News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010 winners

Category winners in The Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2010 have been announced at an event at Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham.

The awards, sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Network (REN) and UK Steel Enterprise, have again uncovered a wealth of young talent that is relentlessly bucking the national trend with a collection of small but successful new businesses springing up in the borough.

Following the submission of a business plan, each business owner then attended an interview before a panel of judges, whose job it was to decide the four category winners. The standard of entries was so high that judges took the unprecedented step of recognising the efforts of the runners-up alongside the category winners.

• Best new start-up — Aardvark Display Lighting
• Best established business — Steel City Promotions
• Business most determined to succeed — JADE
• Best business using IT/technology — RipWire
• Runners-up — F1showcars and Alexandra Buffet Co

Businesses will be featured on Rothbiz over the next week and the overall winner will be announced in October.

Award organiser and Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) enterprise manager Geoff Link said: "I never fail to be impressed by the passionate young business men and women that enter these awards, especially during these uncertain times.

"They stand out from the crowd, not least because of their determination, ingenuity and self belief. Setting up and running your own business is not for the feint hearted - and these young entrepreneurs are certainly not that."

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: RiDO

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News: British Gas acquires Connaught's Rotherham site

Centrica plc, the parent company of British Gas, has announced that its British Gas Business division has acquired the assets of the gas and electricity services businesses of Connaught Compliance, for £11.2m.


Connaught Compliance has continued to trade as usual after parent company Connaught plc, the social housing group, entered administration earlier this month.

The acquisition will bring British Gas Business an approximately 600 strong work force including approximately 400 gas and electricity engineers who specialise in the installation, service and maintenance of commercial gas boilers and electrical systems, and in excess of 20,000 customer contracts, mainly in the private sector.

The deal includes Connaught Compliance Electrical Services based at Templeborough, Rotherham which was formed when Connaught acquired the Lowe Group (Holdings) Ltd, trading as Necta Ltd, for around £7.5m in 2008.

British Gas Business believes that the acquisition firmly establishes them in the provision of a broad range of business energy services, including energy management, energy efficiency, building controls and renewable technologies.

British Gas's future growth in energy services was strengthened in 2009 when they acquired Energy and Building Management Solutions Limited and Newnova Group Limited. British Gas has now made five acquisitions in the energy services and management sector.

Kanat Emiroglu, managing director of British Gas Business, said: "This acquisition gives us the platform that is needed to develop and rapidly build a complete energy solutions business and accelerates our growth strategy in the business energy services market, which is expected to be worth £2 billion by 2015.

"It's great news too for the highly trained Connaught engineer force; its 20,000 customers, as well as British Gas Business' existing customers."

Ian Carlisle, Chief Executive of Connaught Compliance, added: "We are delighted to have agreed this deal with Centrica. This fulfills a key element of our ongoing strategy to refocus Connaught Compliance on the core elements of our business whilst retaining the most comprehensive range of health and safety services in the UK.

"Centrica has made a compelling offer but crucially has an unrivalled ability to leverage economies of scale, expertise and resources in these markets, meaning that the deal makes sense not just financially but also in respect of securing the long term future of both businesses and their employees.

"The outlook for Connaught Compliance remains positive. The sale of our gas and electrical businesses will allow the management team to focus on growing and developing our core field and advisory services. We now have a unique opportunity to further refine and improve the way we deliver these services, align ourselves even more closely with our clients needs and build upon the quality and service that our customers demand."

British Gas Business website

Images: connaught.plc.uk

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News: Tata Steel agrees refinancing of debt in Europe

As Corus sites in Rotherham start to be rebranded as Tata Steel, the owner Tata Steel UK Holdings, a 100% indirect subsidiary of Tata Steel Limited, has signed agreements for the refinancing of its debt in Europe.

The agreements are with a syndicate of 13 banks for a £3.53 billion loan and revolving credit facility which is intended to replace the current facilities entered into at the time of the acquisition of Corus in 2007.

The new facilities have been designed to achieve certain key financing and business objectives for the company and the new financing structure includes a five year loan of around £1.8 billion and a seven year loan of £1 billion. The revolving credit facilities for working capital have been increased to £690m.

In the last 18 months, Tata Steel Group has repaid significant debt equivalent to approximately £900m.

Kirby Adams, Tata Steel Europe MD & CEO, said: "Lenders to Tata Steel showed confidence by supporting the company's plans to weather the financial crisis.

"In the week that we have rebranded our European operations as Tata Steel, this refinancing agreement is an important sign of our banks' sustained confidence in our plans for the future.

"As I prepare to hand over the reins of Tata Steel Europe to Karl-Ulrich Köhler, it is very satisfying that another key strategic objective of the company – the securing of a sound and more favourable financing structure for the future – is being achieved."

Tata Steel Europe website

Images: tatasteeleurope.com

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News: Rent increases postponed for Rotherham market traders

Rotherham Borough Council has confirmed that following consultations with the traders at the Centenary Market in the town centre, it has agreed to defer any increases in rent until next year.

The decision was made following a recent meeting with market trader representatives who reported that the Centenary Market, with its indoor and outdoor sections, continues to attract shoppers despite the economic difficulties.

However, the authority agreed that any increased charges could have a detrimental effect on some traders.

It has therefore been agreed to delay any rent review until the end of the current 2010/11 financial year.

The Indoor and Outdoor Markets currently provide stalls for more than 260 independent traders and attract in excess of 85,000 visitors each week.

Cllr Richard Russell, the Council's Cabinet Member for Town Centres, said the authority was very keen to support local market traders and will work together with them to help guarantee the future success of the markets complex.

He added: "Although our Centenary Market continues to attract a loyal core of shoppers, the current retail environment is still tough and any increased charges at this time could have a negative impact on those traders who are suffering hardship during the current economic climate.

"We are aware that the market's fees and charges relating to the Centenary Market complex are subject to VAT and as such will rise by 2.5 per cent when the new rate comes into effect from January 4."

Market trader Mike Smithson from Mikes Famous Bookstall, said: "The Council decision to defer any rent increases until 2011 will certainly be welcomed by all the traders at Rotherham Markets.

"Retailing in the current economic climate is not easy, but it is reassuring to know that the Council recognises this and is prepared to work with the traders to help keep a thriving Rotherham Markets complex."

More than five new businesses have started trading in the complex this year.

Rotherham Markets website

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News: Approved Food shows appetite for growth

Online discount food and drink retailer, Approved Food has seen orders increase by 115%, turnover double and 15 new jobs created since expanding into new premises in Dinnington, Rotherham.

The online service offers deals that no supermarket can compete with by selling over 1,000 long dated, short dated or out of date "best before" products from many well-loved brands.

With over 25,000 customers, the business now processes over 1,500 orders a week, delivering a vast range of cut price groceries to homes across the UK.

Dan Cluderay, founder of Approved Food said: "The appetite for cheap food and drink continues to grow and as news of our offering spreads, more and more consumers are turning to us to stock up on their cupboard essentials.

"The first half of this year has surpassed our expectations with a huge number of new and returning customers filling their baskets with us. The economic climate has made our offering particularly attractive, especially to families looking for ways to save money in the household."

