News: Acorn link up with Festo

Rotherham-based Acorn Industrial Services Group, one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, has been appointed as the UK's first Official Partner for Electrical Automation by Festo, the German multinational industrial control and automation company.

Established in 1983, Acorn supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base. The growing company moved across the borough to Hellaby in 2013, investing over £1.25m in a new HQ. In 2015 it was acquired by the Swedish industrial group, Axel Johnson International, for an undisclosed sum.

Having recently undergone a restructuring of their Official Partner network, Festo has signed with Acorn as a partner for linear actuators, positioning actuators, servo press systems and gantry handling solutions. The partnership has a focus on making it easy for machine builders, OEMs and automation end users to specify and set up automated systems.

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Simon Gillingham, Linear Motion product manager at Acorn, said: "Moving into the supply of complete linear movement solutions is a major step forward for us. We are delighted to be working with Festo, an established leader in automation technology. This partnership will enable us to provide customers with complete handling systems and linear axes, quickly configured and quoted along with data sheets and CAD models.

"This will be a huge time and cost saving benefit to design engineers. Once the application requirements have been defined and agreed, we can then propose a complete solution, comprising components that will all work together. Having all the components available from a single supplier will provide customers with the reassurance that the system components will work together perfectly."

Steve Land, indirect sales manager for Festo, said: "In order to complement our industry-leading direct sales operations, we have taken the strategic decision to only work with partners who live up to the requirements that customers place on Festo as a performance leader. The quality of our partners is therefore a key element in the new network, alongside ensuring regional coverage. Our Official Partners have been selected because they can provide a combination of expert service and in-depth product knowledge, as well as demonstrating their commitment to our company objectives."

Acorn website

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News: Young employee nurtured at Acorn

A young man who was given support from Rotherham Council to get in to work, has gone from being unemployed to employee of the month in just a few short months.

Daniel Hartle, who was not in education, employment or training (NEET), began working with the Council's Early Help service following a home visit last summer.

Jenny Lawless, a job coach and youth support worker, met regularly with Daniel to build up crucial employment skills such as CV writing, interview workshops and job applications, with a view to getting into long-term work.

As a direct result of this help Daniel got a job with Hellaby-based Acorn Industrial Services. Just months later his colleagues nominated him for "employee of the month," emphasising his "great attitude" and putting "100 per cent in to everything he does."

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Acorn is one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country. Established in 1983, it supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

Daniel is the fifth young person placed at Acorn Industrial Services by the Council over a 20 year period with all individuals still working there to this day. And coincidentally this also includes Dominic Fallon, Daniel's boss and warehouse manager, who Jenny placed as an apprentice with Acorn in the 1990s.

Jenny (pictured, right) said: "I'm really proud of Daniel for getting employee of the month, he thoroughly deserves it for the effort he made to get to this position. His colleagues are full of praise for him and say he’s a joy to work with, which makes the work that we do all the more worthwhile."

Daniel was presented with vouchers and a certificate of congratulations from the Early Help team for his achievement.

Cllr Gordon Watson, cabinet member for children and young people's services at Rotherham Council, said: "Daniel's achievement is testimony to the hard work of both him and our Early Help services who strive to get our young people in to work when they need support the most. Building vital job skills is key for preparation for the world of work, whether in schools, college or post-education and our teams' one-to-one workshops ensures that our young people get the focussed provision they need in order to get in to work as soon as possible."

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News: Foreign Direct Investment increases in region

The UK gave an outstanding performance attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2015, bringing in a record 1,065 FDI projects and creating over 42,000 jobs, the most in any year since Ernst & Young launched the Attractiveness programme in 1997.

The multinational professional services firm analyses the attractiveness of a particular region or country as an investment destination and the report is designed to help businesses make investment decisions and governments remove barriers to growth.

According to the latest UK Attractiveness Survey, Yorkshire and the Humber landed the 83 projects, which represent an increase of 66% on 2014's figures when the region attracted 50 projects.

31 FDI projects were recorded in Leeds in 2015, seven in Sheffield; six in Barnsley; and three in Rotherham.

Stuart Watson, Yorkshire & Humber senior partner at EY, said: "The work that has taken place to position the whole of Yorkshire & Humberside as a strong investment location in the global marketplace is starting to pay off. These figures show that the international investment community has seen the potential in the region with its access to the right skills, infrastructure and strong supply chain networks."

