News: Planners back stadium earthworks application

The planning application to raise the land on the site of the proposed community stadium has been given a recommendation for approval by planners at Rotherham Council.

The application from RU Estates Ltd is set to go before members of the planning board next week and they are being recommended to grant planning permission for the engineering operation, subject to a number of conditions.

The site of stadium development on the former Guest and Chrimes foundry, close to the town centre, needs to be raised by over two metres as it is in a flood zone with a medium to high probability of flooding.

The proposals involve importing around 54,000 cubic metres of material and two sources have been identified - nearby Maltby Colliery or from the Tata Steel site at Aldwarke.

The proposed works would take place in two phases with 500, 20T trucks per week delivering material from May 2011 for seven weeks and precise levels being created for two weeks in February 2012.

In relation to transportation issues, the planner's report concluded that the routes from the proposal material sources are acceptable as they are mainly A roads, and that any traffic impacts on traffic along those routes will be for a temporary period.

It also concludes that the operation would provide a community wide benefit by delivering the next phase of the Flood Alleviation Scheme, bringing the brownfield regeneration site into Flood Zone 1 (low risk) and allowing it to be redeveloped.

Regarding the listed Guest and Chrimes building on the site, embankments will replace previously approved floodwalls meaning that its setting is not significantly impacted upon, and that the main view of the building from public views across the river are not impeded.

Conditions include providing a 3m wide path as part of the Trans Pennine Trail, a scheme for the provision of demountable flood defences to protect the listed building when the site is subject to a flood warning, and for further investigations be carried out regarding possible land contamination on the site.

Outline plans for the £20m community stadium were approved in November 2010 and detailed designs were unveiled in February. The club hopes that the new stadium will be built for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Rotherham Council Planning Board

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News: Another Queen's Award for AESSEAL

Leading Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2011 for international trade.

The awards are recognised as the UK's highest accolade for business success and are made annually by HM The Queen.

They are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.

AESSEAL, the fourth largest mechanical seal manufacturer in the world, is no stranger to the Queen's Award, having picked up 11 in previous years. The 2011 award for International trade recognised that over six years the company's overseas earnings have more than doubled and three-quarters of its output are now exported to its markets in more than 100 countries.

With global headquarters at Templeborough, AESSEAL specialise in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals, bearing protectors and environmental control systems for process equipment, maximising reliability and protecting the environment from leakage.

The company's success is due to continual investment in high-end technology and exceptional pre- and post-sales services which enables it to compete with an estimated 1000 companies around the world who are manufacturing similar products. They pride themselves on having a customer retention rate of 90% and a satisfaction rating of 99%.

Jonathan Wilkinson, CEO at AESSEAL, said: "I joined AES Engineering Ltd. as part of the Graduate Development Programme in 1993. Each Queen's Award gives the company the right to use the Queen's Award emblem for five years. Between 1993 and 2011, my whole working life with the business, we have had continuous use of the emblem, often for multiple awards.

"In January 2011 I was promoted to the AES Engineering Ltd. Board. I am delighted that one of my first achievements has been to help ensure that AESSEAL can use the Queen's Award emblem for a further five years, as we at AESSEAL feel proud and privileged to associate our brand with the Queen's Awards for Enterprise."

Richard Pickles has also recently been promoted to CEO of AESSEAL International, a business unit with an estimated £86m of the projected £120m sales total for 2011.

Packaging manufacturer, SP Containers also picked up the same award. The Rotherham firms are two of just 102 companies that have won awards for international trade this year.

AESSEAL website

Images: The Queen's Award Office

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News: SP Containers wins Queen's Award for Enterprise

SP Containers, the Rotherham-based producer of high quality paperboard containers has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2011 for International Trade.

The awards are recognised as the UK's highest accolade for business success and are made annually by HM The Queen.


They are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.

SP Containers has won a Queen's Award for the first time for its outstanding achievement in growing overseas sales by 261% over the last three years to a total of over £3m in that period.

The company, which has recently moved to Aldwarke, offers high quality innovative and specialist solutions for various packaging requirements. They manufacture containers for clients in the ice cream, dairy, confectionery and pet food sectors, and produce secondary packaging for a diverse range of products.

They supply the major European ice cream producers as well as major UK retailers and food producers. They also have strong export business into Continental European, Scandinavian and Baltic markets.

Paul Nixon, managing director at SP Containers said: "In September 2010 SP Containers moved to a new factory, remaining in Rotherham and continues to grow and expand.

"Being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade is one of the proudest moments in SP Containers short history.

"This achievement could not have been made without the dedication of all its employees."

Established in 2006, SP Containers employs 18 staff. Earlier this month Sweden's A&R Carton acquired an additional 34% of the shares of the company and now holds a majority position of 67%.

Manufacturer, AESSEAL also picked up the same award. The Rotherham firms are two of just 102 companies that have won awards for international trade this year.

SP Containers website

Images: The Queen's Award Office

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News: City Deal of the Day launches in Rotherham

Groupon reportedly turned down a $6bn buyout offer from Google recently. City Deal of the Day secured £500 through RiDO and UKSE's Kickstart funds. They are currently at different ends of the business scale, but both have the same aim - to save people money.

Established by Rotherham couple Jamie Clarke and wife Sharon, www.sheffielddealoftheday.co.uk is a niche online marketing tool which brings slashed price deals from local businesses to South Yorkshire via email and online.

Previously unemployed Jamie and former event planner Sharon, were given a helping hand to shape their business with a £500 grant and expert advice from the Rotherham Enterprise Project.

Jamie, who worked as a sales manager for a local website company previously, said: "When I was unemployed for six months I didn't know what I wanted to do until I couldn't sleep one night thinking of the City Deal of the Day idea.

"Within 24 hours we'd purchased everything we needed and got the ball rolling as a family – including getting in touch with the Rotherham Enterprise Project."

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

Jamie added: "As soon as we knew what we wanted to do we borrowed money from friends and family, but through Rotherham Enterprise business coach, Robert Moorhouse, we were able to secure the grant which paid for our email marketing system and e-shot campaign design - which is how the whole business works."

The website went live in February this year and targets local businesses encouraging them to offer discounted offers of more than 50% for 24 hours, which are delivered to an email database and made available online – the business then takes a commission when deals are snapped up.

Many enterprises have been offering deals, working with the company to drum up more business – from balloon suppliers, rock climbing instructors to hair dressers and CV writers.

Now Jamie is looking for the next step to grow City Deal of the Day. He said: "We hope to launch into other cities, gain investment and plan the next stage of the business. The support we've had from the Rotherham Enterprise Project has been fantastic and here's to a promising 2011!"

Rachel Clark, of the Rotherham Enterprise Project, added: "To see Jamie and Sharon make their business dream a reality is truly inspiring, and proves they have had the courage to prioritise their family while not sacrificing their vision. We wish them all the best with their excellent new enterprise."

Sheffield Deal of the Day website
Rotherham Enterprise website

Images: sheffielddealoftheday.co.uk

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News: Rotherham Enterprise Board searching for business mentors

The Rotherham Enterprise Board is searching for business mentors to support new and growing Rotherham businesses and entrepreneurs and give them a better chance of success.

The Mentor programme offers new and early stage businesses in both the private and social sectors the opportunity to work with an experienced business person who has kindly volunteered their time to the programme.

