News: Dame Julie Kenny legacy fund for Wentworth Woodhouse already at £100,000

The trust at a Rotherham stately home has found a way of ensuring Dame Julie Kenny will always play a crucial role in protecting her beloved Wentworth Woodhouse.

Kenny played a pivotal role in the fight to secure its purchase in 2017 and, as Chair of its Preservation Trust for eight years, her unwavering dedication helped to kickstart a 20-year programme of regeneration for the house.

Her sudden death in February at the age of 67 sent shockwaves throughout Yorkshire and beyond, and left the team at the Grade I listed country house heartbroken.

With the approval of her family, The Dame Julie Kenny Legacy Fund has been launched. It will keep her memory burning bright - and ensure the historic site she set out to transform into a ‘house of opportunity’ for South Yorkshire’s communities has a solid future.

Dame Julie was renowned for giving her time, generosity and passion to the people and causes of her native South Yorkshire and it is hoped the love and respect she engendered will enable the fund to run permanently as her lasting legacy.

It will provide the Trust with critical financial support. Unlike almost all other great historic homes, the site did not come with the cushion of an endowment to support the Trust’s work.

In a short space of time the total on the JustGiving page has reached £100,297 with £3,118 in Gift Aid.

Sarah McLeod OBE, the Trust's CEO, had worked alongside Dame Julie from 2017. She commented: “Julie had an unwavering vision for Wentworth Woodhouse. She saw what many people couldn’t; its potential to become a beacon of opportunity and change for the region and town she loved.

“Her vision extended far beyond restoring this magnificent house. She truly believed it could become a catalyst for change for people from all walks of life. She wanted it to be regenerated so it could create opportunities through education, community engagement and the preservation of our local heritage.

“Her leadership saw us make impressive progress, but the work is far from over. Most of our 300-plus rooms remain derelict. It will take at least a decade to raise the many millions needed so the site can reach its full potential.

“With no endowment to sustain us, each year the Trust operates under immense financial pressure and this impacts on the education and community engagement programmes that Julie was so passionate about.

“The fund will be Julie’s legacy. It means she can support us in the years to come, just as she did in life. Every contribution will play a vital role in continuing her vision.”

The trust is working closely with Julie’s husband Iain and her three children Oliver, Laurence and Charlotte to jointly manage the fund and agree how the funds will be used.

On behalf of the family, Laurence Kenny said: “Our mother was a truly exceptional woman, who achieved so much in her lifetime, and remained fiercely proud of South Yorkshire. She provided support and energy to so many organisations and good causes. Since her untimely death, we have received hundreds of messages from people telling us how she touched their lives.

“We hope everyone will help us to honour her memory and her vision for Wentworth Woodhouse. Her name is synonymous with the house. Her Legacy Fund will ensure it remains so and will provide vital long-term support, as the trust continues the work that meant so much to her - restoring the house so it can enrich the lives of people across South Yorkshire.”

Donations can be made at a dedicated Donation Station at Wentworth Woodhouse, situated in the lobby between the Pillared Hall and the cafe, and via the Just Giving Link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/damejuliekenny

Images: WWPT

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News: Dame Julie Kenny, champion of Rotherham business, dies at 67

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, one of the Yorkshire region’s most dynamic and respected businesswomen and the champion of Wentworth Woodhouse, has died suddenly at the age of 67.

A mother of three, grandmother of eight, wife to Iain and step-mother to his three children, she died after a short illness on Friday, February 21, at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Her success as a self-made entrepreneur, and the numerous accolades and honorary roles bestowed on her, made her an inspirational figure across every sector she touched.

Dame Julie was down-to-earth but aimed high, smashing through glass ceilings and pulling others through at the same time. She often said that surviving a difficult childhood gave her the motivation to succeed.

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her then husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix, which is still based at Hellaby in Rotherham, into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m.

She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside and made an Honorary Freewoman of Rotherham in 2021.

Other roles include being the chair of the first academy school in Rotherham at Maltby, taking a commisioner role at Rotherham Council, being the first female president of Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and the second Lady Master Cutler in the history of the Cutlers' Company, and being a High Sherriff for South Yorkshire.

Dame Julie's business acumen was also harnessed with director roles at growing Rotherham companies: AES Engineering; SBD Apparel; and IntelliAM AI.

In recent years it was spearheading work to rescue Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham’s Grade I Listed masterpiece, from decay and decline, which she described as "one of the most inspiring, yet hardest, challenges of my life.”

She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2019 in recognition of her five-year campaign with SAVE Britain's Heritage to buy the house in 2017 and her ongoing leadership of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT).

Tim Cooke, Deputy Chairman of the Trust, said: “Dame Julie Kenny and Wentworth Woodhouse became synonymous with one another. Her personal impact on the house has been enormous.

“Julie chaired the board of trustees and committed her time and numerous talents on a daily basis. It would be nowhere near its current status without her.

“Everyone involved - employees, volunteers, trustees and patrons - will feel her loss very keenly. Our best way of remembering Julie is to continue our work on the house that she loved so much, and which is a monument to her remarkable personality and capabilities.”

Rotherham MP and Defence Secretary John Healey MP, who had known and worked closely with Dame Julie for nearly 30 years, paid tribute. “Julie was a truly remarkable woman who was proud of her roots and wanted to make life better for others,” he said.

“I first met her when I visited her Pyronix factory. She knew all her staff and they adored her.

“Over three decades, Julie took on a list of public life roles as long as your arm - at local, regional and national levels. She took on challenges others would shy away from, with a commitment that was always total.

“She became President of the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce to rescue it from the brink of bankruptcy and rebuild it into one of the country’s leading chambers.

“She became Trust director of Doncaster Children’s Services when the Government took it out of the council’s hands and in 2010 became Chair of Yorkshire Forward to wind it up after a change in government.

“She brought brilliant business insight, plain common sense and a warm personal touch to every organisation, and she inspired those she worked with to achieve more.

“Julie’s sudden untimely death leaves a massive gap in the lives of so many of us who knew her and public life is now so much poorer without her.”

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said: “Julie will be remembered as a progressive visionary who brought out the very best in everyone she met. She will be fondly remembered by many in the Chamber community for her tireless work, drive and sheer will to succeed, often against all the odds. My thoughts and sympathies are with her family and loved ones during this sad time.

“From the very beginning of her business career, Julie didn’t just break through glass ceilings; she smashed them, often in her own inimitable way. She was proof that with drive, energy and self-belief that anything could be possible.

