rotherham business news: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

News: ALcontrol transfer activity to Rotherham

Laboratory and testing company, ALcontrol is closing a Spalding laboratory and transferring activity to their Rotherham laboratory following a period of consultation.

Specialising in environment and food testing, ALcontrol is one of the largest testing organisations in Europe. In a statement, the company said that: "We have invested in our Rotherham laboratory to expand capacity in terms of analytical production lines and trained staff – both in the laboratory and in customer-facing positions so that we provide service reliability and good attentiveness.

"Staff have been offered the opportunity to relocate to Rotherham and other ALcontrol sites but there will be a number of redundancies as of course personal circumstances mean relocation is not a practical solution for all. All drivers have been retained and we have improved not reduced our logistics arrangements."

GSO Capital Partners LP became the majority shareholder in 2009 and put in place a new financial structure and concentrated on operational improvements and site restructuring.

The company moved from their Templeborough House laboratory last year to a laboratory at Aspen Court, Templeborough. In February, ALcontrol sold a Rotherham facility as part of the sale of its On-Site Services division. The facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park was not considered to be part of the core laboratories business.

ALcontrol website

Images: ALcontrol

News: Beatson Clark delivers in an instant

Rotherham glass manufacturer Beatson Clark has provided a new lightweight jar for Little's range of flavoured instant coffees.

The family-run Devon-based speciality coffee roaster had been experiencing difficulties with its European supplier and was looking for a UK manufacturer to provide glass containers for its instant coffees.

Little's were working closely with independent packaging specialist Rawlings to guide them through the jar manufacturing process and Beatson Clark was able to provide the premium solution. It was a bespoke, high-quality, low-cost product which appealed to Little's in part because it was lighter than the jar they had previously used.

Will Little of Little's, said: "Our main focus was consistent supply.

"We wanted to use a UK manufacturer and we were really impressed with both how competitive the price was and the quality of the product. Our coffees are at the premium end of the market and the quality of the packaging is very important to us.

"We really liked the lightweight option for our jar too, and the cost and environmental benefits that this brings."

Lightweighting reduces the use of raw materials as well as both manufacturing and transport costs, protecting the environment and conserving valuable resources.

Beatson Clark has also welcomed another new recruit with Steve Nussey joining the Greasborough Road company as a designer.

Steve will replace Dave Ashworth, who will retire in August after 48 years with Beatson Clark. Steve said: "I'm looking forward to working with the production team and helping Beatson Clark to maintain its position as a leading niche supplier in the glass market.

"I'm learning a lot from Dave Ashworth and Design Engineer Dean Arey but I'm also looking to bring the experience I've gained over the last 28 years to help move the business forward."

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

News: Finance Yorkshire pass £20m mark

Finance Yorkshire has invested more than £23m across Yorkshire, the Humber and North and North East Lincolnshire.

The figure amounts to 224 investments in 183 small and medium sized enterprises since August 2010, leading to more than 4,600 jobs created and safeguarded in the region.

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.

In the last quarter alone, the venture capital and loan fund completed 30 investments totaling more than £4.3m.

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: "These are some great results and we are looking forward to building on these figures and helping more companies and employees achieve growth in the coming months.

"We urge established and early stage companies and their professional advisers to continue to speak to us to see if Finance Yorkshire can help turn their ambitions into a reality."

A number of Rotherham companies have secured funding through Finance Yorkshire, enabling them to grow and create more local jobs. Companies include; online discount food and drink retailer, Approved Food; S3 ID, the UK's market-leading provider of innovative location awareness solutions; Industrial Battery & Charger Services Ltd (IBCS); clean technology company, Sterecycle; Labfacility, a leading manufacturer of temperature sensors for industry; and Xeros Limited, an innovative company developing a virtually waterless washing machine.

Finance Yorkshire website

Monday, July 30, 2012

News: NAMTEC to move on to AMP

The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) is joining the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and moving across Rotherham to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The move is expected to strengthen the already, world-leading support for manufacturing businesses on offer in Rotherham.

Currently based at Swinden House, Moorgate, NAMTEC was established to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the metals and related engineering industries throughout the UK. They lead on delivering research and technology development, knowledge transfer, and training to companies in the engineering and manufacturing industries.

Operating from the AMRC campus, the team will combine NAMTEC's supply chain support programmes with the AMRC's research capabilities and high-level industrial collaborations. This will provide a stronger and broader base to share innovative technologies and increase competitiveness across the UK manufacturing community.

Initial plans include extending its core training and consultancy programmes, developing a new hub for metals and materials research, and expanding the membership offer.

A closer relationship with the AMRC's world-class research facilities and findings will allow it to cascade innovative technologies and ways of working through the supply chain.

The AMRC is a world-class centre for collaborative research. The centre has over 60 industrial members, from global aerospace giants to local SMEs; and employs around 200 researchers and engineers, from apprentices to PhDs.

Professor Keith Ridgway, co-founder of the AMRC, said: "We are delighted to welcome NAMTEC into the AMRC. The nationwide contribution of NAMTEC to developing SMEs, outstanding training and technology transfer is well known and perfectly complements our existing work with manufacturing companies.

"Bringing those strengths into the AMRC matches our ambitions to continue to transform our economy through a true collaboration between world-class research and the manufacturing industry."

Dr Alan McLelland, CEO of NAMTEC, added: "This is a unique opportunity for both organisations which will directly benefit the UK manufacturing supply chain.

"The AMRC is at the forefront of manufacturing developments, driving forward manufacturing technologies which can provide the UK, including the SME supply chain, with significant commercial advantage in a global marketplace.

"NAMTEC, with an unrivalled access to this supply chain, provides a fantastic conduit to flow these developments into our manufacturing companies, encouraging growth and helping lead the UK manufacturing renaissance."

NAMTEC website

AMRC website

Images: NAMTEC / AMRC

News: Rotherham apprentice shows how IT’s done

A Rotherham student has secured herself a full-time position with IT company, Pinnula on completion of her apprenticeship.

Katie Wood is just finishing her NVQ Level 2 Apprenticeship in IT at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) and has also been acting as technical support at the Rotherham-based IT company.

Katie has just been named as the Apprentice of the Month at her college as a reward for all her hard work.

Katie said: "I have always been interested in IT ever since turning on my first computer and my apprenticeship has got me into the industry. I have really enjoyed getting to know everyone here and I am really pleased they have chosen to keep me as a full-time member of staff."

Christine Lant from Pinnula added: "Katie has become such an important member of our Support Team.

"She has learnt so much about our products and our development processes and she discusses problems and issues confidently with our customers.

"Her manner with both customers and staff is professional she is always ready with a smile – even when things get tough!"

Based at Templeborough, Pinnula provides complete IT business solutions, enabling businesses to function effectively. They are the authors and developers of Uniplan, a sophisticated yet easy to use modular ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.

RCAT has recently completed a "50 in 50" campaign aimed at small to medium businesses to create 50 apprentice roles in 50 days.

The college actually helped to recruit 95 apprentices and on day 57 they confirmed that the 100th apprentice had been recruited within local businesses.

Pinnula website

RCAT website

Images: RCAT

News: Blundells move into Rotherham

South Yorkshire's leading estate agency, Blundells, is furthering its expansion across the region with the opening of a new office in Wickersley, Rotherham.