A Mentor Bank of people who have run their own businesses or have specialist knowledge such as accountancy, marketing and finance are keen to help pre start and early stage businesses. Most Rotherham based early stage businesses will be eligible for free support from one of the fully trained mentors.

Current mentors include retail expert, George Elliot at The Source, Steve Roberts of Fripp Design, and John Fox of Horner Brothers Print Group.

The Board are holding an introductory session on becoming a business mentor on Thursday May 26, at the Best Western Elton Hotel in Bramley. The event will provide more information on the Rotherham mentor programme and how entrepreneurs can join, along with mentoring skills and techniques.

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

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Record growth continues at AESSEAL

Leading Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL has promoted two of their current directors as they continue to set new records for sales.

International sales director, Richard Pickles was hired in 2008 to drive global sales expansion and Stephen Shaw was hired as engineering director to reinforce the already strong engineering and technical "DNA" of the world's fourth largest mechanical seal business.

Two years later, 2010 saw the 28th year of uninterrupted sales and profit growth and AESSEAL reached a landmark by passing the £100m mark for sales, the first time that the sum has been reached in a calendar year in the history of the company.

Now the Templeborough firm has installed Stephen Shaw as chairman of AESSEAL plc and Richard Pickles as CEO of AESSEAL International, and the growth shows no sign of slowing down.

Stephen Shaw, chairman of AESSEAL plc explains: "Historically March has often been the best trading month of the year for the business so we were all extremely hopeful that we might hit the magic £10m sales number in March 2011.

"For the whole month we had an enormous order input. By the end of the month we had not achieved the £10m milestone. We went straight through it and had a massive (and record) sales month of £11.5m."

Chris Rea, founder and group managing director at AESSEAL added: "AESSEAL has never participated in any recession and we felt 2008 was the time to commit to the acceleration of our global sales activity. We knew we had to strengthen the executive management to do this.

"We took a decision in the dark days of 2008 to build a management team for the size and shape of the AESSEAL Group we were planning for 2010 and beyond.

"We are now looking at the next phase of growth. I am delighted to announce that we have promoted Richard Pickles to CEO of AESSEAL International, a business unit with an estimated £86m of our projected £120m sales total for 2011.

"The success of a business is about the strength of its people and the team they form at all levels in the organisation. As a result of record growth in 2010, which continues in 2011, we have recruited an additional 70 people in the UK."

At the Rotherham Means Business event in March, Gordon Bridge, director at AESSEAL, explained how the company had set a target of achieving £200m in sales in 2015 and to be number one in the world in 2029.

AESSEAL website

Images: aesseal.co.uk

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News: Rotherham's version of Dragons Den returns

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

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

The event is aimed at businesses based in Rotherham that have been trading for three years or less and have the potential to grow.

A select number of businesses will be chosen to enter the den on July 7 where they will pitch their expansion dreams to a panel of successful Rotherham-based entrepreneurs.

The event will also see last year's winner Fiona Morgan owner of Alexandra's Café, Parkgate, Rotherham passing on her own knowledge to perspective entrepreneurs by taking on the role of a dragon.

Fiona was crowned the winner of the first Dragons Den inspired event last year and received the £1,500 cash prize along with plenty of press coverage. The panel felt Fiona's passion and energy for her catering business shone through and were impressed that she had reinvested her profits not only in the development of her business but also in the local community.

Fiona said: "After the outcome of last years Dragon's Den event I've been amazed by the support both from the Rotherham Enterprise Board but also local people who had read about it.

"I was keen to be able to help other local businesses benefit in the same way I have and I'm really looking forward to being able to pass on my expertise to others so they get the recognition they deserve. I'm also very pleased not to be pitching again as being a Dragon surely has to be less nerve-wracking."

Anyone who is interested in entering the den should contact Helen Allison, Enterprise Events Co-ordinator, email helen.allison@rotherham.gov.uk

Rotherham Enterprise Board website

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News: Harworth Estates report loss

Property division, Harworth Estates produced a loss of £33.1m for 2010 as UK Coal reported a pre-tax loss of £124.6m after a "further year of poor operational performance."

Group revenue grew by 11% on the previous year to £351.2m but the value of their land portfolio fell by a further £34.2m. The projected value of the land was reported as "neither realistic nor deliverable" in the current market conditions and that a series of new approaches is required to unlock and develop the future value that exists in the property portfolio.

Harworth Estates moved to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham last year. UK Coal's property division joined forces with Yorkshire Forward in 2001 to promote the site, whose tenants now include Boeing, Rolls-Royce, high tech metal specialists TWI and the University of Sheffield. It is part of the 700 acre Waverley Regeneration Site, Harworth Estates' flagship project.

Outline plans for the massive redevlopment of Waverley were approved last year after the government decided not to intervene. The application is for South Yorkshire's largest ever brownfield development creating a new 4,000 home community across 741 acres. The report states that, subject to market conditions, delivery of this project will commence through a series of phased sales with national house builders.

Approval was also granted for outline plans from Helical Governetz for a 60,000 sq m government office campus and hotel on the site. The two proposals are expected to create over 7,000 jobs with a development phase of over 20 years.

The report also provides an update on Evolution @ The AMP, a joint venture with Strategic Sites Limited, that has nine units occupied, four units under offer, leaving only one unit vacant.

Commenting on the results, Jonson Cox, Chairman, said: "The group delivered a further year of poor operational performance with a pre-tax loss of £124.6m, a loss per share of 41.8p and operating cash outflow of £35.0m. These results follow pre-tax losses of £129.1m in 2009 and £15.6m in 2008, bringing us to three years of unacceptable performance in a row.

"The Board is determined to arrest the trend of under-delivery and to seek value for our shareholders. The viability of UK Coal over the medium term depends on appropriately rewarding the equity capital required to finance the business.

"The Board fully appreciates that investors deserve a far better return than they have experienced over recent years. Over the last three months we have taken some immediate and difficult steps to improve performance, while a full strategic plan is developed."

Harworth Estates website

Images: harworthestates.co.uk

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News: Solaglas open new Rotherham HQ

Specialist glazing installation and maintenance company, Solaglas has officially opened their major new headquarters in Rotherham.

The company completed their relocation across the borough, from Hellaby to Brookfields Park in the Dearne Valley, in January and the 60,000 sq m "Waterlands" site was opened by the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Rose McNeely last week.

Solaglas Installation specialises in the installation and maintenance of all glass products and emergency glazing for the construction, property maintenance and insurance markets.

The French-owned company recently brought together three separate operating divisions to form SolagIas Installation. The new company will provide an end-to-end service for individual projects and major contracts ranging from £50 to £10m. The opening of the centre represents a major investment as the company targets growth and expansion over the coming years.

Joining the Mayor for the official opening was Peter Hindle, MBE, Saint-Gobain General Delegate, Solaglas Director of Installation, Ian Davy and over 100 customers, suppliers and special guests.

After the official opening, guests were presented with information on the company's three divisions; Insurance Services, Commercial Glazing and Contracting and then taken on guided tours of the factory.

Peter Hindle, MBE, Saint-Gobain General Delegate said: "Saint-Gobain is a world leader in design, production and distribution of construction materials. I feel strongly that Solaglas Installation is in a unique position to sustain growth through its technical expertise, innovation and service ethos.

Ian Davy, director of Solaglas Installation, said: "The opening of "Waterlands" is key to the growth of Solaglas Installation and part of our journey to become the "clear market leader" within the UK glass business.

