rotherham business news: October 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

News: AMP collaboration boosts ice-champ's hopes

Technology developed in Rotherham is helping Britain's top ice-sport athletes in their quest for medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

South Yorkshire's Nicola Minichiello is already part of the current Two-Woman Bobsleigh World Champion pair, and her Olympic hopes are now being boosted by two companies at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham – Bromley Technologies Ltd and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC).

Bromley's Formula Ice programme gives the athletes technical support and equipment developed through its research and development programme to help them during this season’s qualification for February’s Vancouver Olympics.

But, in an example of the Park’s ethos, Bromley has also received support from other companies there. The latest is from AMRC apprentices, who have used their manufacturing and engineering skills to produce the latest sets of bobsleigh runners to come from the Bromley R&D programme for her use.

Bromley's chief operating officer, Mike Maddock said: "It's great that through our partnership with the AMRC we're able to provide Nicola with runners that will hopefully give her the edge over other competitors during the testing stage.

"The apprentices have been fantastic. Under the direction of training manager Paul Rigden and workshop manager Ashley Godbehere they have delivered to a very high standard and to the timescales demanded by the sport. The AMRC support has been invaluable."

The Bromley team has more than 50 years' combined experience in elite winter sport, aerospace technology, Formula One engineering and design with its equipment supporting athletes to win over 40 world-class medals, including Olympic Bronze and Silver.

In the skeleton bob, Shelley Rudman is the current Olympic Silver medallist and the only British medallist from the last winter games. Her partner, Professor Kristan Bromley, the company’s chief executive and co-founder with brother Richard, is the 2008-9 Triple Crown World Champion, also in the skeleton.

Bromley Technologies website
AMRC website

Images: Bromley

News: Firechill brings jobs boost for Rotherham manufacturing sector

New pioneering energy-efficient air cooling units are set to be manufactured in a Rotherham in a move that the company behind them say could lead to the creation of 600 jobs.

FireChill is launching two new air cooling products that are more energy efficient and can provide significant cost savings of between 15% and 60% over traditional air-conditioning and cooling units.

Depending on environment, the carbon-cutting system can reduce emissions by up to 40 tonnes of CO2 per year - the equivalent of taking 14 family cars off the road.

A joint venture business between Leeds based investors, Phase 37 with Cooling Technologies Inc of Ohio has acquired the worldwide distribution rights for the proven, patented, heat-activated cooling technology which works using absorption cooling or thermally-activated cooling technology, with the chilling units fired by natural or propane gas or waste heat from a microturbine.

The company has a global license to manufacturer and market the products. Rotherham has been selected for a manufacturing facility and they are ready to begin manufacturing next year. Funding of up to £3.3m to facilitate its growth is being sought.

Simon Clothier, Chief Executive, Phase 37 Ltd, said: "Green technologies will drive the UK economy over the next decade and have the potential for explosive growth as the world look to new solutions for old problems. Our product sits right at the heart of this agenda due to its ability to keep buildings cooler as the world warms and make significant energy and carbon savings over traditional technology."

"With more than 40 demonstration units installed and operating, we have generated a substantial level of global interest especially in hot, crowded gas-rich areas of the world. We can't wait to start manufacturing and are confident that with further investment, we can maximise the global market potential these products offer."

Firechill website

Images: firechill.com

News: Bramall's sustainable development nears completion

Rotherham social housing and regeneration specialists Bramall Construction are in the final stages of completing an innovative housing scheme for people aged 55 and over in Jordanthorpe, Sheffield.

White Willows on Dyche Road is being developed for South Yorkshire Housing Association in conjunction with Sheffield City Council and will include a green roof, solar panels and other environmentally-conscious measures. When complete, the roof will absorb extra rainwater and creating a thriving habitat for local insects and birds.

The £7 million scheme is set to become only the second development of its type in the country to achieve an 'excellent' rating from the national environmental organisation BRE for the sustainability features that have been included in its development.

Paul Heath, contracts manager at Bramall said: "We've been working hard for the last few months to ensure that this scheme raises the bar in meeting the need for quality, environmentally sustainable housing for Sheffield's older people. Our partners have made it clear from the start that this was needed for the city.

