News: Liberty Steel plants to merge into one global group

GFG Alliance is set to consolidate its global steel businesses, with an ambition to lead the industry towards a carbon-neutral future.

International industrials and metals group, Liberty House, closed a deal with Tata Steel UK to acquire its Speciality Steels business, including the electric arc steelworks and bar mill at Rotherham, for a total consideration of £100m in 2017.

The family-owned alliance led by Sanjeev Gupta has announced that Liberty Steel Group, which altogether employs 30,000 people in ten countries, will be incorporated by the end of this year through a merger of GFG's upstream and downstream steel manufacturing, mining and distribution businesses around the world.

With 18 million tonnes of rolled steel capacity annually, Liberty Steel Group will be the eighth largest steel producer outside China, with operations stretching from Australia to continental Europe, the UK and the United States, and it will have annual sales of approximately $15 billion. Although individual businesses will retain a high degree of autonomy, consolidated accounts will be produced and a united strategy will be developed.

At the heart of the group's mission will be an ambition to build on GFG's existing GREENSTEEL strategy to aim for net carbon neutral status by 2030 – placing Liberty Steel Group on a pathway to become the first carbon neutral steel company in the world. This will include exploration of the best use of new technologies such as hydrogen generated from renewable power to produce steel.

The GREENSTEEL strategy focuses on using electric arc furnaces, like the one at Aldwarke in Rotherham, to recycle scrap steel, rather than producing all material from scratch, as well as using renewable sources of energy. Steel from recycled scrap using fossil fuel based energy generates less than a third of the CO2 emissions compared with primary steel making, with the benefit dramatically increasing to almost zero emissions with the use of renewable power in GREENSTEEL.

Aldwarke steelworks has the largest steel recycling capacity in the UK. The group has created 300 new jobs since the takeover and boosted production of high-grade steels, aiming to reach output of more than a million tonnes a year by 2020.

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Sanjeev Gupta, executive chairman of GFG Alliance, said: "We are creating a new force in steel with the size, scale and agility to forge a path towards a sustainable future for our steel businesses and the communities in which we operate. Our integrated group will stretch around the world, with a financial and governance structure suitable for an intercontinental business of our size.

"Steel is the building block of modern life and the GFG Alliance has always put sustainable strategies at the heart of its business model. We recognise that becoming carbon neutral by 2030 is a very ambitious target but we have firm foundations already with our GREENSTEEL strategy in motion, and with technical viability of hydrogen usage for direct reduced iron now proven it gives us the confidence that such developments allow us to aim even higher with our goals. 

"As a responsible business, the legacy we pass on to future generations is every bit as important as our bottom line. Liberty Steel aims not just to produce top-quality steel but to be an agent of change in the industry. In doing so, we can open the door to the re-industrialisation of the developed world by reviving and restoring often neglected industry."

Liberty Steel Group will include operations drawn from Liberty House in the UK, Liberty Steel Continental Europe, Liberty Steel USA, Infrabuild and Liberty Primary Steel and Mining Australia. It will be organised in three divisions: Liberty Primary Steel, Liberty GreenSteel and Liberty Engineered Steel.

The group's strategy is set to encompass a balanced model, rather than a "silver bullet" – including transitioning existing blast furnaces towards electric arc furnaces, investing in new electric arc furnaces and piloting new clean technologies around the world. It will aim to tackle emissions at its sites by exploring technologies such as Direct Reduced Iron, carbon capture and storage and we will continue to participate in the development of various forms of renewables energy through our sister company SIMEC Energy.

Liberty Steel intends to liaise closely with other companies and industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty House

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News: MBO at Rotherham alloy firm

Rotherham-based Alloy Services Limited has been acquired in a multi-million-pound management buy-out.

The £30m turnover processor and supplier of speciality alloys is based in Dinnington and was established over 25 years ago by Alan Fisher. It has developed to become one of the UK's leading specialists in processing and recycling high-temperature alloys and metals. The company supplies products for extremely demanding end-use applications, in industries such as aerospace, oil & gas and medical.

The company has been acquired by its managing director, Stephen Hall, with funding to support the transaction provided by Shawbrook Bank.

Hall said: "Firstly, my thanks must go to Alan who has nurtured and developed Advanced since its inception over 25 years ago. It's this legacy that I will be building on, and I'm absolutely delighted to have the opportunity of taking this exceptional business into the next chapter of its growth. We will of course be continuing to work closely with our suppliers and customers, with the support of the fantastic staff here at Advanced."

BHP Corporate Finance acted as lead advisor on the transaction.

Kevin Davies, partner at BHP, said: "I am delighted to see Advanced Alloys step into this next exciting stage, Stephen has ambitious plans for the future of the business. An innovative funding package was required to support both the structure of the deal and Advanced's working capital cycle. It is further demonstration of the funding appetite we are seeing for carefully prepared and structured transactions."

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Nick Salmons from Shawbrook Bank, added: "At Shawbrook we've worked on a number of advisor-led MBOs this year and this is a great example of how working closely with the team at BHP and Advanced Alloy Services has delivered another solution that doesn't just support the transaction but also provides the headroom to deliver further growth."

Peter Crawford and Emily Pogson of Freeths provided legal advice. Peter said: "Advanced is a very strong business with a great future ahead of it. We have enjoyed working with Stephen to bring this transaction to completion and we look forward to watching Advanced continue to develop and grow under his direction."

Other local advisors to the transaction were Paul Trudgill and James Burdekin of Keebles who acted for the vendors, and Dean Gormley and Hayley Johnson at Irwin Mitchell who acted for Shawbrook.

Advanced Alloy Services website

Images: Shawbrook Bank

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News: Rotherham taxi operator fined

A taxi operator has been fined over £1300 for allowing an unlicensed driver and vehicle to be used for bookings.

Fast 4's Karamat Hussain pleaded guilty to charges relating to an unlicensed silver Ford Transit being dispatched and driven by an unlicensed driver on 606 separate occasions, between February 1 2019 and March 28 2019, following investigations by Rotherham Council's licencing team.

Hussain also admitted that the journeys were carried out without the required licences, safeguarding checks and mechanical vehicle checks being made.

He was ordered to pay £307 costs, a penalty charge of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £50 (total of £1,357) by Sheffield Magistrates Court.

