News: Major food retailer sets sights on Rotherham retail park

One of Britain’s fastest-growing and most innovative retailers is looking set to open one of its large format stores in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in March on the owners of Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham submitting plans for Units 17 and 18 with the talk of new tenants.

The approval of the plans has enabled TUI to take a smaller unit next to its Holiday Superstore and move its Rotherham operations.

One of the world's leading integrated tourism business has taken over the former One Below / One Beyond discount store. Launched by Poundworld founders, One Below opened its first Rotherham store in the former Maplin unit at Parkgate Shopping in April 2019. It still operates in Rotherham town centre.

The application at Parkgate was for the reconfigurement of the internal layout, including the mezzanine, a new trolley bay and new solar panels.

Following TUI's relocation, commercial property agents are now showing that The Food Warehouse is taking the former TUI unit next to Morrisons.

The Food Warehouse is part of the Iceland Foods Group and is revolutionising the way that people shop in stores. It takes the same product lines as Iceland and extends them in a warehouse space, giving customers the ability to buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings.

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With a new mezzanine level, Unit 18 at Parkgate would provide 13,600 sq ft of space which will allow for The Food Warehouse's super simple store layouts with wider and fewer aisles.

The retailers have a huge range of exclusive brand products across some of the best-known names in the UK, including Slimming World, Greggs, TGI's, Chiquito's and more. It also offers multi-buy deals, including 5 for £5, 3 for £10 and 8 for £10 deals whilst homeware and seasonal specials are also available in larger stores.

Having launched in 2014. a major milestone for The Food Warehouse was reached last month with the opening of the 200th store.

Iceland currently operates in Parkgate already, and at Eastwood. Its products are also available through partnerships with the likes of Wilko and The Range.

Agents, Morgan Williams and CSP Retail list The Food Warehouse as a new letting in the last 12 months at Parkgate Shopping alongside Footasylum, Starbucks, Pavers, Superdrug and My Dentist. Just two large units remain vacant.

An opening date for the new Food Warehouse in Rotherham is not yet known.

Rothbiz also reported in January on approved outline plans for another new unit at Parkgate, on land next to Matalan which was previously used as a Park & Ride for the tram-train. No tenant has been announced here but the proposal is for a 20,000 sq ft rectangular unit "that is the required format of food retailers in order to provide linear aisle for convenience goods shopping."

The Food Warehouse website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: The Food Warehouse

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News: Economic Trailblazer to continue in South Yorkshire

An economic inactivity trailblazer in South Yorkshire is in line for a funding boost to help give more people furthest from employment the tools to get into work.

Transformative schemes are being extended with an £80m funding boost as the government targets economic inactivity hotspots through joined up localised support.

Unlike traditional employment support, inactivity trailblazers empower local areas to design tailored solutions that tackle the root causes of economic inactivity - such as poor mental health, low skills, and barriers like social isolation - rather than just treating the symptoms.

New support that areas can offer will include work readiness skills, employer engagement to change hiring practices and support Local Growth Plans, mental health support, confidence-building social groups and skills training to move thousands more people closer to the labour market.

Rothbiz reported in April on an £18m scheme in South Yorkshire for a dedicated new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions, and a new “triage” system to make it quicker and easier to connect people to employment, health, and skills support.

These groundbreaking schemes are helping to break the vicious cycle between poor mental health and unemployment by trialling initiatives that combine job support with health and skills support.

Those who benefit from the trailblazer support face complex, often deeply personal barriers to work, and the scheme is part of the Government’s wider plan to deliver national renewal focused on opportunity and respect, ensuring everyone is seen and valued.

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Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: "For too long too many people have been locked out of the job market, which fails them and fails our economy.

"That is why we are doing things differently – putting local leaders in the driving seat so the right support goes to their community.

"By further investing in our trailblazers we’re helping people who were previously underserved or overlooked to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive."

