News: Wentworth Woodhouse to transform stables and create hospitality jobs

Once workplace and home to hundreds of grooms and stable boys, the Stables of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham are now set to provide jobs and training for the hospitality sector in a £5.1m regeneration project.

Rothbiz reported in October that the Wentworth project was part of successful bids to the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Redevelopment of a major section of the long-derelict Stable Block, the grandest in the land when built in the late 1700s, can now get underway.

The Preservation Trust which owns the stately home, has pledged to create employment and become a major driver of Rotherham’s leisure and tourism sector; it will now be able to further that aim with the redevelopment of 800 sq m of the Stables’ West Range into fully kitted-out production kitchens, a training facility for new hospitality staff, plus a café.

Work will start in early 2022 and is expected to take two years.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “The Levelling Up Fund is all about giving people in the North the same opportunities as those in the South. This grant makes a massive difference to us, an independent charitable trust trying to make a real difference to the community of South Yorkshire, which we know is a great place to live, work and visit.

“We will help deliver the Levelling Up agenda through job creation and upskilling. The hospitality sector is currently experiencing a huge labour shortage; our production kitchens will serve cafes and catering right across our site and give us the facilities to train up our own hospitality team.

"The really wonderful thing about this win is it’s a consortium bid from organisations all proud to be part of Rotherham’s leisure and visitor economy, and determined to drive growth and employment.

“We will be looking to link up with local colleges for hospitality training qualifications and plan to offer valuable hospitality work experience to people with disabilities.”

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Wentworth Woodhouse’s huge Stable Block, positioned on the driveway to the Mansion, was created for the 2nd Marquess of Rockingham by architect John Carr of York.

When completed in 1782 it was the largest private stables in the country, and remained so until the late 1900s.

It boasted stables for 84 hunting, riding, and carriage horses. Grooms and stable boys slept in small rooms above the horses and house gardeners also lived at the site.

The kitchen in the West Range will service all on-site hospitality, including afternoon teas, private events, the Mansion’s cafe and a new food offer to be developed in the Camellia House.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: Renovating historic Rotherham school building

Maltby Learning Trust has revealed further details of a proposed £6.3m redevelopment of the former Maltby Grammar School building, to create an incubator space for training, apprenticeships, and start up support in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

Rothbiz reported in October that the project was part of a winning bid to the Government's Levelling Up Fund based around building a new leisure industry that responds to the challenges of economic recovery and health and well-being.

The redevelopment programme, formulated by leaders at Maltby Learning Trust and the architect of Maltby Academy, will repurpose the old Grammar School building and create a community resource that accommodates local services, supports wellbeing, employment and enterprise, and provides substantial learning opportunities for the Maltby community.

The redevelopment, which secured £4.5m and will be split into three phases, will see the derelict grammar school building, including the landmark clocktower, transformed into a three-story community space to include bookable workspaces, serviced hot-desking, seminar rooms, a community coffee shop, and an apprenticeship centre.

The space will also house the Maltby Learning Trust central services team, and the Maltby Academy Sixth Form centre which will include several classrooms, tutorial rooms and learning spaces for students.

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David Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Maltby Learning Trust, said: “Following the successful remodelling of the Maltby Academy estate and subsequent mothballing of the old grammar school, leaders are delighted to be able to recommission and upgrade the historic building as a community resource that will further complement the state-of-the-art educational environment provided in the Academy.

“After much discussion about the future of the building, and with our plans for an innovative resource for the community which will place skills development and training at its heart, trustees and leaders recognised that the government Levelling Up Fund would be the ideal investment for the Grammar School redevelopment. We approached our local MP and engaged with RMBC to develop our winning bid for the initiative.

"The new provision will provide a range of interlinked educational and vocational services, from sixth form to training and employment, to supporting new business enterprises, and will provide the local community with a sustainable training resource centre. The ambition is that this development will further support the local and regional programme of regeneration.”

Dame Julie Kenny, Chair of the MLT Board, said: “In the coming weeks the Trust will be holding a series of stakeholder engagement events to showcase the exciting plans and explore ways of connecting local community groups, training providers and employers with the planned developments. Whilst the Trust have shaped ambitious plans for this building and worked with the Local Authority to orchestrate this exciting opportunity and secure significant investment for the Maltby community, it is now important that all stakeholders engage in the planning of this development and make the vision a reality.”

In April was the building again under the threat of demolition only for new plans for its reuse submitted in July. The building suffered a fire in September.

Phase one development will provide the refurbished accommodation for the Post 16 centre in the north wing whilst securing the remaining buildings, mothballing and making them wind and weather tight. From January 2022, ex-students will be able to buy a brick of the Maltby Grammar School building.

Maltby Learning Trust website

Images: Maltby Learning Trust

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News: Chamber celebrates a night to remember

With a sell-out audience in attendance, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber proved that despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, there were plenty of reasons for businesses across the region to feel optimistic.

The Chamber’s Celebration for Business event, sponsored by the Morthyng Group, created a carnival like atmosphere, complete with singing waiters, a fairground carousel, as well as thousands of pounds being raised on the evening to support local worthy causes. Over 350 guests from the local business community came together at Magna in the single largest event hosted by Barnsley & Rotherham since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the evening President Joada Allen, paid tribute to the vital role businesses have played during the past eighteen months, praising the forgotten heroes and recognising the way in which many across the region had adapted to the challenges posed by successive local and national lockdowns, as well as embracing new ways of working.

The important work undertaken by charities and not-for-profit businesses was also given special recognition, with mental health charity Rotherham & Barnsley Mind being named as the Chamber’s chosen charity of the year and receiving a donation of £3,000. Barnsley Sea Cadets and Rotherham-based Rush House were highly commended on the evening, with both charities receiving £500 donations.

In an evening which placed an emphasis upon re-building connections and helping the local business community to come together, special salutes to business were presented to businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries: Oxley & Coward (230 years), Marsden Weighing Machine Group (95 years), KCM Waste Management (35 years) and Hickton Quality Control (30 years). The Chamber also made special presentations to Barnsley-based Naylor Clayware and Rotherham’s Marsden Weighing Group in recognition of receiving the Queen’s Award for International Trade and Innovation respectively.

However, the evening was all about celebrating the strength and diversity of the local business community, and with live music, singing waiters, and much more, there was plenty to enjoy.

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Joada Allen, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “The past eighteen months have been unprecedented in our lifetimes. At the beginning of March 2020, many businesses feared the worst. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has worked tirelessly to support our members and help businesses to access the right support at the right time.

“Usually at this time of the year the Chamber reflects on the success achieved by our members at our annual business awards, however, we felt that every business which has successfully navigated its way through the pandemic has their own story of success in the face of adversity and we felt now was a time for unity rather than competition.

“The event proved to be a memorable evening, not just for those companies who were recognised on the evening and was our way of recognising the incredibly way in which so many businesses from across the region have adapted to the challenges they have faced and embraced change.”

