News: Shoezone set to open new Rotherham store

Footwear retailer shoezone is due to open its new store in Rotherham this weekend.

Rothbiz reported back in 2023 that the retailer had begun recruiting for a new store opening based in Rotherham as it looked to expand in out-of-town retail locations.

Opening on May 31, a new space at Unit 13a, Parkgate Shopping Park, will offer a huge selection for customers and an exciting range of name brands.

To celebrate the launch of the store, shoezone has a number of special offers for customers, including savings on a selection of various styles and seasonal opening offers.

The store will open from 9 am – 8 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am – 6 pm on Saturday and 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Sunday.

In the weeks following the launch, the brand new shoezone store will continue to offer shoppers money-saving promotions. It will stock own brand styles and a huge range of exciting name-brands popular with online shoppers, such as Rieker, Skechers and Heavenly Feet.

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Store Manager Karl Burton also shares that the opening has created nine new jobs in the area.

Anthony Smith, shoezone Chief Executive said: “It’s exciting to be opening our new store in Rotherham, which will see the launch of new brands for customers to enjoy.

"We look forward to welcoming customers into our new store and hope they enjoy the new variety of products available.”

2024 saw a number of new openings at Parkgate including Wilko, Pavers, Starbucks and Footasylum. Superdrug expaned into a bigger unit on the popular park and Fraser Group moved into a large unit with its Sports Direct USC, GAME and Evans Cycles brands plus an Everlast Gym.

Shoezone website
Parkgate Shopping webaite

Images: Shoezone

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News: AMRC Training Centre director departs

After a successful long-run of delivering excellence in engineering apprenticeships, Nikki Jones is stepping down as director of the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre.

With state-of-the-art facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the centre has trained thousands of apprentices, helping to create the manufacturing workforce of the future.

Nikki's journey with the AMRC Training Centre began in July 2016 when she joined as head of training, bringing extensive experience from her previous role as assistant vice-principal at Barnsley College.

Advancing to the role of director in 2018, she steered the team in its mission to provide crucial skills training, bridge the skills gap in industry and positively impact the region.

Nikki’s leadership was instrumental to the centre’s progress and achievements, including a 'Good' Ofsted rating and launch of pioneering apprenticeship programmes in composites and nuclear, among other successes.

Her tenure also saw the centre celebrate a decade of delivering apprenticeships and skills, be part of the South Yorkshire Institute of technology (SYIoT) and showcase Sheffield’s manufacturing legacy at the Lord Mayor’s Show 2024.

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The AMRC Training Centre underwent substantial expansion under Nikki’s guidance, further enhancing the regional impact through skills provision.

Employer partnerships have grown, including those with E.ON and Warburtons – with a 9.5% increase in businesses taking on AMRC Training Centre apprentices in 2022/23 compared to pre-pandemic figures.

Apprentice intake numbers have risen from 150 in 2020/21 to 270 in 2024/25– with female representation increasing from 7% to 12% in the last five years.

Over the past decade, the Gross Value Added (GVA) of advanced manufacturing in the Yorkshire and The Humber region has surged by 48% compared to 27% in England, underscoring the sector's regional importance and highlighting the AMRC Training Centre's pivotal role in workforce development.

Reflecting on her nearly nine years at the AMRC Training Centre, Nikki said: “It has been a genuine privilege and pleasure to have been part of this extraordinary organisation.

“Looking back, the people are what made this journey so memorable– our dedicated staff, ambitious apprentices, and incredible employer partners. The strength of these relationships has been the cornerstone of our collective success, and I’m immensely proud of what this brilliant team has achieved in building a nationally recognised centre for skills training for the industry.

“Knowing that the AMRC Training Centre is in capable hands, I look forward to watching it continue its vital work, supporting the manufacturing sector and nurturing talent for many years to come. While this move marks a new chapter for me, I will always cherish my years at the training centre as some of the best of my career, and I will remain its biggest supporter from afar.”

The AMRC Training Centre’s impact under Nikki’s leadership is evident in apprentices’ achievements ranging from helping revive a McLaren Racing icon to saving significant costs for employer, highlighting the centre's far-reaching influence.

Following Nikki's departure, the University is exploring future leadership options for the AMRC Training Centre. In the interim, Louise Cowling will lead on education matters and Rebecca Blackburn will lead on external engagement and employer relations, reporting to Mary Vincent, vice-president for education.

AMRC Training Centre website

Images: AMRC Training

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News: Former editor lambasts National World for "ripping apart" Rotherham Advertiser

Historic independent weekly title, the Rotherham Advertiser, has new owners again after British multimedia company, National World plc, was acquired by a major shareholder.

The editor, who left the paper during National World's ownership, described the company as "wolves" in a post on social media.

Listed on the London Stock Exchange, National World plc became operational with the acquisition of JPIMedia (formerly Johnston Press) for £10.2m in 2021. Titles include The Scotsman and the Yorkshire Post, and locally, The Sheffield Star. In 2023 it added the Rotherham Advertiser, buying it for an undisclosed sum from Regional Media Ltd.

Last year, Media Concierge announced plans to acquire the shareholding of the plc in a deal worth £65.1m that involved the creation of a new privately owned company.

Media Concierge is an independently owned media group providing local marketing solutions at scale across the UK and Ireland.

The strategy is to focus on local news with stock exchange documents setting out that it will "continue and accelerate National World’s strategy to grow its monetisable audience. This will be achieved by concentrating on local and regional audiences, improving the user experience of the websites and ensuring that adequate news gathering and technical resources are available and properly directed to drive traffic and user loyalty.

"Whilst Media Concierge accepts the shift to online news consumption it also remains committed to preserving the printed products for the foreseeable future."

The takeover triggered a legal confrontation between Media Concierge and National World with a court approving the deal recently.

National World made claims of a "potentially systemic pattern of historical invoicing irregularities in relation to the activities of entities within the Media Concierge Group" with Media Concierge claimed to be "inappropriately withholding revenues due to National World totaling £4.4m in respect of certain contracts with entities in the Media Concierge Group which had been terminated."

Media Concierge "has continued to deny invoicing irregularities and argue that the withheld revenues are subject to a substantial counter-claim for breach of contract in excess of the £4.4m amount."

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Added into the situation is the plight of local journalists. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) says that since National World took over the former JPI Media, the strategy of executive chairman David Montgomery saw "an estimated 25% of editorial jobs cut across the business, with remaining journalists reporting that they are overworked, experiencing stress from the workload, and that they are set arbitrary targets which are impossible to meet."

Changes at The Rotherham Advertiser saw editor, Andrew Mosley leave the publication, along with a number of senior reporters and long-standng staff. Richard Fidler moved from a role at the Yorkshire Post into the role of editor at "the 'tiser."

