News: New Rotherham business hub opens at Manvers

Micro and start-up businesses will benefit from high-quality serviced spaces following the official opening of Century 2 Business Park at Manvers.

Rotherham Council has invested £5.4m in its 5th business hub, creating 20 new workshops, 16 offices and two laboratories. The neighbouring Century Business Park has supported over 400 businesses since it was set up 22 years ago.

Century 2 will feature a central reception and lettable conference facilities for large meetings and functions. Externally, the site will include car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points.

A fabric first approach has been taken towards creating a more sustainable building and renewable heating will be incorporated within the office spaces via air source heat pumps.

Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott said: “Our investment will create more better paid jobs and increase spending in the local economy as a result.”

“We’re building on the existing success story at Manvers by creating a new vibrant workspace where more entrepreneurs and small businesses can get the support they need to grow. These are exciting times for small businesses who can tap into the specialist expertise offered by Rotherham Council.”

The site is located just off the A6195, with links to M1 and A1. It will be managed by the Council’s Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), which manages similar facilities across the borough.

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Sarah Rimmington, a Director at independent travel agency SANS Travel and her three colleagues moved from working at their homes to the Century 2 business hub last month.

Sarah enthused: “Business is absolutely booming. This place is cost effective and provides us with an excellent working environment. We’ve never looked back since moving in – it’s perfect.

“It’s a new building with great facilities, easy to get to and has secure parking. The facilities are fantastic too. There’s a Board Room if we need it, and a shower room if we want to bike or run to work.

“We’re living our dream right now. We’re happy what we’re doing, offering fantastic customer service and bringing customer’s dream holidays to life. We’ve expanded quicker than we thought possible and are just happy to be doing what we do best within our local community.”

Esh Construction was appointed to deliver the scheme as design and build contractor on behalf of Rotherham Council.

Esh’s Operations Manager, Andrew Schofield, said: “This development will provide an important facility for local businesses to operate and grow from therefore we are pleased to celebrate the official opening.

“Throughout our time on site we delivered a number of social value initiatives within the local community, including careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, site visits for college students, and apprentice training on site. We collaborated with the Better Learners Better Workers programme and RNN Group’s Dearne Valley College to deliver tailored, meaningful engagement within the area.”

The new centre is located near to the original Century Business Centre that opened in 2000 and was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

RiDO Business Centre website

Images: RiDO

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News: Contractor selected for new £4.6m Rotherham business centre

A contractor has been selected by Rotherham Council for a new multimillion pound business centre in the north of the borough.

Rothbiz reported last year that plans were progressing for a second phase for Century Business Centre which aims to provide purpose built facilities to support micro and startup businesses.

The plans were approved last month and grant funding has been secured via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) - £4.6m from the Getting Building Funding/Gainshare pots.

Esh Construction Ltd, has been named as the supplier securing the contract for the works. The total value of contract is £3,986,937.21.

Previous work for Rotherham Council carried out by Esh includes the Broom Hayes housing development and the new roundabout at Greasbrough.

Phase One of Century Business Centre, opened in 2000 and owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

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Detailed plans show that the authority is set to build 27,500 sq ft of employment space on brownfield land at Dearne Lane. "Manvers Incubation Hub" is set to include 20 workshops, 16 office units and two laboratories.

The new facility is set to offer high quality office accommodation and workshop spaces to help businesses grow, whilst being managed by a singular support team.

Funding documents explain: "This phase will create around 15,000 sq ft of new floor space for office and clean manufacturing “move on” space within B1 use class. This high quality, publicly owned and operated employment space will be made available to business within the local area, as well as to the wider Borough and City Region.

"Building on the first phase of the Century Business Park this project will allow current occupants and other businesses to move to larger premises as their business grows, alongside providing additional managed space suitable for new businesses as the Council looks to assist the economic recovery caused by the Covid pandemic."

The project is set to support 75 new jobs.

Esh’s Operations Director, Paul Waller, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Rotherham Council on this key facility that will enable businesses to become more successful and sustainable, contributing to a boost in local employment and the economy.

“From receiving the initial brief, Esh has led a fast-tracked pre-construction process which included developing design proposals, arranging surveys, pricing the scheme, and submitting planning all within a 10-month period. A huge achievement from everyone involved and we look forward to getting work underway.”

Esh Group website
RiDO Business Centres website

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News: Plans revealed for new Rotherham business centre

A new multimillion pound business centre is being planned for Rotherham.

A second phase for Century Business Centre aims to provide purpose built facilities to support micro and startup businesses.

The original centre, opened in 2000 and owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

Rothbiz reported in 2018 that Rotherham Council had secured a grant of £1.6m for the project via the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority (now the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority).

New detailed plans show that the authority is set to build 27,500 sq ft of employment space on brownfield land at Dearne Lane. "Manvers Incubation Hub" is set to include 20 workshops, 16 office units and two laboratories.

The new facility is set to offer high quality office accommodation and workshop spaces to help businesses grow, whilst being managed by a singular support team.

In its outline plans, Rotherham Council outlined that it could help create 150 jobs.

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The application is from the Esh Group, who are assumed to be the lead contractors on the project.

Plans, drawn up by Barton Wilmore, describe: "a part three storey / part single storey office and workshop facility," adding: "The proposed layout comprises an office building which includes an open plan format which can be subdivided into smaller spaces subject to individual tenant’s requirements. The ground floor includes a high quality and spacious reception area, meeting spaces and flexible conference / meeting rooms. The first and second floor levels include identical layouts which can be accessed via the primary stair core."

