News: Rotherham United's latest accounts published as losses increase

Playing in League One following relegation from The Championship meant that Rotherham United received £6.7m less in central funding, contributing to a loss before tax of £4.65m.

Published accounts for the year ending June 2025 show that the loss of £4.65m is larger than previous years. Having made a loss before tax of £1.1m in the year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier, in 23/24 the overall operating losses increased to £1.7m in the relegation year, despite a rise in income.

League clubs receive central distributions from the Football League and a solidarity payment from the Premier League. In the Championship, the Millers received £9.2m, but in League One, this dropped 59% to £2.5m.

Income from player trading was down 89% from £2.5m in 2024 to £270,000 in 2025. 2024 sales included Oliver Rathbone and Peter Kioso and potentially payments from the earlier exits of Viktor Johansson and Ben Wiles.

Despite a drop in divisions, and lower average attendances (9,328 in 2025 and 10,677 in 2024) and season ticket sales (6,668 in 2025 and 7,225 in 2024), the club reported an increase in "match income and season tickets", which went from £2.8m in 2024 to £3.8m in 2025.

The increase is despite Key Performance Indicators for the Football League showing reductions in Match Day Income (£909,000 from £1.1m), income from Season Tickets (£1,6m from £1,7m) and Total Match Receipts (£2.5m from £2.8m). Season ticket prices for 2025/26 underwent an increase, as did individual match tickets.

Money from sponsorships was reduced with commercial income down from £3.2m to £3m. Wages and salaries (which includes playing and non-playing staff) went from £11.4m to £7,6m.

The income and expenditure lead to total turnover of £10.5m – a figure that stood at £19.2m in 2024.

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The club said in an earlier statement that it had taken measures to reduce costs and stabilise operations, with a clear focus on sustainability and responsible financial management.

The accounts have again highlighted the importance of sponsors, primarily the fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting PLC, who have continued to provide £1m in sponsorship.

The accounts also confirmed that the club is being charged £1m in annual rent from RU Estates Ltd, the company set up by the Stewart family when the AESSEAL New York Stadium was built.

Rothbiz reported at the start of the year that the latest accounts of ASD Lighting PLC had "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

Last month. Tony Stewart OBE, ceased to be the largest share owner in the holding company that sits above ASD Lighting and Rotherham United with the founder of the lighting business, and saviour of the football club, transferring his shareholding to his son.

Richard Stewart, managing director of ASD and vice chairman at Rotherham United saw his shareholding in ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd increase from 5% to 100%.

In an update, the League One club said that Richard Stewart "therefore indirectly holds 97.06% of the shares in Rotherham United Football Club."

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News: Championship relegation for Rotherham United takes £10.5m off turnover

Rotherham United Football Club has released a statement over its financial results for the year ended June 2025 - the season back in League One following relegation from The Championship.

For the second consecutive year, the proactive move comes before the results are published with Companies House.

A statement from The Millers said: "Following our relegation from the Sky Bet Championship at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, the club has faced various challenges, the headline of which has undoubtedly been its turnover being reduced to £10.5m – a figure that stood at £19.2m in 2024.

"Among other aspects, this number was reflective of lower central distributions and player trading income associated with our position in the third tier.

"Despite the necessary adjustments being made to ensure a competitive first team playing budget for the 2024/25 campaign, the Club reported a loss before tax of £4.65m as we adapted to operating at League One level and the revenue streams associated with it."

The loss of £4.65m is larger than previous years. Having made a loss before tax of £1.1m in the year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier, in 23/24 the overall operating losses increased to £1.7m in the relegation year, despite a rise in income.

The club said it had taken measures to reduce costs and stabilise operations, with a clear focus on sustainability and responsible financial management.

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The statement added: "It has been well-documented throughout the football world that costs associated with the running of clubs continue to rise, but we remain committed to our promise that any and all decisions reached by our Chairman and Board must be made with the sustainability and long-term future of Rotherham United at the forefront.

"Our Commercial department continues to successfully support the generation of revenue and currently operates among the most proficient in Sky Bet League One, whilst also maintaining the integrity of the club’s core values through its involvement in the charitable sector and ongoing work alongside companies with principles that mirror our own.

"As we look to the future, our focus remains centred on rebuilding with purpose, striving to be better in every aspect within the club and delivering a product to supporters both on and off the pitch that they can be proud of."

Published accounts have highlighted the importance of sponsors, primarily the fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting PLC, who have continued to provide £1m in sponsorship.

Rothbiz reported at the start of the year that the latest accounts of ASD Lighting PLC had "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

Just last week, the Millers completed a rights issue which has converted £550,005 of existing debt into equity.

It also announced that Richard Stewart, managing director of ASD and vice chairman at Rotherham United, has seen his shareholding in the holding company, ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd, increase from 5% to 100%.

The son of ASD founder and RUFC chairman, Tony Stewart, Richard "therefore indirectly holds 97.06% of the shares in Rotherham United Football Club."

The club said that the changes were administrative in nature with Tony remaining as chairman of Rotherham United and Richard as vice chairman.

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News: ASD MD becomes Rotherham United's largest shareholder

Tony Stewart OBE, has ceased to be the largest share owner in the holding company that sits above ASD Lighting and Rotherham United.

The founder of the lighting business, and saviour of the football club, has transferred his shareholding to his son.

Richard Stewart, managing director of ASD and vice chairman at Rotherham United has seen his shareholding in ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd increase from 5% to 100%.

In an update, the League One club said that Richard Stewart "therefore indirectly holds 97.06% of the shares in Rotherham United Football Club.

"These changes are administrative in nature and ensure a clear ownership structure for the Club going forward.

"A. R. [Tony] Stewart will remain Chairman of Rotherham United Football Club, while R. P. Stewart will continue as Vice Chairman. Both remain fully committed to the Club and its long-term future.

"All of the aforementioned changes will be reflected on HMRC’s Companies House.

"The Board would like to thank supporters for their continued backing as the Club moves forward with a strengthened financial position and a clear ownership structure."

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The club also announced that it had completed a rights issue which has converted £550,005 of existing debt into equity. The update added: "This strengthens the Club’s balance sheet and reflects the continued commitment of the Club’s ownership to supporting Rotherham United’s long-term financial stability."

Many EFL clubs convert existing debt into equity to stabilise balance sheets and comply with Profitability and Sustainability rules.

Rothbiz reported at the start of the year that the latest accounts of fellow subsidiary ASD Lighting PLC had "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

The figure has risen from £929,150 in 2023.