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London dominated overall but the report also showed that manufacturing FDI is powering the UK's regional resurgence. With London attracting only a tiny slice of manufacturing production investments, any increase in the UK's performance in securing manufacturing FDI has a disproportionately positive impact at a regional level. Yorkshire and the West Midlands were the big winners when it came to manufacturing FDI.

For the year Yorkshire and Humberside attracted 42 investment projects in the manufacturing sector. This included six HQs, three R&D facilities and 27 plants.

The report shows that the UK has a 14% European market share of manufacturing FDI projects versus over 20% on average across all sectors. Its authors add that, given the difficult environment facing the manufacturing sector, it's important to act now to attract more projects of this type. Watson added: "The UK attracted more manufacturing projects than Germany for the second year running, underpinned by the strong performance of the North. But there is still more market share to be had. We need a more clearly articulated and ambitious manufacturing strategy. Investors in this sector particularly highlight how important infrastructure, especially roads, is when deciding where to locate.

"Improving transport links throughout the North is particularly important for achieving economic growth. The groundwork for this transformation is now taking place, and recent developments such as the establishment of Transport for the North committee and the development of the Northern Transport Strategy should serve to provide clear ideas and a unified voice for advancing the North’s transport investment priorities with the Government.

"The demand for good transport infrastructure makes projects such as HS3 and the electrification of the transpennine rail route are all the more essential, as they will bring better connectivity within the region, reduce logistic times, and could expand the catchment for skilled labour."

While the US dominated in all UK regions, significant sources of investment for Yorkshire and the Humber were India, the Netherlands and Germany.

India was the second biggest origin for FDI projects for Yorkshire and the Humber in 2015, compared to fifth by number of projects for the UK as a whole. China, however, which was ranked 3rd in the UK as a whole didn't rank in the top nine in Yorkshire and the Humber.

FDI projects covered by Rothbiz in 2015 include South Korean multinational KD Navien choosing Rotherham for its UK HQ.

investments came in the form of Nikken Kosakusho Europe opening its £4m development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham and planning for a £3m extension; American-owned JELD-WEN, the leading manufacturing company, investing almost £4m in its Woodhouse Mill production facilities to meet increased product demand; and Irish-owned MGB Plastics, making a seven figure investment in new machinery at its Rotherham facility to help increase production and target new markets.

Takeovers included Rotherham-based Hempel Wire, one of the world's leading round and shaped wire manufacturers, being acquired by Canadian firm, Central Wire Industries; and the acquisition of Rotherham-based Acorn Industrial Services Group, one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, by the Swedish industrial group, Axel Johnson International.

March saw Denmark's Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners invest £150m when it acquired 100% of the Brite Partnerhsip's biomass-fired power plant project at Templeborough.

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News: Acorn acquired by Axel Johnson International

Rotherham-based Acorn Industrial Services Group, one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, has been acquired by the Swedish industrial group, Axel Johnson International, for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1983, Acorn supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base. It was subject to a management buy out in 2005 and the growing company moved across the borough to Hellaby in 2013, investing over £1.25m in a new HQ.

Axel Johnson International is "a next generation technology trade group" that incorporates 90 different companies providing products, services and solutions that help industrial customers improve the efficiency, reliability, quality and safety of their operations.

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The deal is expected to strengthen Axel Johnson International's position in the UK market and is seen as an important step in growing its business within bearings and transmissions.

Acorn will become part of the business group AxIndustries, specialists in bearings, transmissions and related services. Acorn directors Martin Povey and Des Spillings will continue to lead and drive forward the company's continued growth strategies.

Des Spillings, managing director of Acorn Industrial Services Group, said: "Acorn has grown tremendously over the last ten years and to continue our growth, and more importantly, to grow at a quicker pace, we needed to align ourselves with a business that could bring with it skills and resources that we do not have currently. With the European market place changing and consolidating quicker than at any time in the past 20 years, we had to find the right partner for the future and we believe Axel Johnson International to be this partner."

