News: Home Décor Innovations plan Rotherham move

Home Décor Innovations, one of the leading suppliers of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and associated storage systems in Europe, is set to expand into new premises in Rotherham.

The planned move will see Home Décor's existing 120 staff relocate over the border from Sheffield and provide the company with space to expand and create more new jobs.

Currently based at a 65,000 sq ft factory on a site at Drakehouse, Sheffield, the company plans to move into a purpose built 110,000 sq ft unit at Woodhouse Link, the development on the former Laycast site at Fence in Rotherham.

Sheffield company, JF Finnegan are developing the project which is now set to include a 91,500 sq ft workshop plus 21,600 sq ft offices and possibly a CHP (combined heat and power) plant on the site.

The pre-let to Home Décor covers the whole area that Finnegan had outlined as Phase 2 of the 15 acre scheme.

Home Décor Innovations is a part of Canada's Renin Corporation and with operating companies in the UK and Italy, they manufacture over one million doors per year, and supply hardware to manufacture a further one million doors to strategic partners throughout the rest of Europe, The Middle East and Africa.

Their products are available through major retailers including B&Q, Wickes, Focus and Homebase in Europe, and suppliers to the construction industry.

The current site in Sheffield is being sold to ASDA so they can develop a new superstore. Plans for the store were approved by Sheffield Council and sent to the Secretary of State for confirmation in August.

Peter Buchanan, Chief Executive of Home Décor Innovations, stated in a letter to Sheffield Council regarding the planning permission of the Asda store, that the development "would directly contribute to fulfilling our future plans by allowing us to relocate to improved new premises. This would match our ambitions as a business whilst creating more new jobs at Home Décor."

The company will benefit from a new purpose-built building as the current building is considered to be outdated and a larger showroom is needed. The funding from Asda will allow the company a one-off opportunity to move, and to replace much of the old equipment.

With new Rotherham premises, it is hoped that Home Décor can significantly increase turnover and the number of employees in the next five years which will provide a boost to the local economy.

Last week, members of Rotherham Council's planning board agreed that planning permission for Home Décor's new premises should be granted. The move is likely to happen quickly as a legal agreement is being developed that would mean that the development of the supermarket at Drakehouse cannot commence until Home Décor has relocated into a purpose built new factory in the local area.

Home Décor Innovations website

Images: Home Décor

Read more...

News: "Reasonable performance" for United Carpets

Rotherham-based United Carpets, the second largest chain of specialist retail carpet and floor covering stores in the UK, has published a half yearly report for the period ended September 30 2011.

In a difficult market, sales levels have been maintained close to the previous year, down 0.8%, with pre-tax profits of £267,000, down from £604,000 in the same period last year.

The group did add that sales in the 11 weeks since the half-year have, shown some encouraging signs with overall like for like gross sales up 4.4%.

With their head office at Bramley, United Carpets has 85 branded stores across Northern and Central England.

With the majority of stores operating under the group's franchise model, the business benefits from the entrepreneurial drive and motivation of the individual store owners which, the company believe, is a critical advantage over more traditional retail networks.

Paul Eyre, chief executive of United Carpets, said: "We are pleased to have maintained a similar level of sales to last year given the continued uncertainty and inflationary increases impacting upon UK consumers.

"We have benefitted from our franchise model and our focus on providing good value to our customers but the increase in the number of less productive corporate stores together with a difficult trading environment for beds has adversely affected profitability in this period.

"Overall, I believe this represents a reasonable performance in a challenging market but, while there is so much uncertainty in the UK and across Europe, the Board believes it is important to adopt a conservative approach and looks to preserve the Group's current financial position."

Retail sales by the group's franchisees were slightly up at £34.86m compared to £34.20m in the same period of 2010. United Carpets will continue to focus on this area and look for more franchisees to take on the remaining 17 corporate stores.

During the period the central management team was reshaped with the appointments of Mark Prior and Paul Newton as operations managers, who have since introduced new practices across the group.

United Carpets website

Images: unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

Read more...

News: OUTFIT fitout planned for Parkgate

The Arcadia Group, the UK's largest privately owned retail group, are planning to re-brand their Rotherham outlet as an OUTFIT store.

OUTFIT is a chain of out-of-town retail stores offering a wide selection of contemporary, high-street fashion brands, all under one roof.

The new 19,000 sq ft store at Parkgate Shopping will be in the existing Burtons, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Evans unit and Arcadia brands including Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, Oasis and Warehouse will be added to the store.

It is estimated that the store will have an annual turnover of £5.6m and recruitment of staff is underway. Plans have also been submitted for new signage.

OUTFIT launched in Nottingham in 1995 and became part of the Acadia Group in 1999. Over the last five years the business has had a growth rate of 50% and further stores are planned.

The Arcadia Group has more than 2,500 retail outlets and enjoyed a total group pre tax profit of £133.1m for 10/11. They closed their Burtons and Dorothy Perkins store in Rotherham town centre earlier this year.

Discount retailer, Poundland, was the latest store to move to Parkgate Shopping, opening in November and British Land, the owners of park, are also proposing to make some minor amendments to the only vacant unit that is next to the Pure Party outlet.

Electronics retailer, Best Buy is still trading but they announced that it would close their 45,000 sq ft store by the end of the year as part of the decision to close all 11 of their UK stores.

Parkgate was recently named as the third best retail park venue in the UK in rankings released by retail consultancy, Javelin Group.

Arcadia Group website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: arcadiagroup.co.uk

Read more...

News: Duocall scores with Soccer City

Rotherham telecommunications company, Duocall has installed a state-of-the-art WiFi system into the bar of Huddersfield's Soccer City, successfully transforming the under-used facility into a bustling social hub.

The Templeborough company was contacted by Huddersfield's Soccer City to introduce a high-speed WiFi system capable of supporting high numbers of users during peak times without having an impact upon the speed of the connection.

The system developed by DuoCall has proved to be a particularly popular with the parents of children attending Soccer City's regular coaching sessions which takes place every Saturday morning and since the system went live a month ago, the company has recorded a dramatic rise in the numbers of visitors to the bar.

James Bradley, co-director at DuoCall Communications, said: "WiFi use has boomed in the last couple of years, with more and more businesses recognising that offering a free internet connection can not only help to attract visitors, but also encourage them to stay, relax, and unwind in the facilities.

"It was important for us to develop a system that provides a fast and robust interface, ensuring that even during times of high peak usage, users are able to access the web quickly."

Darren Gilbert, director at Soccer City, added: "After launching the service we quickly discovered that the biggest numbers of users are on Saturday mornings when parents choose to retreat to the comforts of the bar area while their children learn football skills.

"Until we introduced WiFi, many parents would simply drop off their children and come back later to pick them up. We are noticing that many more are choosing to visit the bar, have a coffee and catch up on their emails, as well as offering a chance for parents to meet with each other and is proving to be very popular!"

Based at the Magna 34 development, Duocall offer high quality landline, mobile, data products and services.

Duocall website

Read more...

News: Moorhead Savage offers intensive care

Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage is offering financial "intensive care" treatment for businesses facing a commercial crisis over the festive period.