By taking a holistic approach, the programme is already delivering results through early intervention, flexible training and working directly with employers to create supportive environments, rather than treating health and employment as separate issues.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "South Yorkshire has a proud industrial heritage that shaped our communities and powered progress far beyond our borders. But the legacy of industrial decline left behind deep-rooted challenges.  For too long, poor health, low skills, and limited opportunity have held too many people back. That’s not good enough, and we’re changing it.

"I’m proud that we’ve secured another year of funding for the Economic Trailblazer. It’s a vital part of our nationally recognised Pathways to Work programme, which is helping thousands of people across South Yorkshire into good, secure jobs.

"We’re building a South Yorkshire where everyone can stay near and go far, putting people and employers at the heart of everything we do - creating opportunity, transforming lives, and strengthening communities. Together, we’re making change happen."

South Yorkshire operates a Pathways to Work system, ensuring alignment and a coordinated one-system approach to employment support services on offer.

Through their new initiatives, South Yorkshire aims to reduce inactivity from 25.5% in 2023 to under 20% by the end of 2029 – equivalent to helping 40,000 people across the area.

Economic inactivity in Rotherham is higher (27%) than in South Yorkshire, statistical neighbours and the national average (21%). This is driven by higher economic inactivity among women, residents aged 50-64, and ethnic minorities.

South Yorkshire Pahways to Work website

Images: Barnsley Council

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News: All the winners at the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards 2025

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce celebrated the region's business in style recently as it hosted the annual Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards at Magna in Rotherham.

In an evening packed with glitz and glamour, more than 560 members of South Yorkshire’s business community came together to reflect on their achievements during the past 12 months, and with 14 different awards up for grabs it proved to be a night to remember for the Naylor Group, who secured a clutch of accolades on the evening, winning the large business category as well as being highly commended for the Sustainability award. The company was also one of five businesses shortlisted for the Community Impact award.

Hosted by respected SAS veteran and best-selling author Colin MacLachlan, and with live entertainment provided by 2017 X Factor finalist Holly Tandy, the awards recognised the achievements of all areas of the local business community – from apprentices and new entrepreneurs taking the first steps in their chosen vocations to businesses demonstrating excellence in customer service, business growth and staff development.

However, the night belonged to Barnsley's Naylor Group. Founded in 1890, the fourth-generation family-run business has reinvented itself, successfully investing more than £18m in the last two years alone. In addition to going above and beyond the call of duty in supporting its 350-strong workforce through a wide range of people development-led initiatives, the company has also successfully reduced its electricity consumption by a staggering 89%, as well as repurposing more than 7,000 tonnes of used plastics, which would have otherwise been destined for landfill.

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The important role played by charities was also recognised. In what proved to be one of the most fiercely contested categories, Rotherham Samaritans secured the title of Charity of the Year, whilst Barnsley Hospice and Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service (Rothacs) were highly commended. The three charities were all awarded cash prizes to support their charitable efforts. Other winners from the charity sector saw Barnsley Hospice CEO Martin Tune awarded the title of Business Person of the Year, whilst Rotherham Hospice was awarded Campaign of the Year.

Rotherham-based IT provider Balliante were crowned Small Business of the Year, whilst Equans secured a double award win, landing the titles of Business Community Impact and Excellence in Customer Service.

The hard work and dedication of several longstanding South Yorkshire businesses were also recognised on the night, having collectively accumulated 360 years of service with special salutes to business: Kinspeed and Age UK Rotherham (40 years), Steel City Marketing (45 years), Rotherham United (100 years) and Shorts Accountants (135 years).

Edward Naylor, Executive Chairman: Naylor industries said: “We’ve been on quite a journey over the past few years. Historically, we have manufactured clay pipes for the construction industry – demand for which has been declining for a number of years. We recognised that we needed to adapt our business by diversifying our product range, entering new markets and perhaps most important of all, investing in the communities we serve, creating opportunities for the next generation to forge successful careers in the manufacturing sector.

"Being awarded the title of Business of the Year by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber is an incredible achievement, and I feel immensely proud of every member of our team who have contributed to our success.”