Mats R. Karlsson, CEO and president of Axel Johnson International, added: "Acorn fits very well into the structure of our business and will be a valuable addition in our ambition to grow the bearings and transmissions business. Over the years, Axel Johnson International has invested in many leading niche players with strong positions in local markets and outstanding customer relations, companies that continue developing and thriving in their new setting."

Acorn has nine sales branches throughout the UK and an e-commerce platform supporting customers throughout Europe. Acorn is well-known for its high technical competence, excellent logistics and market leading e-commerce platform. Annual sales amounts to £21m, the number of employees is approximately 100.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Axel Johnson International has annual sales of SEK 6.5 billion (£508m), 2,640 employees and operations in more than 20 countries throughout Europe.

Acorn Industrial Services Group website
Axel Johnson International

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News: Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2015

The shortlist has been announced containing a wide range of businesses in with a chance of being named Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015.

Part of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) Project, which provides help and support to young business owners, the awards take place annually in partnership with UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel that has set aside finance from its Kickstart Fund to target young entrepreneurs in Rotherham.

Further support is provided by awards category sponsors AESSEAL, Rotherham College, The Source Retail Skills Academy and Willmott Dixon. Judges are assessing the entries with the winners due to be recognised at a ceremony on November 16 which makes up part of the Rotherham Local Employment Advisory Forum targeted at young people across the region and taking place at Magna.

Darren McDool, business coach from Rotherham Youth Enterprise, said: "The calibre of the candidates that entered this year has again been exceptional. We have a fantastic mixture of creative new starts, and growing established businesses, representing the increasing number of entrepreneurial young individuals in our region."

Jackie Frost, enterprise projects manager at Rotherham Council, added: "Previous winners of this award have gone on to do great things, capitalising on the exposure that this accolade provides, so we are pleased to see another group of really strong candidates on this year's shortlist."

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RYE secured part-funding through the European Regional Development Fund and aims to equip the young people of Rotherham with the enterprise and employability skills that they need to make a success of their future and to contribute to the economy of the borough.

Keith Williams, regional manager at UK Steel Enterprise, said: "The work of the Rotherham Youth Enterprise, and their dedication to supporting job opportunities and economic growth across the region, is well aligned to UK Steel Enterprises ethos and, to that end, we are delighted to be once again sponsoring these awards.

"The entries have been excellent, and we're looking forward to further recognising the success of the winners at the awards ceremony on the 16th."

The finalists:

- Simple Office Supplies Ltd - a fast growing business offering a free next day delivery service
- Lewbot Art - the work of talented freelance illustrator, Lewis Houghton
- F1 Showcars - the specialists in motorsport simulators and games
- Team Katalyst - operators of the new performance centre in Rotherham
- The Screening Project - creators of original and cutting edge digital media for businesses and charities
- Pie Eyed - serving proper Pie & Mash at events and festivals
- The Corner Space - a creative studio and room hire facility
- Inertia Computers - builder of bespoke PCs for gamers
- Favell Recruitment - providing staff to the education and construction industry
- Infinity Digital - innovative social media specialists
- J L Dance Academy - a dance and performing arts school teaching over 150 students

The finalists will be featured in Rothbiz in the coming weeks.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise website

Images: RYE

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News: Acorn grows again

Acorn Industrial Services, already one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, is expanding its operation with a new pneumatics division, a move that could lead to new jobs at its Rotherham HQ.

The company moved across the borough to Hellaby in 2013 and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base. The move into the pneumatics market follows extensive talks with the world leading industrial automation company – Camozzi.

The new division, which will be based at Acorn's central distribution centre in Rotherham, could lead to a number of job opportunities, from extra warehouse roles to specialists in the pneumatics field.

The Camozzi Group is renowned across the globe for the production and manufacture of top quality automation products for over 50 years. The deal will see Acorn providing a wide range of Camozzi pneumatic products including cylinders, fittings, Filter-Regulator-Lubricator units (FRLs), tubing and valves.

Gavin Stacey, sales manager at Acorn Industrial Services, said: "Expanding into a new product sector is exciting news for Acorn and good news for our customers. Providing an even broader product range will make purchasing engineering components even easier.

"A key factor in the decision to partner with Camozzi was their exceptional cylinder manufacturing capabilities within the UK, manufacturing both standard and non-standard stroke cylinders within one hour. This unique service provides us with a same day delivery option on cylinders to offer our customers - a service unavailable from any other pneumatics manufacturer."