Based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, the enterprise is headed by licensed insolvency practitioner Paul Moorhead who leads a team offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul said: "It is true that a number of small businesses will have struggled through the holiday period, paying staff through the Christmas shutdown and also discovering that some businesses will use the Christmas period as an excuse not to pay outstanding bills.

"For a company already facing a crisis, though, that delay can be critical and with tax bills to be paid by the end of the month, it might seem that insolvency is the only possible action."

Last year, Paul became the only insolvency practitioner in the UK with a PhD in insolvency law. His practice has continued to expand and take on new staff.

Paul added: "The really nice thing about my job is that people come to me thinking they are at the end of the line whereas actually we have a range of options that we can utilise to help people to decide how best to deal with their business and financial problems.

"At Moorhead Savage we pride ourselves on helping businesses to survive and to turn around.

"It's like Intensive Care for business and we will have the course of treatment to help most businesses to continue functioning healthily into the future."

Moorhead Savage website

Read more...

News: See Monet for nothing in Rotherham town centre

The largest piece of artwork has been added to the open air gallery in Rotherham town centre.

A stunning reproduction of The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet, the French artist who was a leading member of the Impressionist group of painters, is now in place on the side of Bailey House.

It is part of 'Gallery Town', a unique project that aims to help the regeneration of Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

The project is the brainchild of a group of local entrepreneurs working alongside the board of the Rotherham LSP (Local Strategic Partnership), who came up with the idea as a way to attract more visitors and to help create more trade for local businesses.

Up to 60 huge pieces of artwork - including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters - have already been installed in key locations around the town as part of the first phase.

Award-winning Rotherham company, Rainforest Graphics, installed the largest piece, which measures 6m x 6m, in the prominent position on Rawmarsh Road in November.

The building is currently being fitted out as the new home of the council’s heritage and archives services and The York & Lancaster Regimental Museum.

Nick Cragg, chairman of Stafforce and member of the Rotherham LSP Board, who is spearheading the project, said: "The Monet looks fantastic. It is in a great location next to Centenary Way, one of the busiest routes in the town.

"The local community and visitors to Rotherham will get to see an important painting that is usually reserved for those taking in the collection at The National Gallery in London.

"It is one of around 250 oil paintings that Monet produced of his own gardens in Giverny during the last thirty years of his life. They are amongst the most recognised and celebrated works of the 20th Century and were hugely influential."

The Autumn and Winter 2011 Art Trail for the first phase of the project is now available to download from the Gallery Town website at www.gallerytown.org.uk . It will guide visitors around the town, pointing out the location and details of the art, from the obvious, to those hidden away waiting to be discovered.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

Read more...

News: New manager for New York Stadium

Rotherham United have appointed a new stadium manager to look after the day-to-day operations at the New York Stadium.

Paul Davis, who was part of the stadium team at Sheffield Wednesday, will oversee the day-to-day running of the new £20m stadium which incorporates everything from stewarding games on a matchday, to catering for events throughout the week.

With the new purpose-built stadium due to be completed in July in order for the Millers to move in for the 2011/12 season, Paul is looking forward to working in the new iconic venue.

He said: "This is a very exciting time for all connected with Rotherham United and an excellent opportunity for me to put together a new stadium operations team that will oversee the 24/7 running of the stadium, as well as the matchday safety and security operations.

"The New York Stadium designs look fantastic and it will be a venue that Rotherham will be proud of."

Construction is well underway on the site of the former Guest and Chrimes foundry close to Rotherham town centre.

Paul added: "There will be a lot of hard work required over the first few months of 2012 to ensure that we obtain a Safety Certificate from the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

"I'm sure there will be some late nights and early mornings for myself and the team as the new season approaches but this is all part of the challenge."

Rotherham United website

Images: Ellrod Site Services

Read more...

News: Partnership boost for Rotherham apprentices

Two Rotherham training providers, Brinsworth Academy of Engineering and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT), have joined forces to offer technical certificate training opportunities for future apprentices.

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training in Templeborough, will re-open its doors in the New Year as the "Brinsworth Academy of Engineering."

Apprentices now have the support from both organisations, as those signed up to an apprenticeship at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering will also have the input from the tutors that deliver the BTEC and City and Guilds technical certificates.

Stephen Casey, head of business improvement at RCAT, said: "It's fantastic news that Brinsworth Training have decided to work with us for a further two years and I'm looking forward to developing the relationship further to enhance our offerings to the wider business community."

The partnership will be running for the next two years which means double the amount of knowledge and experience on offer.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "Rotherham College have provided us with excellent service for a number of years and we are delighted to have been able to extend this partnership for a further two years."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website
RCAT website

Images: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Read more...

News: Sterecycle secures £5m investment

Clean technology company, Sterecycle has secured £5.1m of investment to expand the waste processing capacity at its pioneering Rotherham plant.

The funding package includes a £1.25m investment from the Finance Yorkshire Equity Fund. A second new investor, German businessman Lars Windhorst, and existing investors including Aston Hill Financial from Canada contributed the
remaining £3.85 million.

The finance will enable the company to expand its waste processing capacity at the Templeborough plant from 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 175,000 tpa, and create a further 17 full time jobs.

The company uses a patented steam processing method called autoclaving to "pressure cook" household and commercial black-bag waste. The Rotherham plant is the world's first commercial scale autoclave waste treatment facility and recovers 65 percent of the waste in the form of recyclables and a biomass rich soil like substance called "Sterefibre."

Sterefibre is approved as a soil improver for non-agricultural applications and is being used to grow biofuel crops. It can also be used to generate clean power in biomass-fuelled CHP (combined heat and power) plants and for biogas production in anaerobic digestion plants.

The Rotherham site has been operational since August 2008 and employs 41 local people. It is as a blueprint for a future roll out of waste processing sites around the country.

Tom Shields, CEO of Sterecycle said: "We're very pleased to have two new backers on board and for the ongoing support of our existing investors. This funding means we'll be able to install the first of our new waste-processing autoclaves and take the capacity of the plant up to 175,000 tonnes of waste per annum. This added capacity will take us to around break-even for the group as a whole and increase landfill diversion.

"Following that we'll focus on securing finance for a second new autoclave and finishing the expansion works at Rotherham. We hope to do this in early 2013 - we'll then be able to process more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per annum.

"Our contracts with five of the local authorities in the South Yorkshire region together with commercial and trade waste sources will supply us with enough waste to fill this capacity.

"We're planning for a public listing next year so that we can raise additional funds to grow the business further and develop more sites across the UK."

Ash Chopra, who led the investment on behalf of the Finance Yorkshire Equity Fund, added: "The desire to find alternatives to simply sending waste to landfill is high on the political and environmental agendas. Land-filling waste is not a viable long-term option with regulatory driven penalties pushing the cost of landfill up. The technology in use at the company provides a viable "greener" alternative to landfill.

"We are delighted with this investment as a further 17 full time jobs will be created and the company has raised an additional £3.85m as other investors followed our lead."

Advising the Finance Yorkshire Equity Fund on the deal were Debbie Jackson and Joy Irving from Walker Morris, Leeds.

