News: Minister visits Enterprise Zone

Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone (EZ) sites have attracted 1,100 jobs in total.

The EZ includes a number of key employment sites in Rotherham such as areas of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and Templeborough and in 2014, 15 hectares at Dinnington were added.

Companies located in the zone are benefiting from simplified planning rules and tax breaks for businesses. One of the main benefits that the zones offer a business rate discount worth up to £275,000 per eligible business over a five year period.

All business rates growth within the zone for a period of at least 25 years will be shared and retained by the Sheffield City Region, to support the Local Enterprise Partnership's economic priorities and ensure that Enterprise Zone growth is reinvested locally.

Companies in Rotherham benefiting from business rates relief include Xeros, Struers, Carbolite, Arrow Technical and many cutting-edge occupiers in the AMP Technology Centre.

James Wharton MP, Government Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, met with Sheffield City Region leaders at the Markham Vale Enterprise Zone site this week.

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "Our Enterprise Zone sites are a key part of the Sheffield City Region's ambitious ten year Growth Plan and I'm pleased that our successes have attracted the attention of the new Northern Powerhouse Minister.

"The Zone is a real hotbed for modern manufacturing and technology businesses and has seen a number of investments at the Advanced Manufacturing Park and at Sheffield Business Park – home to the stunning new Factory 2050 development."

When launched in 2011, it was expected to generate up to 12,600 jobs and over 400,000 sq m of floor space for 250 businesses by 2015. When complete, it could reach 20,000 jobs, 400 businesses and £20m a year in new business rates from over 600,000 sq m of floor space.

Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone website

Images: Sheffield City Region LEP

Read more...

News: £2.1m Rotherham hydropower project

A large scale hydropower energy development in Rotherham, the first project of its kind in Yorkshire, is set to start generating renewable electricity next month.

It is one of just a handful of large low-head hydropower (LHHP) developments in the country that are the first to be built since the 1920s.

Using twin "Archimedes screw" turbines, it will extract power from the River Don at Thrybergh weir, near Kilnhurst, and supply sufficient electricity for 300 homes in perpetuity.

It also includes fish and eel passages which open up another stretch of the river and are part of an ambitious long-term plan to get salmon back up to Sheffield, where they can spawn.

Visiting the site, Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey, said: "The scheme is interesting and impressive, and the developers have worked very closely with anglers and conservationists. This will be a valuable, permanent, renewable and sustainable source of energy.

"I'm delighted the first scheme in Yorkshire is in the constituency and am keen to see the government put in place support and incentives to allow other similar schemes to go ahead.

"This is the type of true renewable energy project the government should be backing more strongly, because it can improve rather than intrude on the local environment."

The Thrybergh weir facility is being built by Barn Energy, a hydropower company working on multiple hydropower sites in Yorkshire and the East Midlands.

The project was handled fully at Spaans Babcock Ltd in Heywood, from the initial design and project management right through to the installation of the Screw Generators.

The new power station consists of two Archimedes Screw Generators over 8m in length and weighing over 22 tonnes each with their gearboxes and generators. At over 3.5m wide, each screw can take up to 6.5 tonnes of water every second.

Yorkshire Hydropower is now investigating whether similar schemes near Wakefield and Knottingley on the Aire and Calder can be built.

The project will produce 1 million kWh of electricity per year for at least 100 years. A solar farm would require ten acres to generate the same amount of energy, and would have a limited lifespan of around 30 years. The hydropower project, once completed and with proper maintenance, will generate renewable electricity indefinitely.

Mark Simon, director of Barn Energy Ltd, said: "It was a great honour to show Mr Healey the Thrybergh hydropower project – no one who visits the scheme fails to be impressed by the positive and sustainable nature of what is being built here.

"We are proud to be putting the industrial waterways of England back to work as power generators, while introducing unique environmental benefits which serve to mitigate the damage done by industrialisation.

"We hope to be supported in building many more projects of this nature on the major waterways of England."

Oliver Coppard, project manager of the Dearne Valley Eco-vision, also made the visit with Mr Healey. Mr Coppard said: "Through the Dearne Valley Eco Vision we are working to transform the Dearne into a leading low carbon community, so this hydro scheme is fantastic to see.

"We'll be working with the developers over the coming months and years to make sure that we're able to showcase the site to local schools and across the community, as an example of just how exciting our low carbon future can be."

Images: Spaans Babcock

Read more...

News: Beatson Clark creates embossed BBQ bottles

The creative designers at Rotherham glass packaging manufacturer Beatson Clark have reacted to the growing barbecue trend and produced a new 250ml sauce bottle which comes with four unique embossed designs, for its sister company Pont Europe.

The Greasborough Road firm, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide.

Using a multiple embossing idea first pioneered by Beatson Clark, Pont has added the white flint 250ml BBQ sauce bottle with standard 43mm twist-off neck finish to its general sale range.

Four distinct versions of one bottle, each with its own embossed flame and BBQ logo, have been manufactured on the same production run. This means that there will be multiple designs on the shelf so the consumer gets a surprise each time they buy their favourite sauce.

Jan-Willem Ridt from Pont Europe, said: "I like the new concept of multiple embossing and this bottle is unique: four different bottles for the same purpose but with a slightly different character.

"When both a Swedish and a Dutch customer asked for something special for barbecue sauces we took the multiple embossing idea and developed it further with the help of Beatson Clark's in-house design team.

"The bottle is new and unique and it will appeal to the high-end, premium sauce filler market."

The multiple embossed bottle has already been chosen by Dutch food company Wijndragers, which makes mustards, sauces and dressings, for its Big Sam's BBQ Sauce.

Lynn Sidebottom, Sales and Marketing Director at Beatson Clark, said: "Creative use of embossing like this can really give a product the edge. And as the product is based on one of Beatson Clark's standard bottles, the mould costs and minimum volumes have been also reduced, resulting in truly unique glass packaging that is accessible by even the smaller brands.

"We were pleased to be able to work closely with Pont to create this bottle and we're looking forward to more innovative collaborations in the future."

The historic company has recently put in place a long term, £12m investment programme which included building a new amber furnace, a new six-section bottle forming machine and a new capping machine. A £5.4m white flint furnace became fully operational in 2012. As well as improving the production process, Beatson Clark also invested in new design technology. The company updated its CAD (Computer-Aided Design) system to the latest 3D visualisation software.

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

Read more...

News: Xeros expands into new export markets

Innovative Rotherham company, Xeros, has announced that it has expanded its commercial laundry footprint into Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that 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.

Admitted to AIM in 2014, Xeros is commercialising the system which uses at least 70% less water, up to 50% less energy and approximately 50% less detergent.

The patented polymer bead cleaning system has a number of identified commercial applications and Xeros has first targeted the billion dollar US laundry market, where there are now over 100 systems installed or committed to be installed. The group signed up 61 partners to its US reseller model during the biennial industry Clean Show in Atlanta, with forward channel partners taking advantage of water scarcity and water cost issues and bouyed by the financial incentives on offer from major utility companies.

In Canada, Xeros has entered into a forward channel partner agreement with Michael St. Clair Fine Cleaners, a dry cleaning and laundry specialist, under which Xeros' polymer bead laundry systems will be sold and serviced. Michael St. Clair services much of Vancouver's hospitality industry and has retail locations across the city.

