News: The Embassy for Reimagining Rotherham

Forget costly consultants and masterplanners, if you want innovative and creative ideas for Rotherham town centre, just ask the borough's schoolchildren.

This year, the "Embassy for Reimagining Rotherham" tasked 30 local children and young people with planning out the future development of Rotherham. It started life in August, when a group of 7 – 14-year-olds were assembled by Grimm & Co to find out what they wanted from their town.

Opening in a former pub in Rotherham town centre last year, Grimm & Co is an Apothecary to the Magical that 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.

An intensive three-week writing programme was hosted, during which time the children and young people drafted a manifesto for their town's future. The drafting process involved the young people thinking about and discussing what the town would be like if they were in charge, reflecting on the things in Rotherham they already liked and wanted to keep and what Rotherham didn't have that they thought was important.

The group also took part in fun activities designed to get them thinking about broader concepts like money, the economy and social inclusion and how they could be made fairer and better in their vision of Rotherham.

They also took over a vacant shop in the centre of Rotherham and turned it into the Embassy for Reimagining Rotherham. From here they consulted with local people about their manifesto and incorporated their feedback.

Sarah Christie, creative learning manager at Grimm & Co, said: "It makes me feel incredibly positive about the future of Rotherham. The young people we worked with were passionate about their ideas and their town. All the children and young people had a deep sense of fairness, and the top priorities in their manifesto were all around ensuring that there are equal and accessible opportunities for all. They also strongly valued the environment and access to green spaces and the outdoors, and thought deeply about what they wanted from their education (which included more time at school, and more practical lessons, such as in first aid and cookery).

"It also showed me just how thoughtful, insightful, and capable of debating "big" ideas children and young people are. We discussed the economy, models of government, the education system, and much more – and even the youngest children, who were only seven, had thoughtful, original, sensitive responses to these topics. The participants also loved debating and discussing these issues. Children and young people shouldn't be underestimated!"

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The initiative helped to develop the confidence, self-esteem, writing skills and imagination of those taking part.

The recently published manifesto, professionally designed by Side By Side, contains all of the ideas about how to make Rotherham a more interesting and inclusive place. For example: "There should be a children's gallery where you can see children's work. In the gallery you could doodle and it would be displayed in the doodle hall. You could also talk to the artists and tell them your ideas."

Other ideas range from a communal garden to free flying cars powered by clouds.

Deborah Bullivant, founding director at Grimm & Co, said: "Some of the adults were coming up to me and asking: "Did the kids really create that?" Yes! We are completely child-led, it is a big thing for us. We are very ethical."

The project was supported by Arts Council England, Julie Kenny CBE DL, the University of Sheffield, IVE, Rotherham Council and Big Lottery.

Grimm & Co hosted a Christmas gathering of the Rotherham Pioneers this week. The exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town, celebrate all that is good, and grow the Rotherham business community was created following on from a major exercise focused on using "The Rotherham Story" as a way of promoting the borough.

Jackie Freeborn, place manager for the Rotherham Pioneers, said: "For those of you who haven't had chance to visit Grimm & Co yet, I truly recommend that you do so in 2018, it is an amazing example of a Pioneer "Pushing Boundaries," daring to be different, making a huge difference to children, and attracting visitors from inside and outside of our town."

Grimm & Co website
Rotherham Pioneers website

Images: Grimm & Co / IVE / Side by Side

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News: Huge place of worship planned for Waverley

Discussions are underway over plans for a place of worship and conference facility, with enough space for a congregation of 1,400, as part of the new community being created at Waverley in Rotherham.

Approved in 2010, the largest, most complex, planning application ever considered by Rotherham Council gave outline approval for South Yorkshire's largest ever brownfield development, with a new 3,890 home community across 741 acres of the former Orgreave coking works site. Brought forward by landowner and developer, Harworth Group plc, it also includes the world-renowned Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Now, a pre-application enquiry has been submitted on behalf of Hope City Church which will see planners at Rotherham Council discuss the new scheme with planning consultants and architects.

Plans show that the primary use of the "Hope City Enterprise Centre" will be as a church and the proposal will enable the relocation of the church's operational activities from its current site at the Megacentre in Sheffield.

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Located to the North of the AMRC Training Centre, the 66,000 sq ft centre is designed so that conferences and exhibitions for up to 1,400 delegates can be held within the main auditorium and break-out areas. Plans also include a café, offices, 5,000 sq ft nursery, training rooms and a youth hall.

The current proposals are for two separate parking areas of 100 and 360 spaces each. There is the potential for the car parks to be used, by arrangement, by the training centre and AMP.

Hope City is a contemporary multi-locational church and part of the global family of c3 church and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

C3 Church Global was started by Phil and Chris Pringle in Australia. In the UK, Hope City was launched in Sheffield in 1991 by Dave and Jenny Gilpin on their return from Australia.

The church bought an old tool factory next to the Sheffield Parkway in 1998 and has expanded into a number of other cities.

Fundraising began in 2015 for the Waverley site, with at least £1m needed for the new centre.

The masterplan has been updated a number of times and plans have been developed for the land between the AMP and the new houses, previously known as Highfield Commercial, which had outline planning approval for a 645,000 sq ft government office campus and hotel.

When the plans were withdrawn following the economic recession, the £20m AMRC Training Centre and the Marston's pub were built instead. At the centre of the site, plans have been approved for a £50m retail, office and leisure scheme.

Earlier this year, plans for the remaining land at Highfield Commercial showed that there was the potential for a 27,000 sq ft hotel (up to five storeys) and a 35,000 sq ft conference centre, plus a large car park.

Hope City website

Images: Pearce Bottomley Architects

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News: Council considering free Wi-Fi plan for Rotherham town centre

Shoppers and visitors could soon be offered a free Wi-Fi service in Rotherham town centre as the local council considers ways to stimulate footfall.

Rothbiz reported in September on how the local authority planned to support existing businesses as they wait for the catalyst projects in the new masterplan to revive the town centre.

These include parking incentives, the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), marketing and promotion and opportunities for "meanwhile uses" and window/frontage treatments.

Now Rotherham Council is looking to get up to speed and offer free Wi-Fi in the town centre.

Having been asked by Liberal Democrat Cllr. Adam Carter about support for the digital economy in Rotherham at a recent full council meeting, Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "There are a number of measures for the digital economy in Rotherham. We are dealing with programmes and workshops for new start ups and growing businesses. You might have seen the Google Bus out and about as we have been teaming up with partners in Sheffield, and obviously Google, and taking it to where businesses are.

"We have been working with the Sheffield city region on implementing an action digital plan, and that is being drafted at the minute. We have also been working with Superfast Broadband which is across the four local authorities.

