News: Rolls-Royce plans for Project Power approved

Detailed plans for a second state-of-the-art factory for Rolls-Royce at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) have been approved by members of the planning board at Rotherham Council.

The 21,000 sq m "Project PoWeR" facility is proposed for manufacturing and assembling power vessels for the next generation of nuclear power stations. It will bring another 180 of the initial 360 jobs from Rolls-Royce.

Work is already underway on Rolls-Royce's 14,900 sq m Advanced Blade Casting Facility on the AMP and a third 8,800 sq m building has outline planning permission.

Again designed by Sheffield architects, Bond Bryan, the second factory will be rectangular and built in Rolls-Royce's corporate style with metallic cladding and metal louvres.

The height of the building will be irregular as it will need to accommodate the production of vessels that will weigh 140 tonnes and stand 23 metres high, making it the tallest building on the AMP at 33.5m. It will also include a furnace area that will reach temperatures of up to 60°C.

Planners concluded that: "the proposed high bay will be a prominent addition to the AMP, however it is considered that due to the industrial nature of the area and subject to the acceptable use of external materials, the proposed building is appropriate for its location and would not have a materially detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the AMP."

The development will also include office space, a gatehouse and utility buildings. Two new ponds will be created as part of the landscape plan creating a new valuable ecological habitat.

Conditions for securing planning permission include improvements to the road network, travel plans and new bus shelters.

Discussions are taking place regarding the transportation of the massive finished products as the largest power vessel will require an 18 axle vehicle. What should prove to be quite a sight, transportation will take place once a year and will be planned well in advance and only take place at night to avoid any disturbance to normal traffic flows and activity.

Simon Spode, marketing manager at the AMP, said: "The Council's approval for this facility is great news and will further cement the relationship between the AMP and Rolls-Royce.

"We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce and their partners to bring this project to a successful conclusion, in the same way that we are already doing with Rolls-Royce's advanced aerospace blade facility."

Construction will begin in autumn 2012 and it is anticipated that the first of the pressure vessels would be constructed in 2015.

Landowners, Harworth Estates also had plans approved for moving and importing 450,000 cubic metres of material to complete the restoration and development platforms on the Waverley site.

Rolls-Royce website

AMP website

Images: Rolls-Royce / URS / Bond Bryan

Read more...

News: AESSEAL invest in US operation

Leading Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL, is investing $3.3m (£2m) in a new expansion to its North American headquarters in Tennessee.

The world's fourth largest mechanical seal business has had a US operation for 20 years and has now committed to a 15,000 sq ft addition to their facility in Rockford.

With their global headquarters at Templeborough, award-winning AESSEAL manufactures mechanical seals, which are environmental containment products used on all types of rotating equipment in process industries.

Tom Grove, executive vice president at AESSEAL brought the business to a rented office suite in Knoxville in 1992; there are now 60 employees in East Tennessee and eight subsidiary and branch locations in the United States and Canada.

The $50m North American business comprises approximately 20 percent of AES's global business which now includes 230 locations in 104 countries, with nine manufacturing locations and 58 full-service repair locations.

Tom Grove said: "This development brings production machining of our core products to Blount County. We will install a 9-axis state-of-the-art Mori-Seiki machining center, which will be capable of machining any of our product components.

"In the past, our complex machining has been concentrated at one of four manufacturing locations at our parent company in the United Kingdom. Adding 9-axis machining will position us to serve the oil and gas high-end of our market."

Chris Rea, group managing director at AESSEAL, added: "We have a great number of people who have made a huge contribution to the substantial business that we have in the US. I sincerely believe the decision to manufacture in Blount County will be a catalyst for accelerated growth in the country."

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

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

90% of sales are from outside of the UK, with sales to North America and emerging markets contributing strongly to sales growth in 2011.

AESSEAL website

Images: aesseal.co.uk

Read more...

News: SNAFU up for sale

Popular Rotherham town centre bar and live music venue, SNAFU is up for sale.

The High Street building is currently undergoing a refit as part of the the £3m Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which is supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Rotherham Borough Council.

The project sees property owners and long term lease holders secure grants enabling them to restore, renovate and repair their historic buildings which are all within a conservation area. The aim is to encourage new shops, apartments and businesses to locate in the town centre.

Work at No's 22 – 30 High Street include restoring the missing corner turret, repairing the roof and windows and restoring the special ornate features unique to the façade of the building. Remembered by many as the former Muntus department store, interior work is also taking place.

The freehold of the bar is being sold by leading business agents Christie & Co. for a guide price of £275,000 and they have been advised that it is currently generating a net turnover in the region of £350,000.

In a separate deal, the first, second and third floors of the historic building are expected to go to auction in September with local chartered surveyors, Mark Jenkinson giving it a guide price of £120,000.

The property was granted planning permission for the conversion into eighteen apartments in 2005.

Christie & Co. has also been instructed to sell the freehold of other Rotherham pubs, The Red Lion and the Turf Tavern which are currently up for sale.

Christie & Co. website

Mark Jenkinson website

Images: brchamber.co.uk

Read more...

News: Council eyes cinema for Forge Island

Developers are showing an interested in a cinema-led development in Rotherham town centre as the council considers regeneration plans for when Tesco moves across town.

Plans were rubber-stamped earlier this month for a new 110,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store on the site of former council buildings on Drummond Street. The retailer expects to open in March 2014 and close its current, outdated store on Forge Island.

The delivery of a cinema has long been a key regeneration objective for the town centre and Forge Island has been identified by the council as the preferred location for a cinema and possible new theatre development. The council has an option to buy the site for £1.5m when Tesco vacate.

The site is close to the new rail station and bus station and is large enough to include an area for car parking. There are also adjacent riverside sites and developments with the potential for ancillary uses such as restaurants. The site would first need improved protection from flooding and further site investigation works are planned.

Council officers have already held informal discussions with three interested developers who have plans for potential regeneration projects anchored by a cinema with restaurants, retail, residential, other leisure uses and car parking. However, a cinema operator is likely to ask for a reverse premium as an inducement to anchor the site and make it a financial success.
Another way forward is similar to that seen recently in Worksop where the council gifted land to a developer and the independently-operated Savoy cinema opened earlier this year.

The council's cabinet are meeting next week to discuss the issue and confirm Forge Island as the preferred site for a town centre cinema and theatre development. A further report to members is expected as work progresses.

The last cinema in Rotherham town centre, The Empire (pictured), closed in 1990.

Images: Tom Austen / Rotherham Archives

Read more...

News: Barclays support Rotherham United with finance deal

Rotherham United has secured support and working capital facilities from Barclays to fund the construction of their New York Stadium.

The League Two club returned home to the £20m, 12,000-seater stadium for the start of the season, opening with a win in the league against Burton Albion.

