News: Significant sales increase at AESSEAL

Innovative Rotherham manufacturer AESSEAL has reported a significant 12.5% rise in sales for 2017 as it continues to invest.

With its global headquarters at Templeborough, the award-winning company manufactures mechanical seals for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals.

Group turnover rose to £170.6m in the year to December 31 2017 as the group benefits from the weakness of the pound. Organic sales growth was 6.75% on the previous year when adjusted for acquisitions and currency fluctuations.

Group net assets rose to £103.5m, a rise of 14.2% from 2016, and the group held a positive cash balance of £17.4m at year end, after increasing capital expenditure – which included investment of £6.8m in additional 9 and 11 axis machining capacity.

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Chris Rea OBE, founder and managing director of AESSEAL, said: "Despite a climate of continuing political and economic uncertainty, the AES group has delivered a strong result for 2017 and is confident of progressing positively this year and beyond.

"The investment in 2017 is not only to service increased demand but also to support the group's stride to take advantage of digitalisation and the Internet of Things. Our confidence for the future is built on the excellence of our product and service offering and the business model and value proposition of the group, which is unique in the industry sector."

AESSEAL has recorded more than three decades of near constant growth under Rea's leadership and continues to innovate in order to remain ahead of competitors and deliver industry leading customer service levels.

The company's ethos is based around providing such exceptional service to customers that they need never consider alternative sources of supply.

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Rea added: "Being located in South Yorkshire plays a key role in the success of the business. The steel industry heritage in the area means we have a skilled labour force.

"After 30 years of continued product development we believe we are in a very strong position - with a range of differentiated and enhanced patented technology for almost all Wet and Dry Gas Seal applications - and that we can secure as large a percentage of global applications as any other global mechanical seal supplier. Going forward our development will focus on emerging technologies and connecting the group's consultancy and reliability business digitally to its physical product range in order to offer the best possible service to customers."

AESSEAL employs 1,675 people across the globe, including 370 in Yorkshire. Following a £460,000 upgrade, the AESSEAL systems division at Barbot Hall Industrial Estate was recently officially opened.

AESSEAL website

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News: McLaren gets keys to £50m Rotherham facility

McLaren Automotive has been handed the "key" to the building that will house the new £50m McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

Supporting the firm's objective of producing more than 4,500 vehicles annually by the end of 2022, MCTC will enable the development and manufacture of the Monocell and Monocage carbon fibre chassis used in future McLaren models.

The finished tubs will then be sent to the McLaren Production Centre in Surrey where the company's vehicles have been hand-assembled since 2011.

Ruth Nic Aoidh, executive director, commercial and legal at McLaren, received the "key" to the building from Owen Michaelson, chief executive of Harworth Group plc who have built the unit for McLaren's use at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

On display for the occasion were the company's current family of products including members of the Sports Series and Super Series as well as a rare appearance by the McLaren Senna, all 500 units of which have been allocated to customers.

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Designers on the project were JPG with The Harris Partnership as architects. The contractor is JF Finnegan and the project managers are Burnley Wilson Fish.

When open, the MCTC will be home to only McLaren's second ever production facility and the first outside its native Woking. Around 45 McLaren employees are already housed at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), innovating the process for creating lightweight tubs and when fully operational, the team will grow to around 200 people.

The buiding will now undergoe several months of fitting out which will see all the manufacturing equipment installed, including a giant press that will make its way from Germany this summer.

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Ruth Nic Aoidh said: "Getting the key to the building that will house the McLaren Composites Technology Centre is a major milestone for us and the next chapter in our growth as a young, ambitous, innovative company.

"It's also an important day for all of the many individuals, organisations and suppliers who have supported and shared our ambitious plan to make the Sheffield region home to McLaren's second production facility. This project is also testamanet to their shared mindset and the region's long association with advanced materials that we are able to draw on and benefit from.

"Over the coming months the Centre will be fitted out with the production equipment we need to become fully operational next year and support hundreds of skilled jobs."

McLaren Automotive website

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News: Innovative thinking to address Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 issues

World-renowned engineering firm, Rolls-Royce has given an update on the problems with its Trent 1000 engines which is causing disruption for its customers, notably Boeing.

Rolls-Royce has increased maintenance capacity for affected engines, introduced a new inspection technique and the accelerated a permanent fix for the issue.

Rothbiz reported in April that further engine checks were taking place after the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered airlines to replace some Trent 1000 engines on their aircraft.

Corrosion-related fatigue cracking was discovered on IP blades in 2016. It was announced that the manufacturer would have to replace turbine blades on the entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners powered by its Trent 1000 engine.

The Trent engines include key components manufactured by Rolls-Royce in Rotherham. The most advanced turbine blade casting facility in the world was officially opened on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham in 2014. There are two types of turbine blade manufactured at the 150,000 sq ft facility: high pressure (HP) and intermediate pressure (IP) single crystal blades.

Chris Cholerton, president – civil aerospace at Rolls-Royce, said: "We fully recognise the unacceptable levels of disruption our customers are facing. We are intensely focused on minimising this and we have set our teams the challenge of doing everything we can to recover our customers' operations as swiftly as possible. We are drawing on the full resources of Rolls-Royce to address the issue and I’ve seen great teamwork and innovative thinking both across our organisation and in our partnership with Boeing."

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Rolls-Royce has trebled the number of affected engines it can work on at any point through the development of lean workscope methods, reducing the amount of time that an engine spends in maintenance. The majority of work takes place in facilities in Singapore, Heathrow and Derby and plans to further increase this capacity are being developed.

A permanent fix to the IP compressor rotor issue seen on Package C engines is also being developed. The revised compressor blade has been installed in a test engine and will begin testing in early June. Rolls-Royce aim to have first parts available for engine overhaul in late 2018, rather than 2019 as originally planned.

The engineering and design team has been able to accelerate the development of the new blade through a combination of the latest computing capability, "fast make" competencies within the supply chain, and the development of a dedicated facility in Derby to build engines on which the blades will be tested.

Cholerton added: "While we have made important progress in supporting our customers, there is clearly more to do and we will not rest until we have ensured the engine meets the high standards our customers rightly expect.

"Our teams remain focused on the task in hand and while we expect the number of aircraft affected to rise in the short term, as the deadline for the completion of initial inspections approaches, we are confident that we have the right building blocks in place to tackle the additional workload this will create."