Xeros has also entered into a forward channel partner agreement with Worldwide Laundry, Inc., a full service laundry equipment, parts and supplies company, to sell and service Xeros' polymer bead cleaning laundry systems. Worldwide Laundry, Inc. will be facilitating the delivery of Xeros cleaning solutions to the broader Caribbean and Latin American markets, both of which offer significant drivers for growth as severe drought conditions and rising energy prices are increasing demand for ecologically sustainable but commercially viable solutions.

Bill Westwater, CEO at Xeros, said: "We are hugely encouraged by Xeros' expansion internationally, further evidencing the relevance and increasing acceptance of Xeros' near-waterless and energy-saving cleaning solution in geographic markets that can no longer ignore issues around water scarcity and need for energy conservation.

"These agreements also demonstrate the success of our forward channel partners programme, in which we create a broad sales and service network across the Americas of established laundry industry players.

"In a world that can no longer depend on traditional aqueous processes, Xeros offers unprecedented performance and value for customers."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

Read more...

News: Lilleker Bros Ltd score with Blades deal

Rotherham-based electrical and mechanical contracting business, Lilleker Bros Ltd, is the new sponsor of Sheffield United's first team training and warm-up kit.

The Moorgate-headquartered firm has had a relationship with the League One club over many decades.

The company, established in 1919, trades throughout the UK and internationally. Its links with the Blades include the installation of the five lattice tower floodlights – a feature of Bramall Lane many years ago – and the electrical work associated with the construction of the South Stand and new Kop.

Mark Ralton, director of Lilleker Bros Ltd (pictured, front right), said: "This is a proud moment for Lilleker Bros Ltd to see our name and brand on the training kit. For many years we've had a great relationship with United which continues to this day where we are the official club electrical contractor."

The sponsorship is a 12 month agreement with an option to extend.

Paul Reeves, head of commercial at Sheffield United (pictured, front left), said: "This is another new and positive commercial relationship with a business that has supported the Blades for many years. The branding looks great on the training kit and I am sure that Lilleker Bros will benefit as a business from this high profile partnership with Sheffield United."

Lilleker Bros employ 80 staff, shop floor and site workers. The company also has a switchgear and control panel manufacturing facility at Waleswood.

Lilleker Bros Ltd website
Sheffield United website

Images: Sheffield United

Read more...

News: Second supermarket hire at Crawshaws

Crawshaw Group PLC, the Rotherham-based fresh meat and food to go retailer, has appointed a new chief financial officer as it puts into action growth plans that will see it invest £200m, opening 200 stores and creating 2,500 jobs.

Alan Richardson joins the AIM-listed firm from Morrisons Supermarkets Plc, having spent five years with the supermarket chain where he held a number of senior finance roles, most recently as finance director for Group Retail and Logistics. In addition to full P&L responsibility, capex and cashflow forecasting cycles for all 500 stores and eight logistics centres, he was a key member of the commercial team supporting the rapid expansion into the convenience store format.

Prior to Morrisons, Alan spent eight years with ASDA where he held a number of senior finance roles, following his qualification as a chartered accountant with KPMG in 2001.

Crawshaw, which will have 39 stores by Christmas and moved across the borough to Hellaby in 2014, appointed Noel Collett, formerly Lidl's chief operating officer for the UK business, at the end of the year.

Richardson will also join as a director of Crawshaw Group Plc and Kevin Boyd, currently managing director, will be appointed chief commercial officer in September, with a wider remit and responsibility for Buying, Supply Chain, Factory Operations, Food Production, Logistics, Food Safety and Health & Safety.

Noel Collett, CEO of Crawshaw Group Plc, said: "We are delighted to announce today the appointment of Alan Richardson as our chief financial officer from 7th September 2015. Alan brings a wealth of relevant financial management experience of an expanding retail business along with expertise in business strategy, cross functional transformation and strategic management accounting initiatives during periods of portfolio growth.

"We are also delighted with Kevin's appointment as our new chief commercial officer. His 25 years' experience within the business and expertise in the Buying and Supply Chain adds tremendous value to the team and our growth strategy.

"Both Alan and Kevin's appointments ensure that the Board has been strengthened with the relevant experience, expertise and energy at a key time ahead of our accelerated store expansion, so we look to the future with great confidence."

Established in 1954, the firm has been trading on the stock market since 2004. It was acquired by Felix Group plc in 2008. Last month it announced details of its expansion plans and added that the target of 200 stores was the tip of the iceberg and that the scalable model could go on to reach 500 or 1,000 stores nationwide.

Crawshaw website

Images: Crawshaw

Read more...

News: Rotherham College merger plans

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and North Nottinghamshire College are proposing to merge into one organisation on February 1 2016.

The proposals, out for consultation this week, have been described as "a positive and deliberate strategy to deliver a stronger local skills offer in a climate when the stability of individual colleges may be challenged in the future."

Combined as the RNN Group, all the campuses will remain and retain their existing local identities. Rotherham College has facilities in Rotherham town centre and Dinnington whilst North Notts has facilities in Worksop and Retford.

With falling numbers of 16–18 year olds, potentially risking the range of courses the colleges can offer, there are also projected public funding cuts for at least the next three years, potentially reducing capacity.

Seeking to undertake significant structural change, North Notts has undertaken a Structure and Prospects Appraisal which recommended the merger. Rotherham College has completed the due diligence.

Both rated as "Good" by OFSTED in 2013, the proposed merger will create a single college with an annual turnover in excess of £46m. The increased scale of the new college will enable it to offer enhanced opportunities for learners, employers, communities and staff. Other benefits include pooling expertise and good practice, greater strategic and managerial capacity, opportunities for a wider curriculum strategy and greater economies of scale and efficiencies.

Advertisement

The official statutory notice details that the proposed merger involves the transfer of the property, rights and liabilities to the Corporation of Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and the subsequent dissolution of the Further Education Corporation of North Nottinghamshire College.

Rotherham College took on a similar role in the merger with Rother Valley College in 2004.

The proposals come at the same time as Rotherham College continues with ambitious plans to double the size of the HE population in three years. Plans for a £12m campus on the site of the former Doncaster Gate hospital in the town centre are being developed.

For employers, both businesses and the public sector, creating a larger provider is set to enable the group to: be more responsive to specific training needs; offer a wider range of training and apprenticeship frameworks; provide more co-investment opportunities to meet skills needs; link employers with a large bank of work-ready students; and create a single point of contact, to make managing training easier.

Atholl Stott, chair of North Nottinghamshire College and Ken Barrass, chair of Rotherham College, said in the consultation document: "The decision of the two Corporations to submit this proposal reflects a positive and deliberate strategy to deliver a stronger local skills offer in a climate when the stability of individual colleges may be challenged in the future. The Boards and senior teams have recognised the strength and opportunities created by a single, larger college with one vision, one area-wide curriculum and a single-minded focus on quality, standards and excellence."

The documents add: "It is not anticipated that the merger will directly necessitate compulsory redundancies of teaching staff, as there are no proposals to reduce the curriculum offer or to close any of the campuses. Over time, some rationalisation of other functions may be possible, mostly through natural turnover.

"Any restructuring which does prove necessary will be subject to the transparent consultation and communication processes, which have been adopted in the past by both colleges."

The formal consultation runs to October 2 with stakeholder meetings set to be held in September.

