News: Ron Hull announce £4m investment in Rotherham facility

Leading Rotherham recycling firm, the Ron Hull Group, has announced that it is to invest in excess of £4m to create a new high-tech reprocessing centre capable of achieving the ultimate green target - 100% re-use of materials.


The expansion is expected to create more than twenty new jobs this year.

The company has bought a vacant 4-acre former warehousing site just a few hundred yards from its Mangham Road base on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate. Work is now underway to prepare the site's main 80,000 sq ft building ahead of the installation of new plant and machinery.

The site was purpose built for Gloystarne distribution and more recently used by NYK Logistics to distribute Haribo sweets accross the UK.

Mark Hull, director at the Ron Hull group said: "Initially the new facility will handle 75,000 tonnes of waste a year but it has the potential to process double that amount, up to 150,000 tonnes a year.

"The thing that is particularly exciting is the prospect that the advanced technology that we'll be using on the site will take us well on the way towards the recycler's dream -100% recycling - the point where everything brought in is sorted, processed and used, with nothing going to landfill."

The group are investing close to £2m in new machinery for the site, including state of the art shredders and are also looking into the practicality of an RDF facility, which involves processing waste that can then be used in power stations and other plants to generate heat and energy.

Fellow director Nigel Hull added: "One of the key benefits of the expansion on to the new site will be that it relieves the current pressure at our main recycling base and that opens up all sorts of opportunities.

"An immediate objective is to grow the size of our domestic and commercial skip service. The plan is to increase the operation by 50% in the next two years.

"As the investment in the new high-tech centre underlines, we don't just talk the talk, we do actually recycle every possible recyclable ounce that comes in to us and we believe that gives us a major competitive edge in an age when everyone is so aware of green issues."

The group are planning for the new centre to go live in the late spring.

Ron Hull Group website

Images: Ron Hull Group

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News: Tata Steel raises speciality product prices following increased demand

Tata Steel is raising prices of its South Yorkshire-made engineering bar and aerospace products.

Tata Steel Speciality will increase base prices of its engineering bar products by up to 10% on all orders acknowledged for delivery from April 4. It will also increase base prices of aerospace products by 5% on all orders acknowledged for delivery from July 1.

The group raised prices for its aerospace products by between 4% and 10% in January in a move that was accepted by the industry.

The steel, predominantly stainless and low alloy grades, is used in landing gear and aircraft engines including the landing gear of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as well as other latest generation aircraft.

Richard Bell, Commercial Manager at Tata Steel Speciality said: "We have been increasing production of engineering bar and aerospace steel products to meet rising demand levels throughout 2010.

"Supply chain inventories have returned to more normal levels following the economic downturn, and the recent demand increase is a result of end-users increasing their output."

Tata Steel Speciality has been a leading manufacturer of aerospace steels for more than 60 years and supplies special steels to aerospace component manufacturers around the world from the company's South Yorkshire sites at Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Investment in 2005 saw the Rotherham site at Aldwarke become the focus for steel making, casting and rolling of specialist steels. The steel is manufactured at the Rotherham site before undergoing further refining at the Stocksbridge plant to improve the quality.

In November, Tata announced that it was investing £6.5m in new high-tech equipment at its Stocksbridge plant in South Yorkshire, safeguarding 2,000 jobs at Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Ealrier this month, the Indian company announced that profits for the quarter ending December 31 were 112% higher than the profits in the same period last year.

Tata Steel Europe website

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News: Jewel Saffire relocate in Rotherham

Specialist fire extinguisher producer, Jewel Saffire, has taken space on the Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham.

The new premises represent an increase in office size for Jewel Saffire who are the largest independent trade manufacturer of fire products in the UK. The unit will provide a new distribution centre with the facility to handle sales, accounts, marketing, distribution and warehousing.

Nick Link, Group Managing Director, Jewel Saffire said: "We moved here to streamline our operations. Our aim was to achieve one large distribution site and this location has enabled us to achieve it.

"The new plot represents a significant investment for the business with the driver being improved efficiency, delivery, cost control, customer service and increased opportunity for growth - it has been a tremendous success!."

Jewel Fire Products Ltd was formed in 2007 to wholesale to the Fire Trade. They acquired Saffire Products Ltd in 2009 to form Jewel Saffire Products Ltd. They employ over 40 staff and have manufacturing sites in Nottingham and China.

The company has recently launched its new patented "Dry-Mist" system which has a minute droplet size and low pressure providing a lengthy time of effective fire fighting using a small amount of water.

The industrial department at Sanderson Weatherall assisted the company in the move from Amber Court Business Centre to Denby Way.

Jonathon White, Senior Surveyor at Sanderson Weatherall said: "We're delighted to welcome Jewel Saffire to their new premises.

"Enquiry levels definitely appear to be increasing, albeit gradually and we're quietly optimistic that 2011 will see an improved number of transactions over 2010."

Jewel Saffire website
Sanderson Weatherall website

Images: tatasteeleurope.com

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News: LSM achieves environmental management accreditation

London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited (LSM) in Rotherham has recently been awarded the BS EN ISO 14001: 2004 accreditation, an internationally recognised standard for the environmental management of businesses and prescribes controls for those activities that have an effect on the environment such as handling and treatment of waste and energy consumption.

Itamar Resende, Managing Director of LSM, said: "We are very proud to have been awarded this accreditation, by achieving this certification LSM has shown that we are a company who is committed to environmental issues and are prepared to work towards improving the environmental."

Founded in 1938, LSM is a highly successful manufacturer of high specification metals and alloys and an acknowledged global leader in the metals industry. LSM's head office and main manufacturing plant is located on Fullerton Road.

The Rotherham plant together with its sister company, LSM Brasil SA, based in Sao Joao del Rei, produces a range of specialised products for the aluminium industry, the steel industry, superalloys, hard facing, welding and the glass industry.

LSM is a member of the Advanced Metallurgical Group NV, (AMG) and LSM has recently established a manufacturing facility, LSM (Jiaxing) Co., Ltd, based in the People's Republic of China.

LSM website

Images: lsm.co.uk

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News: Hundreds sign up for Rotherham Means Business Event

Nearly 400 delegates have signed up to attend Rotherham Means Business 2011, the borough's first business and enterprise event.

The event is free to attend and takes place at Magna Science Adventure Centre on March 10. Delegates will hear from a range of inspirational and successful keynote speakers and take part in practical seminars which will offer appropriate business advice, support and tips to all attendees. Alongside this there will be many Business to Business, support and new and start-up business exhibition stands providing hands-on information and guidance to delegates.

Exhibitors include experts from Rotherham Investment & Development Office, The Junction, Voluntary Action Rotherham, Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The HMRC and the Being Better project.

Matthew Smith, Deputy Chair of Rotherham Enterprise Board, the organisers of the event, said: "In 2010 Rotherham was awarded the title of 2010 national winner of Enterprising Britain. This is a great achievement for Rotherham and Rotherham Means Business 2011 is an excellent opportunity to build on this accomplishment.

"The event will be a great day for Rotherham, offering up-and-coming entrepreneurs, early stage and established businesses inspiration, support and confidence to take their business ideas forward and turn them into a reality."

Rotherham Means Business is being organised by Rotherham Enterprise Board and Rotherham Council, 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.

With just two weeks to go, delegate places and exhibition space is limited.

Rotherham Means Business website

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News: Meet the buyer at Rotherham Means Business 2011

Buyers representing more than £250m in procurement spend will be at Rotherham Means Business 2011.

The Meet The Buyer event is being held alongside the borough's first business and enterprise show at Magna Science Adventure Centre on March 10.

