News: Rotherham asylum seeker hotel for sale on Rightmove

A hotel in Rotherham that was used to accommodate asylum seekers has been put up for sale for £4m.

The Home Office has used hotels as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers as a short-term measure as the number of people entering the UK illegally or claiming asylum hit record levels. The previous government had plans to move people to parts of the UK’s asylum estate, including the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the former Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford had stated that the use of the Ibis at Bramley for asylum seekers was to end.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, is now advertising the Ibis as being for sale.

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The listing states: "This purpose-built hotel has 86 en-suite bedrooms spread over four floors. On the ground floor there is an open plan multi-functional space, which includes the reception area and a combined dining area for breakfast and dinner with a bar, featuring a pool table and a large screen TV (capacity approximately 50). There are also four well-equipped meeting rooms with a capacity of six up to 20 guests."

With a guide price of £4m, the particulars explain that the hotel is currently let to Accor UK Economy Hotels Limited for a term of 25 years from August 2000 with less than a year remaining. The current passing rent is £364,370 per annum.

Across the borough, the Home Office has confirmed this week that it will be terminating its asylum accommodation contract for the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers and will not be using the hotel for this purpose going forward.

Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey has previously raised the issue over the use of the hotel which he said was "utterly unsuited as accomodation for 130 asylum seekers."

Writing to Mr Healey this week, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, Minister for Border Security & Asylum, said: "We have carefully considered the representations and views from a range of stakeholders, and I am pleased to inform you that the Home Office will be terminating the contract with the Holiday Inn Express, Rotherham, and will not therefore be re-occupying the hotel."

Images: Chrstie & Co

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News: New tenants celebrate with community day

New neighbours at a Rotherham retail park are celebrating opening with a special community day.

Rothbiz reported that B&Q had announced that it will open a brand-new store in Rotherham on Friday December 13. To celebrate the upcoming opening, B&Q colleagues hosted a event at the local charity, Rotherham Hospice, assisting in setting up its new charity shop ahead of the Christmas season.

The store will also be donating a Christmas tree and decorations to the hospice to help transform the space for the festive season.

The day was part of B&Q’s broader Community Days programme, where volunteers from local B&Q stores support the community by improving a local charity space, making a positive difference across the communities B&Q serves.

Rotherham Hospice is a dedicated local charity providing compassionate, holistic care to individuals with terminal illnesses and their families. The Hospice operates several shops that offer a diverse range of products, including antiques, DVDs, books, and designer clothing. Every purchase directly supports the Hospice’s mission, with all proceeds going towards enhancing their care services.

Located at Great Eastern Retail Park, B&Q’s new 22,000 sq. ft store will offer a wide range of home improvement essentials, along with a dedicated TradePoint area tailored to meet the needs of local trade professionals.

In addition to over 10,600 essential home improvement products, the store will offer a dedicated timber cutting service, B&Q’s popular Valspar paint mixing service, and a garden centre offering outdoor plants and gardening equipment. Items in store will be available for Click & Collect, and customers will also have access to an additional 22,500 product lines through B&Q’s next-day Click & Collect service.

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Nicola Pickering, Unit Manager at the new B&Q Rotherham store, said: “We can’t wait to open our doors in Rotherham. My team and I are excited to welcome customers, share our knowledge, and inspire them to turn their DIY dreams into reality.

“Creating a sense of community is at the heart of what we do. It has been a true privilege to partner with our new neighbours, Rotherham Hospice and support the launch of its new charity shop. It’s a charity close to my heart, and the hospice provides vital care for people in the area, as an integral part of the community. We wanted to give back to a service that helps people that need it most.”

Rotherham Hospice's first-ever superstore is also at Great Eastern Retail Park in Parkgate and hosts an official opening tomorrow (November 30). The move follows new openings at Manvers and in Rotherham town centre at College Walk.

Debbie Coulson, Director of Income Generation at Rotherham Hospice, said: “On behalf of everyone at the hospice I would like to say a huge thank you to the team at B&Q for the time and effort dedicated to volunteering with us on your recent community day. The impact you have made through your involvement is truly invaluable, and we are extremely grateful you decided to support us in this way.

“It is only through the collective efforts of organisations like yours that we are able to continue our work and make a difference to the lives of those we care for. Your team's enthusiasm and hard work has had a direct impact, and we couldn't have achieved all we have without your support.

“Thank you once again for making a real difference in our community and ensuring we can continue to care for people affected by a terminal illness this Christmas."

B&Q website
Rotherham Hospice website

Images: B&Q

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News: German auto manufacturer to close Rotherham plant

Global automotive and industrial supplier, Schaeffler, has announced proposals to close its factory in Rotherham due to declining global demand for clutches.

Production will instead shift to Hungary and India.

The board of the Schaeffler Group, a German manufacturer of rolling element bearings for automotive, aerospace and industrial uses, has announced structural measures for Europe aimed at securing a long-term increase in the company’s competitiveness.

For the UK, the measures include plans to discontinue the operation at Waleswood, which is in Rotherham.

The site produces clutch systems with most of the production for passenger cars, although some is for tractors, and most of it is exported. An update from Schaeffler explained that: "declining global demand for clutches is leading to production overcapacity."

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The update reads: "The shift towards automatic transmissions in ICE [internal combustion engine] cars and the powertrain electrification trend have resulted in significantly reduced demand for passenger cars with manual transmissions. This development is also leading to considerable overcapacity in Sheffield [Rotherham]. Schaeffler therefore intends to locate its production of passenger car clutches in Szombathely, Hungary.

"In addition, the company’s production operation for tractor single and dual clutches in Sheffield will in future be sited at its plant in Hosur, India, where demand for these products is increasing. This will reduce production and transportation costs and expand Schaeffler’s production capacity in a growing market."

Subject to consultation, Schaeffler is planning to close the Waleswood plant and transfer employees in the unaffected central functions there to its existing office in Birmingham.

Matthias Zink, Schaeffler’s CEO Powertrain & Chassis, said: “These carefully considered measures will align Schaeffler’s clutch production network with market demand. Discontinuing production in Sheffield and consolidating our clutch production operations will safeguard the competitiveness of our global clutch business and deliver benefits to our customers. Having said that, we are mindful of the consequences of these measures and will now do everything we can to work with our employees in Sheffield to develop fair solutions.”

