News: Business blossoms in Rotherham

A green fingered florist is celebrating a blossoming first year in business following help and advice from The Rotherham Enterprise Project.



Artistic Alice Goodwin, aged 40, from Kimberworth Park, had twenty years experience in floristry when she chose to go it alone and establish Alice in Flowerland, selling a variety of balloons and cards along with tailor made floral arrangements.

Alice said: "Putting a smile on people's faces when you hand them a beautiful bouquet of flowers is one feeling that makes you feel on top of the world - plus I get the chance to be really creative.

"But I ended up spending a lot of money on my van and refurbishing the shop, which had to be gutted and needed new windows and rewiring. A trained advisor from The Rotherham Enterprise Project helped me with all these things, including other business queries such as my tax returns, employment queries, and rent reviews.

"Now I'm fully booked for the wedding season throughout August and am doing at least one a week!"

Alice's friendly disposition is reflected in her charity work, which has involved raffling off bouquets and donating tips to Rotherham Hospice.

The Rotherham Enterprise Project offers professional support for businesses and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Rachel Clark, Community Business Coach Manager at RiDO, one of the delivery partners of The Rotherham Enterprise Project said: "It is clear that Alice has an imaginative talent that has spurred her on to set up a well placed business which is proving to be a fantastic success.

"We are thrilled our advice could be of such value to Alice, who is an inspiring individual to those who want to set up their own enterprise and we hope her business will continue to grow and prosper."

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: Rotherham Enterprise

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News: Fripp Design strengthens senior management team

Rotherham-based Fripp Design and Research, one of the UK's leading product design, research and business consultancies, has appointed Charles Turner, managing director of Sheffield based knife manufacturer Durham Duplex, as non executive chairman.

The appointment reflects Fripp Design and Research's plan to launch a manufacturing facility.

Turner, who is also chairman of Made in Sheffield, will assist in guiding the company through the transition from service delivery provider into manufacturing.

Fripp Design and Research's original mission was to develop its own Intellectual Property (IP) and license it to third parties. The company has subsequently identified that there is a strategic opportunity for it to use its Research, Design and IP expertise and combine it with in-house manufacturing, to deliver innovative concepts and solutions.

Sue Roberts, director at Fripp Design and Research said: "Charles' wealth of experience and network of contacts will be an invaluable asset. He will not only bring an objective perspective, but will also provide the checks and balances needed to help us deal with the challenges that lie ahead."

Charles Turner added: "Fripp is an exciting company. It is following a well respected path of UK innovators that recognise it is possible to gain a competitive advantage through the development and manufacture of IP, something which the Sheffield region has a proud history of doing.

"I’m looking forward to providing the company with the support and advice it needs, as it continues to evolve."

From their premises on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Fripp Design and Research has significantly increased its customer base over the past year, adding well-known names such as B&Q, Boots, Balfour Beatty, The Wellcome Trust and Sheffield University to its portfolio.

It has also seen turnover more than double in the last financial year and has ambitious plans for further sustained growth.

Fripp Design and Research website

Images: Fripp Design and Research

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News: Breakfast event for Dearne Valley businesses

A free business breakfast is being organised by the Dearne Valley Business Forum to help local companies identify how they can save money by improving their energy efficiency and environmental management.

John Healey, local MP for Wentworth and Dearne and former Housing Minister, will be the keynote speaker at next month's event, outlining his aspirations for the future of the area.

Businesses will also hear about the ambitious and exciting plans for the Dearne Valley as part of the emerging Eco-Vision, and the opportunities for businesses to become involved. The vision aims to transform the Dearne Valley into the lowest carbon community of its type in the UK by applying innovative and pioneering solutions to address climate change.

A host of organisations will also be on hand at the event to offer information and advice about free support and grants available to help businesses improve their green credentials. This could result in savings of time and money for their organisation; support compliance with upcoming legal and tax issues; help with accessing new green suppliers and winning new customers, as well as a reduction in carbon emissions.

The organisations will include Business Link, CO2 Sense, the Carbon Trust, Barnsley and Doncaster Chambers of Commerce, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, local environmental trust Groundwork, Dearne Valley College and the local authority business development teams.

For those businesses looking to relocate in the Dearne, property agents will be on hand to provide information about local sites and premises in the area which may be suitable.

The event, on Friday June 25, will be held at the Park Inn Hotel, Manvers, and will run from 8am -10am.

Dearne Valley Business Forum website

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News: Millers' success can boost local economy

All Saints Square in the town centre will become Millers Square this afternoon when the town gets the chance to wish their local football club all the best for the League Two Playoff final.


Rotherham United take on Dagenham & Redbridge at Wembley this Sunday for a place in the Football League One next season.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rose McNeely urged everyone who can to show their support for the team by coming into town.

The Mayor said: "This trip to Wembley is a huge boost for both the club and the town. I was there when they beat Aldershot last week and that was a great match, a great occasion and a great atmosphere. So I am sure Wembley will be even better and I hope everyone - both players and supporters alike - really enjoy it.

"A successful team makes a huge difference to both local morale and local economics. In addition, it would be absolutely wonderful if we can see League One football being played at the proposed new stadium just a stone's thrown from the town centre."

Plans are progressing for a 12,000 seat, multi-million pound stadium at the former Guest & Chrimes site close to the town centre for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Reaching the Playoff final is reported to be worth around £500,000 to the club, with much more revenue expected with success and a place in League One.

Nearly 15,000 supporters have already purchased tickets for the big day.

Rotherham United Chairman Tony Stewart is relishing the Wembley final and told the club's official site: "This is a day not just for the Football Club but for the town and borough of Rotherham as a whole.

"Events such as these can really bring the people of Rotherham together and with that kind of atmosphere and support behind us, we will have a fantastic chance of making it all the way to League One.

"I live in Rotherham, my business is in Rotherham and most of my employees are from Rotherham, that makes me very proud. I am extremely passionate and relentlessly dedicated to working with others to make a difference for Rotherham United Football Club."

The managing director of successful Rotherham business, ASD Lighting took over the club in 2008.

From 1pm today, manager Ronnie Moore will lead the team onto a platform in front of the Rotherham Minster to give fans the opportunity to wish them all the best before Sunday's decisive match.

Rotherham United website

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News: Corus returns to profit

Tata Steel Europe including the Corus sites in Rotherham has enjoyed a dramatic turnaround in fortunes after reporting a £355m pre-tax profit for the second half of the 2009-10 financial year.

The Indian-owned company reported that this was mainly due to a stronger order book leading to higher capacity utilisation and lower costs.

The profit is compared to a loss of £562m that Corus Steel Europe reported for the first half of the financial year.

Kirby Adams, the chief executive officer and managing director, said: "I am pleased to report the decisive measures we have been taking to combat the 35 per cent slump in European steel demand last year have succeeded in dramatically improving the company's financial and safety performance.

"The employees of Tata Steel Europe deserve great credit for achieving growth in market share, a higher value-added mix, significant and lasting cost reductions and in quarter four, the first profit after tax, in 18 months.

"As we move into a 'one company business' model, ever greater opportunities lie ahead to improve business performance and win customer support."

As part of a restructure in 2009, Corus announced in Rotherham that 700 jobs would be lost in Rotherham with a further 400 announced in July.

With signs that more positive trading conditions were emerging, this April they recruited 50 staff on an agency basis to support its manufacturing operation in Rotherham.

Corus still employ more than 1,500 people at its Rotherham and Stocksbridge plants, as well as its Rotherham technology centre.