Procurement experts from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, The NHS, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and South Yorkshire Police will be attending providing the opportunity for businesses to meet with and discuss opportunities with public sector buyers.

The Meet the Buyer seminar programme will offer delegates the chance to find out how to do business with the public sector and what future opportunities are coming up.

The Yorkshire Gold Business Club will be hosting an informative seminar designed to help companies access and make the most out of the opportunities linked to London 2012 and YORBuild will tell businesses how to get involved in the supply chain of the region's biggest construction and refurbishment framework agreement.

Councillor Ken Wyatt, Cabinet Member for Resources & Commissioning, said: "The event will be a fantastic opportunity for delegates to meet face to face with buyers who represent more than £250m procurement spend in the region and the chance to find out how to do business with the public sector, what future opportunities are coming up and a whole lot more. If you are looking to work with the public sector and expand your business this is one event not to be missed."

Rotherham Means Business website

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News: Inside Industry at Garnett Dickinson

Rotherham print group, Garnett Dickinson are opening up the doors to their state-of-the-art facility in Manvers, Rotherham.

The Inside Industry event on March 16 will show how the company are waging a successful war on waste with help from the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire & Humber (MAS Y&H).

Four years ago, as part of a £20m investment, the privately owned company which has a turnover of £22m and employs 143 people, relocated from Pontefract to a state-of-the-art factory at Brookfields Park, Manvers.

MAS consultant, Dave Roberts held a series of strategic workshops with directors and trained key employees and members of the management team to develop their knowledge of "lean" improvement techniques.

The intervention has involved all of the Garnett Dickinson Print employees in the business improvement process and has led to many tangible improvements including waste being reduced annually by £368,000 and machine downtime by £1600 a week.

Inside Industry is a factory visit programme enabling manufacturers to benchmark their performance and learn best practice tools and techniques from some of the most successful businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

MAS-YH website
Garnett Dickinson

Images: mas-yh.co.uk

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News: Rotherham United unveil latest plans for Community Stadium

Rotherham United has unveiled the latest detailed designs for the proposed £20m, 12,000 seater community stadium on the edge of the town centre.

The club has also announced that GMI Construction, the company currently building the new civic offices for Rotherham Council, will construct the stadium on the same site.

"This is an historic day for Rotherham United Football Club," said Chairman Tony Stewart.

"Two years of meticulous planning and hard work have culminated in today's announcement and I am absolutely thrilled with the final designs. This stadium will be an iconic figure right at the centre of Rotherham and its facilities and unique design will stand up against any stadium in the country. The stadium will not only benefit this football club but will provide the centre piece of significant regeneration in Rotherham.

"The supporters of Rotherham United have had to wait a long time for this moment and I can assure them that we are going to build a stadium that everyone in the Rotherham community can be proud of."

The stadium will be Project Managed by Gleeds who were selected for their impressive history of stadium projects.

Simon Morris, Associate Director and Project Manager for Gleeds said: "Gleeds have a strong track record in delivering stadiums in the UK and abroad.

"We are particularly excited with our role as Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor and CDM Co-ordinator on a new 12,000 seat, multi-million pound stadium for Rotherham United Football Club as the new project will act as not only an important focal point for football fans, but also a key element in regenerating the town centre. The release of the plans today, shows both the imagination and ambition displayed by the Club and its sponsors and we are looking forward to delivering a world class sporting arena for the town."

The construction of the stadium will be undertaken by GMI Construction who, like Gleeds, have a rich history and reputation for reliability and quality in sports construction.

Jarrod Best, Managing Director, GMI Construction Group said: "Securing GMI's place on the delivery team for Rotherham United's new state of the art stadium is an exciting honour for us.

"We have delivered exceptional sporting schemes in the past and we look forward to bringing our skills and expertise to this development, which is set to breathe life and sustainable growth into the South Yorkshire area long into the future. The designers, S+P Architects, have had a desire from the outset to create a scheme of major benefit for local people and to deliver the most fan-friendly stadium. It will be an exceptional place to watch football and a fantastic addition to the Town Centre Renaissance Programme."

Outline plans for the stadium on the former Guest and Chrimes foundry on the edge of the town centre were approved by Rotherham Council's planning board in November. The approved outline plans focused on the location, scale, design and access and the impacts on flooding, noise, transport, ecology and listed buildings.

With construction estimated to take 12 - 14 months, the club hopes to secure planning permission soon. This will allow the new stadium to be built for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Rotherham United website

Images: Gleeds / S+P Architects / Rotherham United

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News: Hargreaves increase production and take on more staff at Maltby Colliery

Hargreaves Services plc, the UK's leading energy support services provider and owner and operator of Maltby Colliery in Rotherham, has announced their latest financial results.

For the six months ended 30 November 2010, underlying operating profit increased by £2.4m from £18.5m to £20.9m and turnover increased by £42.3m from £211.6m to £253.9m, partly as a result of higher coke and coal prices.

The company stated that there had been an improved performance at Maltby but it had short term geological challenges. Last year, Hargreaves completed the change to a new face at Maltby but the performance had been a disappointment despite the investment. In December the group stated that underground production had improved following the slow start to the year.

Now, Hargreaves are optimistic that the major equipment issues are now resolved and a fifth shift has been introduced employing 70 extra miners. This has increased cutting time by 30% from 108 to 141 hours.

About 60% of Maltby's total output is supplied under a long-term secure contract with Drax Power Station, Europe's largest coal-fired power plant. Much of the remaining production is supplied exclusively to Hargreaves' Monckton Coke Works near Barnsley.

The colliery produces more than one million tonnes of coal per year and employs more than 500 people.

Hargreaves are also continuing to work hard and productively with staff and management at the colliery to restructure working practices and improve productivity.

Tim Ross, Chairman at Hargreaves Services said: "Another great set of results. We remain pleased with the current trading conditions and excited by the growth opportunities opening up for us. We believe this will be another exciting year for Hargreaves."

Hargreaves Services website

Images: hargreavesservices.co.uk

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News: Eadon selected for Swedish bridge project

Following on from their success on the Humber Bridge, Rotherham-based design experts at Eadon Consulting have again been employed by C Spencer Limited to design gantries for the Älvsborgsbron in Gothenburg.

Eadon Consulting were the designer of the high level platforms required to carry out the majority of the works for the Humber Bridge Main Cable Dehumidification Project by C Spencer Limited. The movable gantries acted as a working platform to allow the main cables to be heat sealed in a polymer wrap along their entire length.

At just 933m long, the Älvsborgsbron is on a different scale to the Humber Bridge but presents its own particular challenges with respect to the design of the gantries.

The most noticeable difference between this and other suspension bridges is that the side spans of the bridge are viaducts so there are no hanger cables supporting the deck below and more importantly, not providing sideways support to the gantries in the case of storm winds.

Unlike other larger suspension bridges that Eadon staff have worked on, which have thousands of parallel wires making up the main cable, these cables are made of 85, 55mm diameter locked coil wires.

The projects are a pro-active move to prevent wire deterioration. Dry air is introduced into the steel cables to drive moisture out of the voids between the individual wires and reduce the level of humidity to below that which corrosion occurs. Work involves wrapping the cables with a polymeric material to form an air and water-tight sealed environment.

To make the cable section, round aluminium extrusion packs are laid around the outside of the cable which are secured by 4mm diameter wire wrapped tightly around the full length of the cable. Careful consideration has to be given to the gantry supports bearing on the cable in order not to cause damage.

