News: The Paperbox expands into Europe

The Paperbox Ltd in Rotherham has experienced unprecedented growth in its first year of trading and is now expanding further into European markets, with support from RiDO (Rotherham Investment Development Office).

The wedding stationery supplies business in Manvers spotted an opportunity after visiting a large paper supplier in Bradford and was surprised with how many wedding stationery products they produced. Ray Calland-Scoble, director of The Paperbox Ltd, decided that it looked like a lucrative enterprise and, backed by his knowledge and expertise as a printer for over 25 years, he invested in production equipment and started cutting, creasing and folding card and paper to sell online to wholesalers, specialist wedding stationers and individual consumers.

The business grew very quickly with the majority of sales generated through a bespoke website and via eBay. In January 2012, Ray moved the business from a double garage at his home, to a business unit at RiDO's Century Business Centre which gave him more space and the ability to increase production and streamline output efficiently.

By now he was selling literally hundreds of products every day, which required a second move, in June, to the largest unit within the business centre.

The ERDF-funded Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project, which is run by RiDO and helps Rotherham SME businesses to identify new overseas markets, is helping help him expand further.

Martyn Benson, business development co-ordinator for RiDO carried out research into export markets by investigating the potential market in Eire. Moving into this market too meant an Irish version of the Paperbox' website, to facilitate trading in Euros, which was bespoke designed and developed by Prototype Creative, based at Manvers.

RiDO also assisted Ray with registering an EU trademark, which was essential to be able to secure an Irish web domain name.

Ray Calland-Scoble, Director of The Paperbox Ltd, said: "The support we have had from RiDO has been invaluable in helping us drive the business forward into new, specifically targeted markets.

"The Irish market has proved very lucrative and thanks to RiDO's help in securing the EU trademark, we have protected our brand. This means we now see progressive opportunities for expansion and growth in other targeted European countries, much of which is currently untapped."

Martyn is continuing to work with Ray to grow the business in other countries, particularly where there is a strong expat community – such as Gibraltar, Malta and Spain.

Sales to Germany will launch in January 2013 with other European countries following during 2013/14.

The business has taken off so well that The Paperbox Ltd is set to take on a further 260 sq ft office unit within Century Business Centre after Christmas.

Martyn Benson, Business Development Co-ordinator for the Soft Landing Zone at RiDO, said: "It is fantastic to work with Ray and so exciting to see new market opportunities opening up across Europe for growing businesses like this.

"At one point we even had to scale back some of our export research and activities as The Paperbox saw unprecedented demand! We look forward to seeing this already very successful business develop and grow even further!"

The Paperbox website

RiDO business centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: ADR acquired by AutoRestore

The ADR accident repair centre in Rotherham has been acquired by AutoRestore Limited as part of a deal to create the second largest vehicle body repair group in the UK, employing over 500 people.

AutoRestore is the sister company of AutoGlass, and part of the global Belron group, the world's largest vehicle glass repair and replacement specialist which operates across 34 countries.

The purchase of the Derbyshire company which provides repair services for cars and vans completed last week with Ian Marwood, Claire Davis, and Krista Fox from Grant Thornton in Sheffield leading a Yorkshire team of advisers which represented the vendors. Legal advisers to the transaction were Nabarro in Sheffield - Jeremy Thompson advised.

Established 30 years ago by Andy Blair, ADR has grown to provide repair services from 11 centres. ADR's original foothold in the Rotherham area was based at Wath-Upon-Dearn but moved to the Tenter Street location in 2003 were the site was purposely designed for vehicle body repair.

Now employing around 60 people, Rotherham is ADR's largest centre, employing quality paint, panel and strip and refit teams, as well as having a "fast track" department.

Andy Blair, managing director of ADR, said: "This is fantastic news for ADR customers and staff. As part of a larger international group serving the automobile market, the company will be in a secure position to take advantage of opportunities to grow and develop.

"Having worked with Grant Thornton over the last four years, the firm has played a key role in our success providing a wide range of services from auditing to tax advice and now corporate finance expertise. Having advisers who really understand our business helped the sales process to run more smoothly."

Claire Davis, associate director at Grant Thornton, added: "Andy started his career as a mechanic and built up the company from scratch – we’re delighted to see his years of hard work realised. This is a mutually beneficial deal with the acquisition of ADR also strengthening Belron's offering by complementing its existing auto businesses."

ADR website

Images: ADR

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News: Martek goes the extra mile

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has gone more than the extra mile to meet its customer's requirements.

The Manvers company is the world leader in safety and environmental monitoring equipment for commercial ships. Exporting to over 80 countries worldwide, the business is on course to achieve a £10m turnover for the 2012-2013 financial year (February 2013).

Its service engineer, Mick English, actually went beyond the call of duty making a 40-hour, 18,000 mile round trip to Malaysia to hand deliver spare parts to global ship management services giant, V.Ships.

Mick said: "We'd promised to get V.Ships their parts on time and the only way to do it was to do a hand-over at Kuala Lumpur. It was pretty exhausting, but worth it."

Last year Martek secured a deal with SeaCom Electronics, the UK subsidiary of V.Ships.

The initial order was for Navguard, Martek's bridge navigation watch and alarm system (BNWAS) and was expected to be followed by orders for further packages to be installed on V.Ships' vessels during the next three years.

Living up to its brand value of "taking ownership of customer's needs - going the extra mile" could prove lucrative for Martek - V.Ships is the world's largest supplier of ship management services to a fleet of over 1,000 vessels.

Mohammed Haque at V.Ships said: "It was the best service we've ever received!"

Martek Marine website

Images: Martek Marine

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News: Funding secured for "proving factory" in Rotherham

Rotherham has secured its place at the heart of the advanced manufacturing supply chain with the award of a government grant.

A consortium of industry partners has secured a multimillion pound grant to create an advanced manufacturing "proving factory" in Rotherham to develop the mass production of new low carbon technologies.

The successful bid is from Round 1 of the Government's £125m Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI) that aims to strengthen manufacturing supply chain projects across key sectors such as the automotive, aerospace and chemical industries.

Led by industry experts, Productiv Limited, working closely with Tata Steel and other advanced manufacturers and technology developers, the project centres on technologies with the "potential to transform the vehicles of tomorrow."

Productiv works to bridge the gap between small enterprises developing leading edge low carbon technology and large vehicle manufacturers. They allow carmakers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to introduce and validate new technologies at much lower volumes (up to 20,000 units compared to the usual 200,000) but still at an affordable price.

By working together it is expected that manufacturers will be better joined-up across whole supply chains.

Further details of the project are to be announced in the New Year but the grant is expected to be over £2m.

With sites in London, the West Midlands and Wales, Productiv is headed by Richard Bruges who was previously the head of innovation at Unipart. It has worked on previous government funded industry collaboration projects which has led to a key aim to establish a vertically integrated factory specialising in precision rotary machines and components including engine parts, electric motors, flywheels and gearboxes.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Over half the UK's exports and almost three quarters of our business research and development activity is in manufacturing, so it's vital that we create the right conditions to encourage growth in the industry.

"The successful applications in AMSCI Round 1 represent a high quality of projects that bring together businesses and forge new partnerships across various supply chains that will strengthen our presence in Europe and the world.

"Through this initiative Government and industry can work together to help UK supply chains become more globally competitive, and plug the gaps that act as barriers to efficiency and expansion."

The Government estimates that the award of £30m from the initiative in 11 projects will bring in a further £50m being from private sector partners and lead to over 2,160 jobs being created or safeguarded.