Rotherham College website

Images: Rotherham College

Read more...

News: Magnomatics inspiring the next generation

Magnomatics, a Sheffield-based manufacturer of energy-efficient products based on ground-breaking magnetic gear technology, has taken on its first engineering apprentice.

The company originated as a spin-out from Sheffield University in 2006. Backed by £4.5m of venture capital investment and with support from Innovate UK through the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform and funding competitions, it has expanded to 28 staff, including 7 PhDs, with aspirations to further growth.

Rotherham-born Owen Birks, who went to Rawmarsh Community School will start his formal training at the AMRC Training Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham in September, after an initial few weeks with the team at Magnomatics.

Magnomatics has been a strong supporter of Work-Wise, the Sheffield based charity promoting engineering and manufacturing careers for 14-16 year olds. Thanks to Work-Wise, Owen is no stranger to Magnomatics having first been introduced to the company through a Work-Wise placement in 2013 and a follow-on placement in 2014.

The company continues to engage with young people through the Work-Wise scheme, increasing awareness and promoting engineering as an exciting and rewarding career. Two more training placements have recently been completed at the Parkway firm.

Dave Latimer, CEO at Magnomatics, said: "We are delighted to see the progression of our business and especially the arrival of Owen as our first apprentice. We spotted Owen's engineering potential through the Work-Wise scheme and since then we have followed his academic achievements with interest.

"It's great seeing our work inspire the next generation of engineering talent rewarded with local young people pursuing engineering careers. For too long the exciting opportunities represented by careers in manufacturing and engineering have not been promoted well enough. That's why we became involved with the Work-Wise scheme."

Magnomatics' revenue is primarily from customers interested in applying Magnomatics technology to road or rail, oil and gas installations, aerospace, marine and renewable energy. That involves initial studies and then taking the project all the way through to manufacturing and delivering tested prototypes.

Magnomatics became an official production partner of The Proving Factory in September 2014 for its MAGSPLIT power split which is currently being evaluated by a number of global automotive customers. Part of Tata Steel's Brinsworth site in Rotherham will house a new component manufacturing facility as part of the £22m government-backed manufacturing initiative that aims to bridge the gap (or "Valley of Death") between small enterprises developing leading edge low carbon technology and large vehicle manufacturers.

Magnomatics website

Images: Magnomatics

Read more...

News: ELR finds new home in Rotherham

Leading South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire estate agent Eadon Lockwood and Riddle (ELR) has announced the opening of its new office in Wickersley, a move that sees the 175-year-old firm establish its first physical presence in Rotherham.

Offering both letting and sales services to landlords and those looking to rent or buy a home in the local area, the office is conveniently located on Bawtry Road, close to the popular Tanyard shopping centre.

The latest announcement is aligned to ELR's expansion campaign, which follows a change of ownership in 2011 and comes just months after the opening of new branches in Bakewell and Sheffield.

Chris Thomson, managing director at ELR (pictured, right), said: "We're delighted to be in a position to announce the opening of our newest office in the popular Wickersley area of Rotherham.

"As part of our continued commitment to expansion across the region it is our intention to open one branch per year in key areas where the ELR brand was known but had no local office presence."

The office, which opened in July, will be managed by experienced letting and sales staff including, Richard Badger (sales director) and Glennis Leathwood (negotiator). Both have extensive estate agency experience in the local Rotherham market and are well placed to advise on all aspects of residential sales and rentals.

ELR website

Images: ELR

Read more...

News: Marks & Spencer targets new Rotherham retail development

Renowned British retailer, Marks & Spencer could be one of the first occupiers at a new £30m retail development in Rotherham, if planning approval can be gained for a Simply Food store.

Plans for a 98,000 sq ft development, to be known as Cortonwood Shopping Park, were only passed on appeal at a public inquiry in 2013 after earlier being refused by Rotherham Council.

Developer Helical Retail has been working on an extension to the existing Cortonwood Retail Park and the initial scheme would see a current distribution warehouse demolished to make way for six large units.

Plans were amended in 2014 for nine new out-of-town retail stores creating around 85,000 sq ft of development together with the addition of floorspace at mezzanine level that would not exceed 60,000 sq ft of gross internal area. A tenth standalone unit has been added to the scheme.

Earlier this year, Helical Retail said that negotiations were proceeding with a number of leading fashion retailers and a start on site is anticipated in January 2016, once funding has been obtained.

The developers believe that the new retail park will create between 279 and 372 jobs (equivalent to 186 full time jobs).

Marks & Spencer has expressed firm interest in operating its "Simply Food" operation from the scheme and is looking to take a 1,022 sq m unit, creating an estimated 50 - 55 jobs. Company policy for store openings sees the recruitment of as many of the new staff as possible from the local area.

However, M&S store will only take the unit if developers can overturn a condition of the original planning permission that prevents the primary use of any of the permitted retail units to be for the sale of food.

Advertisement

A retail statement included with the application discusses the impact of the proposed food store on the catchment area of the belt of Dearne Valley towns and concludes that "there is more than adequate capacity to accommodate the proposal in the context of the retail geography of the catchment area."

It adds that any trade diversion is likely to come from supermarkets and superstores and that the new Cortonwood development is set to "claw back trade currently going primarily to Parkgate, Meadowhall, various retail parks and to a much lesser extent, town centres."

Based on 2019 estimates with the proposed M&S having a turnover of £9.48m, most trade is expected to be diverted from the nearby Morrison's (£2.57m) and from M&S and Morrison's at Parkgate (£1.28m). £1.07m of the store's turnover is assessed as being diverted from town and district centres, the only locations given protection by national planning policies.

A sequential assessment has not been submitted.

In a letter in support of the application, Chris Smith, Simply Food acquisitions manager for Marks & Spencer, said: "We see the proposal as having a range of benefits for our existing and future customers including through the convenience of being able to purchase items, whether in conjunction with shopping trips to ... neighbouring and wider retail parks at Cortonwood, or as an additional food retailing facility for local area residents.

"We will be extending choice, competition and diversity in food retailing for users of the retail park and for local residents and complimenting our other stores in surrounding areas which sell both non-food and food goods.

"Our intention is to increase our food market share, and consistent with this we remain committed to our stores within Barnsley (Queen Street), Rotherham Parkgate and Meadowhall which have been subject to recent investment and will remain unaffected by this proposal."

Marks & Spencer website

Images: Marks & Spencer

Read more...

News: Plans in for Rotherham solar farm

18,280 solar panels could be installed on farmland at Ulley in Rotherham under recently submitted plans for a new solar energy project on the site of a wind farm.

Renewable energy firm Banks Renewables is looking to install a 5MW solar photo voltaic (PV) scheme in the south east corner of its Penny Hill wind farm site, which sits to the south east of Rotherham and west of the junction of the M1 and M18.

The Durham-based developer secured planning permission for the six turbine wind farm at Ulley in 2010. Backed by £21m from the Co-operative Bank, turbines with a maximum height of 132m were built on green belt land.

Approximately six hectares of current agricultural land would be covered by solar panels, up to three metres in height. If approved, the installed capacity of up to 5MW would provide enough electricity for approximately 1,320 homes.

Approximately 18,280 panels would be installed rated at 270W with the lower edge around one metre above ground level enabling safe grazing by smaller livestock.