In April Rolls-Royce said it would reprioritise spending to mitigate the costs and kept its 2018 free cash flow guidance unchanged at about £450m.

Rolls-Royce website

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News: £5m town centre flood defence work required

Rotherham Council is estimating that it will need to spend £2.5m - £3m on flood defence work before the redevelopment work on Forge Island can commence.

And planning permission has recently been secured for a £2.2m project at the New York Stadium site.

Having secured the land from Tesco, and surrounding land such as the law courts, the authority is anticipating that Forge Island "could accommodate a cinema, hotel, restaurants and bars, town centre parking, as well as high quality business space and modern residential opportunities."

Demolition work has been carried out and plans are now being developed for flood defences and associated public realm works along the canal frontage.

Three potential development partners are currently being assessed by the Council as it hopes to realise the key regeneration development as a joint venture.

In an update, the authority said: "It is still the intention of the Council to deliver the flood defences and associated public realm works along the canal frontage before main works are to commence on site.

"As the scheme is still in development and subject to change, final costs are still to be determined. For budget considerations, costs to implement the flood defence, including flood gates, and associated public realm enhancements along the east bank of the canal are anticipated to be in the region of £2.5 - £3 million."

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Rotherham Council set aside some £17m in 2016 from its capital budgets to carry out work in the town centre.

Planning permission has recently been approved for further flood defences in the town centre - at Don Street between the New York Stadium and RMBC's Riverside House.

On an unused area of scrubland, permission has been approved for the erection of a pumping station and associated infrastructure which is required to allow Holmes Tail Goit to be isolated from the River Don at times of high river levels. The pumping station is a key element of infrastructure contained within the flood risk strategy for the New York Stadium and surrounding areas.

Prior to the construction of the stadium, which opened in 2012, issues around flood risk and the works required to develop the site were set out, both through the planning approval given and the subsequent lease granted by the Council for the land the authority acquired at the Guest & Chrimes site.

The land levels were raised by 2.5 metres using infill to reduce the risk of flooding. Retaining walls, embankments and a drainage system were also included.

In 2016, Rotherham Council agreed to put forward £1.387m for the scheme, with the company created to build the stadium, RU Estates Limited, putting in £684,000 and the Environment Agency topping it up with 212,000.

The £14m first phase of the Rotherham Flood Alleviation Scheme, aimed at reducing flood risk over a 3.5km (two-mile) stretch of the Don from Templeborough to the town centre, saw construction completed in 2008. It was hoped to continue directly into Phase 2 with further European funding but was hit by funding cut backs.

Forge Island website

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News: Fishing Republic reports on "disappointing year"

Rotherham-based Fishing Republic, one of the largest fishing tackle retailers in the UK, said that 2018 would be a year of transition following disappointing trading results.

The Eastwood company that floated on the AIM stock exchange in 2015 has raisied millions to help carry out its expansion plans. However, turnaround plans were required during 2017 to tackle "a significant deterioration in trading."

In its results for the year to December 31 2017, Fishing Republic plc posted a loss before tax of £2.3m compared to a profit of £420,000 in the previous year.

Turnover increased to £9.153m from £5.799m, a rise of 57.8% year-on-year. The growth reflected the store opening programme, with seven stores opened during the year, taking the number of outlets to 19 at the year end.

The growth plans have been based on snapping up smaller competitors, opening destination stores and boosting online sales.

Stores sales increased to £6.743m whilst online sales increased to £2.410m from £1.656m in 2016. The company's bottom line has been hit by a decrease in gross margin to 32.6% from 47.6% alongside exceptional costs of £1.276m and additional resource taken on to support our growth initiatives.

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James Newman, executive chairman of Fishing Republic, said: "We are taking firm action to address the Group's disappointing performance and have made significant changes to the Group's management and organisational structure.

"Our comprehensive review, started at the end of 2017, has already resulted in positive steps forward, and we are working on further initiatives to improve the Group's position and create firmer foundations to take advantage of the market opportunity that exists. The fundraising of £1.3m in a share placing in January 2018 will support our actions.

"2018 is going to be a year of transition with competitive market conditions, changes to our business model and a new and strengthened management team."

Stephen Kyriacou joined as CEO in March and other changes at senior management level have taken place.

Newman added: "While the current financial year has continued to feel the impact of very competitive market conditions, our focus remains on improving working capital efficiency and developing our online platform in terms of technology and service levels, with the benefits to come through in 2019 and beyond."

Fishing Republic website

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News: Businessman brings Empress Building back to its former glory

The iconic Empress Building in Mexborough is being officially reopened next month and this includes revealing a brand new bar, bistro and coffee lounge, thanks to investment from local entrepreneur Jason Mace, managing director of Manvers-based Gala Tent.

The "Empress Rooms" bar and bistro will be officially opened on June 14 at a special VIP event, as part of a £150k investment to return the building to its former glory.

Over the past ten months, Jason has invested in refurbishing the former Empress Building ballroom and dance hall into a hub of business, health and community activity. The building, which dates back to the 1920s, was built to mirror the great dance halls in places like Blackpool and for decades it was the hub of social activity in the area but in recent years had fallen into disrepair.

Restored to its former glory, damaged rotten timber windows have been replaced with new PVC-u windows to improve its appearance, let in more light and make it more energy efficient for tenants using the building. Jason has invested in upgrading other empty rooms in the building for new businesses to lease, where customers will be able to undergo beauty or cosmetic treatments.

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Mace said: "The opening of the Empress Rooms is the culmination of many months of planning and significant investment in the building. This bar-bistro-lounge is just what Mexborough needs – somewhere that local people can meet up with friends, family or business colleagues and enjoy a meal, or just catch up over a coffee, Prosecco or a few beers! We're looking forward to bringing the buzz back into this part of the town."

Michelle Carr, who runs the nearby Park View Bar Grill and Function Suite in Swinton, was looking for a new business venture and, after viewing the premises, decided the Empress Building was ideal. She named the bar and bistro The Empress Rooms to capture the nostalgia of this iconic building. In the last few weeks, Michelle has been busy recruiting and will create several new jobs for people in the local area, including bar, waiting-on, kitchen and cleaning staff.

The bistro also has a new Head Chef, Chris Cole, who is passionate about health and is a qualified nutritionist. Chris and Michelle have worked together to create a menu of tasty dishes, which will be prepared daily from locally sourced goods.