In 1987, LuK GmbH acquired Laycock Engineering Limited and started planning a purpose built factory in South Yorkshire. It opened on Waleswood Road, close to the M1, in 1989.

The Rotherham plant was saved from closure in 2018 when Schaeffler announced restructure plans for the UK influenced by uncertainties over Brexit. At the time Rotherham was the biggest of Schaeffler's UK locations in terms of revenues and employee numbers and plants in Llanelli and Plymouth were earmarked for closure.

Schaeffler website

Images: Google Maps

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News: New £3m programme launched to support South Yorkshire innovation

The new South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) has been officially launched to help regional organisations to innovate, accelerate, and grow.

SYIP is a collaboration led by Sheffield Hallam University with the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Council, and is backed by £3m via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). It has been co-designed and developed with each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities.

The programme will provide opportunities to access expert consultancy, including academic-led innovation audits and discovery days; professional interventions; student projects and placements; and specialist equipment and facilities provided by the universities and Barnsley Council.

Support will be available to South Yorkshire-based organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. Participating organisations will contribute a percentage of full project costs, based on their size, and also be eligible for funding support.

Several partnerships have developed between Sheffield’s universities, local authorities and SYMCA aimed at driving economic growth and inward investment into South Yorkshire.

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South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “Our ideas powered the industrial revolution. We invented the world’s most popular sport. We’ve created products that are used worldwide, from New York fire hydrants that are made in Rotherham to the McLaren supercar in Sheffield.

“Mclaren, Boeing and Rolls Royce already work alongside brilliant local businesses, in and around our world-class advanced manufacturing district.

“My mission is to build a bigger and better economy but to do that we need to create new industries and jobs for the future.

“Innovation is how we will achieve this vision and we can’t do that by just focusing on one sector or capability. We’ll only do it by working in partnership and that’s why I’m pleased to be investing in the Innovation Programme.

“There is talent and opportunity right across our region and by investing in our people and places we can unlock South Yorkshire’s full potential.”

Professor Conor Moss, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering and of Sheffield Business School, at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “There are more opportunities for businesses and organisations to thrive in South Yorkshire now than there ever have been before. The key is innovation, and we are delighted to be leading this programme to help people in our region to scale-up and reach their goals.

“At Sheffield Hallam, we believe in collaboration and in championing our region. SYIP will help us to take cutting-edge research and knowledge from our academics and turn it into tangible advice and outcomes for businesses."

Professor Sue Hartley, Vice-President for Research and Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “At the University of Sheffield we’re committed to collaborating with partners across the region to drive innovation and fuel economic growth. This ambitious programme is a brilliant opportunity to build on our successes and forge new partnerships with businesses and organisations of all sizes.

“We look forward to learning more about regional organisations’ specific challenges and aspirations, and how we can harness our world-leading research and expertise to help them innovate and grow in a rapidly changing landscape.”

South Yorkshire Innovation Programme website

Images: Sheffield Hallam University

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News: Organisers call time on Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival

Having warned for a number of years that the charity event may be the last, the organisers have confirmed that the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival is not sustainable and will not be held in 2025.

Starting at Oakwood School in 1992, the event has gone on to become the largest indoor beer festival outside of London.

Usually attracting over 5,000 people to the Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham, proceeds from the festival are used to support the work of local charities. In recent years, the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre.

Rothbiz reported at the start of 2024 that the event had been hit by an increase in prices and a drop in sponsorship. Not wanting to pass on the rising costs to festival goers, organisers said that they would no longer continue if ticket sales continued to decrease.

A post to social media has confirmed that the event lost money for the third year in a row.

The post reads: "It is with deep regret that we have decided not to hold the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival in 2025. Over the past few years the costs of holding the event have increased, coupled with lower numbers of people attending which unfortunately meant that last year we were in a position that if we didn't see a significant increase in people attending, it would have to be our last.

"Numbers last year fell again and with the ever increasing costs we lost money for the third year in a row. This is unfortunately not sustainable and we have had to make the tough decision to shelve the festival for the time being."

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The post went on to thank organisers, volunteers and Magna, adding: "From a small festival at Oakwood School to what we became in our pomp at Magna, it's been a hell of a ride. Thanks to everyone who joined us for it."

2025 is still set to be a big year for beer lovers as Rotherham is set to host CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival in February. The Campaign for Real Ale is promising a variety of beers, ciders, perries and gin at Magna, where visitors can also enjoy a range of entertainment and food throughout the week.

The Great British Beer Festival Winter will boast a large selection of dark ales and winter brews, alongside a range of light and hoppy beers for visitors to try.

GBBF Winter organiser Andrew Taylor said: “The Magna Science Adventure Centre offers us an impressive space to ensure a fantastic festival for visitors from across the country. Whether you enjoy a stout or a session ale, there’ll be something for everyone to try.”

Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Vice-Chairman said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring the Great British Beer Festival Winter to Rotherham. We can’t wait to welcome a host of breweries to a large venue fit for a national festival, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing everyone there.”

Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival website
GBBF Winter website

Images: CAMRA

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News: South Yorkshire receives Government backing to help build pathways to work

A pioneering approach to tackling economic inactivity which aims to get 10,000 South Yorkshire residents back into work over the next four years is set to receive Government funding.

Unveiling the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, confirmed up to £10m of funding for a trailblazer programme that will be led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), focused on improving the support available to people who are economically inactive due to ill health, helping them return to work.

As part of the trailblazer, the South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) will also become an NHS England Health and Growth Accelerator area, receiving a share of £45m. This will help develop evidence of the impact of targeted action on the top health conditions driving economic inactivity. SYMCA and the South Yorkshire ICS will work together to integrate the support to tackle economic inactivity.

These programmes will build on the recommendations of the Pathways to Work Commission which was led by Barnsley Council in partnership with the SYMCA. The report outlined the need for a proof-of-concept model that brings together work, health and skills support in a radical new approach to help people overcome barriers to employment.

The funding for South Yorkshire, which is part of a £240m cash injection announced in the Budget, will accelerate the rollout of local services for employment support. The Pathways to Work report highlighted that the proof-of-concept model could deliver direct Exchequer savings of up to four pounds for every one spent.

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The commission, led by former Health Secretary Rt Hon Alan Milburn, reported this summer and revealed “a catastrophic failure” in the benefits, health and employment system. It highlighted “a chaotic mess” of national and local initiatives and a focus on toughening benefits rules instead of addressing ill health, the primary driver of economic inactivity.

