News: Rotherham firm gets exclusive first look at Gulliver’s Valley

Rotherham-based visual media company, LensGo, have been appointed to capture the Gulliver's Valley build at Rother Valley, from concept to completion.

The new Gulliver's Valley theme park in Rotherham is being built in phases and LensGo has joined forces with the Gulliver's team to capture some remarkable footage of the process.

Phase 1 of construction at the £38m project is well underway on land adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park.

Gulliver's Valley is to be a year round destination aimed at 2 - 13 year olds and include a theme park hub, woodland adventure centre, ecology and education centre, lodges, hotels and a holiday village.

LensGo has been allowed exclusive access to the site to utilise their drone technology, time-lapse photography and film to capture the theme park transform from the land of a former pit.

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Julie Dalton, managing director at Gulliver's Theme Parks, said: "We are so pleased with the work LensGo have completed to date and can't wait to release the footage. It was important for us to use local companies throughout the build process. We're excited to welcome many visitors to our new attraction but there's so much we can do until we open to give back to the local economy.

"We heard about LensGo and their MD Stuart when he filmed a local martial arts school enjoying a fun day out at our Matlock site, and he has since worked with us capturing content on our parks. We're excited to see the end result and it'll be available to everyone to view once complete to watch how we shaped the history of the area."

The firm recently released a sneak peek of the site's "Western World" where guests will be able to explore individual sections such as the Sheriff's Office, Bank and General Store. The main structures for the street are in place and in the coming months Gulliver's will be including rides and attractions that will compliment the western theme.

Stuart, managing director of LensGo, said: "We're thrilled to be part of such an exciting project and especially one that's right on our doorstep. We visit the site every month to capture the latest developments. It's fascinating to be part of the process and to see how quickly it's coming together.

"I launched LensGo just over a year ago, after a career as a cameraman. Securing a contract with Gulliver's has given us a real boost. We can't wait to see how the site unfolds."

Gulliver's Valley Theme Park and Resort is set to open in Spring 2020.

Gulliver's Valley website
LensGo website

Images: LensGo / Gulliver's

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News: Rotherham pub to reopen after fire

The Cutler's Arms, one of Rotherham town centre's historic pubs, is planning to reopen this Friday after suffering a fire that staff say could have destroyed the building.

The Grade 2 listed buildings on Westgate is one of the few surviving Edwardian buildings in the town centre. There was a previous Cutler's Arms on the site before the current building, the first appearing in a directory of 1825.

Operated by Rotherham's own award-winning Chantry Brewery, the Cutler's has been open for five years and is popular with real ale fans and fans of live music.

A small fire in the cellar meant that the venue had to close over last weekend but staff have worked tirelessly to get the pub back open for this weekend.

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A post on the pub's Facebook page reads: "Five years since we opened and the unimaginable happened... We had a small fire that caused considerable damage BUT fate was on our side, we could have lost the Cutlers forever if the cellar wasn't over a 100 years old, there wasn't any timber for the fire to spread up, it was caught early and luckily the fire had burnt a water pipe so it acted like a sprinkler... Frank our resident Cutlers ghost was definitely helping us out!

"But now we need YOU more than ever, to support us, all the fantastic bands, our staff and Rotherhams only brewery to recover from this devastation. We have slogged and grafted to re-open as soon as possible, we've rinsed, washed, scrubbed, mopped and thrown so much away but we're still here, still positive and we still have that Cutlers fire in our belly that us Yorkshire folk have."

The 1907 rebuilding was part of a general rebuilding in Westgate to provide a broader highway into the town to relieve traffic congestion. The Cutler's sits alongside the derelict Alma Tavern which remains unused having suffered fire damage over the years.

Good news for the Cutler's came in the form of a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor which honours hospitality businesses that deliver consistently great service across the world.

In addition, the Rotherham venue made it in to the final 30 in Welcome to Yorkshire's search for Yorkshire's Favourite Pub 2019.

Cutler's Arms website

Images: Cutler's Arms / Facebook

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News: Builders' merchant opens new Rotherham site

Leading independent builders' merchant, James Burrell, has opened its new site in Rotherham, its tenth location overall.

Rothbiz reported in January that the Gateshead company was preparing a Rotherham branch with a 3,000 sq ft office and trade counter area, displays, a 28,000 sq ft warehouse and onsite vehicles.

Investing some £2m at 1-4 Wortley Road, the Masbrough site that was vacated in 2016 by Esco Corporation, James Burrell has brought 15 jobs to the area.

Cllr. Jenny Andrews, Mayor of Rotherham, and the Mayoress, Jeanette Mallinder, attended an official ribbon cutting ceremony and the official opening day was attended by customers and suppliers such as Stonemarket, Ox and Michelmersh, giving local tradespeople a chance to see the new facilities now on offer and take advantage of the product discounts, supplier deals, free food and giveaways.

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Cllr. Jenny Andrews, said: "I'm really passionate about developments happening in Rotherham, so it is fantastic to see such an established builders' merchant bring their service to the town and I know James Burrell is going to be a fantastic addition to our business community."

Richard Day, regional sales manager at James Burrell, added: "It's a really exciting time for James Burrell with us opening our most southern branch and showcasing our reliable service to the Rotherham and South Yorkshire building trade. It's also great to have the support of the local council and to have Cllr Jenny Andrews carry out the official ribbon cutting.

"It was brilliant to welcome so many customers through the door at our opening day and we look forward to building upon trading relationship. We will be hosting several supplier mornings with exclusive opening deals in the coming months, so keep an eye out on our social media for further information."

James Burrell website

Images: James Burrell

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News: Duke of York meets students at University Centre Rotherham

The new £10.5m University Centre Rotherham (UCR) received a royal welcome this week as HRH The Duke of York KG, officially opened the higher education centre on Doncaster Gate.

The visit coincided with the centre being awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), judging that the provider delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students - the highest quality found in the UK.

UCR is a brand new campus dedicated to offering degrees and professional training qualifications, providing a state-of-the-art teaching facility in the heart of Rotherham town centre.

On Doncaster Gate, UCR is operated by leading education and training provider RNN Group and is part of the Rotherham Plan 2025, a strategy set out by the Rotherham Together Partnership to improve the economic and social wellbeing of the borough.

During the visit, The Duke was welcomed to the new campus by CEO and principal of the RNN Group, Jason Austin, along with the vice chair of the corporation, Stephen Smith, several members of the group's senior leadership team and governors.