BR Chamber website

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News: Listed building hope to save former Rotherham cinema

An art deco former cinema in Rotherham that is under the threat of demolition could be saved by a successful campaign to have the building listed.

The Mecca Bingo on Corporation Street in Rotherham town centre was closed earlier this year. It originally opened in December 1934 as the Regal Cinema.

Rothbiz reported in June that an application had been submitted to knock the building down and in its place, erect a residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units.

At the time of the application the building was not listed and planning documents from Sunshine Homes Ltd explained that: "The initial intention was to explore options for a residential conversion of the existing building, however having assessed these options in detail it was clear that a conversion was simply not a viable proposal. As such it was concluded that the only real option was for a new build approach."

Now a campaign group says that the Rotherham building will be protected by Grade II listed building status.

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The Cinema Theatre Association, which campaigns nationally to protect traditional cinema buildings, said: "The Regal Rotherham has been Listed Grade II by Historic England, following a campaign to prevent demolition, reports the Cinema Theatre Association's architectural caseworker today. This 1934 cinema has a prominent position in the town. It was designed by Hull architects Blackmore & Sykes for Lou Morris. It later passed through several operators, becoming the Scala before going onto bingo as Ritz/Mecca, closing due to the pandemic restrictions."

Historic England has not yet updated its list and maps but Rotherham Council's mapping system shows the building now has Grade II listed status as a "Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Former Regal Cinema."

Any planning application would need to show very special circumstances in order to demolish a listed building.

Even before the listing, Historic England had objected to plans to demolish the building and replace it with new build flats due to its location adjacent to the Rotherham Town Centre Conservation Area.

Suzanne Lilley, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas, said: "It is Historic England’s view that the current approach is not appropriate, and we have serious concerns regarding this application on heritage grounds.

"The demolition of the former Regal cinema would completely erode any contribution the application site makes to the special interest of the conservation area. We are not of the view that sufficient public benefits arising from the proposal have been demonstrated that would outweigh this harm.

"We strongly encourage the retention and reuse of the former Regal cinema, thereby putting historic places at the heart of the approach to redevelopment in Rotherham town centre."

The stand out features of the building are its principal façade which comprises a three-bay central section in a restrained design enlivened by the use of pilasters, cornices and elaborate glazing bars. Inside there is a relatively high level of survival with key elements of the historic decorative scheme to the foyer and auditorium remaining intact.

The building was due to go up for auction in October with a guide price of £390,000. The freehold of the 25,833 sq ft building was described as having "potential for commercial / institutional / religious use and residential development subject to planning."

The lot was withdrawn before going to auction.

The property did sell at auction in 2019 for £575,000.

Images: Network Auctions

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News: Updated plans for massive Rotherham development set for approval

Updated plans for a huge distribution centre development alongside the M18 motorway in Rotherham are being recommended for approval despite a large number of objections.

Outline plans were approved for "Interchange Park" at Hellaby last year and applicants said that it could be home to over 1,000 jobs.

Since then, Panattoni, the largest industrial real estate developer in Europe, has bought the Cumwell Lane site and has submitted further details and made changes to the plans.

The outline plans enable a 630,000 sq ft facility to be built along with a smaller 85,000 sq ft facility on former greenbelt land.

A report to Rotherham Council's planning board explains: "The developers wish to bring forward a Reserved Matters application [details not submitted at outline stage and "reserved" for later determination] as soon as possible, however with an amended access strategy which would include only two access points off Cumwell Lane, a main shared access for cars and HGV’s and a second access for cars only serving the smaller northern unit."

Changes to the parking strategy are also planned.

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The changes put forward now are considered to be less than substantial and this application is to ammend some of the conditions put in place with the determination of the outline application last year.

Objectors believe that the changes are substantial given the removal of a southern access to the site but transport planners state that the assessment of the approved outline plans only looked at proposed access to Cumwell Lane and so have no concerns.

Objections also focus on car parking and HGV parking but these issues are likely to be considered at a seperate Reserved Matters application stage. Issues with the traffic surveys being undertaken during Covid and the impact of the nearby operation of Thurcroft Colliery have also been raised.

The planning officers are recommending that the planning board, which is due to meet this week, approves the plans as they do not consider that the removal of the southern access point to the site would lead to any increased air quality issues, would not create any additional impact on noise and general amenity for the residents close to the site and is acceptable in highway safety terms.

The report concludes: "This application to vary the original permission is considered to be acceptable in terms of highway safety and general amenity, and would not result [in] any significant additional impacts which would adversely affect the residential amenity of nearby residents or the wider community. It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted subject to ... conditions."

Images: Panattoni

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News: AESSEAL plc donates £25,000 to The Standing Tall Foundation

Rotherham manufacturing firm, AESSEAL, has become a partner at The Standing Tall Foundation, making a £25,000 donation in the process.

Founded in 2020, the charity offers vital support for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our society. They are an inclusive organisation using the example of William Andrew Reid MBE to overcome adversity and challenges in today’s society. They believe no one is immune to struggle and strive to aid anyone in need of help.

Darren Jones, a former Royal Engineer, and AESSEAL employee, said: "As ambassadors of the Armed Forces Covenant, and as part of our enduring support to the veteran community, AESSEAL is absolutely delighted to be able to support the Standing Tall Foundation. As an organisation that actively employs veterans, AESSEAL recognises the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to our business and our community, and we are privileged to support the charitable aims of William Andrew Reid MBE."

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Chris Rea, managing director of AESSEAL, added: “AESSEAL design, produce and install environmental solutions globally. The business pursues excellence and is focused on reliability, which is ultimately the avoidance of waste. Following an informal audit by former RSM Darren Jones, we are delighted to support the Standing Tall Foundation as we believe that the vast majority of our donation will go to those most in need of support.”

Rea was moved to make the substantial donation after hearing Andy speak at recent awards ceremony in Manchester.

Andy Reid MBE, chairman of the Standing Tall Foundation, said: “This is unbelievable support from Aesseal, I cant thank them enough. This money means we can help more people in need. It is also further testament for my Foundation of the impact we are having, when a company the stature of Aesseal are prepared to back us with such a large amount of money.”

John F Tabern CEO of the Standing Tall Foundation, added: “Donations such as this are a huge lift to organisations such as ours. It enables us to plan how we move forward into the future with the confidence to help more people.”

AESSEAL website
Standing Tall Foundation website

Images: AESSEAL / Standing Tall Foundation

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News: What is joining KFC at new Rotherham development?

Work is underway on a new fast food development in a Rotherham village with updated plans showing what is set to open there.

Rothbiz revealed back in 2018 that QFM Group, the Sheffield-based developer and operator of a number of fast food franchises, was progressing plans for two new outlets in Wickersley, Rotherham.

QFM Group is one of the largest franchise companies in the UK and was founded in 1982 when it opened its first restaurant in Sheffield. It now has a chain of quick service restaurants and is continuing to grow with a current expansion programme. QFM operates world renowned brands such as KFC, Costa Coffee and Taco Bell.

