News: Xeros sets up for growth as losses widen

Innovative Rotherham company, Xeros, has posted losses in its first financial results since joining the AIM stock exchange as it continues to focus on accelerating the development and commercialisation of its entirely new clothes cleaning process - the first real innovation in the laundry industry for 60 years.

The Leeds University spin-out, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), 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. Instead a small amount of water is added to loosen clothing stains and activate the beads.

In its unaudited interim results for the six months ended January 31, Xeros reported a loss before tax of £2.78m, an increase from the £1.36m loss in the first half of 2013. Revenue for the period was £86,195, compared to £41,698 in 2013. Xeros said that this was due to the continuing investment in research and development and the early stage commercialisation of the commercial laundry offering.

As part of putting in place the infrastructure to support the growth of the business, Xeros is also taking on further staff in the UK and the US, its first target market.

In March, shares in Xeros began trading on the AIM on the London Stock Exchange (pictured). The share placing enabled the firm to raise £30m that 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 first sales in US commercial laundry market have been achieved and a US domestic laundry prototype has been developed.

The systems are being used in hotels, gyms and commercial cleaners where they use 70% less water, up to 50% less energy and approximately 50% less detergent. 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.

Another revenue stream is the "one-stop-shop" service package of equipment, consumables and maintenance all under a single Xeros banner for which the customer pays a monthly fee and signs up for a minimum five year commitment. In other applications, Xeros intends to license the production, distribution and marketing of machines and detergents to partners.

John Samuel, chairman of Xeros Technology Group, said: "We have achieved much in the last year. Further, as a result of our admission to AIM, the group now enjoys a higher profile within our target markets and this is already generating increased customer and commercial partner engagement.

"There is still much to do but our plans are on track and I believe we have the necessary financial and human resources to drive the deployment of this disruptive technology to its maximum potential."

Jefferies, the investment banking firm that acted for Xeros in its share placing recently supported the move by issuing a "buy" rating.

Joe Spooner, an analyst at Jeffries, said: "Xeros has a patented polymer bead technology that can replace water in cleaning processes. The group is initially focused on laundry applications. It can demonstrate significant benefits from use, has large end markets in its sights and, as a completely new approach, we believe its technology has the potential to change industries."

Xeros website

Images: London Stock Exchange / twitter

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News: Westgate Chambers set for sell off

The cabinet at Rotherham Council is set to sign off the sale of Westgate Chambers, the prominent buildings in Rotherham town centre.

Acquired in 2006, the major part of the complex is home to bars, nightclubs and takeaways with disused offices on the upper floors converted into artists studios and community arts space in 2011.

Located at the top of Corporation Street, the council made the strategic acquisition with a mix of funding from Yorkshire Forward (the Regional Development Agency) and Transform South Yorkshire (the housing market renewal (HMR) partnership for South Yorkshire).

A key part of the Rotherham Renaissance initiative to regenerate the town centre, the Westgate area and river corridor had been a focus for redevelopment, earmarked for housing together with retail and commercial uses.

Initial proposals for the refurbishment of Westgate Chambers aimed to deliver around 60 high-quality apartments with commercial units underneath.

Following the public spending review in 2010 and the closure of Yorkshire Forward in 2012, the main source of finance to deliver the Rotherham Renaissance programme was removed. Since then, a number of feasibility studies have taken place to identify how the redevelopment of Westgate Chambers can move forward and secure investment from other sources and the private sector.

7 and 9 Westgate are Grade 2 listed buildings (pictured). Known by many as the former Co-op buildings, they were originally constructed in 1794 by local architect, John Platt as a residence for himself.

A number of the commercial units are vacant along Westgate, Domine Lane and Main Street with the popular bar, Elliot's, closing earlier this year. A one year lease has recently been advertised by the council on the 3,000 sq ft property. At the end of 2013, rock bar, SNAFU opened in new premises alongside a new bar, Jaxx, in Westgate Chambers.

Now it appears that the council are selling off the site with a report on the proposed Westgate Chambers disposal being taken to the council's cabinet today.

Across town, demolition work has begun on the historic former Doncaster Gate Hospital. The council's cabinet confirmed the demolition in February and the cleared site is set to be offered back to the market in early spring 2014 with the council expecting sufficient interest to result in a redevelopment that would add to the regeneration of this edge of town centre site.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: New intake at AMRC Training Centre

14 new apprentices have begun their training at the state of the art AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham.

Part of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, the AMRC Training Centre is a £20.5m centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham where the focus is on 250 students aged from 16 upwards, taken on paid apprenticeships with opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses.

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

The first batch of 150 advanced apprentices began their training in January and are sponsored by employers ranging from smaller manufacturing companies to major companies such as Rolls-Royce. The training is employer-led which ensures that the apprentices gain a tailored set of skills and hands on experience that employers require.

Supported by the Regional Growth Fund and European Regional Development Fund, 250 students a year, aged from 16 upwards, will be taken on paid apprenticeships with opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses.

The new recruits have recently begun on either machining or maintenance pathways. They will be at the centre for between six to 12 months and will start with the basics, including health & safety, personal learning & thinking, engineering principles and so on. Rotherham firms supporting apprentices include Macalloy, Bennett Saws and Darron SBO.

Mick Fairman, trainer at the AMRC Training Centre said: "I'm impressed so far by the standard and calibre of the new apprentices. They are knuckling down and taking this opportunity seriously. We've got some good talent and I hope they keep it up."

The application window is now open for the September intake of apprentices with an open event taking place tomorrow, May 1 between 4pm-7pm. Trainers and current apprentices will be on hand to discuss life at the AMRC. Tours will be taking place of the facility that has been designed as a real manufacturing environment rather than a training environment.

The centre is expecting to fill 250 apprentice vacancies in September. To book a place on the event, visit the AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC Training Centre

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News: Hydrogen fuel putting Rotherham at the front of the grid

A new hydrogen storage and vehicle refuelling system unit is set to be constructed at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham to bring the unique Hydrogen Mini Grid System (HMGS) back to life and fuel the vehicles of the near future.

Last year, ITM Power, the Sheffield-based energy storage and clean fuel company, was selected by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to operate the system where wind power is converted into hydrogen gas for energy. A unique UK asset, it consists of a 225kW wind turbine coupled directly to an electrolyser, 200kg of hydrogen storage and a hydrogen dispensing unit as well as a 30kW fuel cell system for back up power generation for nearby commercial buildings.

ITM Power has applied for planning permission for a Hydrogen Refuelling Station on the site as part of the plan to bring the plant back into use and provide demonstration and academic research facilities.

It will be one of only a handful of places in the UK where pioneering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be refuelled and is unique in that the energy stored in the grid is created by wind power, which means that the vehicles it powers will not contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.

TNEI Services Ltd and the Pure Energy Centre were awarded the £2.3m project from Yorkshire Forward to create the hydrogen mini-grid in 2008. It is the largest wind-to-hydrogen power system in the UK and the biggest single store of "green" hydrogen in the UK.

To support the desire for the Waverley site to be at the forefront of ultra-low carbon vehicle technologies, Rotherham Council is leading on a £100,000 project that will see them secure one of only 10 hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFC-EV) manufactured by Hyundai. The vehicle will be made available to a range of organisations across South Yorkshire over a period of four years to demonstrate the applicability of the technology across as wide a variety of applications as possible. During this period it is hoped that the market price of HFC-EVs will decrease as production volumes increase and hydrogen fuel becomes more widely available.