Official forecasts expect working-age health-related benefits to increase from £48 billion in 2023-24 to £63 billion in 2028–29.

Based on the largest-ever survey of people classified as ‘economically inactive’, the commission found that seven in ten people would take a job aligned with their skills, interests and circumstances. However, only one in 10 economically inactive people had demonstrated steps to finding employment.

The commission made a series of radical proposals to help people overcome the obstacles to work with intensive, personalised support and a duty to engage with employment services.

Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “In South Yorkshire, work, health and skills barriers have prevented people here making the most of their talents for far too long. That’s why we’re has been determined to address those barriers through our pioneering Pathways to Work Commission. The Commission’s report set out recommendations that could unlock the full potential of our communities and I’m really pleased that the Government has backed our pioneering approach.

“In South Yorkshire we have led the way in highlighting the importance of bringing work, health and skills together as we support people back into employment. We now have a Government that understands the importance of devolution and joined-up working, and together we are undertaking the biggest reforms to how we support people into work for a generation.

“Our trailblazer will help us to create a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire that helps people to stay near and go far.”

Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire, added: “We know that there is a strong link between good health and a good job and vice versa. We’re absolutely committed to supporting those in South Yorkshire with a health need to access work or stay in a job if it’s at risk. This is also about fairness, often those with a disability or a long-term health condition live in some of our most deprived communities. So were focussing our efforts where it will help the most. We are already making progress but I’m delighted we’ve been selected as a Health and Growth Accelerator to help us go further faster.”

Barnsley Pathways To Work website

Images: Barnsley Council

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News: Acres of Rotherham green belt eyed up for massive solar farm

Thousands of acres of green belt land in Rotherham has been identified in early stage proposals for the largest solar farm in Yorkshire - and one of the largest in the UK.

Solar developer Green Nation has begun consultation on plans to develop a solar and energy storage scheme that would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

If constructed, Whitestone Solar Farm would generate up to 750MW of energy, which is enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Whitestone would dwarf the Common Farm Solar project in Rotherham that secured planning permission in 2023 that would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW (and cover 285 acres with solar panels).

Consultation documents show that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up Whitestone Solar Farm.

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The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The developers say that the sites were chosen as there was available capacity at the Brinsworth substation in Rotherham - a remnant of the area's historic role in steel production.

Green Nation says that it has been able to secure an agreement for a new energy project to connect at this location.

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and cable infrastructure would aslo be required.

With a capacity over 50MW, the plans for the development would not be determined by Rotherham Council, instead a Development Consent Order (DCO) application would be decided at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Classed as temporary (60 years), the proposed solar farms would be designed with open spaces around and between the panels with wildflowers and native grasses planted beneath. Measures are included to reduce the visual impact from homes and public rights of way.

Consultation documents state: "Whitestone could make a significant contribution to our national energy goals – helping in the fight against climate change while also contributing to energy security and helping reduce energy costs by producing clean, renewable energy here in the UK.

"We are at a very early stage in the development of Whitestone. Our goal is to develop the project in a way that is sensitive to the local environment and community. Over the next few months, we will consult with local residents and technical experts to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into our proposals."

Consultation runs until to January 17 2025 with a number of in person events scheduled, starting in Rotherham at Aston cum Aughton Leisure Centre on November 30.

Developers plan to submit its application in spring 2026 with construction to follow in 2027 and connection in 2029.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Green Nation

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News: North Star returns to Rotherham

The fifth annual North Star Science School event returned to South Yorkshire with Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS, Britain’s leading physicist and science communicator, delivering an inspiring speech to school pupils.

The event brings together young people, educators, scientists and businesses for a day filled with exploration and discovery in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

North Star Science School took place at Gulliver’s Valley Resort in Rotherham and was organised by The Work-wise Foundation, an employer-led and inspired charity, in partnership with 360 Degree Society.

Professor Cox shared his vision to make the UK the best place to do science and engineering. He let the 500+ pupils and their teachers know: "You don’t have to be a genius – science is for everyone. All you need to be is interested, and if you’re interested, then you can do it."

Throughout the day, he met with enthusiastic students and later delivered a speech exploring the wonders of our solar system and galaxies, the possibility of life beyond our planet and the future of science. During his speech, he said: “The only thing we can say for sure about life in the Milky Way galaxy and beyond, is that there is one place where we are certain life exists - Earth. So, it is over to you [students] really in the next 10, 20, 30 years. It would be wonderful if we found that this place is not unique even in the solar system. As it stands at the moment, we’re doing research. Are we alone in the solar system? We don’t know. Are we alone in the Milky Way galaxy? We don’t know. That’s why we use science.”

Following his talk, pupils were able to take part in a number of practical workshops, working alongside (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths) STEAM-related businesses. This included testing the cooling rates of melted chocolate with AMETEK LAND and Sheffield Girls’ High School, discovering how homes are designed with Barratt Developments PLC and Brinsworth Academy, testing different designs of paper planes with CBE+ and Newfield Secondary School, exploring engineering with Volker Rail and Hayfield School, an introduction to memory metals with Forge Solutions and Oasis Academy Don Valley, building a simple flying control mechanism with Vulcan to the Sky Trust and Doncaster UTC, exploring the fusion of energy with the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Sheffield Park Academy and learning how bricks are made with Ibstock PLC and Wales High School.

Further workshops were hosted by AESSEAL, the AMRC Training Centre, Army, Cyber Security, E.on with Amazelab, Esh Group, NHS South Yorkshire, Signia Hearing, JJA Snack, Space Detectives, MoSAIC and United Cast Bar in collaboration with Cast Metals Federation.

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The event is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, with the aim of making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering.

Peter Edwards, Joint CEO of the Work-wise Foundation, said: “I’d like to thank Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson, whose vision and passion have been instrumental in making North Star Science School a reality. We are also incredibly grateful for the support from businesses and their willingness to share invaluable expertise with the next generation of innovators.”

He adds: “STEAM touches every part of our lives, shaping the world around us and driving the innovations that will define our future.” John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation, added: “We received some excellent feedback, with teachers telling us that students have gained valuable insights into future careers. Every year, we aim to make North Star even more interactive, with workshops run by businesses and speakers who students wouldn’t normally get the chance to engage with. We were very honoured to have Professor Cox join us here at Gulliver’s Valley – he really did set the tone for a remarkable and memorable day!”