Already operating from sites in Manvers, Canklow, Parkgate, Eastwood and the town centre in Rotherham, the company targeted the suburb of Wickersley, securing planning permission for new premises close to The Tanyard shopping centre.

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Formerly used by Tirobaggi, an online supplier of quality handbags and accessories, and Edward Healy & Sons, a provider of shoe repair materials, approved plans for the Bawtry Road property, drawn up by SSA Planning, show how the ground floor could be subdivided into a shop and a café.

New plans now show how the new 4,000 sq ft development could be subdivided into three units.

Plans for signage, drawn up by Pye Designs, show that KFC is set to front Bawtry Road with new external seating. Along Fairways, Dunkin Donuts and a Chopstix noodle bar are proposed to take the new units.

QFM operates a Dunkin franchise at Eastwood which opened last year.

Established in 2004, Chopstix is a noodle bar take away restaurant with over 80 sites across the UK and the Republic of Ireland providing its affordable, fresh and tasty Asian cuisine in food courts, motorway services and high street locations. A Chopstix Noodle Bar can be found at Woodall Services. With financial backing from Metro Bank, owners are planning an ambitious expansion that would more than quadruple the size of its UK business and launch overseas.

QFM Group

Images: QFM / PYE Designs

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News: Reaction from Rotherham to HS2 changes

The government announcement that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg will no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham has been called “victory for common sense at last” by the leader of Rotherham Council.

A change in route in 2016 from having a HS2 station in Sheffield at Meadowhall, included a spur to Sheffield whilst the fast route to Leeds went through the East of Rotherham, affecting Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

Looking again at the plans, the Government has outlined in its Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands that, instead of a new HS2 line in the region, the completion of the electrification of the Midland Main Line (due in the early 2030s) would allow high speed journeys from London to Chesterfield and Sheffield in the same times to those originally proposed by HS2.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "“There is strong opposition to HS2 from communities across Rotherham because of the damage it threatened to do to local communities while offering next-to-no benefit for our residents or economy. I always said this was a fight we could win, and so it has turned out to be. It is a victory for common sense at last and local campaign groups should take huge credit for their steadfast opposition – it is them I am most happy for today, and the government must give them cast iron guarantees that their nightmare is over.

“The reality is that this was a mess of this government’s own making, which has hung over our communities for far too long already. The government have finally landed on a solution which hinges on electrifying the Midland Mainline – a scheme they shelved years ago despite lobbying from South Yorkshire. Now they must keep their wider ambition for rail in the North, not just slash and burn. That means supporting us to bring Rotherham rail services back onto the mainline for the first time in a generation, ensuring no local journeys between Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster and Leeds are lost, and creating enough capacity on the network north of Sheffield to ensure Midland station isn’t the end of the line.”

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The plan scaled back ambitions for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) and added that a study of route options to take HS2 to Leeds will be led by Network Rail but no timescales are given. Absent from the plan is a new mainline station for Rotherham, hoped to be part of the NPR network. The government has recently indicated a commitment of £20m through the Towns Fund and City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) programme to support the development of a new mainline Rotherham station at Parkgate.

Andrew Denniff, CEO Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "We need positive and real, committed investment in our rail infrastructure. This includes upgrading to mainline status of our stations in both Barnsley and Rotherham, enhanced and expanded Tram/Train networks across the region to serve the Dearne Valley, the region’s airport at Doncaster, linking into a viable passenger service to Stocksbridge and funding for the major improvements needed to Trans-Pennine connectivity also need to be addressed.

”Instead, we have a government treating the north with total disdain, broken promises being revisited and presented as generous gifts we should be grateful for, totally undermining investor confidence in our towns and regions.”

Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, added: "The money saved from not building the HS2 2b arm can now be channelled into exciting alternatives which will improve connectivity in Rother Valley and across the North.

"Rother Valley does not need a high-speed rail line smashing through our countryside that we cannot access. We need better intra- and inter-regional links so that our young people in Maltby, Dinnington and Swallownest can access the same education, high-skilled jobs and training opportunities that those who live in Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester already have easy access to."

Images: DfT

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News: Transform SY - a new accelerator for South Yorkshire

An exciting new programme that is designed to support tech entrepreneurs to accelerate their business growth has launched in South Yorkshire.

Transform SY will form part of the ambitious TEAM SY project – a joint initiative between Capital Enterprise (a non-profit organisation striving to make the UK the best place to start a business) and Barnsley Council.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through TEAM SY in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and UKSE, TEAM SY will accelerate the development and market-making of a regional tech ecosystem.

The Transform SY programme, which will run throughout 2022 and aims to support 60 businesses, will be delivered by Entrepreneurial Spark, one of the first accelerators established in the United Kingdom back in 2012. This will be Entrepreneurial Spark’s 22nd accelerator, and their first opportunity for entrepreneurs in South Yorkshire. Other programmes have included a UK-wide network of hubs, programmes in Asia and Central America, and most recently the national Space Accelerator in partnership with the UK Space Agency.

Transform SY is open for applications and will recruit a first cohort of 20 entrepreneurs. The aim is to build a cohort of startups that represents South Yorkshire as a whole, with the diversity of skills, ages, ethnicity, and socio-economic background from across the region.

Founders that join the programme will be immersed in an intensive 6-month experience, using techniques honed from 40,000 hours of deep interaction with entrepreneurs globally. The accelerator is free of charge and no equity will be taken, to remove any financial barriers to participation. Participants will improve their ability and performance based on 4 outcomes:

- Mindset – Developing the way they think to create ambitious leaders
- Business – Creating a sustainable growth engine
- Funding – Exploring opportunities within, but also beyond private investment
- Community – Nurturing a network that transcends geography and is formative for future success and collaboration

Transform SY was born from the necessity to improve South Yorkshire’s entrepreneurial landscape, creating a critical mass of credible, visible, and diverse entrepreneurs to serve as leaders and role models in the community. In turn these founders will inspire others to start businesses and create opportunities by drawing funding and talent to the region. The programme aims to offer the opportunity for more people from all walks of life to become entrepreneurs, and to reduce the gaps between startups and funding bodies.

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Transform SY is a result of a collaboration between public and private sectors. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through TEAM SY in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and UKSE. All partners share a vision to deliver inclusive economic growth by driving up the success rate for entrepreneurs and contributing to a cultural shift that will lead to a more sustainable business ecosystem.

Mike Stephens, CEO of Entrepreneurial Spark, said: “South Yorkshire has been my home for many years, so I am delighted to be able to bring Entrepreneurial Spark to the region. Having worked with SMEs here for over ten years I have met some fantastic entrepreneurs, and this is a great opportunity to unearth more of them from communities throughout South Yorkshire. Entrepreneurs have a massive role to play in generating an inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic and mobilising them here has the potential to deliver this across the whole region.”

