News: Rotherham United in £2m share issue

Rotherham United has made a £2m share issue as COVID-19 creates an uncertain financial future for football clubs.

The League One promotion contenders have allotted 2,000,000 new shares at £1 per share in Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Ltd, according to documents filed with Companies House.

Businesses often use a share issue to raise cash, sometimes to pay off some debt, or enable employees to "buy-in" to the company that they work for. They can also be used to offer some shares to family members in return for salaries or dividends.

Football clubs could use a share issue to create an Equity Participation Scheme for fans. National League side, Hartlepool United has recently floated the idea.

The first team at Rotherham United has not played a game since March and the English Football League (EFL) and clubs have so far failed to agree on a solution to end the League One season.

With nine matches to go and the Millers sitting in the second automatic promotion spot, clubs are due to vote on whether to curtail the season now. If that happens then Rotherham would finish second and gain promotion back to the Championship on an unweighted points per game basis.

The EFL established a £50m short-term relief package to assist clubs with cash flow as they are without matchday income. The EFL said that "solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the crisis" adding that "the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors."

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It has been estimated that having to play out the remaining games could cost between £250,000 and £600,000 per club, on top of revenues already lost.

Even before coronavirus outbreak, 47 of the 71 clubs playing in the EFL, posted an operating loss in their most recent accounts and six clubs are in serious financial trouble, according to the latest Begbies Traynor Football Distress Index.

Chairman Tony Stewart OBE (pictured), founder of successful Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting, saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA). Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Ltd is wholly owned by ASD Holdings Ltd, which is owned by the Stewart family.

For the twelve months ending June 2019, the last available RUFC accounts, turnover was £14m for 18/19, up from £10m in the previous season and higher than the £13m recorded the last time the Millers were in the Championship.

Profit before tax was £2.74m, up from a £500,000 loss the previous year and losses of over £1m in previous Championship seasons.

Unlike many clubs in the Championship, at Rotherham United, the wage bill sat well within its income, which was mainly made up of sponsorship (£3m), matchday income and season ticket sales (£2.58m) and central distributions via the Football League (£7m).

As reported by Rothbiz, a number of sponsors have remained united with the club during the pandemic by signing up for new, or extending, commercial partnerships.

RUFC website

Images: RUFC

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News: SCR Skills Bank has new offer for businesses battling Coronavirus

Sheffield City Region's (SCR's) Skills Bank has launched two new strands to its programme to help businesses and training providers affected by the Coronavirus.

Skills Bank, part of SCR’s Growth Hub, has launched two new strands to the scheme; a suite of online training programmes has been developed for businesses who want to access training to support them through the challenges that Covid-19 is presenting.

Skills Bank has also opened a rapid response ­offer which is dedicated to securing training and support for businesses directly helping with the government's Coronavirus strategy, such as producing protective personal equipment (PPE) or sanitisers.

The Skills Bank’s expert advisors are available for businesses who need help with their applications, or advice on what other business support is available.

Skills Bank will also be continuing to offer their usual programme of securing bespoke-training to businesses who have ambitions to grow.

The first new strand of activity has been devised to support businesses as they make changes to day to day working. This suite of practical responsive training will help to stabilise businesses as they move to increased online methods to operate and communicate.

The package will include skills training focusing on areas such as entering new markets if their usual market is no longer operating, for example food producers selling to supermarkets rather than restaurants, or using online ways to communicate and work with customers.

The second new strand is focused on providing a rapid response to businesses that are directly contributing to the government’s COVID-19 strategy, for example, businesses who have shifted to manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment. Skills Bank can support employers to source and fund training quickly to ensure rapid changes to the business are put in place quickly and safely.

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James Muir, Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "We have already seen many businesses across our region leap into action and help support the national effort in battling Coronavirus and supporting our heroic frontline staff.

"Skills Bank is uniquely placed to ensure those businesses who are helping in the fight have the right skills and training. Our rapid response strand is designed to ensure that the process in getting staff trained up isn’t time consuming and delaying the important work at hand.

"The ongoing crisis has changed how all of us work. With these new working ways, it’s important companies are accessing the right training and knowledge to make sure they can operate as best as they can, whether that’s with a shift of focus, with reduced staffing numbers, or working from home.

"As always, we are open and here to help. The Growth Hub’s team of skills and business advisors are working around the clock to help businesses navigate through this crisis; whether that’s with accessing training or understanding which government grant or scheme is the most relevant to their business.

"I would urge anyone who is unsure where to turn, to get in touch with the Growth Hub and get the advice they need."

SCR Growth Hub website

Images: SCR Growth Hub

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News: Rotherham retail warehouse sold for £6.75m

Leading property consultants Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has successfully disposed of a modern retail warehouse in Rotherham on behalf of BMO Real Estate Partners.

The retail warehouse previously occupied by Homebase, comprised approximately 52,000 sq ft and is situated at Northfields in Rotherham.

The retail warehouse, which was purpose built in 2009, has been acquired by an owner occupier.

Rothbiz reported in March that expanding car retailer, The Trade Centre Group, had secured the necessary planning approval in order to open a massive new car supermarket on the site.

The proposals would create 100 jobs.

The Welsh company's Rotherham proposals include converting the existing building into a 174 bay indoor showroom together with ancillary spaces which include, a dry valet area, small workshop, offices, staff toilets, customer toilets, baby changing, storage, sign up area and waiting areas.

The plan is to utilise the existing car park and vacant land that was earmarked for further development to create 812 external car sales bays plus staff and customer parking.

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Located a mile from Rotherham town centre, the site extends to approximately 8 acres, the wider Parkgate area is home to a wide selection of retail occupiers including Next, TK Maxx, Holland and Barrett, Frankie & Benny's and Nando's.

Richard Wright, Partner at CPP, said: "This was an exceptionally pleasing result in challenging circumstances following Homebase's CVA.

"The site itself is situated within Rotherham's busiest retail destination and provides a good quality retail warehouse with a very low site cover in a highly prominent position, it therefore lends itself to a variety of commercial uses."

The store was formerly occupied by B&Q having been purposely built for them. It was vacant since June 2016 when B&Q cut back its UK store numbers. Australian retail giant, Wesfarmers, opened and closed a Bunnings Warehouse in the unit in the space of five months before it returned to being a Homebase in 2018.

Trade Centre UK website

Images: CPP

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News: Big names announce job losses

Rolls-Royce and McLaren, two of the marquee manufacturers that have operations in Rotherham, have both announced large scale job losses.