Corus website

Images: corusgroup.com

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News: Rotherham apprentices visit nuclear fuel leader

Nine trainees on the innovative New ERA apprenticeship in Rotherham have gained a valuable insight into the nuclear power industry after visiting Westinghouse last week.

Westinghouse, a world leader in nuclear fuel provision and the manufacture of nuclear reactors, took the apprentices around their factory in Preston showing them how nuclear fuel is produced.

In the oxide fuels complex, Westinghouse's main production facility, the apprentices were shown how the raw material - uranium hexafluoride (hex) - is converted from a solid to a fine powder that is then processed to make pellets of nuclear fuel.

The visit is the latest in a series planned by New ERA programme creator, Newburgh Engineering. Managing director of Newburgh, Vincent Middleton, hopes that the visits will give the apprentices an appreciation of how high standards are set in the manufacturing world.

Vincent Middleton said: "At Westinghouse, the lads were shown that getting something 99.9% right isn't good enough, it has to be 100% or it's wrong. Making a mistake just isn't possible in an industry like nuclear power."

Newburgh has a long history of supplying to the UK nuclear industry, stretching right back to the first generation Magnox Reactors of the 1950s.

Other visits for the apprentices have included AESSEAL in Rotherham, DavyMarkham in Sheffield, and Perkins Engines in Stafford, giving the trainees different experiences of how their skills can be applied to real-life manufacturing industries.

The New ERA programme, created by Newburgh Engineering, Rotherham, and Air Accessories, Sheffield, offers an in-depth engineering course unlike any other.

Apprentices on the course, held at Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, will leave the 40 week programme with an NVQ Level 2 qualification in engineering and will have begun their training towards Level 3. They are guaranteed employment with their sponsors, who will complete their training.

The aim of the New ERA programme, due to finish in June, is to create a new generation of highly skilled engineers for South Yorkshire.

Newburgh Engineering website
Brinworth Training website

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News: BG Controls provides the best service and maintenance

Rotherham building controls specialist BG Controls has been awarded the title of "Best Service & Maintenance Provider" at this year's Building Controls Industry Awards.


The 2010 event brought together the companies, people and innovations that are achieving the highest professional standards in the building controls industry.

The Dinnington firm demonstrated outstanding levels of care and commitment to its clients in the provision of customer service and maintenance contracts for Building Management Systems.

The company showed that it has continued to meet clients' objectives over the past financial year by recording a 92% growth in its service division, BG Systems Support. It also reported that 93% of its maintenance customers return to BG Controls each year.

BG Systems Support Director Phil Bolus received the award at the ceremony, which was held at the Hilton Hotel in Coventry. Phil said: "This is the second time we have won a BCIA award in as many years.

"I would like to thank everyone at BG Systems Support who has helped us to achieve the service levels we offer. Because of them, we can boast a 24 hour call-out service and a bureau operation that is staffed 364 days a year, 15 hours a day, supporting 10 different product ranges."

BG Controls website

Images: bgcontrols.co.uk

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News: Major contract wins for Newburgh Engineering

Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham has secured a number of major contracts for the coming months.

With new contract wins in the rail, oil and gas, and nuclear sectors, commercial manager Matthew Jewitt is confident that these orders will continue to build on Newburgh's strong start to year, with this new business bringing in an additional £1.5m for the Templeborough company in 2010 / 2011.

He said: "These recent successes underline the strength in our service and also our commitment to our business partnerships. We have worked closely with our customers to develop manufacturing solutions that ensure their projects are delivered on cost without any compromise to their exacting product requirements."

The new contracts will be split between the Rotherham and Bradwell sites, and the work involves the manufacture of large, complex, safety critical component parts and assemblies.

Matthew added: "These are project critical items and Newburgh has shown yet again that we are the UK's premier manufacturer on this type of contract. Looking forwards, we have a fantastic capability and we are in an excellent position to win and deliver more contracts of this nature."

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 website

Images: newburgh.co.uk

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News: Bromley wins innovation award

Kristan Bromley of Bromley Technologies in Rotherham, has won the Innovation Award at the Yorkshire 42 under 42 Awards.

Insider Media hosts the business awards to help reward and recognise upcoming entrepreneurs. As well as winning the Innovation Award sponsored by Yorkshire Forward at the black tie dinner at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, Kristan was also shortlisted in the Yorkshire International Business category.

Set up by brothers Kristan and Richard and run with chief operating officer Mike Maddock, Bromley Technologies is 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.

Their philosophy is to centre athletes, sports practitioners and enthusiasts at the heart of the innovation process and surround them with an extremely high calibre team of engineers, technologists and scientists with proven track records in the Olympic, Formula One Motorsport and aerospace environments.

Kristan said: "It was a total surprise to win this award, and a great honour, particularly given the level of competition. The companies' success has really been a team effort and my fellow directors Dan, Mike and Richard share in the plaudits of the award.

"It has taken a number of years for us to establish the company as a leading player within the winter sports field, and to earn the reputation for leading edge technology and innovation, but it has been worth it.

"To be recognised for our innovation was particularly satisfying. Whether as athletes or business people you are continually looking for an edge over the competition, and technology and innovation offers a lucrative source to create that edge."

The company has three world, European and Olympic winners as its public faces - Kristan Bromley, the skeleton's first ever World and European champion, 2006 Olympic silver medallist and current world number two in the skeleton, Shelley Rudman, and Nicola Minichiello, part of the first British women's pair to win the World championship in 2009.

All three represented Great Britain at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Bromley Technologies website

Images: Bromley / AMP

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News: Rotherham manufacturing event

Award-winning Rotherham firm, AESSEAL is the venue for a manufacturing event for the region next month.

Hosted by South Yorkshire Manufacturing Forum and Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, the free event will include a welcome from AESSEAL director and former Master Cutler Gordon Bridge, before delegates are addressed by Richard Wright, Chair of the Yorkshire & Humber Manufacturing Task Force, on the Regional Manufacturing Strategy.

The strategy outlines what actions need be taken to help Yorkshire and Humber's manufacturing sector grow and become recognised internationally.

It identifies the actions and the support needed to grow manufacturing by over 50%, so it represents 20% of the regional economy by 2030, compared to the 13% it represents now.

Current Master Cutler James Newman will then speak about funding growth in manufacturing, in his role as Chair of Finance Yorkshire, the £90m regional venture and capital loan fund.

AESSEAL Chairman Chris Rea will be present to discuss export-led growth at his company. Established in 1981, they specialise in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals, bearing protectors and environmental control systems for process equipment, maximising reliability and protecting the environment from leakage. They now sell to 93 countries worldwide with subsidiaries in 33 countries.

The morning will conclude with an optional tour of AESSEAL.

The event takes place at AESSEAL's global headquarters in Templeborough on June 15 at 7:30am.

AESSEAL website
Chamber website

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News: Recognition for Bramall Construction apprentices

Rotherham firm Bramall Construction has been recognised for its apprenticeship scheme.


The Manvers company, which employs 58 apprentices nationwide in areas such as carpentry, joinery and bricklaying, scooped the Large Employer of the Year award at the regional finals of the Apprenticeship Awards.

In addition, Bramall's 18 year old apprentice, Jake Seddon who is completing a Plastering Apprenticeship at Barnsley College was highly commended within the Apprentice of the Year category.

Bramall Construction was commended by judges for making Apprenticeships the lifeblood of its business and for offering opportunities - particularly to less advantaged groups - allowing them to really turn their lives around. The panel also recognised the encouragement Bramall has given to apprentices to enter SkillBuild competitions and highlighted the company as an excellent role model.

Organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) the regional Apprenticeship Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the businesses that employ them. Bramall will now represent Yorkshire and the Humber and automatically go through to a judging panel for the National Apprenticeship Awards held on July 15 in London.

Nick Wilson, regional director for the NAS in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This year's awards were a terrific showcase of the outstanding wealth of Apprenticeship talent that we have across Yorkshire and the Humber.

"It's been a tough year for businesses and the economy, but the awards have given Apprenticeships the chance to shine - showing that they are key to growth during the economic upturn.

"All the finalists demonstrated what makes Apprenticeships so successful, not only in Yorkshire and the Humber but throughout England. The winners are now ambassadors for Apprenticeships and for the region’s dedication to this programme."

Bramall website

Images: bramall.com

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News: Pinpoint accuracy from Cutting & Wear

Rotherham-based Cutting and Wear has recently designed and developed a new 3-point micrometer for precision measurement in mechanical engineering.

Aimed at manufactures and service companies, the company's new 3-point micrometers enable direct measurement reading of stabilisers and similar tri-bladed equipment and brings an end to the use of awkward gauges.


With tungsten carbide anvils and lightweight frames they are easy to use and eliminates the need to hoist up one end of the items to be measured.

The new micrometers are supplied with a calibration certificate and setting rod that allows a quick confirmation of calibration.

The new 3-point micrometers demonstrates the company's on-going commitment to supporting the industry with practical and innovative products.

Based at Greasbrough Road, the company specialises in the manufacture and supply of downhole tool products and services to oil service companies across the world.

Cutting & Wear website

Images: Cutting & Wear

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News: Newest fashion boutique already expanding in Rotherham town centre

Boo, the women's fashion boutique that opened in Rotherham town centre in February, has proven overwhelmingly successful and is expanding in order to cater for the fashion conscious male.

Currently fitting out a unit next door to Boo in Imperial Building's, the new men's fashion store, Boi, joins The Jeweller's Exchange, ROAR's Arts Hub and women's clothing and accessories boutique, Yella Brick Road.

Boi, like its sister retail outlet Boo, has opened in the centre with help from Rotherham Borough Council’s business vitality rental and fit-out grants.

Owner of Boo and Boi, Michelle Black, said: "I'm so thrilled I'm expanding into men's wear its better than what I could have ever hoped for when starting out with Boo.

"I never imagined Boo would do so well in the first few months to warrant the expansion into a second unit. I know there's a market for the ladies' fashion we sell and I'm equally as confident that male shoppers will be thrilled with the lines we have on offer in Boi."

Expect to see a wide range of high-quality men's fashion clothing including designer range Desigual, alongside a range of men's shoes and accessories.

The council's Retail Investment Manager Bernadette Rushton said: "It's looking very positive for Imperial Buildings and indeed for the town centre at the moment.

"We are steadily receiving grant applications and by working hard with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Rotherham Council's own Business Coaches, these are coming to fruition with shops fitting out, trading and then, as resulting success, expanding.

"With an improved shopping offer, a substantial events programme, free all day Saturday parking and increased planting we hope that residents are seeing a real benefit to shopping locally."

Boi opens this Saturday May 29 and there will be 10% off everything on the opening day.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RiDO

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News: Funding opportunities for nuclear R&D

Rotherham is continuing to play a lead role in the new civil nuclear sector and an event at the Advanced Manufacturing Park next month will focus on nuclear research and development.

The Technology Strategy Board has announced that it will be investing up to £2m in feasibility studies (up to a maximum of £150k each study) to stimulate innovation and strengthen the supply chain in the area of nuclear R&D and its applications.

NAMTEC in Rotherham, in partnership with the Energy Generation and Supply KTN, and supported by the Northern Way, are coordinating the workshop to promote the competition, engage with the supply chain and broker potential partnerships.

The investment is based on an independent study which the Technology Strategy Board commissioned in order to review both the business opportunities and the UK's R&D capability for the civil nuclear sector. It followed a report by NAMTEC on the supply chain for a UK nuclear new build.

The competition is looking to engage SMEs from a broad range of sectors together with existing major players in the nuclear sector or potential new entrants into the market.

The SMEs may have technology ideas or products that they feel could be applicable to the nuclear industry, but need further development, analysis or assessment to take them to the next stage. Research providers such as universities are also eligible for the competition.

The workshop will include an industry perspective on nuclear opportunities in the UK, an overview of the UK nuclear R&D capability and details of the competition.

The event takes place at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham on June 10 from 10am to 3pm.

Technology Strategy Board website

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News: Beatson Clark steps in to help Mrs Darlington out of a pickle

Rotherham glass manufacturer, Beatson Clark has stepped in to help Legendary Lemon Curd, preserves and chutneys producers, Mrs Darlington's after they were let down by their glass packaging supplier.

Dawn Pugh, marketing manager at Beatson Clark said: "We are delighted to have been able to help Mrs Darlington's and are pleased that our products and service have restored their confidence in suppliers.

"The ten ounce pickle jar, eight ounce preserve jar and the 370ml sauce jar that we produce for Mrs Darlington's are all examples of our ability to work not only with high product volumes but also with smaller companies producing niche brands.

"Our flexibility means we can cater for the additional requirements of customers like Mrs Darlington's, supplying them with the products they require in the volumes they need. We are delighted to be associated with a company that reflects our core values."

Sarah Darlington, Director of Darlington & Daughters said: "Our products are all about heritage, our company was created on traditional values and our products reflect this.

"Packaging is paramount to our brand identity and therefore a supplier that understands this, is able to provide the style and shape we require, along with an excellent level of customer service, is what we need.

"Beatson Clark have been excellent, their consistency and reliable supply mean we no longer have to worry about glass availability and they have been key in helping us find glass packaging solutions for our new products.

"Glass packaging is perfect for our products it allows us to portray the fine quality of our curds, jams, chutneys and sauces of which we are renowned. With glass being infinitely recyclable it is also a much better packaging option for the environment."

Beatson Clark website

Images: mrsdarlingtons.com

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News: Nuclear AMRC plans submitted

Plans have been submitted for the £25m Nuclear AMRC building on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The Nuclear AMRC will provide a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain, ensuring that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally, from skills training to research and development.

The Centre will be led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with the University of Manchester and with Rolls-Royce as the lead industrial partner. Partners include Areva, Westinghouse, NAMTEC, DavyMarkham and Sheffield Forgemasters Engineering Ltd.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the 8,000 sq m building uses the same concept as the current AMRC building, but is twice as big.

The building is being built to high BREEAM environmental quality standards, including significant renewable energy capacity. The core of the building will be almost 6,000 sq m of workshop space, with specialised research areas for machining, robotics and assembly; welding, firing and heat treatment; cladding technology; and non-destructive evaluation.

Workshop equipment will be tailored to meet industry requirements, and will include large mill turn and machining centres customised to requirements of the nuclear supply chain; submerged arc welding facilities; and a range of robots and manipulators.

In order to accommodate the large components that make up new nuclear power stations, the workspace will have a 10m to hook height and craneage able to take 50 tonnes.

The building will also feature accommodation over three stories at the front of the building, including laboratory and technical support space, a VR cave for virtual assembly research and training, plus office space and secure meeting rooms.

There will be public exhibition space by the entrance, to host a "Nuclear in the Community" exhibition to promote the industry and employment opportunities, for which the Nuclear AMRC has secured extra grant funding.

The application states that: "The Nuclear AMRC will employ an additional 75 people and results of the research carried out in the centre and used by regional companies will create over 400 jobs and safeguard 900. Gross GVA will increase by a minimum of £55m. Employment opportunities will be available to all sections of the community and the highly successful AMRC apprentice programme will be extended to the Nuclear AMRC."