A rapid increase in traffic and orders to the website meant the business needed to find a larger base from which to operate to ensure the smooth running of deliveries was maintained. Approved Food moved from Worksop to a 20,000 sq ft warehouse on North Anston Trading Estate.

Dan added: "As the business continued to expand, servicing such a high volume of orders from our old premises became increasingly challenging. The new warehouse has provided us with the modern and spacious facilities we need to increase our stock levels and packing resources, enabling us to increase our workforce and improve our overall efficiency."

Although nothing is ever sold past its "use by" date, products that are past their "best before" date are perfectly fine to consume and very few people are able to tell the difference. Buying goods this way is not only good value, but also helps reduce the amount of food waste by making use of products that supermarkets are otherwise ready to throw away.

In addition to a vast range of food and drink products, the website features additional lines in pet food, cleaning products and toiletries.

Approved Food website

Images: Approved Food

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News: AMRC at IMTS

Rotherham-based experts from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) showcased a new dimension and a new direction for advanced manufacturing at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago earlier this month.

The show is the premier manufacturing technology show in North America and this year it attracted a total of 1,728 companies from 30 countries, filling 1,180 booths with 1,137,375 sq ft of the latest advances in manufacturing technology.

Attendees totaling 82,411 from more than 100 countries came to see and buy the equipment, tooling, and services they'll need to maintain the competitive edge to compete in their area of manufacturing.

Building upon a very successful debut in 2008, the AMRC collaborated with North America's metalworking technology magazine, Modern Machine Shop (MMS), Rolls-Royce and IMTS 2010 to create the "Advanced Manufacturing Center."

The display included an interactive virtual reality presentation, a Rolls-Royce Trent 900 aircraft engine, and multimedia displays exploring trends and technologies being adopted by leading manufacturers.

Peter Eelman from the The Association For Manufacturing Technology said that the displays were well recieved and had healthy traffic. "We are ecstatic that IMTS 2010 met and, in many cases, exceeded our exhibitors' and visitors' expectations," he said. "The show was lively and many exhibitors expressed some surprise and satisfaction with the quantity and quality of attendees."

Daniel Janka, president of MAG, a leading US machine tool and systems company added: "This show had a remarkable display of new and emerging technologies that will be the catalyst for the revitalization of manufacturing."

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.

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

AMRC website
ITMS website

Images: imts.com

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News: Beatson Clark's future design innovations

Rotherham glass manufacturer, Beatson Clark is to showcase the future of glass packaging at the Easyfairs Packaging Innovations event next month.

The Greasborough Road firm will be taking part in the two day exhibition keen to demonstrate its innovative futuristic designs, which aim to push the boundaries of glass packaging containers.

Working alongside global brand agency Blue Marlin, new conceptual deigns have been created and were exhibited at the Food & Drink Expo earlier this year.

The two top designs chosen, Rubic and Flame, are now being developed into the first stage of their physical visualisation, and will be on show next month in London.

Charlotte Taylor, marketing manager at Beatson Clark said: "We decided to take an alternative approach to the industry's normal new product development process, which sees glass manufacturers either providing standard containers or designing bespoke glass containers with products already in mind.

"Commissioning Blue Marlin has given us the insight to anticipate and capitalise on future trends and ensures our customers are given the latest and most innovative solutions to their glass packaging.

"Using research, customer feedback and analysis, we are now in the process of developing two of the designs, Flame and Rubic, which can be utilised for a variety of products."

Beatson Clark website

Images: beatsonclark.co.uk

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News: Act promptly to avoid a financial crisis warns Rotherham debt expert

Directors of struggling companies risk personal financial losses if they bury their heads in the sand, leading debt expert Paul Moorhead has warned.

Insolvency practitioner Paul, the founder of Rotherham insolvency practice Moorhead Savage, says business owners need to act promptly if they are hit by the recession.


And he adds that ignorance is no defence when it comes to facing the consequences of a financial meltdown.

"There are company directors who continue trading as usual even when they know they are in difficulties," he said.

"But by taking this approach, rather than seeking expert advice, they run the risk of becoming personally liable for the company's debts if the business does go bust.

"And it is important to point out that at a time like this, ignorance is not considered a defence. If a company runs up considerable debts when the directors knew, or ought to have realised, that the company is going to end up in liquidation, the directors run the risk of losing the protection that limited liability status provides.

"They key is to seek advice from an insolvency practitioner as soon as possible, somebody who will help put in place either a formal plan to turn things around or give advice on the best way to deal with the problem. Creditors are increasingly willing to consider sensible turnaround plans so financial problems need not mean the closure of a business."

Earlier this year, Moorhead Savage expanded by taking further office space at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre.

Moorhead Savage website

Images: Moorhead Savage

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News: Corus starts transition to Tata Steel name

Corus sites in Rotherham are adopting Tata Steel as its new identity from this week.

The Tata Steel name and logo will begin to appear on the company's transactional documents, product deliveries, locations and vehicles. Not everything will change immediately, however, as the re-branding will be a gradual process.

Corus joined the Tata Steel family in April 2007 in a transaction that created one of the world's largest steelmakers, with a major presence in Europe as well as Asia.

The £6.2 billion deal was the largest Indian takeover of a foreign company. The combined group has an aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and approximately 80,000 employees across four continents.

Kirby Adams, MD & CEO of Tata Steel Europe, said: "The companies that comprise Tata Steel Europe have evolved over many decades from local to national to regional players.

"They now form part of one of the world's top ten steelmakers, with a wide product range, a relatively high degree of raw materials self-sufficiency and a global market reach from manufacturing sites across Europe and Asia.

"This is the right time to enter a new era under the Tata Steel name, now that we have successfully returned the company to profit following the global financial crisis.

"This brand migration will lead to the Tata Steel name becoming much more prominent and widely recognised across Europe and will reinforce our sense of belonging to the Tata Steel family."

Tata Steel Europe website

Images: tatasteeleurope.com

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News: New principal and chief executive at Rotherham college

Gill Alton is now in post as the new Principal and Chief Executive at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT).

Gill joins the College from Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education where she worked for 14 years, most recently as Acting Deputy Principal. Gill has considerable experience of working in Further and Higher Education and her expertise in the sector is expected to further the progress that Rotherham College of Arts and Technology has made in recent years in providing first class education and training to the local community.

Gill is aged 48 and originates from Doncaster. She started her career in Further Education in 1987 after a three-year spell in training management within the private sector. She graduated in 1984 with a BSc in Catering Systems and graduated with an MSc in Leadership and Management in 2004.

Gill said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the staff and key stakeholders of Rotherham to build on the college's strengths and to further develop high quality provision for current and future students."

"I am passionate about the importance of good teaching and learning and the impact it has on student achievement. My focus will enable Rotherham College of Arts and Technology to continue to deliver high quality programmes which will allow students to achieve their potential and fulfil their ambitions."

RCAT website

Images: rotherham.ac.uk

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News: Bramall wins Barnsley council housing contract

Rotherham social housing contractor Bramall Construction has been appointed to build nineteen new council homes for rent in Thurnscoe - the first new council homes in the area for almost thirty years.

Barnsley Council and the council's housing ALMO Berneslai Homes secured funding from the Homes and Communities Agency for the development that will bring a derelict area of land back in to use and provide much needed housing for the village.