Hyundai's ix35 Fuel Cell emits only water from its exhaust and is fitted with a 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 99mph with a 0-to-62mph time of 12.5 seconds. A pair of hydrogen tanks, located between the vehicle's rear wheels, enable the vehicle to travel up to 370 miles on a single fuelling.

ITM Power's HFuel system generates hydrogen by electrolysis, compresses it, stores it and dispenses the gas on demand at high pressure. Combining an electrolyser based refueller with the on-site renewable energy source at the AMP will enable 80kg per day of low-carbon hydrogen to be produced for use as a vehicle fuel.

In posting its latest financial results, ITM Power, the first AIM-listed fuel cell and hydrogen company, finalised a conditional equity raising of £10m to fund working and expansion capital.

Prof. Roger Putnam CBE, chairman of ITM Power, said: "Governments around the world have made commitments to substantially reduce their countries’ carbon dioxide output and, as a result, have encouraged the construction of sizeable clean energy generation capacity. This capacity for clean energy now represents a significant proportion of the total power produced in many leading countries.

"The problem is that energy from wind and solar power is unpredictable in its delivery, and this has meant that much of the renewable energy that could be delivered to national grids is not required and is currently "constrained off", with producers being paid not to deliver their clean energy.

"The keys to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy are: firstly the ability to store energy efficiently and economically, and secondly the ability to convert renewables – at or close to the point of generation – into a usable product such as fuel for transport. ITM Power's technology and existing, proven products address both of these requirements."

ITM Power website

Images: ITM Power

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News: Rotherham firms help Yorkshire plc rev up for growth

A number of top Rotherham businesses are amongst Yorkshire's largest 150 companies, that together have amassed more than £10.4bn cash in the bank, according to analysis from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP in Yorkshire.


The BDO Yorkshire Report 2014, now in its eighth year, which compiles the latest published accounts from Yorkshire's largest 150 businesses based on revenue, analyses trends and acts as a barometer of health for the region.

Rotherham firms that make it into the top 150 include CF Booth, AESSEAL (pictured), London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Ltd (Now called AMG Superalloys), Maplin, LUK (UK) Ltd, JELD-WEN UK and ABS Industrial.

Companies' war chests have increased sharply by 22% on last year's figures, with cash reserves now at their highest level since records began in 2007, providing a sure fire signal that M&A activity could flourish over the next few years.

Yorkshire's biggest businesses have also boosted growth prospects by increasing investment by a further £500m, taking total investment expenditure in property, plant and machinery to almost £3.5bn in the reporting period.

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The report also found that the top 150 saw revenues increase to £90.7bn, from £88.7bn last year and £83.8bn the year previous. Operating profits increased by 5% to £4.56bn and a more focused effort on overseas markets saw international sales grow by £1.7bn, up 7.7% to more than £12bn.

Terry Jones, partner and head of BDO LLP in Yorkshire, said: "There is an overwhelming feeling of confidence across the region and the figures in this year's report confirm that growth is firmly back on the agenda.

"Having built up cash reserves during the last few years, the challenge now is for management teams – many of which may not have the experience in dealing with a "positive" cash crisis – to have the confidence and expertise to choose where to invest.

"It's a challenging prospect having spent the last four to five year's heads down firefighting, but businesses must look forward and seize the opportunities a recovering market presents. This year's success stories will come from those brave enough to invest three-fold; in talent, technology and international markets."

The contribution of manufacturing to the group increased during the year, with employment per company up 9% and overseas sales rising nearly 10%. Of the Rotherham firms, only electronics retailer Maplin is not in the manufacturing sector.

The number of manufacturers in the top 150 rose to 34 (from 31 last year), generating more than £10bn in revenue (£1bn more than last year).

BDO website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: Siemens Energy boss to discuss offshore wind and factory plans at GMF

Matthew Chinn, managing director, Siemens Energy UK and Ireland, will give a keynote speech at the Global Manufacturing Festival (GMF) in Rotherham about Siemens' plans for Green Port Hull and the Paull wind turbine blade factory development.

Siemens recently confirmed a £160m investment in Green Port Hull at the city's Alexandra Dock and in a new blade factory in Paull, East Yorkshire. The total combined investment with Associated British Ports is £310m.

The investment is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs at the two sites making offshore wind turbine blades, the assembly of nacelles and related construction, service and logistics activities.

Firms in the Sheffield city region are set to benefit from the German firm's UK supply chains.

Matthew Chinn was appointed as managing director for Siemens Energy division in the UK and Ireland in April 2010. He has more than 20-years experience in the UK energy sector. He said: "We are delighted that this important investment in offshore renewable energy and in the city of Hull has been approved, after what has been a long wait for many.

"Representing some £310m of investment with Associated British Ports, the two sites offer local and national engineering companies substantial subcontract opportunities worth millions of pounds.

"At the Festival I will outline some of the challenges for the offshore wind industry and explain how our plans for the blade factory and Green Port Hull help address those challenges."

Senior Siemens Energy procurement executives will attend the Festival to answer visitors questions about applying for supplier agreements.

The GMF has been running since 2011 and has grown in popularity each year with some of the world's biggest manufacturing and engineering companies attending. It was held for the first time at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) last year and will return with a trade show and conference, keynote speakers, workshops and 150 exhibitors set to form proceedings on June 24 - 25.

Part of the UK's International Festival for Business, GMF is being organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the University of Sheffield AMRC with Boeing and Marketing Sheffield.

The conference and trade show is free to attend and registration is open now.

GMF website
Siemens website

Images: Siemens

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News: Confident Crawshaws submit plans for new Rotherham facility

Crawshaws, the Rotherham-based meat focused retailer, has submitted plans for a new manufacturing and distribution facility at Hellaby as it reports increases in both sales and profit.

The Bradmarsh Business Park company has established its recovery in difficult High Street trading conditions, exemplified by the financial results for the year ending January 31 2014.

Total sales for the year were £21m, 12% higher than the previous year (£18.8m). This can be broken down into full year like for like sales that increased by 11% (2013: 3%), plus the introduction of a new market site in Sheffield and a 11% rise in wholesale sales.

EBITDA (earning before taxes) for the year doubled to £1.4m compared to the £0.7m in 2013. The group said that this increase in profitability can be directly attributed to the improvements in like for like sales associated with management control of gross margin and overheads. Both operating profit and profit before tax was £1.0m (2012: £0.3m) and earnings per share rose to 1.42p (2013: 0.31p).

As a result, the board is proposing a dividend a final dividend of 0.43 pence per share.

Richard Rose, chairman of Crawshaw, said in the report: "We believe the excellent quality and value of our core products is driving increases in spend from both existing and new customers.

"Our customers are spending more with us and the improvements in trading performance are spread across most of our stores, giving me much confidence for the future.

"Given the general improvements in trading performance and the reduction in fit out costs the Board are confident that further controlled expansion of our existing shop model will be a key driver of future growth.

"I am delighted to be able to report once again on a continued trading improvement. Like for like sales over the first 12 weeks of the current year are up 19% and gross margin remains strong. I am also encouraged by the initial performance at our new Sheffield store, albeit early days."

Established in 1954, the AIM-listed firm has been trading on the stock market since 2004. It was acquired by Felix Group plc in 2008. It has 21 retail outlets throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside and two distribution centres, in Rotherham and Grimsby.

A planning application has recently been submitted for alterations at Sandbeck Industrial Estate, Sandbeck Way, Hellaby that would allow Crawshaw to occupy a 12,000 sq ft unit for the manufacture and distribution of specialist foods utilising the existing facilities that were previously occupied by Buxton Foods.