Charlie Smith, Assistant Marketing Manager at AESSeal, said: “This year, we created a seal-building workshop which gave students the opportunity to learn how to build a mechanical seal with different components. This showed students how our mechanical seals go on to make a huge difference to businesses all around the world, saving them money, water, time and much more!”

Beverley Jones, a Teacher from Rawmarsh Community School, said: “The hands-on workshops and inspiring speakers have truly ignited students’ curiosity and opened their eyes to the vast opportunities in STEAM careers. It was wonderful to see them so engaged and excited about learning!"

ESH Group, a sponsor of the North Star Science event shared: “As a proud partner of Skills Street, it was an honour to sponsor this event and help students develop their very own sustainable products while stepping into the role of a sustainability designer, using real-life skills from the Skills Street construction project.”

North Star Science School website

Images: work-wise / Benno Photography

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News: "Operators signed up" for Forge Island

The empty units at the £47m Forge Island leisure development in Rotherham could soon be filled, according to the latest update from the Council.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets which are yet to open.

Rothbiz revealed in July that operators "have not been able to bring forward" outlets that had originally signed up for the development.

Deals for Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo, Sakku Samba, Caffé Noor, Cow & Cream and The Rustic Pizza Company appear to have fallen through with the authority saying that, working with its development partners, Muse, it was in discussion with a number of other potential operators who have expressed an interest in the site.

At a recent meeting of Rotherham's Town Board, council representatives were asked about the empty units at Forge Island.

The Town Board is a private-sector chaired board established to oversee regeneration progress of various projects backed by government funding. It contains representatives from a wide range of key sectors.

Minutes show that Simon Moss, Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport at Rotherham Council, "confirmed that a number of operators have signed up and agreed to terms; more information will soon follow."

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Earlier this month Rotherham Council confirmed that it had fully-funded the scheme for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture, adding that it wasn't concerned about the implications of the empty units as the scheme was designed to pay for itself over the life of the development.

In the meantime, space at Forge Island is being utilised by ROAR, a non profit dedicated to supporting creative practices and promoting the arts in Rotherham.

ROAR has established "Senspace" in the empty units where different artworks are being added to, manipulated and moved all the time.

Open for the recent Christmas Lights switch-on, the group describes Senspace as a "growing and changing interactive exhibition looking at the ideas of mindfulness and wellness in a creative capacity."

It is described as offering "a refreshing escape — a sanctuary where art, meditation, and mental health come together to nourish both mind and soul. Each work in the exhibit invites you to immerse yourself in a sensory journey, discovering moments of calm, self-reflection, and grounding.

"At Senspace, art is meant to be felt, breathed, and experienced. With interactive installations that evoke meditative states and ambient soundscapes that soothe, every element is crafted to help reduce stress, build resilience, and deepen personal insight. This isn’t just an art exhibit; it’s an experience designed to reconnect you with yourself through the gentle power of art and mindfulness."

Senspace runs until November 29.

Forge Island website

Images: ROAR

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News: MTL's £10m investment in Rotherham is an investment in the future

MTL Advanced, a leading UK-based engineering and manufacturing company, has completed the build of a new 67,000 sq ft factory adjacent to its existing 300,000 sq ft unit in Rotherham.

This expansion represents a substantial £10m investment towards the future growth of the business, driven by the award of a long term ongoing multi-million-pound contract in partnership with a key customer. The new facility is scheduled to be completed this month, with production set to begin during December.

Coinciding with the launch of the new Brinsworth factory, MTL has also unveiled a complete rebrand, marking a new era for the company. The rebrand reflects MTL’s forward-thinking approach and renewed focus on innovation, quality, and manufacturing excellence.

As part of this strategic investment, MTL has significantly enhanced its manufacturing capabilities with the acquisition of several pieces of cutting-edge equipment for this new “factory of the future”. Among the new machinery is a large format LVD press brake, which will enable the precise bending and forming of large metal components, increasing MTL’s capacity to handle complex and heavy-duty fabrication tasks.

The company has also invested in two Doosan auto pallet horizontal machining centres, designed for high-speed, high-precision milling and drilling of complex parts. These machines are equipped with automatic pallet changers to minimize downtime, boosting productivity and operational efficiency.

Additionally, MTL has installed seven Yaskawa robot welding centres, which feature fully automated welding technology, ensuring outstanding repeatability, speed, and precision in welding operations. This advanced setup will allow MTL to maintain high production volumes while adhering to the highest quality standards. As part of this investment, MTL also installed a state-of-the-art fully automated welding line for high volume and complex high strength steel structures.

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The expansion is not only a significant step towards enhancing MTL’s production capabilities but it also has a positive impact on the local community through job creation, fostering economic growth in the region.

The company is actively recruiting, with 100 new staff expected to join the business over the next 12 months, including 24 apprentices who just started their careers at MTL early September 2024, and 30 new staff scheduled to join the business in quarter 4 to coincide with the opening of the new Advanced Manufacturing Centre.

This will take MTL’s headcount past the 400 staff mark in 2025, including over 10% of apprentices, which represents another exciting new milestone reached by the Brinsworth-based company.

Karl Stewart, General Manager of MTL Advanced, said: “This £10m investment is a major milestone for MTL Advanced, reinforcing our commitment to long-term growth and stability. Our new Advanced Manufacturing Centre and state-of-the-art equipment will not only expand our production capabilities but also strengthen our ability to meet the growing demands of our customers.

"This new business has been won on the back of excellent quality, outstanding on-time delivery performance and a collaborative approach to customer service. We are delighted that our valued customers continue to trust our ability to deliver. Securing contracts such as this, alongside our recent other successes within Defence, Rail, and Construction is an endorsement by our customers of MTL’s ability to add value to their supply chains. It’s taken years of hard work from all our team to build that trust with our customers and our main focus remains on building a strong and sustainable order book, ensuring long-term stability for MTL and the skilled workforce that supports us.

"Our complete rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for MTL Advanced, aligning our brand with our vision for the future. It represents our commitment to innovation, quality, and our role as one of the leading contract manufacturers in the UK.”

MTL Advanced website

Images: MTL Advanced

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News: Rotherham Council starts consultation on new £8m active travel scheme

Local residents and road users can have their say on Rotherham Council's proposals for the Moorgate and Broom area.

The £8m scheme is also set to address issues at Stag roundabout.