The plans are currently on display at the AMRC Factory of the Future.

Construction is scheduled to complete in late 2011.

Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Nuclear AMRC / Bond Bryan

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News: £40m hub in Rotherham to further research in advanced manufacturing

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing is set to build on its reputation as a world-leading research centre with plans for another phase of development in Rotherham.


In addition to the plans for the £25m Nuclear AMRC, an AMRC Hub is set to be created on the Advanced Manufacturing Park that will further extend the £100m partnership that has successfully bridged the gap between academia, industry and government.

The planned Hub will provide facilities that will increase R&D and knowledge transfer activities with regional companies and give them access to world-leading research and state-of-the-art equipment.

The AMRC identifies, researches and solves advanced manufacturing problems and has over 80 highly qualified researchers and engineers from around the globe. Research is already carried out on new and exotic materials such as titanium, inconel and composites.

The next phase of development will include the 8,000 sq m Nuclear AMRC to facilitate the development of a supply chain able to participate in the UK's new nuclear power station build programme and compete globally for major contracts in the energy sector.

In addition, a extension to the Factory of the Future is planned to contain a Composite Manufacturing Facility. This project will enable regional companies to work alongside AMRC researchers during the design and manufacture of their pre-production prototypes, before investing in their own production facilities.

Also planned is a Knowledge Transfer Academy that will enable the AMRC Hub to increase R&D activity and collaboration with regional manufacturers. The Knowledge Transfer Academy hopes to increase the rate of knowledge transfer, bringing more companies into long-term collaborations with the AMRC Hub's research centres.

A final funding bid is being prepared for the £40m Hub and the aim is to have the facilities operational by December 2011 with a launch in March 2012.

AMRC website

Images: AMRC / Bond Bryan

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News: Danish Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre launches

The world-leading centre at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and the rapidly evolving aerospace sector based in Rotherham, is being replicated in Denmark.

With guidance from technical experts at the AMRC in Rotherham and The Boeing Company, the first project is underway at the centre in Herning to help member companies learn how to optimize their machining operations to improve production efficiency, reduce costs and increase quality.

Jan Närlinge, president of Boeing Northern Europe said: "This project's launch highlights the significant progress made in the eight months since we gathered here in Herning to introduce the vision for a DAMRC, and shows just what can be achieved through continued partnership among DAMRC members, the AMRC With Boeing and The Boeing Company."

Mirroring the UK's centre, the DAMRC is a consortium of Danish firms, government institutions and academia formed with cooperation from The Boeing Company and the AMRC With Boeing.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing is a £100m collaboration among more than 40 partner organisations, comprising world leaders in the aerospace supply chain, key government offices and international academic institutions.

The centre's staff has increased tenfold to more than 100 employees, and the AMRC model has been replicated in Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and India.

AMRC website

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News: Horbury Group acquires scaffolding specialist as eleventh subsidiary

Rotherham construction specialist, The Horbury Group has acquired Tubular Scaffolding Services Ltd.

The long established scaffolding contracting business based in Ashby-De-La-Zouch in the East Midlands, increases the Horbury Group's diversification across the construction sector by becoming their eleventh subsidiary.

The company, which operates across the Midlands and the North of England, employs more than 40 people and has a turnover exceeding £1.5m.

Trevor Wragg, managing director of the Horbury Group, said: "Having already established ourselves in a number of areas, including joinery, ceilings, dry lining and health and safety training, it is a natural progression to offer scaffolding services to our clients.

"Our continual diversification into new markets means we can reach a broader client base, enabling us to provide a full range of services to the construction industry.

"With Tubular's turnover already hitting the £1.5m mark, the company is a valuable addition to the Horbury Group. We are very much looking forward to working with the existing management team and helping to expand the business both financially and geographically."

The Horbury Group, which formed in Sheffield in 1993 as Horbury Building Systems, has gone from strength-to-strength over recent years, increasing its turnover from £1.4m in its first year to £70m and now employing over 1,000 people nationally.

From their headquarters in the Moorgate area of Rotherham, the other companies that make up the Horbury Group are Horbury Building Systems Ltd, Horbury Estates Ltd, MWS Joinery Ltd, Titan Ceilings Ltd, Environ Safety Management Ltd, Drytech, Millstone Building Ltd, Magna Plant and Tool Hire Ltd, Croft Electrical Engineering Ltd and Elevation Recruitment.

Horbury Group website

Images: horburygroup.com

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News: Rotherham firms in The Star Top 100

The strength of the Rotherham business sector was highlighted this week as 15 Rotherham-based firms made it into The Star's Top 100 companies list sponsored by Barber Harrison & Platt.

Ranked by turnover, fast-growing electronics retailer, Maplin, was the highest placed Rotherham firm at number 16 with manufacturing firm, London & Scandanavian Metallurgical at 17.

Manufacturing, engineering and industrial firms performed well with Rittal, the manufacturer of enclosure systems at Hellaby, coming out as Rotherham's most profitable businesses with profits at £6.1m for 2010. Award winning mechanical seal business AES Engineering at Templeborough also posted profits of over £6m.

The list includes locally-based independent businesses, holding companies in a UK group or the ultimate UK company of an overseas-controlled group filing accounts with Companies House.

Sheffield-based supplier of insulating, roofing and commercial interiors products, SIG, topped the list, posting the highest turnover and yearly profits.

Rotherham firms in The Star's Top 100 companies were Maplin (16), London & Scandanavian Metallurgical Co. (17), C F Booth (20), ABS Industrial Resources (22), Maple Leaf Bakery (25), LuK (32), Rittal (38), AES Engineering (41), Morphy Richards (46), First South Yorkshire (47), Burrows (South Yorkshire) (65), Energy Alloys (66), Ronald Hull Jnr (70), Massarella Catering Group (82) and Toyoda Gosei (87).

The Star website

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News: Metalysis appoint new CFO

Metalysis, the Rotherham-based technology innovator for the speciality metals industry, has appointed Guppy Dhariwal as chief financial officer.

India-born Guppy is a former finance director for Lord Sugar and the late Lord Weinstock, and until recently was director of finance and business services at Aston University.

Guppy has operated at financial and managing director level and has specialised in turnaround / profit improvement in a variety of blue chip companies. These have included GEC, STC, Thorn EMI and Amstrad, with products ranging from consumer durables, heavy engineering, telecommunications and electronics, with sales ranging between £20m and £200m per annum.

Between 1998-2009, he contributed substantially to Aston University's growth from a £38m enterprise to £100m high-performing university.

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.

The Manvers company is in the process of commercialising the technology to produce titanium, tantalum, and related high value alloys. These are used increasingly by major worldwide industries such as aerospace, marine, medical, chemical, automotive and electronics industries.

The business is already supplying low volumes of metallurgical grade powders to suppliers and expects to commission its semi-continuous pilot plant later this year.

Mark Bertolini, chief executive of Metalysis said: "Guppy is a very experienced finance director, whose background in handling complex project funding, will be invaluable to Metalysis as we continue to scale-up our technology.

"As well as being naturally commercial and experienced in diverse private and public sector companies and markets, as a trained engineer he has an implicit understanding of the products and processes. His appointment further strengthens Metalysis and I am delighted to welcome him to the Board."

Metalysis website

Images: Metalysis

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News: Sizer launch in Rotherham

Over 30 delegates from the world of animal feed, recycling and waste management, along with a number of local VIPs, attended a special event held at Sizer in Rotherham recently to mark the official launch of the organisation to potential new markets.

