News: AEM centre of excellence planned for Rotherham

NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre) is hoping to create an Advanced Materials Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham as part of a £10m project that would create a centre of excellence for the advanced engineering and materials sector.


An outline business plan has been submitted by NAMTEC to Yorkshire Forward in a bid to secure ERDF funding with project partners, the NAMRC and the National Physical Laboratory.

The plan indicates that NAMTEC has outgrown Swinden House in Rotherham and that they will use the funding to consolidate and develop their current activities.

NAMTEC leads on delivering research and technology development, knowledge transfer, and training to companies in the engineering and manufacturing industries.

Specific activities include running AEM Yorkshire from the AMP by creating an AEM centre of excellence including a manufacturing modelling centre of excellence.

The Advanced Manufacturing Design Centre would become a world class design and modelling resource supporting innovation and development in the UK supply chains. As a UK hub for manufacturing modelling and design it would become a national training centre for manufacturing modellers.

Other activities include research and development technology demonstrators, technology transfer and knowledge transfer.

The AMP is the UK's premier advanced manufacturing technology park where world-leading materials and structures R&D organisations are partnering industry innovators and international brands to create a centre of advanced manufacturing excellence with a global reputation

NAMTEC website
AMP website

Rotherham

Images: AMP

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News: Cutting & Wear's quality to continue

Rotherham company, Cutting & Wear has appointed David Wilson as their new quality and technical resource engineer.

Based at Greasbrough Road, the company manufactures and supplies downhole tool products and services to oil service companies across the world.

David was born and educated in Scotland, and has spent most of his time working for manufacturing and engineering companies in South Yorkshire. Although he trained as a metallurgist David has worked in Quality Assurance and Health & Safety for the last 20 years, in a wide variety of industries.

In his new role David will be responsible for all quality issues including managing Cutting & Wear's auditing procedures and developing their quality system. He will also be on hand to provide specific technical support across the company.

In developing the company's quality standards and building on ISO 9000, David is already working towards the company being accredited to OSHA 18000 (health and safety standard) and ISO 14000 (environmental management).

The ultimate aim for Cutting & Wear is to achieve PAS99, the integrated management system that encompasses all three quality standards and provides one internationally-recognised award that will reinforce and underpin the company's commitment to best practice.

Cutting & Wear website
Rotherham

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News: Yorkshire Crisps and Magna combine

The newest flavour of Rotherham-made Yorkshire Crips will feature Magna's Big Melt on the packaging.

Based at Waleswood in Rotherham, Yorkshire Crisps pride themselves on using locally grown ingredients to produce their much loved hand cooked crisps. Even the packaging is produced in Yorkshire.

The new Sweet Chilli and Lime flavour is to be no different, as Chilli is a hot flavour Yorkshire Crisps were looking for a hot industry to feature on the front of the packet and the steel industry came straight to mind.

The new packs feature an image from Magna's Big Melt display, a reconstruction of the melting process in the former steelworks.

Anna Holdsworth Marketing Assistant at Magna said: "I was very excited when Yorkshire Crisps approached us and offered Magna the chance to have our image on the packaging of the new flavour, The Big Melt is an iconic offering of the visitor experience here at Magna with its thunderous roar echoing through the building every hour.

"All the staff have taste-tested the crisps and these will be stocked in our shop and Fuel Restaurant"

Yorkshire Crisps website
Magna website
Rotherham

Images: visitmagna.co.uk

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News: Rotherham firms' pioneering trade links with Libya

South Yorkshire-based companies have secured £millions' worth of orders from the Libyan Government to help develop the major oil and gas fields in the newly-opened country, with Rotherham's Whiteley Read Engineering and law-firm, Nabarro already working there and DavyMarkham looking to secure Libyan orders in the near future.

Martin McKervey, construction and engineering partner at the Sheffield office of national law firm Nabarro, says that the Libyan Government recognises the skills that Yorkshire has and is awarding major contracts to local companies.

McKervey said: "Our region's engineering and manufacturing expertise is the basis of the Libyan trade boom that we are now seeing and that brings with it the international legal and financial expertise the region holds too.

"Rotherham-based Whiteley Read Engineering is providing bespoke Pressure Vessels, in a £3million deal for the expansion of the Bouri gas and oil field, the biggest in the Mediterranean.

"Libya is a special market. Following years in the political and economic wilderness and two decades of international sanctions, Libya is undergoing major economic reform with its oil revenue being used to address its considerable infrastructure needs. The substantial contracts Yorkshire companies are now winning are evidence that Libya is a major target market for this region."

Paul Shearstone MD at Whiteley Read says: "We are benefitting from the Libyan eagerness to trade with Western businesses. We are hoping that our current £3m contract for vessels, for the Bouri project is just the start of a number of deals coming out of Libya.

"Yorkshire's manufacturing and engineering companies offer the Libyans world class products with which to develop their infrastructure, so it should be no surprise we are leading the way into this new market."

