News: Work underway on new Rotherham arts venue

A live music venue and a performing arts hubs, both based in Rotherham, are working together to create a new arts venue in the town centre.

Rotherham Underground is a performing arts hub for Rotherham: a flexible performance space in a former pub in the town centre, and home to a professional theatre company touring work across the borough and beyond. The cinema and arts space opened on Corporation Street at the start of 2018.

The charity, which branched out from Open Minds, is now working with The Trades so that it can expand into the Greasbrough Road site and create new creative space.

The future of The Trades was in question after the owner of the adjacent car park hinted at its potential closure and demolition in a planning application in 2017.

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Taking to social media, Rotherham Underground founders Alice Bartlett and Craig Roberts, said: "Rotherham Underground is proud to announce that it is moving to work with the wonderful people at the Trades to create a new Arts Venue - the New Rotherham Underground, featuring a Cafe, Gallery for local artists, A new Theatre and Cinema space and the fantastic Hive music venue.

"BY Rotherham, FOR Rotherham, ABOUT Rotherham.

"We will be working together on this over the Autumn and will be re-launching the venue in 2020. In the meantime, we still have a full and dynamic programme of theatre, cinema, art and music on offer."

Rotherham Underground website

Images: Rotherham Underground

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News: New beer developed for Wentworth Woodhouse

Visitors to Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham will soon be able to treat themselves to a tasty tipple after the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust teamed up with local brewers, Chantry Brewery to create a brand new beer, named in honour of the iconic stately home.

With numerous tours to explore, as well as the prospect of climbing 135 steps to soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and inspect the current roof repairs, anyone could be forgiven for thinking that a visit to Wentworth Woodhouse can be thirsty work and following a chance encounter, Chantry Brewery has developed a brand new beer, to tantalise the tastebuds of visitors.

The new brew, which has been named Palladian Pale, is a 3.9% golden ale, which has been carefully developed to reflect different aspects of the historic stately home. Featuring plenty of character and a crisp floral taste, even the hops featured in the beer were chosen because of their connections to the Wentworth Woodhouse story.

The mouth wateringly smooth and refreshingly light pale ale will be sold exclusively by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and will be available with the stately home’s recently opened gift shop, with every penny generated from sales go directly towards funding restoration projects within the Grade I listed building.

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Following a competition organised by the trust to design an eye-catching label on it’s social media channels, the winning design was created by Wickersley-based graphic designer Richard Calise, who was encouraged to enter the competition by his wife.

Set to go on sale in August, Palladian Pale will be sold exclusively at Wentworth Woodhouse, with proceeds from the beer contributing to the essential renovation works currently underway.

Palladian Pale was developed by Mick Warburton, co-director at Chantry Brewery following a chance discussion with a member of staff, during a visit to Wentworth Woodhouse and will be brewed from Chantry’s Parkgate-based headquarters, which once formed part of the Fitzwilliam Estate.

Mick Warburton, Co-Director, Chantry Brewery said: “During a visit Wentworth Woodhouse, I sparked up a conversation with one of their fantastic tour guides. He arranged an introduction with the trust and the team came down to the brewery to help us develop a beer which they felt reflected Wentworth Woodhouse.

“The beer we’ve created features Cascade hops, which were chosen to reflect the famous performance by Russian ballerina Ana Pavlova who performed for King George V in Wentworth Woodhouse. We chose it because the hop was first developed using English and Russian seed varieties, whilst the floral flavours reflect the impressive gardens surrounding the house.

“We’re all really excited to be working alongside the Wentworth Woodhouse team on the new beer. Being given the opportunity to create something new for such an important local landmark is something that I and everyone here at Chantry Brewery are immensely proud to have produced and if it  proves to popular we’re hopeful that it will be the first of a number of different beer varieties produced for the Trust”.

Richard Calise, winner of the competition said: “I’ve always been passionate about design and after my wife spotted the competition on social media, she encouraged me to submit an entry, I felt as if it was a bit of win-win for me and combined three loves in my life: local history, graphic design and of course not forgetting quality beer.

“I wanted to create a design which not only encapsulated the spirit of the stately home, but also reflected the long history of Wentworth Woodhouse. After spending of bit time trialling a few ideas I came with one which I liked and decided to enter it into the competition. One of the best things about graphic design is seeing how people respond to your work, and I feel very honoured that my design was chosen for the new beer.”

Jen Wicks, Visitor Operations Manager, Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust said:

“Since work by the trust began, where possible we have always collaborated with local businesses and after meeting Mick and the Chantry team, we felt a specially produced beer would be a great addition to our gift shop and café. We met the team at the brewery, tried a few of their different beer types and as a result Mick was able to develop a beer which reflected exactly what we were looking for: A refreshing drink with plenty of character.

“We chose the name Palladian Pale, in homage to the 185m palladian-style façade, the largest of its kind in England, and to put that into perspective, if the beer bottles were lined up, it would need more than 2300 to reach the other end!

“That left just one problem to overcome, the beer label design. We decided to run a competition via our social media channels to try and find a worthy winner. Richard’s simple and elegant design proved to be a worthy winner.”

Chantry Brewery website
Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: Chantry Brewery

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News: AESSEAL plans to double size of Rotherham HQ

AESSEAL, the world largest homogeneous mechanical seal manufacturer, has submitted plans for the next phase of expansion at its global headquarters in Rotherham which could provide space for 100 new jobs.

The multi award winning Templeborough company, which designs and makes mechanical seals and support systems for a wide range of global industries including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals, has grown from a small distribution business based on Attercliffe Road, Sheffield to a £180m+ turnover business employing more than 1,800 people across the world.

Having expanded in Rotherham over four phases in the last 20 years, AESSEAL has submitted plans in its 40th anniversary year. Currently employing over 350 in the town, phase 5 will almost double the size of AESSEAL's headquarters and create space for 100 new employees.

The application, drawn up by Race Cottam, the architects that have designed the previous phases, states: "The proposed development is a new additional building which will link to AESSEAL's existing facility on the adjacent site. The new building comprises a 50,000 sq ft single storey machine shop supporting a range of state-of-the-art computerised machines; and a two storey office accommodation [of around 12,000 sq ft].

"The new facility will be linked to the existing building by a new two storey glazed structure containing the new single entrance to the entire integrated facility.