Work is already underway on the branch on the Tanyard, which will be the second Blundells office to open in Rotherham in less than a year, following the company's acquisition of Mike Jolly Estates on Moorgate Road in September 2011.

The office, which is scheduled to open in September, will provide sales and lettings expertise as well as financial services including mortgage advice and property management for landlords.

Steve Hinshelwood, managing director of Blundells, said: "We're delighted to be making a move into Wickersley. Tanyard Crescent is a fantastic location with a high footfall, so it made perfect sense to place our newest office right in the heart of it.

"The Blundells name is well known throughout South Yorkshire and we are looking forward to further expanding our brand into Rotherham, along with the expertise and experience that we are known for."

Blundells has steadily expanded its network of branches over the last 18 months since it was acquired by the Countrywide Group in June 2011. Once opened, the Wickersley office will take the number of Blundells branches in the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire region to 19.

Blundells website

Images: blundells.co.uk

Friday, July 27, 2012

News: Hamby's High Street heritage scheme progresses

A heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre is making good progress.

Last September, local businessman, Chris Hamby announced ambitious plans for a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings on the High Street.

The plan is backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that has secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

Kerry Lyons was the first entrepreneur to move into one of the six properties being transformed under the scheme. At No. 17, Sophisticakes offers home baked cakes, cupcakes, novelty cakes and also includes an upmarket tea room.

Kerry said: "Sophisticakes needs to be as perfect as possible to reflect what Rotherham is....a beautiful, traditional home town."

Work is now underway to create a secret garden at the rear of the tea room.

Hamby's own store has undergone a £250,000 renovation works as part of the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative to restore the important building back to its former glory. As part of the new scheme, the former premises of John Mason Jewellers will become Hamby's antique centre and gift shop, opening in the Autumn.

This will be made possible by Hamby's shoe shop moving across the road to larger premises at 19 High Street. The new store is set to open in August concentrating on ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods. The store will also have a large sales area devoted to clearance footwear, at up to half original price.

The property is just one being renovated. 21 High Street is nearing completion as a retail unit, and will incorporate a passageway to The George Wright building which stands to the rear.

The grade 2 listed George Wright building is an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It requires a new roof, new windows and some of the brickwork needs replacing.

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. It is set to open as a pub and restaurant early next year.

Investigative and archaeological works have also started in the Three Cranes building. The former Three Cranes Inn occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century. The grade 2* listed building is on English Heritage's "at risk register" as showing signs of structural decay and faulty rainwater goods.

Hamby's website

Images: Tom Austen

News: Rolls-Royce invest for growth in Rotherham

World-renowned engineers, Rolls-Royce, is investing in Rotherham to support future growth.

The Derby business posted impressive half yearly results this week showing that profits before tax were £687m for the first half of 2012, a 7% increase on the same period last year.

Underlying revenues increased by 5% to £5.76bn as results came in ahead of forecasts. The group reported strong order books and growth in civil aerospace, defence aerospace and energy.

In a statement, the group said that in addition to the good results: "We continue to invest in technology, infrastructure and people. These investments will enable us to meet our customer commitments and improve efficiency."

During the period, Rolls-Royce begun the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Rotherham.

The 14,900 sq m Advanced Blade Casting Facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park will use cutting edge manufacturing techniques to produce single crystal turbine blades, which play a critical role in jet engines and must withstand incredibly harsh conditions.

Construction work is expected to extend over a 12 month period and the facility will be capable of manufacturing 100,000 blades per year when fully operational in 2014.

John Rishton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said: "Rolls-Royce has delivered solid growth in underlying revenue and underlying profit in the first half of the year.

“We continue to invest to support future growth, including our new production facility in Singapore, a new turbine blade casting plant in the UK [in Rotherham], a new stator facility in the USA and a new assembly plant for our Energy business in Brazil."

Rolls-Royce website

Images: AMP / twitter

News: Work starts on Rotherham wind farm

Preparatory development work by Banks Renewables has begun on the site of the new £21.9m Penny Hill wind farm in Rotherham.

The Durham-based developer secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Turbines with a maximum height of 132m, are set to be built on green belt land to the west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

Around 30 jobs are being created directly on site through the construction of the scheme, with a number of contracts also being awarded to local firms for the supply of materials and sub-contract works.

The turbines that have been specified for the scheme have the highest capacity of any ever used in a UK onshore wind farm, and are scheduled to be delivered to the site by early 2013.

The Penny Hill wind farm will produce enough energy to meet the annual electricity consumption requirements of over 12,000 homes – or around ten per cent of all the homes in the Rotherham area.

Mark Dowdall, environment and community director at Banks Renewables, said: “Utilising onshore wind farms like Penny Hill to update the UK's power infrastructure today is already helping to address the energy challenges that we know the 21st century will bring, and we're very pleased to be reaching such an important landmark for this scheme.

“The Penny Hill scheme is already making a positive contribution to the local area through the Warm Zone energy efficiency scheme that we established last year, and with new jobs, commercial opportunities for local firms and regular funding from the wind farm's benefits fund still to come, this is just the beginning of the long-term, positive impact that our work here will have on the local community.

"We're already working closely with local people through a community liaison group to ensure everyone is kept fully up to date with the progress that is being made on site, and look forward to starting to generate safe, clean and sustainable energy at Penny Hill next year."

Banks Renewables website

Images: Banks Renewables

News: Man of Steel takes a step forward

Leading recycling and renewable energy business, FCC Environment has confirmed that the proposed Man of Steel is to be sited on its former landfill site in Rotherham.

The Man of Steel sculpture – a creation of former steel worker Steve Mehdi – is designed to embody the region's industrial past, as well as celebrate the new technology sector that has helped regenerate the Sheffield City Region.

A planning application was recently submitted for the 27.3m high art installation on the site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand.

Mike Snell, general manager for External Affairs at FCC Environment, said: "As FCC Environment focuses increasingly on recycling and renewable energy, we’re proud to be able to facilitate such an iconic project for the South Yorkshire region by using this former landfill site to regenerate business and tourism and improve local educational resources.

"It is a project that celebrates enormous industrial achievement, yet will attract significant economic benefit to communities throughout the South Yorkshire region."

The landfill site was a former quarry which was used for many years as a local waste disposal facility. The landfill closed in 2005 and is now being progressively restored by FCC Environment to grassland and woodland, together with public amenity access.

Former steel worker, Steve Mehdi, said: "I would like to thank FCC Environment who has been instrumental in the progression of this project. FCC Environment's visionary approach has enabled us to develop a project which will define the community of Rotherham and the wider Sheffield City Region.

"These two great regions have a wonderful industrial heritage and are now leading the way with a world leading new technology sector based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park."

The stainless steel sculpture, which will be designed and built in the Sheffield region, will also provide a significant STEM educational resource. Information packs will be developed for schools throughout the area which will cover topics such as local history, art and engineering.

It is expected that the £2.7m cost of the project will be privately funded.

Man of Steel website

Images: Axis Architects

Thursday, July 26, 2012

News: Nikken Kosakusho Europe to open on AMP

Expert tooling supplier Nikken Kosakusho Europe is to open a new technical office and demonstration / testing facility at The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Nikken enjoys a global dominance of the rotary table technology market and supply manufacturers operating in the aerospace, defence, motorsport, automotive and medical sectors, as well as customers looking for the most productive and most effective ways to machine aluminium, steels, stainless, titanium and exotics.