Productiv website

Tata Steel website

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News: Taxing issues at Chamber event

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free event in Rotherham this week guiding newly self-employed business people through key stages of dealing with tax issues.

The Chamber will host the event, which will be delivered through HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), at its office on the High Street in Rotherham town centre on Wednesday November 28 between 10am and 1pm. The event is part of the Regional Enterprise Programme (REP), supported by ERDF.

The session will cover issues such as: registering a business with HMRC, tax and National Insurance Contribution liabilities, record keeping, tax returns and self assessment.

On December 6, a second free event will look at profit & loss, cash flows, tax, national insurance and VAT.

Gary Dunne, manager of the programme, said: "Tax doesn't have to be taxing and that is true of these sessions. HMRC will break down the barriers, dispel the myths and explain what to do, and how to do it, in easy-to-understand language with no jargon.

"Dealing with HMRC appears daunting for most businesses. Through these sessions, businesses will find how easy and approachable HMRC really are. Both sessions are essential for new and early start up businesses and have already been highly successful."

In addition, the Chamber is also hosting a series of free workshops offering an introduction to tendering starting on November 30 at its Genesis Park office in Templeborough, Rotherham.

Chamber website

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News: Capita shows its spots for Children in Need

Capita, the UK's leading outsourcing company, turned over its Rotherham contact centre for the recent Children in Need night of fundraising.

More than 150 employees gave up their own time to set up the unit at the customer management site in Dearne Valley and take donations from the public between 6.00pm and midnight.

1,972 calls were taken in total and volunteers included staff from across the business.

Andy Roe, acting managing director for Capita's customer management business, commented: "We are delighted to be supporting Children in Need again this year. We have had a great evening taking calls and I am really proud of the teams' contribution."

In total £63,648 was pledged through Capita's contact centre and the centre was often at maximum capacity, especially after video appeals were broadcast to demonstrate exactly how money was spent.

On the night, people across the UK have come together once again and raised a staggering £26,757,446 for BBC Children in Need. The charity's vision is that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood and the chance to reach their potential.

The former Ventura call centre at Manvers has supported the charity for over ten years.

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham played host to BBC Children in Need on the night with activities including 120 singers, recruited from schools across Doncaster, Sheffield and Leeds, performing in front of the Face of Steel.

Capita website

Magna website

Images: BBC

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News: AESSEAL could double Rotherham workforce

Award-winning manufacturer, AESSEAL, has purchased land and buildings on a site neighbouring its UK headquarters in Rotherham which could lead to the 300-strong workforce doubling over time.

As reported in August, the world's fourth largest mechanical seal business, is also investing around £3m in expanding its US operation.

The company is creating a high-specification extension to house 9-axis machining centres in its Rockford, Tennessee base.

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.

The $50m North American business comprises approximately 20 percent of AES's global business which now includes 230 locations in 104 countries.

Chris Rea, group managing director at AESSEAL (pictured), said: "The decision to invest in the US is not a replacement of, but a complement to, our existing UK manufacturing facilities, which we also intend to expand. In fact, we have recently purchased the adjoining site to our UK headquarters, which will allow us to double our current Rotherham-based workforce at whatever pace our customers allow our business to develop."

The company says the decision to produce in the US is based partly on issues with cancelled airfreight brought about by ash clouds, security concerns that have caused re-routing of airfreight traffic and the necessity of having at least one other strategic location on another continent, from which it can supply the rest of the world in any future emergency.

The firm's values are based on exceptional levels of customer service. They guarantee a 48-hour shipment of standard products as part of a seal management program.

Jonathan Wilkinson, chief executive at AESSEAL, said: "The US is also our largest market and this facility will provide our growing US customer base with another opportunity for emergency (up to 48-hour) supply. Not only will there be no loss of UK jobs, but the company sincerely believes that it will lead to faster overall company growth, globally."

The US project – which follows a six-month feasibility study – is being led by manufacturing manager Andrew Driver, who is currently a US resident, although he started his career with AESSEAL in the UK more than 25 years ago as a machine shop operator.

AESSEAL recently secured funding from the government's Regional Growth Fund (RGF) that aims to create jobs, encourage private investment and support areas dependent on the public sector.

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: Logic Office Group becomes Staverton (UK) Ltd

Logic Office Group, the long established office furniture and fit-out specialist, has been renamed Staverton (UK) Ltd.

The firm's manufacturing base is at a 35,000 sq ft factory in Hellaby in Rotherham and the change sees the business leave their base in Hounslow, Middlesex.

The group's history began as a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Arrow Group Plc in 1959. They joined the London Stock Exchange and grew threw a number of acquisitions, including acquiring the Staverton name in 2002.

In 2009, a successful buy-in management buy-out of Logic Office Group took place and the directors of Logic jointly acquired a 40 per cent stake in the business. This was complemented by a 60% stake held by a consortium of shareholders headed by office interiors specialist, Mike Gardner.

Gardner, who continues as managing director of Staverton (UK) Ltd said: "This change allows us to focus on building our furniture business into a major player in the industry. Both Logic and Staverton have had a strong presence in the office furniture industry for over 25 years and now is the time to consolidate our business under a single identity.

"The creation of Staverton (UK) Ltd allows us to leverage the Staverton brand, which has gained significant profile following securing a number of major contracts including The Co-operative Group's new headquarters, and concentrate on our UK manufacturing operation, which gives us a real point of difference in the market."

The £1.2m contract with The Co-operative involves the manufacture of 2,800 workstations for the group's new 400,000 sq ft head office in Manchester.

Staverton website

Images: Staverton

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News: Students take in JELD-WEN's manufacturing facility

JELD-WEN, the door manufacturing company, recently hosted a 15 students from Preston College who were given an insight into joinery production at their Woodhouse Mill factory.

The newly extended Rotherham factory, on the Sheffield border, includes a brand new production line and an advanced timber preservative treatment plant.

The visit started with a presentation about the company by Hannah Mansell, development manager and Steven Frank, group manager at JELD-WEN, followed by a tour of the treatment plant, moulded and veneer door production lines, plus the glazing area and distribution, before finally students were shown the finished product in the showroom.

Timothy Haworth, lecturer at Preston College, said: "This was a fascinating, in-depth insight into the door manufacturing process. It was really interesting to see the many different processes involved and to find out how much really does go into producing a door to meet modern performance requirements.

"This visit was really valuable to give our students a first hand experience of a real life working environment in which joinery products are manufactured."

Lucy Woodhead, communications manager for JELD-WEN, added: "We were pleased to host the visit by the Preston College carpentry and joinery students. We are keen to help educate the next generation of joiners and hope they found the visit worthwhile to help them in their studies and future career."

JELD-WEN website

Images: JELD-WEN

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News: Tata Steel restructure in Rotherham

Tata Steel, the Indian-owned steelmaker, has announced a restructure of its UK operations that would result in £2.7m being invested in Rotherham but over 100 local jobs at risk of redundancy.

The main proposal is the restructuring of management and administrative functions which would lead to the loss of 500 jobs at Tata Steel's Port Talbot-based production hub in South Wales.

The company is also proposing to make changes at a number of steel finishing and processing sites in the UK which includes its Bar business in South Yorkshire.

The restructuring follows a significant decline in demand for bar steel products in a number of key markets, including automotive, bright conversion and bright bar. As a result of this reduced demand, Tata Steel is proposing to reduce its production and shift levels which will lead to the loss of 135 jobs, including 110 in Rotherham.

