News: Looking LEFT to protect turbine blades

Highlighting the emerging Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) in Sheffield and Rotherham, a new project led by local firms looks set to significantly improve the performance of offshore wind turbines throughout their service life.

The Leading Edge for Turbines (LEFT) project, part-funded by Innovate UK, is a two-year, £1m collaboration between Doncasters Bramah, a Sheffield-based specialist aerospace component manufacturer and Performance Engineered Solutions (PES), an engineering design solutions business based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The project is being supported by the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult in Blyth, the UK's leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy.

The project involves developing a novel system to protect the turbine blades from rain erosion which is currently the leading source of damage to offshore wind turbine blades and is caused by rain and wind hitting the blades. Over time this erosion breaks down the protective coatings attached to the blades, exposing and eventually compromising the blade's structure.

It is a significant issue for both turbine manufacturers and operators as they look to improve a blade's operational life to match the 25-year active service life of the turbines.

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The LEFT project sees Doncasters using their expertise in supplying leading edge erosion shields for civilian and military aircraft and helicopters, to solutions for the offshore wind industry. Meanwhile the PES engineers are applying their experience in component performance and composites optimisation on the project. In particular this includes their understanding of lightweight materials, and aerodynamic design.

The project will investigate integrating nickel cobalt erosion shields into the overall design of the wind turbine blades. Doncasters' electroforming method is an additive manufacturing process which enables them to "grow" the new erosion shields in a chemical bath.

Andrew Woods, business development manager at Doncasters Bramah (pictured, third from right), said: "At Doncasters we have more than 20 years' experience of producing electroformed metallic leading-edge protection solutions to the global aerospace industry. This project represents an exciting opportunity for us to cross-sectorise this knowledge and capability from aerospace into the growing offshore renewables market. Along with our partners on Project LEFT we aim to adapt and develop a lifetime protection solution to arguably one of the biggest problems in the offshore wind industry today."

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Dean Gardner, engineering director at Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd (pictured, far left), added: "We already work closely with the Doncasters team on other R&D projects. One of the skills of our team is our understanding about materials, light weighting and design which we can apply within a range of industry sectors. As a team we really enjoy working on projects that are challenging and were we can create solutions that will make a marked positive impact for our clients."

If successful, this project will lead to the introduction of a new product that provides significant benefits to the offshore wind industry.

Performing better than the current coating solutions, the new metallic erosion shields are estimated to save operators around £1.3m per turbine during a typical service life, removing the significant cost of repair operations and downtime.

Doncasters Bramah website
PES Performance website

Images: PES

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News: Work underway on Rotherham pub revamp

Star Pubs & Bars are making a £1.26m investment in South Yorkshire community pubs to transform them into traditional locals - including one in Rotherham.

The Heineken-owned pubco has recently been involved with revamps at The Parish Oven in Thorpe Salvin and The Masons Arms in Thorpe Hesley, and now work is well underway at The Lord Reresby in Thrybergh.

As many as 25 new jobs are expected to be created by the new investment, and the pubs to be transformed also include The White Hart and The New Inn in Sheffield.

Plans were submitted back in 2015 for changes at the Thrybergh pub so that it could accommodate 50/60 covers.

All of the pubs will receive complete refurbishments to transform their décor and make them contemporary and comfortable. Kitchen refits and the creation of dining areas will enable them to introduce food whilst barista quality coffee machines will be added.

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Cellars at the pubs will also be upgraded with SmartDispense technology to ensure consistently good draught beer and cider, and new screens installed at The Lord Reresby to show Sky and BT sports.

The exterior of the Vale Road venue is also getting a new look and landscaping, outside space and a play area all part of the revamp.

Grant Morgan-Tolworthy, regional operations director for South Yorkshire at Star Pubs & Bars, said: "To thrive community locals must keep pace with customers' changing needs and expectations. Sheffield's vibrant city-centre pub and bar scene is testimony to the benefit of investment. The expenditure will bring them up to date and broaden their appeal so that they're sustainable for the long term."

Recruitment is underway for both part time and full time jobs at the Rotherham pub.

The Reresby family originated in Derbyshire but they acquired the estate at Thrybergh, which is now Rotherham Golf Club, under Henry III. In 1316, Sir Adam Reresby became Lord of Thrybergh.

The Lord Reresby Facebook page
Star Pubs website

Images: The Lord Reresby / Facebook

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News: Food Circle turns one

An award-winning Rotherham-based online supermarket is celebrating its first birthday having delivered over 1,000 orders to happy customers across the UK.

Food Circle is the first online UK-based retailer offering surplus "in-date" healthy food and drink products, to customers at half the recommended retail price. It was launched by Sheffield Hallam history graduate James Barthorpe and his business partner Paul Simpson in January 2018 with support from the Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and other local support organisations.

The co-founders attribute their success to a number of factors, but not least the fact that customers can buy products at half the recommended retail price, whilst diverting food from landfill - cutting down on the UK's huge food waste problem.

James Barthorpe, co-founder of Food Circle, said: "The past year has been a busy one for us, we've moved into new premises twice due to expansion, got a new delivery partner, expanded our product range and have built up a very loyal customer base."

The loyalty that James speaks of is in no way down to luck, but stems from the company's personal approach to their customers, quick turnaround times and branded products.

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Access through social media, combined with the ease of ordering through their e-commerce website, offers customers a simple way to purchase a range of quality, healthy products.

Paul Simpson, co-founder of Food Circle, said: "We've invested heavily in social media on Facebook and other platforms and this has really paid dividends, especially in the fitness and sports nutrition markets where we’ve seen a boom in sales from gym goers and other sports people."

The company has recently moved to RiDO's Matrix@Dinnington Business Centre, allowing for continued growth of the business, which aims to more than double orders over the course of 2019.

Andrew Klinkenberg, key account manager at RiDO, said: "James and Paul have achieved a huge amount in their first year, and should be proud of their achievements. This is in no small part down to their skills and experience, but also their willingness to engage support throughout the Sheffield city region to constantly evolve the business."

The enterprise has been backed by UK Steel Enterprise, taken part in the Y-Accelerator programme and won the Hallam Enterprise Award.