Posting on X, Andrew Mosley, who has recently published his first novel, said that the new deal had got to be a positive for the likes of the Rotherham Advertiser, adding: "Sold down the river and to the wolves by the owner of Regional Media Ltd and ripped apart."

More bad news for the borough came when National World signed a deal with Newsquest in 2023 that resulted in production ending at DMG Media's site in Rotherham. With a reduction in work, the £60m plant at Dinnington ceased printing for good in 2024.

Following the court's approval, Malcolm Denmark, CEO, sent a message to staff. He said: "Our company, Media Concierge, has been a strong supporter of local and regional media for many years. In fact, we were the first and largest investor in National World. From the outset, we believed in the vision of building a sustainable and independent news business that serves communities across the UK. That belief has not changed.

"Now, as we move from investor to owner, our approach is straightforward. We want to support you in doing what you already do so well. You know your audiences, your titles, and your communities. The most important thing we can do right now is to give you the space and confidence to carry on — business as usual."

According to data firm, ABC, The Rotherham Advertiser, which began publishing in 1858, had an average weekly circulation of 6,543 in 2024, down from 7,594 in 2023. Previous owners, Regional Media Ltd reported a ciculation of 13,700 in its 2023 annual report to independent regulator, IPSO.

National World website
Media Concierge website

Images: ABC

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News: Development fund supports millions of sq ft in floorspace and thousands of jobs in South Yorkshire

A publicly owned property fund is set to invest a further £34.8m to develop more business and create more jobs in the South Yorkshire Investment Zone.

The South Yorkshire JESSICA fund dates back to 2012 and has previously supported job-creating commercial property schemes through grants and loans. It has been used to kickstart Rotherham developments on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and at Beighton Link.

To continue the financial support, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has agreed to contribute £3m towards a total scheme cost of £34.8m to establish a flexible fund to encourage and accelerate development in the Investment Zone (IZ).

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), the zone is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

IZ status provides South Yorkshire with up to £160m over ten years which can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

A Sheffield Council paper explains: "In order to facilitate the growth of indigenous businesses and encourage inward investment the region needs to have a rolling supply of readily available, high quality and affordable commercial property. However the region still faces a number of market failures that means that the costs associated with speculative development often exceed the value to the developer. As a result, public funding in the form of subsidised loans, rental loans (guarantees) and first loss loans (grants) are required to stimulate development and facilitate economic growth."

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A SYMCA paper adds: "Several developments have been identified within or immediately adjacent to the Spatial Core and Opportunity sites and these will be progressed in the first instance to bring forward speculative commercial floorspace for office or light manufacturing activity.

"The flexible fund will look to allow the SY JESSICA to provide finance through several routes to stimulate development including commercial loans, sub-market loans (including first loss), rental guarantees and, in cases of last resort, grant."

Around £22m is currently uncommitted. However there is a current pipeline of investments consisting of a eight developments seeking £25m in total (of which over £5m is in the form of grants).

Papers show that three potential sites have so far been identified for funding. "First Loss Loans" (grants) could support the construction of three developments - Norfolk Street in Sheffield City Centre, Dorehouse in Sheffield and at Junction 36 in Barnsley.

The fund was initially capitalised with £23m of external funding which was used for commercial loans. Since 2015 the fund has been successful in securing an additional £0.5m from the government, a £15m loan via the precursor of the Mayoral Combined Authority, which has since been repaid with interest, and two additional grants from the authority that have been used in the form of loans and grants with a value of £15m. In addition, the fund has established a relationship with the South Yorkshire Pension Authority which has seen several joint investments in the region.

Since the start of the fund, 25 investments have been made (23 complete and repaid), totalling £76m. It means that nearly two million sq ft of floorspace has been built, accommodating 7,000 jobs.

Images: Harworth Group

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News: Government intervention needed in "high stakes situation" at Liberty Steel

The leader of Rotherham Council has urged the government to step in to help save LIberty's steel operations in Rotherham.

With the threat of insolvency looming, Cllr. Chris Read said that a potential closure at Aldwarke would leave a "geographical hole at the heart of our borough."

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the court case that could have led to Liberty's Speciality Steel business going into insolvency had been adjourned until July with discussions ongoing to keep the business going - including a potential sale.

In a letter to the business secretary, Cllr. Read has urged the government to take steps saying that a potential mothballing or liquidation of sites in Rotherham and Sheffield represents a significant threat.

The points include swift intervention to keep all strategic options open including the retention of the sites in a "warm idle" state and to consider the national interest case for preserving these assets under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) act 2025 if necessary.

The act was passed quickly to enable the government to step in to save British Steel in Scunthorpe.

Read described sale talks as a "high stakes situation which could move quickly at any point" and also wants to see a cross departmental working group established to explore future ownership or transition opportunities. Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge has called for Sanjeev Gupta and GFG Alliance, the owners of Liberty Steel, to step aside.

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Having dealt with a number of rounds of redundancies at the sites, the government is also being urged to prepare immediate support for workers and communities affected through rapid response funds and if necessary re-skilling resources.

The letter to Jonathan Reynolds, concludes: "Closure of the site would not only be a body blow for our local economy, it would leave a geographical hole at the heart of our borough, potentially requiring massive public investment over the long term to bring it back into productive use. The cost of inaction from the government now could well outweigh the cost of timely intervention to the public purse.

"We believe there remains a window of opportunity to preserve the skills, infrastructure, and capabilities embedded in Rotherham and Stocksbridge. With proactive leadership and support from government these sites could form the foundation of a cleaner more resilient steel sector in the UK.

"I am conscious you will be receiving representations from a number of local stakeholders, MPs and representatives in both Rotherham and Sheffield. Please be assured that we stand ready to work across agencies with you to find solutions that protect jobs support transition and secure our future industrial capacity."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: HMO plans approved for empty Rotherham building

An empty retail building in Rotherham town centre can be converted to provide new housing after plans were approved.

An objection was submitted saying that houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) - shared houses with common areas - "bring down the town." However, in planning terms, different forms of residential use are classed the same.

Rothbiz reported in March on a planning application being submitted for 31 College Street.

The shop became empty when Greenwoods Menswear moved its Rotherham store to Sheffield in 2018 having been brought out of administration the previous year. All branches ceased trading in 2019.

The Rotherham "flagship" store opened in 2011 in the former Music Zone unit. The move into the store was helped by an £8,000 grant from the Council's Town Centre Business Vitality Grant Scheme.

An application from Ahmad Swatiwal shows how it could have a future following a proposed conversion of the first and second floors into an 11-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Plans, drawn up by PBM Plans, explain that the ground floor would remain as commercial use but with a new ground floor front door installed to provide access to the upper floors.