"Our new base in South Yorkshire means that we are ideally positioned close to major transport networks which will enable us to deliver high-quality manufacturing and excellent customer service to our clients."

Solaglas is a £120m turnover business with 1200 employees based across 22 separate locations covering the whole of the UK and Northern Ireland.

Solaglas website

Images: Solaglas Installation

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News: Cloverleaf planning second Rotherham restaurant

Cloverleaf, the operator of informal pub style amenity restaurants across the north of England and Midlands, has submitted plans for their second development in Rotherham.

Cloverleaf has submitted a planning application, drawn up by Turley Associates, for a new 1,300 sq m pub restaurant at the Beighton Link business park.

"Brookhouse Farm" would create 25 full time and 50 part time jobs. The application states that: "The proposal makes a positive contribution to job creation in this area of Rotherham. It is estimated that the development will generate in the region of 70- 75 jobs, at least a third of which will be full-time. Cloverleaf's policy is to employ local people in all positions where possible. There is a clear focus on training and staff development which enhances the local skills pool.

"In addition to this, the amenity restaurant will appoint local suppliers, where possible, to service operational requirements thereby benefiting the wider local economy. Unlike many operators, Cloverleaf are not tied to large supply companies and the company actively work with local producers."

Cloverleaf operate the Monk's Bridge Farm pub at Dinnington and operate successfully from 12 sites close to business parks and employment areas.

Brewer and pub operator, Greene King, recently completed the acquisition of the entire share capital of Cloverleaf Restaurants for £55.8m. They see the growing company in a good position to capitalise on the growing carvery market. They also reported on a strong pipeline of new sites with a minimum of ten additional outlets expected to open within two years.

Beighton Link is home to Sandvik's £7.5m European Centre of Excellence (SECoE) and South African BBQ manufacturer, Cadac.

Cloverleaf Restaurants website

Images: Cloverleaf / Turley Associates

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News: Brinsworth Training gets the X Factor

South Yorkshire's leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, has appointed Leigh Richmond as Employer Engagement Executive as part of their development across Yorkshire and Humber.

Leigh's claim to fame was an appearance on the talent programme X-Factor in 2008. He joins the team having previously worked in similar sales roles for Remploy and Linsco Recruitment.

The Templeborough organisation has secured over 140 employment opportunities over the last eight months and also seen over 100 apprenticeship vacancies placed over the last eight months, a 300% increase on 2009/10 figures.

Leigh said: "I am excited to take up this new position at Brinsworth Training, having worked for a number of years with employers across the region I am looking forward to applying my skills to this new opportunity."

Daniel Swift, employer engagement manager at Brinsworth Training added: "Leigh has a good mix of experience that involves recruitment and training and we are looking forward to him assisting in raising the profile of our organisation with employers across the City Region."

Brinsworth Training website

Images: Brinsworth Training

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News: Rotherham firms benefit from Finance Yorkshire

The new business growth fund, Finance Yorkshire has invested more than £5m in the region, with high-growth Rotherham businesses amongst the first to secure funding.

The figures highlight how the investments, made since August 2010, have helped 75 of the regions small and medium sized businesses meet their funding requirements for growth and development – and secure millions of pounds of private sector leverage.

The £5m invested by Finance Yorkshire has seen the region benefit financially by more than three times as much through private sector leverage meaning the funding has helped the organisations generate growth and revenue to the tune of nearly £16m.

S3 ID in Rotherham became the first company to receive an Equity Fund investment from Finance Yorkshire. They secured £1.1m to enable them to maintain the controlled expansion they has experienced over the last three years.

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.

Innovative Rotherham company Xeros Ltd was one of the first companies to receive a seedcorn investment from Finance Yorkshire last year.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Leeds University spin-out is developing the world's first "virtually waterless" washing machines.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: "The investment figures are encouraging and we are looking forward to providing more funding for businesses during the rest of the year. After a delayed start to have invested over £5m is a great sign for the future both for the Fund and for businesses in Yorkshire and Humber.

"We encourage growth companies looking to expand their business to get in touch with us.

"As the latest figures show, the investments are crucial to supporting business growth in Yorkshire and Humber. This will create a significant boost to the region's economy."

Finance Yorkshire provides seedcorn, loan and equity linked investments, ranging from £15,000 to £2m. It has attracted £30m investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), £15m from Yorkshire Forward's Single Programme, and £45m match funding from the European Investment Bank.

Finance Yorkshire website

Images: finance-yorkshire.com

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News: Tata Steel sign one of the UK's largest industrial energy supply contracts

Tata Steel, one of the world's largest steel producers, has signed one of the UK's biggest ever industrial energy supply contract with npower, which will see the company provide energy to 22 Tata Steel plants across the UK.

The contract equates to a supply of approximately five terawatt hours (TWh) of energy, enough to power 1,260,000 homes – more than the number of households in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Coventry and Bradford combined.

Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler, managing director and CEO of Tata Steel Europe, said: "We operate in a very volatile and challenging energy environment nowadays, so it is vital that the energy supply chain in the UK is fit for purpose.

"We need an energy supplier committed to managing our requirements in terms of continuity of supply, delivered costs and service, and we have been impressed by the way npower has demonstrated enthusiasm and capability to meet those requirements."

Volker Beckers, CEO of RWE npower, added: "Tata Steel is Europe's second largest steel producer with most of its operations based in the UK, so it is a major coup for npower to be the energy partner of a company at the heart of UK industry.

"The sheer scale of this supply contract demonstrates how energy plays a crucial role in supporting business and the uk economy."

Tata Steel Europe employs around 2,000 steelworkers in South Yorkshire and their Aldwarke site is the focus for steel making, casting and rolling of specialist steels. This is produced via the Electric Arc Furnance (EAF) steelmaking route using high quality recycled metal. Narrow strip is produced at Brinsworth.

Tata Steel website

Images: Laura Kramer / Flickr

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News: Business boost helps to bring home the bacon

A new sandwich shop in Rotherham has made a strong start in business thanks to support and finance through the Rotherham Enterprise Project.

Porkey's at Parkgate has been given one of the highest hygiene ratings in the region - just four weeks after opening.

The sandwich shop is jointly owned by brother in-law duo Keane Fletcher and Stephen Benton who have more than 60 years combined service as a butcher and a dairy farmer respectively.

Although they are delighted with the four star rating, the ambitious entrepreneurs are now working towards achieving a coveted five stars, achieved by only one other sandwich shop in South Yorkshire.

The successful shop has recently been boosted by a grant of £500 from the Rotherham Enterprise Project, after Keane and Stephen asked them for help with the cost of state-of-the-art equipment needed for the business.

The Rotherham Enterprise Project is part financed by The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Stephen said: "We approached the organisation after hearing they helped start up businesses like ours flourish in the first few months of trading by offering advice and financial support.

"We spoke to Julia Millea, a business coach from the project, who helped us secure a grant which has been put towards a hot counter we needed to cut up the meat used in our sandwiches including pork, beef and turkey. It's great to have such a fantastic piece of equipment and I'm sure the added addition has put us that little bit closer to our fifth star – a big thanks to Julia and her team for their support. It's been fantastic."

Julia said: "Keane and Stephen are great guys with a common goal – to provide Rotherham with some of the best sandwiches around. It's great to see them turning an idea into a huge success."