Food Circle website

Images: Food Circle

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News: Rotherham MP dismayed at M&S plans

Local MP John Healey says plans by Marks & Spencer to close its store at Parkgate Shopping are a big blow to the town.

Earlier this month the national retailer announced plans to close a further 17 more stores with the loss of 1,000 jobs - including its Rotherham store at Parkgate.

The move is part of plans to close over 100 stores in total by 2022 in order to "radically reshape M&S's Clothing & Home space" alongside relocations, conversions, downsizes and the introduction of concessions.

Detailing transformation plans last year, M&S bosses said that its plan for a "store estate in a multi-channel world" would include evaluating stores based cash payback and internal rate of return (IRR) - ie. profitability. They added that the future estate would be based on stronger store economics with lower rent and payroll as a percent of sales.

The Wentworth and Dearne MP said that a large number of people have been in touch with his office to raise their concerns over the decision.

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In a letter to M&S CEO, Steve Rowe, John said: "Many in my constituency shop and work at the store and the recently announced closure plans came as a shock to your committed workers and customers.

"This is a big blow to the town as M&S is an anchor store for Parkgate just as it was in central Rotherham and it will be sad to see the name of Marks and Spencer disappear from the town for the first time in 125 years.

"I too am dismayed by this decision, 79 people now face relocation or redundancy, and this is part of a pattern across the country. I don't want to see Parkgate start to struggle like our town centre has over the last decade.

"I write therefore to urge you to reconsider this closure so the historic name of Marks & Spencer can remain in a town that has been associated with the company since 1894."

The historic retailer made the decision to relocate its store on College Street in Rotherham town centre to Parkgate Shopping in the early 2000's. It opened a Simply Food store at Cortonwood in Rotherham in 2017.

Marks & Spencer website

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News: Working Win recognised in NHS plan

More than 2,000 people are now taking part in the Sheffield City Region's (SCR) Working Win health-led research trial.

The aim of the trial is to assess the best type of support for those who are out of work, or struggling in their current job, due to a physical or mental health condition.

The innovative research trial, one of only two such projects in the UK, has also been credited in the NHS' Long-Term Plan, launched earlier this month.

Being a randomised control trial, it means that people who take part will be randomly placed into one of two research groups. One group will receive the service and the other group will be provided with detailed information about existing services in their area. It will test out how effective a new type of holistic support is for people who could stay in work, or get a job, if they just had the right sort of support for physical or mental problems.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, said: "It's a great achievement to have reached this point in the Working Win trial. I'm very grateful to the 2,000 people who are giving their time for this important research, which simply couldn't take place without them.

"I hope that this trial, together with the NHS' commitment to focus on health and employment as part of their Long Term Plan, means that, nationally, we can find better solutions for people who want to work, but have so far been restricted by mental or physical health conditions.

"I'm also proud that Sheffield City Region is leading the way by pioneering this new kind of employment support. It's great to see that people in our region are the first to trial this innovative scheme, which is already making a difference to so many lives."

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Des Breen, Medical Director for the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System, added: "We know that one of the determinates for good mental and physical health is stable employment.

“The integrated care approach looks at all things which can contribute to a person becoming ill. The NHS Long Term Plan published earlier this month sets out a commitment to integrated care where, housing, education, employment and medical care are all looked at as a whole in order to tackle the underlying causes of ill health."

The Working Win trial is being delivered locally in partnership with South Yorkshire Housing Association, which has a wealth of experience in running employment support programmes.

Niall O'Reilly, Head of Work and Wellbeing of South Yorkshire Housing Association, said: "We're incredibly grateful to the 2,000 people across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw who've signed up to Working Win.

"They're helping us test an innovative new way of supporting people with health conditions to find and sustain good work, an approach that's compassionate, strengths-based and entirely voluntary.

"The feedback we've already received from participants is really encouraging. More than 90% of people describe our service as Good or Excellent.

"There's still an opportunity for 5,500 more people to take part."

Businesses in Rotherham can book a free consultation and workplace health check and employees can benefit from one-to-one coaching. The Working Win project can also deliver free mental health and physical health awareness training for employers and help employees to tap into Access to Work, a Government funding scheme that can pay for specialist equipment, transport solutions or on-the-job support.

Working Win website

Images: Working Win

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News: Housebuilder's nod to Rotherham's industrial past

Barratt Homes Yorkshire West division is preparing to launch a new development in Rotherham - The Glassworks, in Catcliffe.

Together with the Elderwood development, in Bannerdale, Sheffield, the schemes will open in early in 2019 and will help to satisfy the demand for good quality houses in these highly sought-after areas of South Yorkshire.

Planning permission was granted by Rotherham Council last year for 85 dwellings on a patch of land between the Morrisons store, current housing and the Parkway. It is close to other Barratt developments on the Waverley site.

A range of two, three and four bedroom properties are planned and permission comes with a legal agreement to provide financial contributions to improve outdoor community and sports facilities, education and affordable housing.

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The Glassworks was named as a nod to Catcliffe's iconic glass cone, the oldest surviving structure of its type in Western Europe.

The 20m high, Grade I listed building dates from around 1740 and was built for William Fenney who previously managed the Bolsterstone Glasshouse owned by his mother-in-law. The Scheduled Ancient Monument is now just a shell and would have contained a furnace when in use until the end of the 1800's.

David Coe, development director at Barratt Homes Yorkshire West, said: "As well as building new homes and creating jobs, we always look to invest in and enhance our local communities so they can develop and thrive. We hope these contributions will support the residents of Sheffield and Rotherham and the activities they have in their neighbourhood, along with those who decide to make The Glassworks or Elderwood their home.

"In addition to this initial investment, we have now appointed a dedicated land resource to identify further opportunities in and around Sheffield and Rotherham, further cementing our commitment to Sheffield City and the wider Sheffield City Region. We are excited to see the new developments taking shape over the coming months and to start welcoming residents."

Barratt Homes website

Images: historic England / Paul Eggleston

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News: Recruitment underway for Gulliver's Valley

With construction work underway on the new £38m leisure development in Rotherham, the family firm behind the plans are beginning to recruit for the key roles at Gulliver's Valley.