Details around landscaping and a 60 parking space car park are also included.

The plan is to also use the Get Britain Building Fund (GBBF) and "gainshare" funding via the SYMCA but this may be problematic.

A recent update to Rotherham Council explained: "A project assessment of costs and project viability, building specification and funding options was undertaken, with a revised delivery plan agreed. However, due to the delays in the early part of the year whilst the deliverability of the scheme was reviewed and challenges around planning approval, the project is unlikely to complete by March 2022. This may impact the funding, which Government have indicated must be spent by March 2022 (GBBF funding for this project is £2m).

"The Council are also in the progress of gaining agreement from SYMCA for approval of Gainshare funding of £1m to support this new delivery model. The gainshare will support the increased costs of the re-designed scheme, covering costs to complete the scheme in the early part of 2022/23."

RiDO website

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News: £860m "new deal" for South Yorkshire regeneration

The fate of future of economic development and regeneration projects in Rotherham and the rest of South Yorkshire could no longer be decided by a formula and London-based government staff and ministers, under ambitious plans set to be approved by the region's Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA).

Through devolution, the MCA in South Yorkshire has been granted some borrowing powers and is set to use them to create a ground-breaking stimulus, worth up to £860m, to revitalise South Yorkshire’s economy and transform the region.

The Mayor said he and local leaders were "rewriting the rule book" to meet the seismic economic challenge posed by COVID.

The investment heralds a "New Deal for South Yorkshire", which will unleash South Yorkshire’s potential, and deliver recovery and renewal for the region after the pandemic.

It will invest hundreds of millions into schemes to protect, create and attract thousands of jobs, train workers and apprentices, back businesses to locate and grow in the region, and transform infrastructure – building South Yorkshire’s transport network and revitalising its high streets and towns.

Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis said: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Despite the challenges COVID throws at us, our plan sends a crystal-clear message of ambition and confidence: that South Yorkshire is open for business and ready to prosper. The Government may not be willing to back our region, but local leaders and I will not stand by and let our potential be squandered.

“That’s why we’re rewriting the rule book, using powers and resources secured from Westminster, to invest in our people, our businesses and our towns and high streets. This is the power of devolution: it means we can deliver on the priorities of our people: jobs, apprenticeships, better buses, new flood defences, stronger transport links and revitalised high streets and town centres.

“We’re working to create a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire for all – delivering not just recovery, but renewal. Not just a bigger economy, but a better one. We know South Yorkshire’s people and industry rightly have enormous pride in our story so far. We’re reinforcing our reputation as the heartland of British industry and innovation, and we’re making our region an even better place to live, work and invest.

“We’ve started to transform South Yorkshire and we believe that our best days lie ahead of us. That’s why we’re creating the South Yorkshire Renewal Fund – a comprehensive plan to unlock the potential of our people, businesses and places, so everyone can have a stake in our future prosperity. We will deliver a New Deal for South Yorkshire.”

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The South Yorkshire Renewal Fund will be considered for approval by the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority at its meeting on Monday 22 March.

The £860m investment is made up of £358m MCA funding for South Yorkshire’s recovery in 2021/2022. This includes the MCA’s first year’s use of its £30m a year "gainshare." From 2022, and following agreement with HM Treasury, the MCA will borrow against its gainshare to create the South Yorkshire Renewal Fund, worth up to £500m. This will roughly be split between: £300m of investment in our places, including infrastructure and transport; and £200m of funding for jobs and skills in South Yorkshire.

Direct support is expected for; jobs and apprenticeships, and helping people find them; helping businesses to survive and thrive; revitalising high streets and building homes; getting people moving with better transport, by foot, bike, bus, tram and train; protecting the planet – retrofitting homes and improving flood defences.

Investment is also expected in infrastructure, flood defences, buses and active travel.

Rotherham schemes already in line for funding include investment in town centre housing and money for strategic acquisitions, funding for the extension at Century Business Centre, the Rotherham to Kilnhurst Flood Alleviation Scheme, and active travel around Broom and the town centre.

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News: Further funding for Rotherham projects

More cash is coming down the line for Rotherham regeneration projects via the Sheffield City Region (SCR).

As the devolution bill begins its journey through parliament this week, the Government has stumped up £73m aimed at "Getting SCR Building."

The combined authority has worked through a number of shovel-ready projects that can use the devolved funding which is designed to support major employment and housing development.

The SCR has been awarded £33.6m for a prioritised programme of Major Capital Schemes, along with a further £40m from the Government’s Brownfield Fund for a programme of housing schemes on brownfield sites over the next five years.

Rotherham projects include £2.1m going towards the landmark scheme at Forge Island. Seen as vitally important to delivering the regeneration and diversification required for the town centre, plans were recently approved for an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

The city region money will be used for public realm works which are seen as vital to linking together the major regeneration projects and existing assets, improve access, footfall, and activity for the benefit of the town centre.

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In the north of the borough, £2m has been earmarked for a second phase of RiDO's popular Century Business Park at Manvers. This phase will create around 17,000 sq. ft. of new floor space for office and clean manufacturing “move on” space within B1 use class. Plans were outlined back in 2018 but funding dried up.

Supporting over 100 jobs, board papers highlight: "Building on the first phase of the Century Business Park this project will allow current occupants and other businesses to move to larger premises as their business grows, alongside providing additional space suitable for new businesses that currently have a lack of options within the current property market."