In February, Rotherham United, their holding company Asd Lighting Holdings Limited, and RU Estates Ltd secured a mortgage with Barclays Bank.

Tony Stewart, Chairman of Rotherham United, said: "Barclays has been a traditional banking partner for me for over ten years and the South Yorkshire team has provided the football club with a modern and innovative approach enabling us to build this fantastic new stadium.

"This has allowed us to move the business forward, grow with confidence and plan with certainty for the future of the club.

"We're really looking forward to the football season in the new stadium and I'm sure all the fans will be thrilled with the new facilities."

Matthew Chenery, relationship director at Barclays added: "The New York Stadium is a truly impressive venue and achieving completion on time reflects the energy and tireless work which Tony and his team have put into this project.

"The stadium is a massive boost for the town of Rotherham and our facilities will not only help with the completion of the stadium but also provide the facilities for fans to pay for season tickets in a flexible and convenient way."

Finances for the stadium have also come in the form of a £3m loan from Tony Stewart's successful Rotherham business, ASD Lighting and a £5m loan from Rotherham Council.

At a council meeting in July, members confirmed that they had advanced £4.1m by way of secured loans to the club.

The funding is provided on a commercial basis and appropriate financial security has been put in place to ensure that there was is financial cost to the borough's council taxpayers.

In 2010, Rotherham Council bought 10.85 acres on the site close to Rotherham town centre from property developer, Evans for £2.6m. The council then agreed to lease their land at the site of the former Guest & Chrimes Foundry to the club for a term of 250 years. Other terms of the lease have not been disclosed.

The club themselves secured 4.5 acres of adjacent land where the former Gloystarne distribution warehouse was situated.

Cllr Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "A thriving and successful team based on their own home "turf" can be a great barometer of - and contributor to - how well an area is performing on an economic front and how well the town is perceived outside the area."

Rotherham United website

Images: Tom Austen

Read more...

News: Work starts on the A57

Work will begin on the £14.7m transport scheme to upgrade the A57 from junction 31 of the M1 to Todwick crossroads in Rotherham on September 16.

Archaeology and ecology surveys of the site are currently taking place with the actual works on the 2.5 km stretch of road being expected to get underway by mid September.

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.

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

By early 2014, the new route will be expected to be open to traffic - bringing to an end a 30-year saga to get the road improved.

Coun. Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "It has been a long and very frustrating process over the years but we will finally see the work start on this much-needed scheme in September.

"This road carries high levels of traffic so it needs to be as safe as possible but it has been troubled by road safety and congestion problems for years. It is also vital for the continued regeneration within the Dinnington area."

RMBC website

Read more...

News: Knight Frank encouraged by Rotherham deals

South Yorkshire's logistics and industrial market saw an "encouraging" first half of the year – and the forecast is looking promising for the rest of 2012, according to research by commercial property experts, Knight Frank.

For units in excess of 50,000 sq ft, the market saw take-up of 835,200 sq ft in from January to June - almost on a par with the full year total for 2011.

Key transactions included Next taking 263,000 sq ft in Doncaster to accompany their massive Manvers operation and Home Décor taking 110,000 sq ft at Woodhouse Link in Rotherham.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, said: "The results for the first half of the year have been encouraging. As recent pre-lets such as Home Décor at Woodhouse Link demonstrate, occupiers are now pursuing design and build to satisfy their requirements.

"In broad terms, however, design and build remains uncompetitive in the region as favourable terms are on offer on standing stock, particularly in premises of 150,000 sq ft plus."

Knight Frank also welcomed the news that world-renowned engineers, Rolls-Royce has begun the construction of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Rebecca added: "As well as creating 150 jobs on the site, the development is also likely to start to generate activity in the local supply chains and we can expect this to manifest itself in property market activity.

"Rolls Royce's commitment to the area is very positive as it demonstrates the region's growing capability as a centre for advanced manufacturing.

"Over the next three to five years, it is hoped that the Enterprise Zone will help to capitalise on this growing strength by securing a mix of international manufacturers through incentives such as business rates relief and enhanced capital allowances.

"There are also currently a number of buildings under offer from a broad range of sectors, including distribution, manufacturing and recycling, suggesting that the solid activity witnessed in this first half of the year is likely to be repeated in the second."

Prime headline rents in Rotherham are expected to remain the same at £4.75 per sq ft for lettings of up to 50,000 sq ft and £4.50 for lettings above 50,000 sq ft.

Knight Frank website

Images: Knight Frank

Read more...

News: Beatson Clark to welcome royal visitor to Rotherham

Glass manufacturer Beatson Clark will welcome a royal visitor to its plant in Rotherham next week.

Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, will tour the Greasborough Road factory on September 6 to see how £10m of recent investments, including a new white flint (clear glass) furnace, have improved operations.

He will be one of the first people to inspect the new £5.4m furnace, which went into full operation earlier this month. The site has a production capacity of approximately 496 million units or 88,000 tonnes.

Beatson Clark employees will explain the glass-making process to the Duke as he looks round the factory, and the Duke will also have lunch with members of the company's Board of Directors.

The Queen's cousin will unveil a plaque to commemorate his visit and sign the visitors' book before continuing on a tour which will also include a visit to Rotherham Hospice on Broom Road and a garden party in Clifton Park.

Lynn Sidebottom, sales and marketing director at Beatson Clark, said: "It is a great honour for us to welcome the Duke to our factory and we are looking forward to showing him how the glass process works and what Beatson Clark can offer to the marketplace."

The £44m-turnover firm employs over 300 people and celebrated its 260th anniversary last year. They specialise in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide and manufacture glass containers for a wide range of household brands, including Crabbie's, Bell's Buttercup, Lyle's Golden Syrup and Lemsip.

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

Read more...

News: Elevation sees increase in demand for commercial finance roles

Rotherham-based Elevation Recruitment has seen a 40% rise in commercial accountancy roles over the past six months.

The Moorgate firm has seen a notable demand in the manufacturing industry in particular for this type of accountancy, indicating that more manufacturing companies within the area are hoping for further growth.

Andy Bath, business manager at Elevation Recruitment said: "During the height of the recession and over the last couple of years since, there has been a real lack of opportunity for newly qualified commercial accountants in the South Yorkshire. However, we have seen a renewed confidence in the job market for both candidates and employers in recent months, especially for newly qualified accountants or those who have qualified in the past few years.

"The manufacturing industry has shown the most obvious move to begin to upskill and strengthen their finance functions, with a particular focus on sourcing high calibre, commercially focused finance professionals.

"The shift to invest in additional resource; brought in to focus on driving the company forward through acquisition, business planning and commercial analysis is a refreshing change from the survival and down-sizing objectives they have been forced to work to over the last few years."

Part of the Horbury Group, Elevation was founded in 2010. They announced an impressive seven-figure turnover for 2011 and recently doubled its office space to cater for its rapidly expanding team.

