News: Martek Marine in £12m deal

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has undergone a £12m management buyout (MBO).

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is a leading international distributor of premium mission and life-critical safety, monitoring and medical equipment to the maritime industry.

The company was acquired by historic marine business, James Fisher and Sons plc, in a deal worth up to £10m in 2019. Now with the backing of £8m from private equity investment manager, Foresight Group, the new ownership structure is expected to unlock growth.

Founded in 2000, Martek has supplied more than 30,000 pieces of equipment to major ship operators based around the world. Products include a range of portable and fixed gas detection systems, defibrillators and water testing solutions. Martek is an expert at interpreting the complex matrix of maritime regulations. Twice a winner of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise and a holder of the ISO 9001 international quality benchmark, Martek has a strong market reputation and a loyal customer base. The Company provides guidance on health and safety requirements and delivers frictionless global fulfillment.

Martek launched with three employees and £6,000 in start up capital in the smallest unit in the RiDO-run Century Business Centre. In the year ended 31 December 2023, Martek had 60 staff in the UK and Singapore and generated revenue of £11.6m and profit before tax of £1.4m.

Foresight, which is one of the most active investors into growing companies across the UK and Ireland, will be supporting CEO Karen Bedford and the management team at Martek to achieve its ambitions as a standalone business.

With a strong track record of supporting business growth, Foresight will help Martek capture opportunities and fulfil its potential. Experienced business leader Nick Alexander has been appointed as the Company’s new Chair.

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Nick Mettyear, Investment Director at Foresight Group, said: “Martek Marine demonstrates all the qualities we look for when investing in a business. The Company has a dynamic management team, sells excellent products and has a deep understanding of the complex regulatory environment in the sector. This enables Martek to deliver a market-leading service to its customers.

“We are pleased to be supporting Karen and the team who are driven, focused and have unrivalled knowledge of the sector. We look forward to working with the team to unlock the growth opportunities.”

Karen Bedford, Managing Director of Martek Marine, added: “In Foresight we have the perfect partner who shares our values and vision for the Company. Martek Marine sells innovative products, which offer sustainable solutions for ship safety, performance and crew welfare. We are excited to return to the agility of independent ownership and secure the backing of Foresight.

“We look forward to working with our new Chair, Nick Alexander, who has an excellent reputation and will play a pivotal role in the next phase of our journey. We now have a formidable team in place to achieve our growth aspirations.”

New Chair, Nick Alexander, added: "Martek Marine has pioneering solutions, a global client base, excellent regulatory understanding and a highly energised management team. The market provides considerable growth potential. I’m excited to work with Foresight again, taking on the role of Chair and working with the team to help realise their ambitions.”

James Fisher & Sons said that the disposal was part of its strategy to simplify its business portfolio. The total consideration comprises an initial payment of £10.6 m and an unconditional deferred element, of £1.5m.

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News: Martek acquired in £10m deal

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has been acquired by historic marine business, James Fisher and Sons plc, in a deal worth up to £10m.

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

With its corporate headquarters in Barrow in Furness, James Fisher and Sons operates a number of marine operations and is listed on the London Stock Exchange's FTSE 250 Index.

An update to the stock exchange said that James Fisher has acquired the entire share capital of Martek Holdings Limited for an initial net cash consideration of £9m, with potential further consideration of up to £1m subject to a profit target for the year ending February 28 2020.

Unaudited profit after tax, of Martek for the year ended 28 February 2018 was £1.8m and gross assets were £7.2m.

Nick Henry, chief executive officer of James Fisher, said: "The acquisition of Martek further enhances James Fisher's capability to offer innovative solutions to the marine sector and provides a proven channel to market for the Group's adjacent products and services. We are very pleased to welcome Martek's team to the group and look forward to a successful future together."

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Martek launched in 1999 with three employees and £6,000 in start up capital in the smallest unit in the RiDO-run Century Business Centre. Founders, Paul Luen, Steve Coulson and Mike Pringle quit their jobs after being told their ideas were no good. It now employs over 60 people at purpose built premises in Adwick Park and its products can be found in vessels across the globe.

Martek supplies monitoring systems, alarm systems, electronic chart displays and a gas callibration system. It has also expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

In recent years, the firm, which has previously won two Queen's Awards, has moved into new areas, establishing a new division specialising in commercial drones. In 2016 it won a €10m (£8.58m) framework contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to monitor pollution in Europe's waters and in 2017 was named as part of a €67m (£58m) contract - the world's largest ever maritime drone contract.

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News: Martek gets smart with SUITS

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has launched another new service to improve safety on board ships - using drones to inspect confined spaces.

The Manvers firm is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

Called SUITS (Shipboard Unmanned Inspection of Tanks Solution), the Martek solution improves the safety of surveyors and crew members when inspecting tanks, eliminating the need to enter hazardous, confined spaces on board.

Traditional tank inspections often require units to be drained, cleaned and ventilated before surveying crews could be permitted access. The new system can deliver a full HD video survey in minutes, without the need for personnel entry into the tank or hold.

