News: South Yorkshire set for sector growth

Councils in South Yorkshire are working together on a programme of support for high growth businesses already based here and for the attraction of new inward investment.

The four-year, £3.4m Sector Growth Enhancement Programme, part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund, is designed to support private sector growth across South Yorkshire and could bring in 600 gross new jobs and generate an increase in GVA of over £9m.

The programme seeks to contribute towards tackling the jobs deficit by stimulating growth and competitiveness in targeted SMEs displaying high growth potential within the strong and emerging sectors in South Yorkshire.

The sectors that have been selected for specific focus include Nuclear, Healthcare Technology, Digital & New Media and Business & Financial Services. These sectors already have a strong critical mass in the region and will provide diverse employment opportunities at all skills levels.

The programme will be delivered via an extension of the successful Invest South Yorkshire model and key activities include proactive business development and developing contacts and networks, key account management and flexible support to high growth potential SMEs and the attraction and facilitation of new inward investment.

In Rotherham the programme would be delivered by experts at Rotherham Investment & Development Office that, in 2008 - 2009, supported 124 businesses and helped to create or safeguard over a 1,000 jobs.

They supported Tata Steel Europe (then Corus) with their restructure and are helping engineering company, MTL Group, to relocate to a 300,000 sq ft advanced manufacturing facility in Rotherham.

RiDO specialists also supported a number of Advanced Manufacturing & Materials (AMM) companies in their moves to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham including Xeros, Struers, EoSemi and Exova.

David Fletcher, Director of Business Investment for Creative Sheffield, said: "This programme builds on the success, in recent years, of a strong partnership between the four South Yorkshire local authority investment teams.

"Whilst the emphasis until now has been around the growth of the larger companies in the region, this programme will allow us to develop our services to support smaller and medium sized businesses with high growth potential, a key element of the economy going forward."

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

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News: Dormer shapes the future of engineering

Leading engineering firm, Dormer Tools, is helping to shape the future of the industry by introducing the next level of its technical training programme.

Dormer currently offers engineering companies a series of expert training opportunities from their state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing Park facility in Rotherham.

The level one training programme - "An Introduction to Cutting Tools" has successfully trained more than 700 people since its launch in 2009.

Level two of the training is set to begin in mid-March and will focus on tool selection, machining strategies and live machining demonstrations.

James Butler, technical sales engineer at Dormer, said: "Our new level two training programme is more advanced than the introduction to cutting tools course. It will give trainees the chance to learn new machining techniques.

"They will be given an actual component and asked to devise the most productive way to manufacture the product.

"After deciding on the best procedure, selecting the right Dormer tools and inputting the machining data, the process is then carried out virtually using the latest CAD/CAM system - allowing the trainee to see how it works before machining takes place."

During the one day course, trainees will also be shown the different machining strategies used by Dormer, giving them the chance to draw on the company's expertise and pick up new methods for use with their customers.

James said: "Once the training has been completed, companies can visit their clients and offer them new machining techniques which can be delivered either by themselves or by the team here at Dormer."

Engineering supply company, MSC/J&L Industrial Supply is first in line to undergo the new training programme, having completed the Introduction to Cutting Tools course with Dormer in 2009.

Denise Clark, Training Manager at MSC/J&L said: "As a company, we are committed to training and constantly developing the skills of our workforce and Dormer has played a major role in this.

"We have a close working relationship with Dormer and the level one training was invaluable, so we can't wait to get started on the next stage."

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

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News: Winning business in the nuclear renaissance

Experts at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham are helping to provide a knowledge transfer set of workshops to assist SMEs in winning business in the nuclear renaissance.

The Nuclear AMRC and the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) are supporting the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) to put together an event next month based on a request from businesses for more in-depth information to prepare them for entry into the nuclear supply chain.

The civil nuclear sector is worth £40bn to the UK economy over the next 15 years. Currently under construction on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, The Nuclear AMRC will provide a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain, ensuring that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally, from skills training to research and development.

At the event, the Nuclear AMRC team will provide an introduction to the nuclear product development cycle, how the centre can help companies prepare products for the market, and how SMEs can prepare to meet the tough quality standards of the industry.

CEOs and directors from small and medium size manufacturers will be advised on what they need to do to be considered as a serious nuclear supplier, where to look for contracts and how to tender for them, how MAS, the NIA and Nuclear AMRC can help them to ensure that their business is viable to enter the civil nuclear market, and how to improve their business capability through Research and Development to compete effectively for contracts.

Sessions will cover contracting and tendering, quality codes and standards, and opportunities in decommissioning and waste management.

The event takes place at Doncaster Racecourse on February 17. It is free of charge for small and medium size manufacturers based in the UK (fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover of less than 50m Euros and not part of a larger group). Delegate fees for large manufacturers are £195 plus VAT and for non manufacturers £295 plus VAT.

MAS website
Nuclear AMRC website

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News: Ron Hull take down largest structure at century old pit

Experts at Rotherham-based Ron Hull Demolition have successfully demolished the hundred foot high coal train loading bunker on the Welbeck Colliery in North Nottinghamshire.

Production at the century old pit, one of the last two working collieries in Nottinghamshire, ended in May and the site is now being cleared by a specialist team.

Colliery manager Geoff Mountain, who is supervising the sealing of the mine and clean up of the site, said: "The rapid loading bunker was used to fill coal trains at high speed. It was capable of filling a train with sixteen or seventeen hundred tons in just two hours.

"Because of the height of the bunker and the fact that so much of the weight was in the series of hoppers in the top of the structure, it was decided that the quickest and safest way of demolishing it was to use explosives."

David Wall, contracts director at Ron Hull added: "It went down very gracefully and with remarkably little damage to the main structure. When the smoke cleared it was simply lying on its side. We can now get to work and dismantle it safely.

"The first phase of the demolition started in November and we have now taken down most of the buildings on the site including the main offices, which were thought to date back to the early days of the mine in 1911. The coal preparation plant, bunkers, and various ancillary buildings and workshops have also gone.

"The steelwork and metals are being removed to our recycling centre in Rotherham but all of the brickwork and stone is all being crushed on site and is to be used in the operation to fill the shafts."

The 700 metre mineshafts are set to be filled and the final stage of the site clearance will involve the removal of the mine's two headgears, which are also to be taken down by explosive demolition.

Ron Hull website

Images: Ron Hull Demolition

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News: State-of-the-art machining centre for Nuclear AMRC

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) has placed an order for a state-of-the-art machining centre for their Rotherham facility.

The StarragHeckert HEC 1800 will be the first of its kind in commercial operation and will be the first machine outside Starrag's own facilities to be equipped with the new planetary turning and milling (PTM) technology.

The PTM device combines an extendable boring spindle with two radial turning tools, adding milling and turning capabilities to a horizontal boring machine. Together, the HEC 1800 and PTM provide seven axes of movement.

Lee Scott of StarragHeckert UK said: "The idea behind the PTM is to change the way large components are manufactured today.

"You'd usually have a multi-machine process – a vertical turning machine, milling machine, and dedicated boring machine. This allows you to do large components on one machine. It's a game-changing technology."

The PTM system is gaining strong interest from companies producing large casings and vessels for the power industries, oil and gas, and heavy transportation. Nuclear AMRC members will have an exclusive opportunity to work with this new technology.

