News: AMRC signs MOU with GKN

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing is to work with GKN Aerospace on developing advanced technologies for the aerospace industry.

With multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC is a world leading model partnership between industry and academia that focuses on advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

Worcestershire-based GKN Aerospace is a leader in the manufacture of highly complex composite and metallic aerostructures and engine products. It is a Tier 1 member at the AMRC and is one of the world's largest independent first tier suppliers to the global aviation industry.

An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to progress a series of research themes being developed together at the AMRC's state-of-the-art Factory 2050, the dedicated collaborative research factory home to the Integrated Manufacturing Group on Sheffield Business Park.

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Previous projects involving the AMRC and GKN include work to protect and exploit the UK's collective strengths in aerospace wing manufacture and work to examine automated and robotic techniques to assemble aerospace structures 30% faster than previously possible.

GKN has also worked with the University of Sheffield and other partners on producing airworthy components using a novel additive manufacturing (3D printing) process. It is also an industrial partner in MAPP, the EPSRC Future Manufacturing Hub at the University which focuses on Manufacture using Advanced Powder Processes.

Colin Sirett, chief executive officer at the AMRC (pictured, second right), said: "The purpose of signing the MoU is to recognise the strategic role the AMRC is playing and to drive forward the significant amount of work and technological development we are embarking on with GKN Aerospace.

"What we will be looking at in a package of work with them is future manufacturing systems and digital linkage of those systems with the customer and the development of metallic machining technology.

"The AMRC will also have a core role in developing the Wing of Tomorrow technology with GKN Aerospace. This technology will be large scale assembly, metal materials machining and opportunities for castings.

"The plus point of the MoU for us is it enables us to operate very closely and effectively with companies that view the AMRC as one of their strategic partners."

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As part of the agreement, Robert Sharman, the global head of additive manufacturing at GKN Aerospace, will work with the AMRC's additive manufacturing research team as an associate professor.

Paul Perera, VP global technology at GKN Aerospace (pictured, second left), said: "The Memorandum of Understanding has been created between us to progress a number of joint themes which we have incubated here together.

"These are the application of digital manufacturing, the application of large scale additive manufacturing, and we have also been looking at large scale automation with the "Wing of Tomorrow" project.

"It is a good partnership with true benefits on both sides. We really want to maintain the momentum on this agreement."

AMRC website
GKN website

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News: All change at Rotherham guest house

A change of use planning application has been approved to enable a guest house in Rotherham to be converted into a specialised accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.

The application is from Chesterfield-based care company, The Heathcotes Group, one of the most experienced providers of residential care for adults with over 300 bespoke placements at over 60 specialist services across the UK.

The group is rapidly expanding and already operates a site in Rotherham - Heathcotes Knollbeck which has eight ensuite bedrooms and provides twenty four hour support.

The new site is set to be at the Fernlea Hotel, a 12 bedroomed guest house in the Moorgate area, and the proposals involve making internal alterations for six single bedrooms with en-suite facilities and three self-contained single person flats. All the accommodation is ancillary to the care home business so won't let or sold separately.

The redevelopment of the Gerard Road property is expected to create 20 jobs as the service users will be supported by non-resident staff.

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In addition to changing the use from C1 to C2, the proposals also include demolishing the existing garage to the rear and erecting a two storey side extension.

Approving the application, planning officers at Rotherham Council, said: "It is considered that the proposed use would be compatible with the existing uses within the locality and in consultation with the Environmental Health Officer, it is considered that the proposed development would not result in any adverse impact on the neighbouring amenity by way of general disturbance.

"In consultation with the highway officer, it is considered that nature of the use would not generate significant parking demand."

The freehold of the property was sold by Merryweathers and South Yorkshire Property Auctions for £350,000.

Heathcotes Group outlined a £20m expansion plan in 2015 and secured further financial backing in the form of a syndicated loan from HSBC and Yorkshire Bank last year. It said it would allow the business to support increasing demand from local authorities for smaller facilities that are integrated into the community.

Heathcotes Group website

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News: Pricecheck adds alcohol to product line

Having built up a £70m turnover business based on supplying toiletries, Pricecheck now has the ability to buy, store and distribute alcohol in the UK and EU.

Based at Beighton Link in Rotherham, Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The company acquired the necessary licensing to purchase and distribute alcohol in September 2017. The ability to move into the alcohol market was boosted by exceptional growth in recent years and a commitment to invest in new categories, in order to offer a one-stop shop for customers.

In autumn 2017, as part of Pricecheck's commitment to expansion, work began on a new mezzanine floor at their purpose built warehouse and head office. This investment has enabled increased efficiencies when processing orders in and out of the warehouse.

The company also expanded into additional satellite warehouse facilities in Sheffield which added a further 40,000 sq ft of storage capacity. The business now boasts a total of 170,000 sq ft and the extra space has enabled Pricecheck to increase stock levels of new categories, including alcohol.

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Chris Roberts, business development director at Pricecheck, said: "This is a strategic move for the business, we have traditionally been known for supplying branded toiletries and other household consumer goods, however, we want to ensure we offer a broad range of brands and product categories.

"We successfully introduced branded food and drink in 2016, and alcohol is a natural development of these categories. With our additional warehouse space we can now offer an even wider range of products and brands."

Pricecheck already stocks lines such as VK, Stella Artois and Guinness, with plans to supply further brands in the coming months.

The second generation family owned business was established in 1978 by the parents of Mark Lythe and Debbie Harrison, who now run the company as joint managing directors.

The award-winning firm, recently celebrated 40 years in business. It has grown by 33% in the last year to record a £73m turnover and aims to reach £200m by 2025.

Pricecheck website

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse welcomes tour with land art

A group of artists are creating a colourful confetti trail at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham in time for the Tour de Yorkshire.

The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) concluded the acquisition of the largest privately-owned house in Europe for £7m last year. The aim of the trust is to preserve the Grade I listed house and grounds on a long term sustainable basis and raise funds for repairs and other essential works.

With the high profile bike race passing through the borough next week, the artist group Landmark Collective have been spray painting colourful shapes onto the lawn in front of the house to represent its history.

Landmark Collective were commissioned by Great Place Wentworth and Elsecar to create the land art, which has been designed to be seen from the air and measures 140 metres long by 150 metres wide.