The new facility, on the UK's premier advanced manufacturing park will enable them to further improve important relationships with some of its key customers. It will also provide a greater link to The University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI).

Tony Bowkett, group managing director of Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd, said: "Opening a new technical facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our key clients have rapid access to our technical expertise, particularly when it comes to the demanding challenges presented in the machining of hard to machine metals.

"Over the last 18 months, Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd has continued to expand in both the UK and Europe. We have taken on new staff in the UK and in our overseas offices to ensure we can support our growing customer base and their specific requirements when it comes to sourcing the very best NC tooling solutions available in the marketplace which are designed deliver a substantial return on investment.

"Our involvement with both the AMRC and the Nuclear AMRC continues to develop and the opportunity to have a presence on-site can only be of benefit to all parties as we seek to deliver innovative cost-effective solutions for many of the world's leading engineering organisations."

Nikken Kosakusho Europe is a subsidiary of Nikken Works Limited Japan and their headquarters on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate opened in 1999. The company said that they will continue to maintain and develop its European warehouse, service centre and head office in Rotherham.

Nikken Kosakusho Europe website

Advanced Manufacturing Park website

Images: Nikken

News: Discount retailers target Rotherham for expansion

Fast-growing discount retailers are looking to take more commercial space in Rotherham.

B&M Retail Limited are set to take a vacant unit at The Foundry retail park having recently applied for a premises license at the development on Great Eastern Way at Parkgate.

B&M has seen rapid expansion in recent years to over 280 stores and now employs over 10,000 staff. The retailer took over the vacated Woolworths store in Rotherham town centre in 2009.

The trend continues at nearby Parkgate Shopping, where discount retailer, Poundland has recently moved into a bigger unit.

Mill store Ponden Home are also set to open a new store in Rotherham as the recruitment of staff is underway. The store specialises in home furnishings and homewares and is owned by The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, the group that acquired 77 stores from struggling Rotherham-based retailer, Rosebys in 2008.

This follows the move to Rotherham by Boundary Mill Stores who are creating 300 jobs in opening a new outlet at Catcliffe in September.

Across town, an unnamed discount retailer is also looking to open a new outlet in the former B&Q store on Tenter Street on the edge of the town centre.

A planning application that would give permission for 20% of the floor area (around 576 sq m) to be used for the sale of food, was approved by members of the planning board last week. This would be an integral part of the occupation of the store by a discount retailer.

B&Q relocated to a larger store in Rotherham at Northgate in 2009. The unit has found an unusual use in the mean time with the National Community Wrestling Alliance recently using the empty store for wrestling training.

The applicant, Oakgate, has previously attempted to gain planning permission to allow for the whole site to be used for the sale of food with the aim of letting the site to a supermarket. These previous plans were withdrawn as they were recommended for refusal by council planners.

The planner's report on the latest plans from Oakgate to allow for food retail on the site state that: "the applicant has stated that this will allow the occupation of the unit by a discount retailer where sales are predominantly non food (as would be allowed without any planning permission).

"There is however a requirement for a small amount of floorspace to be occupied for food sales (convenience goods)."

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: BNP Paribas

News: Inter Currency Payments launch competition to boost region's exports

In an effort to encourage new small and medium sized enterprises in the Sheffield City Region to begin exporting their goods and services, Inter Currency Payments is offering ten companies an equal share of a £1,000,000.00 transaction fee free foreign exchange fund.

Established by former students of Sheffield Hallam University, Inter Currency Payments, is a foreign exchange broker and money transmitter, based in RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre in Rotherham.

The enterprise is the only independent dedicated foreign exchange broker in Yorkshire and has recently received confirmation that it has been approved by both HM Revenue & Customs and the Financial Services Authority.

Each of the ten winning firms will receive a £100,000.00 transaction fee free foreign exchange fund that they can use at any point over the next 12 months to commence, or increase, their exporting activities - thereby allowing them to purchase currency at the exact same rate of exchange as Inter Currency Payments.

A spokesperson from Inter Currency Payments, said: "This £1m fund will provide our Sheffield City Region SMEs with the same level of access to the foreign exchange market as some of the world's largest companies, thereby providing a huge competitive advantage for our companies and region."

The competition is open to all companies in the Sheffield City Region that; are less than five years old, are classified as a small or medium sized enterprise, have not had an account with Inter Currency Payments in the past and can satisfy the required anti-money laundering criteria.

The company not only has direct access to the inter-bank foreign exchange market but also utilises its own propriety aggregation technology to lower foreign exchange costs for companies in the region.

A recent quote issued to one local company on a US $50,000 transaction resulted in a saving of £1,855 compared to the rate quoted by their bank. Another client saved £1,532.35 on a €39,900 transaction compared to high street bank rates.

Inter Currency Payments website

News: Sterecycle publish prospectus in preparation for share issue

Clean technology company, Sterecycle, which has a pioneering waste processing plant in Rotherham, has published a detailed investment prospectus as they prepare to launch on the Canadian stock exchange.

A deal is being put in place between Sterecycle and Spara Acquisition One Corporation, a fledgling company trading on Canada's TSX Venture exchange. A takeover would enable Sterecycle to trade on the Canadian exchange and raise funds through the sale of shares.

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 waste in the form of recyclables and a biomass rich soil like substance called "Sterefibre" which has a number of uses.

The Templeborough site has been operational since August 2008 and employs 50 local people. It is as a blueprint for a future roll out of waste processing sites around the country.

The plant is currently being expanded and upon completion, which is expected in in August, the annual capacity will be increased to approximately 170,000 tonnes of unsorted black-bag waste from local households and businesses.

The aim is for between 80 - 90% of typical household waste to be recycled and recovered.

Funding is required for further growth in the UK and abroad and Sterecycle expect that North America, Eastern Europe and China will be growth markets in the medium to long term, as municipalities look to procure more waste treatment facilities and divert waste away from landfill.

In addition, the new company is well positioned to develop an international technology transfer licensing or a joint venture program, and is also examining the use of Sterefibre in CHP (Combined Heat and Power) plants.

The Rotherham plant already has planning permission to develop a CHP plant adjacent to its waste treatment facility. This could generate all the energy required to operate the plant in addition to exporting surplus energy to the grid.

Sterecycle has already raised about $85m (£56m) in equity from a number of private investors. They are backed by blue chip investors including Fidelity International, Impax Asset Management and Aston Hill Financial and recently secured £5.1m of investment to expand waste processing capacity in Rotherham.

It is currently proposed that Spara Acquisition One would issue a total of 25,142,857 shares. This values Sterecycle at 88 million Canadian dollars, around £56m.

Sterecycle website

Images: Sterecycle

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

News: Rotherham to become Portas Pilot

Rotherham town centre is one of 27 areas to be named as a "Portas Pilot" and is set to receive £100,000 of government funding to support the high street.

The fund is in response to Mary Portas' government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street and is to be used to breathe new life into the town and support new business start-ups whilst bringing empty High Street properties back into use.

