News: Martek's growth looks set to continue

Martek Marine has worked with experts at the Sheffield Hallam University to enable the new management team to continue the Rotherham company's rapid expansion.

The Manvers company is the world leader in safety and environmental monitoring equipment for commercial ships.

Martek began in 2000 with three employees and £6,000 in start up capital in the smallest unit in the RiDO-run Century Business Centre. Martek now employs over 50 people at purpose built premises in Adwick Park and their products can be found in vessels across the globe.

Earlier this year, previous managing director, Paul Luen became the company's chief executive officer to allow the company to make even greater use of Paul's entrepreneurial skills to deliver new opportunities and focus on strategy.

Paul approached the Centre for Individual and Organisational Development at the Sheffield Hallam University to help enhance leadership capability in his new management team.

The centre put together a plan specifically tailored to the needs of Martek, including a 360 degree questionnaire, facilitating monthly management team meetings, and skills development for the senior team in coaching, giving and receiving feedback and goalsetting.

By speaking to all of Martek Marine's employees, experts gained a comprehensive picture of the culture within the organisation, and were able to make more meaningful recommendations.

Amanda Drewett from the Centre for Individual and Organisational Development said: "Working with Martek Marine has been rewarding, as it has enabled me to speak to a number of people within the organisation on a project which will support a shift in culture.

"We have developed a strong relationship with Paul Luen, who is open and honest with his feedback - which I have really valued. Having full support and input from the client is key to a successful project."

Paul added: "We have already seen significant benefits from the work carried out. We have identified key behaviours which we are now beginning to recognise and celebrate. We have seen an increase in peer to peer challenge, trust and transparency among the senior team. The longer term benefits will be more apparent towards the end of the year.

"Working with Sheffield Hallam has been refreshing. They are commercially focused and work at the pace of an SME. Our relationship is based on mutual trust and respect."

Martek website
Sheffield Hallam University website

Images: martek-marine.com

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News: Rotherham United sign with LifeSkills

Rotherham United has announced a new education partnership with LifeSkills, a national company that specialises in providing opportunities for young people to break into the world of training and employment.

Rotherham born managing director, Spencer Fearn, has developed the company over the last eight years in London and the South East and LifeSkills are recognised as one of the leading Learning Providers in the UK.

The opportunity arose recently to set up a training centre in his home town and he jumped at the chance. LifeSkills have taken space in Enterprise House in the town centre.

Steve Coakley, commercial director at Rotherham United said: "We have been in dialogue for quite some time about working together and launching a partnership. We genuinely feel that by doing so we can help deliver the chance for people to improve their skill sets and subsequent opportunities to realise, or even improve, their potential."

Paul Douglas, the club's chief operating officer added: "At a time of rising local unemployment LifeSkills are providing a much needed opportunity for young people to get on the employment ladder through effective training.

"Their methods are tried and tested and we will be working closely with them and local employers to ensure as many youngsters as possible have access to this opportunity.

"This area has had more of its fair share of unemployment and the social problems that come with it and we were very keen to form this official partnership with LifeSkills to help raise the opportunities available to people of Rotherham."

Over the coming weeks and months there will be regular updates through the club's media channels about the new partnership's joint initiatives with information for both local businesses and local youngsters about how to get involved.

Spencer Fearn, Managing Director of LifeSkills said: "We are delighted to be recognised as an official education partner of Rotherham United and look forward to building a strong partnership that will provide some excellent opportunities for the young people of Rotherham."

Spencer is no stranger to football, having been vice-chairman of East Stirlingshire in Scotland and the man reported to be leading a consortium to buy the Millers' rivals, Sheffield Wednesday.

In June, LifeSkills agreed a one year deak to sponsor the sleeve of the shirt of the town's rugby team, the Rotherham Titans.

Rotherham United website
LifeSkills website
The Star article

Images: themillers.co.uk

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News: Scholarship awarded to Rotherham student

Rebecca Middleton has been awarded with a scholarship established in memory of a former Rotherham student who went on to become the president of Shell.


Harold Bridges was one of the most distinguished old boys of Rotherham Grammar School, the predecessor of Thomas Rotherham College in the current college buildings and site on Moorgate.

In 1934 he won a scholarship to Armstrong College, which was at that time a constituent part of the University of Durham. He studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, winning the Stroud Laboratory Prize for Physics.

Harold then worked for Shell and rose to be president of that multi-national company. His widow, Mrs Shirley Bridges is a generous benefactor of the College, and this annual scholarship of £1000 is awarded to a former TRC student in the first year of his or her course at university in science or maths-based subjects.

This year's award has been presented to Rebecca Middleton by the college's chairman of governors John Bingham and college principal Dr Richard Williams.

Rebecca is going to study natural sciences at the University of Leeds after achieving five A grades in A-level biology, chemistry, mathematics, further mathematics and general studies.

Dr Williams said: "Rebecca combined her academic success at college with a full commitment to the wider life of TRC as an excellent hockey player and articulate ambassador for the college."

TRC website

Images: thomroth.ac.uk

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News: Evolution for Polymer Techniques in Rotherham

Polymer Techniques has moved into one of the Advanced Manufacturing Park's Evolution units to begin the final phase of a "concept to production" plan.

The company is developing a range of highly specialised sealing products using new technologies in composites of polymer and super-alloy.

A chemically inert composite of fluorinated plastic and a super-alloy will allow long term sealing at extremes of service temperatures even in the most challenging of environments.

Sectors such as semi-conductor, photo voltaic, aerospace, wind and nuclear energy are set to benefit from the products which can be used in valves, pumps, off-shore wind turbines and aircraft power units.

Poly-Tech began product development in a small AMP Technology Centre workshop in Rotherham at the end of 2008, progressing to a larger pre-production facility within the centre in the summer of 2009.

They are now taking space in the Evolution development by UK Strategic Partnership, the joint venture company created by landowner UK Coal and property developer Strategic Sites.

Approximately 48,800 sq ft of the Evolution development is let and 10,000 sq ft is under offer, with interest being shown in the majority of the remaining units.

Looking ahead, Poly-Tech plan to complete a design & build production facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in the near future, reconfirming its commitment to this exciting highly specialised manufacturing location.

Managing Director Paul Short said: "The move to the larger Evolution unit is the last step in a two year plan to fulfil a need for high performance sealing products that deliver increased UpTime to demanding industries such as semi-conductor, photovoltaic, aerospace, nuclear and wind energy.

"The decision to base ourselves at the AMP has been a major factor in our early phase, the flexible and supportive policies found at the AMP allowing us to concentrate all our efforts on product development and the strong "think-tank" environment has helped us overcome many technical obstacles."

Polymer Techniques website
AMP Techology Centre website
AMP website

Images: strategic-sites.com

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News: National conference on global nuclear supply chain opportunities

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham is helping to coordinate a national conference that aims to show small and medium-sized enterprises how they can seize global nuclear supply chain opportunities.

Rotherham is set to be at the heart of the civil nuclear industry following last year's announcement of the Nuclear AMRC at the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

It 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 conference will help companies maximise their involvement in the UK's estimated £40bn nuclear new build plant construction, supply and decommissioning chain.

EDF Energy, together with their reactor designer Areva and their other tier one and tier two suppliers will explain the nuclear industry structure to the wider supply chain manufacturers, as well as explain and demystify their procurement process for nuclear new build in the UK and elsewhere. EDF Energy and Areva will talk about what small manufacturers need to do to become competitive suppliers to the nuclear industry.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is organising the conference that is being held at the Manchester Conference Centre on Monday September 27. It is in conjunction with the Nuclear AMRC, Nuclear Industry Association, SC@Nuclear Programme, Government, EDF Energy, Areva, Westinghouse and Doosan Babcock.

