News: Councils look to end broadband disparity

There may be light at the end of the tunnel for the "white areas" of South Yorkshire that struggle to receive decent broadband speeds as another multimillion pound project is in development.

Superfast South Yorkshire is a partnership between the authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and BT, which secured £22m to ensure 97.9% of South Yorkshire will have access to superfast broadband by the end of 2017. Securing additional funding, plans are in place to reach 98.7% by 2018.

The project is part of the government's BDUK initiative which is based on a gap funded subsidy approach, where the private sector invests alongside a public subsidy to provide broadband to areas where there is not otherwise a viable commercial market.

There are an estimated 30,897 premises in South Yorkshire that will be without broadband up to 30MPS when phase 1 ends and now Superfast South Yorkshire intends to conduct a further procurement in respect of the remaining areas without next-generation access (NGA) broadband infrastructure.

It comes after BDUK received approval from the European Commission on a new National Broadband Scheme for the UK. Following scrutiny over how BT secured almost all of the tenders for the work up and down the country, a new approach has been developed that includes a number of measures to support competition at tender stage, as well as promote open access networks intended to encourage long term competition on the state sponsored network.

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Superfast South Yorkshire has already conducted a review, consulting with prospective or current broadband infrastructure providers, to establish existing and planned coverage of NGA broadband infrastructure across the South Yorkshire region in the next three years.

Public consultation is now taking place on the intervention areas for the next phase of the superfast scheme. Public intervention can only take place in white NGA areas - those in which there are no NGA networks and none likely to be deployed in the next three years.

The consultation explains: "The four local authorities of South Yorkshire Region (Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster), with support from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (SCR LEP) are striving to further extend the availability of NGA broadband infrastructure in the region to improve the quality of life for residents and create a connected region for businesses. In our region we already have plans in place to reach 98.7% of superfast broadband connectivity by 2018.

"To extend coverage to as many of the remaining areas as possible, Superfast South Yorkshire which is led by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (on behalf of the South Yorkshire authorities namely Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield) intends to procure further coverage of NGA broadband infrastructure (capable of delivering speeds of at least 30Mbps) in areas within its programme area where such broadband is currently unavailable by the end of 2020."

A gap funding investment model approach, similar to the first phase, is set to be used for phase 2 which will seek to commit an overall investment of public funding up to £10m.

£795,000 is available as residual funding from the existing Superfast South Yorkshire contract and a further, minimum amount of £770,000 is being sought from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Further additional funding is being sought from a variety of local, national and European sources to secure the investments identified.

The consultation adds: "The intention is to award a contract at the end of 2017. The related extended deployment plans for broadband infrastructure must begin early 2018."

Superfast South Yorkshire website

Images: Department for Culture Media & Sport / Superfast South Yorkshire

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News: McLaren's Rotherham factory on track to deliver quick ROI

McLaren's Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham is set to provide a return on the investment of £50m within five years of full operation.

Plans were approved in April for a 75,000 sq ft development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham that will enable the supercar manufacturer to develop and manufacture the Monocell and Monocage carbon fibre chassis used in future McLaren models. These carbon fibre "tubs" are now in their second generation and have recently been unveiled as the key feature of McLaren's new 720S.

The centre is set to create more than 200 jobs and will comprise approximately 150 production staff and 50 manufacturing support staff. Recruitment is already underway.

Providing an update on its fourth consecutive year of profitability from record sales in 2016, the Woking firm said that: "When commissioned and running at full production from 2020, the MCTC is targeted to deliver cost savings of around £10m annually compared to today and the chassis supply will increase average percentage (by value) of a McLaren car sourced in the UK by around 8%, from its current average of around 50% (depending on model)."

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Construction on the facility is due to start this year as McLaren and the University of Sheffield deliver a two-year research and development programme. The first pre-production chassis, built using trial manufacturing processes in the nearby University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, is expected to be delivered to the McLaren Technology Centre in the second half of 2017.

The £50m inward investment is largely down to a new partnership with the AMRC and is backed by a grant of up to £12m via the Sheffield city region (SCR). The investment is set to have a £100m of GVA (gross value added) benefit to the local economy by 2028.

The investment is part of McLaren's "Track22" plan which was announced last year and includes an investment of £1 billion into R&D over the coming six years, leading to the launch of 15 all-new cars or derivatives. The company also has an objective of producing more than 4,500 vehicles annually by the end of 2022.

The latest financial results show that the plan is on track with a profit before tax of £9.2m from an annual sales revenue of £649.8m in 2016 giving McLaren Automotive a fourth consecutive year of profitability in only six years, since the start of sales in 2011. This was an increase in profit before tax of 70% compared to the £5.4m reported in 2015.

Operating profit of £65.8m in 2016 was the company's highest ever and was underpinned by record sales, with a total of 3,286 cars purchased during the year.

Mike Flewitt, CEO at McLaren Automotive, said: "Investment in R&D and future product during the period of £129.1m – 20% of turnover – reaffirms our commitment to the Track22 Business Plan that will produce 15 new models or derivatives by the end of 2022 and the focus going forwards will be on successfully delivering these new products and managing continued profitable growth."

The firm also reported immediate customer interest in the second-generation McLaren Super Series, the new McLaren 720S, and that some 1,500 orders have been taken to date.

UPDATE: McLaren Automotive and the McLaren Technology Group are being brought together under one corporate structure to be called the McLaren Group. The Group is today valued at £2.4 billion, had a combined turnover in 2016 of £898m, and now employs more than 3,400 people.

McLaren Automotive website

Images: McLaren Automotive

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News: Harworth and the Steel Man

Harworth Group plc, one of the largest property and regeneration companies in the North of England, has joined a growing list of private sector companies backing the delivery of The Steel Man, one of the UK's biggest landmark sculpture projects.

The 32 metre stainless steel sculpture and Interpretation Hub will stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield.

£4.2m is required to deliver this crucial new landmark for Yorkshire, with Harworth joining a number of high profile companies that are backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

The Heritage Lottery Fund also recognise the importance of the project and are financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub which will sit alongside the sculpture. Public donations have helped boost the overall target and further donations are being sought to accelerate how quickly work can begin on-site.

Plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The sculpture alone will weigh over 100 tonnes, and be 50% bigger than the Angel of the North. It aims to honour the people and the places that forged a lasting legacy as well as highlighting the new technologies and specialised manufacturing helping to transform the region.

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Harworth Group plc, the masterplanner and developer behind Waverley – Yorkshire's largest ever brownfield development - saw an opportunity to add their name and expertise to the project. A scale model of the iconic man has been on display at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) at Waverley, where the team developing the project has an office.