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In approving the proposals, planners at Rotherham Council said that the proposed use as a HMO in the building would comply with the requirements of the authority's policies for town centres where proposals for residential use above ground floors will be supported providing that the development would not compromise the successful operation of the ground floor premises for commercial uses.

An objection was recieved, arguing that HMOs "fly in the face of attempts to regenerate the town centre," adding that: "All these will do is bring down the town even further down and make it a no go area."

Planners covered the issue of HMOs, saying: "Whilst these comments are noted there is no planning policy either national or local which specifically restricts this type of development in this location, as such there is no justifiable planning reason to refuse the introduction of HMO accommodation at this location."

The other planned change to the building, which is not listed but is with the Rotherham town centre conservation area, is a replacement of the existing timber sash windows with PVC sash-style windows, which replicate the original design. The glass shopfront and intricate stonework is set to be retained.

The planning permission is conditional on a noise impact assessment being carried out.

Agents, Merryweathers, had been advertising the 3,800 sq ft property for sale, encouraging offers in the region of £300,000.

Images: Merryweathers

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News: Rotherham charity gets garden revamp

A community garden at Lighthouse Homes in Rotherham has been redeveloped in time for Spring in a bid to promote positive mental wellbeing and outdoor activities for young men that are facing homelessness.

The charity is a 17-bed hostel on the edge of the town centre set up to give men over the age of 18 24/7 support with homelessness, poverty, and drug and alcohol abuse, aiming to improve wellbeing and poverty in the local area. The garden’s makeover was part of an initiative to enhance the quality of life for the Lighthouse Homes residents, creating a space for them to engage in outdoor activities.

Esh Construction has donated £8,200 in funding which was used to purchase materials and resources for the new garden area, including a space for residents to grow fruit and vegetables for the facility. The use of the outdoor area will provide a step in the right direction for residents on the road to recovery, helping to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Martin Haigh, Support Manager from Lighthouse Homes, said: “The provision of a quiet green space is an essential part of what we offer to our residents in Rotherham. We are very grateful to Esh Construction for the work done and the way they did it. They minimised disruption and were polite and courteous at every contact we have had with them.”

A team of agricultural students from RNN Group have volunteered their time to deliver the project with Esh Construction by upcycling existing benches, installing sleepers, paving, and creating a planting area that can be used by the residents. Patience Middleton, RNN student, said: “I have really enjoyed participating in practical activities on site, as it has allowed me to work outside of my comfort zone and given me valuable knowledge and skills by working with industry specialists.

“Completing this project with the Esh team has given me an insight into how to work together to complete a project, and I feel confident that I can take what I have learnt on site into my future careers.”

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The volunteering project for RNN students was facilitated by Esh Construction as part of its social value commitment to the Rotherham Riverside project. Located mere metres from Lighthouse Homes, the £4.1m public realm improvement scheme will support riverside development in Rotherham town centre.

Megan Roberts, Social Value Manager for Yorkshire at ESH, said: “The facilities at Lighthouse Homes are incredible. Their work to help young men in the local community is invaluable, and the new garden will provide them with the opportunity to further enhance the support that they offer.

“Esh is committed to delivering social value initiatives like this one in the local areas where we are operating. The work that we do is long-term, to create a legacy, and we hope that the new garden will provide support to the residents for many years to come.”

Cllr Sarah Ann Allen, Cabinet Member for Housing from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “Lighthouse Homes, as evidenced by this particular project, is really important to us. We have a rough sleeper and homelessness strategy for the borough, and Lighthouse Homes make an important contribution to this. We are extremely grateful for the work that Esh Construction and the RNN students have completed for the residents at Lighthouse homes, as the benefits that they will gain from the new garden are endless.”

Esh Construction pledged the funding as part of its commitment to YORhub’s YOR4Good Fund, a community grant initiative supporting economic regeneration projects on schemes awarded through the YORhub construction frameworks.

Esh Construction website

Images: Esh

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News: Rotherham restaurant closes with immediate effect

A Rotherham restaurant that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic has closed with immediate effect.

A post on social media said the the operators were "heartbroken" to close its doors in the face of rising costs.

Rothbiz reported in 2020 on plans for The Big Smoke taking on the former Florence Nightingale pub at Moorgate, which was previously turned into a restaurant and operated as Modern China.

With a 4,600 sq ft ground floor, the transformed restaurant "dedicated to the majesty of meats" offered a menu featuring a range of burgers with names such as "The Italian Stallion" and "The Big Daddy." Seven types of steaks were joined by ribs, chicken, brisket and "The Yorkshire Sarnie."

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A post on Facebook from The Big Smoke this week reads: "This is something we never imagined we’d have to write

"After almost five incredible years, we are heartbroken to announce that The Big Smoke Restaurant has closed its doors with immediate effect. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this place. As a family-run business, The Big Smoke has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been our dream, our passion, and our home. But sadly, due to rising costs and mounting financial pressures, we’ve found ourselves in an impossible position.

Since April 1st, our overheads and supplier costs have soared, driven by changes brought in by a government that feels completely out of touch with the realities of small, independent businesses like ours. We’ve done everything we can, but the numbers just don’t add up anymore.

To every single one of you who walked through our doors, shared a meal, brought your loved ones, celebrated milestones, or simply showed up to support us, thank you. Your kindness, loyalty, and love meant more than you’ll ever know. We’ve made memories that will stay with us for a lifetime, and we’re so proud of what we built with you by our side.

If there’s one thing we ask as we say goodbye, it’s this: please continue to support your local businesses. They are the heart of your community, and right now, they need you more than ever."

Big Smoke website

Images: Big Smoke

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News: Plans approved for last Waverley plot

Housebuilder Honey has been granted planning to deliver the £22m, 67-home second phase of its new home development at Waverley in Rotherham.

Located on the former Orgreave Colliery & Coking site off Rivelin Way, the site will be part of the housebuilder’s current Homes by honey at Waverley development.

Sheffield-headquartered Honey will now deliver a total of 121 new homes with revenues of £37.5m across the whole development.

The second phase of Homes by honey at Waverley will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes and include semi-detached and detached properties. The new homes in phase two will be launched for sale in spring 2026.

Rothbiz reported last month on plans for land off Rivelin Way, to be known as Lakeview. The proposals stated that the site forms the last residential parcel at Waverley to gain reserved matters consent.

Honey launched the first homes for sale on the development’s £15.5m, 54-home first phase in September last year.

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Homes by honey at Waverley forms part of the larger redevelopment plans to transform the coalfield site into a new, sustainable community.

Since being launched in October 2022, Honey has secured 21 sites across Yorkshire and the East Midlands that will deliver 2,850 homes and a combined gross development value of £795m.