"Then we are planning to roll out free Wi-Fi in the town centre as part of our strategy for 2018, but that will be the back end of 2018.

"Via our RiDO team and other council initiatives, we are doing a lot to promote the digital economy in Rotherham."

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Currently free Wi-Fi in the town centre is only available in specific buildings or retail / leisure outlets. For example, at Rotherham Council's Riverside House and the library, Tesco, McDonald's and Wetherspoons.

Sheffield Council recently confirmed the implementation of free, public-access Wi-Fi as part of the Business Improvement District (BID) plans for encouraging visitors, residents and employees to spend more time in the city.

Selecting Idaq Networks, Sheffield Council designed the scheme to include no upfront or ongoing investment by the authority. A concession contract sees the private company install superfast and ultrafast broadband equipment to council-owned street lights and street furniture.

Similar schemes have been progressed in Doncaster and Barnsley town centres.

Rotherham Council's Corporate Plan sets out the priorities for serving local residents and communities. It includes a target based on the aggregate pedestrian footfall in the town centre over the course of the year.

For the quarter between July and September 2017 the footfall was recorded by the Council as 4,820,432. This is slightly down on the April and June 2017 quarter when the footfall figure was 4,875,248 but it is a 15.07% decrease on the summer months of July and September 2016 which peaked at 5,898,148.

The percentage of vacant floor space in the town centre area reduced from 19.3% in the quarter April - June 2017, to 18.4% in the quarter July - September 2017. The demolition of the empty Tesco store on Forge Island accounts for a major part of the decrease but with the 33,100 sq ft Primark unit becoming empty during November, the percentage for the next quarter looks set to increase.

The percentage of total vacant units in the town centre has increased. Going from 25.9% in Q1 (April - June) to 27.2% in Q2 (July - September). The Local Data Company (LDC) calculated that the average vacancy rate in the UK at the end of Q2 rose to 12.2%.

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On declining footfall, Cllr. Lelliott, said: "We acknowledge the fact that footfall is down and we've got problems with empty units. We are doing a lot of work around the town centre to increase footfall and we have set up an officer task group.

"In addition to that, obviously there's our masterplan development and Forge Island, and we have applied to the Sheffield city region with some funding bids to help enable developments to happen.

"We are working with town centre businesses to have a look at what we can do to address empty units, dress them and make them look more attractive to people who are coming in."

Images: RMBC / WYG

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News: PMS Diecasting recognised for innovation

Rotherham-based PMS Diecasting Ltd has been recognised for its continued innovation in zinc diecasting.

PMS Diecasting has been producing high quality zinc diecastings for nearly four decades and is one of Europe's leading diecasters. It produces around 50 million castings annually for the global manufacturer, Gripple.

Incorporated in 1978, PMS Diecasting developed a precision manufacturing process to produce handsaws that proved so successful that every DIY retail outlet and most handtool distributors sold an "own brand" saw which was made and branded in Rotherham. In just five years PMS became the largest volume manufacturer of handaws in the UK.

Having moved to a larger facility in Hellaby, the firm continues to innovate, not only with technology but through a company culture based around employee ownership and creating a family feel.

At the recent Best of British Castings Industry Awards Dinner, PMS were highly commended for its innovation.

Shortlisted in the innovation category, the company has, together with a German partner, successfully produced a hot runner zinc diecasting tool, a first in the UK. The tool is designed to increase productivity and reduce the unit cost of the Gripple, a zinc cast fencing jointing system used throughout the world and produced by the company in vast quantities.

Pam Murrell, CEO of the Cast Metals Federation, said: "This new tooling assembly has great potential to substantially reduce cycle times and improve casting yield by dramatically reducing the amount of metal in the runner, thereby improving energy efficiency and also reducing post processing of the parts. The quality of the components produced is also significantly higher than conventionally produced parts. I am pleased that this was recognised by the judges, by their shortlisting of the PMS entry."

Alongside Gripple and other local companies, PMS is part of a group of employee-owned companies where each employee is a shareholder member. GLIDE (Growth Led Innovation Driven Employee-Owned) is the central body that represents all the shareholder members who work in its partner companies.

The Gripple system is used for joining and tensioning in fencing and has gone on to have success in signage and architecture.

PMS Diecasting website
Cast Metals Federation website

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News: Youth club receives £4,000 from UKSE and AESSEAL

A Rotherham youth group that promotes the personal and social development of children aged eight to eleven has received funding from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) and AESSEAL to help fund its activities over the next 12 months.

The funding provided by UKSE - a subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with assisting the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry – and AESSEAL, manufacturer of mechanical seals and support systems, will provide Brampton Junior Youth Club with operational funding to cover the costs of service provision.

Provided from the UKSE Charitable Fund managed by the South Yorkshire Community Fund (SYCF), a charitable endowment funding programme that raises and distributes grants to community projects across South Yorkshire, the funding from UKSE and AESSEAL will continue the increased access to local services for the children of Brampton.

Brampton Junior Youth Club, established in 2005 and based at Cortonwood Comeback Centre, supports children's learning, enhances their achievement and contributes to social welfare and community development through the provision of weekly centre-based sessions ran by qualified youth workers.

Providing a safe-haven and structured learning space for children in the Brampton area, the group also offers a holiday activity scheme which encompasses issue-based workshops, activities and trips.

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Denise Lelliot, leader at Brampton Junior Youth Club, said: "We are delighted to have secured this funding from UKSE, preserving the provision of our youth club for a further 12 months.

"Brampton is amongst the top 14 per cent most deprived areas nationwide, with the most severe form of deprivation manifesting itself in education, leading to low attainment and qualification levels.

"Our services allow some of the most socially excluded and disadvantaged young people to be engaged in the local community, as we continue to present them with the opportunity to gain knowledge, skills and understanding of society."

Alongside providing social inclusion measures, Brampton Junior Youth Club also operates an early intervention approach to reduce the risk of children being caught up in "at-risk" behaviour.

Keith Williams, regional manager at UKSE, said: "Youth clubs play an important role in the community, particularly in deprived areas. As well as promoting mental and physical wellbeing, Brampton Junior Youth Club provides a safe haven and an environment which encourages the development of social skills and self-esteem, crucial for the future development of the children."

Ruth Willis, chief executive of SYCF, added: "A large amount of the grants we distribute to local community organisations are for projects working with children and young people. These groups work to meet the needs of these young people, to grow their potential, their ambitions and to give them a better start in life.

"Without groups like Brampton Junior Youth Club, so many of our young people would be worse off. We are proud to enable the funding from UKSE and AESSEAL to have such profound impact on local lives and thank them for their continued generosity."

