News: Three Cranes restoration plans submitted

One of Rotherham's most important buildings could be given a new lease of life and return to its previous use as a public house if recently submitted plans are approved.

The former Three Cranes Inn that occupied a timber framed building dating back to the 15th Century is part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme on Rotherham's High Street. The grade 2* listed building is the only timber framed building to survive in Rotherham town centre. It is on English Heritage's "at risk register" and has been in a state of disrepair for many years.

Now detailed plans have been submitted by local businessman Chris Hamby for a programme of repairs and restoration with the intention to return the end use of the building into it being a public house.

The building is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the town to survive and was probably built as a merchant's town house around 1600. An earlier wing consists of a medieval open hall block that retains evidence for a high status "coved" area at one end, known as a dais, in addition to the remains of a vaulted undercroft beneath.

The plans include careful repair and restoration with a feature made of the remaining dais canopy by removing modern timber framing and part of the flooring to create a double height space. A glass wall will be installed to look onto it from the first floor.

Half of the building was demolished in 1953 and a new shop front is planned in a typical Georgian style on the remaining twin-gabled façade. The exterior of the upper floors is to be covered in a lime render and new roof will be required.

The modern flat roof extension is set to be removed to create a yard at the back of the building.

In 2011, a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from the council to Chris Hamby was approved to facilitate the purchase and subsequent re-development of Nos 17, 19 and 21 High Street along with the listed buildings known as The Three Cranes and the former Georgian Town House and The George Wright Building.

The loan also secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works to the listed buildings.

At the end of last year an additional £140,000 was approved by the council in the form of a long term capital finance loan to enable the refurbishment works to be completed at The Three Cranes and former Georgian Town House.

Hamby opened an outlet for ladies and gents footwear, handbags and leather goods at 19 High Street with Sophisticakes upmarket tea room at No. 17. At No. 21, Things That Boys Like has brought men's clothing, gadgets and gifts to Rotherham's High Street.

Plans have also been approved for a comprehensive refurbishment of the Georgian Town House, that now contains the remains of the Italian restaurant at 29A High Street. It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers. A new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door will be installed with the upper floors converted into flats.

Across town, another historic pub has been brought back to life. The Cutler's Arms on Westgate has been refurbished by Rotherham's own Chantry brewery. It is set to open today.

Hamby's website

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News: Land deal for AMRC Business Park

The University of Sheffield has signed a deal to secure land at Sheffield Business Park, paving the way for the expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, and paving over the Sheffield City Airport runway.

The first development is the AMRC Factory 2050, the UK's first fully reconfigurable assembly and component manufacturing facility for collaborative research, capable of rapidly switching production between different high-value components and one-off parts.

A planning application for the £43m, 6,730 sq m reconfigurable factory demonstrator project was submitted in January and it is expected to be completed in 2015. The site will then be developed out for other AMRC research centre activities, fostering further economic growth and attracting more manufacturing firms and inward investment. A detailed master plan for the acquired 50 acres will be submitted to Sheffield City Council's planning department in the Spring.

Just over the Parkway from the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Phase 2 of Peel's Sheffield Business Park extends to over 50 acres of land with planning consent for over 83,613 sq m of industrial development. The site is part of the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone where financial incentives include a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per eligible business over a five year period.

Since the university's investment in the original AMRC on the AMP in Rotherham, with the original building opening in 2004, four further new buildings and two extensions have been added to provide a current total of around 30,000 sq m of accommodation.

The application stated that "land availability for advanced manufacturing companies will undoubtedly become a limiting factor on the AMP in the very near future, particularly for any large developments where the close proximity to the residential area currently under development will be a limiting factor. Steps need to be taken now if the Sheffield city region is to continue to attract inward investors and develop new high value manufacturing companies."

Keith Lilley, the director of Estates and Facilities Management at the University of Sheffield (pictured, left), said: "The success of the AMRC over the last few years has shown clearly the demand there is for this kind of specialist, hi-tech, high value engineering activity, and it was clear that we would soon outgrow the small amount of land still available on the existing Waverley site.

"Today's deal opens the door to a fantastic opportunity which will allow us and our many partners the chance to build a hub of activity which will bring an enormous boost to the region."

Graham Sadler, managing director at Sheffield Business Park (pictured, centre), added: "The University's commitment is fantastic news, both for the business park and the city region. A landmark development in its own right, it will also act as a catalyst for our Phase 2 extension, which will include advanced manufacturing enterprises."

AMRC website
Sheffield Business Park website

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News: Fall in insolvencies shows signs of recovery says Rotherham expert

Rotherham insolvency expert Paul Moorhead says a fall in the number of businesses facing failure shows the economy is finally starting to show signs of recovery.

The latest official statistics provide further evidence of an upturn in the economy as the number of insolvencies in England and Wales decreased overall last year.

The figures reveal that there has been a drop in the number of companies going into liquidation – the most common type of insolvency procedure for companies that have run out of cash.

Overall, 14,982 companies were wound up in 2013, a decrease of 7.3 per cent on 2012.

Of these, 3,624 were compulsory liquidations resulting from court orders and 11,358 were creditors' voluntary liquidations that are instigated by company directors.

Other types of company insolvencies also fell during 2013, with the total number of receiverships, administrations and company voluntary arrangements (CVAs) falling by 16 per cent to 3,859.

"The decrease in the number of insolvencies is good news for the economy," said Paul, the founder of insolvency practice Moorhead Savage in Rotherham and the 2013 Corporate Insolvency Practitioner of the Year.

"Whenever a company goes bust, it causes misery for creditors, suppliers, customers, employees and, of course, the owners of the business, so any reduction is welcome.

"However, it is worth pointing out that the big drop in the number of liquidations seems to have been mainly due to a sharp fall in the number of compulsory liquidations – where a creditor forces a company to be wound up through the courts due to unpaid bills.

"It is hard to know the reasons for this decrease but the relatively high cost to the creditor could be a factor.

"Meanwhile, the number of liquidations caused by directors deciding to close the doors decreased by only 4.5 per cent during the year and the rate of decrease seemed to be slowing by the end of 2013."

Moorhead Savage website

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News: Sound future for Wilson Benesch

Wilson Benesch, a manufacturer of high end audio loudspeakers and turntables, has secured funding to carry out further research at its new R&D facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The Sheffield-based firm began its life in 1989 when a similar government R&D grant was used to create the world's first carbon fibre sub chassis turntable. It was a time when the world was tuning in to CDs as the sound of the future but more research followed and Wilson Benesch created more world's firsts using advanced composites engineering and acoustic design.

From the world's first tapered carbon fibre tonearm, to the world's first curved carbon fibre loudspeaker, the novel Clamshell Isobaric tactic driver and the patented Torus Infrasonic Generator; Wilson Benesch has pushed the envelope of what is possible within audio engineering.

The research projects saw the company work with the University of Sheffield on the AMP and at the end of 2013, the audio pioneers opened a new R&D and demonstration facility of their own on the park.

The Technology Strategy Board offers co-funding to UK-based pre-start-ups, start-ups, micro businesses and SMEs, to carry out science, engineering and technology R&D projects which could lead to successful new products, processes and services. With four patents already in place and a further eight in progress, the SMART funding is valued at approximately £250,000, part supported by the Technology Strategy Board and in part by Wilson Benesch.