The fund will be matched to £100,000 from British Land, the owners of the nearby retail park at Parkgate to test the "Town Team" approach and pilot ideas and recommendations set out in the Mary Portas Review.

Following financial support for new independent retailers through grants and rent reductions, Rotherham will now support around 70 town centre retailers who show the potential to grow and develop by expanding and diversifying their product range. They will also get help in targeting customers through marketing and branding.

The focus will also be to get more residents to "shop local" with the team emphasising the individuality of the local high street, working closely with independent local shops.

Earlier in the year, Rotherham missed out on funding via the £10m High Street Innovation Fund and the first round of the Portas Pilots but has now been successful amongst around 350 bids.

Councillor Gerald Smith, cabinet member for Regeneration and Development at Rotherham Council, said: "We have been doing a huge amount of work to get people back into the town centre and our footfall figures over the last ten months show that this working. This funding will allow us and our partners to build on that success and hard work and allow us to continue with projects that will give our local shops and businesses the necessary vision for the future."

"Our successful bid encourages and supports businesses to improve their standards, customer-base and profitability, which in turn will ultimately encourage residents to Shop Local."

Local Government Minister Grant Shapps said: "Today I'd like to congratulate the 15 town teams that, in the face of stiff competition, have been selected to be the next Portas Pilots."

Leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas, was impressed by Rotherham on a visit last year as she compiled her review. She went on to reference Rotherham in the published report having seen what a bustling, lively market can do for a town centre.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RiDO

News: AES in Danish deal

AESPUMP, a subsidiary of Rotherham-based AES Group, has confirmed the acquisition of Ultimate Vacuum ApS, a specialist vacuum pump sales company in Denmark.

In 2010, Templeborough's AES Engineering Limited acquired Bedford-based competitor, Ceetak Engineering Group and created a new division specialising in the total management and support of pumps and other rotating equipment installed on applications ranging from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries to food and waste management.

The new Danish deal follows an acquisition of another competitor, Absolute Vacuum for an undisclosed sum, in February.

Ultimate Vacuum is an independent supplier of vacuum pumps, spares and other vacuum industry related products to the Danish and Scandinavian markets. The company is an official distributor for leading global vacuum equipment suppliers such as Edwards Vacuum, MKS Instrument and MPF Products.

Ian Wallace, managing director at AESPUMP, said: "Ultimate Vacuum has an excellent reputation for customer service across Scandinavia and therefore not only provides an excellent cultural fit for AES, it also offers a fantastic opportunity to start building the business overseas."

Kevin Cunningham, corporate partner at the Sheffield office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell, advised AESPUMP on the deal. He said: "AESPUMP is a dynamic and fast-growing part of the AES Group. Ultimate Vacuum gives AESPUMP an excellent platform for further growth in Europe."

In its annual results to 31 December 2011, AESSEAL reported that sales were up 19.5% to £123.9m and EBITDA (earnings before tax) was £22.8m, up 22.9%.

The company, which is backed by international investors, 3i, enjoyed a rise in operating profit to £18.2m.

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

News: LSM awarded Made in Sheffield status

Rotherham-based London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited (LSM) has recently been accredited with the "Made in Sheffield" accolade.

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

LSM can apply as it holds a Sheffield "S" postcode but in order to be awarded the mark, a company must first demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality products.

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

LSM employs over 250 people at its head office and manufacturing plant in Rotherham. It also has plants in the UK at its subsidiary company The Aluminium Powder Company Limited in Anglesey and Minworth and overseas at its subsidiary LSM Jiaxing based in China.

Exporting over 85% of products, LSM has a state of the art purpose built laboratory equipped with the latest analytical equipment and accredited to UKAS and Quality Management Standards.

David Beare, corporate director of LSM, said: "We are proud to have been awarded this accreditation, the achievement of this accolade further emphasises the growth and development of LSM as a quality manufacturer in the region."

Rotherham-based Queen's Award winners, Kiveton Park Steel has also recently secured the coveted Made In Sheffield status.

They join fellow Rotherham firms, AESSEAL, Bahco (SNA Europe), CMD, Cooper & Turner, CW Fletcher, EMSc, Ernest Bennett, Evernort, Fripp Design, Macalloy, MTL Group, Newburgh Engineering, Oakrange Engineering, Philford Design Engineers, Pinnula, PMS Diecasting Ltd, Polymer Techniques, Pyronix, Sizer, Tata Steel Speciality, Trelleborg, TWI, Tan Delta, University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC).

LSM website

Made In Sheffield

Images: LSM

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

News: Forgemasters strengthen nuclear manufacturing capabilities

Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd (SFIL) is in a prime position to make the most of their proximity to the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) and Rolls-Royce on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The Brightside company has a long history of manufacture of components for civil and military applications. They are now positioned to expand into nuclear fabrication after passing a very testing audit to retain its 20-year coveted ASME status as a key supplier of heavy forgings and castings to the civil nuclear power market.

As a result of the three-yearly audit, SFIL aims to secure a higher level, ASME NPT (Nuclear Partials) accreditation, in early 2013, enabling the historic engineering marque to become the only UK producer of heavy forgings and castings to physically weld-fabricate such safety critical components to form the heart of a nuclear power plant.

Once SFIL secures NPT status, it will sit with one of its key customers, Rolls Royce, as one of the only UK companies qualified for main component fabrication within a civil nuclear power plant.

Rolls-Royce has submitted plans for a 21,000 sq m "Project PoWeR" facility on the AMP for the manufacturing and assembling of power vessels for the next generation of nuclear power stations.

David Street, group quality director, at SFIL, said: "Forgemasters currently enjoys ASME status as a Materials Organisation. The programme to gain NPT status is a huge development with enhanced requirements and disciplines embracing all our processes, employees and sub suppliers. This is to ensure we meet the exacting construction requirements of the ASME code, which are some of the most stringent demands in modern engineering."

SFIL has an unparalleled understanding of the ASME code within the UK and through its role as a tier one member of the Nuclear AMRC, is poised to play a crucial part in establishing quality assurance requirements for businesses aiming to enter the UK civil nuclear supply chain.

David added: "The code is an absolute requirement with no scope for concessions. Manufacture must be ASME code compliant to avoid non-acceptance and rejection. That's where our involvement with the NAMRC should enable our expertise in this field to reach a much broader market."

SFIL website

Nuclear AMRC

Images: SFIL

News: Ringway confirmed as A57 contractor

Ringway, a leading highway construction provider, has secured the contract to conduct an improvement programme on the dual carriageway at the A57 in Rotherham.

The Department for Transport has granted £11.8m for improvements and Rotherham Council has committed £2.9m for the long-awaited scheme.

Planning permission for the initial scheme was secured in 2009 for a dual carriageway between the M1 and a new roundabout replacing the existing crossroads at Todwick.

Revisions were needed to reflect the drop in funding from the Government; the disbanding of Yorkshire Forward, which was also contributing to the scheme, and the cuts to local government.

Planning permission was approved last year for a revised scheme with a signalised crossing to replace the plan for a subway under the road. As a result, the road will also have a 50mph speed limit instead of the original 70mph limit.

The council selected Ringway Infrastructure Services as the preferred contractor with the contract set to be serviced from Ringway's Rotherham office in Wath upon Dearne.