Education is one of His Royal Highness' core areas of focus, with The Duke committed to supporting a wide range of pathways to ensure young people develop the skills they need to become economically active.

During the visit, the Duke discussed the positive impact that the centre will have in Rotherham and that the development is in the best interests of young people and local employers.

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His Royal Highness was taken on a tour of the impressive building introducing staff and students studying within the centre, along with local employers and a range of alumni who have studied higher education courses within Rotherham College, also part of the RNN Group.

The main areas of focus during the visit were performing arts where degree students showcased a short performance from Shakespeare's Macbeth and media and photography where key features of the studio were described as enhancing the educational experience and employability skills.

Others included computing and digital and health and social care where The Duke had the opportunity to see how students work closely with local employers on live projects to ensure skills and experiences gained at UCR are relevant for the workplace. Students also demonstrated how the state-of-the-art facilities within the UCR are dedicated to providing all learners the opportunity to study their degrees locally without compromising on quality.

UCR's facilities also include specialist teaching areas, seminar and lecture rooms, a modern library, café and both independent and group study spaces.

RNN Group expects to run 50 different university-level courses by 2020, adding to the 32 higher-level courses currently on offer. The target is to attract 1,000 additional students over the first five years and tuition fees are under the £9,000 charged by many universities, making degrees more accessible for people in the town.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled by His Royal Highness, marking the opening of University Centre Rotherham as a key local Higher Education provider.

In March 2012 The Duke opened Rotherham College's Wentworth building offering specialist facilities in computing, business and accounting. Rotherham College is part of the same educational and training group as University Centre Rotherham, the RNN Group which also incorporates North Notts College, Dearne Valley College, RNN Training and other subsidiary training organisations. This continued investment in high quality education provision is aimed at increasing access to higher-level skills and, with the addition of University Centre Rotherham, higher or degree-level qualifications.

Jason Austin, CEO and principal of RNN Group, said: "With the official opening of our brand new University Centre Rotherham, we are proud to be extending our continued commitment to excellent education and training provision so that local people can now study degrees in the heart of Rotherham.

"We recognise this as an exciting step toward reducing the local skills gap and supporting the regional economy. We are delighted that the centre has been officially opened by HRH the Duke of York KG and hope this raises awareness of the significantly-improved access to local higher or degree-level qualifications."

The centre is hosting an open day this Saturday.

UCR website

Images: Duke of York / twitter

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News: Rotherham power plant inaugurated by HRH The Duke of York

The £160m Templeborough Biomass Power Plant in Rotherham has been officially inaugurated by His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG.

The power plant first generated electricity to the national grid at the end of last summer, exporting just over 41MW of green electricity which is enough to supply 78,000 homes (around half the population of Rotherham) and save over 150,000 tons of CO2 every year.

Built on disused land at the Firth Rixson Ickles Works, the plant generates clean, green energy using waste wood. The project has created the equivalent of more than 250 full time jobs during the construction phase and 30 jobs have been permanently established on site to operate the plant for its lifetime of more than 20 years.

Templeborough Biomass is fully owned by Copenhagen Infrastructure II (CI II), a fund managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. CI II has invested approximately £160m equity in Templeborough Biomass, which has no third-party debt.

Christina Grumstrup Sørensen, senior partner of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, said: "We are very proud to formally inaugurate our plant and to have His Royal Highness The Duke of York visit to make the day extra special. We were delighted to be able to discuss with him the benefits of renewable energy in the fight against climate change."

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Tim Forrest, managing director of CI Biomass, added: "It has been a pleasure to celebrate the day with the project partners and reflect on the great work that has brought us to this point. We are now looking forward to many successful years of working with the local community here in Rotherham and generating clean, green energy for homes across South Yorkshire."

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, added: "We are delighted to have such a significant project open and generating renewable energy in our community. The benefits will bring the introduction of new, high tech, long term employment, recognising the immense skill base of our local people. Our region has so much to offer and we are delighted that the visit of His Royal Highness The Duke of York will bring international recognition to our project."

The power plant was built by a consortium of Birmingham-based Interserve Construction Ltd. and Babcock & Wilcox Vølund from Denmark. The waste wood fuel is sourced and processed by Stobart Biomass Products Ltd., a subsidiary of the Stobart Group.

The Duke went on to officially open the £10.5m University Centre Rotherham.

Templeborough Biomass website

Images: Templeborough Biomass

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News: Council's proposals for extending selective licensing in Rotherham

Rotherham Council is reviewing its selective licensing scheme before they come to the end of the first five year period during which licences have been required.

The powers are used in four areas where a licence fee for each property must be paid for by the landlord or agent and where each licence contains a set of conditions that the landlord must meet.

The aim is to tackle the low housing demand and significant and persistent levels of antisocial behaviour related to the private rented sector and gives the Council greater powers to intervene where problems arise.

A consultation is required on extending the licences and the authority is also proposing to add parts of the "Little London" estate in Maltby to the designated area.

The move comes as the Council's cabinet agreed to add two further selective licensing areas covering over 400 privately rented properties in parts of Thurcroft and Parkgate.

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Cllr Dominic Beck, Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing said: "Selective licensing improves the standard of housing for entire neighbourhoods. It leads to more reliable, longer term tenancies; higher quality and safer housing standards; reduced levels of homelessness; and increased property and rent values which in turn helps create greater community cohesion."

He added there is a high reliance on the private sector for housing in both Thurcroft and Parkgate as there is high unemployment, poor health, and higher levels of crime than the average.

In all of the designated areas, some 2,367 houses, the Council has been able to licence 98% of private rented housing, with the remaining properties being subject to enforcement action, to either ensure the property is licensed, or deliver a criminal or civil penalty for failing to licence.

RMBC website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Economic projects promote pride for partnership

Economic regeneration and high profile business investments have been the main highlights showing how far Rotherham has come in a short space of time.

Projects such as the £12m improvements at the bus station, Gulliver's Valley, the new university centre and the £50m McLaren investment were all used to show how a shared ambition for the borough is becoming reality.

The Rotherham Together Partnership was launched in September 2015 and the Rotherham Plan 2025 was officially launched in 2017. It provides a framework for partners' joint efforts to create a borough that "is better for everyone who wants to live, work, invest or visit here."

The plan is based around five "game changers": building stronger communities, skills and employment, integrated health and social care, a place to be proud of and the town centre.