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

Stuart Dawson, machining group manager at the Nuclear AMRC said: "This could potentially revolutionise pump and valve manufacture.

"You're getting very close to being able to do all your machining operations on one machine. It could cut cycle time by up to 60% and improve accuracy by establishing all the geometric features in one set-up."

Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Nuclear AMRC / Starrag

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News: Frankie & Benny's planning to open in Rotherham

Plans have been submitted for a new Frankie & Benny's restaurant at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

British Land, the owners of the retail park have submitted plans for a 377 sq m building that would replace the exisitng management and toilet block in the centre of the park.

Styled as a fun 1950's Italian American style restaurant, Frankie and Benny's are open at over 189 locations across the UK.

They are operated by The Restaurant Group plc which operates over 380 restaurants and pub restaurants predominantly in leisure locations and airports. Its principal trading brands are Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Garfunkel's.

The Group is targeting 22 to 27 new openings during 2011.

If approved, the development would create 30 FTE jobs and the applicants state that the propsal would "provide modern facilities which will enchance the food and drinks provision at Parkgate and provide a high quality modern building in this prominent location. It will also result in significant investment in the town as well as employment, economic and other benefits."

The applicants also conclude that it would divert very little trade from Rotherham town centre.

Plans are also progressing for new outlets including Best Buy and Asda Living at Parkgate Shopping.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Ingenium Archial Ltd / British Land

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News: Next warehouse extension could create 150 jobs in Rotherham

Due to a need to expand their capacity, retail giant, Next has submitted plans to extend their massive Rotherham warehouse. A development that could create 150 new jobs.

Opened in 2008, the existing Manvers operation at Brookfield's Park is 1.1m sq ft (122,000 sq m) and is home to 450 employees.

The two buildings can already handle 110,000 pallets and includes the largest warehouse in Next's 13-site distribution network that handles a total 315 million units each year. The network makes 88,000 deliveries every year to 500 Next stores across the UK and 2.6 million active internet and Next Directory catalogue customers.

Submitted by site owners and developers, St Paul's Developments, the new plans would see the 700,000 sq ft (65,500 sq m) unit (already the size of six football pitches) extended by 200,000 sq ft (18,700 sq m) into the existing car park.

In their latest financial results for the Half Year Ended July 2010, Next reported that group revenues increased 5% to £1,587m and profit before tax increased 15% to £213m. This was helped by strong performance of the Next Directory with sales up by 9.5%.

The 85 acre development at Brookfield's Park was created when after the former colliery site was reclaimed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. It is home to DBC Foodservice, Solaglas Windowcare, Maplin Electronics, Garnett Dickinson and Pegler Yorkshire Group.

Next website

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News: S3-ID Group secures £1.1m from Finance Yorkshire

S3-ID in Rotherham, the UK's market-leading provider of innovative location awareness solutions, has secured £1.1m from Finance Yorkshire's Equity Fund.

The Eastwood firm offers a range of unique and patented solutions which improve personnel safety and security in the oil, gas, petrochemical and energy sectors.

This major investment will enable S3-ID to maintain the controlled expansion it has experienced over the last three years which has resulted in the development of several new innovative products, along with the acquisition of further patents gained in new strategic sales regions around the globe.

S3-ID, which also has regional offices in Norway and Singapore has developed a range of specialist hardware and software products that provide real-time personnel location awareness, mustering and access control. They are used in working environments where a major incident would be catastrophic such as oil, gas and petrochemical plants.

Gro Kielland, chairman of S3-ID, said: "We are extremely positive about the new opportunities this investment will create. It further strengthens our operations and will allow more investment in product and business development, demonstrating to our clients our sound business standing and continuing commitment to helping our customers in the oil, gas, petrochemical and energy sectors meet the highest safety standards available for their personnel.

"Going forward, our first priority will be to ensure our customers continue to receive the same high level of service and support they expect and deserve as we drive the business forward."

Craig Hopwood, who led this investment on behalf of the Fund, added: "S3-ID is a pretty unique business that operates within a high-tech, growth sector. This made the company an extremely attractive investment.

"We believe that S3-ID is well placed to continue its expansion in the oil, gas and energy industries and we see this as a long-term strategic investment in our region for Finance Yorkshire. We are looking forward to working with Derek Gennard, Eivind Fredriksen and the rest of the management team to help achieve their growth plans."

A strong professional team was put in place to secure the investment deal. The principal legal advisors in this process were Stephen Kitts of Eversheds and Michelle Kershaw of Pinsent Masons. Tax advice was provided by Steven Watson of Allots and banking support by Julia Drever of NatWest.

S3-ID website
Finance Yorkshire website

Images: Finance Yorkshire

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News: Rudman's European Gold is another medal for Bromley Technologies

Shelley Rudman's Gold in the Women's European Championships over the weekend was the 18th World Cup medal for British athletes supported by Rotherham based Bromley Technologies.

Shelley finished first in the race in Winterberg, Germany, the sixth round of this year's FIBT Skeleton Bobsleigh World Cup that also doubled as the European Championships.



In an excellent season Rudman has picked up four Slivers and one Gold out of six races and remains second in the overall standings.

After the race Shelley said: "It's great to have won the European Championships again, and to have secured a World Cup Gold, after four consecutive Silvers in the last races. Just want to thank Team Bromley for providing a superb sled, and a special thank you to Richard Bromley who sacrifices a lot to be out here at the races with Kristan and I."

Bromley Technologies supply Shelley's partner Kristan Bromley and 14 nations from their base at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Mike Maddock, Bromley's chief operating officer, said: "This is a great result for Shelley and really confirms her as the sport's most consistent female athlete of the past three seasons, securing 12 World Cup medals. It's also good to see the Bromley skeleton programme pick up another major Championship title. Over the last three years our Team GB skeleton athletes have secured 18 World cup medals.

"To maintain this level of peak performance over 11 years, is testament to our expertise and continual research and development activities, which explains why 14 nations use Bromley Technologies equipment and make the programme the World's most successful commercial skeleton bobsleigh supplier. And as we also develop and design equipment in the F1 and Moto2 environments we can utilise the skills learnt from many areas of performance.

"The Bromley Technologies team are over the moon how our athletes have dominated this season and wish them well in the last few races. Kristan was having an amazing season, standing 2nd overall in the world ranking, unfortunately due to an injury he has had to miss the last 2 races however we hope he will be back competing in St Moritz this week where he won Silver last year."

Bromley Technologies website

Images: Kristan Bromley / Bromley Technologies

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News: Rotherham Ready takes primary students into the unknown

Over 40 Rotherham primary students recently ventured into the unknown at Sheffield Hallam University.

"Venture into the Unknown" was an enterprising experience organised and co-ordinated by the UK's leading enterprise programme, Rotherham Ready and the award winning Venture Matrix team at Sheffield Hallam University.

The opportunity to create an enterprising experience for Rotherham primary students was made available to groups of students studying at Sheffield Hallam University through the Venture Matrix scheme.

The winning group worked closely with Rotherham Ready in order to build on the existing enterprise skills of Rotherham primary students whilst still offering them a creative challenge to design the new best-selling Valentine's retail product of 2011.