Adrian Farnham, director at Camozzi, added "Camozzi are proud of our new partnership with Acorn Industrial Services, who have become an official Camozzi distributor. Acorn are a leading distributor of high quality bearings, linear motion, power transmission and maintenance products. Camozzi are excited to be working with Acorn and we look forward to forging a successful relationship."

Since moving to larger, 40,000 sq ft premises, where it offers an impressive stockholding of over one million items, Acorn has secured a distributorship for German manufacturers Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and a deal to sell the NSK and RHP Bearings brands, as part of its growth and expansion plans.

Acorn website

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News: Acorn's eco credentials on the road

Rotherham's Acorn Industrial Services Ltd has taken advantage of a free scheme to help its drivers to lower fuel costs, improve their road safety and reduce the environmental impact of fleet vehicles.

The growing company moved across the borough to Hellaby last year and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base. With a fleet of delivery vehicles offering a same day delivery service, the company signed up to the government-backed Eco-Business Driving scheme.

Part of South Yorkshire's Local Sustainable Transport Fund initiative, and is delivered locally by Inmotion!, together with Sheffield City Council's Road Safety Team and eDriving Solutions Ltd, the scheme has seen 60 South Yorkshire businesses benefit from expert advice, training, and Health and Safety legislation guidance so far.

Acorn warehouse and delivery worker, David Blackwell, was the 1,000th driver to complete the scheme in South Yorkshire. 

He said: "My manager put me forward for the course. I wasn't sure what to expect at first but I was happy to take part. It was a real eye-opener and I learnt a lot in a short space of time. I improved my miles per gallon from 49 mpg to 56 mpg and to a company of this size that's a significant saving.

"I'd recommend the course to others. The instructors were great – really clear and helpful."

Steve Reid, Eco-Business driving instructor, added: "I've been an instructor for 15 years, and delivering Eco-Business Driving for the past two years. It's a great programme and everyone gets something out of it. The staff from Acorn have been a great group and really participated. Through this programme we're helping them to drive in the best way that they can."

Around 20 businesses came to see what Eco-Business Driving can do for them at an event in Rotherham last month.

Acorn website
Inmotion! website

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News: Acorn grows further with new distributorship

Acorn Industrial Services, already one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, is set to grow further after it announced a new distributorship for German manufacturers Freudenberg Sealing Technologies - a move which is likely to see the firm take on more staff in Rotherham.

The company moved across the borough to Hellaby last year and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST), incorporating formerly Simrit and all other Sealing Sectors of the Freudenberg group, is renowned for manufacturing top quality mechanical seals for generations.

As the largest stockist of Freudenberg seals in the UK, with over 600 product lines stocked, Acorn hope to take on more staff throughout the year as demand increases.

Gavin Stacey, sales manager at Acorn Industrial Services (pictured, left), said:: "This is exciting news for the future of Acorn. By keeping Freudenberg seals in stock, we believe it's a great opportunity to significantly increase their market share here.

"We believe it's just as important for customers to fit a high quality seal as it is to fit a high quality bearing. Our customers now have an authorised route to buy premium quality seals and bearings."

Martin White, distribution sales manager for Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, added: "Acorn is well regarded as a supplier of premium brand products and high quality service. We look forward to a long and successful relationship together."

Acorn Industrial Services website

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News: Acorn work placement success

Acorn Industrial Services, one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, has taken on its first ever work placement.

The growing company moved across the borough to Hellaby last year and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

Claudia Titterton, a Year 10 student from Wales High School, joined the Acorn team for two weeks in July, working in various departments including marketing, customs, sales, purchasing and the warehouse and taking on a wide variety of jobs from sending leaflets out to customers to unpacking deliveries and storing them on the warehouse racking.

Claudia said: "It has been good to go around the office and see all the different roles people have at Acorn. I've gained a real insight into what it's like to work here, and to see how everything functions."

Before her work placement, Claudia was unsure about what career path she wanted to take. After her time at Acorn, Claudia has decided she would like to work in a practical working environment where she can take a more hands on approach in her day to day job.