Consultation for a similar £12m scheme in the Eastwood area began last month after Rothbiz revealed that the hope is for bus lanes and cycle lanes to create a sustainable transport corridor incorporating Fitzwilliam Road and St Ann's Roundabout.

The Broom Road / Wickersley Corridor Sustainable Transport Scheme includes work at Stag roundabout, sustainable travel measures on Wickersley Road, the extension of the recently completed Broom Road cycleway, and an Active Travel Scheme in the Moorgate area.

Consultation documents confirm proposals for separate cycleways and bus priority measures on Broom Road and Wickersley Road between Clifton Roundabout and East Bawtry Road, as well as improvements to crossings and junctions. The council say that this will make bus journeys quicker and more reliable, make walking safer and provide a safe route for those cycling.

A segregated footway and cycle route is planned throughout from the existing scheme to Brecks roundabout.

The segregated routes will continue through Stag roundabout where signalised crossing points will be introduced and design alignment should promote a reduction in vehicle speeds.

The consultation states: "We are responding to requests for new controlled crossing facilities on each arm of the roundabout. to make it easier for pedestrians to cross this roundabout. We will also provide a new cycle route around the roundabout."

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The council is also looking to introduce solutions identified by the community that have raised issues such as traffic levels, speeds and on-street parking in areas.

Funding is comimg from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and the authority added that: "to deliver the scheme we must meet the requirements set out in the funding to improve safe and accessible walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport access."

Rothbiz reported in September that Esh Councstruction has signed up to deliver the scheme.

Cllr. Taiba Yasseen raised the issue of active travel schemes at a recent full council meeting. The ward member for Boston Castle said that there was "no evidence of benefit — particularly in deprived areas that bear the disruption and negative impact while gaining no advantage."

Yasseen added that the claims made by the council of a modal shift (road users switching from using the car) were "a myth" and called on the council to "stop imposing infrastructure onto the most deprived communities without working with them."

In reply, Cllr. Robert Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, said: "I am going to disagree with you and say that you are wrong. There are national studies in places where schemes were far more embedded than in Rotherham that showed this. It was not fair to judge Wellgate for example that had not up and running for 12 months.

"There was an extensive consultation process and the communities were being engaged with. The fact that residents are coming to meetings and asking questions showed that information was getting through.

"Nothing is being imposed, we are talking about potential infrastructure changes. I urge members and residents to get involved with the consultation."

RMBC consultation website

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Fund backs £8m Rotherham commercial development

Local property company EV Waddington has secured part funding for the ambitious £8m second phase of a popular business park in Rotherham.

Construction of three new blocks of speculative industrial buildings and warehouses totalling 91,010 sq ft, which can be split into 13 units, has begun at Kingsforth Business Park, part of the established Thurcroft Industrial Estate.

The most recent phase is part funded by the SY JESSICA Fund (Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas). The Fund is designed to promote sustainable investment, growth and jobs in urban areas through providing development support in the form of traditional loans and intervention funding.

Units in phase two have been designed for flexibility and can be combined to offer a range of unit sizes from 5,440 up to 10,980 sq ft and premises will be finished to a high specification to include 5.7-6.5m clear internal height; full insulation with full height roller shutter loading doors; fitted office accommodation to ground and first floor; warehouse lighting; connections to all mains services, including three phase electricity; good sized external loading area with dedicated car parking and fibre enabled.

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Developer Tony Waddington, who was helped by Mercer & Co and Mascot Management on the funding application, said: “The multi-let unit project, made possible with a £1.45m award from the JESSICA programme, helps support continued economic growth in the region, which is key for us.

“This second speculative development demonstrates our confidence in the South Yorkshire market, our product, the location and the appetite within the industrial and logistics sector for units of this size within the region.”

Rebecca Schofield, office head at Knight Frank in Sheffield and head of industrial Yorkshire, which is acting as agent on the scheme, said: “The much needed, speculative accommodation at Kingsforth will bring 13 units from 5,440 sq ft to 10,980 sq ft available offering flexibility to be combined to accommodate larger requirements if needed.

“Kingsforth is aimed at industrial, warehouse and manufacturing occupiers with 6.5m eaves height, full height loading doors, lighting and office accommodation.

“These industrial and trade schemes address a shortage of small units across the region. Waddingtons continue to develop quality industrial units in South Yorkshire helping satisfy the pent-up demand for smaller, flexible units.”

Kingsforth Business Park is accessed from Kingsforth Rd, which offers access on to Woodhouse Green. Kingsforth Lane is easily accessible providing access to Junction 1 M18, approximately 1.6 miles to the North.

Surrounding occupiers on the estate include TG Commercial, Health Beds, UK Doors and Ultimate Battery.

The first phase of Kingsforth Business Park was completed by the progressive developer without funding and is now let to occupiers including The Panel Company, UK Doors Online and EMED. Two units of 5,440 sq ft remain available.

Family-owned Waddingtons, based in Rotherham for the last 80 years, is no stranger to the region having already developed 31 East in Dinnington, The Oval in Barnsley, Northfield Business Park in Rotherham, Vantage Park in Sheffield, Shortwood Business Park in Barnsley, and Aldwarke Business Park and Chesterton Court in Rotherham over the past years.

Waddingtons website

Images: Knight Frank

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News: Housebuilder pulls out of proposed Rotherham development

Campaigners say that housebuilder, Avant, is no longer involved in a controversial 450 house development in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last year on a detailed planning application submitted by Avant and the landowner for arable fields that sit between existing housing and Sitwell golf course near to Whiston.

Landowners had worked together to submit an application having previously secured a residential allocation for the nearly 50 acre greenbelt site off Lathe Road / Worry Goose Lane through the development of the borough's Local Plan.

Applicants, AE Waddington, R Parkes & V Foers, worked with JVH Town Planning and agents, WYG, to secure outline planning approval despite over 300 letters of representation being received when it went before the planning board at Rotherham Council.

The 2024 planning application from Avant Homes Central for the site remains undetermined but now Whiston Residents Action Group (WRAG) has posted that things have changed.

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An update from the group on Facebook page reads: "WRAG took part in an online meeting at Jake Richards MP’s request, where we were given the news that Avant Homes no longer hold an interest in this land and will not be taking the development forward."

Letters to residents from the local MP have been sent out inviting them to a public meeting on November 24.

The reserved matters application detailed where the houses would go, the types of houses, and the location of things like attenuation basins and play areas.