Bramall Construction and Barnsley Council have previously worked together in the area to provide property improvements as part of the Decent Homes programme. Bramall are experts in the delivery of refurbishment works and in the development of energy efficient and state of the art new homes.

Cllr Bill Newman, Barnsley Council's spokesperson for Development said: "I am delighted to see the work to develop the new council houses for rent in Thurnscoe is progressing. This development will complement the work of the current Housing Market Renewal programme that is taking place and will contribute to the continuing regeneration of the area."

Bramall contractors will be on site in September and the first new homes will be ready for their new occupants in summer 2011.

Bramall website

Images: berneslaihomes.co.uk

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News: AESSEAL on track to break sales record

Award-winning Rotherham engineering firm, AESSEAL are on course to break their sales record for this year, proving that manufacturing in South Yorkshire and the UK is far from dead.

With their global headquarters at Templeborough, AESSEAL specialise in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals, bearing protectors and environmental control systems.

Applications range from simple, mass-produced seals of the kind that keep washing machines from leaking, all the way through to customised high-end, gas tight seals which play crucial roles in industrial refineries, preventing explosions and other serious hazards.

In 2008, the group posted a turnover of £78.4m and profits of £6m. This year, their Component Seals division alone (a small portion of group sales) is on track to break £6m continuing an eight-year compound sales growth of 17%.

With subsidiaries in 32 countries, AESSEAL's focus is on precise engineering, service, and expertise, leaving the mass-produced, imprecise products to the developing nations. Their success is a direct result of the company's focus on customer service and research and development.

The company has recently invested in two machines worth over £700,000 each, and continues a very active research and development programme, reinvesting literally millions per year in further improving the designs. The company has 54 patents granted, with a further 46 pending, and operates 158 trademarks.

AESSEAL also understands that information is key to success in the component seals market. Sam Smith, Marketing Coordinator at AESSEAL said: "We spend a lot on IT, we have custom software to help us match the exact right seal to the environment.

"Important factors in selecting a seal include the speed of the pump (shaft RPM), typical operating temperature, the pressure of both the material being sealed and the barrier fluid outside, the fluid... its all very technical, and has to be just right."

But most of all, the company says: "You need to be a world class expert on your product. It is where expertise meets manufacture that the UK can succeed."

AESSEAL website

Images: componentseals.com

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News: Rotherham firm plays integral part in stadium development

Integral Network Solutions Ltd of Rotherham played a key role in ensuring that the new stadium for Chesterfield Football Club has the IT infrastructure fit for a 21st century stadium development.

The £13m b2net stadium opened for the start of the 2010/2011 season and as the site was completely new, being built from scratch, a completely new structured cabling installation was required.

The club needed a reliable solution in order to support the converged network they were implementing including IPTV live streaming, IP telephony and also to operate and manage all their electronic facilities, such as computers, CCTV, tills, wireless systems, ticketing and turnstiles.

Addooco IT, who were already providing all the new IT systems and support for the football club, mapped out the initial design of the cabling infrastructure and chose Integral Network Solutions to undertake the actual implementation.

Integral Network Solutions Ltd specialises in designing and installing a wide range of networking infrastructure services for all types of businesses and premises. Based in Brampton, the company works UK-wide with clients in both the private and public sector and offers expertise for a large range of services to end users and contractors.

Integral recommended the Excel cabling solution as it met their criteria for bandwidth and longevity and persuaded the electrical contractor to agree to change pathways and spacers to allow these larger cables to be installed throughout the four stands of the stadium.

Paul Taylor, managing director of Integral, said: "The final result has given Chesterfield FC a true competitive advantage over other football clubs, with hi-tech equipment and up to 10 Gig network speeds. Also, with the fact that the cable we've installed has a 25 year warranty, it means that it won't need changing for many years to come, offering a clear return on investment."

Integral Network Solutions website
Chesterfield FC website

Images: chesterfield-fc.co.uk

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News: JELD-WEN's 50th anniversary

JELD-WEN, the door manufacturing company based in Rotherham on the Sheffield border at Woodhouse Mill, is extending an open invitation to staff who have retired from the company and their families to join existing employees at a special event to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The company is hosting a fun day to mark five decades of business, which is designed to bring employees of the company together in a day of exciting activities to be held at the company's factory on Sunday October 10 from 11am to 4pm.

This includes craft stalls, a tombola and raffle, demonstration by South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, bouncy castle, live music, charity stalls, a factory tour and other entertainments.

Mike Ward, managing director of JELD-WEN, said: "This is a great opportunity for past and present employees to get together and celebrate our 50th anniversary. We have an exciting day planned, with something for all the family and hope as many current and past staff as possible can join us!"

The factory 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

Images: jeld-wen.co.uk

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News: Magna to get new council loan

Cabinet Members at Rotherham Council have approved a £150,000 short term loan to the Magna Science Adventure Park at Templeborough to assist the innovative facility during the current difficult economic climate.

The 12-month loan, which will be subject to a commercial rate of interest, will help Magna's immediate cash flow situation.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks and needs the Council's support because the operators of the venue, the Magna Trust is not allowed to go overdrawn under the terms their constitution.

A previous loan granted last September will be repaid at the end of this month. The new loan, together with interest, will be repaid within one year.

Cllr Ken Wyatt, the authority's Cabinet Member for Resources and Commissioning, said it was vital that the Council should support this important local project.

He added: "Magna is a fantastic facility that is worthy of our support. It offers a unique interactive day out for families as well as prime conference facilities that attract visitors from right across the region. Part of this authority's remit is to help and support the local economy, and this loan will do just that, without it affecting our own business and services."

Matthew Beck, Managing Director of the Magna Trust, said: "Magna is grateful for the Council's short term loan to assist with cash flow. This enables Magna to move the business forward into its 10th Anniversary with already several events and innovative changes planned."

Magna website

Images: visitmagna.co.uk

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News: Rotherham builders to complete work at Clifton Park

Rotherham construction firm, George Hurst and Sons Ltd has been appointed to complete the Garden Building and associated Walled Garden and Courtyard at Clifton Park in Rotherham.

Work on site came to a halt towards the end of last year when the previous contractors, UCS Civils, went into administration.

The completion of the Garden Building follows the successful opening of the new water play area, refurbished bandstand, memorial garden and rock garden, and numerous other enhancements to Rotherham's premier park.

The Garden Building will contain a new bowls pavilion, space for rangers and gardeners, toilets, and a multi-purpose room for events and activities, school groups and public hire. The walled garden will be an 'oasis of calm' where volunteers and apprentices can work to recreate the colours and smells of a traditional kitchen and flower garden.

The building is designed to be environmentally-friendly, with a green roof, solar panels and a biomass boiler. It combines a contemporary design with traditional materials, including bricks and natural stone, that fit in well with the historic Museum a short distance away.

The development is part of the park restoration project that has been made possible thanks to a £4.5 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund.

Phil Gill, green spaces manager at Rotherham Council, said: "Everyone involved in the project is really looking forward to the opening of this excellent new facility.

"The park already has a lot to offer, but the Garden Building and Walled Garden will open up important new opportunities to involve local people and to run new activities."

The work is expected to be completed by end of November.