Owen Michaelson, CEO of Harworth plc, said: "We are delighted to support the vision of creating The Steel Man which will become an iconic part of our landscape and a true testament to the industries which built our region. The landmark will also represent the new skills in advanced manufacturing which are driving the 21st Century economy of our region. We are happy to provide seed funding to support making this happen."

Steve Mehdi, project director of The Steel Man, welcomed Harworth Group plc's decision to join the Team of Steel helping to deliver the project. He said: "Harworth Group have a great reputation for enhancing local communities and strengthening the bond between private sector and public sector partnerships and their expertise will undoubtedly help us to achieve the best outcome for The Steel Man."

Harworth website
The Steel Man website

Images: Yorkshire Icon Ltd

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News: Removal of takeaway policy hard to swallow

New hot food takeaways will be able to operate close to schools in Rotherham after a proposed Council policy was chucked out by the planning inspector.

Rotherham Council has been consulting on the Sites and Policies document within its Local Plan which sets out the detailed sites and development management policies to deliver growth over the next 15 years.

Policy SP 25 would only allow hot food takeaways in town, district and local centres if it didn't result in more than 10% of the ground floor units becoming takeaways; result in a high concentration of these A5 classed units on the same street; or negatively impact upon the amenity of surrounding businesses or residents.

A further part of the policy stated that hot food takeaways will not be permitted where they are within 800 metres of a primary school, secondary school or college, except where they are within a defined town, district or local centre and satisfy the requirements above.

Following inspection of the policies, the planning inspector, Christopher Anstey, asked the Council to remove the section about the distance to schools, stating that it "is not justified and is not consistent with national policy."

The Council said that the policy seeked to ensure that new hot food takeaways do not increase the exposure of school children and young adults to these uses. It added that the policy was in response to local health and wellbeing priorities and said that its approach was supported by a robust evidence base.

Damien Wilson, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: "Unfortunately the restriction on hot food takeaways within 800 metres of schools, which I think was an admirable attempt in improving public health and issues around schools, is something that the inspector has recommended be taken out."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "The policy around takeaways close to schools was originally a scrutiny recommendation and so it would have been particularly nice to take it forward. It's frustrating when we know that similar restrictions have been put in place in other places."

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During the consultation, fast food restaurant chains KFC and McDonald's registered their opposition to the proposed new planning policy. KFC argued that the policy was unsound against national policy and didn't believe that a reasoned justification had been substantially provided. McDonald's described the policy as ambiguous, unjustified and unsound, also pointing out that no justification for 800m exclusion zones was provided.

The Inspector also asked the Council to identify and consult upon the additional housing sites in the Wath upon Dearne, Brampton Bierlow and West Melton area. This is to remedy a shortfall of around 500 homes against the Core Strategy housing target for the area.

Another policy to be removed surrounded the use of a Green Belt site at Todwick where the Council, land-owner and developers hoped to see a high quality business park with enough space to bring an estimated minimum of 1,500 jobs.

Damien Wilson added: "Local plans all across the country, for all sorts of reasons, have been thrown out by inspectors - made to go back to the start. So in a sense, the five years worth of research to come up with the sites and policies that sit within the local plan is a good news story. What the inspector is effectively saying is that "you've got this right" subject to a few minor tweaks.

"The majority of housing and employment sites have been accepted as far as the inspector is concerned. The addition of Green Belt housing has been accepted, windfalls have also been accepted as part of housing supply, the gypsy and traveller site at Kiveton Park has been retained.

"On a scale of things, and I've been through a number of local plans, this is not bad. There are plans that go through main modifications that are much more substantial than this. Generally speaking, if you can accommodate these changes, and the inspector will be happy to make the plan sound, then this will put us ahead of the game as far as some of our near neighbours are concerned, where plans are just at the beginning."

Images: Google Maps

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News: National grant for Grimm & Co

Grimm & Co, the innovative literacy charity that brings a truly unique retail offering to Rotherham's High Street, has secured funding for the next four years.

Opening in a former pub last year, the Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. It was recently voted "No. 159 best shop for all things wicked" by Witch? magazine.

Above the shop, the Yorkshire charity runs innovative storytelling and writing workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills.

This week, Arts Council England, the national body that invests public money from Government and the National Lottery, announced that Grimm & Co. had been added to its National Portfolio.

The National Portfolio includes organisations across England of all sizes and scales, with museums and libraries coming into the portfolio for the first time. A total budget of £409m will be invested in 831 organisations per year between 2018 and 2022.

Joining the portfolio for the first time, Grimm & Co has been awarded a total of £460,000.

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The charity has worked with over 40 schools, delivering writing workshops to over 2,500 children aged 7 – 18 which is designed to improve confidence, self-esteem and resilience in children, alongside raising the literacy levels in the area.

These unique workshops are free for children so the charity, which relies on volunteers, must continually work to raise funds. The apothecary shop supports the charity, with all proceeds from the shop going towards the running of the workshops.

The story behind Grimm & Co (Graham Grimm was a Yorkshire businessman, born 1148, just before lunchtime, who spotted a gap in the market), was written by Jeremy Dyson, a non-acting member of the League of Gentleman and co-writer of the West End play, Ghost Stories.

The latest fundraising donations are going towards a new project set up by the charity, the "Children's Republic of Rotherham."

Louise Treloar, fundraising coordinator and "Shop Elf" at Grimm & Co, said: "It's a literacy project, but it has some wider benefits both to the children and to Rotherham. We will recruit around 30 children/young people and work on their confidence, self-esteem, writing skills, imagination and much more."

Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR), which supports emerging and professional artists and also has premises in the town centre, has retained its place on the National Portfolio and has been awarded a total of £281,756 over the next four years.

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair Arts Council England, said: "Alongside continuing support for our great national companies, we've funded inventive, pioneering arts organisations and a new range of museums across the country. We’ve also included libraries producing high quality cultural programmes. Working together these organisations will inspire a broader range of young people and audiences across England than ever before."

Grimm & Co website
ROAR website

Images: Grimm & Co

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News: Hundreds of jobseekers setting up businesses in Rotherham

Rotherham is again amongst the top areas in the country for the number of people setting up businesses with the help of a Government scheme.

The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) has been behind a wide range of new ventures since it was introduced in 2011. It is for customers who are unemployed and are thinking of starting up their own business and becoming self-employed.

The programme provides specialist support to customers through expert mentors who help them develop a business plan and begin trading. Customers will also continue to receive support during the first six months in business, ensuring that as many businesses as possible succeed.

Rotherham ranks 42nd out of all 380 local authority areas for new startups via the NEA scheme. 1,130 people have started working with a mentor since April 2011 and 610 have gone on to start a business, up from 510 this time last year.