Rolls-Royce's reorganisation is expected to result in the loss of at least 9,000 roles and McLaren's corporate restructure process is expected to result in around 1,200 redundancies.

The location of any redundancies has not yet been announced.

Derby-based Rolls-Royce said that due to COVID-19, activity in the commercial aerospace market will take several years to return to the levels seen just a few months ago.

With a global workforce of 52,000, the proposed reorganisation is expected to generate annualised savings of more than £1.3bn. Expenditure across plant and property, capital and other indirect cost areas will also be cut.

The proposed reorganisation will predominantly affect the firm's Civil Aerospace business, where it will carry out a detailed review of its facility footprint.

Fully operational in 2017, Rolls-Royce's £110m facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is the most advanced turbine blade casting facility in the world. The 150,000 sq ft facility employs over 150 people.

Warren East, CEO at Rolls-Royce, said: "This is not a crisis of our making. But it is the crisis that we face and we must deal with it. Our airline customers and airframe partners are having to adapt and so must we. Being told that there is no longer a job for you is a terrible prospect and it is especially hard when all of us take so much pride in working for Rolls-Royce. But we must take difficult decisions to see our business through these unprecedented times."

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McLaren Group has recently commenced a proposed restructure programme as part of a wider business plan to ensure its long-term future success.

McLaren has been severely affected by the current pandemic. Bosses said that the cancellation of motorsport events, the suspension of manufacturing and retail activities around the world and reduced demand for technology solutions have all led to a sudden impact on the Group's revenue generating activities.

Subject to employee consultation, the proposed restructure is expected to result in around 1,200 redundancies across the Group's Applied, Automotive, and Racing businesses, as well as support and back office functions.

The £50m McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) was opened on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in 2018. It manufactures lightweight carbon fibre "tubs" and other carbon fibre components for supercars.

Just last November the Woking firm announced that it would be doubling the workforce at the MCTC to over 200 by the time it is in full production in 2020.

Paul Walsh, executive chairman of the McLaren Group, said: "We deeply regret the impact that this restructure will have on all our people, but especially those whose jobs may be affected. It is a course of action we have worked hard to avoid, having already undertaken dramatic cost-saving measures across all areas of the business. But we now have no other choice but to reduce the size of our workforce.

"This is undoubtedly a challenging time for our company, and particularly our people, but we plan to emerge as an efficient, sustainable business with a clear course for returning to growth."

Rolls-Royce website
McLaren website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Distribution firm take Rotherham 125

A large vacant industrial unit in Rotherham finally has a new occupier.

Commercial Property Partners (CPP), working jointly with Savills, has advised on the letting of a large warehouse unit, totalling 125,000 sq ft. in Rotherham, on behalf of Goodman, a global property group specialising in creating high quality logistics developments.

At Maltby, the unit has been let to Carlton Forest Group (CFG) – a warehousing, distribution and logistics provider based in North Nottinghamshire.

The former Wincanton depot on Rotherham Road operated as a chilled distribution centre for retailers such as Sainsbury's and Tesco. It has been vacant for over ten years with the landlords struggling to find a tenant for B8 distribution use, despite refurbishment.

CFG was established in 2013 and retains its family owned status. It employs over 70 members of staff and works with blue chip companies across the UK including Reckitt Benckiser, KP Foods, and Greencore. It operates over four divisions – Logistics, Property, Energy and Warehousing. During 2019 it doubled its warehousing capacity to over 450,00 sq ft, opening a new warehouse in Barnsley.

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Ed Norris, partner at CPP, said: "We are delighted to have secured the letting of this well-located unit, not least during these unprecedented times.

"During recent months there has been a continued demand for high spec industrial properties within the region, which will only accelerate as tenants regain the flexibility and confidence to move between properties."

Tom Asher, director at Savills, added: "The industrial market continues to go from strength to strength. This letting along with further market activity proves the strength in the industrial and logistics sector."

Toby Vernon Partner at CPP, said: "We are very pleased to achieve this letting on behalf of Goodman who are a long standing, valued client of CPP and to see Carlton Forest take occupation of the Rotherham 125 warehouse."

Carlton Forest Group website
CPP website
Savills website

Images: CPP

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News: Funding to support the recovery of high streets

Money from the Government's Reopening High Streets Safely Fund is set to help Rotherham Council introduce a range of safety measures in a move to get people back to work and customers back to the shops.

Rotherham has been allocated £235,727 from the £50m fund to support a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers. This will help get businesses get ready for when they can begin trading safely.

The council will also be able to use this money to develop local marketing campaigns to explain the changes to the public and reassure them that their high streets and other commercial areas are safe.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently set out a timeline for retail to reopen in June.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from June 1, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.

The Council said that it is reviewing the Government guidance to see if it is practical for Rotherham's outdoor market to re-open and if so, to set a date.

All other non-essential retail will be expected to be able to reopen from June 15 if the Government's five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines.

Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.

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Business Secretary Alok Sharma, said: "The high street sits at the heart of every community in the country. Enabling these businesses to open will be a critical step on the road to rebuilding our economy, and will support millions of jobs across the UK."

High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP, added: "As we begin to slowly return to normality, the re-opening our high streets will be key to kick-starting our economic recovery.

"Levelling up the regions and supporting our high streets has always been central to the mission of this government.

"Many businesses have already introduced creative ways of trading such as contactless collection or taking orders by instant messaging and shows that they are ready for the challenges ahead.

"That's why we are providing an extra £50m for councils to support a range of safety measures that will help get these businesses back on track and ensure that people can enjoy their time visiting their local high street safely again."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Historic England unhappy with Forge Island plans

Historic England has raised concerns with the recently submitted proposals for the game-changing Forge Island mixed-use destination in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported in March on the planning application from Council partners, Muse Developments, which set out in detail that the site of the former Tesco store is set to be home to an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

Historic England is the Government's expert advisor on England's heritage and the body has a statutory role in the planning system.

Overall, the response to the multimillion pound redevelopment is positive in that Historic England sees the development combined with the associated public realm and highways work as having the potential to have "a positive impact upon the built environment and quality of place in this part of the town centre."

However, the body is raising concerns about the impact of the proposed demolitions in the wider scheme.

The application confirms that the Council-owned Riverside Precinct and the Equity Chambers building on Corporation Street are to be demolished to make way for a 1,500 sq ft café in an open area called "Millgate Place."