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Cllr Sue Ellis, Chair of Rotherham Council's Licensing Committee, said: "The Council is committed to ensuring a professional service is provided in Rotherham's taxi industry and this prosecution sends out a clear message that anyone caught flouting the rules will face the consequences. The large number of journeys and the significant risk to members of the public, including vulnerable people, were brought to light following a thorough investigation by the Council's licencing team.

"We encourage people to complain to us if they have any concerns regarding their journey in a Rotherham taxi. We want people to report any issues so that we can take action to ensure everyone has a safe journey in the future."

Rotherham Council's taxi policy sets a standard that is amongst the highest in the country following a fundamental review of its policies over the last four years. Taxi licensing was one of the powers stripped from Council responsibility in the wake of the child abuse scandal.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham town centre housing schemes set for approval

The planning board at Rotherham Council is being recommended to approve the authority's own £30m proposals for new town centre housing.

Rothbiz reported first that plans had finally been submitted for a range of new properties on sites across the town centre owned by the Council. These include the site of the former Sheffield Road baths, Millfold House on Sheffield Road and the former Henley's garage on Wellgate.

The plans would build 171 brand new homes in a range of ownership models from new council rent properties, shared ownership homes and new homes for market sale. 123 (72%) are classed as affordable housing.

Willmott Dixon has been brought in by Rotherham Council to work on the proposals and the planning applications ares set to be discussed at the meeting of the planning board next week.

Plans from Bond Bryan show that family homes and large scale apartment blocks are planned for the vacant Baths site by the river. An apartment block and back-to-back housing is planned for Milfold House with apartment blocks and three-storey houses proposed on Wellgate.

Each application is being recommended for approval but only if a number of financial contributions are made to go towards public open space and travel projects to lessen the impact of the developments.

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The Wellgate application has attracted a number of objections due to its impact on the Grade II listed Wellgate Old Hall and the fact it goes against the Council's own guidelines for the site.

Applicants state that "the setting of the building would be preserved by imposing a building line contingent on the west boundary of the site." Objectors state that the apartment blocks overshadow the listed building which would be "smothered to death by overdevelopment."

Planners consider that the development is acceptable and conclude that views of the Hall along Wellgate will not be obscured, adding that the new blocks would "book end" the listed building and reintroduce its historic setting.

Papers to the planning board state: "The Council's Conservation consultant has stated that it would be difficult to suggest that the proposed scale and massing would have a harmful impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Hall. Moreover, the proposed use of traditional brick will ensure that the development maintains a dialogue with not only the Hall but the surrounding historic environment.

"It is noted that the owner / occupant of the Old Hall have raised strong objections to the proposed scheme in respect of the impact on their building. However, for the reasons set out above it is considered that sufficient evidence has been submitted to justify the development."

Documents to the Sheffield City region Combined Authority show that the schemes are set to use £3.917m from the city region's LGF Housing Fund, with Rotherham Council investing £20.468m and £5.965m requested from Homes England.

Rother Living website

Images: Bond Bryan / RMBC

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News: £160m Rotherham biomass plant sold

In one of the borough's largest investment transactions, the £160m Templeborough Biomass Power Plant in Rotherham has been acquired, just months after first generating electricity for the National Grid.

Greencoat Capital has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of Templeborough Biomass Power Plant Ltd from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

Greencoat Capital is one of the UK's largest investors in the resource efficiency and renewable energy market, with more than £4 billion under management. The investment is being made on behalf of a number of Greencoat Capital's pension fund clients, and represents the company's first move into bioenergy assets.

Built on disused land at the Firth Rixson Ickles Works, the plant generates clean, green energy using waste wood, 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.

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Development and construction of the asset was financed by CIP through its CI-II fund, successfully stewarding the project from planning stages in 2015 to commercial operations in 2019.

Minal Patel, partner at Greencoat Capital, said: "We are proud to have made our first bioenergy investment, and delighted with the asset that CIP has developed. Greencoat has demonstrated sector leading performance with both its wind and solar strategies, and we look forward to replicating that in the bioenergy sector where we see a significant pipeline of investment opportunities."

Christina Sørensen, senior partner at CIP, added: "We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with Greencoat to divest our 100% stake in TBPP. CI-II acquired the project in 2015, financed its construction, and successfully reached commercial operations in February 2019. Since then the plant has been steadily generating renewable power from locally sourced waste wood. We would like to congratulate the new owners on the successful acquisition of a great project."

Rothschild & Co and Mirae Asset Daewoo Co., Ltd. acted as financial advisers to CIP, while Evercore, Poyry and Eco2 advised Greencoat.

Templeborough Biomass website

Images: Templeborough Biomass

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News: Tram-train marks one million passenger journeys

The innovative tram-train service between Rotherham and Sheffield has marked its one millionth passenger journey this month, as the popular service reaches its first-year milestone.

Passengers in South Yorkshire are the first in the country to benefit from the innovative pilot project where special vehicles use pioneering technology to run on both Sheffield's tramlines and the rail network in Rotherham. Funded by the Government, the trial aims to show how similar services can be introduced across the country.

The service has celebrated a 100% customer satisfaction rate and recently won the prestigious Global Light Rail Award for "Team of the Year."

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our region is steeped in rail heritage. We were home to the world-famous Flying Scotsman and Mallard, and now we've successfully pioneered the UK's first tram-train.

"We're proud to be leading the way with light rail innovation, and are now seeing other towns and cities look to us, to use our technology as a blueprint for similar schemes across the UK.

"It's great to see that more than a million people have used the Tram Train over the last year. I look forward to seeing the system continue to thrive, as part of the programme of transport improvements that I’m rolling out to make our network fit for the 21st century."

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Funded by the Department for Transport, the industry pilot is a partnership between South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), Network Rail and Stagecoach Supertram, to test the connectivity and economic potential of Tram Train technology to see if it can be used elsewhere.

Light Rail Minister, Baroness Vere, said: "The award-winning tram-train gives passengers cleaner, more frequent and more reliable journeys across Sheffield and Rotherham.

"This pioneering project has brought together innovation, state-of-the-art technology and our existing infrastructure to give passengers better journeys, and lays the groundwork for more ambitious transport schemes right across the country."