Elevation Recruitment website

Read more...

News: United Carpets shares suspended

Rotherham-based United Carpets, the second largest chain of specialist retail carpet and floor covering stores in the UK, has had its shares temporarily suspended after admitting it would not be able to publish its full-year results on time.

The Bramley-based business began action in June following a period of "extremely challenging" trading conditions for retailers.

In an update to the AIM stock exchange, United Carpets stated that a review of the group's 85 stores is being undertaken and this has led to the closure of six stores and a further 17 franchised stores being either taken back into the group or refranchised.

The review is ongoing and a further eight stores are expected to close over the next few weeks.

United Carpets believes that their franchise model is a critical advantage over more traditional retail networks as the business benefits from the entrepreneurial drive and motivation of the individual store owners.

However, the group stated previously that the: "challenging environment has led to a significant proportion of our franchise network finding it increasingly difficult to operate satisfactorily."

Negotiations have also commenced with the landlords of a number of other stores in an attempt to agree rent reductions in order to improve trading prospects and viability.

The statement added that: "the outcome of the ongoing negotiations with landlords is uncertain as is the possibility of further closures."

The impact of the closures will cost the group around £1m for impairment of property, plant and equipment as well as a significant non-cash increase in the provision against onerous contracts.

The company has decided to extend its current accounting period from March 31 2012 to September 30 2012. The board believes that "not taking this step would result in a set of accounts which would not give a truly representative picture of the group's ongoing operations."

The board concluded that they are disappointed by the need to take these actions.

United Carpets website

Images: unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

Read more...

News: Hamby's new store opens on Rotherham's High Street

A new store has opened as part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme on the High Street in Rotherham town centre.

Local entrepreneur and retailer, Chris Hamby has opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Dave Pickering performing the official opening ceremony.

Last September, Chris announced ambitious plans for a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

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.

Hamby's own store at the top of the High Street, which already has undergone a £250,000 renovation, will now become Hambys Gift shop and Antiques centre.

Chris Hamby said: "I am very excited to be opening this new store. It is much larger, brighter and more modern and I am sure our many loyal customers and friends old and new will be delighted when visiting the shop.

"It is proof of our belief in Rotherham as a vibrant town, and I want to thank customers, our hardworking staff, Rotherham Council and Rotherham Chamber for their good wishes, support and encouragement."

Tim O'Connell, business and retail investment manager for Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), added: "It is great news for both customers and other retailers that an established business like Hamby's is expanding in the town and particularly pleasing to see these superb historic shop units in High Street brought back into use.

"Growing our range of quality, independent specialist retailers such as Hamby's and encouraging customers to "shop local" is an essential part of the work underway to re-vitalise Rotherham town centre.

"I am glad that we have been able to assist Chris in bringing his plans to fruition and our recent success with the Portas Pilot scheme will allow us to rollout new initiatives to encourage more people to follow in Chris' footsteps."

Of the four further buildings that Chris is restoring, three are the subject of letters of intent from prospective tenants and scaffolding will soon be erected on the "Three Cranes" building and the former Alfonso's Italian Restaurant – ready for the restoration works to begin.

Work has also already started on the currently hidden George Wright building – with a view to its opening as a pub and restaurant in May 2013.

Hamby's website

Images: RiDO

Read more...

News: S3 ID director shortlisted for award

Derek Gennard, managing director of the S3 ID Group in Rotherham has been shortlisted at the Institute of Directors (IoD) Yorkshire Director of the Year Awards.

The Eastwood company is the UK's market-leading provider of innovative location awareness solutions.

With regional offices in Norway and Singapore, S3 ID 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.

The IoD is the UK's longest running organisation for professional leaders and the awards recognise directors that are the best in their field.

Mr Gennard (pictured above, right) is shortlisted in the SME category and will find out at a ceremony at the National Railway Museum, York next week if he will go through to the national awards.

Kenton Robbins, regional director at the IoD, said: "The IoD Yorkshire Director of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in the business. It continues to be a challenging time for businesses, which is why success and achievement need to be recognised and celebrated.

"Winning these awards demonstrate that you have been recognised as being at the top of your game by your peers and by the UK's premier business lobbying group."

In addition, S3 ID will find out this week if their innovative new eLock range has been successful in the ONS 2012 Innovator Awards.

The 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.

S3 ID website

Images: Finance Yorkshire

Read more...

News: Rotherham United launch business club

Local businesses are being given the opportunity to support each other and Rotherham United at the launch of a new networking group.

With the first meeting on August 30, The Rotherham United Business Club is the only group to have the full support of The Millers and has been launched to coincide with their return home.


The League Two club has kicked off a new era at the New York Stadium back in town after four years of playing home games in Sheffield.

The £20m, 12,000 seater stadium is not just a new home for Rotherham United but it is one of the most important regeneration projects in the town.

It has seen local contractors work on the construction, local companies extend and secure commercial contracts with the club and hundreds of business people take up the opportunity to benefit from the new matchday corporate hospitality experience. In addition, around 30,000 sq ft of high specification lettable space is available within the stadium.

The football club is keen for the whole of the community to get involved at this exciting time for the club and the borough.

Mark Hitchens, commercial manager at Rotherham United, said: "The New York Stadium provides us with the perfect platform to strengthen our already strong connections to the Rotherham community and local businesses.

"Joining the business club is a fantastic way to promote and increase your business by working with other local companies to share leads and referrals."

"You will also have the full support of Rotherham United and our commercial team on top of the support of other members. It is also a fantastic way to support RUFC and our return to Rotherham."

The club already has a full fixture list of breakfast meetings held alternately at the New York Stadium and at The Elton Hotel in Bramley on the last Thursday of every month.

Members will also be given space on the business club page in all home match day programmes and the Millers official website. There is also the chance to utilise players (subject to availability) for promotional work.

To join, or to find out more information, contact the commercial team at Rotherham United, email: commercial@rotherhamunited.net to confirm your attendance at The Launch event on Thursday 30th August at The Elton Hotel, Main Street, Bramley.

Rotherham United Business Club Facebook page

Rotherham United website

Images: Tom Austen

Read more...

News: Beatson Clark fires up new furnace

Glass manufacturer Beatson Clark has completed work on a new £5.4m white flint furnace at their Rotherham facility.

The furnace has a daily capacity of approximately 200 tonnes of glass and provides the same size melting area of 70.6m² as the previous furnace.

However, an improved design will mean greater efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions in line with new Government targets.

The furnace rebuild is just part of a major £10m investment which Beatson Clark has made in plant and equipment at its Greasborough Road base this year.

A successful repair was made to the amber furnace in December 2011 and Beatson Clark has also installed new vision based inspection equipment at its factory.