Tony Stewart, who turns 81 this year, was one of a number of business people invited to the Town Hall with the aim of finding a way of resurrecting the borough's football league club after it fell into administration for the second time in 2008. He ended up going it alone and brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

After the takeover came the decision to play home games at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after working hard to get a deal to carry on playing at Millmoor, the club's home for over 100 years.

The club was charged with returning to play home games in its home town within four seasons by the Football League and Stewart, with the backing of his directors at ASD and the club, threw his drive, energy, business sense and money into creating the £20m New York Stadium on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The iconic stadium hosted its first game in July 2012 and under Tony's tenure the club has enjoyed promotions, Play-off final victories and cup wins at Wembley Stadium, plus a number of relegations, in a period of sensible financial management not always replicated across the league.

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News: Rotherham United's debt with ASD rises to over £9m

In the latest accounts of Rotherham-based manufacturing firm, ASD Lighting PLC, Rotherham United Football Club is listed as a debtor owing £9.4m, up from £5.2m in the previous year.

Both ASD Lighting PLC and Rotherham United have ASD Lighting Holding Limited as their parent company, connected by Tony Stewart, the founder of ASD Lighting and the man who saved the Millers in 2008. The businessman brought them out of administration and has overseen promotions, cup success and a move to a new stadium in town, at the same time as a period of sensible financial management, not something always shared by fellow league clubs.

Based on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, ASD Lighting has a reputation for innovation and quality and provides a range of products for domestic and commercial installations.

For the year ending June 30 2025, turnover was reported as £18m, down from £19.8m in the previous year. Sales to the UK were £15.8m (£17.9m in 2024), the rest of Europe £2.1m (£1.8m in 2024) and the rest of the world £0m (£0.1m in 2024). Included in the £2.1m to Europe were sales of £1.6m to ASD Lighting Europe Ltd set up to distribute and partner with customers in Europe.

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Gross profit is reported at £6.4m, down from £7m. with the manufacturer highlighting that despite rising material, utility and labour costs, the gross profit margin remains strong at 36%, up from 35% in 2024.

Administration costs at £8m increased by 4% from £7.6m last year. The main increases being staff related costs which went up £300k to £6.6m despite employee numbers reducing by three to 159.

It meant that ASD posted an operating loss (before interest and tax) of £1.6m compared to a profit of £0.6m in the previous year. A loss after interest receivable and tax was £849k compared to a £276k profit in 2024.

Rothbiz has previously reported on Rotherham United's 2023/24 losses which highlighted that the club can continue to trade as a going concern "but it must continue to rely upon the support of sponsors, in particular its fellow subsidiary company ASD Lighting PLC to enable it to do so."

The accounts confirm that ASD Lighting continues to provide £1m in sponsorship and advertising to the football club each year.

Documents also show that "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

The figure has risen from £929,150 in 2023.

Also included in other debtors is an amount of £12,514,906 due from R U Estates Limited, a company of which Tony Stewart and son Richard are directors. This is thought to have been established when the AESSEAL New York Stadium was constructed.

The debt is split between £600,962 due within one year and £11,913,944 due after more than one year. This loan is unsecured and bore interest at 2% above base rate per annum until January 2021 when it began to bear interest at 1.15% above base rate and is repayable over nine years in instalments.

Rotherham United's accounts for the period are due to be published within the next few months.

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News: Shining a light on a sustainable future at ASD

A commitment to a sustainable future has led to ASD Lighting operating with an impressive 93% UK supply chain.

The Rotherham-based company has established an Environment and Sustainability Policy to grow the business without compromising quality, innovation or market position.

ASD recognises that its activities result in greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation, but is aiming to mitigate these impacts through training staff, investing in innovative and sustainable technology, and working with partners and stakeholders.

Sustainability is about much more than the environment, so ASD strives to have a positive impact on staff, customers, the communities it serves and the locations in which it operates.

The company aspires to be an industry and community leader in sustainability, with directors setting an example through decision making and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The aim is to involve and empower staff at all levels through training, engagement, and opportunities for innovation, with employees encouraged to propose and participate in initiatives.

In line with Rotherham Council’s target for the borough, ASD Lighting aims to become Net Zero for greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

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The company has been making progress since 2013 when it installed 600 solar panels on the roof of its Mangham Road factory on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate. Each year they generate around 90,000kWh of electricity and through their use ASD avoids around 18 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Since then, ASD has brought its Powder Coating line in-house, saving approximately 95 per cent of waste powder, which is reclaimed and returned to the process. Carbon dioxide emissions have also been reduced by up to 86% from the process, and a heat exchanger transfers waste heat from the line and uses it to warm the Dispatch Warehouse, reducing the energy required for heating.

The company is a full member and supporter of Recolight, a charity working in the lighting sector to provide expert sustainability advice and has implemented waste disposal and recycling schemes to ensure that no waste goes to landfill.

ASD Lighting employs a dedicated Environment and Sustainability Officer, Greg Bristol, who works on factory, business and product sustainability. Product designers have been trained in circular manufacturing principles and the company has begun work on calculating the embodied carbon in its luminaires, and the circularity of its production processes. Materials with lower carbon footprints are being investigated, with products designed for durability and minimal environmental impact.

Greg said: "ASD, as a locally based UK manufacturing business, has all its operations in one place. This makes it easier to have influence as a sustainability professional. There is a desire within the company to be more environmentally friendly. It is an exciting place to be and to contribute to the sustainability journey.

“We rely on a majority UK supplier base for the components we currently outsource. This improves reliability and continuity of supply, as well as helping to further reduce our transportation emissions.

“We are a relatively small organisation and face many challenges, including the cost of materials and energy, a competitive marketplace, and the need to incorporate sustainability as a core part of doing business.

“I hope we can be an example to other small businesses who find the environmental challenge daunting, that it can be done and that it will benefit those businesses in the short and longer term.”

ASD is a member of Betterworld.Solutions - the group founded by Rotherham-based AESSEAL and whose members have a board level commitment to put environmental projects first.

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News: Rotherham United accounts show reliance on ASD Lighting

The overall operating losses at Rotherham United increased to £1.7m for the year ended June 2024 and the newly published accounts highlight the importance of sponsors, primarily the fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting PLC.

Rothbiz reported this week on the 2023/24 losses which compare to the loss before tax of £1.1m in the previous year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier. Last season, the Millers set out a playing budget which marked the highest set in the club’s history to combat other teams that had recently been in the Premier League and others benefitting from parachute payments or significant overseas investment but the season culminated in relegation to League One.

Turnover, including income from player trading, was £19.2m compared to previous season of £15.7m. The accounts confirm that income from player trading was £2.5m which includes fees for key players such as Viktor Johansson, Ben Wiles and Georgie Kelly.