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"Accommodation will include meeting rooms, staff changing facilities, new offices and ancillary spaces. The application also includes external works involving a formal landscape to the new entrance, substation, service yard, cycle store, accessible parking and staff picnic area.

"The new building will almost double the size of AESSEAL's headquarters, creating a global centre of business in Rotherham that over the course of the next ten years will create a huge number of jobs and growth for the region."

The new development is set to be on the cleared land that was previously home to AlControl Labs off Mill Close. The idea is to create to new integrated production facility which rivals the nearby Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

The new machine workshop on the ground floor will enable the production of mechanical seals through a range of state-of-the-art CNC machines. It will be joined by a large engineering design office to work in conjunction with the workshops to produce each custom seal component.

The proposed office accommodation also looks at reorganising AESSEAL's existing departments into one concentrated open plan area.

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 / Race Cottom

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News: Rotherham aquatics store nets UKSE funding

A pioneering pet store, which offers customers 100% sustainably sourced tropical and pond fish has launched in Rotherham following kickstart funding received from UK Steel Enterprise.

Sustainable Aquatics, based in Herringthorpe Rotherham, provides customers with personalised and bespoke packages designed based on their needs, ensuring they have the right selection of fish, plants and dry goods to suit the needs of their home, office or business.

In July 2019, founder Carl Goodman formed the business and he has used the £500 grant from UKSE – an organisation tasked with supporting growing businesses in communities affected by changes in the steel industry – to help him with initial set up costs and licensing requirements.

The funds also went towards advertising and the purchase of new stock from Carl’s trusted base of national wholesalers who share his like-minded vision of only selling fish which have been ethically sourced.

With a background of working with livestock since the age of 15, Carl previously worked as a Fisheries Officer for the Environmental Agency for 2 years, meaning he understands what sourcing methods are sustainable and ethical and can provide customers with best practice method on looking after fish.

He launched the business to ensure that those seeking to buy fish in the local area had the option to purchase responsibly sourced fish on their doorstep. 

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Carl said: “The UKSE funding has been so integral to helping me launch Sustainable Aquatics.

“I’m so pleased to have been able to set up a sustainable and environmentally friendly business at my home in Rotherham, it has been a venture I have wanted to start for a number of years as the local community can really benefit from the products we sell.

“The whole ethos of the business is to ensure that we can contribute to the well-being of the community and the animals we sell. As part of our initiatives we are planning to donate some fish to a local hospice as research shows that those with long-term health conditions can respond positively to wildlife.

“I’m hoping that in the near future I can expand the business and open a high street store with the view of bringing on new staff members to help me.”

Regional Executive at UKSE, Alan Stanley added: “Carl’s offering is unique and is something that wasn’t on offer in Rotherham, I’m so pleased that our kickstart grant has helped launch Sustainable Aquatics.

“It will be great to see how Carl’s business grows in the next few years and I hope he will be able to expand his business and serve not only Rotherham but the wider South Yorkshire region.”

Sustainable Aquatics website
UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Grimm & Co expansion plans backed by Council's planning board

The planning board at Rotherham Council have voted unanimously to approve plans that would enable literacy charity, Grimm & Co, to expand into a former church building in the town centre.

Rothbiz reported first that a planning application had been submitted for reimagining the Talbot Lane Methodist Church as a much larger premises for the innovative charity, affording it greater possibilities to deliver its mission to change lives one story at a time.

The plans, designed by Yorkshire-based architecture practice Halliday Clark, for the £1.5m redevelopment of the church, which closed earlier this year due to dwindling congregation numbers, will enable Grimm & Co to expand its services having outgrown its existing space at Doncaster Gate across town.

The gift shop from Grimm & Co's current home will be recreated, alongside new facilities including a bookshop and cafe called "The Book and Broomstick." Three new classrooms will be constructed where the charity can expand their interactive story-telling sessions. To protect the unique history of the building, the church's historic organ and pulpit will be preserved, and some pews retained to form quirky classroom and cafe seating.

The renovations will allow Grimm & Co to increase their earned income and strengthen their financial position, making the charity less reliant on public funds. The much larger space means that more under-resourced children across Yorkshire, Humberside and Derbyshire will benefit from Grimm & Co's innovative storytelling and writing workshops, which are currently booked up until the end of the year.

Halliday Clark's plans to sensitively restore the building include initial renovations to remove most of the existing church pews to allow the flexibility of furnishings; subdividing the interior at first floor level; continuing with repairs to the roof and improving the heating and ventilation systems, before creating a brand new "world of wonder."

The plans have attracted support around the reuse of the building but also objections, the majority relating to heritage impacts around the church building.

Chris Wilkins, development manager at Rotherham Council, told the planning board: "We, as officers, are concerned that if the building is not used then it will fall into disrepair. The proposals that we have in front of us, whilst not ideal, and the conservation officer accepts that - there will be harm to the building. We feel that the benefits outweight the harm that would be caused."

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Deborah Bullivant founder of Grimm & Co, said: "Halliday Clark have provided outstanding levels of support throughout this complex planning application process. We endeavour to be sympathetic to the fabric of the building whilst enabling the practicalities that our charity will need to make this a successful venture. There is a whole team of people and agencies involved in supporting us to do this, all of whom have provided such amazing support throughout. Halliday Clark, in particular, have been swift, agile, creative and responsive throughout the process, listening to all parties to make sure the needs of the building and the charity are served. We're thrilled to have successfully passed this significant milestone in our adventure."

Richard Walsh, director at Halliday Clark, added: "Talbot Lane Methodist church is a stunning building right in the heart of Rotherham town centre, and it would be a terrible shame if it were to go unused. Grimm & Co are driving a children's education revolution from Rotherham, so we're incredibly pleased that we can use our expertise in the renovation of heritage and religious buildings to assist them in taking their business even further and helping more children across the region.

"There can be difficulties and sensitivities working with listed buildings, but we've come up with a design that both respects and modernises the building - which is already magical - and will create an incredible new home for the world of story-telling."

Grimm & Co are due to find out on October 31 if they have been awarded a £499,000 grant from the Arts Council to kick-start the renovations. If successful, work is due to commence on site before Christmas 2019 with the new headquarters due to open in July 2020.

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co / Halliday Clark

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News: New planning documents due for public consultation

Every new home and workplace in the borough with space for parking could be required to provide electric vehicle charging points.

