Based in Sheffield, top illustrator Richard Smith offers bespoke cartoons and illustrations for both business and domestic customers. His unique blend of hand-drawn and computer-enhanced work ranges from full colour caricatures to informative diagrams and simple logos for websites.

The Solihull-born designer has more than 25 years of commercial experience and continues to work for a variety of printers, local councils and events companies across the UK. Major clients include Alton Towers, Carlton Media, Warner Bros. Studio Stores and Rotherham United FC. He has recently been working extensively with fellow Chamber members Hansley Beard and Rhythm of Your Choice.

Richard's work has been used across the globe including Portugal (for KC's Clothing) and New York (A & E Video Distribution).

As well as inspiring pupils at a local school, there is a corporate side to Richard's artwork, too.

"Specially created illustrations are the most effective way to get a message across whatever business you are in, whether it be a safety procedure or emphasising a feature in a newspaper or magazine," said Rich. "So I aim to continue working with local councils, the press and publishers who need editorials, diagrams and training materials."

Said Rich: ‘The benefits of being a Sheffield Chamber member are two-fold for me, Firstly - simple human contact. It's so easy to forget that businesses are about people. Those who make the product or provide the service and those who buy them. The Chamber brings these people together.

"Secondly, meeting fellow members creates new avenues you don't find anywhere else. New markets are everywhere, even in these economic times. The Chamber introduces these markets to you, which otherwise would go unexplored.

"I'm delighted with the responses from the Chamber's networking events. The work has appeared from so many different areas that it's taking me to places I've never heard of before.

"The Chamber also provides continuing support. If you need to find some information to further your business practices or revenue streams, they will either have those details at hand, or will endeavour to find them for you."