Craig Boddy, Managing Director, Balliante, said: "Being named as small business of the year is a huge honour, and I feel incredibly proud that the hard work and dedication shown by our team has been recognised in this way. When we relocated our business to Rotherham Town Centre, we wanted to play a small part in contributing to the regeneration efforts of the town. We've enjoyed a significant period of growth during the past twelve months, not just supporting fellow businesses in South Yorkshire, but we've also seen demand for our services increase from customers across Europe and the US.

"It's been an incredible 12 months for Balliante, and as more businesses adopt new forms of technology in their day-to-day business, I think we are well-placed to continue our growth journey in the future."

Matt Travis, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “Over the past year, businesses across Barnsley, Rotherham and the wider South Yorkshire region have faced some of the most challenging conditions in recent memory. Yet despite these headwinds our businesses have continued to adapt, innovate and thrive.

"From manufacturers embracing cutting-edge technology to service providers finding new ways to deliver value, the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship in Barnsley and Rotherham remains as strong as ever. Success is never achieved in isolation; it’s the result of people coming together in the spirit of collaboration, trust and shared ambition.

"The Barnsley & Rotherham business awards is one of the highlights of the Chamber’s business calendar, and the ways in which many businesses go above and beyond the call of duty never fails to amaze me. I would like to give my congratulations to every business that took part in this year’s Business Awards. The standard of entry was remarkable, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.”

Full list of winners:

Business of the Year: Naylor Group

Apprentice of the year: Winner: Max Brough, Airmaster
Highly Commended: Becky Smith (Barnsley Hospice), Joe Cockerill (Mears Group)

Business Community Impact: Winner: Equans
Highly Commended: Henry Boot Construction, Reloved Boutique by Barnsley College

Business Growth: Winner: Utility Source Limited
Highly Commended: Actus, TwentyFour IT Services

Business Person of the Year: Winner: Martin Tune (Barnsley Hospice)
Highly Commended: Dr Perdita Mouseley (Rotherham Opportunities College), Mark Smith (Make Your Mark)

Campaign of the Year: Winner: Rotherham Hospice
Highly Commended: ACW Medical Services, Utility Source Limited

Charity of the Year: Winner: Rotherham Samaritans
Highly Commended: Barnsley Hospice, Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service (Rothacs)

Commitment to People Development: Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly Commended: Rotherham Hospice, Vaughandale Construction

Excellence in Customer Service: Winner: Equans
Highly Commended: IT Desk (UK) Limited, Wayv, Talk and Broadband for Business

Social Impact: Winner: Esh Group
Highly Commended: Equans, KCM Waste Management

Sustainability Award: Winner: Riverlution
Highly Commended: Hydrov Ltd, Naylor Group

Most Promising New Business: Winner: Jiggle
Highly Commended: Empress Ballroom, Nexus 360

Small Business of the Year: Winner: Balliante
Highly Commended: Gravitate Digital Accounting, Empress Ballroom

Large Business of the Year: Winner: Naylor Group
Highly Commended: Equans, Hargreaves Industrial Services

Salutes to Business – presented to businesses in recognition of their longstanding commitment to South Yorkshire’s local economy:

40 years: Kinspeed, Rotherham Samaritans
45 years: Steel City Marketing
100: Rotherham United FC
135 Shorts Accountants

BR Awards website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Church plan for Rotherham offices

A growing, friendly, family church has set its sights on new premises in Rotherham where it hopes to secure planning permission to use a vacant office.

Hope Church Rotherham is affiliated to the British Assemblies of God. In 2004 local church groups joined together to become known as "The Hope of Rotherham Christian Church," meeting in various premises throughout the borough. The name was changed to "Hope Church" and in October 2013 they secured their first ever church property on Grove Road, near Rotherham town centre.

With plans in to convert the Grove Road premises, in May 2023 the church moved to Clifton Community School for Sunday services, and the Unity Centre at St Ann's for most mid-week events.

Now offices at Bradmarsh Business Park in Templeborough could provide a permanent location within the heart of Rotherham to support their religious and community services.