"The green roof is certainly one of those elements that will give the partners and tenants what they are looking for. We are proud to have been involved in delivering such an innovative scheme for Sheffield."

The community-led scheme will include 60 self-contained apartments, with 45 available for rent from SYHA and the remaining 15 offered for shared ownership and outright sale from Crucible Homes. White Willows will also include a shop, hairdresser, bar, IT rooms, a communal lounge, a restaurant and a coffee lounge.

Bramall was awarded the scheme after winning a "quality of design" competition held by Sheffield City Council last year. Building work is expected to be complete in November.

Bramall website

Images: SYHA

Thursday, October 29, 2009

News: Metalysis to create 90 new jobs

Yorkshire Forward has confirmed a £1.5 million grant to Metalysis, the Rotherham-based technology innovator for the speciality metals industry.

The award from the Selective Finance for Investment scheme will help create 90 highly skilled jobs as the company gears up to develop a pioneering semi-continuous plant to produce titanium and tantalum powders for worldwide markets.

The Manvers 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.

Mark Bertolini, Chief Executive of Metalysis said: "Yorkshire Forward has played a key role in enabling us to establish a commercial and core production hub here in South Yorkshire as we address lucrative markets around the world.

"The Regional Development Agency has again given us essential financial support as we enter a critical project, by the end of which we expect at least another 90 people to be sharing in our continued progress."

"We have overcome some difficult challenges to prove our breakthrough FFC process technology. On the way, we have adjusted our commercial priorities, more closely identified priority niche markets around the globe, and adapted our strategy.

"Now, with Yorkshire Forward among those who are investing in our technology and our workforce, we can move on to develop our capability and produce commercial grade titanium and tantalum products profitably, in sufficient quantities and at competitive costs."

Simon Hill, Executive Director of Business for Yorkshire Forward comments: "This Yorkshire Forward grant has secured the production of innovative products and entry into new markets for Metalysis.

"It will create 90 direct jobs for the industry, not to mention the positive impact on supply chains throughout the region. It will also further cement Yorkshire and Humber's already strong reputation in advanced manufacturing."

During the last five years Metalysis has raised £19 million in venture capital and a further £4.8 million in grants. From a workforce of three in 2005, the business now employs 50 people.

The new jobs range from research scientists and process development engineers to production operatives and sales staff.

Metalysis website
Yorkshire Forward website

Rotherham

Images: metalysis.com

News: Rotherham United team up with RiDO

Rotherham United signed a new team this week – the Borough Council's regeneration arm. The deal will boost the club's award-winning Community Trust and the council's enterprise drive to encourage entrepreneurs.

RiDO – Rotherham Investment & Development Office – has committed to a one-year sponsorship deal that will see £3,000 go into the Trust's work.

Not only will RiDO's regeneration and enterprise message be shouted loud and clear through every home-game programme, but its contribution to the Trust will see a one-day sport and "young entrepreneur" event organised.

It's hoped young members of the Trust and their families will also visit some of the four RiDO-run business centres for entrepreneurs.

The sponsorship also links in to the Rotherham Enterprise Project, and RiDO enterprise manager Geoff Link said: "We want to spread the message that it really is possible for people in our communities to start a business – especially with a strong chance of success with our professional and free support."

The Millers' commercial director, Steve Coakley, agreed that running a football club was serious business, and added: "Football is a great way to capture the imagination of young people, get them involved in exercise and encourage teamwork. This initiative is about much more than that.

"We're using football to make learning fun, helping the kids develop financial skills and improve their ability to make presentations, manage their time and solve problems."

Rotherham United website
Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: themillers.co.uk

News: New premises in the evolution of Arrow

Arrow Technical Services are set to graduate into new premises on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Arrow is a design consultancy for the electronics sector whose services include concept development, product design, prototyping and project management. Some of Arrow's products have included infrared thermal inspection systems, water saving products, central heating system controllers and MP3 players.

The company are set to move from the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre into the Evolution development by UK Strategic Partnership, the joint venture company created by landowner UK Coal and property developer Strategic Sites.

Arrow has seen its business double following its move there in 2007 from Nursery Street in Sheffield. The four-strong team has increased to nine, led by managing director Chris Worrall.