A suite of new Planning documents due for public consultation agreed by the Council's Cabinet last week. The charging points will provide residents with a convenient charging station for plug-in vehicles, and contribute to improving the quality of air in Rotherham.

The charging points are one of six new draft Supplementary Planning Documents which are being proposed. The Supplementary Planning Documents set out a variety of planning policies affecting new household developments, health considerations, air quality, town centre building uses and shop front designs.

Supplementary Planning Documents provide additional detail and guidance to support Local Plan policies. Once adopted, they are a material consideration which can be taken into account when determining planning applications.

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Under the plans, builders will be urged to include one charging point for houses with dedicated parking or one charging point per ten spaces for residences with unallocated, communal parking.

The proposals also include banning new fast food takeaways from opening within 800 metres of a school entrance, a proposal that the Council has tried to introduce using other methods previously.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "hese proposals will help to shape the future of housing and retail developments right across the borough, so it's right that we look at what steps are necessary to ensure we get the right proposals for sustainable communities.

"As we are increasingly conscious of issues around air quality, and when we know that the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from 2040, now is the time to look at what more we can do to ensure Rotherham homes and businesses are fit for the future. I am looking forward to hearing responses to the consultation on our proposals."

Public consultation for a four week period is set to start on October 7 2019. After that , it will return to councillors to make a final decision on the adoption of the policy or to make any changes.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Forge Island park & ride offer launched

Stagecoach Supertram has got Rotherham Council on board to introduce a new parking offer in Rotherham town centre.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative tram-train pilot, which entered public service at the end of October 2018. The special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham.

The new offer is for all day parking at Forge Island Car Park in Rotherham town centre and all day tram travel for just £5.50 per day, allowing passengers to travel to Parkgate or into Sheffield and the rest of the Supertram network.

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After parking up, passengers tear their ticket in half and display the top half in their vehicle and show the bottom half to the conductor when buying a discounted tram only dayrider for £2 (usually £4.20).

The offer is for a promotional period only and ends March 2 2020.

Shortly after the launch of the tram-train, Parkgate Shopping retail park in Rotherham warned shoppers about a new Car Park Management Enforcement System restricting parking to five hours.

A new station was built to the rear of Parkgate Shopping and an area of the car park near Matalan was reserved for tram-train users with 31 spaces and no parking charges.

Supertram website

Images: Stagecoach

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News: Plans in for historic Rotherham bank building

Cheque out these new plans for a former bank building in Rotherham town centre.

A planning application submitted to Rotherham Council indicates that the former RBS branch at the foot of the historic High Street has a new owner and proposals are coming forward for its reuse.

The freehold went up for sale with agents, Avison Young, at the start of 2019 with offers initially being invited in the region of £425,000. The price was recently reduced to £300,000 and is now off the market.

The application is for a change of use of part of ground floor from financial and professional services (A2) so that it can be used as a café or restaurant (A3).

Plans show how the former banking hall of around 2,500 sq ft could accommodate the new use.

The documents, from applicant, Zayan Developments, state that: "It is not possible at this stage to give detailed information since the Change of Use is generic until the applicant has secured a tenant."

"The assets are redundant, in poor repair and not in keeping with the quality of the main building.

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"The site is within a Conservation Area and the current position is that the building is vacant. The works will enhance the setting of the listed building. In future the applicant is to apply to change the use of the building into apartments and this will bring life into the town centre."

Rothbiz reported last year that the branch was one of 162 branch closures announced by the taxpayer-backed RBS Group after it decided that NatWest should become its primary customer facing brand in England and Wales, and Royal Bank of Scotland its core brand in Scotland.

1 - 9 High Street has its history in the Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co Ltd which was a past constituent of RBS. The bank was established in 1792 by famous Rotherham steelmakers, the Walker brothers; along with Vincent Eyre, agent of the Duke of Norfolk (the principal landowner in the area); and William Stanley, a local businessman described as a "gentleman well-known and much respected at Rotherham."

The Grade II listed building was built in 1892 possibly on the site of the "OLD BANK / FOUNDED 1792" as the sign above the doorway reads. The impressive building is notable for its polished granite columns.

Images: Avison Young

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News: Commercialisation accelerates at Xeros

Losses are narrowing at innovative Rotherham company, Xeros Technology, as it signs further licensing deals and steps back from direct sales and physical supply chains.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has developed a patented system using a unique method of special polymer beads rather than the usual large amounts of fresh water to clean clothes.

Xeros is moving to a IP rich and asset light business model with the majority of revenue derived from high margin licensing agreements.

The strategy sees the licensing of technologies to market incumbents and receiving a proportion of the value created by means of royalties. The technology can also be applied to leather processing and garment finishing.

The firm's pretax loss for the six months ended June 30 was £9m, a reduction from the £13m loss in the same period in the previous year. This was the result of administrative expenses.

Revenue fell 16% to £1.6m due to a reduction in physical sale of commercial washing machines by its Hydrofinity division.

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Mark Nichols, chief executive of Xeros, said: "Since Xeros' inception, the geo-political and environmental pressures on the world's supply of water continue to increase, year on year. There is no reason to believe this will change or abate. Our technologies help to extend this precious resource whilst simultaneously reducing significantly pollution.

"After a number of years of development, manufacturers and consumers have now recognised that our innovative technologies are highly valuable, both in terms of their sustainability and cost benefits.

"The commercialisation of our products is now accelerating with a number of contracts in execution and in development in a number of countries including the two most populous.

"In 2017 we changed our strategy to commercialise our technologies under a license model in order to achieve the broadest possible market penetration from the lowest possible cost base. Our licensing contract wins and reducing cash burn rate are evidence that we are now making good progress to achieving that objective."

Since the end of the period, Xeros signed an agreement with Ramsons Garment Finishing Equipment PVT Ltd, the largest supplier of garment finishing equipment in South Asia. Under the agreement, Ramsons will develop, manufacture and sell garment finishing equipment used in the manufacture of denim jeans which incorporates Xeros' technology on an exclusive basis across South Asia and Africa.

Xeros also signed an agreement which sees WashCo granted the exclusive rights to take over the servicing of Xeros' hospitality laundry customers in the UK.

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Ship ahoy! Rotherham garden centre's latest investment

With the expansion plans nearing completion, the popular Wentworth Garden Centre in Rotherham, has announced its next new addition.