Rotherham Enterprise website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise

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News: Assured secure two Yorkshire contracts

Rotherham-based Assured Fire and Security has been awarded contracts worth almost £50,000 with two Yorkshire companies.

The Dinnington fire and security specialist has installed a new CCTV, remote monitoring and police response system worth £40,000 at the Leeds headquarters of Sleek Networks.

Simon Stokes, managing director at Assured said: "We had already worked on Sleek's data centre so were delighted to be invited back for this latest upgrade to their system, covering their new data room."

At the same time Assured has also provided an £8,000 extension to the existing fire alarm system at the Fitzwilliam Works site for Sheffield company Darwins Holdings.

Simon added: "The important thing about both these contracts is that as we continue to expand our services both nationally and internationally we still pride ourselves on being a Yorkshire company working with other Yorkshire companies."

Assured Fire & Security website

Images: assured-ltd.co.uk

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News: Dreams take space at Cortonwood

Dreams, the UK's leading bed retailer has signed up for a 10,000sq ft unit at Cortonwood Retail Park in the Dearne Valley, Rotherham.

The second pre-let, alongside Irish toy retailer, Smyths, comes at the same time as the announcement that Sheffield's JF Finnegan has been appointed by St Paul's Developments to construct the 32,500sq ft of new retail space on the park.

Represented by scheme agents BNP Paribas and King Sturge, St Paul's Developments has leased a 10,000sq ft unit to Dreams, who was represented by Wilkinson Williams. With 264 stores nationwide and employing close to 2,000 people, the retailer expanded its network of bed superstores in 2010 creating some 500 jobs across the country which has reinforced its position as one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK.

Dream's currently operates a store at the Foundry Retail Park at Parkgate in Rotherham.

Smyths Toys Superstores, represented by Thompson Heaney, has also signed a pre-let for a 15,000sq ft unit. Voted Toy Retailer of the Year this year, they operate across the UK and Ireland and at present have 49 stores with further expansion plans. As a leading provider of children's entertainment products, the company's goal is to provide consumers with an extensive range of toys, video games and outdoor products at competitive prices.

JF Finnegan will start on the development in May, which also includes a further 7,500 sq ft retail unit, and completion is set for November.

David Elliott, joint managing director of St Paul's Developments, said: "We are delighted to have secured additional high-profile retailers to our first class tenant mix at Cortonwood and to be progressing with the fourth phase of works.

"JF Finnegan has played an integral role in the delivery of the scheme so it is entirely fitting that they continue to work with us to facilitate the new retail units."

Gary Smith, director at JF Finnegan, added: "We have witnessed Cortonwood go from strength to strength over the years and the former colliery site has truly been transformed into one of the region's most acclaimed regeneration projects and shopping destinations.

"The site succeeds in attracting new occupiers and, in turn, contributing to the local economy and we are proud of our continued involvement with both the Retail Park and St Paul's Developments."

JF Finnegan constructed all 250,000sq ft of retail units in the previous phases over the last 20 years. Occupiers at Cortonwood include B&Q, Morrisons, Next, Argos, McDonalds and Boots.

Cortonwood retail park website
St Paul's Developments website
JF Finnegan website

Images: JF Finnegan

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News: Kickstart for 200 new businesses

Over 200 new businesses have been established across South Yorkshire over the last 18 months with financial support from Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise.

People starting a wide variety of businesses have secured funding, such artist Stephen Smith; Adrian Thrower who opened up the caravan maintenance market, and Jenny Bazeley who started her own equestrian business in Stocksbridge.

Other recipients have included Vanessa Linley, a student at Sheffield University who is developing a waterproof, breathable bandage for pets and Marie Larkin Smith who, having qualified in foot health, set up as a foot care nurse in Rotherham.

In 2009, Red Monkey Films based at Fusion @ Magna in Rotherham secured a small development loan from the fund to invest in equipment and software.

Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise said: "We hoped when we started this scheme that it would be successful, but we did not realise how successful! There has been a steady demand from new entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire, especially from Rotherham.

"Our core business is providing development finance for established companies which might need up to £750,000 to help with growth plans, but providing small amounts of cash to help new businesses get off the ground has proved not just a sound investment but has also been very encouraging and rewarding. We hope these new businesses will, in time, grow. Even if they all just employed one person, then that job creation would be significant.

"It is often difficult for small businesses to raise finance, especially over the last couple of years. We recognised this and decided to do something about it to help the local economy. We're very pleased with the results."

Bob Langley, business advisor at Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) praised the scheme. He said: "The UK Steel Enterprise Kickstart Grant and Loan Fund has, as the name suggests, given a massive kickstart to those budding entrepreneurs wishing to set up their own businesses.

"At the very outset of the business such support has undoubtedly helped many who would otherwise not have started. Total funding delivered of over £100,000 has been able to assist 162 businesses in Rotherham alone with support ranging from vital equipment purchase to marketing materials. Through their generosity UK Steel Enterprise has enabled many business dreams to become reality."

UK Steel Enterprise website
Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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News: Martek Marine launch new products

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, are taking the next step in providing a complete gas detection service by launching new products.

The Manvers company is the world leader in safety and environmental monitoring equipment for commercial ships and has recently launched a range of marine portable gas detectors.

They work alongside Fastcalgas, Martek's calibration service for ship owners and managers and their fixed gas detection systems found in vessels across the world.

The innovative company has also recently launched MariNOx Evolution onto the global shipping market. It is the latest version of their groundbreaking MariNOx diesel engine emissions monitoring system which has been successfully installed on over 100 vessels worldwide.

Based largely on the existing tried-and-tested MariNOx technology it includes a number of new features designed to enhance efficiency such as simpler installation and enhanced software that provides more a accurate recording of emissions.

As an optional extra, MariNOx Evolution can be configured to integrate opacity sensor input, measuring the density of engine smoke, directly into its control software.

"This makes MariNOx Evolution unique in the market," says Steve Coulson, marketing director at Martek Marine, "and we believe this new feature will greatly assist shipowners in monitoring the performance of marine diesel engines in order to reduce environmental impact."

The first order for MariNOx Evolution has recently been completed and other contracts have been confirmed for the new generation system, which is now Martek Marine's standard emissions monitoring offer.

Martek Marine website

Images: martek-marine.com

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News: S3 ID secure major international contracts

Rotherham-based company S3 ID, which specialises in electronic personnel safety systems for the oil and gas market, has confirmed three major new international contracts.

The company produces "location awareness" systems which are used to enhance the safety of workers on oil and gas rigs by tracking their position via electronic chips which can be worn in hard hats, or as wristwatches or identity tags.

The company has secured new contracts with Western Advance, Australia, Semco Maritime A/S of Denmark and Siemens in Norway.

S3 ID will be supplying its unique ATEX certified eLock technology, which automatically secures hazardous areas, to Western Advance for use on the Gorgon Project to extract natural gas.

A major new security and access control system will be supplied by the company to Semco Maritime A/S for the ConocoPhilips Ekofisk North Sea platform, and Siemens has commissioned an automatic Person On Board/location awareness, bridge tracking and mustering system to be installed onthe Statoil Gudrun platform, which is also in the North Sea.

Doug Woodbridge, Head of Sales & Marketing at S3 ID, said: "This is a really exciting time for our company and these new contracts re-enforce the company's position as the leading supplier of Safe Secure Solutions to the Oil Gas & Energy industries world-wide."