A spokesperson for Wilson Benesch, said: "The new Research & Development Facility will allow Wilson Benesch to accelerate its product development and SMART funded research programme.

"The huge success of our many pioneering R&D programs has always been built upon collaboration with the greatest minds and organisation's across the globe.

"Having completed large parts of the Cardinal loudspeaker and Geometry Series developments with the [Sheffield] universities, the new Wilson Benesch Research Facility will provide a vital base from which these key partners can work collaboratively on the new technologies born from the SMART project.

"In 2014 Wilson Benesch celebrates it's 25th anniversary and begins what promises to be a rich period in the company's history."

Wilson Benesch website

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News: Rolls-Royce reveal next gen engine designs

Rolls-Royce has shared details of its next generation of engine designs, high-tech components for which are set to be made in Rotherham.

The world-renowned engineers are putting the finishing touches to the new Advanced Blade Casting Facility at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

The 14,900 sq m 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 multi million pound facility will produce a specific portfolio of civil aerospace parts, such as turbine blades, using advanced manufacturing techniques and an increased level of automation. There are over 65 turbine blades in every iconic Rolls-Royce Trent engine and the Rotherham facility will be capable of manufacturing 100,000 blades per year when fully operational later this year.

Trent engines will continue in service for decades to come with 2,500 in service and more than 2,500 on order.

Rolls-Royce is continually innovating and, as part of that ongoing process, is looking to build on the success of the Trent family of engines with two new generation engine designs.

The first design, Advance, will offer at least 20 per cent better fuel burn and CO2 emissions than the first generation of Trent engine and could be ready from the end of this decade.

The second, UltraFan, a geared design with a variable pitch fan system, is based on technology that could be ready for service from 2025 and will offer at least 25 per cent improvement in fuel burn and emissions against the same baseline.

Colin Smith, director - Engineering and Technology at Rolls-Royce, said: "These new designs are the result of implementing our ongoing technology programmes. They are designed to deliver what our airframe and airline customers tell us they need: even better fuel efficiency, reliability and environmental performance."

Eric Schulz, president - Civil Large Engines at Rolls-Royce, added: "As innovators, we can never stand still, even when we have the leadership position. Our horizons extend into the coming decades and we have amassed a range of new technologies to meet the needs of our customers. I am confident that our engine design strategy will ensure we power the future of global aviation."

In 2013, Rolls-Royce invested £1.1 billion on research and development. It supports a global network of 29 University Technology Centres, which connect the company's engineers with the forefront of scientific research.

Rolls-Royce is a Tier One member of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing and a lead sponsor of its Factory of the Future, also on the AMP in Rotherham. Rolls-Royce is also one of a number of manufacturers committed to supporting The AMRC Factory 2050, the UK's first fully reconfigurable assembly and component manufacturing facility for collaborative research.

A joint team from Rolls-Royce and the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry worked to develop the new pre-production process for advanced blade casting that will be used in Rotherham.

Researchers have been developing new architecture and technology improvements for the next generation of engines. This includes new carbon/titanium fan blades with a composite casing that reduce weight by up to 1,500lb per aircraft, the equivalent of carrying seven more passengers at no cost, and advanced ceramic matrix composites - heat resistant components that operate more effectively in high turbine temperatures.

This week Rolls-Royce secured a share of £60m of Government funding to lead on two projects to develop quieter, more efficient engines.

Rolls-Royce website

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News: Aviva acquires Capita call centre for £30.5m

Aviva Investors' Lime Property Fund has purchased the long leasehold interest in Capita Park, Rotherham for in excess of £30.5m from a private investor.

Capita, the UK's leading outsourcing company, purchased Ventura and the Manvers site in 2011. In two buildings at Brookfield's Park, Capita has capacity for 2,000 staff and operates a number of contracts including British Gas, William Hill and RSPCA.

Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva plc. With a portfolio of over 50 properties, its Lime Property Fund reached the milestone of £1 billion in assets under management last year.

An open-ended Jersey Property Unit Trust investing in property in the UK, the fund targets secure, inflation-linked income streams, with low volatility of returns. It was created to meet the growing demand of UK pension funds wanting to invest in lower-risk property assets with the aim of offering an investment return in excess of that available from investing in fixed income assets.

Let to Capita on a long lease, the building was last sold in 2011 to another private investor for £22m. The passing rent then was £2.1m per annum.

Renos Booth, manager of the Lime Property Fund, said: "Having reached the £1bn assets under management threshold for the fund in 2013, we continue to invest in high quality secure property investments and the fund moves from strength to strength in its ability to secure appropriate long term income streams for our clients."

Hanover Green acted for Aviva Investors and the deal follows on from Legal & General's purchase of the adjacent Capita House in 2012 for £23.165m.

Capita also operates a contact centre at the Dearne Valley site on behalf of Telefonica and O2 and last year The Telegraph reported that Capita had plans to close customer service facilities in Bury and Glasgow and reduce the number of roles in Rotherham from 2,000 to 730 in 2015.

In November, Capita announced that over 500 jobs in its Dearne Valley and Leeds call centres would be created in the following months.

Aviva Investors website
Capita website

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News: Proud to be an Engineer at AESSEAL

The president of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Patrick Kniveton, will visit Rotherham next month to give an address on celebrating today's engineers.

IMechE is an independent engineering society working to raise the profile of mechanical engineering and the "Proud to be an Engineer" event is taking place at the global headquarters of AESSEAL, the fourth largest mechanical seal manufacturer in the world.

Patrick Kniveton is the head of engineering improvement for Rolls-Royce Submarines - a multi-million pound business in the nuclear sector – in which role he drives process improvement for engineering areas and leads business management for the engineering function.

The 128th president of the institution used his initial address to discuss the importance of engineers and the need to celebrate today's engineers. He said: "As engineers, we constantly talk about wanting to improve our status. I argue we already have that status, but we are too modest to tell anyone.

"Every one of us has a story about what we have created from ideas. We should tell these stories and not wait to be asked, but make sure it is relevant to the people you are talking to, whether it is on a train, at a party, or in a meeting. Ensure you tell them you are a professional engineer. Say this every time you have an opportunity."

With its global headquarters at Templeborough, £150m turnover AESSEAL manufactures mechanical seals for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals. With a focus on quality, the firm has won numerous awards including 12 Queen's Awards to date and was named the overall winning company for IMechE's Manufacturing Excellence Awards in 2011 and is now a partner in the awards.

Backed by international investor, 3i, AES Engineering Ltd employs more than 1,600 people worldwide, of whom nearly 600 are in the UK and Ireland and more than 330 in Rotherham.

The event takes place on March 11.

IMechE website
AESSEAL website

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News: LEP submits plan for investing EU funds

As local authorities continue the legal challenge regarding the government's reallocation of 50% of South Yorkshire's European funding, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has put together a plan for how the funding will be used to create more private sector jobs in the city region.


The Government's new model of local economic growth centres around LEPs, a collaboration between businesses and the local authorities that are placed at the heart of growth in the regions. In response to the Heseltine Review, the Government has charged LEPs with putting together local growth plans that will be the basis on which the Government negotiates deals with each LEP for new levers, resources, funding and flexibility over them.

In the future, LEPs will then be able to bid into a single pot of funding to support their plans.