EDITOR'S NOTE MAY 23: It appears that the documents submitted with the application by the consultants, and quoted in this article, are making reference to the wrong building being demolished.

The documents, and responses from Historic England and the council, all reference Equity Chambers, but the maps submitted with the application show that it is the Chantry Buildings at 8-18 Corporation Street (pictured) that are proposed for demolition.

The official response to the plans from Historic England, states: "Equity Chambers is a decent example of 1920s Art Deco commercial architecture. Although in itself it is not of great heritage significance in a national context, its value lies in the definition and sense of enclosure it provides to Corporation Street and the scale of the building complements the other buildings within the area.

"The boundary of the conservation area has been specifically drawn to include Equity Chambers and it has therefore been judged to contribute to the special interest of the area. The proposal is to demolish the building and leave a large area of public realm.

"Whilst we understand that a degree of open space is required to create the views through to the Minster, we are concerned that the extent of openness proposed will dilute the built form of the conservation area. Furthermore, the rationale for further public open space at Millgate Place, so close to Minster Gardens, does not seem to justify the loss of built form in this location. We recommend consideration is given to reinstating a building on the Corporation Street frontage for part of the site."

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Applicants say that, whilst Equity Chambers is relatively prominent, the building fabric is in poor aesthetic condition and the heritage value of the building is limited. The application adds that its demolition will have a neutral impact on the significance, or character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

The demolition of the Riverside Precinct buildings and pedestrian bridge are set to "provide opportunities to secure enhancement" and the proposed open space to Corporation Street is designed to improve the visual character of the approach to the town centre, open out views onto Rotherham Minster and compliment Minster Gardens.

An initial response from the council's planning and conservation officer, states: "I note that Historic England in their response have raised concerns about the loss of Equity Chambers on Corporation Street. I note that they are concerned about the loss of these buildings creating a large gap within the Town Centre Conservation Area which could be harmful to its overall appearance and the setting of the Minster.

"My view is this could be largely mitigated by the construction of new buildings in block Site B to the south. However, whilst they are raising concerns I do not think that the loss of Equity Chambers should prevent the redevelopment of this site or to change the overall design concept of the scheme.

"The loss of this building would represent less than substantial harm to Rotherham Conservation Area and public benefit by way of regeneration of the Town Centre could easily be demonstrated to justify any harm to the Conservation Area from the loss of this building. As such, I am reluctant to raise any formal objections to the loss of this building in Conservation terms at this stage."

The potential buildings on site B would be residential buildings, up to five storeys high, on the riverside car park site between Corporation Street an the river.

Images: Muse / FaulknerBrowns / Google Maps

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News: Pricecheck take on more warehouse space in Rotherham

Pricecheck has recently doubled its warehouse capacity after leasing an additional site to cope with demand.

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

The deal, brokered by joint letting agents, Knight Frank and CBRE, sees Pricecheck take a lease of the 197,425 sq ft former Maplin building on Brookfields Park in Manvers.

The additional space means Pricecheck now occupies 378,000 sq ft across two sites which includes offices and mezzanine storage, giving the capacity for 32,000 pallets.

The expansion will see some existing employees relocate as the new site gets up and running and over time will create more than 100 new jobs.

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Mark Lythe, joint managing director (operations & finance) said: “We have ambitious growth targets and will continue to invest in all areas of the business to ensure we remain on track to achieve those.

“The expansion of our warehouse capacity is in line with our strategic plans for the next five years as we target a turnover of £200m by 2025. Despite the challenges of Coronavirus, we remain very confident about the long-term prospects for our business.”

Officially opened in 2016, the ambitious firm moved to new premises at Beighton Link Business Park in Rotherham where an annual turnover of £73m was reported for the 2017-18 financial year – representing an increase of £18.1m on the previous year.

For Maplin, however, the Manvers-based electronics retailer saw a slowdown in sales and declining profits and the firm plunged into administration in February 2018.

Pricecheck website

Images: Pricecheck

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News: Businesses in Rotherham urged not to miss out on COVID-19 funding and support

Almost 6,000 businesses across South Yorkshire still have not accessed financial support they’re entitled to, to help them through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has made grants available for small businesses struggling to cope with the financial impact of Covid-19.  Different types of grant are available, all of which are being administered through local councils.

These grants consist of:

- £10,000 for businesses in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief
- £10,000 for retail, hospitality or leisure businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or less
- £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

The four local authorities in South Yorkshire have attempted to contact the 22,980 businesses in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield that are eligible for the funding. However, almost 6,000 businesses have not yet taken up the offer – and are therefore missing out on thousands of pounds in funding.

To steer a path through all the sources of business support, a full package of bespoke advice is available through the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub. Businesses can also contact business support teams, and apply for the funding, through their own local authorities.

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= James Muir, chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "We know Covid-19 is the greatest challenge most of the businesses across our region will have faced. That's why Government has made this extra support available, and is also why our Growth Hub is there to provide bespoke expert advice to all businesses across our region, whatever their size or sector.

"However, we also know that a large number of businesses still have not accessed the funding to which they are entitled. This may be for any number of reasons, but I believe many businesses aren’t aware they're eligible.

"I would therefore strongly encourage all retail, hospitality or leisure businesses, or those eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rates Relief, to contact the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub on 03330 00 00 39 for individual, tailored support, including help with accessing the available funding streams."

Councillor Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, added: "The Council has prioritised the fast payment of grants to businesses because we know they are a lifeline to many firms, in fact in just a few weeks we’ve processed payments worth in excess of £36m to over 3,100 businesses.

"But we're desperate to hear from those businesses who are yet to apply – it's an easy and quick process, we just need a small amount of information and we will get payments for eligible businesses turned round with the cash in bank accounts within days.

"We know this support will make a huge difference in helping to keep companies afloat, local people in jobs and in helping our local economy to recover quicker as we begin the exit from coronavirus restrictions."

Grants can be directly applied for through the Rotherham Council website.

Images: Accurate Laser Cutting

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News: Bright future for craft supplier

Supplies For Candles, a Rotherham-based distributor of candle and soap making ingredients has completed the acquisition of The Soap Kitchen, a Devon-based market leading supplier of personal care and soap making ingredients.

One of the largest wholesale candle supplies companies in the country, with the widest range of complex designer fragrances, the firm is based on Swinton Bridge Industrial Estate. It supplies candle and soap making ingredients to a rapidly growing craft industry, supplying a comprehensive range of fragrance oils, wax, and a wide range of ancillary products.