In January S3 ID secured £1.1m from Finance Yorkshire's Equity Fund to enable them to maintain the controlled expansion it has experienced over the last three years.

Doug added: "The investment by Finance Yorkshire will support our ongoing controlled expansion, allowing us to develop new products and enter new geographic regions around the globe.

"In today's market, customers want products made to their exact requirements, whichever part of the globe they are based. The investment will mean we can be more responsive to market needs and it has already created several exciting new business opportunities."

The news was announced as the Eastwood firm welcomed Yorkshire MP Nigel Adams.

S3 ID website

Images: S3 ID

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News: Parseq report on milestone year

Parseq, a leading provider of technology led turnkey outsourcing solutions and mobile and online banking software, has reported their financial results for the year ended December 2010.

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

Since the reverse takeover in July 2010, the new group has been operating as two separate functions - software (through IE, the company they bought) and services (Documetric plus another acquisition – Avance)

Revenue for the year was £16.45m, an increase of 62% on 2009 (£10.17m) and a world away from a modest £1.8m in annual revenues in 2007. Normalised profit before taxation was £3.7m, compared to £2.9m in 2009 but operating profit was £1.4m compared to £2.3m in the previous year.

Revenue from the services side of the business increased by 32% to £13.42m. The Avance business accounted for £3.44m but the original Documetric business had marginally lower turnover compared to 2009, largely due to delays in new business wins. However, Parseq won several contracts that began in recent months and announced recently that it had signed a new multi-million pound outsourcing contract with the Lloyds Banking Group, the largest retail bank in the UK.

The report also highlighted they are investing in new Optical Character Recognition systems and a data centre at Hellaby to improve efficiencies and increase capability. The board expect that the launch of the Data Centre proposition later this year will make a positive and growing contribution to results in 2012 and beyond.

Rami Cassis, CEO at Parseq described 2010 as "a milestone year" with the reverse acquisition described as a transformational deal. He said: "Parseq has developed size and critical mass quickly, having grown from a modest £1.8m in annual revenues in 2007 following an MBO. The rationale of the operating structure is to drive organic growth through a focused organisation whilst encouraging close co-operation in order to maximise deal size and recurring revenues.

"The focus on recurring revenues is particularly strong with an in excess of 50% of total revenues being defined as recurring today."

He also outlined the group's strategy for growth based on organic growth, further acquisitions, investments in technology and expanding overseas revenue.

Parseq has 600 staff across three sites in the UK. From their Hellaby facility, the company provides a wide range of value-add services, from payments and applications processing, through inbound and outbound voice services, to business intelligence and data analytics. It services a blue chip client base which includes Barclays, British Gas, British Energy, BP, Deutsche Bank, FedEx, Johnson & Johnson, Lloyds Banking Group, National Australia Group, HSBC, Orange, RBS Group, Santander, Shell, and Vodafone.

Parseq website

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News: Gateway to the Sheffield City Region secures RGF funding

Doncaster Council and its private sector partners have secured £18m from the government's Regional Growth Fund to progress The Gateway to the Sheffield City Region project.

The scheme will provide a major boost to economic growth across the region and act as a catalyst for attracting investment and creating long term job opportunities and includes the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) and improvements to the M18 around Junction 3.

It is expected to open up development sites around the Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and HelioSlough's proposed inland port development at Rossington. It is estimated that the infrastructure will unlock 344 hectares of development opportunities with the potential to create £1.5 billion investment from the private sector. It is hoped that this would see over 20,000 jobs created over 15 years.

Details of the bid have not been released but it is thought to be a £60m scheme with the Regional Growth Funding used as a loan to facilitate the construction programme. £40m will be repaid by the private sector and local transport funding will also be used.

Doncaster Council have also submitted a bid to secure European Regional Development Funding to support a project to widen the White Rose Way.

Nigel Brewster, president of Doncaster Chamber and board member of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership Board said: "The LEP Board was pleased to endorse this Regional Growth Fund bid and is now delighted at its success.

"Improving access to the airport will have a transformative effect on the whole City Region and the significance of this announcement cannot be overstated. We must now capitalise on this excellent news by encouraging more local businesses to trade internationally and also by encouraging new investors to locate on the airport business park and other key sites within the City Region that can equally take advantage of the airport.

"The LEP itself is only a few months old and we are pleased to chalk this up as an early win. We will retain an active interest in the roll out of this scheme and work with partners to champion its timely delivery for the benefit of the City Region's businesses. One of our key objectives is to create significant positive momentum for economic growth in the area - this is an early sign that we are achieving that."

Craig Richmond, CEO Peel Airports Ltd, added: "This is tremendous news and will help to bring this vital link between the motorway network and the airport one step nearer and benefiting the future potential for growth in both passenger and freight services at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. This scheme is important not only for the future of the airport but also for the Doncaster Sheffield Airport Growth Corridor and should produce thousands of jobs."

A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year and subject to securing the private sector contribution, the scheme could start summer 2012.

21 bids were submitted from the Sheffield City Region to the Regional Growth Fund with the Local Enterprise Partnership Board endorsing bids for FARRRS, Chesterfield Waterside, Markham Vale and the Barnsley Dearne Employment and Housing Growth Initiative.

Sheffield-based Capital for Enterprise Limited also secured funding from the government's £1.4bn fund. The company advises the government on the design, implementation and management of finance measures to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK.

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News: Reaction to Rolls-Royce's Rotherham plans

Business and industry leaders from across the region have offered unanimous support, following the news that Rolls Royce are considering the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham as the location for two major new production facilities.

One factory, named the Advanced Blade Casting Facility, would make turbine blades used within jet engines, whilst the second "Project PoWer" factory would manufacture large components for power stations.

A third factory is also proposed, which could house one of Rolls-Royce's suppliers, and between them the two main projects are initially planned to employ approximately 350 people.

Master Cutler, Bill Spiers said: "Rolls Royce deciding to use the Advanced Manufacturing Park for two of their new factories would be very good news for the Sheffield Region. It would bring valuable investment in advanced manufacturing and technology and be a vote of confidence in the Region's future. It emphasises our reputation for quality and in addition would create long term employment for our skilled workers. We must do all we can to encourage success in this endeavour."

Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham added: "The decision of Rolls Royce to come to Rotherham and invest in the Advanced Manufacturing Park facility is a payback for the investment in creating this unique facility over the last ten years. It opens a new chapter in South Yorkshire's history as one of the world's engineering centres and is good news for a new generation of workers.

"Rotherham schools and colleges must now ensure that our school-leavers have the qualifications and skills so that local people are hired at the new Rolls Royce plants."

The planned facilities have the potential to bring sizeable opportunities for existing regional companies that have the potential to supply these industries, and the news has been warmly greeted by local business organisations.

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "The Sheffield City Region LEP is delighted with Rolls Royce's announcement that it will be making a further investment into the City Region, which further confirms the LEP's belief that the City Region is one of the UK 's leading centres for advanced manufacturing. This announcement, together with the recent statement by the Technology Strategy Board of its support for the AMRC, further supports one of the LEP 's key objectives of creating a National Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials based in the City Region."

Richard Wright, CEO of AMP-based Inertius and executive director of the Sheffield Chamber, added: "This is a tremendous fillip for manufacturing in our region, fully justifying the strategic investment in the Advanced Manufacturing Park and underpins how far this region has come in the last few years. The vast majority of the products manufactured in these factories will be exported; either directly or indirectly, and really aligns to our manufacturing strategy for the region. Everybody should welcome this announcement including the other companies who will form part of the supply chains into Rolls Royce."