Nabarro website
Whiteley Read website
Rotherham

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News: Local waste project down to two bidders

Two specialist companies are to go forward to the next stage of bidding to plan for and manage the future treatment of leftover household waste in Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham.

They are Sita Lend Lease and 3SE (a consortium of Shanks Group plc and Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd). Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham councils, working together as the BDR Waste Partnership, will now press ahead to the next stage of the procurement of waste treatment facilities.

£77.4m of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) funding has been secured from central government's Waste Infrastructure Development Programme to deliver the development.

Four waste specialist organisations had put forward different proposals to build and run the facility, using a range of different technologiess and a site at Bolton Road, Manvers, is being proposed.

The 3SE partnership will use proven waste treatment technology at the site to produce a renewable and green fuel for use at Scottish and Southern Energy's Ferrybridge site. The "green"' energy produced can then be used by the region's residents and businesses.

plans to utilise the BDR Waste Partnership's Bolton Road site as the location for the Dearne Valley Treatment and Energy Centre (TEC), a high tech recycling and renewable energy plant that will help the partnership deliver UK Government recycling and landfill diversion performance targets.

The shortlisted bidders' proposals will now be further evaluated, before just one is selected later this year as the preferred contractor to take the proposal forward to the pre-planning stage.

BDR Waste Partnership Board Chair Richard Russell said: "It has been a tough decision to take with such high quality and innovative proposals on the table. We will now be looking in more detail at what both bidders are proposing before making a final choice.

"This project is vital to us achieving our aim of reducing the amount we send to landfill. All local authorities must do this - if we don't, we face very heavy fines. At the moment, most of this leftover waste goes to landfill, but landfill sites across the country are almost full, and they produce harmful greenhouses gases which damage the environment.

"We want a solution which will be environmentally friendly. It will also create up to 300 jobs during the construction phase, with up to 80 permanent jobs after that, many of which will be filled by local people.

"However, nothing will go ahead until there has been a full planning application. This means local people will be able to look at the detailed proposals and comment on them."

BDR website
Rotherham

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News: RJD Engineering achieves prestigious welding certification

Rotherham firm, RJD Engineering has become one of a select few of UK companies to be awarded a prestigious welding accreditation.

The ISO 3834 Part 2 Award covers fusion welding of metals and is recognised by the achievement of certification to three governing bodies - TWI (The Welding Institute), EWF (European Welding Federation) and IIW (International Institute of Welding).

Based at Hellaby, fabricators and design engineers, RJD have clients from a diverse range of industries including the oil and gas industries, rail, construction, engineering industries, the water industry, process engineering, highways/roads, leisure industry, food and sugar industry, in retail hotels and shops and local authorities, plus the steel industry and glass industry.

Alan Powney, responsible welding coordinator at RJD said: "We are delighted to be one of a select few whose welding activities have been recognized in this way, we have always strived to improve our quality and this achievement should provide our clients with added confidence in RJD's welded fabrications."

Mike Howard, managing director at RJD added: "Our successful Certification indicates RJD's constant strive for improvement. We now feel we have a solid base to not only protect our existing Client base but to reach out into more diverse markets."

The accreditation was awarded by TWI Certification Ltd, a member company of The Welding Institute. TWI (Yorkshire) Ltd is pioneering new welding techniques from their premises on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

RJD Engineering website
Rotherham

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News: Rotherham Enterprise helps young entrepreneur see the light

Rotherham Enterprise has helped a young entrepreneur establish her own business just three days after being made redundant.


Deborah Bailey, 28, of Wath upon Dearne, set up successful exhibition lighting manufacturing company, Aardvark Display Lighting, within 72 hours of being laid off from her management job at a Sheffield light specialists.

The broadcasting and digital communications graduate spent ten years at Transform Lighting Ltd, running the retail side of the business, until bosses announced it was to cease trading, due to the tough economic climate.

Deborah managed to strike a deal with administrators, persuading them to sell her the company's existing leftover stock so she could set up her own enterprise. Within three days she was pulling in orders from the company's old client base, but urgently needed a workshop to produce her goods.

Deborah said: "After gaining the old stock from administrators, I read lighting manufacturing instruction books and redirected the old store's number to my phone so I was receiving all the orders, but without a workplace to create the light fittings I was in a difficult position."

The young entrepreneur approached Rotherham Enterprise, who through Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), provided a workshop unit at Century Business Centre rent free for six months.

"We are very lucky to have a project like Rotherham Enterprise who were able to provide the help and support I needed to set my business up.

"I now sell my spotlights to suppliers for exhibitions all over the country, including spotlights in Windsor castle and for BMW showcases. I absolutely love coming to work and although setting up was manic, I had nothing to lose and the help I received from Rotherham Enterprise has been essential."

Jackie Frost, from Rotherham Enterprise said: "Deborah's business credibility, determination and ability to make key opportunity seizing decisions, has been fundamental to the brilliant success of her company.

"We are thrilled to have been able to help Deborah out with her new enterprise by offering one of our workshops to use until she becomes fully established and wish her all the best with what we are sure will be a bright future."