Dr. Worrall said: "As a high-tech company ourselves, being located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park is a great benefit to us.

"It is important that we work in an environment that fosters technology innovation as we use the latest design and development technologies in our solution processes.

"In addition, it also provides us with a great opportunity to network with other like-minded companies based here."

Arrow was established in 1995 and began producing customised electronic controllers for aerospace applications. Since then, it has gone on to design and manufacture products and systems for the automotive, scientific, industrial and consumer electronics markets for clients around the world.

Much of Arrow's specialist design expertise is aimed at making the manufacturing operation of a company more efficient and economical.

Its design solutions simplify and speed up the process of turning a good idea into a fully field-proven, market ready production design.

When the design is complete, Arrow can continue to support their clients by manufacturing the products in their high-tech production facility located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Acting on behalf of owner UK Strategic Partnership, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) successfully negotiated the purchase of the 3,100 sq ft unit at Evolution.

The industrial and logistics agent at LSH's Sheffield office, Ed Norris, said: "The AMP is considered one of, if not the finest business locations in the UK.

"With its flexible, high-specification accommodation, and excellent multi-modal transport connections, the AMP makes a highly attractive proposition for all forward thinking manufacturing, technology and materials businesses."

Arrow Technical website

Images: arrowtechnical.com

News: Dormer create history for Sheffield FC

A limited edition of 50 miniature stainless steel footballs are being created by cutting tool manufacturer Dormer Tools for Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club.

The artefacts are a symbol for what Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims, along with Sheffield MP Richard Caborn, hope will become reality as a giant sculpture in place of the cooling towers at Tinsley.

To raise the profile of their plans and raise funds, Sheffield FC auctioned off just ten of the nine inch high stainless steel footballs at their 152nd annual dinner last week.

Dormer Tools are using their new cutting tool machines at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham and Graham Vaughan, from Dormer Tools, said: "Dormer is delighted to help Sheffield FC create these miniature stainless steel footballs and raise much needed funds.

"Dormer is pleased to be a part of this exciting and unique project and we will try to help in anyway we can to make it a reality."

Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims added: "We agreed that the annual dinner would be a perfect way to inform people of our plans to create a giant stainless steel football to mark the heritage of the city.

"This could be something really remarkable and provide a new symbol for Sheffield to be proud of, while showcasing to the rest of the country what this great city has given to the world."

Local firm ELG Haniel Metals, has donated the stainless steel for the miniature versions and is also heavily involved in pushing forward the full scale project.

Additional Sheffield based companies involved in the scheme include Outokumpu, Mott McDonald and Davy Markham.

Dormer Tools website
Sheffield FC website Rotherham

Images: sheffieldfc.com

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

News: Janet Lister wins award for inspiring women

Janet Lister, co-owner of Contract Components and member of the Board of Trustees for Magna Science Adventure Centre won the ATHENA Award for Inspiring Women (sponsored by Local Strategic Partnership) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

Janet was the pioneer behind the launch of Women in Business in March 2002 and since then has encouraged some of the brightest and strongest women in the region to be the best they can be, leading to an invite to the Queen's Garden Party in 2009 in recognition of services to women in South Yorkshire.

Janet was the second woman admitted onto the Rotherham Chamber Board, where she was able to co-launch some exciting projects, including Gifts for the Elderly and the Dolly Parton Reading project, which came out of networking opportunities with Janet's American contacts.

Janet said: "I have always supported inspirational women, so to win this award is a huge compliment to my work and supports my continued development of strong women leaders.

"Supported by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, I have been able to open a path where others could follow to be inspired to achieve their full potential. I have had many opportunities to meet and work with the most amazing people, both in Rotherham and globally."

Sue Anderson and Sheila Quairney were highly commended.

Magna website
Chamber website Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Environmental award for BBAD

BBAD Ltd secured the Environmental Award (sponsored by ASD Lighting/Rotherham United Football Club) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

With a head office at Century Business Centre in Manvers, Barnett & Burgin Architectural Design has a wide range of architectural design experience which has enabled them to work on a wide range of projects from residential schemes, commercial schemes, healthcare projects and educational projects.

BBAD Ltd are also Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors enabling them to exceed client demand and meet the new legislation set by new policies relating to reduced carbon emissions, reduced water usage, reduced ecological implications, reduced wastage and higher household recycling.