Kevin Graham, divisional director of Ringway, said: "Our successful bid for the A57 contract is fantastic news and comes after many years of working within effective partnerships with Rotherham. It will give us the opportunity to use our local workforce and knowledge to really improve this vital part of the South Yorkshire road network."

The works are expected to begin on site in August 2012, with the new road to open by December 2013.

Ringway website

News: Sunny outlook for Greenbuy

With the weather finally having turned warm with some sunny spells, the last thing on most people's minds is the cost of next winter's energy bills.

However, Rotherham-based Greenbuy Energy are urging home-owners to get involved before the feed-in-tariff rate is due to be reduced at the end of July as part of a gradual reduction.

With a head office at RiDO's Matrix business centre in Dinnington, the enterprise was created when business partners Russell Paul and Steven Peacock teamed up to give home and business owners clear information and advice on how to make their premises energy efficient. They recently opened a high street showroom in Doncaster town centre.

One recent case study is Alan Scott, from Catcliffe, who has had solar Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of his semi-detached home. Having paid £7,000 for the panels fitted to the south facing roof of their home, he is using an energy monitor to help him to keep track of how much the technology is saving him each day.

Alan said: "We thought a lot about where to spend our money and looked into this very carefully into all the costs. It made sense to invest the same amount as the price of a small, new car, in solar panels. But unlike a car, the panels won't depreciate in value over time and will continue to save us money on our bills.

"In summer the panels are making about £4 a day and in winter it's about £2 a day – and it is satisfying to see the numbers adding up. For us, it's an investment that makes sense."

Generating an estimated £1,000 in saved electricity costs and feed-in-tariff income, the panels will have paid for themselves in just seven years.

Russell Paul, director of Greenbuy Energy, said: "The cost of solar panels is falling dramatically, and tariffs remain competitive, so there's never been a better time to make the first steps towards greater efficiency and lower household bills. The return on investment is now as good as its ever been.

"The solar feed-in tariffs mean that you are paid for generating electricity regardless of whether or not you actually use it, as any surplus electricity goes back into the grid and offers a further payment."

Greenbuy Energy website

Images: greenbuyenergy.co.uk

Monday, July 23, 2012

News: Dearne Valley in line for lottery funding

The Dearne Valley in South Yorkshire is set for a £1.9m windfall after being earmarked for funding by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme.

The programme - which has been running for eight years - is the most significant grant scheme available for landscape-scale projects. The Dearne Valley is one of 13 projects that will provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for rural areas.

The project aims to reconnect local people in Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster with the unique built, natural and cultural heritage of the area focusing on the unifying theme of industrial heritage. The project has been awarded a first-round pass of £1,882,000, including £89,500 of development funding.

Complementing conservation work will be a programme of community outreach, including oral history, exhibitions, workshops and festivals. A community forum will help energise existing and new volunteers with the aim of involving people in the development and implementation of the scheme.

Coal mining in the area began at least 200 years ago, but investment was rapidly made to exploit the many different seams of coal that lay under the Dearne Valley in order to supply thriving local steel and glass manufacturers during the industrial revolution. For instance, by the sinking of Denaby Colliery in 1866 and Manvers Main in 1870.

Manvers Main was often reputed to be the biggest, dirtiest coal complex anywhere in Britain. At one time it had the largest washery in Britain treating coking, gas and industrial coal at the rate of 1,320 tons per hour.

Few mining areas were as completely dependent on mining as the Dearne. In the 1981 Census the numbers employed within "coal extraction/manufacture of solid fuels" was 11,210. Today it is 0.

Through partnership work and securing significant funding, the former coalfields were reclaimed, as part of the UK's largest Enterprise Zone.

The area is now a significant employment site, home to companies such as Capita, Martek Marine and Virginia KMP, and a number of successful start up enterprises. Since the Dearne Valley was designated as an Enterprise Zone in 1995 it is estimated that around 10,000 jobs had been created in the area by 2002.

Following the regeneration of the area through inward investment and economic development, recent work has focussed on the environment.

The Dearne Valley eco-vision project aims to transform the former coal mining area into an exemplar of best practice in low carbon living and green technologies. The eco-vision offers great potential for businesses in helping them to "green" their business operations, find solutions to the problems of climate change and develop leading environmental technologies.

Earlier this year, the Dearne Valley was selected to become one of only 12 Nature Improvement Areas in the country, as part of a new government initiative.

Dearne Valley eco-vision project website

Images:RiDO

News: Millers kick off at New York Stadium

Rotherham United made a winning start to life back in town as the New York Stadium hosted its first ever game.

Taking place with the ink still drying on the safety certificate, the 2-1 friendly win over South Yorkshire neighbours, Barnsley, proved to be a successful test for the club as work continues on the finishing touches to the £20m, 12,000 seater stadium.

The capacity was reduced to 50% in order for the club to satisfy the authorities and chairman Tony Stewart addressed the sell out 6,000 crowd from the pitch. The owner of Rotherham-based ASD Lighting paid tribute to the board of directors and the council for working to make the project a reality and urged the town to get involved, adding that he wished for the stadium to sell out every week.

Earlier in the week, Stewart said: "It's a once in a lifetime event for a club to move into a brand-new home. This is a momentous occasion, and one that will never be matched."

After the game, Steve Evans, manager of Rotherham United, told the club's official website: "The day was fantastic from start to finish and everyone who was there will always remember it.

"The New York Stadium, wow, is the only word I could think of and I join everyone in thanking our chairman Tony Stewart who has helped design and of course fund it completely. Incredible."

Led by lead contractors, GMI Contruction, work will continue on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry right up to the beginning of the League Two season in August, and beyond. The second phase of the development is hoped to include a hotel and pub.

Barnsley's Jacob Mellis became the first player to score at the New York Stadium but his strike was quickly cancelled out my Millers' new signing, David Noble. Former Barnsley striker, Kayode Odejayi, scored what proved to be the winner, ensuring that the day was a success for Rotherham, on and off the pitch.

Rotherham United website

Images: 1925 Club / twitter

News: Rail supply chain event in Rotherham

The Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), Invest in Doncaster and UKTI are hosting a supply chain development event in Rotherham later this year based on the rail industry.

The event is designed for companies that already supply the industry as well as those looking to gain a foothold in this important market. Delegates will discover what is necessary to be a supplier and gain an insight into the support available to companies.

The government recently laid out their plans for what they would like to see to improve the rail network in the UK. The £9.4bn programme includes a £800m electrification and upgrade of the Midland Main Line and the completetion of the "Northern Hub" cluster of rail enhancements.

Informative presentations and case studies will be followed by informal networking and the opportunity to arrange face to face discussions and build relationships.

The free breakfast event takes place at Rittal Limited on Hellaby Industrial Estate, on September 5.

Preference will be given to manufacturers looking to supply to the rail industry. To reserve your place or to find out more information contact Dean Hughes on 01709 254 567 / dean.hughes@rotherham.gov.uk or Gareth Morgan on 01302 862454 / gareth.morgan@doncaster.gov.uk

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Friday, July 20, 2012

News: Clegg launches support for NEETs in Rotherham

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, was in Rotherham today to launch a national £126m scheme to get NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) back on their feet.

The Sheffield MP visited Full Circle Learning in Rotherham town centre to meet with young people and discuss their prospects.