At Bassingthorpe, where a large housing development is proposed for former greenbelt land, £2.5m has been set aside to improve the transport infrastructure. As discussed back in 2018, improvements are planned for the area known as "The Whins" and the already busy B6089 route at Greasbrough.

Part of a larger £8.45m project, the proposal is set to address the existing and future congestion issue by providing sufficient space for traffic to wait to turn right, without impinging on the main flow of traffic northbound. The scheme may also provide co-benefits in respect of flooding, associated with replacement of a restrictive culvert.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "This is a huge boost for South Yorkshire, providing investment that will create jobs, build new homes and improve our town centres – making a real difference to people’s lives across the region.

"Securing this investment shows the power of devolution and how our partnership with local authority leaders can unlock new funding and opportunities for South Yorkshire. It demonstrates how having powers and resources at our disposal can help us transform our region, making South Yorkshire stronger, greener and fairer.

"I would urge the Government to go much further – building on the landmark devolution deal put before Parliament this week – by devolving more money and powers so we can build back better from the coronavirus."

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

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News: New Rotherham business centre detailed

Having secured external funding, Rotherham Council has outlined the details for its latest purpose built business hub which could help create 150 jobs.

Rothbiz reported in October that the authority had secured £1.6m to create "move on" space alongside the Century Business Centre in Manvers.

The original centre, owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries. Since opening in 2000 it has helped over 300 businesses.

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The next phase on vacant land at Dearne Lane is set to have floorspace of 26,000 sq ft over two floors and include 35 offices, 14 workshops and two laboratories.

Planning documents, drawn up by archtiects, Race Cottom, state: "The proposed building will comprise of offices, workshops and laboratories, following similar arrangements to the existing business centres as a "tried and tested" model. Meeting rooms, networking spaces and tea points are also provided in addition to rentable work spaces with parking provided on-site."

If approved, the proposals are set to create opportunities for 150 new jobs.

The £3.2m project is backed by the Sheffield city region's (SCR's) Local Growth Fund (LGF). The planning application is on behalf of Clugston Construction indicating that the Scunthorpe firm, a named contractor on the YORBuild framework, will build the new business hub.

RiDO business centre website

Images: Race Cottom

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News: Rotherham business centre set to expand

Rotherham Council has secured a grant of £1.6m for around 17,000 sq ft of new floor space at its Century Business Centre for office and clean manufacturing "move on" space.

The Centre, owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

At a Sheffield city region (SCR) Mayoral Combined Authority meeting this week, members formally agreed Local Growth Fund (LGF) money for schemes across the city region.

The £3.2m project for phase 2 plans to generate 110 gross additional jobs by 2024/25. Operated by RiDO since it was built in 2000, Century has enjoyed occupancy rates of over 96% in the last three years.

Sir Nigel Knowles, chair of the SCR LEP, said: "This is a great example of how the public and private sector work together in the SCR to get things done.

"Our ability to work collaboratively, in a straightforward and practical way, is one of the real drivers for growing investor confidence in our region."

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Dan Jarvis, mayor of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority, added: "Today I chaired a Mayoral Combined Authority meeting that agreed £10m in funding for transformative projects.

"This is an exciting time for us in the Sheffield City Region, with hugely significant investments from world-leading companies putting us firmly on the international map.

"It is also important that whilst we’re developing these cutting-edge facilities in our Global Innovation Corridor, we are also putting in place the development projects that our communities need: roads, homes, public spaces, shops and offices – so that we can improve our region and make it fit for the 21st century.

"That's why funding pots such as LGF, devolved to decision-makers at a regional level, are so important in supporting our communities to grow and thrive."

The RiDO Business Centres continue to perform well with average occupancy at the end of June 2018 reaching a record high of 96%. Eight early stage companies moved into the centres in the first quarter of 2018-19 and seven of the ten business centre units transferring back to RiDO following vacation by Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) were re-let immediately.

Century was the first major incubation space project for RiDO and its success led the Council to expand the provision for small business premises, and RiDO now has four centres, located across the Borough at Moorgate Crofts, Templeborough and Dinnington providing over 200 office and workshop units.

£1.5m of support from the same fund has been earmarked to support the first phase of the Gulliver's Valley leisure development in Rotherham.

RiDO website

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News: Gulliver's to bring forward accommodation to first phase at Rotherham resort

£1.5m of investment looks to be heading to Rotherham to support the Gulliver's Valley leisure development and help bring forward further accommodation into the first phase.

The cash is being set aside by the Sheffield city region to support the £37m Gulliver's Valley development where work has recently got underway on land alongside Rother Valley Country Park.

A year round destination aimed at 2 - 13 year olds is being created which includes a theme park hub, woodland adventure centre, ecology and education centre, lodges, hotels and a holiday village.

Rothbiz has previously reported on the risks encountered by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) and its large scale investment programme that is backed by the Government's Local Growth Fund (LGF).

Infrastructure projects such as the Superfast South Yorkshire broadband scheme and the BRT North transport scheme have utilised cash from the six year, £360m pot, but with projects that have underspent, or where spend has slipped into later years, the programme was opened up to ensure that the city region spends all of its growth funding.

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A £400,000 grant from the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF), and a £1.1m loan, is being sought that would be used for the new junction from the A618 to open up the site with further work planned on developing the centre.