In July, The North West Manufacturing Advisory Service was appointed the national lead to coordinate the real support to British businesses provided by the MAS service nationwide to help them seize the commercial opportunities the rapidly expanding global civil nuclear market.

Paul Fewtrell, Head of MAS-NW said: "The nuclear programme offers enormous opportunities for SMEs across the UK, and to maximise this opportunity, MAS-NW's lead role as an honest broker will encourage and support new suppliers into the nuclear supply chains.

"We want to encourage manufacturers throughout the UK to think proactively and even laterally as to how the products they sell could be sold into the nuclear industry. I can only reiterate that the opportunities are enormous, and it would be a shame for UK manufacturers to miss their chance."

Nuclear AMRC website
MAS NW website

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News: JELD-WEN creates jobs in Rotherham

One of the UK's largest door manufacturers, JELD-WEN has completed an extension to their factory in Rotherham which has created 30 new jobs.

The company, which manufactures timber doors for local authorities, developers and the home improvement market, has already secured a major new contract for the supply of over 2,500 boarded and hemlock doors every week, which will be manufactured in the new factory for the UK market.

The newly extended factory, on the Sheffield border at Woodhouse Mill, includes a brand new production line that incorporates paperless tracking via touch screen monitoring, plus a new racking system, both of which optimise manufacturing efficiency.

The company has also invested in an advanced timber preservative treatment plant, where all timber doors will be coated to ensure an enhanced lifespan before being delivered to customers. This ensures that JELD-WEN does not have to rely on outside suppliers to complete this important part of the production process and can therefore be even more responsive to customers.

The new factory layout is compatible with lean management, as part of ensuring JELD-WEN is able to minimise overheads and offset raw material price rises in an effort to provide customers with real value for money.

Richard Dolben, co-ordinating general manager at JELD-WEN said: "The investment is part of our ambitious expansion plans and demonstrates our commitment to UK manufacturing. Our aim is to build on our reputation for offering the very highest quality and performance door products produced in the UK.

"We have employed a number of skilled craftsmen, but we have also invested in an intensive training programme for many of the new staff to ensure we can build on our reputation for manufacturing high quality timber doors. We are looking forward to further developing this side of our doors business."

The factory at has been established for over 80 years and employs around 300 staff over 52 acres. JELD-WEN, a private company with its headquarters in the US, took over operations in 1999.

JELD-WEN website

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News: ZND at the Commonwealth Games

Rotherham-based ZND UK, the market leader in the manufacture and supply of high quality temporary fencing, has secured a deal to supply the 2010 Commonwealth Games being hosted in Dehli in October.

ZND have shipped out 65 containers of temporary fencing from their Barbot Hall facility in a deal that will supply 61 kilometres of fencing for use around the city and in the venues.

ZND UK was established in 1997 as part of the ZND Group. Their 173,000 sq ft premises includes a bespoke production line for ZND UK's famous SmartWeld 100 fencing range.

Smartweld 100 is unique because it offers customers a high-quality, cost-effective product that undergoes rigorous testing to prove its unmatched strength.

The Rotherham facility also means that ZND UK can store an extensive range of temporary fencing, hoarding and pedestrian barriers - typically around 30,000 fencing panels and 10,000 barriers, which enables them to quickly supply our customers with a wide range of products as and when needed.

Fellow Rotherham company, Macalloy has provided tie rods for the construction of the Yamuna Sports Complex, which will host both the table tennis and archery preliminary events at the Commonwealth Games.

ZND UK website

Images: znduk.com

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News: Business advice at Rotherham Show

The Rotherham Enterprise Project is running the "Start Your Business" marquee at Rotherham Show next month to offer business start-up's guidance and tips on how to turn their dream into a reality.

Business coaches from the project will be on hand in the stand near the main arena, to give confidential enterprise support on how to bring ideas to life, start a business or a social enterprise, and talk through types of free help which may also be available.

For businesses already up and running but still in early stages, Business Community Support Officers from Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber will be available to provide free guidance and advice.

Also on hand will be support teams from Rotherham markets for those interested in setting up a stall for the first time, and for those new business looking for low cost premises, the RiDO Business advisers will be able to guide you towards the special business incubation centres situated around Rotherham Borough.

Geoff Link from the Rotherham Enterprise Project, which is funded by The European Development Fund (ERDF), said: "We are thrilled to be offering essential industry know-how for people passionate about pursuing their own business or who have an interesting idea but just don't know where to start.

"We welcome everyone from all walks of life with varying degrees of business acumen to what will be a fantastic event in the town. Really it's a chance to ask questions and receive productive answers from experienced professionals who can help shape an idea into something tangible."

Some of our new start-up businesses will also be showcasing their products and services and will ne able to tell you how they got up and running.

The Rotherham Show is the largest free land show in the North of England and takes place on September 11 and 12 at Clifton Park.

Rotherham Enterprise website

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News: igloo invests in Eye

Igloo Regeneration Ltd has taken a "significant equity stake" in Rotherham-based regeneration consultants, Eye.

Based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, Eye provide development and asset management services to help see regeneration projects through from concept to completion.

Igloo Regeneration Ltd provides services to the igloo Regeneration Fund, a partnership of pension, life and charity funds managed by Aviva Investors, which invests in sustainable urban regeneration across the UK.

Igloo's John Tatham and Nick Ebbs will become non-executive directors of Eye and Eye will be able to access the wealth and experience of the igloo team. In return, igloo will access Eye's experience in the housing sector.

Jon Sawyer, a development consultant, and Joanne Sawyer, then Rotherham Council's head of implementation, established Eye after working successfully on the award-winning All Saints' Quarter project in Rotherham town centre.

One of the first and biggest projects in the Rotherham Renaissance programme, the first phase of the £37m All Saints' Quarter is now complete and consists of the restored Imperial Buildings, Old Market and, Keppel Wharf.

Building on this, Eye is developing a strong track record in turning around challenging housing estates and helped Rotherham Council with its regeneration plans for Canklow, Dalton and East Herringthorpe.

Commenting on the deal, Jon Sawyer said: "Eye is very excited that igloo Regeneration, development managers to the igloo Regeneration Fund and one of our clients, has chosen to invest in our company.

"Eye and igloo share the same philosophy about wanting not only to deliver great projects but also to create great places."

Eye website
igloo website

Images: thisiseye.com

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News: AMRC pioneers a new manufacturing technique

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) is a lead partner in an international research project that has successfully brought a new manufacturing technique for the aerospace industry to the brink of commercialisation.


Eight academic and industrial partners from four countries collaborated on RAPOLAC (Rapid Production of Large Aerospace Components). The three-year project has developed the shaped metal deposition (SMD) process from an experimental proof of concept, to an automated manufacturing technology ready for use by a range of companies.

SMD produces components by welding a continuous metal wire into the desired shape. This reduces the wastage involved in machining parts from a larger block, and removes the need for the expensive tooling used in forging. It also provides significant reductions in the design and production time of large aerospace components.

The SMD technology was initially developed by Rolls-Royce plc, but was not widely adopted for commercial production for several reasons. The welding process had to be manually controlled by a skilled technician, and there was little understanding of the material properties of the parts produced by such an innovative process.