Rotherham teaching staff on the day said: "This has been an amazing experience for our students. The opportunity to visit a University and work directly with the students doesn't come along very often so we snapped it up."

The Venture Matrix University students hosted and delivered an amazing event which not only helped to develop enterprise skills for Rotherham primary students but which also helped to raise aspirations and widen the opportunities open to these young people.

One Rotherham student commented, "This has been the best day. I really want to go to University. I want to be a vet."

Rotherham Ready hopes to continue to provide opportunities like this for all students in the area and will ensure that the recent title awarded to the borough, of "Most enterprising place in the UK", really is fitting for Rotherham's future generations.

Rotherham Ready website
SHU website

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News: Bramall wins extra care housing contract

Rotherham social housing contractor and developer Bramall Construction has won a contract to expand a supported sheltered housing scheme and create Extra Care facilities in Skipton, helping to promote independent living in North Yorkshire.

Bramall Construction will start the £3.3m project at Woodlands Drive in March on behalf of The Abbeyfield Society, a national charity providing housing with support and care to older people.

The project includes the construction of an Extra Care scheme comprising 31 one and two bedroom apartments with communal facilities including a laundry, restaurant/dining, lounge and wellbeing area. The existing supported sheltered house will be refurbished creating five one bedroom apartments.

This will be the first scheme in North Yorkshire to work in partnership supporting the PCT preventative agenda via tele-health and tele-medicine linked in acting as a portal to the Skipton and Airedale hospitals, through the inclusion of a well being suite where consultations, video conferencing, therapies, advice and training can take place

Local stone and materials will be used on the scheme so that it is in keeping with surrounding buildings.

The project secured funding through the Homes & Communities Agency and is due for completion in September 2012.

Bramall Construction website

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News: Cuccini's Café in good hands

Cuccini's Café, in the Stag area of Rotherham, has been bought and revamped by experienced caterer Toni Mullins.

Toni, who boasts almost 20 years of catering experience in Rotherham and Sheffield, sought business advice from The Rotherham Enterprise Project to assist her purchase of Cuccini's and for the first year of operations. She officially took over in October 2010.

All meals, cakes and buns sold to Cuccini's loyal customer base are completely homemade, and Toni is bringing in seasonal, local produce to an ever-changing counter at the up-market cafe.

And an overhaul of the current menu is underway so that diners with food allergies and intolerances are well catered for and those watching their figures can easily count the calories.

"It is a fantastic atmosphere at Cuccini's thanks largely to an extremely loyal customer base, which is growing every day," said Toni.

"It is a really friendly and customer-orientated café and it is wonderful for me personally to be the owner of a local business that is very important to the local community and I intend to continue making Cuccini's a modern place delivering a modern service."

Rachel Clark, from Rotherham Investment and Development Office, one of the delivery partners of the Rotherham Enterprise Project, said: "Toni presented a detailed and pertinent business plan, which showed clear evidence of a talented and experienced catering professional as well as a potentially shrewd businesswoman.

"We are excited by Toni's desire and the early months of her new enterprise have proved very promising for her. She has a loyal customer base already and she is always looking to improve her service by hearing the voices of her clients and following through with modern ideas and concepts."

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

Toni added: "I bumped into a friend one day whilst grabbing a sandwich and she put me in touch with The Rotherham Enterprise Project after I told her I intended to buy my own café. It was one of the most valuable pieces of advice I've ever gotten and I'm really excited about the prospects for the year ahead."

Rotherham Investment & Development Office

Images: Rotherham Enterprise

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News: Good performance from Rotherham United

Rotherham United is guaranteed another year on year rise in commercial earnings.

This season's figures are already up on the total generated for the entire 2009/2010 season with four months of the current campaign still to run.

Corporate entertainment for the home game against Shrewsbury in February has sold out and the final game of the season against Torquay is already fully booked to cap a great start to 2011.

Steve Coakley, the club's commercial director said: "The figures for the first week in January already show we have increased our income from hospitality, advertising and sponsorship from what was generated during the entire 2009/2010 season.

"Encouragingly, we are able to look back at an identical situation that was achieved last year too, and so the consistent annual increases are something we are obviously delighted with."

The club are currently playing home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield as they press ahead with plans for a new 12,000-seater community stadium close to Rotherham town centre.

Coakley added: "Looking at the overall position, in all commercial areas of the club, and considering the economic climate that the vast majority of businesses are currently faced with, we are delighted with the direction we are heading.

"There aren't many clubs within the Football League that are able to report of such progress that has been, and is continuing to be, made."

Rotherham United website

Images: themillers.co.uk

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News: Brinsworth Training see a rise in apprenticeship vacancies

South Yorkshire's leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, has seen a 300% increase in the number of apprenticeship vacancies.

The Templeborough company has seen over 100 apprenticeship vacancies placed over the last eight months, a 300% increase on 2009/10 figures. A sign that companies are starting to see the value and importance of recruiting young learners into their business.

Brinsworth Training helped to deliver the "New Era" programme, which has been pioneered by Rotherham-based Newburgh Engineering and Sheffield-based Air Accessories, and is designed to create a highly skilled breed of young engineers. They have also supported the very first female engineering apprentice at Sheffield specialist steel manufacturer, Firth Rixson. Amy Pryce recently met Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on a visit of the Meadowhall works.

Paul Reeves, Business Development Director at Brinsworth Training said: "We are delighted to see such a marked increase in companies giving young people an opportunity to begin their careers in the engineering industry working through our apprenticeship programme.

"It's very important that the engineering industry gets behind apprenticeships more so now than ever before as it needs capable young minds which can be developed into tomorrow's business leaders."

National Apprenticeship Week takes place from the February 7 - 11 2011 and Brinsworth Training will be holding an open day for employers on February 11 in association with the National Apprenticeship Service, SEMTA, and QED Consulting. Attendees will hear firsthand the support that is available to recruit their future workforce.

Brinsworth Training website

Images: brinsworthtraining.co.uk

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News: Rotherham Council says no to Oak Holdings

Rotherham Council (RMBC) has issued a notice stating that it intends to terminate the current development agreement relating to the YES Project between RMBC, Oak Ventures Limited and Oak Holdings plc.

The £350m proposal was set to create the largest undercover leisure based scheme in Europe adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham.

Oak entered into a preferred developer agreement with RMBC in respect of the YES Project in May 2003 and the development agreement was signed in August 2008. Outline planning approval was granted in 2007 and updated plans for outline planning were approved in September 2010.

Extreme sports specialist Venture Xtreme and golf driving range company Baydrive were the first tenants to sign up and in 2008 and Oak secured a deal with the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team to develop a new state-of-the-art purpose-built arena on the site.

The plans also included an indoor climbing facility, ice climbing, snow room, diving centre, access mall and changing rooms plus a hydrodome complex, indoor surf centre, rope park pavilion, indoor sky diving, a Top Chip hall and a Via Ferratta (an adventure climbing system).

Further "experience" operations were also mentioned including a brewery experience, a food experience and academy and a chocolate experience.

In November 2010, the Council's Cabinet authorised officers to explore alternative options for the development of the Pithouse West site at Rother Valley and turned down Oak's request to extend the time limit on the development agreement in December. The council has taken the decision to cancel the current development agreement.