In addition to cutting costs, last month, Tata Steel Europe outlined a new strategy to target demanding industries, like automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and construction.

Its Bar business will now focus on supplying hi-tech products to advanced manufacturing sectors and to support this strategy, Tata Steel is investing a further £2.75m in the Rotherham-based business.

Proposals also include an increase of 11 jobs at a distribution hub in South Yorkshire.

Investment in 2005 saw the Rotherham site 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.

Tata Steel's Bar business will now be integrated into its Speciality Steels business, as part of the changes.

A recent £6.5m investment in aerospace steel production has boosted output of these steels by 30% and safeguarded the South Yorkshire jobs.

Mark Broxholme, managing director of Tata Steel's Speciality Steels and Bar business, said: "These proposed changes are a critical part of developing a sustainable and competitive Bar business.

"Tata Steel is showing its commitment to making this strategy work by committing £2.75m of investment for the Bar business. We are investing in improvements to our steelmaking in Rotherham as well as to the final quality of our products.

"Over the coming weeks, our priority will be to help our employees through this difficult process and keep them up to date with the changes. We will do everything we can to provide them with support and assistance."

The process of consultation with Tata Steel employees and their representatives will begin today. Together, they will look for ways to limit potential redundancies.

The last major restructuring saw the company announce that 1,100 jobs would be lost in Rotherham in 2009. Tata Steel employs 2,200 people at its Specialty Steels and Bar business in the UK, including 1,050 in Rotherham.

Tata Steel Europe website

Images: Tata Steel

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News: Rotherham MD raises thousands for charity

Gordon Panter, managing director of PMS Diecasting in Rotherham, has raised more than £4,000 to help extremely ill children.

Gordon scaled Mount Kilimanjaro's dizzy heights in support of Alice's Escapes, a charity providing free holidays in the Lake District for families with serious and terminally ill children.

Inspired to tackle this daunting feat by family friends and their terminally ill daughter, Alice, Gordon prepared for the climb this summer with treadmill sessions, endurance training and abstinence from alcohol.

Founded in 1975 by Gordon's father, Neil, PMS developed a precision manufacturing process to produce handsaws that proved so successful that every DIY retail outlet and most handtool distributors sold an "own brand" saw which was made and branded by PMS in Rotherham. In just five years PMS became the largest volume manufacturer of handaws in the UK.

The Hellaby firm is now one of Europe's leading diecasters producing more than 36 million castings annually for the global manufacturer, Gripple. The Sheffield firm supported Gordon on his four day trek to reach the top of the 19,000 ft high mountain in Tanzania.

PMS Diecasting

Gordon's JustGiving page

Images: PMS Diecasting

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News: Home Instead success in spot inspection

The Rotherham office of Home Instead Senior Care has proved itself as a great source of quality care at home following a recent unannounced inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Home Instead Senior Care provides affordable non-medical home care services to older people including companionship, home help, personal care and other domiciliary care. Its home care service enables older people to remain independent and avoid residential care homes.

The CQC checks whether hospitals, care homes and care services are meeting national standards on aspects such as respecting and involving people who use services, the care and welfare of people who use services, safeguarding people who use services from abuse, supporting workers and assessing and monitoring the quality of service.

Home Instead was found to meet all these standards and received some glowing praise from clients and their families who were visited by the Care Quality Commission.

Staff were equally positive about working for the company.

David Coldrick, managing director and owner of Home Instead Rotherham, said: "We believe the Care Quality Commission report confirms that our client centred ethos is really delivering what people want - good old fashioned, companionship based, one to one care at home.

"It is an excellent testament to the great efforts, willingness, flexibility and teamwork of all our staff."

Home Instead Senior Care website

Images: homeinstead.co.uk

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News: EPLAN launch 2.2 platform

EPLAN UK, a leader in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software, has launched the latest version of the EPLAN Platform.

With UK headquarters at Hellaby, EPLAN is a subsidiary of Rittal, within the Friedhelm Loh Group. The software supports the electrical design within important parts of the engineering process, from CNC machines to the programmable controllers of factory assembly lines.

Integrating around 150,000 pieces of manufacturer created component and device data, the EPLAN solution enables users to easily select and apply the data or components required during a project, reducing the time it takes to produce important documentation.

The latest version adds innovative additional modules and sees the introduction of graphically supported navigation which allows the technical sales staff to draw up the initial circuit documentation whilst working closely with customers as early as the initial project brief.

Earlier this year the company doubled the size of its technical support team in Rotherham.

EPLAN website

Images: eplan.co.uk

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News: A new look for Signs Express

After undertaking extensive customer research, which included focus groups and surveys, the UK's leading signs & graphics company Signs Express (Sheffield) has decided to propel its brand forward by rolling out a full make-over.

Rotherham-based Signs Express are delighted with their new look as co-owner Carol Morris explains: "We're working on a range of brand new marketing and creative ideas to ensure that the way Signs Express looks and feels in 2012 reflects the fact that we're a company with enormous drive and ambition, as well as a strong heritage.

"Our new look follows considerable investment in market research which has helped to develop our new positioning. Using three bold new colours, our colour palette represents to customers that we are warm and understanding yet professional with a strong creative edge. However, Signs Express is not just about a new look. We also recognise the importance of understanding our customers needs and customer focus is our number one priority for 2013.

"By refreshing our logo using a new bright and engaging colour palette, we have been able to breathe fresh air and energy in to our brand reflecting the dynamic and creative signage company we are."

Based at Templeborough, Signs Express pride themselves on their expertise and innovative solutions to help businesses come up with perfect signage solutions, tailored specifically to their requirements.

The re-fresh will span through the whole range of marketing collateral, from signage, literature, press advertising through to online activity and the company website, even vans will receive a face-lift in the up-and-coming months!

Signs Express (Sheffield) website

Images: Signs Express (Sheffield)

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News: Vitalife launch "world's first" Yerba Mate

Rotherham-based healthy tea specialist, Vitalife Ltd, is the first company in the world to develop and sell a powdered version of the popular, energising, South American tea "Yerba Mate."

Established in 2010 by health fanatic and serial entrepreneur Gavin Edley, Vitalife has since become one of the most popular brands of matcha green tea in the UK. Last year, it welcomed eight new "teas with purpose" to its range.

Vitalife has been selling their matcha green tea online and through health stores, including Holland and Barrett, for over two years, and expect their powdered Yerba Mate to become just as popular.

"It's pretty exciting" explained managing director Gavin Edley, "we're the first company in the entire world to develop this powdered version of the tea and offer it for sale to consumers.

"Yerba Mate has been around since the 16th Century, and with other teas being available in powdered form - like our popular matcha green tea - I was really surprised to find that nobody had tried to create a powdered version of Yerba before.

"The idea behind a powdered version of the tea is that even more of the well-known energising effects of Yerba will be felt. Given the fact that the drinker will actually be consuming the leaves themselves, rather than just the steeped water as with traditionally-brewed Yerba."

Gavin impressed the judges with his innovative products to win the Most Innovative Business at the recent Rotherham Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and the company is going from strength to strength from its base at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre.

The firm has launched a number of gift packs for Christmas (pictured) and introduced "Limited Edition" matcha teas including "Kenya Ivory" matcha - made from white tea sourced from high-altitude farms in Kenya. This tea is said to contain more antioxidants than their standard matcha green tea range.

