News: McLaren Automotive to invest £42m at Rotherham site

McLaren Automotive is set to expand its base in Rotherham as part a £500m investment programme to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations, enabling it to accelerate the development of its next generation of models.

It follows on from a £21.3m expansion project at Rolls-Royce's Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) nearby.

Opened in 2018 on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) has established itself as a world-leader in lightweight carbon fibre construction for the automotive industry.

That initial £50m investment, backed by £12m from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), is now set to be followed up by a £42m investment to go towards expanding the centre to expand McLaren's capabilities further for in-house production of lightweight chassis structures and advanced composite components.

60 people where employed in the first years of operation which was expected to rise to over 200 when in full production mode.

It is now expected that the workforce would triple by 2034.

McLaren said that the programme will create at least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs across McLaren's UK operations by 2032, while safeguarding existing roles. McLaren Automotive’s manufacturing workforce is set to double in the UK, supported by new apprenticeships to develop the next generation of talent.

The investment forms part of a larger commitment from McLaren Automotive shareholder L’IMAD, a sovereign investor of the Government of Abu Dhabi, and reinforces McLaren’s commitment to Britain.

The investment will enable McLaren Automotive to expand its production capability, increasing vehicle output to ensure the next generation of McLaren Automotive cars are built in Britain including a newly confirmed performance SUV. This will be made possible by a new vehicle assembly facility planned in the UK.

Advertisement
For the first time in its history, McLaren Automotive’s future powertrains will be designed and built in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions.

Jassem Al Zaabi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of L’IMAD, said: “Over the past 20 months, L’IMAD has worked closely with McLaren Automotive’s management team, supporting the business in sharpening its strategic direction and positioning itself for long-term growth. This investment reflects our confidence in its potential and our commitment to backing the business through its next chapter, building on the heritage, engineering excellence, and distinctive brand that has defined McLaren for more than six decades."

Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group Holdings and McLaren Automotive said: “This investment gives us the platform to grow, develop and build on what makes us distinctive, while investing in the people, technologies and products that will keep us competitive for decades to come."

Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister said: “McLaren Automotive is doubling down on Britain, keeping the design, the engineering and the building of every future car here, and taking on a thousand more people to do it. Their investment will create high-quality apprenticeships, jobs and drive growth far beyond their factory gates. It is how you get skilled work, decent wages and pride back into a place. It’s this kind of partnership between government and business that will help us reindustrialise communities and make every part of Britain better off. I want young people to see that and know there is a future for them in making things, wherever they grew up."

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard called the investment "a huge vote of confidence in the people, skills and economy of South Yorkshire." He added: Companies like McLaren are not short of options when they consider where to spend their money. Which region in the world wouldn’t want to host a company like that? They chose South Yorkshire.

"That isn’t an accident. It reflects the strength of our workforce, our universities and colleges, our supply chain and the partnerships bringing them together.

"It also comes at an important moment for the UK. Reindustrialisation needs places with the capability and ambition to build the technologies of the future. South Yorkshire is demonstrating what that future can look like."

Rothbiz reported last month on McLaren's plans for a temporary storage area that would provide the current 75,000 sq ft purpose built unit with an extra 7,265sq ft in order to create additional operational capacity "to address an immediate operational need arising from existing activities whilst allowing sufficient time for the design, funding, and delivery of a permanent building solution within the locality as part of the wider / longer term site operations strategy."

In March the master developer for the AMP, Harworth, sold the McLaren unit that it built for the supercar manufacturer.

Harworth recently confirmed that it had agreed a straight 15-year lease on a 180,000 sq ft advanced manufacturing facility for an existing occupier at the AMP.

McLaren website

Images: McLaren

Read more...

News: Revenues up but Xeros suffers delays with appliance manufacturers

Xeros Technology Group plc, the Rotherham-based creator of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet, has reported good operational progress across its key divisions in its latest financial results, despite wider appliance industry headwinds extending commercial timelines.

The AIM-listed group is taking greater ownership for the creation of its own washing platform to counteract delays.

Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Xeros recently published its unaudited interim results for the six months ended June 30 2026.