The scheme entitles participants to a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks and, where start-up capital is needed, they may be able to apply for a loan of up to £25,000 to help with costs.

In total, more than 105,000 businesses have been launched with the support from the scheme.

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Damian Hinds, Minister for Employment, said: "As these latest figures show, thousands of people across the country have great business ideas, and are taking the steps to turn them into a reality.

"The NEA provides the right mix of expert, tailored advice and support to people of all backgrounds which can be invaluable in the early days of starting a company."

Sheffield ranks fifth in terms of business starts with 1,450 from April 2011 to March 2017 and Doncaster is at 13 with 840. Barnsley is 48th with 550.

At the start of the 2015 calendar year, new starts to NEA are delivered by new providers meaning that there are slight differences in definitions between grant funded starts before 2015 and contracted phase starts via new providers.

Pinnacle People delivers the scheme in Rotherham after it secured the £1.5m Government contract for South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and North East Yorkshire and the Humber.

Acting as a prime provider, sole delivery of the contract includes hour long initial assessments on the viability of business ideas, business planning seminars, practical classes, links to other support in the area and eight weeks of support through the pre-trading period. The Pinnacle People business club is also available to all NEA participants offering a range of free-to-use services.

New Enterprise Allowance website
Pinnacle People website

Images: Pinnacle People

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News: Feasibility study into potential new Rotherham theatre

The recently published masterplan has raised the issue of a new 500 seat theatre and arts centre in Rotherham town centre.

Currently, the Rotherham Civic Theatre accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street is a converted church and was purchased by the Council prior to being converted into a theatre in 1960.

A review of the popular theatre was undertaken by the council in 2002 and in the following years, plans to replace the 380-seat Civic with a larger theatre combined with a new library and arts centre on Forge Island came forward as a proposed "Cultural Centre" in work on masterplans.

However, £540,000 was allocated in 2012 to carry out much-needed repairs and refurbishment of both the interior and exterior of the current theatre. The works were expected to bring the theatre up to a condition which would give a further ten years life.

Now, the latest masterplan from the Council, design company WYG Group and Lambert Smith Hampton, includes the potential development of an arts centre and theatre on the soon-to-be cleared site of the Law Courts. It could incorporate cafe / restaurant and creative / business space and a 500 seat theatre and studio theatre.

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Rotherham Council secured the site for £1 and are due to go out to tender soon for the demolition of the buildings that were vacated last year. The Council, which also owns the adjacent Forge Island, is set to take a scheme to market in September based on creating new leisure destination featuring a new cinema, bars, restaurants, and a quality hotel. Housing on the site, and surrounding sites, is also proposed along with a 300+ space multi-storey car park. Investment of over £50m is envisaged in these areas.

Regarding the Law Courts site, the masterplan states: "There is a window of opportunity to progress a Theatre and Arts Centre. This land is therefore excluded from the development partnering process at this moment to allow for a window of opportunity to investigate feasibility and funding. This responsibility falls with Rotherham Council.

"With favourable feasibility and funding, RMBC will deliver the scheme with external funding. Should feasibility and funding review conclude such a scheme is not possible, this land may return to the Council's development partner.

"The Council has a central role to play leading the Magistrates Court Theatre work and in coordinating and promoting positive change on the eastern riverbank.

"The next step is to commission a feasibility study and to produce a business plan for the theatre. This will need to confirm floor areas through a more detailed study. It will also need to identify demand for each component part, to include: Artistic content – main and studio theatre; Artistic content - flexible space; Managed workspace for creative businesses; Food and beverage offer.

"There may be specific content for children and young people within the Arts Centre. The challenge for RMBC is to secure necessary funding through Arts Council England. Whilst there may be some regeneration funding available from the Council for wider regeneration activity it would not be appropriate for the Arts Centre to be paid for wholly by the council but Rotherham will look to champion and bring in from Arts Council England."

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The masterplan has a strong focus on boosting the leisure uses in the town centre, which along with further housing, is expected to improve vitality, attract more visitors and keep people in the area. The plans discuss the importance of the night time economy.

WYG's project director Andrew Clarke, who originates from Rotherham, said: "A mature and grown-up approach is needed which can create a more appealing cultural offer.

"Clearly like in any town centre, people can come to Rotherham, enjoy themselves and have a few too many drinks. But the idea of Rotherham being a place where people go and get drunk (and then go and get a take-away) must and is changing. New uses will help, for example the cinema, hotel and theatre. There will be more to do and a wider cross section of people using the town."

People can view the plans and speak to consultants at the Masterplan exhibition which will take place in All Saints' Square (in the old Thornton's unit) today (June 28) from 11am until 7pm. There will also be a display of the concept drawings for people to view in the Riverside library gallery in the town centre up to the 6th July.

Images: RMBC / WYG / Google Maps

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News: Crawshaw making progress on transitional plans

Rotherham-based Crawshaw Group PLC, the fresh meat and food to go retailer, said that it was making good progress following the transformational deal with the 2 Sisters Food Group.

The AIM-listed Hellaby firm announced growth plans in 2015 that included £200m of investment, opening 200 stores and creating 2,500 jobs. It secured new investment in April this year that is expected to enable Crawshaw to restart its accelerated new store opening programme, with an initial focus on factory shop locations.

In April, heads of terms were agreed on a deal for 2 Sisters Food Group founder and chief executive, Ranjit Boparan (and connected party), to invest approximately £5.1m for a 29.9% stake in Crawshaw, with warrants to acquire a further 20.1% of the Group.

The deal, which saw Boparan become an advisor to the Crawshaw Board, also includes an initial three-year supply agreement for Crawshaw to acquire fresh meat and other products from 2 Sisters, one of Europe's largest meat and food producers.

At this afternoon's AGM of Crawshaw Group Plc, Noel Collett, will give a trading and strategic update for the 20 weeks trading to June 18 2017 in the current financial year.

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Following the 2 Sisters deal, Crawshaw said it was "making good progress on the transitional plans and operational synergies that will deliver the expected customer and financial benefits."

Group sales were up 5.1% for the first 20 weeks of the financial year with like-for-like sales down 4.5% for the same period. The trading performance of the business continues to be stable following the improvement in like-for-like sales from the initiatives introduced throughout the estate.

Three factory shops have recently opened and plans are in place to open a further four new shops of this type in the balance of the current financial year from a strong pipeline of potential sites.

Noel Collett, chief executive officer at Crawshaw, said: "We are pleased with the progress we've made and the continued level of stability achieved in the core business against the current backdrop of industry-wide cost pressures and a challenging consumer environment.