The LEP's Growth Plan, which has set an ambitious target of creating 70,000 new jobs in the Sheffield city region (SCR) by 2023, was submitted to the Government at the end of last year. The use of structural funding from the EU is likely to be integral to meeting the targets.

The recently submitted EU Structural Investment Fund Strategy sets out how €203m (£175m) of funding will be used, based around six main priorities: supporting and creating new businesses; growing existing businesses; attracting incoming businesses; increasing exporting; developing the skills base and labour mobility; improving and enhancing infrastructure.

The strategy includes a small number of large-scale sub-programmes such as a £16m "Growth Hub" to coordinate business support and provide a single point of contact for all business support services in the city region. Sponsored bespoke packages of support called "Growth Deals" would also be offered to high growth businesses and inward investors.

Another key focus is to compliment existing finance programmes and to address continuing issues relating to access to debt and equity finance. With £24m set aside, this could include a £50m+ loan and equity fund backed by the EU and Finance Yorkshire and the development of specific finance products aimed at small businesses and specialist sectors.

An employer-led "Skills Bank" could also be created that would bring together funding for skills and give more purchasing power to the employers who use the skills system, allowing employers to draw on funding to meet their skills needs.

Regarding infrastructure, interventions include developing Doncaster Sheffield Airport to drive engineering and aerospace activity and a connectivity package regarding the proposed HS2 station location to maximise the predicted economic potential and business growth.

Other areas for investment include social inclusion to ensure that all parts of SCR are able to share in the benefits of economic growth and low carbon that includes proposals for district heating, retrofitting properties and sustainable transport.

James Newman, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "Our track record on delivery is second to none, whether you look at our partners' use of the current round of EU funds, or the LEP's record with Government funds, or the city region's forerunner move to establish a Combined Authority. The next step will see us having the strategic oversight of over €200m European programme with governance in place to manage a fair and transparent process.

"This new programme is vitally important and a significant tool to drive growth, create jobs and encourage social inclusion and we remain firmly of the view that given additional resources the impact we propose would be even more significant."

In a debate in Parliament yesterday led by John Healey, the MP for Wentworth and Dearne, it was revealed that the local authorities are planning to appeal the judge's decision regarding the government's methodology for allocation the funding being lawful and rational. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills responded that the government is looking again at the allocations but is not planning to change the methodology. A decision is expected in the next few weeks but progress could be slowed by the legal challenge.

Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership website

Images: European Commission / Facebook

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News: Beatson Clark showcase in the States

Rotherham glass manufacturer Beatson Clark is jetting off to America in April to showcase its bottle design expertise.

The company will be making its US debut at BrewExpo America, the largest brewing trade show in the United States, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver in April.

Beatson Clark specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide and manufacture glass containers for a wide range of household brands, including Crabbie's, Bell's Buttercup, Lyle's Golden Syrup and Lemsip.

The Greasborough Road firm also produces high-quality bottles for a number of major UK breweries including Samuel Smiths, the Meantime Brewing Company and Thornbridge, and will be exhibiting its unique range of bespoke bottles in a bid to win more brewing clients in the United States.

Last year Beatson Clark teamed up with the award-winning Brooklyn Brewery in New York to produce premium bespoke bottles for its collection of beers.

Lynn Sidebottom, sales and marketing director at Beatson Clark, said: "The American craft beer sector is a very crowded marketplace and it's essential that brands have stand-out appeal on shelf.

"This will be our first time attending BrewExpo America and we're very enthusiastic about the opportunity to network with American breweries and showcase our design and production capabilities.

"If breweries don't want a completely new design we offer the option of customising our standard bottles by embossing brewery names or logos onto finish moulds. Embossing is a more cost-effective alternative and can be produced in smaller volumes."

Closer to home, Beatson Clark is offering free design consultations at the Food & Drink Expo at the Birmingham NEC in March. Even closer to home, the firm will be on show at BeerX, the annual conference of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, which takes place in March at Ice Sheffield.

Beatson Clark website

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News: Rotherham apprentice up for national award

Christopher Bruney, an electrician from Aston, is attending the final of JTL's National Awards tonight, where he will be up against 12 other regional winners from across England and Wales, all hoping to be named JTL's National Apprentice of the Year.

JTL is a charity organisation offering advanced apprenticeships in electrical, engineering maintenance, and mechanical engineering services.

Chris completed his apprenticeship whilst working for Lilleker Bros Ltd in Rotherham and was named JTL's Apprentice of the Year for the Yorkshire and Humberside region at the Royal Armouries in Leeds in October last year.

With offices on Moorgate, Lilleker Bros is an electrical engineering and contracting company that specialises in the industrial and commercial sectors with particular emphasis on electrical installations and process control within the food industry.

Having always been interested in electrics, Chris knew it was a career he wanted to pursue. In his teens he spent a lot of time returning damaged or faulty goods to full working condition, which he then sold online. He started a theoretically-based electrical course at college but soon decided that a more practically-based route would be a better way to learn the trade and successfully applied for a JTL apprenticeship.

Having particularly enjoyed learning new things every day whilst he was an apprentice, Chris also loved the opportunity to travel all over the UK visiting different places and meeting new people. As a qualified electrician he continues to enjoy the same variety, working across industrial and commercial projects.

"Sometimes I start work in the early hours of the morning, depending on the job, and I only finish when the job's done so there's no routine to my day and I really like that," says Chris. "Often I'm working in a mucky industrial environment, at other times in a spotlessly clean food factory and then sometimes we could get an urgent call out in the middle of the day because a crucial piece of factory machinery has broken down. That variety makes the work really interesting. Currently, I've been on the same site for four months because the client we're working for is extending an existing office block and building a second new one; other jobs involve a quick fix and can be resolved in a few hours."

Chris says he wouldn't hesitate to advise current school or college leavers to take up an apprenticeship. He feels that learning a job practically and benefitting from other people's experience is a big plus, as is the chance to gain real work experience whilst you're still learning. He points out that there's still an opportunity to get additional qualifications once an apprenticeship is completed. Chris is eager to focus on programming and, with the support of his employer, is currently investigating the opportunities to develop his career in that direction.

He added: "I felt like all my hard work had paid off when I won the regional award. I know how much effort everyone puts into their apprenticeship and I knew I was up against the best candidates in Yorkshire and Humberside, so I was very happy to win! My parents were incredibly proud too. It would be such an honour to get the national title - I can't quite put it into words. It would also be great for my CV of course!"

Lilleker Bros website
JTL Training website

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News: CPI Electronics goes into liquidation

Specialist Rotherham manufacturer, CPI Electronics, has gone into voluntary liquidation.

CPI was established at Hellaby in 1997 and a purpose built 8,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Templeborough went into operation in 2007.

The firm provided a comprehensive contract manufacturing facility supported by advanced production equipment and a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

CPI's printed circuit boards and cable products are in daily use around the globe in a variety of high technology, high-reliability applications, and CPI established particular expertise in product design and development of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies and software.

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At a meeting of shareholders last week, Paul Ironmonger, managing director of CPI Electronics signed off the resolution that the company cannot continue its business and Paul Whitwam and Gary Blackburn of BWC Business Solutions were appointed as joint liquidators.