The company, which is part of the Newburgh group, was keen to demonstrate its expertise in providing pelleting solutions for a wide range of different materials, including paper, wood, distilling by-products, pet food, bedding, flour milling, fertiliser and animal feed.

Delegates were welcomed by Newburgh chairman Vincent Middleton and heard from managing director Roger Pearson who provided details of Sizer's exciting plans, which includes the design and manufacture of a new bespoke range of pelleting presses suitable for a wide variety of materials, from domestic to large scale factory usage.

He also outlined how the company is currently carrying out pelleting trials on behalf of customers, as part of improving handling for waste product and providing a more carbon neutral way to heat factories and buildings.

Roger Pearson said: "This was a great opportunity to show potential customers from many different industries just how efficient and versatile our presses are. There are huge opportunities to reduce material transport costs through pelleting, which provides a much more uniform product that is easier to handle and saves on storage space.

"Customers are looking to make better use of by-products and for an easier method of handling their materials and our pelleting presses can provide huge cost savings and environmental benefits to a business.

"Businesses are realizing, too, that their waste can first be turned into a pelleted product which makes handling and storage easy, and then can be used to provide energy efficient fuel for either heating their premises or resale to other parties.

"We have exciting plans over the coming months to release a new range of presses that will be suitable for the animal feed and bedding, biomass, fertilizer and waste transport market."

Within its team, Sizer has over 60 years' experience of meeting customers' requirements for pelleting presses or component parts and with the backing of parent company Newburgh, direct links to the very best in high precision engineering.

Sizer operates on an international scale, with spare parts distribution centres in the UK and Holland, providing customers with the highest levels of service, while also partnering with worldwide distributors in countries such as Canada, Japan and Australia.

Sizer website

Images: Sizer

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News: Work starts on Minster yard in Rotherham town centre

Work on the final phase of the £700,000 improvement scheme for Rotherham's Minster Yard has begun in the town centre.

The project will see extensive landscaping improvements resulting in a beautiful open green space around the imposing All Saints Minster Church.

The works will incorporate high-quality seating, planting, improved amenity lighting and Yorkstone paving.

The entrance steps to the Minster Yard will be extended and the stone boundary wall on Church Street will be curved round to create a more inviting entrance.

The work on the Minster Yard will take place as part of the £3.5 million Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) that is resulting in improvements to the High Street and surrounding area.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Rotherham Borough Council and Yorkshire Forward.

Cllr Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Regeneration, welcomed the work. He said: "This is a vital part of the Rotherham Renaissance programme because I am sure the improvements will increase the number of people using the Minster Yard.

"The Minster is at the heart of Rotherham and in future visitors and those people who work and live in the town centre will find this a really pleasant spot to relax in. It will also form an attractive link from All Saints' Square to the Imperial Buildings opposite where several new shops and businesses have recently opened."

The Vicar of Rotherham, the Rev. Canon David Bliss, added: "I am really looking forward to seeing the end result because I think it will really enhance the church. I hope the people of Rotherham will be pleased too and that they bear with us while the works take place."

Rotherham Town Centre website

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News: Gleeds working to get Rotherham United home

International management and construction consultancy, Gleeds, is working as project manager, quantity surveyor and CDM co-ordinator on the new 12,000 seat, multi-million pound stadium for Rotherham United in Rotherham town centre.

Stuart Senior, Managing Partner of Gleeds Nottingham who are responsible for the project said: "Gleeds will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the new stadium for the start of the 2012/13 football season and are working hard to ensure that the site complies with the rigorous safety and licensing criteria set by the Football Association and the police.

"Unusually, this project's greatest challenge is also its biggest asset. Being located in the town centre, the site is bounded by a railway line and the River Don so we have helped to assemble a project team familiar with dealing with such constraints, whilst continuing to deliver quality and value."

The stadium is being designed to accommodate future expansion beyond the original 12,000 capacity. In addition to the seating which has been designed to be as close to the pitch as possible, the new site will incorporate hospitality areas including facilities for match-day banqueting, non-match hospitality, conferencing, training and education areas, as well as refreshment stands and spectator amenities.

The site of the former Guest and Chrimes foundry was announced in January as the preferred choice for a new stadium by Millers chairman, Tony Stewart.

The managing director of successful Rotherham business, ASD Lighting took over the club in 2008 and the team have been playing home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield after leaving Millmoor.

Rotherham Council is in advanced negotioations to buy 10.85 acres of the site from Evans of Leeds.

Subject to the necessary planning consent, work will begin on site in early 2011 and the Millers aim to be able to kick off the 2012 season from their new home.

Rotherham United website
Gleeds website

Images: themillers.co.uk / Signet Planning

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News: eoSemi awarded "proof of market" grant

eoSemi, a high-tech semiconductor company based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, has been awarded a "proof of market" grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

As part of the Grant for Research and Development, the proof of market grant is designed to specifically support innovative projects that have a solid commercial potential.

eoSemi has developed a patent pending silicon solution that replaces quartz crystals as timing references in electronic devices, allowing a move away from physically-vibrating devices and the associated high manufacturing cost, large package size and susceptibility to shock.

The £19,500 proof of market project will be carried out in Alsager, Cheshire and will determine the global commercial potential of their silicon solution. eoSemi is headquartered in Rotherham and has its primary R&D and business development base in Cheshire.

Ian Macbeth, CEO, eoSemi said: "This support from the NWDA came at just the right time for eoSemi, and has helped validate its product roadmap and go-to-market strategy. This market knowledge has also assisted with fundraising which will be significant as we develop the business in both Cheshire and Yorkshire."

Grant for Research and Development, is part of Solutions for Business, the Government's package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow. It helps entrepreneurs and business owners introduce innovative products and processes, including research trials and product testing.

Last year the company secured its first venture capital investment through Enterprise Ventures.

eoSemi website

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News: New tourism chief for South Yorkshire

Welcome to Yorkshire has appointed David Friesner as the new Chief Executive for South Yorkshire.

Previously director of tourism at Leicestershire's tourism body, Leicester Shire Promotions, David brings with him over 30 years experience within the hospitality and tourism sectors.

He has worked across the UK from London to Scotland, Cheshire and the Lake District, to Hertfordshire. This has included spells at Gleneagles, the Chester Grosvenor as well as General Manager of several Thistle Hotels.

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted to welcome David to Yorkshire. Having spent almost 20 years in general management of quality 4 star branded hotels he knows what works from the ground up.

"In addition he has worked extensively in destination marketing and strategic tourism development. This places him in a prime position for driving South Yorkshire forward as a major destination for both business and leisure visitors."

David Friesner said: "This is an incredibly exciting time to join Welcome to Yorkshire; South Yorkshire is very fortunate in that it appeals to both leisure and business visitors alike.

"Over the coming weeks I will be meeting tourism operators from across the industry to look at ways of building on previous successes.

"My role is to ensure the future growth of South Yorkshire's tourism offer and in turn its visitor economy. I feel extremely lucky; it's a wonderful destination."

The Yorkshire South Tourism Partnership is supported by Welcome to Yorkshire, the official tourism body for Yorkshire which is funded by Yorkshire Forward.

Yorkshire South Tourism website

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News: Rotherham's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010

Rotherham's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010 has been launched by the Rotherham Enterprise Network (REN).

Back for the fifth year, the awards recognise and reward young business acumen and also deliver a £1,500 cash investment to the overall winner.

Every year the awards have uncovered a wealth of inspiring young talent, from an ice sculptor working out of a converted garage, to teenagers setting up a successful IT business, creative web designers, and skilled dance teachers. The awards also give them a unique opportunity to promote what they do.

