News: £1m arts funding secured for Rotherham

Flux Rotherham has been awarded £1m by the Arts Council to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences.

Having secured £2m in 2019, Flux has been part of the Creative People and Places programme and co-creates community art projects and events across the borough.

The latest funding will cover the next three years of the programme that aims to bring together community, grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities. They empower local people to pursue the art they want, where they live.

Helen Jones, Programme Director at Flux Rotherham, said: "At Flux Rotherham, we’re aiming to craft programmes and approaches where art is within everyone’s reach. Deeply rooted in Rotherham’s community spirit, we’re using the power of the arts to co-create a cultural movement that celebrates diversity, nurtures personal growth, and builds lasting connections between people.

"I want to say a huge thank you to our communities, partners, artists, Community Steering Panel, and consortium for their creativity and generosity. Their collaboration and commitment make everything we do possible, and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey and shaping something truly special for Rotherham over the next three years."

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Flux has been involved with town centre events such as the Museum of the Moon and the Otherham light festival, the WE Wonder Festival at Wentworth Woodhouse and exhibitions at Clifton Park Museum, as well as being key attendees at the Rotherham Show.

The funding is made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Every National Lottery ticket purchased generates money for good causes and enables people in villages, towns, and cities up and down the country to get access to cultural experiences where they live.

Auriel Majumdar, Independent Chairperson at Flux Rotherham, said: "This is brilliant news for Rotherham. Over the last three years we’ve seen incredible creativity from people of all ages and backgrounds, and this new investment means we can continue to make culture part of everyday life across our communities.”

Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, Arts Council England, added: “The Creative People and Places programme empowers our communities across the North to design and shape the cultural offer on their doorstep. Since 2012 we have seen the transformative impact of these projects on the people and places. I’m so happy that we are able to continue to fund this remarkable programme and I am delighted that from 2026 we will be welcoming four new projects in the North to the programme.

"I can’t wait to see how this investment will continue to inspire and engage. This programme would not be possible without the support of all the people who play the National Lottery, as it is thanks to them that we are able to fund this life changing work.”

Flux Rotherham website

Images: Flux Rotherham

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News: Xeros sign breakthrough launch agreement with global washing machine brand

Xeros Technology Group plc, the Rotherham-based creator of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet, has signed an agreement with one of the world's largest branded washing machine manufacturers.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has created a number of technologies, such as the use of polymer beeds in washing and filters to collect microplastics.

The latest deal will result in the mass production of domestic washing machines using Xeros' Laundry Care technology (XDrum and XOrbs) under the manufacturer's brand.

Xeros' "XOrbs" last for many hundreds of washes before needing to be replaced and recycled. The beads gently remove unwanted molecules and contaminants from materials allowing washing machines to work more efficiently while using just a fraction of the water traditionally needed.

The manufacturer, which cannot be named due to commercial sensitivity, is a global leader, and top ten brand, selling around seven million domestic washing machines per year, operating predominantly across North and Latin America.

The agreement will follow a paid-for, time-bound process with defined milestones and deliverables, and is anticipated to complete in around 12-18 months. Post completion, revenue will come from a royalty payment for each Product Certification Mark used, and from the sale of XOrbs.

Xeros anticipates that similar paid for agreements will follow, with three further global washing machine manufacturers currently in technical verification.

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Neil Austin CEO at Xeros, said: "The Agreement to develop a Laundry Care machine with a top ten global brand is a game changer for the Group and on a personal level the key moment I have been working towards since joining the business. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with them and believe this is the strongest evidence yet for the global adoption of Xeros' Care Technology."

The group recently reported a significant improvement in its financial performance, with the latest interim results showing a considerable narrowing of its losses.

The AIM-listed group posted a net loss for the six months ended 30 June 2025, narrowing by nearly 11% compared to the previous reporting period. The loss for the last half-year stood at £1.73m, down from a loss of £1.94m in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA loss fell to £1.6m from £2.4m.