Children from Wentworth C of E Primary School and Kilnhurst Primary School in Rotherham, along with staff and volunteers from Rotherham Council and Wentworth Woodhouse have all been involved in gathering ideas and spray painting the design.

Great Place is a three-year partnership between Barnsley Council, Rotherham Council and the WWPT to use arts and culture to engage people in the heritage of Wentworth and Elsecar and develop both areas as destinations.

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Becky Newbould, an artist from the Landmark Collective, said: "It's been really challenging in the wet weather but extremely rewarding. We're really grateful to all the volunteers who have helped us create such an eye-catching and impressive piece of art outside the historic Wentworth Woodhouse. Our spray painting has created a lot of interest from visitors to the house - we all look like ghostbusters in our overalls!

"This is the biggest land art we've worked on in our four years working on Tour de Yorkshire projects, and it's thought to be one of the biggest in the county."

The inspiration for the land art came from a story that guests were given rose petals to leave a trail back to their bedrooms because the house is so big. Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the largest houses in Europe with more than 300 rooms.

The design features a giant Yorkshire rose; a checkerboard to represent the flooring in the marble hall of the house; and a wheel to represent the area's mining heritage.

Sneaky peak of @landmark_art commission @robconwayartist @RFJamesUK @timmc_photo @GreatPlace_WE @Wentworth_house #TDR2018 #landart pic.twitter.com/2CDDyse6df

— forty winks (@b_newbould) April 25, 2018

Dominic Somers, of Great Place Wentworth and Elsecar, said: "We were really impressed with the Landmark Collective's response to use an elaborate confetti trail to connect people to the history of the house.

"Our aim at Great Place is to connect surrounding communities with the rich heritage and culture of Wentworth and Elsecar. The feedback we've received so far from visitors has been fantastic and there’s still time to observe the artists at work before the tour arrives - the best spot is from the Trans Pennine Trail."

Created by Barnsley Council and Rotherham Council, the partnership has secured a grant of £1.2m from a pilot project backed by National Lottery funds that aims to put culture at the heart of residents' future prosperity and wellbeing.

The lawns at Wentworth Woodhouse will host more artistry over the summer when the Wentworth Music Festival returns in June. In addition, the Summer Nights Outdoor Film screenings of The Greatest Showman and Dirty Dancing are set to take place in August.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: Refurb planned for historic Rotherham property

Another set of plans to introduce residential use over shops in Rotherham town centre have been drawn up.

At 43 Bridgegate, part of the historic Red Lion Inn, plans has been submitted for a change of use of the first and second floor to residential, whilst adding a new shop front to the rear of the property.

Providing a three bedroom flat in the storage and attic space above the vacant retail unit, the plans also include alterations to improve separate access to the upper floors from the Red Lion yard at the rear.

The masterplan for Rotherham town centre focuses on growing leisure and residential uses rather than retail.

The applicant is Eastbold Ltd, a London-based property company and the plans, drawn up by Thorpes Design Ltd, state: "The lease was surrendered by the long term travel agent circa 2014. The property has suffered a number of break ins and the rear entrance was boarded up for security.

"The proposal is to install a new shopfront whilst at the same time forming an entrance to the first and second floor accommodation."

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The 834 sq ft retail unit was most recently used by a mobile phone and gadget shop and was previously let to travel agent Going Places, the brand operated by Thomas Cook before it merged with Co-operative Travel.

The ground floor retail unit has been on the market with the rent at £15,000 pa and the property was put up for sale via auction in 2015 for £120,000 but failed to sell.

Whilst not a listed building 39 - 47 Bridgegate is on Rotherham Civic Society's local list which compiles properties of architectural or historic interest.

The society states that: "Providing frontage to the historic Red Lion Inn, which in the early 19th C had frontage to Bridgegate at No. 39. In 1927 this building and the adjoining shops were rebuilt by Tennant Brothers Brewery of Sheffield in a mock Tudor style. The new building was three stories with showrooms and offices above the shops, and extended over the access to Red Lion Yard.

"Rebuilding of the property was necessary to comply with a new street improvement line which was required in connection with the creation of the bus terminus in All Saints Square."

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News: Maddock made visiting professor

Mike Maddock, managing director and co-owner of Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd, has been named as a visiting professor within the Univeristy of Sheffield's Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, PES operates in multiple sectors, including aerospace, green energy, automotive and performance sport to name a few. Mike and the PES team are currently working on several government funded R&D projects in collaboration with the University and industrial partners. The business also assists Mechanical Engineering students with their group engineering challenge projects.

The appointment builds upon his active involvement in the Science and Innovation Board (SIB), chaired by Professor Sir Keith Burnett, that works to influence the strategic direction of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) to support growth and economic impact in areas that depend on science led innovation.

Mike also sits on the EPSRC IAA Steering Group and is a member of Sheffield Universities' Managing Directors' Club, which aims to support innovation through industry and academic partnerships. Outside of the University, Mike is an active board member of the Yorkshire and Humber, EEF Regional Advisory Board (RAB).

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Professor Maddock, said: "I am very pleased to have been asked to be a visiting professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering. From my work with the Science and Innovation Board, and the EEF advisory board I know how important it is for business and academia to work collaboratively, in order to leverage opportunity for innovation and growth within the region, nationally and internationally.

"During my professorship I aim to further strengthen these complementary relationships between business and academia, so that SMEs can benefit from collaborations with the University and industry. I am also keen to help the students understand the opportunities and challenges of the commercial world."

Mike's career started in the Royal Navy, where he trained and worked as a Clearance Diver and Bomb disposal operative for thirteen years. This experience of pressured environments and detailed operational planning laid solid foundations for later roles including regional operations director, with multi-site management and responsibility for over 3,000 staff. Mike also represented Great Britain in the Skeleton Bobsleigh for seven years.

As visiting professor, Mike will continue with his current activities with the University and will also deliver keynote lectures to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, sharing his experiences and supporting the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders and innovators in their development.

Professor John Haycock, faculty director of research & innovation for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: "We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Faculty of Engineering and look forward to learning from his insight and experience during his time here as Visiting Professor. His breadth of industry knowledge as well as his work to promote science and innovation in the Sheffield City Region will be an asset to the Department and for the ongoing development of our students."

PES website
University of Sheffield website

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News: On course at University Centre Rotherham

As building work continues on the new £10.5m university campus in Rotherham town centre, details have been released showing the types of higher level education courses that the first cohort of students will take.