Commercial income increased by 3% to £3.2m, compared to £3.1m in the previous season and Rothbiz has previously reported on ASD Lighting PLC continuing to provide £1m in sponsorship to the club into 2024. Rotherham United's accounts also confirm the previously reported group loan from ASD Lighting Plc of £5.2m.

Both ASD Lighting PLC and Rotherham United have ASD Lighting Holding Limited as their parent company, connected by Tony Stewart, the founder of ASD Lighting and the man who saved the Millers in 2008. The businessman brought them out of administration and has overseen promotions, cup success and a move to a new stadium in town, at the same time as a period of sensible financial management, not something always shared by fellow league clubs.

A statement from Rotherham United reaffirmed "to our supporters that the Chairman and Board’s desire to succeed burns as brightly as ever, despite the challenges we have been required to navigate over recent seasons."

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Clubs like Rotherham also rely on "Central Funding" from the English Football League and solidarity payments from the Premier League. Central Funding increased from £8.5m the previous season to £9.2m due to maintaining Championship status.

Football income from season tickets, gate receipts and prize money increased from £2.6m to £2.9m (up 11.7% year on year) but merchandising income (including relail, websile, programme and car park revenue) remained around the same at £836k with income from media reducing from £435k to £357k due to less TV coverage during the season.

Outgoings increased again with the cost of sales increasing by 11.7% from £14.7m to £16.4m "due to increased Championship wage pressures and match day operational costs."

Administration costs (including profit from disposal of assets) went up by over £2m to £4.5m, increasing from £2.1m with the club saying that this was "mainly due to restructuring cost, pitch repairs and increased utility costs."

The accounts also add: "Although the company had significant net liabilities at 30 June 2024 the directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the next 12 months which show that the company can continue to trade as a going concern but it must continue to rely upon the support of sponsors, in particular its fellow subsidiary company ASD Lighting PLC to enable it to do so."

The football club continues to pay close to £1m a year in rent to R U Estates Ltd, another connected company, which itself has a £12m, ten year loan from ASD Lighting.

Rotherham United are playing host to The Price of Football Live at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Monday April 28 giving local fans of football the chance to gain insight into finances across the pyramid from industry expert Kieran Maguire.

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News: Football club on front foot over finances

Rotherham United Football Club has released a statement over its financial results for the year ended June 2024 - its relegation season from The Championship.

The proactive move comes before the results are published with Companies House.

Having made a loss before tax of £1.1m in the previous year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier, the Millers set out a playing budget which marked the highest set in the club’s history to combat other teams that had recently been in the Premier League and others benefitting from parachute payments or significant overseas investment.

The club say that for 2023/24 the overall operating losses increased to £1.7m, despite a rise in income.

Turnover, including that generated through player trading, increased by 22%, with a rise in commercial income of 3% also reported.

Rothbiz reported in January that in the latest accounts of Rotherham-based manufacturing firm, ASD Lighting PLC, Rotherham United Football Club is listed as a debtor owing £5.2m and that their £1m in sponsorship to the club continued in 2024.

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A statement from RUFC said: "Although the club were able to generate additional revenue during our stint in the Sky Bet Championship through revenue streams including media coverage, Season Ticket sales, corporate hospitality and merchandising, the financial landscape as a whole continued to undergo a transformation with other notable running costs significantly rising. Outgoings including pitch repairs and increased utility costs more than doubled in a holistically challenging season in 2023/24, while compensation agreements for departing staff also impacted the bottom line.

"The Board continues to meet regularly to discuss the long-term vision for the football club with our aims still firmly set on establishing Rotherham United as a second tier club.

"As always, we will continue to assess and critique our own internal practices but our recent history clearly outlines that that the club must operate using a model which sees promising young talent acquired for a relatively low cost to be developed and sold for a profit.

"Despite the losses shown in our accounts – and largely thanks to your support and that of our Chairman through his own personal investment and that of ASD Holdings – the club continues to be financially sustainable in an increasingly volatile industry.

"Safeguarding the long-term future of football in Rotherham will always be at the forefront of our priorities. The club is a notable employer within the town and we are pleased to have seen our staff base grow significantly over recent years despite the increase in operating losses, allowing us to offer opportunities to people within the local region that would not otherwise exist. Beyond that and with the help of our highly-successful Community Trust, our aims away from football continue to be centred around offering opportunities to people within the locality to experiences they may not otherwise be able to access."

Rotherham United are playing host to The Price of Football Live at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Monday April 28 giving local fans of football the chance to gain insight into finances across the pyramid from industry expert Kieran Maguire.

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News: Rotherham United's £5m debt with ASD

In the latest accounts of Rotherham-based manufacturing firm, ASD Lighting PLC, Rotherham United Football Club is listed as a debtor owing £5.2m.

Both ASD Lighting PLC and Rotherham United have ASD Lighting Holding Limited as their parent company, connected by Tony Stewart, the founder of ASD Lighting and the man who saved the Millers in 2008. The businessman brought them out of administration and has overseen promotions, cup success and a move to a new stadium in town, at the same time as a period of sensible financial management, not something always shared by fellow league clubs.

Based on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, ASD Lighting has a reputation for innovation and quality and provides a range of products for domestic and commercial installations.

For the year ending June 30 2024, turnover was reported as £19.8m, down from £21.3m in the previous year. Sales to the UK were £17.9m, down from £19.8m in 2023 but in the rest of Europe, sales increased to £1.8m from £1.3m in 2023. Included in the £1.8m to Europe were sales of £1.1m to ASD Lighting Europe Ltd set up to distribute and partner with customers in Europe.

The financial results added: "Gross Profit is £7.0m (2023 £8.1m). Against rising material, utility and labour costs the gross profit margin remains strong at 35% (2023 38%). Administration costs at £7.6m remained the same at last year with increases in staff related costs being reduced by saving in other fixed costs.

"The year resulted in an operating loss (before interest and tax) of £0.6m compared to a profit of £0.5m last year. Profit after interest receivable and tax is £276k (£755k 2023)."

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As reported by Rothbiz in March 2024, ASD Lighting continued to provide £1m in sponsorship and advertising to the football club when the Millers posted a loss before tax of £1.1m for the 12 months to June 30 2023.

The latest accounts from ASD show that the £1m in sponsorship continued in 2024.

Documents also show that: "At 30 June 2024 included within debtors was £5,204,737 (2023: £929,150) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

Also Included in other debtors is an amount of £12,961,391 due from R U Estates Limited, a company of which Tony Stewart and son Richard are directors. This is thought to have been established when the AESSEAL New York Stadium was constructed and all parties share banking facilities with Barclays.