Xeros currently has another three global washing machine manufacturers in technical verification but the launch of IFB's 9kg Xeros-enabled washing machine has been delayed.

Highlights from the period include Yilmak securing its first denim manufacturing partnership for its Xeros denim processing machines with a prominent Pakistan-based manufacturer, Ambition Apparel, which produces over nine million pairs of jeans a year.

For XFiltra, which captures up to 99% of all microplastic particles shed from clothing during a domestic laundry cycle, Russell Hobbs plans to distribute Xeros' external filter into UK retailers whilst a Letter of Intent has been signed with Guangdong Welly Electrical Appliance Co. LTD ("Welly") a key supplier to the fast-moving Chinese appliance industry.

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Opening date for Heavenly Desserts in Rotherham

Heavenly Desserts has announced the date for the grand opening of its newest restaurant in Rotherham.

Known for its indulgent waffles, artisan cheesecakes and signature croffles (a croissant-waffle hybrid), Heavenly Desserts is already a firm favourite with over 60 locations across the UK.

Rothbiz revealed in June that the operator had applied for planning permission for new signage at the 1,500 sq ft unit that sits between Forge Island and Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.

Opening to the public on Saturday, November 8, guests are promised an unforgettable launch experience, with a tempting Buy One, Get One Free (BOGOF) offer on waffles, crepes, and cookie dough available all weekend to celebrate in true Heavenly style.

The restaurant will provide a premium setting where guests can unwind, connect, and indulge in beautifully crafted desserts and brunch dishes. With chic interiors and a vibrant atmosphere, Heavenly Desserts Rotherham is set to become a top destination for every occasion - from celebrations and date nights to spontaneous treat-yourself moments.

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The menu features indulgent waffles, artisan cheesecakes, and Heavenly Desserts’ signature croffles, alongside handcrafted milkshakes, alcohol-free mojitos, and rich, barista-made coffees. The brunch menu will also cater to those after savoury as well as sweet delights.

Franchise partner, Daoud Tahir, said: “We’re so excited to bring Heavenly Desserts to the people of Rotherham, right in the heart of the centre at Forge Island! It’s the perfect spot to enjoy our signature treats, and we can’t wait to welcome you in to celebrate, indulge, and make sweet memories with us.”

Heavenly Desserts will join Arc Cinema, Travelodge, Sygnature Dish and Vetro Lounge at Forge Island - a landmark leisure destination for Rotherham and the wider region, supported by Rotherham Council’s £47m investment.

Work is also underway on major public realm regeneration project around Corporation Street and Riverside Gardens.

Heavenly Desserts website

Images: Heavenly Desserts

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News: SBD Apparel going from strength to strength

Having bossed the powerlifting arena for a number of years, Rotherham-based SBD Apparel is expanding its global reach further having been appointed as the official supplier of the weightlifting costume by the International Weightlifting Federation.

The deal marks an expansion of the strong partnership between the IWF and SBD, "reflecting a shared commitment to excellence in supporting the global weightlifting community."

SBD Apparel is already the global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide. The company, which counts elite strength and fitness athletes across the world amongst its growing client base, as well as being synonymous with the World’s Strongest Man Competition, successfully opened a new manufacturing hub at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in 2022.

The move to new 100,000 sq ft premises was part of a desire to boost exports. The company now sells in markets including Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, Spain, Italy, Norway and Iceland.

Under the new agreement, SBD Apparel will provide officially licensed weightlifting costumes designed to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, and regulatory compliance.

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Last month, members of the British weightlifting squad visited the SBD HQ to be presented with their customised kit ahead of the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships taking place in Førde, Norway,

The event marked the first time that bespoke SBD kit was provided for both the Great Britain and the Refugee Weightlifitng teams.

Manufactured in Rotherham, the SBD weightlifting costume has been developed through extensive research and collaboration with elite athletes, ensuring exceptional fit, durability, and comfort for use in both training and international competition.