Karl Battersby, strategic director of environment development services for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly and was based on our view of the likelihood of the project being delivered by Oak Holdings.

"This scheme has been running for over ten years and has not progressed as we would have wished, However, our intentions have not changed, and we are still of the view that the site has massive potential.

"We will be seeking other opportunities to bring forward a leisure based scheme of international significance on the site, complementary to Rother Valley Country Park."

In a statement to the stock exchange, Oak's board stated that they are currently reviewing its options in respect of the notice and added that "there is no indication at this stage that RMBC will agree to cancel the termination notice or extend the current development agreement. If the situation changes a further announcement will be made."

Oak also stated that the global financial crisis and depressed property markets had resulted in them being unable to secure the funds needed to commence the development phase of the project.

Oak will continue to manage the Rother Valley Country Park in accordance with the interim management agreement. Oak continues to own the valuable freehold of the A57 land adjacent to the site of the YES Project - the consented access land.

Oak Holdings website

Images: Oak Holdings

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News: U-Explore and CASCAiD join forces

Innovative Rotherham education specialist, U-Explore, has agreed a formal partnership with CASCAiD to offer schools and colleges a complete solution for the delivery of Careers IAG.



The move adds value to the organisations' delivery of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG).

By aligning their two market-leading products - Kudos and U-Explore Options - CASCAiD and U-Explore are set to provide a first class solution to schools' statutory requirements for CEIAG, "U-Explore Kudos."

Kudos is a diagnostic tool which generates personalised career suggestions based on interests and aspirations, stimulating young people to explore their career options. U-Explore Options combines an online Job Bank of video interviews and 360-degree Virtual Tours with interactive career exploration management that helps students make informed option choices.

James Frith, Head of Strategic Development at U-Explore, said: "This exciting development provides the best of both worlds for all our customers. We recognise that Kudos is an excellent resource. By linking our product range to this strong and trusted diagnostic tool, we will be providing the solution to the new CEIAG requirements at a single point of customer entry."

Customers will be able to access Kudos through a link from U-Explore products. Results from Kudos will be matched to U-Explore Options content, equipping customers with a diagnostic tool alongside engaging, interactive media. This will enhance the delivery of careers guidance in schools and colleges. Students will have more options for accessing advice and guidance to help them with their choice of learning and career pathways.

Lynda Lacey, Chief Executive of CASCAiD Ltd, added: "We are delighted to be working alongside U-Explore to integrate Kudos into their innovative Careers IAG range of products. Kudos celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and this integration project could not have come at a better time following John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, recent announcement about the importance and future direction of careers guidance."

U-Explore website


Images: u-xplore.com

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News: Inditherm Medical at Arab Health exhibition

Rotherham-based Inditherm are looking to break in to further overseas markets this week as they showcase their innovative medical products at Arab Health, the largest healthcare exhibition in the Middle East.

Inditherm products use low voltage carbon polymer technology to provide heat and unlike other forms of heating, there are no hot spots.

The technology is used in niche medical products which include the CosyTherm neonatal range, a system which provides an enhanced care environment for newborn infants, as a step-down from an incubator, or an alternative to an incubator where only warming is required.

Inditherm systems can also warm patients during surgery at the same running cost as a light-bulb.

This is the second year that the Manvers firm are exhibiting at Arab Health. This year they will meet with current distributors, as well as explore new opportunities within the Middle Eastern market.

Inditherm CEO, Nick Bettles said: "We now have a strong International network of distributors who understand that the combination of superior clinical performance and the substantial cost reductions that our systems offer are driving a rapid increase in uptake of our technology.

"Following our attendance at Arab Health in 2010 we have established representation in many Middle Eastern countries and we are looking forward to meeting additional partners at the 2011 exhibition."

As part of a move to focus on the growth of their medical business, the Manvers firm signed an agreement in December that will see ADI promote heating solutions to the food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals markets.

Inditherm website

Images: inditherm.co.uk

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News: Burgess Commercial celebrates second anniversary in Rotherham

Rotherham's only firm of chartered surveyors, Burgess Commercial, is celebrating its second anniversary, after starting the business at the most challenging time that the commercial property sector has ever faced.

Directors Paul Burgess and Neil Keally established the company in January 2009 at a time when the property bubble had well and truly burst. The banks had been bailed out, with both the residential and commercial property sectors proving very difficult.

With a strong reputation in the industry, the pair set up Burgess Commercial based on their ethos to offer a personal service to clients locally and nationally, based on their extensive knowledge and good network of contacts from over 40 years in the commercial property sector between them.

Paul Burgess, director at Burgess Commercial said: "We knew it was a difficult time to set up a new company, but we also recognised that there was the need for a commercial property business which offers a personal service and has really good local knowledge.

"We have outperformed our expectations in the first two years, and have grown the business significantly."

Highlights for the company over the past two years have included Burgess Commercial overseeing the acquisition of land for Rotherham United Football Club, as the Millers plan their move back to their home town by building their own stadium, and the recent sale of two large warehouse facilities at Meadowbank Industrial Estate and Eastwood Trading Estate in Rotherham.

Neil Keally, Director of Burgess Commercial, said: "Our local knowledge and contacts within the Yorkshire region have been key to our success. We are delighted to be celebrating our two year anniversary and we are very optimistic about our future expansion."

Many commercial property owners are facing the challenge of payment of vacant business rates from April 2011 following a recent amendment to the legislation. Neil continues: "We are working with our clients to design a range of attractive and innovative deals to attract tenants, in order to minimise the forthcoming vacant business rates liability."

Burgess Commercial website

Images: Burgess Commercial

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News: Making £5 blossom in North Lincolnshire

North Lincolnshire has become the latest area to replicate initiatives that helped Rotherham become officially recognised as the most enterprising place in the UK.

Rotherham Ready's innovative "Make £5 Blossom" scheme is being launched across local primary schools in North Lincolnshire providing businesses there with the chance to directly invest in the futures of young people.

The scheme, which is supported by Young People's Enterprise Forum, aims to introduce children to the skills involved in running a business by letting them have a go themselves.

Children will develop business plans and breakeven charts and will launch an idea or product with support from local businesses.

To be successful, the Make £5 Blossom scheme needs fresh and enthusiastic support from local business people.

Businesses are being invited to loan children £5 each up to a limit of £150 per school.

Business people will be able to meet children from the schools they've backed during an initial training programme.

Schools will be presented with the money on the basis that they have to make a profit - paying back the loan in full by the end of the school year with each school acting as guarantor for their individual loan.

In school, pupils will decide what they sell, where they sell it and to whom, before checking the profits and presenting their final results at a closing event.

The scheme has been running in Rotherham schools for five years and is a key part of Rotherham Ready. The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and has trained hundreds of teachers to develop enterprise in schools and colleges, and harnessed the passion of the business community to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship in education.

An astounding 103 schools and colleges in Rotherham have achieved the Warwick Award for Excellence in Enterprise Education – the quality mark for enterprise learning.

Cllr Mark Kirk, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "Make £5 Blossom is a great scheme with many benefits for both schools and businesses.

"Since it was first launched in South Yorkshire by Rotherham Ready, every loan has been returned in full after the children have made significant profits."