On the Pithouse West site alongside Rother Valley Country Park, Gulliver's fourth UK theme park resort is the first of the sites to encompass all their major family entertainment elements in one location with new attractions exclusive to Rotherham. Highlights include an indoor water play zone, a climbing centre, a glades attraction, and an ecology centre with forest classrooms for outdoor learning adventures for young children.

Recruitment is now underway for theme park resort duty managers. The role takes on shared responsibility for the day to day operations across the whole resort "while maintaining productivity, profitability and performance specialist areas." These might include rides and attractions, health and safety, food and beverage, admissions and retail, hospitality and guest experience, maintenance and facilities management.

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A spokesperson for Gulliver's said: "Gulliver's brand new resort at Rother Valley is opening in 2020 which means we need more great leaders as we prepare for a big future.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly growing business, offering brand new experiences in a brand new environment.

"Gulliver's Valley Resort will be our biggest venture to date and we'd love to meet individuals who want to share in an exciting future with masses of opportunity ahead."

The resort will create approximately 125 full time jobs and a total of around 325 part time jobs. There will also be substantial work experience roles generated as a result of the development across a range of departments.

A dedicated hospitality and visitor economy skills training centre is proposed within the development to maximise the potential employment opportunities for local people.

The planned service academy is set to link with a local college to provide the onsite training resources for apprenticeships and BTEC qualifications. It will also undertake the training for all new members of the Gulliver's team. The Gulliver's management training programme will also be co-ordinated through the academy.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: More plans proposed for large Rotherham retail unit

A large retail unit at Parkgate, which has a chequered history, could be changed again under recently submitted plans.

Rothbiz reported in 2014 that JD Sports Fashion plc, had taken on the lease of a vacant 45,000 sq ft store at Parkgate Shopping. It has been used as a clearance outlet for the company's outdoor brands such as Millets and Blacks.

Now plans have been submitted that show how the large unit could be subdivided into four separate units, each with their own entrance.

The plans are on behalf of Trustees of the Rotherham Unit Trust. In a transaction worth around £175m, BMO Real Estate Partners (BMO) acquired the park in 2015.

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The unit was previously home to Kiddicare, the retailer of baby products, but the store closed when the business was sold by Morrisons. Before that, it was Best Buy, but the electronics retailer closed its Parkgate store after it made the decision to close all 11 of its UK stores. And before that, the unit was a Homebase which has recently re-opened at the nearby Northfields Retail Park.

No new retail tenants have been disclosed.

Having secured national retailer Primark, the popular retail destination has lost the likes of Mothercare and Maplin as the retail industry continues to struggle. Earlier this month, national retailer, Marks & Spencer announced plans to close a further 17 more stores with the loss of 1,000 jobs - including its Rotherham store at Parkgate.

Plans have progressed for the large Matalan unit on the park to be subdivided to include a potential new Everlast Gym and plans have also been submitted to introduce a new smaller unit within the parade where Poundworld vacated its unit last year.

Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Verdict awaited on Rotherham fracking court case

A judge's verdict is awaited in the legal battle to overturn a planning inspector's decision to approve proposals for a test drilling well in Rotherham.

The community group Harthill Against Fracking (HAF) have brought the challenge against the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government over a decision of the Planning Inspectorate last year.

The case relates to the oil and gas exploration and production business, INEOS, submitting an updated travel plan before the public inquiry where it was successful in obtaining planning permission.

HAF say that because of the late evidence and their outstanding request for an adjournment, which was not decided upon until the first day of the hearing, they did not know the full case they had to meet until the inquiry had started. Consequently, they were unable to adduce evidence or make submissions, informed by an expert, in relation to opposing INEOS' case.

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In Leeds last week, HAF asked the court to consider whether, in refusing their request to adjourn the planning inquiry so that they could consider new highways material which emerged just before the inquiry was due to start, the planning inspector acted in breach of the rules of natural justice.

Les Barlow, co-chairman of HAF, said: "Fracking is a divisive issue across the country and it is crucial that local communities are properly involved in decisions relating to fracking which could affect their natural surroundings. We believe that our voice was diminished in this process due to the inspector’s refusal to adjourn the inquiry so that we could properly consider the late evidence which was submitted by INEOS."

Anna Dews, solicitor at law firm Leigh Day, added: "Our client believes the planning inspector's decision was wrong in law because, by allowing INEOS to adduce late evidence and refuse our client's subsequent application for an adjournment, the inspector acted in breach of the rules of natural justice.

"We hope that the High Court will agree with our client's arguments and quash the decision, allowing for a fresh inquiry in which all parties can properly consider all the information available and fully participate."

Images: INEOS / Turley

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News: Rotherham Council responds to latest HS2 consultation

An unsupportive Rotherham Council has submitted its response to the latest HS2 consultation on environmental impacts and mitigation as the designs evolve for the high speed route which is set to head through the borough.

Rothbiz reported on the details released as part of the consultation which highlighted that more land is needed during construction. It described the design of the railway and reported on the impacts of its construction and operation.

As the bills make their way through Parliament, design work has continued on how the line may look, from box tunnels, cuttings and embankments, to bridges and viaducts.

Rotherham Council has continued to prefer the initial route which included a through station at Meadowhall and last month passed a motion to call on the Government to abandon the Leeds leg of the project.

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The authority's response emphasises the stance. It reads: "The Council has made it clear that it does not support HS2's revised alignment of the Birmingham to Leeds leg, calling on the Government to abandon the current scheme between Birmingham and Leeds immediately. This will save Rotherham and South Yorkshire from significant detrimental impact and the cost savings should be reallocated to fund essential local improvements in accordance with the Northern Powerhouse ambition.

"The provision of this infrastructure will impose significant environmental implications on the borough and if unmitigated, will create a legacy of detrimental impact on large areas of the community.

"The Council strongly believes that the previous route alignment which followed the M1 corridor, supported by a parkway station at Meadowhall, delivers the highest economic benefit and had the potential to significantly alter the investment proposition of the local area. The new route alignment does not offer any comparable benefit and the Council's unsupportive position remains."

The response covers environmental aspects such as air quality, ecology, historic environment, landscape and highways. It is critical of HS2 Ltd not utilising the latest Local Plan in its research and not providing sufficient details in proposed amendments to the highway network in Aston and Thurcroft.