Claudia hasn't been the only one to benefit from this experience, staff at Acorn that had the opportunity to work with Claudia were full of praise. Richard Hewitt, marketing manager at Acorn, said: "During the time Claudia has spent in marketing she has been a massive help from start to finish. I'm glad Claudia enjoyed her time working in the marketing department in particular."

Acorn is now hoping more students will learn about the world of work by taking placements with them.

Acorn Industrial Services website

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News: Acorn grows with new distribution deal

Acorn Industrial Services, based at Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham, has announced that it has secured a UK distributorship for the world leading manufacturer of ball and roller bearings to sell the NSK and RHP Bearings brands, as part of its growth and expansion plans.

NSK was looking for a well established partner that had the experience, systems and structure in place to introduce its brands into the distributor market place.

Des Spillings, sales director at Acorn Industrial Services, said: "This is exciting news for Acorn and for our customers. We were able to demonstrate to NSK that we had the capabilities to provide an authorised, traceable route for their products to enter the main distribution channels. As NSK is the world’s leading ball bearing manufacturer, we believe the brand has huge potential in the UK - and it is our plan to significantly increase their market share here."

The deal will see Acorn Industrial Services providing the full range of NSK and RHP products and services including Self Lube, Precision and Inch type bearings. Acorn will also be launching a new range of RHP spherical bearings to the market.

As part of the company's dedication to excellent service, customers will now receive the product either the same day or within 24 hours.

Spillings added: "We expect the distributorship with NSK will have a significant impact on our growth and we have made major investments in stock, system upgrades and brand awareness to enable us to do so.

Acorn holds the most extensive stockholding in the country, with over one million items in stock, stored on eight miles of shelving. The company has recently invested in purpose built 40,000 sq ft premises in Rotherham that are twice the size of its previous site and house its £4m worth of stock, plus its head office functions.

Acorn website

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News: AESSEAL one of the UK's innovators

Rotherham manufacturer, AESSEAL, has been picked out for special praise by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) in its "1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain" report, a celebration of some of the fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.

Three Rotherham firms make it on to the list - £150m turnover AESSEAL, alongside rapidly expanding power transmission distributors, Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, and Newburgh Engineering, the specialist contract manufacturer of high specification component parts and assemblies for the nuclear, defence, oil and gas, petrochemical, aerospace and power generation industries.

With 85 companies from Yorkshire & The Humber, the report paints a vibrant picture of the British economy, as well as dispelling certain myths: manufacturing, for example, accounts for almost a fifth of the companies within the index.

Xavier Rolet, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange Group, said: "The UK has some of the most inspiring growth businesses in the world. Our report showcases some of these fast-growing and dynamic companies; the type of companies we believe will help fuel the long-term growth of the UK economy."

With global headquarters at Templeborough, AESSEAL is the world's fourth-largest designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals.

The firm is one of just four to be recognised in the section on "The Innovators" that highlights that innovative UK companies are the ones that sustain strong growth. In its annual results for the year to December 31 2012, AESSEAL again reported growth in sales and profit, a record that extends over 30 consecutive years. Sales have continued to rise and it expects to achieve record sales of £151.7m in 2013.

With a focus on quality, the manufacturer has won numerous awards including 12 Queen's Awards to date. The management says it does whatever it takes to deliver, wherever and whenever it's needed. The company also prides itself on exceeding expectation, meeting even the most complex briefs and challenging lead times.

Chris Rea, group managing director at AESSEAL, told the report: "The only challenge we ever face is, how do we provide customers with a sufficiently compelling reason to give us an opportunity?

"We operate in a sector where we need to give customers an extremely compelling reason to try something better, but we’re able to do so through the great-value proposition we offer."

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the publication examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs and looks at the sectors and trends that will shape the future of the UK economy. Rea said that he would like to see the Government rebalance the economy towards manufacturing, but believes it would take 25 years or more to achieve and would need a commitment from successive governments.

Backed by international investor, 3i, AES Engineering Ltd employs more than 1,600 people worldwide, of whom nearly 600 are in the UK and Ireland and more than 330 in Rotherham.