Two gantry designs will be used on the Älvsborgsbron, one type on the main span and another on the side spans. The gantries are due to be installed in March 2011 with the main cable dehumidification project due to be completed before the winter.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Eadon Consulting is an engineering design consultancy working across a number of sectors, with expertise in mechanical, control, hydraulic and structural design.

Eadon Consulting website

Images: eadonconsulting.co.uk

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News: Peoplesafe protect homeless charity workers

St Petrocs Society, a charity that works with homeless people in Cornwall has turned to Rotherham-based lone worker expert Peoplesafe to protect its staff.

St Petrocs Society helps single homeless people with immediate problems like food and bedding, and longer term issues such as securing accommodation and paying rent. The society runs outreach programmes, supported housing projects and advice centres across the county.

Peoplesafe, which has its headquarters in Dinnington, has provided St Petrocs with Identicoms, which are identity badges incorporating a panic alarm and a listening-in device; Sonim XP3 Sentinel mobile phones, which are said to be the toughest in the world and have features including GPS, and specially adapted lone worker smartphones.

Richard Bryant, operations manager at St Petrocs Society said: "As an employer we have a duty of care to our staff who can be faced with challenging situations and we must do all we can to ensure their well-being.

"Having equipment that links them up to a 24/7 monitoring centre makes staff feel safer too.

"The advice and support offered by Peoplesafe was exceptional. They listened carefully to what we wanted and provided us with equipment and a service that really suits our needs."

"Staff now can get on with their job of helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society knowing that someone is watching out for them."

Ian Johannessen, managing director of Peoplesafe, added: "By issuing lone workers with these devices St Petrocs has shown that they take the safety of their employees very seriously.

"They face a tough job out on the streets of Cornwall and anything that can make that job a bit easier and safer must benefit not only the staff, but also the people they work with."

Peoplesafe website

Images: peoplesafe.co.uk

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News: Hellaby units come onto the market

Two modern industrial units on Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham have become available for new occupiers.

The Interchange Industrial Estate units were formally occupied by UK Mail Group PLC and Riso and are 18,000 sq ft and 21,000 sq ft. They benefit from 6-7m eaves, office accommodation, and heating and lighting in the warehouse area.

The estate is popular with occupiers, due to its proximity to Junction 1 of the M18, which provides excellent accessibility. Occupiers include Stanley Tools, Greenberg Glass and Glazing, RJD Engineering, Parseq plc and TNT.

The two units have recently been acquired by St Modwen, who own a number of industrial estates in the area.

Ben Mitchell, from St Modwen said: "These units are in an excellent location just off junction 1 of the M18 and provide good quality industrial space at very competitive rents."

St Modwen acquired the properties in September when they purchased the ETP portfolio of 11 income-producing employment sites for £21.4m from Citi Property Investors, on behalf of EIRE The Peaks Limited.

Marketing agents for St Modwen are GVA and Knight Frank.

GVA website

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News: UK Mail relocate in Rotherham

The UK's largest independent parcels, mail and logistics services company, UK Mail Group PLC, has relocated across Rotherham to the Magna 34 Business Park in Templeborough.

UK Mail has relocated their South Yorkshire operation from Hellaby and has signed a ten year lease for a brand new 27,232sq ft industrial unit at the development by Jaguar Estates and Loxley Land and Property.

GVA and Knight Frank represented the developers and UK Mail Group PLC was unrepresented. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.

With a national network of more than 50 sites and 3,500 vehicles, UK Mail Group handles around three billion items from over 2,000 customers every year, constituting 17 per cent of all addressed mail within the UK and making it the busiest alternative to Royal Mail.

Paul Hutchinson, Property Manager for UK Mail Group PLC, said: "We now have around 80 employees in our South Yorkshire operation and had outgrown our existing facility.

"Due to the nature of our business, we need quick and direct connectivity to the motorways and the ability to access multiple routes should one be affected by traffic. Magna 34 provides this in addition to offering the flexibility to tailor and fit-out the unit to our exact specifications.

"We look forward to continuing to provide an excellent service to our broad customer base which extends across Sheffield and Doncaster."

Rebecca Schofield, Associate at Knight Frank's Sheffield office added: "UK Mail Group PLC conducted an extensive search for a new facility and due to their delivery requirements, accessibility to all motorway networks was a primary factor. Magna 34 stood out in terms of both location and quality of the facility itself as the natural choice."

UK Mail Group's unit is the largest of eight industrial units which were completed as part of Phase 1 of the scheme, of which just one unit of 6,200sq ft now remains available for occupancy. A total of 10,000sq ft of BREEAM "Good" rated office space was also developed over two buildings, the first of which is fully occupied whilst the second has secured lettings to three national organisations since fit-out was completed last year. A limited number of serviced office suites which can accommodate between 2 and 15 people are available.

Additionally in Phase 1, the development partners teamed up with JF Finnegan to deliver a 151,716sq ft distribution unit for which interest is being invited.

Patrick Herbert of Jaguar Estates said: "With just one small and one large industrial unit left and limited office availability, Phase 1 has been an incredible success and we will now be looking ahead to Phase 2."

Plans for Phase 2 of Magna 34 include design and build opportunities for office accommodation from 2,000sq ft to 20,000sq ft and industrial units from 2,500sq ft up to 40,000sq ft.

UK Mail website
Magna 34 website

Images: Jaguar Estates

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News: Fulcrum receive final settlement from National Grid

Rotherham based energy solutions company, Fulcrum, has received a payment of £8.2m from the National Grid for the surrender of tax losses.

The settlement is for the period prior to completion of the acquisition of Fulcrum Group Holdings Limited from National Grid in July 2010 by Marwyn Capital.

The reverse takeover saw an experienced new management team brought in to turnaround loss-making operations and re-establish the business as a market leader.

The group also raised approximately £11m through a share issue to fund the takeover, provide working capital and finance the proposed turnaround strategy and the group stated that the £8.2m settlement will also be used to fund working capital.

Based on Greasborough Road, Fulcrum designs and project manages connections to gas pipelines for customers seeking either a new connection or the alteration or refurbishment of an existing connection.

In an update to the stock exchange the company added that trading in the business since acquisition has been broadly in line with management expectations and management expect Fulcrum's cash position at the year end to be better than anticipated. Strong overall revenue performance has largely offset the effect of the adverse weather conditions during December which significantly disrupted work planned for that month.

Fulcrum website

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News: New flavour for Yorkshire Crisps

The Yorkshire Crisp Company in Rotherham is to add a limited edition Roast Lamb & Mint flavour to their range.

The Waleswood company produces hand-made gourmet crisps made from local vegetables and totally natural flavours and the new flavour will be the first meat-based addition to the range.

The flavour was chosen from hundreds of entries sent in to a national competition to suggest ideas for a new limited edition crisp.

Tim Wheatley, sales director at The Yorkshire Crisp Company said: "We were astounded by the number of entries and diversity of flavours we had sent in, and after much deliberation we decided that Roast Lamb and Mint would work particularly well as a spring launch.

"It is a little different from the run-of-the-mill flavours out there and as we don't currently have a meaty flavour, it will hopefully attract a wider audience to our product."

As well as being sold in regional supermarkets and John Lewis Food Halls, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, the company has recently secured its first national distribution deal with wine merchant and off-licence, Oddbins.

Following a trial in ten of their London stores, their gourmet crisps will now be available nationwide in up to 158 stores.

Yorkshire Crisps can also now be found at luxury hotel chain Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. All 20 of the upmarket hotels will now have 100g drums of Yorkshire Crisps available in the hotel room mini-bars.

