News: Large Rotherham housing development in line for planning approval

Outline plans for a 450 house development in Rotherham could be approved next week.

Planning officers are recommending that members of the Council's planning board approve the plans for former Greenbelt land at Whiston, subject to a number of conditions.

Over 300 letters of representation have been received.

Rothbiz reported last year that landowners had worked together to submit an application having previously secured a residential allocation for the nearly 50 acre site off Lathe Road / Worry Goose Lane at Whiston through the development of the borough's Local Plan.

The site consists of two arable fields divided by a bank and hedgerow and sits between existing housing and Sitwell golf course.

Applicants, AE Waddington, R Parkes & V Foers, have worked with JVH Town Planning and agents, WYG, on a masterplan including apartments, townhouses, semis and detatched houses.

A resident's action group, the parish council and the local MP have objected to the plans with issues raised including traffic impact and flooding and drainage issues.

To satisfy transport officers at the Council updated studies were required. They have led to the conclusion that multimillion pound improvements are necessary at the nearby Worrrygoose roundabout. The junction already operates at capacity with queues and include road widening, bus lanes and new crossings.


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Planners conclude: "The Sites and Policies Document removed the site from the Green Belt and allocated it for ‘Residential’ purposes. It forms allocated Housing Site H34 and is located within a suitable distance from local facilities. As such, the proposal is acceptable in principle.

"The scheme is acceptable in terms of highway safety, and the indicative plans and details submitted indicate that it is acceptable in terms of provision of open space, drainage, ecology and landscaping as well as other general amenity issues identified above. The scheme is considered to be sustainable and has notable benefits in terms of market and affordable housing provision and associated social and economic benefits arising from such provision.

"Development in this location will support the ongoing delivery of services and facilities within the local area and provide much needed market housing to meet Local Plan targets for housing development within the Plan period to 2028."

Councillors are due to discuss and vote on the plans on November 5.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Auction date for Rotherham retail parade

A Grade II listed retail parade built on the site of the College of Jesus in Rotherham town centre is heading for auction again.

2-6 Effingham Street is described as an investment opportunity and is set to go under the hammer next with auctioneers Allsop, with a guide price of £600,000 - £650,000.

The same property was up for sale with JLL in 2017 with a guide price of £1.1m and failed to sell at auction in 2019 from a guide price of £850,000.

The opportunity includes the freehold of four well configured retail units with separately accessed office accommodation above.

The 8,000 sq ft of retail space is let by national retailers Greggs, Harvey & Thompson and The Cash Shop. Timpsons has recently taken the decison to excercise a break clause and close down.

The upper floors are currently vacant and are being advertised with the potential of conversion into residential units, subject to planning.

The sales brochure shows that the property brings in £92,950 per annum.


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The property was constructed in the 1930's and provides a retail parade comprising of four retail units at ground floor, ancillary accommodation on the first floor and office accommodation on the second floor. The property is Grade II listed, and is within the Rotherham Town Centre conservation area.

The property, along with the large B&M Bargains unit that surrounds it, are built on the site of the former College of Jesus.

In 1482, Thomas Rotherham, the priest who was appointed Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor, oversaw construction of the Chapel of Jesus on the south side of All Saints Church in Rotherham and the following year saw work start on the Chapel on the Bridge. Thomas was also responsible for the College of Jesus on the site of his birthplace, accommodating church choristers and grammar school teachers.

Following the suppression of chantries in 1547, the college buildings were converted to a mansion, before becoming part of the College Inn. For many years College Yard / College Square was a focal point of the town; large crowds gathering to hear the proclamation of new monarchs, the declaration of election results and on other public occasions.

Parts of the college building survive incorporated into later buildings. The remnants are notable as the earliest surviving brick structure in South Yorkshire and formed part of a fundamental element in the development of Rotherham.

The walls of the college were repeatedly altered before being incorporated into present structure dated 1930 and by the architects, Flockton of Sheffield. They were thought to be lost but were re-exposed during internal remodelling in 1984 but are now encased.

A 17th Century doorway from college buildings was re-erected in the nearby Boston Park.

Allsops website

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News: AESSEAL achieves net zero carbon emissions in the UK

Rotherham-based AESSEAL plc has reached a major environmental milestone by achieving net zero carbon emissions in its UK operations.

This achievement covers all scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions plus those associated with business flights.

The Templeborough-based company, which designs and manufactures mechanical seals and support systems, is now on target to achieve global net zero GHG emissions across all its locations worldwide by 2029.

In light of its accomplishment AESSEAL® has launched a global campaign - Betterworld – to drive collective action to mitigate climate change across all industries.

It has developed the Betterworld.solutions web site to demonstrate how sustainable policies and practices can lead to net zero carbon emissions without negatively impacting on productivity or profit.

To meet the United Nations target as part of the Paris agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C, and avoid serious negative environmental impact, it is calculated that GHG emissions around the world must drop by roughly half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

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Chris Rea, Managing Director of AESSEAL, said: “I believe the move towards net zero is not a matter of choice for industry - it is an urgent imperative.”

“AESSEAL has shown that it is possible to make a valid contribution to the UN target to reduce global warming but we cannot do this alone. There has to be a collective effort across all industries to embed sustainability in company ethos, strategies and practices, as well as in product design.”

“Betterworld.solutions is our first step in supporting other industry executives who wish to join us to secure a more sustainable future for the planet.”

AESSEAL achieved UK net zero carbon emissions by:

- Continual improvement in line with integrated management systems and its certification to ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 for key operational sites
- Programmes of training and awareness to improve employee understanding of climate change and behavioural impacts on energy use
- Driving down energy use by adopting energy saving technologies including high efficiency compressors, building management systems, intelligent controls, LED lighting and voltage optimisation
- Purchasing all remaining electricity on zero emission at point of generation tariffs
- Fleet replacement programme encouraging drivers to select lower emission vehicles

To offset residual emissions for the 2019 reporting period the company purchased carbon credits to support two Gold Standard emissions reduction projects.

A project in the Lango sub-region of Uganda helped to identify and repair broken boreholes, providing communities with access to a clean and healthy local water supply, while removing the need to consume energy by boiling water to drink.

It also supported Hydrologic, a Cambodian social enterprise which supports the local production of ceramic water purifiers. This helps more than a million families access clean and healthy drinking water, without the need to boil it indoors – a situation which was also contributing to pollution-related respiratory and heart problems, as well as contributing to the deforestation of Cambodia.