SYPTE Executive Director, Stephen Edwards, added: "While South Yorkshire's award-winning tram-train pilot is a first for the UK, the first year of service has been hugely successful. Both customer satisfaction and passenger numbers are exceeding expectations and we hope that continues.

"Our region is leading the way for tram-train learning and application in the industry. We're proud to deliver this important pilot locally, and to be part of the future opportunities the pioneering technology could provide, both for our region and beyond."

Simon Coulthard, Senior Sponsor for Network Rail, said: "The first year of tram-train has been hugely successful and we are delighted to have played a part in the introduction of this pioneering technology which is better connecting cities and towns across South Yorkshire.

"We look forward to working with our partners to deliver further improvements and providing even more benefits for passengers."

Tim Bilby, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: "We are delighted that within the first year over one million passenger journeys have already been made on the tram-train service. Passenger numbers and customer satisfaction have exceeded expectations, proving that Tram Train offers an affordable and efficient way to connect Sheffield City Centre and Rotherham.

"We will continue to work with our project partners to further develop the tram-train service within the region."

Plans to develop the tram-train over the longer term include a 300 space park and ride site for the terminus at Parkgate and a new tram-train stop at Magna, facilitating a new 150 space park and ride site.

Images: Stagecoach

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News: Rotherham-based former soldier getting ready to launch satellite system

A former soldier in the Parachute Regiment has taken a giant leap towards creating a novel launching system using balloons to put satellites into space following a collaboration with design engineers at the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Sean Ardron set up Rotherham-based Arkeik in 2017 to explore how high altitude balloons could be used to take a small payload up to an altitude, where they could be orientated and then launched into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

With the help of the AMRC, he now believes his innovative High Elevation Launch Platform (HELP) could be operational within 12 months and might even replace ground-based rockets to give UK industry a doorway into space exploration.

With multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) and the project was paid for using funds from the HVMC as part of a commitment to working with small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Sean Ardron, founder of Arkiek, said: "Although my background is not in this industry, I had worked on land based projects with BAE Systems while I was in the military, but I could not have got to this stage without the support of the AMRC in visualising the idea behind the launch system.

"High altitude balloons using the free lift with lighter-than-air gas had not been looked at for a long time because the surrounding technologies to make them efficient just wasn't available. Recently, there has been a massive increase in small technology for the use of rotary drones so we have repurposed a lot of that for what we need.

"I just needed to develop a computer system that can take a small payload up to a certain altitude, orientate and then launch into LEO."

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Arkeik has already carried out test flights reaching 5km above sea level and the next step is to create a working prototype, which starts with a design the company can show to potential investors.

Billy Redpath, senior project manager at the AMRC's Design and Prototyping Group, said: "The system Sean has is similar to a weather balloon which has a drone attached to it. It gets to an appropriate altitude, orientates, launches a satellite and then you guide it back to the ground.

"The designs they were using for presentations to potential funders had been created in-house and didn't necessarily convey the project accurately, so we visualised it for them."

Billy and his team of engineers were not given specific dimensions or criteria for designing the prototype, but they were able to use a healthy dose of artistic license to capture the essence of the novel launching system.

The images will form an important part of Arkeik's marketing strategy as the company applies for funding and grants to pay for research into housing larger payloads, building fully reusable ballonets and developing their Unmanned Aerial System.

"I am really pleased with what Billy and the AMRC have produced, I wouldn't have had the capacity to do what they have done. Quality designs are something you really need for projects, especially when you are trying to get people to fork out money," said Sean.

"We know all the individual parts work, we have tested them, we just need to get a working prototype that hopefully looks like the design created by the AMRC. That is what the investment will help us with."

The ability to put satellites into orbit is limited due to the necessity of ground launching from a rocket. Small satellites, such as the ones Arkeik hope to work with, are classed as secondary cargo which means they cannot commission a rocket nor dictate the orbit that they launch to.

At present, that means companies using micro-satellites must either compromise on their preferred orbit or wait an undetermined amount of time until the right rocket launches.

Sean continued: "We can certainly sell this technology. Currently, the UK doesn't have a launch capability which means companies here have to send their satellites to India or piggyback off rockets in the USA.

"A standard cube satellite is 13x10cm and weighs a kilogram so I can quite confidently say we could launch them from HELP. Once operational, it would be weather dependant, but we could send a platform up to the right altitude and launch all in just three hours.

"If everything went perfectly and we got the money we needed, we could quite easily have this operational within 12 months. Eventually, it could replace ground-based rockets and give UK business and industry a doorway into space exploration."

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: Council press ahead with Rotherham town centre Wi-Fi

Rotherham Council is looking for a private company to take forward its plans to offer free Wi-Fi in the town centre.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2017 that the authority was looking at free Wi-Fi as part of a range of measures to try and stimulate footfall and support existing businesses as they wait for more catalyst projects in the new masterplan to revive the town centre.

More details emerged last year with Rotherham hoping to follow the likes of Sheffield with with a scheme designed to include no or minimal upfront or ongoing investment by the authority. A concession contract would see a private company install superfast and ultrafast broadband equipment in exchange for providing the bidder with exclusive use of council-owned street lights and street furniture for wireless communications.

Now tender documents show a potential ten year opportunity to provide free of charge public access Wi-Fi connectivity in the Rotherham indoor market and outdoor area, Rotherham town centre, and Clifton Park. The Council will grant the company the opportunity to install equipment on streetlights and buildings.

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In Sheffield, local firm, Idaq Networks has provided the wi-fi service by installing 220 pieces of superfast and ultrafast broadband equipment to council-owned street lights and street furniture. Over 17,000 unique devices use the service everyday.

Rotherham Council is hoping for phase 1 to be implemented at the markets next year.

Recommended reading: CityFibre's Rotherham Broadband Rollout is Impacting Entertainment

Currently free Wi-Fi in the town centre is available in specific buildings or retail / leisure outlets. For example, at Rotherham Council's Riverside House and the library, Tesco, McDonald's and Wetherspoons.

Last year, BT replaced its traditional BT phone boxes in Rotherham town centre with new "InLinks" - fully-accessible community structures that can provide free ultrafast Wi-Fi, free UK landline and mobile calls and free mobile device charging.