It adds that as the areas of Rotherham impacted by the route are mostly rural, and with the absence of a parkway station, it means that the regeneration benefits promised by HS2 would not be as great in the borough.

HS2 website

Images: HS2

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News: Xeros deal to make revolutionary domestic washing machine a reality

Rotherham-based Xeros Technology Group plc has taken another step towards commercialisation by signing an agreement with a prominent Chinese manufacturer to develop and design a prototype.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that uses polymer technology to significantly reduce the amount of water used in a number of major applications. The AIM-listed firm is moving to "IP-rich, capital-light" business models.

Xeros has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Wuxi Little Swan Company Limited, a subsidiary of Midea Group, the Chinese manufacturer of home appliances. Midea is one of the world's largest manufacturers of domestic washing machines.

The scope of the non-exclusive JDA is to develop and design a prototype including Xeros' technologies. If successful, the agreement allows for both parties to enter into commercial discussions under a separate agreement and timetable.

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In 2017 Wuxi Little Swan Company sold 12.4m washing machines in China giving it a 28% share of the retail market. It also exported 3.87 million washing machines.

Mark Nichols, chief executive of Xeros, said: "Our strategy is to license our technologies to major OEMs who have significant market presence around the world. Following our agreement last July to license our commercial washing machine technology in China, this JDA represents a major step forward for Xeros in the domestic washing machine market."

Setting out plans to raise a further £20m, Xeros discussed a project which enables Xeros technology to be embedded in the production lines of existing domestic washing machine manufacturers. Xeros will look to receive up-front payments and a royalty per machine sold.

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The JDA follows on from licensing deal signed with a subsidiary of the market-leading Chinese commercial washing machine manufacturer Jiangsu SeaLion Machinery. It will see SeaLion integrate Xeros' technology in its commercial washing machines and sell them though its own extensive distribution network in China on an exclusive basis.

Xeros website
Midea website

Images: Xeros

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News: Funding sought for £50m Rotherham retail scheme

Developers behind a £50m retail, office and leisure scheme at Waverley in Rotherham are being invited to bid for funding to kickstart work on site.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that plans were approved for "Waverley Square" - "the piece of the jigsaw" creating a local centre for residents and businesses. It includes some 100,000 sq ft of retail space including a 20,774 sq ft foodstore; high spec office space covering 38,285 sq ft; restaurants, coffee shops and a gym; a medical and community facility covering 11,464 sq ft; and a small bus station.

Joint developers are Harworth Group plc and Dransfield Properties Ltd.

Papers to the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) show that a number of schemes have been invited to submit detailed business cases in a bid to secure funding from the SCR's Local Growth Fund (LGF) programme.

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The LGF capital programme is funded through three rounds of capital funding secured from the Government totalling £360m.

The money is being invested in a wide range of projects including transport, skills, business support, broadband, innovation and flood defences but it has been affected by some accepted projects not progressing or not spending quick enough. An open call exists for projects which can be added to the programme.

A report explains that the Waverley District Local Centre is being described as the "heart of the Global Innovation Corridor" and is seeking a grant of £7m to create over 150,000 sq ft of commercial, retail and leisure space. The total project cost is £42m with the balance of funding coming from private sector investment.

The development of a business plan will help the project secure the required funding.

The planning application stated that the development could create 700 full-time equivalent jobs and generate business rates in the region of approximately £1.5m once fully occupied.

Harworth Group plc website
Dransfield website

Images: Harworth / Dransfield

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News: Newburgh Precision bought out of administration

Newburgh Precision Engineering Ltd has been acquired having entered into administration this week.

With state-of-the-art premises at Templeborough, Newburgh Precision has unrivalled expertise in machining precision components and supplies the oil & gas, power generation, defence, rail and aerospace sectors.

It specialises in manufacturing "cells" that include dedicated groups of resources operated by a team of multi-skilled individuals that are committed to producing a product or products for one customer.

The assets and goodwill have been purchased by a new company, Vector X-Cel Ltd, which is 51% owned by X-Cel Superturn Ltd and 49% owned by the Newburgh management team.

The new management team at Vector X-Cel will be Andrew Taylor, Chairman (and owner of the X-Cel Group); David Greenan, Managing Director; Lee Townsend, Sales Director; Chris Staves, Financial Director; and Neil Booth, Production Director.

X-Cel Superturn is a global manufacturer of machined components. In June 2012, the firm moved its Gasket and Seal division to the prestigious Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

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Andrew Taylor said: "I’m delighted to be involved with Newburgh, they have an unrivalled reputation for engineering expertise and will compliment the X-Cel group. We have exciting plans to invest heavily in the business."

David Greenan added: "Myself and the Newburgh Precision team are excited to be working in partnership with Andrew and X-Cel Superturn. We believe the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience contained in the businesses will bring huge benefits to both. We look forward to building a bright future."

X-Cel Superturn Ltd and Newburgh Precision Ltd are both manufacturers of high precision machined components and assemblies, supplying into a number of industries to include oil & gas, nuclear & defense, power generation, aerospace and construction industries.

X-Cel Superturn were advised by Paul Hardy of Hardy Transactions Ltd, and their lawyer was Matt Ainsworth of Keebles. The management team at Newburgh were advised by Chris Sellars of 7 Legal and Finance Ltd.

X-Cel Superturn website
Newburgh Precision website

Images: Newburgh

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News: Rotherham colliery to host massive auctions

Remaining employment land at the former Maltby Colliery in Rotherham has been sized up by Ritchie Bros., the world's largest auctioneer of heavy equipment and trucks, for its new UK location.

The 500 acre colliery was mined for over 100 years until geological conditions could not be overcome and underground operations ceased in 2013.

Rothbiz reported last year that Hargreaves Land was promoting the reuse of around 80 acres for commercial/industrial uses around the former pit head.

Now plans have been submitted to enable part of the yard to be used as an auction site which could accommodate large plant, machinery and equipment when auction events would be held up to ten times per year. Around 575 attendees are expected at each auction event over two days.

The initial proposals are for a smaller area for temporary period of 12 months with plans set to follow for the full 26 acres for a 20 year period.

The first Rotherham auction has already been pencilled in for February 26 with a catalogue of loaders, dump trucks and excavators.