The AESSEAL approach and data was verified using the independent assessment body SGS. The company is currently calculating its scope 3 emissions for its entire value chain, both up and downstream.

Chris Rea added: “Sustainability is central to our product design and we believe that any scope 3 emissions would be outweighed by the vast reductions in energy and water consumption our products provide to industry. In fact, if we looked at categories 11 and 12 of the GHG protocol we’re confident that it will show net negative carbon emissions overall.

“This makes us extremely confident of achieving net zero carbon emissions across our entire global network by 2029 which, fittingly, will be the 50th anniversary of AESSEAL.”

AESSEAL website

Images: AESSEAL

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News: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber appointed as Kickstart gateway organisation

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is helping employers from across the Sheffield City Region to inspire the next generation to take the first step on their career ladders after being appointed as an intermediary to the Government-backed Kickstart programme.

Launched at the beginning of September by the Department of Work and Pensions, Kickstart aims to connect young people with businesses, by providing paid work experience opportunities which are funded by the government.

Designed to help improve the life chances of young people who have been unemployed for more than six months, the scheme is designed to help business owners overcome skills shortages within the workplace with the long term aim of job creation.

Since its appointment, the Chamber has received high levels of demand from business owners working across the Sheffield City Region and within less than a month, it has helped businesses to offer over 120 work placement opportunities.

Developed to help improve the life chances of young people aged 16-24 who have been unable to secure permanent employment, the scheme provides paid work experience for up to six months and aims to help youngsters to become work ready, as well as going on to participate in apprenticeships or future training opportunities.

As part of the Kickstarter scheme, the Chamber acts as a Gateway Organisation between employers and local job centres, who will match suitable candidates with work experience opportunities. Each work placement is advertised through local job centres, and wages are funded by the Government for up to 25 hours per week. Businesses can also claim up to £1500 towards the costs of equipment and training.

The scheme is open to all businesses based in the Sheffield City Region and businesses do not need to be a member of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber to take part in the programme.

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Joada Allen, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “The impact of Covid-19, Brexit and an uncertain economic climate has meant many businesses have placed recruitment decisions on hold. The Kickstart programme is a win-win for all involved.

“As a Gateway Organisation, we will be able to help South Yorkshire’s SME community to help young people benefit from a valuable chance to play their part in helping to shape the workforce of the future. We’ve seen high levels of interest in the scheme, illustrating how many employers recognise the importance of inspiring and encouraging the next generation.

“The scheme offers a chance for young people to find out more about the many varied career opportunities on their doorstep and will hopefully act as a stepping stone to realising their potential.”

Kickstart is a £2 billion fund, created by the Department of Work and Pensions aimed at young people aged 16-24 who are in receipt of universal credit and deemed to be at risk of long term unemployment.

Alexander Stafford MP for Rother Valley has called on businesses to get involved. He said: "“We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Schemes like this will be vital for creating jobs and giving young people the skills needed to access them.”

“I’m delighted that this Conservative Government is putting young people are the heart of its plans to build back stronger after the pandemic, and hope as many as possible in Rother Valley are able to take part.”

Images: DWP

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News: Engineering experts launch tech venture to help businesses improve capability

New software dubbed the ‘Fitbit for manufacturing’ has been developed by FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics, a new tech start-up that has grown out of the University of Sheffield’s globally recognised Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

This new Manufacturing Execution System, which is now being tested with Yorkshire companies, will help UK manufactures improve shop floor productivity by unlocking Computer Numerical Control (CNC) data and insights that can be turned into actionable information.

FourJaw began as a research project with financial support from the Royal Academy of Engineering and is the brainchild of AMRC Commercialisation Manager Chris Iveson and Machining Project Engineer Robin Hartley.

The team has worked with Sheffield based technology company The Curve who has increased the product usability by developing an app to present the data.

Chris Iveson, Founder and CEO of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics said: “Many manufacturing companies are struggling to understand what is happening on their shop floors because performance is difficult to measure in any detail.

“This is why we have developed our offering as ‘software-as-a service’ which will mean firms adopt accessible data without a huge upfront cost.”

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Robin Hartley, Founder and CTO of FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics added: “It’s common to find average machine utilisations of around 50% across all machines on a manufacturer’s shop floor, which makes locating a troublesome component on an individual machine a difficult task.

“The system which we have developed is a massive opportunity to augment the technical excellence of UK manufacturers with the world-beating productivity that modern technology enables.”

Paul Ridgway, CEO of The Curve added: “Productivity in the current market is key to the viability of any business, helping free up resource, lower costs and ultimately beat competitors.

“The analytic solutions FourJaw are providing are incredibly important and it’s been fantastic to help make this accessible to the market and to help them in their journey of establishing their business.”

The AMRC’s Deputy Head of Digital, Jon Bray, says: “This is a beautiful example of what can happen when digital meets manufacturing. You can only get this kind of breakthrough when you bring really, really good software guys into close collaboration with really detailed engineering knowledge to interpret what the software is telling you. Sheffield has both these skill sets in spades.”

FourJaw website
AMRC website

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News: Council undertakes land swap with funeral directors

Rotherham Council is carrying out a land swap deal to support a town centre housing development.

Council contractor, Willmott Dixon, is well underway with work on Westgate on the Millfold House site - a £10m project that will feature one apartment block and a number of back-to-back houses.

As part of the redevelopment, the Council has agreed a land swap with J. Parkinson & Sons in order to provide for a larger density development. This will enable the Council to add a further six apartments to the proposals.

Established in 1875, the funeral directors moved into purpose-built premises, situated on the old car park on Westgate, in 2013.

The firm is staying put but as part of the land swap deal the Council have agreed to construct four garages on the land they are transferring to replace J. Parkinson & Sons existing garage/office which needs to be demolished as part of the new development.

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Although the land swap itself will be carried out at a £1 peppercorn, the overall additional costs in developing the site for six more apartments will be £1m. The authority is also paying legal fees for both parties.

The Council says that: "With the inclusion of these areas of land this will enable a further six apartments to be developed, improving the financial performance of the scheme as a whole" and it is expected that the additional apartments will realise an additional £25k in rental income per year.

The Millfold Rise development will feature one apartment block consisting of 31 apartments and 14 back-to-back houses, which offer first floor garden terraces.

The homes are due to be completed in Spring 2022.

Images: RMBC / Willmott Dixon / Bond Bryan

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News: Brewery tax break threat

Local MP John Healey has urged the Government not to scrap a tax break for small breweries that he brought in.