SUITS combines the latest in enclosed space drone technology and virtual reality software allowing the operator to deliver a collision tolerant drone through a hatch or confined space entry and then remotely control it via a control console and video screen – the full inspection can be carried out from a safe location.

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Inspecting a confined space can present the danger of an oxygen-depleted atmosphere or the ingress of another toxic gas allied to the risks of working at height.

Paul Luen, CEO of Martek Group, said: "SUITS will revolutionise confined space inspection to make operations safer, faster and ultimately cheaper."

In one example, ship operator CMA CGM, surveyed the two ballast tanks in its 323 metre long vessel, ANDROMEDA for general integrity and corrosion status. Usually, the inspections require three to four men and extensive safety equipment such as gas and oxygen monitoring detectors, ropes, flashlights, and harnesses. Using drones, three flights of ten minutes each with a single pilot were carried out for the inspection of one tank.

Starting with just £6,000 initial investment in one of RiDO's smallest business units, Martek has seen growth through focusing on disruptive innovation. It now employs over 60 people at purpose built premises in Adwick Park and its products can be found in vessels across the globe. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

The company is making a splash with how it is pioneering the use of drones in the maritime industry. Last year, Martek was named as part of a €67m (£58m) contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) that sees Martek support the work of Coast Guards using drones.

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News: Martek's "drones for good" contract

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has been selected by UNICEF and the Vanuatu Government to demonstrate its capability for vaccine delivery by drone.

Based at Manvers, Martek is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming incredibly useful tools for marine and offshore companies with Martek supplying marine-specific drones that are developed to fly inside confined spaces and outdoors, making them ideal for safety inspections on tanks as well as offshore structures such as wind turbines and flare stacks.

Drones are already being used in humanitarian response around the world. An unprecedented number of small and lightweight UAVs were launched in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. They were used in Haiti following Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Showcasing its technology, Martek will self-fund a trial which will take place on Efate Island next month.

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Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands separated over 1,600 km. 65 islands are inhabited, and with many only accessed by boat, mobile vaccination teams are frequently required to walk to communities carrying all equipment to undertake the vaccination for children and communities in remote areas. The climate, lack of infrastructure and topography make this an arduous task. Vanuatu's health facilities are constantly faced with a frequent lack of stock.

The trial aims to assess technologies and proven safe operators that can help reduce the vaccine supply chain disruption and enhance service delivery, without requiring massive investment in infrastructure and transport. It will also provide the opportunity to explore and understand the wider application and potential of UAVs in the Pacific region long term.

Paul Luen, CEO at Martek, said: "The opportunity to deploy our unique capabilities for the good of the people of Vanuatu was an opportunity we had to grasp. Our proven BVLOS [Beyond Visual Line of Sight] expertise and the manned aviation standards which we operate our business to, make us an ideal long-term delivery partner. We're certain we'll deliver UNICEF and the Vanuatu Government a reliable UAS cargo delivery service to enable long-term deployment at national level."

Sheldon Yett, Pacific representative from UNICEF, added: "UNICEF is excited to work with the Government of Vanuatu to support this initiative. Ensuring vaccines are consistently available in isolated and remote communities is one of the keys to sustaining high rates of immunisation. We welcome innovative measures to ensure that every child is reached."

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George Taleo, director general of the Ministry of Health in Vanuatu, added: "This is a milestone for Vanuatu. If the trial shows that vaccine delivery using drones can work, and that it can be integrated into our existing national and provincial systems, then it will change the way we operate forever."

Last year Martek won a €10m (£8.58m) framework contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to monitor pollution in Europe's waters using drones. It followed it up by being named as part of a €67m (£58m) contract to support the work of Coast Guards using drones.

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News: Martek make up part of €67m maritime drone contract

Drug smugglers, people traffickers, polluters and illegal fishing vessels trying to operate in Europe's waters will soon become under surveillance from drones supplied by innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine.

The Manvers firm is set for major expansion after being named as part of a €67m (£58m) contract - the world's largest ever maritime drone contract.

Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

The ground breaking two-year Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services (RPAS) contract from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will see Martek support the work of Coast Guards using drones.

Part of a five-year EMSA strategy of improving coastguard monitoring and surveillance of maritime activity valued at €67m, the service provision from Martek not only includes the drones, but also the pilots, long-range antennae, mission control vehicles and ground crew. Video and drone sensor data will be streamed live to a control centre, to allow EU Member States to make prompt decisions on intervention actions.

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>Martek launched in 1999 with three employees and £6,000 in start up capital in the smallest unit in the RiDO-run Century Business Centre. It now employs over 60 people at purpose built premises in Adwick Park and its products can be found in vessels across the globe. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

The company spotted a gap in the market for commercial drones which could be used in a variety of sectors and industries throughout the world, including marine and emergency services. Establishing a new division called COPTRZ, Martek Marine has already landed contracts with fire services, police authorities, universities and owners of wind turbines.