The planning approval would be for a temporary period of 23 years, the same length of time that the wind turbines are set to be in operation, and the developers are offering to add to the £40,000 made available for local community causes.

Banks said that it has designed the project to allow for its existing grid connection on the Penny Hill site to be used for the new scheme, and is also using the existing access tracks to further minimise any impact on the local community.

The plans state that a key characteristic of the development is its "low impact and high reversibility," adding that "the design will not involve the introduction of concrete foundations or large areas of hardstanding. This will enable the infrastructure to be easily removed following its operational life and the site to be restored to its current arable use."

It adds: "The site is well contained by the surrounding landform and is screened by the boundary vegetation. Effects on landscape character and landscape value are not predicted to be significant. Due to the topography visibility is predicted to be limited to 1km, and effects will reduce quickly with distance. Where there will be visibility, the solar farm would be viewed in the context of the nearby M1 motorway."

Lewis Stokes, development relations coordinator at Banks Renewables, said: "We have held a number of consultation events and meetings in the community about the proposals, and the response has been fantastic. We know the benefits delivered as part of the Penny Hill wind farm have had a huge impact on projects locally and the solar farm brings an opportunity to do further work in the community.

"However we're not only looking to create a positive effect within nearby communities, we will also encourage greater biodiversity and support the creation of enhanced habitats alongside increasing the amount of clean, green energy we produce at Penny Hill site working with the relevant bodies and local interest groups too."

Banks Renewables website

Images: Banks Renewables

Read more...

News: Top host and speaker at chamber awards

Craig Goldblatt, former European Business Speaker of the Year, will address businesses and individuals at this year’s Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards in October.

The Awards will recognise the achievements of the region's top businesses at Barnsley Metrodome on October 23.

Last year saw over 100 entries in the ten categories with top performers from the night being entered into the Business of the Year category. Entry is now open to all members of the Chamber and all businesses in Barnsley and Rotherham.

For over a decade Craig has spoken to audiences from all over the world and has delivered over 600 key note presentations. During his presentation Craig will test and challenge us to look at the core of our own selves to draw out both our fears and our courage to lead with a great deal of passion and integrity.

Mark Hannigan, operations manager at the Chamber, said: "Having worked for Craig early in my career, I was pleased when Craig confirmed his availability for this year's event. To secure someone of his stature as our keynote speaker for the 2015 Awards demonstrates the draw of this event and the levels we as Chamber are aiming for and achieving."

BBC Look North's Clare Frisby, one of Yorkshire's most popular TV presenters, will host the event having previously done so in 2006.

Businesses have until Friday September 4 to complete their entries.

Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

Read more...

News: Apprenticeships levy on the way

The Government has outlined plans to increase the number of quality apprenticeships across England and launched consultation on how it plans to raise funds from a levy on large employers.

The aim is for three million new apprenticeships to be created by 2020 and the control of funding is being placed in the hands of employers via a digital apprenticeships voucher. Following consultation, a levy is set to be introduced in 2017 and is designed to increase investment in training and apprenticeships.

The proposal is for apprenticeship levy funding to only be used to support apprenticeship training and assessment with registered providers to ensure quality. The Government believes that firms that are committed to training will be able to get back more than they put in.

Also announced are requirements to take a company's apprenticeship offer into account when awarding large government contracts and publishing new "industry standards" so that apprentices have the skills that companies need.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "The greatest asset any employer has is their workforce. And by investing in them, they are investing in the success and future of their business.

"As a one nation government, we are committed to supporting three million quality apprenticeships over the next five years – to help strengthen our economy, deliver the skills that employers need and give millions more hardworking people financial security and a brighter future."

In Rotherham, demand continues for high quality apprentices in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

The AMRC Training Centre is currently training more than 400 people aged from 16. Part of the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, apprentices at the £20.5m centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) have opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses, doctorates and MBA levels. Sponsoring companies range from global leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel to local high-tech supply-chain companies.

Dan Swift, programme manager at the AMRC Training Centre, said: "Due to continual high demand from local employers and candidates wanting to use the AMRC Training Centre this year, we have recruited more trainers to cope with the response and offer further recruitment opportunities across all five of our engineering and business services pathways that commence from September 2015.

"We have also added a second intake for apprentices in October 2015, giving aspiring apprentices and prospective employers alike, additional time to take advantage of this amazing opportunity."

All throughout next week (24-27 August) between 10am and 2pm, the AMRC Training Centre is holding an open week and encouraging anyone looking at progressing into an apprenticeship to come and visit the centre's state-of-the-art training facilities and meet with staff and current apprentices.

Also in Rotherham, Brinsworth Training has seen an impressive 60% increase in apprenticeship starts in the 14/15 financial year. With state of the art facilities at Templeborough, the centre provides specialist engineering training to learners and employers across the Sheffield City Region.

Jen Bramley, operations director at Brinsworth Training, said: "In my first year at Brinsworth Training I have restructured the organisation and dramatically changed the training offered to both employers and young people to ensure that we are providing flexible employer led training, responding to industry innovations and technological advancements with increased flexibility.

"In addition to the growth, Brinsworth Training has applied a strong focus on quality improvement which has seen us significantly increase both overall and timely success of learners on apprenticeship programmes, ensuring a quality service for both employers and young people, enabling us to boast success rates well above the national average."

AMRC Training website
Brinsworth Training website

Images: AMRC

Read more...

News: Region's airport sets sights on Frankfurt

Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, the regional airport for the Sheffield city region, could benefit from improved links to Frankfurt, a major European aviation hub, as it makes it on to the shortlist for "start-up aid" from the Government.

The Regional Air Connectivity Fund had £56m available to cover three years of financial support to create new routes, boosting connectivity, increasing trade and supporting jobs in the regions.

Regional airports with fewer than five million passengers per year could bid into the fund and a new route from Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is one of 15 shortlisted routes published by the Government.

Airline, BMI regional, is hoping to secure funding to start up a weekday return to Frankfurt from DSA starting in 2016. Germany's largest commercial airport, Frankfurt is one of Europe's three largest airports and is also the biggest of the five Lufthansa hubs. It served 264 destinations in 113 countries last year making it the airport with the most international destinations in the world.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Smaller airports are vital for bringing the country together and creating new international opportunities for their local areas. The shortlist we are publishing today shows the potential for smaller airports to create jobs and drive growth. Aviation is one of the UK's economic success stories and our investment ensures it is shared out across the whole country."

£16m has been cut from the budget for the fund, which has been delayed due to issues over European Commission guidelines with regards to start-up aid. The promoters of the 15 routes will now need to put together detailed business plans and full economic and environmental appraisals. The mechanism is designed to reduce the risk for airlines launching new routes and lead to them becoming commercially sustainable in the medium term.

The new link road currently under construction at DSA is of huge importance. The £60m FARRRS project, with £12m from the airports owners, Peel, is estimated to result in £1 billion of further investment and 14,000 jobs.

Reducing all important drive times, the road will become operational in early 2016 and plans are already being finalised for a second phase that will see FARRRS extended from Bawtry Road to Hurst Lane where it will meet up with the existing airport access road.

A total of nine new routes have been introduced Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the past 12 months including Bucharest, Riga, Zante and Dublin. New routes to Kosice and Lubin all start this year.