SYCF website
UKSE website
AESSEAL website

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News: Housing plan for historic Rotherham site

Five new homes are being created in Rotherham town centre as part of a heritage-led regeneration scheme.

29 High Street, above the Bears Den craft shop, was previously derelict and in a state of disrepair. The development will now include four one bedroomed flats and one single bedroomed duplex house all for rent. The properties will also benefit from a modern kitchen and bathroom and a generous living space.

The property is one of a number that were saved from being lost forever by local businessman Chris Hamby who has pioneered the project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings. Now fully-let, units were created in The Three Cranes building and former Georgian Town House at 29-29a High Street.

Work is now well underway above and the properties are expected to be completed in the New Year. Chris, who also owns Hambys shoe shop and the antique centre on the High Street, requested permission from the Council to develop the space and create modern living facilities in the heart of the town.

Chris said: "I've been operating in Rotherham since 1992 and I've seen the town grow and thrive. In the last few years we've seen some difficult times, and no doubt we will continue to experience tough times in the years to come, however, this is a beautiful town on the up and I am hopeful that people will hold their faith and stay with us.

"The High Street is a fantastic area and we have some great restaurant and bars popping up so I wanted to develop better quality housing and make use of the space that was in total ruins."

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The Georgian Town House contained the remains of the Italian restaurant and was painstakingly restored with a new Victorian shop frontage and Doric door.

It was once occupied by the Badger family, a notable family of solicitors and lawyers.

The overall plan that enabled the buildings to be removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register was backed by a £750,000 long term capital finance loan from Rotherham Council that secured £677,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for additional, much needed works. A further £630,000 was made available by the Council to continue the restoration.

Rothbiz reported first on plans to convert the Grade II listed "hidden gem" behind the High Street into a boutique hotel. Set to open in Spring, the new hotel in the George Wright building is also set to include a gallery restaurant, gin bar and courtyard space.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, said: "We have an ambitious economic growth plan in Rotherham and to achieve this we need to improve the quality and choice of housing in the borough. Developers like Chris are crucial to helpful us achieve our plans and we fully support any local business person who wants to invest in Rotherham and can see its true potential."

The new Rotherham town centre masterplan that places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses. Town centre living is seen as critical to sustaining the long term health of the town centre and is important in achieving around the clock vitality and vibrancy and Rotherham Council has identified that the town centre has the land available to deliver 2,000 new homes.

Hamby's website

Images: UKSE

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News: New Rotherham boutique gets UKSE boost

Rotherham-based boutique ladies clothing store, RebLe, has opened its doors following receipt of a £500 grant from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.

The UKSE funding has allowed business owner, Rebecca Twynham, to fund branded, exterior signage as well as display units and clothing rails, essential for the establishment of the her first store.

Launched in September 2017, and ideally located in the main retail hub of Wath-upon-Dearne, RebLe stocks a wide range of ladies fashion items including clothing, handbags and jewellery.

Rebecca Twynham, founder of RebLe, said: "I'm so grateful for the funding I've received from UKSE. Being able to have professional exterior signage fitted really helps the shop stand out so it's easier for customers to find and notice us. I'm hoping that people will continue to spread the word about the opening of RebLe Fashion Boutique!"

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Rebecca has ambitious plans to open a second store – for childrenswear and plus-size clothing - after receiving a number of requests from customers confirming the demand.

She said: "Currently, I'm doing everything myself, I’m working at the shop full-time and take care of the business side, too. In the future, it'd be great to employ a team of people but, for now, I'm loving getting fully involved in growing the business and intend to do this until RebLe is well established in the area."

RebLe is already experiencing popularity and is partnering with other local businesses to hold events such as fashion shows, pamper evenings and Christmas shopping nights.

UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, was launched in 1975 to support the economic development of steel industry areas. Launched in February 2016 by UKSE, with support from RIDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise, the Kickstart Fund consists of a £40,000 pot dedicated to supporting people looking to establish a business in the local area.

Allan Wood from UK Steel Enterprise, said: "RebLe has attracted local interest and, with plans to expand in the future, I look forward to watching how the business continues to grow over the coming years."

UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Harworth appoints new chairman

Harworth Group plc, the Rotherham-based brownfield regeneration and property investment specialist, has appointed Alastair Lyons CBE as non-executive director and Chairman of the Board.

Lyons will replace Jonson Cox, the man who lead UK Coal plc through its 2012 complex restructuring, who is set to step down from his role as non-executive chairman in March.

Harworth owns the Waverley site in Rotherham and has its headquarters nearby. It is one of South Yorkshire's largest publicly listed companies and its business model is based on reinvesting capital in acquisitions having created capital growth through planning approvals, remediation and development and generated income through asset management and land sales.

The focus has been on "beds and sheds" sectors and in its interim report 2017, Harworth Group had assets and developments worth £410.9m.

In an update to the stock exchange, Harworth said that Alastair Lyons "brings strong business and governance experience to the role."

Earlier this year he retired as non-executive chairman of Admiral Group plc, a role he had held since 2000. He is currently non-executive chairman of Welsh Water and deputy chairman of Bovis Homes Group plc, from which he will retire at Bovis Homes' next Annual General Meeting, having joined its Board in 2008.

In the previous five years, he has also been non-executive chairman of Serco Group plc and senior independent director at the Phoenix Group. Prior to undertaking non-executive director roles, he built an extensive executive career, including as chief executive of both the National Provident Institution and the National & Provincial Building Society and director of Corporate Projects at NatWest.

He was awarded the CBE in 2001 for services to social security having served as a non-executive director of the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Social Security.

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Lisa Clement, senior independent director at Harworth, said: "Following a thorough selection process, we are delighted to have found a chairman, in Alastair, with such extensive experience and enthusiasm for the business.

"On behalf of the Board I would also like to put on record our thanks to Jonson. Over the last seven years, his leadership of the Board has helped transform Harworth from a non-core property division within a mining business to the successful, listed regeneration and property investment specialist it is today, delivering strong returns for shareholders along the way."

Alastair Lyons, incoming chairman at Harworth, said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to chair a business that plays such an important role in regenerating former industrial areas into thriving residential and business communities. Harworth has gone from strength to strength since it was divested from UK Coal in 2012 and continues to grow its profile after being relisted in 2015.

"I look forward to supporting the business in achieving its vision to be the leading brownfield regeneration company in the North of England and the Midlands."

Jonson Cox, the current chairman of Harworth, added: "It has been a privilege to bring Harworth into being in 2012 from the former UK Coal plc, and to see the business perform so strongly since that time with a solid platform in place and a clear strategy for growth. Now is the time for a new chairman to take the business forward, and it will be in good hands with Alastair. I wish the business every success in the future."