The business case outlines that the funding will support the £7.5m first phase and 93 new jobs. It would enable Gulliver's to invest £6m and accelerate the creation of accommodation on the site.

The documents state: "This project specifically will accelerate delivery of elements of the visitor accommodation planned as part of the Resort, bringing forward accommodation units into phase 1 of the development (to open in 2020) rather than being delivered in phase 2 of the scheme (2024). This acceleration of visitor accommodation delivery will establish the resort as a short stay destination from day one of operation.

"Gulliver's has already completed three similar projects, all of which have been self funded and profitable. As a business, Gulliver's do not take on any project that they do not consider to be a viable proposition, nor one that would have a negative impact on the company values. By building on a phased approach with each phase funding the next one, the build out will be steady, but crucially will not be encumbered by heavy financing costs that many larger scale developments carry.

"However, costs associated with the project have increased significantly due to the complexity of the site's history and difficult access arrangements from the highway network. The site was a former pit, open cast mine and has been used historically as a landfill site. The A618 is a busy route that will require increased traffic management measures to facilitate access to Gulliver's Valley."

In the North of the borough, Rotherham Council is close to securing a grant of £1.6m for around 17,000 sq ft of new floor space at its Century Business Centre for office and clean manufacturing "move on" space.

The £3.2m project for phase 2 plans to generate 110 gross additional jobs by 2024/25. Operated by RiDO, the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, since it was built in 2000, Century has enjoyed occupancy rates of over 96% in the last three years.

A final sign off from the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority is expected next week.

Gulliver's Valley website
RiDO website
SCR website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Food Circle bags Hallam enterprise award

Food Circe, a start-up business set up in Rotherham to help people eat more healthily for less, enjoyed a taste of success after scooping the Sheffield Hallam University Enterprise award.

Hallam history graduate James Barthorpe and his business partner Paul Simpson launched Food Circle in January 2018. It is based at RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers.

Appalled at the quantity of good quality food and drink products that were routinely going to waste, James and Paul decided to create Food Circle, the first online UK-based retailer offering surplus "in-date" healthy food and drink products, to customers at half the recommended retail price.

The Hallam Enterprise Awards take place every year, and provides an opportunity for Hallam student and graduate start-ups to showcase their businesses and share their achievements with an audience and judging panel of fellow entrepreneurs and innovators from the business and higher education communities.

There was £10,000 of prize money up for grabs on the night, donated by Santander Universities (winner and runners-up awards) and QUICKPLAY (audience vote for the best business pitch). QUICKPLAY was co-founded by two Hallam graduates, Allen Holland and Will Parsons. As graduate recipients of the Enterprise Challenge Award back in 2006, they were keen to support the next generation of Hallam entrepreneurs.

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On winning the top prize of £5,000 to support the business, the Food Circle founders expressed their delight and thanked their supporters, including the customers and the brands they work with.

In addition to the winner, there were two runners-up prizes: The Happiness Bootcamp, a social enterprise created by psychology student, Amiee Browes, which helps people combat their mental health issues through the power of physical exercise and Fula Flavour, created by Hawa Soh, a business and human resource management graduate. Fula Flavour has created a range of Djembe chilli sauces inspired by her culinary childhood experiences from her country of origin in Guinea, West Africa.

The prize for the best pitch was awarded to computer science graduate and international break-dance specialist Torrell Euan. Torrell has combined his two passions to create Woosh! - an electronicjudging system that can be used for competitive break-dancing at all levels of competition.

Caroline Nouvellon, manager of the enterprise team at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "This is the second Hallam Enterprise Awards we have hosted and it has already become the highlight in the enterprise team's calendar.

"This awards event provides our talented students and graduates with an opportunity to showcase their businesses, entrepreneurial flair and professionalism. Their passion, drive and belief in their businesses combined with their resilience when meeting the challenges and set-backs they have all encountered, has made them worthy and deserving finalists.

"I am confident that all of their ventures have the potential for success and sustainability in the years ahead."

Food Circle website
Hallam Enterprise website

Images: SHU

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News: Rotherham regeneration projects on standby for funding

Two regeneration projects in Rotherham are waiting in the wings to mop up capital funds that are at risk of being returned to central Government if they are not spent quickly in the Sheffield city region.

An extension to RiDO's Century Business Centre and further infrastructure work around the Bassingthorpe Farm development are hoping to secure millions of pounds.

Rothbiz has previously reported on the risks encountered by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA) and its large scale investment programme that is backed by the Government's Local Growth Fund (LGF).

Infrastructure projects such as the Superfast South Yorkshire broadband scheme and the BRT North transport scheme have used funding from the six year, £360m pot but with projects that have underspent or where spend has slipped into later years, the programme was opened up to ensure that the Sheffield city region spends all of its growth funding.

A paper to the CA explains: "The previous two financial years (16/17 and 17/18) has been beset with programme slippage in both the development and delivery phase. The lack of accurate information has presented considerable difficulties in forecasting accurately when spend and outputs will be delivered, and has made accurate LEP reporting to government challenging.

"Resource intensive mitigations have had to be implemented in each of the previous two years to ensure no loss of LGF to the City Region. The challenge for the final three years of the programme however is delivery of schemes in order to achieve the outputs and outcomes the LEP agreed as part of the growth deal."

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If any proposals experience delays like in previous years then achieving the spend target will be partly reliant on any new projects being able to develop quickly and deliver expenditure this financial year.