Vitalife website

Images: Vitalife

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News: Langtree Group acquires Rotherham business centres

Langtree Group has acquired the Homes & Communities Agency's (HCA) 49 per cent share in its long-standing Network Space joint venture.

The business was established by the government's Coalfields Task Force in 1999 and now has more than three quarters of a million square feet of high quality industrial and commercial space under management.

The acquisitions include two in Rotherham: the Century Park Network Centre and Vector 31.

Century Park consists of 28 office and workspace units over two phases adjacent to RiDO's Century Business Centre at Manvers.

Vector 31 at Waleswood is part of a successful business park where 162,000 sq ft of industrial space has been created in a range of sizes.

Network Space owns 22 of the SME workspace estates and two business centres across the former coalfields of the north east, north west, Yorkshire and the Midlands.

John Downes, chief executive of the Langtree Group, said: "It's been a big success. Our original intention was to develop half a million square feet of space but the concept and the product have proven so popular that we’ve exceeded that by some margin.

"It was always the stated intention that we'd take full control once our development objectives had been met. The product will not change as it's popular and provides the right type of quality accommodation and lease arrangements for SMEs in the current market."

Neil Mortimer, team leader, land & regeneration at the HCA, added: "We are proud of the role Network Space has played in supporting our wider work with local partners to help regenerate former coalfield communities. Helping to restore jobs and promote business was always a priority for these areas and the vehicle has been successful in providing quality workspace."

Network Space website

HCA website

Images: Network Space

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News: RCAT secures further funding for redevelopment

Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT) has secured a grant from the government for a £2.4m redevelopment programme at its town centre campus.

The £800,000 award from the Skills Funding Agency's Enhanced Renewal Grant will be used to improve the hospitality and catering facilities and create a new engineering centre of excellence.

It follows a £1m grant from the same fund that saw new science laboratories, hair, nail and beauty salons, theatre workshops and media make-up suites, open this autumn following a £3.2m refurbishment programme.

This in turn followed on from the £7m Wentworth Building that opened last year.

The latest redevelopment programme will see an extension and major refurbishment of the hospitality facility including the training restaurant and three production / training kitchens.

Staffed by students, RCAT's Wharncliffe Restaurant is primarily a training restaurant and is operated as a professional and commercial business, reflecting industrial standards.

The hospitality facilities at the Rother Valley Campus are set to be mothballed.

A second project will see the removal of a mezzanine in the engineering block and the creation of a new "Engineering Centre of Excellence" through a comprehensive refurbishment.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "These projects will transform the learning environment for thousands of students across the country, providing them with state-of-the-art facilities and modern resources that will help them fulfil their potential."

Planning permission was secured for a £70m redevelopment of the town centre campus in January 2009 but the funding was cut by the coalition government after a review of the Learning & Skills Council's Building Colleges of the Future programme.

RCAT website

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News: Chief Exec leaves hospital

The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has announced the retirement of Brian James, its Chief Executive.

The announcement comes within weeks of UNISON warning of 750 jobs being cut at Rotherham Hospital.

James was appointed Chief Executive of Rotherham General Hospitals NHS Trust in 2005, and led the organisation through a successful application to become The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust within four months. Last year saw the integration with Rotherham Community Health Services.

Brian James, said: "I believe that it is a time for me to hand the baton on to the next generation of leaders with the energy and resilience to take the organisation forward into a bright future.

"I believe we have built the right foundations for long term success and are putting into place the plans necessary to secure our financial future and to deliver the new model of healthcare for the NHS which Service Development Strategy 3 personifies."

Peter Lee, chairman of the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are very sad to see Brian leave the Trust, his passion has been unquestionable and the changes that he instigated and brought to fruition have benefitted our patients, staff and the Rotherham community. Brian's focus was always to endeavour to ensure that our patients were able to access consistently high quality care."

Brian began his career in the NHS in 1975 at Cornwall District Health Authority. In 1993 Brian was appointed to an Executive level position at Darlington Memorial Hospital in County Durham. From 2002 until his appointment in Rotherham, Brian was Executive Director for Strategy and Innovation at South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority.

Despite the transformational changes at the trust and the hospital, Brian may best be remembered for his appearance in the BBC programme, "Can Gerry Robinson Fix The NHS?"

Brian has also chaired the Chief Executive Officers Group of the Rotherham Local Strategic Partnership.

Matthew Lowry, currently Deputy Chief Executive, will be acting up as Chief Executive until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust website

Images: therotherhamft.nhs.uk

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News: Enterprising students win retail challenge

A group of Rotherham students will be testing out their entrepreneurial skills after winning a retail challenge.

Santa's Little Bakers were one of two groups that presented their business ideas to a Dragon's Den style panel of judges.

It was part of an event that saw StartUp Britain's double-decker bus visit the town centre campus of Rotherham College of Arts and technology (RCAT).

Santa's Little Bakers will run a stall at the upcoming Rock Around the Tree event in Rotherham town centre on December 1, selling their delicious cupcakes, gingerbread and mince pies.

They are hoping to raise money for two local charities, Hallam FM's Help a Hallam Child Appeal and Sheffield Children's Charity.

The panel of judges, including: Tom Jones of Props Skate Store; Garnett Dickinson's Group Communications Director, Nicky Holt; George Elliott from the Source Skills Academy; Jackie Frost, Enterprise Manager for Are You Ready; and the Principal of the College, Gill Alton, had a hard choice to make between Santa's Little Helpers and their competition, Jolly Jars.

George Elliott from the Source Skills Academy, said: "The pitch is important, very important, but it's what the product is and how it will sell that won it for the team.

"The best ideas are going to be coming from students and young people and it's up to business to listen."

Stacey Monaghan, team leader at Santa's Little Bakers, said: "We've all put so much effort into it. The ideas just started flowing. We could bake and bake and bake."

The team has been given a budget of £100, funded by both the College and Are You Ready, Rotherham's enterprise educations programme. The stall itself was donated by the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Market's Team.

RCAT website

Images: RCAT

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News: Morrison sign up ten new apprentices in Rotherham

Repairs and maintenance service provider Morrison has celebrated the recruitment of its ten 2012 apprentices with a formal contract signing ceremony at Rotherham town hall.

The event held in conjunction with CITB-ConstructionSkills, saw all ten new apprentices sign their Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) Deeds, which is a formal contract between their employer and themselves. The Deed commits both the employer and the apprentice to each other for the period of the apprenticeship and ensures formal training is provided until the individual is competent in their chosen craft.

The apprentices' parents were also asked to sign the Deed in order to encourage them to support their children in maintaining their studies and attendance levels throughout their training course.

Mark Waterhouse, account director at Morrison Rotherham, said: "We hope that by formalising the signing of the CAS Deeds we will set our new apprentices on the right course from day one and demonstrate to them what a great opportunity they have here to learn a craft for life."

Christine Senior, area delivery manager for South Yorkshire and Humberside at CITB-ConstructionSkills, added: "It's great to see Morrison making such a commitment to taking on ten new apprentices for the second time running.

"As well as providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the construction industry, apprenticeships are also valuable qualifications for employers – ensuring they have an even bigger pool of talent to recruit from. We’re hopeful that other companies will follow Morrison's lead, as initiatives like this are vital for attracting new blood into the industry."

Recently acquired by Mears, Morrison repairs and maintain 13,000 properties in Rotherham North, Rotherham South and Wentworth North.