Sterecycle website
Finance Yorkshire website

Images: Finance Yorkshire

Read more...

News: New Rotherham premises for ABS will provide solid foundation for growth

Rotherham metals processing and supply firm, ABS Group are to move their head office across Rotherham to newly acquired premises at Adwick Park in Manvers.

The international specialist in sourcing, processing and supply of primary and secondary alloys and metals, has secured the 83,712 sq ft high-specification industrial unit from Matrix.

ABS group, which was founded in 1988 and has successfully grown into market leading business operating from six locations in four continents, is creating a state-of-the-art global headquarters at Adwick Park. The move is part of an expansion program that would see 40 people employed in Manvers and see the retention of their Kilnhurst facility.

Andy Jones, operations director at ABS Industrial Resources, said: "We use the very latest technologies to effectively analyse and process materials containing metals such as cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and chromium.

"We provide significant benefit to our global client base through our industry leading sourcing and supply-chain, and with our unique expertise at processing metals.

"We have been looking for about four years for suitable premises that meet out exact needs, allowing us to focus even closer on servicing our customers and suppliers.

"Adwick Park is an excellent facility that will form a solid foundation for the business’s continued growth, along with the additional capacity and its close proximity to our Kilnhurst sites."

ABS group employs more than 150 employees, has an annual turnover in excess of £100m, and has facilities located in South Africa, USA, Germany, France and China.

DTZ's industrial team in Leeds concluded the deal and ABS was represented by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank.

Mike Baugh of DTZ, said: "Our work has covered the full remit of property acquisition from highlighting the unit to ABS Industrial Resources, to advice and negotiation in respect of the sale price and the acquisition survey.

"We are now helping ABS with the fit out as they look to extend the office content and relocate their head office functions to Adwick Park."

ABS Group website

Images: ABS Group / Knight Frank

Read more...

News: South Yorkshire bids for transport funding

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), with the four South Yorkshire districts of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, has submitted a bid to Government for £24.6m of funding for sustainable transport schemes that support economic growth and help people get to work.

The bid is for part of the Department for Transport's Local Sustainable Travel Fund. It builds on the £4.9m secured in July for a key component bid for the "sustainable journey to work in South Yorkshire" project.

The bid has three aims: to facilitate and encourage sustainable commuting, to enable employers to reach a wider pool of potential employees, and to help businesses through reducing congestion and encouraging more reliable journey times.

It aims to invest in four main corridors in South Yorkshire including the Don Valley and the Dearne Valley which include key employment sites and communities in Rotherham.

The bid seeks funding for a range of measures including improvements to bus routes, highway improvements, traffic management systems, cycle routes, training programmes, and information provision, as well as trials of electric vehicles, new bus services and other measures to help people get to work and training.

£10.9m is earmarked for projects in the Don Valley and £2m for the Dearne Valley.

Ben Still, director of strategy at SYPTE, said: "We have identified four key corridors in South Yorkshire which would greatly benefit from this level of investment, and between them include around 10,200 businesses and 226,000 jobs. We are confident that this funding would enable a step change in our ability to help people access jobs and help employers reach the right people.

"At the same time, Government wants to see carbon emissions reduced and so our bid facilitates economic growth while helping people to travel in a sustainable way."

SYPTE website

Read more...

News: Students visit Rotherham companies

Two groups of students at the University of Sheffield visited leading Rotherham businesses recently to get an insight into industry.

MSc Management students, who attend the university's prestigious Management School, were shown around Newburgh Engineering's Templeborough facility by managing director Vincent Middleton.

The tour of the precision engineering specialist included a brief presentation into Newburgh's 70 year history, as well as a question and answer session focussing on operations management.

Ian Proctor, business engagement manager at the university, said: "The Management School is indebted to companies like Newburgh. We aim to give our students both the theoretical framework they need for business and the practical skills they can use in the workplace.

"Visiting a real business and seeing how it works gives them an invaluable insights into the realities and challenges of running a successful business in a demanding economic environment."

Vincent Middleton, managing director at Newburgh, added: "We were delighted to host a visit from the University of Sheffield, and to give something back to these bright young men and women. The need for exceptional business managers is increasing as more people reach retirement age, and I am inspired by these future leaders."

Staff and students from the Institute of Work Psychology at the University of Sheffield recently visited Tata Steel Speciality, taking in a detailed tour of operations at the Rotherham site, and a presentation from key personnel.

The main aims of company site visits are to improve graduate connections with potential employers and to build on relationships to increase career opportunities for students.

Caroline Vis, Human Resources graduate at Tata Steel Speciality, provided a presentation to the students regarding her role in the organisation as a new graduate.

Caroline said: "Bearing in mind that I was in their position 18 months ago, I really enjoyed talking to the students and showing them around site. The visit was a great opportunity to inform the students about who we are (especially as we have recently rebranded), what our products are and the types of markets we supply into."

University of Sheffield website
Newburgh Engineering website
Tata Steel Speciality website

Images: University of Sheffield Management School

Read more...

News: Bitter Sweet Boutique blossoms in Rotherham town centre

An enterprising young retailer has added something unique to the retail offer in Rotherham town centre.

Laura Bullock's Bitter Sweet Boutique on Moorgate Street specialises in vintage furniture and individual accessories. It was opened by the Mayor in October.

At 21, Laura already has bags of experience, she grew up helping out with her parents own business (print and media suppliers, Copycatz in Rotherham) and excelled studying business at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT), where she helped win first prize in a business competition.

Laura's talent was spotted by the European-funded Rotherham Enterprise Project who supported her business acumen with a business coach and helped her to secure financial assistance from the Town Centre Vitality Scheme.

The council-run scheme aims to encourage new independent retailers to open up outlets in Rotherham town centre by providing financial contributions towards both rental and shop fitting costs.

Darren McDool, business coach for Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "It's really encouraging to see someone as young as Laura daring to develop their dreams and make them a reality.

"Laura spotted a gap in the market and acted on this, as a consequence she now has a beautiful and busy boutique. I'm very excited for the future of Laura and her lovely Bitter Sweet Boutique."

Laura spotted an opportunity to offer her hometown some style and elegance. She said: "I wanted to see furniture shops that inspire people, which make people feel special. The sort of shops you see and can't walk past.

"I couldn't find one, so I thought, why not open one."

Bitter Sweet Boutique website

Images: Bitter Sweet Boutique

Read more...

News: New global contracts for S3 ID

Rotherham company, S3 ID, the UK's market-leading provider of innovative location awareness solutions, has secured new contracts in Norway and Australia.

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

S3 ID will supply its technologies to the Statoil Gudrun Personnel Tracking System (PTS) Project via Siemens Norway.

Statoil will use the technology to keep track of personnel working in the Gudrun field, a gas and oil field in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea that is estimated to contain 70 million barrels of oil and 1.7 trillion cubic feet of gas.

The company is already using the technology in the Statfjord field.

Doug Woodbridge, head of Sales and Marketing at S3 ID, said: "We are delighted to have secured the contract to supply our PTS technologies to Gudrun.