The debt is split between £1m due within one year and £11,913,944 due after more than one year. The loan from ASD to R U Estates is unsecured and bore interest at 2% above base rate per annum until January 2021 when it began to bear interest at 1.15% above base rate. It is repayable over nine years in instalments.

Rotherham United's accounts for the period are due to be published within the next few months.

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News: Rotherham United post loss for Championship survival season

The numerous losses on the pitch this season sees Rotherham United currently at the bottom of The Championship, but off the field, the losses in the club's latest accounts put them somewhere near the top when it comes to responsible fiscal management in a league where spending often far exceeds income.

The Millers posted a loss before tax of £1.1m for the 12 months to June 30 2023, a season where it brought in more, and spent more, and finished 19th to remain in The Championship for at least another year.

Comparative losses were £1.7m in 2022, £705,928 for 2021 and £1.2m in 2020. A profit before tax of £2.74m was recorded for 2019.

Championship Clubs follow Profitability and Sustainability rules which dictate what losses clubs are permitted to incur over a rolling three-year period. In its simplest form, clubs cannot exceed losses of more than £39m over a three-year period.

Accounts filed with Companies House show that income mostly came from being in the second tier - £8.4m in "central distributions" compared to £3m when the club was in League One. Likewise, TV money vastly increased, from £45,000 to £475,000 due to more Championship games shown live and a slice of a much larger broadcast deal.

Match income and season ticket sales remained the same as the previous year at £2.6m but the accounts also show that season ticket sales for the current season were in excess of 7.200, up from 6,700 the previous season. The financial period also included Rotherham United's New York Stadium hosting four well-attended games at UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

Other aspects of the accounts include commercial income going up to £3.1m from £2.9m. The accounts highlight the importance of related company, ASD Lighting, which again provided £1m in sponsorship and advertising.

Club chairman Tony Stewart OBE, founded ASD Lighting over 40 years ago. For the same financial year as the football club, the Rotherham manufacturer posted gross profits of £8.1m and an operating profit of £500,000 from a turnover of £21.3m.

In total, turnover for the year at Rotherham United was £15.7m, an increase from the £9.9m the previous year.

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The main expenditure went on wages, which exceeded £10m for the first time.

The accounts again show that during the year Rotherham United was charged £1m by RU Estates, another Stewart family company, that was created to develop the AESSEAL New York Stadium. RU Estates is listed as a debtor on the ASD Lighting accounts, owing £13m, repayable over nine years.

Also listed is a long term loan from the EFL to guarantee PAYE (£1.7m), which is interest free and repayable in 2025.

Kieran Maguire, a lecturer in football finance at the University of Liverpool, has analysed the results and points out on social media that Rotherham United "have excellent wage control by Championship standards." paying out 66% of income on wages compared to troubled clubs like Reading and Birmingham that paid more than they brought in (150% of income) on wages.

In League One, a Salary Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) operates where a club’s "player-related expenditure" should not exceed the sum of 60% of the relevant turnover.

Maguire also highlighted the low average wages and transfer fees. The Millers total squad cost at the end of the season of £1.3m can be compared to the Championship average of £27.8m and the squads of former Premier League teams built with millions in parachute payments.

Written before the current disappointing season (on the pitch, at least) got underway, the RUFC accounts read: "With collectivism and togetherness at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and a feeling that the players and all staff once again worked extremely hard to secure their Championship status for 2022/23. We will focus our efforts on recruitment and training to add further strength to staff and players.

"First Team staff will work closely with the Academy in a renewed emphasis to develop young players to play in a first team squad.

"Our Management team will continue to make use of the facilities at our Roundwood training site whilst identifying innovative ways to measure and improve player's fitness and skills.

"The Club will continue to work alongside and support our Community Trust which continues to deliver sport, education and confidence to the local community.

"Season ticket sales for 2023 are in excess of 7200. ASD Lighting Plc has agreed to sponsor the Club for another season. Other Sponsors secured include AESSEAL (Naming Rights), Mears, Eric Twigg Foods, J Bennet, KCM, IPM, Hughie Construction, Guardian Electrical and Equisolve and many more all secured for another season.

"We look forward to an exciting season in the Championship. Up the Millers."

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News: Rotherham United post loss for promotion season

Rotherham United has posted its latest financial results that covered the team's promotion season back to The Championship.

The results come at the same time as clubs around them suffer points deductions and other penalties for breaching financial rules, failing to pay player salaries and submitting annual accounts late.

The Millers posted a loss before tax of £1.7m for the 12 months to June 30 2022, mainly due to reduced central income for teams in League One compared to The Championship. Comparative losses were £705,928 for 2021, £1.2m in 2020 and a profit before tax of £2.74m was recorded for 2019.

Accounts filed with Companies House show that central funding was down from £7.9m whilst the club was in the Championship, to £3m in League One. TV money and "solidarity payments" from the Premier League are higher for teams in the second tier. The acounts don't show what the central funding is made up of but the Premier League has published its funding for individual EFL clubs. Rotherham United received £7,833,000 from the Premier League for the period 2019 - 2022.

Relegation meant that a turnover of £9.9m was down from £12.1m in the previous season, even though the club was unable to sell season tickets and have any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous period.

The club launched an alternative to ticket refunds called "United Rotherham" and provided the opportunity for ticket holders to "rollover" funds for when fans could return. The club also took out an interest free loan guaranteed by the Premier League to help deal with the impact of COVID and loans from the EFL to gaurantee PAYE payments. Unsecured and interest free, these EFL loans stand at £2.2m.

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With the return of fans, match income and season ticket sales were £2.6m. The accounts also show that season ticket sales for the current season were 6,700, up from 6,200 the promotion season.

Media receipts were £95,000 compared to £691,000 the previous year, due to the reduction in TV money and less televised matches, despite the successful trip to Wembley in the Papa John's Trophy.

Other aspects of the accounts include commercial income going up to £2.9m from £2.3m, mainly due to loyal sponsors and the return of corporate hospitality at fixtures. The accounts highlight the importance of related company, ASD Lighting, which again provided £1m in sponsorship and advertising.

Chairman Tony Stewart OBE, founder of successful Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting, saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA). Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Ltd is wholly owned by ASD Lightings Holdings Ltd, which is owned by the Stewart family.

During the year Rotherham United was charged £1m by RU Estates, another Stewart family company, that was created to develop the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

After the end of the financial period, the stadium hosted three group stage games and a quarter final match at the UEFA Women’s EURO. Miscellaneous income of £202,000 included funding for new floodlights for the prestigious tournament.