The destination garden centre is situated in sixteen acres in the former walled kitchen, Italian and Japanese gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse and in the picturesque historic village of Wentworth. It attracts approximately 284,000 visitors each year.

Established for more than 30 years, the family owned independent centre has undergone a number of improvements and investment projects, with historic gardens, a craft centre, family farm and a landmark 260 seat restaurant.

The centre took to social media recently to announce that it would be investing in a new piece of playground equipment - a large explorer ship.

Complete with climbing walls, cargo nets and slides, the ship is from Kompan, the company that created the outdoor adventure area at the MAGNA Science Adventure Centre, and is set to drop anchor at Wentworth next Spring.

Work is currently nearing completion for an extra 9,600 sq ft of space split into three buildings on the site. The expansion involves replacing the conservatory display area with high quality structures designed to create another courtyard which links to the existing courtyard.

The development will allow the operation to extend its Orangery Restaurant and launch a deli food hall and second catering outlet. The new project will provide a further 150-plus seats and enable Wentworth to add different menus, table service and an improved ambience. The new restaurant has a proposed opening date of early November 2019.

Wentworth Garden Centre website

Images: Wentworth Garden Centre / Kompan

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News: £22m Rotherham test facility will engage UK industry in the drive for fusion energy

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has confirmed that it will open a £22m fusion energy research facility in Rotherham next year.

Rothbiz reported first that the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham was being scouted by the UK government research organisation.

The facility will see UKAEA working with industrial partners to put the UK in a strong position to commercialise nuclear fusion as a major source of low-carbon electricity in the years ahead.

Located at the heart of the UK's advanced manufacturing region, the UKAEA base will bring 40 highly-skilled jobs and foster increased collaboration with research organisations including the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC).

Plans have already been submitted for the new research facility up to 22,300 sq ft of floorspace with first floor office floorspace (2,100 sq ft). It will be funded as part of the Government's Nuclear Sector Deal delivered through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. An additional £2m of investment is coming from Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Local Growth Fund.

The key role of the facility will be to develop and test joining technologies for fusion materials and components – for example novel metals and ceramics. These will then be tested and evaluated under conditions simulating the inside of a fusion reactor (including high heat flux, in-vacuum, and strong magnetic fields).

The site will help UK companies win contracts as part of ITER – the key international fusion project being built in the south of France. Looking further ahead, it will enable technology development for the first nuclear fusion power plants, which are already being designed.

The facility will require regular supplies of specialist metals and materials – providing further opportunities for regional companies in the UK.

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Colin Walters, director of the National Fusion Technology Platform at UKAEA, said: "Momentum is growing in fusion research and we believe the opening of this facility in South Yorkshire represents a practical step towards developing power plants.

"This facility will provide fantastic opportunities for UK businesses to win contracts and put UKAEA in a great position to help deliver the necessary expertise for the first nuclear fusion power stations."

Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Sheffield City Region Mayor, added: "The Sheffield City Region is a growing hub of innovation, expertise, and knowledge.

"These qualities are among the reasons why the UKAEA have chosen to open a new facility in Rotherham, supported by Local Growth funding from the Sheffield City Region.

"As well as creating new skilled jobs and opportunities for collaboration with the nearby research centres, this facility will create opportunities for other businesses as specialist suppliers, boosting the region's economy and highlighting our world-leading specialisms in advanced manufacturing."

Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC, added: "We're delighted to welcome UKAEA to the Advanced Manufacturing Park, and to the Sheffield region's world-leading cluster of applied innovation. We look forward to working with UKAEA at their new facility to develop manufacturing techniques for fusion power plants and help UK manufacturers win work in this growing global market.

"This development has the potential to create many jobs in the local supply chain as fusion technology matures. This is a huge deal for Sheffield and the North, and we are really pleased to have played a part in this and to be working with UKAEA."

Sarah Champion MP, added: "This is the latest in a string of major developments at the Park, confirming the site’s reputation as the leading venue for research, development and manufacturing.

"Rotherham, and the skills, creativity and expertise we can provide, are now firmly established on the international stage. With McLaren, Rolls Royce, Boeing and many others already based at the AMP, the future is bright for both the AMP and our local economy. I look forward to welcoming many more organisations to Rotherham in forthcoming years."

UKAEA website

Images: UKAEA / Harris Partnership

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News: Rotherham pubs in Good Beer Guide - is your local on the list?

More Rotherham venues are now featured in the prestigious Good Beer Guide following a rise in the number of micropubs across the borough.

And the good news for real ale fans continues with the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) announcing the dates for its own beer festival later this year and a new beer stall has opened in Rotherham Market.

The Good Beer Guide 2020 is CAMRA's premier publication featuring the very best pubs to find a great pint in the UK.

Rotherham pubs making the guide include Cutler's Arms, New York Tavern and Bluecoat in the town centre.

Smaller venues in the guide include Wath Tap at Wath, Something BREW INN at Rawmarsh, Dragon's Tap at Stag and Little Haven at Parkgate.

More traditional pubs in the guide include Wentworth's George & Dragon, Church House in Wath, The Hind at Whiston, The Stag at Stag, Queen's Hotel at Maltby, Little Mester at North Anston and Duke of Leeds at Wales.

Rotherham's own Chantry Brewery (which also runs the Cutler's and New York Tavern) is also featured in the Good Beer Guide.

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Tom Stainer, chief executive of CAMRA, said: "For nearly five decades, the Good Beer Guide has been a comprehensive guide to the UK's breweries, their ales, and the best outlets to find them in across the country.

"What makes the Guide unique is that all the entries are compiled and vetted by a huge volunteer team, based around the country. We work hard to ensure that all areas of the country are covered and, unlike with some competitor titles, inclusion in this book is dependent only on merit, not on payment.

"The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers."

Keven Keaveney, regional director at CAMRA. added: "Yorkshire's beer scene continues to go from strength to strength with talented young brewers and brewsters taking the industry forward. We are very thankful that Yorkshire was a hub for innovation back in the 80s and 90s, with so many brewers choosing to start-up microbreweries and setting a high standard for real ale quality. Today, customers care about the provenance of the products they buy, which is why we work hard as a campaigning organisation to ensure local brewers continue to have access to sell their local beers in local pubs."

Rotherham CAMRA Beer Festival is set to be held at the Trades Club in Rotherham town centre on November 28,29,30.