A review of current projects is underway and a pipeline of reserve projects has been whittled down to six from 55. Totalling £10.7m, the six projects are considered to have a strong fit with LGF and are recommended to proceed to Full Business Case.

A £1.6m grant is being sought for a £3.2m project to build a second phase at Century Business Centre at Manvers. Designed for small and new start business, the centre currently offers a range of office and workshop units and since opening in 2000 has been home to hundreds of businesses.

The centre, owned and managed by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, was originally developed to help local people in the Manvers area of the Dearne Valley to set up their own businesses following the decline of traditional industries.

The success at Century led the Council to expand the provision for small business incubator premises, and RiDO now has four centres, located across the Borough at Moorgate Crofts, Templeborough and Dinnington providing over 200 office and workshop units. A potential new incubation centre, possibly in Hellaby/Maltby, was mentioned in the borough's revised Growth Plan.

A £3.3m grant is being sought to support the Bassingthorpe Farm development where Rotherham Council is working with the other landowner to attract commercial partners to help bring forward 2,400 dwellings and 11 hectares for employment use.

Previous work has shown estimated delivery costs of over £350m for the project with the infrastructure needed to bring forward houses, associated retail and employment uses estimated at over £50m. Work to improve the nearby road network is underway including a £4.63m scheme to improve capacity on College Road roundabout on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The LGF bid relates to "Mitigation Measures - Greasbrough Corridor." Greasbrough Public Hall was recently demolished by the authority as it highlighted that the site was required to facilitate a highway improvement scheme at the junction that fronts the hall.

The Council has been bidding to secure Government funding for Bassingthorpe from various pots, including a £31m bid to the Housing Infrastructure Fund to deliver essential transport and drainage infrastructure.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC / WYG

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News: Education Squared bringing subjects to life

Rotherham-based educational service provider, Education Squared, which specialises in harnessing the performing arts to help students engage with material in a non-traditional way, has been founded since receiving £500 from the UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE) Kickstart Fund.

Based at RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, Education Squared offers an alternative to traditional educational methods whereby students learn about difficult issues such as bullying, race and sexuality through the performing arts.

UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with assisting the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry, has provided Education Squared with funding which has supported the initial start-up costs of the business.

Alongside this, the UKSE funding has allowed business owner Paul Grant to invest in theatrical props, scripts and workbooks required to run workshops in primary and secondary schools.

A former Performing Arts student at Rotherham College, Paul founded Education Squared after discovering a niche in the market for a service that combined his passion for theatre with his background in business development and customer service.

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Paul Grant, founder of Education Squared (pictured, right), said: "The funding from UK Steel Enterprise has been instrumental to the establishment of Education Squared. Our workshops really come to life with the addition of the theatrical props and scripts that we have purchased as a result of the funding, so I want to thank UKSE for its support.

"It's important that children experience elements of cross-curricular work in their education which encourages many to find greater success in the arts as it becomes imperative to their learning. Utilising drama, I take information and help the children understand a functional use for it, providing a hook into the material."

Education Squared recently partnered with Bullying UK on an anti-bullying campaign, providing the organisation with theatrical material to encourage children to stand up to bullying, with the intention of teaching them to act consciously if faced with similar scenarios in the real world.

Paul added: "The education sector is constantly evolving and therefore it is crucial to review our content, coming up with fresh ways in which to present curriculum material. To that end, we are currently in the process of designing a new workshop on road safety aimed at children in primary schools, and hope to finalise this soon."

Launched in February 2016 by UKSE, with support from RIDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise RYE), the Kickstart Fund supports people looking to establish a business in the local area.

Allan Wood from UK Steel Enterprise (pictured, left), said: "Paul has definitely found a gap in the market and has succeeded in creating a concept that encompasses emotional and curriculum-based learning. Paul's business has started well, and I hope he can build on his initial successes."

Education Squared website
UKSE website

Images: UKSE

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News: Biz-ICT becomes PointSolutions

Rotherham IT specialist, Biz-ICT has been rebranded to PointSolutions to strengthen its links with a Microsoft software solution.

Based at RIDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, the enterprise is an accredited Microsoft SharePoint specialist, providing integrated collaboration and business process applications, such as human resources, training, health and safety and intranets.

SharePoint is a growing platform for businesses to use and is included within Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud software alongside Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

PointSolutions' senior management team has a combined 25 years' experience in designing, delivering and supporting software solutions. Key clients have included Rolls Royce, SKY TV and Sheffield Hallam University.

Mark Walsh, managing director of PointSolutions, who formed the business in 2003, said: "We have rebranded to recognise the changing face of the software market and to mark the growth of our business in recent years.

"PointSolutions is a recognised term within the sector for a high-end "best of breed" product, so it fits very well with our overall business objectives.

"We are a specialist in a very niche market, and so we need to be accessible, open and personal to key business decision makers in order for them to understand the benefits SharePoint can provide.

"The software sector can be a daunting and complicated sector to many businesses, and we are keen to make our services more approachable for senior management teams and business owners across the UK.

"PointSolutions is a better fit with our long-term strategy to provide expert support to all companies through our unique applications and training services."

The company is set to launch its latest SharePoint HR application at The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition in Manchester in November.

PointSolutions website

Images: PointSolutions

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News: Businesses continue to thrive in Rotherham

New enterprises setting up in one of Rotherham's dedicated business centres are being given a great chance to thrive and survive the crucial first three years.

Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) is the regeneration arm of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. RiDO now operate four modern business incubation centres across the borough offering support and assistance to local and international businesses.

The centres at Moorgate Crofts, Templeborough, Manvers and Dinnington provide over 180 offices and workshops at easy-in/easy-out terms on a monthly licence basis.

In the 13 years since Century Business Centre was opened in Manvers, RiDO has helped over 540 companies start up and the create over 1,800 jobs.

Further support includes on site business adviser support, access to training, marketing, supply chain linkages, plus access to other partner organisations who can contribute to achieving the growth aspirations of your business. Space is also reserved for young entrepreneurs through the successful Rotherham Youth Enterprise programme.

It is this support that means that businesses located in the centres have a three year survival rate of 85.4 per cent, well above the national average.

Following a recent visit to the centres, Cllr. Dominic Beck, Cabinet Member for Business Growth and Regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "By any standards RiDO has been an incredible success story.

"Even in our current economic climate early stage companies have thrived with a three year survival rate of 85.4 per cent against a national average of 44 per cent.

"Once again Rotherham is bucking the national trend and the support offered to companies has been invaluable in cementing their success.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, meeting and chatting with the businesses, occupants and staff there. I was impressed at both the quality of the Business Centres and the support offered to start up and small businesses.

"It was great to hear that even in this tough economic climate businesses were healthy and on a growth path.

"I have nothing but praise for the fantastic folk who are making the centre a haven for local growth and investment. It is essential that Rotherham encourages new business and I cannot praise the work that is taking place here too highly."

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: Pastures Moo scoop multiple orders

A Manvers ice cream business is already finding success having learnt from the best on a recent trip to Italy at the invitation of the exclusive International School of Gelato in Rimini.

Based at RiDO's Century Business Centre, young Barnsley brothers Ali and Will English launched "Pastures Moo" just a few months ago, after identifying a market niche for handmade artisan ice-cream manufactured in South Yorkshire coupled with a home delivery service.

At the master class they were schooled in the art of artisan ice-cream making with one-to-one tuition from top gelatieres – or ice-cream chefs. Learning methods were personalised to suit their interests and ambitions and incorporated theory and practical lessons which included the history of ice-cream, key ingredients, production methods and a particular emphasis on presentation and marketing with regard to ice-cream parlours.

The brand, which has already become established in the local community, has begun to attract local and national interest for the young entrepreneurs. Over 20 trade retailers have placed orders for the spring and will join their first trade customer, local restaurant, Bistro 63 in the Dearne Valley.

Ali English, co-founder of Pastures Moo, said: "To secure this invitation so early in our careers was a true honour and has allowed us to extend our knowledge and skills so that we can continue to drive the business forward.

"We have never been short on enthusiasm to make this business a real success story but our trip to Italy has shown us other ways in which we could carve ourselves a real reputation for the best ice-cream outside Italy.

"In 2014 we will be looking for new larger premises in order to cope with the increase in demand from both trade customers and home delivery customers and hope that we will also be able to open our first ice-cream parlour."

The family-owned business has over 20 flavours available ranging from more traditional Vanilla or Strawberry to their signature Messy Moo which combines dairy ice cream with a chocolate sauce, chocolate cookies pieces and mini mallows.

Pastures Moo website

Images: Pastures Moo

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News: Hip-Rocker's great start leads to global success

Hip-Rocker, a jellybean-shaped rocking chair that helps children who wear a hip spica cast to immobilise the hip as it heals, is in demand across the globe.

The business was founded by Brampton-born Claire Bradwell, whose inspirational story was recently recognised at the Yorkshire and Humber "Celebrate Success" awards hosted by the Prince's Trust.

Claire came up with the idea of Hip Rocker after her daughter Daisy who has hip dysplasia, had to spend three months in a cast that stretched from her toes to her chest. Claire was keen to create something which didn't look clinical, was bright and colourful and would be a design that young children would want to sit in.

Established in RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, Rotherham it was here that she accessed support which helped her to begin trading internationally in Australia and across Europe.

Claire Bradwell, managing director of Hip Rocker, said: "I was getting lots of recommendations from customers, which meant sales were growing rapidly, not just in the UK but internationally.

"I received a number of orders from Australia, but didn't have any idea how to go about arranging payment for overseas customers or what to do about things like charging VAT. I hadn't expected to begin trading overseas so quickly, so I was straight on the phone to Bob Langley from RiDO's Soft Landing Zone. Bob helped me to understand more about the export side of the business and trading internationally, which was a great help and gave me the confidence to approach business overseas professionally and correctly."

Bob Langley, business co-ordinator for RiDO's Soft Landing Zone, added: "Claire has done exceptionally well in establishing and growing a business not just in the UK, but in a number of other countries. With our support she has been able to take advantage of some tremendous opportunities in Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Norway and these look like they will become major growth markets for her products.

"For a business in a specialist market sector like this, it is important to be able to sell overseas and Claire has gained the necessary skills quickly and adapted her business model to enable her to take advantage."

The Soft Landing Zone project aims to embed additional international business into the area, and help existing businesses to grow in global markets. It has attracted investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

After almost a year at Century Business Centre, Claire decided she needed additional room to expand her business and her and her partner bought a cottage in Wadsley, Sheffield, where they have converted the large stable and hayloft into a purpose designed workshop for Hip Rocker.

Claire added: "I had a great start for my business in Rotherham and what I learned here this has given me the confidence and knowledge to expand into international markets, which I never believed I would have been able to do."