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News: Rotherham United's latest financial results

Rotherham United has posted its latest financial results that covered the team's promotion season back to The Championship - a season cut short by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Accounts filed with Companies House show that turnover was £9.6m for the year ending June 30 2020, down from the £14m for 18/19, and lower than the £10m in the previous season in League One.

Profit before tax was £2.74m for 2019 but for 2020, this had turned into a £1.2m loss before tax.

Chairman Tony Stewart OBE (pictured), founder of successful Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting, saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA). Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Ltd is wholly owned by ASD Lightings Holdings Ltd, which is owned by the Stewart family.

In March 2020, ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd took up a £2m share issue in the football club which helped to cover a reduction in match day revenue and reduced funding from the League.

With nine matches to go and the Millers sitting in the second automatic promotion spot, the club earned promotion on a points per game basis.

Income in the year was reduced in most areas. Match income and season tickets was £1.7m for 2020 compared to £2.5m for 2019. Central distributions via the Football League reduced from £7.4m for being in The Championship to £2.7m when in League One.

However the books were boosted by over £2m from player sales. The club sold key first team players Will Vaulks and Semi Ajayi during the period.

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The accounts show that the club had to withhold from launching its season ticket campaign and not invoice corporate attendees for the season where a potential return of fans was unknown. The club launched an alternative to ticket refunds called "United Rotherham" and provided the opportunity for ticket holders to "rollover" funds for when fans can return.

Legal costs and costs associated with COVID-safe working also affected the balance sheet.

Rotherham United utilised the Government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for £405,000 during the financial year and staff and players went on furlough when the season was halted in March.

The accounts also show that the club took advantage of a bridging loan from the EFL for £128,800.

The accounts conclude that even though net liabilities have been significantly reduced, "the impact of COVID-19 continues to have an impact on income, particularly in respect of match receipts. The directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the next thtree years that show that the company will have to continue to rely on upon the support of sponsors, in particular its fellow subsidiary company ASD Lighting plc, to enable it to trade as a going concern."

ASD Lighting plc's sponsorship saw £970,000 going into the football club for the year. The club continued to pay £1m during the year to RU Estates, the company established by the Stewart family to construct the £20m New York Stadium.

2020 accounts for ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd are not yet published on Companies House.

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News: Rotherham companies to inspire Britain

A number of Rotherham-based firms feature in the London Stock Exchange Group's "1000 Companies to Inspire Britain" report, which identifies the UK’s most dynamic and fastest-growing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs account for around 60% of employment and over 50% of turnover in the UK private sector. The companies featured in this year's report have recorded an annual average revenue growth rate of 41.2% and have generated more than 42,000 jobs in the two years to December 2019.

Manvers-based Bluetree Group has been picked out for special praise, given the way it has pivoted its print business to become a mask manufacturer. The company is the first in England to produce Meltblown, a filtration layer used in personal protection equipment.

Featuring in the report, Adam Carnell, a Director at Bluetree Group, said: "Over the past 12 months, we have invested over £18m into our production facility and recruited an additional 400 colleagues, doubling in size, enabling us to produce 20 million Type IIR masks per week."

Lighting manufacturer ASD Lighting is also featured. Based on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, ASD has a reputation for innovation and quality and provides a range of products for domestic and commercial installations. The firm increased turnover by over £1m to £25m for the year ending June 2019. Profit before tax increased slightly to £3.8m.

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Another Rotherham firm featured is Empire Tapes, which is a manufacturer, rewinder and converter of adhesive tape. Based at Manvers, the company also includes Empire Tapes Plc - the UK's largest producer of technical tapes for the sports industry and seen around the world on the top figures in boxing.

Real estate company, Harworth Group PLC, is also in the report. Based close to its flagship Waverley development, the listed firm is a specialist in brownfield regeneration and has a £232.3m income-producing portfolio across the UK.

Pricecheck, an international wholesaler and distributor of fast-moving consumer goods, is also on the list. The company, which has its main warehouse facility at Beighton Link and further space at Manvers, recently achieved its ambitious target of £100m turnover by 2020. Trusted by the world's biggest brands, Pricecheck offers more than 6,000 branded products to customers in the UK and to more than 80 countries globally.

Another Rotherham business in the report is the Underwood Meat Company which is a catering butcher which also operates a number of its own retail outlets. For the year to October 2019, turnover had increased to £78m from £74m in the previous year.

Wilsons Carpets is the final Rotherham entry in the report. The growin firm has stores and warehouses that stock over 1 million square metres of flooring.

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News: Rotherham United post profit for Championship season

Rotherham United posted increased turnover and profit for the financial year that covered the team's last season in The Championship.

For the twelve months ending June 2019, holding company, ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd, was boosted by increased turnover at both the football club and the lighting manufacturing business.

The 18/19 season in the second tier of English football marked ten years since chairman Tony Stewart, founder of successful Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement.

The season ended in relegation for the team who went up against former European Cup winners, former Premier League winners, relegated clubs benefiting from parachute payments, clubs bankrolled by rich owners and clubs spending beyond their means in a bid to reach the top tier.

Accounts filed with Companies House show that turnover was £14m for 18/19, up from £10m in the previous season and higher than the £13m recorded the last time the Millers were in the Championship.

Profit before tax was £2.74m, up from a £500,000 loss the previous year and losses of over £1m in previous Championship seasons.

Unlike many clubs in the Championship, at Rotherham United, the wage bill sits well within its income, which is mainly made up of sponsorship, matchday income and central distributions via the Football League.

Last season saw extra income from late player trading and not being required to pay bonuses had the team stayed up. Season ticket sales have remained above the 6,000 mark.

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Writing in the accounts, Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United, said: "With collectivism and togetherness at the AESSEAL New York Stadium and a feeling that the players could have done no more to secure their cherished Championship status we enter League One with peace of mind that every player and member of staff will strive and focus on winning games to gain back that promotion."

The team currently sits within the playoff places of League One.

Commercial income dropped from £4.8m to £3m but the club continues to secure deals such as AESSEAL's decision to extend the stadium naming rights to 2023. ASD continues to support the club with sponsorship income of close to £1m in 18/19 - £2m less than in previous years.

The accounts for the holding company show that ASD Lighting, which has been manufacturing in the UK from their 200,000 sq ft factory for almost 35 years, increased turnover by over £1m to £25m for the year ending June 2019. Profit before tax increased slightly to £3.8m.