Matthew Burgin, Director of BBAD Ltd, said: "Winning such a prestigious award is an invaluable marketing tool in communicating our commitment to the reduction of carbon consumption within buildings.

"The prestige and increased profile will aid the company's long term strategy to excel within this field and help young professionals to understand and adopt a green philosophy.

"On a personal level, it would be recognition for the time and money spent by the directors, who have remained consistent to their overall mission, within a very difficult market place."

Bramall Construction and Stagecoach Yorkshire were highly commended.

BBAD Ltd website
Chamber website
Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Carol is Rotherham's employee of the year

Carol Watson, Rotherham Centre Director at Oracle Training Consultants Ltd has been named as Employee of the Year Award (sponsored by Morthyng) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

Carol is one of the longest serving members of the Oracle team. She began as a part time assessor and has gradually worked her way up the position of Director of the Rotherham centre. She has also taken the lead in setting up the new Birkenhead centre.

Carol said: "It's now eight years since I first started working towards my assessor's award at Oracle. I was called into the office thinking I was to be reprimanded but it was to be congratulated.

"I was shy and totally lacked confidence in what I was doing. Who would have thought then that one day I would have been collecting this award? I owe so much to Sally and Diane who obviously saw the potential in me which I never thought I had."

Ed Fairfield of Flexseal and Sharron Pearce of Solaglas Windowcare were highly commended.

Oracle website
Chamber website
Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Innovation leads to succes for Merlin

Merlin Software Ltd picked up the Innovation In Business Award (sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

Based in Barnsley, Merlin is an electronic point of sale specialist and provides a computerised bar-code labelling system which can be used in any charity shop, helping them reclaim Gift Aid on the actual value of donated goods.

Owen Gleadall, Sales Director at Merlin Software Ltd, said: "Firstly I must say thank you to the team who converted my idea, conceived on a train journey to London, into a fully working system.

"The fact that this was the first of its kind in the charity sector and that it has been considered worthy of an award for innovation is a great tribute to them. We constantly try to produce innovative products and to receive this award in recognition of that is just fantastic!"

Fripp Design and Research and Solaglas Windowcare were highly commended.

Merlin Software website
Chamber website
Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Homeflair Village show excellence in retail

Homeflair Village has won the Excellence In Retail Award (sponsored by Rotherham Renaissance) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

Homeflair's Parkgate Complex on Rawmarsh Road has expanded to include a garden centre and cafe over the last year creating 17 local jobs.

Hanif Khan, Managing Director of Homeflair Village, said: "Winning this award is a fantastic achievement and deserved recognition for my team's hard work and commitment to provide a first class retail experience to customers.

"Service is paramount at Homeflair and we proudly provide our customers with a wide range of furniture, dining, kitchen and bathroom displays."

Bridal Affairs and Jacko's were highly commended.

Chamber website Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Garnett Dickinson are excellent in manufacturing

Garnett Dickinson Print has been rewarded in the Excellence In Manufacturing Award (sponsored by Made In Sheffield) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The Manvers company specialises in the printing of short to medium run magazines, catalogues and brochures for publishing companies, tour operators, mail order houses and a wide range of other companies throughout the UK and Ireland including Haymarket, McLaren Marketing and the BBC.

Garnett Dickinson Print gained national recognition for lean manufacturing when they were highly commended at the BPIF Print Week Excellence Awards 2009.

Andrew Barker, Divisional Director at Garnett Dickinson Print, said: "We are all absolutely delighted with gaining this award. Garnett Dickinson's lean manufacturing journey started in 2006 with planning and productivity improvements generated by the move to our new factory and new equipment, continuing in 2007 and being formalised in a lean manufacturing programme early in 2008.

"Our dedicated lean team has worked tirelessly to bring about the significant improvements in the business and will continue to make additional improvements as we further refine everything we do."

Systems Integration & Automation Ltd and Very PC Ltd were highly commended on the night.

Garnett Dickinson Print website
Chamber website Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

News: Titans win in partnership with business

The Business In Partnership with the Community Award (sponsored by Rotherham Partnership) went to Rotherham Rugby Club and The Titans Community Foundation at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The foundation has established a reputation for being a first class deliverer of a wide range of educational, motivational and recreational activities to children and young people in Rotherham.