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Michelle Carr said: "We are really excited about what we have planned for the Empress Rooms. It will be quite unlike anywhere else in the area and we hope will help to revitalise this part of Mexborough and bring more visitors into the town. Chris has a real passion for good quality food and locally sourced fresh ingredients and we'll be serving a variety of mouth-watering dishes to suit all tastes."

The Empress Rooms will be open from 8am Monday to Saturday. It will serve breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas and will host a number of themed dining evenings such as steak and Italian nights. The venue can also be hired out for private parties, anniversaries, christenings, birthdays, Christmas parties, corporate meetings and charity fundraising nights for up to 100 guests, on Sundays and after hours on certain week nights. The Empress Rooms will also be offering diet planning and advice, weekly and monthly prepared diet packages.

The Empress Building, which sold at auction in 2017, is currently occupied by a number of organisations, including the charity Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre, the Personal Training Room, Grafters Ironworks Gym, Micky's Athletics and Sally Salter Sports Massage.

Empress Building website

Images: Mark Jenkinson & Son

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News: Trust invites views on Wentworth Woodhouse

As vital repair work is well underway, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) are keen to hear views about the proposed future plans for the key Rotherham asset.

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

Historic England is overseeing spending of a £7.6m grant funding for emergency repairs through its repair grants for heritage at risk but WWPT, estimates it will need up to £200m to restore the historic Grade I listed mansion to its former glory.

As work to the roof and impressive portico takes place, the Trust is undergoing a period of masterplanning and developing a long term strategy for Wentworth Woodhouse. An online survey has already taken place as the trust looks to reflect the views of a range of community groups and individuals.

Now two public consultation evenings are being held in the Barn at the Rockingham Arms in Wentworth on Tuesday June 12 and Thursday June 14. There will be three sessions on each evening, at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

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Initial plans showed proposals for the north wing to host a huge range of weddings and events with the stables becoming home to dynamic small businesses. Within the 18th century house and outbuildings more than a dozen apartments and cottages could be restored as lets for holiday makers.

Short term plans involve the creation of four new jobs, new tours of the house cellars and the gardens, plans for a gift shop and revitalised cafe.

The National Trust pledged to support plans for the house and promised £750,000 over the first three years of opening. The two trusts are working closely together on operational aspects of opening and managing the house, to enable the general public to continue to visit and enjoy the historic attraction. There is a 50% discount for National Trust members on all guided tours.

Sarah McLeod has the unique task of forging a new future for the house as CEO at the WWPT. Recruitment has taken place to bolster the board with trustees with specific skills in the areas of finance, architecture and contract management.

The Trust said that it is currently in a start-up phase with a relatively small staff. In addition to day-to-day management of current trading activities, it is launching a series of major capital works programmes and the preparation of a strategic masterplan which will lead to a significantly larger business.

Wentworth Woodhuose website

Images: Furniss & Sons

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News: Housing plans back in for Moorgate site

A stalled housing development at the site of a former ambulance communications centre in Rotherham looks set to be kick-started as a planning application is submitted by the property's new owners.

The property at Fairfield on Moorgate went up for sale last year. It comprises of two parts. To the northern section is the Old Ambulance Station formally used as a communications building where emergency calls were processed. On the southern side is Fairfield House, a detached period house which is used as offices by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

An application has now been submitted by Sheffield development firm, Jaguar Estates, for the prior notification of proposed demolition of the communications building.

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The sale and demolition follows on from a previous planning application from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust in 2014 which involved replacing the communications building with four new family dwellings. Having been amended, the plans were granted conditionally but never implemented.

Permission to demolish the buildings, which are in the Moorgate Conservation Area, was originally approved in 2011.

The new application, drawn up by Self Architects states that demolition is taking place in order to re-develop the site for residential. It adds: "Permission to demolish was previously granted under planning approval RB2011/1081. The building is a single storey 1970's or 1980's of no architectural merit."

A subsequent application is expected for residential development with associated landscaping on the cleared 0.225 hectare site.

It is not yet clear what will happen to Fairfield House, the substantial Victorian two storey former residence which was the former headquarters of the South Yorkshire Ambulance Service before a merger in 2006. It is currently the Administration Centre - South Division for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service. The control centre was vacated when new contact centres were created in Wakefield and Rotherham.

Jaguar Estates is a family-run property developer and investor based in Ecclesfield. It is perhaps best known in Rotherham for its commercial developments, such as Magna 34 at Templeborough. Previous residential schemes havee included conversions of former manor houses and derelict and listed buildings, as well as traditional new-build apartments and houses.

Jaguar Estates website

Images: BNP Paribas Real Estate

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News: Rotherham Markets: Past Present and Future

Residents are being asked for their views on the future design of Rotherham markets as part of Rotherham Council's plans to regenerate the town centre.

From Tuesday May 29 until Friday June 15, a new exhibition will feature in the indoor market. "Rotherham Markets; Past Present and Future" looks at the history of the market and its future development – with customers visiting the stall being given the chance to submit their thoughts in writing.

The regeneration of Rotherham markets is identified as a key project within the Town Centre Masterplan and a number of design options will be prepared to modernise both the outdoor covered and indoor markets.

The masterplan outlines that the popularity of the markets has "kept the town alive" but added that parts of the complex on Drummond Street are underutilised.

Following consultation, the masterplan proposes a simple solution to enhance the existing site and improve linkages to the nearby £40m Tesco Extra store. The demolition of Council-owned units around the edge of the outdoor covered market is proposed with a new attractive stepped entrance and space for a new community advice hub.

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Andrew Clarke, a director of urban design at consultants WYG who was project director for the masterplan, said when the plan was revealed: "The entrances to the market are not particularly attractive, especially onto Drummond Street. By removing some of the building and improving the public realm improves the visual appearance and opens up the architectural features that are already there such as the roof canopies."

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

£25,000 was secured in 2013 to carry out work to understand a refurbishment scheme for the indoor market. Options for the redevelopment of the outdoor tented market were devised and cost estimates to deliver the works are in the order of £4m.

Given the costs and lack of available funding, the Council has targeted small scale improvements to enhance the entrances to, and exterior of, the Markets Complex in the short term.

In 2014, the Retail Group was brought in at a cost of £19,000 to identify the future strategy and growth plan for the town centre markets, and the right offer for the town and its customers.

Rotherham's history stems back 800 years when it is thought that the original royal market charter was granted by King John in the year 1207.

Nowadays, the markets welcome around four million customers per year.