Around 80 contractors have been involved in the rebuild and maintenance project, including Sheffield-based Tecoglas who designed the furnace, Chapman Brack who have undertaken the rebuild and Batts Engineering of Rotherham who fabricated and installed the structural furnace steelwork.

The new equipment now utilises the flame length to burn more gas, thereby reducing NOx emissions by over 20 per cent.

Improvements to the regenerators and an increased wall height have increased the combustion volume, which means that more heat can be recycled.

Meanwhile a new burner system with an oxygen trim facility ensures combustion is optimised, further increasing efficiency.

Dean Duke, furnace manager at Beatson Clark, said: "Our staff have worked closely with the contractors to ensure a smooth installation.

"The new furnace and the major maintenance work that has been undertaken will enable us to continue to produce quality glass for our customers for years to come."

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

Read more...

News: EMSc open new Australian office

EMSc (UK) Ltd, the Rotherham-based manufacturer, has opened a dedicated Powerstar office in Melbourne, Australia.

The Powerstar system is the only voltage optimisation system wholly designed and manufactured in the UK and works by reducing the the voltage supplied by the National Grid.

The decision was made earlier this year due to the overwhelming success Powerstar has achieved in Australia over the past few years and the Melbourne office will allow the company to further develop its market presence.

As part of its expansion strategy, the company will be looking at establishing partnerships with a number of energy consultants and third party distributors to help promote and sell Powerstar across Australia.

Paul North, international business development manager at EMSc (UK) Ltd, said: "Powerstar has truly established itself as a market leader in voltage optimisation in Australia and has successfully been installed across a wide range of industries including government departments, supermarkets and cold storage facilities.

"To continue developing market opportunities in the region we are now looking at identifying and establishing relationships with local consultants, distributors and installation partners from our office in Melbourne."

The Powerstar system is currently exported to more than 15 countries, including Cyprus, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Malta.

The Templeborough company celebrated ten years of continued success, having announced at the end of 2011, another successful 12 months trading, with turnover increasing by 50%, to £12.4m.

EMSc website

Read more...

News: Martek target Russian market

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry, is targeting the growing Russian market.

It was reported in November that the Russian government will invest around 400 billion rubles ($13 billion) into the development of shipping in the country.

The Manvers company has appointed Ian Bennett as a new regional sales manager who will aim to develop a much closer working relationship with customers across Russia and Eastern Europe.

A Russian speaker, Ian has worked for 17 years in retail management followed by 11 years in oil & gas sales. The latter role included three years living and working in Moscow selling to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

A spokesperson at Martek Marine said: "Ian is a fluent Russian speaker having studied Russian at university where he was treasurer and later president of the Russian Society. This ability to speak to our Russian customers in their own language will enable Martek to provide a better level of engagement with customers in the region by removing any language barrier."

The Manvers company supplies ships around the world with marine defibrillators, their Navgard BNWAS system, the Bulksafe Water Ingress Detection System and the new Fastcalgas calibration gas supply service.

In addition to providing a Russian speaking sales representative, Martek has also ensured that the Navgard system has received approval from the Russian Register, the society that maintains the quality management system for safety and environmental protection to the industry.

A BNWAS (bridge watch and alarm system) is designed to monitor bridge activity and detect any operator disability that could lead to shipping accidents. The system monitors the awareness of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts other staff if for any reason, the OOW becomes incapable of performing duties through an accident, sickness or even a security breach such as piracy or hijacking.

The firm also reported over $2m of enquiries for products at a recent exhibition for the Greek shipping industry.

Martek Marine

Images: martek-marine.com

Read more...

News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012

The search is on for Rotherham's best young entrepreneurs.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), in association with UK Steel Enterprise, is running the awards for the seventh year running with the aim of celebrating an promoting the best businesses run by young people in the borough.

Categories are best new start up, best established business, business most determined to succeed and most innovative business. Plus the overall winner will be named as Rotherham's Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Open to entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 30, winners and runners up in each category will each receive a cash prize and publicity for their business.

Darren McDool, business coach for Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "From ice sculpture, fashion, dance or engineering, IT and graphic design, the awards have highlighted the hidden skill base of some smart young individuals.

"And awards are excellent accolades for business - providing independent recognition and a boost to confidence and morale."

For awards criteria and an entry form, contact Darren McDool at Rotherham Youth Enterprise via email darren.mcdool@rotherham.gov.uk

The closing date for entries is September 7.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise provides self-employment support and advice for young adults in the area. Office and workshop provision is also available across the borough.

Some of the current crop of new businesses supported by RYE gathered for an event recently to showcase the progress of their start up companies.

Businesses included organic clothing retailers, KyNa Boutique; exercise machine hire firm, Havahire; Hip Rocker Ltd (a supplier of specialist chairs for children), Rotherham town centre's Bittersweet boutique; Matrix Framing at Dinnington; internet advertising specialist, Spotamo; Pizzatainment (education through food workshops); Impelling Web Design; and chocolatier, Cocoa Chic.

For some the event provided the first opportunity to speak to people that they had not met about their business and for others it was an opportunity to discuss new initiatives and plans for the future.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RYE

Read more...

News: Lindsay scores with Titans contract

A Rotherham sports injury treatment and rehabilitation specialist who launched her new business this February is celebrating being appointed as sports rehabilitator for Rotherham Titans Rugby Union Football Club for the 2012/13 season.

Lindsay Whitaker worked for Plymouth Albion Rugby Club before being made redundant due to financial problems at the club, having previously worked with Rotherham Titans, Doncaster Knights and Sale Sharks rugby clubs, the National Ballet and the Great Britain Women's Basketball Team during qualifying for the 2012 Olympics.

On returning to Rotherham she used £500 from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund to open a clinic at Thomas Rotherham College and to buy essential stock.

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to help young entrepreneurs planning to start a new business to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Lindsay said: "Without the Kickstart Fund I would not have been able to buy the essential stock I needed to be able to treat people. I needed specialist tapes etc that can really help speed up recovery.

"I'm now very busy treating people at my clinic and the forthcoming season with the Titans should be really exciting. If anyone is thinking of setting up their own business I'd say be prepared to get your head down and work hard, make sure you get the right support around you and if you do the rewards can be great."

UK Steel Enterprise has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target 30 young people in Rotherham with small scale finance that can make all the difference when starting a new business. It can be used 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, said: "We are looking for more young people like Lindsay. We know that they don't tend to have access to finance or have much in the way of savings when thinking about starting a business, so our £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."

Sports Injury Rehabilitation website

UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

Read more...

News: Fluidata enhances Digital Region

Fluidata, an aggregator of over 50 Internet Service Providers (ISPs), has signed a deal with Digital Region Limited, the company establishing a superfast broadband network for South Yorkshire.

Through a new fibre optic network, the Digital Region project will bring continuous 25mb+ broadband to over 97% of South Yorkshire, including 550,000 homes and 1.3 million people.