Nick Cragg, Chairman of Rotherham Rugby Club, said: "The Rotherham Rugby Club and the Titans Community Foundation are delighted to accept this honour and award for our work with Rotherham children, Rotherham schools and the Rotherham community.

"We continue to be proud of our diverse range of activities and initiatives, and we are especially thankful for the efforts of our players, acting as excellent male role models, engaging and enthusing young people and a growing number of different partners in our town."

Richard Finney, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said: "Our thanks must also go out to all our partners and funders who believe in and support what we are trying to achieve.

"All the activities, projects and initiatives look to improve the lives of the people of Rotherham, particularly those whose need is greatest, and especially children and young people.

"The programme was set up and initially developed by Brian Chapple some six or seven years ago and due credit goes to Brian for his drive, enthusiasm and commitment in those early days.

"Well over 6,000 different young people are involved in different and diverse activities throughout the year and we must praise the players for their input.

"They are exceptional male role models for the young people that we work with. Rest assured the Foundation will continue to build, develop and enhance positive links with the many communities and organisations within our town."

Bramall Construction Ltd and Sheffield & Hallamshire FA were highly commended.

Titans website
Chamber website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Oracle investing in skills

Overal award winners Oracle Training Consultants Ltd also won the Invest in Skills Award (sponsored by Rotherham Work & Skills Board) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

Oracle is a specialist training provider delivering a variety of programmes for the hair and beauty Industry.

Established in 1999 and based in South Yorkshire, the company has three state of the art training centres within the region and has facilities for training within partner organisations in London and Merseyside.

Sandra Spall, Quality Director at Oracle Training Consultants Ltd, said: "The recognition from winning this prestigious award will allow our staff to reflect on all their hard work and tenacity towards the company aims and objectives and gain satisfaction of a job well done.

"Oracle chooses the workforce because it believes they are the correct people for the job. This has proved to be a contributing factor to the success of the business, enabling Oracle to expand into three new areas and develop two new companies. The strategy has a significant benefit to Oracle and the staff we employ."

Oxley & Coward and Rotherham 2010 Ltd were highly commended.

Oracle website
Chamber website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Acorn rewarded for business growth

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd were successful in the Business Growth Award (sponsored by Business Link Yorkshire) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The Masbrough company picked up The Irwin Mitchell Excellence in Customer Service Award at the Sheffield Business Awards last year.

Des Spillings, Director of Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, said: "As a Rotherham-based company, we need and want to become more integrated with our local business community in every way.

"Although Acorn has customers all over the world, we are not really known or recognised locally. Winning the Business Growth Award will give us a massive lift in helping us achieve our goal of raising our profile in the Rotherham area."

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is a supplier of bearings and transmission products and represents market leading brands such as SKF and THK.

The company holds a £3m inventory covering 40,000 lines available for delivery within the hour for customers across the engineering sector.

Established in 1983, Acorn was subject to a management buy out in 2005 and now employs 61 members of staff.

Dinnington companies Assured Fire & Security Ltd and Systems Integration & Automation Ltd were highly commended.

Acorn Industrial website
Chamber website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: SP Containers are Rotherham's best new start company

Speciality Paperboard Containers Ltd picked up the New Start Award (sponsored by RiDO) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The Eastwood Trading Estate enterprise manufactures containers for clients in the ice cream, dairy, confectionery and pet food sectors, and produce secondary packaging for a diverse range of products.

Paul Nixon, managing director of Speciality Paperboard Containers Ltd, said: "Starting your own business is both exciting and challenging. It requires belief in yourself and your team, and enables people to fulfil their dreams.

"At a time when manufacturing looks to be on the decline in the UK, we've shown that you can buck that trend. Winning this award gives us due recognition of our achievements and creates the platform for our continued growth and profitability."

Last year Swedish folding carton supplier, A&R Carton, acquired a 33% stake in the company.

Optimas Training Ltd and UK Water Features were highly commended.

SP Containers website
Chamber website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

Monday, October 26, 2009

News: Rotherham Business Awards 2009 winners

Oracle Training Consultants was the overall winner at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The company, who deliver a variety of training programmes for the hair and beauty industry, claimed the coveted Overall Award at the ceremony, which took place in front of over 500 guests at Magna.