Harworth Group website

Images: Bovis

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News: HS2 correct demolition data

HS2 Ltd made a "drafting error" when it published a confirmed change of the high speed route through South Yorkshire, a decision that is affecting a number of property owners in Rotherham.

The percentage decrease of demolitions by switching the route from Meadowhall to the M18 is not 81% as reported by HS2 Ltd in July, but is now being reported by HS2 Ltd as 41%.

Superseding a 2013 route with a station at Meadowhall, the 2016 option proposes that HS2 services between London and Sheffield would take a spur off the new north-south high speed line and travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line. These trains will also call at Chesterfield.

The fast route to Leeds through the East of Rotherham would affect Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts. A new housing estate at Mexborough will also have to make way.

HS2 Ltd compared an unpublished refined route through Meadowhall with the new route on the M18 / Eastern alignment and the Government is justifying its decision based on demand; the needs of Sheffield and the wider region; connectivity with the existing rail network and the wider transport network; topography, urban density and the environment; and cost.

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The recent correction reads:

Correction, December 2017
A drafting error in paragraph 2.7.46 means that the 81 percent figure is incorrect, this figure related to the percentage decrease in the total number of demolitions (not the number of properties eligible for compensation), it had also been calculated from a previous version of HS2 Ltd's advice. The correct figure for the reduction in properties eligible for statutory compensation and non-statutory property schemes is 41 percent. This does not include figures for the Need to Sell scheme which has no geographic boundary and is judged on a case by case basis. Therefore the text of the document has been changed to include the wording "distance bound non-statutory property schemes."

Text currently reads
Overall the M18 / Eastern route leads to a reduction in the number of properties that would fall into safeguarding, and results in 90 fewer demolitions than the 2013 consulted route. The M18 / Eastern route has an 81 percent reduction in the total number of properties that would be eligible for statutory compensation and non-statutory property schemes compared to the Meadowhall alignment.

Text should read
Overall the M18 / Eastern route leads to a reduction in the number of properties that would fall into safeguarding, and results in 90 fewer demolitions than the 2013 consulted route. The M18 / Eastern route has a 41 percent reduction in the total number of properties that would be eligible for statutory compensation and distance bound non-statutory property schemes compared to the Meadowhall alignment.

Sir Kevin Barron, the MP for Rother Valley, has criticised HS2 and the Government over its use of "wobbly data" and says his constituency will suffer the impact of the proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds but receive none of the benefits of a direct stop.

The MP took to Twitter to accuse the Government of "sneaking out" the correction, stating that HS2 got the housing demolition figures completely wrong and have no way of knowing the final figure as it doesn't include the Need to Sell Scheme.

An HS2 appraisal of potential demolitions associated with the routes through South Yorkshire showed that the 2013 Meadowhall route would result 141 potential demolitions. The Refined Meadowhall route, not seen by the public, would result in 127 potential demolitions and the M18/ Eastern Route would result in 51 potential demolitions.

Using up-to-date maps, local groups suggests around 500 demolitions on the new route, compared to 100 on the Meadowhall route.

In HS2 Ltd's advice to Government published in July it stated regarding the Broadlands Estate in Bramley that it does not expect to have to demolish any property on the estate but admitted that "this is likely to change with ongoing design development, construction planning and environmental assessment. For example, demolitions resulting from ancillary works, mitigation and realignment of existing infrastructure (such as roads and railways) are not included at this stage."

HS2 Ltd website

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News: Plans in for new Rotherham restaurant

A planning application has been submitted to convert a large empty retail unit into a restaurant and wine bar at Stag Roundabout in Rotherham.

A number of eateries have joined the popular Cuccini's cafe on Herringthorpe Valley Road, including Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, La Pondicherry and Nonna's Deli - which is also planning changes.

156 Wickersley Road has recently been let and change of use plans have been drawn up that would bring the 9,353 sq ft retail unit, formerly a wooden floor outlet, back into use.

Applicant, M Rana, is hoping to split the L-shaped ground floor into two uses to create a restaurant with an adjoining wine bar.

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The plans, drawn up by architects at Building Link Design, show enough space for 18 covers in the 2,500 sq ft restaurant which would have its own bar and space for outdoor seating. The 900 sq ft wine bar would have its own entrance.

The plans add that the development would create eleven new jobs (five full time and six part time).

Built in 1963 and initially trading as Fine Fare, the unit was marketed by SMC Chartered Surveyors.

Next door, the retail unit that was previously home to Motor World and Co-operative retail outlets, received change of use planning permission in 2015 and was refurbished by the owners of Aroma restaurant in Northallerton before opening as La Pondicherry.

At nearby Nonna's Deli, a refurbishment is being carried out as the outlet, pioneered by local restaurateur, Dino Maccio, is reopening as Nonna's cafe and prosecco bar.



Images: SMC

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News: AMRC exporting the fourth industrial revolution to Asia

A partnership between the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and one of the most dynamic manufacturing regions in South Korea was praised by the UK government last week for its role in opening up new markets for British know-how and industry.

Universities Minister Jo Johnson said plans for the AMRC Asia's Industry 4.0 Centre "represent the type of innovative growth the UK government has committed itself to in its new Industrial Strategy – building on mutual strengths for the creation of new industries and infrastructure that will boost productivity, competitive advantage and economic growth."

With significant state of the art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC is a partner in the HVM Catapult (the Government's strategic initiative that aims to revitalise the manufacturing industry). It focuses on advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. It is a partnership between industry and academia, which has become a model for research centres worldwide.

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Speaking following the signing of an agreement in Gyeongsan City by the AMRC's executive director, Professor Keith Ridgway, the Governor of Gyeongbuk province, Kim, Kwan Yong and the Mayor of Gyeongsan City, Choi, Young Jo, the UK Minister said this was an "excellent example of the science and innovation links" between the two countries and marked the "next important step forward" in making the new centre a reality.

Professor Ridgway said: "Our ambition for the AMRC and the Sheffield City Region is to be a globally recognised centre of excellence for manufacturing research and innovation. But, to be a world leader in technology, you need access to world leading intellect. That's why we are working with our colleagues in Korea in a collaborative venture that will bring benefits to both our countries, and both our regions: Gyeongsan City region and the Sheffield City Region."

The focus of the new centre will be on what is known as Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will see industrial digitalisation with the coming together of cyber networks, with physical networks, to create new autonomous systems.

Ridgway added: "Our region was the home of the first manufacturing revolution and we are now leading the way in the fourth."

"We recognise in Gyeongsan City a shared and very strong commitment to manufacturing and making things well. We also recognise a shared dedication to establishing a region of manufacturing expertise based on innovation and a commitment to be world-leading. And that is why we are so pleased to be planning this centre here. We are completely aligned in our thinking and can and will work closely together."