Yorkshire Crisps website

Images: yorkshire-crisps.co.uk

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News: NHS Trust saves energy and money with Powerstar

EMS (UK) Ltd, the Rotherham based energy consultancy is helping the Mersey Care NHS Trust to save an average of 18% on annual energy consumption.

The Trust has around 700 in-patient beds on 13 sites and has installed the EMS Powerstar voltage optimisation system at sites including Ashworth, Mossley and Rathbone Hospitals along with Scott Clinic. At Rathbone Hospital annual kWh savings are 65,796, the equivalent of £6,974, whilst Scott Clinic has benefited from annual kWh savings of 51,573 kWh, or £5,446.

The Powerstar system is the only voltage optimisation system wholly designed and manufactured in the UK and works by reducing the the voltage supplied by the National Grid. A growing number of NHS Trusts are turning to Powerstar, not only for it's ability to reduce energy consumption, but also to improve the life expectancy of on-site equipment as well as reduce maintenance costs.

Mark O'Grady, managing director of MITIE Engineering Maintenance, the facility management company used by Mersey Care NHS trust for the Powerstar installations said: "We would highly recommend Powerstar voltage optimisation systems. The Powerstar installations at the Mersey Care NHS Trust have achieved an 18% saving on total electricity consumption."

Terry Shemwell, Powerstar Consultant to Local Authorities and the NHS added: "The NHS has highlighted its commitment to cutting carbon emissions and meeting the government's targets to cutting emissions by 80%, by 2050. Solutions such as Powerstar are allowing trusts to not only achieve these targets but plough back money saved into improved patient care and services."

Powerstar website

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News: Rotherham biomedical supply chain conference

Companies in the advanced engineering and materials sectors are being invited to take part in a Biomedical Supply Chain Roadmapping event, which is planned to take place at Swinden House, Rotherham on March 9.

The free event has been organised by Advanced Engineering and Materials (AEM) Yorkshire's Innovation Network, and is open to both members and non members.

The conference will bring together delegates from a wide range of companies working in the biomedical sector to discuss current and future technology hotspots and the potential problems they create for suppliers. The aim is then to set up consortia of company representatives to address these issues and remove potential barriers to trading in this lucrative marketplace.

Keynote speakers include Dr Alan McLelland, Director of AEM Yorkshire and Dr Alan Smith, Managing Director of AZ-TECH. Dr Smith is an expert on nanotechnology and advises several governments on the subject. He has also facilitated more than 50 technology roadmaps in a variety of sectors for establishments around the world.

Dr Alan McLelland explains: "The AEM Innovation Network is a framework for businesses of all sizes to identify up-and-coming opportunities and to form collaborative working groups to develop mutually beneficial technology-based solutions.

"Through this event, we plan to establish what are the most pressing issues facing companies involved in the biomedical supply chain, or those who aim to join this market and then bring together industry experts to address these challenges."

Organised by NAMTEC in Rotherham, the Innovation Network is aimed at companies and agencies involved in research and development and covers the applications of metals, polymers, glasses and ceramics within a number of sectors, together with their supply chains.

AEM Yorkshire website

Images: aemyorkshire.com

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News: ABS Group strengthens presence in China

Rotherham-based ABS Group is establishing a wholly foreign owned entity that will allow them to set up full analytical and processing facilities within China.

Based at Kilnhurst, ABS is a group of companies which began supplying primary and secondary alloys and metals, recycled packaging products, and distribution services.

The operations of the group have extended into other complimentary areas of industrial supply namely powder metallurgy, forging and casting ingot, and most recently into oil industry component and high density tungsten alloy manufacture, metal ore mining and precious metal supply.

Their full analytical and processing facilities utilise the very latest technologies to effectively analyse and process high integrity complex alloy metal components.

ABS Group first opened a representative office in Shanghai in 2009. Since this time they have undertaken market research studies and been able to develop their commercial relationships with suppliers and buyers within China. The group expect that the new entity will benefit the local Chinese metal markets and strengthen ABS Group's presence in Asia.

The group employ over 150 employees and has an annual turnover in excess of £100m, of which 70% is in the international markets.

ABS Group website

Images: absgroup.co.uk

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News: Beatson Clark manufacture packaging for Ultimalt

Rotherham glass manufacturer, Beatson Clark has been commissioned to manufacture a bespoke glass packaging for Ultimalt, the first non alcoholic malt drink to be produced in the UK.

The 330ml amber malt drink bottle has eye catching and easily recognisable embossing that was selected by distributors Kato Enterprises. The premium look of the packaging ensures that this modern bottle clearly stands out on the shelf.

Melissa Ellis Marketing Manager at Kato Enterprises said: "We were very impressed by the professionalism, friendliness and personal touch conveyed by several departments at Beatson Clark.

"We were looking for a partner to produce a bespoke sophisticated glass bottle for our new malt drink Ultimalt and are very pleased with the end product from Beatson Clark."

Kato Enterprises Ltd are an independent UK-based import company and are largely responsible for encouraging a vastly growing UK malt drink phenomenon. They specialise in sourcing, marketing and providing exclusive ethnic drink brands for UK distribution.

Beatson Clark website
Kato Enterprises website

Images: katoenterprises.co.uk

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News: Inditherm Medical exhibit at Arab Health 2011

Rotherham-based Inditherm recently exhibited their full medical product range to more than 60,000 healthcare professionals and distributors at Arab Health in Dubai.

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.

Proving to be another successful show for the Manvers company, meetings and discussions were held with a number of potential new distributors for areas where they do not already have partners. Feedback from existing distributors in the region was positive both in respect of product performance and market prospects and opportunities for the year ahead.

Commenting after the show, Nick Bettles, Inditherm's CEO, said: "This positive outlook in the Middle East is encouraging for Inditherm and indicates that further growth can be achieved in the region during 2011. We believe that we are building good relationships with partners who appear strong in their markets."

It is estimated that the Middle East's healthcare sector is worth $74bn, and is growing at a rate of 16% annually - making it a key market for regional healthcare companies to target.

Charlotte Fraser, International Manager at Medilink Y&H, regional sector specialist for UKTI, and organiser the Yorkshire Pavilion at the show, said: "The UK enjoys an excellent trading relationship with countries across the Middle East, with sustained investment in health delivery reforms leading to the demand for the latest technologies and medicines."

Inditherm website

Images: inditherm.co.uk

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News: Dearne Valley Eco-EXPO & Festival 2011

The first ever Eco-EXPO and Festival is coming to Rotherham as part of a drive to secure the Dearne Valley as one of the greenest areas in Europe.

Dearne Valley College is hosting the Dearne Valley Festival in conjunction with the Dearne Valley Eco-Vision Team, DDQ (Delivering Design Quality) initiative, Keepmoat, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and Barnsley College.

The event, to be held on Friday March 18, aims to share and celebrate high profile examples of green communities and Eco-Developments from across Europe. The Eco-EXPO and Festival will also provide an opportunity for local "green-based" businesses and learning centres to promote their services in order to give a boost to the local economy.

The festival will inform the local people about green living and it is hoped that the event will enable Communities in the Dearne Valley develop an "Eco-Charter" that people in the area can integrate into their everyday lives in order to make the area more carbon efficient and to position the Dearne Valley as one of the greenest areas in Europe.

The event will reach audiences, including business representatives from the construction sector, emerging 'eco' industries, local community members, students and their families and national and international practitioners.

As part of the expo, keynote speaker Hans-Jörg Schawander, from Freiburg Innovation Academy has been asked to provide his views and experience of living in green communities. Wath born Neil Baxter, Chair of the Work and skills Board and Managing Director of Bramall Construction, will deliver a talk about living in the Dearne Valley and how we can move forward in ensuring that housing in the Dearne Valley can be at the forefront of sustainability.