After solid growth, CPI invested in SMT (surface mount technology) production equipment in 2011. The company's statement of affairs drawn up in preparation of liquidation shows an estimated deficiency of £536,875 regarding creditors.

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News: Be inspired at apprenticeships event

Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council are joining forces to host the "Apprenticeships – Be Inspired" event as part of National Apprenticeship Week in March. Taking place at Ponds Forge in Sheffield on the March 4 from 2pm to 7pm, it will offer businesses the chance to recruit apprentices on the day.

The event will be attended by school students across Sheffield and Rotherham who are seeking apprenticeships for this summer. Students will bring their CVs to the event to meet prospective employers and find out about the range of apprenticeships on offer.

The event is being run as part of the Skills Made Easy programme which operates across the Sheffield city region and is focused on helping employers find the training solutions they need for their business, whilst improving career opportunities for young people. Skills Made Easy is the part of the City Deal that helps small and medium sized companies across the Sheffield city region to get the high quality training of the type they need, in the place they need it and at the time they need it.

The programme aims to to create 4,000 new apprenticeships and courses to up-skill more than 2,000 adults. Other parts of the skills plan include a skills for growth partnership – accountable to the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) – where businesses will decide where cash can be best spent on training to boost the local economy. An apprenticeship and skills hub is also planned where trained account managers will specifically work with employers and colleges.

Councillor Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Skills and Development at Sheffield Council, said: "We know that businesses face a skills shortage. Skills Made Easy overcomes the barriers businesses have long complained of about the apprenticeship system, ensuring each business gets the bespoke skills it needs. With these barriers removed apprenticeships are a great way to develop and grow a business and give our young people new opportunities.

"Apprenticeships offer the chance to recruit loyal members of staff and train them to meet the requirements of the job roles within your organisation.

"It is key we make it easy for businesses to grow and this event will provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to recruit apprentices."

For more information about the event or to book your business a place please call Kerry Moon on 0114 2296163.

Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership website

Images: SCR LEP

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News: Better than expected trading at United Carpets

Rotherham-based United Carpets, the UK's largest franchised carpet retailer, has reported that trading in the second half of the current financial year has been better than expected.

In a trading update, the Bramley-based business reported that like for like sales for the 21 weeks of the second half to date are up 5.4% compared to the same period last year.

In August 2012, United Carpets had its shares temporarily suspended after admitting it would not be able to publish its full-year results on time. In October 2012, a pre-pack administration deal saw United Carpets Group acquire the business and assets of its trading subsidiary United Carpets (Northern) Limited.

The firm was readmitted to the AIM stock exchange last year after delivering its delayed final results for the period ended October 5 2012.

United Carpets has reduced the number of stores from a peak of 86 to 59; removing stores from the network which had been consistently underperforming and were threatening to undermine the stability of the business.

The group now operates from 48 franchised stores and 11 corporate stores which the company says have responded well to the changes and are showing the benefits of the restructuring, particularly in the last few months.

The board added that it believes there has been a slight improvement in confidence amongst consumers but that the overall market still remains very challenging. Consequently, the board now expect its final results for the year ended March 31 2014 to be "materially better than market expectations."

Paul Eyre, chief executive of United Carpets, said: "We have been encouraged with trading in the early part of this calendar year which will flow through to better than expected year end numbers. The changes we have made have transformed our business and with the economy as a whole appearing to move in the right direction, I am increasingly optimistic about the future."

United Carpets website

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News: £8m to keep Tata Steel's R&D in Rotherham for now

Tata Steel is to boost its research and development programme in the UK following an £8m Regional Growth Fund investment from the UK Government.

The investment will allow researchers at Europe's second largest steelmaker to develop next-generation steels for cars, aircraft, rail networks, skyscrapers, mining equipment and power stations.


The Indian owned steelmaker said that the RGF-funded research will initially take place at Tata Steel's R&D facility in Rotherham, but added that "the company is currently considering where the research will continue over the longer term with a possible relocation to a different UK site in the future."

Reports surfaced again last year that Tata Steel intends to close the Swinden Technology Centre (STC) on Moorgate in Rotherham. The Sunday Times claimed that Tata had warned the Government that it intends to close two technology centres, in Rotherham and on Teeside adding that it would move the research to the Netherlands and India.

Tata rubbished the reports but said today that it is now in discussions with a number of business partners to transform its Teesside research centre into a not-for-profit, open-access shared facility.

The new £8m in funding will see scientists and engineers develop a range of materials to meet manufacturers' and consumers' future demands, such as for renewable energy generation and more fuel-efficient cars and planes.

The Regional Growth Fund is the Government's main source of funding for economic development and regeneration. The aims of the fund are to create jobs, encourage private investment and support areas dependent on the public sector.

Dr Karl Koehler, chief executive of Tata Steel's European operations, said: "This investment will strengthen our UK programme of cutting-edge research allowing us to develop new materials and applications to help our customers overcome their challenges, now and in the future.

"Our solutions contribute to our customers' innovative new products, such as more fuel-efficient vehicles and sustainable buildings. The Regional Growth Fund investment will support research projects which are key to us developing new customer solutions."

Tata Steel is the key partner in establishing The Proving Factory – an innovative partnership with high-tech companies in the automotive supply chain to help develop the technologies of tomorrow. As part of the programme, which is also backed by Government funding, a component manufacturing facility is being created at Tata Steel's site at Brinsworth and is set to open in 2015.

The £22m manufacturing initiative will take low-carbon vehicle technologies designed by small high-tech British companies and university research departments and prove their viability in production to increase their chances of being adopted by major motor manufacturers.

Debashish Bhattacharjee, R&D group director at Tata Steel, said: "We are strengthening our Research & Development in the UK to further develop technology and knowledge partnerships with customers, suppliers, and universities.

"We want to meet the future demands of our customers who are asking for lighter, stronger and more versatile steel products. Car manufacturers, for instance, are constantly looking to produce lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Cutting-edge innovation plays a crucial role in helping us to create world-leading differentiated products and services for customers like these."

Tata Steel website

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News: Metalysis secures £12m investment from Iluka Resources

Australian minerals firm, Iluka Resources Limited, has agreed to invest £12.2m in Metalysis, the Rotherham-based innovator that is commercialising a low-cost way to manufacture titanium and other specialist powder metals.

Metalysis holds the worldwide exploitation rights to the FCC Cambridge process which sees specialist powder metals created in a simple, cost effective process with significant environmental benefits.

The Manvers company is in the process of commercialising the technology to produce titanium, tantalum, and related high value alloys. These are used increasingly by major worldwide industries such as aerospace, marine, medical, chemical, automotive and electronics.

Iluka is involved in mineral sands exploration, project development, operations and marketing. At production bases in Australia and America, it is a major producer of zircon globally, and a significant producer of the high-grade titanium dioxide products of rutile and synthetic rutile.

Manvers-based Metalysis has demonstrated that it is able to produce titanium powder directly from Iluka's rutile products. Rutile is a mineral composed primarily of titanium dioxide.

The investor and grant backed Cambridge University spin out has developed the electrochemical reduction process to transform metal oxides, such as ores, directly into metal powders in a single step. Currently focusing on titanium and tantalum, the process uses less energy than traditional processes as it does not require the melting of metals, and the salt used in producing the metals can be recycled.