Mr Johnson, added: "The AMRC is globally recognised as a leading centre for research into new manufacturing processes and materials development. The Gyeongsan Province is recognised for being home to some of the largest and most influential companies in their respective markets, including the steel, shipbuilding, energy and automotive industries, as well as the equally important cluster of innovative supply chain companies supporting these industries.

"I am confident that this new centre, once established, will be an important creative nexus, not only facilitating new research and innovation breakthroughs, but new trade and investment links and opportunities between our two countries."

The AMRC model has already been replicated in Denmark, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and India. Work is ongoing to create AMRC Oman, the first of its kind in the Gulf.

AMRC website

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News: Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train pilot - "how not to run a rail project"

The Government and Network Rail have come in for more criticism over the innovative Sheffield-Rotherham tram-train service that is scheduled to reach the borough in 2018.

The Public Accounts Committee looked at the issues of cost increases and delays, the under-estimation of the scale and complexity of the works, and the risks involved in delivering new technology. It said that it had all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for future projects.

The committee is made up of MPs and scrutinises the value for money of public spending and generally holds the Government and its civil servants to account for the delivery of public services.

The inquiry follows on from a July report from the National Audit Office (NAO) that revealed that by December 2016, the cost of the works for the project, which had been given an initial estimate of £15m, had quadrupled to £75.1m, pushing the overall cost of the scheme over £100m.

The business case for the proposed scheme was based on the benefits to local transport users, such as reduced journey times. The project's benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.0 fell into the Department for Transport's (DfT's) "low" value-for-money category. As costs increased, this slipped further to 0.31, in terms of the local public transport case.

The NAO report revealed that the pilot project was close to being cancelled altogether as costs spiraled, but it was saved, mainly due to the interest in the development of further tram-train schemes with greater potential elsewhere in the country.

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Meg Hillier MP, chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said: "This project promised great benefits for passengers and, importantly, a potential model for similar schemes in cities such as Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow. Instead the reality is another rail project with all the makings of a "how not to" seminar for senior civil servants.

"This pilot was trialling technology new to the UK, yet neither Network Rail nor the Department for Transport properly considered the high level of risk and uncertainty.

"Unrealistic costings went unchallenged, resulting in an initial budget of £15mn spiralling to some £75m. There have been long delays, and it is still not clear how, or even if, the experience of running this pilot will reduce the costs and improve delivery of any future tram-train schemes.

"Not for the first time, we heard evidence intended to reassure Parliament and the public that lessons learned on this project will ensure the failings identified will not arise again.

"We will be expecting Government to back this up with a meaningful review of the way it manages such projects, from calculating cost estimates through to transparently evaluating results.

"Actions speak louder than words and on behalf of taxpayers we will, if necessary, recall witnesses responsible for current and future projects and hold them to account for their performance."

First mentioned in 2009, the project has always been considered a pilot scheme, the first of its kind in the UK, and was only approved on an exceptional basis.

The DfT is the client in the project, with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) responsible for the delivery of all of the light rail modifications, rail replacement and procurement of the vehicles. Network Rail is separately responsible to DfT to deliver the heavy rail modifications required for the project.

Since 2016, Network Rail has achieved a number of milestones, including installing new track at Tinsley, the power supply and a tram-train platform at Rotherham Parkgate and work on the College Road bridge at Rotherham Central. It also said that it has changed the way it is managing the project.

The innovative CityLink vehicles are now in service, but only on the existing Supertram network in Sheffield. They will eventually run as tram-trains between Sheffield city centre and Parkgate via Meadowhall South and Rotherham town centre, sometime in 2018.

DfT website
Network Rail website

Images: SYPTE / Network Rail

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News: Bunnings Warehouse opens in Rotherham

Home improvement and garden retailer, Bunnings Warehouse, has officially opened its new Rotherham store, its first opening in the North of England.

Keen to climb up the ladder in the £38 billion a year UK home improvement and gardening market, the Australian firm acquired the struggling Homebase chain in February 2016 for £340m. The company, part of the AUS$66 billion turnover Wesfarmers Group, announced plans to invest up to £500m rolling out the Bunnings Warehouse format in the UK and Ireland over the next three to five years.

The new store is located on Parkgate, at the Northfields Retail Park which was formerly occupied by B&Q but has been vacant since June 2016. At over 70,000 sq ft, it offers customers more than 30,000 leading home improvement and garden products from a wide range of global market-leading brands. Other services include everything from paint mixing to key cutting, a garden centre, timber cutting and in-store DIY Workshops.

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Creating 80 new full and part-time jobs, Bunnings' team members have already been busy in the local area. This included redecorating two bedrooms at Rotherham Hospice for families and installing shelving at Shiloh Rotherham, a drop-in centre which offers hot food, clothing and facilities for the homeless.

Ian Smith, complex manager of the Rotherham store, said: "All our team members have worked really hard to get the store ready for opening and have undertaken many hours of training to make sure we have the expertise to help customers with home or garden projects."

To celebrate the opening, Johnny Nelson, former professional boxer joined a welcome breakfast for team members. He said: "It's been a successful morning opening the store and celebrating with the Bunnings team members. I have no doubt that the store will be a huge success."

The store will host a number events this weekend, where customers can enjoy a range of family activities including the famous Bunnings Sausage Sizzle, face-painting, balloon modelling and even join Santa for a Story Time session.

Transporting the community initiative from Australia, Bunnings holds regular "sausage sizzles" so customers can enjoy a tasty barbecued sausage sandwich while raising funds for local community groups like schools, hospitals and sports clubs.

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The firm, which also operates as Homebase out of 251 trading locations, now has 12 Bunnings Warehouse locations in the UK, with a further seven planned.

In its results for the first quarter of the 2018 financial year, Wesfarmers said that total sales decreased 17.5% (13.8% in local currency terms) at Bunnings in the UK and Ireland. It said it was due to difficult trading conditions which persisted for Homebase.

Conversely it added that the rollout of the Bunnings Warehouse pilot stores continued and that they were delivering early encouraging results.

Bunnings Warehouse website

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News: Chamber members spread Christmas cheer

The Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber Annual Christmas Dinner, attended by 150 guests, raised over £1,000 for local charities.

Guests attending the Christmas dinner helped to raise funds in support of the Chamber's Charity of the year, City Hearts, and the President's Charity Fund through a tombola and raffle, which saw prizes donated by Chamber members.

Held at Tankersley Manor in Barnsley and sponsored by NPS Barnsley, Mears and MKB Solicitors, guests took part in the event which included entertainment from award-winning comedian Lea Roberts.