The plans also include the formation of a new entrance to the front elevation of the property to create a trade shop.

Plans state that bringing the empty unit back into use would create "20-30 employees in the first instance to support a successful and expanding national food producer and retailer."

Manned with skilled butchers, Craswhaw stores specialise in traditional raw meats and hot and cold cooked food. Average spend per retail customer is up 13% versus the previous year due to competitive pricing via a focus on larger value packs and multi buy offers, slightly offset by a 1% reduction in customer numbers which is wholly driven by the VAT changes on the hot cooked product offer. Customer numbers for raw meat products are up over 10% on the previous year.

Expansion plans had been scaled back as the group was hit by its key customers - hard pressed families and pensioners - struggling to make ends meet. Crawshaw also felt the impact of reduced footfall in the high street and the government's "Pasty Tax" on hot food.

One of the risks previously associated with the new store roll out was the high cost of capital investment. Over the last year, Crawshaw has spent time working with contractors to simplify layouts and equipment specifications where possible. This has resulted in a significant reduction in fit out costs and so enhanced potential returns. Its latest store opened on The Moor in Sheffield (pictured) in March.

Crawshaw website

Images: Crawshaws / Facebook

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News: Scheme completed at J33

The Highway Agency has completed a pinch point scheme, reducing congestion and improving journeys for drivers around Junction 33 of the M1 at Catcliffe in Rotherham.

The government-funded, £2m improvement at J33 involved widening the southbound exit slip road and roundabout, and builds on the previous year's widening of the northbound exit slip road, helping to ease congestion, reduce delays and prevent motorists queuing back on to the M1 southbound carriageway. The scheme will make journey times more reliable and improve access to Rotherham, Sheffield, and the surrounding areas.

The northern side of the roundabout has been widened from two lanes to four lanes and the A630 Rotherway leading to the M1 southbound entry slip road has been widened from three lanes to four. It also includes replacing traffic signs and signals, street lights, safety barriers, and fencing; and installing new high friction surfacing, road markings, kerbing and drains.

The Highways Agency has also recently completed a similar scheme at Junction 40 on the M1 and to ensure these schemes ware completed with as little disruption to drivers as possible, most of the work took place over night. The Agency, its consultants and its contractors worked together to deliver both schemes ahead of time and to budget.

Roger Wantling, service delivery team leader at the Highways Agency, said: "Drivers will now experience a reduction in congestion and delays around these two important junctions. The work should also improve road safety and contribute to a reduction in accidents in the areas. We would like to thank drivers for their patience while the work was being carried out."

As well as a key route into the borough, J33 is an important piece of infrastructure for sites within the nearby Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone such as the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The AMP is part of Harworth Estates' £100m Waverley regeneration project on the site of the former Orgreave colliery in Rotherham. It is the biggest brownfield site development in South Yorkshire and covers 741 acres, an area bigger than Sheffield city centre.

Highways Agency website

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News: Beatson Clark on show at home and abroad

Rotherham glass manufacturer Beatson Clark has been showing off its products and expertise both in the UK and overseas.

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, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, also produces high-quality bottles for a number of major UK breweries including Samuel Smiths, the Meantime Brewing Company and Thornbridge. It is currently undergoing a £12m investment programme, which will include a larger capacity furnace, that is expected to be complete by March 2015.

Close to home, the firm exhibited at BeerX, the annual conference of SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, in Sheffield in March for the first time. Beatson Clark also sponsored the national beer awards during the five-day event.

Charlotte Taylor, marketing manager at Beatson Clark (pictured), said: "BeerX was a great opportunity to chat to clients old and new, and most people we spoke to were interested in embossing designs onto standard bottles.

"Our in-house design team can create bespoke bottles for customers, but if budgets are tight or production volumes are too low to justify a completely new design we can also add embossing to a standard design to create a unique bottle."

Next up was the Food & Drink Expo at the Birmingham NEC at the end of March.

"We saw lots of existing and potential customers, many of whom were interested in embossing options," said Charlotte. "The event gave us to the opportunity to show off our latest products, including our 275ml curvy bottle and our 142ml square sauce bottle.

"We were also able to show how simple decoration techniques can completely change the look and feel of the product, adding a bespoke and premium look to our standard products by spray coating them to create a frosted effect."

In a bid to boost exports, Beatson Clark then exhibited for the first time at BrewExpo America, the largest brewing trade show in the United States.

BrewExpo America, in association with the Craft Brewers Conference, was staged by the Brewers Association in Denver, Colorado. It is the only event in the US that serves both packaging breweries and brewpubs.

"The event attracted over 7,000 visitors and we were very pleased with the number of prospective clients we met and talked to about the designs we offer," said Charlotte.

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Council makes "significant overpayments" during highway contract

An internal audit at Rotherham Council has uncovered "significant financial errors" during the £14.7m improvement programme on the dual carriageway at the A57 in Rotherham.

The council-led scheme has seen a 1.5 mile section of the A57 turned into a dual carriageway from the Todwick crossroads to Junction 31 of the M1 motorway. The work also includes replacing the crossroads with a roundabout.

Contractors Ringway Infrastructure Services started on site in September 2012 and the new road is expected to be fully open to traffic this year.

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

A report to the council's Audit Committee shows that internal auditors found weaknesses in the way the council checked the contractor's applications for payment which led to "significant overpayments" during a Major Highway Improvement Scheme contract, with some not yet corrected.

Rotherham Council admitted: "During the audit we identified weaknesses in the arrangements for checking the contractor's applications for payment which had led to significant overpayments. The majority of these were later identified and corrected by the contractor; however, we have concluded the overall control environment to be inadequate and are awaiting management's response to our recommendations.

"A follow-up review is planned for 2014/15 upon completion of the scheme and submission of the contractor's final account."

The report also shows that similar weaknesses and overpayments were also found with a recent council contract for emergency repair works to one of the council's reservoirs.

In the this case, internal auditors found budgetary control and contract management weaknesses and a subsequent failure to comply with the council's own Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.

Auditors also found that the contractor was overpaid by £20,000 inc. VAT which has since been repaid to the authority by the contractor. A report has been issued setting out how controls could be strengthened to avoid a recurrence and the recommendations are now being implemented.

Rotherham Council website

Images: RMBC

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News: EEF take advantage in Rotherham

The Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), the UK trade organisation dedicated to the future of manufacturing, has taken nearly 7,000 sq ft of office space in Rotherham.

The EEF offers business services, government representation and industry intelligence and around a quarter of the UK's manufacturing businesses are members and many more use its services to help them work.

The organisation has has leased 6,878 sq ft of office accommodation at Advantage House, Poplar Way, Catcliffe in a deal secured by BNP Paribas Real Estate.

EEF has secured the second floor, which comprises self-contained modern, high quality offices within close proximity of the M1 and on the doorstep of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Stuart Waite, senior surveyor at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: "Advantage House is located in a prominent position next to the Sheffield Parkway and in close proximity to the M1 motorway, which is one of the reasons why EEF chose this building. The deal itself is positive for the local market, as it is one of the largest deals to complete so far this year."

Newcastle-based JK Property Consultants acted for the EEF in buying its new Rotherham headquarters. JK was able to secure the second-floor offices at a rent of just under £9.50 per square foot before incentives are deducted. The deal allows EEF to move in rent-free for six months and then pay half-rent for the next 12 months during the initial four-year lease.