Rotherham Markets Facebook page

Images: RMBC / WYG

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News: Bunnings pulls out of Rotherham, all of UK

Just five months after opening a Bunnings Warehouse in Rotherham, Australian retail giant, Wesfarmers has announced that it is selling up and pulling out of the UK market.

Following a comprehensive review of the business, Wesfarmers announced that it has agreed to divest the Homebase business in the United Kingdom and Ireland to a company associated with Hilco Capital.

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

The store at the Northfields Retail Park at Parkgate was formerly occupied by B&Q but was vacant since June 2016. Opening in December 2017 and creating 80 new full and part-time jobs, the first Bunnings opening in the North of England measures over 70,000 sq ft and offers customers more than 30,000 leading home improvement and garden products.

Executives have confirmed that the Rotherham store and the other 23 Bunnings pilot stores will convert to the Homebase brand promptly following the completion of the deal.

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Hilco Capital specialises in restructuring and refinancing other companies. Current investments include HMV and Staples' UK retail business. It was brought in to support Focus DIY and its owners Cerberus Capital in 2007. The DIY chain entered administration in 2011.

Hilco is acquiring all Homebase assets, including the Homebase brand, its store network, freehold property, property leases and inventory for "a nominal amount."

Wesfarmers said that it expects to record a loss on disposal of £200m to £230m in the group's 2018 full-year financial results.

Rob Scott, managing director at Wesfarmers, said: "While the review confirmed the business is capable of returning to profitability over time, further capital investment is necessary to support the turnaround. The materiality of the opportunity and risks associated with turnaround are not considered to justify the additional capital and management attention required from Bunnings and Wesfarmers.

"Homebase was acquired by Wesfarmers in 2016. The investment has been disappointing, with the problems arising from poor execution post-acquisition being compounded by a deterioration in the macro environment and retail sector in the UK. While it is important that we learn from this experience, this should not discourage our team from being bold and diligent in pursuing opportunities to create shareholder value.

"A divestment under the agreed terms is in the best interests of Wesfarmers' shareholders and will support the ongoing reset and repositioning of the Homebase business."

Bunnings UK and Ireland reported a loss before interest and tax of £97m for the half year ending December 31 2017. Pre-tax significant items of £531m were also recorded. With new management in place, Scott added that the operating performance of the business had improved in recent months.

Bunnings Warehouse website

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News: Future Rotherham fracking plans could be taken out of council hands

Rotherham Council was upset by the way INEOS' oil and gas exploration took the decision out of the hands of its planning authority for a test drilling well but they may not get the chance to determine forthcoming applications if the Government pushes through changes to the way shale exploration plans are dealt with.

The Government said it would consult on whether shale exploration should be treated as permitted development, which enables certain types of work to be carried out without the need to apply for planning permission.

INEOS appealed to the Government's Planning Inspectorate last year for a decision on its proposed test well at Harthill.

Having been given the "hurry-up" by Government, INEOS said that it had encountered "unreasonable delays" in dealing with Rotherham Council on its plans for a drilling rig on Greenbelt land.

A recent planning inquiry heard objections from the Council and from local and national campaign groups whilst INEOS put forward reasons why the plans should be approved.

In Westminster last week a written statement on energy policy was put forward which focused on the planning system and speeding up decisions relating to shale exploration.

In 2015, the Government set out a range of measures to help ensure every planning application or appeal was dealt with as quickly as possible. However, recent decisions on shale exploration planning applications remain "disappointingly slow" against a statutory time frame of 16 weeks where an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required.

For the two INEOS sites in Rotherham - Harthill and Woodsetts, Council planners determined that the proposed projects fall outside the remit of the EIA regulations.

The applications would provide temporary permission for a maximum of five years and the operation would involve 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.

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The statement set out a range of measures to facilitate timely decisions on shale exploration decisions. To be treated as a material consideration when deciding on plans, it discusses the importance of shale to the UK economy.

For example, the Government said that it would continue to treat appeals against any refusal of planning permission for exploring and developing shale gas, or against any non-determination "as a priority for urgent determination by the Planning Inspectorate, making additional resources available where necessary."

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will also actively consider calling in shale applications particularly where statutory deadlines have been exceeded.

Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: "Shale gas development is of national importance. The Government expects Mineral Planning Authorities to give great weight to the benefits of mineral extraction, including to the economy. This includes shale gas exploration and extraction.

"Mineral Plans should reflect that minerals resources can only be worked where they are found, and applications must be assessed on a site by site basis and having regard to their context. Plans should not set restrictions or thresholds across their plan area that limit shale development without proper justification.

"We expect Mineral Planning Authorities to recognise the fact that Parliament has set out in statute the relevant definitions of hydrocarbon, natural gas and associated hydraulic fracturing. In addition, these matters are described in Planning Practice Guidance, which Plans must have due regard to. Consistent with this Planning Practice Guidance, policies should avoid undue sterilisation of mineral resources (including shale gas)."

A revised planning practice guidance on shale development is set to be published when the revised National Planning Policy Framework has been launched and a planning brokerage service and £1.6m shale support fund is being launched to support planning authorities.

In addition, an early stage consultation is scheduled for summer 2018 on the principle of whether non-hydraulic fracturing shale exploration development should be treated as permitted development, and in particular on the circumstances in which this might be appropriate. Permitted developments derive from a general planning permission granted not by the local authority but by Parliament.

Consultation would also take place on the criteria required to trigger the inclusion of shale production projects into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime. Included projects are decided by the Planning Inspectorate, the national government executive agency.

Claire Perry, Energy and Clean Growth Minister, said: "British shale gas has the potential to help lower bills and increase the security of the UK's energy supply while creating high quality jobs in a cutting-edge sector. This package of measures delivers on our manifesto promise to support shale and it will ensure exploration happens in the most environmentally responsible way while making it easier for companies and local communities to work together."

Images: INEOS

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News: Rotherham's new Lumière Gallery lights up High Street

A new photography and art gallery has opened on Rotherham's historic High Street.

Lumière Gallery houses the work of local photographer and educator Lance Burkitt along with art and design work from both established and up and coming, local based creatives.

Alongside popular local businesses including the Makers Emporium, Miele Deli and Hamby's Antique Shop, people are invited to view, pop in for a coffee, and purchase art to take away with them. Much of the art is limited edition and varies from fine art to creative photography, digital design, illustration and traditional art.