The housebuilder is backed by private equity firm Alchemy Partners and its Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund IV which has £937m of fully committed capital.

Honey chief executive officer, Mark Mitchell, commented: “Being granted planning for the second phase of Homes by honey at Waverley will provide further design-led new homes and grow our development within this outstanding generation project.

“We have seen a fantastic response to the first phase of the development and sales have proven strong since the first homes were launched.

“This success highlights the demand for our properties which combine style, substance and sustainability from buyers wanting to live in the thriving new community being created at Waverley.”

Honey says its house types have all been specifically designed to combine “style, substance and sustainability” for the benefit of buyers.

Honey has analysed consumer insights and trends to inform its house type designs to ensure they meet the needs and wants of today’s new home buyers, including the flexible use of all living spaces.

Standard features in every Honey home include bifold doors, individually designed, fully integrated kitchens and boutique style bathrooms with a signature free standing bath and full height tiling. All properties have an electric vehicle charging point.

Homes by honey website

Images: Homes by honey

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News: Gulliver's Valley adds new rides and experiences

Two brand new rides have officially opened at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham with operators also confirming that a lantern show will take place this winter in a first of its kind for the popular resort.

Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts was founded by Ray Phillips and his late wife Hilary, who opened the family’s first theme park, Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath, in 1978 - beginning a life-long passion for the family to provide great value days out and short breaks to generations of children across the UK.

Opening adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park in 2020, Gulliver's Valley is the company's fourth park aimed at families with children aged two to 13-years-old and each offering a great variety of rides, attractions and accommodation options, as well as a calendar packed full of special events throughout the year.

In Rotherham the Gulliver’s Gears area has been expanded with the opening of its new ‘Turbo Tower’ and ‘Crazy Planes’ rides.

Turbo Tower gives riders treetop views of the surrounding Rother Valley before plunging them down a 15m drop. Manufactured by SBF Visa, the ride is set to be one of the most popular at the resort.

Guests can now also buckle up and take a flight on the super Crazy Planes ride which spins guests through the skies!

The two new rides add to the motor-themed Gears area which already boasts the Grand Prix Racers roller coaster, Carfari which gives riders a delightful drive in vintage themed cars and the theme park classic, Dodge City dodgems.

Craig Seedhouse, resort director at Gulliver’s Valley, said: “In our fifth anniversary year, we are really excited to have our two newest rides open for all to enjoy, enhancing our Gulliver’s Gears area and giving people even more reason to pay our fantastic resort a visit this spring and summer!

“We are always looking at ways to enhance our park and bring new experiences and memories for families to enjoy and these new rides do just that. We’re really looking forward to a fun-packed season ahead and hope as many people as possible will come and join us. Gulliver’s Valley is better than ever!”

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Later in the year Land of Lights, which will light up the skies at the Rotherham theme park, will be a mile-long visual voyage exploring 12 vivid dreamworlds of imagination and illumination.

The highly-anticipated festival, which has taken place at Gulliver’s resort in Milton Keynes since 2022 and Gulliver’s World Resort in Warrington since 2023, will now also see Gulliver’s Valley join the winter fun for the first time.

It will open on selected dates from November 2025 and run until January 2026.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, said: “Our Land of Light events have proven to be extremely popular at Milton Keynes and Warrington with each received thousands of visitors every year, so we are delighted to be extending into Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham for the first time giving even more people the chance to experience what truly is a magical event.

“Land of Lights 2025 promises to be a breathtaking spectacle, featuring an all-new collection of lanterns covering 12 dreamworlds including an array of incredible dinosaurs. In addition, there will be music, entertainment and street food on offer.

“As a family-company, Gulliver’s is always looking at new ways for families to create magical memories and spend quality time together and Land of Lights does just that. The festival will also help to boost the local economy with the creation of more jobs and bringing more people into South Yorkshire which is always welcome news.

“It’s a fantastic attraction not just for those from the immediate area but we also expect people to visit from far and wide because it really is an eye-opening experience suitable for all the family. It’s a great opportunity to get Rotherham on the map and showcase something spectacular in the run up to Christmas.

“We are expecting a lot of interest so would encourage people to sign up to our exclusive mailing list which will shine a light on sneak peeks and big announcements. We hope as many people as possible will join us this winter.”

Land of Light won in the Best New Event category at last year's UK Theme Park Awards where Gulliver's Valley picked up a Gold award for Best Theme Park for families.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Early plans set out to bring padel to Rotherham

Plans could be about to be served up to bring the fast-growing, fast-paced, social racket sport of padel to Rotherham.

A puropse-built facility could breathe new life into a Rotherham golf course..

Padel is a form of tennis that originated in Mexico in 1969, grew across South America before making it to Spain. The sport is now rapidly expanding across Europe.

The LTA says that since 2020 the number of padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to over 800, while annual participation rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 players in 2025.

Now a pre-application planning enquiry has been made to ascertain Rotherham Council's opinions on the potential introduction of new padel courts at The Grange Golf Club in Kimberworth.

Rothbiz reported last year on new investors coming on board at the former municipal course.

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Top Play Limited, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, talked about a significant refurbishment and upgrade to the current facilities.

Padel is played on what looks like a smaller tennis court enclosed by walls made of glass or mesh. It is predominantly played as doubles and suitable for anyone to play as it is easy to learn the basic skills.

Early plans show two options for locating the courts. Four courts could be positioned opposite the club house next to the farm buildings used by the greenkeepers for storage. Alternatively, four courts could be located alongside the access road as it enters the current car park.

Grange Park Golf Club was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

The leases expired with the tenant having the right to renewal but Rotherham Council were reluctant to sign a new lease as it was owed over £250,000 in rent and business rates.

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: LTA

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News: instantprint go all in with business card upgrade

instantprint, the online printing company based in Rotherham, has announced a £500k investment to transform its business card range, using the same punch technology trusted to manufacture Las Vegas playing cards.

The upgrade means customers can now expect sharper cuts, smoother edges and business cards that feel as premium as a winning hand as the company firmly establishes itself as the leading manufacturer of business cards in the UK.

This latest investment brings the company’s total to over £8 million in the past year, from the UK’s second nanographic press to state-of-the-art large format print equipment, enabling the launch of their new large format range, all focused on improving speed, quality and product innovation at its Manvers HQ.

The change to business cards comes in response to customer feedback and a recent brand survey, which showed that business owners want more from their printed products and instantprint has listened.

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Head of instantprint, Laura Mucklow, said: “Business cards might be small, but they pack a serious punch when it comes to first impressions. We’ve taken feedback from our clients and invested in exactly what they told us they wanted - technology that delivers high-quality, reliable results. Now, with this upgrade, our cards don’t just meet expectations - they exceed them.”