The acquisition of The Soap Kitchen, a £3.5m revenue supplier of cosmetic soap ingredients, is expected to cement the enlarged business as a market leader in distribution of candle and soap making supplies in the UK and Europe, with combined revenue expected to approach £10m in the next 12 months.

The transaction was supported by alternative lender, ThinCats, who provided a seven-figure funding package. A team of Yorkshire based advisers from Sentio Partners and Lupton Fawcett supported the company on the transaction, with Sentio Insight providing transaction support.

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Nicky Story, owner of Supplies for Candles (pictured), said: "This is a very exciting development for us and I'm looking forward to what this new chapter will bring, and in the team at ThinCats, we have the support of a strategic funder who share our appetite for growth. Both businesses have complementary customer bases and we expect that having a joined-up approach to sales will encourage overlap of candle and soap product sales.

"The Soap Kitchen was an attractive purchase, not only because of its financial success, but because of its loyal customer base and strong reputation as one of the leading hand-made soap manufacturers and ingredients stockists in the UK. As in our business, the exiting shareholders placed great emphasis on supplying high quality materials at reasonable prices with high quality customer service, and as such, a great fit as part of our newly formed enterprise."

Andrew Barlow, director at Sentio Partners, said: "It's been a real pleasure to support Nick and the team through this acquisition, particularly given current challenges and the economic landscape. The Soap Kitchen represents the perfect strategic acquisition, given both the sector and cultural fit of the two businesses. With significant opportunities ahead, we're excited to support Nick and the business through the next phase of growth”

Ben Kimball, director, Regional Business Development at ThinCats, added: "It was a pleasure to work with Andrew and the team at Sentio once again. In such difficult times it is important that clients such as Nick and the Supplies For Candles team get the support they need for their growth plans. Not every business has been impacted by Covid-19 to the same extent, and we are delighted to be open for business for those who are resilient, and even growing through these unpretending times."

Supplies for Candles website
Sentio Partners website
Thincats website

Images: Thincats

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News: Chamber stands shoulder-to-shoulder with local healthcare professionals

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has pledged its support to NHS staff by donating a range of gifts to recognise the efforts being made by front-line staff in keeping South Yorkshire safe during the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Joada Allen, President of the Chamber, purchased a range of essential products including shower gels, deodorants and moisturisers, as well as morale boosting chocolate and drinks which will be used to support both NHS staff and hospital in-patients, with £650 of products divided equally between Barnsley Hospital and Rotherham Hospital.

The good will gesture was made by the Chamber after President Joada heard how changes in working practices were affecting staff working in the hospitals, and after learning that many patients admitted to hospital were unable to receive essential items from friends and family, the Chamber stepped in to offer its support.

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Joada Allen, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: “Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber represents more than 1100 businesses across the two towns and we wanted to send a message that the local business community is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our healthcare professionals. At a time when many of our healthcare professionals are going above and beyond the call of duty to keep us all safe and it seemed fitting to send a few gifts as a way of thanking and recognising their amazing efforts.

“We initially planned to provide a few surprise treats for staff, but after hearing patients admitted to hospital with Covid-19 are unable bring in their own basic essentials, I arranged for a large selection of products which will be used to help boost morale amongst our key workers, as well as providing a few basic essentials to help make life as comfortable as possible for patients who are spending time in isolation.

Throughout May, the Chamber is hosting a range of webinars and training sessions to support businesses which have been affected by Covid-19. All sessions are being provided free of charge to Chamber members and include access to a range of virtual networking events, training sessions and support from Chamber staff to help businesses navigate their way through the current crisis.

BR Chamber website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Rotherham town centre deemed more resilient

Retail experts have highlighted a number of factors that should mean that Rotherham town centre will be more resilient to the impact of the coronavirus.

Local Data Company (LDC) is the UK's most accurate retail location insight company. The data firm physically tracks every retail and leisure business across the entire country.

In a recent blog post, the experts looked at the impact of COVID-19 on town centres with Government restrictions, temporary closures and staff that are sick or self isolating.

Whilst Rotherham is not one of the town centres with a low level of long term vacant units, that are expected to have a greater buffer to absorb the high number of store closures expected due to COVID-19, it does have other features of a resilient town, according to LDC.

For instance, Rotherham has a high percentage of essential retail and a lower percentage of leisure uses.

The LDC post, explained: "Other more resilient town centres will be those less exposed to the intense challenge leisure occupiers face by the prolonged lockdown. 15 of the top 100 town centres have an undersupply of leisure compared to the GB average (25%) with Peterborough, Swindon, Walsall and Chesterfield being the largest of the 15. Out of those 15 with an undersupply of leisure, Peterborough, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Enfield also appear among the top 10 towns with the highest percentage of essential retail which is still able to trade, which will add strength to these towns."

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Essential outlets include supermarkets and those selling household consumer products, which meant that the likes of Tesco, B&M Bargains and Home Bargains could stay open. The market also stayed open with shorter opening hours for essential goods.

Coronavirus has had a big impact on the hospitality and leisure sector, with venues not expected to open until July at the earliest.

Non-essential retail could to start to reopen next month, but only when and where it is safe to do so. Some food outlets are beginning to reopen for takeaways. For example, Miele Delicatessen on the High Street, closed since March 23, opens on Friday.

The football club, with its New York Stadium on the edge of the town centre, has also been hit. And even if the season restarts, games are likely to take place behind closed doors, without crowds.

It is also an uncertain time for independent retailers. Will the business rates discounts and government grants will be enough to weather another storm?

LDC website

Images: Miele / Facebook

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News: Eadon develops high volume, regulation compliant PPE face shield

Design experts at Eadon Consulting have developed a high volume, regulatory compliant face visor to aid in the fight of Covid-19.

A rapidly expanding engineering design consultancy, Eadon Consulting, works across a number of sectors, with expertise in mechanical, control, hydraulic and structural design and has moved office four times in six years within the AMP Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham due to the growing nature of the business.

Using its wide variety of design skills, the project took only two weeks to go from concept, testing and hospital trials to injection moulded parts.

Called "Sheffshield," the finished product is BS EN 166 compliant and provides an effective barrier to liquid splashes and droplets. It comprises a single polypropylene headband with the option of either a full face shield or goggles style eye protection; both visor options are are easy to interchange and clean.