The ten new recruits are all aged 16-18, over the next two years the apprentices will study for NVQ Level 2 Diplomas in Maintenance Operations and will be taught a variety of trades including joinery, plumbing, brickwork, plastering and tilling.

Each of the new apprentices will be mentored from within Morrison and have been given their own dedicated mentor to work with on-site four days a week, with one day a week spent at the Morrison Academy in Rotherham to learn the theory side of their trades.

In addition to the Deeds signing, Morrison also celebrated the success of its existing apprentices who joined the company in 2011. The ten apprentices have now all moved into their second and final year and are well on the way to becoming qualified tradesmen.

Receiving special recognition on the night was Matthew Roberts who was named Apprentice of the Year for his commitment to his training and constant achievement throughout his first year. Also recognised was Joshua Moss who was named Special Project – Apprentice of the Year for his involvement and commitment to helping to transform a home for a Yorkshire family as part of the DIY SOS programme.

Morrison plc website

Images: Morrison

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News: Inditherm products approved for sale in Russia

Rotherham company, Inditherm, is hoping for an increase in exports after its innovative medical products received approval for sale in Russia.

The Manvers firm is the only UK manufacturer of patient warming systems and have developed products using low voltage carbon polymer technology to provide heat.

Inditherm's CosyTherm and CosyCrib systems have been issued with a registration certificate by Roszdravnadzor, the Russian authority for medical equipment.

The process was driven by Inditherm's neonatal distribution partners, Octamed Ltd, and required detailed technical submissions and independent evaluations in two Russian hospitals.

Octamed has already won their first tender for Inditherm products and the successful registration has allowed delivery of 17 CosyCrib systems fitted with CosyTherm neonatal warming.

CosyTherm uses the low voltage carbon polymer technology to help prevent hypothermia in new born babies.

The systems are already highly popular in the UK and used in almost half of all NHS neonatal units, with that number still growing. The product is also gaining increased international recognition, with users in over 30 countries world-wide.

Nick Bettles, CEO at Inditherm, said: "We have been trying to establish distribution in Russia for some time and this recent news is a great boost for Inditherm.

"Registration is a complex process and we needed to find a good distribution partner in order to successfully complete the approval. Naturally we are delighted that such a substantial first order has been secured so quickly.

"Octamed have already been pursuing other sales opportunities and we hope that further business will follow in the year ahead."

Inditherm website

Images: Inditherm

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News: Flex Accounting named Bookkeeping Practice of the Year

Flex Accounting Services Ltd in Rotherham has been named as the Bookkeeping Practice of the Year by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

The prestigious awards were announced at the recent Bookkeepers Summit in London where Beverley Flanagan, director of Flex Accounting Services, was presented with the award by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.

Beverley was working as a Financial Controller for the Daily Mail Group when she was made redundant. She then set about starting her own bookkeeping business with £1000 of her own money and, now three years later, Beverley employs three members of staff to assist her in the business which continues to grow year on year.

Flex Accounting's client base has grown by 40% over the last year mainly through referrals from existing clients. The firm has expanded to larger premises at Templeborough and taken on a virtual London office to cope with rising demand further south.

Beverley Flanagan, managing director of Flex Accounting Services, said: "Whilst at the awards ceremony at the Savoy in London, we were so happy to even be one of the five finalists for bookkeeping practice of the year, never mind when they announced "and the winner is Flex Accounting Services Ltd!"

"That moment collecting our award from HRH Prince Michael of Kent was quite surreal. To find out that we had won this award from nearly 4,000 ICB practices across the country makes us feel very proud and gives us the recognition and appreciation of all the hard work that we do.

"Winning this award has already gained us new clients and hopefully many more to come. It also shows to our current and prospective clients that even a little old bookkeeping and payroll practice in South Yorkshire can stand out from the crowd!"

Flex Accounting website

Images: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

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News: Street market set to be extended in Rotherham town centre

Britain's best market will be expanded in Rotherham town centre if plans are approved next week.

The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awarded Rotherham first prize in the category of "Best Street / Outdoor Market" at their national awards ceremony in January.

And now plans have been drawn up by the council to allow the street market to be extended onto Upper Millgate and the top of Bridgegate to facilitate a fresh produce section.

A report to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development next week will seek the approval of approximately £6,500 from existing regeneration budgets to purchase eight complete stalls.

The move is in response to the successful street market operating at 100% capacity every week. In addition, one fifth of respondents (21%) to the last shopper's survey said that they would like more market days and longer market days.

Robin Lambert, markets general manager at Rotherham Council, said: "Initially it is proposed that eight new gazebo type stalls be purchased and ground fixings be fitted to allow stalls to be used in the Upper Millgate / Bridgegate junction area.

"The stalls would be used to expand and diversify the market, building upon what has already been proven to work and create a fresh produce/food section to the street market which would also incorporate the RIO (Rotherham Institute of Obesity) Healthy Eating stall currently operating each Tuesday in All Saints Square."

Rotherham has been a successful market town for over 800 years - its original royal market charter was granted by King John in the year 1207. The outdoor market sees 44 quality stalls line Effingham Street every Tuesday.

Retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas, saw for herself how the bustling, lively market brings the town centre to life when she visited Rotherham last year.

Rotherham town centre website

Images: RMBC

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News: New Chamber president takes office

Owen Gleadall has been unveiled as the new president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce at its Annual General Meeting.

Mr Gleadall is managing director of Merlin Software, has been running his own businesses in Barnsley for over 30 years and has been involved with the Chamber movement for 18 years, serving as a council member.

He has been a mentor on Sheffield Hallam University's Enterprise Programme for ten years, has provided practical lecturing support in Business & Enterprise, and is a mentor for the I Know I Can enterprise initiative in Barnsley. He is also Chair of Governors at Barnsley Academy, Vice Chair of One Barnsley – the strategic partnership for development in Barnsley - and has served as a magistrate for 26 years.

Owen Gleadall, president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: "I have been involved with the Chamber of Commerce movement for so long, so it is a great honour to become President.

"I am particularly pleased to become President of an organisation which is clearly moving forward. My predecessor Chris MacCormac must take credit for the brilliant job he has done in his time in office.

"I come into office with the Chamber in a position to look ahead in a structured and concerted manner. We have the right people in key positions who can drive our operation forward, our infrastructure is solid and the balance sheet is healthy, which means we can move into the future with optimism as one of the strongest Chambers in the UK."

The meeting also saw Mark Broxholme, managing director at Tata Steel Speciality, elected as a Vice President, while Chris MacCormac became Past President with Rob Hannon stepping down as a director.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

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News: Rotherham health centre acquired in £14m deal

The Rotherham NHS Walk In Centre in Rotherham town centre has been acquired for approximately £14.1m.

The acquisition has been completed by a wholly owned subsidiary of Primary Health Properties, an AIM-listed company that specialises in the ownership of freehold or long leasehold interests in modern purpose-built healthcare facilities.

The 4,636 sq m property is wholly let to Rotherham Primary Care Trust with 16 years remaining on the lease.

The centre on Greasborough Road was developed by St Paul's Developments and built by Morgan Sindall. It opened in 2009 and provides GP and walk-in services and also provides modern and accessible facilities for most of the primary care services that were based at Doncaster Gate Hospital.

The building, on the former Bestobell Valves site next to Bailey House, was designed by JM Architects to follow the same curve shape as the adjacent Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation and a slanted wall has been shaped to look like the bow of a ship.

The former Doncaster Gate Hospital was converted in council offices but was put up for sale earlier this year. The site is currently under offer.