Rolls-Royce licenced the technology to the AMRC which through the RAPOLAC project would move SMD towards commercialisation.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the AMRC is a £100m partnership that has successfully bridged the gap between academia, industry and government.

Researchers at the AMRC focused on optimising the SMD process, ensuring that parts are produced with the best achievable material properties in the most efficient way.

Rosemary Gault, RAPOLAC project manager at the AMRC, said: "SMD was a very promising technology when it came us, but companies weren't interested because it was very labour intensive and we didn't understand the material properties.

"Thanks to the funding from the EU Framework Programme and the hard work of all our partners, it's now been fully modelled and automated. It's ready to go into wider production, and we're talking to a number of companies from aerospace and other sectors."

The expertise of partners involved in the project came together to create a system that involves a robot arm carrying a TIG welding head, operating in a sealed cell filled with a neutral gas. The automated system can produce parts from a computer-aided design (CAD) model.

Parts made by SMD are near-net shape and require minimal machining to finish. The technique can substantially reduce the cost and lead time of producing prototypes and short-run manufacturing. The technique can also be used to produce hybrid components by adding complex structures onto large cast or forged parts.

RAPOLAC consortium members are now seeing keen interest in the SMD technology from industry. They have already produced test parts for six different aerospace companies, and have also been approached by companies from other sectors including medical and motorsports.

AMRC website
RAPOLAC website

Images: rapolac.eu

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News: Retail rate relief in Rotherham town centre

Colliers International has secured a 10% reduction in rateable value on behalf of some Rotherham retailers, including the Co-operative Group. It was granted following a ruling by the Valuation Tribunal Service that reflects the impact of retail closures on the town centre.

Research by Colliers showed that the percentage of units vacant in Rotherham town centre had risen from 6.1% in October 2006 to 23.7% in April 2010. Rotherham Council's Annual Town Centre Survey, which takes into account the effect of new developments such as the redevelopment of the Imperial Buildings, has the figures at 10.3% in 2006 and 20.3% in 2010.

Cian O'Carroll, senior surveyor at Colliers International in Leeds, said: "Whilst there is future development planned and the council has introduced rent incentives that will undoubtedly support retailers in Rotherham, it is imperative that as much as possible is done to ensure the survival of town centre shopping.

"Because of our full service proposition and expertise, our rating, planning, research and retail teams have been able to collaborate and explore all possible avenues to save money for operators and a reduction in rateable value can contribute significantly."

The town is seeing a number of vacant units being taken up by national retaliers with The Works bookstore opening earlier this month.

Rotherham Borough Council's Business & Retail Investment Manager, Tim O'Connell, said: "It's great to see units becoming occupied again especially with well known chains such as The Works. The new store is creating six new jobs in the town centre and introduces a new offer for our shoppers.

"To add to this good news, we also know that there is a high level of interest in the units next door on Effingham Street – the former Birthdays and Bay Trading units – so things are looking extremely positive for the town centre.

"The agents representing the former Big Store on Fredrick Street also inform us that a well known national retailer will be fitting out shortly."

Colliers Midsummer Retail Report highlighted that locations such as Rotherham had been a real victim of the credit crunch. Sarah Banfield, Senior Research Analyst at Colliers said: "Whilst pound shops and other value retailers have offered a solution for many desperate landlords in these towns, this sector is now reaching maturity meaning the business model no longer provides the same level of opportunity for growth.

"The market as a whole may be seeing a resurgence in demand from consumers but the real challenge will be how the UK's high streets can reinvent themselves in the face of a continued lack of demand from retailers."

The Business Vitality Grant scheme, funded by Rotherham Borough Council and developed by its Town Centre Management team, is going a long way to attract independent retailers to the town.

Tim O'Connell added: "As a council we, have just approved our 9th business vitality grant. A coffee shop & patisserie, a one-stop wedding shop, another coffee shop and a prom and evening wear boutique are all set to open in the next two months, meaning the shopping offer in Rotherham is set to improve further."

Rotherham Town Centre website
Colliers report

Images: Lambert Smith Hampton

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News: Tool retailer protects shop staff with Identicom

Leading tool manufacturer, Hilti has chosen to protect its employees from workplace incidents through the use of identicom lone worker protection from Rotherham company, Connexion2.

Hilti provides leading-edge technology to the global construction industry and realised that lone workers can be equally vulnerable when working alone in a retail environment although the company has "under the counter" panic buttons.

Designed to look like a normal ID badge, the Identicom system allows lone workers to raise an alarm, make an emergency phone call or send a text message. Hilti now has 39 Identicom units, with 25 being used by personnel working in its 21 stores and 14, equipped with GPS, for mobile workers who travel from store to store.

It provides an innovative solution to the problems of verbal abuse and physical assault by enabling the shop worker to discreetly summon help at the touch of a button, without breaking eye contact with an aggressor, regardless of where they are and without the expensive of installing a wired infrastructure.

Dased in Dinnington, Connexion2, has successfully been audited and approved against sections 4, 5, & 6 of BS8484, the new British Standard for Lone Worker Device Services. The company's Identicom lone worker device is also the only lone worker device to achieve Association of Police Officers' (ACPO's) "Secured by Design" status due to their unique ID-card form-factor and discreet operation.

Stuart Lamb, National Hilti Centre Manager said: "We looked at other devices on the market but chose Identicom as it is simple to use and is backed by Connexion2's excellent pricing structure and service.

"In addition, the fact that the company and its solutions featuring Identicom, have been audited and approved against BS8484, provides us and our employees with additional reassurance."

Launched in 2005, Identicom is now being used by a wide range of employees including NHS, local authorities, housing associations, charity workers, estate agents, key holders and financial sector professionals.

Connexion2 website

Images: connexion2.com

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News: Rotherham companies are start-up stars

Two Rotherham enterprises have been named as regional finalists in the 2010 HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.

Spangles UK Ltd and Integral Network Solutions are amongst the eight North East Regional Finalists having convinced regional judging panels that they have the vital X-factor for future success and growth.

The companies will now go in front of the national judging panel, that includes Lord Digby Jones, Chairman of the International Business Advisory Board and Huw Morgan, Head of Business Banking, HSBC Bank plc, hoping to go forward and represent the region at the national awards in October.

Established by entrepreneur, Paul Taylor after learning his skills in the telecommunications section in the Army, Integral Network Solutions provide telecommunication networking solutions to customers all over the North of England. The Brampton company was named as a regional winner in the same competition in 2008.

Based in RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, Spangles was founded by Joanne Coulson in 2008. The company brings beautiful and innovative costume jewellery designs to people in their place of work, at home and through fun filled parties.

Joanne said: "We're delighted to have been selected as regional finalists for the HSBC Start Up Stars Awards.

"It's great to get recognition for all of our hard work and we hope that our success in a difficult economic climate will encourage other potential entrepreneurs."

Now in their 10th year, the awards celebrate the achievements of the best new entrepreneurial talent in the UK. Richard Lambert, Director-General of the CBI said: "Britain has long been known and admired for its enterprise and entrepreneurial behaviour - and the economy is going to need even more of this as we recover from the recession.

"The sort of talent, innovation and commitment displayed by those entering the Start-Up Stars Awards is testimony to what can be achieved."

Spangles website
Integral Network Solutions website
HSBC website

Images: hsbc.co.uk

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News: BAM wins Nuclear AMRC construction tender

Bam Construction has won a £17.5m contract to build the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) for the University of Sheffield on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The Leeds-based company were awarded the tender this week, for which five bids were recieved.