During the evening over £1,200 was raised, with £720 being donated to City Hearts and a further £550 being raised for the Chamber's President's Charity Fund. In addition to raising funds on the evening, the Chamber is calling on its members to donate warm clothes and gifts which help the vulnerable individuals supported by City Hearts.

Donations can be made at the Chamber's Rotherham office based at Genesis Park, which is acting as a collection point for donations.

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Jenny Gilpin, founder of City Hearts, said: "We rely on the generosity of supporters and are grateful for the donations made. All proceeds raised at the Chamber event will go towards our Christmas Appeal, where for many of the families with us, this will be the first Christmas they have spent safe and loved in a long time. The donation will help us to bring the gift of hope to special families this year.

"City Hearts was founded to support and empower vulnerable individuals including those who, through no fault of their own, have become victims of trafficking or entrapped into modern slavery. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who purchased a raffle ticket on the night as well as those who have donated clothing to our Christmas Appeal."

Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: "We've enjoyed a successful twelve months, during which time we have welcomed new members of staff to the organisation, seen our membership grow and despite difficult trading conditions for many of our members, there seems to be renewed optimism in many areas as we look towards 2018. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members who have supported our events programme this year and for the generosity they have shown in helping those who are less fortunate.

"At this time of year, we believe it is more important to give than receive and I would like to thank all of our members who attended this year’s Christmas Dinner and donated so generously to a very worthy cause. We held a few more festive events throughout December, helping to increase the impressive total raised on the evening."

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

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News: £36m of EU funding for Sheffield city region projects

A number of projects to support businesses and help secure inward investment in the Sheffield city region (SCR) have been developed to utilise European funding, potentially the last such regional projects to start before Britain leaves the European Union (EU).

Structural funding from the EU is seen as integral to meeting the targets in the Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP's) Growth Plan, which has set an ambitious target of creating 70,000 new jobs in the SCR by 2023.

The latest calls total £36.7m in EU funds and are asking for large scale projects in a number of areas including support for enterprise, supply chain development, research and innovation, inward investment and sustainable development. Funding is also available for projects to address skills issues and to support unemployed individuals at high risk of long-term unemployment.

Up to £2m is available for a project to promote the SCR area as a prime business location for foreign direct investment which is set to include marketing the region and providing aftercare support for inward investors.

Up to £2.4m is available for projects to increase entrepreneurship through outreach, advice and support. £3.6m is available for "revenue based proposals that seek to address SCR business's low propensity for innovation, stimulate demand and idea creation for innovation and productivity growth."

£2.2m is available to help strengthen the supply chain and ensure that local businesses can win more contracts whilst £1.4m is set aside to encourage a wider use of superfast broadband.

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The largest allocations are for low carbon projects and sustainable urban development. £7.1m is set to be used to back renewable fuels and energy projects with £8.4m for boosting the economy by using brownfield sites, addressing flood risk and improving the green infrastructure.

A skills hub is set to be created to complement existing support provided through the SCR Growth Hub and Skills Bank. The call states: "In order to implement an effective skills support infrastructure within SCR, the Combined Authority intends to deliver skills related support under a single, coordinated strategic framework and has identified the development of a bespoke local Skills Hub as the central pillar.

"The new Skills Hub will provide access to information, advice and guidance to businesses who require support on skills related matters across the Sheffield City Region."

With a new economic strategy focused on inclusion, the SCR is launching a project backed by £6m from the European Social Fund to address actual and perceived barriers to employment that individuals at risk of long term unemployment may face, for example confidence, health, housing, skills, debt and substance misuse.

With £1.6m allocated from the EU, a project is being funded to get more businesses working with local schools. The region wants to see "a mechanism for linking co-ordination of local employers with schools and young people to provide meaningful/inspirational experiences of the world of work, foster and encourage entrepreneurism and ensure young people can make informed education and career choices."

Chancellor Philip Hammond confirmed last year that the Government will guarantee EU funding for structural and investment fund projects, signed after the Autumn Statement and which continue after the UK has left the EU (possibly in 2019).

The Government recently confirmed that following the UK's departure from the EU, it will launch the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, using money returning from the EU to provide funding for economic development and local growth across the UK.

Sheffield city region website

Images: European Commission

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News: Former Rotherham M&S building sold

A prominent building in Rotherham town centre has been sold following an auction earlier this month.

27 - 29 College Street in Rotherham, known by many as the previous home of national retailer, Marks & Spencer, includes 32,600 sq ft of "well configured and flexible retail accommodation."

The freehold was given a guide price of £900,000 by leading auctioneers, Acuitus for its auction in London on December 7. The lot did not sell on the day but a deal was struck after the event.

The sale follows on from a deal for the adjacent property in July. The freehold shop investment at 31 College Street (the Greenwoods store) went under the hammer with national auctioneers, Allsop, and was sold at the guide price of £300,000.

Over the road, 38-40 College Street was given a guide price of £150,000 - £200,000 by Acuitus when it went up for auction earlier this year. It sold for £245,000.

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Richard Auterac, chairman of Acuitus, said: "Coming into this year – after the economic and political turbulence of 2016 – it was very hard to call how our market would fare. In the event, we have substantially broadened our seller base and been able to bring to auction the type of assets which meet the needs of the growing numbers of private investors targeting the commercial property sector.

"Our final 2017 auction illustrated this with the sale of investments across all property sectors and throughout the UK."

With eye-catching half mock timber and decorative Art Nouveau style windows above, the ground floor is let to Poundworld Retail Limited until 2021 who operate its Bargain Buys fascia on the site.

The property was advertised as having the potential to convert the self-contained vacant upper parts to residential which would echo similar plans in the area and meet the focus of the new masterplan. Town centre living is seen as critical to sustaining the long term health of the town centre and seen as important in achieving around the clock vitality and vibrancy.

A planning application was recently submitted to convert part of 38-40 College Street into flats. The former snooker hall on the second floor of the property could be converted into five new flats.

Acuitus website

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News: Wates gets to work on £29m Rotherham housing scheme

The first phase of construction work as part of the £29m scheme in Rotherham will begin in Maltby.

The Council is bringing forward some of its "more challenging" sites using a innovative development model. Wates successfully secured a multi million pound tender and will act as the Council's development partner.

Rotherham Council has appointed Wates Residential to develop 217 new homes, 98 of which will be council rented homes and five will be adapted for adults with learning disabilities and young vulnerable people. The scheme also includes properties for sale, shared ownership and rent to buy and will be built across seven sites in Maltby, Canklow, East Herringthorpe and Dinnington.