“Julie always brought out the best in the people she met. She was a source of inspiration, guidance and support, particularly when it came to nurturing the talents of women in business, always on hand to help those who followed in her footsteps and she will be greatly missed.

“Perhaps her true legacy isn’t just in the business success she achieved during her lifetime, nor in the good causes she passionately supported, or even in the transformational projects she delivered which played such key roles in reshaping South Yorkshire. She will be remembered for the lives she changed, the opportunities she created and the belief that anything can be possible, which she inspired in so many.

"Her leadership and dedication to making South Yorkshire a better place to live and work were inspirational. From founding Pyronix and growing it into a globally recognised company to her tireless efforts in preserving Wentworth Woodhouse, Dame Julie’s contributions to our region leave an enduring legacy in Rotherham and beyond.

"Dame Julie’s passing is a profound loss to the Rotherham and wider South Yorkshire business community. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who knew her."

Images: WWPT

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News: Primary Engineer awards showcase young people’s ‘ingenuity and creativity’

A power aid designed to help a person with memory function, directions, warnings, and hearing better scooped the top prize at a presentation ceremony for the Primary Engineer Leaders Award competition held at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The competition inspires school pupils aged three-19 to take an interest in engineering by asking one simple question: ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ They were tasked with interviewing an engineer, identifying a problem they see in the world around them and design a creative solution for that problem.

Judges praised the innovative ‘power aid’ idea by nine-year-old Elsa Marie Moorhouse for its ‘versatility and originality’. Elsa, a year four pupil at Wath Central Primary School in Rotherham, beat more than 3,000 entries from the Yorkshire and Humber region to win the overall award and said the idea was inspired by her mum.

“I was really excited when we got the email at school saying I had won an award and I couldn't wait to tell my mum,” Elsa said. “The idea for the power aid came from my mum as she can’t hear out of one of her ears and she forgets things sometimes – so I thought this was something I could do to not only help her, but to help other people too.

“I was really surprised to win the judges award as well because I didn’t expect it to be me. I never get awards like this and I feel proud and happy. It has now made me want to think of more inventions."

Elsa was presented with a special, one-off trophy for being the overall judges winner, alongside her year four winners accolade, certificate and goody bag. The university will then select a couple of ideas from this year’s pool of entries to turn into prototypes to be revealed next year.

Emily Connolly and Luc Dewulf from The iForge, a student-led makerspace and engineering workshop run by students for students, based within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield, unveiled three prototypes from ideas submitted in last year’s awards at the presentation evening – which included a pill crusher, pen sucker and medicine helper.

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This year’s competition, celebrating its tenth year, saw over 48,000 pupils take part across the UK. The 3,100 submitted from the Yorkshire and Humber region were whittled down to 250 shortlisted entries. A judging panel including engineers from the AMRC and University of Sheffield, alongside engineers from other neighbouring manufacturing firms, had the job of selecting two highly commended and two winning entries from each year group, which spanned reception classes through to year nine in secondary schools.

The pupils, which included five winners and three highly commended from South Yorkshire, received their awards and certificates at a presentation ceremony at the AMRC’s Knowledge Transfer Centre in Rotherham.

The Primary Engineer Leader Award is a great way for young people to be involved with STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) – the AMRC and University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, is committed to encouraging children to take up careers and apprenticeships in these topic areas.

Cathie Barker, STEM coordinator at the AMRC, said: “This is the third time the AMRC and AMRC Training Centre has been involved with the Primary Engineer Leaders Award. It asks such a simple question and yet invokes so much creativity and innovation.

“As someone whose role is to work with young people in promoting STEM and careers in engineering as a potential opportunity, this is a fantastic tool. It is completely inclusive and allows children to be creative and inspires their thinking. It also ignites their interest in the wonder of the world in which we live in and if they became an engineer, how they could change the world for the better.

“For the AMRC and AMRC Training Centre, this competition gives us the opportunity to speak with such a wide variety of young people about apprenticeships and other opportunities in engineering and reach out to other underrepresented groups, particularly females. I am absolutely delighted to support Primary Engineer again this year and hope that this partnership continues.”

The awards evening also saw a visit from special guest Dame Julie Kenny, Master Cutler for Hallamshire and chair of trustees for the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, who is keen to see more young people think about careers in engineering.

“The country has got such a lack of engineers and this is why we want to inspire young people and children to actually get involved and think creatively,” said Dame Julie. “It’s events like this that absolutely gives them the initiative they want and to also gain an understanding of other people's ideas, enabling them to go ahead and become the engineers of the future.”

Nathalie Cachet-Gaujard, head of partnerships for Primary Engineer for the North of England, said she was extremely pleased to have the Yorkshire and Humber region’s awards ceremony at the University of Sheffield AMRC, as the last in-person event hadn’t taken place since before Covid.

“The AMRC as a host venue provides a great opportunity for kids to come and start to get an understanding of engineering and what is done here, it works extremely well,” she added. “We had a big turnout, more than we expected and it was a real pleasure to see.

“As this year marks our tenth year, this awards presentation felt extremely special and it was great to see so many entries look at how the pupils will identify a problem very specific to them, someone very close and want to help. They think ‘how am I going to solve this problem and design/find a solution’. Other entries look at global challenges and we see a lot of understanding and concern from young people about the planet and pollution – and a lot think about how they can make this better.

“All the entries we have seen across this region really showcase a lot of creativity and ingenuity about the future. Ultimately, this generation will have to solve a lot of challenges, so it’s really nice to see that this is on the way.”

AMRC website

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News: Master Cutler's challenge set to benefit Wentworth Woodhouse

Big-hearted South Yorkshire businesses are being urged to back a charity challenge set by the second woman in 398 years to lead the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, who was appointed to the prestigious role in October, has launched her Master Cutler's Challenge and aims to raise £200,000 by September 30.

The money will help fund community-enriching projects at her beloved Wentworth Woodhouse, the Rotherham stately home she helped to save for the nation in 2017.

Companies already signed up include AESSEAL, Vulcan Steels, Airmaster Air Conditioning, accountants Hartshaw, Grant Thornton and BHP, law firms DLA Piper and Irwin Mitchell, architects Donald Insall Associates, Sheffield Hallam University and OSL Group Holdings.

The annual Master Cutler’s Challenge has brought in over £1m for local causes since launching in 2008.