Full Circle works with a number of partners in the town to provide training opportunities for young people in areas such as construction, security and IT. Partners include Lifeskills, Morrison plc and Rotherham United.

The programme launched today is part of the government's £1bn Youth Contract and sees organisations paid by results to get 16 and 17 year olds back into education or training.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said: "Young people who have fallen through the net need tailored support to get back on track. We can't treat them like round pegs being forced into square holes – if you're young and have got to the point where you feel on the scrapheap, you need extra help to succeed in life.

"Disengaged young people often have complex problems that act as a barrier to getting them learning again, which the Government alone can't deal with. But very often local charities and businesses know what's going to help them.

"That's why we're unlocking funding for these organisations to be as creative and innovative as they can, to do whatever it takes, to get the young people who need it most back on their feet. In exchange for this freedom, all we ask is that they get results. It's a win-win for government, young people and the organisations involved."

Organisations will receive an initial payment for taking young people on, but will only receive subsequent payments when they show progress, such as getting young people to engage with training programmes or undertake apprenticeships.

The contracts on offer are worth up to £2,200 for every young person helped, with the full amount payable only if a young person is still in full-time education, training or work with training six months after re-engaging.

Prospects Limited is the lead provider for the scheme in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Ray Auvray, chaiman at Prospects, said: "Young people are finding it increasingly difficult to get into the labour market, with so many people unemployed. We shall need to work closely with local authorities, our subcontractors and partners, training providers and employers to assist these young people."

In November 2011, 7.7% of all 16-18 year olds in Rotherham were NEET, below the national average of 8.1%.

Innovative projects to tackle the issue in the borough have benefited from funding from the European Social Fund.

Full Circle Learning website

Images: Full Circle / twitter

News: UKSE funding provides kickstart for Rotherham's young entrepreneurs

UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target 30 young entrepreneurs in Rotherham with small scale finance that can make all the difference when starting a new business.

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to a wide variety of companies with the aim of encouraging business growth and job creation in areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

The Kickstart Fund makes grants of up to £500 to pay for essential equipment or materials to people looking to launch a new business or those that are in the early stages of trading.

Keith Williams, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise says the conscious decision to support young people is in response to seeing some great examples of enterprise from previous investments.

"We have been running the Kickstart Fund to help small start-ups in Rotherham since 2009 and have been inspired by some of the young people we have met in the town. Their business ideas, determination and can do attitudes are excellent, which is why we have taken the decision to look for another 30 young entrepreneurs to support.

"Young people don't tend to have access to finance or have much in the way of savings when thinking about starting a business so £500 can make all the difference. It may pay for new IT equipment or essential materials but so often it can provide the boost needed to get the aspiring entrepreneur on the way to success."

Jenny Mortimer is a previous recipient of funding from the Kickstart Fund and went on to set up Kyna Boutique, a children's luxury organic clothing retailer in Aston with her partner Jamie.

When asked about the importance of the Kickstart funding the pair received last year she said: "It was integral to us getting going. We used it to buy stock from a particular brand which has since gone on to be one of our best sellers."

Kyna is just one of the businesses supported by Rotherham Youth Enterprise. The council run service uses European funding to provide self-employment support and advice for young adults in the area. It also offers rent free space in RiDO's business centres.

UK Steel Enterprise website

Rotherham Youth Enterprise

Kyna Boutique website

Images:

News: Belvedere retail development up for sale

A proposed retail development at the Belvedere public house in Rotherham has gone up for sale.

Planning permission was secured by Talten Business Park Ltd for the historic Moorgate pub in February despite residents' concerns over traffic and impact on the area.

The property, in a conservation area next to Thomas Rotherham College, has been vacant for three years and the development includes converting the pub building and demolishing the rear outbuilding to make way for retail units.

Pre lets have already been secured for a 2,168 sq ft Tesco store and a 4,671 sq ft unit for Vets4Pets.

Tesco has signed up for a term of 20 years with an initial rent of £58,000 per annum.

Vets4Pets was founded by Peter Watson in 2001, the former managing director of Vision Express. With 80 veterinary practices throughout the UK, Vets4Pets has taken a 15 year lease with an initial rent of £26,000 per annum, increasing every five years by 2.5% compound.

Commercial property agents, Christopher Dee has been instructed to sell the property which has been given a guide price of £1.15m for the freehold interest.

The development is nearing practical completion.

Christopher Dee website

Images: Christopher Dee

News: Rotherham students given an insight into industry at the AMP

Technology students from Dinnington Comprehensive School in Rotherham have been given a taste of core design principles used in high performance design engineering, Formula One and other hi-tech industries, during a recent visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The 24 engineering students were guests of Performance Engineered Solutions Ltd (PES) and the AMP Technology Centre, at the AMP in Rotherham. PES is a team of design and performance engineers, and technologists with extensive experience in many industry sectors including; Formula One, motorsport, Olympic sport, aerospace, medical technology and renewable energy technologies.

During the visit, arranged by EDT, the students were introduced to PES Managing Director, Mike Maddock and Design Director, Dan Fleetcroft. Both Mike and Dan shared their wealth of experience regarding the application of engineering materials and design, allowing the students to gain underpinning knowledge as part of their BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Engineering.

During the presentation the students were able to handle components, and discuss the application of materials such as, kevlar, carbon fibre composites, sintered aluminium and titanium, to better understand why particular materials are selected for each task. This enabled the students to understand the characteristics of materials, and they were given an insight into the latest manufacturing processes including rapid prototyping.

Kevin Greensill, teacher of technology and engineering at Dinnington School, said: "The students had a fantastic day with PES and it culminating in a visit to Sheffield Hallam University, where they undertook problem solving tasks including the construction and testing to destruction of bridges.

"Thanks to Mike, Dan and Sheffield Hallam University the students have had a great opportunity to experience what modern engineering is like in the real world. The students now have a greater understanding of the relevance of the content of the BTEC modules they undertake and how the knowledge gained will be applied when they become employed as engineers."

Dan Fleetcroft, design director at PES, added: "It was good to be able to show the Dinnington students what modern engineering involves and in particular the importance of material selection, as the introduction of new composite materials is changing the way that products are produced.

"Students like these are our next generation of engineers and it's important that they understand that today engineers are more likely to use a computer mouse than a spanner. However to become effective design engineers they must have an intimate understanding of core engineering and manufacturing techniques to ensure that what they design can actually be produced.

"Our design team always apply the same principals, whether we are designing simple tooling for manufacture or working on a complex design challenge."

PES Ltd website

AMP website

Images: AMP

News: Charity’s Assured approach to resident safety

Rotherham-based Assured Fire and Security has been awarded a extended contract with a national charity providing housing solutions for people with disabilities.

The Dinnington fire and security specialist will be providing a full range of fire safety systems at 450 Golden Lane Housing sites throughout the country.

The contract is worth £100,000 per year over the next three/five years for Assured.

Established by Mencap in 1998, Golden Lane Housing was formed to provide quality housing and to support people to make choices about where, how and with whom they wish to live their lives.

Since inception, Golden Lane Housing has invested more than £60m transforming the lives of more than 1,000 people by providing them with suitable supported living accommodation throughout England and Wales.