Rotherham's success has been replicated in a number of places – having successfully launched Hull Ready in 2008 and exporting "Inspire" enterprise training to Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Warrington, Liverpool and Spain.

Rotherham secured the top prize in the Enterprising Britain competition 2010.

Rotherham Ready website

Images: rotherhamready.org.uk

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News: The Future of Manufacturing in Rotherham

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) are hosting an event next month providing a forward look at the future of manufacturing.

The rescheduled event provides a timely opportunity to brief Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing (AEM) companies and support organisations on the current status of Government policy in regard to both the establishment and development of Local Enterprise Partnerships and the Government's plans in support of UK manufacturing.

The Government has identified a number of priority areas critical to driving business growth in the UK. These include the support of Technology and Innovation Centres, and the development of Growth Hubs designed to drive economic growth by stimulating Innovation and Technology, supporting Leadership and skills, providing access to finance and supporting export growth.

The presentations on the day will provide an overview of Government policy, identify what support is currently available for companies, and give an insight into developments occurring in a number of key market sectors.

Speakers include Richard Wright, Chair of the Yorkshire and umber manufacturing Steering Group, Dave Rugg of Rolls-Royce and Martin Conelly of Tata Steel.

There will also be opportunities to network with key supply chain companies, Government representatives, business support agencies and technology providers.

The event takes place at NAMTEC, Swinden House, Rotherham on February 10.

NAMTEC website

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News: Wildgoose projects progress in Rotherham

Wildgoose Construction has completed one multi-million pound project in Rotherham and has begun work on a second.

The Derbyshire company has transformed the former Kimberworth Comprehensive School in Rotherham into a new £2.9m children's services centre for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and NHS Rotherham.

Wildgoose has also started on site at a £3.4m My Place Centre in Rotherham town centre for Chantry YMCA and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The children's services centre was completed in 40 weeks and comprised internal and external repair, refurbishment and alteration, including the demolition of a former caretaker's house and former science block, excavation to create a road and construction of a retaining wall.

The building will act as an office base for 15 teams and 170 staff who will deliver services to the children, young people and families of Rotherham.

Tim Walker, managing director of Wildgoose Construction, said it had been a pleasure working again with the borough council and its architects.

He said: "Their vision has transformed the disused Kimberworth School into a building which will go on to serve the community in its new role for many years to come.

Andrew Parry, project lead from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, added: "The works that have taken place have transformed the building and site and myself and the clients involved are highly delighted with the project. The finished product has surpassed everyone's expectations where it has been a privilege to restore such a grand building to its former glory."

The My Place Centre will focus on social enterprise activity and recreational activities.

An alternative curriculum will be offered to young people who have been excluded from mainstream schools.

Connexions and Rotherham Children, Young People and Families Voluntary Sector Consortium will also provide support on a range of issues such as homelessness, sexual health and drug rehabilitation.

The centre will also offer a range of facilities for youngsters aged 11 to 19, including a graffiti room, IT suite, cinema, performance hall and rooftop café.

Tim Walker added: "We are also delighted to have been chosen to deliver the new My Place centre in Rotherham, which will give the young people of the area a vibrant and exciting focal point in which to channel their individualism and ideas and also provide additional employment to the local community in both full-time and part-time capacities."

"The construction of both projects has allowed us to give work opportunities to the community local to the sites as well as placing material orders with Rotherham based suppliers, which has given the local economy a much needed financial boost."

Wildgoose website

Images: Wildgoose Construction

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News: Develop-U joins National Skills Academy for Food and Drink

Develop-U, the Rotherham-based business improvement training specialist has become a member of training provider network for The National Skills Academy for Food and Drink.


The National Skills Academy for Food and Drink works in partnership with Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, to deliver employer-focused training, qualifications and skills solutions to the food and drink industry. It now has more than 70 training provider members organised into networks on a region-by-region and sector-by-sector basis.

Develop-U has also joined the Academy's Food Manufacturing Excellence network.

Justine Fosh, director of skills solutions at the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink, said: "Our network of training providers continues to grow, meaning we can reach out and support more and more companies with world-class training services geared towards delivering real business benefits.

"The new members to our Food Manufacturing Excellence network greatly enhances the resources we can make available to employers in areas such as lean manufacturing, sustainability and business improvement."

Develop-U has grown in Rotherham, moving from RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Buisness Centre after a few great years to Fusion @ Magna in 2009, also operated by RiDO.

Develop-U website

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News: Welcome to Yorkshire funding agreed

Yorkshire Forward and Welcome to Yorkshire have jointly agreed to maintain Welcome to Yorkshire's funding at £10m for the next year.



The decision is good news for Yorkshire's tourism industry, which has already grown in value from £5.9bn to almost £7bn, since the launch of Welcome to Yorkshire on the back of the development agency's decision to invest £30m in the visitor economy from 2009 to 2012. 4000 new jobs have been created in the industry.

Yorkshire Forward recognised that tourism was a vital part of the Yorkshire economy and had huge potential to grow. It is already the third biggest sector.

The investment for 2011/12 means the continuation of high impact marketing campaigns and the development of festivals and events, as well as support for the many thousands of tourism businesses across the county to develop their product and skills. It gives Welcome to Yorkshire a sound springboard on which to develop a new funding model beyond 2012.

Thea Stein, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said: "Yorkshire Forward and Welcome to Yorkshire have always shared the same objective. This is to continue the excellent work the organisation has carried out in supporting and developing the Visitor Economy - a vital component of the region's economic success.

"I am delighted that we have been able to work together in a very challenging funding environment to reach a solution which will achieve this objective in the coming year."

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: "We are delighted to be entrusted with continuing the job of promoting Yorkshire and developing tourism. We have already seen the impact of investment in high profile marketing, both in terms of increased visitors to the county and in changing perceptions of Yorkshire as a place to visit, work or invest in.

"Visits to Yorkshire are up 22% since Welcome to Yorkshire was launched. For every £1 invested by Yorkshire Forward in the industry it has delivered £40 back into the Yorkshire economy."

Welcome to Yorkshire website

Images: yorkshire.com

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News: National launch for the Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield

The Global Manufacturing Festival, which will take place in Sheffield in March, hosted its national launch in London this week.

Held in Westminster, the launch highlighted the importance of advanced manufacturing and engineering to the UK's economic future, the magnitude of inspiring the next generation of engineers and provided a taster of what's to come during the festival in Sheffield – which takes place in association with the Financial Times and EEF.

Attendees, from a multitude of backgrounds such as engineering, construction, manufacturing, law, finance, education and politics, heard from a mix of public and private sector leaders and manufacturing apprentices including Mark Prisk MP; Chris Squires, Procurement Manager at EDF Energy; Peter Marsh, the Financial Times Manufacturing Editor; Professor Bill Speirs, The Master of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire - Sheffield; Martin Temple CBE, Chairman at EEF; and Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton Bicycles Ltd – producers of the world renowned folding bike.

Business Minister Mark Prisk MP said: "The Global Manufacturing Festival is a significant and timely festival for this country to host in 2011. Manufacturing is leading the way in rebalancing the economy and reducing the budget deficit so it is vital that we work with industry to make sure that exports continue to grow.