Clifton Park website
George Hurst & Sons Limited website

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News: Inditherm's encouraging results

Innovative Rotherham company, Inditherm has published their latest financial results for the six months ended June 30, showing an increase in turnover of 75%

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

After a difficult year in challenging economic conditions in 2009, turnover increased to £972,000 compared to £555,000 last year. This was boosted by an underlying growth rate of over 70% for Inditherm's medical products.

In August Inditherm Medical expanded their international presence in appointing four new distributors covering Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and Hungary.

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

Inditherm posted a pre-tax loss of £177,000 for the six months compared to a loss of £635,000 over the same period last year. Overheads were reduced to £731,000 following the restructuring of its industrial business.

Mark Abrahams, chairman of Inditherm, said: "This has been an encouraging six months for Inditherm. The company's turnover has increased and pre-tax operating loss is significantly reduced. The Board has taken this opportunity to make strategic changes to the business in order to reach break-even in the most efficient way.

"Our Medical business has shown encouraging growth in the first half of the year, both in the UK and export markets, although progress in the US has been slow. The cost benefit proposition Inditherm offers in the operating theatre market should place us well to succeed and therefore this is where Inditherm has decided to focus its resources going forward.

"The level of Industrial orders has suffered from protracted decision making and delays in customer projects. There is no sign yet of any upturn in market conditions, therefore Inditherm has taken the decision to exit the process solutions part of the Industrial business, whilst retaining the key aspects of our intellectual property rights.

"The Board is currently evaluating other options to maximise shareholder value and I look forward to updating the market on our progress in due course."

Inditherm website

Images: inditherm.co.uk

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News: Powerstar seminar for local authorities

Rotherham manufacturers EMSc (UK) Limited are hosting a seminar next month to show local councils and authorities how voltage optimisation can cut their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

The energy consultancy produces Powerstar, the only voltage optimisation system wholly designed and manufactured in the UK which works by reducing the the voltage supplied by the National Grid.

Voltage optimisation is a cost efficient way to control a buildings incoming voltage in order to maximise energy savings. Powerstar can save up to 26.1% of total electricity consumption and related CO2 emissions, all without compromising the supply to electrical equipment.

Bolsover District Council is to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 51 tonnes and save an estimated £9,700 in electricity costs per annum following the installation of two Powerstar voltage optimisation systems.

Dr Alex Mardapittas, Powerstar designer and managing director of EMSc, said: "Councils are under pressure to spend less and at the same time put in place measures to operate in a more environmentally friendly way.

"We offer a "win, win" solution in Powerstar that enables a council to cut both electricity costs and carbon emissions. It is greatly encouraging to me that councils are embracing our voltage optimisation technology and taking a lead that I hope local businesses and organisations will follow."

The event takes place at The Source, Sheffield on October 28.

Powerstar website

Images: powerstar.co.u

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News: Rotherham town centre parking increases deferred

Proposed increases in parking charges for Rotherham town centre are to be deferred until next year in an effort to continue support for town centre traders.

An increase of ten per cent on the charges for both "on-street" and "off-street" parking was agreed in July and was due to be implemented at the end of this month.

However, the timing of the report coincided with the withdrawal of some of the funding for the current free parking schemes in the town centre, such as "Free after 3" and free parking on Saturdays, and members have decided that in the interests of maintaining support of local businesses any street parking increases should be postponed.

Cllr Richard Russell, Cabinet Member for Town Centres for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "The authority has to perform a very fine balancing act - gaining revenue to support the work of the Parking Service while also acknowledging the needs of the town centre traders. This year we have seen real results in the town centre - an increase in both footfall and the launch of new businesses.

"The authority's own initiatives, such as the Business Vitality Grants and the Shop Local Scheme, are also playing their part. So it makes sense to defer any proposed increases in street parking and revisit it at a later date."

Rotherham town centre website

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News: Pinnula expands in Rotherham

Rotherham IT company Pinnula has appointed a new Internal Accounts Manager.

Alison Hindley, of Greasbrough, takes up the post with the support of Benchmark Recruit.

Previously a Senior Assignment Assistant within recruitment for ten years at Office Angels in Sheffield, Alison was seeking a new challenge and career prospects.

Based at Templeborough, Pinnula provides complete IT business solutions, enabling businesses to function effectively.

They specialise in software development and integration which is tailored solution to meet the needs of each organisation's requirements.

Their Uplanit software applies a unique form of artificial intelligence, known as Genetic Algorithm, to optimise work orders in manufacturing. Using nature's principles of evolution i.e. "survival of the fittest," it will work out the fastest process of production by swapping the sequence of work orders until it finds the perfect fit. Uplanit then remembers this sequence and tries to refine it on the next run.

Pinnula website

Images: Pinnula

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News: Dearne Fire Station official opening

Councillor Roger Stone OBE, leader of the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will officially open South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue's new Dearne Community Fire Station at the event on October 1.

The new £5.5 million station, which has the capacity to house four fire engines, was built by North Midland Building Ltd. The 3.5 acre site will also be home to a state-of-the-art training facility for the fire service's Technical Rescue Unit and a community room for local residents to use for meetings and events.

The training facility has been specially designed to be set on fire several times a day and create realistic conditions likely to be encountered in many types of real fire situations.

It is also designed to be environmentally sustainable and incorporates the use of 100m deep ground source heat pumps linked to the underfloor heating, rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic panels.

The centre was designed by Bond Bryan who worked with project managers Turner & Townsend.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue's Chief Fire Officer Mark Smitherman said: "We are delighted with our new purpose designed building here in Dearne.

"The facilities offer an excellent base for the firefighters who provide the community with a first-class emergency response service.

"It not only offers considerable operational benefits and community facilities but its environmental features will greatly increase the sustainability of this important building for decades to come."

North Midland Building's managing director Mike Catlin added: "All our staff involved in this project can be proud of their achievements in delivering a high quality and attractive building in a cost effective and timely manner.

"With the facility offering services and use to the local community as well as fire protection, it is even more pleasing that local residents will also benefit from and enjoy the use of the development.

"Not only has NMB delivered a state of the art fire station, but the green features within the building means that as well as having a reduced carbon footprint, it will also cost less to operate."

SY Fire website

Images: syfire.gov.uk

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News: Eadon expertise chosen for canal project

Design experts at Eadon Consulting Ltd in Rotherham have been appointed to design new flow gates on the Killaloe Canal, near Limerick, Ireland.

Eadon Consulting Ltd was listed in the tender documents by Waterways Ireland as the preferred designer for the project, having carried out some preliminary design work on the project.

The contract was awarded to L & M Keating Ltd who have appointed Eadon Consulting Ltd as the designer of the gate layout and structure.

Over the coming weeks Eadon Consulting will be designing and producing the detailed fabrication drawings for the gates and associated stop logs. The gates themselves are designed to control a canal 6m wide and 3m deep whilst operating with a head difference of 400mm.

A further outcome of the flow control gates is the incorporation of a pedestrian footbridge creating a looped walk along the canal.

The combined experience of Eadon Consulting's staff involves a number of firsts for waterways structures as well as innovative approaches to lock gate design. Whilst head design engineer at Mandall Engineering, Dave Price designed the world's first drop lock at Dalmuir.