Hip-Rocker website

Images: RiDO

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News: Viking wrap up deal for new Rotherham premises

Viking, a leading UK supplier of 3M tapes, adhesives and abrasives, has marked its 25th anniversary year by opening a new branch office in Rotherham.

Viking, launched in Keighley in 1989, already has a solid commercial footing across West, North and East Yorkshire, and is targeting South Yorkshire as it regards the region as one of the fastest-evolving heartlands of the UK manufacturing sector.

The first branch office is at RiDO's Century Business Centre at Manvers and will be headed up by Ian Graham supported by two Viking technical salesmen and two 3M technical specialists.

Viking has been dealing with 3M since 1989 and remains a strategic partner of the global technology giant, notably in driving forward its growing e-commerce business. The company remains the leading online supplier of 3M products in the UK and ranks among its top three performers overall.

Colin Bennett, managing director at Viking (pictured, second right), said: "We have identified a gap in the market in this part of the world for a specialist tapes, adhesive and abrasives distributor and our aim is to provide the region's rapidly expanding manufacturing industry with quality products and cost-effective solutions."

Colin also paid tribute to the help and advice received from both Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, and Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council's regeneration arm, adding: "they have proved invaluable in helping us to locate our new South Yorkshire premises and in opening up access to a generous business support package."

Dean Hughes, business investment officer at RiDO (pictured, far left), said: "We are delighted to welcome Viking to Century Business Centre, as they join the other quality businesses that have been attracted to this area of Rotherham. It is great to have helped Viking to expand their business here and we look forward to helping them grow further in the future."

Shane Young, membership executive with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, added: "Viking have been in business for 25 years and it's fantastic to see a successful organisation move in to the Rotherham area. We are delighted to welcome them as a new member of the chamber and are looking forward to creating a strong working relationship and supporting the business."

Viking website
RiDO website
Chamber website

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News: Dearne student moves on to Pastures Moo

A former public services student from Dearne Valley College in Rotherham has launched an exciting new ice cream business called "Pastures Moo."

20-year-old Alistair English and his younger brother set up the enterprise to create handmade, luxury diary ice-cream in a variety of flavours, with a home and work, delivery or collection service available seven days a week. With the help and support from his family, the business-minded former student took the brave step to quit his job and embark on his journey as an entrepreneur.

Alistair said: "I saw a gap in the market for a business that produced freshly made, luxury diary ice-cream that could be delivered right to the to the doorsteps of the Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster communities, and I felt I had gained the perfect skills at College such as project management, to take this huge step with the support of my brother and family.

"We did some initial research and training and bought the equipment we needed to create delicious flavoured ice-creams and we haven't looked back since. We only use natural flavours and ingredients, and source our ingredients locally where possible, such as the Longley Farm Jersey cream that goes into every one of our ice cream products."

The former student, who completed his Level 3 in Public Services course before launching his company, now based at RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers, said that his first month in business has been a whirlwind, and the project has had much more interest than he ever anticipated; exceeding his initial targets.

He added: "We have been overwhelmed by the support and response that we have experienced since the launch of Pastures Moo, and we can't make the ice-cream fast enough!

"We are already receiving enquiries from local restaurants, cafes and farm shops, as well as independent retailers who are excited about, and very interested, in our products and branding, so it is an exciting time for us."

The young entrepreneur has now set his sights on his future goals, with the hopes of expanding the business to more than just a delivery service, following their early success, with a view to open an ice-cream parlour in the area in the forthcoming year. The brothers have also been invited to visit the Gelato University in Italy to further their skills in this type of business.

Pastures Moo website
Dearne Valley College website

Images: DVC

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News: Dragonfly PR partners with Rotherham Hospital Charity

Dragonfly PR, the award winning Rotherham-based marketing agency, has been chosen as the PR company for the Rotherham Hospital Charity.

Over the next 12 months it will be helping them to raise awareness of fundraising events and campaigns.

The charity raises money to improve patient care and facilities to be used to support the purchase of anything that would not be available through the NHS.

Tracy Williams, fundraising manager at Rotherham Hospital Charity, said: "We are really pleased to be working with Dragonfly PR to help us with raising awareness and generating more support for our activities.  The charity relies on donations from local people and businesses and, as we are only a small fundraising team with limited resources, it is great to have the support and expertise of Dragonfly PR."

One of the first projects on which Dragonfly PR is working with Rotherham Hospital Charity is to promote their Christmas Fayre, which is taking place on December 6 between 11am and 3pm in the hospital's new foyer. Dragonfly PR will be generating media interest pre and post event. Dragonfly client Gala Tent will also be donating a Santa's Grotto and presents, the Mayor and Mayoress will be attending and there will be a toy sale and childrens' activities throughout the day.

Recent account wins for the Century Business Centre agency include Reflex Systems, Martek Medical and Stafforce / Nicholas Associates.

Dragonfly PR website
Rotherham hospital Charity website

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News: Vonhatski Amps starting to make waves

Vonhatski Amplification, the Rotherham-based designer and manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets, is sending waves through the music world and gaining a number of endorsements.

Based in Rotherham Investment & Development Office's (RiDO's) Century Business Centre in Manvers, Stefan Suchacki, a former electronics engineer, is on a mission to design the very best all valve guitar amplifiers and speaker cabinets in the world and hand­-build them in Britain.