"Over the next four years we are cutting corporation tax from 28% to 24% and attracting new talent to manufacturing by expanding the number of adult apprenticeships available, so by 2014-15 there will be funding for 75,000 more adults to start than under the previous Government's plans.

"On January 25th we will also host a summit attended by manufacturers, Nick Clegg, Vince Cable and other Government departments to identify the challenges and barriers to growth."

The Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield is taking place on March 14 - 24 2011 and is being led by Square 5 Ltd in partnership with Creative Sheffield and Business & Education South Yorkshire; is sponsored by Nabarro LLP and Firth Rixson; and will comprise of a series of focused events, workshops, exhibitions and conferences with leading representatives from the world of manufacturing, politics and education.

The Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield website

Images: globalmanufacturingfestival.com

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News: Rotherham Netto stores to change hands

Three Netto supermarkets in Rotherham are to set to change hands after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced a major milestone in Asda's purchase of Netto's UK stores.



Subject to final OFT approval, 147 Netto stores in the UK will be converted to Asda Supermarkets by late Autumn 2011 including Rotherham stores at Parkgate and Wath.

Asda announced the deal, reported to be worth £778m, in May 2010 and the retailer plans to significantly increase the number of people employed at each of their Netto stores as part of plans to create 7,500 new jobs across the UK in 2011.

Judith McKenna, Asda chief financial officer, who led the deal said: "We're delighted that we're one step closer to completing our acquisition of the Netto stores, which will allow us to provide even more space, choice and savings to our millions of customers in the UK."

Asda has offered to sell 47 Netto stores across the UK after the OFT raised concerns that competition could be substantially reduced in areas where there are overlapping Asda stores.

As a result, the Netto store on Fitzwilliam Road has been sold to the Haldanes Retail Group and is set to be branded under their "UGO" name. Haldanes took on a number of stores when the Co-operative Group sold outlets following its acquisition of Somerfield in 2009.

Arthur Harris, CEO of The Haldanes Retail Group, said: "UGO will be a flexible, friendly and approachable company with old fashioned ideas and ethics reconstructed where necessary to encompass a modern trading format.

"There is an opportunity in the mid size discount supermarket sector to do something special and I think UGO, with its established store teams, is the brand that can do it."

Netto were progressing plans to relocate the store to larger premises on a former car showroom site nearby.

Asda website
Haldanes website

Images: asda.com

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News: CPI invests in Rotherham facility

CPI Electronics Ltd has invested in their Rotherham facility after year on year growth necessitated an increase in production capacity.

CPI provide a comprehensive contract manufacturing facility which is supported with advanced production equipment and a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

Their printed circuit boards and cable products are in daily use around the globe in a variety of high technology, high-reliability applications, and CPI has established particular expertise in product design and development of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies and software.

The company has recently invested £400,000 in new equipment from Blakell Europlacer, which provides them with a total maximum placement capacity that exceeds 40,000 components per hour.

Paul Ironmonger, Managing Director at CPI said: "We have seen solid growth in our organisation, and with some major contracts that we have recently concluded, the pressure on our existing facility had become something of a bottleneck. So we made the decision to invest heavily in not only SMT (surface mount technology) production equipment, but some other key areas such as stock management and factory enhancements to increase floorspace."

CPI was established at Hellaby in 1997 and a purpose built 8,000sq ft manufacturing plant in Templeborough went into operation in 2007.

CPI Electronics website

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News: FireChill launch heating products

FireChill, the global green cooling company announced today the launch of a range of energy-efficient, gas-fired heat pumps which draw free heat from either the air or the ground.

Approved for outdoor installation, they are self contained and can be powered by propane, natural gas, LPG or light oil.

FireChill's existing and proven absorption technology platform combined with a range of specially developed components, each designed to maximise the efficiency of the heat pump, leads to a highly competitive product that outperforms the market on both efficiency and price.

The systems have a fuel use efficiency of over 150% comparable to coal fire with an efficiency of 2%, followed by gas fire with an efficiency of 50%, then gas central heating with an efficiency of 60%, and the condensing boiler with an efficiency of 90%.

Simon Clothier, FireChill's CEO said: "We are tremendously excited about these new planet-friendly, clean tech products; FireChill is now in the fortunate position of being able to provide its customers with choice – green heating as well as green cooling.

"Our technology team has given us a world beating product and our UK manufacturing team can now deliver at competitive prices for today's cost conscious marketplace.

"The new heat pumps contain 80% of the components currently used in the chillers which means we can pass on the majority of those volume savings to both our heating and cooling customers. We are also delighted to be entering the UK market for the first time with a home-grown, British product."

FireChill Manufacturing in Rotherham has recently been awarded with the ISO 9001 accreditation. Vince Middleton, Managing Director of FireChill Manufacturing, said: "We are delighted to achieve this accreditation which underlines our continued commitment to sustaining an agile, process-based and quality-focused manufacturing facility.

"Quality culture in manufacturing is the only way to secure a long product life, which is something that every customer wants. This certification reinforces our pledge to customers to continually monitor and improve our products and produce them to the highest possible standard."

FireChill website

Images: firechill.com

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News: Peoplesafe chosen by Worcestershire landlords

Two housing associations responsible for thousands of homes in the Worcestershire area are working with Rotherham-based lone worker expert Peoplesafe, to protect frontline staff.

Worcester Community Housing (WCH) and the Rooftop Housing Group have equipped workers with discreet alarms disguised as identity card holders.

The Identicom device allows workers to perform a "safe and well" check and has a "red alert" button which opens an audio channel to Peoplesafe's 24-hour monitoring centre if they are faced with verbal or physical violence. The device has a GPS option allowing the user's location to be instantly pinpointed. The device can also include a "man down" motion sensor which raises the alarm if the Identicom is immobilised or subject to an impact.

WCH, which has a total workforce of 180, has 70 Identicoms in operation. Community wardens, trades operatives, income recovery staff and allocations managers have been issued with the device while pool units are available for office-based staff making occasional unaccompanied visits.

Nina Chinery, Head of Supported Housing, said: "We needed to respond to the concerns of our lone working staff and their unions.

"The Peoplesafe units provide a discreet arrangement which give our staff confidence in that they can call for help, if they need it, at any time of the day or night. Staff feel much safer now knowing they have an immediate ability to access help if they encounter a problem."

With recent expansion of the Rooftop Housing Group, the company had renewed their contract with Peoplesafe and increased the number of devices in operation because of the company's excellent service and the high usage of the devices among their staff.

Ian Johannessen, Managing Director of Peoplesafe in Dinnington, said: "We recognise the important role that housing associations play in our communities. We are very pleased to be working with these two major landlords in the Worcestershire area to provide a technical solution to ensure the safety of their staff and help them meet their employers' duty of care."

Peoplesafe website

Images: peoplesafe.co.uk

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News: Rotherham United launch their own version of The Apprentice

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, in partnership with Parkgate Shopping, is giving a young person from the Rotherham area the chance to secure their future in the form of a coaching apprenticeship with the Millers.

Funded by the club's main sponsor, Parkgate Shopping as part of owner British Land's community support fund, it has been designed to provide youngsters with a series of skill-building sessions at venues within the Parkgate and Rawmarsh districts in Rotherham. The organisers are looking for young people resident in these areas over 16 years of age who are not currently in occupied in any job or full-time study or interest.