Oracle's overall triumph came in tandem with their successes in the Invest In Skills and Employee Of The Year categories – Oracle's Rotherham Centre Director Carol Watson triumphed in the latter category.

Chris MacCormac, President of the Chamber said: "Once again, the evening was a superb occasion. It was fantastic to see so many companies celebrating their achievements after a difficult economic year and, in Oracle Training Consultants, we have an Overall Award winning business who are a superb example, not only to the region's companies, but all British firms."

The event included the Salute To Business Awards (sponsored by the Rotherham Advertiser) in which Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, the Best Western Elton Hotel and United Multi-Cultural Centre were honoured for 25 years' trading in Rotherham, while Lilleker Bros and Westfield Health were lauded for 90 years' business in the town.

Other winners on the night were:

New Start Award (sponsored by RiDO) - Speciality Paperboard Containers Ltd.

Business Growth Award (sponsored by Business Link Yorkshire) - Acorn Industrial Services Ltd.

Invest In Skills Award (sponsored by Rotherham Work & Skills Board) - Oracle Training Consultants Ltd.

Business In Partnership with the Community Award (sponsored by Rotherham Partnership) - Rotherham Rugby Club and The Titans Community Foundation.

ATHENA Award for Inspiring Women (sponsored by Local Strategic Partnership) - Janet Lister.

Excellence In Manufacturing Award (sponsored by Made In Sheffield) - Garnett Dickinson Print.

Excellence In Retail Award (sponsored by Rotherham Renaissance) - Homeflair Village.

Innovation In Business Award (sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University) - Merlin Software Ltd.

Employee of the Year Award (sponsored by Morthyng) - Carol Watson (Oracle Training Consultants Ltd).

Environmental Award (sponsored by ASD Lighting/Rotherham United Football Club) - BBAD Ltd.

Chamber website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

News: Science park network extends to Rotherham

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is ramping up its support for innovation-led companies in the manufacturing industry by becoming a member of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA).

The AMP is fast becoming the UK's centre for advanced manufacturing research and innovation, both in terms of the technologies being developed at the site and the companies choosing to locate there. Now, the AMP has been invited to become a member of the lobbying and networking organisation UKSPA to further enhance the levels of support on offer to tenants and the wider AEM sector in South Yorkshire.

The senior business development manager of South Yorkshire's Advanced Manufacturing & Metals (AMM) team, Joe Anwyl, said: "Supporting the needs of start-up and high-growth companies is an integral part of the AMP's role in securing a world class manufacturing base for the region.

"Levels of support are particularly relevant during these difficult times, and by raising our profile through UKSPA's network and offering tenants access to its range of added value services, we hope to enhance the already excellent package on offer here."

Paul Wright, chief executive of UKSPA said: "UKSPA now has 72 science parks, technology parks, technology-based incubators and research parks as members throughout the UK. The AMP is a valued addition to the membership that is a very active network dedicated to supporting the growth and development of science parks in the UK."

Innovation-led companies already based at the AMP include Bromley Technologies, the company behind the success of British Winter Olympic and World Championship medal winners.

Originally based in Bath, Bromley brothers Kristan and Richard were one of the first companies to move into the AMP's Technology Centre when it opened in 2006. In the same year, Kristan was offered an associate Professor position with Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Sports and Exercise Science, and so the company started the search for a suitable location in the area for R&D and commercialisation activities.

Mike Maddock, COO, Bromley Technologies said: "The workshop and office space at the AMP was perfect for us, with the added bonus of being in a high-tech environment which helped us establish the right reputation and image. The networking opportunities working in a "like-minded" community have been invaluable.

The support we have received since we moved here has been fantastic, and as the business has grown, we have been able to forge relationships with other companies based here who are helping us implement our technical innovations. Now we are UKSPA members, this can only enhance the opportunities."

AMP website

News: Recognition for Rotherham apprentices

Rotherham metallurgy companies have recognised the achievements of their apprentices at the annual awards evening of Metskill - part of Semta, the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies.

The awards, which recognise the training and development achievements of companies and employees working in the metals sector, were presented by Stephen Tilsley, Chairman of Metskill and Darryl Lomas, a member of Metskill's Employer Services team at an event at the Cutler's Hall in Sheffield.

Reece Davy from Darron SBO was runner-up for the Craft Skills Award. Reece started his apprenticeship with Darron SBO in September 2006, demonstrating an aptitude for design, drawing and machining.

Darron SBO are part of the Schoeller Bleckman Group, and provide manufacturing services and drilling products to the oil and gas sectors.

Darron has an established engineering training school that recruits 5 apprentices a year. This is proving highly successful, so much so that competition for places on a Darron apprenticeship scheme is a prize worth winning and Darron has instigated its own apprenticeship performance award for their yearly intake.

Darron candidates receiving their certificates for completing their Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering were – Ryan Bailey, Harry Clayton, Jack Culyer, Reece Davy, Kieron Fairchild, Liam Fox and Pat Whittaker.

Erica Gateley from Corus Long Products was a runner-up for the Career Development Award.

From Corus Long Products and collecting awards for completing there Advanced Apprenticeships in Metal Processing and Allied Operations were – Erica Gateley, Teri Leigh Gillespie, Dominic McIntosh, Jon McNair and Thomas Sharman.

Darron website
Corus website

Friday, October 23, 2009

News: HRH at the AMP

HRH The Duke of Kent, a champion of British business home and abroad, has looked into the future – happening now, in Rotherham.

After seeing a range of world-beating companies on a visit to the South Yorkshire borough, he told Mayor Shaukat Ali: "Rotherham is leading the way."

At the Advanced Manufacturing Park's Technology Centre he met some of its innovative tenants and got an insight into how they are developing future technologies.

They range from hydrogen-generated eco-power to ways of keeping power sources operating longer and better. He also saw the future in a very different shape – that of skeleton-bobsleds and sled blades that could help local Olympians.

The Technology Centre's Green Wing is one of the first projects in the UK to use hydrogen energy to power a large commercial building and to create a store of hydrogen for use as a fuel for vehicles.

Project manager Jason Stoyel, of TNEI, the company behind the system, explained how the system creates hydrogen fuel through electrolysis powered by a wind turbine rather than conventional sources.

At Polymer Techniques, the royal visitor heard from Paul Short how it is developing new technologies offering manufacturers and operators of off-shore wind turbines, aircraft power units, valves and pumps longer periods of trouble-free operation.

He also visited Bromley Technologies, launched by two brothers pushing the boundaries of high-speed bob-skeleton racing – Richard Bromley and brother Kristan.

Kristan is current world champion. His fiancée, Shelley Rudman, won silver for Britain at the last Winter Olympics.

Their partner-on-ice Nicola Minichiello won the World Championship in the two-woman bobsleigh last February. All three are contenders for places in Great Britain's team for February’s Winter Olympics.

His Royal Highness was particularly impressed when chief operating officer Mike Maddock, himself a former bob-sleigher, explained Bromley's work with schoolchildren to get them interested in science and technology.

Rotherham

Images: AMP

News: £7m investment in Manvers

A new £7 million South Yorkshire Police training centre and site for major incident teams is set to be created in Manvers, Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police Authority agreed the development of the Callflex Building back in July and it should be completed by December 2010.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Whyman, who is heading the project, explained that the current training school at Ecclesfield, Sheffield, was out-of-date and damaged during the floods in 2007, while other smaller locations meant that the delivery of training could be disjointed.

"This comes at a time when there is an increasing demand for training and sharing good practice," he said.

"The new training school will provide 20 classrooms and mean that training can be undertaken at one location in the centre of the county, boosting efficiency and providing a purpose-built facility for the 21st century.

"We aim to continue to improve the service we provide to communities and we need well trained, well motivated and well led staff to achieve that. This new site offers that opportunity.

"Every member of SYP staff will pass through this learning environment at some point and the investment that we are making here will allow us to deliver excellence in policing.

Where appropriate, the facility could also be used by other police forces and partner organisations."

In addition the building will house major incident teams from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, freeing up office space and resources at districts and improving working between MIT staff. Other specialist investigation units, like the Cold Case Review Team, will also be based there.