The contract enables Fluidata's numerous ISPs to offer superfast broadband services across the network. This will increase the number of services available to business and residential customers.

Fluidata uses its own technology to interconnect ISPs, creating a network (often into areas that are not well served by broadband providers) without each individual ISP having to invest in building their infrastructure. By removing these costs, the associated ISPs can provide services and connections at a lower rate and achieve the best possible service for the end user.

David Cowell, chief operating officer at Digital Region, said: "Signing a deal to bring Fluidata on to the Digital Region network is a great achievement.

"Now that the first build phase of the network is complete and 80% of the region is able to access superfast broadband, our aim is to increase the number of ISPs on the network. We are working on a number of deals that will help transform the region and encourage businesses to locate here."

Piers Daniell, managing director of Fluidata, added: "We are delighted to have signed a contract that allows our ISPs to offer enhanced services in South Yorkshire and gives them the opportunity to utilise such a wide reaching next generation network.

"I'm sure our ISPs will have some fantastic offers for the residents and businesses within the region."

A procurement exercise is currently underway to find a private company to take forward the Digital Region project. BT Wholesale Managed Services and ETDE SA (Entreprise de Transport et de Distribution d'Electricité) the Energy and Services Division of Bouygues Construction were announced as the shortlisted contenders.

Digital Region will move in line with the commercial model being promoted by central government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) for superfast broadband in the rest of the UK. The BDUK commercial model places the majority of risk and liability to a private sector partner. The appointed supplier takes responsibility for all operating costs, sales, marketing and revenue generation.

The £90m project was wholly owned by the now defunct Yorkshire Forward and the four local authorities of South Yorkshire. It secured £30m from the European Regional Development Fund.

Fluidata website

Digital Region website

Read more...

New: X-cel Superturn's bit of help for TASTE

A collaboration between X-cel Superturn, a global manufacturer of machined components that recently opened a new 10,000 sq ft facility in Rotherham, an local charity, TASTE, is set to benefit thousands of people.

AMP-based X-cel Superturn supplies the petrochemical & power generation industries and TASTE works in Nigeria helping rural communities to gain access to clean drinking water.

Andrew Taylor, managing director at X-cel Superturn, said: "Ben from TASTE approached us to see if we had any used drill bits that we could donate. Once he'd explained what the charity was about and how they help communities in Nigeria we found what they do very interesting and worthwhile and decided it would be better to provide new drill bits instead."

Ben Udejiofo, chief executive of TASTE, added: "It has been fantastic to get the help from Andrew and X-cel Superturn. We would have been happy with used drill bits, but to get new, specially manufactured components means that we can help a number of new communities and not have to suspend our projects while we try to find replacement used drill bits parts that will wear out more quickly."

One drill bit will typically be used to drill around five or six boreholes down to a minimum depth of 30 metres in hard rock. Each borehole can provide water for up to 2,000 people, so the three parts supplied by X-cel could help around 36,000 people.

Ben, said: "Enabling communities to access water through these boreholes plays a significant role in reducing childhood and other illnesses linked to poor water quality. The boreholes allow the safe, clean water in aquifers deep below ground to be reached and which can then be used without requiring treatment.

"We are so grateful that a significant company like X-cel, is keen to work with a small charity like TASTE, but through similar partnership with other Sheffield companies, TASTE could help many more communities thousands of miles away."

X-cel's new Rotherham facility will allow the company to increase its production capability and take advantage of new opportunities in the UK and overseas in the petrochemical power generation, aerospace and construction sectors.

The expansion was announced after securing a £6m, three-year contract to supply precision gaskets and sealing rings to a global manufacturer of subsea trees, the equipment used to top underwater wellheads and control the flow of oil or gas.

X-cel Superturn website

TASTE website

Images: AMP

Read more...

New: Rotherham PCSOs to offer business advice

Businesses across the Rotherham area are to benefit from the skills of four newly trained business advisors as part of a European funded initiative, delivered in partnership with People United Against Crime.

The team of dedicated staff are made up of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from areas across the borough who have all undertaken extra specialist training in crime reduction designed specifically for the business community.

SMEs can receive 12 hours of bespoke crime prevention advice covering all areas from CCTV to Cybercrime free of charge, which could normally cost up to £2,500 from a private contractor.

J White TDE Ltd, a family-run Kimberworth firm that specialises in transport, demolition and excavation recently took up the advice.

PCSO Elizabeth Taylor said: "It is a fantastic initiative that makes businesses feel part of their communities. They are all getting value for money from the service and we have had some superb feedback from businesses we have given advice to. The benefits are huge."

A recent report from the Office of Cyber Security confirms that cybercrime is the fastest growing crime in the UK and costs businesses £21 billion annually.

David Ransom, Director of the Business Crime Reduction Centre, a partnership between the region's police forces and charity People United Against Crime, which was established to advise small businesses on cyber security said: "Cyber criminals are targeting small businesses because they know they are more vulnerable than the large corporates.

"Sadly many small traders are either unaware of the threats or think that they are too small for criminals to bother with. This is definitely not the case, cyber criminals have developed huge illegal networks of computers that allow them to distribute their malicious software very efficiently, therefore they have the capability to attack thousands of companies at the touch of a button."

Businesses interested in receiving crime reduction advice for themselves or their businesses, they should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.

People United Against Crime website

Images: South Yorkshire Police

Read more...

News: EMSc to launch new product at conference

EMSc (UK) Ltd, the Rotherham-based manufacturer, will launch the latest addition to its innovative range of energy saving solutions at the inaugural Manufacturing Sustainability Conference in Rotherham next month.

The free to attend conference at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on Sept 18 will be delivered by EMSc (UK) Ltd, manufacturer of the Star range of energy saving solutions, in partnership with Made in Sheffield.

The Conference will provide a platform to promote innovative British manufacturing as well as to provide the manufacturing sector with comprehensive information relating to sustainability issues and ways to improve energy efficiency.

80% of spaces have already been filled and Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director at EMSc (UK) Ltd, said: "We are delighted and overwhelmed by the response to the conference. We knew when we planned the event that there is a desire to learn more about sustainability, but we had no idea that the manufacturing sector would be this enthused about finding ways to improve energy efficiency.

"The conference will include informative case studies, stimulating debate on the future of manufacturing and an opportunity to learn from a number of leading experts. In addition, attendees can network with like-minded companies, enjoy a champagne reception and tour of one of the country's most unique attractions, and have an opportunity to win exclusive prizes."

Dr Mardapittas will be sharing his insights in a presentation on how the implementation of technologies such as voltage optimisation can help manufacturers achieve energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions.

The conference will also bring together insights from leaders and professional bodies, including the British Frozen Food Federation, environmental consultancy Blue Castle, and Rotherham manufacturing company, AESSEAL.