Staff at Rotherham United will be providing these youngsters with football sessions and will select five young people who will go on to a "Get Ready for Work" scheme. On completion of the 12-week programme one young person will be chosen for the six month apprenticeship with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust.

Denis Copeland, manager at Parkgate Shopping said: "We support several local charities across all community sectors, but for some time we have been seeking a youth development opportunity.

"When this project arose right on our very doorstep, we put a strong case forward to British Land's Community Initiative Board and are delighted that it was accepted."

Millers defender Dale Tonge, who acts as the club's community cohesion ambassador, added: "This kind of opportunity doesn't come up too often and I hope lots of young people will put themselves forward to take part in the sessions and give themselves a chance to work with the football club."

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust website
Parkgate Shopping website

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News: Possible Regional Growth Fund bids for Rotherham

Rotherham Council are looking at and discussing a number of projects with partners that could form potential bids for the government's £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund.

Lord Heseltine was in Rotherham this week encouraging private sector bids for the fund which has two key objectives: to stimulate enterprise by providing support for projects and programmes with significant potential for economic growth and create additional sustainable private sector employment; and to support in particular those areas and communities that are currently dependent on the public sector make the transition to sustainable private sector-led growth and prosperity. More here.

Karl Battersby, the council's strategic director of Environment and Development Services outlines the projects in a report to a Cabinet meeting next week.

One project looks at strategic infrastructure investment to enable further development of the Sheffield – Rotherham Lower Don Valley. This includes key regeneration sites such as Templeborough, Waverley, the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and the British Land site near Meadowhall.

There are also a number of key infrastructure proposals including the Waverley Link Road, the Sheffield to Rotherham bus rapid transit system, and improvements around junction 34 of the M1.

Building on the global significance of the AMP and AMM sector this investment could be drawn together under a "manufacturing super park" concept that links strategic infrastructure investment with a National Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Growth Hub.

The report also states that Harworth Estates (part of UK Coal) are considering a possible application to help deliver the Waverley masterplan.

The fund also has potential to be used for site reclamation, flood works and business support infrastructure for Rotherham United's Community Stadium but that would need to be considerd by the club.

It may also provide a source of funding to continue the work of the Housing Market Renewal programme in Rotherham after government funding was cut last year.

The paper also highlights a High Growth SME pilot project to create a private sector led, and financially sustainable, business support system which would deliver economic benefits for the Sheffield City Region by targeting a small number of SMEs in identified priority sectors.

The paper goes on to say that a number of private sector companies may be considering bids for funding, which range from regeneration schemes through to capital investment projects which would assist them in expanding their capabilities and creating further jobs.

One potential project is the Diam2ond project that aims to replicate the successful AMRC model for the medical sector on the AMP.

Regional Growth Fund website

Images: AMP

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News: Fiona has the recipe for business success

Former building site worker Fiona Morgan has seen takings go up by 100% after revamping Alexandra's cafe in Rotherham with help from the Rotherham Enterprise Project.

Fiona supplies a variety of hot and cold breakfast and lunch delicacies at her cafe in Parkgate, also creating delicious treats for corporate clients and customers.

Working to improve the Café's food and hygiene standards, she gained a four-star environmental health rating and now also provides first class buffet menus after receiving business advice.

Fiona said: "I've always loved baking since I was four years old and I can't believe how far I've come on my business journey in just a year.

"I'm now expanding the enterprise with Alexandra's Buffet Company as a standalone business and I've taken on four staff members. Things couldn't be better and this is a brilliant end to a successful year."

Her business coach Darren McDool is still in touch, inputting on her business plan and she has developed a unique airbrushing technique for her baking which has been used on Sheffield Steelers branded cakes complete with airbrushed logos.

Fiona added: "My business coach from the project has been fantastic, helping me shape ideas, offering me tips on how to tap into the market and tailor my branding. I also benefit from a free mentor and entered the Rotherham Enterprise Dragon's Den event – which I won!

"Setting up alone has been tiring but rewarding as I do all my own paperwork, national insurance and invoicing. But working for myself has enabled me to see the future more clearly – something which is not controlled by somebody else."

Fiona also finished as a runner up in Rotherham's Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2010

Jackie Frost of Rotherham Youth Enterprise said: "This is the end of an excellent enterprising year for Fiona who is a rising star in the business world and has proved this is only the beginning of a very promising journey for 2011."

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

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: Rotherham Youth Enterprise

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News: Moorhead Savage welcome new staff

Rotherham-based insolvency practice Moorhead Savage has welcomed two new members of staff to the team.

Emma Sanderson is a former solicitor who built up several years of insolvency practice experience before joining Moorhead Savage as a case manager.

She is joined by Sarah Ellis, who was previously with an insolvency boutique in Greater Manchester and has more than a decade of experience working on insolvency cases.

At the same time, Moorhead Savage has now also completed a move to more
spacious offices at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre.

"Both Emma and Sarah bring with them many years experience in both personal and corporate insolvency," said company founder Paul Moorhead.

"They will help to provide a tailored service for our clients, ensuring they receive the correct advice and help to turn that advice into action.

"We are seeing increasing numbers of people coming to us for help and it is clear that the effects of the economic downturn are still being felt by companies throughout the region.

"The good news, however, is that we aim to give people the advice and support that helps them to choose the option that will enable them to successfully take back control of their finances."

In July 2010, Moorhead Savage secured a RiDO Kick Start loan to enable the expansion.

Moorhead Savage website

Images: RiDO

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News: AMRC launches industrial doctorate centre

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing is launching a new Industrial Doctorate Centre (IDC) in Rotherham to help the brightest engineering postgraduates work with industry to develop new technologies and skills.


The new centre, to be operated jointly by the AMRC and Department of Mechanical Engineering, will provide engineering doctorate (EngD) training with a focus on machining science. EngD is a well-established programme for talented postgraduate engineers who want a career in industry, providing a vocationally-oriented alternative to the traditional PhD.

The Sheffield IDC will be based at the AMRC's facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park. It will take in an initial five postgraduate students per year for four years, with each studying for four years of fully-funded research. Once the centre is established, it will be able to take up to 20 students per year.

Professor Keith Ridgway, research director at the AMRC with Boeing, said: "This new doctorate centre gives the AMRC a valuable new resource in our mission to carry out world-class research in collaboration with our industrial partners, and maintain our position as a global centre of research excellence.

"Students will have the opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art facilities alongside our world-leading experts in machining science, carrying out research of real technical and commercial significance.

"We encourage AMRC members and the wider business community to become involved and sponsor students, and build relationships with the most talented young engineers at the start of their careers."

The centre is one of five nationwide to secure stimulus funding from EPSRC. The research council is providing £1.25m towards launch costs, with the remainder coming from the universities and industrial partners.

The Sheffield IDC is supported by global businesses including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Messier-Dowty, and leading local manufacturers such as Technicut and Dormer Tools. The new centre will also encourage SMEs to become involved with research students, allowing the regional manufacturing base to benefit from the brightest engineering talent.

David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, added: "These new centres will generate a new wave of engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to become future business leaders and create new innovation and economic growth for the UK.

"They focus on key areas of advanced manufacturing, which are vital to the UK's major industrial sectors including the aerospace and automotive industry. These talented young innovators will help fuel future economic growth for the UK."