"Our new fresh meat factory shops continue to perform well and we are further encouraged by our most recent opening at Crystal Peaks, Sheffield. Our strategic focus for the rest of this year will be to open four more fresh meat factory shops and to ensure that we are maximising the customer and financial benefits of the new supply partnership across the estate."

Operating from 49 stores, turnover for the full year ended January 29 2017 was up 19% at Crawshaw to £44.2m from the £37.1m reported in the previous year. Investing in expansion plans, the group made a loss before tax of £1.4m, an increase on the loss of £0.3m in the previous year.

The group is expecting its cost management measures and margin additive initiatives, together with the expected cost reduction in business rates, to offset a challenging UK consumer outlook.

Crawshaw website

Images: Crawshaw plc

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News: Car graphics sponsorship is out of this world

Rotherham-based signs and graphics specialists, Signs Express has donated their time and expertise to supply and install a very unique selection of car graphics to sponsor Flexseal on a European charity adventure for the Keyline Rally.

The Keyline Rally is a 1980's themed car rally across Europe and has been organised by Keyline for the past seven years. Previous years have seen around 30 cars and their drivers use their imagination and clever vehicle decals for various themes such as The Italian Job, Jukebox, The Sound of Musicals and 2016's on trend Superheroes theme. The rally supports the Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) charity whose ultimate aim is to stop men dying from prostate cancer.

In support of this excellent charity, Barnsley company Flexseal, a leader in drainage couplings, approached Signs Express for a full vehicle wrap quotation. When concerns over the cost for their charity event arose, owners Steve and Carol soon used their expertise to come up with a vehicle graphics solution that would be perfect for the rally and suit the project's budget. Flexseal were delighted when Steve and Carol went one step further to show their support by offering to sponsor the car, donating the vinyl car stickers and providing application free of charge!

Signs Express used their state-of-the-art signs and graphics facility to transform the vehicle to fit this year's Keyline Rally theme of Sci Fi.

The vehicle graphics chosen by Flexseal certainly play up to the Sci Fi theme, featuring prominent PCUK, Keyline and NASA logos to ensure the MG ZR105 is ready to raise awareness for PCUK on its five-day mission through the Pyrenees. Coming complete with a pair of extra-terrestrial back-seat drivers, the car is sure to grab attention for the great cause en route from Spain to France.

In February 2004, Steve and Carol Morris opened their fully equipped sign making centre in Rotherham, since then, they have expanded their territory to include all of Sheffield. Based at Templeborough, Signs Express pride themselves on their expertise and innovative solutions to help businesses come up with perfect signage solutions, tailored specifically to their requirements.

Flexseal website
Signs Express website

Images: Signs Express

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News: £6m restoration planned for former country club

Detailed plans have been revealed for the restoration of an historic hall in Rotherham which has a colourful past, including a period as an exclusive country club that reportedly attracted high profile visitors such as Edward VIII and aviation pioneer, Amy Johnson.

Firbeck Hall is a Grade II listed building that has remained unoccupied since it closed as a hospital in 1990. Previous owners and developers have been unable to bring the hall, which was built in 1594 by William Best, back into use.

Owners and developers Ashley Wildsmith and Mike Gibbs took on the dilapidated property in 2015 and brought forward plans for restoration, reuse and redevelopment. Now a detailed planning application has been submitted to Rotherham Council based around renovation parts of the estate to create apartments and demolishing more modern extensions to be replaced by dwellings.

A public consultation was carried out at the end of 2016.

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The plans, drawn up by local architects, Building Link Design, state: "The proposals will create 21 apartments in the hall, three apartments in the stable block and nine new dwellings within the grounds of the hall in place of the derelict buildings currently occupying the site. The construction of the new build dwellings allows for sufficient funding which is vital to the restoration of the listed buildings."

Work on the hall includes replacing the whole roof and the wooden roof and floor timbers. The state of the property was exacerbated by a fire in 2009 and by the theft of roof lead. The stable block, which is also a listed building, is in slightly better condition.

The applicants estimate that the work on the hall and stable block will cost in the region of £5.8m, over £1m more than an expected sale price at the end of restoration. Eight new build dwellings to the rear of the hall, and a unique five bedroom property in the walled garden, will create the financial means of restoring the hall.

A biomass combined heat and power (CHP) facility is also proposed in the pavilion area away from the listed buildings.

The applicant adds: "The massive expense in refurbishing the hall and stable block far outweighs the potential resale value and as such would not be a viable option without looking at alternatives to increase funding.

"Without something urgently being done to save the hall and stables they would soon be beyond saving. With the hall being within the Green Belt this restricts the available options and so a departure from policy is sought.

"In its current state, the hall is an extremely dangerous structure and access is restricted. If left to continue to decline the hall is dangerously close to being beyond saving.

"This proposal saves two listed buildings, one of which is over 400 years old, the likes of which are few and far between throughout the country. The new dwellings do not cause a negative impact on the setting of the listed buildings or the Green Belt, in part due to their location between the hall and the woodland to the west."

The main hall was later remodelled in 1820 when the property was let to the Peech family of the steelmakers Steel, Peech & Tozer of Templeborough in Rotherham. Further additional alterations occurred in 1935 when the Hall was opened as a country club. At the outbreak of the Second World War the Hall was used by Sheffield Royal Infirmary and the Royal Airforce.

It was bought by the Miners Welfare Commission for use as a rehabilitation centre for injured Miners and was last used as a Rehabilitation Centre for Industrial Injuries.

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It is the period of ownership under Sheffield Stockbroker Cyril Nicholson that is of most interest. The country club opened in 1935 and was described as "one of its kind in the north of England."

The heritage statement accompanying the application discusses the £80,000 revamp (a large sum at the time, around £5m in today's money) which saw the old family house turned into the Firbeck Hall Club, complete with art deco interiors, billiards room, ballroom, cocktail bars, restaurant and wine cellars. There was also the 18 hole golf course, tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool, fishing, riding and even an aerodrome.

The club, managed and served by staff brought in from Savoy, Adelphi and Picadilly Hotels in London, once featured in Vogue magazine and reputedly attracted guests including the then Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson.

Images: Sophia Property Developments Ltd / Building Link Design

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News: Roadblock for Rotherham quarry reopening

Plans to reopen a mothballed limestone quarry in Rotherham have been blocked after the planning board at Rotherham Council voted to refuse planning permission for the scheme - going against the recommendation of its planning officers.

Operators, Tarmac (previously Lafarge), has not used Harrycroft Quarry, which is in a Green Belt site between South Anston and Lindrick, for a number of years. It had previously operated with phased extraction and restoration (with imported inert materials) since original planning permission was granted in 1960.