The process also means that innovative alloys can be tailored to have the desired properties for specific applications and the creation of cheaper metal powders is also expected to drive forward the adoption of 3D printing in specialist metal products.

Iluka's investment sees them take an 18.3% interest in Metalysis (rising to a possible 24.9%), making them the largest shareholder. The production of titanium by the new method is likely to increase with new supply arrangements agreed between the two companies. Iluka will also support the construction of a commercial scale plant.

Iluka has also secured a non-exclusive world-wide licence over the Metalysis technology to produce titanium powder in return for a revenue royalty on normal commercial terms and a right of first offer over future titanium metal licences.

Tony Pedder, chairman of Metalysis, said: "Iluka coming in as a funding partner to Metalysis is an important part of the company's journey. Iluka's expertise in titanium dioxide as a feedstock, process engineering experience and access to global markets can make a significant impact on Metalysis' development.

"The Metalysis process has applications across metals in the periodic table including: titanium, tantalum and rare earths and with Iluka's access to titanium dioxide feedstock there is the potential to produce titanium powder with much greater efficiency and at a much lower cost than is currently possible."

David Robb, managing director of Iluka, said: "Iluka's involvement as a major shareholder and funding partner provides Iluka shareholders with access to a new, potentially disruptive technology which is close to commercialisation, and the potential benefits of a new source of high grade titanium dioxide feedstock demand, as well as a commercial involvement in a potential new growth pathway for high value metals and alloys and new manufacturing processes such as 3D printing."

Metalysis believes that its process could reduce the price of titanium by as much as 75 per cent, making titanium almost as cheap as speciality steels. It recently demonstrated how its low-cost titanium powder can be used to 3D print automotive and jet engine parts in the Mercury Centre at the University of Sheffield.

David Robb added: "This investment represents an opportunity for Iluka to utilise its understanding of the titanium industry, specifically the high grade and very high grade titanium dioxide feedstock sectors, and its strength in product development, to help bring a potentially game-changing technology to market.

"Metalysis represents an opportunity to invest in a technology which may have a material impact on the growth of various metals, but particularly titanium metals. The successful commercialisation of the Metalysis process could create significant value, and potentially result in a material increase in demand for Iluka's high grade chloride feedstocks."

Metalysis website

Images: Iluka

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News: More housing contracts for Connexion2

Connexion2, The Rotherham company that uses innovative technology solutions and associated services to improve the safety and productivity of lone workers, has secured further contracts in the housing sector.

Connexion2, which employs around 30 staff at Dinnington, developed and manufactures Identicom, which is now the UK's most widely deployed dedicated lone worker device with with over 120,000 in circulation, and a market share of 80%.

A unique communication device, Identicom is designed to look like a normal ID badge but allows lone workers to raise an alarm, make an emergency phone call or send a text message.

Housing Association, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) has signed a three-year contract to protect its lone workers with the award-winning device. CCG provides nearly 6,300 affordable homes and services to its tenants. Employing over 280 staff, over 100 of which are lone workers, management reviewed a number of devices and solutions to help protect these workers and purchased over 120 Identicom devices through the SoloProtect solution.

Reading based Raglan Housing has purchased 70 of Identicom lone worker devices to help protect over 100 lone workers. Raglan Housing owns and manages over 12,000 homes in almost 100 local authorities in England. The organisation addresses a variety of housing needs in city, urban and rural areas, continuing their commitment to housing for disabled people and a range of supported housing schemes, including sheltered housing and refuges to vulnerable people.

The SoloProtect solution managed by Connexion2 includes the Identicom device and also 24/7 manned monitoring, SIM card and mobile network usage, training and monthly reporting as standard.

The devices include features such as the ability to discreetly raise a "Red Alert" if a user feels their safety has been compromised through a single button press. The "Man Down" feature can automatically raise an alert if the lone worker suffers a slip, trip or fall.

David Hall, regional director at Raglan Housing, said: "The Identicom lone worker device was chosen after a short and successful trial with SoloProtect. The trial proved how easy the device was to use and how simple it was to integrate into users daily routines. The device has increased confidence amongst users and managers when staff are working alone, knowing a Police response is just a button press away."

Last year Connexion2 was acquired by the US leading emergency communications company, Kings III of America.

Connexion2 website

Images: Connexion2

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News: Search begins for the next captains of Industry

Leading engineering and manufacturing training provider, Brinsworth Training has started the search for the future "Captains of Industry."

The campaign which is backed by local employers was launched this week at the New York Stadium, home of Rotherham United FC to find the next generation of engineers for the sector.

The Government announced last year their concerns in the lack of new engineers entering the marketplace and issued a stark warning that the problem could constrain the UK's economic recovery. A number of reports have been issued from both BIS and the Royal Academy of Engineers to confirm these fears and locally, employers are very keen to find a wave of young people to address the skills shortages in the region.

The "Captains of Industry" campaign has been devised by Brinsworth Academy of Engineering to use sport as a vehicle of engagement for new recruits to the sector.

The academy has state of the art facilities at Templeborough in Rotherham and has secured a record number of vacancies for apprentices, despite the harsh economic climate.

Paul Reeves, business development director at Brinsworth Training (pictured, left), said: "The engineering sector in South Yorkshire needs to recruit over 15,000 people over the next five years simply to replace those who are set to retire, we need to engage as many new entrants as possible and we see this campaign as the ideal vehicle to do that.

"We are working with local sporting clubs to communicate our message across their fan base. We are hoping that supporters will take an interest in some of the opportunities that are available within the engineering sector and become the next industry Captains.

"Engineering and sport are very similar, we need to develop team players who are dedicated, can communicate and can develop a range of skills that will make them part of a winning organisation. We have employers literally waiting to pick their new teams and need as many new engineers as possible. There are some fantastic opportunities out there with excellent career prospects."

Brinsworth Training website

Images: Brinsworth training

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News: Xeros announce intentions to float on stock market

Innovative Rotherham company, Xeros has announced its intention to raise funds and to apply for the admission of ordinary shares to trading on AIM, the London Stock Exchange's international market for smaller growing companies.

The Leeds University spin-out, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, has developed a patented system using a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes.

Admission to trading on AIM is expected to take place in March 2014 and together with the fundraising, it is expected to allow the group to accelerate roll-out in commercial laundry and to fund the research and development process through to commercialisation in other identified applications, not least in domestic laundry.

The Xeros cleaning system comprises a special washing machine designed to release the beads into the drum for cleaning, and which then removes the beads from the clothes once the cleaning is complete. With at least 70% less water, up to 50% less energy and approximately 50% less detergent, the Xeros system delivers superior cleaning results compared to conventional washing. The beads have a lifespan of hundreds of washes before being collected and recycled.

Through the use of polymer bead technology, the Xeros cleaning process has shown to be more effective than traditional "soap and water" methods. By combining the beads' molecular structure with a proprietary detergent solution, the result is a superior cleaning medium that beats even water. The dirt from soiled items is attracted and absorbed by the beads, producing cleaner results.

To date, Xeros has raised in excess of £15m from investors. In 2013, it successfully completed a £10m funding round. Its investor partners include IP Group, Entrepreneurs Fund, EV, Invesco Perpetual and Parkwalk.