Rolls-Royce expects to submit a planning application for their proposals to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council within the next few months, and if all goes to plan site preparation work could commence for the factories in late 2011 / early 2012.

Rolls-Royce website
AMP website


Images: Rolls-Roycek

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News: New base for Bedazzled Cupcakes

Bedazzled Cupcakes, a local company that specialises in creating tasty homemade cupcakes, has found a new Rotherham base, thanks to commercial property agents Burgess Commercial.

The company has taken a three year lease on a 1,200 sq ft unit at the Alexandra Centre in Parkgate, which it will use as its production facility for baking their delicious treats.

Bedazzled Cupcakes was founded in 2008 and produces a range of cupcakes in sponges including Chocolate, Vanilla, Lemon, Cappucino, Cherry and Red Velvet for weddings and special occasions, birthdays or just as a lunchtime treat. Their cupcakes are bright and colourful, hence the name and Bedazzled Cupcakes has already gained a strong reputation locally for the quality and taste of its products.

Darren Powell, who runs Bedazzled Cupcakes with his partner and daughter, said: "Our business has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months. We have retail outlets in Doncaster, Wakefield and Huddersfield and using our home kitchen for baking meant we just didn't have enough space.

"We were desperately looking for new premises and saw the Burgess Commercial signboard for the units on the Alexandra Centre. We got in touch straightaway and found it was just what we wanted. The agent acted really quickly as they knew we were keen to move and we signed up within just a couple of weeks."

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, added: "It is always great to hear about a business that is growing and Bedazzled Cupcakes will find this is a great location for supporting their ongoing expansion. They will have good access here to main routes to get to their retail businesses in South and West Yorkshire and these modern facilities are just perfect for a catering company."

Bedazzled Cupcakes website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: bedazzledcupcakes.co.uk

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News: In-tend secure college contracts

Rotherham e-procurement specialists, In-tend Ltd, has announced that two more further education establishments have chosen to use their e-Procurement solutions.

Based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, In-tend offer a suite of products that provide buyers with an easy to use mechanism in which to complete many of their procurement needs. It enables a buyer to procure efficiently and includes modules such as Contract Management and e-Auctions.

University College Birmingham now have the use of the e-tendering module within the In-tend suite to help with creating the initial tender and sourcing suitable suppliers, right through to the award of the contract.

Barnsley College now have the use of the e-Tendering and Contract Management modules within the In-tend suite for their eSourcing needs and these were implemented at the beginning of March.

They are now part of the group of 300+ institutions who use the In-tend software including Universities, FE Colleges, large Local Government authorities and other establishments worldwide. They are all able to access the In-Tend Community, an open marketplace for customers to share ideas and knowledge, to receive support and information.

Next month the company are running an event aimed helping businesses improve their tender submissions. On May 18 in Rotherham, a mixture of the public sector buyer experience from the In-tend team and expert procurement consultants will deliver an in-depth look into tenders, their submission, and how the buyers decide who to award the contract to.

In-tend website

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News: 3SE appointed by BDR Waste Partnership

Specialist waste organisation 3SE has been named as the preferred bidder in principle for the contract to develop a facility to treat leftover household waste at Manvers, Rotherham.

A partnership between Shanks Group plc and SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy plc), 3SE plans to use three sites to treat waste from Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham – Bolton Road at Manvers in Rotherham, Grange Lane transfer station in Barnsley, and Ferrybridge Power Station in West Yorkshire.

Adjacent to the NEXT warehouse at Brookfield's Park in Manvers, mechanical biological treatment (MBT) technology is to be used to process black or grey bin waste. This will produce a solid recovered fuel. There will also be an anaerobic digestion plant producing sustainable energy and a bio-compost. The solid fuel recovered will then be transported to a proposed multi-fuel plant next to the existing coal-fired power station at Ferrybridge, where it will be used to generate electricity.

It will have the capacity to deal with at least 250,000 tonnes per annum and it is anticipated that over 40 jobs will be generated. Shanks will be solely responsible for the engineering, procurement and construction of the facilities and for their ongoing operation and management.

Tom Drury, Chief Executive of Shanks Group Plc, said: "We are delighted that BDR has selected Shanks' joint venture, 3SE, as its preferred bidder for such a valuable and high profile PFI contract. This award recognises Shanks' expertise in advanced and sustainable municipal waste processing technologies, together with SSE's leadership in sustainable energy generation, and brings the total of UK municipal waste under management by Shanks to more than 1.5 million tonnes. With our current pipeline of proposed projects, we are confident that we will continue to grow this amount."

Rhys Stanwix, Director of Thermal Development at SSE, added: "We believe that 3SE provides a sustainable, best-in-class solution for BDR, not only recovering valuable recyclables but also generating energy from organic and residual waste. We are very pleased to be Shanks' joint venture partner in 3SE, which combines their market leading expertise in waste management with our expertise in sustainable energy generation."

The BDR Partnership has secured £77.4m of Private Finance Initiative funding from central government towards the cost of the scheme.

Shanks website
BDR Waste Partnership

Images: BDR Waste Partnership

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News: Newburgh apprentices hand over Bloodhound parts

Apprentices at Newburgh Engineering in Rotherham presented precision engineered Spin Test Rig parts for the Bloodhound SCC to Richard Noble OBE, at an event held in Sheffield recently.

Engineering apprentices Luke Thickett and Edward Middleton handed over the parts that were manufactured at Newburgh's Templeborough facility at the "Get up to Speed" event held as part of the Global Manufacturing Festival in Sheffield.

Vincent Middleton, Managing Director of Newburgh Engineering, said: "We are delighted to be involved with the prestigious Bloodhound SSC project, not only because it helps to promote this region's engineering expertise on an international scale, but the project is also helping to inspire many young people to pursue careers in engineering.

"This is a really exciting industry and one where the skill and expertise of our staff is critical. We recognise the important of investing in the training and development of the next generation of young engineers and it is apprentices like Luke and Edward, who will ensure we can continue to lead the field in precision engineering long into the future."

Noble is a former land speed record holder and is now the driving force behind the Bloodhound SSC project which has the twin aims of reaching 1,000mph on land and of inspiring future generations of engineers and scientists.

At the event, Richard thanked Newburgh Engineering staff for their contribution which has included producing a number of components for the prototype vehicle and equipment to test the stability of the sand in order to select the perfect site on which to make the record attempt. Following these tests, a site in South Africa has been selected for the run, which is due to take place in Hakskeen Pan in the Northern Cape next year.

Newburgh Engineering website
Bloodhound SSC website

Images: Newburgh Engineering

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News: Success for Rotherham business students

Level 3 Business students from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) have reason to celebrate after recent success within two of the region's most exciting student business challenges.

Five students on the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business have won the Rotherham Youth Enterprise College & Sixth Form Business Challenge.

Teams from colleges and sixth forms within the borough competed in the challenge to produce a business proposition for a new food retail business to be based in Rotherham Town Centre.

Robert Croxton, Adil Hussain, Liam Shaw, Phillip Swift and James Ufton were thrilled that their business plan for an American themed diner impressed the judges.

Students Robert Croxton and Phillip Swift later went on to achieve further success in the Northern Rail Marketing & PR Challenge with their peers Dylan Johnson, Jodie Leigh Thackery, Kelly Stockdale and Chelsea Scales.