Images: Sheffield Council

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News: Angling Direct open Rotherham store

Angling Direct plc, the UK's largest and fastest growing fishing tackle and equipment retailer, has opened a new store in Rotherham.

The new branch at the Tradeworld development at Parkgate is the AIM-listed firm's 32nd UK store and further strengthens Angling Direct's presence across the UK.

Since the demise of Fishing Republic, the 5,500 sq ft store is described as the only fishing tackle "destination store" of its kind in the area.

Opening last weekend, the new store is creating five full and two part-time positions.

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Darren Bailey, chief executive officer at Angling Direct, said: "We are very excited to have opened our latest store in Rotherham, a region which is known for its strong fishing heritage and has an extensive angling community. The new store offers products for all disciplines of angling, backed by our remarkable customer service.

"As we seek to cater for all anglers across the UK with a new and modern retail offering, we are continuing to strategically expand our store footprint, as well as enhance our online offering in terms of products, experience and education in order to help raise the profile of angling. We have several other stores opening over the next few months in similar well populated angling areas."

Angling Direct website

Images: Angling Direct / Twitter

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News: Record number of guests at chamber awards night

A record number of guests came together at a glittering awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise the important contributions businesses, charities and individuals have made over the past twelve months in helping to shape the local economy.

Regarded by many as being one of the most important events on the local business calendar, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by AAG IT Services, took place at Magna in Rotherham and saw more than 575 members of the local business community support the popular event.

Hosted by Rotherham-based actor Dean Andrews, currently appearing on award-winning TV soap Emmerdale, the event saw ENGIE secure a double award win, after securing the Commitment to People Development award, which lead to them becoming the worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year 2019 (pictured), sponsored by Gibson Booth Business Solutions & Insolvency.

The beginning of the event saw FareShare walk away with a £3,000 donation from award sponsor Fortem, after securing the title of Charity of Year, and later in the evening securing another win for the Business Community Impact award.

The ceremony also recognised the longstanding achievements of a number of businesses with a special salute to business, which included two presentations of 100 years in business to Progress Rail Services UK Ltd and Westfield Health. Special recognition was given to Ted Lowe who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award, whilst Jonathan Morley of Secure Power Ltd was awarded the Business Person of the Year.

The awards also recognised young individuals who are taking the first steps in their career and Oliver Wilde of Engie Regeneration Ltd won the Apprentice of the Year Award, with Charles Hauge of Enzygo Ltd and Gracie Smith of Russell Richardson receiving highly commended.

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Andrew Denniff, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said: "This year's awards has seen a record number of entries, culminating in a sell out event which proved to be a memorable evening which celebrated the achievements of businesses of all shapes and sizes based in the region.

"I would like to congratulate the winners on the evening, especially our newly crowned business of the year ENGIE. The success of the event illustrates some of the truly amazing work which is being undertaken in our region, from the new and promising companies who have a bright future ahead of them to established companies who are celebrating milestone anniversaries."

The winners on the night in full:

Launchpad Most Promising New Business Award:
Winner: The Elite Wax Group
Highly Commended: Dawson Radford Solicitors
Highly Commended: Greigallen.design

Jelf Business Community Impact Award:
Winner: FareShare Yorkshire
Highly Commended: Home Instead Senior Care Rotherham
Highly Commended: Rotherham United Community Sports Trust

AAG IT Services Best Use of Technology Award:
Winner: Hogen Systems Ltd
Highly Commended: Hallam FM Cash for Kids
Highly Commended: LNS Turbo UK Ltd

Enzygo Business Growth Award:
Winner: Corrosion Resistant Materials
Highly Commended: Secure Power Ltd
Highly Commended: Wellspring Academy Trust

Masonite Apprentice of the Year Award:
Winner: Oliver Wilde – Engie Regeneration Ltd
Highly Commended: Charles Hauge – Enzygo Ltd
Highly Commended: Gracie Smith – Russell Richardson

Finance For Enterprise Marketing Campaign of the Year Award:
Winner: LensGo Visual Media
Highly Commended: Electrical Safety UK Limited
Highly Commended: No18 Interiors LTD

Brook Corporate Developments Excellence in Customer Service Award:
Winner: Amanda’s Blinds
Highly Commended: DEB Chartered Accountants
Highly Commended: Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP

RNN Training Commitment to People Development Award:
Winner: ENGIE
Highly Commended: Bob’s Business
Highly Commended: XPO Logistics

National Fluid Power Centre Excellence in Manufacturing Award:
Winner: Charles H Coward Ltd
Highly Commended: Oracle Precision Ltd
Highly Commended: Specialised Laser Products Ltd

Rotherham Together Partnership Workplace Wellbeing Award:
Winner: British Glass
Highly Commended: LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Highly Commended: Russell Richardson

Shorts Business Person of the Year Award:
Winner: Jonathan Morley – Secure Power Ltd
Highly Commended: Mark Scanlan – LNS Turbo UK Ltd
Highly Commended: Rose Dyson – Pura Cosmetics

Charity of the Year Award, in association with Fortem:
Winner: FareShare Yorkshire
Highly Commended: Barnsley Sea Cadets
Highly Commended: YWCA Yorkshire

Salute to Business Award, in association with XPO Logistics:
AAG IT Services Ltd – 10 Years
Howells Solicitors LLP – 40 Years
Wybone Ltd – 50 Years
Metalliform Holdings Ltd – 75 Years
Progress Rail Services UK Ltd – 100 Years
Westfield Health – 100 Years

BR Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Rotherham markets redevelopment on the table again

Black Cat Building Consultancy and Greig and Stephenson Architects have been appointed to work with Rotherham Council and stakeholders to help prepare and develop plans for the markets.

The regeneration of Rotherham markets is identified as a key project within the Town Centre Masterplan.

The new work will support the Council's Future High Street Fund bid. Rotherham is one of the shortlisted areas that will receive up to £150,000 of new funding to work up a detailed bid for town centre improvements. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will work closely with each area to help them develop various schemes.

The £122,000 contracts were awarded after tender exercises carried out earlier this year.

The masterplan outlined in 2017 that the popularity of the markets has "kept the town alive" but added that parts of the complex on Drummond Street are underutilised.

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

The masterplan hinted that removing buildings would open up the architectural features that are already there such as the roof canopies.