Eadon's James Hill was involved in the design of the lock gates used at Port Dundas which involved an innovative approach to sealing of the gates as well as eliminating the use of traditional hardwood timber.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Eadon Consulting has experience of designing waterway control structures, lock gates, moving bridges and other bespoke mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment for canal and river networks in the UK and abroad.

Eadon Consulting website

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News: Director deadline looms

Rebecca Stopford, Commercial Partner with Rotherham's Oxley and Coward Solicitors LLP, is warning local businesses that the September 30 deadline is fast approaching for every company to have at least one director who is an individual and not a corporation.

In the past it was commonplace for subsidiary companies of a group of companies to have just one director - and for that director to be a corporation rather than a real person.

Under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, this is no longer allowed. From October 1, every company must have at least one director who is a "natural person" as the act puts it: that is to say, an individual (living!) human being as opposed to a corporate entity.

Transitional provisions gave companies with a sole corporate director a period of grace to appoint a real person as a director, but this grace period expires at the end of the month. After the 30 September, any company that remains without at least one individual 'natural person' director will be liable to a fine of £5,000 plus a daily default fine until the situation is resolved.

Rebecca said: "Clearly any company still in this situation must now act very quickly and take legal advice as to the formalities required to appoint an additional or replacement director.

"Oxley and Coward have a great deal of experience in helping companies who find themselves in need of urgent advice, but all concerned really need to act now to avoid the threat of punitive fines."

Oxley & Coward website

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News: Sandvik invests in rapid capabilities at Rotherham facility

Recognising the importance of innovation and speed to market as key differentiators for medical device manufacturers, Sandvik has invested in their rapid prototyping and rapid production capabilities at the Sandvik European Centre of Excellence (SECoE) at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham.

Sandvik provides a comprehensive range of capabilities, making it possible for original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) to explore designs and trial prototypes quickly and easily as well as manufacture small numbers of specialised or specific products in a short timeframe.

The Rotherham facility has an area dedicated to rapid production and prototyping for the development and manufacture of orthopedic implants, instruments and medical material. It now includes a recently acquired DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) machine, a Thermojet wax printer and an Objet resin printer.

John Reynolds special projects manager at Sandvik said: "Prototyping is an important stage in the creation of a new device, since it provides the opportunity to explore the design and make the necessary adjustments prior to full production.

"Many medical device OEMs may also require very small production runs; this may be because only ten or 20 units of particular large, high value implants are required in a year or development parts are required for inspection and analysis.

"To be competitive and succeed in the long term OEMs need to work with organisations with the experience, skills and capability to support these requirements; our program of investment coupled with our commitment to always deliver tangible commercial benefits to medical device OEMs means we are positioned to support their requests."

In each rapid prototyping project, Sandvik works directly with the OEM's CAD (computer aided design) drawing to find the most suitable rapid prototyping technique.

Using the Thermojet wax printer saves a valuable 17% of the time taken by traditional methods of prototype manufacture. The printer creates a wax pattern for analysis from which cast parts can be manufactured.

The Objet resin printer produces three dimensional patterns and models in polymer materials from layers as small as 16 microns. Production of cast samples takes just 65% of the time taken using traditional methods and the speed of tool production is particularly impressive, taking just 20% of the time of standard methods.

Sandvik is also leveraging its long experience within powder metallurgy to exploit the powder-based technique used by the DMLS machine to manufacture to almost any design.

John added: "We can also now manufacture almost any design the OEM can create, irrespective of the complexity of the geometry. This means our customers' design teams are not constrained by the manufacturing limitations previously typical in the industry. They have the flexibility to respond with precision to the individual preferences of any one surgeon or the specific needs of a patient.

"Looking ahead we will continue to develop new processes and procedures, exploiting both our long standing commitment to R&D and materials expertise, to the benefit of our customers. Indeed, Sandvik invests 3% of the Group's total sales in R&D."

Sandvik website

Images: sandvik.com

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News: Contract extension for Signs Express

Signs Express (Sheffield North) has announced that they have been awarded another two year contract to be the preferred supplier of general signage to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The arms-length tender process was managed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's joint public/private partnership with British Telecommunications plc – RBT (Connect) Ltd. This is the fourth time in succession that Signs Express has been successful in tendering for the contract

The Templeborough firm specialise in interior and exterior signage, vehicle graphics banners, window graphics, exhibition and display graphics, labels and stickers and also DDA compliant health and safety signage.

Previous projects for the council include hoardings at key Rotherham Renaissance development sites, billboards for Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and exterior signs at RiDO's business centres.

Franchise owner Carol Morris said: "The award allows us to continue work for the Borough, along with our supreme customer service and quality products ranging from Health & Safety signs to bespoke signage.

"We look forward to being able to continue to offer our expertise and assisstance to Rotherham Council."

Signs Express website

Images: signsexpress.co.uk

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News: TWI Yorkshire friction stir welding seminar

TWI Yorkshire are running a seminar next month on the use of friction stir welding in the low distortion welding of steels at their Yorkshire Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Friction stir welding of steel has been in development for over a decade, however recent developments in tool technology are now taking this technique out of the laboratory and into industry.

Tool materials have been developed that have excellent high temperature wear resistance and can consistently weld lengths in excess of fifty metres.

The seminar will provide an overview to this exciting technology and provide attendees with the opportunity to assess the potential benefits of applying this joining technique to their products.

Taking place on October 19, the day will include a series of presentations highlighting the recent technological advancements and also a range of live welding demonstrations including joining a six metre length panel. There will be an opportunity for attendees to participate in discussions on routes for exploitation, and also to arrange one to one discussions the following day with TWI staff on their own particular interests in this technology.

Shipbuilding, bridge decking, pipe seam welding, large steel platforms and just about any application which requires long uninterrupted steel welds, are now attractive target markets for the friction stir process.

The ability to create long, repeatable welds, with excellent mechanical strength and low distortion, means that the joints demand little post weld processing. The process can also weld very high-strength steels, such as pipeline steels, shipbuilding steels and pressure vessel steels, some of which are difficult or impossible to weld using fusion processes.

TWI website

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News: Bramall Construction showcases zero carbon solutions

Rotherham firm, Bramall Construction has completed one of the UK's largest zero carbon developments in Slough, Berkshire.

Unveiled last week, Greenwatt Way, a groundbreaking project from energy provider SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) was designed by PRP Architects, built by Bramall Construction and engineered by AECOM.

The development uses the latest construction methods and technologies available to deliver zero carbon housing to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Greenwatt Way will be monitored for the next two years to improve understanding of energy usage and requirements as the UK moves to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

The development of ten homes comprises two and three bedroom houses, one bedroom flats, an information hub and an energy centre.

The research project, in which SSE is investing over £3.5m, is testing a wide range of solutions and will provide much needed evidence of the real life benefits of living in zero carbon homes. Zero carbon homes are now becoming much more affordable and Bramall Construction is already building Code 6, zero carbon homes for less than £130,000.

The Slough site features rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, triple glazed windows, enhanced insulation and its very own renewable heat hub. Installed are four different renewable heating sources including air- and ground-source heat pumps, a biomass boiler and solar thermal panels.