Andy Tuscher, North East Region director at EEF, said: "This move demonstrates our ongoing commitment to local and regional businesses and ensuring that they have easy access to advice and support.

"As the recovery picks up pace, they will probably need even more help tackling things such as HR issues, legal problems and health and safety concerns. We will now be even better-placed to provide this expertise."

Energy Alloys, the American oil field metals business which has its UK head office at Advantage House, has recently secured planning permission for alterations to the office space within its manufacturing and warehouse facility at Canklow, also in Rotherham. The site processes and holds long products for the energy, stainless and engineering markets and 36 employees are set to move to Canklow from across Rotherham.

EEF website
Energy Alloys website

Images: BNP Paribas Real Estate

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News: RCAT student cut out for apprenticeship

19 year old Mark Hammill from Rotherham has given computing the chop and is flourishing at The Underwood Meat Group's Northern Catering Business whilst completing an apprenticeship in butchery.

Underwood Meat Company operates from sites in Rotherham, Chesterfield, and Godalming in Surrey, and employs 150 people. From these premises, the company provides a wide variety of raw meat products to a range of blue-chip groups and independent catering customers throughout the UK.

With early starts, butchery can be a tough job, but Mark has stepped up to the challenge and is set to complete his apprenticeship in just over nine months.

Under the expert tuition of butchers at Northern Catering, Mark has learnt to butcher a range of meats including beef, chicken and pork. The Underwood's Group has its own farm in the Peak District National Park, with a commitment to source local produce and has over 35 years' experience.

Mark's been getting a broad variety of experience preparing meats to a range of chef's specifications varying in size, weight and cut. Mark has been working in the independent specific section of the business - Northern Catering Butchers.

In a world increasingly dominated by technology the ancient trade of butchery is in steady demand and Mark has found it offers a route into employment. He said: "I studied computing but there weren't too many jobs around so I started working at Underwood's and I really enjoy butchery."

Underwood Meat Group website

Images: Underwood's

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News: Elegant revamp for Rotherham town centre car park

Global award-winning architectural firm, Aedas, is set to provide another landmark building in Rotherham town centre as part of a multimillion pound revamp of the interchange car park.

Rothbiz revealed last year that investigations had shown that the car park on the site of the bus station requires £4m worth of repairs. Plans have now been submitted for the detailed design of the renovation and re-cladding of the multi-storey car park that could provide Rotherham with a rival to Sheffield's "cheesegrater."

Opened in 1971, the car park has since developed widespread defects and the existing tight spaces and drab appearance mean that occupancy levels only average approximately one third of its 678 capacity.

Aedas has previously designed the revamped Rotherham Central Station and has is now working again with the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), who own and operate the four-storey car park which sits between Frederick Street and the River Don.

The existing cladding system, which consists of proprietary louvres and is designed to allow air to permeate through the car park, has been poorly implemented and will all be replaced. Highly durable anodised mesh panels will be used instead with the junctions and recesses in the structure used to break the building into an appearance of three blocks.

A colour scheme has been chosen that pays homage to the industrial heritage of Rotherham. The exterior panels will feature three tones of brown and gold that mimic the colour of iron before it has been manufactured into steel. The anodised material is expected to "softly shimmer as the sunlight is cast upon it."

The internal areas, which in some places are now in a poor state of repair, are also set to be totally revamped.

The existing four bay parking layout will be replaced with a three bay parking layout. This is designed to free up significant space for manoeuvring, as well as allowing people to get in and out of their vehicle with greater ease. However, this will result in the number of parking spaces reducing down to 485.

The plans propose to introduce "an abundance of colour" on the car park floors and as part of the internal refurbishment there is the opportunity to clarify the layout by introducing markings for pedestrian zones, improving signage, enhancing space markings, and clarifying road markings.

The plans state: "The car park is not fulfilling it's economic potential. By replacing the façade with a more elegant and contextual solution and upgrading the interiors so that people feel comfortable and safe within the car, not only will more people use the car park, but the whole area will be held in higher esteem."

The submission of this planning application suggest that proposals for a more significant redevelopment of the site are not being progressed. The SYPTE, Rotherham Council and the owners, Norseman Holdings, met to discuss potential alternative development options for the site and Norseman committed to review the options of a leisure facility at the site and report back on options.

There are no plans to alter the bus station element on the site and the renovation works are due to take place without any reduction in bus services.

The SYPTE has budgeted for £2.4m to be spent on the project in 2014/15.

Images: Aedas

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News: Poundstretcher open another Rotherham store

Leading value retailer, Poundstretcher has opened a new out of town store in Rotherham.

The Huddersfield-based firm operates 400 discount retail stores in the UK, providing variety retailing across an extensive range of products at exceptionally cheap prices. It has taken a 10,000 sq ft unit at Canklow Meadows Retail Park.

In addition to homeware, the retailer also sells everyday items such as food, toiletries and household goods. The new opening follows a decision last year to move into larger stores to enable it to extend its food and toiletry ranges.

Existing occupiers include Dunelm and Halfords, and situated close to a Wickes DIY store, the park is owned by Threadneedle Investments with Harvey Spack Field and Wilkinson Williams as agents.

Owned by the Crown Crest Group, Poundstretcher opened a new store on Bridgegate in Rotherham town centre last year. It has a store at Dinnington and previously operated at Parkgate Shopping under the instore brand.

With a store refresh programme and the opening of 35 new stores, Poundstretcher reported an increase in like-for-like sales of 3% in 2013.

Poundstretcher website

Images: Poundstrecther

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News: HR Forum in Rotherham

The HR Forum established by Rotherham recruitment experts, Elevation, and international law firm, Irwin Mitchell, is holding its next event in Rotherham.

Business owners and HR directors from across the region are being invited to attend a complimentary breakfast seminar that will provide practical insight into the consequences of regulatory non-compliance.

The HR Forum was established last year to help human resources practitioners from around the region build a network for sharing knowledge and establishing relationships.

The next event is on April 29 at the New York Stadium in Rotherham at 8am and the complimentary breakfast seminar is entitled: "The real cost of Regulatory Non Compliance."

The costs of regulatory non-compliance can be severe both financially and reputationally for any business, large or small. The ability for a company to recover its costs, even when acquitted, in criminal proceedings, has now largely been abolished and so the focus must shift to ensuring it avoids, wherever possible, those costs in the first place.

Aimed at MD's, senior HR and senior finance professionals, this seminar will provide an update on the Bribery Act, its key provisions and what businesses need to do to ensure compliance. It will also look at the cost recovery scheme introduced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), provide an overview of the scheme and give some guidance as to what a business can and should do if they find themselves facing a potential invoice from the HSE.

Sarah Barron, associate director at Elevation, said: "Our advisers will also offer tips on dealing with the employment aspects of formal investigations, including when internal investigations and processes should begin, and dealing with investigations and disciplinary proceedings involving senior employees."

Emma Windle, a Sheffield-based lawyer in Irwin Mitchell's Regulatory and Criminal Investigations Group who will be speaking on the day, added: "Events like this give business owners and HR directors a great opportunity to learn about the key changes in legislation which affect them the most.

"We're delighted to once again partner with Elevation on this event and look forward to helping attendees get to grips with significant issues that they simply cannot afford to ignore."

For more details and to book a place visit the Elevation Recruitment website

Images: newyorkstadium.net

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News: AMRC secures planning permission for Factory 2050

The planning board of Sheffield Council has voted to approve plans for Factory 2050, the state of the art, £43m development that is set to keep the Sheffield city region at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing.