The event, which is the first in a series, is taking place in Sheffield and will precede MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival, kicking off four days that will celebrate British manufacturing, innovation and sustainability.

Dr Mardapittas added: "We are also very excited about collaborating with MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival, which will bring together great British inventors, designers, manufacturers, business owners, budding entrepreneurs and UK policy-makers. Delegates attending this event in addition to the Manufacturing Sustainability Conference can look forward to a valuable and interesting experience."

EMSc website

Read more...

News: Plans approved for Man of Steel

The proposed "Man of Steel" has taken another giant step forward after planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

The iconic piece of art has been designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

The sculpture has been designed by Sheffield artist Steve Mehdi, who is leading the project, and would be higher than the Angel of the North in Gateshead. The plans were put together by Axis Architects.

The man would sit on the FCC Environment Group's site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand.

The planner's report stated that "the proposal would not have a significantly detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt and any impact would be outweighed by the very special circumstances for siting this proposed piece of public art in the key landmark location."

They added that the iconic structure would have a positive effect on the visual amenity of the area and would not result in a distraction from the nearby M1 motorway due to good visibility.

On receiving the approval, Steve Mehdi, said: "The project team would like to thank everyone involved in making this possible, and a BIG thankyou to all our supporters, far and wide."

The project team has been working with Rotherham-based Newbugh Engineering, PES Performance and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) on design and manufacturing methods for the sculpture and on developing educational resources.

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

Man of Steel website

Images: Axis Architects

Read more...

News: RCAT to run courses at New York Stadium

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) has teamed up with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust to offer training opportunities delivered at the New York Stadium.

The move will enhance the community aspect of the £20m development that will host its first league game this weekend.

The BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Sports focuses on numerous topics including; football, event organising, sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and more.

Martin Usher, sports lecturer at RCAT, said: "This is our first sports course so it's bringing something new and exciting for our students.

"We offer a whole host of other courses from computing and catering to animal care and tourism. This course will open up new doors for our students in the world of sports."

Jamie Noble, head of community at the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, said: "This is a unique opportunity for the students of Rotherham College to learn lifelong skills with the football club in our new home, the New York Stadium.

"We are very proud of what we have built and we have created not just a football ground but areas where learning can take place. The relationship between the football club and the College is going to be a long term one with far more courses on offer in the stadium over the coming years."

The Trust is a community development programme delivering projects based on education, participation, inclusion and cohesion. They picked up the prestigious Community Club of the Year accolade at the Football League Awards in May.

The trust recently launched the Rotherham United Education Academy creating the opportunity for young people to develop a wide range of employability and coaching skills.

RCAT website

Rotherham United Community Sports Trust website

Images: Lindley Group / facebook

Read more...

News: Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers report increase in orders

Manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber are still reporting increased sales and predicting future growth.

58% of respondents to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) National Barometer have seen orders grow in the last six months with 55% anticipating a further upturn between now and the end of the year.

Nearly a third of thecompanies surveyed (31%) are looking to create new jobs, 58% are expecting the size of their workforce to stay the same and 68%are looking to boost their turnover through exporting in the next eighteen months.

In line with recent surveys, there does appear to be a softening in the marketplace with only 44% of respondents seeing an increase in enquiries, compared with 60% in the last Barometer.

The number of companies considering investment in new machinery and premises over the next six months is also down from 49% to 41%.

Martin Coats, area director at MAS, said: "The results are still showing positive signs of growth and expansion, although there are indications among SME manufacturers in Yorkshire and Humber of a more cautious outlook going forward.

"This is not unexpected when you consider the recent economic forecasts and, historically, it takes a little longer for the slowdown to cascade its way down the supply chain and to the smaller companies.

"We have to make sure we don't talk ourselves into another downturn. The National Barometer features responses from key decision makers at over 700 companies, representing more than 28,000 employees. It is carried out quarterly, giving us a smoother picture of sentiment as opposed to some monthly findings that can be swayed by external influences, such as the Jubilee.

"And the majority are saying to us they are growing and expect this to continue over the next six months."

Export was the specialist focus for this report and, despite turmoil within the Eurozone, 71% of firms are aspiring to increase international orders, with more than one in ten expecting to boost turnover by 50% between now and 2013.

Funded by the government, MAS supports growth in England's SME manufacturing sector, and can provide up to 50% funding for projects focused on various areas from products, processes and people to the supply chain and markets.

MAS website

Read more...

News: MTL secure Mamba contract

Rotherham manufacturing specialist, MTL Group, has secured a significant contract to supply fabricated armoured hulls to Panzer Technologies for its Mamba vehicle.

MTL Group is one of Europe's fastest growing project manufacturing specialists in the metal sector and is a global supplier of secondary steelwork.

It works with a global blue-chip customer base in the defence, construction equipment, rail and off-shore wind energy sectors.

The new deal will see the hulls manufactured at MTL's £5m, 300,00 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Brinsworth before being shipped, ready for final assembly, to South Africa.

MTL Group stocks and processes in excess of 10,000 tonnes of quenched and tempered steels per year, and is one of the largest stockists and suppliers of armour plate in Europe. They also specialise in blast floors and ballistic armour.

The Mamba is an armoured personnel carrier used by a number of countries as well as peacekeeping forces of the United Nations.

MTL said that the contract was secured due to their state of the art manufacturing capability and competitive pricing, plus the added value created through its unique DFM (Design for Manufacture) service.

The specialist added value engineering service for the defence sector sees a dedicated team at MTL come together at the design stages to review the customers' design and look at alternative processing methods to reduce weight, cost and increase the protection levels.

Simon Hurst, sales manager for defence at MTL Group, said: "The customer liked the idea that we wouldn't just weld the product, rather that we would support and provide a DFM review that would enhance the product.

"The key thing our customers like is the innovation we bring, we are helping designers around the world to improve the integrity of the structure whilst reducing manufacturing costs.

"This is an important order for MTL Group and it makes it even more special manufacturing such an iconic vehicle such as the Mamba."

MTL underwent a management buyout in 2006 and has doubled its turnover in the last five years to £50m. Since moving to Rotherham, export sales have almost doubled to £7.3m

MTL Group website

Images: MTL Group

Read more...

News: Tata Steel Europe "under enormous stress"

Tata Steel Europe has continued to be affected by the low demand across the eurozone and from higher raw material costs.

In their latest financial results, the group reported that EBITDA (earnings before tax) was $111m for the first quarter of 2012, up from the $26m in the previous quarter but down on the same period last year ($343m).

The Indian-owned firm operates specialist steel producing sites in Rotherham. The steel, predominantly stainless and low alloy grades, is used in landing gear and aircraft engines.

In the three months to June 30 2012, turnover at Tata Steel Europe was down slightly as deliveries declined by 9.5% to 3.21 million tonnes and sales declined by 15% compared to the same period last year.

Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler, MD & CEO at Tata Steel Europe, said: "Our financial performance continued to improve as raw material cost pressure eased further and strategic cost initiatives yielded further benefits.

"European steel demand is lower than expected and prices have weakened. We continue to seek to mitigate the effects of this with tight cost control and emphasis on increased product differentiation."

The performance in Europe reduced the profits of the whole group which reported a solid performance at home in India.

In Tata Steel's 105th Annual Report, published earlier this year, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group said: "While Tata Steel's operations in India are expected to remain strong, its operations in Europe will continue to be under enormous stress for the next year or two until the Western European economy recovers.

"The unprecedented rise in iron ore and coking coal prices coupled with the acute decline in market demand will continue to negatively impact the company's European operations."

The report also showed that the Rotherham steelworks at Aldwarke was running at around 60% capacity for 2011-12 with actual production of 0.7 million tonnes.

Tata Steel Europe website

Images: Tata Steel Europe

Read more...

News: Bentley Motorhomes in administration

Bentley Motorhomes, the Rotherham-based producer of high quality coachbuilt motorhomes, is heading towards liquidation unless a buyer can be found.

The firm, based on Swinton Meadows Industrial Estate, has appointed Andrew Cordon and Richard Saville of Begbies Traynor as joint administrators.

They employed 26 staff and last year had a turnover of £2.4m but has seen a significant reduction in sales.

A meeting of creditors is scheduled for August 16 to consider winding up the award-winning company.

Andrew Cordon, joint administrator at Begbies Traynor, said: "It is particularly disappointing to be called into such a well run company and one that has an excellent reputation for the quality of its products.

"The market in which the company trades is extremely competitive and the recent poor weather has done little for sales. We have received considerable interest in the business which at this early stage is encouraging."

Bentley Motorhomes website

Images: Bentley Motorhomes

Read more...

News: Rotherham town centre Tesco approved

Rotherham Council has issued a decision notice to the developers of a new £40m Tesco Extra in Rotherham town centre, signifying that planning permission has officially been granted.

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 decided that the local authority is best placed to make the decision.

The planning permission comes with over 60 conditions include restricting the floorspace and uses, details of the multimillion pound investment in the road network, approving the use of building materials, ensuring that sewers are diverted, plans for dealing with drainage and flooding issues and the important provision of two hours of free parking.

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.

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.

The developers and planners at the council agree that the positive impacts of the development outweigh any negatives. The planner's report stated that: "The impact of the proposal has been assessed and whilst it is recognised that the proposal may have an impact on footfall and trade on the western side of the town centre, on balance it is considered that the benefits to Rotherham town centre as a whole would outweigh this."

The benefits include the development of a now vacant site following the move across town of council workers and the "provision of a new town centre anchor, which will help to claw back expenditure leakage and improve the attraction of the centre as a whole."

The development would also 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.

The new development also meets the need for a larger food store in Rotherham town centre. Tesco will increase their floorspace from 2,911 sq m at Forge Island to 6,273 sq m at the new store.

The development will also see Forge Island released for redevelopment with the council thought to have an option to purchase the site that had been identified for a cultural centre.

TCN website

Images: TCN / Smith Smalley

Read more...

News: Sarclad opens office in China

A month after moving to a new headquarters in Rotherham, Sarclad Limited, has opened an office in China.

The provider of advanced technology products for the metals industry opened a new facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) after moving from Chesterfield.

The new office in Shanghai is now officially open with Sarclad keen to increase their presence in China and also increase support to their current customers in the region.

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.

China is by far Sarclad's largest market with a recent large order secured for a second Rolltex EDT machine with the China Steel Corporation. The high capacity machine is used to create a fast and reliable process of providing surface textures on cold mill rolls with lower operating costs and improved environmental conditions than other texturing processes such as shot / grit blasting.

Sarclad

Images: Sarclad

Read more...

News: AESSEAL establish community first endowment fund

A new initiative, the Community First Endowment Match Challenge, has been launched in South Yorkshire as a part of the nationwide Community First programme to promote local giving and help the most disadvantaged in our communities.

Leading Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL, is the first organisation to set up a Community First Endowment Fund.

Administered by the South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF) on behalf of the Templeborough firm, the fund will see the Government provide £1 for every £2 raised.

It follows from AESSEAL's charitable endowment fund worth almost £1m created through SYCF's Grassroots Grants Endowment Challenge.

Pauline Grice, CEO of SYCF said: "The Community First Endowment Match Challenge will raise over £3.5m in endowments that will support our communities both over the longer term and provide immediate grant making where it is needed most."

Gordon Bridge, director of AESSEAL, added: "AESSEAL remains committed to supporting the charitable work done in local communities and is delighted to be the first donor to the new Community First Endowment Fund."

AESSEAL is the world's fourth largest mechanical seal business. They specialise in the design and manufacture of mechanical seals, bearing protectors and environmental control systems for process equipment, maximising reliability and protecting the environment from leakage.

AESSEAL website

SYCF website

Images: SYCF

Read more...

News: Teams in place to address skills gaps in the advanced manufacturing sector

Specialist teams have been put in place at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Institute to address the most urgent skills gaps facing the advanced manufacturing industry.

Alison Bettac, previously director of HR at Sheffield metals engineering group Firth Rixson has joined as director of training at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing and Annette Valentine, previously at Yorkshire Forward has become the skills and training manager for the Nuclear AMRC.

Plans for a world-class £20.5m AMI Training Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham have recently been approved.

The 5,566 sq m centre will provide training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to Doctorate and MBA level. It's focus will be on 250 young people training as apprentices each year and it could have up to as many as 400 students.

The centre will focus on high-level training, concentrating on sectors such as aerospace, energy and Formula One. It will also host part time CPD courses with the training schedule guided by the AMI's industrial partners and participating companies.

Alison Bettac, director of training at The AMRC (pictured above showing Nick Clegg around Firth Rixson), said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a worldclass hub that will deliver the right skills within the advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors.

"Employers demand high-quality learning frameworks to help them compete globally. This is their opportunity to help build that provision, as the delivery through the Training Centre will be very much employer-led."

Kerry Featherstone, previously future capability and early careers manager at BAE Systems, has joined as head of training and recruitment will continue over the next year.

The National Skills Academy Nuclear – Manufacturing will create a single point of entry for employers and a dedicated team of four, based at the Nuclear AMRC's facility on the AMP, will tackle the most urgent skills challenges facing the nuclear manufacturing industry.

It is supported by the Skills Funding Agency at the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), and backed by industry leaders including EDF Energy, Areva, Westinghouse and Rolls-Royce.