The plans for the £25m Nuclear AMRC building were approved by the planning board of Rotherham Council earlier this month.

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.

Designed by Bond Bryan Architects, the 8,000 sq m building includes 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.

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.

Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Bond Bryan / Nuclear AMRC

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News: Rotherham heralds a New Era for Manufacturing

The region's senior manufacturers will head to Rotherham in October for the 2010 Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS Y&H) Manufacturing Conference.

Called a "New Era for Manufacturing", the conference is focused on helping companies make the most of low carbon opportunities and push forward with innovative and advanced manufacturing techniques.

The event will take place at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham on October 14 and attendees will be able to pick up practical tips and advice from local companies and respected business leaders and network with over 200 members of the local manufacturing community.

In addition, they will also be able to take away ideas about how to capitalise on potential opportunities and find out about the grant subsidised support available from MAS.

Keynote speakers include Steve Watson from David Brown Gears who will discuss moving a traditional business into renewables and Cheryl Kindness of Camira Fabrics will discuss product innovation and sustainable manufacturing. Peter Hopton of Very PC will talk about Capitalising on the green revolution and Nick Hussey of Manufacturing Insight will take about improving the image of UK manufacturing.

Through interactive workshops, MAS supported businesses will share with you how they have used specific tools and strategies to improve their performance. The focus will be on manufacturing strategy, innovation in practice, developing your team and a business case for green & sustainable manufacturing.

Also included is the opportunity of a guided tour of the Factory of the Future at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC).

Robin Watson, regional director of MAS said: "The last two years have been a turbulent time for manufacturers but we now have the chance to create a new era for manufacturing. Through this year's conference, we want to reinforce the strong message that manufacturing in Yorkshire & Humber is alive and well, and that MAS will continue its support to ensure that the industry prospers.

"Our aim is that by the end of the conference delegates will have gained innovative ideas about how to capitalise on potential opportunities for their business and are aware of the support available from MAS to help achieve their goals."

MAS Y&H website

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News: RJD handles oil rig contract

Rotherham-based RJD Engineering has played a critical part in a £3.1m oil rig project and helped the Robson Group secure a repeat order.

Based in Sheffield, Geo Robson & Co (Conveyors) is a specialist provider of bulk handling systems for the sugar, cement and glass, recycling environmental, quarry and mining industries, and a specialist in the manufacture and installation of airport baggage handling systems and airport conveyors.

Robson has added another industry to their portfolio by successfully completing systems for the offshore oil exploration industry.

A repeat order was the reward for completing a £3.1m project, which involved the fabrication and build of a pipe handler conveyor and crane. The pipe handler plays a critical role within a deep sea oil rig drilling system, ensuring that the drill pipe sections, up to five metres in length and weighing up to four tonnes are transferred safely to and from the drilling platform.

Destined for the Norwegian oil fields, the pipe handler was fabricated at Hellaby in Rotherham by Robson's sister company, RJD Engineering, who ensured the structure met the critical weight limits that the customer required.

The system had to undergo stringent testing to meet complex standards for the Norwegian Oil Industry and meet the European ATEX Standards for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.

RJD undertook the task of gaining the accreditation of the British and European Standard BS EN ISO 3834. Required mainly for the offshore and nuclear industries, the standard ensures the company meets the highest quality of welding, traceability and documentation.

Only a handful of UK companies currently hold the standard awarded by TWI (The Welding Institute), ensuring the Robson Group is one of the market leaders in this field.

RJD Engineering Ltd, joined the Robson Group in the 1980s. It employs 66 staff and enjoys a turnover of £8m.

RJD Engineering website

Images: rjd-eng.co.uk

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News: BG Controls wins BSF contract

Rotherham building controls specialists BG Controls is helping the Barnsley Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project build green, environmentally friendly schools by installing energy efficient control technologies.

The Dinnington company has been appointed by Crown House Technologies to fit a state-of-the-art building management system (BMS) to control five new Advanced Learning Centres (ALCs) at Dearne, Carlton, Kirk Balk, Penistone and Darton.

Construction began in July 2009 and the new ALCs are set to be completed in January 2011.

The BMS solution includes controls to the biomass boilers, natural ventilation, automatic control of windows and roof vents, rainwater harvesting and wind turbines.

Each school has its own wind turbine to top up the existing power supply. However if the school doesn't use the power this is then exported to the national grid so it's not wasted. The ALCs also have gas-proving systems, which automatically shut down appliances if they are left on thus creating safer conditions.

The system meters water, gas and electricity consumption and each ALC will have a monitor in reception displaying the building's performance where guests, visitors and pupils can view the information.

Mike Dauris, project manager at BG Controls said: "This is a great project to be working on. The schools are all different in design but have one common goal to use renewable energy sources and be environmentally.

"BG Controls has made this possible by installing a cutting edge control system designed to optimise the building's energy efficiency."

BG Controls website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

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News: Premier Foods extends Capgemini outsourcing contract

Premier Foods, the UK's largest food producer, has once again renewed its long-term IT outsourcing alliance with Capgemini UK plc in a new contract worth an estimated £9m for the five-year period 2014-2019.

The contract covers the Premier Foods IT infrastructure including data centre and technical support for all core business systems.

Systems supported involve hardware at Capgemini data centres in Rotherham and Bristol, with additional support from the company's infrastructure management command centre in Krakow, Poland, and from a Capgemini development centre in Mumbai, India.

Under the contract Capgemini will continue to support the IT infrastructure that underpins the many famous Premier Foods brands such as Hovis, Ambrosia, Mr Kipling, Sharwood's, Batchelors, Quorn, Loyd Grossman, Oxo, Bisto and many others.

Phil McCallum, Director of IT & Infrastructure at Premier Foods, said: "We have built up a very effective working relationship with Capgemini over a number of years.

"The degree of trust and confidence between our two businesses has continued to grow, and I am therefore delighted that Capgemini has been able to offer us a technically and commercially attractive proposition reaching right through to 2019."

Avril Francis, Senior Account Executive at Capgemini UK plc, added: "Our client management and service delivery teams have consistently risen to the challenge of anticipating and meeting Premier Foods' evolving needs, and of demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and real collaboration.

"It is great news that their efforts have been rewarded with this important new contract."

Capgemini website

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News: Powerstar awarded "Made in Sheffield" mark

They may be based in Rotherham, but EMSc UK Ltd, the manufacturers of Powerstar voltage optimisation, are the latest company to be allowed to use the world famous "Made in Sheffield" mark.

In order to be awarded the mark, a company must first demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality products.

Powerstar is manufactured at the company's Templeborough base in Rotherham which qualifies for the mark as it holds a Sheffield "S" postcode.

Following the successful assessment process, Powerstar proved it was a creditable product to carry the prestigious mark. It is the only voltage optimisation system wholly designed and manufactured in the UK and works by reducing the the voltage supplied by the National Grid.

Dr Alex Mardapittas, Powerstar designer and Managing Director of EMSc said: "We take great pride in the fact that EMSc has been awarded with this accolade.

"We are a manufacturing company that endeavours to source all the components to build the Powerstar voltage optimisation system locally. This provides us with the flexibility to custom build our systems to meet the exact requirements of the client and gives us an extra edge over our competitors who rely on imported "off the shelf" systems.

"It's great that Sheffield is promoting the 21st Century manufacturing diversity and excellence of companies based here.