The University Centre Rotherham (UCR) includes specialist teaching facilities, seminar and lecture rooms, library, café and independent and group study spaces. The RNN Group is due to open the campus on Doncaster Gate in autumn 2018.

There are a wide variety of degree courses accredited by top universities and awarding bodies, including Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Hull, with plans for over 50 courses to be running at UCR by 2020.

And they are cheaper too, backed by student loans and maintenance loans, tuition fees are considerably less than others with undergraduate courses ranging from £3,000 to £7,000 per year.

Bachelor degrees, foundation degrees, HNCs and HNDs, PGCEs and higher and degree apprenticeships are being offered by the institution.

Accounting, business and management courses are set to include guest lectures delivered by industry-based speakers, enterprise challenges and visits to related organisations. Example arts courses include studying for degrees in graphic communication design, fashion and fine and applied art.

A new foundation degree course focuses on games development and new degree courses are in development in media studies and theatrical fashion and media hair and make-up.

The RNN Group's engineering focus continues into the new campus, as does the focus on the care sector and hair and beauty.

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Jana Checkley, director of higher education and skills for RNN Group, said: "The University Centre Rotherham is an amazing opportunity for the community. We are building a university specific centre that is going to house over a thousand students over the next five years.

"The UCR is a place were students are able to focus on developing their skills for a career in music, graphics, computing, engineering and many other fantastic opportunities that are going to help enrich the community of Rotherham.

"We are going to be working with local employers to help build a more diverse curriculum that is going to have over 50 different subjects by 2020."

Dan Jarvis, candidate in the upcoming Sheffield city region mayoral election, recently toured the building site for the new campus with the leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read.

Mr Jarvis met on site with the deputy principal of the RNN Group, Philip Sayles and construction manager from contractors, Willmott Dixon, Alan Neal, to take a tour of the latest developments, as well as learn more about course offerings.

Rotherham Council provided the land for the campus in a cut price deal. The Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority agreed to fund infrastructure works. A grant of £3.5m has been approved with the balance coming from RNN Group.

Dan Jarvis said: "The UCR site in the centre of Rotherham points to great opportunities and it is fantastic to see it taking shape. It shows how by working together, we can create jobs and secure the investment that we need to bridge the skills gap and offer local people the skills they need to succeed in future employment."

Cllr. Chris Read added: "When I was last here it was for the ground-breaking ceremony and the build was still in its early stages, with nothing much to see – today's visit shows how far the build has come along and I can't wait for local people to come and see UCR for themselves this September.

"UCR is not only the first key piece of the jigsaw for our regeneration of the town centre, it is also a critical investment to ensure that Rotherham people have access to the skills that they need in the future. We still have too few people with higher level qualifications, and for too long it has been difficult to study locally – over the coming years that is going to change."

UCR website

Images: RNN Group / Dan Jarvis

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News: Rotherham race team ready to roll at Tour de Yorkshire

This year the Tour de Yorkshire will take in roads in Rotherham for the first time and the new Rotherham-based pro team, Holdsworth Racing, is gearing up for the high profile event having been confirmed as a competing team.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2017 that Holdsworth, a prominent professional bike racing team of the 1970's, was being brought back to the circuit by Rotherham-based retailer, Planet X.

Planet X specialises in time trial, road, track and fixed wheel bikes along with mountain bikes under the On One brand. They relocated to new premises at the Ignite development in Templeborough in 2009 and also has warehouse space at Aldwarke.

Planet X is now the largest builder of high performance bikes in the UK, designing and selling under various brands. It acquired the respected Holdsworth brand in 2013, resurrecting it in 2015 by manufacturing speciality lightweight bikes in the UK.

Dave Loughran, founder of Planet X, said in his blog: "It was hardly a closely guarded secret that we had set up the Holdsworth Pro Racing team with the ambition of getting accepted into the Tour of Yorkshire.

"What had started last September with a few bullet points on an A4 piece of paper, after a frenetic flurry of activity, we announced it all in mid-October only to realise we had no bikes, no designs, no vehicles, no staff, no UCI frame, no riders, no sponsors, in fact all we actually did have was an A4 piece of paper and a mission.

"We did receive a few comments that it was too late, couldn't be done in such a short period of time and the elder guard of the cycling world advising caution if not outright laughing at us. Six months later I am pretty proud to say, after a stupendous amount of work and huge amount of support from a lot of people we are ready to roll and putting rubber to road."

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The team is yet to confirm its riders for the Tour de Yorkshire, which takes place between May 3-6, but it is likely to include Rotherham racer, Russell Downing, who has moved to captain the new team following a stint with JLT–Condor. Russ' older brother, Dean, himself a former pro and British champion, is the team's performance coach.

Holdsworth will be up against more established UK teams and the big, well-funded and highly drilled foreign teams including Astana, Team Dimension Data and Team Sky. It has recently been announced that Rotherham's Ben Swift will ride the tour as part of the Great Britain Cycling Team.

The Holdsworth team is banking on home county support and Loughran added: "It took a couple of days to sink in, and after the initial meeting with staff, we got our race face on and buckled down to the task at hand and are going to give it our best."

Starting in Barnsley town centre for Stage 2 on May 4, riders will race through the picturesque village of Wentworth before a designated sprint at Swinton. The route continues past Kilnhurst and Hooton Roberts before taking in Conisbrough Castle. Passing Mexbrough, the riders then head North to the finish in Ilkely.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Having the best teams in the business coming to Yorkshire is a massive coup and we're delighted to have a record number of British-based teams pitting themselves against the world's finest riders.

"Teams want to compete at the Tour de Yorkshire as they know they will be guaranteed massive crowds, exciting racing and an electric atmosphere.

"Last year 2.2 million spectators lined the route and the fourth edition promises to be the biggest and best one yet."

Holdsworth website

Images: Holdsworth / Tour de Yorkshire

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News: Rotherham caterer's appetite for growth

An enterprising free range farmer based in Rotherham has launched his own mobile hog roast catering business.

The Yorkshire Hog Roast Company, which caters for weddings, public events and private parties, was established by Shaun Churm after funding from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) enabled him to purchase essential business items including an eye-catching gazebo, display equipment and a generator.

Shaun secured £500 from the Kickstart fund which was launched by UKSE in partnership with Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and the Growth Hub to support those looking to establish a business in the area.