Brad's Beers has recently opened in Rotherham Market - a new craft beer and real ale bottle shop selling a large range of pale ales, stouts, lagers, ciders and much more from some of the best small breweries in the country.

CAMRA website

Images: Something BREW INN / George & Dragon / Facebook

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News: Shortlist announced for Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards

Businesses and individuals from across the South Yorkshire region will battle for honours at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards ceremony, in association with AAG IT Services, on Friday October 18 at Magna, Rotherham.

This year, judges have shortlisted five entrants for each of the twelve categories on offer, the winners will be announced at the ceremony. In addition to this, the Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be revealed on the evening, all applicants are welcome to attend.

Judges have nominated one business per category to be entered for the highly coveted Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Gibson Booth Business Solutions & Insolvency, which will recognise one outstanding organisation across all aspects of business.

Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "This year we have received a record number of applications, with over 140 submissions being received across 13 categories. Once again, the standard of entries was particularly high, and the judges were faced with some very difficult decisions.

"Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place on the shortlist, you should be very proud of your achievements, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our celebration evening in October."

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The 2019 shortlist:

Masonite Apprentice of the Year Award:

Charles Hauge – Enzygo Ltd
Daisy Johnson – Bob’s Business
Gracie Smith – Russell Richardson
Jack Taylor – AAG IT Services Ltd
Oliver Wilde – Engie Regeneration Ltd


AAG IT Services Best Use of Technology Award:

DEB Chartered Accountants
Hallam FM Cash for Kids
Hogen Systems Ltd
LNS Turbo UK Ltd
The Source


Jelf Business Community Impact Award:

Enzygo Ltd
FareShare Yorkshire
FHME Ltd
Home Instead Senior Care Rotherham
Rotherham United Community Sports Trust


Enzygo Business Growth Award:

Brook Corporate Developments
Corrosion Resistant Materials
Electrical Safety UK Limited
Secure Power Ltd
Wellspring Academy Trust


Shorts Business Person of the Year Award:

Cheryl Radford – Big Fish Little Fish
Jonathan Morley – Secure Power Ltd
Marc Wildes – Van Dyk By Wildes
Mark Scanlan – LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Rose Dyson – Pura Cosmetics


RNN Training Commitment to People Development Award:

Bob’s Business
British Glass
ENGIE
NPS Barnsley Limited
XPO Logistics


Brook Corporate Developments Excellence in Customer Service Award:

Amanda’s Blinds
DEB Chartered Accountants
Freedom In Numbers Limited
Glu Recruit
Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP


National Fluid Power Centre Excellence in Manufacturing Award:

Charles H Coward Ltd
LNS Turbo UK Ltd
MGB Plastics
Oracle Precision Ltd
Specialised Laser Products Ltd


Finance For Enterprise Marketing Campaign of the Year Award:

Actus Risk Management Services Ltd
Electrical Safety UK Limited
Enhanced Marketing Group
LensGo Visual Media
No18 Interiors LTD


Launchpad Most Promising New Business Award:

Dawson Radford Solicitors
Greigallen.design
Old George Coffee House
Premier Martial Arts
The Elite Wax Group


Rotherham Together Partnership Workplace Wellbeing Award:

Berneslai Homes
British Glass
GrowTraffic
LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Russell Richardson


Charity of the Year Award, in association with Fortem:

Barnsley Sea Cadets
Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice
FareShare Yorkshire
Rotherham Rise
YWCA Yorkshire


Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Rothbiz gains an ally - the Prime Minister

If you can get past the headline-grabbing heckling, the fudged answers to press questions, the less than enthusiastic audience reaction and the "light-hearted remark" from the host, you'll find that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom stood up and promoted positive stories about Rotherham businesses.

Boris Johnson used a high profile event in Rotherham to renew a drive to give more power to Northern regions.

At The Convention of the North held at Magna, the PM said: "[It is] only right that we are meeting here on the banks of the Don, literally the crucible in which the history of the nation was forged - and indeed of the modern world.

"When Nelson defeated the French at Trafalgar and set this country on course for about 100 years of imperial expansion, the cannons on HMS Victory were forged here at Walker and Company.

"It was Rotherham pipes that brought fresh drinking water to Hong Kong, Rotherham steel that clad Brunel’s Great Eastern and formed the skeletons of New York skyscrapers and did you know that every fire hydrant in New York was cast in British steel less than two miles from here at the works of Guest and Chrimes.

"That was before it occurred to anyone to put tariffs on British steel.

"This place where we meet was so central to our national life that it was bombed in both the first and second world wars.

"And so it was entirely fitting that 50 years ago the works here at Templeborough adopted as its logo the phoenix – perpetually rising from the ashes.

"And across this region you can feel that phoenix-like transformation as the Northern Powerhouse – which Jake just spoke so eloquently - thrums into life with a low-carbon, fuel efficient roar.

"Look at Catcliffe.

"Where a factory that once made superb glass is now being used by McLaren to turn super-light, super-strong Yorkshire carbon fibre into the fastest production cars on earth.

"Right next door, at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Xeros Technology are producing the world's most environmentally friendly washing machine - that's the spin and I bet it's true.

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"Boeing chose Sheffield as its first civil aerospace factory in Europe – with nearly half its employees taken on as apprentices.

"And did anybody have a bagel this morning? Did you? No?

"Well if you did, it was probably made just up the road in Mexborough, where, in the largest bagel factory in Europe produces fully three-quarters of the bagels eaten in Britain every day.

"Sheffield is the home of the UK's largest provider of hybrid and electric vehicle drive systems, a company called Magtec.

"A world-first initiative, Magtec is retrofitting Sheffield's refuse lorries with battery-power, with enough juice to negotiate the seven hills and recharge themselves with energy they generate from the very rubbish they collect.

"Rubbish powered rubbish vans – there's a joke there somewhere which I will leave to you.

"I tell you, there is no limit to the imagination, innovation, ingenuity and leadership in the North."

The Prime Minister also said that the Government are committed to getting the Sheffield City Region devolution deal done and set out his intention to allow Northern communities to take more control over their rail services.

He added: "In this birthplace of the railways, we can do so much better. Today – coming from London on the train, it took me just over an hour and a half to get to Doncaster. But if, for example, you travelled from Liverpool to Rotherham – less than half the distance – you might have had to leave an hour earlier than me, and change as many as three times."