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A spokesperson for Eadon Consulting said: "Having started 3D printing face shield parts we soon recognised that the this wasn't a long term solution and would not create the volume needed by the NHS and front line workers.

"To enable the volumes required we developed an injection moulded solution that complies with BS EN 166:2002, uses a UK supply chain and can be reused through chemical sterilisation. The supply chain has been set up to supply up to 10,000 units per day and hence can fulfill large orders very quickly."

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region (SCR), Dan Jarvis, recently issued a call to arms to South Yorkshire businesses, to join the national efforts to help make life-saving medical equipment during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Eadon said that it aims to establish a long term solution for the cost effective supply of PPE into the NHS and others in need of protection. "With support from the Local Enterprise Partnership, we are looking to create a sustainable business that offers employment opportunities."

Eadon Consulting website

Images: Eadon Consulting

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News: Beatson Clark continues production to meet brewery demand

As pubs remain closed, the increase in doorstep deliveries, online orders and retail sales has created demand for glass packaging which Rotherham manufacturer Beatson Clark is working hard to meet.

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.

The company is concentrating on production of its 330ml amber 1907 beer bottle, which is ideal for breweries large and small both in the UK and overseas.

Charlotte Taylor, marketing manager at Beatson Clark, said: "It's important to maintain the production and supply of food, beverages and pharmaceutical products during the COVID-19 crisis, and to do that producers need packaging.

"That's why we took the decision to keep our glassworks running and to put in place stringent healthy and safety measures to protect our staff while they carry out their work."

With pubs, bars and restaurants closed the main market for independent breweries has ceased to exist - but they are finding new channels to supply their customers.

A recent report by SIBA, the Society of Independent Brewers, found that 70% of craft breweries are offering new delivery or takeaway services to keep the beer flowing, and around 61% of those breweries are offering free delivery.

Meanwhile over half of craft breweries (55%) say they have seen an increase in online beer sales.

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A number of breweries and cider makers that use Beatson Clark's bottles are seeing an increase in online sales, including Dunkertons Cider, Saltaire Brewery and BrewDog.

Dunkertons Cider in Gloucester uses amber beer bottles from Beatson Clark and has seen a 1,100% increase in sales of bottled cider advertised via social media and through the company's new online shop.

Saltaire Brewery has introduced a delivery service for their beers across West Yorkshire using Beatson Clark's 330ml and 500ml amber bottles and is hoping to expand deliveries to the rest of the UK soon.

The brewery reports that the delivery service has been so successful it may continue deliveries if there is still demand even after the lockdown is lifted.

Meanwhile BrewDog, which is a long-standing customer of Beatson Clark, has also reported an increase in online sales since the start of the lockdown.

Beatson Clark website

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News: MyRotherham digital platform showcases the very best of Rotherham

An exciting new digital platform has been created to showcase all the great things taking place across Rotherham.

The information hub at www.MyRotherham.co.uk aims to change the perception of the borough by promoting the positives and celebrating the biggest events and happenings whilst also focusing on communities, local businesses and more importantly, local people.

It has been created by the AMBITION Rotherham Place Board, the body that leads on initiatives to promote and market the borough regionally, nationally and internationally on behalf of The Rotherham Together Partnership.

Martin Havenhand, Chair of AMBITION Rotherham and also Chair of Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: "Rotherham is a borough that has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons in recent years  but most residents know that there are plenty of positive people, initiatives, destinations and communities, around the towns and villages that deserve an opportunity to help tell the story about what Rotherham is really like. The idea for the platform stems from this and a collective recognition that Rotherham folk don't tend to shout enough about the good things that happen across the borough and about its great assets, including the Advanced Manufacturing Park, Clifton Park,  Grimm and Co., Gulliver’s Valley, Magna, New York Stadium, Rother Valley  and Wentworth Woodhouse.

"MyRotherham has the potential to be a really powerful platform, bringing together everything from useful information to unearthing local gems, which should keep us all up to date and proud about what is happening in our borough.

"We have seen so much good will in these difficult times as the town's businesses, civic authorities and local communities rally together during this pandemic and we want MyRotherham to complement this excellent work."

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MyRotherham already has the support of a number of the town's ambassadors including Rotherham's Mayor Cllr Jenny Andrews and local football legend John Breckin, who will be contributing to the content, along with Dame Julie Kenny and Julie Dalton, both members of AMBITION Rotherham.

Dame Julie said: "Being positive and celebrating our people, assets and businesses will undoubtedly give confidence to future investors here, and we want to make sure that when the UK is open for business again that our town returns to its status as one of the regions fastest growing economies. MyRotherham has been a team effort with support from a number of Rotherham Pioneers, including Tom Austen, Founder of Rothbiz, and I would like to thank Jackie Freeborn, Custodian of The Rotherham Story and Pioneers in galvanising their support."

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: "I am proud that Gulliver's is helping celebrate and promote Rotherham. I am amazed and impressed by the energy, enthusiasm, optimism and partnership working here. We are inviting content partners to come forward for MyRotherham and also encouraging people to sign up to receive regular updates - positivity boosts!"

Residents can keep up to date by logging on to the website and signing up for email updates, or by following MyRotherham on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The site is also developing a 52 week rolling calendar of events and subscribers will be offered first access to a proposed loyalty/discount scheme when social distancing guidelines permit the re-opening of business.

Plans are also underway for a number of additional initiatives to shine the light on the great place that Rotherham is for investors, visitors and residents. This includes the development of two further platforms to encourage people to visit the towns great assets complimented with a local rewards/discount scheme which AMBITION Rotherham hope will help kickstart the local economy once social distancing guidelines permit.

MyRotherham website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Opening of Gulliver’s Valley postponed

The opening of a new £37m theme park in Rotherham has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, operators have confirmed. Gulliver's Valley was on course to open this Spring.

Construction work, which began in 2018, was close to completion, and recruitment was well underway when the COVID-19 outbreak sent the country into lockdown.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts, said: "It is with a heavy heart that we must sadly postpone the opening of Gulliver's Valley.

"It is clear from the latest announcement by the Prime Minister that while there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the relaxation of the lockdown measures generally, for our business the path is still unclear.

"We're now working hard to create different ways of delivering great experiences that fully adhere to social distancing guidelines, as well as building on the measures we have already developed, so we can continue to provide safe and enjoyable family days out.

"Once these are in place, and we have further advice from the Government around the reopening of theme parks like ours, we will be in a better position to set a new date."