Each new Master Cutler of Hallamshire chooses a charity to support and fundraisers are given a £50 fund which they are tasked with growing into as large a sum as possible.

Dame Julie has chosen the Educational and Community Programme at Wentworth Woodhouse, the Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece which was crumbling into ruin when her five-year campaign with SAVE led to the purchase of the house for £7m in 2017.

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With Dame Julie as Chair, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust began the task of regenerating the house and changing the economic fortunes, and people’s perceptions, of Rotherham.

“I am very proud to be only the second female Master in almost 400 years. Every year the Master Cutler has a cause they want to raise awareness of; mine is the Wentworth Woodhouse educational and community programme, which strives to increase diversity and inclusion in South Yorkshire,” said Dame Julie, founder of award-winning Rotherham electronic security manufacturer Pyronix.

“ “I got involved in Wentworth Woodhouse not only to rescue such an important and beautiful place, but also because I wanted it to become a catalyst for change - supporting regeneration, providing jobs and workplace opportunities and becoming a place for the people.

“We have achieved a huge amount in six years. It is now one of the core pillars in South Yorkshire and is transforming lives and communities in what is one of the most deprived regions in Europe.

“I came from a very poor background. Sometimes we didn't eat and often we had no electricity or gas because my mother didn’t pay the bills.

“As a child I was written off as a low achiever, but I have achieved significant things. The trust is giving people just like me educational and entrepreneurial programmes, training opportunities and cultural experiences they might never otherwise have got a chance of.

“I urge the region’s businesses to join in the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2023 and help Wentworth Woodhouse change more lives.”

Money raised will go towards the trust’s activities supporting low-income families, ethnic and minority groups and people with disabilities, including the creation of a Community Growing Garden.

Situated on the Drying Green, where for centuries laundry maids pegged bedlinen out to dry, a fully accessible space will feature raised growing beds, polytunnels and greenhouses.

Up to 20 local community groups will be able to grow their own food, develop gardening skills and friendships.

Master Cutler's Challenge website

Images: WWPT

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News: Skills for Sustainability business event at Get up to Speed

South Yorkshire businesses are being offered a great opportunity to learn more about skills for sustainability at this year’s Get up to Speed with STEM annual Business Breakfast and Networking event, which is being held in Rotherham this week.

This free event on Wednesday March 29, organised by The Work-wise Foundation, will take place at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham at the start of Yorkshire’s largest annual employer-inspired science, technology, engineering, manufacturing (STEM) and construction experience for young people.

This year’s Business Breakfast event will give attendees the chance to hear from speakers and a panel who will share their own strategies for balancing the challenges of growth and becoming a sustainable business, with skills at the heart of this.

Keynote speakers include Dame Julie Kenny DBE, DL, Master Cutler, Richard Sulley – Net Zero Project Director from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Tom Rumboll – UK Managing Director of IAA Inc and CEO, SYNETIQ Ltd, plus Richard Caborn, President of The Work-wise Foundation and Chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The panel of speakers will include Ava Jones – Head of Marketing at AESSEAL, Marie Cooper – CEO of CBE+ and Ian Nicholls – Group Technical Director at Sheffield Forgemasters.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation, said: “So many businesses, large and small, are working towards net zero and are looking towards their future skills requirements for sustainability, which is why we made it a theme this year. The highlight of the Business Breakfast will be a really enlightening discussion on how South Yorkshire businesses can match their skills and sustainability needs through education and training for the next generation.”

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Sponsors of this year’s event include: Gold Sponsors; AESSEAL, CBE+, Sheffield Forgemasters, and the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. Silver Sponsors; Arm Ltd, UK Atomic Energy Authority, Institution of Engineering and Technology, Hydra Creative, Dragonfly PR and Bronze Sponsors; AMETEK Land, Forged Solutions Group Ltd, Highlander Computing Solutions, ITM Power, Wessex Archaeology, Made in Sheffield, and Stream 7.

Following the Business Breakfast, the Get up to Speed with STEM event will welcome almost 5,000 young people, teachers and parents to find out more about a wide variety of science, technical, engineering and maths-related careers. Get up to Speed is designed to enable young people to see some of the UK's best innovations first-hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

John Barber continues: “This year there will be lots of opportunity to explore, experience and get hands on for visitors including access to the Magna main attraction. Everything from virtual reality to medical and digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and green technologies to traditional manufacturing. We even have a Spitfire alongside our Vulcan education programme in the aviation zone!”

For 12 years, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and organised by The Work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased STEM career opportunities to over 30,000 young people and their families from across the South Yorkshire region and beyond.

Get Up to Speed website

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News: Historic role for Dame Julie

Dame Julie Kenny has been appointed as new Commissioner of Historic England.

Historic England is the Government's expert advisor on England's heritage and the body has a statutory role in the planning system.

As the governing board, the Commission has direct responsibility for the work of Historic England and also has overall responsibility for the National Heritage Collection, which is managed by the English Heritage Trust on its behalf.

Sir Laurie Magnus, Chair Historic England, said: "I am delighted to welcome Dame Julie as a Commissioner. Historic England will benefit greatly from her extensive expertise, not least in heritage restoration, as we champion the power and potential of our country’s rich heritage to help improve civic pride, prosperity, wellbeing and opportunity. My fellow Commissioners and I much look forward to working with her."

Commissioners are appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for their skill or professional standing in one or more areas of expertise.

Dame Julie has been appointed for a four-year term until January 2027.

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Dame Julie Kenny is a successful South Yorkshire-based entrepreneur. Following the sale in 2016 of award-winning Rotherham manufacturing firm, Pyronix Limited, which she built from start-up in 1986, Julie continues her involvement in serving business and local communities.

Founding Chair of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust which is committed to securing a sustainable future for the largest restoration project in the country. A true Levelling Up project in the North. Julie also Chairs Robson Handling Technology Limited, a NED of AES Engineering, Chair of Maltby Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust Chair of RISC and Joint Chair of SRGP, two national committees dealing with Security, Resilience and Growth for the Defence, Security and Tech UK Sector.

Julie served as an Intervention Commissioner with Rotherham Council between 2015 and 2018.

Julie was honoured in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2019 with a Damehood for her work with heritage. Julie’s CBE in 2002 and Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2005 were conferred in recognition of her contribution to business in the region. Julie was awarded Freewoman of Rotherham in 2020.

Historic England website

Images: WWPT

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News: Julie Kenny installed as Master Cutler

Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL has been installed as the new Master Cutler for 2022-2023.