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing recently signed a deal to secure land at Sheffield Business Park, paving the way for the expansion of the AMRC and building on its success on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), just over the border in Rotherham.

Since the first University building opened there 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 on the AMP.

The first development at the new location, sited directly opposite the existing developments on the other side of the Parkway, will be 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.

Integrating research and industry collaboration, the government confirmed £10m funding from Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) last year with the remainder of the £43m total cost coming from industry. Manufacturers including Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Spirit AeroSystems are committed to supporting the project.

Designed by Bond Bryan, the circular building, behind the Sheffield Business Centre and on the airport runway, will combine a range of technologies, including advanced robotics, flexible automation, unmanned workspace, off-line printing in virtual environments linked to plug-and-play robotics, 3D printing from flexible automated systems, man-machine interfaces, and new programming and training tools.

Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts, said: "Over the last decade we've seen the enormous impact of the University's active involvement in advanced manufacturing, creating high quality jobs and hundreds of new opportunities for apprenticeships, as well as attracting some of the world's best known aerospace and engineering companies to work and invest here.

"The planning approval represents a real step forward in moving this vital activity to the next level, and giving the city region the opportunity to further its reputation as a leading force in advanced manufacturing, not just at UK level, but on the global stage."

The application now requires final approval by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The AMRC Factory 2050 is expected to be completed in 2015 and it is anticipated that the site will then be developed out for other AMRC research centre activities, fostering further economic growth and attracted more manufacturing firms and inward investment.

A detailed master plan for the entire remaining 50 acres will be submitted to Sheffield City Council's planning department in the next few months.

Graham Sadler, managing director at Sheffield Business Park, said: "We're working hard to make sure that we create the right environment to attract inward investment from high quality businesses, bringing real jobs to the region.

"The construction of Factory 2050 will send out a clear message of our ambition to maximise the benefit to the City Region of this vital location. Individual sites on the remainder of Phase 2 will be available this autumn and plans are well underway for the speculative development of four high quality production units. These are due for completion in mid-2015, building on the University's vote of confidence in Sheffield Business Park."

AMRC website

Images: AMRC / Bond Bryan

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News: £10.95m confirmed for Waverley

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has confirmed £10.95m in government funding to unlock development and thousands of jobs on the £100m Waverley site in Rotherham.

As part of the regeneration of the brownfield site, which includes a new community of 4,000 houses, land owner and developer, Harworth Estates hope that Waverley will create around 7,000 new jobs and contribute over £1 billion to the local economy as it is built out over the next 20 years.

The loan funding has come from the Local Infrastructure Fund, which is managed by the Homes and Communities Agency and accelerates the delivery of the infrastructure needed to boost Enterprise Zone schemes and accelerate large-scale housing developments. £10.95m will be used to provide infrastructure – including foul sewerage and drainage - at Waverley for the Advanced Manufacturing Park's (AMP's) remaining 68 acres of commercial development and 160 acres of housing development.

Already home to world-class manufacturers like Rolls-Royce and The University of Sheffield AMRC with Boeing (pictured), the AMP will eventually employ 3,500 workers – with 300 of those new jobs expected onsite by 2015.

Duncan Armstrong-Payne, development manager for Harworth Estates, said: "This funding is vital in accelerating the transformation of Waverley into Yorkshire's largest-ever sustainable mixed use development. We're proud of what Waverley has already become and this will make the development to go from strength to strength for the benefit of Rotherham and the wider Sheffield City Region."

The AMP is a key part of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Enterprise Zone were companies are benefiting from simplified planning rules and tax breaks for businesses. One of the main benefits that the zones offer is a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per eligible business over a five year period.

One of only six zones in England able to offer enhanced capital allowances, companies within the SCR zone could also take advantage of 100% enhanced capital allowances to firms making significant investments in plant and machinery.

Having been shortlisted for funding last year, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles was in the region to confirm the money. He said: "This enterprise zone is a great example of how our economic plan is rebalancing the economy and transforming once dormant industrial sites into job creators once again.

"Today's cash injection will help the enterprise zone pull in over three times as much in private sector investment, giving it the essential foundations to grow, create jobs for local people and continue the area's proud manufacturing tradition.

"The government is investing to ensure that all enterprise zones can complete critical "nuts and bolts" infrastructure work that is needed to turn old industrial sites into prime economic land that can attract new businesses and job opportunities.

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership hope that the zone will create 12,600 jobs and attract around 250 new advanced manufacturing and technology-based businesses to the city region by 2015 – potentially rising to 20,000 jobs when the zone is fully developed.

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region LEP, said: "Since the launch of our enterprise zone in 2012, 18 new companies have located to our enterprise zone with 345 jobs already created on site and around 300 set to be created in the coming months.

"Businesses have been attracted to join our modern manufacturing and technology community which offers outstanding transport connectivity, a highly-skilled talent pool and the best UK government tax incentives available."

The Government has also confirmed start dates for a number of Rotherham infrastructure projects.

Work on the £300m managed motorway scheme on the stretch of the M1 between through Rotherham is still scheduled to start in 2014 despite consultation ongoing into reduced speed limits.

The innovative £60m tram train pilot project between Sheffield, Rotherham Central and Parkgate is also underway this year, as is the £5m conversion to signalised crossroads at Pool Green (aka Liquid) Roundabout and the maintenance work to Old Flatts Bridge at Catcliffe.

Government schemes set to be completed this year include work to widen the M1 junction 33 and the variable mandatory speeds being introduced between J31 and 32 on the M1 at a cost of £2.6m.

Harworth Estates website

Images: Harworth Estates

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News: Gala Tent acquire Print Day for new print division

Graphic design and print business Print Day, based in Barnsley, has been acquired by Rotherham-based Gala Tent, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of marquees and gazebos, and has relocated to Gala Tent's premises at Manvers.

The agreement will see Gala Tent investing £50k in new printing equipment, as part of expanding its custom branded and printing services to customers. Print Day specialises in the design and print for quality brochures, cards, banners, feather flags and exhibition displays.

This latest acquisition comes just six months since Gala Tent acquired 50% of the business of Rotherham company Sign Man, a wide format digital printing business which has enabled Gala Tent to enhance its custom printed service and increase orders by over 100 per cent. By merging with Print Day, Gala Tent and Sign Man plan to cover more areas of printing and design, producing products such as brochures, banners and exhibition displays.

Jason Mace, managing director of Gala Tent (pictured, far right), said: "By bringing Print Day into our business, we will be able to offer our customers a wider range of high quality printed products. Print Day has a wealth of experience in the industry and we are confident that together we will be able to offer customers an even greater choice of branded and printed solutions, in addition to our core business of marquees and gazebos.

"We are looking forward to seeing the print side of our business grow and develop in the future, which should lead to a number of new jobs being created within the area."

Martin Popplestone, managing director of Print Day (pictured, centre), added: "Print Day is the perfect fit with Gala Tent and Sign Man, and our expertise in graphic design and print will enable us to produce high quality branded goods as an added service to Gala Tent's customers. I am looking forward to helping the Gala Tent team to grow our business significantly over the coming months."

Glen Robinson, who was previously printing manager for Gala Tent, will be promoted to head up the new print business, based at Manvers. As part of the company's ongoing programme of investment and improvement, Gala Tent plan to move Print Day and Sign Man to another one of their premises at Park Spring, Grimethorpe, in August this year.