In November, Martek landed a €10m (£8.58m) framework contract with the EMSA to monitor pollution in Europe's waters. COPTRZ provided consultancy on both contracts.

In the latest contract, drones will be used to perform beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and will assist with border control activities, search and rescue operations and monitoring of pollution, as well as the detection of illegal fishing and drug and people trafficking.

A typical surveillance task involves the deployment of a drone from the deck of a ship to a specified area of interest. The drone then collects requested surveillance information before sending it, in addition to payload data, to the users.

Paul Luen, CEO of the Martek Group, said: "This contract sets us up for major expansion as THE maritime drone experts. More world firsts will be delivered by us in this exciting technology field during 2017, as we launch further disruptive drone services."

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News: Martek bucking the trend in maritime industry

Rotherham success story, Martek Marine is bucking the trend on the gender divide as it continues to make waves in the global maritime industry.

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

Historically marine industries have been significantly male dominated but Martek Marine now boasts a leadership team which is made up of 75% women.

Martek launched in 1999 with three employees and £6,000 in start up capital in the smallest unit in the RiDO-run Century Business Centre. It now employs over 60 people at purpose built premises in Adwick Park and its products can be found in vessels across the globe.

The business serves 80 different countries and women currently make up 45% of their entire workforce.

Several attempts have been made in recent years to try to increase the number of women in the industry.

In 2014 The World Maritime University (WMU) and IMO published a book to highlight the achievements of women in the maritime sector, concluding the maritime industry needs more women, particularly in leadership roles.

A year later the IMO launched the video “"Making Waves: women leaders in the maritime world" in support of International Women's Day 2015. The video reports on continuing efforts by IMO and the World Maritime University (WMU) to promote the advancement of women in shipping.

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Also in 2015, the International Transport Workers' Federation estimated that only 2% of the world's maritime workforce is made up of women but for Martek this is not something that has proven to be a problem at all.

Paul Luen, CEO of Martek Marine, said: "Here at Martek we see gender as completely irrelevant, it is just about the best people for the job.

"As we have evolved it just so happens that the most talented, energetic, highest performing managers that embrace our culture and unite in pursuit of our mission are female."

Charlie Whyman, marketing manager at Martek Marine, added: "The industry is most certainly changing, not only here at Martek, but as a whole. A lack of women was historically seen as a problem and potentially put other women off taking up roles. Now there are not only more women working across maritime businesses but also helping run them which can only be good for the industry.

"Men and women have very different viewpoints and ideas so the gender diverse workforce here enables better problem solving and discussion which ultimately leads to superior performance of the business."

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News: Coptrz to train next gen pilots

Rotherham-based Coptrz, the world's only provider of continuous training for drone pilots, is set to create jobs for the future after receiving a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accreditation.

Specialising in commercial drones, the firm is a division of high-flying Manvers company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry.

Coptrz has been awarded National Qualified Entity (NQE) status, and can now deliver CAA-approved training to potential commercial drone pilots. The programme incorporates a practical and theory test – and Coptrz is planning to train 1,000 pilots this year to meet growing demand across different sectors.

To qualify for NQE status, Coptrz had to undergo a rigorous assessment process, which included a detailed scrutiny of the course content and a live presentation of it to CAA officials. Only drone pilots with a CAA-certified qualification are eligible for a drone licence – the Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) – that allows them to work as professional pilots.

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Steve Coulson, managing director Coptrz, said: "Automation means that many jobs are disappearing but being a drone pilot is a job of the future sector where drones aren't being used, from the emergency services to agriculture to engineering. Drones are helping to find bodies in collapsed buildings, identifying crops which aren't growing properly and spraying them, and also radically changing the film industry – there are just so many different scenarios."

As well as offering drone training, Coptrz also runs courses aimed at helping drone pilots develop their businesses.

"We believe that one certificate doesn't set you up to be a drone pilot," explains Coulson.

"That's why we also offer training on all aspects of running a business: marketing, pricing strategy, making money from drones, and using specific software packages and specific jobs - such as surveying, 3D mapping, or using a drone to inspect the inside of a tank or a cellular tower.

"Drones are a hugely exciting area with endless possibilities. Now we have our accreditation, we're looking to train 1,000 drone pilots in 2017 and have added new training dates in anticipation of great demand."

Since it began trading in May last year, Coptrz has created seven new jobs in Rotherham, and is looking to double that number in the coming months with new roles in sales, customer service, technical and training.

Having already turned over around £1m, Coulson added that he is expecting further growth as the market booms. He said: "The commercial drone market will be worth $127 billion worldwide by 2020. We're fully confident that we can outperform the market and we expect to be in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 in three years' time."

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News: World first for Martek as it lands £8.5m drone contract

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, has won a €10m (£8.58m) framework contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to monitor pollution in Europe's waters.

Based at Manvers, Martek is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming incredibly useful tools for marine and offshore companies with Martek supplying marine-specific drones that are developed to fly inside confined spaces and outdoors, making them ideal for safety inspections on tanks as well as offshore structures such as wind turbines and flare stacks.