The owner of a free range and rare breed pig farm in Manvers, Shaun also employs a butcher to produce quality sausages and bacon that he commissions to clients looking for locally sourced meat.

Plans are already set in motion for Shaun to expand his business - now responsible for the whole farm to fork process – over the coming 12 months.

Shaun's hog roast business has already teamed up with Wortley Hall Hotel in Barnsley to offer its catering services as a feature of all wedding packages at the hotel.

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Shaun Churm, founder of the Yorkshire Hog Roast Company, said: "The funding that I have received from UK Steel Enterprise has been a huge help in establishing the business, and I am so pleased that it has been well received by the events market.

"The catering options offered at weddings and events are becoming increasingly diverse; the traditional buffet no longer quite cuts it! Hog Roast catering services are becoming very popular - especially as a late night buffet at weddings - and it seemed like a natural progression for me to enter into this market.

"The funding from UK Steel Enterprise has enabled me to purchase the essential equipment to establish my mobile business, allowing me to attend events, wedding fayres and galas across the South Yorkshire region, so I'd like to thank the team for their support."

Alan Stanley of UKSE, added: "In just a short few months Shaun has established a reputation in the regional events market which is evident from how busy his diary is already looking over the summer months. We wish him the best of luck moving forward."

Julia Millea of RiDO, added: "We are delighted to have supported Shaun in the initial stages of Yorkshire Hog Roast Company, and are looking forward to working with him further as his business begins to grow."

Yorkshire Hog Roast Company Facebook page
UKSE website
RiDO website

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News: Crawshaw reports on disappointing year

The Rotherham-based Crawshaw Group Plc, the UK's leading value butcher, has been hit by challenging high street trading conditions and has been forced to make an impairment goodwill of £10.6m.

The AIM-listed Hellaby firm reported its financial results for the year to January 28 where group revenue rose 1% to £44.6m but there was an underlying operating loss of £2.0m, an increase from the £1.1m loss reported in 2017.

The group also reported a statutory loss before tax of £13.5m, compared with a loss of £1.4m the previous year, due to a one off non cash impairment charge of £10.6m and £0.8m exceptional costs. The company said in a statement that as part of the annual goodwill assessment, forecast future cash flows were adjusted to take into account the impacts of sterling depreciation on buying prices and expected wage inflation.

Crawshaw announced growth plans in 2014 that involved investing £200m, opening 200 stores and creating 2,500 jobs. The plans stumbled in 2016 as difficult trading conditions continued.

A transformational 2017 deal with the 2 Sisters Food Group enabled Crawshaw to restart its accelerated new store opening programme, with an initial focus on factory shop locations.

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At the end of January, Crawshaw operated 52 trading stores, opening five new factory shops in the period and closing two underperforming high street units.

Sales from factory stores have offset sales from high street locations and the company is transitioning to a model based away from the high street. Now accounting for around a quarter of the group's sales, five to ten new factory stores are planned in the next 12 months.

Outgoing chief executive, Noel Collett, said: "This has been a disappointing year for Group sales. Whilst we have been pleased with the strong performance of our factory shop outlets, sales across our high street estate have proven more challenging, exacerbated by the well documented high street pressures.

"Against this, however, we have made operational progress to strengthen the business. We are confident that the rollout of our unique factory shops format and improvements in profitability across the high street estate will leave the Group well-placed for future growth."

Jim McCarthy, chairman of Crawshaw Group plc, added: "While sales for the year have been challenging, I am confident that the repositioning of the Group towards our successful factory shop model will improve long-term profitability.

"I expect to provide an update on a new management team in due course, who I am confident will help further develop Crawshaws' market leading value and drive improved performance in both factory shops and high street stores."

The report also showed that the company has created a central production capability at the Hellaby factory having invested in automated cutting and packing lines. This should enable a reduction in store-based staff who will re-focus from production to customer service. It also provides the capability to service the wholesale and catering butchery supply routes in the future.

A new leadership team is being sought as the CEO and CFO are set to leave the business later this year.

Crawshaw website

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News: MBO at long established family firm in Rotherham

Peter Lilleker, managing director of Rotherham-based Lilleson Engineering Services Ltd, together with his wife and business partner, Carol Lilleker, have sold the company to long-serving employee Tony Wade and his partner, Julie Mitchell.

Based on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, the family run business was established in 1984 by Peter's father, Ernest Lilleker, as a manufacturer of electrical control panels and systems.

The company has supplied control panels and systems all over the world, from hydroelectric plants in India to the roof of the centre court at Wimbledon, through its many clients including Fairfield Control Systems Ltd, SCX Special Projects, BOC, British Steel, Bae Systems and Kvaerner.

Tony Wade, who has been with the company from the start, has bought the entire issued share capital together with Julie Mitchell for an undisclosed sum.

To ensure a smooth handover, Peter and Carol will remain in a consultancy role with the company for up to 12 months before retiring.

Neil Large, corporate partner in the Sheffield office of Lupton Fawcett LLP provided legal advice and assistance to Peter and Carol Lilleker on the deal.

Alex Ross at Sheffield-based Bell Buxton Solicitors advised the Management Buy Out (MBO) team. Paul Dawson and Martin McDonagh, partners at Sheffield accountants Hart Shaw LLP provided tax and accounting advice to both parties.

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Peter Lilleker (pictured, third right), said: "It is difficult to believe that we started the business 34 years ago. Although my father is no longer with us I am sure he would have been proud of the success we have achieved over those years. Since Carol joined me in 1994, we have gone from strength to strength.

"Having started something from scratch it can be quite difficult handing over the reins to someone else. However in selling the company to Tony I know it is in very safe hands. He has been with us since the business started and it wouldn't be where it is today without his expertise and dedication over the years. I am confident the company will continue to go from strength under his and Julie's direction."

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Tony is certainly looking forward to the new challenge. He added: "This is a great company, hence why I have remained here for so long. It is a new chapter in our lives and presents Julie and me with a great opportunity.

"Julie and myself are looking forward to working closely with Peter and Carol over the next 12 months as we learn about different aspects of running the company."

Neil Large of Lupton Fawcett (pictured, right), said: "It is not often you get an MBO when both side have people have worked together for so long. If there was ever a case for an MBO exit (rather than trade sale) then this was it. It is great that Peter and Carol can transfer the ownership of Lilleson Engineering Services Ltd to people they trust implicitly to continue to grow the business.