Awards organiser and judge Geoff Link, enterprise manager at RiDO, said: "We're looking for the brightest young business brains to enter these awards.

"Each year the calibre of the candidates gets more and more impressive. And what's even more interesting is that many of these small start-up companies are not only surviving in the recession – they are actually thriving during these difficult times too.

These young people are building their own futures. They show us that there is a great deal of inspiring young talent out there waiting to be unlocked and rewarded.

Last year Chris Wright, now 23, picked up the top prize for his successful business IT Desk that he set up in 2006, aged just 19.

Chris said: "The fact that the borough runs an award like this makes it possible for young people like me to get ourselves out there, it gives you something to aim at – and something to be proud of.

"Receiving this sort of recognition makes all the hard work worthwhile, it's a real pat on the back. Winning this award was a real milestone for me, it brought in a useful amount of media coverage and helping me to drive the business forward and develop IT Desk's reputation."

This year's entrants can choose from the following categories: Best New Start-up (trading between six months and two years), Best Established Business (trading more than two years), Best Business IT/Technology and Business Most Determined to Succeed.

Application details are to be submitted to the judges by July 16 2010 and the overall winner is to be announced in October.

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

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News: Updated YES! Project plans approved

Oak Holdings, the operators of Rother Valley Country Park and developers behind the YES! Project in Rotherham has announced that the updated planning application has been approved for what will be the largest undercover leisure based scheme in Europe.

The planning board of Rotherham Borough Council unanimously agreed to approve the plans and have referred them to the Government Office. If the Secretary of State decides not to intervene, as in 2006, the plans will be approved subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement regarding transport, access and usage, between the developers and the council that ensures the area benefits from the plans.

The YES! Project will comprise 1.2million sq ft covered, fully integrated, mixed-use, leisure and entertainment based resort, activity and conference destination.

The application is for the renewal of the previous outline plans approved by Rotherham Council in 2007 and the opportunity was taken to submit the findings of extensive design works.

The new design allows for the fourteen-floor building to be more readily divisible into construction phases with a purpose built arena for the Sheffield Steelers together with a conference hotel making up the first phase.

Oak has also asked that the time in which further planning details are submitted be extended from three to five years in order to achieve the phased delivery program.

Objections to the plans were raised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) South Yorkshire as the land is within Rotherham's green belt but Sheffield City Council raised no objections.

The planning officer's report concluded that: "It is not considered that there have been any material changes in legislation, advice, or any other material considerations that would now justify a refusal of planning permission."

Oak Holdings website

Images: Oak Holdings / Signet Planning

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News: Benzina's expertise reduces operating costs

Rotherham enterprise, Benzina has helped cold store operator Partner Logistics avoid feeling the chill of new site expenses - saving them thousands through their purchasing expertise.

Based in RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, the facilities management company, installed new communications systems and a high voltage power supply for Partner Logistics, an automated warehouse and supply chain operator with premises in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire – and saved them £11,000 on their original proposal.

With its 197,000 square feet cold facility, the company provides warehouse services to clients in the food, retail and consumer goods sector and fresh frozen food giant Birds Eye is now operating from the site.

The UK company, which is part of a Dutch parent group, also provides warehouse services to organisations across the globe, with premises in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Russia.

Benzina, who work to reduce operating costs and help companies relocate without the stress, reviewed the most cost effective and efficient way to transfer voice and data between the UK and Holland.

Benzina installed three miles of cabling and provided essential market knowledge for the storage capacity, which will hold up to just over 91,000 palettes.

Matt Jackson, managing director at Benzina said: "We are thrilled to have been able to work with such a prestigious client in the cold store warehouse field, on a project of this scale.

"We provided Partner Logistics with vital advice and services which will help to contribute to the effective and economical running of the Wisbech facility and we are sure it will be a resounding success."

Benzina website

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News: Oxley and Coward investing in future talent

Oxley and Coward Solicitors LLP of Rotherham are continuing to press ahead with its training programme for new solicitors, despite the current challenging economic conditions.

The firm's three trainees are working through a 24 month programme, with each trainee gaining experience in at least three legal departments. They are constantly assessed before they are adjudged to have completed enough areas successfully to become fully fledged, qualified solicitors and practitioners of Law.

The training provided by Oxley and Coward is part of the Professional Skills Course (PSC) for lawyers and is one of the final stages on the path to becoming a fully qualified solicitor. It gives trainees the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in a real life situation and also gives the law firm the opportunity to assess the skills of potential new talent.

Amy Cusworth, who is coming to the end of her training contract has been working with Rebecca Stopford in Company & Commercial Law and has recently been helping Rebecca to advise clients at this year's Enterprise Show, held last month at Meadowhall.

Richard Sheppard, Oxley and Coward's partner and training principal, said: "Not many solicitors of our size take on so many trainees. The number we take on has grown over the last few years and we see it as a real investment in future talent.

"Taking on trainees is of course not cheap, particularly in today's difficult economic climate, but Oxley & Coward remains optimistic and committed to encouraging and developing the skills of the local talent of the future. In return, our current trainees have rewarded us with the highest levels of commitment and hard work.

"I am delighted with the progress they have made, and expect all of them to pass their PSC with flying colours."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Businesses get kickstart in Rotherham

Over 250 businesses have been financed over the last 12 months by the Sheffield office of UK Steel Enterprise, backing businesses in South Yorkshire, Humberside & parts of the Midlands.

Last year, following restructuring in the steel industry, UK Steel Enterprise established local Kickstart Funds to assist small businesses in the areas affected, such as Rotherham and Stocksbridge, working in partnership with local organisations including RiDO, SEntA, STEP and the Universities.

Over 65 businesses have benefitted from the Kickstart Fund in Rotherham including print and design company Bskope Ltd. Owner Chris Mays has a background in web development and sales and worked freelance for some time before consolidating his business at Manvers House, Wath providing image design, marketing and websites for small and medium-sized business in the region.

Chris said: "The loan from UK Steel Enterprise helped me buy a Printing.com franchise so all the printing of our designs for brochures, direct mailers, stationery and catalogues can be kept in-house."

Chris has already taken on his first employee, an account executive responsible for bringing in work, and he soon anticipates that more work arising from printing.com could mean further staff additions.

Tim O'Connell, business development manager at Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) said: "UK Steel Enterprise has been one of the stalwarts of business finance for many years in South Yorkshire and the partnership established between RiDO and UK Steel has made a real difference in helping companies to grow, combating the downturn in the steel industry fortunes.

"We have been able to work with UK Steel to help existing and new businesses access financial support when other avenues have not been willing to lend.

"Over the last year the Kickstart grant and loan scheme has been very beneficial to Rotherham and has been very welcome. Coupled with the practical help and advice provided by RiDO's business coaches and advisers it has stimulated business activity and has encouraged many people to set up new businesses in a time when sourcing suitable business finance for new ventures has not been easy."

Keith Williams, regional manager at At UK Steel Enterprise added: "We are very pleased to have been able to help so many businesses in such a short space of time.

"We have helped many different types and sizes of businesses from small businesses like Bskope to manufacturing operations employing 50-100 people and requiring finance of up to £750,000."

UK Steel Enterprise website
RiDO website

Images: uksteelenterprise.co.uk

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News: Four lettings at Hellaby Business Centre

Four lettings have been secured at Hellaby Business Centre in Rotherham, bringing in a combined workforce of over 100 people.

Following the administration of soft furnishing retailer Rosebys and the subsequent vacation of their head office at Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham in 2008, Steinhoff UK Group Properties has transformed the property to create a modern and flexible business centre which they have appointed BNP Paribas Real Estate to market.