The latest contract will see the Martek Drones division send its 2-metre long drones up to 50km offshore to measure the sulphur and CO2 levels emitted from the exhausts of commercial ships. Development is also underway to incorporate satellite command and control and payload data streaming, so the the drones can operate in what is known as BRLOS (beyond radio line of sight) over 100 km away.

Paul Luen, CEO and owner of the Martek Group (pictured below, right), said: "The drone we are using is unique in the world. To carry out this work so far offshore it has to be able to fly for up to six hours and carry a payload of up to 10kg. It will also have to withstand all weathers, including gale-force winds and heavy rain. It's effectively a mini-helicopter.

"We've invested a lot of money in drone technology over the past three years and we're very ambitious. We literally believe we can "change the world" using drone applications. We will announce a number of world firsts in the next three years."

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At sea, the call to deploy these drones could be made from any EU nation at any time. EMSA will then relay the request to Martek, which will send two drones and a crew to monitor the seas for a minimum of 60 days in each location. The land-based team will manoeuvre the drone close to ship exhaust stacks and use a gas analyser to measure the SO2, NO2 and CO2 ratios in the surrounding atmosphere. The drones are equipped with both visible light and infra-red (thermal imaging) cameras, as well as various other sensors.

The data they gather will be sent back to shipping authorities in real time so they can evaluate if ship owners are falling foul of EU legislation on sulphur levels in their fuel, which causes acid rain and damages health. A 2008 report from the University of California suggested that sulphates from shipping could be responsible for 60,000 deaths a year.

The company spotted a gap in the market for commercial drones which could be used in a variety of sectors and industries throughout the world, including marine and emergency services. Establishing a new division called Coptrz, Martek Marine has already landed contracts with fire services, police authorities, universities and owners of wind turbines. Talks are ongoing with the Home Office about their deployment of drones.

Luen added: "Drones are a disruptive technology with the capacity to change industries. One example is inspecting wind turbines. Currently, it's done by guys climbing up on ropes, but it's time-consuming, costly and dangerous, especially when they're offshore. Drones have the potential to disrupt the whole process."

The Martek Marine group is one of Rotherham's business growth success stories. Founders Paul Luen, Mike Pringle and Steve Coulson had just £6,000 of initial investment in 2000 when it began trading from the smallest unit in RiDO's Century Business Centre at Manvers. Just 16 years later, the company has sold £80m worth of equipment and employs 60 staff serving 80 countries.

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News: Coptrz set to take off

Innovative Rotherham company, Martek Marine, is flying high, establishing a new division specialising in commercial drones.

Based at Manvers, Martek is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. It has expanded into different areas including the medical sector, supplying defibrillators to airlines and leisure and sport venues.

Having secured a start-up funding package worth £250,000 from HSBC, the group has now established Coptrz with the aim of revolutionising business using drones.

Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming incredibly useful tools for marine and offshore companies with Martek supplying marine-specific drones that are developed to fly inside confined spaces and outdoors, making them ideal for safety inspections on tanks as well as offshore structures such as wind turbines and flare stacks.

The company spotted a gap in the market for commercial drones which could be used in a variety of sectors and industries throughout the world, including marine and emergency services.

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The funding has enabled Coptrz to invest in the manufacturing and marketing of its products and to focus on increasing its exports into Europe, as well as consolidating its market share in the UK.

The business is expected to increase turnover to a projected £1.7m in its first year, rising to £5m the following year.

In addition, the funding package has facilitated the recruitment of two new members of staff who have joined the existing Coptrz team at its Rotherham headquarters to ensure the business keeps up with increasing demand for its products across the globe.

Steve Coulson, director at Martek Marine Ltd, said: "After extensive research, we have identified the significant potential for growth in this market.

"The funding package from HSBC has been instrumental in ensuring Coptrz has a solid start. The bank's support and international reach has also allowed us to begin implementing our export strategy and to recruit the talent we need to make Coptrz a successful part of the wider Martek Marine business."

Mike Swift, area director for West and South Yorkshire at HSBC, added: "We have worked with Coptrz from the beginning and it is an excellent example of a UK business having both innovative products and an export-led growth strategy.

"The finance package has supported the business in pushing forward into different international markets such as Germany, USA and the Far-East by assisting with its international travel and direct sales costs. We look forward to seeing their business thrive."

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News: Martek scores Anfield contract

Rotherham-based Martek Lifecare has been awarded a contract to provide state-of-the-art first aid equipment to Liverpool Football Club.

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Lifecare (previously known as Martek Medical) specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Liverpool FC has just become the latest sports club to invest in the safety of their players by purchasing two Lifeline ARM devices from Martek Lifecare.

Designed to provide perfect compressions for continuous hands-free CPR, the ARM is an essential piece of first aid kit in the event of SCA. Liverpool FC has placed one in their training ground at Melwood and one at Anfield stadium to make sure all players, non playing staff and indeed supporters have peace of mind at all times.

