News: Rebrand for former Rotherham asylum seeker hotel following sale

A hotel in Rotherham that was temporarily used to accommodate asylum seekers has undergone a rebrand following its sale.

Rothbiz revealed in 2024 that the Ibis at Bramley was being advertised for sale by specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co. In 2023 it was reported that the use of the hotel for asylum seekers was to end.

Since around 2020, there has been a marked increase in the use of hotels for contingency asylum accommodation. The cause of this has been attributed to several factors including the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and public health measures, an increase in the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, and a backlog in unresolved asylum cases.

The Ibis Rotherham East, situated just off Junction 1 of the M18, was one of three hotels recently sold to an owner-operator on behalf of offshore owners.

David Lee, Regional Director – Hotels at Christie & Co, said: “We are pleased to report this sizeable transaction which generated significant interest. Limited service hotels continue to be very popular with all types of investors.”

The hotels were sold at an undisclosed price.

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Now the former Ibis on Moorhead Way, that was put up for sale with a guide price of £4m, is being advertised as "Garner Hotel Rotherham East" - part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies.

IHG’s newest midscale conversion brand has seen rapid growth since its global launch in 2023, particularly in the company’s largest market in Europe – where appetite for hotels in the essentials segment continues to gain traction.

Garner strives to become the leading choice for travellers of all ages seeking quality stays at an affordable price point – offering the all-important things guests value, including convenient locations, comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi. Guests will experience Garner’s signature ‘refreshing moment’ free drink and snack on arrival, as well as having access to fresh bean-to-cup coffee and the Garner Shop.

Joanna Kurowska, VP & Managing Director, UK and Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’re proud to see Garner hotels, our midscale conversion brand, gaining strong momentum across the UK, reflecting its compelling value proposition for owners and investors. IHG’s streamlined conversion processes and dedicated support, enables owners to efficiently integrate with IHG’s enterprise and gain faster returns.

"Our dedicated operations and development teams work hand-in-hand on the ground to deliver a seamless, efficient value proposition for every Garner property. This includes delivering the brand’s competitive conversion cost per key, flexible design and reduced pre-opening costs through a rapid conversion process. This coordinated effort not only supports our owners but also guarantees guests a consistent, high-quality, and affordable experience.

"As we continue to expand Garner’s presence across the UK, we remain committed to partnering closely with our owners and investors to maximise value and unlock new opportunities in the midscale segment.”

The 2024 listing stated: "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."

The particulars explained that the hotel was let to Accor UK Economy Hotels Limited for a term of 25 years from August 2000. The current passing rent was £364,370 per annum.

Garner Hotels website

Images: Garner / Christie & co

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News: Government involvement in future of Speciality Steels "not envisaged"

The government has ruled out taking a stake in South Yorkshire's speciality steel business and remains confident a buyer can be found.

In August, a judge approved an application from creditors to place Speciality Steels UK (SSUK), previously part of Liberty Steel and GFG Alliance, into compulsory liquidation. With the Official Receiver taking over, and the Government covering costs with Teneo Financial Advisory Limited as Special Managers, a formal sale process recently got underway.

An update from Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald, shared by Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion, states: "The Government is providing financial assistance to enable the Official Receiver to fulfil its statutory duties and identify a suitable buyer capable of operating a sustainable steelmaking business.

"The Official Receiver is currently inviting indicative offers from interested parties. From early November, these offers will enter a due diligence phase. Over the coming weeks, the focus will be on evaluating the proposals received, determining the optimal strategy, and preparing for the next stage of the sales process. Final bids will be formally requested to structure the concluding transaction discussions.

"As part of this wider process, we do not envisage any direct Government involvement in the business, including taking a stake, as you suggested in your letter. We want the steel sector to thrive, and the best way to achieve that is through commercially run businesses with private investment."

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The minister recently met with local politicians to tour the sites in Rotherham and Stocksbridge.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, described the visit as "a welcome sign that this government recognises the strategic importance of our steel industry - not just to our local economy in Rotherham, but to the UK’s national resilience and industrial future."