With outline approval, the site may still be attractive to other housebuilders but this comes with a number of conditions, such as contributing to £225,000 for transport improvements plus a financial contribution to the proposed works at Worrygoose roundabout, £100k per annum for a period of three years for bus services, and 25% on site affordable housing provision.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Green hydrogen company joins innovation community on AMP

WD HydroTech, a fast-growing green hydrogen company, has taken workspace on the Advanced manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

At the AMP Technology Centre, the start-up joins a cluster of advanced manufacturing, and engineering businesses co-locating in South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone.

AMP Technology Centre offers lab, workshop, office and meeting space in the heart of South Yorkshire’s innovation community. The workspace and surrounding AMP are home to world-class research facilities, global brands, targeted skills development programmes, and a network of experts commercialising research and growing businesses.

WD HydroTech is a research and development company focused on improving electrolyser and hydrogen gas compression technology to support the green hydrogen supply chain. Incorporated in August 2021, WD HydroTech is the brainchild of Founders Dr Nigel Williamson and Keith Downes, who started the business from Nigel’s garage three years earlier. Combining their extensive experience in engineering and bringing new technologies to market, with a passion for sustainable energy solutions, they are developing a novel solution for green hydrogen generation and compression.

In September 2024 the duo and their growing team, which includes Head of Operations Heidi Tomlin and Engineering Manager Mark Walker, were awarded the highly competitive Innovate UK Smart Grant. The government-backed investment raised half a million pounds and has been the catalyst to secure onward investment, catapulting the start-up from proof-of-concept prototype, to the next round of pre-seed funding and onwards to real-world product testing.

Over the next 12 months WD HydroTech will expand operations and triple the team size from their specialist unit at AMP Technology Centre.

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Head of Operations Hiedi Tomlin, said: “We looked for a suitable workspace across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire and were attracted to AMP Technology Centre because uniquely they could offer us room for engineers to prototype, manufacture and test products for industry, alongside the business-critical commercial meeting and office space that is so essential for a fast growing start-up like ours.

“The business community that is co-located here and our proximity to the Catapult Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and their Training Centre was another major draw. The world class apprenticeship programme established here can deliver a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent for our growing business.

“We’ve already started to have useful conversations with our neighbours, and we value the opportunity to build these local networks and relationships within a space like AMP Technology Centre.”

The global application and potential for green hydrogen is huge but for a long time the challenge for producers and suppliers has been reliable and sustainable production and storage. The challenge for end users is often accessibility and price. With their green hydrogen electrolyser and gas compressor technology WD HydroTech will address these challenges directly, improving accessibility and affordability for green hydrogen across markets.

WD HydroTech website
AMP Technology Centre website

Images: AMP Technology Centre

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News: Council consult on future of Rotherham markets

Rotherham town centre visitors are being asked to tell the council how they use the market currently and what they would like to see from its £36m redevelopment.

Rothbiz reported in September that Rotherham Council were taking the opportunity to consult while demolition and construction work is underway on the Drummond Street site.

The plans, which were approved in 2023, will bring together the library, markets, food hall, gallery, and event spaces onto one site.

The redevelopment has meant that the outdoor markets have been moved temporarily onto nearby streets with the indoor markets remaining open.

Due to logistics, the impact of bad weather and the affect on the indoor market traders, Rotherham Council has already said that it is their preference that the move of the outdoor market remains a temporary measure.

Since work began, traders in the indoor market have experienced a loss of footfall and trade as a result of closure of entrances and loss of connectivity with the outdoor covered market, which traders say has been exacerbated by the expansion of on street trading.

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With an ambitious concept for the new market and food hall, the strategy could include additional ad-hoc markets on street (food markets, continental markets, etc) that would complement and add to the core offer within the new market building.

Views are being sought on the indoor and outdoor markets and online consultation is available until November 30.

Alternatively, plans for the markets will be on display at the Rotherham Markets consultation stand at Rotherham Indoor Market main entrance on Howard Street on Tuesday November 19 between 10am and 2pm.

Back in 2022, a council study on the current needs and challenges facing the markets was undertaken after footfall remained below pre-pandemic levels and councillors were concerned about the recovery and financial sustainability of the markets. The study also looked at the redesigned space, targeting a younger demographic and retaining current traders through the redevelopment.

As the redevelopment work moves to demolishing the Guardian Centre, contractors, Henry Boot say that "work on the entire Rotherham Markets development is expected to complete in 2027."

The final cost for the development, which has risen largely due to the impact of inflation on the project delivery costs, has also been confirmed.

The value of the council contract with Henry Boot has been published recently as £36,251,213. This makes it second only to the £47m Forge Island development in terms of town centre investment.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: RMBC / Henry Boot

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News: Directors in the driving seat at Rotherham-based tour operator

The management team of escorted coach tours company Leger Shearings Group (LSG) have acquired an additional stake in the business following an eight-figure funding deal with NatWest.

The deal sees LSG’s CEO Liam Race, CFO Andy Oldfield and CPO Chris Plummer become majority shareholders of the group which provides escorted coach tours across the UK and Europe. The transaction has enabled the management team to move from their previous minority position as they look to drive the business forward. The additional shareholding was acquired from Ian and Kathleen Henry who will continue to hold a minority shareholding and Ian Henry will serve as non-executive chairman of LSG.

Canklow-based LSG, which has over 200 employees, provided tours to more than 100,000 customers in 2023.

Since the initial MBO in 2019, which saw management obtain a 30% stake in the business, the company has more than doubled in size, with Leger Holidays’ acquisition of the assets of former competitor Shearings in 2020 credited with aiding the growth. The acquisition led to the formation of Leger Shearings Group. Turnover in 2023 was £83m.

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CEO Liam Race, said: “This is a very exciting time for Leger Shearings Group. We made a bold move acquiring the iconic Shearings brand and its assets in lockdown 2020, after its parent company entered administration, but it has certainly paid off. The business has delivered consistent profit growth since the pandemic recovery and we are expecting to exceed last year’s record breaking profit year with another record year for 2024.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the team at NatWest who understand the needs of the business and are committed to helping us reach our strategic goals. Their support has been invaluable over the years.”

Ian Henry, non-executive chairman of Leger Shearings Group, said: “Liam, Andy and Chris have a great vision for the future of the business, and I wish them every success as they move forward.”