Darren Balcombe, deputy CEO of Capital Enterprise, added: “We are very excited to see Transform SY be announced. We want to see South Yorkshire's startup founders gain access to a programme that develops entrepreneurial leadership, whilst developing businesses and a lasting community.

TEAM SY is a key project that demonstrates how South Yorkshire is working to further grow its high value digital and tech cluster. As a region we are behind others in our startup rates and TEAM SY is responding to this by introducing fantastic accelerator programmes like Transform SY to create a strong, sustainable, and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem."

Steve Lyon, Regional Executive for UKSE, said: “This is an exciting initiative that will further cement South Yorkshire as the place to be for tech enabled businesses spanning a whole range of sectors.

“The accelerator will provide participants with invaluable access to support and advice from a wealth of experts in their individual fields, helping to fuel sustainable growth and create further job opportunities in the region.

“UKSE is delighted to be involved and very much looking forward to meeting with the applicants in due course.”

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of South Yorkshire, added: “We are delighted to be partners of Transform South Yorkshire. Through our own plan for economic recovery and renewal, my MCA is working towards a stronger, greener, and fairer South Yorkshire. Transform South Yorkshire’s programme of support is an exciting opportunity for local founders to play their part too in our region’s recovery. This specific scheme will not only act as an accelerator for local entrepreneurs but puts inclusivity and sustainability at the heart of a broader programme of our local eco-business system. I am very pleased to see it launched.”

Businesses registered or economically active in South Yorkshire, founded less than three years ago and using technology in some way, are eligible to apply for Transform SY. Preference will be given to founders who are working on their business full-time and are post-proof of concept stage. Applications will be accepted until December 17 and the programme will commence on January 10 2022.

Transform SY website
TEAM SY website

Images: TEAM SY

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News: Integrated Rail Plan published - what it means for Rotherham

Communities in the east of Rotherham will no longer have a high speed rail lane running through them under the Government's latest plans.

But any chance of levelling up the borough through new rail connections has been delayed, with Rotherham and Sheffield missed off plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).

The Government has published its Integrated Rail Plan for the North and Midlands which will transform both east to west and north to south links, building three new high-speed lines, improving rail services to and between the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire and the North West.

The headline news is that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg will no longer reach Leeds and instead the completion of the electrification of the Midland Main Line (due in the early 2030s) would allow high speed journeys from London to Chesterfield and Sheffield in the same times to those originally proposed by HS2.

A change in route in 2016 from having a HS2 station in Sheffield at Meadowhall, included a spur to Sheffield whilst the fast route to Leeds went through the East of Rotherham, affecting Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

The Government has looked again at this leg. The plan stating: "in the light of cost increases, concerns about intermediate markets, development of plans for other schemes and analysis indicating a longer delivery timeframe since the route was confirmed in summer 2017, the Government has considered whether similar or better benefits could be obtained in a more affordable way, earlier and allow for an iterative approach to delivery."

The plan includes a pledge to look at options on how best to take HS2 services to Leeds. This means that safeguarding of the previously proposed high speed route through Rotherham will remain in place pending conclusion of this work - further uncertainty for property owners.

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On NPR, a rapid, reliable and resilient rail network between the North's six biggest cities and other economic centres, the latest plan does not include any new lines or upgrades between Sheffield and Leeds with improvements on the Hope Valley line to Manchester already planned.

The "core" network also doesn't include a new mainline station in Rotherham or a Dearne Valley parkway station.

The plans state: "In the light of the Government’s plans for HS2 East set out above, proposals for improvements between Sheffield and Leeds, and York and Leeds, will need revisiting, as work to date has assumed the HS2 line to Leeds is constructed (and used for both Sheffield-Leeds and LeedsYork services). NPR will be optimised as a result of our improved plans."

Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (now South yorkshire MCA) documents showed that a new NPR station on the main line at Rotherham to support the economic regeneration of the town was in proposals from sub-national transport body, Transport for the North (TfN).

With a "northern spur" from Sheffield, a new mainline station for Rotherham and a Barnsley Dearne Valley parkway station would have been progressed through NPR and not HS2. A location for the Rotherham station had been expected to be in Parkgate and the Government even granted the borough some £10m from its Town Deal to progress work on a new mainline station.

Moving ahead with some of TfN's proposals, the plan states: "Sheffield and Leeds are the two largest cities in Yorkshire, and the core of their respective regions. However, despite being 39 miles apart by rail, connectivity is poor, with the fastest journey time currently being 40 minutes, which is only achieved once per hour for most of the day. Connections will be further considered within the work on how best to take HS2 services to Leeds."

Looking ahead, the plan states that the core NPR work "would be capable of future possible options to improve services to Sheffield, Rotherham, Hull, Newcastle, Bradford depending on decisions beyond the IRP core pipeline."

Work on the study of route options to take HS2 to Leeds will be led by Network Rail but no timescales are given.

Images: DFT

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News: New 65,000 sq ft facility for Magtec confirmed

A deal has been confirmed for Magtec's state-of-the-art factory for the design, manufacture and integration of its world-leading drive systems for electric and hybrid vehicles in Rotherham.

Acquisition, lettings and asset management specialists Commercial Property Partners (CPP) has let the final two units at the popular Magna 34 Business Park at Templeborough.

Terms have been agreed on Units 2 and 3, totalling 64,706 sq. ft, with the same occupier, Magnetic Technology Systems Ltd (trading as Magtec). The deal on the 10-year lease was agreed by CPP on behalf of their client Mileway, Europe's leader in last mile real estate.

Magna 34 enjoys excellent connectivity situated at Templeborough, near Rotherham, less than one mile from Junction 34 of the M1. It comprises of mixed units totalling in excess of 120,000 sq. ft and is already home to Parcelforce, UK Mail and Element Sheffield Ltd.

Rothbiz reported in July that Magtec had announced a privately-funded expansion representing a multi-million pound commitment which is creating 30 highly skilled new jobs for engineers to work on projects at the cutting edge of transportation.

The expanding company currently employs 125 staff and vacated two older premises in Sheffield and Rotherham to consolidate and expand into Magna 34.

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Andrew Gilligan, managing director at Magtec, said: “We are delighted to be opening our new factory and proud to be investing in the future of high-tech design and manufacturing in the UK.

“Fears over a climate emergency are driving change across the global transport industry and Magtec is absolutely at the forefront of the technology needed to make it happen. Our new factory gives us the space to grow, increase production volumes and fulfil our potential in this exciting sector.”

Max Pickering, Surveyor at CPP, added: “Magna 34 is an established business park with a very sought-after location, close to both Sheffield and Rotherham, with easy access to the M1.

“There is still significant demand for businesses seeking well-located space across Yorkshire as Magtec has demonstrated as they now consolidate their growing business to this site."

Utilising two buildings, Magtec One houses the Centre of Excellence for engineering and a cellular manufacturing facility for motors and gearboxes, test rigs for production and development work and a machine shop with the latest equipment.