Gala Tent website

Images: Gala Tent

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News: Home fixture for worldwide Webb

Premier League and FIFA listed referee, Howard Webb MBE has picked up a booking - the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) which is taking place in his hometown of Rotherham next month.

Hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on May 16, YIBC is one of the leading business events in continental Europe and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe.

In a section of the convention hosted by BBC's Tanya Arnold, Howard, an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, will speak about his refereeing career, from taking up refereeing in local leagues in 1989 to preparing to travel to Brazil this summer to officiate in the World Cup.

Police sergeant and Rotherham United fan, Howard, has refereed the FIFA World Cup Final, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup Final.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "Having Howard and Tanya on stage in a live talk is a fantastic addition to the line-up for Rotherham's first YIBC.

"For many years, the YIBC has welcomed speakers from the world of sport to offer delegates something a bit different to what they would expect from a business convention.

"We have had the likes of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss and Paralympian David Weir speak in the past and Howard's story should be another excellent account.

"Sport is one of the biggest businesses in the world. To be successful you need to have determination, vision, the will to win and the skills to succeed, much of the same attributes that are needed in the rest of the business world so I am sure all the delegates will be able to take something away with them from the day."

Political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott will go head to head at this year's YIBC, with the line-up also including Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed and Richard Noble OBE.

Firth added: "YIBC Rotherham is proving popular and is shaping up to be a fantastic day. Since the speaker line-up was confirmed, the excitement has been building.

"We are delighted with the speakers we have been able to attract for the first YIBC Rotherham and the final preparations are being made ahead of May 16 - it sure to be a great day for all of the delegates attending and for Rotherham as a whole."

YIBC website

Images: South Yorkshire Police

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News: Roy Hatfield Ltd wins Queen's Award for Enterprise

Roy Hatfield Ltd, a Rotherham-based recycling company, has won a Queen's Award for Enterprise 2014, the most prestigious accolades for businesses in the United Kingdom.

The corporate awards recognise outstanding achievements by UK companies in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Roy Hatfield Ltd has won the award for innovation for creating a process for recycling waste gypsum.

Roy Hatfield Ltd was formed in 1971 when the founder Roy Hatfield recognised a demand in the market place for quality and consistent alternative raw materials destined for the concrete industry. The firm grew to become the UK's first and largest manufacturer of decorative and industrial concrete finishing products.

In 1985 the firm moved to Templeborough with a custom manufacturing facility and on site laboratory which is where the company still operates from today.

Anticipating legislation banning gypsum-based waste streams from landfills, the company developed methods for stripping the substance from ceramics and plasterboard.

Plasterboard is made of a gypsum plaster core with a paper facing. Approximately 270 million sq m of product are produced, distributed and used annually in the UK and its use in the construction industry creates a lot of waste through off-cuts and dismantling.

Having researched the market for recycled gypsum, Roy Hatfield established a bespoke facility and created a partnership with a British waste management firm in 2005. Following continual investment and expansion, the Rotherham site processes 50,000 tonnes of waste plasterboard per annum.

The Hatfield process enables organisations to comply with Environmental Agency regulations without incurring the significant expense of using specialist landfill sites and delivers considerable savings to customers, who can buy recycled gypsum at reduced prices. Importantly, it avoids toxic hydrogen sulphide gas from gypsum contaminating bio-degradable waste in landfill sites.

The recycled gypsum is used as a direct replacement for primary or secondary gypsum and can be used to create new plasterboard, in cement manufacture and agriculture. Hatfield uses it to replace talc as a colouring product for its own forms of decorative and industrial coloured concrete. It has been used sympathetically in the 250 year old grade I listed garden at Alnwick Castle and to create the distinctive blue walkways and balconies at the Selfridges store at Birmingham Bull Ring.

Grant Hatfield, director at Roy Hatfield Ltd, said: "We are extremely proud to have been awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in Innovation. The award acknowledges our dedicated team at Roy Hatfield Ltd — it is because of their efforts we were able to develop such a intricate recycling process on a large, commercially viable scale."

The recycling plant has processed over 300,000 tonnes of waste gypsum to date and the award coincides with the introduction of a third shift allowing 24/7 running of the plant. This new shift will see production ramp up to 1,300 tonnes per week with the company stating that further plans for expansion are still on the cards in the near future.

Roy Hatfield Ltd website

Images: Roy Hatfield Ltd

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News: Burnt-out buildings brightened by artwork

The Gallery Town project has provided a blank canvas for local students as regeneration in Rotherham town centre continues.

In September 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – to be installed in key outdoor locations around the town.

Now a row of derelict buildings on Corporation Street have been added to the open air gallery. Over recent years the buildings, including the Muskaan restaurant and Envy night club had fallen into disrepair, and so the decision was made to revamp one of the town centre's key streets.

The partnership between McDonalds Restaurants, Year 8 art students from Thrybergh Academy and Rotherham Borough Council's Shop Local and Gallery Town projects, gave the students a blank canvas to work with along the full length of the buildings' ground floors.

The students were given a brief to improve the look of the street and promote retail shopping in Rotherham Town Centre, especially the town's independent alternative offer. They came up with images for a colourful row of shops including a retro clothes shop, a sweets/cake shop and a florist.

Craig Buck of McDonald's said: "We jumped at the chance to be part of this project and were happy to help tidy up these empty units, including getting our hands dirty and painting! We even have a small version of the artwork inside our restaurant on Bridgegate, we liked it that much."

Bernadette Rushton, retail investment manager at Rotherham Borough Council, added: "Corporation Street is an important entry point into the town centre for shoppers and visitors alike. Much work has been done to the upper part of the street with the Minster Gardens and addition of new retailers, and the disused buildings are not up to the standard of the rest.

"It has been great to work with McDonalds and the Thrybergh Academy students, and we are very pleased with the results. Not only does it highlight the range of independent shops within the Town Centre but it is good to see the perspective from our younger Rotherham residents."

Rothbiz revealed earlier this month that discussions are taking place between developers and Rotherham Council regarding a high quality mixed use development on the site of the two large burnt out buildings on Corporation Street.

As regeneration work continues on the High Street, decorative hoardings are also being used to highlight what the restored Three Cranes and Georgian town house could look like when complete.

Gallery Town website

Images: Gallery Town

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News: Rotherham United become Chamber patrons

ASD Lighting and Rotherham United Football Club have become the latest companies to pledge their support to the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce by becoming patrons.

Employing over 200 people, ASD Lighting has been based in Rotherham for over 30 years. It specialises in supplying decorative and commercial lighting, all of which has been designed, developed and manufactured in the UK.

Tony Stewart, managing director of ASD Lighting (pictured above, left), said: "As a manufacturing business in Rotherham for over 30 years, we are proud to become a patron of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to working side by side with the chamber and creating partnerships with local businesses moving forward."

Mark Hannigan, operations manager at the chamber, added: "Welcoming ASD Lighting as patrons of the chamber allows us to be involved with another of Rotherham's big companies. This partnership will allow the chamber to utilise their knowledge and expertise to support manufacturing in the region while working towards mutually beneficial goals."

Also becoming a patron of the chamber is Rotherham United, the town's football club that was saved by Tony Stewart in 2008 when he brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement. His chairmanship has provided stability, investment and a professional off-field set-up despite having to play home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield after leaving Millmoor.

The club returned to play home games in the borough in 2012 with the club gaining promotion from League Two in its first season at the £20m New York Stadium.

Steve Coakley, commercial director at Rotherham United (pictured below, left), said: "Rotherham United Football Club are delighted to become a patron of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. This extension to our long standing relationship will facilitate mutual commercial opportunities and further development of our brand and image within the local business community."