Jonathan Wilkinson, CEO of AESSEAL, said: "At AESSEAL we pride ourselves on exceeding customer expectation, meeting complex briefs and the most challenging lead times. This pursuit of excellence has helped us prosper during both the good and bad times. We feel extremely honoured to be included in this report and are proud to be playing our part in the UK's economic recovery."AESSEAL website
Acorn Industrial Services Ltd website
Newburgh Engineering website
LSE website

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News: Rotherham's outstanding companies

Plimsoll Publishing Ltd, the world's leading provider of market reports and company analysis, has awarded the accolade of "Outstanding Company" to a number of businesses in Rotherham.

Only a handful are awarded following the latest analysis of the published annual accounts relevant to the firms' specific area of business. The award indicates they have improved their overall financial health based on Plimsoll's assessment of their overall performance. At the same time they have achieved solid sales growth.


Leading the way is expanding manufacturing firm, CMD Ltd who were recognised this month. Based at Eastwood, the innovative company has a product range offering underfloor power systems, lighting and power busbars, lighting control systems, together with office power, cable management and ergonomic solutions.

Steve Cole, managing director at CMD Ltd, said: "Building and maintaining an outstanding financial growth takes a lot of hard work across the entire company and it's fantastic to be recognised for this. Plimsoll Publishing is a well-respected, independent body so it's exciting that they've acknowledged CMD's achievements with this award."

Other recognised Rotherham firms include, Roberts Radio, the UK brand leader in the portable radio market that is sold around the world from Japan to USA. The company is based at Swinton alongside Morphy Richards, both of which are owned by the Irish Glen Dimplex Group.

ASD Lighting, the successful family-run firm that specialises in the manufacture of lighting for domestic and commercial installations, is also on the list. The latest financial results for the Barbot Hall company showed that pre-tax profits were £3.7m in the year ending 31 December 2012. Turnover during the year increased to £25.8m from £23.3m in 2011.

Huthwaite International, the world's leading company in behaviour change for salespeople and negotiators, is also recognised by Plimsoll. The Wentworth company is a market leading behaviour change consultancy and specialises in consulting and training on all aspects of sales. It works with major blue chip companies across the world including Rezidor, Dell, Motorola, UPS and Zurich Insurance.

Huthwaite International's revenue from non-UK business grew from £3.8m in 2010/11 to £5.7m in 2012/13 and exports are now 76.6% of Huthwaite's turnover.

Also on the list is Exol Lubricants, the largest independent lubricants company in the UK. Based in the West Midlands, its large blending plant at Northfield has recently expanded. Exol has successfully grown its export business throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, appointing strategic partners in various countries.

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd has also been recognised in the year that it completed a £1.25m investment in new premises in Hellaby. The firm is one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

With new premises twice the size of the previous sites combined, and more than capable of housing the company's £4m worth of stock alongside all head office functions, the firm has recently significantly extended its range of power transmission products with the launch of a brand new coupling division.

Plimsoll website
CMD Ltd website
Roberts Radio website
ASD Lighting website
Huthwaite International website
Exol Lubricants website
Acorn Industrial Services website

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News: Acorn grows into new Rotherham premises

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is celebrating the New Year with the opening of a new £1.25m central distribution centre in Rotherham.

The growing company is one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

The move across the borough sees three Masborough warehouses relocate into a single facility at Hellaby.

Acorn's 80 strong team worked day and night over the holiday period to move over 1 million stocked items and relocate the former Optare site to ensure they were ready for business in the New Year.

Martin Povey, financial director at Acorn, said: "We're absolutely delighted with the new premises. Acorn are now more conveniently located for national and international distribution channels, enabling us to fulfil orders even more effectively and doubling our space will literally open the door to further growth, increases in stock lines and more new jobs for local people."

Des Spillings, sales director at Acorn, praised staff saying: "It has been an enormous undertaking to move premises, but it is with thanks to our dedicated workforce, who sacrificed their holidays and worked tirelessly through the Christmas period, that we were able to complete the move in such a short space of time."

A £700,000 injection of funding from Barclays enabled Acorn to purchase the new 40,000 sq ft premises that is twice the size of the existing sites combined and more than capable of housing the company's £4m worth of stock alongside all head office functions.

The business has achieved year on year growth for the past ten years and reported a turnover of £17.4m in the year to 31 December 2011, up from £14.3m a year earlier.