Magtec Two houses the battery build section, raft build production lines for electric vehicle and hybrid drive systems for road and rail applications, a controller build section, an environmental test chamber and vehicle integration section. It will also serve the company’s growing business re-powering buses for transport groups.

Last year, Magtec was awarded £3m via the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) for a project which aims to utilise the latest automation technologies and establish the company as a tier one supplier to the global transport industry.

Magtec website
CPP website

Images: CPP

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News: Hannah digs deep to launch eco-friendly floristry business

A Rotherham-based entrepreneur is hoping to bring a new meaning to the phrase “say it with flowers” after sowing the seeds of a new eco-friendly floristry business.

Hannah Jackson launched her fledgling business The Garden of Evie earlier this year. Unlike many florists, which typically rely upon importing flowers from overseas, all of Hannah’s displays are created using locally sourced flowers, some of which she even grows herself!

The launch of Hannah’s business earlier this year is the culmination of three years of hard work after deciding to leave her former role as a NHS administrator back in 2017. Drawing upon her lifelong love of flower arranging & gardening for inspiration, Hannah embarked upon a floristry course, balancing her studies with a part-time job before successfully securing a role working as a professional florist.

Despite enjoying the creative challenges of her new role, Hannah became increasingly concerned about the environmental effect of her work. Worried about the impact of the thousands of miles flowers travelled on a daily basis, as well as the high volumes of plastics, toxic chemicals and non-recyclable materials commonly used in the industry, Hannah began exploring more sustainable ways of working.

Keen to embed sustainability into her business, Hannah began developing her own cutting patch, she began delivering bouquets to friends and family to brighten up their homes during the Covid-19 pandemic and after successfully securing her first orders earlier this year Hannah turned to the Sheffield City Region Launchpad programme for help.

Working with experienced business adviser Julia Millea, Hannah began developing her future business plans, as well as taking part in a range of business courses helping her to develop the skills she needed to grow her sustainable floristry business, drawing upon the symbolism and meanings behind different flower varieties, to create stunning floral displays.

Since launching her business Hannah has developed a particular interest in farewell flowers, replacing traditional coffin sprays with living displays using a range of plants, bulbs and personal possessions, as well as advising and guiding the families of the bereaved with her knowledge of seasonal flowers and foliage, resulting in a highly personalised tribute giving those left behind a lasting memory of their loved one, helping them cope with the grieving process.

Despite being no stranger to entrepreneurship, Hannah previously balanced her NHS career alongside running an award-winning home interior business, she believes the support she has received from Launchpad has helped her business ideas to take root, enabling her to not only pursue a career in an industry which she loves, but also helping to play her part in protecting the environment.

As part of her commitment to working more sustainably, Hannah also donates some of her profits to support the Tree Sisters charity, which helps contribute to reforestation efforts in Africa, South America and Asia. To date Hannah’s contributions to the charity have enabled over 600 trees to be replanted.

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Hannah Jackson, Owner of The Garden of Evie, said: “I have always wanted to run a sustainable business that provided an outlet for my creative skills. Throughout much of my adult life I’ve enjoyed flower arranging and gardening. When I changed careers to train as a florist it felt like a dream come true. However, the dream quickly turned into a nightmare when I discovered the enormous environmental impact of the industry. I turned to nature for inspiration, however, I was concerned that trying to earn a living from a hobby I’ve enjoyed for much of my life may not be practical, and so I turned to Launchpad for advice.

“I know from past experience that being self-employed is something which required an enormous amount of drive and dedication and I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to succeed. Julia and the Launchpad team gave me the confidence to believe in myself and find my own voice. For example, I was really nervous about using social media in my business but after putting the training into practice and creating a few posts about my work on social media, I was amazed by the positive reactions I received. But perhaps the best part of working with Launchpad has been the ongoing support and knowing that whatever challenges I’m facing, help is just a phone call away.

Julia Millea, Business Advisor at Launchpad, added: “Hannah was keen to build a business that helped her to embrace creativity, whilst also making a positive contribution to the environment. However, she also knew that success wouldn’t happen overnight, and as she began planting the seeds for her garden, she carefully began laying the foundations for her business and reached out to Launchpad for help.

“Launchpad was created to help new business owners understand what it takes to build and grow a successful business. It’s great to see how Hannah has put the lessons she’s learned through the programme into practice. Today, Hannah is not only producing a range of beautiful seasonal flowers all year round, she is also using her skills and expertise to inspire others to try their hand at flower arranging. The key to any business is being able to generate different sources of income, and with her gardening expertise, her floristry skills and genuine passion, Hannah’s business is already starting to see the green shoots of growth.”

Launchpad is the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub’s key business support programme for new businesses. Financially supported by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by local authorities within the Sheffield City Region and the Prince’s Trust, the programme provides free help and support to budding entrepreneurs in the Sheffield City Region who are thinking of starting their own business or looking for help to achieve business growth.

The Garden of Evie website
SCR Launchpad website

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse secures a further £542,500 for more repairs

Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is among 142 historic sites across England set to receive grants totalling £35m through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

Funding of £542,500 will pay for vital roof repairs to the South Pavillion on the Grade I listed mansion’s famed Palladian East Front.

The grant has been awarded by Historic England from the second round of the Heritage Stimulus Fund, which is part of the Culture Recovery Fund.

Wentworth Woodhouse is being regenerated by a Preservation Trust and over the last four years, huge strides have been made to repair roofs over rooms and buildings being destroyed by rain damage.

The mansion’s 606 feet Palladian East front has pavilions at each end. The 1st Marquess of Rockingham’s flourishing touches to his ever-expanding Georgian stately home, the North and South Pavillions are almost identical bookends.

Both were found to be in dire need of major roof repairs. Rain had penetrated for decades and the buildings were deteriorating.

Earlier this year, specialist conservators carried out essential repairs to the North Pavilion, along with roof repairs to the North and South Quadrant and Long Gallery West. The project took six months and was funded by a grant of £811,000 from the first round of the Heritage Stimulus Fund, administered by Historic England.

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“We are so grateful to hear that we have been awarded a further sum in the second wave of grants,” said WWPT’s CEO Sarah McLeod.

“The first grant we received from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund threw us a much-needed lifeline in the pandemic. We were able to finish repairs to the most vulnerable areas of the Mansion’s roof and carry out vital repairs to the North Pavilion, keeping heritage craftsmen in work.

“Finding out that we can now keep the South Pavilion safe is very welcome news.”

The £542,500 will be spent on repairing the roof, its guttering and stonework so the building can be made water-tight.

Its weather vane will be restored and regilded to match the lustre of the newly-refurbished vane on the North Pavilion.

The contract for the work is currently out to tender with heritage construction specialists. Scaffolding will be erected before Christmas and most of the work to be completed by March with the project finished in its entirety by June.

WWPT’s research team have uncovered inventories from the 1700s which list both pavilions as storage areas.

