News: Coppard on the charge as South Yorkshire mayor greenlights £2m for hundreds of e-bikes

People in South Yorkshire will be able to hire e-bikes and take them home as part of a first-of-its-kind scheme being launched by Mayor Oliver Coppard.

It comes at the same time as Rotherham Council scraps multimillion pound active travel schemes.

Other city-based schemes around the country generally see users booking bikes for short trips and needing to find suitable spots to drop them off. In South Yorkshire, the scheme, part of The People’s Network, involves e-bikes being made available as a long-term loan, for an affordable monthly price.

A £2m tender for e-bikes plus accessories (helmets, locks etc) is underway with a planned launch next spring.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The idea at the heart of the South Yorkshire People’s Network is that transport should work for everyone in South Yorkshire, giving us all freedom and choice about how we travel and move.

“That’s why we’ve designed this pioneering new e-bike subscription service; because it’s not enough to simply build bike lanes and cycle networks, we need to give everyone the chance to use them.

“So, from next spring, people across South Yorkshire will be able to hire a new e-bike on a long-term loan, for an affordable monthly price. That’s potentially game changing for anyone who wants to make different travel choices but has been priced out up to now.

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“I’m proud to say we’re the first place in the country to develop this type of scheme, but I know we won’t be the last. South Yorkshire is leading the way again, putting the public back in public transport.”

Backed by initial investment of £1.3m from SYMCA, the £2m tender allows further procurement should the project succeed.

The scheme has been shaped by research showing how e-bikes can help people travel further and make everyday journeys easier, and data from the short-term loan schemes operating in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

With transport costs continuing to put pressure on households, the scheme’s flexible, first-of-its-kind tiered pricing model will help make sure cost does not put the brakes on opportunity.

It forms a key part of South Yorkshire’s Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy, supporting plans to make walking, wheeling and cycling more realistic, accessible options for more people.

In Rotherham, the Journey Matters project already loan out both pedal bikes and electric bikes for free to the people of Rotherham for between one and three months. SYMCA rejected allocating capital to local authorities to deliver local e-cycle subscription services stating that "it would impact our ability to brand as a SYMCA proposition."

Following Rotherham Council carrying out a number of high profile, multimillion pound cycle lane schemes, Rothbiz reported recently that a £10.7m cycle lane and roundabout scheme proposed for Stag Roundabout and Wickersley / Broom Road would not go ahead. A £7.6m scheme to support active travel for pedestrians and cyclists and improve traffic flows at a Templeborough roundabout has also been stopped in its tracks.

This issue of cycle lanes was discussed at a recent full council meeting with a petition presented by opposition councillors, and backed by 3,600 signatures, calling for a review of CRSTS Active Travel schemes, a reallocation of funding to focus on road safety, and a review of the council's Active Travel Strategy.

Journey Matter website

Images: A Different Gear / Journey Matters

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News: Rotherham restaurant here to stay as for sale listing withdrawn

The operators of a restaurant in Rotherham where the leasehold was listed as for sale on an online business marketplace say that they "have zero desire to sell."

Rothbiz reported last month on the particulars for the sale of a Rotherham business, which had the leasehold listed for £95,000. Although not mentioned by name, the images clearly show La Pondicherry Stag, one of Rotherham's leading Indian restaurants.

The listing on RightBiz now has a status as "withdrawn" but included details about a "genuine and reluctant sale of an established business" due to "personal circumstances and forthcoming medical treatment."

Taking to social media, La Pondicherry, now states: "We want to be absolutely clear: we are not closing, we still have 10 years remaining on our lease, and we have zero desire to sell. The exact same family proudly remains at the helm!"

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The message goes on to discuss "immense and ongoing challenges" regarding the building.

It adds: "Over the last ten years, we have made numerous requests to purchase the premises from our landlady and her agents, BTG Eddisons. Every single time, we have been outright refused. We feel deeply let down by this decade-long cycle of rejection. It has become abundantly clear that they have no desire to sell simply because they generate a substantial rental income from our hard work and success as a restaurant.

"Compounding this frustration is the lack of support. They have consistently refused to carry out necessary building renovations or assist with basic upkeep. As a result, our family has had to invest a significant amount of our own money into maintaining the building—shouldering financial liabilities that rightfully belonged to the landlord.

"We care passionately about how this property looks and how it stands as a landmark in Rotherham Stag. Where they see a reliable revenue stream, we see a building with untapped potential. If given the chance to own the property, we know we could restore it to its full glory and bring a totally new, elevated experience to the local community we are so devoted to."