The results show group revenue increased by 67.7% to £0.1m, driven by income recorded across all of the group's technology areas (a first for the business). Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before tax) loss remained static at £1.6m, while administrative expenses decreased slightly to £1.8m due to tight cost management.

Xeros reported net cash of £3.5m in the preiod (£2.8m at the end of August 2026) and remains debt-free following working capital movements in respect of 2025.

Operational highlights included the retail launch of its XF3 external microplastic filter, which is now on sale in Germany via MediaMarkt, with a UK retail launch through Russell Hobbs expected imminently. Further launches are anticipated across major Nordic and US retailers.

In denim finishing, Xeros' partner Yilmak - the world’s largest denim processing machine manufacturer - achieved its goal of initial machine placements in Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with further orders placed for Sri Lanka and India.

In its Laundry Care division, the firm reported continued progress with a major global washing machine brand under a previously announced breakthrough agreement. Xeros has also initiated an additional go-to-market strategy to launch Xeros-designed washing machine platforms by 2028, which it estimates could represent a £25m revenue opportunity.

Advertisement
However, the company noted that macro-economic pressures and lower-cost Asian competition facing major European and US appliance manufacturers are extending partner programme timelines beyond its control.

As a result, early revenues previously anticipated in the second half of 2026 are now expected to shift into the first half of 2027.

The announcement discusses a project named "WM2.0" which has begun negotiations ahead of the anticipated appointment of one or two manufacturers in China. The project sees Xeros take greater ownership and responsibility for the creation of a fully functioning washing platform to counteract delays felt whilst working with manufacturers that licence Xeros' technology.

Neil Austin CEO at Xeros, said: "The Group has made good operational progress. Our external microplastic pollution filter (XF3), is now on sale in Germany through MediaMarkt; our denim processing partner, Yilmak, which is the world's largest denim processing machine manufacturer, has facilitated strategic machine placements across key denim manufacturing hubs; the breakthrough agreement for our Xeros laundry care washing machine with one of the world's largest washing machine brands continues to progress well.

"Whilst we have a few months delay in activation, we also have firmer foundations for growth with additional placements in Denim Finishing and distributors for XF3 lined up.

"The Board and I remain excited by the interest levels in, and potential for, Xeros's Technology."

The focus for the management team is distribution.

Speaking in a Q&A for investors, Austin added: "We need product which is ready and is in market, and we need that product to be as distributed as widely with high quality partnerships as we possibly can. If we do that, we give this business the very best opportunity to be able to establish those foundations.

"I'm extremely pleased with the progress that the business has been able to make and equally the things that I can see which we can't talk about just yet, which we know are coming as well. So we never take these things for granted. We are very careful when it comes to the use of the cash that we've got.

"I can say to you that in terms of the work that the business has done, we are establishing those foundations which are critical to be able to get us to the position that, as I said, the management team, the board ... will agree with, not least as well as investors, want us to get to."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

Read more...

News: Rotherham bar and restaurant closes, changes planned

Another popular venue in Rotherham has announced that changes are on the menu, reports Visit Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month that The Garrison at Wickersley was set for a "small transformation" later this year.

Now Visit Rotherham reports on changes at The Olive Lounge, which is located on the same road as The Garrison.

Operators have also announced closure for a full refurbishment and have hinted that "something new is coming soon."

The venue serves authentic homemade tapas with quality wines, beers and original cocktails and the W Bars Team have announced at the end of 2025 that they had taken over The Olive Lounge.

The team are part of the same group that operates the W Italian Restaurant on Bawtry Road.

A post on social media states: "After more than ten years, The Olive Lounge is getting ready to close this chapter.

Advertisement
"Thank you to everyone who has supported The Olive Lounge and been part of the journey. A full refurbishment is coming next, along with a completely new look, style and experience.

"Something new is coming soon."

The final day as The Olive Lounge was September 13.

Rothbiz reported recently that The Olive Lounge had seen its planning permission for an extension turned down by Rotherham Council.

Plans show a single storey glass extension to the front facing Bawtry Road that would take the venue from 2,799 sq ft to 3,552 sq ft.