Harrycroft still has permitted reserves of 2.55 million tonnes of limestone and plans recently went before the planning board that would have extended the time periods for extraction and restoration from December 31 2018 to 2031 for extraction, and to 2033 for restoration.

The board heard how limited extraction and sales have taken place at Harrycroft since 2010 due to the economic recession reducing demand for construction materials. A gradual increase in demand in the region means that the already permitted mineral is now needed to assist in meeting product orders.

Despite the site previously being in use and permission already existing, members of the planning board raised traffic issues with the variations around the access and usage of the busy A57. Concerns were also raised about noise and blasting on the site and the proximity to houses and a nearby cemetery.

A number of objections to the plans were received, including from Anston Parish Council. A petition objecting to the application has been signed by 120 people.

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The applicants stated that limestone production levels will remain at up to 300,000 tonnes a year, and inert infill material will continue to be used in the progressive restoration of the quarry floor. Nearly 700,000 cubic metres of material is required to achieve the final restoration scheme. Recycling operations on site would continue within the 25,000 tonnes per annum limit.

Traffic generation from the site operations are expected to average eight haulage vehicle movements per hour, up to a maximum of 13 movements per hour.

Following public consultation, the operators have agreed to restricted working hours that include no blast working certain days, and for a new route for a Public Right of Way.

The agent on behalf of the operator's proposal said: "The application does not seek to extend the boundaries of the operation but the length of time of the operation and restoration. We believe that the planning conditions can control the noise and dust and potential blasting impacts.

"The applicant is agreeing to maintain certain HGV routing restrictions that are in place with improvements to the access and signage."

The Council requested that the applicant commit £10,130 to replace signs around the site on the A57.

Ian Ferguson, senior highway development control officer at Rotherham Council, explained that surveys had shown a significant reduction in HGVs using the A57 between 2008 and 2015 and that the speed limit had been reduced in the area to 50mph. He added: "Although the site access might not have been used in recent years by lorries, it is a long established quarry. We are aware from the days when it was fully operational as to the traffic impact of turning lorries - we didn't see an issue in those days and we don't envisage a problem should the quarry be reopened.

"The A57 is a busy road, it is a principal road, its function is to move vehicles including HGVs - nearly 1,500 in 2015. To refuse this permission, you'll need to demonstrate that the impact of these additional [HGVs] four in, four out per hour, is going to be severe. In terms of the number of HGVs already on the network, it'll be less than 5% [increase]."

Having heard representations and clarification from officers, the board voted eight to four to refuse the plans. The board was minded to refuse the plans on the basis that "current highways conditions are not adequate for this site at the present time."

Previous plans for the quarry were refused by the Council's planning board and overturned on appeal.

The planning board recently went against officer's recommendation when it approved The Green Group's plans that could create hundreds of jobs on a former brickworks, which is in the Green Belt.

Images: Trent and Peak Archaeology / Google Maps

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News: Mattressman beds down in Rotherham

Mattressman, the UK's biggest online mattress specialist, has expanded its store network with a new store in Rotherham.

The Norfolk-based retailer has taken a 4,927 sq ft at the Foundry Retail Park in Parkgate, the first major deal announced since the retail park was sold in multimillion pound deal earlier this year.

Formerly known as the Great Eastern Retail Park at Parkgate, the 170,748 sq ft retail development with 813 car parking spaces, is home to The Range, Harveys, DFS, Wren Kitchens and B&M.

The site was bought in 2012 by a specialist joint venture partnership of Brockton Capital and Pradera in a deal worth around £22.1m. Earlier this year it was acquired as part of a £245m portfolio of nine well-located retail parks across the UK on behalf of Curzon Capital Partners IV (CCP 4), a "core-plus" style investment fund.

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Launching in 2004, Mattressman was established as a predominantly online retailer, selling hundreds of mattress models from top manufacturers like Silentnight, Hypnos and Sealy. In 2015 the fast growing company appointed property firm Savills to advise on new acquisitions across the UK. The Rotherham store is the company's 21st location.

The brand has agreed a new ten-year lease on the property. The landlord, Rotherham Foundry RP Limited, is managed by Savills Investment Management and was represented by Morgan Williams and Zeitlyn Farrell.

Charlie Greenhalgh, out of town retail director at Savills, said: "Mattressman has undergone exceptional growth over the last couple of years and is an excellent example of a retailer successfully operating across the online and physical worlds. We are pleased to be supporting its ongoing expansion with this new store in Rotherham and look forward to announcing further acquisitions in the near future."

AHF Furniture is also set to open on the site later this year. The UK's largest employee furniture co-op was previously part of the Anglia Co-op. It specialises in the retail of quality home furnishings at affordable prices.

United Carpets, the second largest chain of specialist retail carpet and floor covering stores in the UK, moved into the large vacant unit 5 on the park. Plans have since been approved for the Rotherham-based retailer to move into a large unit at the nearby Tradeworld development.

Mattressman website
Savills website

Images: Mattressman

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News: Sheffield City Region devolution deal "hangs in the balance"

Politicians are putting the £900m Sheffield City Region (SCR) devolution deal at risk, according to local businesses leaders.

As part of a deal with central government, a Mayoral Combined Authority is set to be created, building on the 2013 agreement which saw the nine local authorities that comprise the city region create a new legal body with responsibility for transport, economic development and regeneration.

The £900m devolution deal includes a new gain share deal within an envelope of £30m a year for 30 years – giving the SCR the power to use new funding to boost local growth and invest in local manufacturing and innovation. In return, the Government will require a directly elected mayor to hold accountability for the new powers.

Chesterfield and Bassetlaw Councils, currently non-constituent members, signalled their intention to join the Combined Authority but a legal challenge from Derbyshire County Council over the consultation delayed the mayoral election from taking place this year. Chesterfield Borough Council and Bassetlaw District Council subsequently withdrew their applications to be full members of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority.

A fresh round of consultation planned for July will not take place as planned and instead the Combined Authority will meet again to discuss next steps at their planned meeting on the July 17.

Ahead of the meeting, Sir Nigel Knowles (pictured), chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, the private sector-led board which brings together business leaders and local politicians to make decisions that drive economic growth and create new jobs, has written an open letter calling on city region politicians to keep a focus on devolution.

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The letter reads:

Our devolution deal hangs in the balance. Local and national turbulence, a damaging court case and the actions of two County Councils who have chosen to put their own interests above those of businesses or residents has left our local politicians uncertain about what to do next.

My view, and that of the private sector board members on the Local Enterprise Partnership is unequivocal - we remain fully committed to devolution and will do everything we can to help the local politicians achieve a deal for our region and their respective areas.