"I am delighted that EMSc and Powerstar have been recognised as one of the modern Sheffield success stories."

Powerstar's customer base includes many Yorkshire based companies including AESSEAL and PALRAM Polycarb, while around the UK large blue chip companies like ASDA and Punch Taverns, government departments, local authorities and the NHS are all benefiting from the technology.

The company is also expanding internationally, recently signing two distribution agreements to supply Powerstar voltage optimisation in Australia and South Africa and commencing operations in Cyprus and Greece.

In the past 12 months the company has increased turnover by 166% to almost £8m, is employing 70% more staff and has expanded its Rotherham base with new buildings to house a new assembly and testing facility. The company also won the Yorkshire Forward Innovation in Action award in March.

Other Rotherham firms who have been granted permission to use the "Made in Sheffield" mark include Aesseal, Macalloy, Newburgh Engineering, Polymer Techniques, Sizer Pelleting and Trelleborg.

Powerstar website
Made in Sheffield website

Images: powerstar.co.uk

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News: Construction starts on new Rotherham council houses

Work is progressing on the six new council housing build sites in Rotherham, the first for over 25 years.

In total there will be 127 units developed for the authority on six sites across the Borough after the £8.5m of grant funding the council secured from the Homes and Communities Agency escaped the cuts.

29 houses and apartments are set to be built by Wates Living Space at the Rother View Road, Canklow.

Wildgoose Construction are building 29 houses, apartments and bungalows on Albert Road, West Melton and 21 houses on Albany Road, Kilnhurst.

Eight houses and bungalows are to be built at Newland Avenue, Maltby, by Bramalls, while four apartments are to be built at Stone Park Close in Maltby by TH Michaels.

George Hurst and Sons Ltd began work last month on 36 houses and apartments at Wood Street, Thrybergh.

Work on all the sites will start before September with all properties being built to Lifetime Homes and Building for Life silver standards in addition to achieving Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

These standards are above and beyond the typical open-market house building standards and will ensure a high-quality build, a safe environment and incorporate high energy efficiency measures, making them affordable for council tenants to live in.

The Council has also ensured that its commitment to local labour has resulted in apprentices and work experience students working on the sites. As part of the YORbuild framework - under which the contractors have been appointed - two apprentices and three placements from Thrybergh Comprehensive School will be working on Wood Street site.

Cllr Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods for the Council, said: "After waiting for so many years to be able to build new council housing, to see these developments physically taking shape is fantastic.

"It's also great to see local labour being used on the constructions and the future of the borough being supported with both apprentices student placements getting the sort of training and expertise that will help to set them up for life."

Joanne Jamieson, Business Unit Director for Wates Living Space in Yorkshire , said: "We're really pleased to be involved in delivering these long-awaited new homes for Rotherham.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the Council not only to build houses but to bring community benefits and investment for local people and businesses."

Rotherham Council website

Images: wates.co.uk

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News: Future machining strategies in Rotherham

The next event of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, to be held on Tuesday September 28 in Rotherham, focuses on future machining strategies for aerospace and other industries.

The forum is a technology network for manufacturing businesses organised by The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC).

As aerospace primes continue to manufacture increasingly complex parts from ever more exotic materials, their research collaborations with industry look to develop new tools, technologies and techniques for use on the next generation of machine tools.

The event will showcase how ongoing research within Rolls-Royce, component suppliers and machine tool manufacturers will help UK companies to utilise their equipment more effectively.

Speakers will include: Rolls-Royce Plc, Mori Seiki UK Ltd, and WFL and the event will take place at the The AMRC Rolls-Royce Factory of the Future on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The last forum meeting attracted 120 delegates from manufacturing companies across the country eager to learn more about the opportunities in the UK's nuclear new-build programme, and to network with industry leaders.

For more information contact amf@amrc.co.uk

AMRC website

Images: amrc.co.uk

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News: Rotherham United sign up apprentices

Young people in Rotherham now have an even better chance of a successful career in sports, thanks to a new apprenticeship scheme that has been set up at the Millers' Community Sports Trust.

The initial £150,000 funding provided by the Football Foundation and £50,000 from the Learning and Skills Council has been "match funded" by £50,000 provided by Rotherham's "One Town, One Community" initiative, which promotes values of unity and acceptance, as well as celebrating diversity.

The funding will pay for ten apprentices from across the borough who will represent the diverse population of Rotherham, as well as an Education Officer to recruit and train them.

The Education Officer will work with the apprentices for three years towards a nationally recognised sports coaching qualification, which will be carried out in a purpose built learning environment at Mangham House in Rotherham.

Millers' head of community Dale Spiby said: "In funding this post, both the Football Foundation and "One Town, One Community" have shown they see the same massive potential in Rotherham's young people as Rotherham United do.

"This important work will change the lives of the individuals involved and give them a platform to develop into sports coaches where they can aspire to work at a national or international level."

Cllr Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development & Engagement, added: "We are pleased to be able to support this initiative, which will make a huge difference to the number of young people who can enter sports-related roles in Rotherham.

"Sport helps to bring people together to overcome barriers and create a feeling of one town one community and we are really excited about watching this scheme develop over the next three years."

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust website

Images: One Town, One Community

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News: Parseq outlines strategy following merger

Documetric, the technology-led outsourcing provider based in Rotherham, and IE, the provider of online and mobile software for financial providers and their customers, have announced their strategy for providing multi-channel banking solutions following the recent merger of the two companies.

Following a successful reverse takeover by Rami Cassis and Documetric, the new holding company, Parseq plc, will provide banks with a multi-channel service for payments, applications processing, customer servicing and data analytics.

A key focus for Parseq will be growing the company's mobile banking business. IE's mobile banking solution already has a competitive advantage in the market thanks to the company's long track record of delivering secure applications to financial services clients and its flexible platform that allows key branding differential between banks.

The additional outsourcing services provided by Documetric means that Parseq will be able to provide a fully managed mobile banking solution to financial institutions, including call centre support for banks' customers. This will allow financial institutions to rapidly deploy mobile banking alongside more established channels without having to build up internal capability.

Documetric's call centre skills and the expertise of their technical help desk at Hellaby was instrumental in migrating more than five thousand Royal Bank of Scotland Group customers to the bank's new range of online banking products. Documetric has been providing services to the group and their customers for more than 20 years.

Rami Cassis, Parseq CEO, said: "In a nutshell, uniting Documetric and IE provides us with a complete end-to-end offering for the financial services market.

"Parseq will offer expertise and established product infrastructures to companies that want to outsource the management of multiple, complementary channels from mobile and telephone, to online transaction support services.

"Our increased scale will enable us to offer complementary front-office capabilities in mobile and online banking with middle and back office delivery."

Phillip Blundell, IE's CEO, added: "As financial institutions look to operate more efficiently, Parseq will enable customers to streamline the number of partners they require to service multiple communications channels, including the emerging mobile channel.

"By providing a complete end-to-end service, clients will ultimately be better placed to meet the needs of today's customer and improve overall loyalty."

The merger saw Maven Capital Partners complete a successful exit on behalf of Capital for Enterprise (CfE) Fund A. The £75m CfE Fund is a Government backed initiative launched in 2009 to help small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) gain access to the financial support required to bridge the funding gap caused by the credit crisis.

Documetric secured a £2m investment from the fund in 2009 to support the growth of the business by providing funding for new IT systems alongside additional working capital.

The exit generated an internal rate of return of 19% for the fund.