The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire dates back to 1624 and the Master Cutler role is seen as an ambassador representing the industries of the Sheffield region, both nationally and internationally.

A successful South Yorkshire based entrepreneur, Kenny built up the award winning Pyronix Limited. Based at Hellaby, the manufacturer has an extensive range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms. The firm sells around £11m worth of security products to the UK market and new export markets.

Having started the business in 1986, Kenny was the major share holder and led the growth of the business as chair and chief executive. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m.

Julie continues her involvement in serving business and local communities and currently holds several trustee/patron positions for diverse charitable organisations.

Most important to Julie is Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, where she is the Founding Chair of the Trust set up in 2014 to enable it to raise the money to purchase Wentworth Woodhouse and to affect its restoration. In two years, the monies to purchase were raised and in the Autumn Statement 2016 the Chancellor of the Exchequer granted £7.6m to fund emergency repairs which was the catalyst for unlocking the purchase which was completed in March 2017.

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Julie also Chairs Robson Handling Technology Limited, a trading engineering company and Maltby Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust and sponsor of seven Academies. She is also a director at A.E.S. Engineering Ltd.

Having served as an Intervention Commissioner with Rotherham Council between 2015 and 2018, Julie’s involvement in the promotion of her home town continues as a Rotherham Pioneer and an Ambition Rotherham Board Member.

Julie was honoured in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2019 with a Damehood for her work with heritage and particularly Wentworth Woodhouse. Julie’s CBE in 2002 and Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University in 2005 were conferred in recognition of her contribution to business in the region. Julie was awarded Freewoman of Rotherham in 2020.

Julie has served as a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire since 2005 and High Sheriff of South Yorkshire 2012/13.

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

The installation of the Master and Company took place in the Cutlers' Hall this week.

Company of Cutlers website

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News: Julie Kenny made Honorary Freewoman of Rotherham

Dame Julie Kenny DBE has been made a Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Rotherham.

Whilst a virtual ceremony may not have the pomp and circumstance of a usual official ceremony at the Town Hall, it is nonetheless, the ultimate accolade that the Rotherham Borough can bestow on one of its citizens.

In 2019 the self-made Rotherham businesswoman becomes a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the second-highest honour in the land, for her crucial role in securing the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews, said: "Awards are not just for a job well done, they are awarded because an individual has "gone the extra mile" in the contribution they have made or stand out head and shoulders above others in what they achieved.

"Dame Julie has throughout her career achieved benefits for our town in a way that has brought distinction to borough life and helped improve the lives of those less able to help themselves, whilst demonstrating inspirational innovation and entrepreneurship."

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Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), discussed Julie's work to secure the mansion for the area.

Sarah said: "Yes, she thought Wentworth Woodhouse was a wonderful piece of architecture and a fantastic building, but really, the real reason Julie did that was because she understood absolutely what an important asset it would be for Rotherham, in terms of creating jobs and training and providing opportunities for people that lived in the area. That is what Julie is all about really. She is absolutely passionate about Rotherham and she's incredibly proud of Rotherham and its people and I know that is what motivates her to really make Wentworth a success."

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix, which is still based at Hellaby, into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m. She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Other roles include being the chair of the first academy school in Rotherham at Maltby, taking a commisioner role at Rotherham Council and being a High Sherriff for South Yorkshire.

Previous recipients given the freedom of the borough include local businessman and chairman of Rotherham United, Tony Stewart and World Cup referee, Howard Webb.

Images: WWPT

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News: Julie Kenny to be made Honorary Freewoman of Rotherham

Dame Julie Kenny DBE is to be made a Honorary Freewoman of the Borough - the ultimate accolade that the Rotherham Borough can bestow on one of its citizens.

A motion was resolved at a virtual Full Council meeting last week.

Last year, the self-made Rotherham businesswoman becomes a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the second-highest honour in the land, for her crucial role in securing the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews, said: "Dame Julie Kenny is well known and respected throughout the country for her hard work and dedication to numerous roles over the years.

"She has provided an outstanding service as a major employer here in the borough and is an inspirational businesswoman.

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"Dame Julie has also spearheaded the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse, carried out work with numerous charities across Rotherham and South Yorkshire as well as holding various roles on government bodies.

"I can think of no-one else more deserving than Dame Julie to be put forward for the honour of Freewoman of Rotherham."

The award will be formally made at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on a date to be decided.

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix, which is still based at Hellaby, into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m. She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Previous recipients of the honour include local businessman and chairman of Rotherham United, Tony Stewart, World Cup referee, Howard Webb and community figure Brian Chapple.

Images: Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

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News: Rotherham's determined Dame

Julie Kenny CBE has been made a Dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to heritage.

The self-made Rotherham businesswoman becomes a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the second-highest honour in the land, for her crucial role in securing the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire rewards public service and contributions to the arts, sciences, charities and welfare organisations.

Julie's passion drove the £7m purchase of the historic Grade I listed mansion in May 2017.

"I am amazed and humbled to receive this honour," said Julie, 61. "I was inspired by one of the greatest houses in the UK and I did not achieve this alone; there were many people that helped me along the way and this award recognises our joint achievements."

She described rescuing the house from decline as one of the most inspiring, yet hardest, challenges of her life.

"Many times I saw in people's eyes that they thought it could not be achieved. But my view is that nothing is impossible with time and energy and belief. And I passionately believed the house could become a beacon, its beauty drawing people from all of the world. I knew how proud that would make the people of Rotherham feel about their heritage again, and that jobs and skills could be created for young people.

"But the fight tested everything I had learned throughout my business life. It took hard work, stamina, focus and negotiation skills and above all the resolve to persevere and never to give up, even when the going got tough - and then extra tough."

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Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m. She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Following a successful campaign backed by SAVE British Heritage, the trust moved in to Wentworth Woodhouse and were met with a critical state of decay which was once grander than Chatsworth and hosted kings and queens. There were buildings riddled with asbestos, collapsed drains, endemic dry rot, leaking roofs and rotting timbers.

With just one phone line, a handful of committed staff and a single vacuum cleaner, it began the task of raising the phoenix from the ashes.

Now the famed East Front, arguably one of the longest in Europe, is completely shrouded in scaffolding and a three-phase Capital Works Programme is underway, carrying out vital repairs to protect important heritage assets.

With funding from the National Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund, WWPT now has 23 staff, over 100 volunteers and generates income from events, retail, catering, weddings, film and TV productions.