Travelling from Catalunya, a team of architects and engineers will talk about their experience in developing new green technologies and applying them to award winning social housing schemes within their communities, and exchange best practice and skills with locally based companies.

Joanne Wehrle, Dearne Valley Eco-Vision Project Manager said: "As part of the Eco-Vision, the Dearne Valley will be transformed by the know-how of its people and by the imagination and commitment of its community and its enterprise.

"The Eco-Vision will see the Dearne Valley become a community with the lowest carbon footprint of any comparable place – within ten years and in doing so realise a full transformation from being a carbon production area as part of its coal mining heritage, to one of the most heavily polluted areas in Western Europe, to a leading community in reducing the world's carbon and ecological footprint."

Paul Townsley, DVC Principal and Chief Executive added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to engage on the "Green Agenda" with employers and the communities of Dearne Valley and to raise awareness of Eco-developments locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

"This type of International Eco Festival is a first for the area and Dearne Valley College is pleased to host such an event and to help promote the Eco-Vision of the Dearne Valley."

DVC website
DDQ event website

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News: MTL Group awarded V Hull contract

Contract-manufacturing specialist, MTL Group, has been awarded a significant contract from Force Protection Europe to supply a serial production run of fabricated armoured "V" hulls for the prestigious UK Foxhound project.

The new Foxhound vehicle has been designed to provide unprecedented levels of blast protection for its size and weight.

Light and agile, Foxhound will allow troops to carry out a wide range of tasks in environments that may restrict larger, heavier vehicles – for example moving with ease through narrow alleyways or crossing bridges.

From their new 300,000 sq. ft modern manufacturing facility, currently being fitted out in Rotherham, MTL Group will produce these complex highly protected hulls. MTL Group will be using state of the art equipment including the world's largest robot press and robot welding to ensure consistent quality and volume achievement.

MTL Group has also supported Force Protection Europe and Ricardo on this project though its Design For Manufacture service. This DFM service provided an opportunity to select the optimum materials and influence the design for volume production.

MTL Group is renowned within the defence and security sector as a reliable partner for components manufactured from both armour and high strength materials, and is recognised as the number one supplier within Europe for this type of service and materials.

Karl Stewart, Sales Director at MTL Group said: "We are delighted to be involved in the Foxhound programme and Design For Manufacture has been a key service that enabled us to work with our customer to enhance their product and reduce costs"

The British-built Foxhound incorporates Formula One racing technology and was devised by engineers from the World Rally Championship, McLaren F1 and BMW.

Force Protection Europe are building 200 of the new vehicles which are expected to be available to troops for training in 2011.

MTL Group website


Images: army.mod.uk/

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News: Rotherham MyPlace takes shape

Work is well underway on a £3.4m flagship project in Rotherham town centre that will provide state-of-the art new facilities for young people.

The new facilities are part of the national Myplace initiative and have involved a local partnership led by the Chantry YMCA and involving the Council and other local partners.

The youth hub will offer a location for a wide range of integrated services and opportunities for young people. It will include facilities for youngsters aged 11-19, such as a graffiti art room, IT suite, cinema, performance hall and rooftop café. It will also act as a base for agencies to provide a wide range of support and advice directly to young people on issues which affect them.

David Sargent, from Chantry YMCA, said: "The Myplace project has given a powerful voice to young people in Rotherham. The facility is a very real expression of what young people have described as their wish for dedicated facilities in Rotherham and the partnership has worked hard to meet their expectations. All the partners are making excellent progress on planning with young people for all the activities that will be delivered in the centre."

Councillor Mahroof Hussain, Cabinet Member for Community Development, Equality and Young People's Issues, added: "This project is the flagship for the future of integrated services for young people in Rotherham as well as providing superb new facilities for everyone to use and enjoy.

"This is another example of groups in Rotherham coming together to create a new venture which will help meet the needs and aspirations of young people. It is great to see all the hard work of such a wide range of people, including young people themselves, coming to fruition as the building takes shape."

The new centre on a former car park has been designed by Rotherham MBC's Environmental and Development Services' in-house architects and is being built by Wildgoose Construction. It is due to be completed in October 2011.

The project is funded as part of the national MyPlace initiative which The Big Lottery Fund is delivering on behalf of the Department for Education.

Images: RMBC architects / mahroofhussain.org

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News: Nuclear supply chain events in Rotherham

A number of events are taking place in March designed to help manufacturers who are seeking business opportunities within the nuclear supply chain.

The Nuclear AMRC is launching a new series of supply chain workshops to help manufacturing companies prepare for nuclear new-build.

Launching in early March, the one-day sessions will help delegates deepen their understanding of the requirements and challenges of manufacturing for nuclear new-build. Attendees will be equipped with practical tools to help them prepare their own businesses to enter the supply chain.

The workshop begins with an introduction to the nuclear market, including a review of reactor technologies and components, and a look at how manufacturing can affect material performance within a nuclear environment.

Delegates will have the opportunity to tour the Nuclear AMRC's facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, before splitting into specialised break-out sessions to examine areas in more details.

Topics on offer include nuclear codes and standards, supply chain structure, skills development, working with universities on R&D projects, and tendering for contracts in the nuclear industry.

The initial events on March 1 and 2.

Nuclear AMRC website

The Special Metals Forum (SMF) in association with Sellafield Ltd are hosting a Nuclear Decommissioning event in Rotherham on March 10.

As well as highlighting lucrative opportunities within the nuclear decommissioning industry, the conference will discuss ways in which companies can join the tier 2 supply chain.

Sellafield Ltd is the company responsible for safely delivering decommissioning, reprocessing, nuclear waste management and fuel manufacturing activities on behalf of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Now under the ownership of Nuclear Management Partners, Sellafield Ltd has more than 50 years of experience in the industry.

Alastair Lang, SMF Programme Manager said: "The UK's nuclear industry represents a lucrative potential market for businesses in the special metals sector, both in terms of the new power stations due to be built over the coming decades and the decommissioning of existing facilities. This event will give delegates an opportunity to hear from industry experts as well as the chance to network with key players in the nuclear field."

The SMF is the membership arm of the National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) and the event takes place at Swinden House.

SMF website

The next event in the AMRC's successful Advanced Manufacturing Forum will provide an exclusive insight into the current state of the nuclear manufacturing supply chain.

The seminar and networking event, titled: "Nuclear new build: what now for manufacturers?", will provide an update on progress in the UK's nuclear power programme, and advice for manufacturing SMEs on how they can access the opportunities for new business. The morning event will include presentations from prominent companies along the supply chain, including EDF Energy, Rolls-Royce and Newburgh Engineering.

The AMF takes place on Tuesday March 22 at Dormer Tools' facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Rotherham.

Nuclear AMRC website

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News: Rotherham Council announces budget proposals

Rotherham Council are set to confirm a commitment to help new business start-ups and to stimulate the local economy as they put forward budget proposals for next year.

The proposals are due to be considered by Cabinet members next week and by the meeting of the Full Council in March as they face a budget gap of £30.3m in 2011/2012.

Within the budget, investment in services for the most vulnerable will continue and provision is made to improve services for children in care, support credit unions and protect vital bus services. The report will also recommend no increase in Council Tax for next year.

Important to the economy, the report also confirms continued help for new business start-ups and to stimulate the local economy, £3m of improvements to the road network and continued regeneration of the town centre.