He recently visited Chantry Brewery in Parkgate, Rotherham who have warned they may be forced to close if plans go ahead to make smaller breweries pay more tax.

The Wentworth & Dearne MP brought in the small breweries relief (SBR) in 2002 when he was Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

John said: “The Government is bowing to big breweries with these changes. They’re giving money to big business by taking it away from small independents.

“Small breweries tax relief has been the single biggest support for new local breweries and we’ve seen huge innovation and growth since Labour introduced it almost 20 years ago.

“The Government needs to scrap cuts to SBR and support our small brewers.”

Mick Warburton, one of the owners of Chantry Brewery, added: “The SBR has enabled the three of us – two ex-steelworkers and one redundant banker – to invest and grow our brewery and create 20 new jobs, employing some people who were made redundant at the steelworks.

“It has enabled us to compete with global producers which dominate the marketplace and also give the consumer a choice.

“If the SBR is cut, as proposed, we will have to stop further planned investment and cut jobs. It may ultimately mean the closure of the brewery. We cannot compete with the global buying power of the major breweries.”

At the time the relief was brought in, John said it would “help the smallest breweries invest in their business and grow … [and] provide greater choice for beer drinkers.” He also wanted to help small companies compete with the big global brewers.

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Currently brewers that produce up to 5,000 hectolitres (hl) a year – around 900,000 pints – get a 50 per cent reduction in the duty they pay. Above this there’s a sliding scale, up to the big global brewers who pay 100 per cent.

But the Government announced in July that they want to cut the threshold 50 per cent duty starts at to 2,100hl.

The consultation has been delayed leaving small businesses already hit by the coronavirus pandemic fearing for their future. Small breweries have seen their sales fall by 82 per cent during lockdown and have not received the same Government support as others in the hospitality sector.

The Society of Independent Brewers say small breweries employ 6,000 people and contribute £270m to GDP each year. Their petition against the changes has attracted nearly 50,000 signatures.

John has written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Kemi Badenoch MP, calling for the Government to abandon plans to lower the threshold for the relief.

Images: Chantry Brewery

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News: Lidl identify site for another Rotherham store

Having recently been refused planning permission for a new store in Swallownest, German global discount chain, Lidl, is progressing with plans at another site in the borough.

Lidl publishes its property requirements and in Rotherham it has site requirements for Kimberworth, Maltby, Rawmarsh, Swallownest and Wickersley/Bramley.

The search looks to have focused on Maltby, with the site of the former fire station earmarked.

Lidl has recently begun discussions with Rotherham Council over the method of demolition and restoration of the site regarding the demolition of the former Maltby fire station buildings.

The site was sold off when the fire service co-located with the police nearby.

In 2018, proposals were approved to turn the 3,500 sq ft purpose built fire station on the High Street into a chip shop with the main area, which would have housed the fire engines, used as a restaurant with the roller shutter doors replaced by new windows.

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At .42 of an acre, the site is smaller than Lidl's usual requirements.

Rival, Aldi, opened in Maltby on Muglet Lane in April.

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930's and has grown consistently, now operating over 10,000 stores in 27 countries. Launching in the UK in September 1994, Lidl today has over 800 stores in Great Britain. Its most recent Rotherham store to open is at Dalton.

The discounter is committed to fulfilling its ambitious store opening programme, despite disruption to construction amid the coronavirus pandemic. In July it confirmed plans to open over 25 stores, amounting to one per week, and create up to 1,000 jobs by the end of 2020. An additional 100 stores are planned to open across 2021 and 2022.

At Swallownest, planning board members concluded that the detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre was the main reason for refusal.

An appeal against the decision has not yet been received.

Across the borough, many local people have contacted Wickersley Parish Council about the possibility of a Lidl Supermarket opening on the site of the former JCT600 garage on Bawtry Road.

No plans have been submitted for the site but it is now listed with agents as being under offer.

Lidl website

Images: Lidl / Google Maps

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News: ENGIE signs up to RNN Training's Employer Promise campaign

RNN Training Construction apprentices and students at Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College (part of the RNN Group) are set to gain career building experiences after energy and regeneration specialist, ENGIE, pledged its support to RNN Training’s Employer Promise campaign.

The Employer Promise asks businesses in the RNN Group’s communities of South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire to pledge their support and help boost the prospects of local young people. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen entry to the labour market become a real challenge, particularly for school and college leavers, because of the economic uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus crisis. An Association of Colleges study recently suggested that over half of all new entrants to the labour market will struggle to find meaningful employment.

ENGIE recently became sponsors of the college Group’s Construction Employer Academy, having pledged its support to the programme and to provide opportunities for the Group’s students and apprentices. Among its promises, ENGIE has committed to host virtual employer visits to local sites in Rotherham and Sheffield, deliver virtual talks to the Group’s students, welcome site visits and offer work experience placements to students. ENGIE has also committed to recruit ten apprenticeships in Rotherham in 2021.

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Lee Firth, Head of Learning, Development and Social Value at ENGIE, said: “Training and development play a crucial part in the prosperity of our own people, and to individuals in the communities in which we work in.

“Here at ENGIE, it is our ambition to play a strategic role in the long-term growth of Rotherham and this partnership with RNN Group is a fantastic platform to help us achieve this goal, while at the same time supporting the next generation of construction professionals.”

RNN Group Director of Employer Partnerships, James Godsell has worked closely with the team at ENGIE to identify opportunities for students and young people in the local community.

James said: “Having ENGIE pledge its support is absolutely fantastic. We have worked with the team at ENGIE for a little while now and they have played a big part in collaborating on our construction curriculum and have been committed to providing opportunities for our students.

“This new promise will provide even more opportunities for our students to gain really valuable insight and experience into what life is really like in the construction industry, which ultimately will help their CVs stand out and boost their career prospects when they complete their studies with us.”

RNN Training website
ENGIE website

Images: RNN Training

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News: Deal for steelworker pensions

Pension Insurance Corporation plc, a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension funds, has signed a £2 billion pension insurance buyout with the Trustee of the Old British Steel Pension Scheme (OBSPS).

The deal should guarantee future pension payments for all of the more than 30,000 members at, or above, Pension Protection Fund (PPF) levels of compensation.

In 2016, the Government launched a consultation on changes to the pension scheme - the huge pension liability with a deficit of £700m reported at the time - that was seen as a deal-breaker for prospective buyers of Tata Steel's UK assets.