Ritchie Bros. have been holding auctions since 1958, initially in Canada and then expanding to now operate on an international basis with over 40 sites. UK auctions had been held at Donington Park but have now outgrown the site.

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In searching for new sites, Ritchie Bros. identified two preferred sites and of these the land on part of the pit yard at the former Maltby Colliery was the preferred location.

The plans added that "the former Maltby Colliery site's appeal to Ritchie Bros. included a heritage with an industry that they feel close to and a site with many inherent benefits by being expertly engineered and designed to accommodate large plant, machinery and equipment."

Secure, controlled access and excellent transport links were also in Maltby's favour.

The plans, drawn up by WYG, explain: "Ritchie Bros. employed 29 full time staff at their Donington Park site, which ceased activities in late 2018. It is anticipated that the temporary Auction Scheme would provide 30 full time jobs, which would include around ten employees relocating from the Donington Park site and the remaining 20 would be new employees.

"It is envisaged that 40 additional temporary jobs would be provided for each auction event (over two days) up to ten times per year, along with a proportion of such jobs commencing the week before the auction and also during the following week. In addition, there would be indirect jobs and spend in the local economy associated with the Auction Scheme estimated to be in the order of £0.75m per annum."

Transport assessments throughout the year are included with significant travel expected around the auction event days.

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Rupert Craven, sales director UK & Ireland at Ritchie Bros., said: "We're extremely proud and excited to announce that we're holding our next UK auction at a new location: in Maltby, Rotherham (South Yorkshire).

"More precisely, our auction site will be at the former Maltby Main Colliery mine – a place of incredible heritage and an inspirational community. As an active coal mine for more than a hundred years (between 1910 and 2013), it has seen its share of hard work, ingenuity and – yes – heavy machinery. We'll certainly strive to continue with these traditions.

"We've started to outgrow our Donington Park site. More and more equipment is brought to our yard every year. Our new location in Maltby will be ready for future growth and offer more advantage to all our customers."

The reclamation scheme for the rest of the colliery is expected to commence in Spring 2019.

Ritchie Bros. website

Images: Hargreaves / Ritchie Bros.

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News: Footwear carrier design given a leg-up by AMRC

Whilst its work with the likes of Boeing, Rolls-Royce and McLaren may get the headlines, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing continues to work on projects with SMEs - the latest helping to develop a luxury sports shoe carrier for injection moulding manufacture by reducing the number of components by half.

With a base 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.

Its Design and Prototyping Group (DPG), develops everything from conceptual designs, to fully functional prototypes for a range of industries and Infinite Kreationz approached them to further develop a proof-of-concept model by identifying design changes to make it manufacture ready.

DPG design engineer, Valdis Krumins, looked at the handle design, an alternative to using straps for securing footwear in the carrier, as well as the hook and stand design.

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Dee Warburton, creative director of Infinite Kreationz, provided a Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) model to demonstrate the concept which the DPG then refined, creating a carrier made up of just three parts rather than the six in the proof-of-concept model. This meant just two injection mould tools would be needed for manufacture because two of the three parts share the same geometry.

John Spencer, senior project manager at the DPG (pictured, right), said: "One of the main barriers for start-up companies launching a plastic moulded product is the initial investment in tooling. We were able to review Dee's initial design with a view to reducing the number of components and simplifying their geometry, without compromising the functionality of the product. This led to a reduction in the complexity and number of injection mould tools that would be required to manufacture the suite of components, optimising the assembly for volume manufacture."

Dee, who is the brains behind the Footloose Footwear Carrier, said help from the AMRC to further develop his design and prototype not only resulted in the overall original design being successfully reduced but the final product remained fully functional, practical, innovative and more environmentally friendly.

Dee (pictured, left) said: "The Footloose Footwear Carrier, which was inspired during my time touring Europe in the early 1990's as a professional street dancer for Warp Records, is aimed at the fashion-conscious, luxury sports footwear market, alongside footballers, tennis players and other active lifestyle users wanting to carry their footwear in style.

"The advice provided during the one-to-one meetings was invaluable and the technical CAD services were of the highest quality and second to none in professionalism and expertise.

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"I would highly recommend the services of the University of Sheffield AMRC to anyone requiring advanced manufacturing research or design services - they exceeded expectations and provided the high quality services needed to develop, produce and market new products successfully.

"I'm now in the process of finalising the design to progress onto the next product development stage of tooling and production in England using recyclable and sustainable environmentally friendly materials."

Dee is aiming to fund the next stage of the Footloose Footwear Carrier's development via an online crowd funding campaign and a feature on BBC 2's Dragons' Den.

AMRC website

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News: New jobs hope at Parseq

Another Rotherham company looks to have secured grant funding via the Sheffield City Region (SCR) to unlock investment and create new jobs in the borough.

Rotherham-headquartered business process and technology specialist, Parseq is planning a £3m project at its Hellaby base having secured a major new contract.

Parseq specialises in mobile and online banking software and technology-led outsourcing services. Every year, it digitises 25 million customer correspondence documents and processes £15 billion of electronic payments. In August, the firm completed the sale of its contact centre division to focus on its Rotherham-based finance and administration division.

The firm has received approval for a £178,296 grant from the Sheffield City Region Business Investment Fund (BIF) to support the investment.

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The £52m BIF invests in businesses that demonstrate growth or the potential to grow. It helps businesses unlock investment in activity that helps their business to grow, become more productive and recruit new employees.

The fund includes a contribution from the Government's Local Growth Fund resources for the city region.

Documents show that the firm has secured new business in recent years and has recently won a major new contract. Fulfilling the contract will require additional premises.

Parseq works with leading blue-chip clients across the banking, utilities, telecoms and local authority sectors.

The company has requested BIF grant support to enable it to invest £3.1m in the construction and fitting out of premises. Two options have been under consideration - the construction and fit out of a facility at Hellaby as well as a cheaper option of leasing premises outside the region.

The BIF grant investment is to support the more costly investment in Rotherham and will generate 38 new jobs by March 2021 as well as a significant number of temporary roles during 2021.

Parseq website

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News: Pricecheck accelerating export growth

Having surpassed £70m in sales in its 40th anniversary year, award-winning firm, Pricecheck Toiletries, is targeting £200m turnover by 2025, with 50% of revenue coming from exports.