Images: NP11 / pscp.tv

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News: Grimm & Co expansion plans heading for approval

Grimm & Co, the innovative literacy charity in Rotherham, has received positive reviews for its £1.3m expansion plans which are booked in for approval by the planning board this week.

Rothbiz reported first that a planning application had been submitted for reimagining the Talbot Lane Methodist Church in the town centre as a much larger premises for the charity, affording it greater possibilities to deliver its mission to change lives one story at a time.

The plans are being recommended for approval by planning officers and have attracted support around the reuse of the building but also objections, the majority relating to heritage impacts.

Opening in a former pub in 2016, the Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. It was recently voted "No. 159 best shop for all things wicked" by Witch? magazine.

Above the shop, the Yorkshire charity runs innovative storytelling and writing workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills. Since its inception, Grimm & Co has educated and engaged 9,300 children in school trips and workshops.

The plans include converting the Grade II listed church and extra space would enable three schools to visit at once. Introducing a food & beverage offer – "The Book & Broomstick" - is also in the plans.

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Introducing a new floor into the building was deemed by consultants to harm the significance of the listed building and so plans have been amended which now show the retention of more pews, the retention of the pulpit and the introduction of double height space by cutting back the balcony further.

Addressing concerns, the applicant said: "We believe the benefit to Rotherham, its reputation, its community and its next generation is timely and also far outweighs the impact of the scheme, which we will work on to reduce any negative impact on the building.

"This scheme will also provide an exciting new story destination for the town that celebrates reading and writing and will bring much needed positive publicity, helping to change perceptions of Rotherham to that of truly being a child friendly borough.

"Lastly, our community will have a resource to be proud of, providing a level of ownership and value. So, I hope all observers can feel reassured that we will do all that we can to preserve the building's history wherever possible. However, inevitably, in order to be able to offer teaching and learning, and to make sure we are able to make everyone welcome, we will need to make changes."

Overall, planners conclude: "The proposed development would ensure that this Listed Building remains in community use and avoids the building laying empty, potentially falling into disrepair. The proposal would have some harm on the Heritage Assets though this would be "less than substantial" and it is considered that the public benefits outweigh the harm in this instance. In addition, the scheme satisfies all other material planning considerations."

Grimm & Co. website

Images: Grimm & Co / Halliday Clark

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News: AMRC develops digital operating theatre

Technology which could advance patient care and improve patient safety during surgery, has been developed at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

A Digital Operating Theatre proof of concept demonstrator has been created at the centre's Design and Prototyping Group (DPG), based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Project engineers Sam Hyde, Jonathan Gomez, Liam Overett, Ross Eaves and Rob Stacey, under the guidance of Digital Design Manager David King and AMRC Medical Lead Malcolm Brown worked with surgical teams on the project which combines a virtual reality digital twin, projection mapping and smart tools, allowing the position of objects and clinicians to be accurately tracked in the theatre space, with relevant information displayed digitally using screens, projections and augmented reality devices.

Using similar technology used for CGI movies, retroreflective markers are placed on clinicians and objects then the camera tracking system tracks each of these points down to 0.2mm and updates the position 120 times a second. Projection mapping techniques are used at the AMRC's Factory 2050 for work instructions.

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Sam Hyde said: "Everything in the Digital Operating Theatre demonstrator is replicated in the virtual reality on a one-to-one scale, with 100% accuracy, so we can position an avatar or surgical device in real time.

"The virtual reality allows someone to view the theatre from any angle with no physical restraints. During a surgery you can look over the surgeon’s shoulder to see exactly how they are doing what they are doing. You could call up an expert on the other side of the world to provide advice and help you when you are in the middle of a surgical procedure."

It is hoped the Digital Operating Theatre could help overcome the physical restraints of teaching medical students.

Nicholas Lee, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The technology used is very innovative. Concepts like smart tooling, the virtual theatre and virtual reality are all new to me.

"I really feel very strongly that the Digital Operating Theatre has the potential to improve the environment staff work within, advance the care we provide to our patients, aid teaching and training but, most importantly, has the potential to improve patient safety."

Medical AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: Prime Minister heads to Rotherham

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is using a high profile event in Rotherham today to renew a drive to give more power to Northern regions.

In a speech at The Convention of the North, he is expected to reiterate that he remains committed to delivering the Sheffield City Region (SCR) devolution deal – and to opening up negotiations with Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Organised by NP11 in partnership with Government the one-day event at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham brings together the North's political, business, community and academic leaders along with young people's groups, with the aim of making a powerful, unified case to the new Prime Minister and Government for tangible investment in the Northern Powerhouse.

The Government is set create a new Northern Powerhouse growth body to drive forward the region'’s economy, and with the powers to bring together major organisations working in the region.

A Chair will be appointed to head up the body, working closely with the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse.

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Speaking to local business leaders, mayors and councillors, the Prime Minister is expected to say: "It is time that we gave more people a say over the places where they live, and it is time that we gave you the proper ability to run things your way.

"We are going to maximise the power of the north. And we are going to make sure that it is people here who are in control over the things that matter to them.

"On entering Downing Street, the Prime Minister made it his priority to level up and unlock the potential of every corner of the UK – not just London and the South East."

Last week on a visit to Yorkshire, he reaffirmed his commitment to delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail. The first step will be the Manchester to Leeds route, with detailed plans published this autumn, following the review into HS2.

The new route is expected to cut journey times significantly and provide additional capacity for people across the region.

Today the Prime Minister will reaffirm that one of his top domestic priorities will be to give more powers to local leaders to ensure communities are in control over the things that matter to them, such as transport, infrastructure and housing.

He will conclude his speech by saying: "If we succeed in levelling up opportunity across our country, and if we truly put the power in your hands, then I believe you will do for the North – and for our whole country - what the railways did two centuries ago.

"That is the true potential of this Northern Powerhouse Partnership. And this is a Government that will back you to deliver it."

Images: Prime Minister's Office

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News: Contractor confirmed for Forge Island flood works

A contractor has been appointed to implement the key the flood defence works at Forge Island in Rotherham town centre.

Muse Developments was chosen as Rotherham Council's preferred partner for the site with a proposal that includes a cinema, food and drink outlets and a hotel. The leisure facilities will be set within an attractive public space and will include a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the rest of the town centre.

But before work can begin, multimillion pound flood defence works need to be carried out.