For the first time in a generation this city region has returned to economic growth led by the private sector. Growth built on the back of growing productivity in advanced manufacturing and materials specialisms, in value added logistics, rail engineering and growth in digital tech and professional services. Confidence within and confidence about our city region has never been higher. It is a confidence reflected in our changing urban landscape and in those businesses growing their workforce and investing in new equipment or ways of doing things.

If we are to keep this forward momentum then as a region we need to re-create that "first mover" advantage which was so effectively deployed to deliver the first fruits of devolution. This first mover advantage is a necessity if the region is to really benefit from the opportunities which will come from an industrial strategy which at least in part requires local delivery and local devolution to work. A confident, focussed and well led partnership between the private and public sectors speaks volumes to Government about our ability to deliver.

It is in this context that the private sector need to help Local Authorities take the next step to achieve more and better devolution. We all recognise that as a consequence of Chesterfield and Bassetlaw withdrawing from the Mayoral Combined Authority process and because of the changed national political landscape, the devolution agenda is in a state of flux and is changing. The answer to a changed position cannot be to do nothing. This risks everything in terms of economic growth and opportunity. Central Government and Local Government have a dual responsibility to find a way forward which sustains and where possible accelerates the devolution of power, responsibility and resources to support growth and productivity in our economy. We all need to maintain a focus on growth and make devolution happen.

Rotherham Council has backed the deal as it went through consultation last year with Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council insisting that "there is only one devolution deal on the table" - the SCR deal which "puts Rotherham on the national stage – prioritising jobs, housing and infrastructure."

Sheffield City Region LEP website

Images: SCR LEP

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News: AMRC to help commercialise graphene use in composites

Experts at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing are set to work on commercialising a new, proprietary technology for applying the "wonder metal" graphene to critical composite structures in sectors such as aerospace.

Redcar-based Applied Graphene Materials, a leading innovator in the manufacture and application of graphene, has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with the AMRC, which has a £4.5m state-of-the-art centre supporting the development of advanced composite materials inside the Factory of the Future on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The centre works with complex hybrid components and systems, which require manufacturing expertise in both composite and metallic structures.

Graphene is light, 200 times stronger than steel, but it is incredibly flexible. It is the thinnest material possible as well as being transparent. Applied Graphene Materials has registered a patent having developed a highly innovative, new technology it calls Structural Ink which comprises the deposition of graphene nanoplatelets directly onto composite laminates in a controlled and targeted manner.

The agreement will focus on the development and commercial exploitation of Structural Ink technology, through collaboration projects with AMRC's industry partners. AMRC members include leading names in the aerospace sector such as Airbus, GKN and Rolls-Royce. Another member, automotive manufacturer, McLaren, continues to focus on carbon fibre in its supercars and is investing £50m in a Composites Technology Centre in Rotherham.

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By adopting Structural Ink technology, end users will have the ability to increase mechanical toughness, which can be derived through the addition of graphene. Application to specific areas will enable the optimisation of the performance and structural design of composite materials. Ultimately this will improve component integrity and performance, enable further weight reduction and also reduce total manufacturing costs.

At an early phase in the development cycle, AGM plans to locate a technology demonstration cell within the AMRC's Composites Centre.

Richard Scaife, manager of the AMRC Composites Centre, said: "Over the last 24 months, our research staff and engineers have been collaborating with Applied Graphene Materials on its Structural Ink technology development and we are delighted that we are now able to progress to a formal, long term agreement.

"While this technology is still relatively immature in aerospace terms, we believe it highlights significant potential for performance improvements with both weight and cost savings to those designing critical composite structures. In the near future we will be sharing information on this technology with our aerospace partners, but also see the potential for early adoption with partners operating in less safety critical industrial sectors."

Jon Mabbitt, chief executive officer of Applied Graphene Materials, added: "We are very excited about the opportunity that Structural Ink opens up for AGM and our customers. Whilst we continue to collaborate with customers on developing tailored graphene dispersions for a range of applications, this printing technology offers AGM another route to market and a tried and tested product offer that we believe will be very compelling for composites end users."

Last year, innovative Rotherham company, Metalysis, which recently opened a new centre on the AMP, reported that it had successfully synthesised graphene using its innovative electrochemical process. While graphene is traditionally known to incur high costs of production, Metalysis is able to produce the largely industrially inaccessible material at no additional production cost to its conventional operations.

Applied Graphene Materials website
AMRC website
Metalysis website

Images: Applied Graphene Materials

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News: Town centre properties up for auction

Over half a million pounds worth of commercial property in Rotherham town centre is heading to auction next month.

The largest is a freehold shop investment at 31 College Street that is set to go under the hammer with national auctioneers, Allsop, and has been given a guide price of £300,000+.

The 3,789 sq ft property is currently let to Greenwoods Menswear. The Bradford-based retailer returned to Rotherham in 2011 when the Council supported the move with a capital fit-out grant for the works to the vacant unit that was previously a Music Zone outlet.

Arranged on ground and two upper floors, the property provides a ground floor shop unit with staff ancillary and storage accommodation on the first and second floors above.

Lot details show that the entire property is at present let to Greenwoods Menswear Limited for a term of ten years from 1st December 2011 at a current rent of £30,000 per annum. The lease provides for a rent review on the fifth year of the term and contains full repairing and insuring covenants. The 2017 break clause was not exercised.

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13-15 All Saints Square is also heading for a sale at the same auction in London on July 10. The two well located retail units are currently vacant and the freehold of the 1,969 sq ft property has been given a guide price of £125,000 - £150,000.

Leading local auctioneer, Mark Jenkinson and Son, is bringing two Rotherham town centre properties to its auction in Sheffield on July 11.

On Wellgate, the offices of the Rotherham Advertiser at 67-69 Wellgate has been given the guide price of £80,000 - £90,000. The tenants pay £12,000 per annum for the 1,500 sq ft property but notice has been served by the receivers requiring vacant possession by August 26 2017.

The adjacent property at 63-65 Wellgate has been given a guide price of £80,000 - £90,000. Currently home to letting agents, Bricknells Rentals, the freehold of the 968 sq ft property has been put up for due to relocation. The agents has an office in the Imperial Buildings across Rotherham town centre.

Allsop website
Mark Jenkinson and Son website

Images: Allsop

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News: "Ambitious but deliverable" masterplan for Rotherham Town Centre

Developers and investors are lining up to get involved in the multimillion opportunities in the new Rotherham town centre masterplan where the focus is on implementation and being ambitious but realistic.

Launched this week, the masterplan has been developed by consultants at WYG working with the local Council and stakeholders. Rothbiz reported in April on how the idea is for it, and the town, to be commercially focused and pragmatic, but bold at the same time.