Simon Stokes, managing director at Assured, said: "We are delighted to be renewing and extending our working relationship with Mencap and Golden Lane Housing.

"Assured has been working with the charity for ten years and it means a lot to us that they have decided to extend their working relationship with us as we continue our programme of national expansion."

Assured Fire and Security website

Thursday, July 19, 2012

News: Tesco expects new Rotherham store to open in March 2014

Rotherham Council is finalising the details of the full planning permission for the new £40m Tesco Extra in Rotherham town centre after the government decided not to intervene.

Members of the planning board approved the plans unanimously in June and referred them to the government's National Planning Casework Unit. The body handles major planning applications on behalf of the Secretary of State but has decided that the local authority is best placed to make the decision.

The plans will be officially rubber-stamped when a number of conditions are legally agreed between the council and the developers, TCN UK. These cover aspects such as restricting the sales areas, creating travel plans for staff, approving the use of building materials and diverting the sewers.

As part of the development, a multi-million pound investment would also be made in Rotherham's road network, including removing the Centenary Way flyover.

Anglo-Dutch developers, TCN has already agreed a lease with Tesco for an 110,000 sq ft superstore to anchor the plans that also include 540 parking spaces and a petrol filling station. The retailer will rent the space for a period of 30 years at an annual rent of £2m.

Construction of the five-acre site, that has been home to a number of council buildings, is set to begin this November and complete in December 2013. Occupation by Tesco is planned for March 2014.

Stephen Holme, development director of Anglo-Dutch developer TCN UK said: "It has taken a long time for all the pieces to come together, which heightens the sense of achievement for all parties, including Rotherham Council as landowner. We are excited about the impetus this gives to the town centre and the adjoining market site."

Matthew Magee, spokesperson for Tesco, added: "We're very pleased to have received planning permission at committee and we're looking forward to bringing forward this great investment in Rotherham and improving our offer for customers."

Alex Munro, partner at global property consultancy Knight Frank, who are advising TCN UK on the funding of the development, said: "This significant development is a massive boost to the renaissance of Rotherham town centre. It will regenerate a key area of the town, create much-needed jobs and will help to make the centre of Rotherham an attractive retail destination."

The development would create 450 jobs (200 full time and 250 part time). 200 of these are additional to the current store on Forge Island and all staff at the current store would be guaranteed a job at the new site.

TCN website

Images: TCN / Smith Smalley

News: Spirit AeroSystems joins AMRC

Spirit AeroSystems has joined the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham to help increase its R&D footprint in Europe.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit AeroSystems is one of the world's largest non-OEM designers and manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft. Its European division produces wing components for a host of customers, including Airbus.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, The AMRC is a £100m collaboration among more than 40 partner organisations, comprising world leaders in the aerospace supply chain, key government offices and international academic institutions.

By taking Tier One membership, Spirit AeroSystems gains access to all the resources and generic research at the AMRC, and also takes a seat on the board to help determine the direction of future research.

The company also gains access to the wider resources of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a consortium of seven established manufacturing and process research centres, backed by the Technology Strategy Board. Spirit is also joining the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry, another part of the Catapult.

Neil McManus, vice president and managing director of Spirit AeroSystems (Europe), said: "Having a research and development laboratory such as the HVM Catapult centres, built to an industrial scale with all the associated engineering and technological knowledge in the same place, opens up a number of interesting avenues for Spirit's technology strategy.

"From a Spirit perspective it is anticipated that within the AMRC environment we will be able to lower the risk of high value capital equipment business investments, exploit technologies onto real scale aerostructures products, and successfully demonstrate Technology Readiness Level maturity to our customers prior to transitioning solutions into aerostructures assembly.

"From a UK aerospace industry perspective this allows Spirit to contribute to the government-industry initiatives to bolster high value manufacturing, enhance business competitiveness and nurture a culture of innovation and skills growth within the entire aerospace supply chain."

Professor Keith Ridgway CBE, research director of the AMRC with Boeing, added: "Collaborations like this are essential to developing the technology required to support Spirit AeroSystems as a supplier of choice in the aerospace market. We are delighted to welcome them as a valued member of the AMRC."

AMRC website

Spirit AeroSystems website

Images: Spirit AeroSystems

News: John Brailsford Printers invests in Rotherham

Quick printers, John Brailsford has invested in a Xerox 770 digital colour press at their Rotherham works to increase capacity and enhance their same day printing service.

John Brailsford began with a second-hand press in his mum's kitchen in 1986. The family company, which now employees 16 people, has continued to invest in new machinery as the business grew.

The Parkgate facility is now home to new Xerox kit that will free up the existing printers to take on even more longer run and multipage work.

John Brailsford, director, said: "We already have tried and tested Xerox equipment at our branches in Rotherham and Barnsley and the 770 ticked all the boxes once again.

"The 770 will be used to expand our in by 11 and out same day printing service which is proving extremely popular, without having to fight the competitive price war, the 770 is the first installation in South Yorkshire."

Nicola Coghill, solutions executive at Xerox UK, added: "It's great to see this forward thinking company using our equipment for added value work, John certainly checked out all the available alternatives before making the commitment once again to Xerox, a testament to the success he has made with our equipment in the past and the growth he expects with the 770."

John Brailsford Printers website

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

News: ASD supports Millers with £3m loan

ASD Lighting is supporting Rotherham United with a £1m sponsorship deal and a £3m loan for the construction of the New York Stadium.

The Barbot Hall company is owned by Rotherham United chairman Tony Stewart who saved the club in 2008.

The latest financial results for the commercial lighting manufacturers showed that profits increased to £3.7m in the year ending 31 December 2011. This was up 60 per cent compared with the £2.3m in the previous year.

Turnover also increased to £20.8m from £18.2m

Tony Stewart, chairman of ASD Lighting, said: "The year has been challenging and successful with turnover and margins in line with expectations. We have responded to the challenge of today's ever changing markets and have continued to develop a strong product range and broaden our customer base."

During the period, ASD launched new products based on advanced LED technology. These include the Highway LED Streetlight which took two years to design and delivers light only to the areas it is needed with almost zero light pollution away from the road and pathways.

The latest product is the Highlite LED Highbay lighting for the commercial market which provides optimum illumination for low installation costs.

The accounts also revealed that ASD has a £1m sponsorship deal with Rotherham United and also provided a £3m loan to support the construction of their new £20m stadium. Repayments of the loan will start in 2015.

Stewart added: "The company has continued to be a principal sponsor Rotherham United as this promotes our brand, provides excellent marketing opportunities and helps support the local community."

With Tony Stewart as chairman and his son, Richard Stewart, recently promoted to vice chairman, the club's board contains experienced directors who also have senior roles at ASD Lighting.

Stewart saved the League Two club in 2008 when he brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement. His chairmanship has provided stability, investment and a professional off-field set-up despite having to play home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield after leaving Millmoor. His most important achievement as chairman will soon be realised when he watches Rotherham United play their first game back in their home town, in a brand new stadium.

ASD Lighting website

Rotherham United website

Images: 1925 Club / twitter

News: Rotherham international incubator project draws Polish entrepreneurs to invest in UK

Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) is celebrating the first success of its international Soft Landing Zone (SLZ) project, having secured the participation of a Polish healthcare enterprise.