Aardvark Display Lighting website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website
Rotherham

Images: RYE / aardvarkdisplaylighting.co.uk

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News: Archives highlight life of Rotherham businessman

The latest display from Rotherham Archives highlights John Mason, Jewellers and Clockmakers of High Street, in the town centre and the family behind the business.

The display will comprise of a wide variety of material, including copies of photographs, an ordnance survey map, extracts from printed material and an office rental receipt.

John Mason's family were clockmakers dating back to the seventeenth century. His shop specialised in the sale of jewellery, clocks and silverware for more than 120 years.

Determined to make his mark on the world, he built his own High Street shop, which at the time was described as one of the finest of its kind in the North of England.

By 1871, as a 40-year-old man with a few decades worth of experience behind him, John had expanded his business to include jewellery and was employing four men.

Ever ambitious, just a few years later, he opened another shop, this time in Mexborough, and soon after that became embroiled in Rotherham's ever-tumultuous political scene, becoming a councillor in the early 1880s and going on to serve as Mayor in 1888.

By 1901, the year he retired from politics, he had expanded his business still further, setting up a shop in Barnsley.

John died on the June 29, 1914. His obituary noted that he was "one of the oldest inhabitants and best-known public workers in Rotherham."

Mason left his imprint on Rotherham in numerous ways and his work can still be seen. The Hastings Clock at Walker Place was created by Mason in 1912 and presented to the town by local businessman James Hastings to commemorate the coronation of King George V.

The building at the top of the High Street was bought and taken over by Hamby's in 2003 and is set to be restored to it's former glory as part of the £5m Heritage Lottery-Funded (HLF) Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Plans have been approved for the restoration and reinstatement of architectural features at 32 - 46 High Street including a new shop front to Hamby's which will restore the building to it's original appearance.

Other features include restoring the spire, new decorative gable panels, a new roof, stained glass and new sash windows.

THI website
Rotherham

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News: Work begins on Rotherham station redevelopment

Work will get underway this week on the £8.5m redevelopment of Rotherham station in the town centre.

Architects, Aedas, produced the plans that involve replacing the existing building with a modern, lightweight entrance structure which will include a new passenger waiting lounge, ticket office and retail area.

Extensive improvements to the platforms, access, car parking and CCTV will also take place. The architectural design focuses on creating a building of iconic character, incorporating a dynamic roof.

Plans were submitted last month for the demolition of the former warehouse next to the canal and significant landscaping works to compliment the new station.

A temporary station will be constructed and during this time the station will operate as normal with access to platforms 1 and 2 down the ramps from the main entrance.

David Young, Director of Customer Experience at South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive said: "Passengers deserve state of the art facilities and the new station at Rotherham will provide a fully accessible, safe and secure environment for people to start and finish their journeys."

Councillor Gerald Smith, the councils Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation said: "Almost half a million people a year use the station so this project is a real boost for Rotherham town centre. The new improved gateway will complement a range of projects started, or soon to start, as part of the Renaissance programme.

"The innovative design for the station has the potential to be a landmark, a symbol of the Renaissance ambitions as well as a means of attracting more jobs to the centre and providing Rotherham people with a public transport facility they can be proud of."

The redevelopment is set to be completed early in 2011.

As a key project in the Rotherham Renaissance programme, the investment required to deliver improvements of this scale and quality is pulled together from a range of sources, including European funding, Yorkshire Forward, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Network Rail.

A Platform for change website
Rotherham

Images: aplatformforchange.co.uk

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News: Metalysis appoint new commercial director

Rotherham firm, Metalysis has appointed Chris Stokes, a former director of London Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Ltd, as Commercial Director as the company embarks on commercialisation of the FFC process.



Based in Manvers, Metalysis 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.

Using the process, the company has developed an important new technology for producing tantalum, titanium and other metals.

Stokes' appointment follows the successful conclusion of a £3.4million funding round in January 2010, in which all of the company's venture capital partners have invested further funds. This funding will be used to scale-up manufacturing processes.

Mark Bertolini, Chief Executive of Metalysis said: "Chris brings a wealth of commercial, sales and business development experience to Metalysis. His expertise, networks and understanding of metals technologies, processes and markets will be especially valuable. He will play a vital role through the company's commercialisation and market entry."

The Metalysis business, while focused mainly at present on scaling up its innovative technology, is already supplying low volumes of metallurgical grade powders. From 2010 the company will embark upon the commercialisation of its technology. It expects to see substantially increased sales as its semi-continuous pilot production plant comes on stream. Following successful completion of that two-year project, in its next phase of commercialisation the company will begin competing for volume markets serving such worldwide industries as aerospace, marine, medical, chemical, automotive and electronics.

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 in science and engineering, scale-up and commercial development operations. Metalysis holds 24 patent families, filed in 88 countries.

Metalysis website
Rotherham

Images: Metalysis

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News: Bramall laying the foundations of new council homes

Rotherham company, Bramall Construction has begun work on the first council homes to be built in Derby in 30 years.

The new development will see £2.65 million invested in building an environmentally friendly mix of homes - 12 apartments and 13 houses. This includes a £1.3m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – the national housing and regeneration agency – through the Government's Local Authority New Build programme.

It is being delivered by Bramall Construction in partnership with Derby City Council, Derby Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency.

The homes will be built to Levels 4 and 5 of the Government's Code for Sustainable Homes, which is a first for the city.

Bramall Construction Managing Director Neil Baxter said: "When complete, these homes will represent a great step forward in the provision of high quality affordable housing in Derby. But this is not just about building better homes; we also intend to train and employ local people, where possible, during the construction of these homes, helping to further regenerate the area by providing opportunities for them to build better lives for themselves.

"We're looking forward to delivering this exciting project."

The scheme is scheduled to be completed by Christmas 2010.

Bramall website
Rotherham

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News: Finance Yorkshire prepares to launch

Finance Yorkshire has organised a number of events in March to launch the £90m fund set up to provide businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region with funding to start and grow.

The fund will be unveiled by The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister for Regional Economic Development and Co-ordination, at the Leeds event on Friday March 12 and a South Yorkshire event is to take place at The Cutlers Hall, Sheffield on March 16.

Finance Yorkshire can provide seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15k to £2m, specifically to help small and medium businesses meet the gaps in the market for the funding they need for growth and development.

It will be capitalised by grants from Yorkshire Forward's Single Programme (£15m), European Regional Development Fund (£30m) and the JEREMIE initiative from the European Investment Bank (£45m).

The fund is a result of work by the Rotherham based South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF) with Partnership Investment Finance (PIF) and Yorkshire Forward.

Finance Yorkshire website
Rotherham

Images: finance-yorkshire.com

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News: Apprenticeship event for Rotherham manufacturers

Manufacturers and engineers in Rotherham are being invited to a special breakfast briefing where they will hear from the town's leading companies on how they are solving industrial skills shortages.

The event takes place at the Advanced Manufacturing Park on March 19.

Most companies recognise the need to ensure that valuable skills are passed onto the next generation of employees and that business demands puts pressure on investment in training and development.

Newburgh Engineering and AESSEAL from Rotherham have found a way to solve that conundrum with apprentices and will be sharing their experience at the special breakfast briefing. They are investing in apprenticeships to help them tap into innovation and fresh ideas. They are ensuring that essential skills are retained so their companies have a long term future. They see apprenticeships as the skills solution for manufacturers and engineers.

Vince Middleton, managing director of Newburgh Engineering Ltd said: "We are totally committed to growing our workforce through apprenticeships. Our experience has shown that there is real talent in South Yorkshire among our young people. With the proper training and support they become enthusiastic, committed and valuable employees – it's the way forward for our sector and we'd encourage others to do the same."

At the briefing delegates will have an opportunity to find out about training and support that is available to them from various agencies to help them take on a new apprenticeship. There will be networking opportunities and the chance to discover how Made in Sheffield and its branding can help them win more business. Delegates can also take a tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Park to learn about its facilities.

To book a place for the breakfast briefing contact Nicki Burrow on 01709 336700 or email nicki.burrow@be-sy.co.uk

Newburgh Engineering website
AESSEAL website
Rotherham

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News: Dearne Valley College hosts free business breakfast

The Business Training Team at Dearne Valley College (DVC) is hosting a free Business Breakfast on March 11.

The aim of the event is for the colleges's Business Training Team to provide information on training opportunities and funding streams available to local businesses and allow participants to network and share experiences with other employers.

This year's guest speaker is Jean Stewart who currently runs JS Development and specialises in assisting businesses to develop and grow by running courses whilst providing mentoring. In her own light-hearted style Jean will talk about "How to Ensure Business Failure", and give real life examples of how not to run an organisation.

Other speakers will include Suzanna Prout, managing director from Xenonex Ltd who will talk about how to get the best from your staff. Xenonex Ltd provides a range of professional executive coaching, consultancy and development services to individuals, teams and organisations in all sectors.

Kaye Williams, DVC Business Development Manager said: "The Business Breakfast is an ideal opportunity to provide local employers with information on training opportunities. There are various funding streams available for training which we would encourage businesses to take advantage of."

Jon Broadhurst from the recently opened Park Inn Hotel from Manvers will talk about the hotel and its services.

The free event takes place at the college from 8.00am - 10.00am on March 11.

DVC website
Rotherham

Images: dearne-coll.ac.uk

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News: College progresses new Rotherham town centre campus

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) are progressing with plans to create a new campus in Rotherham town centre.

The college has announced phase one of a five phase development which is forecasted to cost in the region of £7m to build. This will provide a new focal point entrance for the campus development and classrooms and facilities equipped to 21st century standards.

The new building will link in with the existing advanced manufacturing facilities and provide improved facilities for the development of higher level and technical skills courses.