Using industry-leading punch technology (yes, the same stuff used to cut casino-grade playing cards), instantprint is bringing next-level precision and consistency to one of its most popular products. The result? Business cards that are smoother, sleeker and more durable than ever before.

“We’ve always believed that every business deserves print that performs like a pro,” added Mucklow. “With this investment, we’re helping our customers make a knockout first impression.”

instantprint website

Images: instantprint

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News: Liberty Steel insolvency case pushed back as sale talks continue

A court case that could have led to Liberty's Speciality Steel business going into insolvency has been adjourned until July.

Rothbiz reported on a winding-up order being due this week regarding Liberty Speciality Steel, which has operations in Rotherham and Stocksbridge..

The hearing has been adjourned to July 16, with discussions ongoing to keep the business going - including a potential sale of the business.

Jeffrey Kabel, LIBERTY Steel Chief Transformation Officer said: “Today's adjournment is a positive development, allowing us the necessary time to finalise options including a sale of the business while we continue to pursue our debt restructuring efforts.

"We remain committed to finding the right solution that preserves EAF steelmaking in the UK, a vital national asset serving strategic supply chains.

"SSUK has been involved in complex debt restructuring since the collapse of Greensill Capital in 2021 restricting its access to capital. However, like all steel producers in the UK, SSUK has faced long-standing competitiveness challenges dating back decades.

"Throughout LIBERTY’s ownership of SSUK its shareholder has consistently supported the business, investing nearly £200 million in loss funding and salaries over the past four years, even as significant portions of the business remained inactive.

"We recognise that change is essential to set the business on a positive trajectory and provide certainty for our creditors, employees, and stakeholders.

"We will utilise the time afforded by the adjournment to engage in intensive discussions with a view to achieving an outcome which best serves the strategic interests of the UK, the South Yorkshire community, and the broader UK steel sector.”

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Earlier this month, Liberty pulled a restructuring plan before it could be judged in court as it was apparent that it did not have the backing from creditors.

Roy Rickhuss CBE, General Secretary of steelworkers’ union Community, said: “Our members at Liberty Steel have endured far too much turbulence and uncertainty over recent years as a result of the erratic and irresponsible way the company has been run. Failed restructuring plans and broken promises from the company have become a familiar, demoralising pattern, and things simply can’t go on as they are.

“Ever since the collapse of Greensill Capital, we have worked with the company in good faith, even when refinancing deadlines have been missed. Our patience has now run out.

“Liberty Steel’s plants are strategically important sites for the UK steel industry and the country as a whole, and these assets must be secured.

“New, responsible ownership is needed to give the business the brighter future it needs and deserves, and that can only be achieved with a decisive change at the top. Enough is enough – Sanjeev Gupta must invest in the business or step aside.”

Marie Tidball MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, added: “I have listened to my constituents in Stocksbridge and agree with them that it is time for Gupta to go. He has run out of road; his chaotic ownership must end now. Our Stocksbridge Speciality Steels site needs new, competent ownership to maximise its potential, so that the business has a real chance for success.

“As I said in Parliament earlier today, Stocksbridge Speciality Steels has strategically significant, highly specialist capability, to produce world-leading steel, crucial to our national defence, aerospace, and energy industries. The site employs 650 people and has an excellent skills training centre.

“I know the capability of the site, the extraordinary ability of the workforce and the exceptional quality steel produced in Stocksbridge. What we need now is a new owner to come forward and restore the glory of a site which has proudly made steel in our constituency for over 180 years. This is an exciting investment opportunity, and these works are part of the strategically important South Yorkshire Steel Corridor.”

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty

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News: Another set of plans prepped for houses in Rotherham's greenbelt

Another set of plans are being prepared for hundreds more houses in Rotherham's greenbelt, with proponents taking a similar stance to national housebuilders over the use of the borough's "safeguarded land."

Last month Rothbiz reported on plans at Rawmarsh from Taylor Wimpey for 231 dwellings that represents the use of safeguarded land rather than land specifically allocated for residential use in the borough's local plan from 2018. That was followed by Barratt David Wilson Homes submitting an outline planning application proposing up to 260 homes on land at Cumwell Lane, Hellaby.

Planning consultants are hoping to convince the local planning authority that the land should be used now to address the borough's housing needs.

Further plans are being drawn up for land at Moor Lane South at Bramley, close to where Redrow secured outline planning permission for up to 320 No. dwellinghouses on a large field.

The latest plans indicate that the next 15.6 hectare plot could accommodate 339 more dwellings with associated access, landscaping and public open space.

An indicative masterplan shows that two access points are proposed, from Moor Lane South and Lidget Lane.

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Sites in the greenbelt were designated as safeguarded land in the local plan as land that may be needed in the future, from 2028. In the case of Moor Lane South, it was considered that the site was developable and could be delivered in six to ten years.

Planning consultants, Nineteen47, acting for Hallam Land, submitted a pre-application enquiry to Rotherham Council before consultation got underway for the land that is bound by agricultural fields to the east, Lidget Lane to the south and Moor Lane South to the west. To the north is a separate parcel of land currently under construction as Redrow's Poppy Fields development.

Consultants say that: "The Site is in an accessible location, in close proximity to the services and facilities in Bramley and Wickersley. These areas provide facilities including medical practices, pharmacies, a library, a post office and several public parks. There are also a number of shops and a nursery and primary school in Bramley, with a secondary school located in Wickersley approximately 1.5km from the Site.

"It is considered that the Site represents a logical urban extension to the suburban area to the north, west and south, where new homes can be delivered in a sustainable location with convenient links to existing nearby services and facilities by means other than private car.

"The LPA [Rotherham Council] have already acknowledged the Site's suitability for development through the removal of land from the Green Belt and allocation as Safeguarded land within the adopted plan. Such allocations reflect the sustainable credentials of the Site and their ability to integrate with the existing settlement."

A planning application is yet to be submitted.

Images: Google Maps / Redrow

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News: New canvases for updated Rotherham Gallery Town

Bramley Sunnyside Junior School Year 6 pupils are contributing to a big art project in Rotherham town centre, thanks to a thought-provoking art exhibition at Wentworth Woodhouse.

The 25 youngsters, who are completing their Art Awards, were invited to the grand Rotherham country house to meet contemporary artist Ian Kirkpatrick and tour his ICONOCLASH exhibition, which is making a bold statement at the mansion until June 29.

Afterwards, they got the opportunity to make their own iconic murals. Elements will feature in a new, bold and graphic artwork Ian is creating for Rotherham town centre later this year, as part of Rotherham’s Children’s Capital of Culture festival year.