Operators are looking to the future and are planning on revamping the restaurant through interior and exterior renovations, finishing the indoor wine bar and completing an outdoor beer garden, upgrading both food and drink menus, and bringing in live acts and music.

The message concludes: "Our core concept and our commitment to high-quality food remain exactly the same. We are trying our absolute best to improve things for everyone, and with your continued support, we know we can bring La Pondicherry to its absolute full potential."

La Pondicherry Stag website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Accelerator for ambitious freelancers and founders

Enterprising young people from Rotherham are being invited to take part in a free innovative business accelerator focused on building a personal brand.

The Self-Made in 60 Days programme is running exclusively for people in South Yorkshire aged 18-30 - those already a trading business (running for up to three years) or just thinking about starting.

Free to attend, the programme is a chance to meet like-minded people and established business owners and is delivered mostly online, with just three days in person.

The programme is headed by Sheffield-based Studio Self-Made who have used their experience of business support and helping underrepresented individuals build careers, start businesses and unlock new opportunities. It has been commissioned by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and funded by broadband firm Quickline through its social value programme.

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The deadline for applications is Wednesday September 30 with the accelerator starting on October 5. Applications can be made online here.

The website explains: "Personal branding is your reputation by design. In 60 days, we'll help you build a personal brand that puts you in front of the right people so the opportunities come to you. It’s mostly online and just 3 days in person.

"Building a personal brand isn’t about sharing your private life; it’s about strategically sharing your story to humanise your business and help people connect with you.

"This is an interactive accelerator programme for ambitious (and aspiring) freelancers and founders who want to develop a marketing channel that brings leads and opportunities to their business.

"Take part in a mix of online sessions and in-person events in your local area where you get to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and network with established business owners in a relaxed environment (with free food!)."

Studio Self-Made website

Images: Studio Self-Made

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News: Applicants set out Rotherham Irish bar plans in face of opposition

Plans for an Irish bar in a popular area of Rotherham have come up against opposition regarding late night noise and disturbance.

Rothbiz reported in July that a licencing application had been made that would bring an old Gregg's back to life.

British bakery chain, Greggs, has expanded at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, to create a bakery and cafe. With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty.

Jaxx Irish Bar Limited has applied for the sale by retail of alcohol and the provision of late night refreshment, plus the performance of live music and any playing of recorded music.

Documents show that the opening hours requested are Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

Rotherham Council operates a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area which has been designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Objections have been received from residents, the Council's Licensing Authority, Wickersley Parish Council and local councillors.

Applicant Joshua White explained to a recent meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee: "We completely understand the Cumulative Impact Zone, we are Wickersley residents ourselves, so we understand what goes on over the road and what can happen. This is why we are trying to bring a completely fresh idea to the village. Something new, exciting, to create opportunities for locals in terms of job opportunities and live music with opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents, and give them that platform.

"This isn't going to be a case of a rave until 9 o'clock in a morning. We've considered all shops on The Tanyard, were aren't looking to change the dynamic of The Tanyard. We've considered opening times in terms of other bars and restaurants across the road who open a lot later.

"We've taken into consideration, after speaking with near on all of the shops on The Tanyard, to see what we can do to benefit them. It only seems to be the opticians [at 38 Bawtry Road] that are against it. We believe that we are going to bring business into them guys.

"You've got two restaurants [on The Tanyard] - people want to go out for something to eat and then see a bit of entertainment. You've got Shiraz [pizza at 242 Bawtry Road] who is open to 1 o'clock in the morning, I believe, on Fridays and Saturdays - a lot later than us.

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"I understand the argument of late night noise but with Shiraz being open until 1 o'clock in the morning, most people from the other side of the street, leaving The Masons or Olive Lounge are going to get food after their night out. They are already congregating around that area anyway. We are shutting no later than midnight.

"Inside our premises we are having a full soundproof installation done where we are going to minimize noise as much as possible with doors to be closed at all times so that nobody can hear that noise outside. Our live music is not until later in an evening after the shops have closed business for the day. Recorded music is very minimal background noise and during the day we are looking at putting on tea and coffee mornings. We are not just an out-an-out bar where everybody is coming to consume alcohol.

"Regarding complaints about the outside seating area, our thought process is that no alcohol is to be consumed outside of the premises and they'll be door staff on Fridays and Saturdays to enforce this. The area has been designed strictly for smoking and vaping - a contained area a bit like Elif has and Gregg's currently has.

"We have looked at the opposition and taken into consideration opening hours so that we are not participating in late night antics and antisocial behaviour. All of the bars over the road will stay open, we will close at midnight and they are staying open until 2 o'clock.