Teams competing in the challenge were asked to create a campaign to promote their chosen travel destination using a number of methods, including posters, TV, radio, newspapers and on-line.

Entries were submitted from schools and colleges in Selby, Tadcaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Bridlington, Doncaster, Harrogate, Beverley, Hull, Halifax, Grimsby, Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield.

RCAT's team "Avenue" were shortlisted for the final and after presenting their campaign to a panel of expert judges became the winners for the "Best Research" category. The team were awarded one of the four runners up prizes at the competition, with Grimsby's Franklin College producing the winning campaign that will form part of Northern Rail's summer marketing campaign.

Avenue Team Leader Phillip Swift said: "The challenge gave us the opportunity to work towards a real life promotional brief putting into practice what we have learned on the course. We have also developed our pitching skills and now feel much more confident presenting to larger audiences."

William Oxley, a member of the judging panel and Director of YES (formally YPEF Services Ltd) praised team Avenue for their commitment to the project. He said: "The students from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology tackled the brief set by them from Northern Rail in a very innovative manner. They presented a coordinated and comprehensive proposal which had some outstanding features, such as the quality of the research. In a challenge where the competition was high, the team stood out."

RCAT website

Images: RCAT

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News: Magna plans UK's largest solar roof

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has had plans approved for what is thought to be the largest solar photovoltaic roof in the UK.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks. The plans will see panels installed on the 700m long south facing roofs in a project led by Rotherham-based WS Systems.

The panels will provide sustainable energy for the building, the attraction, and possibly more.

An exhibit including a working solar installation, with a real time display of the electricity generated and carbon savings, will be made as part of a larger sustainable energy themed exhibit.


WS Systems are also working on a similar scheme at Hillsborough Stadium, the home of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. WS Systems rents land and roof space on which they install and maintain photovoltaic systems to generate electricity. Then they pay an index linked rent or provide free electricity to the occupants.

Rotherham's largest and most innovative solar power generation system went live earlier this year at Ron Hull Jnr Ltd's skip hire, recycling, ferrous and non-ferrous site on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate.

Magna website
WS Systems website

Images: Magna / WS Systems

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News: Ron Hull complete Welbeck demolition project

Experts at Ron Hull Demolition in Rotherham have taken down the iconic headstocks at 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 specialist team have now completed a six month project to clear the site.

The headstocks were taken down three seconds apart, falling to the right and left of the colliery power house, a listed building that remained live throughout the operation.

David Wall, contracts director at Ron Hull Demolition said: "It is actually the third explosive demolition that we have carried out on the site since we moved on last November but the headstocks coming down was clearly a particularly iconic moment – carried out in full view of the whole village.

"The major issue the team had to deal with was the presence of the power house, a listed building that lay between the headstocks. I'm pleased to say that the operation went beautifully, with the towers going just where they were intended, leaving the power house completely untouched."

Concrete and brickwork produced by the demolition of offices, buildings and workshops has been processed on the site and has been used to fill the mine shafts, which at Welbeck were 760 metres deep.

Ron Hull website

Images: Ron Hull Demolition

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News: Swedish firm take larger stake in SP Containers

Sweden's A&R Carton has acquired an additional 34% of the shares in award-winning Rotherham company, Speciality Paperboard Containers Ltd (SP Containers), and now holds a majority position of 67%.

An original deal in 2008 saw A&R Carton acquire a 33% stake with an option to increase to a 100% stake.

SP Containers, which has recently moved to Aldwarke, offers high quality innovative and specialist solutions for various packaging requirements. They manufacture containers for clients in the ice cream, dairy, confectionery and pet food sectors, and produce secondary packaging for a diverse range of products.

They supply the major European ice cream producers as well as major UK retailers and food producers. They also have strong export business into Continental European, Scandinavian and Baltic markets.

Paul Nixon, managing director of SP Containers, said: "SP Containers are very happy with the further investment by A&R Carton. Both companies have common strategies and growth ambitions. With the assistance of A&R Carton’s resources, SP Containers will be able to develop at a much faster rate than previously. We look forward to further cooperation with A&R Carton."

Per Lundeen, CEO of A&R Carton, added: "We are very pleased to increase our share of SP Containers. SP Container's products complements A&R Carton's product portfolio very well and together we have a strong know how and vast experience."

A&R Carton is one of the leading European paperboard packaging solution providers and has 1,700 employees and 14 production sites in eight European countries.

After working at A&R Carton's Chesterfield site that closed in 2003, Paul bought the assets and equipment from A&R and went on to establish SP Containers in 2006 with Steve Crane, commercial director.

SP Containers website

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News: Rolls-Royce progress Rotherham plans

Rolls-Royce, one of the most famous names in engineering throughout the world, is preparing plans for new advanced manufacturing facilities in Rotherham that could create several hundred jobs.

The proposed facilities are planned to be located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, enhancing the park's global reputation for engineering, innovation, research and manufacturing excellence.

In 2009, Rolls-Royce announced that it was to make a multi million pound investment in the region as part of the UK Government's civil nuclear package.

Following a nationwide assessment of suitable sites, Rolls-Royce has chosen the AMP, as its favoured location for two factories; one an advanced casting facility manufacturing aero engine turbine blades, and the other specialising in the manufacture of large components for power stations. A third, smaller factory is also proposed, which could house one of Rolls-Royce's suppliers.

Rolls-Royce expects to submit a planning application for their proposals to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council later this year and are undertaking public consultation with local residents and neighbouring businesses.

Tim O'Connell, Business Development Manager at Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), said: "We are pleased that Rolls Royce are considering the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) for their proposed facilities, and look forward to receiving their planning application at the appropriate time.

"Rotherham has a long, and continuing history of been home to leading advanced manufacturing and engineering companies, and it is great that a world-class company such as Rolls Royce recognises the benefits of locating some of their manufacturing facilities into the borough."

Thea Stein, Chief Executive, Yorkshire Forward, added: "It was always envisaged by Yorkshire Forward that the AMP would become the UK's premier advanced manufacturing technology park, providing world-class advanced manufacturing technology solutions and attracting globally significant research and manufacturing organisations. This has largely already been achieved during the past ten years, but the addition of the proposed Rolls Royce facilities at the AMP will further cement its reputation and ensure Yorkshire and Humber is at the forefront of the world's precision manufacturing industries."

Rolls-Royce already has a presence on the AMP, giving their name to the Factory of the Future at University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing. They are also the lead industrial partner of The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, currently under construction and set to open in September. The AMP Technology Centre already houses a Rolls-Royce R&D facility.

Rolls-Royce performed well in 2010. The order book grew in the period to a record £59.2bn. Underlying revenues rose to £10.9bn and underlying profit increased to £955m.

Rolls-Royce website
AMP website

Images: Rolls-Royce

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News: BG Controls acquires e-fficient Energy Systems Ltd

Rotherham building controls specialist, BG Controls, has announced that it has expanded its services with e-fficient Energy Systems Ltd.

e-fficient Energy specialises in manufacturing intelligent voltage optimisation and regulation systems, which are designed to reduce and regulate inefficient voltage supply from the national grid.



The benefits of such a system include cost savings and a reduction in carbon footprint of up to 25%. In addition to this, intelligent voltage optimisation and regulation helps to provide a stable power supply, which increases the life span of electrical equipment.