The report notes that slaes slowed in 2018 due to economic uncertainty but 2019 saw an upward trend in sales and profitability. The main areas of growth continue to be in new product ranges in highways and rail. Whilst the majority of business is done within the UK, the year also saw significant improvement in export sales, with sales doubling in the Far East.

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News: Tony's pride at OBE

One of Rotherham's leading lights has been awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours List.

Tony Stewart, the managing director of Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting, and chairman of Rotherham United Football Club, is receiving the honour for services to business and the community in Rotherham.

Born in Sheffield and brought up in High Green with a twin brother and four other siblings, Stewart was a Yorkshire Champion for running the mile. After leaving High Green School he undertook an apprenticeship as an electrician before starting in business aged 26 in a fast growing electrical contracting firm.

Stewart was intrigued by infra red detectors and went on to combine them with lighting products which made them turn on "as if by magic" in 1981. After further design and development, and securing start up cash from the bank, it led to the formation of ASD Lighting, a Rotherham manufacturing success story.

The Barbot Hall company has had unrivalled success in the LED market and has invested heavily in facilities and R&D. It employs around 200 staff at its 200,000 sq ft factory. 2017 turnover at ASD increased 20% on the previous year to £26.2m due to increased sales in the company's street lighting products. Profits after tax were at £3.69m.

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Stewart said: "I was totally stunned to see the letter informing me of the news.

"When my wife Joan asked me to sit down I thought it was bad news. Then I saw it, and I could not believe what I was reading. I felt a mixture of being quite flattered but also proud to have been recognised.

"This is also an honour for everyone who has worked tirelessly with me over the years, and for my family who have been a huge support.

"I know what has been achieved with Rotherham United will have brought so much joy, not just to me, but to thousands of our loyal supporters. We still have so much to achieve and I am optimistic and excited about our future.

"This honour is something I'll cherish forever."

Tony Stewart was one of a number of business people invited to the Town Hall with the aim of finding a way of resurrecting the borough's football league club after it fell into administration for the second time in 2008. He ended up going it alone and brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

After the takeover came the decision to play home games at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after working hard to get a deal to carry on playing at Millmoor, the club's home for over 100 years.

The club was charged with returning to play home games in its home town within four seasons by the Football League and Stewart, with the backing of his directors at ASD and the club, threw his drive, energy, business sense and money into creating the £20m New York Stadium on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The iconic stadium hosted its first game in July 2012 and under Tony's ten year tenure the club has enjoyed three promotions, including two Play-off final victories at Wembley Stadium.

ASD Lighting website
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News: ASD install "cobots" to boost productivity

Rotherham-based lighting manufacturer ASD, is embracing Industry 4.0 technology and becoming more productive, recently installing two "cobots" (collaborative robots) onto its street lighting production line.

Based on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, ASD has a reputation for innovation and quality and provides a range of products for domestic and commercial installations.

Rothbiz reported in May on cobots, which differ from conventional industrial robots in that they feature technology that allows them to operate safely alongside human workers in a shared area. They are capable of operating with limited force and speed and are equipped with force-sensing to enable them to stop when they come into contact with an operator.

ASD Lighting, which has been manufacturing in the UK from their 200,000 sq ft factory for almost 35 years, operates a fast and efficient manufacturing processes. In-house specialists and state of the art technology allows them to meet the ever-changing requirements of their customers, whilst offering industry leading services and delivery times.

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The installed cobot at ASD is capable of learning multiple tasks, so it can assist human beings. A collaborative robot is intended to compliment the human worker's capabilities, not take the place of a human worker.

Known as Robbie and Roberta, the two UR5 cobots have been installed by leading collaborative robot integrators Reeco Automation. Reeco, based in Wales, supply customers with solutions in automating systems using Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC/Cobots). They focus on providing the customer with an automated solution that will ultimately save them money and reduce production costs. They offer their customer's a solution of integrating collaborative robots with their existing factory equipment and employees.

Robbie and Roberta are now assisting the ASD team with three tasks; placing of the lenses and fixing the screws on the PCB boards and lenses of the popular street lights. These three tasks were highly repetitive and perfect for the implementation of automation.

With repetitive tasks, an increasing concern for manufacturers like ASD Lighting is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and the integration of cobots significantly reduces the risk for workers. From day one, ASD didn't want these cobots to replace jobs, their sole purpose was to improve the jobs for their workers by reducing the labour-intensive tasks.

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Reece Sanderson, marketing administrator at ASD Lighting, said: "We wanted to increase productivity, reduce labour intensive tasks and reduce chances of RSI. That's why we've brought in Robbie and Roberta. No job losses have actually been made because we are actually making more street lights, so if anything, we are actually taking more staff on."

A spokesperson for Reeco Automation, added: "It's proven with factories that implement automation that they become more productive, therefore increasing jobs not removing them. This statement is very true within ASD Lighting, productivity has increased on the street lighting line, therefore more units are being produced everyday which has required additional staff to be employed further down the production line."

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News: Tony talks of ten year tenure

Ten years to the day from being introduced to the Rotherham United fans at the final ever game at Millmoor, club chairman, Tony Stewart was discussing his journey with the Rotherham Pioneers.

The exclusive group for Rotherham businesses who want to promote the town, celebrate all that is good, and grow the Rotherham business community held its latest meeting at the New York Stadium - itself a key part in the club's recent history.

Stewart started in business 45 years ago becoming self employed. He admitted that he made no money but made lots of friends. His electrical contracting firm grew to employ 25 people in Sheffield.

In 1981, the enterprising mind saw the potential of PIR and the use of infra red detectors. He combining them with lighting products which made them turn on "as if by magic". After further design and development, and securing start up cash from the bank, it led to the formation of ASD Lighting, a Rotherham manufacturing success story. The dynamic firm grew quickly and moved from Eastwood to its current base on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate.

Tony (pictured top at Millmoor back in 2008) described some of his mantras for successful business, many of which have transferred into football: "We increase the knowledge we have by employing people - they are the gems. I constantly try to encourage staff - "Don't get down, get up.""

It appears to be working. 2017 turnover at ASD increased 20% on the previous year to £26.2m due to increased sales in the company's street lighting products. Profits after tax were at £3.69m.

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Tony Stewart was one of a number of business people invited to the Town Hall with the aim of finding a way of resurrecting the borough's football league club after it fell into administration for the second time in 2008. He ended up going it alone and brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement.

Stewart said: "I got the call from the council and having seen the success that Nick [Cragg] and Martin [Jenkinson] had had at Rotherham Titans, I thought I'll go down and have a look at Rotherham United."

He assessed the club's finances and decided that the club's commercial arm, whilst turning over around £3m a season, could be better.