AMRC website

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News: Showcase your enterprise at Rotherham Means Business 2011

Exhibitors are being encouraged to sign up for Rotherham Means Business 2011, the borough's first business and enterprise event, which will take place on Thursday March 10 2011 at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The show will combine a major Business to Business and business support exhibition alongside a dedicated Meet the Buyer Zone. The event will also boast an array of inspirational keynote speakers and a full and informative seminar programme, including subjects such as retail, innovation and exporting.

In addition to attracting established businesses the show will include a major section focused on new and start-up businesses. This is a key growth area for Rotherham as evidenced by our recent success as winner of the 2010 Enterprising Britain Competition.

The show offers budding entrepreneurs, SME's and established businesses excellent networking and development opportunities, whilst for exhibitors it offers a great opportunity to promote their products and services to a wide business audience, not just from Rotherham but across the South Yorkshire region and even wider.

John Wainwright, Chairman of Rotherham Enterprise Board said: "2011 is set to be a key year for Rotherham's companies as the economy continues to recover from the recent downturn, and the Rotherham Enterprise Board saw this as the ideal time to hold this new event.

"Exhibiting at Rotherham Means Business 2011 will enable you to promote your business to a wide range of other businesses and visitors from across the region, provide great networking opportunities, and find out how to do business with major public sector buyers.

"Whether you're an established businesses looking for new development and networking opportunities, or a recent start up, then you'll find plenty of useful, worthwhile reasons to exhibit."

At £500 + vat, exhibitor opportunities may be limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Rotherham Means Business is being organised by Rotherham Enterprise Board, sponsored by AESSeal Ltd, UK Steel Enterprise Ltd, The Source, Rotherham Work & Skills Board, and Business Link Yorkshire.

The project is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Rotherham Means Business website
Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

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News: Lord Heseltine encourages Yorkshire to go for growth

Former deputy Prime Minister Lord Heseltine was in Rotherham this week to encourage Yorkshire's businesses and entrepreneurs to bid for cash from the £1.4bn Regional Growth Fund.

The Regional Growth Forums taking place across the country are an opportunity for potential applicants to the fund to learn more about the bidding process. Speaking at the event, Lord Heseltine encouraged them to bring forward high-quality proposals that promise to unleash local talent and help communities in Yorkshire to flourish.

Over 150 local businesses, entrepreneurs and civic leaders attended the event at the AMP Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

The Regional Growth Fund has two key objectives: to stimulate enterprise by providing support for projects and programmes with significant potential for economic growth and create additional sustainable private sector employment; and to support in particular those areas and communities that are currently dependent on the public sector make the transition to sustainable private sector-led growth and prosperity.

Lord Heseltine is Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel, which will consider all bids for funding and make recommendations to Ministers about which should be successful. He will be supported by a team of business and civic leaders and academics, including his Deputy Chair, Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, who will also speak at today's event.

Lord Heseltine said: "I'm delighted to be here in Yorkshire as an advocate for this important Fund.

"The Regional Growth Fund presents an opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs in Yorkshire to help shape their own economic future.

"I hope today's road show will inspire people to think strategically about how this fund can deliver a positive change to their local economy; creating new jobs and benefits for local people."

Regional Growth Fund website

Images: AMP

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News: New contracts and staff for Assured Fire and Security

Rotherham-based Assured Fire and Security has secured a number of new contracts as they begin another year of growth.

Assured has upgraded the intruder alarm system for key customer Remploy at their Sheffield factory in Brightside Lane, introducing a full police response monitoring system.

They are also developing out links with Magnox Nuclear Power, after recent installations where Assured engineers have installed a gas fire suppression system in the IT suite at the Magnox's Gloucestershire headquarters.

In a new deal, Systagenix, the world leader in wound treatment, has called in Assured Fire and Security for a major improvement of its fire alarm system at its Yorkshire base.

In addition, Mike Walker has been appointed as Fire and Security Services Sales Consultant for the North East.

"This is a major growth area for us so Mike's arrival is extremely important," said Assured Sales Manager Matt Tolkien.

"This new appointment is in line with our vision to become a key player in the fire and security market on a national scale and further demonstrates our commitment to growth in 2011."

Assured website

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News: Fatal incident at Sterecycle's Rotherham plant

A Rotherham man has died as a result of the injuries he suffered in an industrial explosion at Sterecycle in Templeborough.

Emergency services were called to at 2.40pm yesterday after a waste incinerator exploded creating a hole in the side of the factory and causing damage to parked cars across the road.

Two of the site operators were seriously injured in the incident and the company initiated its emergency procedures immediately and medical attention was provided as quickly as possible.

42-year-old Michael Whinfrey, from the Wickersley area of Rotherham was airlifted to Leeds General Hospital where he later died. Peter Lindon Davis, 51, from the Hoyland Common area of Barnsley was taken by ambulance to the Northern General Hospital with serious head and body injuries.

The company said in a statement that the incident involved a sudden loss of pressure as a result of the failure of one of the pressure vessels used in the waste treatment process.

Sterecycle is a clean technology company that uses a patented steam processing method called autoclaving to "pressure cook" household and commercial black-bag waste. The Rotherham plant is the world's first commercial scale autoclave waste treatment facility. It has been operational since August 2008 and employs 41 local people.

Tom Shields, Sterecycle CEO, said: "I speak for all of my staff when I say how deeply saddened I am by Michael's death. He was a much valued colleague, an excellent member of staff and a fine man. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"We clearly regret this incident and have advised HSE. Our immediate priority is for the welfare of our employees. Thereafter we will urgently investigate the causes of the incident and ensure that all necessary actions are taken."

Operations at the plant have been suspended and will remain so until a full investigation into the cause of the incident has been carried out.

Sterecycle website

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News: Rotherham GMI team get involved with the community

The team from GMI Construction on site in Rotherham have recently hosted a visit from Nottingham Trent University and presented to a local school as part of their ongoing commitment to engaging with the local community.

The site team working on the Rotherham Council office construction project on the edge of the town centre welcomed a group of approximately 40 students. The Postgraduate students from Nottingham Trent University were on a field trip visit as part of their course which covers Real Estate & Construction.

Gary Oates from GMI talked the students through the various stages and elements of the works and described how GMI developed the strategy of procuring sub-contractors with the necessary due diligence for both financial and quality considerations. He also explained how keen planning and execution of the elements will result in a high quality built for both the developer and the tenant.

Keith Lown, Senior Lecturer in Real Estate at Nottingham Trent University, who lead the visit, was extremely impressed in how the build was progressing and requested a possible future visit when the project moves into the next phase of construction.

Keith said: "The feedback from the students has been fantastic and many found the visit inspirational. The students appreciated that it was a privilege to have access to one of the biggest office building developments in the country and see the construction process first hand."

The community engagement continued with a presentation to a class of Year 3 school children at Todwick Primary School where a cardboard model of the project was used to explain the dimensions of the project, together with plans and 3D images.

A further site visit scheduled for this month will provide the children with insight on how a construction site is managed and see the work in real life. The planned activities are organised in conjunction with the school teachers so that the work carried out by the children will be integrated into their curriculum.

GMI website

Images: gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk

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