Officially launched at the recent 2013 Clean Show industry conference in New Orleans, the Xeros Cleaning System is being targeted at the hotel industry for their in-house laundry operations. Unsurprising given that the global laundry industry is worth $100 billion per annum. 30 systems have been installed or are committed to be installed in the US, UK and EU and Xeros estimates that approximately 120 further machine installations are expected for 2014.

In outlining the business model, the directors said that they see opportunities for the Xeros bead cleaning system to create value across a number of potential revenue streams. It states that: "The supply of polymer beads is at the core of each application, but there are other revenue streams from detergent formulations, machines and the provision of service and maintenance."

Bill Westwater, CEO of Xeros, said: "Xeros' patented reusable and recyclable polymer bead cleaning systems offer an attractive customer proposition combining cost savings, efficiencies and superior cleaning performance.

"Xeros' technology has the potential to transform a number of industries globally and our planned Admission to AIM will help accelerate our roll-out in commercial laundry and fund development through to commercialisation in other identified markets. I am delighted that our major shareholders are highly supportive of our proposed listing and associated fundraising."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Progress for £7.5m TradeWorld development

Detailed plans have been revealed for a warehouse and trade counter development on an industrial site at Parkgate in Rotherham.

Litton Properties purchased the Ruscon engineering works on Rotherham Road in 2003 but plans for a DIY retail store and garden centre were refused in 2005. Outline planning permission was granted in 2006 for a warehouse development with 20% of the floorspace approved for retail use.

Detailed plans for seven units were approved in 2008 but have not been developed out. Now a detailed planning application has been submitted for nine trade counter units totalling 47,000 sq ft, with a tenth unit, a purpose built vehicle repair workshop for National Tyres and Autocare, the UK's largest independent tyre and automotive parts retailer.

The plans for the TradeWorld development, drawn up by Sheffield architects, Bond Bryan, show the ten units, ranging in size from 2,200 sq ft to 5,200 sq ft, complete with 111 standard car parking spaces and access from a new entrance from Rotherham Road.

The applicants are willing to stick to a condition that would see only 20% of the trade counter space used for retail use and do not believe that the inclusion of smaller units than those originally approved will lead to any significant adverse impact upon Rotherham town centre.

Litton Property Group, the Derbyshire based property development and investment group, is currently in talks with occupiers for the finished scheme. These include plumber and electrical merchants, automotive parts suppliers, equipment hire centres, window suppliers, tool supplier and hire centres, building products suppliers, a coating systems company, an air conditioning hire company, a decorators merchants and a heating and bathroom product supplier.

Topps Tiles and Wickes had been highlighted as would-be occupiers in the previously approved plans.

The plans state: "The proposals will make a significant contribution to the creation of a strong, competitive local economy. The development will deliver the physical and economic development of this brownfield site and will enable its comprehensive development to provide a modern commercial development. This will deliver inward investment in this area and will bring this site back into productive economic use.

"The proposals will also create job opportunities for local people, construction jobs during the development period and associated industries will benefit from the ongoing serving and maintenance of the buildings as well as local supply chain networks. This will boost the local economy and contribute to the economic development of the area."

A decision on the application is expected in May with the developers hoping to start work on site in June with the demolition of the existing building.

Litton Properties website

Images: Litton Properties / Bond Bryan

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News: Ofsted commends college’s "highly effective" student support

Dearne Valley College in Rotherham is celebrating a glowing report from education watchdog, Ofsted, following a recent week-long inspection which has graded the College as an overall "2". For current and prospective students, this means that the college has been recognised as "Good" for its overall effectiveness and has improved from the previous "Satisfactory" report.

Alongside this, the college also achieved a grade "Good" in every area under inspection, whilst another great accolade was the report's endorsement of the college's ability to provide student support, commending it as "highly effective."

The result comes at a time when the college has announced its highest ever success and achievement rates, both of which are above the national average.

The inspection encompassed a wide range of aspects and Ofsted inspectors spoke with students, staff, parents and employers to gain a view of the impact that the College is having on all involved. Ofsted picked out factors such as success rates for 16- to 18-year-old students being high; that practical, vocational and employability skills are developed effectively and that employability skills are developed effectively with an increasing number of students completing work placements arranged by the college.

Martin Harrison, principal and chief executive of Dearne Valley College, said: "We are thrilled to announce that the College has been recognised as a grade 2 "Good" college by Ofsted. I am delighted that the report recognises the key milestones the college has achieved since our last inspection back in 2011. In particular, the inspection team have highlighted how beneficial the support we provide to our students is; it also gives credit to our teaching team and commends the application of their industry expertise.

"As a vocational college, we are passionate about providing our students with the skills they require to be successful in the world of work. The report pays tribute to the realistic work environments used in everyday teaching at the college alongside the English and Mathematics skills our student’s gain, which are so highly regarded by employers.

"The outcome of this inspection reflects what we already believe about Dearne Valley College; that the positive experiences of the students are leading to their success and achievement.

"The College will continue to work hard towards excellence in all that we do and continue to celebrate our vocational roots by offering high quality vocational education to students across the South Yorkshire region."

Established in 1976, Dearne Valley College has its main campus in Manvers and specialises in vocational training and apprenticeships.

Dearne Valley College website

Images: Dearne Valley College

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News: Reinventing work experience

Julie Kenny of Rotherham-based Pyronix Ltd has highlighted the vital role that work experience can play for those young people desperate to get a foot on the career ladder.

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has launched a report that aims to dispel the myths surrounding work experience. UKCES is a publicly funded, industry led organisation providing strategic leadership on skills and employment issues in the four home nations of the UK. It has offices in Manvers and brings together commissioners that include CEOs of large and small employers across a wide range of sectors. Julie Kenny, chair and chief executive of Rotherham-based Pyronix Limited is one of the commissioners.

The guide, "Not just making tea: Reinventing work experience" highlights common misconceptions surrounding the benefits of work experience and the value it can present to both employers and young people alike.

The latest findings from UKCES, based on interviews with over 90,000 employers, show the main reason employers think young people are unprepared for work is lack of experience. Further research shows that three quarters (74%) of employers claim experience is significant or critical when recruiting young people.

But despite the high demand for experience, just 27% of employers offer young people the chance to gain work experience.

Speaking at a launch event for the report, Julie Kenny, chair and chief executive at Pyronix and UKCES commissioner, said: "From meeting and working with young people it seems to me that there are two main barriers to them achieving their potential: lack of confidence and lack of ambition. That's why I'm passionate about opening young people's eyes to the vast range of opportunities available to them and exposing them to role models who can demonstrate that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

"There simply aren't enough employers inspiring young people or giving them opportunities for work experience.

"Work experience is far more than tea rounds and photocopying: it's about giving young people of all ages the skills, confidence and experience they need to progress into meaningful jobs.

"As employers, we are best placed to offer young people these opportunities. My business benefits from our investment in young people."

Based in Hellaby, Pyronix is an award-winning manufacturer with an extensive range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms.

Work experience is a solution to the Catch 22 trap many young people and employers face – employers increasingly demand recruits with experience, but those potential recruits are struggling to get a foot on the ladder in order to gain that same experience.

Jenny Willott, Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, said she welcomed the report and would encourage further research into the work experience on offer currently, and what it could look like in the future.

She said: "This report highlights the importance of good quality work experience for businesses as well as the young people that participate. Work experience can give young people the knowledge they need to help them begin their career. It also gives businesses the opportunity to recruit from a wide and diverse group of potential employees."