In the early 1800s part of the South Pavilion was known as Lord Milton’s study. He became the 5th Earl in 1833 and his interest in architecture led to the creation of the mansion’s main staircase. During the Lady Mabel College years pupils could book what was known as the Adam Room in the South Pavilion if they were expecting visitors.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive, said: “Funding from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund is hugely welcome at a time when the people and organisations who look after our vast and varied array of heritage urgently need support to carry out essential repairs. Heritage is a fragile eco-system, with an amazing cast of characters who keep our historic places alive, with specialist skills that take time to learn and experience to perfect. These grants will protect their livelihoods, as they use their expertise to help our heritage survive."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Plans in for £13m Rotherham link road

A planning application has been submitted for a long-awaited transport scheme that aims to improve the area around Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has submited plans for the works following a period of consutation.

Plans show that the proposed new 800 metre Parkgate Link Road between Aldwarke Lane and both Stonerow Way and Stadium Way will provide a second access route to Parkgate Shopping, via a roundabout between the two railway bridges. It is designed to relieve existing congestion on the A633 around Parkgate Shopping and improve traffic flow and bus journey times on the corridor and wider road network.

£11.52m is required from the Sheffield City Region (now the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) Transforming Cities Fund towards project costs of £12.86m.

The proposed new link road will also provide a safer and more attractive environment for walking and cycling via a shared footway / cycleway.

The new road provides the opportunity to access a proposed new 300 space Park & Ride facility for the tram-train to be located on brownfield land close to the existing Matalan store. 42 spaces are electric vehicle bays.

The privately-owned brownfield site was allocated for mixed use development in the borough's local plan and the road could open the remainder of the site for regeneration. It has not yet been finalised if the site is in line for a proposed new mainline station for Rotherham.

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The plans, drawn up by consultatns at ELG Planning, states: "The location of the proposed park and ride facility is well-related to the recently completed Rotherham Parkgate tram-train station and will enable commuters and visitors to the area to leave their vehicles and access Rotherham, Sheffield and other local destinations via public transport. The proposals will therefore encourage increased uptake in the use of public transport, which in turn will help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution and improve mobility around nearby town and city centres in line with well-established sustainability objectives.

"The proposed park and ride facility is therefore an entirely acceptable form of development in this location in principle and is a use specifically identified as part of the mixed use development of the wider site.

"The site is allocated for a mix of uses, including employment floorspace, non-residential institutions and assembly and leisure and the proposed development will therefore secure the provision of the necessary road infrastructure to support the delivery of the redevelopment of the wider site, which will deliver a number of social, economic and environmental benefits for the local area."

A detailed transport assessment has been carried out and the plans conclude: "It has been identified that there is traffic congestion along the route of the A633, particularly between Stadium Way roundabout and Great Eastern Way roundabout, owing in part to the popularity of the Parkgate Shopping Park.

"Previous studies commissioned by SYPTE have identified that the application site could provide a potential link road to alleviate traffic loadings on the A633 and the submitted Transport Assessment confirms that the proposed link road will result in the redistribution of a portion of the existing arrivals and departures from the Parkgate Shopping Park. This redistribution will result in shorter and more time efficient journeys to and from the site and will deliver higher level benefits to congestion and air quality."

SYPTE website

Images: SYPTE

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News: Inspirational North Star event lands in Rotherham

Some of the UK’s leading experts from across the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) sectors will be heading to Rotherham next week in a bid to excite and inspire young people at this year’s North Star Science School.

Taking place on 24th November at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort, North Star Science School promotes innovation and opportunity in the South Yorkshire region to inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEAM subjects.

Led and organised by The Work-wise Foundation, a non-profit, employer-led charity which aims to develop young people for employment in STEAM subjects within South Yorkshire, North Star is free to attend and open to Year 8 and 9 pupils from schools across the region.

During the event, students will be given the opportunity to take part in inspirational talks and workshops including a virtual keynote presentation and Q&A session with Professor Brian Cox CBE. In addition, pupils will also get to hear from event host Ruth Amos, Inventor of the Stair Steady and co-founder of the #girlswithdrills movement and YouTube channel "Kids Invent Stuff."

Other guest speakers also taking part include, Lord Andrew Mawson, Social Entrepreneur and Executive Chair of Well North Enterprises, Dr Simon Goodwill, Head of the Sports Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, Leah Morgan a project engineer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and founder of the UKAEA Women’s Network and Michael Every, Officer in the British Army.

Joining the impressive line-up is also Jack Tuft, Founder & President of GU Rocketry, a student-lead project, focused on launching Scotland's first student-lead, high-powered rocket, Ayesha Begum and Danielle Michalska-Morris from Barratt Developments Plc and Rebecca Wright, Engineering Technician at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Sheffield.

Each speaker will deliver an inspiring talk to pupils focusing on STEAM subjects and the events three key themes - Health & Wellbeing, Sustainability & Environment and Innovation in Existing Materials.

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John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation Said: “We are extremely excited to announce an impressive line-up of speakers and workshops now confirmed for the North Star Science School. During this day-long spectacular students will have the opportunity to really explore the STEAM sectors in detail. They can also find out about the fantastic career opportunities available to them by meeting with local and national businesspeople and some of the UK’s top scientists, engineers and artists. It is set to be a fantastic day that we are sure will inspire the young people attending.”

Throughout the Science School students will also have the chance to take part in a series of fun and interactive workshops and activities led by a number of local and national organisations working within the STEAM sectors, including a schools competition created in partnership with Amazelab. Organisations taking part in the event include:

AMRC Training Centre
Barratt Developments Plc
Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP)
Forged Solutions Group co-creating with Maltby Academy
Gulliver’s Valley
Ibstock Plc co-creating with Wales High School
Kids Invent Stuff
NHS
Royal Navy
Sheffield Engineering Leadership Academy
UKAEA co-creating with Sheffield Park Academy
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Professor Brian Cox CBE said: “My thanks to The Work-wise Foundation, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the many generous partners for making our second North Star Science School possible during another challenging year for everyone. It means that important links for the many young people living here will continue to be made between schools, universities, apprentice schemes, businesses and extraordinary local resources such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. There are many exciting opportunities, and this area has a key role to play in our aim of making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering".

North Star is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson with the aim of making Britain the best place in the world to do science and engineering, and is presented in partnership with Well North Enterprises, a social business led by Lord Mawson.

Lord Andrew Mawson comments: "North Star Science School helps local young people to develop their knowledge and skillsets through the power of STEAM subjects and learning by doing. These are our scientists and engineers of tomorrow and we are grateful to all those companies and organisations who have the vision to support them through North Star, now and in the future”.