Renewable electricity is supplied by the integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) tiles which entirely cover the homes' roofs, with excess power being sold back to the grid.

John Walsh, Managing Director for the East of England at Bramall Construction said: "It's great to see the new homes at Greenwatt Way completed and ready for residents to move into.

"We are excited to see how the technology implemented in the homes will benefit the new residents. We hope that the homes will play a large part in the way that communities are created in the future and are proud that Bramall have had the opportunity to play our part in reducing carbon emissions of UK housing."

Speaking at the launch event, Chris Huhne MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: "Slough's project is a glimpse into the future of how we could all be living in years to come.

"Homes in the UK account for more than a quarter of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions so saving energy makes sense for the planet as well as the householders. With feed-in-tariffs, the micro-generation strategy, smart meters and the "green deal", sustainable living will transform our community, create green jobs, cut emissions and fuel bills."

Also this month, the Manvers firm has made the shortlist in the Builder & Engineer Awards 2010 for the Main Contractor of the Year category. Winners will be announced at an event in Manchester on October 7.

Bramall Construction website
SSE website

Images: DECC / flickr

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News: Ministry of Food in Rotherham could be a victim of funding cuts

Celebrity chef and healthy-eating campaigner, Jamie Oliver fears that the Ministry of Food in Rotherham town centre could be a victim of funding cuts.

The centre, in All Saints' Square , opened in 2008 as part of Oliver's TV series and remained open with the help of £130,000 a year from Rotherham Council.

Last year, the centre taught 6,500 people how to cook using fresh ingredients. These included everyone from firemen to teachers, care-home workers to school kids - when the centre put up a poster in the window advertising summer holiday classes for kids, the places were filled within 24 hours. Classes are consistently booked out for months in advance.

In a bid to help with cashflow, plans have been submitted to enable the unit to operate as a cafe at lunch time and a cookery school in the mornings and afternoons. New signage and a seating area is also proposed.

Similar centres have been replicated in Bradford and Leeds and Oliver is now urging on businesses to get involved and support the local centres as public sector funding dries up.

He said: "I've heard that the Ministry in Rotherham could be a victim of funding cuts. The local council there is doing everything it can to keep the Ministry open and I hope it will succeed but I can't understand why keeping it open should even be in doubt at all.

"Each Ministry of Food Centre is booked up at least three months in advance so the demand is there. It's abundantly clear that this is one of the few strategies that is actually working that helps people overcome their problems with food.

"I understand that cuts need to be made. I understand that these are difficult times. But I can't understand why something that can save billions of pounds in the long term can be at risk because of a few million quid. In my opinion, cutting the funding for local projects which directly empower and transform thousands of lives is both foolhardy and a false economy, particularly in a country which is spending billions on obesity-related diseases.

"So here's the plea. If the local councils can't afford to set up and keep running these inspiring, revolutionary, socially vital places, then it's up to local businesses to get involved.

"I'm talking to businessmen and women up and down the country - some of them in charge of huge multi-national companies, some of them running smaller but successful local firms. All of them appreciate the need to do something about our obesity problem and all of them also understand that being involved with a community project like a Ministry of Food centre, is good for business."

Jamie Oliver website

Images: jamieoliver.com

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News: Martek Marine in 3D

The launch of Martek Marine's latest product at the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Maritime Technology International Fair (SMM) in Hamburg was given an added dimension by FusedWorks of Doncaster.

Martek is the world leader in safety and environmental monitoring equipment for commercial ships and launched Navguard, a bridge navigation watch and alarm system (BNWAS) at the world's leading global maritime industry trade fair in September.

FusedWorks was commissioned to create an interactive 3D model of an oil tanker that could be used to showcase Martek's products and during the show the sales team demonstrated their new system to customers on a 40" screen for maximum impact.

Steve Coulson, marketing director at Martek Marine said: "Being able to show Navgard in situ on the virtual oil tanker is fantastic. Not only can customers interact and understand the product for a more informed choice but its technical installation can also be demonstrated.

"This is the most cost effective way we could get these results without using a real oil tanker."

Navgard is the first of several products that will be included on the 3D model. The final application will be available on the Martek Marine website and also as a stand alone application to support the sales and technical teams.

Martek Marine website
FusedWorks website


Images: fusedworks.com

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News: Elevation Recruitment sets sight on new territory

Elevation Recruitment in Rotherham is responding to market demand with the appointment of a new business manager.

Sam Foster becomes the tenth member of staff in less than a year, and joins the Moorgate firm to drive the accountancy and finance division of the business across Doncaster and Worksop.

Sam brings 15 years experience in recruitment within the financial, commercial and industrial sectors and will focus on placing temporary and permanent roles in accountancy.

Greg Parkinson, co-director of Elevation Recruitment, said: "Sam will make a great addition to the team, bringing a wealth of experience from various sectors and in particular accountancy and finance which she has specialised in for the last seven years.

"Sam has great ties with the region, in particular with Doncaster and Worksop where we will expand our service in the financial sector."

Elevation has witnessed a period of growth in demand for positions within the accountancy and finance sectors.

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

"Accountancy is 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 in and around South Yorkshire."

Elevation was launched in January this year by Greg Parkinson and Matt Linley as one of eleven subsidiary companies which make up the Horbury Group.

Since setting up the recruitment consultancy, the team has expanded to ten people specialising in six sectors; accountancy and finance, professional practice, executives, financial services, sales and construction with South Yorkshire a key area of focus for potential clients.

Elevation Recruitment website


Images: Elevation Recruitment

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News: Pizzatainment has all the ingredients for business success

Pizza chef, Danny West has set up an unique business to teach children about the value of nutrition by showing them how to make stone-baked Italian pizzas after receiving help from the Rotherham Enterprise Project.

Danny, a former Sheffield University student, said: "I began studying to be a music teacher as I really enjoy working with children. But being passionate about food and working as a part time chef made me realise that it's important for kids out there to know how to cook and have the right diet.

"It's going brilliantly now, but setting up was difficult and I don't think I would have carried on with Pizzatainment if the Rotherham Enterprise Project hadn't offered me grant assisted premises as a base for my business."

The Rotherham Enterprise Project, which is part financed by The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), provided Danny with his own work space at Treeton Youth Enterprise Centre, rent free for six months. The unit has been vital for housing the chef's commercial size dough mixer for his events.

Danny and his team of two other chefs have since worked with schools and youth groups, expanding to teach core subjects by demonstrating fractions with pizza slices and improving literacy with an interactive pizza story book for pupils to write their own stories inside.

The business is currently working with Inspire Rotherham, a group commissioned by Yorkshire Forward to improve literacy levels in Rotherham and are working in schools with the National Health Service. They are also focusing on workshops for corporate team building and Christmas parties.

He added: "I may go back to university at some point to complete my teaching degree but for now Pizzatainment is my focus. Help from the Rotherham Enterprise Project was the best thing that could have happened and I'd recommend them to anyone starting up on their own."

Jackie Frost, from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, added: "We are delighted Danny has found such a unique way to teach young ones valuable life skills in a fun and engaging environment.

"It's clear his determination and brilliant rapport with children has enabled him to go far and we are sure he will have continued success with Pizzatainment."