Julie added: "We are putting right the wrongs of past years for the future of our local community, and the nation. We will ensure the house's future is never threatened again."

Julie was nominated for the honour by Deborah Lamb, then Deputy Chief Executive at Historic England. She commented: "Saving one of the most impressive historic buildings in England would not have been possible without Julie Kenny's determination and commitment. She convinced a wide range of people to support Wentworth Woodhouse and basically made it impossible for them to say no."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Businesses celebrate success at Chamber awards

More than 500 representatives from South Yorkshire's business community came together to celebrate the achievements of local businesses over the past twelve months at one of the most prestigious business events on the local calendar - the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

Taking place at Magna in Rotherham and hosted by TV and Radio Broadcaster Stephanie Hirst, the awards were sponsored by University Centre Rotherham and recognised the special achievements of local companies, charities and individuals for the outstanding contribution they have made.

The highly coveted title of "Business of the Year" was presented to Barnsley-based LNS Turbo UK (pictured) whilst Sheffield-based Molly's Fund was awarded the title of Chamber Charity of the Year and received £3,000 cash donation from Fortem.

Special recognition was also given to Julie Kenny CBE DL who was presented with the lifetime achievement award, whilst David Thackrah of IVS Materials Handling was awarded the Business Person of the Year.

The awards also recognised young individuals who are taking the first steps in their career and Katie Andrew of Liberty Speciality Steels won the Apprentice of the Year Award, with Armands Velavs of Code Green and Bryn Roberts of NPS Barnsley receiving highly commended.

Rotherham winners included the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, MGB Plastics and Grimm & Co.

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Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber, said: "This year's awards has seen a record number of entries, culminating in a sell out event which proved to be a memorable evening which celebrated the achievements of businesses of all shapes and sizes based in the region.

"I would like to congratulate the winners on the evening, especially our newly crowned business of the year LNS Turbo. The success of the event illustrates some of the truly amazing work which is being undertaken in our region, from the new and promising companies who have a bright future ahead of them to established companies who are celebrating milestone anniversaries."

The winners:

Brook Corporate Developments Most Promising New Business Award
- Winner – Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust
- Highly Commended – CSP Systems Ltd
- Highly Commended – Knowledge Bank

SheelPhalt Harsco Business Community Impact Award
- Winner – De Hood CIC
- Highly Commended – Rejus Limited
- Highly Commended – XPO Logistics

Russell Richardson Environmental Commitment Award
- Winner – MGB Plastics
- Highly Commended – Bizspace (Ltd.) Rotherham
- Highly Commended – Free Running Buildings Ltd

Enzygo Apprentice of the Year Award
- Winner – Katie Andrews – Liberty Speciality Steels
- Highly Commended – Armands Velavs – Code Green
- Highly Commended – Bryn Roberts – NPS Barnsley

The Cloud Co. Marketing Campaign of the Year Award
- Winner – 0114 Marketing
- Highly Commended – Hallam FM's Cash for Kids
- Highly Commended – Pyronix Limited

Chamber Skills Solutions Skills Development Award
- Winner – MED-EL UK Ltd
- Highly Commended – Impelling Solutions Ltd
- Highly Commended – XPO Logistics

Finance For Enterprise Business Growth Award
- Winner – Enzygo Limited
- Highly Commended – Azzure IT
- Highly Commended – IVS Materials Handling

National Fluid Power Centre Innovation in Manufacturing Award
- Winner – LNS Turbo UK Ltd
- Highly Commended – CEAG Limited
- Highly Commended – MGS Plastics

Pyronix HikVision Excellence in Customer Service Award
- Winner – IT Desk (UK) Ltd
- Highly Commended – Brook Corporate Developments
- Highly Commended – DEB Chartered Accountants

Rotherham Together Partnership Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Award
- Winner – Grimm & Co
- Highly Commended – MAGNA
- Highly Commended – TWESH – The Weddings Event Supplier Hub

Shorts Business Person of the Year Award
- Winner – David Thackrah – IVS Materials Handling
- Highly Commended – Andy Adams – T3 Training & Development
- Highly Commended – Ian Faulkner – Code Green

Chamber's Charity of the Year Award – In association with Fortem
- Winner – Molly's Fund
- Highly Commended – Grimm & Co
- Highly Commended – Royal British Legion

Salute to business:
- 15 years: Jeremy Neal Independent Funeral Directors
- 30 years: Morthyng Group Limited
- 40 years: Russell Richardson & Sons
- 50 years: Derek Hattersley & Son Printers

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News: Driving the skills agenda

In addition to showcasing science, technology and engineering to young people, parents and educators, the recent Get up to Speed (GUTS) event in Rotherham brought together a number of key figures to discuss the manufacturing workforce, now and in the future.

The event, driven by employers and delivered through The work-wise Foundation, is now believed to be the largest of its kind in the North. It started in 2011 and moved to its home at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham in 2015.

Kicking off the day at a business breakfast, Master Cutler, Kenneth Cooke, the owner of CTW (Hardfacing) Ltd, said that the drive by employers to establish the event showed that they "understood the need to promote industry, both nationally and within the area."

The guests heard of the shortage of skilled engineers in the region and the country. 186,000 new engineers are required nationally per year between now and 2024 to fill the expected skills gap.

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John Bohan, senior director, engineering & manufacturing at Rotherham's Elevation Recruitment Group discussed the impact of skills shortages and described how the GUTS event was key to "inspiring the next generation, but also leading to conversations about how we drive forward the skills agenda."

And as Will Stirling, editor of The Manufacturing Review (pictured top, right), said: "If the local engineering sector doesn't come together to do this, then who will? It is unlikely to be the Government or schools."

The event, which attracts over 2,000 attendees, is delivered through The work-wise Foundation. Headline sponsors for this year were Liberty Speciality Steels, Cooper Brown Enterprises and Careers Y&H, with other event sponsors including the likes of AESSEAL, Doncasters Bramah, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Santander and Elevation Recruitment Group.

The business breakfast also brought together a panel comprising of David Richards CBE, chairman of Prodrive and chairman of the UK Motor Sports Association (MSA), Julie Kenny CBE DL, the entrepreneur who built the successful Pyronix company in Rotherham, and Rachel Abbot, managing director of Cobra Sport Performance Exhaust Systems.

The panel discussed a number of issues including recruitment concerns, inspiring young people, and especially women, into engineering, evolving a business and investing in skills.