This year’s free to attend event has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of local and national businesses and organisations. This includes, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), Ibstock Plc, Forged Solutions Group, Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort, AMRC & AMRC Training Centre, Barratt Developments Plc, Harworth Group, Hydra Creative, Sheffield City Council & Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

John Barber adds: “North Star wouldn’t be able to happen without the valued support of the businesses and organisations that have generously sponsored us or pledged to take the time out from their busy schedules to attend the showcase. We are extremely grateful to each and every one of them and to the volunteers that have stepped up to help us organise the event. We are also very thankful to The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 for providing invaluable support to the initial project development and delivery of North Star.”

As a thank you for their support during North Star Science School, sponsors, speakers, local businesses and VIP guests will be invited to a special celebration sponsored by the AMRC and hosted virtually by Professor Brian Cox at the Factory 2050 in Sheffield. Part of the University of Sheffield’s new Advanced Manufacturing Campus, Factory 2050 is home to the AMRC’s Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG).

North Star Science School website

Images: North Star

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News: £200k Covid-19 Bounce Back Loan fraud uncovered in Rotherham

A Rotherham-based director who fraudulently obtained £150,000 Covid-19 financial assistance has been banned from running a business along with a friend who also took £50,000.

Muneef Ihsan, 26 from Rotherham, was director of three companies between 2019 and 2020. All three, Porthart Ltd, Bargain Basement 90 Ltd and Bargains Basement 90 Ltd, were registered at the same residential address in Rotherham, and were each placed into voluntary liquidation by Muneef Ihsan in September 2020.

The liquidations triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service, which found that Muneef Ihsan opened a bank account for each company in June 2020, after the pandemic began, for the sole purpose of fraudulently obtaining three £50,000 Covid-19 Bounce Back Loans.

As there was no evidence that any of the companies had ever traded, none of them were eligible for the loans, which the government made available for genuine firms that were struggling keep going during lockdown.

Upon receiving the funds, Ihsan made cash withdrawals from each of the companies’ bank accounts totalling £24,342. He then set about transferring the remainder of the Bounce Bank Loan funds to companies controlled by Mahir Towid Ul Haque, who he described as ‘a close friend’, as well as other third parties.

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Mahir Towid Ul Haque (21), also from Rotherham, was appointed director of Hiitness Ltd in May 2020, which Ul Haque claimed was an online sports good retailer.

The company was placed into voluntary liquidation by Ul Haque in November 2020, which again resulted in an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

Investigators uncovered that similar to Muneef Ihsan, Ul Haque opened a bank account for the company in June 2020 and took out a £50,000 Covid-19 Bounce Back Loan.

Further enquiries established that Ul Haque used the loan funds by purchasing a Rolex watch, transferred £16,050 to his personal account, withdrew £8,410 in cash from the company bank account and transferred £12,500 to other third parties.

There was no evidence that the Bounce Back Loan had been used for the benefit of Hiitness Ltd or that it had ever traded during Ul Haque’s time as a director of the business.

The Secretary of State accepted disqualification undertakings from both directors, with Muneef Ihsan banned for 13 years, and Mahir Towid Ul Haque banned for six years.

The pair cannot, directly or indirectly, be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company without the permission of the court.

Robert Clarke, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: "Abuse of Covid-19 support schemes, which have provided essential financial assistance to millions by helping businesses trade during the pandemic and protecting jobs, cannot be tolerated.

"The Insolvency Service has sent out a clear message that where a company is being used to facilitate fraudulent activity, action will be taken to remove the directors from the corporate arena for a lengthy period of time."

Images: Insolvency Service

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News: Plans revealed for new Rotherham business centre

A new multimillion pound business centre is being planned for Rotherham.

A second phase for Century Business Centre aims to provide purpose built facilities to support micro and startup businesses.

The original centre, opened in 2000 and owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that Rotherham Council had secured a grant of £1.6m for the project via the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (now the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority).

New detailed plans show that the authority is set to build 27,500 sq ft of employment space on brownfield land at Dearne Lane. "Manvers Incubation Hub" is set to include 20 workshops, 16 office units and two laboratories.

The new facility is set to offer high quality office accommodation and workshop spaces to help businesses grow, whilst being managed by a singular support team.

In its outline plans, Rotherham Council outlined that it could help create 150 jobs.

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The application is from the Esh Group, who are assumed to be the lead contractors on the project.

Plans, drawn up by Barton Wilmore, describe: "a part three storey / part single storey office and workshop facility," adding: "The proposed layout comprises an office building which includes an open plan format which can be subdivided into smaller spaces subject to individual tenant’s requirements. The ground floor includes a high quality and spacious reception area, meeting spaces and flexible conference / meeting rooms. The first and second floor levels include identical layouts which can be accessed via the primary stair core."

Details around landscaping and a 60 parking space car park are also included.

The plan is to also use the Get Britain Building Fund (GBBF) and "gainshare" funding via the SYMCA but this may be problematic.

A recent update to Rotherham Council explained: "A project assessment of costs and project viability, building specification and funding options was undertaken, with a revised delivery plan agreed. However, due to the delays in the early part of the year whilst the deliverability of the scheme was reviewed and challenges around planning approval, the project is unlikely to complete by March 2022. This may impact the funding, which Government have indicated must be spent by March 2022 (GBBF funding for this project is £2m).

"The Council are also in the progress of gaining agreement from SYMCA for approval of Gainshare funding of £1m to support this new delivery model. The gainshare will support the increased costs of the re-designed scheme, covering costs to complete the scheme in the early part of 2022/23."

RiDO website

Images: Harris Partnership

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News: Work begins on 170 new homes at Swinden Technology Centre site in Rotherham

Construction has started on the transformational development of 170 new homes at the former Swinden Technology Centre in Rotherham.

Housing developer, Keepmoat Homes is delivering the regeneration scheme in partnership with Rotherham Council. The plans include the conversion of Lodge House, Swinden House, Sitwell House, and the former Stable Building into high quality apartments. Two – four-bedroom houses will also be delivered onto the site, and a proportion of the homes will be available for affordable housing with Auxesia Homes. The top ten national homebuilder has also confirmed the development will preserve any mature trees at the site.

As part of their commitment to the local community, Keepmoat Homes has pledged to support local people and help generate opportunities in training and employment through the use of sub-contractors, work placements and educational visits to the site, which will be delivered throughout the lifetime of the project.

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Daniel Crew, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We are very excited to have started work on our Moorgate Boulevard development in Rotherham, in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Auxesia Homes. We have a strong track record of delivering new houses across the country, particularly on brownfield land such as this and strive to ensure the heritage at the site is preserved.

“This development means more to us than just delivering quality homes to the area. Being our first site in Rotherham for over a decade, we’re driven to make a big impact to the local community and deliver real value to real people, whether that’s through training and career opportunities or supporting local community groups. We are confident that the development will benefit not only the area, but the lives of those who choose to live there.”

Keepmoat Homes completed the purchase of the site from Tata Steel in October 2021 for an undisclosed sum. Harris Lamb acted as agents on their behalf.

Work at the development is expected to take four years to complete, with the first homes becoming available to purchase late Summer 2022.