Rotherham Primary Care Trust website

Images: St Paul's Developments

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News: Rotherham college joins forces with recruitment agency to beat back youth unemployment

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) has joined forces with a recruitment company to help students become more financially independent.

GI Group is offering its expertise to help students find employment and support themselves whilst still studying on their courses.

By running workshops and assessment days at the college campuses, GI Group will show students what it is like to go to interviews and participate in recruitment processes. It also aims to make as many employment opportunities available for students as it can.

Margaret Inglesant, regional manager of GI Group, said: "We are delighted to have developed our long standing partnership with Rotherham College of Arts and Technology to encompass all of their recruitment needs. We will also be working together with staff and managers there to help their students find part-time work which will subsidise them whilst studying.

"We will be attending the campus regularly to work with students to help them identify future career choice and to help prepare them for making job applications and attending interviews.

GI Group will also help students find full-time employment after they finish their courses and, with the Group's link to employers, hopes to promote the amount of apprenticeships the College can provide for young people in Rotherham.

Ann Hardy, assistant principal at Rotherham College, said: "This partnership enables us to provide students with a range of employment opportunities which will support them in their future careers."

RCAT website

GI Group website

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News: Government urged to reform Apprenticeships programme

An 11 month inquiry that involved a visit to Rotherham to hear directly from people involved in apprenticeship schemes, as well as the more traditional Westminster-based evidence sessions, has concluded with the publishing of a report highlighting areas of the Government's Apprenticeships programme that need reform.

The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee was tasked with looking at funding, quality and standards of apprenticeships and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Earlier this year, the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham, hosted the first ever Commons Select Committee evidence gathering session to be held outside London.

Keith Ridgway, research director at the AMRC and managers and apprentices from local manufacturers, Sheffield Forgemasters International, Firth Rixson, Newburgh Engineering and AESSEAL gave evidence to the committee, highlighting the need for more support and new national standards for engineering apprenticeships.

The conclusions and recommendations contained in the report include a recommendation that the Government defines an overarching strategy and clear purpose for the apprenticeship programme, that an apprenticeship should be formally defined, and that quality, not quantity should be the over-riding measure of success for apprenticeships.

Other recommendations include a simpler and more efficient delivery system, that schools and colleges place vocational and academic progression on an equal standing, and that apprenticeship schemes show that they are value for money.

Paul Blomfield, Sheffield Central MP and member of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, welcomed the report. He said: "Our report calls for us to be more ambitious as a country about apprenticeships. They shouldn't be seen as only providing basic skills, but offering the opportunity to train to the highest level.

"The AMRC is setting the pace, building on our strong traditional apprenticeships to offer vocational education to postgraduate level.

"Apprenticeships should provide another route to achieving the highest level of qualifications alongside universities, not an alternative to higher education but parallel to it.

"When the Select Committee heard evidence at the AMRC we met a young man, who started an apprenticeship aged 16 and has now begun a work-based degree, with the prospects of going on to post graduate study.

"We've also got to make it easier for small businesses to take on apprentices. If less than half of the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire took on an apprentice, we could wipe out youth unemployment."

The AMRC is a world-class centre for advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. Up to six apprentices are taken on each year. The apprenticeship programme has been running for five years and so far 11 have completed the programme. One is working in industry and the other ten are working as technicians and engineers within the AMRC and Nuclear AMRC.

The AMRC's £20.5m training centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) will provide training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to Doctorate and MBA level.

The focus will be on 250 students aged from 16 upwards, to be taken on paid apprenticeships with opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses.

AMRC website

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News: Tata Steel expands aerospace activities in China

Tata Steel has expanded its aerospace operations in the growing export market of China by opening its second aerospace service centre in the country.

The new facility in Xi'an complements its existing operation in Suzhou, opened in 2009, and aims to serve the growing demand for aerospace materials in the region.


It will serve a growing aerospace manufacturing base in the region, which already accounts for 40% of the total aerospace manufacturing capacity in China.

The demand for aerospace material is primarily driven by the supply chains for the Chinese state-owned aerospace companies COMAC and AVIC, but also includes an increasing number of collaborations and joint ventures between existing Tata Steel customers, such as Safran, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty, Rolls-Royce, Moog, Goodrich and Liebherr, and state-owned companies that feed into these.

Mark Broxholme, managing director of Speciality Steels at Tata Steel, said: "Following on from the development of our successful operation in Suzhou, this facility not only allows us to continue to serve our existing customer base as they develop and grow in Xi'an, but also allows us to forge new relationships with the expanding Chinese-owned aerospace manufacturing base."

Tata Steel (formerly Corus) has been a leading manufacturer of aerospace steels for more than 60 years and supplies special steels to aerospace component manufacturers around the world from the company's South Yorkshire sites.

Investment in 2005 saw the Rotherham site 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 safeguarded the South Yorkshire jobs.

The steel ranges from high strength, high integrity structural steels to high temperature alloy and stainless steels. It is used in landing gear and aircraft engines including the landing gear of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Tata Steel website

Images: Tata Steel

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News: DuoCall secures exclusive 4G deal

Rotherham-based DuoCall Communications is set to help local businesses take advantage of some of the fastest mobile connections in the UK after being appointed as an exclusive launch partner by 4G provider Everything Everywhere.

The recently launched service is regarded by many industry experts as capable of transforming the way in which businesses work, with Sheffield one of the first areas in the UK to benefit from the technology. Businesses will benefit from superfast connectivity, enabling larger files to be downloaded, higher quality streaming of HD video and music, as well as opening up the possibility of mobile video conferencing.

As an exclusive reseller, Templeborough-based DuoCall is one of a small number of telecommunications providers throughout the UK to offer bespoke business packages, allowing them to harness the technology while on the move.

Phil Coley, director of DuoCall Communications, said: "Sheffield's new 4G network offers a range of possibilities that are likely to help individuals to save time, money and even offer improved levels of customer service. The increased speeds associated with 4G means that mobile workers will be able to keep in touch with office, helping to improve efficiency as they move from job to job without the need for multiple devices.

"Face-to-face video conferencing and accessing and reviewing large files while on the move are all likely to become a reality with 4G and the opportunities for businesses to harness the technology are almost limitless.

"It's a great honour for DuoCall to be chosen as one of a select number able to help businesses in the region to take advantage of 4G from its outset, not only helping them to reap the benefits of the new technology, but also helping to ensure that the systems chosen are tailored to meet the bespoke needs of their company."

EE, formerly known as Everything, Everywhere has been created through a merger of the existing T-Mobile and Orange networks. Its 4G service will cover a third of the population by the end of 2012.

The Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham is one key development that can already access a good level of 4G coverage.

Duocall website

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News: Third of stadium commercial space under offer

A third of the high specification lettable space at Rotherham United's New York Stadium is under offer, according to letting agents, Burgess Commercial.

The £20m development, which opened this season and has attracted crowds averaging 8,000, is on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, close to Rotherham town centre.

With around 3,000 sq m of commercial space inside the ground, updated plans were recently submitted that would open up the space to a range of uses. A gym operator is close to being announced with a 600 sq m health and fitness centre earmarked for the corner of the North and main West stand including a mezzanine level.

Paul Burgess, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "The stadium scheme represents in our opinion the highest profile scheme which has taken place in Rotherham for many years and we are proud to be associated with it.

"We have received a lot of interest in the units here, with over a third of the accommodation under offer and we are in discussions with other parties for further lettings to be secured. This is particularly encouraging as the stadium has only recently been completed.