Pyronix website
UKCES website

Images: UKCES

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News: YoYo Noodle opens in Rotherham

YoYo Noodle has successfully launched its latest oriental fast food outlet at the Onyx Retail Park in Rotherham.

After seeing the growing popularity of takeaway noodles and takeaway boxes from their buffet restaurants, Eric Ho, founder of YoYo Noodle, took the business in a new direction and established a franchise model of noodle bars aimed at students, shoppers and business people who were looking for an alternative option when it comes to eating out.

The East Midlands firm opened its first branch in September 2010, in Nottingham, followed by new outlets in Newcastle, Croydon and Lincoln, all offering over 1,000 unique combinations of fresh, balanced and health-conscious dishes combining a variety of noodles, vegetables and sauces.

The latest outlet is based on Phase Two of the successful retail park which forms part of the Manvers Waterfront development, the 285-acre mixed-use regeneration of the former Manvers Colliery by Anglo-Dutch developers, TCN UK.

Phase One is occupied by Greggs the Baker, Domino's Pizza, Subway and Motor World and in addition, the park is home to two restaurants - Thai Garden Café and Bistro 63.

Owners, Onward Holdings Ltd, brought forward Phase Two of the development after the take-up of units in Phase One was much quicker than originally anticipated. The development has so far led to the creation of around 100 new jobs.

And already 60% of Phase Two is pre-let or under offer with grocery giant Spar, a well-known charity and a renowned fish and chip chain set to join other names on the site.

Beauty at Heart has also recently opened on the park offering beauty, nail and tanning treatments.

YoYo Noodle website
Onward Holdings website

Images: YoYo Noodle / Facebook

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News: Use of AMRC technologies set to take off

Innovative assembly technologies pioneered at The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham are to be used to assemble aerospace structures 30% faster than is possible today.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the AMRC is a world leading model partnership between industry and academia that focuses on advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. It employs around 200 highly qualified researchers and engineers from around the globe, in two purpose-built centres.

AMRC engineers have been working on a complete assembly tooling and robotic strategy with GKN Aerospace and NIKON Metrology that uses many emerging automated and robotic techniques that, as well as speeding assembly, will provide an extremely consistent end product. It has been designed to be generic and therefore equally applicable to many future aircraft wing and fuselage structures.

Worcestershire-based GKN Aerospace, a leader in the manufacture of highly complex composite and metallic aerostructures and engine products, is now advancing this strategy in a new project that aims to automate the assembly of aircraft structures with the goal of creating consistently high-quality wing structures 30% faster than is possible today.

Backed by government funding as part of the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP), the Structures Technology Maturity (STeM) programme is based around an advanced winglet as the demonstrator component.

Among the novel processes being progressed through the programme are: lightweight fixturing, reconfigurable tooling, automated part positioning, assisted deposition of sealant, metrology assisted robotics, lightweight drilling heads, light-weight fastening heads for single sided fasteners, automated scanning for accurate countersink drilling and automated fastener inspection.

Richard Oldfield, technical director at GKN Aerospace, said: "As an industry we must step up production rates to meet future demand whilst ensuring the structures we design and build meet ever more demanding aircraft performance requirements. This STeM project is enabling GKN Aerospace and our partners to evolve and assess a number of promising assembly technologies and processes that could give us the performance, tolerances, affordability and integrity we will need in the coming decades."

GKN Aerospace website
AMRC website

Images: GKN Aerospace

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News: Councils set to intervene in South Yorkshire's broadband network again

Local authorities are set to lead on a project that aims to achieve 95% superfast broadband coverage in South Yorkshire by 2017, despite their involvement in the "deeply flawed" Digital Region project.

The aim of the Digital Region project was to bring continuous 25mb+ broadband to over 97% of South Yorkshire, including 550,000 homes and 1.3 million people. Work on installing the network started in 2009, and by 2012, completion of phase one of the project saw 80% of homes and businesses within South Yorkshire able to be linked to the network.

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

Last year the remaining shareholders agreed to halt their search for a private sector partner and begin a managed closure of the fibre optic network. It is expected to be decommissioned by August 2014.

Now consultation is underway for a "Superfast broadband project to deliver improved broadband infrastructure to areas where it is acknowledged that the market is unlikely to deliver Superfast broadband and will likely remain so until 2017."

Partners believe that broadband connectivity is essential for building a strong and competitive economy resulting in economic growth and creating more and better jobs.

Developed by a partnership with the leadership of the four partners' authorities in South Yorkshire, alongside the support of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, the plan has been approved by BDUK, the government project with the goal of delivering a fibre point in every community in the UK by the end of 2015.

The BDUK Framework is based on a gap funded subsidy approach, where the private sector invests alongside a public subsidy to provide broadband to areas where there is not otherwise a viable commercial market. BDUK is providing £530m of funding to a number of projects across the UK and had originally ruled out funding South Yorkshire due to the Digital Region project that had similar aims.

The new South Yorkshire project will procure a private sector company to deliver the network to these "white areas" that do not have access to next generation (fibre optic) broadband. BT and Fujitsu are in the running (but is more likely to be BT).

Broadband suppliers are now being contacted regarding their current and future plans for South Yorkshire so that target areas can be established. Almost 80% of residential and business premises in the region will have access to next generation broadband in the next three years by way of commercial activity already undertaken or planned by operators.

The remaining 20% of South Yorkshire will form the next generation broadband intervention area of the project with around 2% (mostly rural areas) to form the basic broadband intervention area of the project.

Last year, the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, Michael Fallon, described the Digital Region project as "deeply flawed" as it had failed to attract customers. It was also revealed that the government would have to provide at least 45% of the funding to cover a significant proportion of the repayment of the European Regional Development Fund grant which has to be paid back to Brussels, because the original conditions were not fulfilled. It will also pay a proportion of the contract due to the original operator, Thales.

What will happen to the physical Digital Region network after its closure is not yet known.

Images: BT Openreach

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News: Aztec AVA expands overseas

Aztec AVA, an engineering training business based in Rotherham, has reported extensive overseas growth with recent contract wins in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, South America and Russia.

The company was set up four years ago by directors Mick Stacey, Alan Varney and Steve Turner, who set out to offer specialist training services for engineering, manufacturing, utility and food companies.

The company was established in 2009 and was based at the RiDO's Fusion @ Matrix business centre in Templeborugh. It expanded to RiDO's Matrix Business Centre in Dinnington shortly afterwards and in spring 2012 merged with Aztec, a training provider with similar expertise, based in Bristol, changing its name to Aztec AVA.

One of the reasons for Aztec AVA's success is its ability to deliver specialist on-site training in locations across the UK and the globe.

Mick Stacey, director of Aztec AVA (pictured, second left), explains: "When we launched AVA back in 2009 we found that RiDO provided excellent support for start-up businesses. We also liked the professional image that their business centres gave us.

"We now do around 60 per cent of our business internationally. Our reputation has spread largely by word of mouth and this has taken us to some very exciting places. We have gained a reputation for offering high quality specialised training, particularly in industries such as power stations. We have experienced significant growth in our overseas business in the past 12 months and see it as offering major growth in the future."