Ian’s vibrant ICONOCLASH sculptures, huge paintings and tapestries clash symbols from the past with those from the modern world. Egyptian hieroglyphics and images from Greek mythology feature alongside graffiti, emojis, instantly-recognisable cartoon characters, iconic buildings and logos.

Ian explained the messages and meanings in his work to inspire the youngsters before they headed to the mansion’s Low Drawing Room to get hands-on in a workshop funded by Place Partnerships through Arts Council England.

FLUX Rotherham, the Creative People and Places programme which co-creates community art projects and events across the borough, asked the pupils to create eight giant landscapes depicting their vision for an eco-friendly, futuristic Rotherham.

Their canvases featured iconic Rotherham buildings, landmarks and symbols alongside fantasy figures and elements of nature.

Their creations will become part of the reimagining of Rotherham’s innovative arts project Gallery Town, which will see new artworks on display at some of the town’s best-known buildings and places, including All Saints Square, the Three Cranes pub on High Street and the Civic Theatre.

Gallery Town is currently working with local children and young people to create the artworks and a new consortium led by Flux Rotherham will develop a public art trail.

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At the ICONOCLASH workshop, Isla Nattrass, Emy Graysonand Gracie Cliff created a mural promoting equality and diversity.

Said Isla, 11: “We painted a rainbow tree, a symbol of growing, in the middle of a crossroads, showing the different paths you can take in life. It’s about equality and diversity. Sometimes people aren’t treated nicely, because of the way they look, or because they are a girl, or a boy, or transgender or LGBTQIA+. We think it’s really important for everyone to feel they have a place in the world and that Rotherham is somewhere where people are included.”

Joey Murray, Leo Taylor and Archie Garrett decided to include a neon-yellow version of iconic Rotherham monument Keppel’s Column in their artwork. Said Joey, 10: We want to say that Rotherham is a comfortable and homely place and that it has lots of interesting things to see. I’ve learned a lot today. I didn’t know about Keppel’s column, and now I want to go and visit, and I’ve enjoyed exploring Wentworth Woodhouse and Ian’s art.”

Sofia Traves said: “I have loved seeing ICONOCLASH and the workshop. I love art and getting what is in my imagination down on paper. Our poster says that we are Rotherham and we are proud of it.”

Artist Ian commented: “Working with the students was an amazing experience. Their enthusiasm and curiosity is reflected in the creative, innovative iconography they designed in our workshop. I will be excited to see their work in Rotherham as part of the Gallery Town.”

Head teacher Laura Robson said:” We feel very privileged to be part of this incredible experience. Creativity is very much at the heart of our school and we are very proud of our art curriculum. Learning and working alongside Ian was an unforgettable moment for our artists to inspire their future passions.

“Creating art at the beautiful Wentworth Woodhouse was iconic and added to the extra-special dimension of the ICONOCLASH workshop. We can’t wait to see how their creations are showcased in Rotherham.”

Gallery Town website
Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Rotherham Gateway Station part of plan to fix Yorkshire’s broken railways

A phased plan to fix Yorkshire’s broken railways, published by Lord Blunkett, could deliver a multi-billion pound boost to the government’s growth mission.

The peer’s review of rail connectivity has identified how constrained and creaking Victorian-era infrastructure is holding the region back, with train services regularly failing to meet the needs of both passengers and businesses due to poor performance and an overall lack of reliability.

Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail sets out a credible and affordable package of investment in new and accessible stations. Alongside modern rolling stock, improved services in the short term, upgrades to unlock capacity at key stations, development of strategic schemes to transform connectivity between the North’s major centres in the long term, will be investment for housing, jobs and growth. In addition, the report calls for increased powers as part of the devolution agenda to drive change.

It highlights the need for substantial government investment and support as part of the proposed 10-year infrastructure plan and spending review to be announced later this summer, with £2.4bn sought for the first phase of improvements between now and 2030 and approximately £14bn required over the next 15 years to deliver the plan in its entirety.

This is in addition to the £2.5bn funding needed to bring trams back to West Yorkshire and investment for tram extension and renewal in South Yorkshire.

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For Rotherham the plans reiterate that the borough is currently poorly connected to the rail network, with the town centre served via a loop off the main line, and only having two stopping trains an hour.

Rothbiz reported in March that Rotherham Gateway Station is the number one project in the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's [SYMCA's] submission to the government's current spending review.

The project involves a new integrated station on the mainline and a tram-train stop on land at Forge Way, Parkgate and aims to transform the regional and national connectivity of Rotherham, catalysing a new Innovation Campus around the station.

Connecting Rotherham to faster regional and national services, the new Rotherham Gateway station will include a main line rail station on the Sheffield–Leeds / Doncaster route, a tram-train stop on the Sheffield Cathedral–Rotherham Parkgate line, and associated station facilities, including a new commercial development between the rail and tram-train stops.

Yorkshire's Plan for Rail explains: "This major transport investment will support a key advanced manufacturing regeneration opportunity while being strategically located next to the borough’s largest housing development site. It will help unlock the delivery of 33,000 square meters of commercial space and 2,750 new homes, providing a sustainable transport option for future residents."

Lord Blunkett described the plan as "credible and affordable" which "presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve rail connectivity, and unlock economic growth and opportunities for all."

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: "David Blunkett has, for the first time, made clear the problems created by decades of underinvestment across the whole of Yorkshire and given us a Plan for fixing them, working together across the whole of God’s Own Country. This is the White Rose Agreement in action.

"The Plan we are launching today would address the fundamental issues we face as a region. Here in South Yorkshire we need more trains, investment in our stations, and better connections to Leeds, York, Manchester, London and elsewhere.

"Ultimately, we simply want reliable, effective rail services, so we can get to work, see friends and family or just go for a night out.

"Through this Plan, there is a pathway with a phased approach to fix our broken rail system. I want to see Sheffield fully electrified, a new station at Rotherham, more capacity at Doncaster and new services between Barnsley and London. Thanks to the work of Lord Blunkett, as the three White Rose Yorkshire Mayors, we will work with the government and rail industry partners to turn this Plan into action. We’re getting Rail in Yorkshire back on track."

Images: RMBC / SYMCA

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News: CMD launches latest beautiful product

Rotherham manufacturer, CMD, has launched Miro, an innovative, dynamic monitor arm made in the UK. It has already received the prestigious Red Dot award for product design.

Eastwood-based CMD is a designer and manufacturer of power distribution and ergonomic solutions in the workplace and makes products such as workstation hardware and power track systems for use in the commercial office, retail and hospitality sectors. The company, thought to be the UK’s largest manufacturer of desk-based electrical products, employs 158 people and has been a market leader of award-winning products and services since 1988.