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

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 where an annual turnover of £73m was reported for the 2017-18 financial year – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year.

In early 2017, the brother and sister team turned to Growth 365, the membership service offered by professional services giant, Grant Thornton for ambitious mid-sized business leaders, to help them achieve their goal of achieving a £200m turnover by 2025. With £32.4m of 2018's total sales coming from exports, up 45% from the previous year, the aim is to reach 50% by 2025.

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Growth 365 connects Mark and Debbie with Grant Thornton's international network of experienced business advisers, technical specialists and analysts. The service also links the pair to a community of like-minded business leaders – an invaluable forum for sharing experiences, sounding out ideas and making new connections.

Mark Lythe, joint managing director at Pricecheck, said: "Our relationship with Grant Thornton and Growth 365 is building our confidence as we move into international markets. We've got access to fantastic resources and networks which we're using to expand growth worldwide."

Over the past year, the Growth 365 business advisers have challenged Pricecheck to take a fresh look at the business' position in the market. As a result, Mark and Debbie have developed a new and stronger identity for the business to boost its image on the international stage.

Growth 365 has also provided expert country market analysis so the pair have the right insight to target potential suppliers and customers in new markets more efficiently. Insight is also being provided into the competitor landscape, to enable Pricecheck to pinpoint the best opportunities in new product categories more accurately.

Staff numbers have grown from 80 to 150 in just two years and the company also expanded its storage capacity to 170,000 sq ft.

Richelle Schuster, who manages the Growth 365 service at Grant Thornton, said: "Pricecheck's growth means the business is taking on an increasingly important profile within the local community. People are proud of what Pricecheck has achieved as an international exporter."

Pricecheck website
Growth 365 website

Images: Grant Thornton

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News: James Burrell home in on new Rotherham site

Leading independent builders' merchant, James Burrell, has identified a site in Rotherham where it will invest £2m in opening its tenth branch.

Rothbiz reported in October that the Gateshead company was preparing a 48,000 sq ft Rotherham branch with a 3,000 sq ft office and trade counter area, displays, a warehouse and onsite vehicles.

Plans have now been submitted for substantial changes at 1-4 Wortley Road, the Masbrough site that was vacated in 2016 by Esco Corporation.

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The builders' merchant's proposals include the demolition of one half of the existing building to form an enlarged storage yard. New roller shutters opening onto the new yard are also proposed, as are external racking bays and new palisade fencing. 57 car parking spaces are set to be retained.

A change of use application was approved last year and the method of demolition has already been approved.

If the latest plans are also approved, the new branch would open later this year creating 15 jobs. Recruitment is already underway for Rotherham-based sales, warehouse and transport jobs.

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James Burrell is an ambitious company and 2018 saw the opening of a new branch in Morpeth along with investment at current branches which offer a full range of high-quality civils, drainage, timber, roofing, insulation and heavyside building materials.

Esco Corporation, a US manufacturer in the mining, construction and industrial sectors, acquired the Wortley Road premises in 2011 as part of the deal for Hydra Mining Tools International, which at the time was one of Rotherham's most profitable businesses.

James Burrell website

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News: Rotherham mixed-use schemes sold

High profile mixed-use retail and residential developments in the heart of Rotherham town centre have been acquired in a multimillion pound deal.

GVA's Leeds office has completed the sale of "Rotherham Central" on behalf of client and original developer, Iliad, in a deal worth close to £4m.

Purchased by Modernistiq Developments, the sale comprised 61 private-rented apartments and 23 retail units, distributed across three buildings, including the Victorian Imperial Buildings shopping arcade.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that a portfolio containing part of the developments in had gone on the market.

The Westgate Demonstrator Project saw developments like the Old Market and Keppel Wharf brought new apartments to the riverside. The scheme, part of the much-vaunted Rotherham Renaissance programme, also included the restoration of the Victorian, Grade II listed, Imperial Building.

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A design competition was launched in 2005 by Rotherham Council to find a preferred partner to take forward a masterplan for the Westgate area. Liverpool developer, Iliad and Glenn Howells Architects were selected to deliver this "Demonstrator Project", a key town centre regeneration scheme comprising five sites in council ownership.

Income is derived from residential, retail, car parking and ground rent totalling £470,000 per annum.

Alex Sweetman at GVA, said: "We are delighted to conclude the sale of Rotherham Central as the scheme will play a pivotal role in the revitalisation of the town centre.

"The town is experiencing a healthy demand for high quality, PRS housing and with limited stock on the market, Rotherham Central presented a fantastic opportunity for potential purchasers.

"The deal was a fantastic start to the year for us and we anticipate a busy few months ahead."

Eversheds acted on behalf of Iliad, while Shoosmiths James Bielby of Bielby Associates represented Modernistiq Developments.

Modernistiq is already looking at its investments and recently submitted a planning application to convert the vacant commercial unit at Keppel Wharf into 13 residential properties.

GVA website

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News: Bassingthorpe bike link planned

A new direct cycle route linking the Bassingthorpe housing growth area and Rotherham town centre could be created if a multimillion pound funding bid is successful.

Rothbiz reported in September that the Sheffield City Region (SCR) was one of ten areas in the UK to be shortlisted for a share of Government money to transform the way people travel.

A £1.7 billion Transforming Cities Fund was announced in the Autumn Budget 2017. The majority of the fund, to improve local transport connections, was divvied up to regions which had elected mayors, for them to control and spend as they see fit. As the SCR did not have an elected mayor at the time, the combined authority has had to bid into the remaining funds to get the cash to back its new transport strategy.

At the heart of the SCR bid, which is supported by all four local councils, is the proposal to develop a new Global Innovation Corridor that stretches across the region, linking people to key sites including Sheffield city centre, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham and Barnsley's Digital Campus.

In addition, the bid seeks to improve connectivity for communities and businesses across the Dearne Valley.

Now further details have been revealed for schemes that can commence delivery before the end of March. In total, SCR has bid for £9.3m from Government, to go alongside £6.3m in match funding. The total value of the six schemes is more than £15m.

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Four of the schemes are to promote active travel in the four areas of South Yorkshire.