Earlier this year, the Council said that it is considering moving the library back across town into a new community/cultural hub that could be located in the Markets.

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

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

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

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

A public information event on open spaces and the public realm is taking place at the Tuesday street market on October 29 from 10am to 2pm.

Rotherham Town Centre website

Images: RMBC / WYG

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News: SCR universities head up business support projects

Nearly £5m has been secured to boost business and enterprise in the Sheffield city region (SCR) with the local universities working in partnerships to coordinate support.

ScaleUp 360 is a three-year European funded project that brings together a group of business experts from  Doncaster and East Midlands Chambers of Commerce and Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) under the leadership of Sheffield Hallam University.

The group will deliver a tailored high growth support programme to businesses and entrepreneurs, from pre/early start-up to investment ready, with the ambition to grow their business.

Each client will have a dedicated account manager whose role it will be to ensure they have access to the scale-up  expertise, knowledge and connections they need to grow a sustainable and investment ready business.This will include 1-2-1 specialist business advice, mentor support, workshops and access to investment opportunities.

Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business and Enterprise at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "ScaleUp 360is an ambitious Sheffield City Region wide accelerator programme designed to provide the inspirational advice and support that businesses and entrepreneurs need in order to achieve sustainable high growth.

"Sheffield Hallam's support for entrepreneurs and regional businesses through innovation and enterprise is just one of the ways the University is driving future economies in the region and beyond."

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£1.8m in further European funding has also been secured for the Sheffield Innovation Programme (SIP) that was set up in 2016 to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the region in accessing academic expertise, facilities and resources at both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to stimulate innovation and deliver new products and services.

The programme is free for businesses to use and, since it began, more than 200 academics from both universities have worked with more than 300 companies from across the region. This has helped businesses in the region to engage in more than £1.2m worth of collaborative projects through Innovate UK programmes.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: "We're delighted that this successful programme, which has such a profound impact on businesses and economic growth in our region, will continue for another three years.

"This scheme is a fantastic way for regional businesses to access our world-leading facilities and academic expertise to drive innovation and find solutions to the challenges they face."

ScaleUp 360 website
Sheffield Innovation Programme website

Images: Sheffield University

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News: Construction at Gulliver’s Valley is on track

Progress is being made in creating the £37m Gulliver's Valley Theme Park Resort in Rotherham ahead of next year's anticipated opening.

Work started last year at the Pithouse West former colliery site on the first of Gulliver's sites in the UK to encompass all their major family entertainment elements in one location with new attractions exclusive to Rotherham.

Rides have started to be installed and attractions being developed. When it opens, the park will feature a Wild West area, Lost World with free roaming dinosaurs, mini-JCBs, indoor entertainment, and rides.

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The family firm, which has theme parks in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes, has been keeping people up to date with the progress onsite in a series of videos on social media. The first showed Western World taking shape and the latest shows pupils from Wales Primary School on site recently to see where everything is going to be.



Rotherham Council Leader Chris Read was also a recent visitor. He said: "I'm not sure how many people are really aware that work is well underway at Gulliver's. Local suppliers have been helping to transform the former pit site and more than 1,000 Yorkshire trees have been planted. Just whilst we were there, the pirate ship ride was going up.

"Apart from developing a great visitor attraction on our doorstep, and the directly employed jobs that will come with it, Gulliver's have set a high standard for benefits to the wider economy."

Gulliver's Valley will be opening in Spring 2020.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: RMBC / Gulliver's

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News: New venues opening in Rotherham

A new micropub and a burger specialist are opening in the north of the borough.

The Timberyard Tapas and Micro Bar has recently opened on Montgomery Road in Wath, bringing a wide range of food to try. The "Spanish menu with a Yorkshire twist" includes meatballs, calamari, patatas bravas and scallops. Paellas and flatbreads are also on the menu.

The small venue, which seats around 15 people, was recently granted its alcohol licence by Rotherham Council and is now open on Wednesday to Saturdays.

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Over on the Onyx Retail Park in nearby Manvers, a new restaurant is planning to open soon.

Holy Cow is described as an "American style burger joint, specialising in hand pressed burgers built to your specifications - quality personalised burgers!!"

The Rotherham venture is a new project from those behind 8oz Burger Co., the popular restaurant in Barnsley town centre.

The retail park is a key part of the regeneration of the former coalfield area of Manvers which provides space for national and independent outlets.

Timberyard Facebook page
Holy Cow Facebook page

Images: Timberyard / Holy Cow / Facebook

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News: RISE returns to support more local businesses

Rotherham companies will be able once again to sign up to a project to connect graduates to small to medium-sized businesses after it successfully secured European funding earlier this year.

RISE has helped growing businesses across the Sheffield city region (SCR) to recruit talented graduates for the past five years in an effort to help them develop and innovate. Over the next three the project will work with over 200 businesses to employ 330 more graduates and businesses that take part will have access to an improved wrap around support offer, all at no charge to them. Funding for an enhanced RISE project has been secured from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and matched by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.

RISE works with businesses to understand their needs, provide information, advice and guidance on graduate recruitment and help them define the job they want to offer. RISE then advertises and sifts applications so the business can choose its preferred candidate and offers ongoing support for the first six months a graduate is in post. Salary subsidy grants are available to all businesses at a standard £1,000 rate or, on a first come first served basis, at £2,500 for high tech roles or businesses.

The project has already supported over 500 businesses to advertise nearly 700 graduate jobs.

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Mark Walsh, managing director at Rotherham-based PointSolutions, said: "Having a higher level grant for high tech businesses and roles will really help us attract candidates with the skills that are in such short supply in the market. Small and medium businesses, who are driving technical upskill in businesses, often struggle to compete with corporates despite offering a much more diverse environment for graduates to progress their careers. It is fantastic to see RISE help smaller businesses overcome this barrier to recruiting great talent."

This fresh roll out of RISE will see businesses skilled up so they can continue to recruit graduates into the future. Businesses will benefit from a briefing session where they will have access to a range of advice and guidance as well as to specialist staff who will make business leaders aware of the region's wider support offer, so they can take advantage of all of the help that is out there.

Professor Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "RISE is a fantastic asset for the region's businesses and I hope that as many as possible will take advantage of the support that it offers. I am proud that our students are able to flourish and have real impact in local businesses and stay in the place they come to love as students. Retaining this talent is vital for the region’s economic health and competitiveness.”

Professor Chris Husbands, vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, added: "Sheffield Hallam has been a proud supporter of RISE since the project's inception. We are delighted that the scheme is entering this exciting new phase of delivery. RISE is a great way for us to create opportunities for our graduates and demonstrate the contributions they can make, whilst helping to drive future economies. I look forward to seeing many more success stories over the next three years."

RISE website

Images: SHU

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News: Enterprising way to bring new Grimm products to life

Grimm & Co, Rotherham's literary charity, has launched a kickstarter appeal to bring to life a game created by its Saturday club children.

Based in Rotherham town centre the Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. Above the shop, the Yorkshire charity runs innovative storytelling and writing workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills.

A group of 19 young people aged 9-11 have created a hilariously original story-telling game, full of prodigious prompts to unleash the players' imagination and get participants' creativity cogs spinning. Grimm & Co now want to bring this to life, and need the help and support of the public to raise the £5,000 needed to do this.

Kickstarter exists to help enterprising artists, musicians, filmmakers, designers, and other creators find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality.

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Twists and Tales will contain 200 unique cards, each featuring an original and unusual creative idea created by the game's young makers, with characters such as Fiona (a multilingual toilet door who's unfortunately unable to use her linguistic talents) and Alex (an invisible 41 year old piece of chewing gum who is aging backwards), and plots that include two pieces of luggage falling in love in an airport, but getting separated on the conveyor belt, and a squirrel thief stealing a precious magical artefact. These cards come in four different categories: characters; settings; objects; and story starters, and can be used to create the most amazing stories in a huge variety of ways.

The children and young people who created the game have designed it to be played in a huge variety of ways: by yourself or with others; competitively or collaboratively; by telling stories out loud, or by writing or drawing them. Their aim was to make Twists and Tales accessible to as many different people as possible, taking the scariness out of having to come up with stories on the spot and enabling anyone to be able to spin a tall tale!



Louise Treloar, communications coordinator at Grimm and Co said: "The children have worked so hard on this project and are desperate to see it made into a real game. As a magical apothecary, we really want to help them make this dream come true.

"Our kickstarter appeal has already raised over £3,000 and we now need our very kind supporters and the public to help. Just a few pounds will make a real difference."

Elliott, one of the creators of Twists and Tales, added: "It's pretty epic and you can make cool stories," whilst co-creator William said: "We have worked hard on our game and we have used OUR imagination."

Edith, another game creator, said: "This game is important to me because it is a game that I have helped to create, it is not just a game that I know how to play.  It is a game that I helped to create which makes it special"

The Kickstarter appeal includes quirky rewards thought up by the children and young people in the workshops.

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co

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News: New contracts policy aims to keep it local in Rotherham

Rotherham Council has developed a new policy to ensure that more of its £300m annual spend is kept within the local economy, supporting Rotherham businesses and creating jobs in the borough.

The new Social Value policy aims to ensure that when the Council is buying goods and services, suppliers are encouraged to spend locally, employ Rotherham people, and work towards paying at least the Joseph Rowntree Foundation Living Wage.

If the plan is adopted, every contract the Council tenders with a value of £100,000 or over will be scored as to how it delivers real and sustainable social value.

It borrows from the "Preston model" where local spend in the Lancashire city from anchor institutions rose from 5% to 18.2%. Preston City Council now spends 28% with Preston-based businesses (2016) as opposed to 14% in 2012.

Alongside the cost and quality of a bid, the proposed social value will help to determine who is awarded a contract. Social value could take the form of good local jobs and skills development for local people, equality of opportunity, strengthened and sustainable community and voluntary sector organisations, keeping spend in the local supply chain and greater environmental sustainability.

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The Social Value commitment will account for 20% of the overall score for the tender bid and the Council said it will produce a public annual report each year on the Social Value that has been achieved.

For lower value contracts, it is proposed that the Council will ensure, when quotes are invited, at least one will be from the local area, to give local business more opportunities to win those contracts.

The policy also sets out an objective that, wherever possible, the Council will also commit to co-designing services, using the knowledge, experience and expertise of local people and organisations to make the best use of local assets. It is proposed that a Social Value Charter is developed with partners, encouraging organisations to commit to increased Social Value.

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: "We have already seen in other parts of the country how councils can choose to spend more wisely, keeping more money in the local economy, encouraging suppliers to pay the real Living Wage and creating local job and training opportunities.

"For the first time, we are setting out a formal, measurable approach to ensure that council taxpayer’s money helps to make our local economy stronger, fairer and more environmentally friendly."

RMBC procurement website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham students get their design fix

University Centre Rotherham Graphic Design students have been tasked with an exciting project by a successful graduate and founder of The Design Fix.

Graduate Amy Kilner visited the £12m town centre campus and met with foundation degree students to share her experiences of working as a creative lead at design agency, Hotshot. She is also the founder of The Design Fix – an online community of over 50,000 followers using the hashtag #thedesignfix to highlight how creativity inspires them as designers. The hashtag has been used 150,000 times so far whilst The Design Fix has been featured across blogs and stories 2,000 times.

Amy studied a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Graphic Design Communication Design (Top-up) at University Centre Rotherham and completed her course in summer 2019.

A brief was provided by Amy to the students on The Design Fix-led project titled Positive Creativity. This project is aimed at highlighting the benefits of online users sharing their work digitally and via social media, with wide-ranging opportunities such as references, constructive feedback, networking and the possibility of beginning new adventures and journeys for the budding Graphic Design students.

Tasked with creating artwork which communicates positive aspects of sharing work online, the Graphic Design students have been provided free reign to use their creativity in crafting exciting and relevant visuals.

As part of The Design Fix's participation in student award series The NeXt Big Thing Awards, the chosen finalists will be shared across all of The Design Fix's platforms for its thriving online community to see and share their thoughts on. Three finalists will receive a one year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

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Amy said: "The whole idea is for the students to use their creative expression to highlight how to use social media in a positive light – especially when sharing work.

"You have to like what you do otherwise there's no point; that's why the learners have chosen this course and this project is a good outlet for them to share their passion."

Graphic Design Foundation Degree Year 2 student Jack Reavey was one of the class of University Centre Rotherham students Amy provided the project brief to.

