, United Kingdom). We host people travelling for work as well as provide accommodation for guests visiting the city for sporting events, theatre productions and music tours. Leisure and sporting events include: swimming, snooker, outdoor festivals as well as climbing, walking and running. Therefore, there are a variety of reasons for guests to require away from home accommodation.
As a UK-based host, the first half of 2021 was also a time when we had to navigate being 'in' and 'out' of 'lockdown' because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The podcast, however, has become a new way to share additional information with guests!
Launched in February this year, the Sheffield's Hidden Gems podcast allows us to connect with and showcase local businesses and charities.
In the 10 months since launching, 21 episodes of the podcast have been recorded and 20 released. The 21st episode will be released mid-December.
Of the 21 episodes, five have been owners of creative businesses (1 working with glass, 1 with vegetables, 1 photographer, 1 musician, 1 watercolour artist), two first-time authors (children, walking) and five service-based businesses (fitness gym, climbing training, specialist software, drones, family history research, digital marketing). It was a pleasure to also interview the directors/co-founders of an architect practice, manufacturer of sustainable kitchens and a waste recycling business.
Also included in the 21 podcast interviews were six charities. The work of the charities include: specially-trained dogs to help people diagnosed with Disability, Autism or Epilepsy, shared housing for young people at risk of homelessness, rebuilding lives for survivors of human trafficking/modern slavery, senior citizens, climbing club and a film producers network.
Greetings to everyone for the Christmas season and Best Wishes for 2022!