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Lance Burkitt, a former lecturer at Rotherham College, said: "Rotherham has undergone a lot of bad press in recent years. The town centre is only a shadow of its former self. Art can be a real boon during difficult times. Our intention is to give the town a focus, a place for people to come and see the amazing talent and visual creativity of which the town is resplendent.

"I'm a photographer myself and the gallery displays work from local artists as well as my own images.

"I also offer a range of photographic service from photoshoots, family portraits, weddings etc., to slide scanning, printing, framing and photo restoration."

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, added: "I'm delighted to welcome another business to Rotherham's High Street to join the existing community of independent retailers.

"I'd like to wish Lance all the best and hope that local residents take the opportunity to call in and take a look."

Lumière Gallery website

Images: Lumière Gallery

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News: Sneak peek at Rotherham's newest bar

Tom Austen, editor of Rothbiz, recently took the opportunity to take a look at the renovation work inside a Grade II listed "hidden gem" of a building in Rotherham town centre that is being brought back to life as a boutique hotel. The fact the bars were open for the first time was purely coincidental.

The George Wright building is an early 19th century former office built in a Tudor Revival style. It is tucked away behind the High Street on The Crofts and was saved from being lost forever by Chris Hamby who has pioneered the heritage-led regeneration project to create a complex of mixed-used retail outlets focusing on listed buildings.

With the initial focus on the restoration of the Three Cranes building and the retail units which are fully let, work is almost complete on the conversion of the George Wright building.

This project is being pioneered by another local businessman who sees the potential of the town and the importance of recognising its heritage - Mark McGrail, who found success with Parkgate-based SME Environmental Services and in 2016 completed the 1915 Bar & Bistro, across the town centre.

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The hotel includes two bars. Proud tradespeople mixed with elected members fresh from signing in a new mayor at a "soft opening" event as the staff continued preparations to fully open later in the Spring. Bar staff were putting the finishing touches to the gin and cocktail menus.

With seven bedrooms, the site also has a function room and a number of weddings are already booked in. A grill restaurant with open kitchen is also planned.

Outside, open terraces can be found at the front and back of the property - the hotel can be reached from the Town Hall side and from an alleyway leading up from the High Street. A botanical type garden adds to the "hidden gem" feeling.

Tom Austen said: "When Chris [Hamby] showed me around the properties three years ago, the Three Cranes and Georgion town house were lovingly restored but the George Wright building was still in a sorry state. The roof had been replaced but inside it still had no floor and most areas were out of bounds.

"To go in last week and see it as it is now was seriously impressive. I can remember the bistro at The Crofts but I mostly remember the buildings as dilapidated eyesores.

"The George Wright Boutique Hotel and Bar is something that Rotherham can be proud of and just shows you what can be done with our heritage assets and don't sell ourselves short."

The building was famously occupied by George Wright & Company in the 1800's who designed and manufactured elaborate stoves and fireplaces. The site also formed lawyer's offices from 1777-1887.

The original stone built two-storey, Grade II listed building was constructed in 1850. It includes a two and three storey annex to the north that had been subjected to fire.

George Wright Boutique Hotel Bar & Restaurant Facebook page

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Heathrow delegation lands in SCR

A delegation from Heathrow Airport is visiting the Sheffield City Region (SCR) as part of a nationwide tour of potential construction centres to support the airport's expansion.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that two former colliery sites in Rotherham have made it onto a longlist of 65 "Logistic Hub" locations – off-site centres for construction and manufacturing which will help Heathrow Airport deliver its expansion plan.

Eight sites in the SCR have made the longlist of 65 including 31 East, the remaining land on the reclaimed Dinnington colliery, and the site of the former Maltby Colliery that was mothballed in 2013.

During each visit, the prospective Logistics Hub will have the opportunity to demonstrate the strengths of their proposal. The delegation will visit all longlisted locations in the first half of 2018, assessing their suitability before putting successful bids through to the next round.

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "It's great news that we as a city region have more shortlisted sites than any other region in the UK. This is testament to our super-connected location and our excellence in advanced engineering, manufacturing and logistics.

"During these visits, we will be demonstrating all the reasons why we think our sites would be an ideal location for one of Heathrow's Logistics Hubs. Not only do we already have the infrastructure in place, but our city region is home to a skilled workforce with a strong heritage of manufacturing and industry. Key to this is the AMRC training centre, widely regarded as a centre of excellence in producing apprentices ready to enter careers in engineering and manufacturing.

"This is a great opportunity for us as a city region to be part of one the UK's most significant infrastructure projects. We welcome the potential boost in jobs and economic growth that a Logistics Hub could bring and look forward to showcasing our sites to the delegation."

The London airport, the largest in the UK and one of the biggest in the world, received Government support for expansion so that the need for additional capacity in the south-east of England will be met by a new north-west runway at Heathrow.

As part of the expansion, which has an estimated cost of £17.6bn, four logistic hubs will be located across the country as the airport pledges to shake-up the UK construction industry by using expansion to revolutionise the way Britain builds major infrastructure.

Aiming to build as much of the project off-site as possible, the hubs will work by pre-assembling components off-site before transporting them in consolidated loads to Heathrow just as they are needed.

During the visit, the Heathrow delegation will also visit the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, and meet with representatives from the SCR and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The SCR submitted bids because we believe we are a site of national logistics and engineering excellence and have the knowledge, infrastructure and quality to deliver.

Site options put forward include locations with rail connectivity to London and other regional logistics hubs, while there are also six world-class universities and research capabilities within a one-hour drive. These include the AMRC, which is the leading engineering research and training facility in the UK.

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Rachel Clark, director of trade and investment at SCR, said: "Working in partnership with the public and private sector, SCR is already achieving transformational change and building a thriving, successful, economy.

"Our vision is focused on rebalancing the North- South divide and spreading the benefit of major UK infrastructure projects to regenerate our region. I know the quality exists here to make a success of significant investments such as this, and am hopeful that we will be selected as one of the final four locations.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Heathrow on this exciting project which could give a massive boost to our local economy on the back of our recent inward investment successes."

SCR website

Images: Hargreaves

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News: Car boot sales planned for Forge Island

Rotherham Council is set to host its first car boot sale in the town centre next month, three years after securing planning permission to use the Forge Island site.

Rothbiz reported at the time in 2015, that the authority had applied for planning permission that would allow Sunday markets and car boot sales for up to 52 days per calendar year on the prominent site that was formerly home to Tesco.