Ten tender submissions were received and following tender clarification, due diligence and moderation exercises, Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd were deemed to have submitted the most economically advantageous tender response.

The contract is worth some £2.59m.

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Plans have already been approved for Rotherham Council's flood defence scheme which includes 3.75 metre high retaining walls and a new flood gate. A terraced amphitheatre and improved canal path are set to enhance the new waterside destination.

The cinema development will be built on a podium to lift the area out of the flood plain with parking underneath.

With a stepped amphitheatre beside Rotherham Lock, a wall will be added along the route of the old court buildings with extensive public realm improvements comprising hard and soft landscaping and resurfaced footways. Floodgates will also be added at Bridge Street and Main Street.

An update to the Council's cabinet states that some work has been delayed: "The phase 2 canal barrier works will now take place in 2020/21. The Canal and Rivers Trust will only permit works on the canal during the winter months and require twelve months' notice on final design and schedule of works.

"Work will now continue to progress the delivery of the scheme, including the preparation of detailed designs, to support a planning application to be submitted later in the year."

Rothbiz reported in July that Rotherham Council had signed a detailed agreement for lease with Muse.

Forge Island website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse stages free event to inspire women’s careers

Women hoping for careers in heritage regeneration are being invited to learn from the female experts at Wentworth Woodhouse.

The Rotherham stately home's Preservation Trust is inviting 40 women to a special free event at the house, which is currently one of the UK's largest current heritage restoration projects.

The Thursday September 19 Sky's The Limit event is being staged as part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme. It follows from a successful event for 19 local schoolgirls in July. Inspired by International Women in Engineering Day, the event aimed to open the girls' eyes to career possibilities in the male-dominated sector. Another is planned during the new academic year.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) has teamed up with the University of Leeds' Electrifying Women project and the Women's Engineering Society Centenary Trail Project, which aims to inspire girls and women to achieve their potential as engineers, applied scientists and technical leaders.

Members of the society will give talks and three women with key roles in the regeneration of the Grade I listed Georgian stately home will be staging a "speed date" to enable attendees to quiz them about their careers.

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Jen Wall, of event organisers and sponsors Wentworth Elsecar Great Place, said: "This is a chance to learn what their jobs entail and pick up tips on how to follow in their footsteps.

"We want women to come and explore the ways in which engineering and construction specialism is protecting and repairing the house and enabling its growth as a tourist attraction."

Attendees will also have a private tour of the site and the mansion's rooftops to gain a unique insight into the scale of s historic undertaking and the expertise involved.

They will learn about remarkable women engineers from the past via the Women's Engineering Society's Centenary Trail Project and the University of Leeds’ Electrifying Women Project.

Women can sign up for one of 40 places on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-in-engineering-at-wentworth-woodhouse-tickets-71271764767

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Council's curveball in Pitches planning battle

Rotherham Council has reversed a decision to list The Pitches site as an Asset of Community Value in a blow to local campaigners who are against it being used for housing.

Rothbiz reported in April that Newett Homes is proposing a high-quality residential development comprising 124 dwellings on land known as The Pitches at Stag and that there was already opposition to the plans.

Friends of The Pitches successfully secured the site as an Asset of Community Value but following an internal review at the request of the site owners, council officers have overturned the original successful listing decision.

The register of assets of community value enables town and parish councils, local voluntary and community organisations the opportunity to nominate local land or buildings if they consider them to be of community value.

The tool is often used to give groups the opportunity to step in to save an asset if it comes up for sale. Successful applications to Rotherham's register include pubs, youth centres, greenspace and former council buildings.

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The authority will have been contemplating whether being an asset of community value is a material consideration in the determination of the planning application for housing.

A decision published by Rotherham Council reads: "As per the guidance, an internal review on the original successful listing decision to list The Pitches, Pitches Sports Club, Wickersley Road, Rotherham has been undertaken at the request of the property owners. The review was conducted by an officer of appropriate seniority, who did not take part in the original decision to list.

"This approval now supersedes the original approval overturning the original successful listing decision.

"The outcome of the review has concluded that the original successful decision should be overturned and the listing removed from the successful register and placed on the unsuccessful register."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Grimm & Co awarded National Lottery funding

Grimm & Co, the innovative literacy charity that brings a truly unique retail offering to Rotherham's High Street, is one of around 1,600 projects in England celebrating after being awarded more than £58m of National Lottery funding.

The money raised by National Lottery players supports community–led projects, including those run for or by young people, empowering them to take the lead on things that are important to them and their communities.

Opening in a former pub in 2016, the Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. It was recently voted "No. 159 best shop for all things wicked" by Witch? magazine.

Above the shop, the Yorkshire charity runs innovative storytelling and writing workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills.

The funding is set to be used for a project called The Write Stuff, which boosts the charity's aim to champion the writer in every child.

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A spokesperson for Grimm & Co, said: "Imagine a world of childhood, test, exams, life, where you are not confident or skilled in writing - the opportunities that are closed to you and the struggle to articulate your learning can feel overwhelming. Grimm & Co works with children to build their capacity and confidence as writers and this fund has already enabled us to bring in artists to support our children to write. We have already provided invigorating, energised, artistic writing workshops exploring place, culture, narratives and futures."

Songs written by the children are being made into an album and have been performed on stage by musicians at the WE Wonder festival, and throughout the summer children have been creating a fabulous family card game, stunning poetry and much more.

Mark Purvis, deputy director of England funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "Young people are the experts in their own lives and, thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to support an exciting range of organisations and projects delivering the activities that they have told us they want in their communities.

"We have seen time and again that when young people are in the lead, amazing things happen. We are excited to see how this funding will be used to enable communities to thrive."

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co / Facebook

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News: Liberty welcomes latest apprentices

Liberty has welcomed a host of new apprentices and graduates as the turnaround at its Speciality Steels business continues.

Since Liberty bought the Speciality Steels business from Tata Steel in 2017, multi-million-pound investment in recommissioning and upgrading mothballed machinery at Rotherham has triggered a revival in the company's fortunes, doubling the production and providing employment for almost 300 new workers and apprentices.

A total of 12 apprentices and four graduates embarked on their induction programme at Liberty Speciality Steels' site in Stocksbridge recently. Renewable energy, materials, composites and environmental engineering are among the subjects that apprentices will learn about.