Planning permission was secured for a £70m redevelopment in January last year, the same month as the much publicised national debacle regarding the allocation of capital funds for projects by the Learning & Skills Council.

Since then, the college has conducted a reappraisal of its development plans and determined that a new proposal will now be pursued.

George Trow, RCAT's principal and chief executive said: "Clearly, the national capital build issues of last year had a considerable effect on plans for over 100 colleges as the funding intended to support new build projects collapsed. This has had an adverse effect on many colleges who have yet to recover from the difficulties the issues but before the dust had settled on this matter, we had begun a reappraisal process to consider how best to respond to the issue and move forward.

"Our new plans are part of a phased approach to the redevelopment of the town centre campus and reflect the needs and aspirations of the college and our determination to provide the best facilities for our community and stakeholders.

"The new proposals demonstrate our commitment to providing first class facilities and we are all very excited about the prospect of this fantastic new facility right in the heart of Rotherham. As well as the new facilities the building will provide, we aim to join together other buildings to form a campus arrangement and the project plans include landscaped open spaces that will be functional and visually appealing.


"Our immediate plans are to gain approval for the project from the Learning and Skills Council and local planning authorities but if everything goes in our favour, we hope to have the new building work complete by August 2011."

RCAT website
Rotherham

Images: RCAT

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News: Businesses get together to tackle carbon emissions issue in Rotherham

Over 40 businesses involved with the advanced engineering and materials (AEM) sectors attended the second AEM Innovation Network event held at NAMTEC (the National Metal Technology Centre) in Rotherham recently.

The event looked at the ways that industry can work together to encourage innovation in low carbon vehicle technologies.

The main theme was to focus on how to access the £19m of Government funding that is available for suppliers into the automotive industry, as part of producing vehicles with lower carbon emissions.

Speakers at the event included Tim O'Brien from the TSB (Technology Systems Board), Colin Johnston from Materials KTN and Alan McLelland, AEM Director from NAMTEC.

Alan McLelland from NAMTEC said: "There are many businesses in this region that are involved with the supply chain to the automotive industry and it is therefore vital that they can collaborate, in order to take advantage of the opportunities that this presents.

"The next generation of vehicles need to consume less energy to manufacture and also less emissions to run. With the Government looking to award funding in the next few months for development projects in this area, the event was designed to give this region's manufacturers the opportunity to collaborate and put forward proposals to help develop vehicle technologies that will play a vital role in the future of the motor industry."

The AEM Innovation Network provides an opportunity for manufacturing businesses to benefit from research and development and to secure funding for this from organisations such as Business Link, the Technology Strategy Board and the European Regional Development Fund.

The next innovation event will be held during April and will be a workshop focused on the Modern Built Environment.

AEM Yorkshire website
Rotherham

Images: aemyorkshire.com

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News: Fashion boutique opening in Rotherham town centre

Women's fashion boutique, Boo is set open in Rotherham town centre this month.

Boo becomes the latest business to breathe new life into one of the flagship projects for Rotherham's Renaissance Programme – the newly-restored Imperial Buildings. It joins The Jeweller's Exchange, and women's clothing and accessories boutique, Yella Brick Road.

It is also the latest retail business to benefit from Rotherham Borough Council's successful business vitality rental and fit-out grants.

Owner Michelle Black said: "I'm so thrilled to be joining the arcade and having a presence in Rotherham town centre. It's been something I have wanted to do for a while, but the grants helped me take that step. I already have another boutique in Mexborough so I know there is a market there for the clothing I sell."

Expect to see a wide range of high-quality fashion clothing but without the boutique price tag, alongside a range of shoes, accessories, handbags and bespoke jewellery. The first 50 customers will receive a goodie bag from Michelle to celebrate her opening.

Also in the Imperial Buildings, Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR) are busy preparing the internal arcade and three units ready to open their arts gallery in March.

Paul Lancaster of Rees Denton, the commercial letting agent for the building, said: "I continue to be enthusiastic about the prospects for this building. I am carrying out regular viewings and I'm currently in detailed discussions with further potential tenants regarding terms. I am excited about the tenant mix that we are attracting and confident that this building will, as a consequence, be a great success."

The council's Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation, Cllr Gerald Smith, said: "It's great to see this building beginning to achieve our ambitions, with the 116 new apartments in this area now fully let and providing a great customer base for our new Imperial retailers."

Boo boutique is set open on Saturday February 20.

Rotherham town centre website
Rotherham Renaissance website

Rotherham

Images: Rotherham Renaissance

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News: Rotherham rooting for Winter Olympic hopefuls

Rotherham has sent a civic message of good luck to Britain's top bobsleigh champions on the brink of Winter Olympic glory in Vancouver.

Olympic medallist Shelley Rudman, fiancé and triple-crown holder Kristan Bromley and world champion Nicola Minichiello were buoyed by the message as they counted down to the start of the Games at the weekend - when Shelley carried the Union Flag at the opening ceremony.