"Our long track record with Statoil meant that we have an excellent understanding of their requirements on this latest project."

S3 ID has also recently supplied 25 of their eLock locking systems for the Australian Gorgon Project via their Perth-based partner, Western Advance.

Gorgon is one of the world's largest natural gas projects and the largest single resource natural gas project in Australia's history.

A recent development from S3 ID, the eLock system is an electronically controlled door locking solution that is the first high security product to meet ATEX Zone 1 Hazardous Area requirements. It is designed to protect high risk areas from specialist high-security attacks.

Doug Woodbridge, said: "Our unique eSecurity products provide a comprehensive range of security solutions for ATEX Zone 1 Hazardous Area. These products complement to our existing eMustering and eLocation ranges, and I am sure our eLock's will provide the ideal door security solution for the Gorgon project."

S3 ID website

Images: s3-id.com

Read more...

News: Dormer expanding international operation in Rotherham

Dormer Tools International (DTI) has announced an expansion in its global operations with a strong emphasis on securing large export orders.

DTI, Dormer's commercial export-arm based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotehrham, will place more emphasis on delivering bigger volumes of its general purpose, solid carbide and high speed steel cutting tools to distributors, particularly across the Far East.

DTI sells more items than any other Dormer Tools location around the world, apart from the United States, and makes up a fifth in quantity of the group's overall global sales.

John Eustace, regional business area manager for DTI, said: "We have grown rapidly in recent years and our turnover has doubled compared with five years ago. To support our continued growth we will work with our extensive assortment of distributors to purchase Dormer products in large volume.

"In past years we have concentrated on supplying the high-end range of cutting tools. Our objective now is on providing multi-application tooling to allow distributors to again become "Kings of Stock" on a minimum range of products to focus their sales and promotional activity. This suits the market in the Far East and we are hopeful it will significantly increase turnover."

DTI has more than 250 distributors active in more than 40 markets around the world. Dormer sees the relationship with these contacts as vital to driving sales in key locations.

John added: "An important area is Singapore, which is a huge market for Dormer and a fantastic trading hub for key locations across the whole of the Far East region.

"Having a local presence in our target markets is very important. The distributors become the face of Dormer and manage all relationships on our behalf. They have a strong knowledge of their specific region, ensure a lean operation and can ensure the end-user receives the cutting tools they need to perform the job.

"Customers want good quality but they also want versatility and Dormer has a strong name and reputation around the world in providing good multi-application cutting tools. It is well known in the Far East because of the historic links we have in this part of the world.

"With our team of technical sales engineers we will be working with the distributors to exploit this further in the coming year, with partnerships being established in Vietnam and Hong Kong."

DTI is also keen to target other locations around the world with a new distributor gained in Turkey, while relationships are being made in Sub-Saharan African nations.

Dormer Tools website

Images: Dormer Tools

Read more...

News: Companies urged to get in the zone

Companies looking to take advantage of the financial benefits of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Enterprise Zone are being urged to put forward their ideas.

Status was secured for zone in July and it will be based on a series of key sites along the M1 that will focus growth within the advanced engineering and technology sectors.

In Rotherham, around 15 hectares of land at the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley and around four hectares of land at Templeborough, are set to offer a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per eligible business over a five year period.

In addition, the zone will also be able to offer Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) that present a massive opportunity to attract major inward investment to the region.

100 per cent capital allowances for plant and machinery investments are available and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is targeting around £300m of investment between April 2012 and March 2017.

As part of a wider approach, the LEP has agreed that ECAs will be used to attract inward investment, as well as enable strategic investments from companies already based in the city region that would not otherwise happen, or that would be accelerated by ECA incentives.

The LEP is now looking for more information on the planned investments by companies already based in the Sheffield City Region.

James Newman, chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP, said: "If you are an eligible company with plans for major capital investment (over £50m) in plant and machinery over the next five years and the proposed investment will or could take place within the designated Enterprise Zone ECA sites then we would like to hear from you."

Expressions of interest need to be submitted by January 6 in order to give the LEP an early indication of levels of interest from locally based companies.

In another boost for development in the city region, the LEP looks set to use £7m from the government's Growing Places Fund to establish a JESSICA for South Yorkshire that would lever in £13m of European funding.

A JESSICA fund is a financial engineering mechanism used to create a revolving fund that could be used for regeneration projects such as the creation of new commercial floorspace, brownfield redevelopment or investment in infrastructure.

Sheffield City Region website

Read more...

News: Rotherham United confirm New York Stadium name

When Rotherham United return to their home town next season, they will play at the New York Stadium.

The official announcement was made on the site of the 12,000 seater stadium, currently under construction close to Rotherham town centre, by chairman Tony Stewart along with honorary ambassador and World Cup referee, Howard Webb.

The New York name for the £20m landmark venue is in fact the historic name for the area where the new stadium is based.

And the old Guest and Chrimes Foundry on the site actually made the distinctive fire hydrants which are dotted around the streets of New York, USA. The site was active from 1857-1999 and in its early years was one of many South Yorkshire iron and steel works which exported metal infrastructure to the growing cities on the other side of the Atlantic.

Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United, said: "The new stadium name is strongly rooted in more than 150 years of Rotherham's proud history of industry and enterprise, linking the old and the new eras and, I believe, it befits such a fantastic new stadium right at the heart of Rotherham.

"After careful consultation and detailed research into the local history of the site, we felt that New York was the perfect name for our new stadium."

Howard Webb added: "As a lifelong supporter of Rotherham United I am absolutely thrilled to be able to announce the name for the new stadium.

"Rotherham United is my hometown club that I have supported all my life. The Millers are responsible for my interest in the game. To become involved with the cub was a huge honour, and now to be here, whilst the club stands on the verge of this momentous new era, gives me a sense of great pride."

Contractors, GMI Construction are making good progress on the development that is set to be completed in July 2012. The Millers have been playing home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield after leaving Millmoor in 2008.

Rotherham United website

Images: themillers.co.uk / GMI Construction

Read more...

News: New York Stadium, Rotherham

Rotherham United are expected to announce further commercial deals and naming rights after the name of their new £20m development was confirmed as the New York Stadium.

The club hopes that by choosing a standalone name for the stadium, rather than that of a sponsor, such as The Emirates at Arsenal or The Keepmoat in Doncaster, it would create a new identity and not be a stadium name that has no association with the club, the fans, or the town.

It also opens up the possibility to enter into deals for naming each of the stands.

Deals have already been secured with local companies to name two of the stands with Ben Bennett Jnr set to be the proud sponsors of the Family East Stand, and Eric Twigg Foods and Pukka Pies putting their names to the West Stand.

Steve Lewis, head of commercial at Rotherham United (pictured, left), said: "The New York Stadium gives the new ground a unique identity and avoids us being tied down to one naming partner. That could be commercial suicide as it could put off other potential partners from getting involved.

"We will have four partners for the four stands, and the names of the remaining two stands should be announced in January."

Lewis discussed how the club have had a lot of interest from the business community and that there will be a need for more partners in more aspects of the stadium.

He added: "Clubs cannot survive on football alone and the new stadium will be a seven day a week operation, with many other areas to help generate revenue."