The partnership brings together a wide range of organisations, including major public bodies. Its Business Growth Board is responsible for the delivery of strategies which feeds into the overarching plan and includes indicators on business starts, employment and skill levels. The Rotherham Employment and Skills Strategy has recently been endorsed by the Council's cabinet.

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At a partnership event at New York Stadium, Council leader Cllr. Chris Read, who is also the partnership chair, said: "We said that our game changers would alter people's lives and today we can see those ambitions transformed into reality with much more still to come.

"Then we had secured £12m to refurbish the bus station, but the building was still falling down.

"Then McLaren has announced a £50m investment in the borough, but we hadn' t actually seen so much as a JCB, let alone a Royal visit.

"Then we had a plan for a higher education building in the town centre, and planning permission for a theme park, a tram extension that seemed like it might never be finished, and a social care challenge that stretched as far as the eye could see.

"And today? Our University Centre Rotherham open, with the first students studying. The bus station rebuilt and reopened. Tram train up and running, with more than half a million journeys taken already. Rotherham has been the fastest growing local economy in Yorkshire for over a year now.

"What began as words and commitments two years ago is taking shape, in bricks and mortar and jobs, in opportunities realised, and in a different way of working."

Cllr. Read also discussed the importance of the devolution deal and how Rotherham continues to benefit from being part of the Sheffield city region (SCR).

He said: "Two years ago it was quite common for people to say to me that we shouldn't bother, because we would only lose out to our neighbours anyway. Other places were cynical about whether the deals were really worth doing at all.

"Today every single local authority in the region – every single one - wants to do a devo deal. The TUC, CBI and Institute of Directors issue joint statements on the subject.

"Last week we secured £7m to complete the retail centre at Waverley, and saw announcements that the UK Atomic Energy Agency will bring some of its work to develop fusion technology – the holy grail of limitless energy – to the borough, alongside a potential £10m investment in battery technology in the McLaren supply chain.

"At the same time we are asking the government for up to £40m of investment to support better public transport and walking and cycling as part of the Transforming Cities Fund. It would be the biggest single investment in sustainable transport for years.

"No one seriously says we shouldn't bother any longer. The reality has changed the perception. Just imagine what we could do if we actually got on and implemented the actual deal!

"That's how much things can change in two years. Attitudes shift. Rotherham is finding its way in the world again. By challenging the established order of things."

Rotherham Together Partnership website

Images: Rotherham Together Partnership

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News: Latest on Rotherham tip reopening

Grange Landfill has met all pre-operational conditions for their permit to dump waste on Droppingwell, Rotherham and the Environment Agency (EA) is waiting on an intention to commence operations on site.

When landfilling operations ceased at the site, the planning permission and environmental permit allowing landfilling activity in January 1978 remained in place. The Environment Agency said it has been obliged to consider any proposal to resume landfilling and to allow the resumption of landfilling if the operator could demonstrate that the new activity complied with current landfill regulations and environmental standards.

The permit variation granted in March 2016 allows for 150,000 tonnes of inert waste to be imported, and 55,000 tonnes of waste for restoration, each year.

All pre-operational conditions have now been fulfilled by the operator and agreed with the EA's technical specialist. Construction of both the surface water management system and landfill infrastructure is now expected.

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EA also confirmed that it has received notification that the operator will, within the next 18 months, commence work to prepare the site before any installation work or major engineering infrastructure work commences. Initially this will involve repairs to security fencing, constructing a site office, compound and installing haul roads around the site.

Concerns had been raised about the environment, previous activity on the site, as well as the impact on local residents and amenities such as nearby facilities for Millmoor Juniors Football Club and the Peter Cowen Golf Academy.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the people behind the permit application but the EA has carried out its Fit and Proper Person assessments appropriately and in accordance with the designated criteria and consider Grange Landfill Limited is a competent operator.

Cllr. Maggi Clark, who represents the area, said: "The agreement of the permit is deeply disappointing for us. It is unthinkable that this beauty spot will be torn up and turned into a tip. On behalf of all residents I urge the Environment Agency to rethink it's position."

Cllr. Emma Hoddinott, Cabinet Member for Waste at Rotherham Council, added: "Though the beginning of tipping is not imminent, this granting of the permit is one step towards that. The council will look at all avenues to stop this tip going forward, but ultimately the Environment Agency needs to look at it's handling of this permit."

Environment Agency website

Images: Google Maps

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News: ENGIE appointed to extend Rotherham school

Energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE has been awarded a £1.8m construction contract at a Rotherham school.

The previous owners of Keepmoat, the Doncaster-based affordable housing and community regeneration specialist, sold its regeneration arm to ENGIE, a French headquartered multinational firm, for an estimated £330m in 2017. The regeneration team, now known as Places & Communities, is based at offices in Manvers, Rotherham and was previously Bramall Construction.

The contract has been awarded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to create a new 7,000 sq ft teaching block at St Pius X Catholic School in Wath.

Work began in with the existing building, which is no longer fit for use, being demolished and replaced with a new single storey block. The new building, located on Wath Wood Road, has been designed by Race Cottam Associates.

The building is the second project that ENGIE is constructing for the Department of Education across South Yorkshire, with the recent build of a £3.9m extension at St Bernard's Catholic High School, also in Rotherham.

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The work forms part of the ESFA's Priority School Building Programme 2 to rebuild or refurbish school buildings most in need across the country.

Sean Corcoran, regional director at ENGIE, said: "We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Department of Education on this scheme. This project will create a state-of-the-art new facility designed to inspire and encourage students to reach their full potential.

"We're also looking forward to working with the school to roll out a series of student engagement activities and giving them the opportunity to see first-hand how their new school extension is developing."

Sue Smith, headteacher at St Pius X Catholic High School, added: "We are delighted that work on our replacement for our SARTO House block has started and excited to see it develop over the coming months.

"We hope many of our students will have the opportunity to see aspects of the work as it progresses both as part of the careers education and as part of their futures at Saint Pius. We thank ENGIE for what has been a very smooth and professional start to the project."

The project is due to be completed in July 2020.

ENGIE website

Images: ENGIE / Race Cottom

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News: Record-breaking sales in AESSEAL's 40th year

Rotherham manufacturer AESSEAL has hit a new high with an unbroken three-month run of record-breaking sales.