Andy Croasdell, Relationship Director NatWest, said: “LSG are moving forward with exciting plans that should enable the business to achieve future profitable growth. We have a long-standing relationship with the business, working beside a first-class management team who navigated the business through an extremely challenging period during the Covid pandemic and, in more recent times, have delivered significant volume and service expertise to a loyal customer base.”

Andrew Gore, Director Credit Delivery at NatWest, added: “We are delighted to support this next phase and will look to continue our support to Liam and his team as they explore new opportunities for business growth.”

The deal was brokered by Whitehart Associates and KPMG for the business. Squire Patton Boggs (Tom Telford and Elysia Watts) provided legal advice to NatWest.

Leger Shearings Group website

Images:

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News: £47m Forge Island development about regeneration, not commercial returns

The Forge Island development was fully-funded by Rotherham Council for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture, the authority has confirmed.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets which are yet to open.

Work began on site in November 2022 after Rotherham Council agreed to fund the regeneration scheme itself when the the funding available its delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced" due to the volatility of the financial markets. The authority said it would save nearly £50m compared to an externally funded deal drafted in 2018.

At a recent council meeting Cllr. Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance & Safe and Clean Communities, was asked about the financial situation at Forge Island given that a number of food outlets were not now planning to open as expected.

Rothbiz reported first in July that operators "have not been able to bring forward" outlets that had originally signed up for the development.

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Cllr. Alam said: "The Council had agreed the Forge Island development for the purposes of regeneration of the town centre, not as a commercial venture. The Cabinet approval for the scheme was that it would pay for itself over the life of the development. The scheme was projected to do so through a complex financial model which included provision for periods of time when some of the units could be empty.

"The Council were negotiating with a number of potential new tenants and as such, were not concerned about the implications of this."

Cabinet approved an increase in the Council’s Capital Programme in 2022 to cover the £46.8m costs which were expected to be covered by the authority's own borrowing and capital resources.

The council expected that the repayment of capital costs will be met wholly or largely over the long term by revenue generated from commercial activity in the Forge Island development. At the time, the cabinet heard that the longer-term financial risks that the project presents related to the Council’s ability to maintain the incomes levels from the lettings, car parking and business rates.

Doncaster's Rustic Pizza Co looks to be the latest operator to pull out having signed up last year and despite signs at the site saying "coming soon." A social media post stated: "Unfortunately we have decided not to proceed with Rotherham. As the other restaurants have pulled out it would be a huge financial risk for us if it wasn’t to work."

Cllr. Alam added that negotiations were ongoing with a number of different tenants.

Forge Island website

Images: Tom Austen

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News: Crampton & Moore’s gift to Rotherham Hospital Neonatal Unit

Local appliance and kitchen company Crampton & Moore has supported families at Rotherham Hospital’s refurbished neonatal unit with a special gift.

The award-winning electrical specialist has donated three televisions for rooms in the unit.

The gift was part of the Tiny Toes campaign, which saw a complete refurbishment of the unit to enhance heating, lighting, and accessibility, creating additional space, allowing for the accommodation of up to 16 babies at a time.

“Having a child in the neonatal unit is a time of great anxiety for every parent and we hope that our gift will at least increase their comfort during their time at hospital,” said Crampton & Moore Managing Director Robert Moore.

“As a South Yorkshire company, we are happy to be supporting the South Yorkshire community as we know that the neonatal unit is a much valued resource for the people of Rotherham.”

After a year of fundraising, Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity recently announced that its Tiny Toes appeal has raised £150,000 to transform the hospital’s neonatal unit.

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The neonatal unit supports more than 400 babies every year and this is the first time it has been revamped in 40 years.

Crampton & Moore was launched in 1966 to meet increasing demand for more affordable and rentable televisions with the launch of BBC2 and the start of colour broadcasts.

Today the company remains a family business, selling everything from washers and dryers to fridges, freezers, cookers and hobs and the full range of smaller kitchen appliances.

The company moved to Rotherham in 2022 and its Catcliffe superstore was designed to inspire customers with the latest ideas to upgrade their homes, with all the current kitchen design displays, connected smart appliances, designer ranges, eco friendly models and the latest in TV and home cinema experiences.

The company’s online presence has made it one of the country’s leading suppliers of televisions and home cinema, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and now kitchens - with clients including Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace and 10 Downing Street, helping it to reach a turnover of £32m.

Crampton & Moore website
Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity website

Images: Crampton & Moore

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News: Sky’s the Limit for Barnsley & Rotherham’s Business of the Year

It proved to be a night to remember for South Yorkshire’s business community which came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the success they have enjoyed over the past 12 months at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

During a glittering evening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by Barnsley College celebrated the achievements of all elements of South Yorkshire’s business community: from apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocation, to organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work in the fields of growth, people development, customer service, sustainability and community impact.

Hosted by TV presenter Amy Garcia, the event saw over 540 guests from across South Yorkshire’s business community come together to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months. However, the night belonged to Parkgate-based Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd, which was chosen by judges to be a worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Since founding the business with little more than a pair of hedge trimmers and a dream of working outdoors in 2014, founder Luke Hammill has seen his company grow into a successful multi-million-pound venture, which employs 30 full-time members of staff. Today, the company successfully works on behalf of housebuilders, local authorities and some of Britain’s largest construction companies, where the company is responsible for developing community green spaces throughout the UK.

Under Luke’s leadership, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd has enjoyed significant year on year growth, with turnover rising from £1 million to £3 million within the past 12 months alone. As a direct result, the company has invested significantly in new plant machinery, staff training as well as investing back into the communities they serve by working closely with armed forces charities to help veterans forge new careers upon returning to civilian life.

Cateegory winners on the saw three other Rotherham-based companies receive accolades, with education recruitment specialists Trust Education being named as Start-Up of the Year, Equans securing the People Development Award and the Manvers-based Mace Group being crowned best large business.

Barnsley-based winners saw Wombwell-based Cranswick Convenience Foods secured the Community Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting a wide range of good causes in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, whilst Barnsley College’s innovative Carbon Literacy Project, as well as work undertaken to reduce carbon emissions across its sites, was rewarded with the Sustainability Award.

Barnsley FC Community Trust secured the title of Charity of the Year in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work in South Yorkshire.