Annette Valentine, skills and training manager at the Nuclear AMRC (pictured above), said: "We're a one-stop shop tackling the priority skills gaps for nuclear manufacturing, bringing together the capabilities and specialist knowledge of the three organisations.

"It's all about helping companies compete – we're making sure that all our development activities can help companies succeed in their business."

A launch event for two new facilities will take place on the AMP on September 14.

AMRC website

Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Firth Rixson / AMRC

Read more...

News: Progress for Harworth at Waverley

Rotherham-based Harworth Estates has made visible progress at their major development at Waverley of the last few months.

UK Coal has reported their "disappointing" financial results for the half year ended June 30 which saw revenue fall 23% to £198.3m and a loss after tax and exceptional items of £20.6m.

The Doncaster firm has also agreed in principle a complex restructuring plan with funders.

Harworth Estates is the property arm of UK Coal and one of the largest landowners in the UK with access to over 30,000 acres of land. They moved their offices last year to the Advanced Manufacturing Park which sits on the site of the former Orgreave Colliery and proposed £100m Waverley community development.

The first half of 2012 saw work begin on the first phase of 4,000 homes at Waverley with some off-plan sales already secured and show homes are due to open in the autumn.

National housebuilders are on site with 89 dwellings from Taylor Wimpey, 96 from Barrat Homes and 66 by Harron Homes.

Planning has also been granted for a training centre for the University of Sheffield at the commercial development at Waverley which has also seen the completion of two land sales contracts with Rolls-Royce totalling 34 acres at the AMP.

Rolls-Royce begun the construction of a state-of-the-art Advanced Blade Casting Facility that will be capable of manufacturing 100,000 blades per year when fully operational in 2014.

Plans have also been submitted for a 21,000 sq m "Project PoWeR" facility that is proposed for manufacturing and assembling power vessels for the next generation of nuclear power stations. It will bring another 180 of the initial 360 jobs from Rolls-Royce.

Progress with the commercial side of the Waverley site also continued with around 100 acres of commercial land being included within the Sheffield Enterprise Zone that provides financial incentives for businesses.

Harworth Estates was also a key property owner in a bid submitted to government for Regional Growth Fund monies to help forward fund key infrastructure at Waverley and accelerate development.

An outline planning application has also been submitted for the redevelopment and regeneration of the former colliery at Rossington in Doncaster, which has lain vacant and derelict since is closure and demolition in 2007.

The company has also been working on a disposals programme, selling properties for £16.7m in the period giving a profit on disposals of £0.4m.

Harworth Estates website

Images: Advanced Manufacturing Park / twitter

Read more...

News: Game on for Rotherham student

An enterprising Rotherham student has got a head start in his career after setting up his own business.

Daniel Roddis has completed his first year studying an HND in IT at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT) and has decided to turn his hobby in to a career.

Daniel and some of his college friends have started their own web-design business up called Design Wire Solutions and in addition, he's set up his own online gaming forum called Paranoid Scopes.

The gaming site has already attracted the attention of major gaming developers, as Daniel explains: "The gaming developers, Rebellion, approached me and offered to sponsor a gaming tournament through our website which is a really great opportunity.

"We have already looked a business premise ready to properly launch our web-design service, so it's all go at the moment."

Daniel also helped create a website for Sheffield University, where he worked alongside their business students to revamp their section of the website.

Daniel added: "Rotherham College has given the skills needed to start-up my own web-design company. The vocational aspect of the course gave me a good mix of learning alongside practical work."

Paranoid Scopes website

RCAT website

Images: RCAT

Read more...

News: Yorkshire Crisps win airport contract

The Rotherham-based Yorkshire Crisp Company has secured a contract to supply the newly extended Premier Lounge at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).

The Waleswood company produces hand-made gourmet crisps made from local vegetables and totally natural flavours. The new deal will see the crisps made available to passengers in the new 25g "flight-bag" size and follows the recent deal to supply a leading Middle Eastern airline.

The redesigned Yorkshire Premier Lounge was opened on August 1, Yorkshire Day, and offers an exclusive business zone and stylish leisure lounge. It is part of the airport's £11m terminal development.

Tim Wheatley, sales director at Yorkshire Crisps, said: "We are very excited by this development and hope that passengers enjoy our premium crisps as they travel via Leeds Bradford Airport - The Gateway to Yorkshire."

Richard Aldridge, commercial performance manager at Leeds Bradford Airport, added: "We are sure that Yorkshire Crisps will become a firm favourite with our customers. Our aim is to offer locally sourced produce wherever possible and showcase the region's finest offerings."

The business, which was initially a regional operation, has expanded and their gourmet crisps are now exported to over 14 countries around the globe, including the Far East.

Closer to home, their products can be found in regional supermarkets and flavours of the crisps including Lightly Sea Salted, Henderson's Yorkshire Sauce and Nowt On are already being sold in John Lewis Food Halls, Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges.

Yorkshire Crisps website

Images: Yorkshire Crisps

Read more...

News: 1925 Club sign up more members as season nears

Hawkins Thompson Ltd, a specialist human resources recruitment consultancy and a HR professional development business has become a Platinum member of Rotherham United's 1925 Club.

The 1925 Club, which now has more than 200 members, will offer a premier networking environment for local businesses. It is set to be the region's most exclusive sport and business club, with world class hospitality facilities at the New York Stadium.

Nigel Hawkins, managing director at Hawkins Thompson said: "The New York Stadium is the biggest thing to happen to the town of Rotherham for decades. We've watched the development of the stadium every day since planning permission was granted and to see the construction develop into the splendour that it is today makes you proud to be a Miller.

"Being able to support Rotherham United in this way is a wonderful honour. Having spent many hours on the Tivoli over the years, I'm delighted that we can now enjoy with our clients' from across the UK and the staff of Hawkins Thompson Ltd the best seats in the house and the thoroughly impressive corporate hospitality facilities."

Based in RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre, Hawkins Thompson specialises in the placement and development of human resources professionals throughout Europe.

Mark Willis, from Rotherham United, said: "We are overjoyed to welcome Hawkins Thompson into our footballing family and they will watch the Millers' inaugural season at the New York Stadium from the best seats in the house.

"All members will enjoy luxury lounge, bar and dining facilities and VIP parking in unrivalled style and comfort for our club, but I would like to personally welcome Hawkins Thompson."

Seats have been snapped up by other organisations, businesses and individuals across the town and just 20 Gold seats remain available. Other recent signings include Gastech Installations, Trelleborg, eTec Engineering and Mexborough Car Testing Centre.

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has also joined the 1925 Club. The Chamber is also hosting the "Rotherham Means Business" enterprise event at the New York Stadium on Thursday October 4. The event will celebrate the best of Rotherham business by giving local companies the chance to showcase their services and products to attendees as an exhibitor or as a sponsor.

1925Club

Hawkins Thompson website

Images: Rotherham United

Read more...