"As Wickerlsey residents, we want that feel good factor back. It doesn't seem to be those regulars who would go out after work on a Friday anymore. There's nothing aimed for them. We've got a certain target audience. So for example, we've got a couple of acts supporting live music, Frank Sinatra impersonators, performers with an acoustic guitar - it's not all loud, heavy nighttime music. We are going for a completely different feel to bring those regulars back out and be able to get out and give them that environment to be able to enjoy themselves again."

The venue would have a capacity of 35 which the applicant says could be controlled and much more manageable.

Alan Pogorzelec, Licensing Manager at Rotherham Council, explained how the Cumulative Impact Policy means that there is a presumption that the application would be refused and the onus is on the applicant to show that the premises are suitable for the area, and to determine how the council's licencing objectives would not be undermined. Usually that is reversed and the onus is on the authority to show how those objectives would be undermined.

Pogorzelec told the meeting that it was authority's view that the applicant has failed to address matters relating to noise, and preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance. He said: "The intention of the policy is to make it clear that Wickersley is not like a town centre where the infrastructure and resources from the police, ambulance service, other partners are much more focused. That's not the case in Wickersley - the resources available are generally lower than those available in a regular town centre."

He added that other licenced premises nearby have over 20 conditions attached to meet with policy requirements which means that they cannot operate solely as a "vertical drinking" bar and instead be food-led restaurants.

Pogorzelec said: "What we are talking about here is a bar, for people to drink, and that is very different. The conditions could not be adopted by Mr White because his business model is very different.

"This isn't a desire for me to stop the development and Mr White's dreams and long term plans for business, but what we have to be extremely mindful of is that this policy was introduced for a reason - the impact that premises were having on people in Wickersley, some of whom are clearly concerned about this application."

A number of representations were heard at the meeting before members went into a private session to decide on the licence application. A decision is expected to be published in due course.

Images: Rightmove

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News: Metalysis achieves commercial specification of space alloy

Metalysis, the Rotherham-based end-to-end manufacturer of solid-state metal and alloy powders, and global leader in materials science, has produced C-103 alloy powder for high-demand markets such as and defence, medical, semiconductor and energy.

The company holds the worldwide exploitation rights to the FCC Cambridge process which sees specialist powder metals created in a simple, cost effective process with significant environmental benefits. With a Materials Discovery Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham it also operates a site at Manvers.

The current C-103 market is estimated at $46m, reaching $200m by 2032 as users search for alternative, secure and consistent supply of this high-performance refractory alloy for use within their high temperature and extreme environment applications.

The benefits of the Metalysis electrolysis process are that in contrast to traditional melting processes for metal alloy powder production, electrolysis uses much lower temperatures and less energy and is a single-stage process rather than multi-stage, such as titanium alloy production. Also, no hazardous chemicals are used during the Metalysis process. This gives substantial energy and yield savings and means that sustainability is built-in across the Metalysis production process.

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The Metalysis process in contrast to melting is also highly adaptable, so bespoke materials can be produced as directed by specific customer demand.

C-103 alloy is one of the most widely used niobium alloys. Niobium’s melting point of 2477 degrees Celsius, excellent corrosion resistance and high strength to weight ratio ensures it is a metal of choice for critical sectors.

C-103 faces supply chain vulnerability primarily because of shortages in Hafnium metal (as opposed to hafnium oxide) production, as competing demand from other hafnium compounds has increased, driven by the rapid expansion of semiconductor chip manufacturing.

Demand is also set to increase also following recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM - 3D printing). The ability to manufacture complex C-103 structures and geometries with minimal material waste addresses one of the historical manufacturing challenges pertaining to C-103, reducing costs and lead times.

Nitesh Shah, CEO of Metalysis, said: "Metalysis is adding C-103 niobium hafnium titanium alloy to its product suite given our core focus on refractory alloys – combined with lightweighting expertise. C-103 was developed in the 1960s but now we are seeing a huge surge in demand because of the renewed race for space – as well as advanced manufacturing sectors such as hypersonics / defence.

"The Metalysis FFC process is able to produce C-103 alloy to the morphology required by AM partners – whilst reducing metal oxides rather than metal means we are not constrained by the availability of hafnium metal. Our engagement with customers in this sector has already been highly encouraging.”

In March Metalysis secured nearly €1m via the European Space Agency (ESA) to scale sustainable titanium production. Titanium is a critical metal for space and aerospace applications, and ESA is actively supporting the development of a more sustainable, economically viable, and secure production route. The two year project has both space and non-space applications, and builds on Metalysis’ proccess.

Metalysis websiteImages: Metalysis

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