With its global headquarters at Templeborough, the company sells to 104 countries around the world and recorded £17.6m in sales of mechanical seals, support systems and reliability-based product and service solutions during May 2019 alone – more than £800,000 over target.

The business had already beaten its previous record in March and again with even higher sales in April this year, achieving over £16.4m in each month.

Designing and manufacturing mechanical seals and support systems for a wide range of global industries including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals, AESSEAL is marking its 40th anniversary in 2019. Founder, Chris Rea OBE purchased Aurora Engineers Supplies in 1979, as a small distributor of mechanical seals, with ten employees and an annual turnover of £400,000.

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Jim Hamilton, general manager and director at AESSEAL, said: "We put this fantastic success down to increased demand for high quality products which deliver reliability, swift return on investment and long-term value for money. AES continues to invest in technology that achieves this goal for our customers.

"This constant pushing forward is not without its challenges, however the excellent AES global workforce, coupled with teamwork across the board continues to respond proactively to overcome them.

"Our success is all the more gratifying in light of this."

Group turnover rose 6.3% from £170.6m to £181.3m in the year to December 31 2018, with organic sales growth of 8% when adjusted for acquisitions and currency fluctuations. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 15.7% to £34.7m.

Group net assets rose to £122.8m, an increase of 18.6% from 2017, and the group held a positive cash balance of £16.5m at year end, despite increasing capital expenditure – which included investment of £6.8m in additional 9 and 11 axis machining capacity.

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: New cocktail bar set to be added to the mix

Spirits could be raised among cocktail lovers in Rotherham town centre if a neat set of plans for a new bar are approved.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that a unit in one of the borough's most iconic buildings could be converted into a sports bar and now a planning application has been submitted to bring another nearby unit back into use.

Currently vacant, and most recently in use as a hair salon, applicant Paul Simms wants planning permission to convert a 2,400 sq ft unit in the Imperial Buildings in Rotherham town centre into a drinking establishment.

The restored Victorian, Grade II listed, Imperial Building was sold in a multimillion pound deal at the start of 2019.

It includes period glass shop frontages and internal galleries that complement the conservation area setting next to Rotherham Minster. 19 residential apartments were created on the upper floors.

The new bar in unit 5 is set to be called the Platinum Lounge & Bar.

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The plans, drawn up by John Box Associates, show how what internal works are planned, including removing partition walls and the installation of new disabled toilet at lower ground floor which requires the relocation of the existing stairs access doorway, the only structural change.

Male and female toilets and a store are to be located in one side of the basement with the remaining basement to include relocated office and cellar.

The only external works, for which listed building consent will be required, is for new signage.

Rotherham Council has requested that a noise assessment be submitted for the proposed new use which considers potential impact on the residential accommodation above the unit. It concludes that the existing sound insulation performance is capable of attenuating sound into the flat above.

Images: Platinum Lounge & Bar Ltd

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News: Steady progress in developing new anti-roll bar technology

Experts from industry and academia continue to highlight the Sheffield city region's (SCR's) expertise in finding solutions within the cutting edge automotive sector.

The latest project is developing a revolutionary high-performance hybrid composite-metal anti-roll bar for trucks and trains and shows that the technology has the potential to spin out into other sectors such as aerospace and could see the UK take a global lead with these products.

Engineers at Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, are working on the project, co-funded by the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK, with Sheffield-based Tinsley Bridge Ltd, one of the world's leading suppliers of anti-roll bars, and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The project is investigating the development and manufacture of lighter composite materials as an alternative to traditional metal anti-roll bars. Lightweight anti-roll bars could cut fuel consumption and emissions from rail and heavy road vehicles whilst also improving their reliability. Anti roll bars, also referred to as a stabiliser bars, sway bars, or torsion bars, is the part which stops your car tipping over when you steer heavily into a corner.

The previous Innovate UK funded project achieved a significant 65% reduction in the weight of the stabiliser bar by replacing the current solid steel component with a carbon fibre composite member. The new stabiliser bar design achieved this weight reduction without compromising performance, and offered improved durability, given that the carbon composite materials are less affected by fatigue.

The new project will further develop and refine the design of the anti-roll bars and undertake a wide variety of laboratory testing to simulate the conditions that the anti-roll bars will face during their service life.

PES Performance is heading up the engineering and design side of the project, using its expertise in composites and lightweight materials to design the anti-roll bars. The PES team will utilise Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate if the proposed designs can resist the loads an anti-roll bar is subjected to prior to manufacture. Also, PES Performance will 3D optically scan the manufactured parts as part of the quality inspection process to check the quality of the manufactured parts against the original design specifications.

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Also based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC has a £4.5m state-of-the-art centre supporting the development of advanced composite materials inside its Factory of the Future. The centre produced the anti-roll bar prototypes using its MF Tech filament winding system. This is a technique in which filaments of glass or carbon impregnated with resin are wound onto a rotating mandrel to form the desired shape. It also used its CT scanner capability to inspect the inside of the bar, checking the structural integrity and verifying the build quality.

Russell Crow, project manager at Tinsley Bridge (pictured, third right), said: "The targeted application of composite materials in automotive and rail applications has the potential to form the basis of a new era of vehicles. Significant weight reduction can be achieved by redesigning structural and safety-critical components to maximise their performance when manufactured from non-traditional materials.

Recommended reading: Find Quality Car Parts Online: New and Used Options at Srotas24.co.uk

"The goal of this project is to demonstrate what can be achieved on a heavy-duty anti-roll bar without compromising the safety of the vehicle. In order to deliver such a challenging brief, we built a strong consortium, comprising of world experts in their respective fields. I am delighted that we found such engineering and manufacturing expertise in the South Yorkshire region."

Dean Gardner, engineering director at PES Performance Ltd, added; "Carbon fibre composites are commonly used in high-end supercars, but have yet to see widespread use in the volume automotive sector. This project aims to show the wider benefits that these materials can provide.

"One of the major challenges has been to achieve a strong and durable interface between the materials in the hybrid anti-roll bars design, in order to achieve the required fatigue performance. With our experience in lightweighting and composites, it is good to be working with Tinsley Bridge and the AMRC on this exciting, potentially ground-breaking project."