Parseq website

Images: parseqplc.com

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News: The Works opens in Rotherham town centre

Britain's leading discount book store, The Works has opened on Effingham Street in Rotherham town centre.

The retailer stocks books, toys, gifts, stationery and arts & crafts at discount prices, and sell over one million products every week to consumers looking for a bargain.

The opening is part of the ambitious West Midlands company's goal of operating 1,000 UK stores and with target of 50 new stores a year, Rotherham was one of 750 potential market towns identified for a new store.

Retail Week reports that Leeds-based private equity house Endless, which owns The Works, plans to sell the retailer next year with a price tag of £80m, after a significant turnaround since falling into administration in January 2008.

The bookseller is understood to have generated EBITDA (income) of £10m in the year to April 30. Latest accounts filed at Companies House show The Works recorded total sales of £88.8m in the year to April 25, 2009.

The Works website
Retail Week article

Images: theworks.co.uk

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News: Macalloy at the palace

Proud representatives of Rotherham construction experts, Macalloy, attended a reception at Buckingham Palace last month to honour their status as winners of The Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Managing director, Peter Hoy and sales director, Chris Willett were congratulated by Her Majesty The Queen on winning the award for international trade.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's most prestigious Awards for business success and Macalloy were one of 95 companies to win the award for international trade this year.

Joanna Hill, head of the Queen's Awards Office, said: "These awards are not given lightly - all the Yorkshire and Humber winners have shown they are amongst the very best in their own industry, and country as a whole.

"This is a fantastic accolade that underlines the essential role of enterprise and business in our economy. I warmly congratulate all the winners for this recognition and I wish them the very best for the future."

Based in Dinnington, Macalloy are world leaders in design, manufacture and supply of threaded bar and cable systems to engineering and construction projects across the globe.

Over six years the company's export earnings have increased by 124% from its markets in 58 countries worldwide.

Macalloy systems support impressive projects including the Viaduc du Millau in Southern France, the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai and close to home, Clifton Park in Rotherham.

They have also been used in Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium, the centrepiece to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the venue for the final.

Macalloy can now display The Queen's Award emblem on all their branding and company literature to set them apart from the rest.

They join other successful Rotherham companies including AESSEAL and Huthwaite International as recipients of the prestigious award. Jackie Frost, Enterprise Projects Manager at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and RiDO's Business Centre Manager, Amanda Parris have both previously earned the individual Queen's Award for Enterprise promotion.

Macalloy website

Images: macalloy.com

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News: Local dragons to provide cash boost to Rotherham business

Rotherham Enterprise Board and UK Steel Enterprise are offering Rotherham businesses the opportunity to prove their worth to a panel of Dragons'.

The Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, will offer local businesses a unique opportunity to further develop their already established business.

The event is aimed at businesses based within Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have excellent growth potential.

A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on September the 30th 2010, where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham based entrepreneurs.

The event also provides the opportunity win a prize of £1,500, venture capital investment opportunities, and exclusive editorial coverage.

Laura Brown, the Board's enterprise events co-ordinator said: "We're looking for people who are ready to take the next step in developing their business. If you feel your business would benefit from a cash injection or some advice and support from successful local entrepreneurs who will make up our panel than this event will prove invaluable."

UK Steel Enterprise's regional manager, Keith Williams, said: "We are delighted to support Rotherham Enterprise Board and the Dragons' Den-type Events. There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham.

"The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

For further information please contact Laura Brown, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator (01709 823816 / laura.brown@rotherham.gov.uk)

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Solaglas Windowcare shortlisted for safety award

Rotherham-based window repair and replacement expert, Solaglas Windowcare, has been shortlisted for the "Best Health and Safety Achievement in Construction" category in the prestigious 2010 SHP IOSH Awards.

IOSH is the world's biggest professional health and safety organisation. It sets standards, provides health and safety training, support and guidance, and campaigns on issues that affect millions of working people.

The SHP IOSH Awards are a highlight of the health and safety calendar and the trophy is one of the most coveted throughout the profession. Judges look at the scale of the achievement and how well the initiative has worked, rather than how much money or other resources were spent on it.

The Solaglas Windowcare nomination is for a working and heights initiative which completely mitigated the risk of engineers falling from height from their vehicles. It offered a practical solution and eliminated a serious risk at a sensible cost.

Previously, ladders were secured on top of the Solaglas Windowcare vehicles and engineers had to climb a ladder at the back of the vehicle to then pull the ladders down.

Following an extensive review and successful pilot, the team are now rolling out a completely new layout, meaning that ladders will be safely stored within the vehicle. Not only does this completely cut out the risk of falling, but it also means the ladders are stored securely.

The initiative was recognised by parent company Saint-Gobain at their annual Diamond Awards.

The 2010 SHP IOSH awards ceremony will take place at the London Hilton, Park Lane, on October 20.

Solaglas website

Images: solaglaswindowcare.co.uk

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News: Latest financial results from Corus

In their latest financial results, Tata Steel Europe, which includes the Corus sites in Rotherham, has posted a rise in turnover but a drop in income for the quarter ended June 30.



Turnover rose by 4% on the previous quarter to $3.814m, a 16% increase on the same period last year. EBITDA was posted at $293m, a fall of 17% on the previous quarter but a world away from the $399m loss posted in the first quarter of last year.

The reduced income was as a result of the lower exchange rates because of the depreciation of the pound against the Indian rupee (Tata Steel Europe is part of the Indian-owned Tata Steel Group).

At Tata's European plants, production has risen by 37% on the previous quarter to 3.74m tonnes and market conditions were sufficiently strong for the company's sale prices to continue increasing.

The results also highlight that Tata Steel Europe has made rapid progress in developing a new operating model that will transform the company into a more integrated customer-focused business.

It also said that the cost saving and restructure programme that saw Corus announce in 2009 that 1,100 jobs would be lost in Rotherham, continues to accrue £350m in annual benefits.

As the company continued to bounce back, Corus last month announced plans to recruit 154 new workers for its South Yorkshire manufacturing operations and the resumption of apprentice and graduate recruitment.

Kirby Adams, managing director and chief executive officer of Tata Steel Europe, said: "In April to June the recovery of the European operations continued.

"Not only was there a $692 million turnaround in Corus's year-on-year EBIDTA performance, there was also significant improvements in revenue and capacity utilisation.

"This was the result of higher selling prices and the fact that the full impact of recent raw materials price rises on profitability had yet to be felt.

"European demand has improved in sectors like automotive and aerospace. However, the long-term sustainability of the recovery is highly dependent on future growth in the European construction sector."

Corus website

Images: corusgroup.com

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News: International client for design101

Rotherham web-design enterprise, design101, has secured their first international client.

Based at RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, design101 is a brand new company with a wealth of experience and a host of established skills in all aspects of digital design, web site development and search engine optimisation (seo).

Silver State Supply based in Las Vegas, Nevada has hired the company to create a brand identity and a shiny new website.

Silver State are a leading supplier of all kinds of pipes, valves and fittings for a multitude of industries including the food, beverage, dairy, cosmetics, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Closer to home, Rotherham company Xpress Ordering and the work experience organisation Business & Education South Yorkshire have both benefited from the services. design101's most high profile website is perhaps the new online Arena ticket shop for the Sheffield Arena and various venues in the surrounding area.

design101 website

Images: design101

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News: Rotherham recruitment specialist records growth across South Yorkshire

A Rotherham-based recruitment specialist, has witnessed a significant rise in recruitment opportunities across accountancy, financial services and sales sectors.