The other uses in the stadium include planned commercial units for businesses and corporate and exhibition spaces.

Progress on the stadium continues to accelerate with the steel framework on three sides now in place on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes Foundry.

Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United (pictured, right), said: "You get a sense of pride when you pass the site, and being able to put a name to it will add a huge amount of character to what is shaping up to be a stadium the club, the town and our supporters can be proud of.

"We also feel that the name can open doors for the commercial team at Rotherham United, and we looking into the possibility of setting up links between Rotherham and New York, USA.

"The location is perfect for people travelling into Rotherham, and I want it to be something that turns heads and makes people stand up and realise where we are going as a football club, and a town."

Rotherham United website

Images: themillers.co.uk

Read more...

News: Hargreaves cautiously optimistic on Maltby performance

Hargreaves Services plc, the UK's leading energy support services provider and owner and operator of Maltby Colliery in Rotherham, has announced that the group has performed broadly in line with management expectations and is well placed to deliver a strong second half performance.

In a Pre-Close Period Trading Update for the six months ended 30 November 2011, the Durham-based group announced that the new working practices at Maltby are operating successfully and have delivered the expected increase in machine availability time.

Hargreaves introduced new working practices during the year and production consistency improved. Total production increased from 827k tonnes to 873k tonnes. A fifth shift was also introduced in February employing 80 extra staff.

However, the coal production from the new coal panel has been disappointing due to geology and Hargreaves said that it will be working with management and unions to attempt to recover some of this shortfall in the second half of the year.

The group did add that good progress is being made in developing the next coal panel in an area of the mine with a proven 25% thicker coal seam. The group are confident that this will benefit performance significantly from the end of the first quarter of the next financial year.

They also added that the rest of the group is well set for a strong second half performance and will provide a good opportunity to mitigate any negative performance from Maltby.

Preliminary results for the year ended 31 May 2011 showed that revenues increased by £92.5m, from £459.8m to £552.3m and that the growth European operations was a major contributor to the growth in profitability.

Hargreaves Services website

Images: hargreavesservices.co.uk

Read more...

News: Martek open new Singapore office

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine has expanded into the all-important Asia Pacific market by opening a regional office in Singapore.

Manvers-based Martek provides systems for engine emissions monitoring, gas detection, water level detection and cargo tank monitoring that are found in vessels across the world.

Martek Marine (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd was incorporated in August this year. Currently around 65% of Martek's business is generated by customers based in Asia Pacific, with a growth rate faster than in Europe and the Americas.

Simon Whitaker, regional director for Martek in the Asia Pacific region, said: "We have decided to set up a regional presence based in Singapore in order to get closer to our many customers in this part of the world.

"Asia is a market rich in potential and this direct presence will help Martek further increase its share in this region.

"The shift in business that Martek has seen in the past 18 months or so has made it vital to have a direct presence in the region. By being in the same time zone, and having sales staff who speak the same language, we will have better connectivity with our customers."

The new team has already achieved notable success. Recently the company secured two important orders from a leading Singapore-based shipmanager. As a result Martek Marine will equip 60 vessels with the Navgard BNWAS system and will also supply up to 500 bottles of calibration gas for use across the company's fleet.

Martek Marine website

Images: martek-marine.com/

Read more...

News: Signs Express support Cash for Kids charity

Signs Express (Sheffield) has supported their local community by providing free promotional vehicle graphics to local radio station, Hallam FM, as they promote the Cash for Kids Christmas appeal.

Carol Morris, owner at Signs Express (Sheffield) said: "We have been delighted to support the Cash for Kids charity this year. We are working with Hallam FM to make their annual Cash for Kids Christmas Appeal more successful than ever with high impact vehicle graphics to really get the message across."

"Cash for Kids" is the umbrella brand for Bauer Radio’s network of independently registered, local charities which operate across 20 local areas within the UK. They raised in excess of £7.3 million in 2010.

This work rounds off a good year for Signs Express (Sheffield) who were delighted to be recognised for their work at the recent Sign Excellence Awards, making finalist in the best multiple sign project for their work for Sheffield's Millennium Galleries. Judged by the British Sign & Graphics Association and industry magazine Sign Directions, the awards showcased the very best of projects completed across the Signs Express group of over 75 production centres.

The judges declared that: "The sign package produced for the galleries is beautifully executed and help to unify all of the different elements of space, both internally and externally with a real wow factor!"

With their production base in Templeborough and previously covering just the north of Sheffield and surrounding areas, husband and wife team, Steve and Carol Morris, decided to expand their operation last year following consistent growth and the award of a number of high profile contracts.

Signs Express provides a wide range of signs and graphics including interior and exterior signs, vehicle graphics, banners, windows and exhibition displays to businesses in Sheffield and the surrounding areas.

Signs Express (Sheffield) website

Images: Signs Express (Sheffield)

Read more...

News: Titans' Millmoor deal is kicked into touch

The use of the Millmoor ground to stage home matches for the Rotherham Titans looks unlikely after "a commercially viable solution could not be found."


Talks between Rotherham Rugby Club, Rotherham Council and ground owners, CF Booth Ltd have been ongoing for several months.

In June, the council's cabinet agreed that officers should negotiate leases of Millmoor, the former home of Rotherham United, that would enable Rotherham Rugby Union Football Club to take an underlease of the stadium.

The club have now admitted that the prospects of the Titans moving to Millmoor are now looking unlikely.

Rob Hannon, chief executive of Rotherham Rugby Club, said: "All concerned have worked tirelessly to try and make this project happen, but regrettably a commercially viable solution could not be found.

"I know the Directors would like to thank Ken & James Booth as well as Roger Stone and Martin Kimber of the council for all their help and endeavours.

"I know both they and ourselves are disappointed that we could not find a way forward. However we have all had to weigh up the commercial aspects, which of course are made more difficult in this current economic environment."

The Titans ambitious plan was to develop the ground as a leading stand-alone rugby venue including refurbishing the Tivoli suite and the removal of seats from the Millmoor Lane side of the ground to eventually complete the new main stand.

Were the club to gain promotion back into the premiership, their ground would need to meet strict criteria set by the RFU, the governing body for the sport in England. The Titan's current home at Clifton Lane does not and development would be difficult. The club stated that they have been in discussions with other grounds and those negotiations are still ongoing.

Rob Hannon added: "We know many of the fans will also be disappointed with this news but I'm sure they will understand that the future financial security of the club is our prime concern.

"We have made great progress these past six months and we still have a lot of work to do. The ground is just one aspect of the business and there is still plenty to do on the day to day operations and development of the club."

The former tenants of Millmoor, Rotherham United are expected to announce the name of their new £17.3m stadium at a press conference on Monday.

Rotherham Titans website

Images: rotherhamrugby.co.uk

Read more...

News: Luminar deal includes Rotherham nightclub

A £45m deal to save nightclub operator Luminar, includes the purchase of the Liquid and Envy club in Rotherham town centre.

The company had a branded estate of over 70 nightclubs and bars and the largest square footage of nightclub capacity in the country. In their last annaul accounts they posted a statutory loss from continuing operations after exceptional items of £184.6m.