SCA is the biggest killer in the world, accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. Speed of treatment is vital, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes.

Martek is targeting the sport, health and fitness sector as well as schools and workplaces. It supplied defibrillators to every venue used for the Rugby Union World Cup 2015.

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Martek Lifecare is the official UK distributor for Defibtech first aid products. The hands-free CPR device is part of the Lifeline range and works in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED) for a shock-compression cycle. It is ideal for taking a patient from the site of collapse through to the hospital without interruption to the CPR cycle, which is much harder to do with manual CPR.

The device is placed around the patient's body, enabling paramedics to maneuver the patient without interrupting compressions. The device can be loaded onto the ambulance with the patient, providing continuous CPR in the process, leaving paramedics free to complete other tasks. It also prevents risk to emergency responders, as delivering manual CPR in a moving ambulance presents difficulties and increases the likelihood of inconsistent compressions. The ARM removes these problems.

Steve Lowe, regional sales manager for Martek Lifecare, said: "Everyone remembers Fabrice Muamba's critical on-pitch collapse from sudden cardiac arrest in 2012. The only reason he managed to survive was with a similar hands-free CPR device – and the technology since then has already significantly improved.

"The ARM can work with AEDs to leave first responders and paramedics free to attend to other lifesaving tasks, and we're proud to be able to deliver such vital equipment to such an established sports club. We hope that other organisations will recognise Liverpool FC's commitment to the safety of players and see the benefits provided in having the ARM as part of their first response kit."

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News: Rotherham reacts to Brexit vote

The majority of the electorate in Rotherham have voted for Great Britain leaving the European Union with 67.9% backing Brexit.

With a voter turnout of 69.5%, 93,272 votes went to the option to leave, with 44,115 voting to remain.

Nationally, Britain voted to leave the EU - 52% to 48%. Yorkshire and the Humber gave one of the highest eurosceptic results in the country, with 57.7% of people backing Leave.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who announced that he would step down following the result, said: "The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision.

"So there can be no doubt about the result."

John McDonnell MP, Labour's Shadow Chancellor, said: "People will be waking up this morning to turmoil in the markets and the pound crashing, and fearing the emergency budget the Chancellor threatened to hike their taxes and cut public services.

"The Government must now take steps to stabilise the economy, and to protect jobs, pensions and wages."

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Paul Luen, CEO of Martek Group, the Rotherham success story which exports safety and environmental monitoring systems around the globe, welcomed the result.

Truly momentous day. Well done 52% of Britain for believing in ourselves and having Vision. Let’s TAKE BACK CONTROL! 👍😎

— Paul Luen (@paulluen) June 24, 2016

Tom Fripp, managing director at Fripp Design and Research, an innovative company based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, was not so happy with the way people voted.

To the #UK. I think you are a bit of an idiot. #Brexit

— Tom Fripp (@MrTGF) June 24, 2016

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Precision, the Rotherham manufacturer that has been building exports back up following the downturn in the global oil & gas market, was more balanced.

Just as i was thinking there was light at the end of the tunnel the tunnel got longer but maybe the light will be brighter.#ukmanufacturing

— David Greenan (@DavidGreenan) June 24, 2016

Cllr. Chris Read, the leader of Rotherham Council said that there was "nothing to do but hope."

Sterling dropping like a stone, FTSE expected to fall, country divided, years of negotiation ahead. Nothing to do but hope.

— Chris Read (@christophe_read) June 24, 2016

Rotherham's MP, Sarah Champion, said she would continue to fight for Rotherham's business.

Well my job now is to fight to make sure #Rotherham people & businesses get the best possible deal going forwards

— Sarah Champion MP (@SarahChampionMP) June 24, 2016

The University of Sheffield, whose Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has secured millions in EU funding for facilities and research projects in Rotherham, said that leaving the EU will not happen overnight and that "there will not be any immediate material change" to the UK university sector's participation in EU programmes such as Horizon 2020.

Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said he was "gutted" at the decision, adding: "We are setting our course in a new direction, sailing into uncharted waters. I am not alone in wondering what it might mean. Academics engaged in projects with other EU universities drawing on EU funding wonder about the future of their work."

Tata, the Indian company that has put its UK steel assets up for sale and last week issued a memo to staff at its UK steel sites on the importance of the European market, said in a statement: "Tata has been operating in the UK since 1907 and remains committed to delivering long-term value for all its stakeholders. There are currently 19 independent Tata companies in the UK, with diverse businesses. Each company continuously reviews its strategy and operations in the light of developments, and will continue to do so. Access to markets and to a skilled workforce will remain important considerations."

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News: Martek at the Rugby World Cup

Rotherham-based Martek Lifecare has been awarded a contract to supply defibrillators to every Rugby Union World Cup 2015 venue.