Elevation Recruitment, which is part of the Horbury Group, operates in six specialist sectors; Accountancy, Practice, Executives, Financial Services, Sales and Construction, covering South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Accountancy and financial services are the two sectors which have shown the largest rise in recruitment, with job vacancies up by a third.

Matt Linley, managing director at Elevation Recruitment, said: "Between the years of 2008 to 2009, the recruitment market had a very bleak outlook, resulting in countless numbers of companies tightening their belts, which unfortunately led to redundancies.

"Accountancy is now a particular area where there is now high demand for applicants with many firms hiring partly qualified and newly qualified candidates, to re-staff their workforce and deal with the increase in business.

"Our clients, both in accountancy and financial services, are very optimistic about the future of their sectors, which will reflect the increase in job opportunities."

Another sector for Elevation which has witnessed an increase in recruitment is the practice market, dealing with audit, tax and corporate finance. The sector is witnessing growth in opportunities aimed at senior level.

Matt, added: "Elevation is starting to see more opportunities this year more than what we have seen over the past 18 months."

Job opportunities within sales also continue to grow, creating a highly competitive market. Elevation Recruitment has witnessed a staggering rise in applicants, which is set to carry for the foreseeable future.

Matt, said: "This isn't to say that quantity has taken over the quality of applicants. There has been no skill shortage, and with businesses re-gaining their confidence, the recruitment market will hopefully continue to reflect this positive outlook."

Figures released this week showed that the number of people unemployed in the UK fell by 49,000 to 2.46 million in the three months to June, with the decline in the jobless total being the biggest drop in three years

The number of people employed increased by 184,000, the largest quarterly rise since 1989, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.

Figures on the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) were also released. The number of claimants in Rotherham at end of July was 7,298 and has dropped from the high of 9,102 in January 2010. These figures have fallen in five of the first seven months of 2010.

The increase in the number of JSA claimants over the last two years in Rotherham has been above both national and regional rates of increase but encouragingly recent falls have also been faster than average.

Elevation Recruitment website

Images: Elevation Recruitment

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News: Dragonfly PR wins Marshalls contract

PR experts at Rotherham marketing agency, Dragonfly PR, are set to work with the commercial division of Marshalls plc, the UK's leading manufacturer of paving and hard landscape products.

Based in Huddersfield and established in the late 1880s, Marshalls is the UK's leading manufacturer of natural stone and innovative concrete hard landscaping products, supplying the construction, home improvement and landscape markets.

The Group operates its own quarries and manufacturing sites including a brick works at Maltby in Rotherham.

"Marshalls is one of the best brands to work with in the business," said Marina Wood, at Dragonfly PR. "Their work on demonstrating the sustainability of their products is commendable and they supply to so many prestigious projects.

"Our expertise in the construction sector means we can provide write these case studies with empathy and in a way that attracts maximum interest with specifiers and contractors."

Based in RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, Dragonfly has worked with local companies including Newburgh Engineering, Sizer Ltd, Namtec and S3-ID.

Dragonfly website
Marshalls website

Images: marshalls.co.uk

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News: Rotherham entrepreneurs to table business ideas

Rotherham Enterprise Board are set to host their third Tablecloth Enterprise event at Century Business Centre in Manvers on the September 16.

The previous events, which took place at RiDO's business centres, saw fledgling businesses take part in "speed coaching" sessions with successful entrepreneurs.

The events, which are free to attend, are funded by Corus subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise and offer businesses the opportunity to explore their concepts and discuss running a business with experienced entrepreneurs in a relaxed and informal setting.

Discussions and thoughts are captured on a paper tablecloth and by the end of the session businesses will have refined their business ideas and will have a tablecloth full of inspiring notes and ideas to follow up and explore.

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is led by successful business men and women from a wide range of different backgrounds and business sectors. They are using their experience to change the way business support is provided and make it more helpful to Rotherham entrepreneurs.

UK Steel Enterprise's regional manager, Keith Williams, said: "The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from our own investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

For further information please contact Laura Brown, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator (01709 823816 / laura.brown@rotherham.gov.uk)

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: rido.org.uk

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News: New appointments at Business & Education South Yorkshire

Four new members of staff have joined Business & Education South Yorkshire (b&e) in Rotherham to further enhance the organisation's services to businesses and schools across the region.

Pippa Proctor has joined as employability relationship manager. Pippa will be responsible for engaging with businesses in the hospitality sector across Sheffield to provide impartial help and support to employers to recruit, retain and train all staff. She will provide help and advice and refer to specialist services able to assist and support with their business needs.

Janice Richardson joins as project co-ordinator for the new b&e work-wise programme, driven by local engineering and manufacturing companies and aimed at encouraging and supporting young people to access job opportunities. Janice will work alongside local businesses and schools to develop this collaborative and innovative approach.

Also new to the team are Robert Gamble and Kirsty Doran who take up roles as employment engagement officers for b&e's work experience team. Robert and Kirsty will be dedicated to sourcing suitable work placements that match the skills and aspirations of South Yorkshire's young people.

Jackie Freeborn, chief executive of Business & Education South Yorkshire, said: "This is a very exciting time for our organisation, as we continue to expand to enhance our services to meet the needs of this region's employers. We are now in an even better position to offer the very best quality services, which are tailored to benefit South Yorkshire young people, individuals and businesses."

B&e is the lead organisation in the South Yorkshire region, which is responsible for creating links between employers and education. B&e inspires people to achieve the best they possibly can, by raising aspirations and positively shaping values and their perceptions of the world of work. B&e uses employer influence to help people, particularly young people, understand, experience and prepare for the world of work.

The organisation currently works with over 17,000 young people and 8,000 employers per year.

B&E website

Images: be-sy.co.uk

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News: Macalloy supports innovative stadium structure

Rotherham construction specialists, Macalloy, has supplied their tendons to support an innovative roof at a new ice skating stadium under construction in Germany.

Based in Dinnington, Macalloy are world leaders in design, manufacture and supply of threaded bar and cable systems to engineering and construction projects across the globe.

The stadium at Inzell, Bavaria is being built at the foot of the Alps and will host the Ice Speed Skating World Cup in 2011. The existing outdoor rink is being retained and housed beneath a new signature roof structure.

The 82.5m spanned roof structure will be column free and made from glue laminated timber with the support of Macalloy 460 and Macalloy 520 tendons, which form steel trusses.

Architects, Behnisch, chose timber and Macalloy steel trusses because, with a special reflective fabric applied to the underside, they will help retain the cold air, whilst maximising the amount of daylight coming through a series of large rooflights.

Macalloy has recently been presented with the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2010 for international trade in recognition of the company's export earnings that have increased by 124% in six years.

Other sports projects that have utilised Macalloy systems include the venue for the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg; the main venue for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the City of Manchester Stadium; the Olympia Stadion in Berlin, that hosted six games at the 2006 World Cup; and the Khalifa Stadium in Doha.

Macalloy website

Images: Macalloy / Behnisch Architects

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News: Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership

Representatives from local authorities and local business leaders are working together to submit proposals to the government in order to establish the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are the government's new model to promote economic development. Their functions, governance, funding arrangements and responsibilities, including possible transfer of functions from Regional Development Agencies, are being developed and consultation is underway.

The government announced that Regional Development Agencies such as Yorkshire Forward will be abolished by March 2012.

The intention is that LEPs will provide the strategic leadership required to set out local economic priorities, and better reflect the natural economic geography of the areas they serve. It is thought that responsibilities will cover planning and housing, transport and infrastructure, employment and enterprise.