Auxesia Homes has exchanged contracts to acquire the eight affordable homes, comprising three shared ownership properties and five affordable rental units.

Keepmoat Homes website
Auxesia Homes website

Images: Keepmoat

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News: Rolls-Royce secures funding for SMR development, Nuclear AMRC ready to make it a reality

The Nuclear AMRC will work with Rolls-Royce on the next phase of its small modular reactor (SMR) development programme, and help prepare critical components for commercial production in the UK.

With state of the art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) is a joint initiative with industry and part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult that is designed to help build and enhance the UK's civil nuclear new build industry.

This week Rolls-Royce Group, BNF Resources UK Limited and Exelon Generation Limited announced that it would invest £195m across a period of around three years in the SMR project. The funding will enable the business to secure Government grant funding of £210m from UK Research and Innovation funding.

The Nuclear AMRC in Rotherham hosted business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the Rolls-Royce SMR team and investors for the launch of the next phase of development.

SMRs promise to be much more affordable in the UK than the large scale reactors planned for projects like Hinkley Point C.

The business, which will continue to seek further investment, will now proceed rapidly with a range of parallel delivery activities, including entry to the UK Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process and identifying sites for the factories which will manufacture the modules that enable on-site assembly of the power plants.

The University of Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC will work with Rolls-Royce SMR to develop the manufacturing capability for a variety of advanced processes, using the state-of-the-art machining, joining and testing facilities of the Nuclear AMRC’s research factory in Rotherham. The centre will also support the design of a new UK factory for large SMR components.

Following this process development, the Nuclear AMRC will continue to work with Rolls-Royce to create a fully integrated pre-production proving facility for SMR manufacturing. The proving facility will be used to manufacture large-scale prototypes of the reactor pressure vessel and its closure head.

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Andrew Storer, CEO of the Nuclear AMRC, says: “The Rolls-Royce SMR can play a huge part in the UK’s journey to net zero emissions. Because it’s designed in the UK and will be manufactured here, it can also help drive the economic revival of our industrial heartlands. As a small factory-built reactor, it’s a much better fit for the current capabilities of the UK nuclear supply chain, which will help us maximise the economic benefits of the energy transition.

“Our task now is to apply the advanced manufacturing technologies that we’ve been developing at the Nuclear AMRC over the past decade, and ensure that as much of the SMR as possible can be made in UK factories, as cost-effectively as possible while meeting all the quality and safety standards expected by nuclear customers and regulators. We’re delighted to play a part in this genuinely world-leading technology development project.”

Nine-tenths of an individual Rolls-Royce SMR power plant will be built or assembled in factory conditions and around 80% could be delivered by a UK supply chain – a unique offering in energy infrastructure in the UK. Much of the venture’s investment is expected to be focused in the North of the UK, where there is significant existing nuclear expertise.

Rolls-Royce acquired land on the AMP in Rotherham for manufacturing facilities. The £110m Advanced Blade Casting Facility is operational but approved plans for a manufacturing facility for large scale nuclear components stalled as the interest in new large scale nuclear power stations cooled.

The entire SMR plant is being designed as a number of modular sub-assemblies which will be manufactured in factories then transported to site for rapid assembly inside a weatherproof canopy. That will cut costs and project risks by avoiding weather disruption, and also secure efficiency savings by using streamlined and standardised manufacturing processes for all its components.

Warren East, Rolls-Royce CEO adds, “the SMR programme is one of the ways that Rolls-Royce is meeting the need to ensure the UK continues to develop innovative ways to tackle the global threat of climate change. With the Rolls-Royce SMR technology, we have developed a clean energy solution which can deliver cost competitive and scalable net zero power for multiple applications from grid and industrial electricity production to hydrogen and synthetic fuel manufacturing. The business could create up to 40,000 jobs, through UK deployment and export enabled growth. As a major shareholder in Rolls-Royce SMR, we will continue to support its path to successful deployment.”

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the UK to deploy more low carbon energy than ever before and ensure greater energy independence. Small Modular Reactors offer exciting opportunities to cut costs and build more quickly, ensuring we can bring clean electricity to people’s homes and cut our already-dwindling use of volatile fossil fuels even further. In working with Rolls-Royce, we are proud to back the largest engineering collaboration the UK has ever seen - uniting some of the most respected and innovating organisations on the planet. Not only can we maximise British content, create new intellectual property and reinvigorate supply chains, but also position our country as a global leader in innovative nuclear technologies we can potentially export elsewhere. By harnessing British engineering and ingenuity, we can double down on our plan to deploy more home-grown, affordable clean energy in this country.”

Rolls-Royce website
Nuclear AMRC website

Images: Rolls-Royce / Nuclear AMRC

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News: Rotherham broadband firm crashed with £38m in debts

Investors in a failed Rotherham-based broadband firm were hoping to make a return with a five-year expansion strategy, instead it called in administrators after Origin Broadband burnt through half a million pounds a month.

Rothbiz reported last month that Origin Broadband had become part of TalkTalk following a sale out of administration.

Launching in 2011, Origin developed its own infrastructure and hosted the sixth largest broadband network in the UK. Supplying phone and internet services to businesses and homes across the UK (with around 80,000 customers), it switched between premises in Rotherham town centre and in Manvers.

Gareth Harris and Jamie Miller of RSM Restructuring Advisory were appointed as joint administrators on September 24 2021.

The administrators have recently published an update on their proposals which details how the company struggled with issues with "customer churn, low average revenue per user and bad debts leading to a contraction in customer base."

London-based Faro Capital, a private equity investment company, acquired Origin in 2018 and invested around £25m to date since its original investment, which inlcuded around £4m of legacy liabilities through placing the company through a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).

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Faro's investment was to used to boost the customer base from 20,000 to 80,000 and fund ongoing losses.

The administrator's report states that management had identified that the company should be at a break even point with a customer base of 85,000 but administrators highlighted that this was unrealistic when putting together information to go out to potential investors.

The report adds that Faro was hoping for investment via debt funds and were optomistic of the five-year expansion strategy based on growing the customer base at material cost to generate a significant return. However administrators said that "they were becoming increasingly concerned about the company's finacial performance (in particular the level of cash consumption)."

Indeed, during the period May to July 2021, the company consumed cash of £500,000 per month from a customer base of 80,000, indicating that the company was much further away from the break even point. Administrators said that this was due to "dissapointing customer retention" which led to spending on replacement customers. Faro then concluded that it could not continue funding the current business and a sale was pursued.

22 bidders looked at buying Origin and eventually three parties competed to secure the assets. A deal was struck for Origin's customers, and around 100 staff, to move over to TalkTalk, the UK's leading value for money consumer and B2B telecoms provider, which is based in Salford.

Faro was the company's secured creditor and were owed some £27m. The sale was agreed for £17.8m and meant that Faro can expect £17.6m as a result.

Vodafone was Origin's biggest unsecured creditor and has been left out of pocket for around £8m.

Images: Origin

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