Miro is a sustainably designed dynamic monitor arm that enables precise and effortless adjustment of flat and curved screens. With increasing screen sizes and desk space at a premium, Miro’s unique True Vertical Movement, small desk footprint, and 180° stop mechanism prevent tangled cables and colliding screens for a healthy and productive workspace.

Crafted from energy-efficient materials, Miro contains up to 30% less embodied carbon than competitor products.

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It is the latest innovation from Andrew Wills, the renowned ergonomic designer behind some of the world’s best-selling monitor arms. In developing Miro, he set out to create a more sustainable arm that also offers a new kind of movement.

Andrew Wills, Designer of Miro, said: “Every other monitor arm on the market currently moves in an arc. So when you move a screen up and down, the path of the arc also moves it sideways, making it difficult to position your screen exactly where you want it. I’ve always wanted to create an arm that moves completely vertically to give you that precision adjustment. So with Miro, we said let’s do it, let’s get True Vertical Movement.”

The distinction “Red Dot” has become established internationally as one of the most sought-after seals of quality for good design.

With its manufacturing and warehousing facilities in Rotherham, CMD has its design studio in London. At the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week, Miro is taking centre stage, as CMD opens its showroom to celebrate the award.

CMD website

Images: CMD

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News: Liberty lurches from one legal battle to the next over insolvency

Liberty Speciality Steel withdrew a restructuring plan put before the courts just before a judge was due to decide if it could go ahead.

With a lack of agreement with key creditors, lawyers representing them have previously said it was unlikely to be sanctioned anyway due to the money owed.

After pulling its "Part 26A" restructuring plan, as reported by Global Restructuring Review, Liberty Speciality Steel, which has operations in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, is understood to be acting quickly to consider alternative options.

Rothbiz reported in April last year that Liberty had signed a new framework agreement with its major creditors that would enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

In November 2024, Liberty sought approval through the courts for the restructuring which would reduce the company's debts but needs the approval of the majority of creditors.

The UK company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, was hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks.

Court documents from February regarding Greensill creditors and Speciality Steel UK Ltd show that the Liberty company has a debt with them of approximately £289m. The debts owed to Greensill creditors in respect of the activities of the GFG Group amount, in broad terms, to some US$4 billion.

Argus reported earlier this month that there was a restructuring plan hearing held in April, where all Greensill creditors and over three quarters of "other" creditors opposed the restructuring,

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One creditor is Harsco, which operates a large site in Rotherham under its SteelPhalt brand. Court documents show that Harsco issued a winding-up petition against Liberty in 2024 in an effort to recover £4m that it is owed, along with machinery "for which it has not been paid and which it would like back."

Harsco has been against the restructuring plan with its lawyers saying: "everyone in the room knew that it was unlikely to be sanctioned" by the judge.

A winding up petition is issued to the courts by those seeking to recover money that they are owed. The courts do not look on it as a debt recovery process, rather that the company can't pay its debts and should be wound up so that liquidation can be used to collect the company's assets.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issued a petition to have Liberty Speciality Steel wound up in 2022 but following positive discussions, the petitions were withdrawn.

A decision on the latest winding-up order is due this week. If the court approves, Liberty will be served the order and the official receiver automatically becomes the liquidator. An alternative is if a private liquidator is appointed.

Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, said last week: “The news emerging about Liberty Steel is deeply concerning for all of us in South Yorkshire, but particularly those who work in their plants at Rotherham and in Stockbridge. I spoke with the Business Secretary yesterday (Thursday) to raise our concerns and we agreed to work together as more details emerge and the situation develops.

“Our steel industry has been integral to our identity and economy for generations. While the challenges we face are significant, I'm committed to working alongside industry leaders, unions, and government partners to explore all possible avenues to safeguard jobs, support our steel sector and ensure that South Yorkshire remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.”

Following the government stepping in to save British Steel in Scunthorpe, local MPs have discussed the potential for similar action in South Yorkshire.

Marie Tidball, MP for Stocksbridge, said: "The Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act, passed last month, demonstrates clear reassurance that the Government will do everything they can to get it right for our British steel industry, including a commitment to using our steel assets productively. This must include Stocksbridge.

"Our local plant has strategically significant highly specialist capability to produce world-leading steel, which is crucial to our national defence, aerospace, and energy industries.

"The Government have committed £2.5 billion to secure the UK steel industry, and have always been clear that there is a bright future for steel in the UK. I am working around the clock to ensure that Stocksbridge is an integral part of that.

"Our steelworks has been the beating heart of our community for nearly 200 years, and I will continue to fight to protect our site, our jobs, and the strategic capability our site can offer."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: New Rotherham hub opens for business

Business and community members from across the region have helped to officially open Maltby Grammar Business Hub, the newly refurbished former Maltby Grammar School in Rotherham.

The representatives from key businesses in the area were given a tour of the facilities and enjoyed a formal opening presentation which included a tribute to Dame Julie Kenny, former chair of Maltby Learning Trust. The event welcomed past and present students, staff, parents, and grandparents through the doors to see the transformational changes to the building.

The £5.9m Maltby Grammar Business Hub is a product of a successful Levelling Up Fund bid by Rotherham Council, securing £4.5m to revitalise the historic former Grammar School building. This ambitious project has breathed new life into the site, creating a dynamic, multi-purpose facility that will bolster education, employment, and enterprise opportunities in Maltby and the surrounding areas.

Visitors saw the Hub's state-of-the-art facilities, which include flexible training and workspaces, a bespoke area for Sixth Form students offering a focused environment to support their academic and personal development, and a state-of-the-art eSports Suite.

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David Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Maltby Learning Trust, said: "This is a fantastic legacy for the people of this area. We developed plans many years ago to breathe life back into the old Maltby Grammar School and revitalise the space to create a multi functioning building that would benefit, students, businesses, and our local community.

“We are extremely proud to have been able to deliver such a wonderful space. This is a transformative project that will serve as a cornerstone for nurturing talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving local economic growth, for many decades to come.

“There are so many people to thank, not least Dame Julie Kenny, who worked tirelessly as our Chair of Trustees to help us to secure the funding needed to bring this project to reality. It is right and fitting that a tribute to Julie will be in place at the business hub.

“Our thanks also go to the council and government, contractors, businesses, and individuals who have supported us along the way. We now look forward to welcoming people to this venue for a range of business and community events and activities.”

Maltby Grammar Business Hub website

Images: Maltby Learning Trust

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News: Rotherham MP raises concerns over Liberty Steel restructure

Sarah Champion, the MP for Rotherham, says that she is "deeply troubled" by reports that Liberty Speciality Steel could fail to be part of proposed restructuring plans due to a lack of agreement with key creditors.

Rothbiz reported in April last year that Liberty had signed a new framework agreement with its major creditors that would enable it to consolidate its UK steel businesses "under a new entity with a simpler structure, a strong balance sheet and greater access to third party finance and investment."