The key regeneration site is currently being used as a car park and temporary bus station as the Council continues its search for a development partner for a long-awaited leisure mixed use project.

Starting on June 24, car boot sales will take place every Sunday 7 am until 1 pm, with free entry for buyers. Pitches are priced at £7 for cars and £11 for vans and trailers (no new goods). There is no need to book a space, traders can just turn up on the day.

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Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said: "Rotherham's Markets are already very popular so I am pleased to see this new car boot extend opportunities for the town centre.

"It's a fantastic way to see how Forge Island and the wider town centre will be used in more diverse ways as the Masterplan plan takes shape, moving towards having more people living, socialising and working in the town centre.

"The car boot offers great value for traders with its competitive rates and hopefully visitors will be able to pick up lots of bargains too. And with easy access through public transport and ample free parking nearby, it’s a great opportunity to ignite a new era for Rotherham town centre on a Sunday."

Rotherham Council holds the markets charter and can licence rival markets where appropriate. The legality of who can hold markets stems back 800 years when it is thought that the original royal market charter was granted by King John in the year 1207.

The authority has extended the popular street market and is introducing new types of markets in town such as the Monthly Crafters' Market.

Rotherham Markets Facebook page

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Pricecheck passes £70m turnover mark

Award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, has confirmed that it has seen annual turnover break the £70m mark for the first time as it celebrates 40 years in business.

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

For the financial year 2017-18, Pricecheck reported annual turnover of £73m – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year. April 2018 was also the busiest month on record, with turnover exceeding £8.1m.

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.

Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham. 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.

The expansion has enabled significant growth in export markets. Exports accounted for £32.4m of turnover, up 45% on the previous year. Pricecheck currently export to over 75 countries, and have a network of 500 suppliers world-wide.

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck Toiletries (pictured, third from right), said: "Over the last two years we have recorded revenue growth of 26% and 33%. This is a tremendous achievement for our team, and we are now aiming for £200m turnover by 2025."

The team have shared in their continued success by providing over £40,000 worth of stock and monetary donations to local and national charities in 2017-18. This year the Pricecheck team are sponsoring St Luke's Night Strider walking challenge in October. As well as donating supplies and funds toward the event, employees will take part in the 10k or half marathon and volunteer on the night. St Luke’s Hospice provide free palliative care, and drive continual improvements for everyone effected by terminal illness.

Since 2015, Pricecheck has doubled its workforce and set up a successful student recruitment programme, this year offering seven placements and eight graduate positions.

Lucy Goddard, human resources manager at Pricecheck, (pictured, fourth from right), said: "We work closely with regional universities and this year has seen an unprecedented number of students showing an interest in Pricecheck. We are looking forward to welcoming our new placement and graduate students this summer."

Pricecheck Toiletries website

Images: Pricecheck

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News: Resi conversion for Rotherham offices

The former offices of a historic Rotherham legal firm could be set for a new lease of life under plans to convert the building for residential use.

Gichard & Co. was closed down in 2015 and the property on Doncaster Gate was last used in 2016. Now a change of use planning application has been submitted that would enable it to be redeveloped and turned into flats.

Submitted by applicants, Conisbrough-based Appleby Homes Ltd, and drawn up by Plan Design Go Ltd, the plans for 31 Doncaster Gate, show nine residential units over the ground, first and second floors with services and a laundry room in the basement.

The site is opposite to the new University Campus Rotherham which is under construction and set to open in September. The adopted masterplan places a greater emphasis on living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

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The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) closed down the operations of 125-year-old Rotherham solicitors after a panel agreed that the Doncaster Gate legal firm had failed to comply with the rules made by the SRA.

The panel also investigated Charles Rhodes, senior partner at Gichard & Co and found that "there was reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Rhodes." The findings meant that the SRA had grounds to intervene to protect the interests of clients and the decision was made to close the firm.

31-33 Doncaster Gate went up for sale in 2016 with property professionals, Mark Jenkinson and Co. It included accommodation over three floors totalling 2,870 sq ft and was sold as development opportunity with the potential for conversion into flats/bedsits.

The property was made available freehold with vacant possession at an asking price of £250,000.

The sale documents set out that: "the property comprises a larger pattern semi-detached/end of terrace former dwelling house thought to date back to the period around 1910, now renovated and extended in recent years and formerly occupied as offices."

Across town, another set of plans have been approved for the method of demolition and restoration of the office at Rocklands on Grove Road. The site will be restored with stones surfacing to be made available for possible redevelopment.

Images: Mark Jenkinson & Co.

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News: Manufacturer and garden centre both hit by fires

More than 40 firefighters were called to deal with a blaze at an industrial premises at Dinnington, while hours later, five fire engines attended a fire near to a popular garden centre at Thrybergh.

At the Hodge Clemco premises on Todwick Road, crews were called to the incident at around 5.20pm on Tuesday. Eight fire engines, plus a turntable ladder, were at the scene with a building around 40 metres by 50 metres in size containing plastic and other materials was well alight.

Leading the way in surface preparation since 1959, Hodge Clemco is a leading supplier and manufacturer of abrasive blast cleaning and surface treatment equipment. The customer base includes the MOD, Rolls-Royce and a large number of blue chip companies across a vast area of sectors. It is part of the historic Samuel Hodge group of companies.

In 2014, the Group acquired Dinnington-based Mac'Ants Abrasives, the supplier of abrasive material used in sandblasting and manufacturing taking employee numbers up to 180 and a combined turnover in excess of £25m.

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A large amount of smoke in the area meant that residents living nearby were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed. A caution was placed on a railway line to the rear of the premises.

Aston Park, Birley Moor, Rotherham, Maltby, Parkway and Central fire stations all mobilised crews to the incident and left the scene around 2am.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) said that the early indications were that the fire started accidentally.

Recommended reading: A Guide to Claiming Compensation for Workplace Accidents

Crews were called to an incident close to Foster's Garden Centre shortly before 9pm on Tuesday.

A building around 40 metres by 20 metres in size was well alight and around 25 firefighters used hose reels to tackle the blaze. Again, residents were being advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Firefighters left the incident in Thrybergh at around 1am and SYFR said that an investigation into the cause of the fire is taking place this morning.

SYFR website

Images: SYFR

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News: HS2 to release details of further impacts of route

HS2 Ltd has scheduled two information events in Rotherham next month to share details of the evolving design for the £55.7 billion high speed railway.

They follow on from a series of information events that were held in September 2017 to discuss how the design for the route would be developed and the environmental impacts assessed.