Monthly passenger figures are close to breaking the 100,000 mark again. July's figure of 99,435 was the highest since 2011 and 10,000 more than the same month last year.

Robin Hood Airport website

Images: BMI Regional

Read more...

News: Stafforce's helping hand for Nepal

Rotherham industrial and commercial recruiter Stafforce Recruitment is creating a large canvas artwork to raise money to help people in Nepal badly affected by earthquakes earlier this year.

With a head office on Percy Street in Rotherham town centre and a UK-wide network of sites, Stafforce offers a range of services to national clients and aims to achieve a £200m turnover within five years.

Stafforce employees will raise the funds by selling space on the canvas for people to leave a handprint throughout the month of August, for a £50 donation. It is part of a company-wide initiative to raise £15,000 to fund the health post for a year with relief organisation PHASE Worldwide.

Once completed, the canvas will either be auctioned off to raise more money, or will be exhibited at Rotherham's Gallery Town.

The company will also be working with local schools who will be creating their own canvas artwork, selling spaces for a £1 donation.

Louise Chambers, recruitment consultant at Stafforce (pictured), said: "We wanted to do something different to raise money and we thought creating a piece of art was a fantastic idea. We loved the theme of helping hands so that naturally led to selling space on the canvas for people to leave a handprint and donate to the cause.

"The earthquakes in Nepal were an absolute disaster for the country and have left thousands of people in a desperate situation. One of the biggest difficulties people face in the aftermath of such events is access to healthcare just at a time when they need it most.

"That is why we have decided to do this. The money we raise will help rebuild the health posts decimated in the earthquake, cover the costs of drugs and other medical supplies for a year, and two full time members of staff and a third nurse who will cover other health posts in the region.

"Anyone interesting in supporting our efforts can sponsor us on the company's Virgin Money Giving page."

The charity initiative comes after Stafforce Recruitment donated £15,000 of its own money to PHASE Worldwide to establish an initial health post in Kashigaun, in the Gorkha District of the country.

Stafforce founder Nick Cragg, travelled to a remote area of Nepal in 1997 to advise on a construction related project for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The trip left Nick with a desire to help the proud and resourceful remote communities in Nepal; he became a co-founder of PHASE in 2006 and has made regular visits to Nepal since.

Sarah Galvin, director of PHASE Worldwide, said: "Stafforce's Rotherham branch has come up with a really novel and lovely way to raise money for Nepal. Having functioning health posts is the best way of ensuring local people get the help they need and are able to start rebuilding their lives."

Stafforce website
PHASE website

Images: Stafforce

Read more...

News: Rotherham offered up for fracking

Four large blocks of land covering the majority of the borough of Rotherham have been offered to leading names in the energy exploration industry as the Government pushes ahead with making shale gas a part of the UK's energy mix.

A type of natural gas, shale gas has the potential to become an important energy source for the UK, as it is in the US, but extracting the gas using a method called "fracking" (hydraulic fracturing) has negative environmental impacts.

In 2013, an independent survey identified that the whole borough of Rotherham could be sitting on reserves of shale gas. Now the Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) – the UK's oil and gas regulator – has announced that 27 onshore blocks will be offered to companies.

Petroleum Exploration and Development Licences (PEDLs), provide the first step to starting drilling – but do not give absolute agreement to drill. On top of a licence, any further drilling application will then require planning permission, as well as permits from the Environment Agency and sign-off from the Health and Safety Executive.

Caudrilla, the company hoping to secure planning permission in Fylde, Lancashire, has been offered block SE40f which covers areas of Wath and Manvers. Alkane Energy plc generates energy from coal mine methane (CMM) at Manvers and recently submitted a planning application that would allow it to drill into the previous coal mine workings in the Dearne Valley in the search of further energy sources.

Caudrilla said that for the next year activity in these new exploration licence areas will largely centre on desktop studies and in some cases carrying out seismic surveys. This will give the company detailed data on the geology deep underneath the licence areas, helping to assess where exploration sites could subsequently be located.

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: "We are very pleased to be offered these new exploration licences. Whilst we continue to progress our shale gas exploration work in Lancashire, we welcome the potential for exploration in Yorkshire along with the associated benefits of new jobs and economic growth we believe it will bring.

"Our first priority will be to talk with local communities. We recognise that some members of the public will have concerns and there continues to be a good deal of misinformation circulated regarding onshore shale exploration. We have a responsibility to ensure people understand the facts and are not misled by harmful scaremongering. Onshore exploration and fracking can and will be done safely, securely and in an environmentally responsible way."

IGas has been offered block SK49 which covers Swinton, Kilnhurst, Rawmarsh, Parkgate, Greasborough, Kimberworth, Thrybergh, Ravenfield, Eastwood, the town centre, Flanderwell, Bramley, Wickersley, Herringthorpe, Canklow and Whiston.

IGas is partnering with Egdon Resources, the company which already owns the PEDL for the adjacent area around Maltby (PEDL043). Egdon is working with international energy firm, Total, who has already put forward £30m to deliver up to three shale gas wells in nearby areas. With other offered blocks, Total will have a 50% interest and Egdon a 15% interest. IGas will be operator of the licences with a 35% interest.

SK48 has been offered to INEOS and includes Brinsworth, Catcliffe, Treeton, Waverley, Thurcroft, Ulley, Aughton, Aston, Todwick, Wales, Rother Valley and Harthill.

INEOS has also been offered SK58a which includes Dinnington, North Anston, South Anston, Woodsetts and Thorpe Salvin. SK58a is adjacent to the already approved PEDL200 that covers Firbeck, Laughton en le Morthern and parts of Thurcroft and Dinnington and is owned by Dart Energy.

Gary Haywood, INEOS Shale CEO, said: "Shale gas is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the UK cannot afford to miss. North Sea oil created great wealth for the UK and shale gas can do the same. It will help secure manufacturing, deliver investment and create thousands of jobs, provide us with greater energy security, and help us to meet our climate change obligations using our own home-grown source of energy."

A second group of licence block awards are expected to be made later in the year following the conclusion of the Habitats' consultation. These blocks are likely to include the rest of the borough not already covered such as Hellaby, Thorpe Hesley and Wentworth.

UK Energy Minister Lord Bourne said: "As part of our long-term plan to build a more resilient economy, create jobs and deliver secure energy supplies, we continue to back our onshore oil and gas industry and the safe development of shale gas in the UK. This is why the OGA has moved quickly to confirm the winners of licence blocks which do not need further environmental assessment.

"Keeping the lights on and powering the economy is not negotiable, and these industries will play a key part in providing secure and reliable energy to UK homes and businesses for decades to come.

"It's important we press on and get shale moving, while maintaining strong environmental controls. Investment in shale could reach £33 billion and support 64,000 jobs creating financial security for hardworking people and their families, whilst providing a cost-efficient bridge to lower-carbon energy use."

Shale gas planning applications are set to be fast-tracked through a new, dedicated planning process. Previous announcements include offers of £100,000 for communities situated near each exploratory well, and 1% of revenues from every production site.

Oil & Gas Authority website

Images: INEOAS / Oil & Gas Authority

Read more...

News: Magna prepares for party season

More than 4,000 people have already booked on to Christmas parties at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. It also hosts regular school trips and has unique event space that can cater for anything from five to 5,000 people.