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Richard Caborn, president of the work-wise Foundation, said: "Events like this are not just recognised as an "add-on" but are integral to the skills agenda.

"We are 13,000 engineers short in this region and it will cost us if we don't address this and get it right.

"It's why the Government has asked us to double the number of apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre. We'll soon see a snotty-nosed kid from the Manor estate or Parson's Cross who will come out with a PhD in engineering. That is social mobility on a scale we've not seen in this country."

David Richards gave the keynote speech to discuss his aims for using motorsport as hook to attract people into engineering, similar to how GUTS has used speed for its attractions - the Bloodhound supersonic car, McLaren supercars and Rolls-Royce jet engines.

Richards (pictured top, centre) said: "This is a credit to Sheffield and Rotherham. I wish there were events like this when I was leaving school."

GUTS website

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News: Special award for leading Rotherham business figure

One of the most respected self-made businesswomen in the Sheffield city region has been honoured in unique style at the Northern Power Women Awards.

In an unprecedented step, Julie Kenny CBE, founder of world-leading security system manufacturer Pyronix in Rotherham, and chair of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, was awarded a special recognition judges' award for outstanding entrepreneurship.

The Northern Power Women Awards showcase role models and celebrate women and men working to create gender balance in organisations across the Northern Powerhouse.

The third annual event, staged on March 6 in Manchester, attracted almost 1,000 entries across 12 categories.

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Julie, who was awarded her CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "I was honoured to receive this accolade from the judges and proud to be a role model for women coming to prominence. I was proud to be flying the flag for South Yorkshire at the awards and urge women from my region to put themselves forward next year."

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Despite becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m.

Kenny is currently a commissioner at Rotherham Council, on the private sector board of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnsership and involved with the preservation of Wentworth Woodhouse and a host of other local charities. She is a former Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year and PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year.

Simone Roche, founder of Northern Power Women, said: "The scope of Julie's current involvement in business, charity and government appointments is vast. She currently holds 20 positions.

"She has raised the aspirations and ambitions of women in manufacturing and continually engages with the wider business community and local charities to build success and lasting results."

Northern Power Women website

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News: Robson appoints new chair

Robson Handling Technology, specialists in providing end-to-end handling solutions has appointed South Yorkshire entrepreneur, Julie Kenny CBE as chairman.

Sheffield-based Robson is a fourth-generation family owned UK handling technology provider and is a specialist provider of bulk handling systems for the sugar, cement and glass, recycling environmental, quarry and mining industries, and a specialist in the manufacture and installation of airport baggage handling systems and airport conveyors.

Rotherham-based RJD Engineering Ltd, which provides heavy engineering design and fabrication products and services to clients throughout the UK, joined the Robson Group in the 1980s.

Julie brings with her a wealth of experience from an impressive working background. In her early years Julie forged a successful career as a litigation lawyer before changing direction and founding £30m turnover Rotherham manufacturer Pyronix Limited, which she sold in 2016. Along her journey, in recognition of her contribution to business in the region Julie received a CBE and Honorary Doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University.

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Julie takes the reins from outgoing Chairman Bill Speirs, who made a significant contribution to shaping the future of the business. Keen to build on this, Julie said "Robson is grateful for the contribution made by Bill and thanks him. The outstanding customer focus, reputation for innovative solutions and unique group expertise with Robson Site Service and RJD Engineering provide an exciting and excellent opportunity."

Jeff Hudson, CEO of Robson, added: "To attract someone of Julie's calibre is testament to the strength and potential of Robson in its markets. With a CBE to her name, along with being the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 and PWC Private Businesswoman of the Year 2014 Julie will be a great asset to Robson, continuing to drive the business forward – further improving the solutions and services that we offer."

Kenny is currently a commissioner at Rotherham Council, on the private sector board of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnsership and involved with the preservation of Wentworth Woodhouse and a host of other local charities.

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse trust searches for CEO

With contracts close to exchanging for the purchase, the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) is searching for the person to lead on the restoration one of the finest houses in Britain.

With the backing of a £7.6m Government grant, the sale of the property is set to go through to the WWPT who have raised funds and developed a long term strategy for the future of the site.

The charitable company limited by guarantee is now recruiting for a chief executive for what it describes as a "once in generation chance to secure Wentworth Woodhouse and ensure it occupies its rightful place as a public asset and one of the UK's most interesting and important Grade 1 listed country houses."

Under the ownership of the WWPT, the restoration and development will provide jobs, stimulate local employment and open the property to the public on a regular basis. The North wing is set to host a huge range of weddings and events and the stables will become home to dynamic small businesses. Within the 18th century house and outbuildings more than a dozen apartments and cottages will be restored as lets for holiday makers.

The aim is preserve the house and grounds on a long term sustainable basis and raise funds for repairs and other essential works.

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The new CEO will be responsible for developing and delivering the Trust's objectives and targets. This will include developing and delivering the vision for the Trust, leading the successful delivery of the capital works programme and overseeing the effective operation of the property.

Further recruitment is set to follow with a team of 14 existing members of staff, three new recruits and a group of ten volunteers set to shape the future offering at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Julie A Kenny CBE DL, chair of the WWPT, said: "We are now at an exciting and challenging point in the Trust's development in which we have secured funds to assemble a small, dedicated executive team capable of delivering the Trust's vision for the house and park.

"Our Trustees believe that this is a truly unique, once in generation chance for an individual to combine their leadership and management skills, project management and influencing expertise and drive and energy to secure Wentworth Woodhouse and ensure it occupies its rightful place as a public asset and one of the UK's most interesting and important Grade 1 listed country houses.

"With this in mind, we are looking for applicants that not only have the right blend of relevant skills and experience to fulfil the role of Chief Executive but those who are also genuinely enthused by this unique opportunity."

The closing date for applications is February 27.

Wentworth Woodhouse website
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News: Rotherham: a new perspective

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A major place marketing exercise has been carried out in Rotherham as part of a strategy that signals a new business led approach to drive investment, transformation and growth.

Consultants from Thinkingplace have been engaged by the Rotherham Together Partnership to create a consistent narrative for Rotherham - "the Rotherham story" - as a way of promoting the borough. It comes as progress continues on a number of positive projects such as the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), developments in the town centre, Gulliver's Valley and the Yorkshire Man of Steel.

An event marking the start of the "transformational journey towards a more successful Rotherham" is taking place at Rotherham United's New York Stadium next month where the results of the exercise will be discussed and there will be the opportunity to hear from the place marketing specialists, as well as from businesses and individuals on how they intend to take this initiative forward.