The company, B & T Solutions Ltd, and run by Krzysztof (Christopher) Suski, provides services to UK citizens wishing to take advantage of the quality and affordability offered by Polish clinics especially in the fields of dentistry and cosmetic medicine.

RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council is working with international organisations such as the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) to embed additional international business into the area, and help existing businesses to grow in global markets.

The SLZ project helps overseas companies looking to establish operations in the UK, explore the UK market or to use the UK as a base for further European activities. Potential investor companies from overseas are offered a comprehensive array of services, including; fully equipped modern office facilities, available on flexible easy in/easy out terms, and with full reception & admin support. Assistance will be provided to access relevant specialist help and advice, linking to appropriate support organisations and trade bodies.

The support on offer persuaded Christopher to set up in Rotherham having previously investigated London as an investment location but found it to be too expensive.

Initial support included an introduction to the region with assistance on accommodation; advice on business name; company registration through a local solicitor; UK market research including pricing suggestions, introductions to local networks and public sector contacts; and initial appointments with sales leads.

Tim O'Connell, manager of the Business and Retail Investment Team at RiDO, said; "It was always a natural choice to choose Poland as our first international partner, given Rotherham's established links with Poland.

"It is good to see the first success of the SLZ project coming from Poland and we continue to see opportunities for both Polish companies in the UK, and for our local businesses increasing their trade with Poland."

Joe Tunney, chief executive officer at BPCC, added: "It is a source of inspiration and promise for us to be able to partner with RiDO, one of the UK's leading business incubators, to create a landing zone for Polish start-ups in the UK.

"The chamber has been working with Polish entrepreneurs for many years and can see the benefit they bring the UK economy. RiDO proves that Britain is indeed open for business."

B & T Solutions Ltd has taken space in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre. The RiDO business centres are the only business centres in England that have the National Business Incubation Association's (NBIA) Soft Landings International Incubators designation, and offer an excellent location for companies to establish their operations in the United Kingdom.

The SLZ project has attracted investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development, through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-13.

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

Images: RiDO

News: Macalloy targets new export markets

Rotherham construction experts, Macalloy, is looking to new export markets by employing a multilingual approach to communication and marketing.

Based in Dinnington, Macalloy are world leaders in design, manufacture and supply of threaded bar and cable systems to engineering and construction projects across the globe.

They were awarded the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2010 for international trade as the company's export earnings increased by 124% in the previous six years.

Macalloy has added Portuguese to its growing list of in-house languages with members of the export sales team recently completing a course delivered through local language specialist Talking Heads.

Talking Heads consulted with the team to understand their objectives and reasons for use. Experienced Brazilian tutor, Andrea, visited on a weekly basis to teach the language from basic skills upwards. After a certain level was reached, the class was tailored to the specific knowledge that the team wanted to gain.

Julie Billson from the Export Sales Department is already an accomplished linguist and understands the benefits of having different languages under her belt, for the benefit of her position within Macalloy. She said: "Understanding the language of your customers isn't just beneficial - it's essential for effective communication and relationship building.

"As Macalloy's supply chain continues to expand via an international network of Macalloy personnel, agents and distributors, learning new languages is crucial to ensuring Macalloy's growth continues in the international market."

Macalloy systems support impressive projects including Dubai International Airport, the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai and close to home, Clifton Park in Rotherham.

They have also been used in Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium, the centrepiece to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the venue for the final.

Macalloy website

Talking Heads website

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

News: Chairman given the keys to New York

Rotherham United Chairman Tony Stewart has been officially handed the keys to the £20m New York Stadium.

GMI Construction has been working on the £12m build contract since June 2011 with the aim of getting the club back in their home town in time for the 2012/2013 season.

The handover took place on the same day that a five metre by four metre club crest took pride of place high above the main entrance of the main West stand.

The 12,000 seater stadium is located on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes Foundry, close to Rotherham town centre, in an area of town historically know as New York.

Rotherham United will play their first fixture this Saturday, taking on local rivals, Barnsley in a pre-season friendly.

Work on the stadium will continue right up until the new League Two season kicks off with The Millers playing Burton Albion on August 18.

A spokesman at the club, said: "The New York Stadium will not be in its final finished state for the upcoming pre-season friendlies.

"Like many large scale construction projects unforeseen issues arise which can lead to delays, and the flood alleviation works which have required the coordinated efforts of several outside agencies have been particularly problematic.

"As a result there will be ongoing works continuing during this time and we are keen to ensure fans are aware of this before the friendlies start.

"Our pre-season friendlies will provide the team and fans with the opportunity to experience the new stadium against high quality opposition. They are also part of a process to ensure that all facilities and systems are in full working order in time for our first league fixture against Burton Albion."

Rotherham publishing firm, Garnett Dickinson the latest big name to sign up to Rotherham United's 1925 Club.

The corporate hospitality at the New York Stadium has world-class facilities and five-star dining in a la carte restaurants.

Nicky Holt at Garnett Dickinson, said: "We are so proud to have joined the 1925 Club and to be part of a new and exciting era for Rotherham United.

"Garnett Dickinson are always keen to support initiatives that will encourage economic development of Rotherham and benefit Rotherham's community."

Rotherham United website

Garnett Dickinson website

Images: Ellrod / twitter

News: Sarclad opens Rotherham HQ

Sarclad Limited, a provider of advanced technology products for the metals industry, has officially opened a new facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Sarclad has relocated from Chesterfield to 13,597 sq ft of office space at the Evolution development. The move involves a £1.6m investment by the manufacturers.

The official opening ceremony was performed by Master Cutler, Pam Liversidge and the president and CEO of Heico, Sarclad's parent company.

The firm is a world leader in providing technology-based products to assist metal producers reduce manufacturing costs and improve product quality. Over the last 30 years the company has grown and expanded around the world and now supplies quality equipment to all of the leading steel manufacturers and suppliers across 46 different countries.

Pam Liversidge, Master Cutler, said: "Manufacturing is what the UK needs to be based on. Sarclad is a name with a history of quality, and is based on the three "I"s of innovation, investment and international trade."

El Roskovensky, president and CEO of Heico, said: "Heico has owned Sarclad for 12 years, during which time it has always been profitable, which is quite an achievement in the current climate.

"Some companies which operate globally want to move their manufacturing to lower-cost areas of the world, but Sarclad has found a way of expanding in its own back yard, and Heico has fully supported this expansion."

Keith Shillam, president and managing director at Sarclad, added: "As the world markets and economies become more complex, more volatile, more demanding and often more uncertain than any of us have ever seen, we are now repositioning our company to venture into further product and market developments, bringing state-of-the-art solutions to difficult problems.

"With a customer base spread over 46 countries, we have a service centre in the heart of the American steel industry in Pittsburgh, and have just opened another in Shanghai to serve China, by far our largest market, and we are considering opening one in India.

"The ethos of the Advanced Manufacturing Park aligns very well to Sarclad's core values. It's about creating value, creating jobs and putting UK manufacturing back on the map through innovation, creativity and excellent customer service.

"This task can't be accomplished without the best people, and I am very proud of the fantastic team I have at Sarclad."

Sarclad website

Advanced Manufacturing Park website

Images: AMP

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

© Blogger template Newspaper III by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP