News: Martek Marine sails past £1m profit barrier

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry, has reported a seven-fold increase in net profit to £1m in the last financial year.

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

Martek Marine was created in 2000 with an initial investment of £6,000 of their own money and operated out of a single business unit at Century Business Centre in Manvers. With continued growth, they have expanded their global network to over 80 countries in a bid to boost exports.

In the last financial year, the company expanded by 33 per cent to post a £6.9m turnover. The business is on course to achieve a £10m turnover for the 2012-2013 financial year (February 2013).

Paul Luen, chief executive at Martek Marine, said: "Our ongoing strategic expansion and cutting-edge products have enabled us to out-perform the market supported by over 50 sales and service partners internationally.

"Now exporting to over 80 countries worldwide we are seeking to attract top talent who relish an exciting career in international trade as we continue to buck the trend of recession in the global market and create opportunity."

The past year saw an expansion into the Asia Pacific market by opening a regional office in Singapore, a strengthened presence within the North American market by establishing a regional office in Houston, and a dedicated sales team established for the growing Russian market.

Innovation and investment continue to chart the success of Martek Marine which is about to launch a series of new products including electronic chart navigation for ships whilst Martek has forged a partnership with Orange to pioneer telecom technology in ships.

A £250k injection into an enterprise resource planning (ERP) programme is further enhancing business processes and a recruitment drive continues apace with a staff increase of 40 per cent to 54 in total in the last twelve months alone.

Recent recruits include graduates, Lewis Docherty and Amy Lambert.

Martek Marine website

Images: Martek Marine

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News: Little Helper expands in Rotherham

A Rotherham-based enterprise is expanding nationally and internationally, thanks to its successful childcare and child play ranges of products.

Little Helper Ltd of Dinnington has grown from their initial product, the FunPod, which was conceived by company founders Kim and Sean Johnson to keep their daughter safe in the kitchen.

The FunPod has now won nine awards across three continents, and allows children from walking age to get up to kitchen worktops on their own height adjustable platform so they can help, learn, interact and play.

Since launching in 2006, 20,000 FunPods have been sold across eight countries and the company is on target to deliver 50,000 products this year alone. Their customer base in the UK includes household names such as Mothercare, Amazon, Boots, Kiddicare, Hamleys, Early Learning Centre and Tesco, as well as major independent retailers.

In this time the company has also expanded its product range with new developments including; high chairs, children's play desks and furniture, toys, play rugs, sleepwear and bedding.

Sean Johnson, managing director at Little Helper Ltd, said: "We have launched three major products this year and are working hard on a number of new products that will be introduced later this year and into 2013. We are currently developing our sales operation in the USA, and through partners the Little Helper brand will be formally launched across China from January 2013."

As part of the expansion, Little Helper Ltd has recruited a new business administration assistant. Sean, added: "With the expansion we have had need for support on the business admin aspect of the company, and so through Sarah Wilkinson at Rotherham Investment Development Office (RiDO) we were introduced to Dearne Valley College who dealt with all the recruitment for the role."

Sean and Kim are now looking forward to the company's further expansion in 2013.

RIDO's support has been delivered under the "South Yorkshire Sector Growth Enhancement Programme" which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Yorkshire & Humber ERDF Operational Programme (2007-2013). The project aims to support both inward investors and expanding indigenous businesses to accelerate private sector expansion and increase the competitiveness of the region's business base.

Little Helper website

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Innovative Pyronix celebrate award win

The Enforcer System, developed and manufactured by Rotherham-based security experts, Pyronix, has been named as "Security Innovation of the Year" at the prestigious Security Excellence Awards.

Launched last year it was a world-first fully two way wireless alarm system incorporating a transmitter and a receiver in each wireless device. The wireless technology is a vital part of the system that keeps it reliable and provides a major advantage to the installer and user.

Julie Kenny CBE DL, chair and chief executive at Pyronix, said: "It's fantastic that the Enforcer has been recognised in this way, especially winning a category that attracts such stiff competition.

"The Enforcer has really staked its claim in the security market, highlighting why wireless technology is the future, and why Pyronix is the manufacturer to take you there.

"I would like to thank the whole team at Pyronix for all their dedication and hard work in creating such a brilliant product. And also a big thank you to our customers, who without their continued support, the Enforcer would not have done as well as it has."

Based in Hellaby, Pyronix manufactures an extensive range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms. Right from the start, there was keen focus on innovation and quality that enabled the company to obtain an initial toehold in the market place. The company now exports more than 50% of its annual turnover to 96 countries around the world.

Pyronix website

Images: Pyronix

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News: Nuclear AMRC secures RGF

The University of Sheffield's Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham has secured £37.1m to boost their work that will ensure that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally.

The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is designed to support a "programme of supplier development and manufacturing research and development to create value in the UK that would otherwise migrate overseas."

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the Nuclear AMRC has been awarded the funds – subject to the usual due diligence - to support its large-scale programme of supplier development and manufacturing research in partnership with key industrial members. The programme focuses on the Civil Nuclear new-build industry, but has broad applicability across the Nuclear value chain and other industries in the energy sector.

The £25m Nuclear AMRC on the Advanced Manufacturing Park is a joint initiative between the University of Sheffield, The University of Manchester, and a consortium of industry partners. It assists UK companies to successfully compete in the emerging £40 billion civil nuclear supply chain.

Rolls-Royce, who is investing in a large nuclear manufacturing facility on the AMP, is the lead private sector partner in the centre.

Professor Keith Ridgway, director of the AMRC, said: "We are delighted with the announcement of this very important support from the Regional Growth Fund and the understanding from the Government about just how vital this work is to the UK economy.

"The programme we are operating at the Nuclear AMRC is ambitious and high-impact when compared to other supplier development initiatives, providing strong support for UK suppliers with aspirations to address the global Civil Nuclear new build opportunity, and creating process technology and intellectual property that will enable export-led growth and long-term competitive advantage for UK supply chains.

"This is a vital opportunity for British manufacturing companies, and we want to support the supply chain in developing the skills to operate in this high value market, in the same way as we have so successfully worked together in relation to aerospace. It is believed that this market could be worth more than £500 billion over the next ten years."

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Our energy sector is a vital part of our economy, and we are determined to maximise the opportunities for the UK from the nuclear and low carbon industries.

"This is an innovative Regional Growth Fund project, which will help our businesses win new orders, both here and abroad. Building strong supply chains, and long term partnerships between Government, industry and universities is a key part of the Government's industrial strategy, and this is embodied in the work of the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre."

Professor Stephen Court, operations director at the Nuclear AMRC added: "The Nuclear AMRC is a prime example of the kind of partnership approach which is so important to our future as world-leading manufacturers. Combining industry expertise and university innovation, we work with companies to improve capabilities and performance along the nuclear supply chain. The key to our success is that our members are the manufacturers themselves, and our dedication to helping UK businesses become suppliers of choice to the global civil nuclear industry.

"To do that, we work with supply chain companies to enhance their technical capability to compete on cost, quality and delivery. We also give manufacturers clarity and knowledge on nuclear codes and standards, which helps them to meet and exceed the demanding requirements of this industry. We complement this with the training and skills development which ensures that companies are able to comply with the strict requirements of this industry."

In the previous round of the RGF, the AMRC secured £9.2m for their world-class £20.5m advanced manufacturing training centre in Rotherham.

Nuclear AMRC website

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News: Rolls-Royce to support Hitachi on UK new build programme

Rolls-Royce has announced a collaboration agreement with Hitachi, Ltd. to support its delivery of new nuclear reactors in the UK.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will explore how Rolls-Royce can support Hitachi in the deployment of Advanced Boiling Water Reactor technology in the UK and internationally, through the provision of high value added manufacturing, engineering and technical services. It will also focus on the development of instrumentation and control opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

The move follows an agreement being reached by E.ON UK and RWE npower to sell Horizon, their UK new nuclear power station business, to Hitachi.

Lawrie Haynes, President - Nuclear at Rolls-Royce, said: "Rolls-Royce is delighted to have signed this important agreement to explore how it will support Hitachi in delivering new nuclear build in the UK.

"Hitachi is a recognised leader in the global nuclear industry and its acquisition of Horizon is a major step forward for the UK in securing its long term, low carbon energy needs.

"Hitachi has an impressive and proven track record in global nuclear new build which will complement the UK's extensive nuclear skills and expertise base and provide a huge opportunity for Rolls-Royce and the UK supply chain to make a significant contribution to the delivery of this major infrastructure programme."

Rolls-Royce supports a number of key phases of the global nuclear programme, including providing advice to governments and operators, supply chain management, and manufacturing and technical engineering support. The Group also provides safety-critical instrumentation and control systems to reactors across 20 countries.

Plans for a second state-of-the-art factory for Rolls-Royce at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham were recently approved.

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.

Rolls-Royce are also founding members of the Nuclear AMRC on the AMP.

In February, a £400m agreement between Rolls-Royce and AREVA was signed that sees the companies collaborate on the UK civil nuclear market, covering nuclear new build and fuel cycle.

Rolls-Royce website

Images: horizonnuclearpower.com

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News: Maplin secure funding for expansion

Rotherham-based electronics retailer, Maplin, has secured a new £20m revolving credit facility from Lloyds Bank to finance their plans to open 100 new stores and create hundreds of jobs.

Manvers-based Maplin sells a range of 15,000 products to tech-savvy hobbyists as well as general consumers.

The company's website attracts over 170,000 visitors every day and they operate a network of over 200 retail outlets throughout the UK and Ireland. They employ 2,500 staff.

As part of the backing from Lloyds, Maplin has now repaid the original acquisition finance that was used to fund the reported £244m secondary management buyout of the business in 2004.

Claire Webb, finance director at Maplin, said: "Earlier this year we announced plans to improve the business by investing in new stores and improving our online capabilities.

"The funding package we have agreed with Lloyds Bank will support these initiatives.

"In particular, we have received very positive feedback from customers regarding their in-store experience.

"By opening 100 new stores over the next three years we are ensuring that more customers can benefit from this service."

David Hunt, relationship director at the Sheffield office of Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking & Markets, added:: "Maplin has a strong brand identity and a clear strategy of how and where they see their future. It is a good example of a mid-market business that is generating steady growth.

"These businesses are fundamental to the UK's economic recovery and we are committed to working with them to help them achieve their business goals."

Launched by two technology enthusiasts in 1972 who were frustrated by the lack of good quality electronics components, Maplin Electronics became the experts' choice, with a reputation for the best product range and expertise.

Maplin now has a turnover of more than £200m, a world away from the early days in Essex when founders, Roger Allen and Doug Simmons, remained in their full-time jobs for two years, and the company didn't make a profit.

In 2008 they moved to a 220,000 sq ft state of the art distribution centre and head office at Manvers in Rotherham.

Maplin website

Images: maplin.co.uk

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News: LEP to invite more companies to unlock their business investments

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) will call on more local companies to get involved in their £25m programme to help unlock over £100m of direct business investment.

The programme secured £25m of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) earlier this month, one of the largest successful programme bids in round three of government fund.

Called "Unlocking Business Investment" the programme will unlock over £100m of direct business investment, leading to further private sector growth across the Sheffield City Region. The footprint of this growth is hoped to be approximately 1,800 sustainable, private sector jobs. The businesses supported by the programme will mainly be in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.

The LEP bid currently comprises of 27 companies, which put forward plans for growth as part of the bidding process, and a final offer with the government is expected to be agreed before Christmas. Sheffield City Council is to be the lead accountable body.

A competitive call for new projects, likely to be in January 2013, will then be made with a further £15m available for suitable projects.

It is understood that the money will be offered to suitable businesses as grants but if certain conditions are not met, such as jobs growth, then the grant will become repayable by the company.

James Newman, chairman of the LEP, said: "This bid has been several months in planning and a lot of hard work has gone into getting it right – it brings together dozens of companies with robust plans for growth. This programme will demonstrate how a small amount of funding can unlock significantly more direct private sector investment – leading to growth and sustainable, private sector employment."

Innovative Sheffield company, Gripple Ltd, was involved in the bid. Mark Edmonds, managing director at Gripple, said: "This is fantastic news for the City Region, for Sheffield and for Gripple. The difficulties of the current financial climate are well rehearsed and provide plenty of reasons for companies like ours to keep their heads down. However, we have to keep driving forward with innovations in products and processes and in the development of new markets."

Sheffield City Region LEP website

Images: Gripple

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News: Nuclear AMRC machining at 1000mph

The Nuclear AMRC in Rotherham is playing a key role in the Bloodhound SSC project to create a 1000mph car and enthuse a new generation about engineering.

The British engineering showcase aims to break the world land speed record by achieving the supersonic speed of 1,000mph. It also aims to inspire future generations to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible.

The machining team at the centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park is producing seven parts of the rear sub-frame that will hold the rocket into the car, with some parts measuring over a metre in length and width.

Jay Shaw, deputy machining group manager at the Nuclear AMRC, said: "These are high tolerance parts that we’re machining from aerospace-grade aluminium.

"It's going to be holding 27,000 pounds of thrust, so our knowledge and capabilities for large parts which will operate under the toughest conditions will be critical."

Some of the frame components will be machined on the centre's new state of the art equipment. Delivered in October, the Hermle C60 is an extremely versatile five-axis mill-turn centre capable of working on parts up to 1.2m diameter by 90cm high and 1.4t weight.

Shaw added: "It's a good test for the Hermle – we'll test the accuracy and our knowledge of the machine. It's ideal because the Hermle is a full five-axis machine so we can do intricate three-dimensional features quite easily."

The collaboration began early in the summer, when Shaw met with Bloodhound engineers to advise on tolerance and features for the parts. The work also involves several of the Nuclear AMRC's members. Sandvik Coromant is supporting on tooling, while Hexagon Metrology will inspect the final parts to ensure they meet specifications.

The Nuclear AMRC's sister centre, the AMRC with Boeing, has also carried out a range of work for Bloodhound. AMRC engineers produced gearbox parts for the Cosworth F1 engine which Bloodhound will use as a fuel pump, and calibrated the thrust ring for the rocket which successfully test fired in early October.

Rotherham high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor, Newburgh Engineering is a project sponsor and has completed Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) gearbox casings for use in the car.

Nuclear AMRC website

Bloodhound website

Images: namrc.co.uk

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News: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Awards 2012 winners

IT company Bull Information Systems are in full celebration mode after claiming a trio of awards at the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards ceremony, which honoured companies and individuals from across the City Region.

Bull lifted the Royal Bank of Scotland Business of the Year trophy in front of almost 500 guests at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham.

The company also claimed the Barnsley Community Solutions Skills Development Award, while their Service Manager Richard Stewart scooped The Source Business Person of the Year Award.

Bull is one of Europe's leading IT solutions providers, delivering services including support, consultancy, managed services and outsourcing from their purpose-built Northern Operations Centre in Barnsley.

Andrew Carr, chief executive Officer at Bull Information Systems, said: "Bull was delighted to be named the Business of the Year for 2012 and the award is testament to the continued investment we are making in our people which has resulted in growth over the last two years in tough economic conditions.

"This award is a result of 280 people working together towards shared objectives. I am now looking forward to next year's event and continuing to develop strong and growing business within the Barnsley and Rotherham region with our partners."

Andy Tyas, relationship director at The Royal Bank of Scotland, said: "We were pleased to note the continued rise in the number and standard of entries this year, and Bull Information Systems have demonstrated outstanding strengths against all the key criteria set for this category."

Rotherham-based companies winning on the night were Enviro Thaw in The ASD Lighting/Rotherham United FC Business Growth Award, S3 ID in The Sheffield Hallam University Innovation & Technology in Business Award, and Newburgh Engineering in The Premier Waste & Recycling Environmental Business Award.

Vince Middleton, chairman of Newburgh Engineering at Templeborough, said: "It means so much to all Newburgh staff to win such a prestigious and locally-recognized award, particularly as new members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber. This is a reflection of the continued hard work that our loyal and talented employees have put into creating such a brilliant company."

The event included the Salute To Business Awards which saw Irwin Mitchell and Wardell Armstrong recognised for 100 and 175 years' trading respectively.

The ceremony also included a cheque presentation of £3,500 to local charity Lost Chord, from funds raised at the Chamber's President's Charity Ball in May. Another £3,500 will go to the President's Charity Fund – which supports good causes in Barnsley and Rotherham.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber

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News: Rotherham firm enters Dragons' Den

A Rotherham firm has beaten thousands of entries and made into the BBC's Dragons' Den, with the experience expected to be shown this weekend.

Enterprising Karina Oldale of Enviro Thaw secured the chance of three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multi-millionaires willing to invest their own cash.

The company holds the European distribution rights for the environmentally friendly product that is commonly used to combat the effects of snow and ice throughout China and Asia. Enviro Thaw was established to expand the Beijing Santywell product line into Europe and provides de-icers that are effective to -55°C.

The rapidly-growing company moved to the Northfield Industrial Estate last year and has also secured rights to manufacture the product in the UK.

New products are set to be launched soon.

Whether Karina managed to secure cash from the Dragons will not to be known until the show goes on air but the experience was not all bad. Hilarity arose when Duncan Bannatyne forgets a question and puts the nervous entrepreneurs at ease in a "human" moment.

The firm has come a long way since taking part in Rotherham's Dragons' Den-style event last year (pictured) and recently reported a massive 700% increase in turnover since launching in 2010.

Karina said: "Sunday will be here very soon and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

"Over 12 months of hard work for myself and the team, with few resources, they have achieved results expected of a large blue chip organisation."

The company won the The ASD Lighting/Rotherham United FC Business Growth Award at the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards last week and has made the final of the prestigious International Trade Awards to be announced in December.

Enviro Thaw website

Images: RMBC

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News: Bromley to work on pioneering Paralympic skeleton sleds

Bromley Technologies Ltd, has won a contract to partner the International Skeleton & Bobsleigh Federation (ISBF) based in Switzerland in undertaking pioneering research and development work to design and manufacture the sport's first generation of Paralympic Skeleton sleds.

From their base at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Bromley Technologies specialises in athlete-focused engineering technology, with its state-of-the-art test facility that helps finesse sporting talent.

They supply current World Cup champion Shelley Rudman and Kristan Bromley, company co founder and CEO, himself a triple Olympian and "triple crown" winner in 2008. Over the past few years their Team GB skeleton athletes have secured over 20 World cup medals.

Richard Bromley, co founder and Director at Bromley explains the importance of securing this contract: "It's an exciting time for international skeleton sport as the ISBF begins a journey to realise its vision of expanding into the Paralympic domain. We are delighted that the ISBF has chosen Bromley as a partner to realise the technological side of this vision.

"This is a big challenge and opportunity for us to be part of this pioneering stage. We pride ourselves on developing innovative performance equipment with a strong customer support ethos, and we are looking forward to extending this ethos into the Paralympic sports with the ISBF."

The agreement follows another strong year of growth for the company in the manufacture and sales of its flagship sled range for able bodied athletes. Bromley now supply skeleton sleds and runners to athletes from 23 nations, from countries including Canada, Australia & Japan. In addition the company has completed another large international contract involving mapping and simulating skeleton sled tracks - at speeds up to 90mph.

Bromley Technologies has seen two years of growth in the difficult economic climate and in a market that is particularly difficult for a company from Britain - not one of the traditional wintersports nations.

Kristan Bromley, said: "We believe our success is down to maintaining a focus on finding a competitive edge through innovation of our products, whilst pursuing a focussed and streamlined business plan.

"The Bromley brand has a growing presence within the action sports world and currently exports over 95% of its business. As a company we're in the final stages of developing a new snow sport product that will see Bromley enter the mainstream action sport markets."

Bromley Technologies website

Images: Dormer Tools

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News: Free parking set to return to Rotherham town centre

Rotherham Council is again planning to re-introduce free parking on Saturdays to support town centre retailers during the important festive period.

Cabinet member approval is being sought to cover the costs of providing free parking in council owned car parks in Rotherham town centre on six Saturdays from November 17 to December 22 inclusive.

The period between the Christmas lights switch-on event and Christmas Day is the key period for retailers that can ensure the year-round profitability of the business. A poor Christmas trade can have a significant impact on the viability of the business.

If approved £28,000 from the council's Rotherham Economic Regeneration Fund will cover the costs. The loss of revenue for each Saturday is estimated at £4,000 and funds will also be used to promote the scheme.

Free parking is only available in RMBC car parks and maximum stay rules would still apply.

In a council report, Tim O'Connell, business & retail investment team manager, said: "One of the key recommendations in the Mary Portas High Street Review was that high streets and town centres should have the flexibility to introduce local parking initiatives to boost trade. This is particularly pertinent to Rotherham, given the proximity to Parkgate and Meadowhall both of which have a free parking offer.

"Rotherham has welcomed a recent upturn in footfall figures and a reduction in shop vacancy rates. This can to some extent be attributed to a number of projects and initiatives aimed at regenerating the town centre, including the Business Vitality Grants Scheme, Shop Local, Public Realm Improvements, the Events and Entertainment Programme, Gallery Town and of course the return of Rotherham United to a stadium in the town.

"Free parking in the run-up to Christmas would complement these projects and initiatives and would provide a further incentive for shoppers to choose Rotherham."

Following similar schemes in previous years, consultation with town centre businesses showed that sixty four per cent of those traders surveyed suggested that trade and footfall had increased with the free Saturday parking scheme.

The 700 space Interchange car park is also set to reopen in time for the festive period after work to replace the access bridge is completed.

Rotherham town centre website

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News: Plans updated for New York Stadium commercial space

Updated plans have been submitted that would open up the commercial space inside Rotherham United's New York Stadium to a range of uses.

On the site of the former Guest & Chrimes Foundry, close to Rotherham town centre, the £20m development hosted its first games this season. The 12,000 seater stadium also includes around 3,000 sq m of high specification lettable space with Rotherham's Burgess Commercial the appointed agents.

The aim is to make the stadium a more integral part of Rotherham rather than just having it used on match days.

Initial plans were submitted in May for a gym and café in two of the units but planners asked for more information. If approved, the latest plans would also give permission for retail, restaurants, drinking establishments, hot food takeaways, leisure and offices, plus related car parking.

Planning permission is required for "non-football" uses as the current planning permission only covers uses linked to the football club such as the club shop and corporate hospitality.

As the Guest & Chrimes site is considered "edge of centre" in planning terms, the applicants have been asked to show that the development would not affect the viability and vitality of the town centre. A sequential test is also required to show why the uses cannot be accommodated in the town centre.

Consultants, Signet Planning are working on behalf of The Millers. The application states that non-football related uses are acceptable in a policy context due to those uses actually enhancing the town centre. It also references the shift in the town centre caused by the stadium and council office developments.

The plans conclude that: "the presence of the football stadium has contributed significantly to the revitalisation of the town centre, particularly on matchdays, with a clear boost to the local economy through the increased patronisation of the town centre's facilities and services."

Developing the prestigious and unique environment further is expected to attract new investment to the town.

The other uses in the stadium are restricted in terms of space and the applicants add that: "it is not considered that the presence of such uses on this scale in the stadium would have a significant impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre."

The gym operators look like being the first occupiers to move in "with an operator in the final stages of agreeing terms with the club." The 600 sq m health and fitness centre would be on the corner of the North and main West stand and would include a mezzanine level.

Rotherham United website

Images: Rotherham United

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News: Tata Steel Europe respond to market with new structure

Tata Steel Europe has outlined a new strategy to target demanding industries, like automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and construction as they experience low demand across the eurozone and higher raw material costs.

The Indian-owned steelmaker changed the name from Corus in 2010 and has since organised its sales and marketing activities to focus on their customer's needs for increased product performance and value.

By combining its advanced steel products with a customer-oriented business model and by developing new products in partnership with its customers, the company aims to raise the share of "differentiated" products sales within its portfolio by over 50 percent between now and 2016.

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

A recent £6.5m investment in aerospace steel production has boosted output of these steels by 30% and safeguarded the South Yorkshire jobs. It followed a £3.5m investment in its Rotherham operations to improve plant reliability and energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and boost production of high-value steel products.

Tata Steel's market sector teams also offer individual customers a single dedicated account team to ensure they have optimum access to the company's extensive product range and technical, logistical and R&D resources.

The main R&D site in the UK is the Swinden Technology Centre in Rotherham where researchers are developing new manufacturing techniques and products.

Henrik Adam, chief commercial officer, Tata Steel in Europe, said: "Europe is currently facing economic uncertainty. Markets like automotive, mechanical engineering and construction are heavily affected by the stagnating economy. To remain competitive, these industries are seeking to deliver superior customer value whilst reducing costs at the same time. Customers expect support in their innovation efforts, improved product performance and value in use.

"Tata Steel's wide product range, integrated steelmaking facilities and extensive distribution and processing networks, in combination with a customer-focused approach, create opportunities for growth across all our market sectors. By focusing in particular on the most demanding industries, we are aiming to increase the sales of differentiated products within our portfolio by over 50 percent by 2016."

Tata Steel website

Images: Tata Steel

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News: KyNa gets a twitter boost from Theo

Another Rotherham-based enterprise has received a business boost from TV Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Earlier this month, Jenny Mortimer, owner of KyNa Boutique, tweeted Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’, an initiative set up by Theo that runs weekly.

Theo picked KyNa Boutique from over 1000 hopefuls and re‐tweeted Jenny’s message to his 283,000 followers and as a result, the business has over 100 more followers and extra orders for their organic children’s clothing.  They are also profiled on a new website that is exclusive to Small Business Sunday winners.

Jenny Mortimer, owner of KyNa Boutique said, “We’ve been in business just over a year and I work til gone midnight most days helping customers online, which is tough with two boys to look after as well. It is great to have support from Theo because it’s been tough trying to raise our profile and Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do to his following.”

The latest award follows the recognition earlier this year by Jacqueline Gold, CEO of Ann Summers, as part of her Women on Wednesday twitter initiative.

KyNa Boutique was founded in 2011 and is based in Aston. They offer a range of organic clothes for children that are colourful, contemporary and fashionable including brands such as Ava and Luc, Boys&Girls and Bamboo Baby.

KyNA is the second Rotherham business in as many months to become an SBS winner, as enterprising Fiona Silvester from Very Delicious Cheesecakes was recognised in September.

KyNa Boutique website

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News: Props looks to kick on after award win

Tom Jones, the recently-named Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, has already spent most of his prize money on new stock as his skate store business in Rotherham town centre picks up the pace.

Located in the Eastwood Lane Arcade, next to the town's market and local college, RCAT, Props specialises in skateboards, scooters, replacements parts and fashion clothing accessories.

It has been open for less than a year but quickly became a hub for the local skater community and has definitely added to the different retail offer created in Rotherham by new local independents.

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

Tom had already been named as the winner of the Best New Start-up category when he was completely shocked to find out that he had been chosen as the overall winner by the judges.

"It was the proudest moment of my life" he joked, more than half seriously. Although you can tell from speaking to him that actually turning his vision into reality and opening his own store probably takes some beating.

Tom added: "It was hard work setting up but seeing the sign go up on the front, I don't think I've ever been so excited."

Tom, from Kimberworth, has been an active skateboarder for more than ten years. He had the idea of opening a shop for the local skate park community as he and his friends had to travel to Sheffield or Barnsley to buy their equipment. Support from the youth charity, The Prince's Trust helped to turn the idea into an achievable business plan.

Tom has also received support from RYE along the way, with business advisers regularly in contact. Props is also one of 12 new town centre business to receive support under the council's Business Vitality Grant Scheme. Since the scheme began in 2009, new clothing boutiques, bridal shops, homeware and gift stores plus a chocolatier have opened, helping to differentiate the town's offer.

As Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year 2012, Tom received a special trophy and a cheque for £1,000. He also received an iPad from Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

Tom discussed the award and his plans for the future. He said: "The award has been great for helping Props get more publicity and the cash is going straight back into the shop.

"We've ordered some more of our own branded clothing - Props hoodies and tees. Our first batch sold out straight away and it's great to see skaters out wearing our stuff.

"We're also in a position for the first time to create some Props branded boards."

Other plans include expanding the store and adding café facilities. Props will also be helping to organise events for the skater community with the next one planned for the Clifton Park Skatepark in Rotherham town centre next month.

Tom added: "The events are good for building up more awareness of the Props brand but it's also good to give something back to the local community.

"When I was growing up, we never had anything like this and now I'm getting kids coming into the shop that are trying skateboarding for the first time."

Props website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: AMP host international visitors

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham will welcome international delegates from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) today.

Hosted by Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the delegation will include senior UKTI representatives from its overseas operations in Serbia, Finland and Japan.

The UKTI delegates are visiting the City Region to find out more about the potential opportunities available for economic growth and international investment with their host countries with a specific focus on Low Carbon and Advanced Manufacturing. The delegates have travelled from various UKTI offices around the world.

The LEP, in partnership with local authorities from across the region, arranged a number of presentations and visits to key businesses in the city region from a range of sectors.

The visit will also take in the Barnsley College Think Low Carbon Centre, which delivers courses in low carbon technologies for building industry professionals.  They will also hear presentations at Barclays bank in Sheffield, on the City Region's strengths in the renewables, advanced manufacturing and IT sectors.

David Grey MBE, board member of the LEP, said: "The LEP is proud to showcase the Sheffield City Region's expertise in renewable energy and other sectors in the region to international delegates. This important activity generates business opportunities and relationships for the future."

Earlier this month, a delegation from Kosovo, including Government Ministers and senior business people visited the AMP as part of a trade mission to the Sheffield Region, organised by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

AMP website

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News: Support for nuclear manufacturing expanded

The National Skills Academy (NSA) for Nuclear has expanded its offer to UK manufacturers who supply (or are looking to supply) the nuclear industry.

A collaboration with manufacturing skills group Semta, the NSA Nuclear Manufacturing has created a single point of entry for employers and a dedicated team, based at the Nuclear AMRC's facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham. It was established to tackle the most urgent skills challenges facing the nuclear manufacturing industry.

The academy operates on a membership model, with industrial members gaining full access to its specialist skills services such as training and skills products, a specialist provider network and a range of innovative support tools.

And now with the National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC) joining the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), members of the skills academy will now have access to NAMTEC's Manufacturing Forum.

The forum provides the opportunity for members to explore new market and technology development opportunities in high growth sectors and member services and benefits include business intelligence, supply chain information, facilitated attendance at exhibitions and support for international trade.

Annette Valentine, training and skills manager at Nuclear AMRC, said: "We are delighted to offer these additional benefits to members. These will enable companies to build new networks and business relationships as well as accessing industry knowledge and intelligence.

"This will help companies develop their plans to move into or extend their business in nuclear manufacturing."

Alan McLlelland, managing director at AMRC NAMTEC, added: "One of the key goals of the Forum is to draw the UK engineering manufacturing community together around the opportunities for sustainable growth and diversification so it is a pleasure to welcome this body of leading organisations into our activities."

The first event from the newly merged AMRC and NAMTEC Forum takes place this week at the AMP. Rolls-Royce will lead a morning of exclusive insight into 3D scanning and non-contact measurement technologies, and how they can improve efficiency and create new capabilities in advanced manufacturing.

On October 25, AMP-based Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) will also explain how 3D scanning can add value to many different manufacturing operations apart from measuring and validation.

NSA Nuclear website

NAMTEC website

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News: Redirack ready to grow with RGF

Redirack, the Rotherham based pallet racking and mezzanine floor manufacturer, will use funding from the government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF) in the development of a new concept for the logistics market.

RediLogX will provide customers with an automated system to control the throughput and storage of high value and perishable goods whilst saving significant operating costs and improving carbon footprint impact.

Redirack will be working with world renowned organisations, such as The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Sheffield Hallam University, and The Welding Institute (TWI) to develop a unique, automated stock management warehouse solution to secure supply and provide scientifically enhanced systems and management information for customers.

Andrew Forsythe, managing director of RediRack, said: "We are very excited about our ability to innovate and believe this is the springboard for us to revolutionise the intra-logistics and associated industries."

The RediLogX system was recently used on a project for Fredericks Dairies, as they needed to expand but more traditional systems could not accommodate the 13,000 pallets they needed in the warehouse they had. Redirack's solution involved an automated pallet storage, retrieval and sequencing system that meant that all but 5% of the warehouse was utilised with floor to ceiling storage. It also meant that running costs were significantly reduced.

Redirack has an 100,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Kilnhurst and has over 70 employees. Established in 1973, they underwent a management buy out from its former owners, the Norwegian based multinational Dexion Group Limited, in 2004.

Since the takeover, Redirack has expanded its headquarters in Mexborough to accommodate the growing demand for its mezzanine floor product, Redifloor.

The firm enjoyed a turnover of £11m for 2011.
Redirack website

Images: Redirack

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News: MPs urge Government to back steel making in Rotherham

The three Rotherham MPs are urging the Government to look closely at its proposed changes to the Climate Change Levy (CCL) and the impact it could have on steel making in South Yorkshire.

There are concerns amongst steel makers that the Government may alter the current rules on the Climate Change Levy which could end up penalising steel made by electric arc furnaces (EAF) which require large amount of electrical power delivered to work effectively.

The Rotherham MPs, Denis MacShane, John Healey and Kevin Barron, are urging that the Treasury add to their plans and include measures that would mean that steel manufacturers and "metallurgical processes" be exempt from the CCL.

In a letter to the Economic Secretary, they stated that: "We believe that the cost of restoring the full CCL relief to EAF companies would be of great assistance to steel making in Rotherham and Sheffield."

Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, added: "We all want a greener economy but that should be achieved by focusing on insulation of homes and other promoting non C02 emitting transport. The productive steel exporters should not be unfairly penalised."

Investment in 2005 saw the Rotherham site of Tata Steel (formerly Corus) at Aldwarke become the focus for steel making, casting and rolling of specialist steels. The steel is manufactured at the Rotherham site before undergoing further refining at the Stocksbridge plant or the Thrybergh Bar Mill to improve the quality.

A recent £6.5m investment in aerospace steel production has boosted output of these steels by 30% and has led to the creation of eight new jobs. The scheme included two new vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnaces and specialist testing equipment, as well as a new ultrasonic immersion testing facility.

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

Recommended reading: Digital and Sustainable: How Local Businesses are Embracing a Greener Future

Tata Steel Europe employs around 2,000 steelworkers in South Yorkshire.

Following this year's budget, Karl-Ulrich Köhler, MD & CEO of Tata Steel's European operations called on more to be done to support energy-intensive industrial companies in the UK.

Earlier this month the government began consultation on its proposed £250m Energy Intensive Industries Package (EIIP) which aims to reduce the impact of energy and climate change policies on the cost of electricity for energy intensive industries.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Many energy intensive businesses are located in areas that have been hit hard by the economic downturn, which is why it's important that we get this right and present the best support package available."

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News: Inspired Lee recognised for grand design

Rotherham gardening expert, Lee Bestall has been named as the winner of Grand Designs Garden Designer of The Year Award 2012 for his creation, "Cloud Nine."

The inaugural competition was held at the recent Grand Designs Live event in Birmingham and saw the concepts of three chosen finalists brought to life in display gardens over the three days.

Each garden was inspired by the Grand Designs ethos which includes contemporary style, inspiration, and ethical and environmental responsibility.

Lee's garden design was an impressive, contemporary and low maintenance rooftop garden for relaxing after work. It incorporated modern gadgets which complimented those in the adjoining penthouse. The garden was designed for a single, young professional and is seen as a place to relax and unwind after work whilst taking in views over the city skyline.

The garden featured a hot tub, sheltered by the partially open Cedar wood structure with the lighting, music, and even the shower, all controlled via an iPad.

Enterprising Lee, who grew up in Aston and studied at Sheffield Hallam University, was working in recruitment when he earned the chance to turn his love of gardening into a career with invaluable training from gardening expert, Diarmuid Gavin as part of a BBC series.

The local business, Inspired Garden Design has gone from strength to strength with Lee receiving industry awards including a silver medal at Tatton Park Flower Show 2005 and a bronze medal at Gardeners' World Live 2006.

Lee hopes that the latest award will boost his business. He said: "I still can't believe I won the Grand Designs garden designer of the year award.

"I plan to further develop my portfolio of corporate and private gardens, as well as working on community projects.

"I really enjoy developing productive working relationships with new clients and delivering gardens which not only exceed people's expectations, but change the way they live their outdoor lives."

Inspired Garden Designs website

Images: Inspired Garden Designs

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News: Rotherham firms secure government cash for growth

Rotherham-based companies, AESSEAL and Redirack have both secured funding from the government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has also secured £25m for a programme that will help businesses across the city region expand their operations, create new jobs and stimulate growth.

The RGF is the government's main source of funding for economic development and regeneration. Over 400 applications were competing for a share of £1 billion in the third round of the fund.

130 projects have been selected for the third round and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "This £1 billion boost for growth in towns and cities across England is creating jobs that will last in the parts of the country that need it most.

"In tough economic times the Regional Growth Fund is good value for taxpayers' money – this £1 billion round of the fund is pulling in £6 billion of private sector investment."

The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, added: "The Regional Growth Fund is creating the long-term growth and jobs that this country needs. The projects support important local priorities and there is a good alignment with key sectors in our Industrial Strategy including automotive, aerospace and life sciences."

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.

Redirack is a pallet racking and mezzanine floor manufacturer that has an 100,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Kilnhurst and has over 100 employees.

Details of how much the firms have secured and what they plan to do with the money have yet to be announced but they will meet the aims of the RGF - creating jobs, encouraging private investment and supporting areas dependent on the public sector.

Both firms recently committed to invest in the future with new apprentices.

The LEP's programme hopes to unlock £100m of direct business investment, leading to sustainable, private sector growth in the city region.

27 local companies put forward plans for growth as part of the RGF bid. The LEP will be inviting many more businesses with plans for growth in the City Region to be part of the programme.

James Newman, chairman of the LEP, said: "This bid has been several months in planning and a lot of hard work has gone into getting it right – it brings together dozens of companies with robust plans for growth.

"It is now crucial that we focus on the delivery of this ambitious programme, and we look forward to working with our partners, Government and local businesses.

"The Sheffield City Region LEP’s programme will demonstrate that a small amount of funding can unlock significantly more direct private sector investment – leading to growth and sustainable, private sector employment."

Despite making the shortlist, the bid from the LEP and partners to secure RGF funding for infrastructure around key employment sites has not been successful.

AESSEAL website

Redirack website

Sheffield City Region LEP website

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News: CF Booth named amongst UK's best

Rotherham-based, C.F. Booth, one of the largest independently run recycling companies in Europe, has been named amongst Britain's leading mid-market private companies.

With sales of £236.9m, the firm is ranked as 161st in the latest Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250. The company was a new entry in the list after sales increased by a massive £100m.

The company specialises in metal recycling and metal ingot manufacturing of both ferrous and non ferrous metals for UK import and export. Their Clarence Metal Works on Armer Street is thought to be the largest scrapyard in Europe.

Established in 1920 it has grown from a local metal trader and sustained investment in staff, technology and equipment enables C.F. Booth to be at the forefront of the industry and able to meet the ever growing global demand for recycled metals.

An extensive range of services includes specialist forms of scrap metal recycling and the trading and processing of all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap.

Earlier this year, C.F. Booth won the Queen's Award for International Trade for an outstanding performance over the last three years. Export sales are 56% of turnover which is well in excess of industry sector averages contributing to overseas earnings growth of 81%.

David Maxwell, partner at Grant Thornton, the title sponsor of the league table, said: "It is great to see privately owned companies – including many which Grant Thornton has helped to support – making such a positive contribution to the UK economy.

"Impressive leadership is ensuring they prosper despite tough trading conditions, with many companies expanding through their international operations and all making sure they retain and engage talented people in the UK."

In a recent industry rich list, Ken and James Booth, directors at C.F. Booth had an estimated net worth of £38m.

C.F. Booth website

Images: cfbooth.com

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News: Barclays hosting international business clinic in Rotherham

Barclays and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are hosting an international clinic in Rotherham next week to inform local businesses on the ways to start trading overseas safely and successfully.

The business bank recently carried out research amongst 1,500 small businesses in the UK, revealing the rapid benefits of exporting. 29 per cent experienced a positive impact on their bottom line within just six months of expanding into international markets. Eight in ten (82 per cent) businesses experienced a positive impact on their bottom line after two years of exporting.

31% of businesses that currently sell overseas have had to employ more people in the UK as a result of their exporting activity. These businesses, on average, have recruited an extra 15 people in the UK each as a direct result of their exporting activity, which equates to around 336,0002 more people being employed across the UK as a result of businesses exporting or selling to overseas customers.

The research also found that 31 per cent of those who currently export are planning on branching into new markets in the next year and a further 24 per cent in the next two years. And, with continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone, businesses are looking for export opportunities further afield. Nine out of the top ten countries listed as targets by businesses exporting for three years or more3 are outside of Europe, with Hong Kong, India, China and Australia topping the list.

The research comes as Barclays recently launched a unique proposition, "Business Abroad", which provides the tools and know-how that businesses need to instantly start trading internationally with confidence. It offers free access to expert guidance, advice, workshops and tools, as well as discounts on international products and services.

Steve Cooper, vice chairman of Barclays Business Banking said: "Winning business overseas is a vitally important way for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out of recession. Our new research shows that in the challenging domestic market, exporting provides attractive new revenue growth for businesses, boosting the bottom line and supporting job creation.

"We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that step to winning new trade around the world, and have experts in place across the globe ready to lend their support and advice."

The event at the Holiday Inn on the morning of October 25 will cover the "Business Abroad" initiative. Barclays is also working with UKTI to help small businesses trade internationally – from securing their first international customer to setting up an overseas operation.

Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: "Boosting the UK's export performance and supporting the growth of small and medium sized enterprises are key parts of our plan for growth that will help us secure a stronger, more balanced and resilient economy. The Government wants to see a further 100,000 British businesses exporting by 2020 and is committed to helping businesses of all sizes take their products and services to new markets overseas.

"Alongside the support offered by UK Trade and Investment, the Business Abroad proposition launched by Barclays will play an important role in helping British products and services find new markets overseas. I look forward to seeing our partnership deliver real results."

Barclays website

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News: Award-winning designer comes full circle in Rotherham

Award winning product designer Nathan Bestwick, owner of Yormii, is entering an exciting new era, as he has moved to new premises at the Matrix Business Centre in Dinnington.

The centre is run by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of the council and RiDO's mentors had first met Nathan through Rotherham Youth Enterprise, as he lived in Dinnington and studied at Sheffield Hallam University.

Shortly after graduating, Nathan launched a product and graphic design consultancy called If? Works, which grew from RiDO's Fusion @ Magna Business Centre in Rotherham. He went on to set up a kitchenware firm in partnership with Sheffield-based company Gripple, under its "Incub" programme, which nurtures local inventors with the aim of creating future jobs in South Yorkshire.

Nathan's Millmii is an innovative spice mill that can be used by people who have limited strength or dexterity in their hands and works by being rolled in the hands without any need to grip or twist.

The playful and stylish design received one of the coveted awards at this year's red dot awards for product design, which were given by a 30-member jury after an evaluation process lasting several days. The product got an honourable mention due to its particularly successful detail solution.

After one year Yormii had grown significantly and was ready to expand into their own premises, which will enable Nathan to grow the business further.

The workshop space within the business centre is four times the size of his current unit and he intends to use this for warehousing space for products, to take on new staff and also to set up a photography studio that he can use for taking images of his products.

Nathan has been able to take advantage of an ERDF funded project called Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) which is run by RiDO. As an SME based in Rotherham, Yormii is eligible to access a mentor to help explore and develop international opportunities.

Nathan Bestwick, said: "This is such an exciting time for my business and I felt a move to my own dedicated business premises would give me the platform for future growth. This is the perfect base to grow my business and having the workshop space means I will be able to gear up easily to future requirements."

RiDO's support through the Soft Landing Zone programme for Yormii is helping Nathan to identify new international markets. This is seeing him building relationships with retailers and seeking sales agents in Europe.

Nathan adds: "I've had some great support from RiDO already and with my mentor's help I have been able to identify new markets in European countries. Martyn from RiDO has carried out lots of research, which I simply would not have had the time or contacts to do and put me in touch with relevant organisations overseas. This means I'm able to focus on the UK market, whilst also accelerating growth into international markets for my products too."

Martyn Benson, business development co-ordinator for the Soft Landing Zone at RiDO, said: "This is a true South Yorkshire success story. Nathan was brought up in Dinnington and now he is back here showing just what a young entrepreneur can achieve.

"It is fantastic to see him doing so well in his new premises and so exciting to be able to work with him and help him tap into market opportunities not just in the UK but internationally."

Nathan recently revealed that discussions are taking place with Lakeland and John Lewis about stocking his products and that distributors are lined up in the US and Canada. Meetings are taking place with other distributors worldwide.

Nathan's next milestone is launching three exciting new products within the housewares sector, which are planned to be released at Spring Fair International in February. He is also planning to showcase them at the Chicago Home Show in March 2013.

Yormii website

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Fripp Design up for 3D4D challenge

Experts from Fripp Design and Research, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, have reached the final of an industry competition that aims to develop 3D printing technologies to deliver real social benefits in the developing world.

The 3D4D challenge recognises a number of projects harnessing the benefits of 3D printing and Fripp has been working on a project for the manufacturer of soft tissue prostheses.

Working with the University of Sheffield and with funding from the Wellcome Trust, Fripp has developed a system to fabricate soft tissue prostheses for patients suffering from facial deformities as a result of disease or serious accidents.

Using 3D printing technology dramatically reduces the time and cost of manufacture without need for invasive procedures. A patient can quickly obtain necessary replacements without having to revisit the clinic.

Fripp Design's focus to date has been to develop a commercial offer for the UK National Health Service. With a top prize of $100,000 going to the winner, the 3D4D challenge provides an opportunity to develop a low cost system for the developing world so that people in local communities can manufacture soft tissue prostheses for themselves.

Tom Fripp of Fripp Design and Research, said:"We have developed the technology to be able to 3D print soft tissue prostheses but are now struggling to bring it to market in the UK because of the many issues surrounding ethical approval, which involve a lot of paper work.

"The UK does not have the same problem to solve [as the developing world] as there is no shortage of prosthetic technicians and NHS funding is often available. Our technology cannot quite match the quality of their work but in poorer countries such technicians are both expensive and scarce."

This is just one project that the experts are working on. Through a separate part of the company called Applied Industrial Design, technology and technical expertise is being applied to design solutions to address other healthcare problems.

Tom added: "It has taken four or five years to develop the technology for this project. As a business, we started out as an industrial design company and although we were aware of 3D printing, it was just a tool. We now develop products and processes for medical or healthcare providers."

The winners of the 3D4D challenge will be announced at the 3D Printshow in London on Friday October 19.

Fripp Design website

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News: Stafforce sets the standard in recruitment sector

Rotherham's fast growing national specialist recruiter, Stafforce, is launching its own academy to create a competitive advantage for the business by enhancing the skills of their own staff.

The Academy will launch three exciting schemes from which all staff can benefit – this includes its own in-house qualification called "License to Operate", a Management Development Programme, called "the Climb" and "Share and Learn" sessions covering a number of key areas.

The first group of 34 staff are about to embark on "License to Operate" course which has been developed internally to create a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme for the recruitment industry.

"The climb" will involve 12 staff in a dedicated management development programme and the "Share and Learn" sessions will be open to all staff across the business and will enable them to share best practice in terms of information and experiences.

Paul Brammer, director of services at Stafforce, said:: "The Academy is part of our commitment to enhancing the skills of our workforce and ensuring our clients and customers gain the best possible experience when working with Stafforce.

"It is really exciting for us to be just launching our own "License to Operate" qualification and we expect this will continue to drive excellence within our organisation. The Academy will be available to all staff, regardless of job role, and we expect it will bring huge benefit both to our business and to our customers."

Founded 35 years ago in Rotherham, Stafforce has over 25 branches and onsite operations nationwide. 150 people are employed across the Stafforce business and they provide more than 3,300 temporary staff a week and works with over 500 employers, including local businesses, Sheffield Forgemasters, Stelrad Ideal and Braiform.

Stafforce website

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News: Newburgh Engineering is Fit-4-Nuclear

Newburgh Engineering has been awarded Fit-4-Nuclear status, as accredited by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), underlining their credentials, culture, and experience to work within the new-build nuclear market and sub-sector.


The precision engineering specialist has it's head office and manufacturing facility in Templeborough and a site in Derbyshire. They have been involved in nuclear manufacturing since the 1950s, and now nuclear contracts make up 22% of the company's annual turnover.

With a multimillion pound base on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, the Nuclear AMRC is a joint initiative between the University of Sheffield, The University of Manchester, and a consortium of industry partners. It provides a focal point for the bulk of the UK civil nuclear manufacturing industry supply chain, ensuring that manufacturers in the UK have the capability and capacity required to compete for nuclear new build in the UK and globally, from skills training to research and development.

Fit-4-Nuclear helps companies measure their current operations against the standards required to supply the UK's new generation of nuclear power stations, and take the necessary steps to enter this £40 billion global market.

The outcome from the Fit-4-Nuclear audit gave Newburgh an excellent overall score of 89%, which factors in a few % held back due to a lack of design capability. Newburgh sits well inside the top 10% from the audit-assessments made to date.

Matthew Jewitt, sales director at Newburgh Engineering, said: "This is a great score that clearly demonstrates to all our capability within this exacting market sector.

"As a business we have grown up with nuclear, from our initial contracts on Calder Hall in the 1950's, through to our commitments on both global new build and the UK's existing AGR fleet."

As a Tier 2 member of the Nuclear AMRC, Newburgh benefits from access to world-class R&D capabilities, participation in generic R&D programmes, access to training programmes, networking opportunities with companies along the manufacturing supply chain and industry recognition through association with a world-class centre of excellence.

The Nuclear AMRC is working with other organisations to develop and deliver training and skills development programmes as part of the National Skills Academy Nuclear - Manufacturing. Training programmes address apprenticeships, higher-level skills (BSc, MSc, PhD) and continuous professional development.

Newburgh has 25 apprentices currently in training and continues to operate its highly successful engineering advanced apprentice training scheme, and will in-take more during 2012/13.

Martin Ride, nuclear consultant for purchasing & supply chain at the Nuclear AMRC, said: "This represents a good example of an organisation that strongly supports the development of future engineering talent within the UK."

Newburgh Engineering website

Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Newburgh Engineering

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News: MTL Group make shortlist for Growing Business Award

Rotherham-based project manufacturing specialist, MTL Group, has been recognised as one of the UK's best exporters and named as a finalist at the Growing Business Awards.

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.

Created by Real Business and the CBI in 1999, the Growing Business Awards are the most established recognition for the UK's most innovative entrepreneurs, growing businesses and stars of tomorrow.

MTL is one of six companies on the shortlist in the "Export Champion of the Year" category.

Since moving to a £5m, 300,00 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Brinsworth in 2011, MTL has almost doubled its export sales to £7.3m.

Dr Neil Bentley, deputy-director general & chief operating officer at the CBI, said: "The UK's small and medium-sized firms have some of the greatest potential to grow and increase jobs, so creating the right conditions for them to do business in is critical to the health of our economy.

"The CBI is delighted to celebrate the achievements of these firms by supporting the Growing Business Awards."

The winners will be announced at an event in London in November.

MTL Group website

Images: MTL Group

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News: STEM showcase at the AMP

A showcase event is taking place this week highlighting the new £9.9m University Technical College (UTC) Sheffield, due to open next year.

Young people, parents and teachers can find out more about the brand new college and other careers and training opportunities as part of a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) event being held in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and the education arm of the Cutlers Company Sheffield.

Experts from education and industry will be at the "Make, Create, Innovate" event to showcase what is on offer with hands-on examples including robots, 3d animation and building gadgets. The event takes place at the Knowledge Transfer Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham on Thursday evening, October 18.

Also on show is the AMRC's MANTRA, a specially equipped 14m long lorry designed to give aspiring young engineers a hands on experience with real, leading-edge manufacturing technologies being developed at the AMRC.

The public will also have a chance to meet UTC Sheffield Principal Nick Crew, and learn about the courses and qualifications on offer from next year.

Nick Crew said: "I am looking forward to meeting more young people, parents and teachers and answering any questions they may have about UTC Sheffield at the showcase event this week, which profiles the exciting options now available for young people interested in careers in manufacturing, engineering and the creative and digital industries across the region.

"The UTC Sheffield is a brand new and exciting choice for young people in Sheffield City Region. We've seen a lot of interest at the taster sessions that we've already run."

The first of its kind in Yorkshire, the UTC Sheffield opens to 14 to 19-year-olds from Sheffield City Region in September 2013 offering GCSEs and A-levels alongside specialist courses. Young people will develop the academic and technical skills to secure jobs in the advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative media industries sectors.

UTC Sheffield website

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News: S3 ID selected for massive Kazakh oil field

The S3 ID Group in Rotherham has signed an agreement with AGIP to deploy an integrated personnel security system at its facility in Kazakhstan.

Based at Eastwood, 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.

Working with partners, Ubisense and their unique Ultra Wide-Band (UWB) solutions, the primary function of the technology is to enhance safety, but it can also be used for access control and security purposes, managing personnel logistics and automatically recording time and attendance on-site.

In all cases of a major incident in a hazardous environment, it is crucial for the emergency response service to know exactly who was present on the facility at the time of the incident and exactly who is accounted for after the incident, usually at muster points, so that any persons unaccounted for may be searched for and rescued. The system being selected by AGIP will enable this information to be available instantaneously at multiple locations on and off site, ensuring enhanced personnel safety and security.

Users will wear a small battery powered tag that, when read by sensors, can provide precise three-dimensional location information to an accuracy of better than half a metre at ranges of up to 200m. The tag reading is contactless and done automatically.

Doug Woodbridge, sales and marketing vice president at S3 ID, said:: "Selection by AGIP is recognition of the unique position of S3 ID in the provision of location-aware safety and mustering systems to the oil and gas industry."

AGIP is responsible for the execution of the first phase of development of the giant Kashagan field which holds some 35 billion barrels of oil in place and reserves of over 11 billion barrels beneath the Kazakhstan section of the north Caspian Sea.

S3-ID website

Images: ENI / AGIP

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News: EMSc continues expansion with appointment of Polish distributor

Following continued export growth, Rotherham based manufacturing company EMS UK Ltd has expanded its international network by signing a distribution contract with Polish company On Sp. z o.o. based in Rzeszów.

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

The agreement follows an extensive and successful market penetration campaign, which took place in early 2012, to raise the company's profile within Poland. The campaign also involved attending one of the most high profile exhibitions in Poland.

Representatives from On Sp. z o.o. will be in the UK before the end of the calendar year for technical training at the company's head office in Templeborough.

Paul North, international business development manager at EMSc (UK) Ltd, said: "We have experienced a lot of interest from Poland, for our range of market leading voltage optimisation solutions. We anticipate this will be the case in many markets, as companies and organisations worldwide look to identify proven and reliable energy saving solutions.

"We are extremely proud to be flying the flag in a growing number of international markets, particularly bearing in mind the current economic climate."

The latest addition to the growing network of international distributors sees EMSc (UK) Ltd's market leading Powerstar systems exported to nearly 20 countries including Spain, South Africa, Greece, Malta and United Arab Emirates, with this international expansion supported by offices in Cyprus, Australia and the UK headquarters.

EMSc (UK) Ltd manufactures all its products in the UK and counts ASDA, Hilton Hotels, Whitbread, London Transport, Sheffield University as well as a large number of other government departments, local authorities and the NHS, as customers.

Powerstar website

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News: Chance for young people in Rotherham to show their metal

Custom Metal Products (CMP) in Rotherham is helping to get Britain working by taking on a new apprentice.

The Masbrough firm, which offers bespoke general fabrications, sheet metal work, high definition plasma profiling and general engineering services, is looking to recruit a business administration assistant who would work in the company's estimating, sales and marketing department and is being assisted in the recruitment process by The Sheffield College.

Howard Hughes, owner of CMP, said: "This is a good opportunity for someone to join a family company which is well-respected in the local community.

"We are excited to be giving youngsters the chance to start a career with us. Hopefully other recruiters in the area will follow suit to help boost the economy."

CMP, founded in 2010, currently employs four people. They work with a number of welders and fabricators on a sub-contract basis and are also on the lookout for contractors to register with them.

Julie Byrne, executive director of The Sheffield College, said: "Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to learn while working and get invaluable experience.

"We work with a wide range of employers in the South Yorkshire area to get young people on a path that suits them, so we are delighted to be helping CMP with their apprenticeship."

CMP website

Sheffield College website

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News: Xeros targets leather industry

Xeros Ltd, an innovative cleantech company based in Rotherham, is developing their technology for the $65 billion global leather industry.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the Leeds University spin-out is best known for its "virtually waterless washing machine" that uses a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes.

With the backing of a £75,000 research and development grant from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Xeros is testing the use of the polymer beads in the processing of leather. Firstly to attract and absorb soiling, and then to dramatically improve the incorporation of tanning chemicals into the leather thanks to the significantly more uniform and gentler mechanical action.

Building on its success in the commercial laundry market, Xeros is using the grant to design leather processing equipment of comparable cost to conventional machines that are used across the world. It is also envisaged that the Xeros technology may be retro-fitted to existing machines.

Traditional leather processing machines can consume approximately 90 tonnes of water to produce one tonne of leather. If all leather processing machines were converted to using Xeros technology, the potential global fresh water savings would equate to four billion litres per day.

Bill Westwater, chief executive of Xeros, said: "The TSB grant allows us to explore an entirely new application of our patented bead cleaning platform. Today we have a proven system for a superior laundry cleaning application. In the near future I hope to say the same for leather processing."

The Technology Strategy Board is a business-led government body which works to create economic growth by ensuring that the UK is a global leader in innovation.

The grant was one of ten awarded in a competition that aims to not only find innovative solutions that we need to ensure future water security, but turn that challenge into a market opportunity by funding companies that can find profitable new ways to use current water sources more effectively.

Xeros Cleaning website

Images: Xeros

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