Julie Kenny CBE DL, Chair of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust will host the event on February 15 alongside business leaders.

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Kenny is also a commissioner at Rotherham Council, leading on growing the local economy and ensuring the Council is working with others to improve jobs and housing opportunities. She has also been overseeing the Council's relationships with partners, and the voluntary and community sector.

The founder of successful Rotherham manufacturer, Pyronix, explained the initiative at a recent council meeting. She said: "A significant piece of work has been commissioned this year by the Partnership to develop a place-shaping strategy for Rotherham. This has involved a comprehensive programme of stakeholder engagement to identify distinctive themes, ideas and imagery that help to tell the Rotherham story as a way of promoting the borough to potential investors, visitors and workers.

"The themes will be introduced in February and March 2017."

The new Rotherham Together Partnership was launched in September 2015. It brings together a wide range of organisations, including major public bodies. Its Business Growth Board is responsible for the delivery of the ten-year Rotherham Economic Growth Plan.

Private sector led, but including the Council and other partners, the Board is particularly focused on skills, employment and developing the town centre, as well as providing a link to the Sheffield City Region and the opportunities presented to Rotherham through devolution of economic powers and funding.

Rotherham Together Partnership website

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse sale set for next year

With the backing of a £7.6m Government grant, the sale of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham to a preservation trust can finally take place with the exchange of contracts and purchase expected in the New Year.

A deal for the largest privately-owned house in Europe was confirmed in February 2016 with the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) who have raised funds and developed a long term strategy for the future of the site. The Trust had until November 30 to find the balance and so, with seven days to spare, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has pulled a rabbit out of the hat in his Autumn Statement by announcing a £7.6m Government grant.

Under the ownership of the WWPT, the restoration and development will provide jobs, stimulate local employment and open "one of England's most important and grandest historic houses" to the public on a regular basis. The former service wing will host a huge range of events and the stables become home to dynamic small businesses. Within the 18th century house and outbuildings more than a dozen apartments and cottages will be restored as lets for holiday makers.

Marcus Binney, the executive president of influential conservation group, SAVE has worked for many years towards this moment and has been central in the formation of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), which is chaired by leading local business woman Julie Kenny. SAVE and the Trust have raised £7m in pledges towards the £7m purchase price agreed with the owners, the Newbold family. However, in order to proceed with the restoration of such a vast house, which will require some £42m in repairs over 12-15 years, WWPT desperately needed the start-up funds the Chancellor has now provided.

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SAVE and WWPT have offered special thanks to Robert Kenrick MP who, together with Wentworth & Dearne MP John Healey, attended a special meeting when Julie Kenny met with the Chancellor in the House of Commons to make the case for funds.

Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE, said: "This is the most arduous, time-consuming and complex rescue operation SAVE has ever mounted. We hope WWPT can now move towards exchange of contracts and purchase in the New Year. We extend thanks to the Newbold family [the home's current owners] and will honour the pioneering work of the late Clifford Newbold in opening the mansion and gardens to parties of visitors who have come away enthralled and entranced by the beauty of the place."

Julie Kenny, chair of the WWPT, added: "The Trust is very lucky to have a wonderful board of Trustees who each have individual skills and abilities, which combine into a formidable body of expertise.

"Many thanks on behalf of the WWPT Trustees to the Chancellor, Government Ministers and Civil Servants for their support for this wonderful house.

"The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust project has been developed with the help of a large professional team, many providing their advice and help in a pro-bono basis.  It relies on not one but a combination of four tried and tested solutions each of which can provide a regular income stream to cover running and maintenance costs on a long-term basis. These are ticket sales and revenue, catering and events, holiday lets and business lets. The National Trust will give crucial support to the first three years of opening, including the secondment of experienced staff."

On behalf of the Newbold family, Marcus Newbold said: "We are very happy that the Government has at last pledged its support for the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse. This is a cause close to our hearts, for which we have been battling since we purchased the house in 1999. There has always been tremendous local support for the house and it is heartening to know that the project on which we have all been working for so long is finally to receive Government backing."

Wentworth Woodhouse website

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News: Decision-making powers set to return to Rotherham Council

Rotherham Council has not yet been able to show that it has made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources but progress is being made under Government-appointed commissioners.

Commissioners at Rotherham Council are confident that most of the outstanding decision-making functions can be returned to councillors and that they are now "predominantly good quality, well-run and have strong leadership in place."

Rothbiz reported last month that decision making powers over regeneration matters could be returned by the end of the year as councillors show "ambition and determination."

Adult social care, economic growth, town centre management, waste collection, community safety, grounds maintenance and audit are among the functions which commissioners are satisfied can now be returned to Rotherham Council. Children's safeguarding and social care services will continue to be overseen by commissioners while improvements continue.

The authority was deemed "not fit for purpose" by the Government and a statutory inspection by Louise Casey, a government official and director general of the Troubled Families board, found a "complete failure of political and officer leadership in Rotherham."

The review came after a 2014 report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham that described how vulnerable children had been repeatedly failed by the council.

As part of an intervention package announced by Eric Pickles, the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commissioners were appointed in 2015 to provide leadership, taking over the roles of the "wholly dysfunctional" cabinet, which promptly resigned when the report was published.

The commissioners, led by Sir Derek Myers, could be in place until 2019 with regular reviews and reports resulting in a phased roll back of functions over the duration of the intervention.

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At the same time, local councils are using external auditors from the private sector to assess their abilities in areas such as meeting legal requirements, financial statements, value for money and financial resilience.

The auditors need to be satisfied as to whether there have been effective arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources. External auditors at KPMG concluded that this had not been the case in Rotherham in 2015/16, as it did for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

The auditors acknowledged that a significant amount of progress has been achieved during 2015/16 in line with the Corporate Improvement Plan, drawn up by the council and its commissioners focusing on "A Fresh Start" for the borough. The report also mentioned the new strategic leadership team put in place at the Council.

KPMG concluded: "Although significant progress has been made, as at February 2016, over half of the areas in the Improvement Plan were yet to be completed and there nevertheless remains a significant programme of improvement work to complete. This, in combination with the fact that the new substantive strategic leadership team were only appointed in the final quarter of the year under audit (2015/16), suggests that the team will require further time to fully implement and embed the improvements to governance."

Since February, a "Phase Two Action Plan" has been signed off, a new chief executive started in post and the Rotherham Together Partnership launched its 2016/17 Plan.