Liberty bought the Speciality Steels business from Tata Steel in 2017, including sites in Rotherham.

The Scheme entered PPF assessment in 2018 following the restructuring of Tata Steel UK Limited. PIC worked closely with the Trustee to establish that the Scheme had sufficient funds to support a buyout of the Scheme and, importantly, to enhance members’ benefits above those payable by the PPF for any members who lost out as a result of entering the PPF assessment. PIC was able to structure the transaction in a way that gave the Trustee price certainty in the current, volatile financial markets.

The Scheme will now go through a period of reconciling member benefits and calculating uplifts where applicable, whilst the overall benefits are guaranteed by PIC within a buy-in structure. The process is expected to complete towards the end of 2021, when the members will come out of the PPF and become direct PIC policyholders.

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Open Trustees Limited has been the Scheme’s Trustee since 29 March 2018. It is an independent entity but is wholly owned by international law firm, Osborne Clarke LLP. The Trustee was advised by Barnett Waddingham LLP and Hogan Lovells. PIC was advised by HSF.

Jonathan Hazlett, Managing Director of Open Trustees Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have entered into this buy-in policy with PIC. This transaction will eventually see OBSPS members receive benefits either at the same PPF level as those currently provided or, for many members, an uplift above that amount.

“It has been difficult for the OBSPS members over the last few years. Whilst the PPF provides a valuable safety net and a significant level of protection, many members will now receive higher benefits than they might otherwise have expected. OBSPS members can take comfort that their benefits will be looked after by an insurer which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, as well as being committed to the highest levels of customer service.”

Uzma Nazir, Head of Origination Structuring at PIC, said: “This is a significant transaction, guaranteeing the benefits of the more than 30,000 pension scheme members who have faced a long period of uncertainty about the level of their benefits, and providing many with an uplift over PPF levels. We are delighted to have been able to work so closely with the Trustee and Barnett Waddingham and ultimately deliver what was required in the biggest and most significant transaction of the year.”

Rosie Fantom, Partner at Barnett Waddingham, said: “This is a significant step in what has been a long journey for OBSPS members, who now have the certainty that their benefits have been secured with an insurer on very favourable pricing terms in a turbulent market. Rigorous work carried out over the last two years allowed the scheme to take full advantage of bulk annuity pricing.”

Images: Tata Steel

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News: Glu Recruit raises £1,000 for Paces in latest fundraising campaign

Rob Shaw, MD of Rotherham based recruitment agency, Glu Recruit, has helped to raise £1,000 for neurological charity, Paces, in the firms latest fundraising campaign.

In September, Rob joined other fundraisers and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, walking approximately 25 miles to raise vital funds to help support Paces as they continue to raise money for their new purpose built home at Waverley in Rotherham.

Rob said: “We chose Paces as one of our chosen charities earlier this year, and have set out a number of fundraising campaigns where myself, our staff and our fantastic clients can get involved to help raise money for this amazing local charity that has become so close to our hearts.

“I had been planning to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks for a while, and felt this would be an ideal fundraiser to give Paces some more exposure to the business community we operate in here at Glu.

“The walk itself was such an incredible challenge, both physically and mentally. As a group we decided to take the ‘off road’ route not really knowing how much more difficult this route is to take as opposed to the main paths, so we definitely feel like we have earnt every penny that has been donated!

“To raise £1,000 was far beyond our expectations. We’re so proud to be able to help out this wonderful charity once again, and would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has donated to help us blast out initial target completely out of the water!”

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Julie Booth, Head of Fundraising at Paces, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to the team at Glu Recruit for choosing Paces as one of their charities to support, and to Rob for taking on the challenge of the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

“The £1000 which he has raised will make a huge difference to the lives of the children, adults and families who we support! We recently launched a fundraising campaign as we need to raise £3.5m towards building a brand-new school and centre which will mean that we will no longer have to turn families away who need our support.

“Glu Recruit have been a fantastic company to work with and we very much look forward to working with them in the coming months.”

Glu Recruit have also been undertaking another fundraiser for Paces, and their other chosen charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, over the past three months, where they will be donating a percentage of profits from all recruitment placements between July and September 2020.

Glu Recruit website
Paces website

Images: Glu Recruit

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News: Grants for Rotherham businesses forced to close

Businesses forced to close due to South Yorkshire being moved into the the “Very High” COVID alert level will be able to access Government grants, and employees will also be in line for some support.

New restrictions will come into force from 00:01 on Saturday 24 October and cover all four local authority areas – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Pubs and bars will be closed unless they are serving "substantial" meals. Soft play centres, betting shops, casinos and amusement arcades are to close but leisure centres and gyms can remain open, however, classes are not to take place.

Rotherham Council, which administered the previous COVID grant scheme, confirmed in a statement that: "As part of the Tier 3 restrictions, businesses which have to close will be entitled to Government grants of up to £3,000 every four weeks, and staff unable to work at those businesses will be able access two thirds of their wages, up to a maximum of £2,100.

"Additional Government money will also be made available to local authorities and the detail of the further financial package is being worked on with the Government to support the local economy."

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The Government confirmed details of its Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) in September. It supports businesses that were open as usual, providing services in person to customers from their business premises, but which were then required to close for at least three weeks due to local lockdown restrictions imposed by government.

It is for businesses that pay business rates on their premises. Local councils may at their discretion also provide funding for businesses that don't pay business rates.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has also announced approved additional funding to support cash grants of up to £2,100 per month primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas. These grants will be available retrospectively for areas who have already been subject to restrictions, and come on top of higher levels of additional business support for Local Authorities moving into Tier 3.

Rotherham entered Tier 2 (high-alert) last week.

The government said it was providing additional funding to allow Local Authorities (LAs) to support businesses in high-alert level areas which are not legally closed, but which are severely impacted by the restrictions on socialising. The funding LAs will receive will be based on the number of hospitality, hotel, B&B, and leisure businesses in their area, who aren’t legally required to close but have been adversely affected by local restrictions nonetheless.

The total funding available to South Yorkshire agreed with Government for the new restrictions is £41m, including £30m to support the region's businesses, and £11m for local authorities to support public health measures such as Test and Trace to stop the spread of the virus.

Images: PHE

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News: Keepmoat's plans for Swinden House

Housebuilder, Keepmoat, has moved quickly to submit its plans for the Swinden House site in Rotherham, having acquired the land from Tata Steel.