They entered administration in October after talks broke down with its banks (Lloyds TSB, Barclays and the Royal Bank of Scotland) on the restructuring of the group's debt arrangement.

Peter Marks, Alex Geffert and Joe Heanen, all with experience in the leisure industry, completed the deal earlier this month.

A spokesperson from joint administrator, Ernst and Young confirmed that the Rotherham club was part of the deal.

In September, the 22,000 sq ft, 2,000 capacity nightclub on Main Street was put up for sale by Luminar as an investment and a development opportunity. The club has remained trading throughout but it is not yet clear whether the new owners intend to keep the club open or continue with the sale.

In a statement, Peter Marks, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to complete the acquisition of Luminar.

"There was always a solid core business within Luminar but, in common with many in the sector, the perfect storm of high debt, an under-performing tail and a lack of investment meant that the company could not survive the downturn when it came.

"The bulk of the estate is performing well, as are other privately owned club and bar businesses.

"Luminar has a lot of good people and I am certain that with hard work, the right financial structure and an investment programme the company can look forward to a great future."

Alex Geffert, added: "Now we are on firm financial footing we have plans to refresh many of the clubs over the next two years. We believe the lights are firmly back on for the company, saving thousands of jobs into the bargain."

Images: liquidclubs.com

Read more...

News: Beatson Clark support Corky's rebrand

Rotherham glass manufacturer, Beatson Clark is helping Global Brands in their bid to position their Corky's product as the number one flavoured shot range on the market.

Innovative drinks company Global Brands began working with Beatson Clark 18 months ago when it moved filling operations for the Corky's drink to the UK. The company was looking for a flexible supplier that could handle small production runs of only 500,000 bottles per year.

As part of the rebranding, Beatson Clark has provided a new bottle for the drink, a 500ml white flint embossed bottle manufactured at their Greasborough Road facility.

Lynn Sidebottom, sales and marketing director at Beatson Clark, said: "At Beatson Clark we take pride in our flexible approach and the fact that we can offer small production runs.

"This flexibility makes us the ideal choice for companies launching or trialling new products or rebranding existing products like Corky's Liqueurs."

The major overhaul comes almost ten years after the brand was launched and includes a complete revamp of the Corky's branding, drinks with a more distinctive taste and the introduction of Limited Edition flavours.

The new bottle retains the eye-catching Corky's name embossed around the shoulder and is designed to provide better stand-out on shelf.

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

Read more...

News: New starters at In-tend

Rotherham e-procurement specialists, In-tend has added new staff to their growing team.


Based in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, In-tend's procurement software is accessed and utilised by over 300 organizations including universities, colleges and local authorities. 5,000 registered users manage in excess of £10 billion in contracts and there are currently over 100,000 suppliers.

Dave Nichols, who has over 20 years experience in the procurement industry, is the new project manager. Using his wealth of knowledge in private and public sector procurement, Dave will be matching In-tend's software to the needs of our customers and providing consultancy including assisting buyers in creating their tenders and helping suppliers put together their tender submissions.

Steve Kay has joined the team to bring his knowledge of EU public procurement legislation and Damian Gillott has been appointed as the new system trainer.

Damian said: "I am really excited to join the In-tend team. Having come from a managerial background in the service industry, I am looking forward to meeting all our customers.

"As a trainer for the In-tend Organiser, I will be able to channel my interest for computers by contributing to the development and training of the e-Tendering system and rise to any challenges along the way."

Images: In-tend

In-tend website

Read more...

News: Green light for Sheffield to Rotherham BRT scheme

A major transport infrastructure project linking the joint economy of Sheffield and Rotherham has secured £19.4m from the government.

The Northern route of the South Yorkshire Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme aims to improve the links between Rotherham and Sheffield passing Meadowhall, the Lower Don Valley and Templeborough.

The £34.3m project aims help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities.

Bidders state that it will help to unlock 4,000 jobs in the Lower Don Valley linked to schemes such as the River Don District, the Outokumpu site and areas of Templeborough. All areas expected to benefit from the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

The scheme involves a high-frequency, limited stop service with new state-of-the-art vehicles. The main feature is a £20m alternative all transport route which bypasses the congested M1 junction 34 South by providing a new section of highway beneath the Tinsley Viaduct. The link road already has planning permission.

In addition to the interchange in Rotherham, stops are proposed for Westgate in the town centre and Bradmarsh Way and Grange Lane at Templeborough. New bus lanes and improvements such as those proposed at Ickles Roundabout and the junction of Westgate and Main Street will give buses priority and help reduce total journey times to 20 minutes.

The remainder of costs for the scheme are to be met by the European Regional Development Fund, local developers such as British Land, and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

Key milestones include completing the compulsory purchase of land, procuring contractors and constructing the link road. It is hoped that the BRT North route will open in September 2015.

Local MP, Denis MacShane said: "These proposals have wide local support and should go some way towards reducing congestion in the short term and creating jobs in both my constituency in Rotherham and the surrounding area in the long term.

"It is long overdue investments in growth and economic infrastructure like this that will help create jobs and take people out of unemployment."

Government cuts last year meant that local authority projects were stopped in their tracks and many were asked to reduce costs. The Department for Transport (DFT) stated that it would only consider the business case for the Northern route of the BRT. The Southern route aimed to run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to the proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange.

The Waverley Link Road has not been successful in securing money from the DFT. The project aims to support regeneration and economic growth at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and Waverley developments but it is opposed in its current form by Sheffield City Council, whose land is required for the proposed route.

The DFT sated that they recognise "that there is a case for additional capacity in this area but the currently proposed scheme does not appear to be deliverable. Rotherham Borough Council are invited to work with Sheffield and other stakeholders and to propose a resolution to the issue by 31 March 2012."

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE

Read more...

News: Vitalife proves to be everybody’s cup of tea

Vitalife Ltd impressed a panel of local "dragons" at a recent event in Rotherham and claimed the top prize of £1,500, provided by sponsors, UK Steel Enterprise.

Rotherham Enterprise Board hosted their biggest Dragons' Den-type event, inspired by the BBC show of the same name, at the Park Inn Rotherham in Manvers last week.

Young entrepreneur, Gavin Edley, was among four new start businesses pitching their expansion plans to a panel of local business experts and mentors. A secret audience vote confirmed the judges’ decision that Gavin had delivered the best pitch on the night.

The 24-year-old set up Vitalife in 2010 with the help of the Rotherham Enterprise Project and has successfully introduced the healthy Japanese green tea called matcha to the UK.

The former pupil at Brinsworth Comprehensive School entered the den as he is looking to expand his business by diversifying the range of teas, introducing new products, and working with more retailers.

Gavin said: "This was the first time that I'd done anything like this and pitched my business in front of a panel and an audience. I'm really pleased to have won.

"I'm looking to launch new teas and a range of healthy snacks and drinks and I'm looking at the prospect of opening café premises to showcase them. I'm also looking to build the Vitalife brand and secure more deals with more retailers.

"I'm excited by the expansion plans and the prize money will certainly help me carry them out."