Rotherham Council Leader Cllr Roger Stone and Mayor Shaukat Ali told them: "We are very proud of your connection with South Yorkshire and, in our case especially, with Bromley Technologies in Rotherham.

"But even without the Rotherham connection we feel you deserve the very best in Vancouver, as you have given such commitment, trained so hard and come through so much.

"So, this is to say congratulations on being selected and the very best of luck to you and all the team, on behalf of the people and Borough Council of Rotherham. We shall be cheering you on - and we know we shan't be the only ones in Rotherham!"

The trio are supported by Bromley Technologies, formed by engineering brothers Kristan and Richard and based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). The company specialises in athlete-focused engineering technology, with its state-of-the-art test facility that helps finesse sporting talent.

Bromley's chief operating officer, Mike Maddock, said: "The guys were absolutely delighted to receive the message from the Council Leader and the Mayor. They're on the practice runs now and it gave them a nice boost to know that people are thinking of them, and they wanted to say thank you to the people of Rotherham.

"Bobsleigh and bob skeleton aren't very well known in the UK. The more profile we can give our athletes, and the more the public know we are one of the world's top winter-sport nations in those, the better. So I would back the leader and mayor and say to people - please support Shelley, Kristan and Nicola over the next two weeks."

The Winter Olympics started on Friday. Shelley and Kristan race on February 18 and 19, Nicola on February 23 and 24.

Bromley Technologies website
Rotherham

Images: vancouver2010.teamgb.com

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News: Rotherham expertise could prove the difference in quest for medals

Technical expertise from North America, Europe and the UK has been brought together by Bromley Technologies in Rotherham to complete the final parts of a technology package that could propel Team GB's top medal hopes Shelley Rudman and Kristan Bromley to success in the Winter Olympics.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, Bromley Technologies combined with fellow AMP residents Materialise UK Ltd and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) to work with American firm, Mentor Graphics Corporation to provide an aerodynamic package which could provide the extra performance edge needed at Vancouver.

As aerodynamics are relatively easy for competitor teams to copy, the ultimate aerodynamic design was finalised after the last race of the World Cup season leaving a very short turn around time to test the proposed package, analyse the results and make the decision to go ahead with the new designs or not.

Working around the clock, simulations were undertaken by Bromley Technologies Ltd, using FLoEFD software by permission of Mentor Graphics Corporation to assess potential aerodynamic gain, and finalise the potential pan design.

The pan was designed, manufactured and delivered within 48 hours by Materialise in the UK and Belgium, and tests in St. Moritz proved the results of the analysis and simulations. The decision was made to go ahead with the new design for the Olympics and this required a final mould to be manufactured; the pans laid up, made and trimmed, before final fittings and preparations prior to being shipped to Canada.

Again another race against time, the design files were finalised by the Bromley Technologies team and forwarded to the AMRC who used their stat-of-the-art five-axis machine to produce moulds in a matter of days. The Bromley Technologies engineers then laid up the two pans to have them ready to fly out with the athletes.

Mike Maddock, COO of Bromley Technologies said: "I just want to say a huge thanks to Mentor Graphics, Materialise and the AMRC for their help in bringing together the final pieces of the Olympic skeleton technology programme. Without their help and that of our other Formula Ice sponsor companies, we would not have had the successful World Cup campaigns this season, and certainly wouldn't be going into Vancouver as serious medal contenders."

"It's great to be able to showcase such technological expertise on a world stage, and to illustrate through our Formula Ice programme how companies can come together to collaborate and help create something really special."

Philip Hudson, managing director, Materialise UK Ltd, said: "We're pleased that Materialise have supported Shelley and Kristan's Olympic medal bid. It's been a real team effort both here in the UK and in Belgium, and shows the capabilities available through the latest rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques. We wish them every success this week in Vancouver."

Professor Keith Ridgway, AMRC co-founder, said: "We are delighted to be working alongside a world-class company in Bromley Techologies. With our combined expertise in engineering technology, we have developed an innovative package, and will be eagerly watching Kristan and Shelley's performance and wish them every success at the games."

Bromley Technologies website
Materialise websiteAMRC website
Rotherham

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News: Yorkshire targets Government re-location

A new prospectus to encourage Government departments to re-locate to Yorkshire and The Humber has been published.

Commissioned by the Regional Minister, Rosie Winterton and published by Yorkshire Forward, "Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government – a prospectus for Yorkshire and The Humber", sets out the business case for Yorkshire and The Humber as an excellent location for civil service activities and jobs.

Ms Winterton said: "We have a good track record of attracting relocations and already have a significant presence of civil service operations here. This all adds up to a strong case for Yorkshire and The Humber as a base for civil service activities."

Over 636,000 people are currently employed in public administration in the region. In addition, Yorkshire and The Humber also has some major central government departments including the Department for Work and Pensions in the Dearne Valley.

Key points in the prospectus include competetive costs, a highlighy skilled workforce, good transport links and the importnace of quality of life and cost of living.

Ms Winterton said: "These strengths help to explain why Yorkshire and The Humber attracted the biggest shares of a previous programme to re-locate posts from London and the South-East.