Rothbiz reported last week that the Doncaster firm had bought Tata Steel's Swinden Technology Centre (STC) for an undisclosed sum.

A full planning application for the 16 acre site on Moorgate was submitted in 2018 and now Keepmoat has submitted its own set of plans.

They show that Keepmoat wants to up the number of new houses from the 2018 plans, from 101 to 170.

With the 1940's laboratory buildings demolished, the historic buildings are set to be converted to 27 apartments and preserved as landmark buildings within the new development.

The new houses, in Keepmoat's style, are proposed to be across a range of different house types. Two bedroom units will comprise 26% of the total dwellings, whereas three bedroom properties will comprise 38%, and four bedroom properties will account for 36%.

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Based on the floorspace, applicants have concluded that eight of the 197 properties should be classed as affordable. The site is also within "Residential Zone 1 High" of the Council's Community Infrastructure Levy, with a rate of £55 per sq. m.

The plans, drawn up by consultants, DLP, state: "The mix has been selected to appeal to range of homeowners, including first time buyers, growing families and those willing to downsize."

The buildings set to be convert are Swinden House, Swinden House Stable Block, Swinden Lodge and Sitwell Lodge.

Swinden House, the former home of Rotherham solicitor Thomas Badger, is a Grade II listed building. Previously known as "Red House" it was completed in around 1880.

Plans show that the main vehicular access to the site will be taken from an existing access point on Moorgate Road, and that this will be one way entry. A second exit and entry point is planned via an amended access point on Beaconsfield Road.

A vehicle-free access route through the centre of the site is proposed, retaining the long tree-lined drive. Formal open spaces around Swinden House and Sitwell House are also propsed and the existing orchard in the eastern corner of the site is set to be retained and enhanced.

Keepmoat website

Images: Keepmoat / DLP / nineteen47

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News: £5m investment to boost the growth of South Yorkshire's tech sector

Innovative tech entrepreneurs across South Yorkshire are set to benefit from a £5.9m project to turbocharge the region's business support and investment provision.

The TEAM SY project has been set up to connect with existing business support services in the region and to expand, enhance and extend the collective impact of their work.

Start-up experts Capital Enterprise, in partnership with Barnsley Council, will lead on the project working collaboratively with business support providers, universities, co-working spaces and other partners in Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.

Darren Balcombe of Capital Enterprise said: “We are very excited about working with everyone in South Yorkshire to help expand and improve the existing business support and investment ecosystem – and bring new resources and expertise into the mix.”

TEAM SY, which stands for Tech Ecosystem Acceleration and Market-making in South Yorkshire is backed by £3,543,766 from the ERDF England Programme, designed to support economic growth in the regions.

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The project will run for three years and aims to help digital and tech businesses explore new ideas and markets, set-up or scale-up their tech companies and create up to 200 high-value jobs in the process. A key objective will be to help entrepreneurs gain financial backing for their enterprises, attracting over £20m in private investment to the region.

Darren said: “Our mission is to help new and early stage South Yorkshire businesses take best advantage of what support is already available to them and to identify and invest in the regional strengths such as IOT, Advanced manufacturing, Movement technologies and Digital health for example.

“On top of that we want to shine a light on the region so that it becomes renowned as a great place to set up, grow and invest in a successful tech business. We want that beacon to attract entrepreneurs, start-ups and funders from around the world to South Yorkshire.”

TEAM SY leaders will soon be based at Sheffield Technology Parks, on Arundel Street, Sheffield and the DMC 01 hub, on Barnsley’s The Seam digital campus.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: “We look forward to welcoming the Capital Enterprise team to South Yorkshire and seeing their energy, enthusiasm and expertise have a significant impact on the region’s digital and tech business community.

“A thriving and innovative tech industry is recognised as a tremendous driver for wider economic growth in an area too as it can help larger employers embrace digital technology, improve productivity and adapt to changing markets and customer demands too.

“The TEAM project is a really fantastic investment in our region’s award-winning tech business support infrastructure at this time.”

Images: Barnsley DMC

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News: Careers Hub plans submitted

A revolution in careers advice could be coming to Rotherham as plans are submitted for a purpose built new hub in the town.

New acts from the Government aim to ensure that schools and colleges will have access to independent and impartial careers advice and guidance.

The Manor Property Group is leading on plans to build a Qdos Careers Hub on land at Badsley Moor Lane, Clifton.

With an aim to improve careers guidance and awareness about technical and apprenticeship training routes, the Yorkshire firm has a development portfolio of £850m having developed leisure, retail, educational and residential schemes.

The plans involve demolishing the redundant NHS bungalows which used to provide residential rehabilitation accommodation in connection with the surrounding hospital site.

A new, contemporary building would replace the bungalows, creating 12,500 sq ft of space over two floors. Accommodation includes: a large central double height hall with breakout areas and meeting rooms off, café, offices, reception, plant room, and toilets. The Hub has a capacity of 150 students meaning it will attract approximately three coaches each school day.

Helping 25 local secondary schools reach new benchmarks for careers, the hub would enable employers to meet with teachers and students more easily.

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The application, drawn up by consultants, ELG, states: "The proposed development is a new type of community facility aimed at meeting current a future careers education needs in a more effective and innovative way.

"Qdos Careers Hubs are a new innovation in the delivery of Careers Advice to young people. They provide regional hubs for expert, impartial career guidance, supporting young people to make informed, aspirational career and future study choices. With Qdos Ambassadors in each Career Hub, integrated with local services, young people will be supported with:
▪ Self Development - through careers, employability and enterprise education
▪ Careers Exploration - learning about careers and the world of work
▪ Career Management - learning how to develop career management and employability.

"Career Hubs align activities to the National Curriculum, notably personal development, behaviour and welfare, and the careers of today and tomorrow."

The company wants to see 160 of these career hubs over the next five years.

Qdos Career Hubs website

Images: Manor Property Group

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News: Rotherham housing development completes

The final phase of Rotherham Council’s site cluster housing programme has now completed as Wates Construction hand over the keys to 80 new homes on Rother View Road, Canklow.

The site cluster approach to housing development was the result of over £30m invested by Rotherham Council to construct new properties across the borough. The Council partnered with Wates Construction to carry out several clusters of developments on unused land. A total of 217 properties for affordable rent and sale have been created on Braithwell Road and Gaitskell Close (Maltby), Conway Crescent and Farnworth Road (East Herringthorpe), Shakespeare Drive (Dinnington), and finally two sites on Rother View Road (Canklow).

Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Dominic Beck, said: “Our site clusters programme has been a key part of our plan to ensure more people in the borough get the high quality homes that they need, at a price they can afford, and at the same time has brought back to life a number of sites that had been almost abandoned for years. From council homes to shared ownership, to straightforward properties for general sale, to specially built homes meeting the needs of older people and those with disabilities, this scheme has set the standard for the kinds of communities we want to see in the future.”

“We’re committed to releasing unused Council-owned sites for residential development, which is part of our 30-year vision for housing. Our housing growth plan has identified 200 potential small sites for new housing and we’re currently seeking developers to partner with us to create new homes for local people on these sites.”

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David Wingfield, business unit director for Wates Construction in Yorkshire and the North East, said: “Remediating and regenerating underused land is a key way we can help solve the shortfall in new housing across the UK, and it’s been a pleasure to partner with Rotherham Council over the past four years to build this varied mix of homes. By working collaboratively, thinking carefully about design and the long-term sustainability of these houses, we’ve been able to support the council in delivering its innovative vision that will meet so many people’s needs.”

Rotherham’s current housing growth plan has an emphasis on housing growth and regeneration of the town centre, as well as homes for good health and independence. Developments currently in progress include three exciting town-centre developments (Westgate Riverside, Millfold Rise and Wellgate Place) which will create 171 new homes. Completing in 2022, these developments will consist of properties for affordable outright sale, shared ownership and council housing.

Images: RMBC

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News: Great Taste Awards for Rotherham firm

Superfoods from a Rotherham firm have been rocgnised with prestigious Great Taste Awards for 2020.

Out of 12,777 products sent in from 106 different countries, GO Superfoods Ltd, which trades as Green Origins and Rainforest Foods, has been awarded 1-star awards for two of its products.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, Great Taste is the world's largest and most trusted food and drink awards. Companies put food or drink to the test with a panel of over 500 experts as a quick way to get honest, straightforward and impartial feedback from chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers.

This year's winners have been found through a combination of remote judging and socially distanced judging sessions, after the lockdown began just one week into the schedule.

Based at Dinnington, the firm is a manufacturer and wholesaler of dietary supplements made from the finest of nature's foods.

Rainforest Food Bambeanies Super Crispies were launched last year and are made from all-natural, responsibly sourced ingredients – a blend of beans, rice, coconut flour and baobab, sweetened with coconut blossom nectar and apple juice that is shaped and baked.

A bowl of the vegan alternative cereal provides 11% less sugar than Rice Krispies, as well as 285% more fibre, 85% more protein and 98% less salt.

Also gaining recognition was the Organic 70% Dark Chocolate Drops with Turmeric and Maca made for allergen free brand, Before Chocolate.

Through Green Origins, the Rotherham firm operates a "Private Label" service where it manufactures products for start-up companies through to multinational blue chip organisations.

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The judges comments for the chocolate included: "What a stunning aroma of rich dark decadent chocolate, followed by hints of earthy turmeric spice and brassica scents from the maca. The flavour profile delivers sweet dark cacao along with turmeric and maca, and the coconut sugar lightens the bitter notes from the single origin chocolate."⁠

⁠ "Subtly sweet, gently spicy, and deeply satisfying, these little gems melt in the mouth leaving a long, lingering and lively taste. Dissolved in hot milk, they would produce a very comforting and soothing bedtime drink, we're sure, or they would make the most delicious choc chip cookie with a difference."⁠

The products can now display a badge of honour, the unmistakeable black and gold Great Taste label is a signpost to an outstanding product, which has been discovered through hours and hours of blind tasting.

GO Superfoods was started in 2009 by Hardip Singh after completing an MBA when he chose the superfood sector due to personal interest, the growth potential, and the opportunity to work with producers from around the world.

In 2018, the company won the Queen’s Award for International Trade for its outstanding overseas sales growth.

Rainforest Foods website

Images: Before Chocolate

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News: Deal being wrapped up for Rotherham print facility

The owner of The Daily Mail is pressing ahead with a deal to acquire a state-of-the-art printing facility in Rotherham.

The facility was created by Johnston Press at a cost of £60m on the site of the former Dinnington colliery and it includes one of the most modern and fastest presses in the world. It has the capacity to print 192 pages in full colour, 120,000 newspapers an hour in full colour and 75 titles per week.

The site has printed everything from the Daily Express, Daily Star and The Sun to the Yorkshire Post and Sheffield Star. Other major customers included regional publications and many niche publications.

dmg media has now reached an agreement to acquire print operations at Dinnington, Portsmouth and Carn in Northern Ireland from JPI Media.

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JPIMedia Ltd was founded in 2018 when it took over the assets of debt-laden Johnston Press following the sale of the company to its creditors.

As well as The Mail, dmg media is the holding company that owns the Metro and i newspapers and websites.

dmg media said that the three printing plants will enable it to better manage the printing of its national newspapers across the UK. As well as dmg media's newspapers, the plants will continue to print JPI Media's newspapers and other publishers' titles.

Julia Palmer-Poucher, group production director, dmg media, said: “This acquisition reflects our intention to protect and grow the reach of quality journalism through our print media. It better positions us to provide the best quality printing capacity from ideal locations to serve our retailers and readers."

This transaction follows dmg media’s acquisition of the i from JPI in November 2019.

Images: Johnston Press

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News: £42m for Parkway widening

£42m is finally coming up the road from the Government for a long-planned transport scheme in Rotherham.

The local council has had a scheme to widen the Parkway at J33 of the M1 in its capital programme for five years and now Roads Minister Baroness Vere has announced today £42m to upgrade the A630.

Acting as a key route between Rotherham and Sheffield while providing access to the M1, the major road has around 65,000 vehicles use it a day. This makes it one of the busiest in the region and a vital part of Yorkshire’s road network, helping connect businesses conveniently with economic powerhouses such as Leeds to the north and London to the south.

The £42m being invested by the government will transform the existing road into a dual 3-lane carriageway, markedly increasing capacity on the road. Junction 33 on the intersecting M1 will also benefit from carriageway widening and resurfacing, reducing congestion, cutting carbon (CO2) emissions, and further boosting capacity to help road users move about more easily.

Plans have recently been approved for new commercial units and a large motorway service area close to the road network.

Upgrades to the road will also help boost the region’s economy, acting as another example of the government’s pledge to build back better while boosting the quality of northern transport infrastructure. The increased capacity will mean more commuters and businesses will be able to easily use the route to travel between the key centres of Rotherham and Sheffield.