Employment consultants, Forefront Recruitment, clothing retailer Edinburgh Woollen Mill, IT systems consultants Sheffield Business Systems and information management and business process outsourcing providers Vangent Ltd have all signed up to take space.

In addition to securing the instruction to let the space BNP Paribas Real Estate will also manage the property on behalf of Steinhoff.

Nick Baker, associate director of Sheffield office agency at BNP Paribas Real Estate said: "Hellaby Business Centre is able to offer a variety of space solutions to occupiers on flexible terms and at competitive rents, which we believe when coupled with its highly accessible location will appeal to a wide range of businesses.

"The centre provides high quality, managed office suites for small and medium sized occupiers on an all inclusive basis and includes ample car parking facilities ensuring that there are no hidden extras to worry about."

BNP Paribas Real Estate website

Images: BNP Paribas Real Estate

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News: Peoplesafe prepare to pitch their Big Idea to Co-operative bosses

A Rotherham firm is preparing to enter a dragons' den in an attempt to win a national business award.

Peoplesafe, experts in lone worker safety, are among the finalists in the Co-operative's Big Idea competition and must now face a panel of judges in a Dragons'’ Den style final.

In the same way that competitors pitch their ideas to a panel of potential investors in the BBC Dragons' Den programme, managers from Dinnington-based Peoplesafe will have to pitch their ideas to a panel of Co-operative senior managers.

Dozens of businesses entered the contest to find ways to help the Co-operative cut losses and risk for its businesses and staff.

Martin Rodgers, sales and marketing director of Peoplesafe, said: "The safety of staff is what our business is all about. We supply equipment and monitoring to keep lone workers as safe as possible.

"It's great to have got this far in the competition and we are keeping our fingers-crossed for success."

Peoplesafe already work with retailers including Argos, Halfords and Carphone Warehouse, as well as in many other sectors ranging from house-builders to social workers.

Equipment supplied by Peoplesafe can be activated by the user to alert a 24/7 monitoring centre, it can locate the user and it can detect whether a person has fallen.

Martin added: "It's not bulky, complicated equipment. In fact our software can be loaded onto a mobile phone or be part of an identity badge. It really is a simple solution to a worrying problem."

Peoplesafe's proposal to the Co-operative involves the use of panic alarms and tannoy announcements in shops.

Peoplesafe will be making their pitch at the Big Idea competition final in Manchester on Monday May 17, with the winner announced at a charity dinner on May 20.

The winner will be offered the chance to work with the Co-operative to help protect its businesses and thousands of workers across the UK.

Peoplesafe website

Images: peoplesafe.co.uk

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News: Dormer helps Jordanian manufacturer reap rewards

A manufacturing specialist in Jordan has secured substantial efficiency savings thanks to the support of Rotherham-based Dormer Tools.

Dormer's export-arm based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park supplied Jordan Advanced Machining Company (JordanAMCO) with their Hydra drill to enable them to machine hundreds of 20.25mm diameter holes in heat exchanger plates used in the petroleum industry.

The versatile solution not only enabled them to drill at various depths and increase productivity, but maintain tight tolerances and strict quality requirements. It has slashed production time on the project by half.

Lloyd Allen, technical consultant for JordanAMCO and originally from Rotherham, said: "With high speed steel tooling it would have taken around 18 hours to complete the job, but with Dormer's Hydra drill it took just eight hours. In this industry time is money, so we were able to make substantial gains.

"It also removed the need for additional operations, such as reaming, resulting in further time and cost savings."

James Butler, Dormer technical engineer, added: "We first made contact with the owners soon after the company was established and our partnership has progressed over the last couple of years.

"Because they are a developing business it is important they are able to complete projects in the most efficient way, while not compromising on quality.

"The Hydra drill is well proven with documented successes in heat exchanger applications around the world. JordanAMCO's experience is one more that we can add to this growing list."

Dormer Tools International supports markets in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines.

Dormer Tools website

Images: dormertools.com

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News: Rotherham construction site commended

Henry Boot has secured a number of awards as part of The Considerate Constructors Scheme 2010, with their construction site in Rotherham named as a runner-up for the most considerate site in the UK.

The Awards recognise sites' excellent standards of consideration towards their workforce, their neighbours and the environment and Henry Boot Construction (UK) received five awards.

Their work to provide structural repairs to airey houses in Catcliffe and Ulley gained special praise.

The project required the installation of exterior brick skins, together with new kitchens and bathrooms to 19 houses in current occupancy by tenants.

Amongst the initiatives at this friendly site was a fitted-out trailer to enable older tenants to choose their new kitchens and bathrooms without visiting the site.

A site cabin gave information to visiting tenants on how the external works were to be carried out and a special CCS-branded caravan was provided to accommodate one family's children while the exterior skin was removed and rebuilt.

Staff identity cards included names in Braille, and names and job title were both displayed on all hard hats. Initiatives with the local school covered both holiday and term times and included the Resident Liaison Officer organising a holiday club where local children were involved with strawberry planting, a competition for building a model house, and an egg hunt at Easter.

A spokesperson for the client, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said: "This pilot scheme has acted as an exemplar project that has enabled us to confidently roll out the same scheme in other parts of the borough. Working with such a good construction partner has helped us gain and benefit from the whole experience."

Henry Boot website

Images: Henry Boot

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News: TEKS joins AMRC on AMP

French high tech company, TEKS, has moved into the AMP Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

TEKS is a privately owned French SME actively involved in process design and optimisation, project management, training and technology exploitation. The company was established to respond to a need identified in the aerospace supply chain to introduce greater levels of process optimisation formally seen in the automotive sector.

The company is developing new products and processes for the manufacturing and structural analysis of novel materials, a key area of research as the aerospace industry strives to find lighter materials and high temperature and wear resistance materials and coatings to improve the efficiency of commercial aircraft.

TEKS is a member of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC), also based at the AMP, and are actively involved in a portfolio of national and European funded research projects.

One project in which TEKS and the AMRC are partners, is the EU project called COMETA which is developing the application of composites in fast machine tools.

Organisations and companies across Europe are working together to solve the problems caused by heat and vibration in next generation machine tools by incorporating polymer and metal composites.

TEKS website
AMP website

Images: AMP

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News: Exova moves to Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham

Worldwide testing and advisory business, Exova, has selected Rotherham as the location for a new facility.

Exova has moved into the AMP Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park to provide testing and advisory services to a wide range of business sectors.

With headquarters in Edinburgh, the company has over 130 facilities in 25 countries and employs over 4,000 people.

Formerly the testing arm of Bodycote plc, Bodycote Testing Group was established in 1980 and grew successfully through organic and geographic expansion.

In 2008, Bodycote Testing Group was bought by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice, (CD&R), a global private equity firm whose strategy is to build on the excellent reputation in testing services and to expand the company into new areas.

Rebranded as Exova in 2009, the company continues to find success as a market leader in testing and validating products from the aerospace, energy, oil and gas, civil engineering, transportation, pharmaceutical, food and consumer industries.

Exova website
AMP website

Images: exova.com

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News: AEM Ambassadors offer insight into engineering

The AEM (Advanced Engineering Manufacturing) Ambassador Programme, run by NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre), based in Rotherham, is aiming to change the perceptions that local students have of the engineering industry.

The AEM Ambassador Programme is designed to inspire young people about the opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) sector.

Students at Ridgewood School – a Specialist Engineering School in Doncaster - were given a completely different take on the engineering industry when they were introduced to Sheffield-based JRI.