"The aim of this new prospectus is to highlight again all that our region has to offer to encourage more public sector jobs and the economic and social benefits that they bring."

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said: "Yorkshire and Humber has an excellent standard of living and the right infrastructure to support the relocation of Government operations into the region. We have a strong track record of successfully achieving this in a way which maintains the highest quality of service and keeps costs down; enabling resources to be redirected into frontline services where they are most needed."

Last month, outline plans were approved for a 60,000 sq m government office campus at Waverley in Rotherham.

Yorkshire Forward website
Rotherham

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News: Bin deal for Rotherham manufacturer

Rotherham manufacturers, MGB Plastics Limited has secured a contract to supply 250,000 wheelie bins to the North East.

MGB Plastics will manufacture all of the bins at its facility in Rotherham and will deliver the wheeled bins direct to the households served by South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and Gateshead Council.

Commenting on the successful tender, MGB Plastics General Manager, Conor Sugrue said: "We are delighted to have been successful in winning the tender to supply South Tyneside, Sunderland and Gateshead with 240L wheeled bins. We believe that this contract win further enhances MGB's position as the leading manufacturer of wheeled bins in the UK and is testament to our unique distribution service which allows for the direct delivery of wheeled bins from our factory in Rotherham to the household."

MGB Plastics Limited is the UK's leading manufacturer of wheelie bins with capacity of around 1.25 million wheelie bins per annum.

Operating from a 5,000 sq m modern manufacturing facility on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate in Rotherham, MGB uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that only bins of the highest quality are produced.

Formerly Titan Plastech, One51 plc acquired the wheelie bin business of Titan from Kingspan plc in 2008. The tender in the North East follows similar deals to supply 100,000 wheelie bins to households in Walsall and 200,000 bins to households in Hull.

MGB Plastics website
Rotherham

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News: Rotherham Enterprise helps create 50 new businesses

Rotherham Enterprise, the project set up to help new and existing businesses develop, is celebrating helping more than 50 people turn entrepreneur and make their business dream a reality.


Rachel Clark from Rotherham Enterprise said: "We are delighted that in our first year we have helped more than 50 individuals set up their own businesses.

"We set out to develop and foster an enterprising culture across our local communities by promoting self-employment and enterprising opportunities for individuals and businesses. We are really thrilled by our success to date and are sure there are many more people out there who can turn an idea into a thriving business."

The project, funded by European Regional Development Fund, employs teams of business coaches and business support officers to work closely with communities and with individuals who want to start or already run their own business.

The coaches are able to offer free advice and can help people to develop their ideas and mentor them through the first steps of setting up a company or give them the direction they need to grow their business.

A number of the new businesses have been featured on Rothbiz including Empire Medical Training Services, set up by Chris Unwin to deliver first aid training courses and services to private and public sector organisations, and Phoenix Luxury Interiors, an interior installation company set up by Danny Winterman, from Dinnington.

"There are many opportunities for people to become self employed and in the current economic climate it is extremely important for people to know that free and confidential help is available," added Rachel.

Rotherham Investment and Development Office
Rotherham Enterprise Board
Rotherham

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News: Accolade for Inditherm patient warming systems

Rotherham company, Inditherm has received a prestigious award for its patient warming systems used during surgery.

Sponsored by the UK Department of Health, the award for Suppliers Delivering Sustainability at the Community Partnerships Awards, recognised the contribution of Inditherm systems to improving patient care, affordability and reducing environmental impact.

Inditherm's energy efficient polymer technology is used in heating mattresses, pipework, sports pitches, storage vessels and medical treatments.

Their niche medical products include the CosyTherm neonatal range and their systems can warm patients during surgery at the same running cost as a light-bulb.

This is helping hospitals to meet the UK's NICE guidelines on perioperative hypothermia, where traditional patient warming systems are putting a significant extra burden on budgets.

What has not always been appreciated is the environmental advantage that can be gained. In their presentation to the judging panel, Inditherm highlighted that with historic warming practice savings of 1,000 kWh per operating theatre would be realised each year by adopting Inditherm technology.

Inditherm Chief Executive, Nick Bettles, said: "This award clearly recognises the contribution our patient warming systems can offer to the NHS. The judging panel was led by senior Department of Health and NHS managers and took into account the improved clinical care, dramatic reduction in expenditure and significant environmental contribution.

"The process leading to the award was rigorous and endorses the opportunity Inditherm technology provides for hospitals to meet NICE guidelines at the same time as reducing costs. This must be attractive to the NHS in the current economic climate."

Inditherm website
Rotherham

Images: inditherm.co.uk

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News: Rotherham design engineers helping bridge get back into full swing

A 1920s bridge is getting back into the swing of things thanks to Rotherham engineering consultancy, Eadon Consultanting.

Last month, the Bristol Dock Junction Lock Swing Bridge swung across the Cumberland Basin in Bristol after being out of commission for approximately four months.