Anthony Stevenson, technical lead for the AMRC Composite Centre (pictured, far right), added: "The collaboration with Tinsley Bridge and PES Performance has resulted in the development of a completely new hybrid component to meet the challenges of heavy vehicle stabiliser and torsion bars for the very first time; all whilst introducing weight savings that lead to a variety of benefits such as improved fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

"We are delighted to continue the project to further developing a new design for the hybrid anti-roll bar as the collaboration has the potential to develop a leading place for the UK with a disruptive technology that has global implications; one that will also have applications in other sectors including the aerospace and rail industries."

PES Performance website
Tinsley Bridge website
AMRC website

Images: AMRC / PES / Tinsley Bridge

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News: CW Fletcher lands massive £160m Rolls-Royce deal

CW Fletcher, a precision engineering firm based in Rotherham, has signed a record £160m long term contract with Rolls-Royce. A deal which means it can expand its Wales Bar facility.

The business supplies a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, nuclear and space exploration. Its "Sterling Works" is part of a 9.5-acre combined site located at Wales Bar in Rotherham where high-strength, lightweight assemblies in ordinary and exotic metallic materials are fabricated and high value-added components are machined.

The deal, the most valuable secured by the company in its 126-year history, will see them supply aircraft engine fabrications for the next ten years.

Steve Kirk, managing director at CW Fletcher, said: "This is hugely significant for every one of us at CW Fletcher and represents many months of work at both companies. The contract forms a key part of our growth strategy which will also see the start of our new facility in Sheffield to add a further 2,000 square metres of manufacturing space and secure the future of our 200 strong workforce. We are confident that the future is bright for advanced manufacturing here in Sheffield."

Ian Oliver, strategic buyer at Rolls-Royce, added: "Rolls-Royce is pleased to secure this deal with CW Fletcher, which builds on the previous 70 years plus relationship. CW Fletcher is an important supplier to Rolls-Royce and the deal helps secure the long-term relationship between the companies."

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CW Fletcher has a strategy for sustained growth based on being one of the first companies selected for the UK's flagship Sharing in Growth competitiveness improvement programme. The company has participated in the bespoke and intense training and business transformation programme which focuses on leadership, culture and operational capability.

Rothbiz reported in 2016 that participation in Sharing in Growth helped CW Fletcher sign a £7m, three year export deal with Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) of Japan for the supply of unison ring components which were ultimately fitted into Rolls-Royce aero engines.

The firm's links to Rolls-Royce stretch back to the manufacture of components in the iconic Merlin engine, developed for the Spitfire and Lancaster aircraft.

Set up by industry in 2012, Sharing in Growth is endorsed by Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, GE, GKN, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, Safran and Thales because it is helping the UK advanced manufacturing supply chain to become more competitive and win a larger share of global aerospace contracts, typically by addressing a 20% cost gap and targeting 50% productivity improvement.

Andy Page, CEO of Sharing in Growth, said: "We are thrilled with CW Fletcher's well-deserved success. It is testament to the effectiveness of Sharing in Growth and we'd encourage other ambitious companies to follow CW Fletcher onto our programme. As an industry-led programme our aim is to deliver sustainable business growth in the advanced manufacturing sector based on investing in people and processes to drive up productivity and competitiveness."

CW Fletcher are experts in providing machined fabrications, in a range of materials, up to two metres in diameter. Their modern facility contains 5 axis milling, CNC turning, heat-treatment, pressing, sheet-metal work, non-destructive testing and a range of welding techniques.

CW Fletcher moved to its current site in 1999 but due to a recession in the airline business in the early 2000s, two additional buildings were never erected. Plans have been amended to allow for the third planned building to be removed and replaced by a lower rise second building.

Richard J Phillips, business development manager at CW Fletcher, said: "We have been gradually building our reputation across these market sectors to the point where our customers are now saying that we are the go-to company for machined fabrications in the UK. This makes us proud and is praise that we do not take lightly. These are exciting times for CW Fletcher."

CW Fletcher website

Images: CW Fletcher

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse's major role in new Downton Abbey movie

Anyone familiar with some of the stories in Catherine Bailey's Black Diamonds will know that Wentworth Woodhouse rivals the fictional Downton Abbey for intrigue and drama, and now the two houses have been brought together on the silver screen.

Having secured the Grade 1 listed property in Rotherham, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) has developed a masterplan to secure the future of the mansion which has already featured in numerous big screen and small screen productions. Handing over state rooms and gardens to filmmakers is an important means to raise the profile (and much needed revenue) of the property which for many years has been in relative obscurity.

And the latest big name film to make use of the grand surroundings at Wentworth is the much-anticipated feature film, Downton Abbey, due for release later this year.

Focus Features and Carnival Films started principle photography last year, bringing back the original principal cast from the acclaimed television series to star alongside the likes of Imelda Staunton and Geraldine James.

The television series followed the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who worked for them at the turn of the 20th century in an Edwardian English country home.

As if mirroring the Fitzwilliam's at Wentworth, the new film sees the Crawley family hosting a royal visit. King George V and Queen Mary visited South Yorkshire in 1912 and stayed at Wentworth Woodhouse for four days.

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The Downton Abbey trailer features preparations for the visit and a royal ball can be seen being hosted in the unmistakable Marble Saloon at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Described as a "a 60ft square work of art" and once dubbed the finest Georgian room in England, the Marble Saloon was the entrance for royalty and has hosted some of the house's most extravagant balls.

The room, which saw ballerina, Anna Pavlova, dance for for King George V, has a 40ft high unbroken pillared gallery surround and the ceiling plasterwork is by Jonathan and Joseph Rose which is further reflected in the design of the marble floor - clearly visible in the Downton Abbey trailer.

Peter Kujawski, chairman of Focus Features said when the film was announced: "Since the series ended, fans of Downton have long been waiting for the Crawley family's next chapter. We're thrilled to join this incredible group of filmmakers, actors and craftspeople, led by Julian Fellowes and Gareth Neame, in bringing back the world of Downton to the big screen."

In cinema, Wentworth Woodhouse's Marble Saloon stood in for London's Royal Academy of Arts in Mike Leigh's biopic of JMW Turner. Other rooms were used for scenes at Buckingham Palace in Darkest Hour, in which Gary Oldman won an Oscar playing Winston Churchill.

The Marble Saloon was recently transformed into opulent offices in the BBC's Gentleman Jack and Wentworth Woodhouse was used for previous productions including King Charles III, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell and Billionaire Boy. It is also used for ITV's prime-time drama, Victoria.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: Focus Features / Carnival

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News: LensGo joins Rotherham & Barnsley Mind as a business ambassador

LensGo, the visual media firm established last year by Rotherham-based videographer, Stuart Turner has become an ambassador for Rotherham & Barnsley Mind.