South Yorkshire Police will join South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue in the Dearne Valley as their new £5.5m station and training centre is set to open in May.

South Yorkshire Police website

News: Royal visit for Rotherham company

HRH the Duke of Kent was in Rotherham this week to officially open CCPI Europe Ltd's facilities at Wales Bar.

US-owned CCPI is a specialist in temperature calibration and manufacturing equipment that measures temperatures, used in a range of engineering and manufacturing activities. They include calibrating temperature-sensing cable used in testing Rolls-Royce jet engines.

The Duke of Kent toured the £3m manufacturing, laboratory and research facility at Langtree's Vector 31 Business Park with American and European representatives of the company.

He saw how CCPI manufactures mineral-insulated temperature sensors down to sizes as small as 0.5mm diameter and how the UKAS-accredited laboratory conducts calibrations and calibrates sensors giving uncertainties of measurement as tiny as +/-0.004 deg C. Vital when the highest-quality measurements are required by CCPI customers manufacturing state-of-the-art aerospace components.

CCPI began in Blanchester, Ohio in 1957 and CCPI Europe was established by Fred Knight in 1984, because he believed the company had a future in the UK and Europe. So strong was his belief that he started a one-man operation in his garage. From that it has grown to employ more than 50 people, headed by managing director Keith Hicks.

The Rotherham company works with Bodycote International Group and other heat-treatment companies, such as GKN, TTI and GE. In the glass industry, it helps support companies such as Rockware, and in engineering and steel Forgemaster and Corus. End-users include Volvo.

CCPI Europe website

Rotherham

Images: RiDO

News: Inditherm appoints distributor in Kuwait

Rotherham's Inditherm Medical has secured a distribution agreement with ELM Trading Co. for the Middle Eastern country of Kuwait.

ELM are engaged in the distribution of a range of different scientific equipment and specialise in the laboratory and medical field.

Based within Kuwait City, ELM are well established and are approved suppliers for the Kuwait Ministry of Health, KOC and a range of other government bodies.

They already represent a broad range of products into the operating theatre, including anaesthesia, surgery and operating tables. This fits with the Inditherm's patient warming product portfolio.

Inditherm have already been working with ELM for some months prior to signing the official distribution agreement and a number of customer orders have already been secured during this period.

Inditherm Chief Executive, Nick Bettles, said: "We are very pleased that ELM have agreed to be our distribution partners. We are impressed with the technical capability and market understanding that ELM have already demonstrated and the speed with which they have been able to secure business in Kuwait with the Inditherm product range."

Inditherm website

Rotherham

Images: inditherm.co.uk

Thursday, October 22, 2009

News: Free bus for Rotherham town centre

Transport links in Rotherham town centre are set for another boost as FreeBee, a new free bus service, launches on Monday October 26.

The service will run every 12 minutes from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and buses will run around the town centre from Rotherham Interchange via Rotherham Central Rail Station, the police station, Westgate, Canklow Road, the Town Hall, Wellgate, Clifton Park and the town centre markets, then returning to the Interchange before heading to Parkgate past St Ann's Leisure Complex, and back to the Interchange.

The new FreeBee bus service will be operated by Powells, and will introduce the first fleet of environmentally-friendly Euro V buses to Rotherham.

The launch in Rotherham follows the announcement that the hugely popular Sheffield FreeBee has recently carried its millionth passenger after launching just two years ago.

Transport chiefs forecast that the introduction of the service is set to increase patronage in Rotherham by 9,000 per month by the end of the 2009/10 financial year.

David Young, Director of Customer Experience at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) - part of the Travel South Yorkshire partnership - said: "This is great news for Rotherham as it will give a wide range of people the chance to travel easily and for free around the town centre. FreeBee will transform the town centre offering, improving accessibility and connections for all transport users."

Denis Copeland, manager of Parkgate Shopping said: "We look forward to quick, cheap and easy connections so that shoppers can enjoy the range of our large national brands and the more individual town centre shops in one seamless visit."

Last month a pioneering tram-train system was announced that will operate between Rotherham and Sheffield and a £7.5m planned redevelopment for the Central Railway Station is due to start at the end of November.

Travel South Yorkshire website
Rotherham

Images: travelsouthyorkshire.com

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