The Eat Bump Groove party nights, which run over eight nights in December, are popular as works' Christmas outings, with about 55,000 people attending over the last ten years.

Donna Shaw, marketing co-ordinator at Magna, said: "Most people are off on their summer holidays right now, but others obviously like to plan ahead.

"We get a lot of businesses coming to the Eat Bump Groove events as their works' Christmas night out year after year. And it is proving more and more popular as word gets out about what a unique night out it is.

"At this point last year we had sold about 3,500 tickets; now we have sold 4,130. So sales are already higher than last year."

Tickets have also gone on sale for the second annual Oktoberfest event which features German-themed food, continental lagers and two Oompah bands.

John Silker, chief executive of Magna, said: "Last year more than 2,000 people came over the two days and this year will be even bigger and better. Oktoberfest is now becoming part of the party calendar, much like our Christmas parties which draw in thousands each year."

After a successful first event in March, History is set to repeat itself in September when the History brand returns to Magna to celebrate house music. Other events making use of the flexible venue include further comic conventions, automotive shows and the global metalworking industry's premier aerospace conference, TRAM 2015.

Magna website

Images: Magna

Read more...

News: College's innovative accountancy clinic

Rotherham College has been nominated for a national award for its accountancy clinic which sees students offer local businesses accounting services for free.

Part of the Business, Computing and Education department, students studying different accounting qualifications at the college, the innovative partnership is supporting the borough's small enterprises and providing real world work experience for the students.

The clinic, which is available for local businesses within the South Yorkshire area to receive help with their accounts and bookkeeping, has received a nomination for the Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) Award for Innovation in Further Education.

Each year since 1994, the Association of Colleges (AoC) have held the prestigious AoC Beacon Awards to celebrate "the best and most innovative practice among UK further education colleges."

The college has received the nomination because the Accountancy Clinic demonstrates a way that links the theory, practice and employers together in a way that hasn't been seen before.

Ken Merry, Head of Business, Computing and Education at Rotherham College, said: "To be shortlisted for an AoC Beacon Award is a great achievement - it is further testament to the hard work, effort and determination that the delivery team show through their on-going commitment to the excellent concept of The Rotherham College Accountancy Clinic and the students who have benefited from the exposure to real life accountancy. Without the team working on this project and the students being involved this would not be possible. I am very proud to be short listed and hopeful that we can go one step further and win."

The decision process involves a visit from the deciding panel at the AoC and the winners will be announced at the AoC Annual Conference in November.

The Accounting department has received a number of accolades throughout the last year including winning Public Sector College of the Year at the PQ Awards and being awarded AAT Centre of the Year.

Rotherham College website

Images: RCAT / Facebook

Read more...

News: Ambassadorial role for Patchwork Pig owner

Positive and passionate, Patchwork Pig's Charlotte Scothern is a perfect ambassador for Rotherham.

Opened in Rotherham town centre in October 2012, the colourful gift shop sells a wide variety of products, from children's toys to soaps and bath bombs.

The award-winning shopkeeper is part of group of young entrepreneurs acting as ambassadors, visiting schools and colleges in the borough with Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) to discuss self-employment and enterprise at careers fairs and other events.

"I'm a great believer in using word of mouth to spread positive messages so I was more than happy to get involved with Rotherham Youth Enterprise and go out to schools to talk about my business," said Charlotte, 23. "There still seems to be a push towards an academic route so it's good to be able to raise the awareness of self-employment."

Hundreds of young people have been inspired to explore business ideas and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be their own boss in Rotherham. RYE secured part-funding through the European Regional Development Fund, to provide self-employment support, advice and premises for young adults (up to the age of 30) in the area.

Charlotte added: "Rotherham is a great place for young people to start their own business with support such as RYE, and especially in retail, where ideas can be tested out in the Makers Emporium."

A few doors down from Charlotte's shop is the Makers Emporium shared retail space that has seen a number of creative young entrepreneurs "test trade" with support from agencies such as RYE. Charlotte admits that in contrast, she jumped in and took on a vacant unit with no previous experience in retail but a positive attitude, enthusiasm and a desire to bring something unique to her hometown.

Patchwork Pig has been there since the start of the changing face of Rotherham's High Street, a testament to tenacity, and is now surrounded by other enterprising retailers, boutique shops and heritage regeneration. It is often picked out by senior council figures as the sort of independent and unique business that is thriving in the town.

Advertisement

The success of the business has seen Charlotte recognised at the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber Awards and again at a recent city region wide awards.

On the latest win, Charlotte said: "I really didn't expect to win as it was for businesses across the whole of the Sheffield city region. Not only that but it was for leisure businesses as well as retail.

"It is an amazing achievement, to be up against other wonderful established businesses and to have to won is just unbelievable. I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends, the RIDO team at the council and Rotherham Youth Enterprise. It just goes to show how amazing it is to have a business in Rotherham town centre."

Jackie Frost, manager at Rotherham Youth Enterprise, added: "Charlotte is a great ambassador for youth enterprise, providing a real world insight into self-employment for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her enthusiasm and positivity is infectious and a big part of the success of the business is that you can tell that she loves what she does and loves what she sells.

"We look forward to working with more young potential retailers to develop ideas for unique and niche businesses in Rotherham."

Looking ahead, a new Patchwork Pig website has recently launched that keeps control of stock and updates products. Enabling shoppers to buy direct, it is also proving useful for shoppers who like to browse online and then come into town to see and feel the gifts before buying.

"I'm hoping to attract even more visitors from further afield," concludes Charlotte. "I'm off to Japan in my role as local president of JCI [Junior Chamber International] later this year where I'll be flying the flag for Rotherham."

Patchwork Pig website
Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: Tom Austen

Read more...

News: Tata Steel warns of continuing "headwinds"

Indian-owned steelmaker, Tata Steel has used its latest financial results to warn that continuing cheap imports risk undermining Europe's steel industry.

Last month, the company announced a restructure of its speciality and bar business to focus on high-value markets such as aerospace - a move that has put 720 jobs are at risk, many in Rotherham. Tata Steel said that the bar business in Rotherham has been "underperforming in the face of commodity-grade steel being imported to the UK due to the strong pound and high electricity costs which are more than double those of key European competitors."

Talks over a deal for the company's struggling long products division ended recently and the business has now become a standalone subsidiary.

Bosses believe that the moves will better enable the remaining businesses to increase focus on their added value product and service portfolios away from higher volume, commodity production.

In its financial results for the quarter ending June 30, Tata Steel said the surging EU imports, especially from China, and, in the case of the UK operations, the appreciation of sterling against the euro, led to lower turnover and profitability (EBIT / earnings before taxes).

European operation reported a pre-tax operational loss of £13m, compared to a profit of £30m in the previous quarter and of £17m in the same quarter of the last financial year.

Turnover was £1.84 billion for the quarter, down 11.1% on the £2.07bn reported for the previous quarter and down 10.7% on the £2.06bn in the same period of last year.

Advertisement
Karl Koehler, chief executive of Tata Steel's European operations, said: "Market conditions have worsened this year. Our strategy to focus on customers and develop differentiated steel products have helped us stabilise our realisations. We have made good progress in building a comprehensive portfolio of advanced steel products. We are now shifting focus towards optimising sales of these products and towards the development of next-generation steels.