Rotherham Council signed a delivery agreement with Balfour Beatty for the design and build works for the scheme in 2018.

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Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: "The funding announced today will make a real difference to thousands of commuters’ journeys in the region every day, and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to levelling up transport infrastructure in the North.

"By boosting the capacity on this vital A-road, and delivering this scheme in good time, we’ll help improve connectivity, cut journey times and boost local economies in South Yorkshire."

The main works are set to start soon and the new road is scheduled to open in summer 2022, with the Department for Transport’s funding contribution forming the majority of the total scheme cost of £46m.

The announcement of the funding package comes after the Northern Transport Acceleration Council was established earlier this year. The council was created with the desire to speed up the delivery of Northern transport projects, cut bureaucracy and red tape and give Northern mayors and council leaders a direct line to ministers.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Parkgate primed as station location

The Parkgate area of Rotherham is the front runner for a new multimillion pound station as the idea to put Rotherham back on the mainline gains traction.

In 2017 transport bosses sidelined Parkgate when they worked up proposals for a Parkway type station in the borough which would be complementary to the role of Rotherham Central.

Rotherham has been without a mainline station since the site at Masborough closed in 1987.

Now a new mainline station in Rotherham is being put forward to be part of the Integrated Rail Plan for the Midlands and the North, having already been included in Sheffield city region (SCR) Integrated Rail Plan.

It was already set to be part of plans by Transport for the North (TfN) for the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme, designed to transform connectivity between the key economic centres of the North.

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Andrew Moss, Interim Head of Transportation and Infrastructure Service at Rotherham Council, recently updated councillors on the issue. He said: "The most key development objective at the moment that is in front of us is the development of a new station for Rotherham.

"The exact location of the Central station has a history of its own but, in fact, the location as it is at the moment does not serve the interests of the town and its ambition for growth and improvement in the centre probably to the best effect, and so a new station site has been located. At the moment not yet certain but we do expect it to be in the Parkgate area and we expect that station to be a joint heavy rail and tram station.

"The best site we think for that is just south of the Parkgate retail but we do not yet know the station location, and when we do, more will be said on that, but we are in discussion with Northern Powerhouse Rail officers to progress that project. What that will do is provide a growth opportunity, it will be mutli-modal access, we would encourage most sustainable access by active and public transport but will likely be car access."

The Parkgate and Rawmarsh railway station closed in the 1960's. Its site, alongside the Station Hotel which still stands, is on the rail line which is now the mainline.

An area of undeveloped land next to Parkgate Shopping sits between the mainline, the train line to the south where the tram-train station opened at the retail destination in 2018, and Aldwarke Lane. £5m has already been set aside for a new access into Parkgate Shopping from Aldwarke Lane.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Conversions planned for Rotherham pubs

A trio of vacant Rotherham pubs could be given new leases of life under seperate redevelopment proposals.

In Swinton, a planning applcation has been submitted for the prominent Station pub which would see the ground floor converted into two commercial units with two flats above. The existing public house has been closed for some time.

If approved the commercial units would be in the new Class E planning class (Commercial, business and service) which includes retail, restaurant, office, financial/professional services, indoor sports, medical and nursery uses along with “any other services which it is appropriate to provide in a commercial, business or service locality.”

The occupiers are not yet known but planning documents state that it is proposed by the applicant (the Sheffield-based Dunstan Levine Partnership) to operate these units themselves. The plans state: "At this stage it is proposed that Unit 1 would operate as a restaurant and Unit 2 as a café."

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Also in Swinton, an application has been submitted to convert the Sportsman Inn into two units - a hot food takeaway and a convenience store.

Plans show that the property is being sold due to a decline in trade.

At Laughton en le Morthern, plans are back in for residential use at the vacant Hatfield Arms.

2018 plans to demolish the pub and build a mixture of retail and residential properties on the site, which is in a conservation area, were refused for various reasons.

The new application, from Wildsmith, is for the conversion of existing public house to six apartments.

Images: HMS Town Planning

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News: Tech disruptor Nimbitech is bucking the pandemic downturn

Tech disruptor Nimbitech is witnessing demand for its services rocket – despite the pandemic – as it targets ambitious and sustainable growth.

The Sheffield-based digital transformation specialist launched ten months ago to oversee IT transformations of businesses including creating apps and streamlining processes to data analysis, and has has already secured a substantial pipeline of work.

Over the course of 2020, the company, founded by tech expert Nick Stewart, has grown its workforce from two to seven, including two new hirings during lockdown.

Nick, who was born and bred in Rotherham, said: “Our first year in business was hard graft, long hours and pure perseverance but we’ve gone from a standing start in December, with one client, to a brimming order book and more recruitment on the horizon.

“The lockdown meant that suddenly everyone wanted tech – not next week, not tomorrow but right now.

“We helped one client – a building safety inspection company – go from a traditional company with 70-80 staff all working in physical bricks and mortar offices to a 100% virtual business a week before lockdown.

“We migrated all their servers so nobody had to physically be in the office to access any work files. By the time lockdown came their entire workforce was working from home productively with everything they needed to do their job at their fingertips."

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The business which has been particularly success in the property, construction and hospitality sectors is now looking to enter new areas.

Stewart adds that the business approach is to disrupt the industry, citing they charge transparently at an hourly rate of £95 and don’t charge any upfront costs.

“We make it really easy for people to hire Nimbitech and leave us if they’re not happy, although that’s never happened to us yet. Clients find our approach refreshing, love our honesty and transparency and courage to have the difficult conversations, if needed, when they’re in the best interests of our clients. It’s a formula that wins us work.”

Nimbitech website

Images: Nimbitech

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News: Swinden House site sold

Tata Steel's Swinden Technology Centre (STC) in Rotherham has been bought by Keepmoat Homes for an undisclosed sum.

The historic buildings of Swinden House, the Coach House, the Lodge and Sitwell House on Moorgate Road are set to be converted to high quality apartments and preserved as landmark buildings within the new development.

A full planning application for the 6.7-acre site on Moorgate was submitted in 2018. It includes 101 new properties, including 27 high-end apartments incorporating the conversion of the existing buildings but a decision was never secured.

Agents, Harris Lamb have confirmed the sale, adding that Keepmoat will progress its own plans for 197 homes at the site.