Acorn website

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News: Acorn invest £1.25m in new Rotherham premises

From little acorns.... Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is making a £1.25m investment in new premises in Hellaby, Rotherham.

The Masbrough company is one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country and supplies bearings, power transmissions and linear systems to a global customer base.

The company's success has led to its expansion into three separate warehouses – still a tight squeeze for its 38,000 product lines and 80-strong team of office and warehouse staff.

A £700,000 injection of funding from Barclays has enabled the £18m turnover business to purchase new 40,000 sq ft premises – twice the size of the existing sites combined and more than capable of housing the company's £4m worth of stock alongside all head office functions.

Acorn is also investing a further £250,000 of its own capital in refurbishing and refitting the Denby Way building that was previously home to bus manufacturer, Optare.

Martin Povey, financial director at Acorn, said: "The company has achieved year on year growth for the last ten years. We're absolutely delighted with the new premises and the funding injection means we have the luxury of refurbishing the offices and warehousing to exactly the right specification before moving in.

"The new premises are more conveniently located for national and international distribution channels, enabling us to fulfil orders even more effectively, and doubling our space will literally open the door to further growth, increases in stock lines and more new jobs for local people."

Richard Smith, partner at hlw Keeble Hawson, who advised Acorn on the deal, added: "Acorn is one of the region's success stories. It's very rewarding to be involved in its "journey" and we're delighted that the company will soon have the facilities to support its ambitious development plans."

Pete Wilmer, relationship director at Barclays, added: "Acorn and its management continue to outperform expectations which is testament to their hard work. This move to new premises will not only deliver operational efficiencies but provide a platform for ongoing gowth which we are delighted to have been able to support - and by utilising the National Loan Guarantee Scheme have been able to provide a cashback element to help support the relocation costs."

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd website

Images: hlw Keeble Hawson

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News: Business growth from Acorn

Rotherham-based Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is investing in new products and warehouse space that will make them one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country.

The Masborough firm has been awarded "Master Distributorship" status by industrial belt manufacturer Goodyear Engineered Products, making them the only master distributor for the whole of the UK and Ireland.

Acorn's commitment to the new distributorship has been demonstrated with an initial £500,000 investment in Goodyear Engineered Products, to be contained in a new 6,000 sq ft belt warehouse at their current premises.

The company acquired and demolished the old Butchers Arms pub on Midland Road and submitted plans for the extended warehouse last month.

Des Spillings, sales director for Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, said: "We are tremendously proud to be chosen by Goodyear Engineered Products and consider the appointment a great accolade. This is a fantastic opportunity for both Acorn and our customers and it will also create much needed jobs in the region."

As well as stocking over 40,000 products, Acorn specialise in sourcing bearings, power transmission products, seals and ancillary products. They currently employ over 80 people at their Rotherham headquarters and branch network throughout the country.

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd website

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News: Rapid growth companies in Rotherham

The latest rapid growth survey from The Star and chartered accountants, Barber, Harrison & Platt shows that Rotherham has more than it's fair share of rapidly growing companies.

The survey lists the top 30 business in the region based on turnover growth, and features seven companies that are based in Rotherham.

Hydra Mining Tools International is the highest placed Rotherham firm at number eight. The Kimberworth firm's turnover grew by 88% from £6.2m to £11.7m at the last year end.

Earlier this year Hydra Mining Tools made it onto The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 100 annual league table of Britain's top private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

The company employs 128 people and produce carbide, mineral cutting tools, toolholders, cutting chains, conveyor rollers and related components that are exported to China, America, Australia and mainland Europe.

Other Rotherham companies making The Star's rapid growth survey are Ron Hull Ltd (16th), MWS Joinery (17th), ABS Industrial Resources (21st), United Carpets (25th), Acorn Industrial (29th) and AESSEAL (30th).

Contract manufacturing specialist, The MTL Group (11th) has announced plans to relocate to Rotherham.

Don Gray, a partner with Barber,Harrison & Platt told the paper: "In a business climate that has recently been characterised by a prolonged period of difficult
trading conditions, any company that has managed to grow its top line deserves to be applauded.

"This year's Top 30 have certainly earned their plaudits with more than half of the participants recording at least a 50% increase in turnover in the period under review."