This was the third successful event funded by UK Steel Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and recognised Rotherham companies with the potential for business growth.

Guest speaker at the event was Kirsty Henshaw, who told the tale of when she entered the BBC's Dragons; Den and came out with significant financial backing for her business. She also took the role of a dragon and provided the entrants with advice to calm their nerves and boost their confidence before they faced the panel.

The other finalists entering the den were commended for their enormous enthusiasm and excellent pitches. They were: social enterprise, Drive It Home Road Safety; The Button Tin, where vintage craft workshops are held; and Simply Inventive Ltd, the inventors of a unique plumbing product.

For these entrepreneurs it is hoped that relationships will develop between the budding business brains and members of the board's mentor bank, where local people who have run their own businesses or have specialist expertise, will pass on their knowledge and give them a better chance of success.

Keith Williams, regional manager of Tata Steel subsidiary, UK Steel Enterprise said: "We are delighted to support these events. It was extremely successful and the business pitches were some of the best we've seen.

"I'm sure it was a great experience for the enterprises and has helped them identify new potential opportunities and given them the confidence to progress their ideas further.

"There is a wide range of business support available in Rotherham. The Enterprise Board events are designed to help early stage and smaller businesses, whilst loan and equity finance of up to £750,000 is available from the UK Steel Enterprise investment fund for more established businesses in Rotherham and throughout South Yorkshire."

The Enterprise Board is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 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.

Vitalife website
Rotherham Enterprise Board website

Images: Rotherham Enterprise Board

Read more...

News: Future growth is Assured

Plans for the next stage of expansion at Assured Fire and Security have been rolled out at a Vision and Culture Day.

Last year, the Dinnington firm set out a long-term plan that aims to make the company the UK's biggest and best independent national fire and security company within the next five years.

At the heart of the expansion will be a series of nationwide acquisitions that will place Assured firmly at the heart of the fire and security industry.

And at the same time, the company will continue to develop its expanding network of contracts both nationally and internationally.

Managing director Simon Stokes discussed his plans for the next stage in the company's expansion at their Rotherham headquarters.

And leading South Yorkshire business consultant Andy Hanselman helped to explain to the team how creating a great culture through operating in line with the company values and providing excellent customer service will help the vision become a reality.

Simon said: "Our Vision and Culture Day is now established as an important part of our annual calendar.

"This year, in particular, it gave us a chance to bring the whole Assured team together, reflecting the fact that we have a lot of new people and that the workforce is expanding all the time.

"Our plan is still to be the biggest and best independent national fire and security company in the UK by 2016 and that will be achievable through our programme of acquisition.

"We have between five and eight acquisitions planned across the country, strengthening our presence in areas such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

"This is an exciting time for us as we develop new business both domestically and overseas and it was a good day to pass on the message of confidence in the future to the whole Assured team."

Assured Fire and Security website

Images: Assured

Read more...

News: Portas references Rotherham in retail review

Leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas, has published a government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street.

The Review sets out her vision to breathe economic and community life back into our high streets.

It makes ambitious recommendations on what can be done – by government, local authorities and business – to help high streets deliver something new.

It follows a number of visits by Portas to town centres around the country, including Rotherham, where she spoke to high street businesses, local authorities and shoppers in September.

Mary Portas said: "My goal is to breathe economic and community life back into our High Streets and town centres. I want to see all our High Streets bustling with people, services, and jobs. They should be vibrant places that people choose to visit. They should be destinations. Anything less is a wasted opportunity."

The recommendations of the report aim to: get town centres running like businesses, get the basics right to allow businesses to flourish, level the playing field, define landlords roles and responsibilities, give communities a greater say.

Specific recommendations include parking schemes, freeing up red tape, restricting out-of-town developments and supporting independent shops.

Another focus is using indoor and outdoor markets to bring a town to life by providing the opportunities and spaces to give entrepreneurial talent a chance to develop and flourish.

Portas said: "I saw for myself what a bustling, lively market can do for a town centre when I visited Rotherham. On a market stall people can try out their ideas and get their business booming without too much upfront cost.

"And it's great for our town centres too, bringing in fresh ideas and products and preserving our nation’s cultural heritage to boot."

Rotherham's Shop Local scheme was also referenced in new government-commissioned research on "Understanding High Street Performance" as an initiative to boost local loyalty through rewards and discounts.

With over 100 town centre shops signed up to provide discounts and offers to cardholders since its inception last year, the Shop Local Scheme is a significant success with over 11,000 loyalty card holders.

The Government will now review the recommendations and will publish a response next spring.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

Read more...

News: Millers secure second stadium sponsor

Rotherham United have secured their second major sponsorship deal for the new stadium, with long time partners Ben Bennett Jnr set to sponsor the East Stand.

Currently under construction on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry close to the town centre, the £17.3m development is set to be completed in July next year.

The Eastwood-based steel strip manufacturer have had a long association with the football club and the sponsorship deal is for three years. It follows the deal that the club secured for the West Stand with Eric Twigg Foods and Pukka Pies.

Steve Lewis, head of commercial at Rotherham United, said: "I am ecstatic that the club have secured another major partner for the new stadium, and equally delighted to be extending our long term relationship with Ben Bennett Jnr.

"Ben Bennett Jnr are family business who are all Rotherham United supporters so we feel it was very fitting that they have chosen to sponsor the new family East Stand.

"I am looking forward to continuing this association into the new stadium and for many years to follow."

Ben Bennett, owner of Ben Bennett Jnr, added: "I am very proud and delighted to be sponsoring the new family stand. I watched my first Millers match on Boxing Day 1950 so I have been a supporter of the club for 61 years now.

"It was very important to me that we sponsored the family stand because my wife, son, daughter and my grandchildren all support the club, my eldest grandchild follows the club all around the country. I am thrilled to bits to see the club move into the new stadium and I am looking forward to spending many happy hours watching the club."

The family-owned company dates back to 1883, with the steel side of the business starting in 1936. They manufacture mild, carbon, hardened & tempered steel strip and specialise in narrow strip that is ideally suited to demanding, safety critical and highly specialised applications.

This week, Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United, confirmed that a decision on the name for the new stadium is moving closer and could be announced before the end of the year.

Rotherham United website
Ben Bennett Jnr website

Images: Ellrod Site Services

Read more...

News: Rotherham engineering apprentice achieves industry accolade

The achievements of a budding young Rotherham engineer have been honoured at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Liam Jones, 18, an apprentice at Sheffield's DavyMarkham, achieved the Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice runner-up accolade at EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2011.

The teenager's potential was recognised after he hosted a presentation to four leading engineers from Rolls Royce, EAL Systems and EEF in a Dragon's Den style interview. Liam also had to submit a detailed application showcasing the projects he has worked on and his future ambitions.

Liam, of Sunnyside, Rotherham, said: "I'm really pleased, but shocked to receive a prize especially as there were hundreds of entrants from some of the country's leading manufacturing companies.

"The awards ceremony was really exciting and the atmosphere was brilliant. I'm really enjoying my apprenticeship at DavyMarkham and this is the icing on the cake to my first year with the company.'