Pizzatainment website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RYE

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News: Vision Express sets sight on expansion at Parkgate

Vision Express is moving to Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

The optician's will be re-opening on Friday September 24 in the unit previously occupied by Subway.

Vision Express has been established in Rotherham for 14 years and has recently left its Effingham Street branch in Rotherham town centre. Tony Wing and Melanie McKee own the local franchise, working together to offer a high quality eye care service.

Tony said: "We are delighted to have found new premises in such a popular location. Vision Express has established a loyal and growing local clientele over the past 14 years, and the move to Parkgate will enable us to offer a greater range of products, improved appointment availability and also enable us to open late nights and Sundays."

The move has also resulted in the recruitment of three additional part time staff.

On Saturday September 25 Parkgate shoppers will be able to see the famous Vision Express "Eyeball" character walking around the Park handing out leaflets. The recipient will be entitled to a £20 reduction off prescription eyewear on presenting the leaflet in the store.

Denis Copeland, Parkgate Shopping Manager added: "We are delighted to be welcoming Tony and his team to Parkgate. Not only will Vision Express be the first optician on the Park for over 20 years, but its arrival means that all our units are now fully let."

Owners, British Land are also working on plans to bring ASDA Living and Maplins Electronics to Parkgate, and combine PC World and Currys into a Currys Megastore.

Parkgate website

Images: parkgateshopping.co.uk

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News: New appointment for expanding Sizer

Pelleting solutions company Sizer Limited have appointed Emma Nottingham to its expanding Rotherham team.


Miss Nottingham, has joined Sizer to take responsibility for the day to day administration of the company and will work alongside the management team to deliver a range of business projects for the team.

Emma Nottingham's appointment brings the total number of Sizer employees to six since the company was launched in April 2010.

Roger Pearson, Managing Director at Sizer said: "We are delighted to welcome Emma to our team and look forward to developing the business further with her support and experience.

"We have put a great deal of consideration into creating the right team of people here at Sizer, with the right skills and adaptability to grow alongside our business. We have every confidence that Emma is a perfect fit in our focused and dynamic team."

Sizer are currently working with companies across Yorkshire and the UK to explore the possibilities of pelleting within their organisations. The simple process turns difficult to handle materials into individual pellets that, depending on the waste material, can be used for anything from animal feed and fertiliser to biomass fuel for heating homes.


To date, Sizer has successfully pelleted materials ranging from horse manure to cocoa husks and worked with companies to turn plaster board and cement into fertiliser pellets, shredded waste paper from offices into pellets suitable for fuel, and plastic/PVC powder has been pelleted to reduce handling difficulties and transportation costs.

Sizer website

Images: sizer-pelleting.co.uk

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News: Rotherham's Beatson Clark chosen by international marmalade supplier

Worldwide supplier of traditional preserves, Mackays Ltd, has chosen Beatson Clark in Rotherham to supply its round 41ml glass preserve jar.

The Greasborough Road company already produces glass containers for most of Mackays' award winning ranges and now the Scottish firm will use Beatson Clark's white flint mini jar for marmalades, preserves and curds for Mackays' gift packs.

Paul Grant, MD of Mackays Preserves Ltd said: "As our highly acclaimed, award-winning reputation lies solely within the excellent quality of produce, the container our preserves are in is key to maintaining the brand and its superiority.

"We are pleased to be now using Beatson Clark, a British supplier that is recognised as a provider of quality glass containers and therefore a natural choice for our 41ml mini preserve jar."

Charlotte Taylor, marketing manager at Beatson Clark said: "Having already produced a range of containers for Mackays' it's fantastic that they have chosen to work with us again.

"Mackays products are designed to appeal to consumers looking for the very best ingredients and flavours so it is very important that they are stylishly packaged to stand out on the supermarket shelves and also provide that element of quality particularly for the gift packs and the Hotel industry.

"UK consumers associate glass packaging with premium products so Mackays preserves and Beatson Clark's high quality glass containers are the perfect match!"

Beatson Clark website
Mackay's website

Images: mackays.com

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News: Parseq plc acquires Avance

Parseq plc has announced the acquisition of Avance, a business process outsourcing (BPO) and technology specialist providing solutions in customer relationship management and credit management outsourcing.

Parseq was created earlier this year following a successful reverse takeover by Rami Cassis and Rotherham-based BPO provider Documetric.

The acquisition of Avance will be integrated into the Documetric business and strengthens Parseq's capabilities in both front and back-office including receivables outsourcing and loan process management.

The extra scale will improve the utilisation of the Group's operational infrastructure which will drive both revenue and profit growth.

Further business synergies include Avance's Business Intelligence proposition which dovetails into Parseq's data management and data mining capabilities. Upon integration, this technology is intended to be deployed across the Parseq's products and services.

A key focus for Parseq is growing the company's mobile banking business and an official launch of their mobile banking platform is scheduled for September with the lead platform being the Apple iPhone followed quickly by support for the Android, Blackberry and Windows mobile platforms.

Rami Cassis, CEO of Parseq said: "Whilst we remain absolutely focused on delivering upon our mobile proposition, this is a sensible acquisition as it will be earnings enhancing and provides entry into the utilities sector creating a significant opportunity to cross sell our solutions into a new client base whilst leveraging our existing operations.

"We have increased the scale of the business dramatically as we pursue our stated strategy of entering new markets and building scale whilst finding new sectors in which to deploy our software and mobile solutions.

"Building a solid recurring revenue model predicated on technology is key to the long term growth of the company and I look forward to reporting further progress in due course.

Parseq website

Images: parseqplc.com

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News: Nuclear accreditation seminar in Rotherham

The Special Metals Forum (SMF), the membership arm of the National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) is hosting a Nuclear Accreditation Seminar at Swinden House in Rotherham on October 13.

Rotherham is set to become a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain. The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), being built on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, will ensure 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.

As a founder member of the Nuclear AMRC, NAMTEC is hosting an event designed to provide an insight for members of the Special Metals Forum and other interested parties on the accreditation process for supplying products and services into the nuclear industry.

With the UK set to build at least ten new nuclear reactors by 2025, suppliers are being sought across the board who can meet the necessary requirements.

Dr Alan Partridge, chief executive of NAMTEC, said: "It is widely known that the government is backing a new generation of nuclear power stations around the UK and there is therefore huge potential for companies to supply into this sector.

"We have responded to demand from suppliers following our Nuclear conference in June to host an event that is directly relevant to manufacturing businesses which are looking to develop business opportunities in this area.

"Delegates that attend will be able to find out more about the accreditation they need and how their companies can meet the criteria to become accredited suppliers."

Keynote speakers at the event will be Sergey Putintsev and Andreas Krys from TÜV Rheinland UK, a company that provides specialist advice to suppliers looking to become accredited for the next generation of nuclear and other power plants. The company also provides practical support and consultancy on setting up a quality management system.

Special Metals Forum website

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News: AEM Innovation Network events in Rotherham

NAMTEC's AEM Innovation Network is hosting two manufacturing events in Rotherham in October.

The Innovation Network is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and provides access to well researched information and insights into emerging technologies and markets.