Read added: “Steel production in Parkgate has stood at the heart of Rotherham’s identity for two hundred years. These are not just jobs. They are livelihoods, communities, and a proud legacy of British manufacturing excellence.

“The closure of these sites would not only be a devastating blow to our borough and South Yorkshire — but it would also leave a hole in the UK’s sovereign capability to produce the high-grade steels essential for defence, aerospace, and clean energy.

“We presented a united South Yorkshire team, calling for a sustainable solution that protects skilled jobs, secures strategic capabilities, and supports long-term growth across South Yorkshire. It is heartening that there is strong commercial interest in continuing steel production on the site, and we will continue to urge the government to do everything in its power to ensure that this is realised.”

Chris McDonald added: "I met with workers, Trade Union representatives, and local authorities, including the South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard. It was clear from these conversations how deeply the steel industry is woven into the fabric of the local community. The business clearly has a unique capability in the UK, a highly capable workforce and there is a strong market for its products. Whilst it is for the Official Receiver to run the process, I remain confident that a buyer for this business will be found.

"I fully recognise the uncertainty this situation brings for employees and their families. I want to reaffirm the Government's commitment to securing a strong and sustainable future for steelmaking in the UK, particularly in South Yorkshire, where I hope to see a buyer emerge who can run a successful and enduring business."

Council reports have revealed that the Speciality Steel operations in Rotherham had the borough's biggest bill for business rates - £2.8m a year. Liquidation has presented a financial challenge to the Council through the need to write off £4.2m of business rates debt, spanning across the final quarter of 2023/24 through to 21st August 2025. Due to the way business rates are retained, the Council is only directly impacted by 49% of this debt.

Images: Sheffield Council

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News: Housing plans refused for Masons Arms in Rotherham

Following the successful conversion of the upper floors of a former fire-damaged pub on the edge of Rotherham town centre, Rotherham Council has refused plans to add further flats on the ground floor.

Rothbiz reported back in 2022 on proposals to create a house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the upper floors of the prominent Wellgate building.

The former Masons Arms had been vacant for a number of years, having most recently been used for retail use on the ground floor. It suffered a suspected arson in 2019.

Plans were appproved with local firm, Al-Shafa Healthcare Limited, wanting to create ten studio flats on the first and second floors with the ground floor remaining as a commercial unit.

The upper floors are now fully occupied and managed by Rotherham Housing but despite sustained marketing efforts, the ground floor retail unit has remained vacant.

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The same applicants, said that: "Commercial agents have confirmed that the presence of residential use above has limited interest from prospective retail tenants, making the ground floor increasingly unviable for its previously approved use. Over the past three years, the unit has failed to generate interest or contribute to the activity of the street frontage. It is clear that a more sustainable long-term use is required to prevent the space from remaining underutilised."

However, new plans for six flats on the ground floor have been refused.

Council planners said that the proposed development would not meet national and local planning policies that requires development to have a high standard of amenity for existing and future occupants, and to ensure that sufficient daylight can penetrate into buildings.

The report adds: "The proposed new windows along the western and northern elevations are considered to suffer from restricted outlooks, and consequently each bedroom and living area suffers from a poor standard of amenity.

"The proposed new windows along the northern elevation (bedroom 06 and kitchen/lounge area) are considered to materially increase (and suffer from) overlooking to other new private windows within the same development."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Pride in Place plans for Rotherham take shape

A new council report explains how a £20m investment will be spent over the next ten years, building pride in Rotherham.

In March, £20m earmarked for Rotherham by the previous Government was confirmed and given a wider remit, focusing on neighbourhood renewal and improving social capital, and renamed Plan for Neighbourhoods.

Now renamed as the Pride in Place Programme for Rotherham Central, Rothbiz reported last month on which types of regeneration projects are set to receive the most money.

A regeneration plan is due to be signed off by the counil's cabinet this month before being submitted to the government. The authority is the accountable body for the money with a Neighbourhood Board established to "put local people at the centre of defining their town’s future, with responsibility for developing their Regeneration Plan, in partnership with the local authority, to deliver the strategic objectives of the programme."