In Rotherham, the plans are for a direct cycle route linking Greasbrough, Kimberworth and Wingfield to Rotherham town centre, as well as providing an early phase of a link to the planned Bassingthorpe Farm housing development, which comprises around 2,400 houses. This would involve an off-road cycle track for much of the route and an on-road section closer to the town. Side roads will be treated to provide priority for cyclists and pedestrians.

Two region-wide schemes have also been put forward. These involve retro-fitting buses with emission reduction systems to make them cleaner and greener, and also installing Real Time Information (RTI) at 45 bus stops to provide passengers with up-to-date public transport information.

The proposed works aim to enable people to choose affordable, greener and healthier forms of travel. The schemes will better connect homes, transport interchanges, employment and recreational opportunities using safer, more direct and convenient routes.

Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (pictured), said: "Here in the Sheffield City Region, we will build a transport system that works for everyone. A vital part of this is enabling people to travel in a more active way, whether by foot, bike or public transport. By prioritising active travel, we can improve people's health, cut carbon emissions and reduce congestion."

SCR website

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News: Gala Technology partner with Cardstream

Cardstream, the UK's largest independent provider of white label payment software and services, has collaborated with Rotherham-based Gala Technology, a card data protection solutions provider, on preventing chargeback fraud.

Manvers-based Gala Technology has invested in the development of SOTpay, a unique payment transfer system which uses a series of rigorous card and customer checks to prevent fraudulent transactions from taking place.

Cardstream will integrate Gala's SOTpay technology into its Merchant Management System used by reseller partners and merchants.

SOTpay is designed to secure mobile payments by directly sending a link to the cardholder via email or text. The software enables merchants to check the payment process step-by-step in real-time.

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Adam Sharpe, CEO of Cardstream, said: "SOTpay ensures that our partners' merchants have full visibility of every MOTO transaction and an audit trail live on their screens that will further protect them against the growing threat of what has come to be known unacceptably as "friendly fraud.""

Jason Mace, chairman of Gala Technology, added: "SOTpay is a smart, secure and innovative payment platform that enhances the security of telephone payments. Placing SOTpay's niche technology in front of Cardstream's global network of merchants is set to bring them major relief from exploitation of the chargeback system."

As part of the partnership, Gala developers will have access to Cardstream's one-click API that enables optimised online payment for its merchants and consumers.

Sharpe added: "As is often the way in the Cardstream ecosystem, SOTpay originally became a partner to use our white label payment gateway solution. Now we've added the option of their service for all our partners' merchants."

SOTpay website
Cardstream website

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News: INEOS appeal Rotherham refusal

Oil and gas exploration and production business, INEOS has submitted a planning appeal to overturn Rotherham Council's decision to refuse permission for a second test drilling well in the borough.

In September 2018, the planning board at Rotherham Council unanimously voted to refuse plans for a Greenbelt site at Woodsetts.

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.

Now planning consultants, Turley, have submitted paperwork to the Secretary of State to appeal the decision.

It now looks likely that another public inquiry will take place to hear the arguments for and against.

In June 2018, INEOS was granted planning approval for a drilling rig to test for shale gas in nearby Harthill following a public inquiry. INEOS appealed to the Planning Inspectorate over the non-determination of the application at another Greenbelt site.

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In submitting the second set of plans for Woodestts, INEOS urged the council to vote for approval in order to "avoid the potential for a second appeal, and the associated costs claims that may be made in light of the lack of evidence behind the reason for refusal."

The updated plans were actually recommended for approval, having previously been refused on ecological grounds and on highway safety. INEOS provided additional ecological surveys and data following earlier criticism and pointed to the decision of the planning inspector in the Harthill case.

When plans were determined, planning officers said that the highway reasons for refusal could be defended at a public inquiry if a subsequent planning appeal is made.

Campaigners in the borough are still battling INEOS. A community group has been granted a hearing date for a judicial review into the planning inquiry which favoured INEOS and its proposed development at Harthill. It centres on when updated plans from INEOS were made public and the group not knowing the full case they had to meet until the inquiry.

INEOS wants to carry out further tests on the suitability of the area for hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

INEOS website

Images: INEOS / Turley

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News: Glowing review for Rotherham's "gloriously lunatic" Grimm & Co

Grimm & Co, the innovative literacy charity that brings a truly unique retail offering to Rotherham's High Street, has received a fantastic review following a visit from the writer who pioneered the concept for engaging with local schools.

Opening in a former pub in 2016, the award-winning Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. Above the shop, the Yorkshire charity runs innovative storytelling and writing workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills.

Dave Eggers, the Boston-born author whose 2008 TED Talk and own non-profit organisation was a big influence for the founders of Grimm & Co, was in Rotherham recently to take in the magical venue for the first time.

The writer's work includes The Circle and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and he created 826 Valencia in San Francisco in 2002. It has spawned similar organisations across the globe where in each case, the shop is a façade, and although they sell products, like any other, it is all part of creating a fantastical destination to inspire children to work without knowing they are working, and increase participation in literacy projects through a creative writing and mentoring centre.

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Writing on Instagram, Eggers (pictured, second left on the back row) said: "I finally got to see it in person: one of the most gloriously lunatic youth writing centers in the world, Grimm & Co. It's located in Rotheram [sic], about two hours north of London by train. In the middle of town, in a former pub, Deborah Bullivant and her team have created a complete and utterly convincing alternative universe dedicated to storytelling and pure wonder.

"I was there for two hours and I barely scraped the surface of this place, with its secret doors, miles-deep mythology and backstory, hundreds of bizarre products, stories all over the walls, kid-made books, and of course the writing room where student-writers gather around a very official table and sit on toilet seats.

"This place is worth the trip from London, or Leeds, or South Korea. It is simply that great, and is unsurpassed in all the world."

Converting the former Town Gate pub on Doncaster Gate at the foot of the High Street, the centre above the shop has attracted thousands of young people for story-making sessions, school writing programmes, after school clubs and holiday camps.

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

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

Grimm & Co website

Images: Dave Eggers / Instagram / Grimm & Co

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News: Economic survey as Brexit deadline looms

Businesses across the region are facing "challenging times" amidst growing concerns over Brexit which is impacting upon growth and confidence, according to the latest figures released by the Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Quarterly Economic Review (QER).

The results of the final quarter of the year (Q4) were unveiled by David Littlewood, professor of Strategic Management at the University of Sheffield's Management School at a special event which was hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham.