In association with TWI Ltd, an event entitled Low Carbon Vehicle Technology, The Natural Way, will take place on October 12 at TWI's Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The event looks at the use of composite materials in low carbon vehicles. Advanced composites are light-weight, high performance materials. Their use to reduce weight in automotive, aerospace and other transport applications can deliver savings in running costs, and more significantly, carbon emissions, helping increase resource efficiency and drive our shift to low carbon vehicles.

Paul Burling, technical expert at TWI will provide an overview of natural composite materials and discuss the way composites are manufactured through the curing of natural fibres bonded together with bio resin and processed with less energy.

Workshops on the day will cover technical developments in composite manufacture, the manufacture of composites using natural fibre and resins, potential development areas and funding opportunities for R&D development.

The AEM Innovation Network are also hosting the Electroplating Hub Launch at Swinden House in Rotherham on October 26.

AEM Yorkshire is looking to work with the electroplating sector to help meet the new challenges of the current economic climate, increasing legislative pressure and a shift in manufacturing to countries such as China.

Electroplating is the deposition of a metal coating onto an object to give it a desired property such as wear resistance or protection from corrosion.

An introductory event will be held specifically for companies involved in electroplating and associated processes, with Alan McLelland, Director of AEM Yorkshire, describing the scheme and explaining how it can assist companies.

Dr Nick Farmilo from Sheffield Hallam University will also outline the various funding sources and grants available to companies for business development, consultancy, research and knowledge transfer. The half-day event will also include presentations from invited experts on topics relevant to the industry.

AEM Yorkshire website

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News: Sterecycle looks at the potential of anaerobic digestion

UK waste treatment and waste-to-energy company, Sterecycle, are set to invest further in their Rotherham facility by creating a heat and power generation plant on the Templeborough site.

Last month the company secured planning permission to create a biomass plant with combined heat and power (CHP) technology on the site which uses advanced auto-claving technology in the treatment and recycling of municipal waste.

To date, 130,000 tonnes of waste have been treated through the company's autoclave vessels, with consistently over 60% of this being diverted from landfill.

The company recently commenced construction and improvements work at the site and plans to increase the capacity of the plant to 200,000 tonnes per annum, with a landfill diversion target in excess of 70%.

The proposed energy from waste CHP plant would have an electricity generating capacity of approximately 8.5 to 9 megawatts (MW) and a thermal generating capacity of 53 Megawatts thermal (MWt).

Sterecycle has now submitted a separate planning application for an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant which could be positioned alongside a smaller CHP.

The CHP or AD plants will be fuelled by Sterefibre, a biomass produced during Sterecycle's autoclave waste treatment process. Black bag household waste is "pressure cooked" and then sorted to remove recyclates leaving organic matter, the Sterefibre, and a small amount of non-recyclables.

CHP would see the Sterefibre thermally treated to create energy, wheras AD uses microorganisms to break down the Sterefibre to release energy.

Tom Shields, CEO at Sterecycle said: "Pending approval of the AD application, we will assess the economies of both our renewable power options. With either option we intend to enter into a joint venture agreement with a technology leader in that field to develop the infrastructure at our Rotherham site and we are currently in advanced discussions with two potential partners.

"One of the big advantages we offer is a secure fuel supply. As we intend to build the power plant right next to our waste treatment facility, there is readily available feedstock on site with no additional haulage costs.

"We have carried out extensive trials on the fibre as a biomass fuel. They've been very successful and have confirmed that the fibre has a good calorific value with low contaminates. We've had similar success with the AD trials.

"The energy generated from the CHP or AD will supply the national power network and will qualify for green energy subsidies such as ROCs (Renewables Obligation Certificates) and the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive. Additionally, this energy will also supply the waste treatment facility itself with all the electricity and steam it needs."

Sterecycle expects to announce the close of another fundraising round in the coming weeks. Funds will be used to complete the expansion of the waste treatment facility at Rotherham.

Sterecycle website

Images: sterecycle.com

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News: Connect-IP celebrates five years from start up to success

Rotherham-based Connect-IP, which has trebled turnover since its launch, increased staffing numbers from five to 60 and beat the recession by winning big contracts with blue chip companies, is celebrating its fifth birthday by moving into new markets.

Based at Vector 31 at Wales Bar, the enterprise was founded by Mark Richardson and Bob Allen in 2005 after they saw a gap in the market for a high quality sub-contract cabling company.

Since then they have carried out major projects over a wide range of sectors across the UK and Europe.

Earlier this year saw the launch of a mobile and portable visual security alarm system called RAPIDSENTRY, a battery powered system that requires no electricity, enabling it to be installed anywhere and moved around as the situation demands.

In another move, the company has teamed up with leading global developer Milestone Systems in the development of image processing surveillance software.

However, the rise of the company has not been without a lot of very hard work right from the start.

Mark Richardson, director of Connect-IP said: "We faced a number of challenges coming into this as a new start-up company, everything from finding an accountant, sorting out business premises, banking arrangements and taking on new employees.

"We now carry upwards of 60 staff ranging from permanently based employees and sub-contract engineers to project management and sales staff."

The company's work has covered a vast range of business including the public and private sector, finance, banking, industrial, local education, local authorities, and the police.

Mark said: "We have carried out some major, high profile projects, one of which was a national project for one of the world's biggest insurance brokers which took us through the first 18 months of the business.

"Last year we worked on a very large project for Great Ormond Street hospital, where we firmly established ourselves as their incumbent supplier for IT cabling. We have also carried out projects in Europe, including a major financial institution at their new headquarters in Frankfurt.

"We are now looking to the future, working with cutting-edge technologies and ground-breaking new products, such as RapidSentry."

The economic climate has made it difficult for start-ups, but Mark has positive advice for new businesses.

He said: "The support is out there for new businesses if you can get access to it. My advice would be to use services such as Business Link, and have a look for what could help you. There are plenty of people to lean on.

"You really need to find yourself a good accountant and someone you can have a good relationship with, which has been invaluable to us. Then it's all down to hard work."

Connect-IP website

Images: Connect-IP

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News: AMRC Knowledge Transfer Centre approved

Members of the planning board of Rotherham Council have approved plans to create a Knowledge Transfer Centre at the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

The £4m centre has been designed by Bond Bryan architects for the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) and is part of a £40m AMRC Hub that also includes the Nuclear AMRC and a Composite Manufacturing Facility.

The Knowledge Transfer Centre will enable the AMRC Hub to increase R&D activity and collaboration with regional manufacturers. It aims to increase the rate of knowledge transfer, bringing more companies into long-term collaborations with the AMRC Hub's research centres.

The two and three storey building will be used for the training of industrial experts in certification and regulations.

Professor Keith Ridgway, AMRC research director said: "The Knowledge Transfer Centre will be an extremely valuable facility for companies - they can get hands-on training with the new processes and technologies we're developing, and take that knowledge and experience back to their own factories."

Darren Southgate, associate design director at Bond Bryan said: "The design focuses on the sharing of ideas, on communication and on human interaction.

"As well as workshops and communal spaces the Knowledge Transfer Building features a 350 seat conference space.

"We are adopting the sustainable features of the other buildings we have designed on the AMP and are aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating."

BAM will construct the centre.

AMRC website
Bond Bryan website

Images: AMRC / Bond Bryan

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