Longstanding businesses Electrical Safety UK, Barnsley Hospice and Brearley & Co Accountants were presented with salutes to business in recognition of their 20, 30, and 40-year service respectively, whilst Barnsley-based JC Snell and White’s Bakery both celebrated their 90th anniversaries in 2024 – a combined total of more than 270 years’ service to South Yorkshire’s business community.

The important contributions made by charitable organisations were also recognised on the night, with Barnsley FC Community Trust securing the title of Charity of the Year, in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work.

Individual awards presented saw Leo Lewin (Affinity 2020 CiC) awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year, whilst Alicia Hewitt (Secure Power Limited) was crowned as Businessperson of the Year. A Special President’s Award was also given to Chris MacCormac, Chief Executive of the Morthyng Group, in recognition of their transformative work within the education sector.

In a heartfelt tribute which looked back at his 30 year career, Chris was honoured for his nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication towards education and community support. Chris started his career a youth worker in 1980, before going to transform Morthyng into a leading national training provider, which has helped thousands from disadvantaged backgrounds. He retires after a distinguished career and was celebrated for his lasting impact on the local community.

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Luke Hammill, Managing Director, Sky High Ground Maintenance, said: “It has been an incredible year for our business. Winning the title of Business of the Year, securing the Growth Award as well as being highly commended in the Businessperson of the Year category is something that I feel incredibly proud to have achieved.

"When I set up the business ten years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the company would grow and scale in the way it has done, and I feel very honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the judges. I left school with no formal qualifications at all, and I hope the success I’ve enjoyed since starting my own business goes to show that with the right work ethic and determination, anything is possible.

"Having the right people to support you is key. I’d like to give a massive thank you to each and every person of my Sky High team, especially my partner Danielle who has been with me on every step of this amazing journey.

"Businesses play a vital role in shaping the local and regional economy. From the outset, I’ve always wanted my business to be a force for good: we undertake a wide range of community projects, from supporting local schools to breaking down barriers towards employment by giving veterans a chance to rebuild their lives after leaving the armed forces.

"Of course, we’ve got no intention of resting on our laurels. One of the reasons we joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was because of the work it undertakes to create opportunities for its members within local supply chains. We’re hoping to work more closely with the Chamber in the years to come to bring these plans to fruition, which in turn will not just create more opportunities for our business but grow the local and regional economy.”

Mattthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “Over the past 12 months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Collectively, members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses, which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities, and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”

Full list of winners:

Salute to Business

Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
White’s Bakery – 90 years

President’s Award:

Chris MacCormac – Morthyng Vocational College

Most Promising New Business

Winner: Trust Education
Highly commended:
Grassroots Sports Academy Ltd
Morgan Wills & Trusts
Shortlisted:
AHJ Wills and Estates
Empress Building & Ballroom

Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Leo Lewin – Affinity 2020 CiC
Highly commended:
Ateeb Mughal – Equans
Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
Shortlisted:
Aiden Ellis – Osborne Technologies Limited
James Stretton – Equans

Business Growth Award

Winner: Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Highly commended:
Airmaster
M R Machine Knives
Shortlisted:
Trust Education
Wayv

Business Community Impact Award

Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
Highly commended:
Glu Recruit
MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
MWAY Communications Ltd

Commitment to People Development

Winner: Equans
Highly commended:
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
Secure Power Ltd
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
SMH Haywood & Co

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly commended
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
MED-EL UK Ltd
Shortlisted:
Rotherham Insurance Brokers
Signum Facilities Management Ltd

Sustainability Award

Winner: Barnsley College
Highly commended:
Equans
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Hydrov Ltd
KCM Waste Management Ltd

Charity of the Year

Winner: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Highly commended:
Age UK Rotherham
Weston Park Cancer Charity
Shortlisted:
Cathedral Archer Project
Rotherham Hospice

Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Alicia Hewitt - Secure Power Ltd
Highly commended:
James Biggin - Steel City Marketing Ltd
Luke Hammill - Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Shortlisted:
Mark Smith - MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Rob Shaw - Glu Recruit

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Mace Group
Highly commended:
Equi Trek
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Boohoo Group Plc
Equans

BR Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber / J36 Photography

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News: Planned Rotherham nightclub conversion looks sweet

From banging beats to tasty treats. Plans have been submitted to enable the conversion of a vacant former nightclub in Rotherham town centre into a show-stopping dessert parlour.

The £10m Westgate Chambers development is fast-becoming a foodie destination in Rotherham with the recent openings of burger and milkshakes specialist, Munchies, and Cali's - a specialist in chicken burgers, wraps, wings and tenders. The outlets on Main Street are set to be joined by Dessert Time soon and the area could be about to get another opening.

Westgate Chambers is a large private-led regeneration project - a £10m scheme designed by Sheffield-based Self Architects involving the creation of a commercial, retail and residential development that involves renovating the buildings around a courtyard, including a Georgian Grade II listed building.

A planning application has now been submitted for one of the largest remaining units - 2 Main Street - the former Trsyt / Bar One.

If approved, the proposals allow for the conversion of the space so that it can be operated as Rassam's Creamery - the UK’s largest dessert restaurant franchise.

The menu features an array of desserts from luxurious ice cream sundaes and fresh Belgian waffles to hot puddings and decadent cakey milkshakes.



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Sheffield-based entrepreneurial founder, Rassam Ali, came back from a holiday in his birth country, Yemen, with the idea of bringing unique milkshakes to his dad's shop. Continued expansion over the last decade means that there are now seven locations in the UK, which have an amazing look and feel.

The unit for Rassam's Creamery sits within a listed building - a former Georgian townhouse - so listed building consent for the change is also sought.



Plans state that the proposed change of use will only affect the internal usage of the space. The external elevation has already been renovated by the landlord and has been restored. The frontage has been reinstated with a Georgian façade by fitting appropriate double glazed timber sash windows to the Main Street and Westgate facades the shopfronts have all been renovated in a style complementary to the building.

At just over 6,000 sq ft, the dessert parlour would extend over the ground floor and basement floor.

Plans for the ground floor include the kitchen area, toilets, counter and customer ordering area and seating for 50. The basement would be for storage.

Images from other locations show vibrant, eye-catching interiors where "every visit promises to be a memorable indulgence in sweetness and hospitality."

Several features set Rassam’s Creamery apart from other dessert venues. A dedicated mocktail area boasts over 50 syrups and an array of fresh fruits, allowing for the creation of bespoke, refreshing beverages.

Rassam's Creamery website

Images: Rassam's Creamery

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