"It was an absolute pleasure to act for Peter and Carol on their exit and I am sure the business will go from strength to strength under the new ownership of Tony and Julie where it is in safe hands."

Lilleson Engineering website

Images: Lupton Fawcett

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News: Bluetree Group aiming for European success

Fast growing Rotherham-based print business, Bluetree Group, is appealing for public votes as it represents the United Kingdom in Europe's largest business competition, the European Business Awards.

Since 2007, the European Business Awards has been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.

Based at Manvers, The Bluetree Group operates through a number of different brands, including Route 1 Print and instantprint.

After being named the UK winner of businesses with a turnover of £26 - £100m, Bluetree Group are now competing in a public vote to be named "European Public Champion" in the awards final stages set to take place in Warsaw, Poland this May. The print manufacturer has created a video that demonstrates their company's operations in hopes to engage with people from across the globe. Last year the public vote generated almost 250,000 votes.

To vote for Bluetree as the public champion at the final of the European Business Awards 2018 visit https://www.businessawardseurope.com/vote/detail-new/28/26751

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James Kinsella, director of ecommerce at Bluetree Group, said: "Myself and the entire team at Bluetree are delighted to represent the UK in the final stages of the European Business Awards in Warsaw. Making it this far is testament to the hard work that everyone at Bluetree has put in over the last year. We now need the UK to get behind one of their own and vote for us to become the European winners."

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: "This is an amazing achievement and Bluetree is clearly a stand out leader in their field. To be a National Winner means you represent our core values of success, ethics and innovation and are one of the best in Europe. We wish you the best of luck in the final round."

The primary purpose of the awards is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. Last year it engaged with over 33,000 businesses from 34 countries. Sponsors and partners include RSM, ELITE and PR Newswire.

Established in 1989, the Bluetree Group, previously at Templeborough, has evolved from a traditional screen printer to a predominantly digital offering. It took space at the Ignite @ Magna development in 2007 and in 2012 the business merged with instantprint.co.uk to provide a multi-channel offering.

The group moved to bigger Rotherham premises in 2015. Funding from Barclays and the Sheffield City Region Growth Fund Programme enabled the company to take a new 86,900 sq ft site at Brookfields Park in Manvers. Staff numbers have passed the 250 mark.

Bluetree Group website

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News: Driving the skills agenda

In addition to showcasing science, technology and engineering to young people, parents and educators, the recent Get up to Speed (GUTS) event in Rotherham brought together a number of key figures to discuss the manufacturing workforce, now and in the future.

The event, driven by employers and delivered through The work-wise Foundation, is now believed to be the largest of its kind in the North. It started in 2011 and moved to its home at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham in 2015.

Kicking off the day at a business breakfast, Master Cutler, Kenneth Cooke, the owner of CTW (Hardfacing) Ltd, said that the drive by employers to establish the event showed that they "understood the need to promote industry, both nationally and within the area."

The guests heard of the shortage of skilled engineers in the region and the country. 186,000 new engineers are required nationally per year between now and 2024 to fill the expected skills gap.

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John Bohan, senior director, engineering & manufacturing at Rotherham's Elevation Recruitment Group discussed the impact of skills shortages and described how the GUTS event was key to "inspiring the next generation, but also leading to conversations about how we drive forward the skills agenda."

And as Will Stirling, editor of The Manufacturing Review (pictured top, right), said: "If the local engineering sector doesn't come together to do this, then who will? It is unlikely to be the Government or schools."

The event, which attracts over 2,000 attendees, is delivered through The work-wise Foundation. Headline sponsors for this year were Liberty Speciality Steels, Cooper Brown Enterprises and Careers Y&H, with other event sponsors including the likes of AESSEAL, Doncasters Bramah, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Santander and Elevation Recruitment Group.

The business breakfast also brought together a panel comprising of David Richards CBE, chairman of Prodrive and chairman of the UK Motor Sports Association (MSA), Julie Kenny CBE DL, the entrepreneur who built the successful Pyronix company in Rotherham, and Rachel Abbot, managing director of Cobra Sport Performance Exhaust Systems.

The panel discussed a number of issues including recruitment concerns, inspiring young people, and especially women, into engineering, evolving a business and investing in skills.

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Richard Caborn, president of the work-wise Foundation, said: "Events like this are not just recognised as an "add-on" but are integral to the skills agenda.

"We are 13,000 engineers short in this region and it will cost us if we don't address this and get it right.

"It's why the Government has asked us to double the number of apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre. We'll soon see a snotty-nosed kid from the Manor estate or Parson's Cross who will come out with a PhD in engineering. That is social mobility on a scale we've not seen in this country."

David Richards gave the keynote speech to discuss his aims for using motorsport as hook to attract people into engineering, similar to how GUTS has used speed for its attractions - the Bloodhound supersonic car, McLaren supercars and Rolls-Royce jet engines.

Richards (pictured top, centre) said: "This is a credit to Sheffield and Rotherham. I wish there were events like this when I was leaving school."

GUTS website

Images: GUTS / Andrew Klinkenberg

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News: Rotherham bingo hall back under the hammer

The Mecca Bingo site in Rotherham town centre is set to go up for sale at auction in London next month.

The freehold leisure investment on Corporation Street is being advertised with leading commercial property auctioneers, Allsop and has been given a guide price of £875,000 - £925,000.

The 26,000 sq ft property comprises a substantial building currently used as a bingo hall providing reception area, gaming hall and ancillary and office accommodation over lower ground, ground, first and mezzanine floors.

The property last sold in 2014, when it went for £880,000, also at auction.

The property is entirely let to Mecca Bingo Limited until 2021 at a current rent of £125,950 per annum. The tenant has the option to extend the lease.

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For the year ended June 30 2017, Mecca Bingo Ltd reported a turnover of £203.340m and a pre-tax profit of £39.807m. It is part of the Rank Group which has been struggling with a declining retail gambling environment and moves towards digital growth. For the six months ended December 31 2017, Mecca's like-for-like revenue fell by 3% due to a 7% fall in visits but the company is thought to be outperforming the market with visitors who spend more.

The building, which auctioneers say "may lend itself to a variety of uses and redevelopment subject to obtaining all the necessary consents," is situated alongside the key regeneration site in the town centre - Forge Island.