"European steel demand is increasing modestly. But imports have grown much faster in recent years and risk undermining Europe's steel industry. Imports from China, in particular, have grown at an alarming rate – hot rolled coil shipments from China have been arriving at more than three times the volumes of 2013 – adversely affecting international steel prices.

"Surging imports constitute a threat to European steelmaking. Uncompetitive energy costs and the strength of sterling are hurting our UK operations. These three factors caused our first quarter financial performance to deteriorate, despite our more stable production platform as seen in our improved operating performance."

The company said that it is combating these headwinds by progressing its market differentiation strategy, improving its cost base and shifting focus increasingly from volume to value.

Tata Steel website

Images: Tata Steel

Read more...

News: Chamber searches for Charity of the Year

Local charities are being urged to come forward and apply for this year's Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards as the Chamber once again recognises a Charity of the Year.

The Awards will recognise the achievements of the region's top businesses at Barnsley Metrodome on October 23.

The awards include ten award categories - in addition to the much-coveted Business of the Year trophy.

The Charity of the Year award acknowledges the great work local charities commit to and awards a £3,000 donation to a project, need or initiative to the chosen winner. Last year's Charity of the Year was named as The Pippa Jones Little Treasure Trust who collected their prize in front of over 500 guests.

Louise Jones, founder of the Trust said: "We would not ordinarily have an opportunity to showcase the Pippa Jones Little Treasure Trust in the wider business community and so winning this award benefited the charity as we raised awareness of our activities in the best possible arena – at the Barnsley and Rotherham Awards ceremony.

"Winning the award is a wonderful accolade in recognition of the hard work of our volunteers, trustees and supporters who have helped us raise funds over the last four years. We think it will add further credibility and esteem to our charity and will help us raise awareness of our activities and hopefully attract more funding from local businesses and the community."

This year's award is being supported by Templeborough-based Telecom and IT company DuoCall, who are donating the prize money to the winning charity. DuoCall offer innovative ways to help businesses and organisations communicate in the digital age, including superfast internet, cloud computing, business mobiles and IT support, all alongside traditional telephony solutions.

Within the last nine months the company has been supporting the Sheffield Hospitals Charity, to help premature and sick babies by raising money for their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. DuoCall helped to provide Christmas Stockings back in December, and more recently they supported Jessop's Buggy Push, which has so far raised over £23,000 for the cause. They also work very closely with BEN, the automotive industry charity, to raise money for those who need it within the industry by donating a percentage of their automotive clients' bill to the charity.

Phil Coley, director of DuoCall, said: "We're excited to be supporting the charity of the year award and it's great that there's a platform for all local charities to be recognised for what they do. With £3,000 up for grabs, all charity members in the local area should think of getting their free entry in – even if you don't win, the awards night is always a fantastic event to attend."

The Charity Award is open to all Charity members of the Chamber who are registered with the Charity Commission. Organisations have until September 4.

Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

Read more...

News: Xeros looking good in leather

Xeros Ltd, an innovative cleantech company based in Rotherham, has completed the first phase in the development of its leather bead processing technology.

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

Initially targeting the commercial laundry market, and finding success across the US, the AIM-listed firm is also targeting the $50 billion leather processing market for the deployment of its polymer beads.

Xeros announced a joint development programme with LANXESS in April for the development of Xeros' technology for the leather industry. LANXESS is a DAX listed global speciality chemicals business based in Germany with sales of €8.3bn.

Now the firm has announced that the multi-phase joint development programme is on schedule with phase 1 concluding satisfactorily. The partnership is now going to enter the next phase of technical and commercial validation as planned for the second half of 2015.

The plan is to have a prototype in tannery trials in the second half of 2015.

Xeros' tiny, spheroidal plastic beads are able to absorb stains, stray dye, and soil, carrying them away from fabrics, resulting in a superior cleaning process that uses less water and chemicals. In commercial laundries, the technology has been proven to reduce water by up to 80%, energy by 50% and detergent by 50%.

A £75,000 research and development grant was used to test the use of the polymer beads in the processing of leather. Firstly to attract and absorb soiling, and then to dramatically improve the incorporation of tanning chemicals into the leather thanks to the significantly more uniform and gentler mechanical action.

Xeros worked with the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies at a shared facility at the University of Northampton.

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

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

Professor Tony Covington at the ICLT, University of Northampton, said: "This new technology will have a profoundly beneficial effect in permitting the leather industry to meet ever more stringent environmental targets, whilst simultaneously providing a means to obtain leather with markedly improved properties."

To commercialise the technology, the plan is to secure innovation partners at both ends of the supply chain – big leather consumer brands and tanneries further upstream.

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

Read more...

News: Bramley Aldi plans updated

Plans for a new Rotherham Aldi store have been updated with Britain's fastest growing grocer hoping to open a larger retail outlet at Bramley.

Planning permission was secured last year for a 1,000 sq m store on land currently occupied by lighting and conservatory retail units on Bawtry Road at Bramley.

The new store is expected to open next year and is expected to create 40 jobs.

Since securing permission, Aldi Stores Ltd have secured a small parcel of land adjoining the North West boundary of the site. A slightly larger food store more in line with Aldi's current requirements is now being proposed - totalling 1,104 sq m. The existing building on the extra land will be demolished and the proposed site access off Main Street has been repositioned. The amount of car parking spaces has also increased by eight from the previous planning application to a total of 89.

The proposed store sales area, entrance lobby, warehouse and storage, staff and office facilities have increased, "providing essential enhancements in order to provide an improved service to the of residents of Bramley."

The plans, drawn up by consultants at Planning Potential add: "The increase in retail floor space is so that a larger amount of stock can be displayed at any one time, reducing the need for staff to re-stock shelves, ultimately aiding the customer experience. Aldi do not propose to increase the range of goods on sale and therefore do not envisage that the revised scheme will generate additional visitors compared to the consented scheme."

Applicants have also pointed to the support for the previous plans and the prospect that a proposed foodstore would to lead to a greater number of linked trips, complimenting existing traders nearby.

The next Aldi store to open in Rotherham will be at Gate Park - the new retail development on the site of the former car showroom on Great Eastern Way. Plans have been amended for proposed new Aldi stores in Maltby and Fence.

Aldi announced expansion plans earlier this month that involve opening 130 new stores within the next two years and boosting its 560-store portfolio to 1,000 shops by 2022.

Aldi website

Images: Aldi / The Harris Partnership

Read more...

News: Summer time blues

Paul Moorhead of Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage, discusses the impacts that Summer holidays can have on a business.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham, Paul leads a team at Moorhead Savage offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul said: "The problem is pretty much the same one that businesses face at Christmas, the other time of the year when we are supposed to be enjoying ourselves.

"Some companies use the summer holiday period as an excuse not to pay people on time, which can have an added impact on an organisation already struggling with a cash flow problem.

"It's also a time of year when production slows down in many sectors because people are away and things don't move forward and quickly as they should.

"And people find that customers are ordering less, always a worry when orders are already lower than expected due to the on-going impact of the recession."

The response to any concerns should, Paul added, be both instant and positive.

"Don't let a summer holiday time cash flow crisis become a disaster in the autumn - the quicker you seek a solution to the problem the more likely there is to be a successful outcome," he said.

Moorhead Savage website

Images: Moorhead Savage

Read more...