Catalyst projects include the proposed £43m leisure hub on Forge Island and further residential developments to boost the vitality of the town. The plans also show the potential for a new theatre and arts centre (cgi below) on the former Law Courts site nearby and feasibility studies will be carried out on the prospects. There is also the potential long term acquisition of the adjacent Police Station.

Unlike the 25 year vision of previous plans under the Rotherham Renaissance banner, the new plans are aimed at giving the town an immediate boost.

WYG's project director Andrew Clarke, who originates from Rotherham, said: "The plan is about picking up the momentum. Rotherham needs this plan and the projects now, not in five or ten years time. The town needs a big project to transform people's perceptions.

"With a focus on deliverability, the difference here is that we have got a Council being pro-active and acquiring key sites as the plan is finalised. In some cases the answers are already there. We have a number of high profile regeneration projects like the higher education campus and redevelopment of the Interchange where the money is already in place and work is due to start in the Summer."

From now until 2020, it is envisaged that anything between £130m and 160m will be invested in the town.

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The masterplan is set to be an important tool in marketing the wider town centre to potential investors and encouraging further regeneration and improvements. Those behind the plan admitted that they had been surprised by the level of investor appetite, even before its publication, and expect it to create "the right time" for projects like the redevelopment of the Guest & Chrimes site by the football club to be rekindled.

It is hoped that a "new and exciting" destination leisure offering could be created on the foundry site, with potential for very significant numbers of visitors each year.

Damien Wilson, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: "We have had at least 12 investors and developers knocking on our door, wanting to see the plans and the briefs. Local and national developers and institutional investors."

Soft-market testing has been underway alongside property firm, LSH and a brief was taken to MIPIM, the global property event. With Forge Island, which is set to remain as a car park whilst plans are finalised, a more detailed brief is set to go out in September.

The masterplan follows a recent report by industry analysts at Bilfinger GVA that concluded that comparison goods retailer demand for the town centre is likely to be subdued and advised the Council to focus on trying to maintain the current comparison goods role of the town centre in the face of sustained competition and look at other sectors to add vibrancy and vitality.

Sectors such as the under-represented leisure, food and drink sector, and creating more housing are given prominence in the plans which adds that "everyday retailing will continue in Rotherham, but it will not lead to Rotherham's resurgence." Instead the focus will be on diversifying and creating a high quality offer that is different to Parkgate and Meadowhall with independent and unqiue retailers.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, said: "It is hard not to get carried away a little bit because there are so many projects, with some happening right now. It is an exciting time for the town centre which we know is important to people.

"We want a family friendly offer, attracting people into to town who can then stay for longer. I like the idea for the Markets Complex - opening the side facing Drummond Street and Tesco. The markets kept Rotherham alive over the past few years so we are keen to support existing traders and businesses, here and across town."

Details and further images on some of the projects can be seen here.

People can also view the plans and speak to consultants at the Masterplan exhibition which will take place in All Saints' Square (in the old Thornton's unit) on Wednesday June 28 from 11am until 7pm. There will also be a display of the concept drawings for people to view in the Riverside library gallery in the town centre up to the 6th July.

Images: RMBC / WYG

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News: Key projects in Rotherham town centre masterplan

Rothbiz takes a look at the key sites and "catalyst" projects in the Rotherham town centre masterplan that was launched this week.

Forge Island
Seen as the major catalyst project in picking up the momentum for the town's regeneration, the plans reiterate the desire for a leisure, retail and residential development around the riverside. Previously the Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills, the 1.57 hectare site has recently been fully cleared following the relocation of Tesco across town in 2014. Currently used as a car park which will be extended for at least another year, the site is now owned by Rotherham Council.

Developers, investors and operators are showing a keen interest in working up proposals for a five screen cinema, 60-bed hotel, food outlets, bars and cafes. A 300+ space multi storey car park is also in the plans and a feasibility study is being carried out on the potential of a new theatre and arts space on the site of the former Law Courts, which is also owned by the Council. A hydro-electric power system could be incorporated on the weir.

Andrew Clarke, a director of urban design at consultants WYG who was project director for the masterplan said: "Forge Island is key and work is already underway following the Council's acquisition.

"Developers are telling us that there is a market for a commercial development like this, including brands in the food and drink sector. Yes, it is commercial but it is also about creating a new, high quality riverside frontage."

The Council is searching for a development partner and is set to take a detailed brief to the market in September 2017.

The Riverside
Housing is set to play a key role in bringing more people into Rotherham town centre. Government cash has also already been secured for £30m of housing development on Council-owned sites. One of which is the site of the former Sheffield Road swimming baths which has the potential for 158 units.

It is hoped that the masterplan will also stimulate further residential development nearby, for example on the land between Westgate and Main Street which is earmarked for a mix of uses, predominately housing, but is currently home to the Royal Mail sorting office, BT's telephone exchange and land used for car parking.

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Damien Wilson, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: "The focus will be on quality, with homes, including car parking, in a riverside location. With improved connectivity like the tram-train coming next year, we have to think about our relationship to Sheffield. Being able to offer people more for their money with good connectivity presents a good opportunity."

Proposals also show an amount of demolition on Corporation Street following discussions with property owners and tenants. Retaining the former Natwest Bank, further leisure, retail and residential development would be enhanced by open space between the Minster, Minster Gardens and Forge Island.

The Markets
The popularity of the markets has "kept the town alive" but parts of the complex on Drummond Street are underutilised. Following consultation, the masterplan proposes a simple solution to enhance the existing site and improve linkages to the nearby £40m Tesco Extra store. The demolition of Council-owned units around the edge of the outdoor covered market is proposed with a new attractive stepped entrance and space for a new community advice hub.

Andrew Clarke explained: "The entrances to the market are not particularly attractive, especially onto Drummond Street. By removing some of the building and improving the public realm improves the visual appearance and opens up the architectural features that are already there such as the roof canopies."

Further public realm improvements could also take place in Effingham Square near Tesco and the bus station and "College Fields" could be created between the market and college campus.

The Interchange
Funding is in place for a £12.5m revamp of the town's bus station with architects at Jefferson Sheard well underway with the latest plans for the site which also includes a multi-storey car park and retail units.

Doncaster Gate
Led by the RNN Group, work is due to start imminently on a £12m Higher Education (HE) campus that is scheduled for completion in autumn 2018. Key to boosting the local economy, the 44,000 sq ft campus will also provide enough space to eventually house 1,000 students, boosting footfall in the town centre.

Doncaster Gate could also be connected to the heritage-led regeneration that has already taken place on Rotherham's High Street. With the unique Grimm & Co on the corner, transport and public realm works could tie the two together and enhance the setting of the magical literacy charity.