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Lifecare (previously known as Martek Medical) specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

Thirteen match venues from eleven cities across England, and Cardiff in Wales, have been selected to host matches at Rugby World Cup 2015. Iconic venues include Twickenham, the Millennium Stadium, Wembley and the Olympic Stadium. Kicking off on September 18, the tournament is the biggest sporting event to take place in the UK since the London Olympics and the Tour de France.

SCA is the biggest killer in the world, accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. Speed of treatment is vital, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes.

Martek is the UK supplier for the Lifeline range of defibrillators. The VIEW automated external defibrillator is the first of its kind, delivering step-by-step instructions with voice and video instructions at every stage of the rescue – including a metronome for performing CPR. In an independent study, it was found to be the simplest AED to use, a crucial element in delivering a timely rescue.

Steve Coulson, founder and director of Martek, said of the partnership with the Rugby Union: "We are proud to be partners of such a large sporting event, providing essential safety equipment with lifesaving potential to multiple venues. With recent high profile cases of sudden cardiac arrest such as rugby league player Danny Jones, it's testament to the Rugby Union's dedication to protecting both players and fans from cardiac emergencies with the installation of Lifeline VIEW."

Martek Medical is targeting the sport, health and fitness sector as well as schools and workplaces. It has also recently secured deals to supply airlines, easyJet and Etihad Airways that will see them use Lifeline defribrillators on their aircraft.

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News: Martek Medical's success at the gym

Rotherham-based Martek Medical has won a distribution deal in a partnership to supply 63 defibrillators across Dragon's Den favourite Duncan Bannatyne's chain of health clubs.

Based at Manvers, Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

FeelGood Care recently won the £60,000 contract for 63 Defibtech Lifeline AED semi-automatic external defibrillators in partnership with Martek Medical. Martek Medical is the official UK distributor for Defibtech products.

Health clubs and gyms are prime locations for people of all ages to suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and with survival rates as low as 2% if no electrical shock is provided to stimulate the heart, the consequences can be fatal.

The Lifeline AED is a simple to use defibrillator that can be effectively deployed by anyone irrespective of whether or not they have been trained to use a defibrillator. Once the user has placed the pads on the patient the unit will check to see if defibrillation is needed and if required the shock button will flash and the unit will prompt the user to press the button. No shock will be delivered until the button is pressed.

Bannatyne's recognised the danger to their members and staff and decided to have them installed in 62 health clubs and one in its Darlington head office. The ease of use for non-medically trained staff was a big draw for Bannatyne's provided by the clear and concise vocal instructions.

Duncan Bannatyne, CEO of Bannatyne Fitness Ltd (pictured, right), said: "A considerable amount of time and energy has been spent within the company researching the value of defibrillators and it has been decided that these are a good investment for the health and safety of our members. The defibrillators are easy to use and completely safe."

Martek Medical is targeting the health and fitness sector as well as schools and workplaces. It recently secured deals to supply airlines, easyJet and Etihad Airways that will see them use Lifeline defribrillators on their aircraft.

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News: Martek flying high with new airline contracts

The sky's the limit for Rotherham-based Martek Medical, which has secured a deal to supply lifesaving equipment to easyJet, the UK's largest airline.

Manvers-based Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

easyJet operates on over 600 routes across more than 30 countries with a fleet of over 200 Airbus aircraft. It has equipped its fleet of aircraft and offices with the Defibtech Lifeline VIEW Defibrillator, which is the latest technology available for treatment of SCA.

SCA is the biggest killer in the world accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. Speed of treatment is vital, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes.

All airlines are legally required to train their cabin crew in first aid and to carry first aid kits on its aircraft, however, there is no legal requirement for them to carry defibrillators. easyJet identified that it is best practice to have a defibrillator onboard all their aircraft, one that is simple to use in pressure situations, rugged, compact and lightweight for stowage in overhead lockers.

Martek secured the tender and will supply the Lifeline VIEW defibrillator which includes integrated video and step by step visual feedback for performing CPR, rescue breathing and external defibrillation, the first AED to do so. The user not only hears the audible instructions but also sees the video and the written text prompts on the screen, effectively providing three modes of instruction.


Steve Coulson, director at Martek Medical, said: "We are delighted to work with easyJet to supply lifesaving equipment. We know that easyJet has seen the benefits of utilising the state of the art Lifeline VIEW which has unique features specially developed for transport applications such as this."

The contract win follows on from a similar deal for Martek with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, that will see the Abu Dhabi based carrier use Lifeline VIEW AEDs onboard its fleet of aircraft.

Martek Medical is the official UK distributor for Defibtech products. Delta, Air France and Thai Airways International are among the airlines which use Defibtech AEDs onboard or in their ground facilities.

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News: Martek defibrillator saves pupil's life

The life of a 16 year old pupil was saved recently thanks to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) supplied by Rotherham-based Martek Medical through one of its distributors to a school in Romsey, Hampshire.