Jack said: "The project is an advertising campaign celebrating positivity in creativity and encourages people to post on social media whom may have previously not wanted to in fear of negative comments. It seems a good idea for people to engage with social media and put their work out there – there are decent people online who may pick up on this.

"I want to approach this with typography. Words just behave all the time! They're versatile and never get grainy. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do."

Graphic Design Lecturer Tracy Gelder was present for the project brief and previously taught Amy when she was an aspiring Graphic Design student.

Tracy said: "For our students, this year is all about design work with work-based employers. The students now have the liberty to work with live clients. For example, Amy's visit is a wonderful opportunity for them to ask questions and delve in to how things are changing in the workplace.

"It's a brilliant chance for them to get ready to hit the ground running when out in the wider world."

Hotshot Creative Agency website
Design Fix website
UCR website

Images: UCR

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News: Rothbiz offers membership opportunities

Rotherham Business News is offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to support the website and the continued promotion of Rotherham, at the same time as raising their profile within the local business community.

Rothbiz is established as the website that brings together positive news regarding businesses, enterprise, commercial property, regeneration, key developments and the economy in Rotherham.

The site exists to promote Rotherham as a business location by using stories about the enterprising, innovative, proud, and world-renowned businesses that are based here.

A membership programme has been designed to enable businesses to show their support and feature on the site at the same time.

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The website launched in 2007 and has been growing ever since. It now has well over 6,000 subscribers and followers and receives 20,000 pageviews each month.

Tom Austen, founder and editor of Rotherham Business News, said: "If you have had coverage on Rothbiz, gained leads and business from reading the site, like our positive approach to talking up the borough and its businesses, want to raise the profile of your business or organisation, or just like being kept up to date with the latest news, Rothbiz is looking for members to get involved and help us to continue to grow.

"Different levels based on different budgets offer you the opportunity to be featured on the website and with your backing, Rothbiz will continue to publish articles each week focusing on positive stories about amazing Rotherham businesses.

"You will help us give Rotherham the positive coverage it deserves, raise the profile of Rotherham, change the perceptions of Rotherham and encourage Rotherham companies to recognise opportunities for collaboration, growth and business development."

Membership starts from just £10 a month.

Find out more information and become a member here.

Images: Rothbiz

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News: Willmott Dixon working on Rotherham town centre housing schemes

Willmott Dixon is the contractor partner for Rotherham Council as the authority progresses ambitious proposals for new town centre housing.

Rothbiz reported first that plans had finally been submitted for a range of new properties on sites across the town centre owned by the Council. These include the site of the former Sheffield Road baths, Millfold House on Sheffield Road and the former Henley's garage on Wellgate.

The plans would build 171 brand new homes in a range of ownership models from new council rent properties, shared ownership homes and new homes for market sale. 123 (72%) are classed as affordable housing.

Cabinet papers show that Rotherham Council will be funding these works from its Housing Revenue Account (HRA) but a bid for grant funding from Homes England's Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme (SOAHP) is being submitted. The Council is also close to securing £3.9m from the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Housing Fund.

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As part of a collaborative, two-stage process, the Council entered into a Professional Services Contract with Willmott Dixon last year to work up designs to planning application stage. The firm, which built the University Campus Rotherham, has now submitted a final price and, subject to further detailed scrutiny of that price, a contract is set to be awarded to physically construct the housing scheme.

Cllr. Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council, said: "In Rotherham, we should be rightly proud that we have a Labour Council that is delivering on the biggest council house building programme in our borough for a generation.

"We have now published our exciting proposals for new housing sites right in the heart of our town centre. These radical plans will contribute to our wider efforts to regenerate Rotherham town centre."

Partners have a draft timetable with work starting on site by March 2020 and completions by March 2022.

Last year, Rotherham Council committed £50m over the next three years to build homes and have launched its Rother Living brand.

Willmott Dixon website
Rother Living website

Images: Bond Bryan / Rotherham Labour

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News: Phase one works start on Forge Island

Work is underway on the key the flood defence works at Forge Island - the first phase of works to bring a cinema development to Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last month that Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd had been selected to carry out works with a value of around £2.5m.

The flood defence and enabling work on the Forge Island site includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces.

The enabling works are necessary to deliver the full Forge Island scheme, which will include a cinema, food and drink outlets, a hotel, and a car park, with the new leisure facilities set within an attractive public space and a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the wider town centre.

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Diane Bourne, managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: "This is a significant project which will complete a further section of flood protection for the town centre and forms part of the enabling work for the leisure-led Forge Island development. As part of the works, we will also be creating a high quality landscape setting adjacent to the Canal and a pedestrian link on to the main Forge Island development. With the project now very much underway, we are scheduled to complete next spring."

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Borough Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, added: "It's great to see works onsite at Forge Island, bringing us another step closer to the exciting cinema and leisure scheme that is planned. I'm delighted that Eric Wright Civil Engineering will be carrying out the flood defence and enabling works to help make these plans a reality."

Muse Developments was chosen as Rotherham Council's preferred partner for the scheme and a detailed agreement for lease has been signed.

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

Forge Island website

Images: RMBC

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News: Bespoke bottle boosts sales

The UK's best-selling kombucha tea is now being sold in new bespoke glass bottles made by Rotherham glass manufacturer Beatson Clark.

Equinox Organic Kombucha is a fermented tea craft-brewed in the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire from Chun-Mee green tea, raw cane sugar, spring water and kombucha culture.

Having started life seven years ago as one of the first kombucha breweries in the UK, parent company Flower of Life is now one of the largest kombucha producers in Europe.

To reflect the growth of the business Managing Director Daniel Spayne decided on a packaging rebrand and approached Beatson Clark for a bespoke bottle design.

The Greasborough Road firm, which has been making glass bottles and jars in Rotherham since 1751, specialises in providing glass packaging solutions for niche brands in the food, drink and pharmaceutical markets worldwide.

Flower of Life is in the process of becoming a Certified B Corp – a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit – and was keen to ensure its rebrand helped to protect the environment.

"We'd been discussing the concept of a bespoke bottle with Beatson Clark for a while," said Daniel. "We wanted a more reliable supplier closer to home because we put the environment at the centre of everything we do.