LEPs will be able to bid for part of the £1bn Regional Growth Fund, a two year fund announced by the government that will start in April 2011 to be spent on initiatives which encourage private sector enterprise and capacity, particularly in areas currently dependent on the public sector and facing severe effects of its contraction.

Members of the Sheffield City Region Forum recently met and announced their intention to form a Local Enterprise Partnership, which will include representatives from local authorities and local business leaders. At present, all City Region local authorities have indicated that they wish to be involved either as a "core" member or as an "associate" member.

The Sheffield City Region covers the four South Yorkshire authorities (Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley) in addition to Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bassetlaw, Bolsover and the Derbyshire Dales.

In July the Master Cutler, James Newman, chaired a meeting of over eighty business leaders from the City Region where attendees confirmed that they were happy to participate in a LEP for the City Region.

A LEP Working Group consisting of local business leaders has been established and is currently working alongside local authority Chief Executives to develop a proposal to submit to Government by September 6. Local businesses and local authorities have been invited to submit ideas to support this process.

Cllr Roger Stone, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council and chair of Local Government Yorkshire and the Humber said: "In times like these, when we are facing unprecedented changes in local government, it can be all too easy to focus on short-term targets and tasks, but it's important to keep one eye on the future and the opportunities which the new world may present.

"Rotherham is already talking with other councils across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire to ensure we capitalise on the benefits this could bring.

"We have a pretty good track record in attracting new businesses into Rotherham and in supporting them once they are up-and-running and I believe this will stand us in good stead as we move into the new decade."

Andrew Denniff, Policy and Communication Manager at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "Whatever new structures emerge, it is clear that local businesses need to play a central role in defining every area's economic future. So businesses, and Chambers of Commerce, must be at the heart of new Local Enterprise Partnerships.

"Given the long-standing economic challenges that face so many parts of the country, business must be assured that private sector growth, job creation, and balanced local economies are the new LEPs' overriding priorities."

Sheffield City Region website
Rotherham Council website
Rotherham Chamber website

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News: JF Finnegan wins £2m contract at MTL's new Rotherham facility

Sheffield based contractor JF Finnegan has been appointed to undertake circa £2m of refurbishment works at contract manufacturing specialist, MTL Group's new 300,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham.

The relocation from their current Sheffield base to a new advanced manufacturing facility at J34 in Brinsworth is the biggest deal of its kind in South Yorkshire this year.

MTL Group laser cuts, bends, machines and fabricates steel to customers' requirements in the defence, construction, rail and renewable energy sectors.

The company is to invest more than £5m in the J34 infrastructure to create a high-efficiency, low-energy facility. It will house MTL Group's world class equipment, which it has invested £6m into in the last four years, as well as providing additional space for continued expansion.

Over 250 jobs will be relocated in Rotherham and Yorkshire Forward is supporting the capital expansion with regional grant funding to support another 50 new jobs which will be created as a result of the move.

JF Finnegan has now commenced on site and the 17 week schedule of works includes the removal of redundant M&E installations, provision of new ventilation to the machine and warehouse areas, installation of various roller shutter doors, ramps and cranes as well as demolition of existing loading platform, canopy and the refurbishment of office space.

The refurbishment work of the warehouse facility that was previously operated for supermarket giant, J Sainsbury will be completed in early November this year following which additional office accommodation is expected to be developed with the whole relocation complete by Easter 2011.

Dawa Singh, design and build manager for JF Finnegan, said: "Our considerable design value engineering based experience from the delivery of similar quality schemes in the region ensured our successful appointment by MTL, along with our ability to commence work quickly and within budget.

"At just 17 weeks, the project delivery is fast and is supported by JF Finnegan's well established preferred sub-contract supply chain. We are delighted to be assisting the delivery of the MTL's new facilities which are creating skilled jobs within the region."

Dr Henry Shirman, managing director of MTL Group, added: "We are pleased that the first phase of works is now underway at our new facility. The strategic investment into the site will see MTL Group more than double in size and enable us to deliver a greater range of services to our customers."

MTL Group website
JF Finnegan website

Images: mtlgrp.com

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News: Maltby Academy waits on funding decision

Maltby Academy in Rotherham will have to wait until the government's Comprehensive Spending Review in October to find out if any capital funding is secure.

Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has announced the go-ahead for 33 "sample" school projects and that 44 academies at the most advanced stage in their capital planning will receive capital now.

Capital allocations for the remaining 75, including Maltby, will be decided in the Spending Review. Sponsors of these academies will be working with the Department for Education to reduce costs over the next few months.

In July, the government announced that £100m Building Schools for the Future (BSF) projects at Abbey SEN, Aston, Hilltop SEN, Milton, Oakwood, St Pius and Swinton have been stopped and that the proposals for Maltby Academy were for discussion.

In February 2009, Rotherham-based education technology specialists, u-explore outlined their proposals to become the lead sponsor of Maltby Academy.

The Academy became operational in September 2009, and new facilities to create an iconic 0-19 campus were hoped to be completed by September 2013. Hilltop Special School and Maltby Lilly Hall Primary School are set to be co-located on the proposed Maltby Campus.

Michael Gove, Education Secretary, said: "I'm determined that we press ahead with the Academies programme and want all those schools identified as future academies to enjoy the freedoms and benefits academy status brings.

"We will also work with councils, sponsors and the construction industry to ensure we bear down on costs and bureaucracy so every new school is built in as cost-effective and efficient a way as possible, and I am delighted that they have already responded so positively to this challenge."

Maltby Academy website

Images: maltbyacademy.com

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News: World's largest real estate firm lands in Sheffield

Following the acquisition of industrial agency experts M3 Agency LLP in May, CB Richard Ellis, the world's leading property adviser, has launched its newly branded Sheffield office which, with the largest market share in the region, is set to capitalise on the recovering market.

CBRE's new Sheffield office is headed up by industry experts Toby Vernon and Roger Haworth who work in conjunction with colleagues from CBRE's Leeds office on instructions covering the whole Yorkshire region in addition to the North Midlands and the North East.

Commercial property instructions in Rotherham include 152,000 sq ft of space at Magna 34 in Templeborough and 50 acres at The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The addition of a dedicated industrial specialist within the capital markets team boosts CBRE's already strong regional investment market presence.

Roger Haworth, Senior Director, CBRE Sheffield, said: "As we move into the third quarter of 2010, we are witnessing positive signs of recovery within the regional industrial and logistics market with 1.3m sq ft of take-up in the last month alone from deals such as ASOS at Crossflow, Barnsley who have taken a 530,000 sq ft distribution centre, MTL Group at J34 in Rotherham and Amazon who have signed up on 415,000 sq ft in Doncaster.

"This signals a positive start in terms of an upturn in the market as enquiry levels are currently good for the larger available stock. The lack of new space coming to the market will increase competition for existing stock resulting in improved rental values and the eventual return of new development within the region."

Toby Vernon, Senior Director, CBRE Sheffield, added: "Due to the combined strength of CBRE's Yorkshire industrial capabilities we are well positioned to identify opportunities for clients to capitalise on the recovering market.

"Our strategy moving forward is to continue to provide market leading advice to our broad client base which covers all spectrums of the industrial sector from small scale developments to large distribution facilities.

"We will be working with a number of key clients to identify new development opportunities to cater for the next phase of pre-let/pre-sale led business."

CBRE website

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