"Having overseen the acquisition of the land for the stadium some two years ago, it is great for our efforts to be acknowledged by being appointed to market these prestigious and iconic units."

Burgess Commercial is Rotherham's only firm of chartered surveyors, and recently celebrated their fourth anniversary. Paul Burgess and Neil Keally set up the Tembleborough office to offer their expertise in sales, lettings, valuations and professional work in respect of all types of commercial property including property management.

Over the past 12 months, Burgess has acted as agents in a number of prestigious sales and lettings, including the sale of prime development land at Bradmarsh Business Park, securing lettings of modern office accommodation at Enterprise Court in Manvers and also agreeing terms for the lease of approximately 12,000 sq ft of a former call centre/office within the Dearne Valley.

The company has also negotiated a dilapidations claim at the Tanyard Shopping Centre on behalf of an outgoing tenant and negotiated the sale of the former Canklow Hotel in Rotherham which is now being developed as a KFC drive-through.

Neil Keally, director at Burgess Commercial, said: "We started the business at a pretty tough time for the property sector, but we have seen continued growth year on year.

"Our ethos has always been to give the best possible service and this has led to retaining longstanding relationships with clients and securing regular repeat business. It is still a challenging property market, which is why it is so important to choose an agent with the right local knowledge and experience."

Burgess Commercial website

Rotherham United website

Images: themillers.co.uk

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News: Businesses urged to get involved with Rotherham Ready

Rotherham Council's award-winning Rotherham Ready enterprise education programme is looking for more local businesses to get involved and support the development of the borough's entrepreneurs of the future.

Rotherham Ready, which was launched in 2005, has become internationally acclaimed for its approach to integrating enterprise into learning for all children aged 4-19. The town won the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition in 2010 for this work which is now being replicated nationally through the Creative Councils programme, creating a culture of enterprise in education.

Within Rotherham, enterprise education and training is being coordinated at three Learning Communities, known as the Ready Hubs, and more businesses are being sought to get involved in exciting work with schools and colleges.

A business briefing is taking place on Tuesday November 27 from 8.30am – 9.30am, at Rockingham Professional Development Centre, on how local businesses can offer meaningful support at a manageable level.

Kate Penney, creative councils coordinator at Rotherham Ready, said: "I am really excited to be working with Rotherham Ready to develop the already successful and highly regarded enterprise provision across Rotherham.

"I am particularly excited by the further development of the programme that will promote and engage representatives from schools and colleges, the wider community and businesses.

"The business briefing event on the 27th November is an excellent platform for businesses to get involved with young people and the community to raise aspirations and give enterprise education and skills a real life context. There are a number of different ways that businesses large and small can support this and we encourage them to come along to the event to find out more."

Previous work includes the innovative "Make £5 Blossom" scheme where businesses are invited to loan children £5 each, with a maximum loan of £150, with the aim of introducing children to the skills involved in running a business by letting them have a go themselves.

Jacqui Saxon, creative director at The Ultimate Balloon Company in Rotherham, said: "I've been involved in Make £5 Blossom and I've been a Young Entrepreneur's Club mentor. As a business person I believe we should educate about self employment and support the development of crucial workplace skills. These projects are brilliant at doing that.

"Young people show such energy and creativity and you see them grow in confidence."

To book a place at the Rotherham Ready business briefing email Kate.Penney@rotherham.gov.uk

Rotherham Ready website

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News: Record numbers at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering

Record numbers of young apprentices are being trained for skilled engineering jobs at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in Rotherham, assisting in generating sustainable employment with some of the largest employers in the region.

The Tembleborough centre has generated 150 vacancies so far for young people in 2012 and has over 280 learners currently on a three year long training programme to become skilled engineers.

Brinsworth Training rebranded to Brinsworth Academy of Engineering in January 2012 and is now wholly owned by Managing Director Mick Crossley. His fellow director Paul Reeves joined the organisation in April 2010.

The team works closely with key employers in the region such as Firth Rixson, AESSEAL, Newburgh Engineering, Premier Foods, Kraft Foods and many others.

Its training premises boast an extensively equipped machine shop along with specialist equipment for Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, PLC, Instrumentation & Control, CAD CAM and Rapid Prototyping.

Cllr. Gerald Smith, the cabinet member for Regeneration and Development at Rotherham Council recently toured the site. He said: "Some of the largest employers have seen significant improvements in the quality of the apprentices that have been entering the industry and a major factor in all of that has to be aligned to Brinsworth Academy of Engineering.

"We are seeing some of our major engineering companies such as Newburgh Engineering, AESSEAL, MTL Group and Darron SBO, benefit from what is a forward thinking and engaging organisation that is passionate about developing youth employment within such an important industry sector."

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Academy of Engineering, added: "We have worked hard to develop a training company that meets the needs of industry; we have done that by including employers in some of our major decision making processes and curriculum development. We are delighted that Cllr Smith has seen first-hand the important part we are playing in the economy."

Brinsworth Academy of Engineering website

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News: Rolls-Royce begins search for Rotherham apprentices

World-renowned engineers, Rolls-Royce has begun the recruitment for its three apprenticeship programmes at the new Advanced Blade Casting Facility currently being constructed at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The 14,900 sq m Advanced Blade Casting Facility will use cutting edge manufacturing techniques to produce single crystal turbine blades, which play a critical role in jet engines and are required to withstand centrifugal loads of up to ten tonnes while operating at up to 200 degrees above the melting point of their alloy.

The facility will be capable of manufacturing 100,000 blades per year when fully operational in 2014.

Recruitment is underway for the Higher Apprenticeships in engineering where successful applicants will learn both on the job and in the classroom, gaining university-level qualifications, skills and incredible experience in one of the world's most prestigious, dynamic businesses.

Rolls-Royce's Advanced Apprenticeships for engineering are offered in two disciplines - technical and practical.

Technical apprentices will use state-of-the-art computers to build powerful investigative and problem-solving skills in preparation for taking on some of the world's toughest technical challenges.

Practical apprentices will train using state-of-the-art components, machinery and technology, getting ready to build, test and fix incredible, world-changing products.

The recruitment began as Rolls-Royce launched a new state-of-the-art Apprentice Academy, at its Learning and Career Development Centre in Derby.

George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "Excellence in engineering is what countries like Britain need if we are to win the global race that we are in. Apprenticeships and the new engineering qualifications help us achieve that, by giving young people the skills that they want and that businesses and the economy need."

Colin Smith, director of engineering and technology at Rolls-Royce, added: "We set the highest standards, both in educating our people and in delivering the most efficient products in the industry for our customers. What we do is exciting and it's great that this new Academy will offer access to state-of-the-art facilities and training to a wider range of young people who are beginning their careers in engineering."

Rolls-Royce has been training apprentices for over 100 years, and the group's apprenticeship programme is an industry leader; awarded Beacon Status by the Learning & Skills Improvement Service and OFSTED graded the programme as outstanding in all areas.

98% of apprentices successfully complete their training compared with a 74% national average and many go on to senior roles within the organisation - 20% of current senior managers in the UK started their careers as Rolls-Royce apprentices.

Rolls-Royce recruitment website

Images: Rolls-Royce

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News: Tata Steel suffers from slowdown in the European market

Steelmaker, Tata Steel Europe has suffered from the market slowdown and lower steel prices for the first half of the year to September 30.