Along with the site of the Law Courts and Riverside Precinct, Rotherham Council is currently selecting a development partner for a £43m mixed-used leisure development proposal, led by a new cinema and hotel. The Forge Island redevelopment has been penciled in for completion by mid 2020.

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Originally opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema the building was commissioned by Thomas Wade Cinemas Ltd of Wath-upon-Dearne, and designed by Messrs Blackmore and Sykes, Architects, of Hull. It had seating for 1,825, and was fully equipped for stage performances with three dressing rooms, and a theatre organ.

The site became the Odeon in 1946 and the café was turned into a Victor Sylvester ballroom in the 1960s. The cinema was taken over by Rank in 1975 and renamed La Scala. It showed its last film in 1983. It opened up for bingo as the Ritz, but was then taken over by Mecca Bingo.

The auction takes place at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge on May 15.

Allsop website

Images: Allsop

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News: Horbury captures capital construction contract

Horbury Facades, part of the Horbury Group based in Rotherham, has secured a contract to install an inspirational brick and terracotta façade on Highwood Garden Terrace, part of the West Grove residential development on Elephant Park in London.

From its headquarters in the Moorgate area, the group combines a number of subsidiaries that specialise in areas including joinery, ceilings, dry lining and health and safety training. Horbury Facades is a specialist rainscreen cladding contractor offering full specification, installation and maintenance services.

Elephant Park is the new £2.3bn multi-phase regeneration of the former Heygate Estate based in Elephant & Castle, and delivered by Lendlease. Highwood Garden Terrace is a ten storey mansion style building containing 85 homes, situated on Elephant Park’s West Grove residential development.

Working alongside Lendlease, Horbury Facades is installing a Brickslip Corium façade in grey and red in assorted textures. Glazed terracotta tiles in seven varying shades that gradate from buff to a dark red, are also being fixed onto playfully arranged infills in a staggered bond of differing lengths.

The company has also rendered the walls and soffits of the balconies situated along the northwest and east sides of the building.

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The design of the structure, created by AHMM architects, is inspired by traditional London mansion blocks and incorporates a number of tiers where the building steps back to offer terraces to many of the homes. The new build homes "fuse diverse historical influences, including the grandeur of the late Victorian and Art Deco periods, with a thoroughly modern approach. Each building has its own character, while retaining a timeless and classic aesthetic."

Adrian Storey, general manager at Horbury Facades, said: "This is an intricate and complex scheme and we will be utilising the strengths of our team in fixing the facade to meet the client's exact requirements. The location of the building means we have to work within a restricted area and to strict timeframes to ensure we can meet the project's deadlines. We’re looking forward to using our skills to help create what will be an eye-catching structure within Elephant Park."

Elephant Park is a major mixed-use development that will create almost 2,500 new homes and the largest new park in central London for 70 years. West Grove, which is due of completion in 2019, is the second phase of the development and will contain 593 homes in total.

Horbury Group website

Images: AHMM architects

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News: Three Rotherham firms win Queen's Awards for Enterprise

Three Rotherham-based companies have won a Queen's Award for Enterprise recognising their outstanding achievements in international trade.

Now in its 52nd year, the Queen's Awards for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the country, with winners recognised as being among the best in the country and able to use the esteemed Queen's Awards emblem for the next five years.

A record 152 businesses have received Queen's Awards in the international trade category including Central Wire Industries UK Ltd, a specialty alloy wire manufacturer.

The CWI UK production facility in the Greasbrough Road area of Rotherham supplies profile wire internationally to companies involved in a wide range of industries and markets.

It specialises in very high quality stainless steel and nickel alloy wires used in demanding applications by many major companies involved in oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, pulp & paper and water filtration.

In 2015, Canada's Central Wire Industries (CWI) acquired Rotherham-based Hempel Wire for an undisclosed sum. Hempel had recently purchased certain trademarks, trade names, and intellectual property from Fox Wire Limited in neighboring Sheffield. Included in this transaction were the rights to the SUPA family of alloys, including SUPA 75.

The firm dates back to when it was founded in Rotherham in 1983, and with the support of the Hempel family, H.A.Watson quickly established itself as a quality producer of stainless steel round wires.

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Another Rotherham-based winner for 2018 is GO Superfoods Ltd, which trades as Green Origins and Rainforest Foods.

The Dinnington firm is a manufacturer and wholesaler of premium supplements and superfoods such as Acai, Hemp seed, Maca, Maqui berry, Spirulina and Wheatgrass.

GO Superfoods previously won the same prestigious award in 2016 which recognised rapid growth in turnover which almost quadrupled over a three-year period. About half of the turnover is overseas trade.

More awards followed in 2017 when Green Origins was awarded 2 star awards in the Great Taste Awards for its Bee Pollen, Cacao Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil and 1 star awards for its Baobab Powder, Cacao Nibs, Cacao Powder and Hemp Seeds.

Rainforest Foods was awarded 1 star awards for its Organic New Zealand Wheatgrass Powder and Organic Maca Powder.

The third Rotherham winner is SBD Apparel, a UK manufacturer of premium supports and apparel for strength and fitness training.

Worn by elite athletes globally, the brand was founded to design and produce market-leading performance products in conjunction with a team of elite athletes, coaches and health professionals.

Founder Ben Banks, a former powerlifting competitor, developed better products and SBD is now a globally recognised brand, used by the majority of competitors at strongman events such as the World's Strongest Man (WSM).

SBD took space at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham in 2016, after the development of the SBD Belt which features a Patent Pending fastening mechanism combining the adjustability of a prong belt with the quick operation and tightness of a lever. It combines a high quality leather strap and a cast aluminium alloy buckle.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "The UK has some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative minds in the world delivering jobs, growth and greater choice for consumers and I am proud to see a wealth of these businesses being recognised today.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – 99% of UK firms are small and over 1,000 new businesses start every day. Through our Industrial Strategy we are building a Britain in which they will continue to thrive."

CWI UK website
Rainforest Foods website
SBD Apparel website

Images: CWI / Go Superfoods / SBD

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News: Former Rotherham school up for sale

A closed independent day school in Rotherham has gone up for sale.

The Bramley Campus of the Focus School on the Hellaby Industrial Estate closed in November and was formerly known as the Elsworth House School. It was operated by Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.