Liam's apprenticeship will lead to an NVQ Level 3 in Engineering and he is also studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

He was one of 400 apprentices competing for the award from companies such as Tata Steel, BAE Systems, ITM Power and Ford Aerospace. The awards celebrated apprentices who have seized training and development opportunities to further their careers.

DavyMarkham's apprentice programme, supported by Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, has gone from strength to strength, with 15 currently in training. The apprenticeships, which cost the company £100,000 annually, last between three and four years depending on competence and commitment and the roles include mechanical and electrical maintenance, fabrication and welding, machine shop and production fitting.

Peter Kerfoot, apprentice training manager at DavyMarkham, said: "Liam is an excellent machining apprentice who has done really well and everyone is really proud of him. He has applied himself with an excellent attitude towards his work, other apprentices and supervision. As an apprentice he has made a valuable contribution to the company in his short time at DavyMarkham.

"We get a huge interest in our apprenticeship scheme and the calibre of applications is rising all the time. We are always delighted when our apprentices are recognised for the superb work they do."

Rush Garfitt, a technical metallurgy apprentice at Tata Steel's Rotherham site was named as the winner of the EEF "First Year Apprentice of the Year" award at this year's Northern final.

Davy Markham website
RCAT website
Brinsworth Training website

Images: Davy Markham

Read more...

News: Handelsbanken moves into Rotherham offices

Handelsbanken, one of Sweden's leading banks, has moved into its new branch in Rotherham town centre, taking space at The Crofts.

Founded in Stockholm in 1871, the bank has over 700 branches. They moved into the UK market in the early 80's and operations are run as a regional bank based on the same decentralised principles as the Nordic branch operations.

The bank contacted Rotherham commercial property agents Burgess Commercial to seek their help in finding suitable premises for offering their bespoke financial services to businesses and high net worth individuals.

Mike Harrison, branch manager at Handelsbanken in Rotherham, said: "Having worked for Handelsbanken for over ten years, I am delighted to be opening a new branch in Rotherham and firmly believe that having a local presence will allow us to get a better understanding of our clients' needs and in turn provide them with an excellent bespoke service and a long term relationship.

"My team of four have now moved into our new office at 10 The Crofts and we are delighted with the major refurbishment that we have undertaken."

Based in Rotherham's financial and legal district, the latest branch adds to the network of more than 100 throughout the UK. The two-storey building comes complete with its own private car park for staff and customers.

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "We are really pleased to have helped Handelsbanken to secure these premises where they are sure to be a great asset to the business community."

Fowler Sandford Chartered Surveyors based in Sheffield acted on behalf of Handelsbanken for 10 The Crofts.

James Bruce, associate at Fowler Sandford, said: "It is great to have such a positive banking story and having Handelsbanken so accessible is really good news for the business community of Rotherham.

"This move has resulted in a superb redevelopment and regeneration of an old gem of a building. Now the full refurbishment programme has been completed, the offices offer a modern work space, whilst much of the historic character of the building has been retained."

Handelsbanken website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: Burgess Commercial

Read more...

News: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training in Rotherham, will re-open its doors in the New Year as the "Brinsworth Academy of Engineering."

The brand change reflects the progressive development that the company has made over the last 24 months in becoming the leading provider of engineering apprenticeship training in the region.

The change comes from months of research and discussion not only with local employers but also with the assistance and specialist advice from Sheffield Hallam University students.

Mick Crossley, managing director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, said: "We have seen a tremendous amount of support from the employers in the area to develop our decision of moving forward with an academy brand, the name now reflects what we do and epitomises our desire to become a World class centre of excellence for individuals working within the engineering sector."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "It's important that we address the changing landscape for engineering employers and the Academy is now strategically placed to meet the future needs of the sector."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering will be holding an open day for employers at their Templeborough base on February 9 2012 as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

Images: Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Read more...

News: Export growth leads to new distributors for EMS

Following a year of growth, Rotherham based manufacturing company EMS UK Ltd has expanded its international network by signing distribution agreements with companies in Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Malta.

The award-winning Templeborough company manufactures Powerstar, a voltage optimisation system with a patented design, which can actively reduce electrical energy consumption by an average of 12-15% of consumed electricity.

In Sri Lanka, Powerstar has signed an exclusive agreement with Direct Contact International (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Coalit UK, to market, develop and install the Powerstar products. Reference projects include the company’s own office complex, as well as leading hospitality brand Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts.

EMS has also secured an agreement with the UAE’s MHM Green Systems in Dubai to optimise power consumption at the famous Atlantis The Palm Hotel, Dubai. Other projects include Marriott Hotels and Tencate.

In Bahrain the company has secured a distribution agreement with Mannai Tech and in Malta CD Powersaving recently became an exclusive distributor for Powerstar after already a successful period of cooperation. Projects include Millies Cookies and Amigos Restaurants.

Paul North, international business development manager at EMS, said: "In response to increased international interest in Powerstar, our market leading voltage optimisation solution, we are happy to announce we have signed a number of international distribution agreements.

"Having experienced significant growth over the past few years, both in the UK and internationally, we anticipate our growth to continue at an even faster pace thanks to mounting worldwide demand for our revolutionary technology. We are proud to be flying the flag in so many new markets, particularly bearing in mind the current economic climate."

The latest additions to the growing team of international distributors now sees the Powerstar system exported to more that 15 countries which also include Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, Australia and South Africa.

The company is celebrating 10 years of continued success, having recently announced another successful 12 months trading, with turnover increasing by 50%, to £12.4m.

EMS website

Images: powerstar.co.uk

Read more...

News: Parseq deal nears completion

The MBO for Parseq led by CEO, Rami Cassis, is nearly complete after the bidders announced that they had secured 93.15% of the voting rights for the AIM-listed company.

Parseq, which specialises in mobile and online banking software and technology-led outsourcing services, was created in a a successful reverse takeover by Rami Cassis and Rotherham-based BPO provider, Documetric in 2010.

After an initial bid of 7.5p per share was turned down, the Parseq board reached an agreement on the terms of an improved cash offer of 9p per share in October.

The bid from Rami Cassis is together with Nova Capital and funds managed by HarbourVest Partners, LLC through a newly incorporated entity called Bidco.

Last month the offer became unconditional when Bidco secured over 50% of the voting rights and now they intend to acquire compulsorily the remaining Parseq shares and de-list the company from the stock market.

The bid document stated that it was the intention to re-register it as a private company in order to achieve substantial investment to fully develop its prospects for growth and expansion.

Bidco also stated that it has no current intention to redeploy any of the fixed assets of Parseq and has no current intention to change the location of the Parseq Group's operational places of business.

Cassis founded Documetric in 2007 through a management buy-out of the data services division of Atos Origin, a leading European IT outsourcer.

The Rotherham facility at Hellaby processes up to 30,000 envelopes every day and utilises a range of cheque processing and scanning machines to process payments. They are one of the ten largest BACS Bureaux in the UK and process 47 million transactions a year.

A state of the art data centre opened at Hellaby this year.

For the year ended December 2010, Paresq's revenue 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.

Parseq website

Read more...