Rothbiz has previously reported on the results of consultation and the government data that has fed into the development of the regeneration plan.

Interventions in line for funding will come under the themes of: regeneration, high streets and heritage; health and wellbeing; education and opportunity; cohesion, safety and security; and work, productivity and skills.

As the focus is on interventions where alternative funding is less accessible, it means that housing and transport projects will not be supported.

A report shows the main target areas with £5.72m earmarked for health and wellbeing and £3.84m for regeneration, high streets and heritage.

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Possible interventions under the health and wellbeing theme include co-locating services under one roof in an accessible high street location, community mental health hubs, funding for local sport and activity facilities, initiatives and drug and alcohol support.

The cabinet report states: "Healthy life expectancy for males in the borough is 2.8 years lower than the Yorkshire and Humber average and for females is 3.8 years lower. Rotherham will therefore allocate a significant proportion of this investment programme towards health and wellbeing interventions to address this disparity.

"Capital investment towards the integration of health and wellbeing services and local sport and activity will embed services and facilities that are key to healthy living in areas that are convenient for residents. The right facilities in the right locations will boost footfall and support places to thrive."

Rothbiz has perviously reported on plans to create a Health Hub in the vacant former Boots building in Rotherham town centre.

Potential interventions under the regeneration, high streets and heritage theme include public realm improvements, green spaces, community and neighbourhood infrastructure projects, support for arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities and initiatives.

The cabinet report adds: "Rotherham has a long standing commitment to improving its town and neighbourhood centres. Residents support directing investment towards the creation of thriving places, in particular where this makes them feel safer and well cared for. Tackling vacancies and improving the built environment in the town centre will be key to creating vibrant streets and more inviting public spaces. Projects to be explored will include capital investment as well as funding for operational costs over the length of the programme.

"Rotherham’s local centres, parks and community facilities are well used and communities take real pride in them therefore, opportunities to upgrade infrastructure and support people to make the most of them will be explored in order to future proof these assets."

Other potential interventions include: designing out crime along with investment in management and maintenance; measures to improve community cohesion, capacity building and infrastructure support for local civil society, youth and community groups; funding for local arts, cultural, heritage and creative initiatives and the animation of public spaces through events, art and performance; community level outreach work; support for community-based learning and development; and developing and expanding existing local business support and networks for smaller business and social enterprises.

The vision statement for the Pride in Place regeneration plan states: "With Rotherham Minster, the redeveloped markets and library and a wealth of year-round events; the town centre will grow in popularity. Regeneration will bring back purpose to cherished buildings, create safe and welcoming public space and breathe new life into the town centre.

"Rotherham’s approach will inspire hope and confidence in the future, as it demonstrates how to not just survive but thrive in the rapidly changing landscape of town centres. With the town centre at the heart of the community, it will celebrate diversity, restore civic pride and provide residents with the services, leisure opportunities and green spaces they need for a healthy and happy life.

"The success of Rotherham’s plan will be felt by the Rotherham community who will feel empowered to participate, and recognise a growing sense of belonging and pride, as they come together more to celebrate where they live."

Images: RMBC

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News: Major Chinese car brands open showrooms in Rotherham

Two prominent Chinese auto manufacturers have opened at established car dealerships in Rotherham.

At Parkgate, Evans Halshaw has recently added BYD vehicles as part of a growing partnership between the dealer and the Shenzhen brand.

Taking over the current Evans Halshaw Ford dealership on Aldwarke Road, the site offers both new and used BYD cars, plus a selection of used cars of all makes and models. In addition to BYD aftersales, the site will remain a Ford Authorised Repairer, with the current team staying in place for servicing, MOTs, and repairs.

With another new outlet in Chesterfield, Evans Halshaw now has five BYD dealerships, showcasing the Atto 2 compact SUV, the plug-in hybrid SEAL U DM-i, and the Dolphin Surf city car.