Mountbatten School bought the Lifeline AED just two months before the incident, which was put into action by quick thinking PE teacher Emma Denham. Emma was being observed taking a class as part of the interview process at the school when 16 year old Sam Mangoro collapsed and suffered a heart attack on the sports hall floor. His heart stopped, sending him into cardiac arrest. Ms Denham undertook CPR whilst deputy headteacher Joanna Scott raced to get the Lifeline AED.

Teaching staff at the school had been trained to use the AED and once defibrillation had been carried out, an ambulance took him to the nearest hospital where he was placed in a medically induced coma.

Sam's father Michael said: "Their actions have really given us the opportunity to hope. If the school hadn't had a defibrillator it could have been a lot different. It is incredible and we feel so fortunate for that. He was in the right place at the right time, with people who were trained to know what to do."

Ian Couldwell, product manager for Martek Medical, added: "There are a large number of schools across the country that have our Lifeline AEDs on their premises, which gives them the peace of mind that should an incident occur, they're able to deal with it.

"Defibrillation within a few minutes can help increased the chance of survival by 75 per cent. And we're delighted to hear Sam is making a steady recovery in hospital and wish him all the best in the future."

Manvers-based Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a SCA.

SCA is the biggest killer in the world, accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. Speed of treatment is vital, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes.

Martek Medical is the official UK distributor for Defibtech LLC, a leading innovator in the field of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Martek's AEDs are being placed in schools, shopping centres, leisure centres and gyms across the country.

Sam has made an "amazing recovery" and recently returned to school.

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News: Martek expands at leisure

Rotherham based Martek Medical, a specialist provider of defibrillator technology, has reported a significant increase in demand for AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) from leisure centres, gyms and fitness suites across the country.

Manvers-based Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

SCA is the biggest killer in the world accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year.

Ian Couldwell, product manager for Martek Medical, said: "We've seen a major increase in demand year on year for AEDs, as increasing numbers of leisure and fitness centres recognise the benefits. With January typically a time when people are more likely to "over exercise" following the Christmas period and new members who may not be used to taking regular exercise join and often over-exert themselves, the dangers from Sudden Cardiac Arrest are higher than normal. AEDs are becoming an essential part of the first aid toolkit in a gym, helping to protect members and save lives."

DW Sports, which runs DW Fitness clubs at 50 locations across the UK, recently invested in over 70 Lifeline Automated External Defibrillator's from Martek Medical. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have proved to be an invaluable investment, as more than 30 lives have been saved following the installation of AEDs in each of its leisure clubs and hotels throughout the UK.

Dawn Sefton, head of Health and Safety at DW Sports, said: "The Lifeline AEDs are a key element of our health and safety strategy and each one of our centres has at least one AED on site.  A sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone and our AEDs have been used to save the lives of people from the age of 23, right up to 80 years' old. They've also proved to be an asset to the local community, with at least one occasion where one of our AEDs has been used to save the victim of a nearby road traffic accident."

Speed of delivery is vital in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, as the chances of successful defibrillation decline at a rate of around 10% with each minute that passes. If defibrillation is delivered quickly, however, survival rates can be as high as 75% so it is important to ensure that AEDs are located in easy to access places. At each DW Sports facility, for example, the AEDs were fitted in central areas following a thorough assessment to identify where the fitness clubs have the highest footfall.

Although Lifeline AEDs can be used effectively in an emergency situation without any prior training, DW Sports decided to go one step further by ensuring that all management staff hold first aid at work qualifications, with additional defibrillation training. The company also holds bi-monthly training at each of its sites which includes regular defibrillation training.

Ian Couldwell added: "It's great to hear from DW Sports how defibrillators have helped to save so many lives. The company has taken a responsible approach and it just goes to show how many more could be saved if every leisure centre or gym had at least one AED on site."

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News: Martek launch latest product

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry, has launched its latest product - a world-first, network-connected chart system.

Based in Manvers, Martek has been working on a new electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), a navigation information system that keeps up-to-date charts and can be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts.

The iECDIS is the first of its kind to implement a GSM modem, meaning that the downloading and installation of charts and updates will be automatic, without any administrative pressures needed through CD updates. The GSM modem will use a mobile network signal, being able to download changeable weather forecasts and warnings instantly.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) approved amendments to the international convention in June 2009 which made it compulsory to fit an ECDIS. All large passenger liners, tankers and cargo ships will be obliged to fit an ECDIS over the coming years.

Bentley Strafford-Stephenson, ECDIS product specialist at Martek Marine, said: "We've created a market-leading solution which combines cutting-edge technology with a very lucrative commercial proposition and a system which mariners will want to use and ship managers will find easy to adopt."

The Martek product uses military spec hardware and offers features such as radar, ice-chart overlays, weather, piracy and route planning, all available within minutes of uploading.

Exporting to over 80 countries, Martek has a turnover of around £10m and recently sailed through the £1m profit barrier. Other innovative products include defibrillators, monitoring systems, electronic chart displays and a gas callibration system. Recent product launches include the potable water testing kit, Drinksafe.