Sir Derek Myers, lead commissioner at Rotherham Council, (pictured) said: "I and my fellow commissioners are confident that significant improvements have been made in many more of the Council's core services.

"We are now recommending to Government that Rotherham councillors are in a strong position to take responsibility and accountability for these services, and that the organisation is fit to support them in doing so for local people.

"There are a number of other areas – including children's services – where we will continue to work with councillors and officers to ensure ongoing progress. While much has been achieved and robust improvements have been made, there is still more to do to make sure the remaining services are fit for purpose."

Local people are being asked for their views, and can put forward comments by the end of December.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "We continue to work closely with our team of commissioners in order to ensure that the Council improves and better serves Rotherham residents. I'm pleased that we have now reached a point where commissioners are satisfied that the overwhelming majority of Council decisions can be made directly by democratically elected councillors and look forward to the Secretary of State's decision.

"We have achieved significant improvements across the board, but we are clear there remains more to do be done, and we are determined to complete the work that we have started."

Rotherham Council website

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News: Kenny on life after Pyronix

PwC Private Businesswoman of the Year 2014, Julie Kenny CBE DL has been speaking about her "four careers" as the multinational professional services network highlights fantastic examples of Yorkshire & North East manufacturing at its best.

PwC's "5 days of makers" features Kenny as she starts a new chapter in her working life. Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire, the third career came with a belief in a new security system and in 1986, Julie founded Pyronix in Rotherham.

Based in Hellaby, Pyronix is an award-winning manufacturer with an extensive range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms. The firm sells around £11m worth of security products to the UK market and new export markets such as Italy, Russia and Poland were identified where the sales success is being replicated.

Kenny was the major share holder and led the growth of the business as chair and chief executive.

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Julie said: "Between 1986 and 2016, I was committed to growing Pyronix and in the year of the company's 30th anniversary I have sold my company and terminated my third career. At the time I wasn’t looking for an exit, however, the largest global CCTV manufacturer were looking for a European partner and Pyronix fitted their brief. It was becoming increasingly expensive for a high tech SME company to keep up with the rapidly moving innovation in the world.

"Pyronix is an important employer in Rotherham and last year had a £25m turnover, but each year was investing self-generated profits and this was too slow for the speed of innovation needed. I have left Pyronix confident that my 200 employees will continue with the company, a further 40 jobs have been created following the injection of capital from the purchaser and they are looking to increase their geographical foothold in Rotherham.

"It is now almost six months since I sold Pyronix, I have continued a weekly consultancy for the purchasers and truly believed that I would be able to slow down a little – my partner jokes that he will be happy with a 40-hour week and weekends off. There is, however, still so much to be done; there are my various Board positions and I could never rule out another chapter in my working life, maybe the fourth career!"

Kenny is currently a commissioner at Rotherham Council, on the private sector board of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnsership and involved with the preservation of Wentworth Woodhouse and a host of other local charities.

Pyronix website
PwC website

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News: Rotherham to regain regen powers

Rotherham Council looks set to regain its decision making powers over regeneration matters by the end of the year as councillors show "ambition and determination."

The authority was deemed "not fit for purpose" by the Government and a statutory inspection by Louise Casey, a government official and director general of the Troubled Families board, found a "complete failure of political and officer leadership in Rotherham."


The review came after a 2014 report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham that described how vulnerable children had been repeatedly failed by the council.

As part of an intervention package announced by Eric Pickles, the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commissioners were appointed in 2015 to provide leadership, taking over the roles of the "wholly dysfunctional" cabinet, which promptly resigned when the report was published.

The commissioners, led by Sir Derek Myers, could be in place until 2019 with regular reviews and reports resulting in a phased roll back of functions over the duration of the intervention.

Julie Kenny CBE, the businesswoman who founded and ran Rotherham manufacturing success story, Pyronix (pictured), was appointed as a supporting commissioner and has been responsible for making decisions on growing the local economy and ensuring the Council is working with others to improve jobs and housing opportunities. She has also been overseeing the Council's relationships with partners, and the voluntary and community sector.

In February 2016, a year after commissioners were brought in, a third of decision making responsibilities were returned to the council but those relating to regeneration remained.

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Writing to the Secretary of State with an 18 month progress report, lead commissioner Sir Derek Myers explained that council services, particularly Children's Services, "have moved away from failure towards the sustainable quality services that local people require."

Regarding decisions remaining with commissioners, including regeneration, Sir Derek said: "The number of actual executive decisions is low and the commissioner task is really to maintain a sense of ambition both for how the Council can take forward its regeneration ambitions, working closely with the Sheffield city region, and also strive for the modernisation of working arrangements in order to reduce costs and drive better value.

"Commissioners believe that the test to be applied to these services is whether advisory cabinet members, who could translate into being executive decision makers, share the same ambition and determination as commissioners and we now believe that this is the case.

"On that basis for these services we also expect to recommend in our next report at the beginning of November 2016 that these services also be returned to the Council towards the end of 2016."

As part of the recovery plan, one outcome concerns a growing local economy: "Ensuring the borough's own efforts and work with others increases the number of good jobs and housing opportunities."

Recent progress includes the Council's Local Plan which is set to be adopted next year next allowing for the allocation of new land for housing and employment uses. The public inquiry into the plan started in July with initial hearings and will continue in the autumn.

Key decisions made by Kenny include the sale of land to enable the £37m Gulliver's Valley development, the land deal for Rotherham university campus, the potential acquisition of Forge Island, town centre parking initiatives, and changes to town centre events which saw the popular Rotherham by the Sea event scaled back.

The Rotherham Economic Growth Plan has also entered the implementation phase with interviews with 30 of Rotherham's growing companies to understand what help they might need to continue their growth. Development work continues around the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District (AMID) and the proposed Higher Education Campus in Rotherham town centre. A masterplan identifying the deliverability of key town centre development sites is expected to be launched in April 2017.

The progress report also discusses the proposed changes to the HS2 route through Rotherham which has "significant implications for the borough, its residents and businesses and it therefore remains a high priority for the Council."

This week, the Council announced that plans are in place to regain decision making over licensing. The Casey report was critical of the Council and its licensing function, especially around taxi licensing which was suggested played a role in the facilitation of child sexual abuse. Commissioner Mary Ney set out the improvements made to the Council's licensing function and that elected members have the skills and capability to take on the decision making role.

Rotherham Council website

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