In July 2017, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the preferred route for HS2 from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds (known as Phase 2b).

Superseding a 2013 route with a station at Meadowhall, the 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.

A fast route to Leeds would go through the East of Rotherham and 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.

In June and July 2018, HS2 Ltd will be holding a number of information events, including at the Best Western Aston Hall Hotel in Rotherham on Tuesday June 5, 2pm to 8pm.

An event is scheduled for Hellaby Hall Hotel in Rotherham on Tuesday June 12, also at 2 – 8pm.

The events are set to discuss the location of construction sites along the route, the infrastructure associated with the railway, and the realignment of major roads and public rights of way.

In Rotherham for example, work would be required around the A57 Aston Bypass and the major M1 motorway exit at Junction 31.

The proposal is for a 430m long, 27m high viaduct over a tributary of Pigeon Brook and the bypass before the route crosses Worksop Road approximately at grade. A bored tunnel here was discounted and HS2 previously said that "a cut-and-cover tunnel option could be considered in more detail during hybrid Bill development alongside further work to assess other potential mitigation options and highways realignments."

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The HS2 route also passes over the M1/M18 junction on a series of long, high embankments and viaducts. It would also run next to houses and commercial property at Bramley before crossing under the road at Junction 1 of the M18.

In HS2 Ltd's advice to Government published in July last year 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 stressed that "the new information we are sharing is work in progress and may change as we continue to refine the design, complete environmental assessments and take into consideration further feedback."

Sir Kevin Barron, the MP for Rother Valley, has criticised HS2 and the Government over its use of "wobbly data" which needed to be corrected and has withdrawn his support for the project.

Paul Griffiths, Phase Two director at HS2, said: "The benefits that HS2 will deliver are significant and should not be underestimated. The new railway will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain's economy; driving business growth, creating jobs and securing investment right across the country.

"Understandably, people have questions and concerns about the construction and operation of the railway, and how it will affect them. These events present an ideal opportunity to talk to us about the project and find out more information."

Main civils design work on the Phase 2b route to Manchester and Leeds is set to start in late 2022, and main civils construction works are expected to commence in 2024. The first passengers are not expected to travel on full HS2 services until 2033.

HS2 Ltd website

Images: HS2 Ltd

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News: AMRC and the factories of the future

Engineers at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are helping SMEs create factories of the future where humans and robots work together to boost productivity.

Collaborative robots – also known as cobots - differ from conventional industrial robots in that they feature technology that allows them to operate safely alongside human workers in a shared area. They are capable of operating with limited force and speed and are equipped with force-sensing to enable them to stop when they come into contact with an operator.

Traditionally, the safe use of robots in manufacturing has relied on barriers, cages and fences that keep humans and robots separated. The downside to this is that it uses lots of floor space and limits the work robots and humans can do together.

The Integrated Manufacturing Group at the AMRC's Factory 2050 on the Sheffield Business Park has been developing technology demonstrators and testing a new safety standard awaiting ratification for different types of cobots.

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Supported by the Government's Catapult programme, the project began in May last year and completed in March this year. A cell was created at Factory 2050 which demonstrated to SMEs how they can integrate the technology onto their factory floors and transform production lines by increasing the rate at which a process is done, as well as the uniformity and quality of finish on a product.

Phil Kitchen, lead for the Collaborative Robotics research project, said: "What we want to do is to start to develop a gold standard for integration. To get this gold standard, for us, it would mean we could help SMEs to integrate cobots on to their shop floor.

"There are a number of benefits of collaborative robotics for SMEs – improved quality, improved rate, so the rate at which they are making their products - and if they improve rate they can potentially sell more and expand, helping them to grow through the use of collaborative robotics.

"A technical specification was released which detailed how you would go about integrating a collaborative robotic system. It's not yet been ratified as a full ISO standard to use and that is being worked towards now. Essentially what we are aiming to do is put ourselves in the right position to act when the technical specification is ratified by the HSE."

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Phil said cobots come into their own when a process will always require a degree of human intervention – such as tasks requiring dexterous, manual manipulation or human decision making. Cobots are also typically lighter and more flexible than bulkier traditional robots, and are able to be moved around the factory floor.

He said: "Cobots can be used as a flexible resource and they differ from standard industrial robots as they have some element of safety built in. So for example, with the KUKA iiwa - that has force and torque sensors in each of its joints so if it touches you it can sense an external force being imparted on to it and will stop itself.

"Whereas with a regular robot, if you get in with it, it could cause serious injury. That's the main difference really, a collaborative robot has some sort of inbuilt technology to allow for safe human-robot interactions."

One demonstration involved a Tier 1 member of The AMRC process whose production line involved fastening components and apply adhesive to them. Using robots removed the need for operators having to use manual adhesive guns.

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: Magna shortlisted for event awards

The Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has been shortlisted for two highly prestigious CHS Awards, one for Best Unusual Event Space and one for Best Launch Event.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

The CHS Awards provide hotels and venues an opportunity to showcase their facilities by competing in 21 categories. Hundreds of entries are judged in two key stages by leading industry professionals and agency decision makers.

The Best Unusual Event Space shortlisting is in recognition of Magna's multi-storey, multi-media and multi-purpose Face of Steel which over the past 12 months alone has played host to a car launch, numerous music concerts, exhibitions, dinners, the World's highest indoor bungee jump and a Victorian themed carousel.

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For the Best Launch Event shortlisting the judges were wowed by Magna's work with Kia Motors in October 2017 to launch their brand new Stonic car range to their customer facing sales team. The week-long series of events were themed around a "Revolution" within the car industry and customer engagement and used a variety of event spaces both inside and outside of the extensive Magna estate.

Motiv8 International, training partner for Kia Motors UK, devised a cutting-edge immersive training experience including a rousing "Campaign Speech" to the delegation beamed live via the enormous multi-media screens of the Face of Steel. In-car learning took place across the outdoor space.

The winners will be announced in an awards ceremony on the May 31 at The Principal Manchester.

Kevin Tomlinson, chief executive at Magna, said: "We are genuinely honoured to be shortlisted for two of the most highly regarded awards in the events and hospitality industry, judged by 70 of the best agency professionals. It is the well-earned recognition for the entire Magna team, for whom I am immensely proud."

Upcoming events at the Rotherham venue include An Evening with Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua, Stranded at the Drive-in - Grease 40th Anniversary Celebration and A Night with Lucy from The Voice.