Guest & Chrimes
With the aim to create a focus for recreation and sporting activity in the town, mixed leisure development proposals are being prepared by Rotherham United Football Club, who controls the site via a long leasehold. Whilst proposals are being finalised by the club, the masterplanners have mocked up a proposed vision for the Grade II listed building turned into a "new and exciting destination leisure offering, with potential for very significant numbers of visitors each year."

Main Street
Most recently used as a nightclub and car parking relating to the Council offices, proposals here to compliment the town centre include a new larger format discount-convenience food store along with ancillary large format retail units alongside a drive-thru café / food and drink unit.

Images: RMBC / RUFC

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News: Gulliver's excited for Rotherham site

Gulliver's, the firm behind a proposed £37m leisure resort in Rotherham, has reiterated its commitment to the Rother Valley site that is bigger than all of its current parks combined.

Planning permission was granted earlier this year subject to a number of conditions and the family-owned business is purchasing around 250 acres of the restored former colliery and opencast site from Rotherham Council.

The scheme is expected to be built over 12 - 15 years in a number of phases. Phase one includes the main Gulliver's theme park with three themed areas, the entrance hub and castle, and is set to open in 2020.

Providing an update at the recent meeting of the Rotherham Pioneers, Richard Welby, who worked his way up to becoming a resort manager for Gulliver's, conveyed the excitement that the established firm has for the Rotherham site.

Welby said: "Our board was unanimous in deciding on Rotherham as our fourth site. It has a bigger sq ft than all of our current sites combined and is an amazing site."

The operators of theme parks in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes, developed the plans for the first of their sites in the UK to encompass all their major family entertainment elements in one location with new attractions exclusive to Rotherham such as rides and attractions relating to transport and classic cars.

Welby added that he expects the £37m capital investment to "significantly rise."

The proposals are expected to create around 400 jobs and have a total annual operating net economic impact on the local economy of £11.6m.

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The overall site is approximately 98 hectares in area comprising the northern part of the Rother Valley Country Park. 215,000 sq ft of buildings are proposed, including: Main Street featuring an indoor, year round attraction including a splash zone, interactive play areas and NERF zone; five key ride areas providing over 40 rides and attractions; three hotels; themed holiday lodges, themed leisure facilities; and a spa and fitness centre.

Further details of the attractions set for Gulliver's Valley, including Liliput Castle, a log flume, Antelope, Pirate Coaster, Tower Ride, farm park and pet resort, can be found here.

Discussing some of the features and attractions, Welby added: "We are not in competition with Rother Valley, what we do will compliment the offer at the county park. People in the industry laughed when we told them that some parts of our park will be accessed for free but we think it is really important."

Public rights of way have been incorporated within the scheme without the need for diversions. A number of courtesy footpaths have also been included which will be available for use during daylight hours.

The Rotherham site is also set to include a "Dream Village" which the company had been looking to do for a number of years and has now found the perfect site for. The concept involves seriously and terminally ill children, together with children with special needs, given the chance of a lifetime to enjoy cost-free respite weeks and much needed getaway.

Speaking with experience, Richard said: "This will have national significance. Again, it doesn't make great business sense to invest in something that will be given away for free, but it is really important for us to do it."

Rotherham Council has long had ambitions for the Pit House West site to be transformed into a landmark leisure / tourism development on a national and international scale. Agreements relating to the YES! project and Visions of China developments were terminated due to the lack of progress.

Welby concluded: "We don't have investors or shareholders and, as a family firm, if we don't have the money in the bank, we don't do it.

"We are not another pie in the sky project, we are not another broken promise. We are coming!"

Rotherham Pioneers is an exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town, celebrate all that is good, and grow the Rotherham business community.

Gulliver's Valley website
Rotherham Pioneers website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: AME Group looks ahead as it celebrates 20 years in business

AME Group, a leading prototype manufacturer that is based in Dinnington, is looking to develop its product design business as it celebrates 20 years since starting up in a concrete outbuilding at founder, Ian Jones' Rotherham home.

The innovative company combines a team of creative designers and technical designers who work on new products and create high-specification prototypes using 3D printing technology for customers including Dyson, GlaxoSmithKline, Hornby, Morphy Richards and Unilever.

The business was founded in 1997 after managing director Ian Jones - a mechanical engineering graduate, who cut his teeth working at the Selby coalfield - was made redundant from his job with British Coal.

Seeing the potential of 3D printing technology for prototyping, Ian drew up a business plan and raised enough money to buy an early print machine.

"When it arrived, it was absolutely rubbish," Jones recalls. "I am not sure it managed to produce one successful part. It was very slow and, in retrospect, had been launched too early. The positive side was that it opened a lot of doors to prospective clients and ultimately led me to discover other more reliable technologies and partners that were already using them."

One of AME Group's first clients was Stanley Tools, and the success of the partnership resulted in AME investing in new technology and premises.

Ian's long-standing friend and MBA qualified manager Paul Howell joined the business as joint managing director and co-owner and the Dinnington headquarters were built on the site of a former South Yorkshire colliery in 2006. The premises house a growing design team and state-of-the-art prototyping workshop.

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Jones (pictured, right) said of the growing business: "We had become highly skilled at prototyping but we knew there was an opportunity to move upstream and get closer to our clients by using our expertise in product design. Securing work from globally renowned manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble showed that our approach was right."

Showing that the business is "not just about drawing pretty pictures," several innovative start-up businesses have been incubated at the AME Group who helped them to turn their ideas into commercially successful and market leading products. One example being the Identicom product, now the UK's most widely deployed dedicated lone worker device, that saw SoloProtect (formerly Connexion2) grow from Dinnington to new purpose built premises in Sheffield following a multimillion pound takeover.

AME employs 22 people and has a turnover of £1.5m. Having started out as a prototyping specialist, the future for AME Group is focused on developing its product design business. "We want to increase our design revenues over the next three to five years," says Ian "and continue to deliver the very best in innovative product design services, developing market leading products solutions for our clients, helping their businesses experience commercial success."

The quality of the work produced was recently recognised with a prestigious Red Dot product design award for its work on JigTech Pro, an innovative device that enables door handles to be fitted in minutes.

Jones concluded: "I'm proud of the fact that we have traded very successfully throughout the ups and downs of a changing economy but, most of all, I'm proud of the way the business has developed its staff. Several people have been with us for more than 15 years. Paul and I are not micro managers. We give freedom to the team to grow.

“We are not a massive company but we have a highly credible and experienced team that inspires confidence from a diverse portfolio of clients that see us as a strategic product development partner."

AME Group website

Images: AME Group

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