"The plates were spinning at ASD and none were falling off, so I thought "I'll do it." he said. "It was a spur of the moment thing and it has been a massive learning curve."

After the takeover came the decision to play home games at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after working hard to get a deal to carry on playing at Millmoor, the club's home for over 100 years.

The club was charged with returning to play home games in its home town within four seasons by the Football League and as Stewart told the Rotherham Pioneers with pride: "I came, I promised, I delivered."

The £20m New York Stadium is on the edge of Rotherham town centre and hosted its first Millers game in 2012. Having hosted a number of high profile fixtures, it hosts the final of the 2018 UEFA Under-17s Championship on Sunday.

"The stadium is the big story and I'm also proud of the improvements to the training ground," added Stewart.

Rotherham United is currently battling to return to The Championship through the playoffs and Stewart spoke of the positivity around the club.

The chairman concluded: "This is the best time at Rotherham United I have known. The manager, Paul Warne, is a rookie but he is university educated and bright, and has the right character. Every one of the nine managers I've had here have spoken highly of him.

"We are now doing things right and I think success, whether it's this season or next, is around the corner.

"I've got red and white blood in my veins. I am passionate in everything I do and my passion isn't just on a matchday, it's seven days a week. I want the best for Rotherham and I think the best is still to come."

Jamie Noble, head of community at Rotherham United, also discussed the work of the club's sports trust at the event.

Jamie (pictured, above) said: "We would like to thank Rotherham Pioneers for coming across to the stadium, Rotherham United Community Sports Trust are not only looking to support the local community but also the local businesses with an aim to help make Rotherham a stronger and better community. Rotherham Pioneers group are a key part of the town and I feel the work they are doing in the local community is second to none."

Rotherham United website
ASD Lighting website
Rotherham Pioneers website

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News: Millers tackle losses in relegation season

Rotherham United managed to reduce its losses in its most recent financial accounts which relate to the season in which the club was relegated from The Championship. A season in which the team lost 33 times on the pitch.

Having switched its reporting year to tie in with the football season, the borough's football league club has posted its results for the year ending June 2017. It shows that income levels were maintained at £13m, only slightly down on the £13.3m reported in the previous year.

A loss before tax of £1.24m was recorded, an improvement from the £1.48m reported in 2016.

The financial performance is linked to the on pitch performance of the team and the reported loss is mainly due to high wage levels and administration expenses.

Wages rose from £4.8m in 2014 to £9.4m in 2016 during the time in The Championship and were recorded at £8.6m for 2017. Staff numbers at the club increased during the year from 130 to 161, mainly in sales, matchday and ground staff.

Despite the Football League's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, many clubs in the division take risks in the hope of reaching the Premier League and the financial benefits that come with it. However, at Rotherham United, the wage bill sits well within its income, which is mainly made up of sponsorship, matchday income and central distributions via the Football League.

Average league attendance slipped below 10,000 as the team struggled to get results but the number of season tickets remained above 6,000. Income from matches and tickets was slightly down on the previous year to £2.26m from £2.46m.

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For previous seasons, Rotherham United will have received between £2m and £3m in "solidarity payments" from the Premier League but this has jumped following the negotiation of the biggest ever TV deal for the Premier League. Total central distributions at Rotherham United went from £4.86m in 2016 to £6.96m in 2017.

Solidarity payments are likely to have dropped significantly now that the club plays in League One but it is also likely that wages and expenses will be lower.

The latest accounts show that commercial income dropped from £4.94m in 2016 to £2.92m in 2017. This is largely due to the way in which the chairman's firm backs the club.

ASD Lighting put in around £1m to the club in the year in the form of sponsorship. Chairman Tony Stewart, is the successful local businessman and owner of Rotherham lighting manufacturers, ASD Lighting. He saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement.

ASD put in £2.9m in sponsorship in 2016 and has also extended a loan to the club of £3.8m.

The Barbot Hall firm recently reported on its own finances which showed an impressive increase in sales and profits. Turnover increased 20% on the previous year to £26.2m due to increased sales in the company's street lighting products. Profits after tax were at £3.69m.

Accounts for the period are not yet available for R U Estates Ltd, the company created to develop and operate the club's £20m New York Stadium, and ASD Lighting Holdings, the holding company for Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited and ASD Lighting PLC.

RUFC website
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News: Gearing up to mark Rotherham Hospice's 20th year

A production manager for the local branch of Signs Express is getting back in the saddle to undertake a mammoth bike ride to raise valuable funds for Rotherham Hospice.

Based at Templeborough, Signs Express pride themselves on their expertise and innovative solutions to help businesses come up with perfect signage solutions, tailored specifically to their requirements.

The only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham, Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and must raise significant sums of money each year in order to pay for the quality care provided free of charge to patients, their families and carers. The charity needs £5m a year with £2.2m needed to be raised each year through voluntary support.

Gareth Russell, production manager at Signs Express, took on a cycling challenge in 2014 for Rotherham Hospice and raised an amazing £5,000. This September he will join a team of 50 fundraisers as part of the "Big 20" - so called as it is the Rotherham Hospice's 20th anniversary.

Partnering with specialist charity event organisers, Skyline Events, the 345 mile trip from London to Paris also includes a stop at Rotherham's twin town, Saint Quentin on day four before the cyclists arrive in Paris on day five.

Gareth said: "It's an amazing experience. The French roads are great for cycling, and all the cyclists ride into Paris together. It's a fantastic atmosphere."

Donations can be made at Gareth's Just Giving page.

Also set to take on the fundraising challenge are Christopher Duff, chief executive at Rotherham Hospice and GP, Ted Daly, a trustee at the hospice.

A number of fundraising events are taking place throughout the hospice's 20th year. The anniversary ball, recently held at Aston Hall Hotel, raised £16,000.

An official launch event recently took place for the Tree of Life - an imposing, unique sculpture in stainless steel created by Yorkshire Man of Steel designer Steve Mehdi. Inspired by the shape of a tree in the hospice garden and intended as a commemorative artwork, the three metre tall structure will support over 290 individual leaves which can be dedicated in memory of a loved one.

The unique fundraising venture has already raised some £20,000; numerous bereaved relatives whose loved ones received hospice care have paid for engraved leaves and sections of bark to be placed on the tree in their memory.

The Tree of Life was made of steel donated by Outokumpu and built with the help of Newburgh Precision Engineering. Maher Ltd provided the tubular steel frame, JF Finnegan built the foundations with help from Peter Brett Associates. Mark Smithson transported the tree to the site and TPA Portable Roadways and PP Engineering lifted the three tonne tree over the fence into the hospice garden. The tree will glow at night thanks to ASD Lighting and there was also help from the apprentices at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, We are Branding and Performance Engineered Solutions. Pryor Marketing have engraved all the leaves and the bark.