The brand sold over 11,271 cars in September 2025, representing a substantial rise of 880% compared to the same month last year. The UK is the largest international market for BYD outside of China.

Rob Miller, group vice president of multi brand, said: “We are thrilled to be expanding our BYD network with the opening of these two new dealerships in Chesterfield and Rotherham.

“This marks an exciting step forward in the growing partnership between Evans Halshaw and BYD.

“Together, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service and bringing innovative electric and hybrid vehicles to more customers across the UK.”

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At the historic "Mushroom Garage" at Aldwarke, Geely has joined the Stoneacre family.

The Hangzhou-based manufacturer is one of the world’s most innovative automotive brands and has launched in the UK with Stoneacre's Goole, Hull, and Rotherham dealerships being among the first in the country to showcase the new vehicles such as the fully electric SUV - the Geely EX5.

Part of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely’s global family includes Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Lynk & Co, ZEEKR, and LEVC (the makers of London’s famous electric taxis).

A spokesperson for Stoneacre, said: "At Stoneacre, we’re passionate about giving our customers more choice, more innovation, and more excitement behind the wheel. Partnering with Geely reinforces our reputation as one of the UK’s most diverse and forward-thinking motor groups.

"With over 100 franchise outlets nationwide, Stoneacre is proud to welcome Geely into our expanding electric and hybrid line-up. From Goole, Hull, and Rotherham, we’ll be giving drivers their first taste of this revolutionary new brand."

It remains to be seen if the Renault car on top of the prominent showroom is replaced.

Evans Halshaw website
Stonacre website

Images: Evans Halshaw

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News: Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber CEO secures prestigious national accolade

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, has been awarded one of the most distinguished honours by the British Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the outstanding leadership and contribution she has made towards shaping South Yorkshire’s business community.

The President’s Award recognises exceptional work and the impact of individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ in supporting their chamber, the local business community and the wider chamber network.

Since being promoted to Chief Executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber in 2023, Carrie has played a vital role in forging stronger links between South Yorkshire’s business community and public sector partners – working in partnership to pioneer a number of innovative and truly ground-breaking initiatives to stimulate growth within the local economy.

During the past 18 months, Carrie has firmly established herself as a trusted and respected voice for South Yorkshire’s business community, successfully leading and delivering a number of transformational initiatives including business rates, social value and pathways to work.

Examples of this work have included working in partnership with Rotherham Council through its ‘Buy Local’ initiative, which has seen the local authority increase its investment in regional supply chains by 72%, with a staggering £77.2 million reinvested directly into the local economy.

As Chair of Barnsley’s Inclusive Economy Board, Carrie has also been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and employment, where she has worked closely with local education providers to ensure businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need while empowering and inspiring young people to build sustainable careers in South Yorkshire.

Her work with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has been rewarded and recognised, with the chamber enjoying one of the highest rates of member retention and growth of any UK Chamber of Commerce.

The award was presented to Carrie by Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE, President of the British Chamber of Commerce.

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Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “When I became Chief Executive, my top priority was to build an environment where every business can realise its full potential. I feel incredibly proud of our achievements over the past 12 months and winning the President’s Award helps to highlight the incredible work our amazing team at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is delivering.

"I am under no illusions that for many businesses, the past year has been challenging. As we look to the future, I feel confident that as a result of the partnerships we have forged and the work we have successfully delivered, businesses from across the region will benefit from our work, which in turn will help to build a stronger local and regional economy”.

Matt Travis, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “The British Chambers of Commerce is an organisation that represents tens of thousands of businesses spanning across the whole of the UK. Carrie is a very worthy winner of the President’s Award, and her success highlights the innovative and unique work Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is delivering to support and drive business growth in South Yorkshire.

"Behind the strong membership growth and retention levels - some of the highest of any local chamber of commerce in the UK - has been Carrie’s vision. She has firmly established herself as a trusted and respected voice for South Yorkshire’s business community and someone who has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping our members realise their ambitions.”