Star Business Monthly website

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News: Acorn rewarded for business growth

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd were successful in the Business Growth Award (sponsored by Business Link Yorkshire) at the Rotherham Business Awards 2009.

The Masbrough company picked up The Irwin Mitchell Excellence in Customer Service Award at the Sheffield Business Awards last year.

Des Spillings, Director of Acorn Industrial Services Ltd, said: "As a Rotherham-based company, we need and want to become more integrated with our local business community in every way.

"Although Acorn has customers all over the world, we are not really known or recognised locally. Winning the Business Growth Award will give us a massive lift in helping us achieve our goal of raising our profile in the Rotherham area."

Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is a supplier of bearings and transmission products and represents market leading brands such as SKF and THK.

The company holds a £3m inventory covering 40,000 lines available for delivery within the hour for customers across the engineering sector.

Established in 1983, Acorn was subject to a management buy out in 2005 and now employs 61 members of staff.

Dinnington companies Assured Fire & Security Ltd and Systems Integration & Automation Ltd were highly commended.

Acorn Industrial website
Chamber website
Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

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News: Acorn Industrial Services come to Hammond's rescue

Acorn Industrial Services in Rotherham recently came to Richard Hammond's rescue after he was informed by major distributors that the bearing he needed to restore his 1963 Opel Kadett was obsolete.

After buying his Opel Kadett "Oliver" in Botswana and driving across Africa for one of BBC Top Gear's challenges, Richard brought the car back to the UK to restore. However, the renovation came to a halt when the garage struggled to source the obsolete bearing.

Finally the garage contacted Gloucester Bearings who turned to their distributor Acorn Industrial Services to see if they could find the rare bearing.

As well as stocking over 32,000 products, Acorn specialise in sourcing bearings, power transmission products, seals and ancillary products.

Des Spillings, sales director of Acorn Industrial Services said: "The Richard Hammond case is a perfect example of how we can help our customers. Despite major distributors reporting the bearing as obsolete, we took the time to promptly hunt down and deliver the required product. This is just one of the ways we add value to our customers."

Acorn Industrial website
Rotherham

Images: lairdscott/Flikr

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News: Success for Rotherham firm at Sheffield Business Awards

Rotherham company, Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is celebrating success at the Sheffield Business Awards. The Masbrough company picked up The Irwin Mitchell Excellence in Customer Service Award which recognises the company's outstanding levels of customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and after care services. Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is a supplier of bearings and transmission products and represents market leading brands such as SKF and THK. Dinnington based construction specialists just missed out on the Manufacturing Award to DavyMarkham. The Sheffield Business Awards were hosted by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Nigel Tomlinson and the Editor of The Star, Alan Powell. Mr Powell told The Star: "There is little doubt that everyone here tonight recognises the tough economic times we are now in."But that should not stop us honouring the individuals and organisations who contribute to ensuring the city punches its weight and more." Des Spillings, Acorn's sales director said: "Acorn has always put great emphasis on customer service and it's wonderful to pick up an award for something Acorn is very passionate about - all credit goes to the Acorn team for their dedication to be the best."

Acorn Industrial website

The Star article
Rotherham

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News: Acorn shortlisted at Sheffield Business Awards

Rotherham company, Acorn Industrial Services Ltd has been shortlisted at the Sheffield Business Awards. The Masbrough company is in line for The Irwin Mitchell Excellence in Customer Service Award which recognises a company demonstrating outstanding levels of customer service and satisfaction in all aspects of sales and after care services. Acorn Industrial Services Ltd is a supplier of bearings and transmission products and represents market leading brands such as SKF and THK. With the central distribution centre in Rotherham, Acorn also has three regional distribution centres and two branches across the UK. Established in 1983, Acorn was subject to a management buy out in 2005 and now employs 61 members of staff. Acorn's excellence in customer service comes from the appreciation that the customer is their greatest asset. Expert product managers from dedicated divisions provide technical help and advice or on-site visits. The company holds a £3m inventory covering 40,000 lines available for delivery within the hour for customers across the engineering sector. Acorn were also listed at number 52 in the recently published Top 100 SME's for 2008 in the Sheffield Star. Acorn will join fellow Rotherham company, Macalloy, at the awards ceremony on December 4.

Acorn Industrial Services website

Rotherham

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