"We all could help, so we did," explained Vince Middleton, MD of Newburgh, who dedicated the company's best welder, Paul Smith, to the task of fabricating the tree from the donated stainless steel and alloys.

"Paul did a brilliant job. It took 200 hours, working under the guidance of sculptor Steve Mehdi. We all felt privileged to be involved in a project which is so creative and which will do a great deal of good for many years to come."

Former Outokumpu MD Jamie Sharp, who has also pledged to supply the steel leaves and bark for a minimum of two years, added: "The tree brings art and industry together and shows the beauty and everlasting quality of stainless steel, a material first created in South Yorkshire."

Signs Express website
Rotherham Hospice website

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News: Rotherham firms flying the flag

Leading Rotherham companies are amongst the mid-market firms that are driving growth in the region, according to the Yorkshire Report 2016, published by accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.

Illustrating trends in the financial performance of selected companies, the report highlights that mid-market companies in Yorkshire created 21,000 new jobs last year. Turnover was up 4% to £106.2bn compared to 6.9% the previous year but overseas turnover saw a worrying 11% drop compared to a 7.7% increase the previous year. Operating profits were up 8% to £4.8bn.

The report analyses the financial performance of the top 250 companies by turnover in the Yorkshire region. Analysis is split between the 50 largest organisations and the next 200 mid-market businesses.

Mid-market companies are driving the growth in the region with the top 200 companies vastly outperforming the largest 50 firms. Their profitability soared by 200% to £861m, based on a 10% increase to £24.4bn in turnover. The top 50 managed just a 2% increase in turnover.

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Jason Whitworth, M&A partner at BDO in Yorkshire, described the mid-market firms as "Yorkshire's unsung heroes." He added: "Whilst there are many bright spots for businesses, there's no denying we continue to face challenging and uncertain times. However, businesses should not allow this to curb their ambitions and we should all pull together to grasp today's opportunities that could deliver significant growth in the future.

"What emerges from this year's Yorkshire Report is a picture of a bustling ecosystem that is well placed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by devolution. However the challenge remains that both politicians and business leaders need to unite to ensure that those opportunities are not missed, so that the region can continue to play its part in the Northern Powerhouse."

50 of the 250 where from South Yorkshire, which had a collective operating profit of £479m.

Rotherham firms in the Top 250:

- A.E.S. Engineering Limited, the parent company of award-winning Templeborough manufacturer, AESSEAL
- AMG Superalloys UK Limited, hi-spec metals manufacturer formerly known as London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited (LSM)
- ASD Limited, leading lighting manufacturer based on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate
- Falcon Capital Investments Limited, an investor and operator of care homes with a turnover of £61.8m, registered to an address in Masbrough
- Jeld-Wen UK Limited, one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of windows, doors and stairs
- Maplin Electronics Limited, Manvers-based retailer whose latest yearly sales figure climbed 6.3% to £237m
- New York Bakery Company Limited, operates the largest bagel production facility in Europe, based at Swinton
- Nicholas Associates, fast-growing industrial and commercial recruiter that is aiming for a £200m turnover within five years
- Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Limited, based at Waleswood, the global integrated automotive and industrial supplier includes leading brand, LuK
- SVM Global Limited, Parkgate firm that is the largest reseller and distributor of corporate gift cards, E-vouchers and gift vouchers in the B2B and the corporate gifting market
- T.H.S. Tools Limited, the Templeborough-based tool wholesaler is the UK's largest buying group for independent industrial distributors

Pictured is a flag-raising ceremony to celebrate AESSEAL securing the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2016.

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News: "Wonderpass" lit up by ASD

Rotherham lighting manufacturer, ASD Lighting has helped to transform a dingy London underpass into a bright showcase for the area.

Based on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, ASD has a reputation for innovation and quality and provides a range of products for domestic and commercial installations.

The firm's "Invincible" lights have been used to turn a bleak Marylebone Road Subway in to a "Wonderpass." Commissioned by local business improvement district (BID), the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, and funded by Transport for London and Westminster City Council, the project idea was born from a real desire to improve the subway which gave a poor impression of the area.

The design showcases the best of the area and features work from the Wallace Collection, Madame Tussauds and Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. In addition to the colourful makeover, major structural works have taken place to upgrade the space. Drainage and leaks have been repaired, the electrics and lighting have been completely replaced and improved, so too have the stairwells, floors and handrails.

Penny Alexander, chief executive of the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, said: "The Wonderpass provides the magnificent fanfare welcome this area deserves. Gone are the wet puddles, poor lighting and dingy grey concrete. Say hello to a vibrant cultural crossing that's a true celebration of our area's history and attractions."

ASD's Invincible product is a cornice luminaire that uses LEDs. It is tough and vandal resistant, but it also gives out just the right amount of light and is economical to run.

ASD Lighting Holdings, the holding company for both ASD Lighting and Rotherham United Football Club has recently published its latest financial accounts. The directors have shortened the company's year end to align it with the football season.

The lighting business posted a turnover of £9.4m for the six months to June 30 2015 and is on track to reach the £19.5m for the full 12 months of the 2014 financial year.

Gross margins were slightly reduced in the period and profit was £543,000 for the six months. ASD reported profits of £3.3m in 2014.

The group said that: "It is anticipated that next year's accounts (which will show a full year's financial results instead of six months) will show that revenue and profit on ordinary activities will be back to normal and that the company will continue to deliver satisfactory financial results."

Rotherham United Football Club Limited reported a pre-tax loss of £732,175 on a turnover of £5.1m for the six months to June 30 2015. The shortened period only included four months of Championship fixtures which accounted for the reduced revenues. The club posted turnover of £11m for 2014 and a profit of £167,000.

With Tony Stewart as chairman and his son, Richard Stewart, as vice chairman, the club's board contains experienced directors who also have senior roles at ASD Lighting.

Stewart saved the League Two club in 2008 when he brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement. His chairmanship has provided stability, investment and a professional off-field set-up despite having to play home games at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield after leaving Millmoor. The New York Stadium opened in 2012.

With increased income from being in the second tier of English football, ASD Lighting maintained a sponsorship deal with the club worth £970,000 during the six months. The sponsorship was worth just over £1m in 2014. The results also show that RU Estates Ltd, the company created to build the £20m New York Stadium, was loaned over £9.5m by ASD.

ASD Lighting website

Images: Baker Street Quarter Partnership

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