News: AMRC scanning through history

Engineers from the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing are using digital measuring techniques to help archaeologists preserve historically important sites from the Middle Ages.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC is a world class centre for advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

Metrology engineers Adam Wiles and Tom Hodgson have scanned one of only two medieval ossuaries left in the country for the Rothwell Charnel Chapel and Ossuary Project, run by Sheffield University’s Department of Archaeology.

Ossuaries are vaults or chambers that contain human skeletal remains. It was thought that, in Medieval times, they were used to store bones removed from graves, which were then re-used. However, researchers now believe they were also centres of pilgrimage and commemoration.

The team have used a Leica ScanStation P20 laser radar to capture the interior of the ossuary based at Rothwell Holy Trinity Church in Northamptonshire. Spinning 360 degrees on a tripod, the radar captures single points on the surfaces it scans. It is moved to multiple locations to capture as many points as possible.

"The method is a very quick way of gathering a lot of data, which will be built up into a 3D image or virtual reality model of the inside of the ossuary," said Tom Hodgson.

"As ossuaries are usually within the catacombs of a church, the number of positions we had to move around the scanning equipment was limited. The challenge for the team was how we gathered data in a limited environment, without it hampering the quality of the final models."

Virtual reality models rendered by the AMRC are usually to create factory layout simulations, so companies can optimise their manufacturing processes. Using metrology to preserve data is a new venture for the AMRC.

The team hope that if the project has merit as a standard method for preserving sites of historical interest, that it will create an increasing demand for use of the technology outside the manufacturing sector.

Tom added: "The metrology data we produce will be a crucial element to the Rothwell Charnel Chapel and Ossuary Project. As the site degrades over time they may want to limit access to the general public to help preserve the artefacts."

Jennifer Crangle, doctoral eesearcher from the Department of Archaeology and the Rothwell Charnel Chapel and Ossuary Project team, said "As the stacks of bones will continue to degrade, the mass of the bones in future years can be compared to the scanning record, allowing us to document any changes over time.

"Rendering the data into a virtual reality model creates a permanent record of a unique site, allowing researchers and visitors to see the entirety of the exact crypt structure, as it has never been seen before."

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

Read more...

News: Rotherham firms in theatre refurb

Rotherham-based specialists, Auditoria Services, has secured a contract to provide brand new replacement seats at the town's Civic Theatre.

The family-owned Hellaby firm is the UK market leaders in the manufacture, design and installation of retractable platforms, telescopic seating, theatre seating and lecture theatre seating systems for any venue that has an audience.

After about 100 years of active service at both the Civic and previously the town's Regent Theatre, the chairs are ready to be replaced. Some of the seats will remain at the Civic Theatre but the majority will be auctioned off to the highest bidder by local Rotherham auctioneers, Paul Beighton.

Mark Scott, manager at Rotherham Theatres, said: "Over the years we've had many performers comment on how beautiful and striking the seating looks when seen from the stage. However, customers did find them a bit cramped and uncomfortable, and many had become defective. So, swayed by public opinion, we have decided it is time for new seating to be installed.

"We have trialled a version of the new seat with customers since Easter and after positive feedback we have now agreed on the final chair design which will give greater comfort and hopefully pinch a bit more leg room."

Auditoria will supply the new chairs which will be installed in phases with the project fully completed in early October.

The first batch of the old seating are set to be auctioned on Sunday August 23.

Auditoria Services website
Rotherham Civic Theatre website

Images: Rotherham Civic Theatre

Read more...

News: Upgrade at Mercure Hotel

The Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel in Rotherham has been awarded four stars following an audit by the Automobile Association (AA).

With 78 bedrooms, the hotel is on the part of the Sheffield Business Park that is just inside the Rotherham border. Opened in 2008, the £5.7m hotel is the first Accor branded hotel in the Dominvs Hospitality portfolio.

The rebranded and refurbished hotel met a number of criteria in order to achieve the AA's prestigious Four Star rating, which include ensuring an enhanced service and experience for guests, superior building fixtures and maintenance, high levels of customer care with unobtrusive, polite and courteous staff providing a very good standard of care and showing good knowledge in products and services provided.

The contemporary mid-market hotel also offers the Foundry restaurant, lobby lounge, conference and event facilities.

The idea to convert and rebrand the hotel was initially devised by Dominvs Group in 2014 following the great success of previous rebrand projects taking place at its Darlington and Dumfries hotels. It joined a network of over 74 Mercure hotels in the UK and over 725 Mercure hotels worldwide.

Sean Brookes, chief operating officer at Dominvs Hospitality, said: "This is tremendous news and pays tribute to the hard work and dedication from the whole team. The hotel continues to go from strength to strength to deliver high standards of comfort and service for our guests."

Andrea Hippsley, general manager of the Mercure Sheffield Parkway Hotel, added: "The team and I are extremely proud to receive the official recognition for our efforts in hospitality and customer service and are thrilled to have achieved Four Star status."

Mercure Sheffield Parkway website

Images: Dominvs Hospitality

Read more...

News: Rotherham welcomes Korea move

Rotherham has welcomed a number of new businesses from South Korea on the back of a successful trade mission to the region.

In May trade delegates from South Korea signed Memorandums of Understanding with the University of Sheffield and the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) on a recent visit to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. It was the first time a business delegation led by a representative of the South Korean government has visited a British region outside London.


Five companies have now invested in the region, bringing remarkable new products to market, across the fields of emergency medical treatment, soil nutrients in agriculture, aero-drones, an online tutorial platform and tourism – in the form of a project to help visitors handle the British weather.

The companies are receiving initial support from the South Korean Government. They are being housed in one of Rotherham's four enterprise centres – the borough is recognised as one of the UK's most successful promoters and supporters of new businesses, with multiple awards in the field. The local authority's regeneration arm, Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) has set up a three-month programme of support and introductions.

The businesses include Ultimate Drone which is developing a new generation of drone – the UD-10X, capable of carrying 30kg of industrial payload.

Three young entrepreneurs are set to launch Umbrella Rental, initially in London and in collaboration with cycle-hire companies and tube stations to use their facilities to site rental machines aimed at tourists caught out by the Great British weather.

Y&S Future is an innovative technology company developing IT software "smart" products and is developing the Lomylife Emergency Medical Service - a small piece of IT tagging, linked to an electronic card or smartphone. It can also be worn in safety helmets.

Entrepreneurs behind Sucseed are developing software that can improve the way nutrients are added to soil. By transferring information automatically via a smartphone or the web, those systems can increase productivity, cut fertiliser use, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and reduce water pollution, cut costs and improve efficiency and overall soil quality.

Netalkers has been created by chief executive Becky Cho and aims to bring together professionals through modern telecommunications, IT and applications such as Skype.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Housing and Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "It is great to see these young companies coming to Rotherham as part of the business accelerator project. I hope they thrive and grow within our business centre and wider business network here in the region."

The May event was put together by RiDO and supported by Sheffield City Region, Sheffield University and private sector partners, including Freeths Law Firm in Sheffield.

TRoom Ltd, a Korean government trade organisation has chosen Rotherham as its base. Founder Dabriel Choi was the driving force behind the mission. He said, "These incoming companies have the potential to change our lives for the better. It's typical of Rotherham's vision – a vision that created the Advanced Manufacturing Park – that it would want to bring them to the UK and support them."

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

Read more...