Andrew Denniff, chief executive at the chamber, added: "The chamber has supported Rotherham United through the good times and the difficult times of moving to Don Valley and into their new stadium. We are pleased the club has now come on board as patrons allowing us to publicly strengthen our ties with one of the biggest brands in the region and further utilise the New York Stadium."

Part of the patronage package will see the chamber continue to run the successful Rotherham United Business Club, the monthly lunch events at the Millers' stadium that include guest speakers from the world of sport and business.

Previous speakers include Tony Stewart and Rob Scott and this week, the club is joined by Mark Aston, the current head coach and chief executive of The Sheffield Eagles Rugby League team.

Mark will speak about the Sheffield Eagles at that famous day in May 1998 when he led The Eagles to victory over Wigan in The Challenge Cup Final and also took home the coveted Lance Todd Trophy. Mark will also talk about his fight to Save The Eagles and, following back To back Championship wins, what his future plans are for the team.

The business club on April 24 at 12 noon is £13.95 + vat for members and £19.95 + vat for non-members. The cost of the event will include lunch at the New York Stadium.

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website
Rotherham United website
ASD Lighting website

Images: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber

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News: Rotherham raises objections to planned M1 service station

Rotherham Council is raising objections to the proposed new £36m Motorway Services Area (MSA) at Junction 35 of the M1 in Sheffield.

Developer and operator, Extra MSA Group, has submitted plans for a new development on semi-mature woodland in the Green Belt at Smithy Wood, Cowley Hill just over the Rotherham border on the Chapeltown side of the motorway.

The plans include 33,000 sq ft of food court, ancillary retail and other customer facilities in addition to a 16 filling positions on the main forecourt and four filling positions on the HGV forecourt with forecourt shop, 639 parking spaces for cars, HGVs, coaches, caravans and motorcycles and an 80 bedroom hotel.

The development is expected to create around 400 construction jobs, with the Extra's MSAs typically employing between 250-300 full-time equivalent staff including part-time opportunities.

The applicants are also proposing to include the creation of a new 39 acre woodland with 60,000 new trees which will be open to the public for recreational use. Additionally, 172 acres of privately owned woodland will be opened to the public for community use.

Rotherham Council has been asked for its views given the close proximity of the site to the borough. In its response, the council stated that the proposal is unlikely to have a material adverse impact on highways in the Rotherham area but the reduction of ancient woodland should be considered to have an adverse impact on the integrity of the wider woodlands, including that within the Rotherham borough.

The issue of visual impact of the woodland clearing on views out of the borough from the Thorpe Hesley, Kimberworth and Wentworth area is also being raised.

A report to the planning board at Rotherham Council, stated: "It is not considered that sufficient effort has been given to the ability to avoid adverse impact or to provide suitable mitigation within the development site. It is strongly recommended that further consideration is given to avoiding adverse impact by the identification of an alternative location.

"It is not considered that the development proposals demonstrate a need for the development at this location that outweighs the loss of ancient woodland, priority habitat and non-statutory site interests. As such, the proposal is contrary to national and local planning policy in respect of biodiversity."

A number of potential sites for a service area on the busy stretch of the M1 have been studied. These include sites in Rotherham such as land at J33 which has extant planning permission for a five storey 200 bedroom hotel and 350 parking spaces, landscaping and access road, with travel lodge, diner / restaurant and petrol filling station. The site was discounted due to concerns over whether the extant plans are deliverable.

Land south-west of J35 was also discounted due to the close proximity to existing and potential residential development in Thorpe Hesley.

Sue Manns, director of Pegasus Group who prepared the application for Extra, said: "An exhaustive amount of research, analysis and impact assessments have to be undertaken to arrive at the planning submission stage and our extensive work has identified that the proposed site is the only viable option for the creation of the new MSA, for which a clear need has been determined.

"The designs demonstrate the level of attention that has been paid to ensuring that the MSA blends as seamlessly into its surroundings as possible and reflects the high level of commitment by Extra to creating a development of excellence that will positively contribute to the local economy as well as ensuring the safety of drivers on this popular stretch of motorway."

Extra Services website

Images: Extra / Pegasus Group

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News: Portas positive post Rotherham return

Mary Portas, the leading retail consultant called on by the Government to review the nation's High Street, has taken to Facebook to discuss her recent return visit to Rotherham. Here's the post in full:

It's great Up North!

I took a trip to Rotherham yesterday and it’s hard to say just how excited I was with what I saw. Rotherham was one of the original Portas Pilot towns and when I visited in September 2011, as part of the fact finding for the Portas review, it's fair to say that things were not great.

The Local Data Company was regularly giving them top spot for the number of vacant retail properties (unfairly as it turned out), the Guardian were knocking them and using Rotherham as a reason why, in their view, we should give up on the High Street. It was all too easy for everybody to be critical and to use Rotherham as the poster child for boarded up Britain.

When I first met them, the Town Team were already ahead of the game. They had a huge task but you could just tell that they were going to give it a massive go. They also had a huge advantage – that the Local Authority was one of the sadly all too rare "enlightened" ones who already had High Street regeneration at the top of their strategic priorities list.

The government chose them as a Pilot town and then they also gained extra funding from British Land and The High Street Renewal Fund and yesterday Brandon Lewis, the Minister with responsibility for the High Street and I made a visit to see how they are getting on.

It's just fantastic! The High Street is transformed, new shops are open, ones that have been there for a while are revitalised, it looks and feels like a High Street again. Tumbleweed has been replaced by people. Footfall has grown (in 2011/12 by 8%!) and the vacancy rate is now one of the better ones for a comparable town at 14%. That's down from 29% (according to LDC) and a 4% decrease since 2010.

Let's just pause for a moment and think about that. 86 new businesses opened their doors in the last 3 years. 86 entrepreneurs who believe in Rotherham and who are having a go. That's the spirit that will sort out our most important community spaces and give them a future.

And what do local people think? Well, bear in mind this is all in the shadow of Meadowhall, but people are not only coming back but they like it. For example 35% of shoppers said that the main reason for visiting is that Rotherham had a good range of shops they liked compared to only 2% who said this in 2009.

Even better, 92% of shoppers are satisfied or very satisfied with the independent shopping offer (compared to 42% in 2009).

One of the most impressive shiny new things on the High Street is "The Makers Emporium." I love it. 3000 sq feet of flexible space at affordable rents that local craftspeople can use to both make their beautiful stuff and also to sell it. It's fabulously presented and I liked just about everything in there - my colleague's wife will be enjoying some of them as Birthday presents as he went a bit mad! Just two of the businesses are here – this fella makes clever coat hangers and so on from reclaimed cutlery. This business produces the cutest kids shoes and clothes.

How has all of this been achieved? Sheer grit and determination by heroes like Bernadette Rushton and Paul Woodcock amongst others but here's a list of what makes them a successful Pilot in my view – happy to take feedback on this btw.

• They saw it coming and started planning.
• Not being intimidated by something like Meadowhall – instead deciding to create an altogether more human alternative.
• Recognising that you have to change things and it will still take a while for perceptions even then – in other words it’s a long game.
• Rotherham are clever at raising money including match funding and spending it wisely.
• Their local authority are hugely supportive (for example using their ability to raise prudential funding at reasonable rates to support local businesses when the banks won't or can't help)
• Linking with The Source – the local training initiative to make sure there's a solid retail Learning and Development bedrock to this
• Thinking beyond retail - their plan also involves residential
• Be creative with retail – the Makers Emporium is gold!
• Integrating with the rest of the town centre
• Did I mention sheer Yorkshire grit and determination?