"As part of the rebrand we wanted to update the packaging that we had – it was perfect for the small-scale business selling at markets but it wasn't suitable for a national roll-out.

"We've updated the packaging to be more in line with what consumers are looking for today, and because Beatson Clark in South Yorkshire is only 40 miles away from our site in Hebden Bridge they fitted the bill perfectly."

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The new 275ml white flint bottle is shorter than the old bottle and Beatson Clark showed flexibility to get the firm's label on the bottles which contain more than 35% recycled glass.

Early signs are that the packaging rebrand is having a positive effect on sales.

"We're very pleased with the new bottle," said Daniel. "We're a high-growth business and we’re seeing an increase in sales thanks to the new branding and the continuing growth of the kombucha market."

Chris Palmer, Business Development Manager at Beatson Clark, added: "We were very pleased to be asked to design and manufacture this new bespoke bottle for Equinox Organic Kombucha.

"The company had been using a standard bottle imported from overseas and they were looking for a UK manufacturer closer to home. After a number of discussions about their packaging rebrand their design agency sent us a concept to work from.

"It's a good example of how a creative collaboration can produce a stylish bespoke design which can really improve shelf appeal and boost sales."

Equinox Organic Kombucha is available in Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, the Co-operative and Abel & Cole organic food delivery.

Beatson Clark website
Equinox website

Images: UKSE

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse secures £1.5m grant for next phase of works

The next phase of "the greatest restoration project for a generation" at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham can start to blossom, thanks to initial support of £1.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The grant, made possible by the UK's National Lottery players, will finance the first stage of developing proposals to transform the  derelict Camellia House, Riding School and Stables into a cafe and multi-purpose events spaces.

"The award is fantastic news. It is the breakthrough that enables us to now start delivering on our Masterplan," said Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) CEO Sarah McLeod.

"This money will allow us to get started on bringing new life to the redundant buildings on our 83-acre site. Architects can be hired to develop designs and apply for planning permission."

The Masterplan, launched last autumn at Downing Street, revealed its first major restoration project would be the redevelopment of the garden's Grade II* listed Camellia House into a daytime cafe and events venue by 2022.

Though now a shell, the building which began life as an 18th century menagerie, still houses some of the oldest and rarest camellias in the Western world. Camellias were first brought from China and Japan in the mid-1700s.

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The £1.5m grant will also be used to spark the Trust's ambitious £49.2m plans to transform the Grade I listed stables and riding school.

Originally built for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham's race horses in the late 1700s, they will become a large events space, with visitor facilities and a cafe. The space could be hosting large wedding parties and corporate events for up to 600 people by 2027.

McLeod added: "Transforming these wonderful but neglected centuries-old spaces will enable us to expand what we offer visitors and the local community. This will bring in additional revenue, securing the future of the house."

As the plans develop and fundraising campaigns start, public consultations will be held to give local people opportunities to get involved and suggest what activities and events they would like the spaces to host. This will help Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust to progress its plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

The masterplan will need £150m to realise. For the main house, the future uses will include the main visitor attraction, commercial units, catering and luxury holiday accommodation.

Cafés, fine dining, holiday lets, self-contained apartments, commercial units, administrative space, visitor facilities, events space suitable for weddings and retail units all feature in the plans.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Electro Enterprises in final pre-let at Rotherham development

Unit 3 Church Lane, a warehouse space boasting over 11,000 sq ft at Dinnington in Rotherham, has been let by a US electronic components distributor, secured by expert advisors at Commercial Property Partners (CPP).

The space has been designed to a high calibre offering and includes an office/reception area, an outdoor yard, parking space and full height shutter access ensuring the unit is secure.

Electro Enterprises was founded in 1970 to provide service and support to the electronics industry with a centrally located headquarters and warehouse in Oklahoma City. Today it is a leading global distributor of interconnect, electromechanical and wire, cable and harness assembly products and the Rotherham site is the new European headquarters.

Unit 3 completes the park and follows the Pre-Letting of Unit 2 to Ulma Packaging last year. Both deals were Pre-Let, showing the demand for quality units in a prime location close to Junction 31 of the M1.

The landlord Technical Cranes is the market leader in new and used cranes, and has developed the site ensuring that the new offer includes brand new high spec units in a fantastic location.

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The new tenant, who are a franchised stocking distributor providing manufacturers with a number of electrical solutions, have made the site their main UK branch.

Ed Norris, Partner at CPP said: "We are delighted to have secured a new tenant for the site to complete the development.

"We are seeing more and more businesses take up quality space across the wider Sheffield City Region to help accommodate their business growth and demand for services."

Jordan Simpson, owner of Technical Cranes, added: "It is really positive news for the region as a whole to see the strong demand for units like the one at Church Lane."

Images: Electro Enterprises / Facebook

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News: Xeros tanning business spun-out to management team

Xeros Technology Group plc, the Rotherham-based developer and provider of water saving and filtration technologies with multiple commercial applications, has spun out its Qualus tanning business operations to its management team in exchange for an exclusive worldwide licensing and royalty agreement.

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 Qualus management team has formed a new company, ESTR Limited (ESTR), which has acquired the physical assets associated with the business, its contracts including the LEFARC agreement and the brand "Qualus".

Xeros has provided ESTR with a capped convertible loan facility in order to fund the business until the end of December 2019. The management team plan to raise further financing to fully commercialise the business.

ESTR has the exclusive rights for the use of Xeros' patents in the tanning market and will pay the Group a royalty on its worldwide income in respect of these patents. Royalty levels, which are subject to contractual minimums from 2022 onwards, are in line with Xeros' expectations for this application.

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This spin-out will reduce the Group's cost base beyond December 2019 as part of the previously communicated intention to be a pure play licensing company with a monthly cash burn rate of £0.6m per month from January 2020.

In the event that ESTR does not meet its contractual obligations, the licensing rights revert back to Xeros.

Mark Nichols, Chief Executive of Xeros, said: "This agreement is another milestone in the migration of Xeros to a pure-play licensing and royalty business and will further reduce our cost base.

"ESTR is best placed to commercialise our tanning patents. The team has the expertise and credibility both to execute existing and future contracts and to raise the finance required to take the business forward."

Xeros website
Qualus website

Images: LEFARC

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