It comes after the SCR LEP board discussed potential impacts of Brexit, from problems with exporting for the manufacturing sector to reduced levels of inward investment.

According to the latest statistics, whilst Brexit and its impact upon exchange rates were cited by SMEs as being the biggest challenges they faced, over the past quarter, the region's manufacturers have been particularly hard hit. Growing numbers of manufacturers cited increases in the cost of raw materials and a declining export market has resulted in a more difficult trading period.

However, during the same period, the region's service industry performed better, with many SMEs recording improved levels of and plans to increase their workforce, however some also noted difficulties in recruiting suitable members of staff.

With Brexit firmly in the spotlight during the event, the survey asked business owners how informed they felt about the implications of the UK leaving the European Union, with the vast majority of those surveyed indicating they are unsure how Brexit will impaction upon their work. Just 22% of businesses operating in the service industry and 44% of manufacturers said they had made special provisions for dealing with Brexit.

Attended by more than 100 businesses operating throughout the region, the event also featured a special presentation by Jenny Lawson of Enterprise Europe Network who provided a briefing and update on Brexit, before joining a panel discussion featuring William Beckett, chair of the International Trade Forum, Neil MacDonald, chair of SCR Business Growth Board and Jayne Mezulis, Export & Import Consultancy Services by EICS.

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Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: "The latest survey results show that as we edge closer towards the planned leaving date, there are signs that areas of the local economy are already beginning to feel the impact of the continued political instability surrounding Brexit. The local manufacturing industry in particular has faced clear difficulties over the past twelve months, as they face the double whammy of reduced profitability in the export market and rising raw material costs.

"It is clear from this morning's discussions that business owners are facing challenging times. They are concerned about the continued political instability being caused by Brexit and we urge parliament to act decisively to get a comprehensive deal done. We need clarity rather than political posturing if they are to get answers to the practical questions that still remain and given the present timeframe there remains a high degree of uncertainty for businesses."

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, added: "Preparing the Sheffield City Region for Brexit is a priority for me. It's key to everything that we do, from creating good jobs to attracting investment, growing an inclusive economy and building infrastructure for the 21st century.

"We are working hard to ensure that businesses across the region are prepared for the implications and informed about Brexit. At the end of this month (January) the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub is publishing their Brexit tool, that will enable businesses across the region to carry out a self-assessment which will advise them about their strengths and weaknesses in six areas, including innovation and skills. The tool will also direct then to resources and expert help so they can prepare.

"Whatever happens over the coming weeks, months and years, I'm determined to ensure our region's economic growth continues and that we are both insulated against the challenges and best positioned to exploit the opportunities."

The Quarterly Economic Review, is published by the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, Sheffield Chamber, Doncaster Chamber and the East Midlands Chamber in conjunction with the Sheffield City Region and the University of Sheffield Management School provides an opportunity for business owners to share how their business has performed over the past quarter.

SCR Economy website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: More housing at Keppel Wharf planned

A prominent commercial unit in Rotherham town centre could be converted into residential use under recently submitted plans.

Completed in 2008, Keppel Wharf forms part of the high profile Westgate Demonstrator Project which brought new apartments to the riverside. The scheme, part of the much-vaunted Rotherham Renaissance programme saw around £60m worth of development carried out, creating The Old Market, Keppel Wharf and the Imperial Buildings.

Whilst the residential aspects have been popular with investors and tenants, the commercial space has been more hit and miss.

Keppel Wharf, built on the former baths site overlooking the river, created 53 residential apartments and 5,000 sq ft of commercial space, plus 2,500 sq ft of open terrace.

Now plans have been submitted to convert the current commercial space on the ground floor, upper ground and Mezzanine level, into residential space.

A paying tenant for the large unit overlooking the river, which was designed for retail or restaurant use, has never been in place. Instead the space has previously been used as an art gallery and arts space.

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The plans include introducing a "bed deck" to the upper ground floor to create a further 13 residential properties. The large bin store used for the commercial space will be re-purposed for the new residential properties.

If approved, nine two bed apartments and four one bed apartments, of which nine will be accommodated over two stories.

The plans, drawn up by Den Architecture, states: "The proposed development makes best use of this underutilised ground floor, upper ground and Mezzanine level demonstrating a carefully considered approach in order to achieve a scheme that is befitting of the area.

"The scheme sits comfortably within it's context, providing much needed high quality city centre residential units. The proposal respects the neighbouring properties.

"It is therefore considered that the proposal is appropriate for the site, context and only enhances what should be a desirable location."

Property agents at GVA, were brought in during 2017 to progress the sale of much of the development, with the client thought to be the developer, Illiad.

Images: Tom Austen

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News: New micropubs in Rotherham but no real ale festival

The high profile real event at Magna in Rotherham looks to have been pulled for 2019.

The Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary last year (despite the snow!). The three-day event attracts thousands of beer, food and music fans to Rotherham and raises thousands for local charities.

A recent post to the event's Facebook page states that this year's event has been cancelled.

It read: "Unfortunately, due to a number of unforeseen circumstances this year's beer festival has been cancelled.

"We are hoping to organise another festival in 2020."

Starting at Oakwood School in 1992, the event has gone on to become the largest indoor beer festival outside of London.

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Rotherham has seen a continued appetite for real ale with Something Brew Inn opening in Rawmarsh and Dragon's Tap opening at Stag roundabout. Little Haven operates from a former post office in Parkgate and the Rustic Tap has transformed a former restaurant in Maltby. The Wath Tap is Rotherham CAMRA branch's Pub of the Year for 2018.

Now plans have been submitted to convert a vacant 1,717 sq ft unit at Brinsworth into a micropub. The plans are for the former Brinsworth DIY and Trade Centre which sits alongside the Tesco Express and a parade of other shops.

Applicant, Sharon Oliver said in the plans that the new venue would cater for around 30 people but not have music or food. Planned opening hours are until 10:30pm Monday to Thursday, 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9:00pm on a Sunday.

Across the borough another small establishment appears to have already opened but planning documents show that a micropub on Dale Road to the rear of the existing Horse & Jockey pub, has caused concerns for nearby residents.

Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival website

Images: Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival

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