Planners objected to the appearance of the proposed extension concluding that it would be "a prominent addition which would materially affect the appearance and character of the host property and form an incongruous feature that would have a detrimental impact on the existing street scene."

In response, a new application has been submitted.

The latest plans are for a similar glazed front extension that would take the venue to 3,400 sq ft. The main difference between the two proposals is that the latest planned extension doesn't reach and follow the footpath boundary to the front of the property.

Olive Lounge website

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: New study reveals Rotherham's lack of jobs for young people

A stark new Local Youth Opportunity Index from IPPR reveals a six-fold divide in the availability of suitable jobs for young people depending on where they live.

Young people in Rotherham have just 46 vacancies for every 1,000 young adults, compared with 288 in the Cotswolds.

The issue of NEETs, an acronym for "Not in Education, Employment, or Training", has long been on the agenda in places like South Yorkshire.

IPPR is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. Its latest analysis measures the number of suitable online vacancies relative to the number of 18 to 24-year olds in a local labour market and finds that there is around one suitable vacancy for every 22 young people in places like Rotherham, compared with one for every four young people in the Cotswolds.

Allthough it should be said that the link between Sheffield and Rotherham operating as one economy will mean that “suitable” vacancies looked at in the study ("occupations likely to offer entry-level opportunities, based on relatively low entry and experience requirements") outside of the borough will be accessible to Rotherham residents. For example, at Meadowhall. Sheffield still only ranked as tenth in the analysis with 60 suitable vacancies per 1,000.

National statistics centre on participation in education, training and NEET, age 16 to 17. The figure in Rotherham has been rising since 2019, when it stood at 195. It had hit 313 by 2023 before reducing to 289 in 2025.

The 2026 figure for NEETs aged 16 to 17 in Rotherham is the highest since 2019 at 342. At 5% of the 16 to 17 population, it marks a significantly poorer performance than comparator areas.

The charity says that the findings underline that becoming NEET is not simply a question of an individual's qualifications or willingness to look for work with young people facing an unemployment rate more than three times that of the wider workforce.

The authors warn the government that the employment-support system is failing to reach a large part of the population it is supposed to help. Jobcentre Plus is principally organised around people receiving Universal Credit, yet around half of young people who are NEET do not receive it. For those that do claim, the system remains too focused on compliance and work-search requirements.

A drop in the number of apprenticeships is also highlighted as having an impact on NEET figures.

Lord David Blunkett, former secretary of state for education and employment, said: "Young people have an immense amount to give. With national ambition, local leadership and the willingness to invest, we can ensure that birthplace does not determine a young person's future. We can renew the promise that should lie at the heart of any decent society: that no young person will be discarded, that the door to opportunity will remain open, and that everyone will have the chance to build a life of purpose."

Lord Jim Knight, former minister for employment and minister for schools, added: “IPPR's report dispels the myth that nearly a million young people are out of work because they lack aspiration. Young people in Rotherham are not six times less talented than those in the Cotswolds; they face six times fewer suitable vacancies."

Advertisement
Rotherham's Employment and Skills Strategy 2026-2031 has a target for partners to reduce the number of 16–18-year-old and 18–24-year-old residents categorised as NEET and an action to create a "Joined Up and Tailored Provision for 16–24-year-olds."

Another action is for partners to develop targeted, person-centred interventions for young people at risk of becoming NEET. This includes "triaging and guidance; engaging schools, employers and parents/guardians; addressing barriers to work through 1-1 coaching and personalised support; and matching young people to opportunities for work and training."

Support focused on young people who are struggling in the labour market includes the council-funded Ambition project which supports young people to access employment, education or training, with half of these participants moving into the labour market.

The pioneering South Yorkshire approach of the Pathways to Work service works specifically with young people and through the Employment Solutions team in Rotherham, the Wage Subsidy Scheme supports employers to recruit young people with a paid job role for up to three months that is intended to lead to sustainable employment.

Another example is the traineeship programme linked to the Children’s Capital of Culture and Work Ready Placement Programmes specifically designed for NEETS.

Coordinated and accessible careers education in the borough is also highlighted as having an impact as pupils encountering employers are less likely to become NEET when they leave school.