The highway bridge weighs 650 tonnes and dates from 1925. It is a riveted construction and has two carriageways, each with a pedestrian walkway. As part of the Bristol City Docks Operating Infrastructure Project, the operating mechanism has been upgraded. The existing system, which uses water hydraulics, is being replaced by a modern oil hydraulic system.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, Eadon Consulting designed the new mechanical operating equipment and bearings, working as sub-consultant for fellow Rotherham company, Atkins Bennett Ltd.

The old operating mechanism dates back to when the bridge was installed and requires frequent costly maintenance. The new system will be more robust and will mean that the operating mechanism requires less maintenance, and will therefore be more cost effective.

A unique and novel pintle design met the key challenge of dealing with the massive horizontal forces that were being applied to the central pintle support.

The pressure to move the bridge last month was recorded at 7 bar, equivalent to a force of less than 70kN, compared to the previously recorded normal force of over 200kN.

The BAM Nuttal Limited project for Bristol City Council is now nearing the final stages of completion.

Eadon Consulting website
Atkins Bennett website
Rotherham

Images: eadonconsulting.co.uk

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News: Rotherham MPs on the AMP

Two Rotherham MPs took part in a roundtable discussion with businesses based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) Technology Centre in Rotherham last week.

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane and Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron sat down with representatives from some of Yorkshire's most innovative advanced manufacturing companies to find out how they think the Government can help them continue to grow and deliver jobs and prosperity for the region.

Creative Space Management (CSM), which manages the AMP Technology Centre for owners Yorkshire Forward, has organised the roundtable discussion and tour of the AMP.

"This is a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with their MPs to talk about the current challenges and opportunities they are facing and suggest ways in which the Government can help," said CSM Director Paul Taylor.

Organisations meeting the MPs include: Fripp Design and Research, a product design, research and business consultancy which aims to more than double its workforce on the park in 2010; HBM UK, a global market leader in test and measurement, and weighing technologies; cleantech company ITI Energy; the UK branch of the Materialise Group, best known for its activities in the field of rapid prototyping; and Creative Sheffield, whose investment managers are instrumental in attracting investors to move to the AMP.

At the AMP, world-leading materials and structures R&D organisations are partnering industry innovators and international brands to create a centre of advanced manufacturing excellence with a global reputation. Based at the hub of the Park, the Technology Centre provides small and start-up high-tech companies with a support infrastructure designed to help them turn innovative ideas into commercial reality in an environment which accelerates growth.

Kevin Barron MP said: "The past and future investment on this site is leading the way in 21st century manufacturing technology, all those who are involved should be very proud."

AMP website
Rotherham

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News: Beatson Clark appoints new MD

Rotherham glass manufacturer, Beatson Clark, has announced the appointment of Tony McLoughlin to the position of managing director.

Tony joins from First Milk Cheese Company, having previously spent several years within some of the country's leading companies such as Procter and Gamble, Cadbury Trebor Bassett and more recently as divisional supply chain director at Northern Foods.

Tony said: "This is an exciting opportunity that will allow me to utilise my knowledge and expertise in the consumer market to further develop Beatson Clark's enviable reputation as the leading UK manufacturer of niche glass containers.

"My initial focus is service and quality, building on the excellent levels we attain at present and further developing them in line with the business objectives of 'delivering the difference'. My understanding of the food business and its requirements will be greatly beneficial to this role and I certainly look forward to the exciting challenges ahead."

In the last few years, Beatson Clark has invested £3m in their Greasbrough Road facility.

Beatson Clark website
Rotherham

Images: beatsonclark.co.uk

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News: Newburgh gives engineering schools an insight into industry

80 teachers from specialist engineering schools across the country visited Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham this week, to give them a better insight into the operation of a high precision engineering business.


The visit, which was part of a two day Engineering Conference being held in South Yorkshire by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, involved a presentation by Newburgh's Managing Director Vincent Middleton and a tour of the state-of-the-art factory at Templeborough.

James Pitt, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) Consultant said: "All the teachers who visited Newburgh work directly with pupils studying engineering subjects at school. It is important for them to keep up to date with the changing requirements of the industry and to give them an even better understanding of what employers are looking for.

"The visit gave us a fascinating insight into the role of an Apprentice engineer and how precision manufacturers like Newburgh are working to meet the challenges of the skills shortage in engineering."

Vincent Middleton, Managing Director of Newburgh Engineering, added: "The future success and competitiveness of the UK engineering companies depends on being able to attract and retain highly skilled Apprentices.

"We are working closely with a number of schools in order to demonstrate the opportunities for bright, dynamic students who choose Engineering as a career. The visit by the SSAT teachers was an important part of this, as they have direct contact with this country's future Apprentice engineers, who are so important to ensure the longevity and competitiveness of this industry."

Newburgh utilises manufacturing cells, dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

Newburgh Engineering runs its New Era Apprenticeship programme with local training provider Brinsworth Training, which was designed to create a highly skilled breed of young engineers.

Newburgh website
Rotherham

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