Chris Jones, Director at Harris Lamb, said: “From the very beginning, there was a lot of interest in the Swinden Technology Centre site. Combining important architectural and heritage interest with a prime development location in the exclusive Moorgate area, the site is very well-placed for a high-quality redevelopment within a very desirable area.

“Positioned opposite the hospital and surrounded by high-quality residential buildings in a peaceful, quiet environment benefitting from a strong landscape belt around its periphery, Keepmoat Homes recognised the site’s huge potential for both the construction of a number of high quality new homes, but also relished the opportunity to sympathetically convert the beautiful historic properties on site for residential use.

“The sale has now exchanged, and the developer has submitted an application for both the conversions and new homes. We are delighted to have overseen this sale on behalf of TATA Steel and look forward to seeing the resulting development in due course,” he added.

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Derek Wilson, Director of Keepmoat Homes, said: “We are delighted to have secured this site. The development nestles within an existing mature setting, with fabulous listed buildings and grounds that will be embraced and enhanced to create an amazing place.

“Having exchanged recently, submitting the planning application is a significant step forward and we are excited about working with RMBC as we progress through planning and delivering another Keepmoat development of the highest quality.”

A decision is expected later this year.

United Steels acquired the site in 1946 and in addition to research laboratories, it also includes Swinden House, the former home of Rotherham solicitor Thomas Badger, plus playing fields, tennis courts and orchards. The Grade II listed building, previously known as "Red House" was completed in around 1880. The stable block, walled garden and the lodge are also protected.

The site also includes Sitwell House, a late nineteenth century house that is not a listed building.

The facilities at STC were claimed to be, by the 1960s, one of the largest research organisations devoted to metallurgy in Europe.

Tata Steel considered that it is no longer a suitable home for the R&D arm and announced in 2014 a relocation to Warwick University. 60 staff moved to premises at Meadowhall Business Park in 2019.

Keepmoat Homes website

Images: Harris Lamb / Google Maps

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News: Rotherham-based manufacturing specialists in major recruitment drive

MTL Advanced, a division of one of the largest engineering groups in Europe, has recently unveiled a major recruitment drive for its Rotherham site, after securing several new multi-million-pound, multiyear rail and defence contracts.

Despite tough trading conditions brought about by the recent pandemic and a reduction in activity during the UK wide lockdown, MTL have continued supporting their customers working in key industries and pursued new opportunities which have led to a surge in orders and job opportunities available at their 300,000sq. ft. state-of-the-art Brinsworth factory.

The increase in manufacturing requirements linked to the growth in demand from the company’s customer base is set to provide new job opportunities for individuals within the local area. This has resulted in MTL publishing vacancies for 28 new positions, including Skilled Welders, CNC Machinists, Press Operators, Production Assistants, Quality and Project Engineers to name but a few.

MTL are also set to recruit an additional ten apprenticeship positions in December within their multi award-winning Engineering & Welding Apprentice Academy.

MTL is recognised for its ability to supply complex, high volume projects whilst meeting customer’s quality and delivery requirements. These projects typically involve high strength mild and wear resistant steels, armoured plate and alloy materials. It has the capacity and capabilities to supply fabricated, machined and painted assemblies.

Karl Stewart, General Manager at MTL said: “It’s been a challenging year for the manufacturing industry as a whole and like many other UK businesses we initially had to revise our forecasts down for Q2. Thankfully we have a very loyal and varied customer base, as well as a talented workforce which has allowed us to come out of the lockdown in a much stronger position.”

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With major investments currently under way across the Rail sector nationwide, MTL’s recent growth in order book has been closely linked to their ability to manufacture complex aluminium fabrications for train manufacturers in line with their EN15085-2 Rail Welding accreditation along with the supply of high grade steel kits of parts for freight wagon manufacturers.

The company’s good fortunes have however not only been limited to Rail contracts and the company’s specialist Defence team have also managed to win various large contracts for several UK and European Defence programmes.

Continuous investment in the latest technology has been one of the key drivers to MTL’s recent success, and the securing of highly anticipated Defence contracts for armoured steel has now led the company to invest a further £300,000 in September 2020 to acquire a new state-of-the-art Hartford machining centre.

Stewart continued: “Due to a successful couple of months, we are able to continue investing in new machinery to keep us at the forefront of the industry. MTL is one of the very few companies in the UK which are able to machine and fabricate complex armoured parts, and this new investment will strengthen our position as the industry leading armoured steel contract manufacturer.

“Our sales forecasts are now 20% over pre-COVID-19 targets and we now require more outstanding individuals to join our workforce to deliver on our customers’ expectations.”

MTL Advanced is now on track to finish 2020 with a record quarter and the aforementioned investments in additional staff and capital equipment are set to propel the company on to new heights in the foreseeable future.

MTL website

Images: MTL Advanced

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News: Funding lifeline for Rotherham attractions

Rotherham-based attractions are set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

Magna and Wentworth Woodhouse are two out of 445 organisations will share £103m to help restart vital repair and maintenance work on cherished heritage sites, to keep venues open and to save jobs and livelihoods.

The Culture Recovery Fund is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

433 organisations will receive a share of £67m from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage to help with costs for operating, reopening and recovery.

The Magna Trust, the charity that operates Magna Science Adventure Centre at Templeborough, has been awarded £310,000.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre.

The attraction only re-opened in July having been closed since March – missing out on the busy summer period, and unable to host high profile events. It closed again in September and is due to reopen for half term.

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Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust Ltd has been awarded £468,300.

While the gardens have been open, the house has been closed since March, when lockdown came into force.

But the Preservation Trust which owns the Grade I listed Rotherham stately home is now able to welcome visitors back in safety.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”

Rotherham literacy charity, Grimm & Co, has secured £86,000 from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund via Arts Council England.

The pandemic has seen reduced donations and the lockdown also forced an earlier than planned premises move, which meant closure of the physical gift shop, ‘Grimm’s Apothecary to the Magical’ – moving this retail offer totally online.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Chief Executive at Grimm & Co, said: “Securing this fund means our survival is safeguarded over the dark, winter months ahead. This means we can plan ahead, we can re-engage our wonderful freelance artists, our team is secure. We are so excited that we will now be able to deliver an enchanting programme of activities, in so many safe and exciting ways, to reach those communities where we can make the greatest difference."

Rotherham Theatres, closed since March, has been awarded £131,644 from the same fund.

Rothbiz reported that the operation has lost an estimated £500,000 in income in July due to the coronavirus outbreak and is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2021.

Images: Magna

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