The charity is an independent local provider of high quality mental health services in Rotherham, Barnsley and its surrounding areas.

Frankie Parker, Rotherham and Barnsley Mind (pictured, second right), said: "As a local charity, we are passionate about working with local companies and the support of LensGo has been invaluable to Rotherham and Barnsley Mind. Having worked with Stuart and the team on a variety of projects, they have treated us and our clients with the utmost respect. We feel that they are the perfect company to be awarded this role."

Speaking about why this role is so important to him, Stuart (pictured, second left) said: "I'm delighted that LensGo Visual Media have been awarded the role of Business Ambassador for Rotherham and Barnsley Mind. It enables us to help promote the great work Mind do through the power of film."

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind is committed to supporting those in need by promoting good mental health by offering high-quality support so that no-one feels alone when dealing with mental health problems.

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Stuart and the LensGo team started working alongside the team to help them tell their story through video. Their relationship has grown from there and they're now on a mission to make more people aware of the great work the charity does.

Stuart continued, "I've learnt much more about the importance of good mental health since I started my business. I meet so many different people in my line of work and I realised that regardless of whether your a rock star, footballer, business owner, personal trainer, teacher, parent, carer or child our mental health is something we should all take care of.

"We're proud to be associated with Mind and the amazing work they do to promote good mental health. It's important for us to give back to our local community and being a business ambassador enables us to do just that."

LensGo was on hand to capture "Awarefest" - a mental health health awareness festival for the local community, held recently at the Geoerge Wright Boutique Hotel in Rotherham.

Rotherham and Barnsley Mind website
LensGo website

Images: Rotherham & Barnsley Mind

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News: New plans to replace eyesore Rotherham buildings

New plans have been submitted to redevelop the site of burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre.

In 2017 Rothbiz reported that Rotherham Council were reaching the "last resort" having failed to engage with the absentee owners of 3-7 Corporation Street despite numerous attempts.

The Council was preparing a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to buy the site and the council's cabinet member dealing with the issue said last year that the owners of the buildings ought to be ashamed of themselves to leave them as a blight on the town centre.

Now plans have been submitted that would enable the current buildings to be demolished and a hotel development built on the site.

The former Envy nightclub building, which suffered a malicious fire in 2007, and Muskaan restaurant, which was closed after a fire in 2011, have been left empty ever since, and whilst not structurally unsafe, the buildings are widely acknowledged to be an eyesore.

The plans are from Rothgen Ltd, the company behind the proposed £25m hotel and leisure resort at Tyram Lakes in Doncaster, and include a 69-bed hotel and a standalone ground floor retail unit.

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Pre-application discussions had initially centred on residential apartments.

The plans, drawn up by Den Architecture, show the ground floor comprising of a 1,700 sq ft retail unit on the restaurant site with the hotel made up of a 1,990 sq ft restaurant / bar and a reception area plus meeting rooms and offices. Bedrooms would be on the first, second and third floors and the building is designed to step back as the levels rise.

Accompanying planning documents from consultants, Johnson Mowat Planning Ltd, state that the development would: "support and improve the quality and offer of Rotherham's visitor economy, and will contribute to improving the image and perception of Rotherham and the borough as a visitor destination.

"Ensure that Rotherham Town Centre remains a prime focus for leisure" and "assist in regenerating the town centre so as to ensure it retains its role and help deliver Rotherham's Renaissance."

If approved, the new hotel development would create nine full time equivalent jobs.

Images: Rothgen / Den Architecture

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News: Finance boost for Eagle Platforms

Rotherham-based platforms hire company, Eagle Platforms Ltd, is aiming even higher after landing a five figure loan from NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

From a standing start, the firm has grown to a near £2m turnover business, employing 20 people and moving to larger premises in Anston to deal with demand which continues to grow year on year. The firm also operates from a number of regional hubs supplying the next generation of access platforms such as scissor lifts and telescopic booms.

Eagle Platforms has set its sights on investing more than a million pounds in new equipment over the next five years with the funds provided by Finance For Enterprise set to be used to purchase additional new lifting machines to support people working from height, predominantly in the construction sector.

At the same time, Eagle Platform's workforce is set to create five additional new jobs as a direct result of the new investment.

In 2018 the company recorded 30% growth and with the business continuing to exceed all expectations during the first quarter of 2019, managing director Jim Haigh recognised the company needed to act quickly in order secure the additional machines needed to meet demand and turned to Finance For Enterprise for help.

Securing finance quickly was vital and after spending time exploring different funding options, Jim met with Finance For Enterprise investment manager Alan Scott to discuss Eagle Platform's growth plans. Within 24 hours Alan returned with an indicative decision, and in just five days, the finance was in place, enabling Jim to order the much needed additional equipment.

Launched in 2011, within just two years Eagle Platforms had purchased 40 different forms of lifting machines. As a result of the loans provided NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance, the total number of machines held within the business will exceed 120.

Jim Haigh first went into business in 1988 when he set up an access platform company with his father James, who invested his redundancy from the closure of Silverwood colliery into that operation. In 1996 the company was acquired by the Hewden Group; however, in 2011 Jim decided to resurrect his business model.

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Jim Haigh, managing director at Eagle Platforms (pictured, second left) said: "Spring and summer is traditionally the busiest time of year for the construction industry. This meant we needed to have finance in place quickly to pay for the equipment deposits, to enable the machines to arrive in time to meet peak demand.

"I had worked with Finance For Enterprise previously and felt confident they understood our business model and the importance of receiving a lending decision quickly. Within five days, the loan had all been agreed, enabling us to concentrate on ordering the additional machinery, as well as securing new orders.

"One of the main reasons for purchasing the new machinery was to reduce our own dependency on rented equipment. As a result of the funds we've secured, we've not only been able to increase the size of our own fleet but this has also enabled us to create new skilled jobs in the local economy, as well as developing additional revenue streams for the business, including expanding our training school."

Alan Scott, investment manager at Finance For Enterprise (pictured, second right), added: "Since Jim decided to resurrect Eagle Platforms in 2011, we've helped to support the business secure the finance needed to realise his growth plans and we understood the importance of securing a lending decision quickly. We discussed a number of different options and as a result, I was able to develop a tailored lending package, enabling Jim to secure the funds needed to enable him to purchase the new equipment.