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Gulliver's Valley Resort will feature more than 50 rides and attractions in areas such as Wild West and Lost World.  On March 20 entertainment, hospitality and indoor leisure venues were closed.

With the latest announcement, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, hotels and campsites, are all still required by law to stay closed to the public. The guidance states that ticketed outdoor leisure venues remain closed due to a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces. It is tabled in to reopen leisure facilities in July, but only if conditions around the virus are met.

Construction is one sector that is allowed to be open. On this Dalton added: "With regards to the remaining building work on the site, this will now resume. We will be easing the return of construction workers, in line with government guidance, over the coming days and weeks.

"In the meantime, we remain really excited about the opportunities Gulliver's Valley will bring to the economy here in Rotherham and the surrounding area. We are committed to continuing to develop the amazing relationships we have already built within this community - including with local businesses, education providers, suppliers, charities and other valued partners - as well as all our new customers who we know are looking forward to visiting us as soon as our doors open.

"We have also notified all our new team members of this delay and are hoping to officially welcome them into the Gulliver's family as soon as possible.

"We know this is disappointing news, but as a business and as a family, we hope our customers understand that the health and safety of our guests and our employees is paramount, and we want to ensure that when we do open this wonderful park, it provides the best possible experience. It will most definitely be worth the wait!"

People that have already bought tickets will be contacted directly to discuss the options available.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Wetherspoons plans to revamp Rotherham pub

J D Wetherspoon plc has submitted plans that show a significant investment in one of its Rotherham town centre pubs.

The recently submitted planning application would involve the demolition of an existing extension to the rear of The Bluecoat, a listed building next to the Town Hall, and the building of a new, larger extension in its place.

The proposals would allow for a larger customer area and a larger kitchen to cater for the customer numbers. In addition, the existing external garden aside the car park on the south east elevations would be extended.

The new extension is set to compliment the historic heritage of the building but will also have a modern addition of a steel framed construction, featuring corten steel cladding to the underside of the eaves and to the side wall, with a full height glazed façade to the front leading onto the beer garden.

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The plans, drawn up by Just H Architects for the pub group, state: "Feature corten steel cladding will be introduced to juxtapose the new additional against the existing original features.

"The scheme will have no proposals which will affect the building fabric of the grade II listed building."

Internally, the plans show how the existing kitchen and bar would be made bigger and moved back into the new extension on the existing yard and car park. Now all on one level, new seating areas would be created where the kitchen and bar are now, and on the higher level at the main entrance to The Crofts.

The name of the pub recalls the building's original use as a charity school, known as the Blue Coat School, from the school uniform. After 1547, the charitable work of the medieval guilds was taken over by the "Feoffees of the Common Lands of Rotherham." For the next 300 years, the Feoffees acted as a kind of town council. In 1708, they opened a Charity School in a rented property until 1776, when it moved into a permanent building.

A panel on the building is inscribed "THIS CHARITY SCHOOL / WAS ERECTED BY / THE FEOFFEES / IN THE YEAR 1776."

At the end of 2019, J D Wetherspoon said it would invest £200m in its pub estate over the next four years, with the majority of the investment to be channelled into developments in small and medium-sized towns. However, as coronavirus restrictions came in to place, Tim Martin, the chairman of J D Wetherspoon plc, said that the company had decided to delay most capital projects and to reduce expenditure.

J D Wetherspoon plc website

Images: Google Maps / Just H Architects

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse lit up for VE day

Wentworth Woodhouse, the Grade I listed stately home in Rotherham, went red, white and blue for VE Day.

Last month, its iconic facade, which is longer than Buckingham Palace, went NHS blue to back the nationwide "Clap For Our Carers" campaign – with a huge health service logo centre-stage.

On the 75th anniversary of VE Day the east front turned a patriotic red, white and blue.

May 8 1945 – VE (Victory in Europe) Day meant an end to nearly six years of a war. The anniversary marked a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.

It was illuminated by a man who has his own business and often does lighting work for weddings and events at the house -Keith Harper of Event, Light and Sound, based in Wakefield.

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A spokesperson from the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), said: “Keith has worked alongside the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust for a while and has always shown himself as creative and committed. We are sure that you will agree Keith has done us all proud during a time when it so important to remember!”

The house is now owned by a Preservation Trust and is being restored for the nation. During World War II, the mansion was taken over for use by Military Intelligence.

Research shows that in late October 1942, the Depot, Quartermasters and Other Ranks’ Wing moved into the magnificent stables near the main entrance of the estate while the HQ and Officers’ Wing moved into the main house six months later. The cookhouse and NAAFI were located in the riding school.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: CurvaLux announce investment

CurvaLux UK, an innovative developer and manufacturer of new generation wireless broadband solutions, has been revealed as the latest inward investor looking to set up in the Sheffield city region (SCR).

Rothbiz revealed first back in December that the SCR's mayoral combined authority had given its backing to an £8m package of support for an unnamed company that is looking to establish a research & development, and potentially a manufacturing facility, in the city region.

Dubbed "Project Chorus" by staff working to land the investment, the first phase has a total value of £18m and could create around 350 mostly high value jobs.

Rotherham has been a frontrunner for the location of the facility.

The company is developing next-generation broadband wireless systems based on smart multi-beam phased-array antennas and aims to bring low-cost, high-speed internet access to rural communities and underserved urban areas across a multi-billion pound global market. The system provides more capacity at longer range and lower power and lower cost user equipment than 4G or 5G.

A unit of the American-based Airspace Internet Exchange Inc, CurvaLux has been demonstrating its systems with major service providers in Asia, Middle East, and USA since 2018 with further trials planned for 2020 including Europe and South Africa. The patented low-energy technology avoids costly power infrastructure.

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The package from the SCR follows on from similar initiatives that supported McLaren Automotive's £50m investment in Rotherham and Boeing's £20m investment in Sheffield.

CurvaLux plans to attract suppliers from across the UK including the SCR.

Airspace Internet Exchange Inc is a company established by Tom Choi, a renowned satellite industry executive, to pursue the next generation of low-cost satellite and wireless broadband systems. Aimed principally at export markets, CurvaLux's technologies are also relevant to the UK’s digital infrastructure.

Thomas Choi, executive chairman of CurvaLux, said: "I look forward to working with the Sheffield City Region as we develop our next generation of innovative digital solutions. The UK's renewed commitment to R&D and desire to grow in global markets makes it a natural location for us. We expect to attract high-calibre employees and capable suppliers from across the UK and will engage with the AMRC [University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre] and wider High Value Manufacturing Catapult as an integral part of our approach."