Magna Events website

Images: Motiv8

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News: Interserve at Rotherham Interchange as £12.5m revamp begins

All signs are pointing to multinational support services company, Interserve securing the £11.5m contract to carry out the long-awaited revamp of Rotherham Interchange.

Plans were approved last year which focused on refreshing the concourses with upgrades to flooring, plinths and glazing. The main pedestrian entrances are also set to be revamped.

Partners decided 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.

Led by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), which holds a lease agreement with owners Norseman Estates Limited to maintain and operate the interchange and car park above, began the tender process to procure a construction firm to carry out the work at the end of 2017.

The tender involves works to the car park and bus station. The car park works will involve soffit tie repairs, deck repairs, concrete repairs to structural beams and columns and waterproofing. The car park will benefit from new surfacing, bigger spaces for modern cars, designated walking routes and new cladding.

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The bus station works includes the upgrade of the fixtures and finishes, including a comprehensive review and refurbishment of the waiting areas, boarding points, customer service desks and information hubs to respond to opportunities offered by modern passenger information display systems and web-enabled information technology.

The Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) is set to borrow £12.5m so that refurbishment of the important town centre asset can be carried out.

Construction work was programmed to start on Monday April 30 and the interchange has been wrapped in Interserve hoardings whilst company cabins were moved on site.

The café, shops and customer toilets will remain open whilst bus services use the temporary facility at Forge Island.

Ben Gilligan, director of public transport at SYPTE, said: "Having a temporary bus station means the building contractors will be able to work intensively on the interchange. The project is on track to be delivered by Spring 2019, as planned."

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said the work was an exciting development for Rotherham town centre. She said: "The new interchange is a key part of our plans to regenerate the area, as part of the town centre masterplan, and promoting sustainable transport is an important element of this."

Interserve is currently completing the construction of the £150m Templeborough Biomass Power Plant in Rotherham where the first wood firing recently took place.

The company recently announced its financial results for the year ended December 31 2017 which showed it had revenues of £3.25 billion but pre-tax losses had widened to £244m from £91.1m in the previous year. The company has over £500m of debt and put in place a transformation plan in October. Interserve is exiting the sector based around the construction of Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities such as Templeborough.

SYPTE website
Interserve website

Images: Tom Austen / SYPTE

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News: Rotherham event highlights GREENSTEEL future

Rotherham's Aldwarke steelworks has the largest steel recycling capacity in the UK and it was apt that it was chosen to host a gathering of senior business, political and academic representatives to discuss how it can help put the country back at the forefront of a global industry it once dominated.

The first GREENSTEEL Conference was hosted by The GFG Alliance, whose Liberty House arm completed a £100m deal to acquire the Speciality Steels division of Tata Steel UK last year.

Since then it has put in place a multi-million-pound investment plan which has seen the reactivation of the "small bloom" caster and the iconic N-Furnace at Aldwarke.

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Jay Hambro, chief investment officer of the GFG Alliance, which is a British-owned global energy, metals and engineering group, said it was vital to harness the combination of cheap, clean power, a burgeoning supply of scrap steel and the UK's world-leading expertise in metals technology in order to revitalise UK manufacturing and rebalance the economy in a post-Brexit era.

Mr Hambro led a broad-based panel of speakers which contained both government and opposition figures as well as industrialists and specialist academics in the field of sustainable manufacturing.

He explained how GFG Alliance companies, Liberty House and SIMEC, have taken a lead in developing plans to build five million tonnes of GREENSTEEL production capacity within five years as well as 1GigaWatt of renewable power generation capacity for industry within two years.

This would, he said, feed competitively-priced and low-carbon British-made metals into home-based engineering and manufacturing operations that would capture more value and quality employment within the UK.

He urged other industrial businesses to embrace this challenge and called on Government to be more proactive in encouraging investment in renewable energy capacity that benefits the UK supply chain and drives down power prices for industrial users in a way that would completely transform Britain's post-Brexit manufacturing base.

Hambro (pictured, centre) said: "GREENSTEEL is the way of the future and it's an opportunity we can't afford to waste if we want to rebuild metals and engineering as profitable and sustainable sectors, supporting many thousands of skilled British jobs."

The high-level gathering at Rotherham was chaired by UK Steel director Gareth Stace and was also addressed by Shadow Steel Minister, Gill Furniss MP, Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, Niall McKenzie, director of infrastructure and materials at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Ed Heath-Whyte, environment and energy manager at Liberty Speciality Steels and Julian Allwood, professor of engineering and the environment at the University of Cambridge.

Professor Allwood presented the findings of his research into the steel industry supply chain and how the UK metals sector can be made more sustainable. He highlighted the predicted growth in the supply of UK scrap steel from 10m to 20m tonnes a year and argued that the country could meet its future needs by recycling more scrap at home rather than exporting the vast bulk of it for melting abroad or making more steel through high-carbon methods, using coal and iron ore in blast furnaces.

UK Government representative Niall McKenzie said the prospects for Britain's steel industry were good with finished steel demand forecast to grow from 9.4m tonnes a year to 11m tonnes by 2030, representing a £3.8 billion per annum future opportunity for the UK industry. He called for more investment and innovation by the industry and welcomed Liberty Steel's commitment to green production. "We need innovation and to apply different approaches. The Government welcomes more competition, so the more Liberty takes on this challenge to better," he said.

Shadow Steel Minister, Gill Furniss, who is MP Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough said: "We need to ensure the steel sector innovates to find the most sustainable way forward. I am hugely impressed by the creative work happening here at Rotherham where Liberty has invested to triple the plant's capacity to recycle scrap."

Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion said the turn around being achieved at Liberty Speciality Steels in Rotherham and Stockbridge was: "testament to the hard work by the workers, the trade unions and Liberty itself." She Added: "Britain can and should lead the way in steel production and will be at the heart of a real renaissance in the steel industry."

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Production from South Yorkshire's speciality steel plants has soared by an impressive 63% since the takeover. The group has created 300 new jobs and boosted production of high-grade steels from 179,000 tonnes-a-year in 2016/17 to 292,000 tonnes this year and is aiming to reach output of more than a million tonnes a year by 2020.

Steels from the 2,000-worker Yorkshire plants and their support centres in Lancashire and the Midlands are sold throughout the world for highly-specialised applications such as aerospace, automotive and industrial equipment.

Liberty Speciality Steel website

Images: GFG Alliance

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