Cllr Roger Stone, Council Leader, said: "By taking a calm and measured approach, and listening to what our residents told us in our recent Money Matters consultation, we have been able to tackle areas where people feel we should reduce our investment, and protect those services which are high on the list of priorities for our communities.

"From the outset, we have said we would base our decisions on a clear set of principles - the main one being a focus on the customers we serve, the communities and businesses of Rotherham, and not our organisation.

"Clearly, the Council has a short-term objective to balance its budget for next year but we also have to look further than that and plan for the years ahead."

Capital projects outlined for the next three years include the provision and fit out of a new civic building in the town centre, enhancement work to town centre shop
frontages and the railway station, enhancing the landscape and public realm surrounding the Minster; and the completion of the Chantry Bridge flood defences.

Rotherham Council website

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News: IT Desk UK @ DVC

An award-winning Rotherham entrepreneur is going back to Dearne Valley College (DVC) to support current IT students.


DVC has teamed up with former student Chris Wright, director of local IT business; IT Desk (UK) Limited to offer its current Computing and ICT students help with their coursework and offer valuable industry work experience placements to compliment their studies.

Chris set up the business after completing his HND in Computing in 2007 at the Wath based college. IT Desk (UK) is a limited company and has already made excellent progress as a business and was named the overall winner in the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2009.

The Manvers firm provide IT services to small and medium sized businesses enabling them to save money when compared to having an in-house IT department or manager.

Chris Wright said: "The students get work experience in an industry they are studying. It will help them appreciate how the theory they are learning applies to real-life scenarios."

Jon Barker, Chris' former lecturer added: "It's wonderful to see a former student making a success of their new business. What is amazing is that Chris is able to give something back to the college at such an early stage in his own career. This scheme is a great opportunity for our students because they get to work with a local business."

IT Desk initially operated from one of RiDO's units at Century Business Centre, where he received free business advice and subsidised rent. Having outgrown this facility he moved into Manvers House.

IT Desk (UK) website
DVC website

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News: Forde Group move to Manvers House in Rotherham

Forde, the specialist installer of low-energy heating systems and screed floors, has moved to new premises in the Dearne Valley in Rotherham.

The company has also opened a new final flooring division to meet demand from clients, helping to expand and bolster its successful underfloor heating and popular renewable technology business.

Forde work on anything from small self build projects to large commercial developments throughout the UK and within all sectors of the construction industry. Accreditations include CHAS, Constructionline and they are platinum members of the CSCS scheme for the site safety of operatives. Forde has also secured MCS accreditation for the installation of Air Source Heat Pump technologies.

Recent projects include providing an underfloor heating system for Winterhill School in Rotherham and for a large private housing development in Yarm. They have also been involved in a special pilot scheme designed to improve sustainability and energy efficiency within fuel poverty dwellings in Barnsley.

Anthony Hoe, managing director at Forde, said: "With 2011 expected to be a very busy year, the timing was right to move. The new premises will allow Forde to grow and develop naturally and hopefully take on new employees throughout the year without resticting ourselves.

"Having had so many clients request for us to install the final floor covering, it absolutely makes sense that we fulfill that demand. We will bring to this new branch of the business the same ethos from all the established divisions within Forde, meaning that delivering the same quality service will be paramount."

Forde Group website

Images: forde-group.co.uk

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News: Council drive forward A57 scheme

Following confirmation from The Department for Transport that the council will receive £11.8m for improvements to the A57 in Rotherham, the council have themselves committed £2.9m for the long-awaited scheme.

Planning permission for the scheme was secured in 2009 for a dual carriageway between Junction 31 of the M1 and Todwick Crossroads with a new roundabout replacing the existing crossroads.

The new scheme is slightly different from the one previously supported by the DfT. This reflects the drop in funding from the Government; the disbanding of Yorkshire Forward, which was also contributing to the scheme, and the cuts to local government.

Under the revised scheme the road will have a signalised crossing to replace the plan for a subway under the road and, as a result, the road will also have a 50mph speed limit instead of the original 70mph limit.

Because of the changes, the "new" scheme will require planning permission and the plans will be submitted to the planning department of Rotherham Borough Council in the coming months.

The authority will also be seeking confirmation of the previously made compulsory purchase order and side road order, with the necessary amendments, at a public inquiry. This is likely to be held in the summer.

Cllr Gerald Smith, the Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Environment, said: "This is an important highway in the Borough - carrying high levels of traffic - and it needs to be as safe as possible. It is also vital for continued local regeneration. So it is good to see that the present Government agrees with our intended improvements because the A57 is the only so-called Major Road Scheme to be given the go-ahead in the whole of South Yorkshire.

"The authority obviously has to go through the necessary processes, such as planning and a public enquiry, but if these are successful work should start next year."

Rotherham Council website

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News: Bramall manager goes back to the floor

A manager from Rotherham housing specialist Bramall Construction went back to the floor to mark National Apprenticeship Week earlier this month.

Pete Varley, who started his career as a joiner at the age of 15, spent the day on site in Kettlethorpe, Wakefield where he worked alongside Bramall's trainee joiner Ben Hawkes.

He went back to his original trade skill to carry out refurbishment work on a semi-detached property, owned and managed by Wakefield and District Housing.

Pete, a construction manager at Bramall said: "I was keen to take part in our back to the floor scheme and work alongside one of our new apprentices. I think it's important to keep in touch with what's happening on site and I also wanted to compare my own experiences with those of Ben's.

"Things might have changed since 1965 but I'm glad Bramall are still giving people the opportunity to gain a career in construction."

Pete began his career as an apprentice joiner in 1965 at JW Anson and Sons, in Sheffield. He went on to work at Gleesons as a fully qualified joiner and progressed to the role of site manager.

He started working for Bramall in 1982, relocating to work in London and the Home Counties with Bramall Construction Southern. He had a break from the company for six years to work for himself, returning to Bramall in 1995 where he has worked as a projects manager, contracts manager and is now a construction manager.

Manvers-based Bramall, part of the Keepmoat Group, currently has 45 apprentices working across its sites in Yorkshire and the East Midlands and is in the process of recruiting more.

Bramall Construction website
Shaun Flannery Photography Ltd website

Images: Bramall /
Shaun Flannery Photography Ltd

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News: U-Explore showcase new products

Rotherham company, U-Explore are showcasing its new range of innovative educational products to support careers education and work-related learning.

The U-Explore team will be exhibiting at the National Career Guidance Show at the Royal Armouries in Leeds this week and Wembley Stadium, London, on March 9 - 10, 2011.

U-Explore specialises in enabling schools to deliver reality based careers information, advice and guidance. Their U-Explore national school product is an innovative software solution which engages with young people through cutting edge media.

Experts from the Templeborough company will be on hand to offer informal demonstrations of its six new online packages - Sector Trailers, Job Bank, My Options, Where Could I Work?, Work Experience and Enterprise - which can be bought individually, or in any combination, to help deliver careers education. They can be tailored to each school or college's needs, placing teachers in control of delivering meaningful careers education in the way that best suits both them and their learners.

James Frith, head of strategic development at U-Explore, said: "U-Explore understands the significant expectations on schools and teachers in this changing education environment. We have responded with an expanded and much improved offer for our customers and are delighted to be exhibiting at the forthcoming National Career Guidance Show.

"We've all been affected by the changes in education and funding and that's why we now have a new six-product range of education resources. All online, individually available or in any combination, these resources build on our history of "Outstanding" educational tools and are fit for any and all size budgets across education requirement."

U-Explore recently joined forces with CASCAiD to offer schools and colleges a complete solution for the delivery of careers IAG, by aligning their two market-leading products - Kudos and U-Explore Options.