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

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News: Housing plans in for Rotherham farmland

Another planning application has been submitted for greenbelt land in Rotherham, this time for 170 houses at Whiston.

Rothbiz reported last month on Clarendon Land and Development developing plans for a proposed housing development on 10.17 hectares of farmland south of West Bawtry Road, Whiston - another site designated as safeguarded land.

A number of proposed developments in Rotherham this year that are for sites in the local plan that were designated as "safeguarded land" rather than sites designated for housing. The 2018 plan set out that they may be needed in the future and taken out of the greenbelt after the end of the plan period in 2028.

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

Clarendon's outline plans have been submitted alongside a Renishaw company called Clinker Estates Ltd and show that the main vehicular access would be from Long Lane into West Bawtry Road.

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The types of houses are not yet detailed bu 25% will be classed as affordable homes.

Surface water will be managed through two detention basins. Attenuation basins will also provide effective water quality treatment before discharging into the wider Site drainage network, ultimately flowing into Whiston Brook.

The plans, drawn up by consultants, Marrons, state: "The scheme will provide up to 170 dwellings, the proposals will help to create a sustainable, inclusive and mixed community including the provision of homes, including affordable homes at a time of significant need and a shortfall in supply. In the case of affordable homes the shortfall in provision, at a time of increasing need and little prospect of future supply meeting that need, is considered to constitute a housing crisis.

"As with all new residential development, the proposals will result in an increase in population and will therefore have some impact upon local infrastructure. Not all impacts will be negative (for example increased footfall and revenue for local services)."

It adds that any impact would be "clearly outweighed by the need to provide significant new development."

Clarendon website

Images: Clarendon

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News: instantprint celebrates landmark year with 60% growth

Fuelled by investment, innovation and a deep focus on listening to customers, Rotherham-based instantprint continues to scale rapidly, positioning itself as one of the UK’s fastest growing providers for SME print solutions.

The Manvers company has unveiled a milestone year of performance, reporting a 60% year on year increase in large format sales, the successful launch of custom stickers and eco paper bags and significant gains in efficiency thanks to AI-powered upgrades across the customer journey.

At the heart of instantprint’s success is a relentless focus on removing friction from the buying experience. Nowhere is this clearer than in the revamped proofing journey, which has seen a surge in customer satisfaction and conversion rate.

The new interface gives customers a clearer, faster and more confident approval process. And in a major step forward for accessibility, instantprint has now integrated AI-powered upscaling tools that automatically detect and enhance low-resolution artwork offering customers the option to optimise files without needing to start again or delay their order.

These changes have already contributed to measurable improvements in CVR, reduced order abandonment and a continued run of positive feedback, pushing the brand past 20,000 verified reviews on Trustpilot with an 'Excellent' average.

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Jon Constantine-Smith, Head of instantprint, said: “This has been one of the most exciting years in our history. We’ve achieved major category growth, launched products that our customers actually asked for, and used AI not to replace people - but to remove the pain points from the print journey. Everything we’ve done comes back to one focus: make great print more accessible, more efficient and more enjoyable.”

instantprint’s large format category—including banners, posters and exhibition materials — has seen a 60% sales increase, fuelled by upgraded production capabilities and next-day availability.

In 2020, the printing firm increased its total footprint at Brookfields Park by 45% to 147,000 sq ft, paving the way for their dedicated large format printing facility.

A £250,000 investment was recently made in a state-of-the-art RENZ INLINE 500 wire binding machine, responding to the surge in demand for premium products like calendars, books, and diaries.

Meanwhile, two major product launches — custom stickers and recyclable paper bags — reflect the brand’s commitment to expanding with purpose. Both ranges were curated based on direct customer feedback and are already gaining traction across retail, hospitality and events.

Mark Young, Managing Director at instantprint, added: “Every investment we’ve made, from large format hardware to AI integration, is rooted in a simple principle: listen to your customers, then make it easier for them to succeed. We’re not just growing for growth’s sake, we’re scaling smart and the results speak for themselves.”

instantprint website

Images: instantprint

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