Plans show how Reresby House, previously home to business support agencies including RiDO and Business Link, could accommodate a main audatorium and workshop space on the ground floor with further workshop and office space on the first floor.

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The church hopes to build its congregation to 200-300 people and offer training courses run by the Church / voluntary sector plus space for meetings and conferences, and mid-week small group morning meetings.

A change of use from office use to a place of worship would be required.

The plans, drawn up by PlanningDesign, state: "The loss of an office use would not significantly impact the amount of available employment land within the authority area. Instead, a substantial surplus employment land would remain prevalent.

"It is noted that part of Reresby House is currently part occupied by S3-ID who utilise the southwest wing as ground floor workshop and associated first floor offices. Hope Church are intending to purchase the whole site and maintain the lease of S3-ID, who have a 7-year lease with a break clause at 13th October 2028."

S3 ID, the provider of cutting edge location awareness solutions, moved from premises at Eastwood to Templeborough in 2013.

The site has been on the market since December 2023 with agents Eddisons confirming that only ten viewings by six companies / individuals have been carried out over the marketing period, with no further progress by these parties.

Last month, Rothbiz reported on plans from The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Freedom Centre (RCCG FC) to convert Norton House, a five storey 1960's/70's office building in Rotherham town centre so that it could be used as a place of worship.

Hope Church website

Images: Eddisons

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News: Club house revamp and holiday lets planned at Rotherham golf club

A set of plans for significant upgrades to a Rotherham golf club are being driven forward by new operators.

A refurbishment programme of the existing club house, and the conversion of former agricultural buildings so that they can be used as holiday guest houses, are proposed for Grange Park Golf Club at Kimberworth.

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

The course 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.

In 2023 local businessman Peter Eyre was approached to look at assisting the company who had debts of £500,000 and were in the process of appointing an administrator.

Top Play, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, has been looking at diversifying the business after it was clear that just relying on golf course income and operating as an event venue was no longer sustainable.

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Plans explain that the golf club has recently undertaken a full internal refurbishment of the current ballroom area but further works are proposed. A single-story infill entrance extension would create a new contemporary entrance and meeting area, whilst increasing the existing external decked and seating area along the western elevation would expand the hospitality facilities to the rear overlooking the 18th green.

Plans state: "The refurbishment programme is to improve the whole club facilities and enhance the current golf facility [and] the additional club event venue facility. The company has proposed plans to invest in the upgrading and refurbishment of the main building, bar areas and existing dining provisions, kitchens, toilets, changing facilities. The existing club currently has a restrictive catering food offering for golfers due to the facilities on site.

"This proposal would provide an essential addition to the current entrance and provide a new principal area for members and vastly improve the sporting and recreation demand at the venue. The adjacent building facades [are] to be upgraded to a contemporary and softening design with a timber profiled panelling system mixed with a combination of green wall effect.

"We are proposing a contemporary external area to expand the viewing and seating of the golf club, taking full advantage of the fantastic views to the western side of the golf club."

For two existing storage barns, the plan is to fully refurbish and upgrade the buildings to high standards to create holiday lets - three separate 2-bed, two storey units in one barn and two self contained 2-bed apartments in the other.

Planners will need to assess whether the proposed change of use of the former agricultural buildings represents suitable development within the greenbelt.

The plans also include resurfacing the existing car park and driveway.

Plans conclude: "The whole club house has been thoroughly neglected over the years and the proposed business plan is to create a sustainable business focusing on new membership, and continued events which at the moment is gaining momentum due to the internal upgrading and promotions being carried out for the club and with these essential new a upgraded additions will ensure the longevity of the club and social hub for the surrounding area.

"Our proposals for the Change of use of these buildings will be an crucial enhancement to the existing Golf club amenities to contribute to future growth plan for the club.

"Our proposals will be an essential element of ensuring the longevity of the Golf club and venue securing the future for the existing team of staff and provide new opportunities to expand the personnel as the profile of the club improves and increases."

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: Grange Park Golf Club

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