The school began using the site in 2004 and planning permission was granted on appeal in 2006. Rotherham Council had refused the change of use plans based on "inappropriate use in an allocated industrial area."

Now Crosthwaite Commercial has been instructed to market the property which the agents are calling a "unique freehold opportunity."

The property totals some 13,280 sq ft across four buildings on a site of one acre. It had the capacity up to 150 pupils.

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The main two-storey building was constructed as an industrial unit but has been converted, at considerable expense, to provide high specification teaching space benefiting from air conditioning, suspended ceilings and LED lighting.

Further modular buildings are on the site where planning permission was granted conditionally in 2015 to demolish a technology block and erect a replacement buildings.

The freehold property has been given a guide price of £650,000.

The site benefits from planning consent for D1 Non-Residential Institution which covers uses such as schools, non-residential education and training centres, nurseries and places of worship. The Hellaby area is a popular industrial area and is home to the likes of KP Nuts, Pyronix and Stanley Tools.

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The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church are involved with a long running planning battle over land at Common Road in North Anston. 2011 plans for a the erection of two buildings to form an independent school, convention centre and gospel hall were withdrawn following concerns over the impact on greenbelt land.

The application explained that the school needed to relocate from Helleby premises in order to meet future demands.

Updated plans were resubmitted and refused by Rotherham Council and further plans with the school aspect removed were also refused. 2017 plans for a church with football facilities have also been refused.

Crosthwaite Commercial website

Images: Crosthwaite Commercial

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News: Plans in for new Rotherham Lidl

A planning application has been submitted for a new retail foodstore in Rotherham by German global discount chain, Lidl.

Rothbiz reported first on Lidl bringing forward plans for a new store that would create around 40 jobs on land at Dalton.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has 670 stores here - with one on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The proposed new store is on the site of Dalton Progressive Working Men's Club where the building was vacated after the club fell into administration in 2016. The property burnt down in February and the site of proposed store includes land to the north and west of the demolished building.

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The plans, drawn up by consultants at Walshingham Planning, state: "The proposal will provide an improvement to the quantitative and qualitative convenience goods offer within Dalton by providing a discount retailer to serve the local catchment area. The development will provide increased consumer choice in price and products, enhance healthy competition and productivity, as well as meeting the needs of the whole community.

"The new Lidl foodstore will significantly enhance the current physical appearance of the site and surrounding local centre.

"The proposal will secure the development of a previously developed site on a key arterial route between Rotherham Town Centre and Conisbrough. The proposed scheme will bring the site into intensive economic use, creating up to 40 new jobs and enhancing the vitality and viability of the local area in a sustainable way."

Set back from the road, the plans show a new 23,700 sq ft "modern and attractive neighbourhood foodstore" with a sales area of 14,200 sq ft, generating an estimated turnover of £7.12m.

127 parking spaces are featured in the plans and assessments over transport and noise are included, as is a scheme for landscaping around the development.

The design of the scheme is based on Lidl's latest concept model which is currently in the process of rolling out across the UK. The design from SMR Architects includes a glazed façade to the south elevation facing Doncaster Road.

Part of the site has been earmarked for residential use in the emerging local plan and the applicants have included details on why the use for a retail store instead of housing would not "detrimentally impact on the Council's ability to meet its housing needs during the remaining Plan period."

On the need for another discount retailer in the area, the applicant believes that the demand is there as current local stores are trading well, adding that the Aldi at Parkgate is "trading more than three times above benchmark levels."

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A sequential test was not considered necessary but as the site is not within a designated town centre (the site falls partly within and partly on the edge of the local centre), a retail impact assessment has been carried out which shows how the store would divert trade away from retailers in surrounding areas.

The applicants conclude: "We do not believe that the proposed development will have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of any designated centres."

It is assumed that the proposed foodstore development will be completed within the next 18 months.

According to analysts, Kantar Worldpanel, Lidl has seen year-on-year sales growth of 10.3% to reach a 5.3% share of the market. Lidl bosses have previously discussed its aggressive expansion with a plan to roll-out "at least one shop a week" with investment of £1.45bn up to 2019.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Walshingham Planning / SMR

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News: New utilities consultancy launches in Rotherham

An independent utilities consultancy which prepares bespoke utility installation packages has launched following receipt of a £500 grant from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.

Founded by experienced utilities advisor Dean Pattison, Utility Source Limited provides advice to businesses that manage gas, water and electric infrastructure installations, specifically to those in the residential development, commercial construction and demolition industries.

The enterprise has recently taken space at the Dearne Valley Business Centre in Wath-Upon-Dearne.

The cash provided by UKSE - a subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with assisting the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry – funded the production of strategic advertising and marketing collateral including a logo, website and business cards.

A former National Grid employee with more than 15 years' experience, Dean launched Utility Source to act as an intermediary between sub-contractors and their clients - providing consultancy advice to property developers overseeing commercial and residential projects.

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Dean Pattison, founder of Utility Source Limited (pictured, left), said: "Launching my own utilities consultancy business was a natural progression for me, and the funds provided by UK Steel Enterprise have been vital in allowing me to market my offering to my customers effectively. I am very grateful for their support.

"My background in the industry and the network of professionals that I have immersed myself in means that I can provide the best service to my clients, liaising directly with engineers and designers in order to implement the most effective resolutions.

"Often, smaller construction businesses may not be aware of how to navigate the utilities industry. My aim is to make life easier for these individuals by managing their utilities provision, whether they're looking to install utilities for a new store or retail park or if they're needing to disconnect the supplies before beginning the demolition of a site."

Looking to the future Dean hopes to grow his business in the local area and further afield in line with demand – building his team accordingly, including recruiting a number of apprentices.

UKSE launched the Kickstart fund, with support from RIDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE), to support people looking to establish a business in the local area.

Alan Stanley, regional executive at UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, right), said: "Dean is offering a vital utilities service to the region's small and medium-sized construction businesses. We are proud to support new businesses, such as Utility Source Limited, as they begin to gain traction in their respective markets following receipt of our Kickstart grant."

Utility Source Limited website
UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: No backtracking from Rotherham Council in opposition to INEOS

The oil and gas exploration and production business, INEOS, has submitted an updated travel plan regarding its proposed test drilling well at Harhill, leaving Rotherham Council in a difficult position just a week away from a public inquiry.

The authority's transport planner believes that updated plans provide mitigation to his earlier concerns and reasons for refusal. The Council's planning board does not agree.