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO's Soft Landing Zone, added: "It is fantastic to see Aztec AVA growing the international side of their business so much. Their expertise is becoming known all over the world and they are an excellent example of how a business can achieve its growth aspirations through overseas trading."

Rotherham Investment & Development Office's (RiDO's) Soft Landing Zone project attracted £842k investment from the European Regional Development Fund and aims to assist Rotherham companies in accessing international markets.

Aztec AVA website
RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: Chamber becomes first to sign corporate covenant

The Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has become the first business to sign up to Rotherham's Armed Forces Corporate Covenant.

The corporate covenant is the latest development in the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was initially signed in Rotherham in January, 2012.

The public promise of support to members of the armed forces, both past and present, was signed by various partner organisations on behalf of the people of Rotherham.


The corporate covenant is a written and publicised voluntary pledge from businesses and charitable organisations who wish to demonstrate their concrete support for the armed forces community.

Research has shown that returning to civilian life can be daunting for those who have spent even a short time in the armed forces, as all their welfare needs such has housing, education and health matters are met by the Ministry of Defence. In order to assist this transition into civilian life, the Government's Covenant Taskforce made a number of recommendations, including local authorities creating their own community covenant to ensure they meet the obligations to the local armed forces community.

Councillor John Doyle, cabinet member for Adult Social Care for Rotherham Borough Council, said: "The launch of the community covenant has seen many really good changes instigated in Rotherham and we hope that the corporate covenant will continue with this excellent work.

"All credit must go to the Chamber for leading the way and we hope to see many more local businesses sign up to this. It will mean that the difficult transition period for forces personnel when they leave the armed forces and return back to Civvie Street will be made that much easier."

Dominic Beck, external affairs executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, added: "The corporate covenant is geared to encouraging businesses to sign up to the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. It means that we promise to ensure that those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve; those who have served in the past together with their families, will face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services."

Pictured at Rotherham Town Hall are Steven Bentham-Bates, employment consultant at the Career Transition Partnership, Colonel Steve Hopper Deputy Commander (N) 15 Brigade, Chamber President Owen Gleadall and Leiutenant Colonel Paul Davies who is the Brigade's Regional Employer Engagement Manager for South Yorkshire.

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce website
Career Transition Partnership website

Images: Career Transition Partnership

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News: Parkgate retail development set for planning approval

Plans for a new retail development in Rotherham are set to be given planning permission this week, paving the way for the latest Aldi store in the borough.

Land owners, Ron Hull, the Rotherham recycling experts, teamed up with Leeds-based developers, Gregory Projects last year to bring forward a potential retail development on the site of a former car showroom at Great Eastern Way, Parkgate.

An outline planning application was submitted for a 16,000 sq ft discount food store together with 30,000 sq ft of additional retail and leisure facilities along with 200 car parking spaces.

Revised plans show a discount footsore unit for Aldi; a second unit of 6,700 sq ft for general retail "although the probability is that this would be a second discount foodstore"; a third unit of 15,000 sq ft, restricted to sale of bulky goods; A fourth unit of 2,700 sq ft; and a freestanding unit that could provide 18,000 sq ft with an additional mezzanine level.

The plans are set to go before the council's planning board this week with planners recommending that members approve the plans subject to certain conditions.

Planners requested an extended sequential assessment from the applicants and agreed with the assessment that there aren't any sequentially preferable sites available within the defined catchment area for the proposed development. Sequential tests ensure that development is located in the most sustainable location first (usually in town centres), before other, less sustainable locations are chosen.

The planned development is not expected to have a significant detrimental impact upon Rotherham town centre as diversion of trade would primarily be coming from the out of town Parkgate Shopping. The new development is also expected to strengthen Parkgate centre with linked trips between the two.

The Leeds office of Colliers International is handling the planning process and Yorkshire based civil and structural engineers JPG is also appointed to the project. GVA in Leeds is advising Gregory Projects on the lettings and the Sheffield office of Knight Frank is acting for Ron Hull Jnr Limited.

Aldi, Britain's fastest growing grocer, has also recently had plans approved for a new store on council-owned land at Swallownest in Rotherham.

Further stores are planned for land currently occupied by lighting and conservatory retail units on Bawtry Road in Bramley, and as part of a new mixed use regeneration scheme for the site of the council depot and Lantern Engineering Ltd at Muglet Lane in Maltby.

The UK arm of Germany-based Aldi announced last year that it is planning to invest £181m in the opening of 40 new stores and recently opened its 500th UK store. Recent openings in Rotherham include Manvers, Dinnington and Eastwood.

Gregory Projects website

Images: Gregory Projects / The Harris Partnership

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News: Tan Delta to keep Komatsu working

Expanding Rotherham firm, Tan Delta, has signed an agreement to supply global equipment manufacturer, Komatsu with real time oil condition monitoring solutions.

Based in the AMP Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Tan Delta Systems design and manufacture state of the art oil quality sensors and associated products that are used in the heavy engineering sector to reduce downtime and waste.

Japan's Komatsu Limited is the world's second largest manufacturer of construction equipment and mining equipment.

Tan Delta will provide Komatsu with oil quality monitoring sensors and accessories to enable a variety of oils to be constantly monitored, in real time, on large vehicles operating at mines. The sensors are expected to contribute towards a significant reduction in operating costs through extended service intervals and reduced breakdowns.

Chris Greenwood, managing director at Tan Delta, said: "This is a very exciting deal for our company. This will see our world class technology being used by one of the world's leading manufacturers of heavy plant equipment.

"I am also pleased to announce that due to our expanding activities we are looking to expand our team and have started a recruitment drive."

Tan Delta uses patented technology to design, develop and manufacture a range of highly accurate oil and fuel condition monitoring products that are used in a range of critical plant equipment, from engines and gearboxes to pumps, compressors and hydraulic systems. The sensors detect any damage being caused to the oil by checking all of the most common wear mechanisms in real time.

Tan Delta website

Images: Komatsu

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News: Exporters can improve international customer service

Rotherham businesses are being given the chance to enhance their customer service skills to international clients at a workshop organised by RiDO's (Rotherham Investment & Development Office's) Soft Landing Zone in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The "Delivering great international Customer Service£ workshop will be held at Fusion@Magna Business Centre on Magna Way in Rotherham on Thursday March 6 from 9.30 - 12.30pm.

The free workshop will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from the UK Trade & Investment. Simon will provide an insight into how to deliver great customer service to international clients, based on key global findings. This will cover how to be customer focused, how to develop customer loyalty and retention strategies, the eight key customer objectives, as well as developing and managing customer relationships.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, said: "This workshop is a great opportunity for any local business which currently trades overseas, or is thinking of doing so, to learn more about what makes great international customer service. Delegates can also gain an understanding about how RiDO's Soft Landing Zone can help local companies looking to gain more opportunities internationally."

With financial support from the European Unition, the Soft Landing Zone project sees RiDO working with home grown companies through accelerated support programmes to develop ideas that have true potential to create export focused businesses, and help local higher education establishments to encourage spinout companies. The project also helps overseas companies looking to establish operations in the UK, explore the UK market or to use the UK as a base for further European activities.

The interactive sessions provides ample opportunity for questions and answers and numbers are restricted for this reason. To book a place, contact Julia Millea by email at Julia.millea@rotherham.gov.uk or call 07810 151953.

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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