Dan Jarvis, SCR mayor, added: "Despite the huge economic challenges presented by Covid19 I welcome another big boost for our South #Yorkshire economy.

"We are supporting this investment with an £8m grant, to help strengthen our economy, secure more good jobs, and build a more prosperous future for the region."

CurvaLux website

Images: AirspaceIX

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News: Dinnington campus to close in July

The Dinnington campus of the Rotherham College will close this summer, the RNN Group has confirmed.

The land at Doe Quarry Lane is likely to be put up for sale.

Courses, and the majority of staff, will move to town centre campus in Rotherham, North Notts College in Worksop and Dearne Valley College in Wath-upon-Dearne from September 2020.

This week, the Group has written to Dinnington Campus staff, learners and parents and carers, informing them that the campus will close by the end of July 2020, and advising that it will do everything it can to support them with the transition and move.

The Group's governing body made the decision on April 29th 2020 following the conclusion of a formal consultation process with staff and the recognised trade unions.

The process involved 122 staff at the Dinnington Campus – equivalent to 96 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs. 26 staff remain at risk, equivalent to 19 FTE jobs.

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Jason Austin, chief executive officer and principal at the RNN Group, said: "We understand the strength of feeling for the Dinnington Campus. However, we have had to take difficult decisions to ensure that the RNN Group is on a secure and sustainable financial footing and well positioned for the future.

"We will do everything we can to support our learners and staff with the transition and move. Although the number of staff at risk is significantly less than anticipated, any job losses are regrettable – especially during this challenging time with Covid-19. We are involved in early discussions about the future utilisation of the Dinnington buildings, which could potentially save some of the roles that remain at risk."

The decision to close the Dinnington Campus follows a wider review of the Group's entire estate, which aims to release funding from the sale of land and property to re-invest in the development of some new curriculum and facilities at other campuses.

The estate review found that the Dinnington campus is under-utilised: 30% is mothballed, which is costly to maintain.

The Group is advising learners opportunities at its other college campuses and will provide more details on curriculum timetables and individual support plans regarding travel arrangements soon. Another 40 students are studying short courses.

Curriculum currently offered at the Dinnington Campus includes animal care and management, construction, countryside management and horticulture, foundation learning, health science, motor vehicle and access to higher education courses.

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

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News: Chantry says cheers to its supping supporters

With pubs closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Rotherham's award-winning Chantry Brewery had to decide what to do with over 45,000 pints that it had ready to be rolled out at its Parkgate base. Local supporters ensured that it wouldn't go to waste.

Chantry Brewery began producing quality real ale in 2012 after significant investment in the latest brewing technology. Award-winning ales include New York Pale, Iron & Steel Bitter, Diamond Black Stout and Mighty Millers. It also runs three pubs - the New York Tavern and Cutler's Arms in Rotherham and the Chantry Inn in Sheffield.

Prompted by the situation, the brewery has looked again at its business and brought forward plans for an online shop. Its bottles and mini kegs have been available to buy for some time but the coronavirus lockdown has seen the introduction of a "one hop shop" and a local delivery service.

The brewery said in a Facebook post: "Over 45,000 pints we had in the brewery that we had to make a decision what to do with. Being proper Rotherham folk, it wasn't in us to waste a drop so we did everything we could to bottle and mini keg it all. 45,000 pints!

"You've done us proud, saved all that ale from the drain and kept us all in jobs."

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The success of the service has seen the resumption of brewing.

The brewery added: "We haven't really took a breather to see how far we've come in such a short space of time.. Our online shop was already an idea we were implementing so covid19 just gave us the nudge we needed. We didn't realise just how much it would take off and we've been amazed to see the adaptation! We don't really tend to reflect on what we do, we just do what we have to - whatever that may be. Suppose it's that Yorkshire grit?

"And we'll never blow our own trumpets that much because it's you lot that need it. Without you none of this would be possible. Supporting your local brewery, your local independent business, YOU are the difference. And you lot are just bloody FANTASTIC!"

Chantry Brewery website

Images: Chantry Brewery

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News: New Rotherham coffee outlet planned

All the signs are pointing to Costa Coffee taking on a yet-to-be-constructed new outlet in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in March that plans had been approved for a new a drive thru café / restaurant on land close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

EOS Inc Ltd, which shares directors with Rotherham-based development firm, Harworth Group plc, put together the proposals for a development on land adjacent to Harworth's Advantage House building on Poplar Way.

Recently submitted plans for signage at the site show that Costa Coffee are set to be the operators of the drive-thru store.

The total floor area proposed is 1,800 sq ft and the existing site access onto Poplar Way will provide access to the 36 space car park and drive-thru lane.

The Poplar Way frontage is set to be glazed and cladded with materials to be reflective of the surrounding area, such as the silver aluminium used on the AMP.

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Working with agents, Savills, the coffee chain secured a number of new locations in September 2019.

James Hamilton, Acquisition & Estates Director Costa UK & Ireland, said: "Since launching in May 2011, our drive thru stores have become an asset to our UK retail estate, allowing us to serve our signature, handcrafted drinks to our coffee loving-on-the-go customers."

Charlie Greenhalgh, out of town retail director at Savills, added, "Both Costa Coffee's drive thru and drive to formats continue to be a success throughout the UK and we're pleased to be supporting the brand's ongoing expansion plans in key retail and roadside destinations."

Costa Coffee now has over 2,600 coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,300 plus shops in 32 overseas markets. There are also now more than 8,000 Costa Express self-serve machines in the UK.

Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, the chain is the fastest growing coffee shop business in the UK. Coca-Cola completed the acquisition of Costa Coffee from Whitbread PLC in 2019 in a deal worth $4.9 billion.

Also at Catcliffe, plans for a new pizza restaurant inside the Boundary Outlet have recently been approved. The plans also include new canopies, a new store front and a relocation of the existing BB's coffee shop.

Costa website

Images: Benson Signs

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News: Funding boost spells good news for children

Thousands of children across the North are set to benefit from free access to a new teaching programme developed in Rotherham which can help them develop confidence through spelling at home.

Michelle Lockwood is one of thousands of teachers across the North who has committed herself to going the extra mile in these extraordinary circumstances.