James added:"We cannot wait to show off our new Job Bank, our integration with Kudos and the amazing My Options product - an ideal tool for student progression and teaching requirements to provide such qualitative information."

U-Explore website

Images: u-xplore.com

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News: Tata Steel's profit after tax doubles for the quarter

Tata Steel, the Indian company that operates sites in Rotherham has announced profits for the quarter ending December 31 that are 112% higher than the profits in the same period last year.

Results were largely positive for Tata Steel's European operations with turnover and EBITDA (earnings before tax) up for the nine months to the end of the December 2010. Turnover was $12bn in this period with EBITDA at $591m compared to a $670m loss in the same period last year.

Tata also announced their results for the three months to the end of December 2010. Sales were up 7.1% to $4bn but EBITDA of $88m was down 40.2% from the $148m in the same period last year due to higher raw material prices and lower deliveries.

During the quarter, the first under Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler as MD & CEO, work progressed on the establishment of the new sector-focused sales and marketing teams that are a key element of Tata Steel's reinvigorated European strategy.

Also during the quarter, the company also announced two new research facilities in the UK and an investment of £6.5m in two new vacuum arc remelting furnaces and additional testing equipment at its Stocksbridge to assist in raising output of high-value aerospace steels. A move that will safeguard 2,000 jobs at Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler said: "Higher raw materials costs and seasonal factors adversely affected our December quarter. We are gearing up to meet continuing market challenges by reinvigorating our strategy. We have rebranded and refinanced our European operations and are introducing a new customer-centric organisational structure.

"International steel prices have been rising since the end of last year on the back of restocking and raw material cost increases, while in Europe there is an exportled recovery in certain major economies and sectors."

Tata Steel website

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News: Rotherham lettings boost British Land profits

Property company British Land has announced profits before tax of £64m in the three months to the end of December, up from £58m in the same period last year.

The results were boosted by new lettings at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham which helped their estimated rental values to rise by 0.4% in the quarter.

Their latest financial results highlighted the new leases signed for a 30,000 sq ft Currys/PC World store and a 20,000 sq ft Asda Living store at the Rotherham retail park.

Consumer electronics retailer, Best Buy is currently fitting out their 45,000 sq ft store on the park in preparation for opening in the Summer.

Chris Grigg, chief executive of British Land said: "This is a strong financial performance from British Land which reflects the good progress we have made right across the business during what has been a busy quarter. We continued to outperform the IPD benchmark and delivered good growth in income, valuation and NAV.

"Looking forward, while the UK recovery is likely to be muted, British Land is well
placed to benefit from occupier and investor demand for high quality space in retail and central London offices coupled with an increase in acquisition opportunities at more realistic prices."

British Land is one of the UK's largest Real Estate Investment Trusts with a portfolio valued at £9.3 billion, including the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield.

British Land website

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News: VO4Home at Ecobuild 2011

Rotherham-based VO4HOME, the developers of the new energy saving, carbon reducing solution for the home, will be exhibiting at Ecobuild 2011.

The exhibition and conference, which is being held at the ExCeL centre, in the Docklands, London, from March 1 - 3, will showcase the latest developments in design, construction and the built environment.

VO4HOME is designed to maximise the delivery of energy into the home to 220V/230V. Currently the voltage supplied to homes by UK energy companies averages 242V, while electrical equipment in the home is designed to operate on 220V/230V.

The innovative system, which is based on proven technology currently used by many commercial electricity users, allows households to reduce their carbon footprint by an average of 330 – 500 lbs per year, save between £90 and £150 annually on electricity bills and prevent wear and tear, normally caused by electrical over supply and power surges, on household appliances.

So confident are VO4HOME that the solution can save households a minimum 10% on their electricity consumption over the course of a 12 month period, that they will refund customers £100 if they do not achieve the saving. This is redeemable with a voucher that is provided as part of the product package.

Geoff Clifton business development manager at VO4HOME said: "VO4HOME provides households with a quick, cost effective way to make tangible savings on energy consumption. Not only does it come with a five year product guarantee but payback is usually within five years, which means that it is a commercially sound investment."

Also exhibiting at Ecobuild will be MET-UK, the vocational training provider for the construction industry with a large training facility in Rotherham

VO4HOME website
MET UK website

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News: Rotherham United appoint Brian Chapple as new director

Rotherham United has appointed Brian Chapple as their new community director as they look to maximise the community aspects of their new community stadium.

His role will be to engage the community of Rotherham and the surrounding area to ensure the new stadium has all the modern day facilities which appeal to a wide range of people across the Borough.

Brian told the club's official website: "Recently I have held discussions with [Millers chairman] Tony Stewart about the new community stadium and I was delighted when just before Christmas he invited me to become involved in providing Rotherham with a fantastic new home.

"From the designs that I have seen whoever has the task of building the stadium is going to bring to Rotherham something that everyone will be immensely proud of. I have to say that I was a little taken aback when I was asked to join the board but it only took me a second to say yes and I am really excited about getting started."

Brian previously worked at Rotherham Titans rugby club for seven years using rugby to engage with the community and is currently the independent chair of The Rotherham Partnership. He is well know to Rotherham United fans through his work as a commentator for Radio Sheffield from 1982-2004.

Brian added: "Effectively I have now had a free transfer from rugby to football to come and ensure that the stadium is built, not just for use by Rotherham United, but by the community as whole. The stadium needs to appeal to all areas of the community whether people want to shop, eat, take part sporting and education activities, the list goes on. To be a part of helping achieve this is a dream come true for me."

Chairman Tony Stewart said: "Brian has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the community of Rotherham and we are delighted to have him on board to enhance the community aspect of our new stadium. He has experience working in the community from his time with the rugby club and he is also Chairman of the Rotherham Partnership so his input will be invaluable as we press ahead with our plans for the new stadium.

"We are getting closer and closer to building a stadium which we believe will be up with the best to be built in recent times, and with Brian Chapple I firmly believe that he will be able to maximise its potential to engage with all areas of the community, from all different ages and backgrounds.

"I am looking forward to working with Brian at this very exciting time for the football club and I am certain his appointed can only benefit the club and community as a whole."

Outline plans for the stadium on the edge of the town centre have been approved. Detailed plans and a reserved matters application will now be submitted, and with construction estimated to take 12 - 14 months, the club hopes that the new stadium will be built for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Rotherham United website

Images: Rotherham United

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News: RCAT marks milestone of town centre development

Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT) celebrated reaching a significant milestone in the construction of the new Wentworth Building in Rotherham town centre this week as the steel frame for the building was completed.

A ceremony to mark the completion of this stage was held on Monday when principal and chief executive of the college Gill Alton, was presented with a commemorative spanner and tightened the final bolt in the steel structure.

Gill was accompanied by Garry Hope, Operations Director, Hugh Ramsey, Senior Project Manager, both of Miller Construction and other invited guests to journey to the top of the steel structure to observe the final bolt tightening of the steel frame.

The Wentworth Building is due for completion in Autumn 2011 and will provide a new focal point entrance for the campus development.

The building will house high specification classrooms and facilities including IT rooms and Higher Education teaching and learning facilities.

The total investment for the project is valued at £8m.

Gill Alton said: "I am delighted to mark the progress of the building. The steel structure is certainly impressive and you can clearly see what the new building will look like and how it will enhance the College's facilities.

"I am looking forward to the completion and opening of the building later in the year so that students can make use of the excellent new facilities it will provide.