"This funding will pave the way for continued growth within the business."

Mark Wilcockson, senior manager at the British Business Bank (pictured, far right), added: "The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund was developed to help businesses access finance at times when they need it most. With the NPIF – BEF and FFE Microfinance loan, Jim and his team are setting their sights on achieving significant growth and are creating new jobs. These are things that can make a real difference, not only to an individual company but also within the wider local economy."

Eagle Platforms website
Finance for Enterprise website

Images: Finance For Enterprise

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News: Barratt buys more land at Waverley

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for development and investment, announces that it has sold an engineered land parcel, representing the next wave of residential development, at its flagship 740-acre mixed use development at Waverley, Rotherham.

The land owner and developer, which was formed out of what was UK Coal, secured planning permission for Yorkshire's largest brownfield redevelopment, which includes a new community of up to 3,890 homes.

Barratt Homes has acquired 11.73 acres and received reserved matters planning consent from Rotherham Council for the construction of 177 new units, due to commence in the second half of the year.

It marks the first phase of development on the eastern side of the 740-acre site, accessed from its Catcliffe Gate entrance – the third main access to the development, supporting Harworth's plan to maintain multiple points of sale to housebuilders. The sale also supports the extension of Waverley's Highfield Land spine road throughout the development, a condition of the original outline planning consent granted by Rotherham Council in 2011.

To date over 850 homes have been built by Barratt Homes, Harron, Taylor Wimpey, Avant and Skyhouse, alongside 1.5m sq. ft of commercial space. Local facilities have also started to be developed on-site, with a new school scheduled to open in September 2020.

Last week, Rothbiz reported on the approval of a £7m grant that should kickstart construction of Waverley Square, "the piece of the jigsaw" creating a local centre for residents and businesses at Waverley and the adjacent Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

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Duncan Armstrong-Payne, associate director for major projects at Harworth, said: "These are significant milestones at Waverley. Land has now been sold over the last seven years for nearly 1,500 homes, whilst the local centre will deliver hundreds of new jobs. At the same time, it supports our accelerated plot sale programme and provides the facilities that our growing resident and occupier population increasingly require. I am thrilled by the site's progress and what we continue to achieve for Rotherham, the city region and the North of England."

Peter Henry, regional director for Yorkshire & central at Harworth, added: "I couldn't be prouder of what the team continues to achieve at our flagship development. A huge amount of work has been put in by our engineering team to prepare ground for the new road and for Barratt's new parcel, alongside continued planning work with Rotherham Council and close work with Sheffield city region to secure funding to support the build out of the local centre."

Ian Ruthven, managing director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire West, added: "At Barratt Developments, we have an excellent working relationship with Harworth Group and are very pleased to have secured a further land parcel at Waverley. The new developments will offer a range of stylish 2,3 & 4 -bedroom homes, catering both first time buyers to growing families.

"Barratt Homes is committed to building high-quality homes, creating new jobs and communities, and supporting economic growth right across the region. The Delta site will further enhance the Waverley community as well as helping to address the housing shortage in the region and the UK as a whole."

Harworth Group plc website
Barratt website

Images: Harworth

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News: Rotherham's determined Dame

Julie Kenny CBE has been made a Dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to heritage.

The self-made Rotherham businesswoman becomes a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the second-highest honour in the land, for her crucial role in securing the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire rewards public service and contributions to the arts, sciences, charities and welfare organisations.

Julie's passion drove the £7m purchase of the historic Grade I listed mansion in May 2017.

"I am amazed and humbled to receive this honour," said Julie, 61. "I was inspired by one of the greatest houses in the UK and I did not achieve this alone; there were many people that helped me along the way and this award recognises our joint achievements."

She described rescuing the house from decline as one of the most inspiring, yet hardest, challenges of her life.

"Many times I saw in people's eyes that they thought it could not be achieved. But my view is that nothing is impossible with time and energy and belief. And I passionately believed the house could become a beacon, its beauty drawing people from all of the world. I knew how proud that would make the people of Rotherham feel about their heritage again, and that jobs and skills could be created for young people.

"But the fight tested everything I had learned throughout my business life. It took hard work, stamina, focus and negotiation skills and above all the resolve to persevere and never to give up, even when the going got tough - and then extra tough."

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Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m. She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Following a successful campaign backed by SAVE British Heritage, the trust moved in to Wentworth Woodhouse and were met with a critical state of decay which was once grander than Chatsworth and hosted kings and queens. There were buildings riddled with asbestos, collapsed drains, endemic dry rot, leaking roofs and rotting timbers.

With just one phone line, a handful of committed staff and a single vacuum cleaner, it began the task of raising the phoenix from the ashes.

Now the famed East Front, arguably one of the longest in Europe, is completely shrouded in scaffolding and a three-phase Capital Works Programme is underway, carrying out vital repairs to protect important heritage assets.

With funding from the National Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund, WWPT now has 23 staff, over 100 volunteers and generates income from events, retail, catering, weddings, film and TV productions.

Julie added: "We are putting right the wrongs of past years for the future of our local community, and the nation. We will ensure the house's future is never threatened again."

Julie was nominated for the honour by Deborah Lamb, then Deputy Chief Executive at Historic England. She commented: "Saving one of the most impressive historic buildings in England would not have been possible without Julie Kenny's determination and commitment. She convinced a wide range of people to support Wentworth Woodhouse and basically made it impossible for them to say no."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: More land in Rotherham needed for HS2

HS2 Ltd has confirmed that it will need more land in order to construct the high speed rail route through Rotherham, adding more sites to its "safeguarding areas."

Rothbiz reported last year on the details released as part of a 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. Now further consultation is underway and new maps confirm the land required in the borough for construction compounds and road realignments.

Safeguarding is a planning tool to help the Government and HS2 Ltd protect the land that may be needed to build and operate the railway from conflicting development. Also guiding planning authorities, property owners within the safeguarding area can serve a Blight Notice asking the Secretary of State for Transport to buy their property prior to it being needed for construction of HS2.

In July 2017, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the preferred route for the £55.7 billion HS2 project from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds (known as Phase 2b). A spur to Sheffield is included and the 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.

The maps show that greenbelt land at Waleswood that developers had identified for commercial development is needed by HS2. Where a viaduct is proposed at Aston, land has been safeguarded for a brand new section of the road in Aston Conservation Area to run on fields between the Grade II listed Aston Hall Hotel and the cricket club to join the A57 Aston bypass close to Aston ponds.