The first phase of construction work will begin on Braithwell Road in Maltby to provide 83 properties for sale. The first of these homes are expected to be ready in Spring 2019. Phase one of this construction programme will also see development start on Conway Crescent and Farnworth Road, East Herringthorpe and Gaitskell Close, Maltby. Following this, phases two and three will commence in Dinnington and Canklow in 2018 with an expected completion for all 217 homes in 2020.

The Wates Group is one of the largest privately-owned construction, development and property services companies in the UK and has committed to delivering a variety of training and employment opportunities for local people. As part of its preparatory works, Wates has engaged local suppliers and sub-contractors to ensure that the Council's investment provides a boost for the local economy.

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Cllr. Dominic Beck, cabinet member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "Rotherham is one of the largest stock holding authorities in the country and one fifth of our residents live in social housing. Making sure these residents have access to affordable and warm homes, and those that are adapted to meet their needs, is vital. The 98 new Council homes will help us to deliver the high quality housing that we need.

"We also have ambitious growth plans to regenerate the borough and make it a place where more people want to live, work and spend their leisure time. This development with Wates Residential is a huge step forward for the Council and we are delighted to see work getting underway and our vision becoming reality."

Jo Jamieson, managing director of Wates Residential North, added: "We have been working closely with Rotherham Council to ensure that our partnership helps to meet the borough's diverse housing needs. The strategy now being implemented will support vulnerable members of the community while also providing an affordable foot on the ladder for first time buyers.

"Today's sod cutting ceremony is symbolic of the progress being made on this ambitious investment programme. Our team starting on site is a huge step forward for the creation of the new homes, as well as for the long-term benefits the local community will feel as a result of this new development."

Last month, the Council's cabinet approved the authority's plans to use £6.81m of grant funding it secured through the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA's) Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme (SOAHP).

Wates Group website

Images: Wates / RMBC

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News: £12m bus station revamp approved

The planning application for the long-awaited revamp of the bus station in Rotherham town centre has been approved but the owner of the adjacent shopping precinct is unhappy at the prospect of the interchange's closure whilst work is carried out.

Architects at Jefferson Sheard submitted the application earlier this year focused on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing. The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped.

Norseman Estates Limited, who are owners of the College Walk Shopping Centre which adjoins the bus station, has complained over the consultation done by the SYPTE and the impact of the temporary closure of the bus station.

Partners decided last year to focus on refurbishing the car park and bus station rather than a large scale redevelopment. Opened in 1971, the multi storey car park has since developed widespread defects. It is underutilised and "nearing the point of being beyond economic repair."

The bus station, which has associated public safety issues, suffered a fire in 2016 which caused significant damage.

Construction works to undertake the car park refurbishment scheme commenced on site in May 2017. The approved plans included internal improvements to increase usage and proposals for new highly durable anodised mesh panels to replace the poorly implemented current external cladding.

The latest plans, approved without the need to go to the planning board, include new finishes, fixtures and fittings to refresh the interchange, replacing failing components and improving the customer experience. This includes new glazed facades, replacing the existing floor surface in its entirety, new concourse and runway ceilings, replacing all of the current seating, new signage and a new, high quality and integrated customer service desk.

Led by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), the tender process to procure a construction firm to carry out the work is underway with the deadline this week.

Work is anticipated to start in Spring 2018 and last for approximately 12 months.

Proposals are in place to fully close the interchange site to the public and the potential use of nearby Forge Island for a temporary bus station is being discussed.

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Legal firm Freeths, on behalf of Norseman Estates, said: "The importance of the operation of the bus station and its relation to the shopping centre and the wider town centre cannot be over emphasised in terms of the vitality and viability of the town.

"Although the development for which planning permission is sought in this application may be considered relatively small scale it never the less has the potential to have significant and serious implications if not properly managed as part of the overall refurbishment of the bus station."

A report from council planners responds with: "The applicant indicates that the car park construction works will be completed in parallel with this application to minimise the duration of the construction works on site and consequently minimise disruption to the ongoing town centre activities and retail offers. However, the applicant has confirmed that the construction of the new entrance lobbies can be completed without whole closure of the interchange. Localised temporary relocation of the bus stands immediately adjacent to each entrance may be required at most.

"The issues raised by the objector are noted and the potentially uncertainty of the business owners within the College Walk Shopping Precinct to the south of the interchange are understood. However, the issue raised by the objector in respect of there being no proper consultation with the businesses and the applicant is not a material planning consideration and this issue, together with the fact the bus interchange will need to close to carry out the wider redevelopment of the site is one that should be discussed between the applicant and the businesses outside of this planning application as it is legal / civil issue.

"It is noted that the closure of the bus interchange may impact on town centre, however there have been months of discussions between the applicant and other Council departments to ensure any disruption is minimal and does not significantly impact on the town centre. Again this is not material to this application and is for discussions outside of planning."

In 1995 Norseman Holdings bought the whole site from Rotherham Council, re-developing it with a shopping mall at the main entrance and new shops fronting onto Effingham Street. To facilitate the wider proposals, SYPTE agreed to take a 99 year lease of the Interchange site.

The owners also asked for a decision on the application to be deferred pending further negotiations to keep the bus station open during the works.

Council planners conclude that a condition is not considered necessary in this instance given the small scale nature of the proposed works, which in isolation, if approved would not require the bus interchange to close.

The report adds: "It is noted that during the construction phase of the wider development there may be a short term impact on the economic and social dimensions due to pedestrians not walking directly past the businesses from the Interchange, but these business can be accessed directly off Frederick Street.

"Furthermore, once this construction period has finished, the wider development is likely to provide significant economic and environmental enhancements to the town centre and its businesses."

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE / Norseman / Jefferson Sheard

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News: Future potential is huge for MetLase

MetLase, the Rotherham-based joint venture between Rolls-Royce and the Unipart Group, recently showcased some of its pioneering work at Advanced Engineering 2017.

Initially focused on aerospace, automotive, motorsport and the medical market sector, the rapidly-growing company expects to create around 30 high-end, technical engineering jobs at its headquarters on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The mechanical engineering consultancy specialises in increasing productivity by designing and manufacturing complex tooling, fixturing and components for a wide range of industries, often bringing lead times of months down to just days.

Advanced Engineering is the UK's largest annual gathering of advanced engineering professionals and connects the entire supply chain with R&D, design, test, production and procurement from manufacturers and top tier industry players.

2017 was the first time that MetLase has attended the major exhibition at Birmingham's NEC, joining big names such as Boeing, Nissan, Hexcel and Dassault Systèmes.

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Using highly skilled and creative engineers, MetLase is able to deliver engineering solutions to complex issues by using high precision laser-cutting technology, combined with patented assembly and joining systems.