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News: Martek Medical launch latest product

Rotherham-based Martek Medical has expanded its range by releasing a new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for professionals within the medical sector.

Manvers-based Martek Marine is one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry. Martek Medical specialises in lifesaving products including semi automatic external defibrillators that guide the user through the stressful experience of treating someone suffering from a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

SCA is the biggest killer in the world accounting for around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone each year.

Martek's new Lifeline PRO is the only AED with a full colour motion video screen on its front panel featuring an interactive display with a completely manual mode that displays the ECG and allows complete control over shock energy and delivery. The Lifeline PRO also has the quickest charge to shock time of any defibrillator on the market at just four seconds, which is crucial when it comes to saving lives.

Designed for medically trained personnel responding to emergency situations, the AED's manual override function offers the flexibility for professionals to provide both compression-only or compression with rescue breathing, to suit the situation. It also allows the user to switch over from one to the other quickly and easily, giving the user the comfort and flexibility to deliver emergency care in the most appropriate way.

Ian Couldwell, product manager for Martek Medical, said: "The Lifeline PRO uses unique pre-charge technology to allow it to be charged and ready to deliver a shock in less than 4 seconds – the quickest charge to shock time of any defibrillator on the market. It is purpose designed for the professional, with a range of innovative features and the flexibility to deliver emergency care in the most appropriate way possible.

"We are really excited about how this AED will further enhance the service provided by professionals within the healthcare and medical sector."

The Lifeline range of AEDs has won a number of industry awards for design and innovation including twice winning the Medical Design Excellence Award (MDES).

Martek were introduced to the Lifeline AED in 2006 by Defibtech USA, who are leaders in the field of AEDs. Martek went on to secure exclusive distribution rights for the Lifeline AED in the UK market and has gone on to add more industry leading products to the range.

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News: Martek delivers complex export order

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry, has delivered an emissions monitoring system so unique that no other company was even willing to quote for the project.

The export deal sees the most sophisticated emissions monitoring systems ever built for marine use fitted inside the world's largest Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) being built by DSME (Daewoo). The £280m, 173,400m3 vessel, which can also function as an LNG carrier, is due for delivery in May 2014 when it will be deployed in Brazil. An FSRU is used out at sea to bring liquified natural gas back to ambient temperature and pressure before it is exported to shore through pipelines.

The equipment monitors eight different types of emissions, meeting maritime regulations and reducing a vessel's fuel consumption and impact on the environment. Martek expects to supply more complex systems in the future as the European Union pushes for emissions monitoring legislation for the maritime industry.

Steve Austwick, project manager at Martek Marine, said: "This is the biggest and most complex system ever built in the marine industry. The fact that no other supplier was prepared to take on this project underpins our position as the market leader."

Manvers-based Martek supplies companies all over the world and estimates that it has ship engine emission system design experience spanning over 600 engines.

Martek is also building a large scale, bespoke gas monitoring system for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) for Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in South Korea, which will be delivered for use by one of the major oil companies operating in the North Sea.

The system was commissioned to continuously sample and monitor gas emissions in a total of 60 ballast tanks and void spaces throughout the vessel.

Phil Riggs, project engineering manager at Martek Marine, said: "This project has presented a unique challenge as this has never been done before on this size and scale. The system is completely bespoke for this project, requiring non-standard components and a re-design of our standard arrangement."

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News: Martek continues to have success overseas

Rotherham company, Martek Marine, one of the world leaders in the supply of safety and environmental monitoring systems for the shipping industry, has supplied 125 Navgard Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS) to Tidewater's fleet on the coast of Africa, in a significant six figure contract.

Based in Manvers, Martek designed its Navguard BNWAS to monitor bridge activity and detect any operator disability that could lead to shipping accidents. The system monitors the awareness of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts other staff if for any reason, the OOW becomes incapable of performing duties through an accident, sickness or even a security breach such as piracy or hijacking.

Tidewater has the largest fleet of offshore vessels providing marine support services to the oil and gas industry, transporting crews and supplies to rigs around the world.

Navguard is the only system available which has type-approval from all major classification societies and will be retrofitted to Tidewater's African fleet.

Martek started the installation project by training the fleet's engineers while the first few vessels were in dry dock in Las Palmas. The Tidewater engineers were quickly happy with the simplicity of the installation, at which point Martek simply supplied the equipment for the engineers to continue the installation – saving them thousands of dollars and not interrupting the vessels' operations.

Lyall Smith, regional technical manager at Tidewater, said: "After some consideration, I chose Navgard for our African fleet of offshore support vessels because the system had no hidden costs – our own engineers fitted them, the installation did not disrupt our operations at all, it already had type approval under ABS and all our flag states, including USCG and Martek were able to obtain blanket plan approval quickly and at very little cost."

Exporting to over 80 countries, Martek has a turnover of around £10m and recently sailed through the £1m profit barrier. Other innovative products include defibrillators, monitoring systems, electronic chart displays and a gas callibration system. The latest product to launch is the portable water testing kit, Drinksafe.

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