The company manufactures two key solutions, which are the e-VO Thyristor controlled transformer rectifier and the SeR-VO autotransformer. It chooses the technology which best suits the application and the customer's individual needs.

Duncan Biggins, managing director at BG Controls said: "e-fficient Energy Systems will work in synergy with BG Controls and will strengthen our existing business portfolio.

"Intelligent voltage optimisation and regulation is an effective way of reducing electrical consumption and Carbon emissions. This enhances our offering to our customers and complements our approach to energy saving."

Craig Needham, managing director at e-fficient Energy Systems added: "It's great to be part of an award-winning company like BG Controls.

"BG Controls has an excellent reputation in the building controls industry and together we can offer a fully integrated solution focussed on improving energy efficiency."

Based in Dinnington, the BG Controls group of companies designs, manufactures, installs, commissions and services Building Management Systems. They provide specialist controls design, in-house motor control panel manufacture, in-house electrical installation, energy saving solutions, hotline customer support, service and maintenance.

BG Controls website

Images: bgcontrols.co.uk

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News: Materialise blend organic beauty and modern technology

Materialise UK Ltd has used their expertise in Additive Layered Manufacturing to produce the intricately designed trophies that were presented to the winners of the recent Brit Insurance Design of the Year 2011 awards.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, Materialise UK, has the largest capacity of rapid prototyping equipment in Europe.

The trophies were a creation of the London-based artist Ross Lovegrove who has worked with Materialise on numerous projects. Ten trophies that blend "organic beauty and modern technology" were manufactured using the selective laser sintering methods.

Philip Hudson, Managing Director of Materialise UK said: "We were pleased to be contacted by Ross (Lovegrove), and are delighted to produce the trophies for such a globally significant design award competition.

"The intricacies and detail of the design gave us a great opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our additive manufacturing processes, and demonstrate that our world-leading technology can allow truly unique one-off pieces and short production runs to be accurately and cost-effectively produced."

The advantages of additive manufacturing have been used by Materialise to develop unique solutions that make a world of difference for its many customers with their prototyping as well as production needs. These customers range from large companies in the automotive, consumer electronics and consumables sectors; to famous hospitals, research institutes and clinicians.

Materialise website

Images: Materialise

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News: BeingBetter one year on

BeingBetter Rotherham was launched a year ago to tackle health and financial wellbeing in the workplace and since then the team has worked with over 90 local businesses, creating and safeguarding jobs across the borough.

Funded by European Regional Development Fund, the BeingBetter project provides support for local Rotherham businesses to improve their economic performance and staff retention by improving the health and financial wellbeing of employees.

The project, managed by Nicholas Associates, works with a network of local partners and specialists, including NHS Health Trainers, The Source, The Chamber of Commerce and local gyms, to help local businesses make some small changes that can make a big difference.

Karen Shaw, BeingBetter Project Manager at Nicholas Associates said: "BeingBetter is a great project for the Rotherham community. We help employers to work towards achieving a healthier, happier and more productive workplace, which is good news for local businesses and good news for employees.

"Our support is free of charge, which is even better news given that recent research has demonstrated that for every £1 an employer invests in health and wellbeing, their return on investment could be as much as £4."

Carolyn Jackson, Owner of Funkz Hair Salons has received support from Karen and the team over the past 10 months and says:

"The BeingBetter team has helped Funkz work through challenges faced during the last year and given me the business advice and support that I have needed. I now have members of staff who are completing NVQ's and as a team we are all happier and business is better."

BeingBetter website

Images: BeingBetter

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News: Rotherham pupils show how to make £5 blossom at Parkgate

Year 7 pupils from Wingfield Business and Enterprise College in Rotherham displayed their own unique brand of retailing at Parkgate Shopping recently.

Their enterprise is part of a "Make £5 Blossom" scheme devised by local educational organisation Rotherham Ready, who invited Parkgate to mentor the participants at Wingfield.

The pupils have set up a business called "Flower Power", and showing all the initiative of seasoned retailers, took advantage of the Mother's Day rush with their range of flowers and gifts on one of the busiest Saturday's of the year at Parkgate.

Another group called C&C had as successful session at Parkgate selling gifts and cards, Crazy Confectionery has been offering healthy option biscuits throughout the college. Other teams are staging a penalty shoot-out with Rotherham FC stars, and a movie night at the College.

If they are successful with their business all profits raised are going to Comic Relief.

Denis Copeland, Parkgate Manager, along with his colleague Billy Smith has been giving the students practical guidance and information. Denis said: "The pupils have shown a very mature grasp of common sense business tactics, and their enthusiasm and teamwork is already reaping rewards."

Experts from Rotherham Ready are hosting a workshop at the TES exhibition in Manchester later this month.

Rotherham Ready website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Parkgate Shopping

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News: Rebalancing the Rotherham economy

A report from the Chief Economist Unit at Yorkshire Forward indicates that the private sector could offset the contraction in the public sector in Rotherham.

The "Rebalancing the Yorkshire and Humber Economy - challenges and opportunities" report uses a variety of sources, tools, models and surveys to assess how the recent economic downturn and subsequent curbs on public spending will affect the region and the opportunities which could be exploited to boost growth.

The reports' headline figure is the estimated 53,000 jobs that will be lost in the region over the next five years as a direct result of the cuts.

Projections show that there could be big job losses in Sheffield, Hull and Barnsley with reductions across all districts within South Yorkshire. In net terms, when forecast private sector jobs growth is taken into account, the region is still projected to lose 5,000 jobs over the next five years.

The report finds that, overall, the private sector in areas like Rotherham and Leeds is expected to create enough jobs to more than offset the contraction in the public sector but areas like Leeds seem better placed to take advantage of any opportunities that lie ahead.

The report also predicts that the strong manufacturing base in the region will continue to grow, but that it can do so without creating large job numbers.

Yorkshire Futures website

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News: Master Cutler's Challenge launched for 2011

Over 150 people from schools and businesses attended an exciting launch event for the Master Cutler's Challenge held recently at Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield.

At the event, Master Cutler Bill Speirs spoke about what an amazing set of talented people there were in the room. He said that he would lend each business, organisation or school which signs up £50 and that he expected them to use their talents to return many times that amount to the Master Cutler's Challenge.

The theme of the Challenge this year is "developing talents", to raise the aspirations and skills levels of young people in the Sheffield Region, so that they can improve their employment prospects, for the benefit of this region’s businesses.

Master Cutler Bill Speirs said: "The Challenge this year aims to help 1,000 young people to improve their employment prospects in the region. We have had a great response to the challenge, but it is not too late to get involved. By raising money for this year's Master Cutler's Challenge, businesses and other organisations are helping to give young people more opportunities and a greater chance in life. I want this to be the biggest and best Challenge so far and I know it is something that we can achieve with the strong support of our local business community."

This is the fourth consecutive year of this hugely successful challenge, which so far has involved over 300 local businesses and schools and raised half a million pounds for local good causes.

Each organisation which accepts the challenge is loaned £50 and challenged to use their talents, skills and entrepreneurial flair to grow this amount, raising as much money as possible over the next few months. The Challenge culminates in a final celebration event at the Cutler's Hall in September, when the Master Cutler will present certificates and awards and those participating will be able to celebrate their successes.

Master Cutler's Challenge website

Images: mastercutlerschallenge.org.uk

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