Benjamin Banks, CEO of SBD Apparel, said: “We are honoured to be appointed as the Official Supplier of the Weightlifting Costume by the International Weightlifting Federation. This partnership represents a significant milestone for SBD, as we continue to deliver world-class products that support athletes in achieving their best performances. Our collaboration with the IWF underscores our shared values of integrity, innovation, and dedication to the advancement of strength sports globally."

Mohammed Jalood, IWF President, added: “The IWF is delighted to further strengthen its partnership with SBD Apparel, whose reputation for quality and innovation is recognised throughout the sporting world. This appointment will ensure that our athletes have access to the very best apparel, reflecting the professionalism and high standards of our sport."

In 2024, SBD was awarded a King's Award for Enterrpise for outstanding achievements in International Trade.

SBD Apparel website

Images: SBD / British Weightlifting

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News: Milestone met but Magna tram stop completion moved to 2026

South Yorkshire’s newest Tram Train station has reached a major construction milestone, with the installation of lift shafts and a new passenger overbridge now complete at Magna in Rotherham.

Set to open in "early 2026", the £10m station and Park & Ride at Templeborough will serve the Tram Train route between Sheffield and Rotherham - improving access for residents, businesses and the Magna Science Adventure Centre, reducing congestion and pollution within the Lower Don Valley, and supporting wider regeneration in the area.

When South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) signed a funding agreement for the project, it forecasted a completion and entry into service of Autumn/Winter 2024.

Rothbiz reported in February that legal issues and delays associated with obtaining the necessary railway consents had pushed the completion date to November 2025.

AmcoGiffen is the principal contractor with the new infrastructure marking a significant step forward in the delivery of the station, which will feature fully accessible platforms, step-free access via lifts, and a pedestrian overbridge connecting both sides of the tracks.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “It’s brilliant to see real progress being made at Magna. We’re building a better-connected South Yorkshire.

“This is about more than concrete and steel. It’s about making sure our public transport network works for everyone - accessible, joined-up, and designed around the needs of our communities.

“When the new station opens early next year, it’ll help more people get to work, get to school and spend time with friends and family. It’s another step towards a fairer, greener, more ambitious South Yorkshire. And I can’t wait to see it up and running."

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The Magna Tram Train station is being delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) in partnership with Network Rail and Supertram, with £8.1m in funding from the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Roisin Lowery, Network Rail sponsor, said: “The completion of the lift shafts and passenger bridge marks a key milestone in the project to complete the new Magna Tram Train station. We’re proud to be working with our partners to deliver what will be a major step forward in improving connectivity in this part of South Yorkshire.”

The station will be the first new Tram Train stop added to the network since the pioneering service launched in 2018, and is expected to improve access to jobs, education and leisure for thousands of residents and visitors.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The new Tram Train station at Magna is a further step forward for Rotherham and the wider region - improving the way our public transport network works, and strengthening our plans for more jobs and homes along the corridor along Templeborough and beyond.

“This project is about making sure Rotherham residents and people across the region benefit from better, greener transport and that our town continues to grow. We’re proud to be working with partners to deliver this investment. I look forward to seeing the station open and making a real difference for our communities and visitors.”

Barnsley-based AmcoGiffen is employing 20 local staff and prioritising regional procurement. Key structural components, including the station’s footbridge and lift shafts, were fabricated at AmcoGiffen’s Barnsley steel fabrication facility, making the most of the area's strong network of construction suppliers.

AmcoGiffen’s Operations Director, Peter Laws, said: “We’re proud to play a key role in delivering South Yorkshire’s flagship Tram Train station, showcasing the strength of our delivery capabilities. This project has been a true collaboration between all partners, and we’re delighted to be delivering it safely, efficiently, and to schedule, helping to create lasting benefits for the community.”

Tram Train services continue to run as normal during Magna Tram Train station construction, except on Saturday evenings when dedicated replacement bus TT1 replaces services between Meadowhall South, Rotherham Central and Parkgate. A full Tram Train service will resume from December 6.

SYMCA website

Images: SYMCA

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