After years of development, the company launched the Purelight 1206 Series of dual rectifier all valve driven guitar amplifiers which are already being seen across festival stages and leading in-door venues all over Europe. What's more, they are being used and endorsed by some of the finest professional guitarists performing and recording with the world's biggest names in music.

Stefan Suchacki, managing director at Vonhatski Amplification (pictured above, right), said: "There are two types of amp on the market, the cheap ones made in China and the high quality ones used by serious professionals. Ours is the latter and is already being used by well-respected musicians."

Guitarist Greg Bone is an in demand leading session guitarist who has worked with Westlife, Tom Jones, Girls Aloud, Boyzone, Simply Red, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys amongst many other multimillion album selling artists. Greg is about to go on tour with Ronan Keating and will be taking Vonhatski amps with him.

Greg said: "I came across Stef's amps at Strawberry Fields Festival in Leicestershire this year and instantly loved the clean sound and how easy they are to use; they knock spots off of anything similar. Vonhatski were the guitar amplification sponsor for three of the main stages at the festival. It's the first time I've come across an amp where you just plug in and go.

"I love the two channels, one as clean as a cat's ass, the other with great hairy balls; it definitely has both sides of the coin and it works."

Stefan applied for a grant from UK Steel Enterprise's Kickstart Fund with help from Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE). Kickstart Fund applicants based in the Borough of Rotherham can get support from RiDO to help them find work premises, sometimes with discounted rental rates. RYE works alongside UK Steel Enterprise to help applicants with business planning and mentoring through the early stages of running a new business.

UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Allan Wood, regional executive from UK Steel Enterprise, a subsidiary of Tata Steel (pictured above, left), said: "We launched the Kickstart Fund to help boost the local economy and Stefan is currently supporting 25 jobs in his supply chain as well as the two sales people he is employing.

"It would've been easy to have the amps built in the Far East but Stefan knows the value of the British brand abroad and is making very good use of it. He has already signed up four of the 50 independent retailers in the UK he is targeting and has outlets on the Continent interested in stocking his equipment."

Jackie Frost, manager of RYE, added: "Stefan is a great example of a young entrepreneur with vision and a passion for his business. We are happy to have helped him through the grant application process and look forward to providing further support as his business grows and takes on more people."

Stefan is currently working on setting up distributors across the Scandinavian countries and then for every European country, before tackling his major targets North and South America early next year.

Backing and endorsements for Vonhatski Amps come from the likes of Jimmy Hiltula, legendary Swedish rocker of the band Sister Sin and the Bad Boys of British Rock, Jayde Starr and Rozey of Falling Red. Vonhatski is also supporting two American singer / songwriters, Robert Tepper and Reagan Browne, on their UK tours.

Vonhatski Amplification website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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News: Rotherham college lecturer has business vision

An enterprising media lecturer has set her sights on having the best of both worlds with plans to grow her own business that will in turn provide opportunities for the young people she tutors at Rotherham College of Arts & Technology (RCAT).

Joada Allen-Booth has been lecturing in video and animation at Rotherham College for five years. When Darren McDool from Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) told her about help she could get from UK Steel Enterprise and its Kickstart Fund she set about writing a business plan and now she has launched her own company called Visualisedit, specialising in all forms of video production and based at RiDO's Century Business Centre in Manvers.

Joada, who has previously worked for outdoor broadcasters and a range of production companies filming live sports events, said:" Darren comes into college regularly to talk to the students about self-employment so I asked him what I needed to do. He told me about the Kickstart Fund and I realised I could create a business that would help me achieve all my goals.

"I love helping young people create videos and games, I also love creating my own video work so my aim is to keep lecturing part-time and provide experience and work opportunities for students that have completed their studies. If, through my business, I can take young people on as freelancers I'll be getting the best of both worlds and giving the students I lecture a helping hand up on the career ladder."

Applicants to the Kickstart Fund can access a variety of business support services from Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RIDO) and RYE, including finding work space, business planning and mentoring through the early stages. UK Steel Enterprise has helped over 200 people start a business in Rotherham since 2009.

Joada's plans look to be bearing fruit already as she has won contracts with several companies making promotional videos and testimonials and she has a number of weddings booked. One of the reasons she approached UK Steel Enterprise for help was so she could upgrade her equipment to a fully professional level, which she has now done.

Joada, added: "Putting it bluntly I would not have been able to launch the business without the grant. I now have the equipment I need to make professional standard videos for clients, which is a major transformation for me. The College has been excellent in supporting me as has UK Steel and Darren. I'm really excited about what the future holds for me and my new business."

UK Steel Enterprise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. Its Kickstart Fund provides grants of up to £500 to start-up businesses to purchase essential equipment and or services that can get them trading. Its main investment fund provides business finance in amounts from £25,000 up to £750,000 to companies in South Yorkshire and other areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

Allan Wood, regional executive for UK Steel Enterprise said:: "Our aim at UK Steel Enterprise is to support the local economy by encouraging and supporting the creation of new jobs and businesses. Joada has created a great opportunity to be her own boss and will act as a bridge to employment for other young people. We want to talk to and support even more people like Joada so other new businesses are launched in South Yorkshire."

Jackie Frost, chief executive of RYE, added: "Joada has a very unusual business model but the planning she put into it and the way she asked us for help gave us great confidence in her. We hope to be working with her for several years as she opens the door for other young people to start up their own businesses when they finish college."

Visualisedit website
UK Steel Enterprise website

Images: UK Steel Enterprise

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