Steve Dunn, managing director at MetLase said that the company was looking to widen its reach to other parts of the industry. He added: "We developed our process and launched our innovative technology two years ago; since then the business has doubled in size but the future potential is huge."

The basic manufacturing techniques used at MetLase are CNC laser-cutting and press-brake material forming.

Patented joining techniques are used to eliminate the need for welding, removing any chance of heat–induced distortion and allowing the accurate laser-cut tolerances to be maintained in the final assembly.

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One of its first major projects was to come up with a way of manufacturing very lightweight exhausts for high end cars made by Aston Martin.

And this year, MetLase became a partner on a collaborative R&D project with the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing and Meggitt Plc to develop an intelligent, digitally enabled Smart Workbench.

Another project sees MetLase partner with the Nuclear AMRC, also based on the AMP, and other industry partners, to demonstrate fixturing technology on large cylindrical parts representing a two-thirds scale replica of a mid-range reactor pressure vessel.

Metlase also produced the tooling (in just nine days) to enable Williams Advanced Engineering to assemble an innovative chassis as part of its lightweight electric vehicle platform concept, named the FW-EVX.

Unveiled at the Low Carbon Vehicle Event in September, the concept features several innovations in battery pack design, cooling systems and lightweight structures, which have each been cleverly integrated into a single, scalable platform.

MetLase website

Images: UKSE

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News: Forklift firm offering free emissions tests

Endeavour Forklifts in Rotherham is raising awareness of harmful emissions among the local operators of LPG forklifts by offering free testing with every first service booked.

Opening last year at Aldwarke, the provider of service, parts, sales and hire for the region's forklift users, was created specifically for exclusive distribution rights to Mitsubishi forklifts in South and West Yorkshire.

The internal combustion in the engines of LPG forklift trucks can emit gases that can cause serious harm to employees. Significant levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can cause headaches, fatigue, nausea, and even death in extreme cases. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the most common cause of air pollution, and can result in respiratory discomfort and problems among staff.

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LPG forklifts are commonly chosen for indoor operations for their perceived emissions benefits but James Breadmore, service manager at Endeavour Forklifts, explains: "Mitsubishi LPG forklifts come with a closed loop engine system, which offers optimum combustion, the best fuel efficiency and exceptionally low emissions. For models of LPG forklifts from other manufacturers, however, the truth may not be so encouraging, and it can be a challenge to assess the extent of damage caused by these machines."

Some harmful gases are completely odourless, and can only be detected during an emissions test. So, in a bid to tackle air pollution in Yorkshire's warehouses, with the first service booked with Endeavour Forklifts will include a free gas and emissions test. The offer is valid on all makes and models of LPG forklift trucks in the county.

Breadmore added: "The gas analyser test from Endeavour can optimise combustion efficiency, maximise fuel savings and detect dangerous levels of gases that can affect safety and comfort in the work environment. If harmful air pollution is detected, Endeavour can work with you to ensure the necessary steps are taken to reduce polluted air and boost productivity throughout your operation."

Founded by Rotherham-born, Jason Reynolds, the firm has its own fleet of around 50 forklift trucks ready for immediate hire.

Endeavour Forklifts website

Images: Endeavour Forklifts

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News: Xeros to raise £25m as it outlines future plans

Innovative Rotherham company, Xeros, has announced plans to raise a further £25m through the placing of new shares as it aims to accelerate the commercialisation of its patented polymer technology behind the first real revolution in laundry in 60 years.

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 use of the polymer technology in cleaning, leather processing and textile production.

The board at Xeros has announced that it intends to raise £25m before fees and expenses by a placing of 11,111,112 new ordinary shares with existing and new institutional investors at a placing price of 225 pence per Placing Share.

Xeros raised £40m in a share issue at the end of 2015. High profile investors include the IP Group plc, Mercia and Woodfood's patient capital fund.

The previous funding has been used for research and development, IP and patents and technical validation and by the end of November 2017, the company had existing cash resources of £4.2m.

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In cleaning, Xeros' Symphony Project is spearheading a move away from the company manufacturing its own machines for the commercial market. Instead, a simple retrofit pedestal can integrate the polymer bead cleaning system into conventional machinery, enabling its water-saving revolution in laundry to be brought to market by leading manufacturers.

Xeros successfully demonstrated a working prototype at the Clean Show in early June and in September, an agreement was signed with a major OEM was signed to conduct "testing and validation" of the technology within one of its commercial washing machines. The agreement allows for commercial discussions to take place upon successful completion of the test and validation.

The board is targeting 2,500 - 3,000 machines using the technology by the end of 2020 and is moving to an indirect business model with income to be generated from the management of the beads themselves, which can be re-used and recycled.

In another billion dollar market, progress is also being made on a domestic washing machine that will demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2018. It is designed to be incorporated into branded OEMs product lines with very little alteration to the production process.

Xeros expects discussions to follow with the company's medium-term target for 1.5% of annual global domestic washing machines sold to incorporate the polymer technology. Globally 119 million washing machines are sold annually with a retail market value of $70 billion per annum. Xeros is targeting an average royalty of 4% of the retail price of a machine.

In cleaning, the polymer technology gently removes unwanted molecules and contaminants from materials; in tanning however, it is highly effective in pushing molecules into hides during leather processing. Following trials which reduced water and effluent by up to 50%, Xeros signed its first major contract with Wollsdorf Leder Schmidt and Co. in Austria, on a ten year basis. More contracts are expected by the end of 2018.

In tanning, where 300 million bovine hides are processed on an annual basis with a value of $55 billion to the tanning industry, the target for Xeros is for 11 million hides per annum being processed by its polymer technology.

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Further details are now being revealed on how the polymer beads can be used in textile industry - in the fading and texturing of denim and in the dyeing of cotton garments. The newest sector for Xeros, the team is moving from small scale trials to larger production-scale trials and are seeking commercial partners to assist in evaluating the commercialisation options.

It is estimated that 1.2 billion pairs of denim jeans are manufactured every year and the global retail market value is $60 billion. The global cotton processing industry adds $26 billion of value per annum through the garment finishing process, which includes dyeing.

Mark Nichols, chief executive of Xeros, said: "We have developed unique polymer technologies which substantially reduce water, chemistry and energy usage. Over the last two years we have materially progressed their application in three world-scale markets: cleaning, tanning and textiles.

"Having completed the majority of this development, we are now progressively commercialising six business applications in our chosen markets with major milestones for each targeted in the near term. IP-rich business models with low capital intensity have been designed to provide demonstrable value to commercial partners and investors alike.

"We are delighted to welcome new investors who support our unique proposition and strategy. This fundraise enables us to progress significantly the commercialisation of our technologies and enhancement of shareholder value."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros / Instictif Partners

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