National programmes include a Jobs Guarantee scheme and the Youth Jobs Grant and this week it was announced that a new scheme to offer 18-24-year-olds work experience is being developed with Britain’s biggest retailers. Young Futures Hubs and Youth Hubs are also being rolled out across the country but funding is yet to reach Rotherham.

Whilst Rotherham has seen large increases in productivity, and support may be there for young people, it is the lack of jobs that the analysis highlights.

The Rotherham Together Partnership has placed the economy at the forefront of its latest long term plan. It picks out that unlocking the full potential of Rotherham Gateway is a gamechanger, along with thriving town centres and growing a fair and thriving economy.

In addition, Rotherham is a key part of the Don Valley Corridor programme that has been given prominence as a growth area for South Yorkshire.

Henry Parkes, principal economist at IPPR, said: “Too much of the debate about youth unemployment starts from the assumption that the problem lies with the young person. Our local data shows just how wrong that is. There is a more than six-fold gap in the availability of suitable vacancies depending on where you live.

“You cannot solve a shortage of opportunity simply by asking young people to search harder. We need to create the first rung of the employment ladder in places where it is missing – and rebuild apprenticeships so that every sector is playing its part in giving the next generation a route into good work.”

IPPR website

Images: Pexels / This Is Engineering

Read more...

News: Local opposition to Rotherham hotel's new alcohol licence

Rotherham Council considering if a prominent hotel can reopen its bar and host late night events again.

In 2024 the authority, which has legal responsibilities to place homeless households in emergency accommodation, was criticised for using the Carlton Park Hotel to provide homeless accommodation without consulting locals.

Witness reports included “violent crime, burglaries, trespassing on private property, prostitution, sex in public, urinating in public, begging”, and “open drug use."

Boston Castle Ward member, Cllr. Taiba Yasseen said that there were serious safeguarding risks given the Moorgate hotel's location close to Oakwood School and Thomas Rotherham College.

Hotels and Resorts Ltd has recently applied for new licence that would cover the Sale of Alcohol, for consumption on and off the premises, the provision of Live Music and Recorded Music (indoors); and the provision of Late-Night Refreshment (indoors).

Reduced from 1am in an earlier proposal, the operators are seeking authorisation to allow the activities on every day of the week the between 10am and 12 midnight. Extended hours to 1am are requested around bank holidays, having previously been requested to 4am.

The applicant states: "Our intention is not to establish Carlton Park Hotel as a nightclub or unrestricted latenight entertainment venue. We simply want to reopen the hotel's pub/bar and restaurant for our hotel guests and the surrounding community and restore Carlton Park to the reputable hotel and hospitality venue it historically was.

Advertisement
"We want to restore the hotel pub/bar and restaurant so hotel guests can have a meal and a drink without leaving the hotel and local residents can use and enjoy Carlton Park's facilities.

"The neighbouring Brentwood Hotel licence provides a useful local comparison for reasonable operating hours and activities on Moorgate Road. We seek a broadly comparable operating framework, including the same clearly defined seasonal extensions, while withdrawing the broad and less-defined extensions in our original application."

The licence would come with a number of management controls covering Challenge 25, CCTV, SIA registered door supervisors and staff training,

The council's licencing team have been unconvinced by the application and stated in its representation that it: "is opposed the grant of this application as it considers that the applicant has not sufficiently demonstrated that the steps they are proposing will sufficiently promote the Public Safety, Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Nuisance and the Protection of Children from Harm licensing objectives."

This is based on a lack of detail in the application regarding management controls and noise mitigation for nearby residential properties.

Alan Pogorzelec, Licensing Manager at Rotherham Council, also said in the representation: "It is understood that the hotel is currently used to temporarily accommodate homeless individuals. The applicant has not taken into consideration the vulnerable nature of these people, nor the potential impact that the sale of alcohol within the hotel is likely to have. The Licensing Authority is concerned that this activity will increase the already significant levels of crime and disorder within the area, and the applicant has not provided sufficient information of the steps that would be taken to prevent this."

A number of issues have been raised by Cllr. Yasseen and residents which were discussed when the Licensing Sub-committee met this week.

Carlton Park Hotel website

Images: Carlton Park Hotel

Read more...