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At Thurcroft, safeguarding areas have been extended as further road realignments are proposed. Morthen Road is set to be realigned to cross above the new railway and motorway to maintain access between Thurcroft and Wickersley. On farmland adjacent to the Nine Trees Trading Estate, a new roundabout and realigned road would link to Brampton Road close to the Consort Hotel.

The new maps show the hotel left out of the safeguarding area whilst land all around it for the new roads is included (pictured).

Further land is required where a wind turbine stands in the way of the route at Ulley, and around a proposed viaduct over the M1 / M18 junction. At Bramley, farm land off Slacks Lane has been added to the safeguarding area with the land required for a construction compound.

Documents from HS2 state: "Although safeguarding for the Phase 2b route was only introduced in 2017, it was based on plans which pre-dated the Working Draft Environmental Statement designs that were subject to consultation in October 2018 and which provide draft environmental information for the Phase 2b route. Whilst the corridor of the route was protected by the Safeguarding Directions, many accompanying sites, particularly those a short distance from the HS2 line of route, fell outside the safeguarded area.

"Due to the interaction between safeguarding and the consultation on the Working Draft Environmental Statement and the proposed route design refinements, updated and revised Safeguarding Directions have now been issued to reflect these route changes."

A Northern Loop is yet to be confirmed connecting Sheffield Midland back to the HS2 line heading to and from Leeds. The latest maps show large amounts of land added to the safeguarding area around Clayton and Thurnscoe where HS2 Ltd have been assuming a that a junction between HS2 and the existing network would be constructed.

A Parkway station, which would bring big benefits to South Yorkshire, has also not yet been confirmed.

In its response to the previous consultation, Rotherham Council 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.

HS2 Ltd website

Images: HS2 Ltd

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News: Rotherham to get 5G this year

Communications company, Three UK, has confirmed that it will be bringing the UK's fastest 5G network to Rotherham as one of the first locations this year.

5G is a term used to describe the fifth generation of mobile communications technologies. It is not yet fully developed but it is set to be a wireless connectivity solution that will enable thousands of users to get online, all at once, and all benefit from ultrafast speeds. It is the closeness of the transmitters, unlike 4G where they are far apart, that will create an "always on" connectivity.

The borough was an early beneficiary of 4G when it was switched on by EE in 2013.

Three has now confirmed that after launching 5G in August with a 5G home broadband service in London, it will then launch both mobile and home broadband offerings in 25 towns and cities across the UK before the end of the year - including Sheffield and Rotherham.

Part of the CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd group of companies, Three UK said that it has more than twice as much 5G spectrum as its closest competitor, which will deliver significantly faster speeds for its customers. It has committed to a £2bn 5G infrastructure investment.

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At launch, peak mobile speeds are set to be at least two times faster than other mobile network operators and will provide a more reliable connection and experience for customers. 5G is likely to be tens of times faster than 4G.

The "plug and play" 5G service from Three for the home is set to offer comparable speeds to fibre without lengthy engineer wait times or a long-term contract.

Dave Dyson, CEO at Three, said: "It's clear that consumers and businesses want more and more data. We have the UK's best network for data and we have led the market on customer usage on both 3G and 4G technologies. We have worked hard over a long period of time to be able to offer the best end to end 5G experience.

"5G is a game changer for Three, and of course I am excited that we will be the only operator in the UK who can offer true 5G."

Last year, the Sheffield city region missed out in a bid to secure millions from the Government's Urban Connected Communities Project for the development of a large-scale, citywide testbed for wireless 5G infrastructure.

Three UK website

Images: Three

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News: Ricardo could be next global name to invest in Rotherham

Ricardo plc, a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy that specialises in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors, is progressing plans to open a multimillion pound facility in Rotherham.

Headquarted in Shoreham-by-Sea, and with revenues of £380m in 2017/18, the company is also involved in the niche manufacture and assembly of high-performance products, notably as an engine supplier for McLaren Automotive.

Now Ricardo could join McLaren in Rotherham after a grant was approved by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority in a bid to secure the inward investment.

A line in the recent combined authority papers shows that a BIF grant for Ricardo of £1,980,000 has been approved for a total investment of £10,858,924. It would be used for research and development and capital expenditure investment to "establish a high voltage battery R&D and production facility" in Rotherham.

53 jobs would be created.

The £52m Business Investment Fund (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 Sheffield city region. Funding has previously been approved for job creating projects in Rotherham from McLaren, Parseq, BA Clic Components and United Caps.

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Ricardo is already an international leader in the development of electric vehicle battery systems, and works with some of the world's leading automakers – from mainstream OEMs to EV specialists.

A Tier 1 member of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Ricardo has previously been awarded a multimillion Euro programme from a premium German automaker for full service battery test and development.

The firm is assisting Volvo Cars with the provision of a large-scale test programme to assess new lithium-ion cells and last year its Performance Products division completed a full EV sports car battery manufacturing concept programme.

Bosses said at the time that the concept's completion was a key milestone in the company's aim to become the niche battery manufacturer of choice for high performance hybrids and EVs.

The project saw Ricardo's manufacturing specialists work in partnership with its hybrid and electric systems engineering group in developing an assembly and manufacturing process for an innovative battery pack based on the exacting requirements of the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, a global supply chain was established that will ultimately be capable of delivering fully assembled and tested battery systems in annual production quantities ranging from hundreds up to multiple thousands.

Mark Barge, managing director of Ricardo Performance Products, said in 2018: "Ricardo has an already well-established capability in the design and engineering of electric and hybrid vehicle battery packs and management systems. As such, it makes complete sense for us to provide a turn-key service – including battery pack manufacture – for performance electric vehicles, in the same way that we manufacture high performance engines, transmissions and drivelines for premium and motorsport applications powered by combustion engines.

"Ricardo has a proven capability in the establishment of complex and high-quality supply chains for high-value, small to medium volume high performance products. The project just completed is a further demonstration of Ricardo's aim to become both the engineering and manufacturing partner of choice for the niche battery systems of high performance EVs and hybrids."

Ricardo and McLaren extended its engine supply agreement earlier this year as the supercar manufacturer progresses a £1.2bn "Track25" business plan which includes the aim of a McLaren sportscar and supercar range that is 100% hybrid by 2025.

Ricardo website

Images: Ricardo / McLaren

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