JRI manufactures orthopaedic implants, including hip and joint replacements, for the healthcare sector and was looking to build relationships with local schools and give young people a better insight into the specialist engineering sector.

In the first instance, Year 10, 11 and 12 students toured the firm's Chapeltown factory to find out more about specialist engineering for use in healthcare. Steve Earle, manufacturing manager, then spent a day back in the classroom, providing students with an in-depth insight into the role of an engineer and presented them with real life business problems that could form part of their Engineering studies. A number of other skilled engineers from JRI also provided one-to-one mentoring to students on the A2 Level course, as part of their final assignments.

Steve Earle, manufacturing manager at JRI, said: "Many young people have a negative view of engineering and think it involves working in a dirty factory with few opportunities.

"Our role was to help to change their perceptions and to show them what an exciting industry we work in and how many different opportunities there really are. We are always looking for dynamic, motivated young people who are enthusiastic about engineering, to join our team.

"There were definitely some students who showed real flair for our industry and it was very rewarding to see such enthusiasm and creativity from the students. We hope to work with the school on other projects of this kind in the future."

Anna Brookfield from Ridgewood School added: "It was important that we worked with an engineering business where our students could actually understand clearly what they made and how these components were used in everyday life - JRI fitted this brief perfectly."

Kirsten Shaw from NAMTEC, said: "The AEM Ambassador Programme is a great way for young people to work with businesses and to gain a genuine insight into the challenges and opportunities in this sector.

"We advise any other companies who may be interested in building links with young people to get in touch and we can organise their involvement with the programme."

AEM Yorkshire
NAMTEC website

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News: Connexion2 launches Identicom mobile

Connexion2, The Rotherham company that uses innovative technology solutions and associated services to improve the safety and productivity of lone workers, has annouced the launch of a new product.

Identicom mobile, builds on the success of Connexion2's Identicom system that is deliberately designed to look and feel like a normal ID cardholder and allows lone workers to raise an alarm, make an emergency phone call or send a text message.

The new system can be installed on to a lone worker's Blackberry device enabling them to obtain the necessary help if they become a victim of verbal abuse, attack or they feel their safety could be compromised.

Although Identicom mobile is available as a stand-alone product, it can also be integrated with Connexion2's new Online Tracking Application. This allows a lone worker to benefit from improved safety and their manager to better facilitate operations through the provision of detailed location tracking data.

The online tracking application can plot the users "breadcrumb" trail of movement and direction, and has the facility to view a user's location at street view level.

Craig Swallow, CEO of Connexion2 said: "Identicom mobile enables a wider scope of lone workers to benefit from peace of mind knowing that their employer is their taking duty of care seriously and that should the worst happen, they are not alone."

Connexion2 was originally launched in 2004 and has grown from 14 members of staff to a workforce of 27 at their offices in Dinnington, Rotherham.

Last year, the NHS selected the company to issue 30,000 lone worker personnel with the Identicom system.

Connexion2 website

Images: connexion2.com

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News: Powerstar solves energy problem for college

A voltage optimisation system developed and manufactured by EMS in Rotherham has solved a high voltage problem for a North Lincolnshire college.

John Leggott College, an award-winning Sixth Form college in Scunthorpe was experiencing failures on many electrical devices and IT equipment in particular.

Energy specialists from Honeywell Building Solutions conducted a site survey with voltage optimisation partners, EMS. The survey revealed that because the college is located near to its electricity supplier's distribution site, the voltage entering the site averaged at 248V.

As nearly all UK equipment is EU rated and can operate on 220V, the oversupply was unnecessary and was increasing the college's power bills. Over time it would eventually reduce the lifespan of its electrical equipment.

Honeywell installed an EMS Powerstar unit to the college's electrical supply, effectively reducing the voltage to an optimum level whereby all the equipment operates correctly but consumes less power in the process.

Installation of the Powerstar system has meant a reduction in voltage level to the site down to 225V. In terms of energy consumption, this equates to an average saving of 30,000Kwh electricity per month.

Based on like-for-like usage, results show that this means monetary savings for the college in the region of £23,000 to £30,000 per annum and a reduction in carbon emissions of between 107 and 133 tonnes.

Now that the voltage level has been specifically adapted to accommodate the exact needs of the college, the potential for the electrical equipment to fail has also been drastically reduced.

Barrie Kirk, facilities manager at John Leggott College said: "Since the installation of the voltage optimisation unit, we have been delighted with the savings that we have recorded on site.

"By quickly identifying and correcting the excessive voltage problem, Honeywell have helped us to reduce the College's impact on the environment and substantially lowered our electricity bills."

EMS website

Images: powerstar.co.uk

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News: Building a nuclear future

Two Rotherham based organisations are joining together to host a conference on the UK and global nuclear new build programmes.

Rotherham is set to be at the heart of the civil nuclear industry following last year's announcement of a Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nucler AMRC) at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, which will help UK civil nuclear manufactures develop world class manufacturing techniques and cost competitiveness.

NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre), in association with the Nuclear AMRC, is hosting a two day conference at the Oulton Hall Hotel and Golf Resort in Leeds on June 29-30 2010.

The Nuclear: Metals and Manufacturing Conference features a full itinerary of high profile speakers from the nuclear industry and will focus on the current drive towards Generation III+ nuclear power stations in the UK. The aim is to provide this region's manufacturers with an insight into the huge opportunities to supply into this sector, whilst giving companies the chance to network and engage with nuclear vendors and their Tier 1 suppliers.

Keynote speakers are from EDF Energy, the National Nuclear Laboratory, AREVA, the University of Manchester, the University of Oxford and the University of Bristol, as well as CORUS, Westinghouse, Sheffield Forgemasters, AMEC, Fusion Energy and the NAMRC.

Dr Alan Partridge from NAMTEC, explains: "There is major investment being made into the nuclear sector over the next ten years and as a result of this, the opportunities are extensive for this region's manufacturers to become part of the supply chain.

"This event is designed to give delegates a better understanding of the UK and global nuclear new build programmes, including the technical research and the opportunities that lie ahead. We have received a tremendous response from delegates already from all over the UK, as this really is the nuclear event not to be missed!"

NAMTEC website

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News: Dormer Tools at Mach 2010

Dormer Tools will be unveiling a new product branding strategy for the UK market at the MACH 2010 event.

The changes, which will affect more than 30 per cent of Dormer's entire product range, are set to make it even easier for customers to identify which tool is best suited for their application.

Guests to the Dormer stand at the NEC, Birmingham, between June 7-11, will also have the chance to get up close and personal to the rear running section of a Red Bull F1 car, while watching a video of components for the vehicle being machined.

To mark their close links with the Milton Keynes based team Dormer will give away a pair of tickets, worth more than £500, for the 2010 British Grand Prix at the new-look Silverstone.

Potential customers who "Challenges Dormer" at MACH to help their business achieve productivity savings will be entered into a prize draw to win the Formula 1 tickets.

John O'Donoghue, general manager of Dormer Tools, said: "We see MACH as a great opportunity for our company. Since the last show in 2008 there has been a lot of turmoil in our industry. We believe Dormer's presence is a significant show of strength and proof of our continuing ambition to provide the best quality tooling and technical support."

MACH is the UK's premier showcase of the latest manufacturing technologies, drawing visitors from all over the world. As such, around 500 companies will be exhibiting the latest developments in metalforming and metalworking.

Also at the event will be The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre's Manufacturing Transporter (MANTRA> - a specially equipped 14m long lorry designed to give aspiring young engineers a hands on experience with real, leading-edge manufacturing technologies.

Dormer website
Mach 2010 website

Images: dormertools.com

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