There's a way to go for Rotherham but as I said to the many journalists there yesterday, I am bursting with pride on what's been achieved so far. Viva Rotherham.

Martin Kimber, chief executive of Rotherham Council said: "Rotherham has made a real impression on Mary. She was full of praise the first time she visited us and we’re seen as a real beacon of success for the Portas Pilot."

Mary Portas website

Images: RMBC

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News: Martek defibrillator saves pupil's life

The life of a 16 year old pupil was saved recently thanks to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) supplied by Rotherham-based Martek Medical through one of its distributors to a school in Romsey, Hampshire.

Mountbatten School bought the Lifeline AED just two months before the incident, which was put into action by quick thinking PE teacher Emma Denham. Emma was being observed taking a class as part of the interview process at the school when 16 year old Sam Mangoro collapsed and suffered a heart attack on the sports hall floor. His heart stopped, sending him into cardiac arrest. Ms Denham undertook CPR whilst deputy headteacher Joanna Scott raced to get the Lifeline AED.

Teaching staff at the school had been trained to use the AED and once defibrillation had been carried out, an ambulance took him to the nearest hospital where he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Sam's father Michael said: "Their actions have really given us the opportunity to hope. If the school hadn't had a defibrillator it could have been a lot different. It is incredible and we feel so fortunate for that. He was in the right place at the right time, with people who were trained to know what to do."

Ian Couldwell, product manager for Martek Medical, added: "There are a large number of schools across the country that have our Lifeline AEDs on their premises, which gives them the peace of mind that should an incident occur, they're able to deal with it.

"Defibrillation within a few minutes can help increased the chance of survival by 75 per cent. And we're delighted to hear Sam is making a steady recovery in hospital and wish him all the best in the future."

Manvers-based Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a SCA.

SCA is the biggest killer in the world, accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. Speed of treatment is vital, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes.

Martek Medical is the official UK distributor for Defibtech LLC, a leading innovator in the field of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Martek's AEDs are being placed in schools, shopping centres, leisure centres and gyms across the country.

Sam has made an "amazing recovery" and recently returned to school.

Martek Medical website

Images: Lynda Mangoro / Twitter

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News: AESSEAL launch latest product

Award-winning Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL, has launched the EasyClean seal support system that will dramatically increase the hygiene standards for support systems in food and pharmaceutical industries.

With global headquarters at Templeborough, AESSEAL is the world's fourth-largest designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals.

Enjoying 30 consecutive years of growth in sales and profit, AES continues to invest in developing new products with the patent pending EasyClean system the latest to launch.

Despite the requirements of the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries to maintain a high level of hygiene in the production lines and throughout their factories, it is frequently the case that the seal support systems harbour dirt and bacteria on the interior of the main vessel. This is due to their enclosed design, which makes them difficult to inspect, clean and maintain high levels of hygiene.

AESSEAL's system has a detachable lower section, which enables the vessel to be taken apart for inspection and cleaning. This removable lower section, offers manufacturers the opportunity to quickly inspect and clean their systems without severely impacting on costs, production or product quality, whilst also eliminating the harmful build up of dirt and bacteria.

A spokesperson fro AESSEAL said: "Leading the market in ease of use and affordability, EasyClean sets new standards in support system capabilities. EasyClean is both a convenient and cost effective solution allowing manufacturers to further reduce the risk of product contamination in industries where a high standard of cleanliness is essential."

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.

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: Rotherham sets example for retail revival

"You give us the money and we'll make it work." That was the message from the Labour leader of Rotherham Council to the Tory minister for high streets, town centres and markets, as they opened the newest retail outlet on Rotherham's revitalised High Street, alongside leading retail marketing consultant, Mary Portas.

The evidence is there for all to see. Firstly, the government has stumped over £350,000 to support the council and its town team partners in realising its vision to create a vibrant and thriving town centre with a different retail offer by fostering new, independent businesses.

And secondly, Roger Stone is right, the funding has been used wisely, with the opening of over 80 shops and an overall increase of 13% in pedestrian foot flow in the past three years.

Granted, in those three years, some national and independent retailers have closed their Rotherham stores. Ethel Austin, Internacionale, and Co-op Travel have found the climate tough and closed stores in towns and cities throughout the UK, not just Rotherham.

Helping to go a long way to fill the voids in the South Yorkshire town that has been identified as having the highest amount of retail competition in the UK, are independent retailers supported by the council's Business Vitality Grants Scheme, which since 2009 has supported over 20 businesses to get started, offering help towards rent and fit-out costs for retailers that have potential to widen the appeal and drive footfall for the benefit of all businesses.

Pop-up shops have also been successful with the council offering a prime retail unit in the refurbished Imperial Buildings on flexible and attractive lease terms to help businesses get up and running. After an initial trial, Vintage Dolls has this month celebrated its first birthday.

The most recent addition to Rotherham's retail mix is the Makers Emporium, a project offering 3,000 sq ft of retail space on a temporary basis to more than 30 local entrepreneurs and designers to launch their products and test the market.

Physical regeneration is also taking place on the High Street with local retailer Chris Hamby progressing the next stage of the heritage-led project to bring historic buildings back into use.

Miele Delicatessen, a new Italian deli has also opened in the refurbished former Muntus department store on the High Street, selling a range of authentic food and quality coffee.

High Streets Minister Brandon Lewis and retail expert Mary Portas visited Rotherham to see first hand the progress being made and to officially open the Makers Emporium.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government who has the responsibility for improving high streets and town centres, said: "Rotherham is a prime example of how a struggling town centre can be turned around into a success story, and in the last three years 86 new businesses have opened their doors in the high street.

"The town has grabbed the opportunities offered to it and is a great example of how our high streets can become shopping destinations that serve the whole community. It's an example to other town centres around the country."

Having last visited Rotherham town centre in 2011 as part of her Government-commissioned review into the nation's High Street, Mary Portas met with some of the independent retailers, the town team and Chris Hamby. She said: "I'm bursting with pride at everything that's been achieved in Rotherham.

"The town team have done an extraordinary job increasing footfall and reducing vacancy rates but most of all producing a place people want to shop in and feel at home in. They have huge competition from some of the UK's biggest shopping malls right on the doorstep but they are bearing out the national statistics that people prefer high streets."

Joining independent retailers like colourful gift shop, Patchwork Pig, and specialists in all things manly, Things That Boys Like, the former Snafu rock bar has been transformed into a light and airy retail space selling locally-designed and hand-crafted products.

Funded by the Government's High Street Renewal Award and delivered in partnership between the council, The Source and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, The Makers Emporium aims to support new start-businesses looking to trade for the first time, raise awareness of their products and see what it takes to run their own business.

Makers include Our Tiny Bees, Badger & Kingdom, Oddle Doddle Jewellery, Poco Nido, Seraphina Pearl Designs and Panache par Paris.

Terry Cooper of Tea Wear Recycled Cutlery, who works with metal and wood to create unique items of jewellery and homewares, sold Mary Portas a set of coat hooks fashioned from recycled ornate spoons. He summed up the new project: "When everywhere looks the same and you could be stood on any High Street in the UK, what we need is something unique. This place is, and it just lifts everything."

Makers Emporium website
Rotherham town centre website

Images: Tom Austen / Miele Delicatessen / Twitter

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