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

In its latest financial results, Tata Steel Europe posted a turnover of $7.7 billion for the first half of the year and EBITDA (earnings before tax) was $110m. This meant that the parent company posted a loss of $69m, compared with profits of $40m in the same period last year.

For the second quarter, earnings in Europe were down by $8m on the previous quarter.

Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler, MD & CEO of Tata Steel in Europe, said: "European steel demand and prices have weakened since the spring and this took its toll on our financial performance.

"Our response has been to accelerate our efforts to reduce those costs that we can influence. We are also bringing forward our new product development schedule and other elements of our market differentiation strategy. We expect the benefits of these actions, aimed at meeting our long-term goal of becoming an "all-weather" business, to be reflected in future performance."

In addition to cutting costs, last month, Tata Steel Europe outlined a new strategy to target demanding industries, like automotive, aerospace, mechanical engineering and construction.

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 website

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News: SMEs predicting future growth

Manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber are predicting an increase in sales over the next six months according to the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) Barometer.

53% of the companies questioned expect to grow between now and March 2013, with 39% of firms set to boost investment in plant and machinery. There was also a moderate increase in those planning to spend on new technology (36%).

This renewed optimism comes after a slight softening in the marketplace that has seen the number of businesses reporting increased sales drop to just 49%, down from the previous survey.

As part of the Special Focus, the Barometer also aimed to find out what sectors Yorkshire and Humber SMEs are selling into, with the findings showing materials/general engineering as the most popular (50%), closely followed by automotive (46%) and food and drink (42%).

When asked about future sales growth to 2016, marine, nuclear and off shore wind appears to be the most attractive propositions for SMEs looking to increase minority sales to a moderate or significant level.

Martin Coats, area director for the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), said: "It's reassuring to see more of our SMEs are expecting to increase their sales going forward and this despite a slight fall over the last six months.

"Manufacturers have been reporting fluctuating demand and softening in certain sectors so to see the renewed optimism suggests many believe these markets are coming back on stream."

"83% of Yorkshire and Humber companies told us that they intend to maintain or increase their workforce, which shows a general stability in these figures."

Michael Fallon MP, business minister, added: "It's encouraging to hear of the optimism amongst manufacturing SMEs in this Barometer. Of course, these are still challenging times, but the recent GDP output is the latest sign yet that the wider economy is starting to recover.

"We will continue to support manufacturers through MAS to ensure they are best placed to take advantage of opportunities to grow."

This is the third National Barometer conducted by MAS and provides a snapshot of trends in English manufacturing SMEs from July to September 2012 as well as an overview of economic conditions and issues faced by the sector.

A key focus this time was the barriers to growth for companies entering specific industries.

Companies said that market knowledge was the biggest challenge to entering three of the twelve sectors listed (aerospace, marine and off shore wind), with production costs the major concern for firms looking to get involved in automotive, electronics and materials/general engineering.

Regulation, unsurprisingly, is the pressing issue for chemical, defence and pharmaceutical while material expenditure, accreditations and capacity were the barriers to entry in securing sales in food and drink, nuclear and rail respectively.

"30% of the companies we questioned classed themselves as advanced manufacturers and there is a definite trend suggesting that SMEs are generally adding more value by converting material," explained Martin.

"I don't think anyone will be surprised that market knowledge was the biggest barrier for firms across three sectors as this can be difficult information to access and interpret.

"MAS can help with this as we have a number of sector specialists who will be able to provide valuable insights and the right contacts to help SMEs get started in new markets."

MAS, which is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), works for manufacturers and through experienced advisors can help shape strategy, create new products, reduce waste and review supply chains.

MAS website

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News: Martek Marine secure $1m+ Korean contracts

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has won a series of large export orders with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea.

The Manvers-based firm is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

The new contracts, valued at over $1m, are for their MariNOx Evolution, on-board engine emissions monitoring system. MariNOx was the world's first Type Approved on-board NOx, SOx & CO2 emissions monitoring system and the Evolution product, which monitors even more gas emissions, has recently been granted a patent.

Paul Luen, managing director at Martek Marine, said: "Korean yards continue to choose Martek over other fledgling competitors because of our vast experience and the unique features of MariNOx Evolution.

"Over 100 of our systems have already been installed and have clocked up millions of operating hours. None of our competitors can even come close to this level of critical application experience across many different ship types, hence the confidence our customers enjoy in their choice.

"Yards are building more fuel efficient and less polluting ships and so are turning to our world-class solution to help them achieve this. We have a team of local experienced Korean MariNOx engineers who are able to install and commission MariNOx Evolution systems and have developed a particularly close working relationship with the Korean yards."

MariNOx Evolution was introduced to the market in 2010 following further development and engineering from the original MariNOx system launched in 2005 and is based on millions of hours of application experience.

Martek Marine website

Images: Martek Marine

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News: Waterside Grange Care Home opens in Rotherham

A new £5m nursing and residential care home has opened in Rotherham after securing funding from the Co-operative Bank.

Waterside Grange Care Home in Dinnington is set to create up to 100 jobs when fully operational and 14 residents are already on the waiting list for rooms in the first phase.

The home can accommodate 78 residents in luxury suites of ten people. The home provides services for clients aged 55 and over with a range of conditions including bariatric needs, dementia and infirmity.

Developed by local company, Horizon Care Homes Ltd, the home has seen empty office space on the Waterside Business Park brought back to life.

Laura Higginbottom, managing director of Horizon Care, said: "We are extremely pleased to announce the opening of our second care home, Waterside Grange, which will provide excellent care facilities to the people of Dinnington and, we hope, a welcome job boost.

"As a family we set up Horizon in 2009. We had been looking for a suitable home for a relative with dementia and found that there was a real lack of high quality facilities in the South Yorkshire area, and so we decided to set up our own.

"We would like to thank The Co-operative Bank as an organisation and Steve Clarke in particular for their ongoing support of our plans and the expert advice that they offer."

Steve Clarke, senior relationship manager at The Co-operative Bank, added: "The Higginbottom family, via Horizon Care, offer top class care facilities to their clients.

"We have a longstanding relationship with the family and are extremely supportive of the expansion of their care home facilities across South Yorkshire."

Horizon Care website

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News: Mears acquires Morrison

Morrison Facilities Services, the company that maintains council properties in Rotherham, has been acquired by Mears, the UK's leading provider of social housing repairs and maintenance services.

Morrison, which has in excess of 2,500 employees, delivers services to social housing clients in the UK.

It began a £60.5m contract to maintain council properties in 2010. The five and a half year deal, with four possible one-year extensions, is to repair and maintain 13,000 properties in Rotherham North, Rotherham South and Wentworth North.

The £24m acquisition adds further to Mears' current portfolio of more than 500,000 properties.

In a joint statement, both companies said that "the Morrison contract base fits well with Mears' structure and service delivery ethos. The acquisition increases Mears' capability and experience of running very large contracts. The enlarged Group will combine expertise and resources to deliver the best possible service for our customers."

David Miles, chief executive at Mears Group, added: "This is an exciting acquisition for Mears and we look forward to welcoming Morrison staff to the Mears family. I am confident that this will bring benefits for clients, tenants and staff.

"We will work closely with all partners to ensure a smooth a transition as possible towards an integrated, sustainable, customer focussed group."

As part of the Rotherham contract, Morisson opened its Yorkshire Training Academy on Thames Street that provides training for all of the company's apprentices in Yorkshire, currently around 40 students, as well as training initiatives for the local community.

Morrison website

Mears website

Images: morrisonplc.com

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