In November 2024, Liberty sought approval through the courts for the restructuring which would reduce the company's debts but needs the approval of the majority of creditors.

The company, part of Sanjeev Gupta's GFG Alliance, was hit by the collapse of Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operated with less regulation than the traditional banks.

Argus reported earlier this month that there was a restructuring plan hearing held in April, where all Greensill creditors and over three quarters of "other" creditors opposed the restructuring, which was set to be voted on by a judge at a sanction hearing this week.

Sarah Champion said that Liberty's Speciality Steels UK (SSUK) potentially withdrawing from restructuring is "deeply worrying and will be a cause of great concern to Liberty employees in Rotherham."

A judge was due to decide if restructuring can go ahead. Without the plan, SSUK would likely head towards administration, winding up and liquidation.

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The MP said: "I am extremely worried that this decision places in doubt the future of steel making at Liberty's sites in my constituency.



"It is crucial that agreement is reached between Liberty and its creditors to ensure the future of Rotherham’s steelworks, and the businesses throughout their supply chains that depend upon them.

"I have written to Liberty Steel seeking urgent clarity on the implications of these reports and will be doing all that I can to safeguard the future of steel production in Rotherham."

Liberty put in place a specialist committee to accelerate a restructuring and refinancing project which has seen investment and focus on Aldwarke in Rotherham.

UK operations have since October 2021 been supported by £210m loss funding by Liberty's shareholder to maintain employment, operations, and growth potential. 2023 included a restructuring programme affecting 440 roles - including 185 roles at its Rotherham sites.

Court documents from February regarding Greensill creditors and Speciality Steel UK Ltd show that the Liberty company has a debt with them of approximately £289m. The debts owed to Greensill creditors in respect of the activities of the GFG Group amount, in broad terms, to some US$4 billion.

The government recently published its Plan for Steel which reiterated that up to £2.5 billion would be put towards supporting the steel industry,

Liberty continues to call for strategic capability investments including a new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and slab caster at the Rotherham mill "which could increase the site’s production capacity from 1.2Mtpa to 2Mtpa and provide the UK with the capability needed for the next generation of offshore wind towers."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Google Maps

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News: South Yorkshire business leaders urge Home Secretary to support international students

South Yorkshire business leaders are urging the government to consider the critical role that international students play in the growth and success of UK businesses when developing the forthcoming Immigration White Paper.

Representatives from business groups across the region published an open letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighting the importance of international students to economic prosperity in South Yorkshire, warning that any measures that restrict international students who can come to the UK would harm local businesses and regional regeneration.

The letter – signed by the Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham and Doncaster Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Confederation of British Industry (Yorkshire & Humber), the Company of Cutlers’ in Hallamshire, the South Yorkshire Institute of Directors and Made in Sheffield – urges the government not to make any changes to international student immigration policy that would have a detrimental impact on businesses in UK towns and cities.

Business leaders outlined their support for the continuation of the Graduate visa route – a visa which allows international students to stay in the UK for two years after graduation, or three years for those with a PhD. This is a key part of UK universities’ offer to prospective international students and enables businesses to benefit from this talent.

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Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “Upon graduating, international students continue to contribute to the region by working with and for us. The Graduate visa route is an important part of maintaining UK higher education’s competitiveness and can also be a means by which international students use their talent to help grow our businesses domestically and internationally. And, on top of that, they act as advocates for the region when returning home.



“We recognise the long-lasting impact that international students’ soft power has on South Yorkshire.”

The letter follows the publication of a statement by leaders across South Yorkshire, including MPs and the South Yorkshire Mayor, showing their support for international students and the positive impact they have on communities in the region.

The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are home to more than 11,000 international students from more than 150 countries.

Sheffield Central is the second highest parliamentary constituency for net economic impact in the UK, with the contribution of international students from both universities reaching £521m, meaning the area was financially better off by £5,800 per person, on average, because of international students.

Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce website

Images: Sheffield Hallam University

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News: £28m battery company project falls flat, millions of public money lost

A £28m investment project to create a manufacturing base for a new type of battery in South Yorkshire appears to have died - a long with the 500 promised jobs and millions of pounds in public sector loans and grants.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that Rotherham was confirmed as the location for the Ultimate Battery Company's (UBC's) first manufacturing plant and innovation centre, set to create 495 highly skilled jobs by early 2026.

The announcement followed on from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) agreeing to support the private company with £5.2m in loans and grants.

Premises at Thurcroft were identified and recruitment got underway.

Now the same New Orchard Lane property is back on the market to rent with agents, CPR, and the Ultimate Battery Company has switched its address back to Manchester with Companies House.

SYMCA pledged financial support to enable the firm to set up a new research and development centre and manufacturing facility in the region to develop lighter, more energy dense batteries for the automotive sector. Boards were told that it would create 495 new jobs.

UBC aims to deliver a new battery that provides Lithium-like performance at 35% of the cost, enables twice the energy to be stored in the same physical space and provides a faster charging rate. These batteries would significantly reduce weight by up to 15Kg per vehicle, driving down CO2 emissions and manufacturing costs, while increasing energy densities.

Now it is clear that specific loans to local entities have been written-off, with the likelihood that SYMCA will not be repaid.

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A SYMCA audit report shows that a loan of £3.2m to the Ultimate Battery Company (UBC), supported by a Gainshare funding grant of £2m, has been written off.

Using devolved government money, the South Yorkshire Gainshare funding has been designed to support both place-based investment plans, and key thematic areas that aim to deliver the stronger, fairer and greener policy objectives outlined within economic plans.

The report states: "At a programme level, direct investments into businesses in the strategically important sector of advanced manufacturing were expected to enable both the growth of indigenous businesses and attract inward investment by supporting businesses from outside of the region to establish themselves in South Yorkshire."

The loan to UBC was evaluated by SYMCA under its assurance framework and deemed to be well aligned to the plans. However, due to issues encountered by the projects, the company has since ceased trading without the repayment of loans to the authority.

The report talks of the "subsequent unrecoverable nature" of the loan so SYMCA engaged an independent consultant to inform the national evaluator's Gateway Review of these investments.

The report adds: "This review resulted in a number of key lessons learned being identified and an action plan is currently underway and will be published once the Final Review Report has been received. We note that the external consultant did note that the business case process followed for these investments was deemed to be fit for purpose and the issues and difficulties experienced by these companies could not have been foreseen. We have therefore not identified a significant weakness in governance arrangements in relation to the circumstances of these loan write-offs and will follow up on the resulting action plan as part of our 2024-25 review of arrangements."

Ultimate Battery Company website
SYMCA website

Images: CPR

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