"At the College, we have a vision for the future and this ceremony is a stepping stone towards the achievement of our ambitions which will benefit the people of Rotherham and the surrounding area. Learning and Skills are more important than ever and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology will certainly be playing a key role in providing people with the skills they need for success.

"I am very pleased to be able to mark this milestone in the presence of Governors, our construction partners Miller Construction, RMBC and stakeholders from partner organisations who have provided their support for this project and share our vision and ambition. I would like to thank all of our partners for their support and I look forward to welcoming everyone back later in the year when we will be opening the doors of the building to students."

Garry Hope, operations director for Miller Construction added: "We are pleased to be joining Rotherham College of Arts and Technology to celebrate the completion of the steel frame which marks a major milestone in the construction of the new college building.

"Once completed the new building will provide first-class learning facilities for its students, giving them the opportunity to study in 21st century college surroundings. I am confident the new building will be enjoyed by students and staff alike for many years to come."

RCAT website

Images: RCAT

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News: Oxley & Coward offer advice on bad debt

Rotherham's Oxley & Coward solicitors have put together a number of tips to help small, owner-managed businesses keep the cash flow flowing.

While the supplier-business is trying to get its invoices paid as quickly as possible, the customer is trying to pay as late as possible - a state of tension that leaves many businesses worrying how to make sure invoices are paid promptly but at the same time retaining its customers by keeping them on side.

Amy Cusworth, commercial law solicitor at Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP advises: "It comes down to making sure that problems don't arise. This means clear, fair and reasonable terms of business and taking care to make sure that the customer knows them.

"The customer must also be clear about the price and if the charge or fee is based on time, the supplier must keep customers informed of time spent and reminded of what that means in terms of cash. It's worth looking at interim billing as well, as it helps both the supplier's cash flow and avoids a large debt building up for the customer."

Other top tips from Amy include:

- Invoices should be delivered promptly; an invoice delivered a month or more after the work is completed or the goods supplied can simply cause irritation
- The invoice should state when it is due for payment: the customer's accounts department cannot be expected to be familiar with the supplier's terms of business
- If the invoice is not paid on the due date, an efficient credit control system must kick in and must operate like clockwork. Credit control should not start with aggressive threats; too much aggression too early may undermine good relations with the customer and can be counter productive. Start with a gentle reminder before moving up through the gears
- If the invoice remains unpaid the creditor should not take any action without first running a credit control check on the debtor; there is no point in wasting time and money chasing someone who is insolvent
- If the debtor is solvent but is likely to defend the claim, the creditor should see a solicitor at this stage to discuss the options. These might include court action or mediation
- If the claim is simple and unlikely to be defended, a creditor might consider a do-it-yourself approach either in the traditional way through the small claims courts
- Finally, when chasing another business or a public sector body for payment, the creditor has a statutory right to interest and compensation, even if their terms of business say nothing.

"Credit control starts with clear, fair and reasonable terms of business that provide effective tools for enforcement," added Amy. "They are the foundation of good customer relations and should be given the priority they deserve, but they also need reviewing on a regular basis, as both business and the law change. An expert can ensure that they are unambiguous and will achieve the desired result."

Oxley & Coward website

Images: Oxley & Coward

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News: I Love Rotherham

Love is in the air in Rotherham, with local businesses set to show how much they care about the town through a new community focused initiative.

The "I Love Rotherham" campaign is giving businesses the opportunity to make a real difference to the area by tackling local issues at a grassroots level.

The South Yorkshire Community Foundation is running the campaign and will help businesses think innovatively about how they can provide assistance to communities in need in addition to financial support.

This might typically include volunteers to assist with a community project, providing spare meeting places for groups or pro bono work.

The first to sign up as a founding partner is Parkgate Shopping. Denis Copeland, manager of Parkgate Shopping, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have made our contribution and joined up as the founder supporter of the "I Love Rotherham" campaign.

"Rotherham and all its communities mean a lot to us, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to support local people and the many unsung heroes who already make a difference through this initiative.


"We would urge all local businesses and organisations to get behind this campaign and show their love for Rotherham."

SYCF website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: SYCF

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News: LDC research has vacancy rates increasing in Rotherham town centre

A review of town centre vacancy in the UK by the Local Data Company has the vacancy rate in Rotherham increasing 13.7 percentage points even though over 40 shops opened in 2010.

For most centres in the UK, vacancy rates increased in 2010 and the report gives Rotherham the highest vacancy rate amongst large town centres (over 400 shops) in the survey with a rate of 28.2%.

Nationally, the survey places Rotherham as having the 12th highest vacancy rate with Sheffield's rate worked out at 26.8% and Doncaster at 24.7%.

The mid-year report published by the the Local Data Company in September had the vacancy rate in Rotherham town centre as 14.5%.

The current vacancy rate for whole of the UK is 14.5% and the report highlights a North / South divide with Northern and Midland regions above the national average and a size divide with larger centres also above the national average. The survey suggests that the situation may get worse in 2011.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company said: "The sad reality is that the number of vacant shops are increasing with certain areas of the country severely impacted and unlikely to recover. These High Streets will never revert back to what they once were and so the composition of our town centres needs to change to reflect modern shopping needs.

"Vacancy is just one side of the coin. Occupancy is also dramatically changing with a greater number of leisure uses taking over the high street along with Pound shops, pawnbrokers, bookmakers, charity shops and hairdressers. Mixed use offer tied in with community is the future of our town centres and as such all involved need to react accordingly for them to have any future at all."

In comparison, Rotherham Council's Annual Town Centre Survey, which takes into account the effect of new developments such as the redevelopment of the Imperial Buildings, has the vacancy rates at 10.3% in 2006 and 20.3% in July 2010, much lower than the findings from the Local Data Company.

In addition, 45 new businesses have opened in Rotherham town centre since January 2010 compared to 15 in 2009. 24 have closed their doors.

The council's The Business & Retail Investment Team are reporting a strong pipeline of live enquiries. Just this week saw Textiles Direct move across town into new premises on Effingham Street and Fulton's Foods expand into larger premises on Frederick Street.

Local Data Company website
Rotherham Town Centre website

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News: Liebherr moves onto the AMP in Rotherham

Liebherr-Great Britain Limited, one of the world's leading manufacturers of construction machinery is the latest international company to sign up at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.



The Swiss-based Liebherr-International AG company is know as the world's top mobile crane manufacturers as well as supplying technically innovative products and services in numerous other fields, including commercial refrigeration, aerospace and rail vehicles.

Liebherr-Great Britain Limited is expanding rapidly and defied the economic downturn in 2010 with construction machinery sales and equipment rental continuing to perform well. As part of the next phase of Liebherr's growth strategy in the UK, they have taken space in the Evolution @ the AMP development by Strategic Sites to provide them with a new service centre for earthmoving equipment.

The service centre will provide spare parts and depot support to customers and the field service engineering team already located in the area, enhancing the range of after sales services Liebherr offers to its growing customer base.

Gerry McKinstry, Liebherr's National After Sales Manager - Earthmoving Division, said: "The new service centre further improves our national coverage and will fulfill an important role in delivering high-quality and quick-response after sales support to our customers in the region."

Rebecca Schofield of Knight Frank added: "Liebherr is the latest company to see the value of locating a facility at the AMP. The Evolution development has proven to be extremely popular and Liebherr join a growing number of innovative manufacturing technology companies based here."

This latest announcement means that only four units in the Evolution development now remain, and with strong interest in these other units it is anticipated that this scheme will be fully let this year.

Liebherr-Great Britain Limited website
Strategic Sites website
AMP website

Images: liebherr.co.uk

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