Working as a teacher at St Bernard's Catholic School in Rotherham, Michelle developed an innovative programme called Spelling Beats which can keep children engaged and learning. It has been created with support and funding from SHINE, a philanthropic organisation that backs educational projects and teachers in the North to innovate in their practice and scale-up new ideas.

Spelling Beats uses gaming elements and catchy beats to engage children of all ages in learning how to spell. It allows them to step into the role of a DJ to learn the rules of spelling in a fun and engaging way.

Michelle, who has taught at schools in Barnsley, Rotherham and York, came up with the idea for Spelling Beats after realising just how many children have gaps in their spelling skills in primary school. They carry this through to secondary school and they don't have the opportunity to catch up.

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Michelle said: "During the self-isolation, parents will be pulling their hair out and, while they'll want to encourage home learning, they'll also have to battle against other distractions.

"Students will quickly tire of dry, worksheet-style home learning so we need to help them continue to make progress. Spelling Beats is a perfect solution, as it's both engaging and educational, and children will be happy to use it. They’ll be having fun, whilst learning at the same time."

Thanks to additional support recently granted by SHINE, Spelling Beats can now be accessed free of charge by schools serving the most disadvantaged pupils in the North. Qualifying schools will receive a free subscription lasting until September, giving their pupils access to the full Spelling Beats programme throughout this time.

The game combines vibrant high-end graphics with original catchy music tracks in genres including grime, dance, reggae, hip hop, RnB and rock. It also utilises the latest developments in artificial intelligence to draw on a vast database of words covering the whole primary national curriculum for spelling, plus a wide range of secondary subject specific keywords. Unlike other spelling programs, which children can find simplistic and repetitive, Spelling Beats has been developed in conjunction with students and teachers to ensure children of all ages find it relevant and engaging.

The project has been a labour of love for Michelle. She explained: "Having worked in both primary and secondary schools, I found that spelling was often an area of weakness for children, which affected their wider confidence and attitudes, especially towards writing. Conventional methods of teaching spelling can sometimes be perceived as boring, so I wanted to develop an innovative project to turn that notion on its head."

Spelling Beats website

Images: SHINE

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News: UK first for TWI

The TWI Technology Centre in Rotherham has become the first of its kind in the UK to secure qualification for a complex additive manufacturing (AM) process.

TWI is one of the world's foremost independent research and technology organisations, with expertise in solving problems in all aspects of manufacturing, fabrication and whole-life integrity management technologies.

The Cambridge organisation has a Technology Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham where experts provide technical support in joining and technologies such as material science, structural integrity, NDT, surfacing, electronic packaging and cutting.

TWI's Yorkshire site has become the first AM facility in the UK to secure a signed facility qualification from Lloyds Register (LR) for the manufacture of components in Stainless Steel 316L on its EOS M290 laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) system.

The process is used to produce geometrically complex components that are difficult, expensive or impossible to create via conventional manufacturing.

Lloyds Register provides quality assurance and certification for ships, offshore structures, and shore-based installations such as power stations and railway infrastructure. It is part of a UK charity dedicated to research and education in science and engineering.

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Following an extensive independent audit, the site was awarded a facility qualification covering the entire end-to-end process including design, materials, manufacture, post-processing and inspection.

The certifications means that TWI can prove to their customers and the market that the AM parts manufactured on the AMP meet the required codes, standards, controls and best practices.

Paul Goodwin at TWI said: "PBF-LB is increasingly being used in industry, but its uptake has been hindered by a lack of understanding of the process, particularly in terms of controlling the quality and reproducibility of the parts made and how to qualify and certify these parts for use.

"The achievement of the facility qualification allows TWI to support industry on their journey towards part qualification and pre-audit facility checks for additively manufactured parts. We are now engaging with stakeholders regarding future work and additional developments to strengthen the facility qualification, including the addition of other materials and PBF-LB systems."

David Hardacre, Lead Specialist at Lloyds Register, added: "An LR qualification provides independent third-party assurance to an AM facility and demonstrates a real commitment to the highest levels of consistent quality and safety."

TWI website

Images: TWI

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News: Oscar winning stars help Grimm & Co to present Here Not There

Gary Oldman and Olivia Colman are two of the leading lights that are set to be part of a virtual gala showcasing young stars of the future from Yorkshire.

The Oscar winning actors are among a host of stars taking part in "Here Not There", a digital showcase of children's writing that will premiere online at 2pm on Saturday May 2 2020.

Rotherham literacy charity, Grimm & Co, has called on its cast of patrons and friends to celebrate the incredible work produced by young people who have taken part in the charity’s free writing workshops.

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

Led by one of Grimm & Co's patrons, actor and writer Paul Clayton, Here Not There will offer an hour-long extravaganza of extraordinary writing brought to life by famous faces (and voices) from across the arts.

Alongside Academy Award winning actors Gary Oldman and Olivia Colman, the digital gala will feature performances of children's work by such luminaries as Grimm & Co patrons Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Dracula) and Joanne Harris (Chocolat), Grimm & Co trustee Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentleman, Ghost Stories), and household names such as David Mitchell (Peep Show), Ricky Champ (Eastenders), Lucy Benjamin (Eastenders), David Ames (Holby City), and Connor Calland (Hollyoaks), alongside many others.

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As well as showcasing stories, poems and songs created by children and young people from across Yorkshire, Here Not There will also give an insight into Grimm & Co's future plans for their expansion into a magical new centre in the heart of Rotherham.

Here Not There will premiere online at 2pm on Saturday 2nd May 2020, and can be viewed by the world on Grimm & Co's YouTube channel and at www.grimmandco.co.uk/watch.

Grimm & Co's Founding Chief Executive, Deborah Bullivant, said: "During these challenging times, Grimm & Co believe it is vital to continue our work of nurturing and celebrating the creativity of children and young people. We hope that Here Not There will offer a fantastic showcase for our young people's writing, and will provide some joy to all who view it!

"We are so grateful to Paul for all his work on this wonderful event, and to the many amazing performers and producers who have helped make Here Not There a reality.  This is a real milestone for Grimm & Co, and the next step on a very exciting journey. We’d love you to see what we've done and what we plan to do!"

Grimm & Co patron Paul Clayton (Him and Her, Holby City, Peep Show), added: "Stories are the way we understand and make sense of the world we find ourselves in. Now, more than ever, it's vital that the writers of Grimm & Co get to share their work. A story lives when we listen to it, watch it or see it, and that's what Here Not There is all about."

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co

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