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Tony Goddard, training and delivery manager at Liberty, said: "I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the group of young people that have joined us this week to embark upon a long and fulfilling career in the steel industry.

"As one of the top recruiters of apprentices in the Yorkshire region, Liberty Speciality Steels recognises the importance of developing the next generation of engineers both for the future of the business and the wider engineering profession.

"The apprentices are joining the business at an opportune time as we look to step up our transition to a greener steel business by recycling scrap metal in electric arc furnaces. This generation of workers will be the driving force behind the industry's contribution to achieving the UK government's recent pledge of cutting carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050."

Recognising the need for greater diversity in the engineering workforce across the UK, Liberty Speciality Steels is also sponsoring a new female engineering academy that Sheffield College is launching later this month. Students studying at the academy will have access to workshops, work experience and placements at the company's sites in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Liberty website

Images: Liberty

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News: £1m training academy opening in Rotherham

A specialist training centre that is set to provide repairs and maintenance skills to people across the north of England will open in the heart of Rotherham later this month.

Property solutions provider Fortem has invested £1m into the Northern 4Life Academy, where it will train more than 2,500 individuals each year, including more than 300 members of local communities in Rotherham and across the north of England.

The new centre is part of Fortem's "growing our own" initiative, through which it recruits individuals based on their attitudes and behaviours, and then provides the training and support they need to build long-term careers with the organisation.

In 2016 Willmott Dixon's property repairs and maintenance specialist Willmott Dixon Partnerships announced that it was changing its name to Fortem.

From a base at Templeborough, Fortem works with Rotherham Council to deliver a repairs and maintenance service to 10,500 homes in the areas of Wentworth South, Wentworth Valley, Rother Valley West and Rother Valley South. In 2010 the company secured the five and a half year contract worth £58m with possible extensions up to 2020.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that Fortem was looking to establish an academy in Dinnington but the new site is also at Tembleborough.

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The training centre will feature professional repairs and maintenance training bays including multi-trade, wet trades, electrical, roofing, plumbing and fire prevention, as well as classrooms with industry leading technology.

This is the second academy launched by Fortem, which successfully opened its Midlands 4Life Academy in 2013. The Birmingham centre provided training to over 6,800 attendees last year, with more than half (52%) of the courses delivered by Fortem's own internal experts.

Ann-Marie Steele, Head of Academies & Learning at Fortem, said: "Our 4life Academies offer industry-leading training and play a key role in enabling Fortem, our clients and our supply chain to meet future service needs and continued growth. By thinking differently and challenging the way we deliver training and learning, we want to inspire people to achieve their full potential.

"A second Academy running alongside our existing one will enable us to deliver more training, to more people, reaching and leaving a legacy in even more of the communities we work in."

Andrew Exley, Managing Director of Scarbrook Plumbing and Heating Ltd and Scarbook Electrical Ltd, based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, added: "Fortem's partnership approach can be best demonstrated by the support we received from the team at the organisation's Midlands 4Life Academy. It has not only delivered training courses to improve our staff, but also helped us find quality candidates for apprenticeships."

Fortem website

Images: Fortem

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News: DB Cargo invest in Rotherham

DB Cargo UK has started work on a multi-million programme of investment to improve track and rail infrastructure at three key sites - including Rotherham.

Over the next 12 months, the UK's largest rail freight operator will replace more than 20km of track at its depots at Immingham in North Lincolnshire, Rotherham in South Yorkshire and Toton in Nottinghamshire.

Dave Ethell, Head of Safety and Operations at DB Cargo UK, said: "This investment will further improve the safety and reliability of those services we operate out of Rotherham, Immingham and Toton. These are the first of a number of strategically-important sites that we are investing in over the next five years, with others earmarked to follow.

"It will reduce the risk of derailments and improve the safety of our colleagues, ensuring minimal disruption to the services we operate for our customers. It's excellent news."

In order to reduce costs and minimise the environmental impact of the improvement work, track reclaimed from DB Cargo UK's site at Washwood Heath near Birmingham will be used to upgrade parts of Immingham and Rotherham.

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Operated by haulage firm, Newell & Wright, the Rotherham terminal is becoming a key strategic hub for end users.

Last year, GB Railfreight (GBRf) added a five days per week service carrying containers for Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Newell & Wright between London Gateway and the Rotherham terminal.

Frank Newell, managing director of Newell & Wright, said: "The service GBRf provides into our terminal in Rotherham offers Yorkshire a reliable, seamless rail service which is an integral part of the supply chain."

DB Cargo website
Newell & Wright website

Images: GBRf

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News: Magtec bin lorry powered by city's waste

Magtec, the UK's largest supplier of electric vehicle drive systems, has unveiled its re-powered refuse collection vehicle in Sheffield.

Founded in 1992, Magtec designs and manufactures electric drive systems and components for a wide range of applications including trucks, buses and military vehicles.

In 2016 the firm relocated its Sheffield truck conversion facility to Templeborough in Rotherham, taking over a 16,000 sq ft unit at the same time as taking on a second manufacturing site in Sheffield of 27,000 sq ft.

As part of a trial taking place in Sheffield and Westminster a total of four used refuse collection vehicles, which would have been destined for the scarp yard, are being re-fitted to be powered by battery.

Magtec designed, manufactured and fitted the system enables the lorries to be powerful enough to negotiate Sheffield's seven hills, even when full. The re-powered lorries have zero carbon emissions and produce no air pollution.

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In a further unique proposition for Sheffield, the two vehicles for the city will be powered by energy produced at the City's Energy Recovery Facility at Bernard Road, generated by processing the city's black bin waste into energy.

Marcus Jenkins, founder and director of Magtec, said: "The quickest and most economical way to reduce harmful emissions in our cities is to repower diesel trucks with electric drives.

"Converting one bin lorry to electric is equivalent to taking 30 diesel powered cars off the streets. We are especially delighted that two of the repowered vehicles will be running in our home city of Sheffield.

"Repowering larger fleets of vehicles will accelerate the growth of Magtec and create more high quality engineering jobs and opportunities for young people.

"It will also strengthen the UK's position as a global leader in technology for electric vehicles and help to increase exports of our world-class products.

"This is a very exciting time for Magtec with our company involved in pioneering work across the world and we are delighted to be taking part in this ambitious project in our home city."

Magtec website

Images: Sheffield Council

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