Having been given the "hurry-up" by Government, INEOS appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over the non-determination of the application for a drilling rig on Greenbelt land between the villages of Harthill and Thorpe Salvin. It said it had encountered "unreasonable delays" in dealing with Rotherham Council.

The planning board discussed the application in January where members agreed with the authority's planning officers who put forward reasons why the application would be refused based on concerns over the impact on the highways and on ecological surveys and assessments undertaken by the applicant that "fall considerably short."

The decision would form the basis of its stance at a public inquiry, which is due to start at Riverside House on April 24.

The application would provide temporary permission for a maximum of five years and the operation would involve months of various site investigation surveys and site preparation before a period of drilling, coring and testing. A well would be drilled to approximately 2,800 m using a drill rig of maximum 60 m rig height followed by three months of testing.

The Common Road site would be restored after the activity has taken place and tests will be carried out on the suitability of the area for hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

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Earlier mitigation measures drawn up for INEOS were rejected by the Council's transport planners. The proposals could generate a maximum of 70 daily vehicle movements during the site development and measures such as passing places and junction improvements were deemed to "not satisfactorily address the road safety concerns regarding the introduction of a significant number of additional large commercial vehicles along these narrow country lanes."

Now the traffic management plans have been enhanced with the addition of a number of new passing places to address concerns regarding the conflict between traffic, cyclists and pedestrians.

For example, ten formal passing places are now intended on Packman Lane, an increase from the three previously intended. Where passing places are not visible to oncoming road users, INEOS intends to control traffic movements through using a banksman and "Stop / Go" signs.

The new mitigation means that a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) would not now be needed. The authority was unlikely to approve the original order put forward by INEOS.

Following an urgent addition to the agenda, Ian Ferguson, senior highway development control officer at Rotherham Council, told members of the planning board this week: "It is considered that the enhanced traffic management plan measures constitute a significant improvement and satisfactorily address road safety concerns. Opposition to the development on road safety grounds could not therefore be justified subject to appropriate conditions."

Following input from local campaigners and councillors, members of the planning board discussed the updated transport plans. Critical of the applicant for submitting further information close to the start of the public inquiry, the members went against the recommendation to remove transport grounds from the authority's opposition to the proposal.

The decision means that the Council's transport planner will have to put forward the authority's views at the inquiry whilst having the professional opinion that the updated mitigation proposals would mean that the application could be approved on transport issues.

The authority's opposition will continue to be on transport and ecological grounds and the applicant will also have to address concerns from other objectors regarding the use of Greenbelt land, noise, drainage, etc.

INEOS website

Images: INEOS / Turley

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News: Xeros at a pivotal point in commercialisation

The board of innovative Rotherham company, Xeros, believes that it is at a pivotal point in the commercialisation of its technologies as it reports its financial results for the year ending December 2017.

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.

The AIM-listed firm is targeting commercial laundry and domestic laundry as well as the tanning industry and textile manufacturing.

Income at Xeros has increased to £2.3m but adjusted EBITDA (earnings before tax) was a loss of £28.7m as it continues to spend on R&D and commercialisation.

An oversubscribed share placing raised a further £25m in 2017 as it aims to accelerate commercialisation. The company is debt free and expects to raise further funds from investors in 2018.

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The financial report provides an update on the company's target sectors.

The first target sector was commercial laundry where the use of Xeros technology can reduce water consumption in places like hotels which can cut costs by up to 50%.

During 2017, Xeros initiated a plan to transition to a business model whereby manufacturers incorporate and sell its proprietary technology in exchange for royalties. Called the "Symphony project," Xeros is currently working with two major OEM's on the testing and validation of the technology inside their own branded machines. The objective being to have these companies marketing, selling and servicing machines incorporating Xeros' technology through their own well-established channels.

Xeros is also signing up "Forward Channel Partners" in areas where water scarcity is a big issue such as Australia, UAE and South Africa, who will market, sell and provide the full set of services for Xeros enabled machines.

The total number of machines commissioned and generating revenue grew by 169 during the year to a total of 381 at the end of December 2017. The target is that by the end of 2020, a machine will be commissioned every working hour incorporating Xeros' technology with each providing a royalty to Xeros.

Progress has also been made in the revenue-generating sector of performance workwear as Xeros acquires companies in the US as it aims to create a nation-wide network to serve the US firefighter market.

In domestic laundry, Xeros was at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2018 to launch its technology. The company said that it has now "entered into structured discussions with a number of major OEMs with the objective of licensing our 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 tanning technologies, the business model is one of sharing gains with customers under long-term contracts. Following successful trials, a start date is awaited for implementing engineering solutions in Wollsdorf, Xeros' first major contract which will see the conversion of its re-tanning operations in Austria to use Xeros' patented polymer beads.

Xeros has been targeting retanning and dyeing stages which use large volumes of water to apply specialty chemicals. It is also set to move upstream to the tanning stages of the process which typically uses proportionately more water to apply bulk chemicals. The target is to be applying its technology to up to 20% of the tanning market by the end of 2022.

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In the latest target sector, textiles, Xeros has demonstrated how its technology has the capacity to deliver water, chemistry, energy and effluent reductions which at least match performance outcomes in its other selected applications. Looking at denim finishing and garment dying, scale trials and development agreements with major manufacturers are expected soon.

The polymer science team in Rotherham continues to work on developing "Generation Three" polymers and the firm now has 48 "pending" or "granted" patent families, an increase of seven on the previous year.

The company states that the development of cleaning and tanning technologies were materially completed during 2017 and the focus is on their commercialisation. It said that it has a clear strategy to achieve "commercial inflection points" in 2018 which will allow future monetisation of each of its businesses.

Mark Nichols, chief executive of Xeros, said: "Xeros is now providing a unique, proven technological solution in a world increasingly threatened by the environmental challenges of water scarcity and pollution.

"We now have two businesses with turnover, other applications with near term inflection points and are engaged with some of the leading market incumbents in each of our cleaning and tanning applications. We also expect to be in discussion with major garment producers in the near term for our textile applications.

"For the majority of our applications, our plans are to implement IP-rich, capital-light business models with market incumbents.

"With our resources now aligned specifically to business opportunity, we are working our way through major commercialisation milestones.

"We are now at a pivotal point in the commercialisation of our technologies."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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