News: Taylor Emmet opens new Rotherham office

Leading law firm Taylor Emmet has officially opened its new office at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre, bringing trusted legal expertise closer to individuals and families across Rotherham.

The new Rotherham office will provide access to a comprehensive range of legal services for individuals and businesses, including Family Law, Child Care matters, Conveyancing, Wills and Probate, Personal Injury and Medical Negligence.

Whether clients are planning for the future, navigating a significant life change or seeking expert advice following an unexpected event, the firm’s experienced solicitors are on hand to help.

At Taylor Emmet, everything is guided by one aim - to provide legal advice that supports and protects clients and their families, delivering total peace of mind. The firm recognises that legal matters can feel daunting, particularly during life’s most important or challenging moments. Its approach focuses on removing unnecessary complexity, communicating in clear, straightforward language and ensuring clients are kept fully informed at every stage.

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Understanding that no two situations are the same, the team provides tailored advice designed around individual circumstances, offering practical and personalised solutions. From initial consultation through to final resolution, clients can expect a high level of commitment, care and professionalism.

The Rotherham office is led by a team who live and work locally, combining in-depth legal expertise with a genuine understanding of the community they serve. Clients can expect the same high standards of service, confidentiality and client care that Taylor Emmet is known for throughout South Yorkshire.

Michaela Evans, Partner at Taylor Emmet, said: "We are proud to officially open our new Rotherham office and to strengthen our presence within the local community. Rotherham has a strong identity and a growing business and residential population, and we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality legal advice to support individuals and families at every stage of life.

“Our focus has always been on delivering clear, practical advice with a personal approach. The new Rotherham office allows us to build even closer relationships within the community and ensure people can access the legal support they need, right on their doorstep.”

On the edge of Rotherham town centre Moorgate Crofts Business Centre is a state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly building providing managed small office business units. It is operated by RiDO, part of Rotherham Council, alongside Century Business Centre and Century 2, Fusion@Magna and Matrix@Dinnington.

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News: A further £893,000 for Rotherham Children's Capital of Culture

Rotherham Council has selected which regeneration projects and programmes are to receive funding over the next few years, including the Children’s Capital of Culture idea, extending business support schemes and addressing funding gaps in projects aiming to boost the visitor and leisure economy.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a Government-allocated fund which is intended to reduce inequalities between communities, as part of the Government’s wider “levelling up” agenda. Rotherham is set to recieve £6.4m for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The borough's allocation of £7.2m over three years from April 2022 is a figure much less than the borough has previously used for regeneration through European Union funding pots.

The funding will be used to deliver against Rotherham Partnership priorities and commitments and also ensure that a number of projects previously funded through the European Structural Funds can continue.

With £1.6m, startup support through the Launchpad scheme is set to continue thanks to UKSPF funds, as well as other sub regional schemes addressing productivity and reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

In Rotherham , Rotherham’s business centres are set for a £235,000 upgrade to enhance the offer, including creating co-working space at Moorgate Crofts. £200,000 has also been allocated for a small grants programme for rural businesses.

Building on Rotherham Council's social value efforts, £235,000 has been allocated to "coordinate and enhance social value activity, focused on increasing local spend through anchor organisations’ procurement activity."

One of the largest allocations is just over £1m to support the delivery of capital schemes across Rotherham as shortfalls have been identified at Gulliver's Valley, Wentworth Woodhouse and Maltby Learning Trust - projects that were part of the successful bid for £19.9m from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

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The Children’s Capital of Culture programme has been allocated two pots.

Rotherham is branding itself as the world's first Children's Capital of Culture in 2025. The move is part of a cultural strategy with an action that is described as highlighting Rotherham as "a place people want to visit, where everyone can enjoy Rotherham through the eyes, ears and actions of children and young people."

£421,502 is set to extend and expand the traineeship programme that was previously funded by the Government's Community Renewal Fund.

A further £471,664 has been allocated as investment in existing and new events and festivals across the borough linked to Children’s Capital of Culture, "building capacity in community organisations and groups and creating more resilient models for grass roots programmes."

This should complement the £280,000 allocation as additional funding to deliver a regular programme of events in the town centre to increase footfall.

To support employment in the borough, a £1,291,013 allocation will go to four projects "covering the journey from initial engagement with those hardest to reach, through to sustainable employment and career progression."

Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to approve the allocations before they go in front of SYMCA’s local partnership group,

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News: Expanding Rotherham IT firm is well connected

An expanding Rotherham-based software development company, which has pioneered new ground-breaking technology to protect members of staff in the workplace during emergency evacuations, has launched a new South East division.

Founded in 2015 by experienced software engineers Paul Chatwin and Andy Ford who drew on their extensive development expertise to launch a new range of products which support businesses with large numbers of staff.

The enterprise moved into RiDO's Moorgate Crofts in 2016 and has been responsible for pioneering "Roll Call" – a unique and ground-breaking software system designed to protect employees during emergency evacuations.

Just ten months after launching the business, Connected Data Solutions moved into one of the centre's dedicated business incubation units. It proved to be an ideal platform to grow the business further and within just four months, the firm had outgrown its first unit and was ready to recruit additional members of staff. With further contracts and a doubling in employee numbers, Connected Data Solutions relocated to a larger unit.

Andy Ford, co-founder, Connected Data Solutions said: "We were keen to find premises which could not only provide us with a platform to grow our business, but crucially also helped us to access business support. Working in Moorgate Crofts is like being a part of a community; everyone supports each other and there is an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise within the building. The building had everything we needed and we knew that it would not only support our short term goals, but also had great facilities to help us grow the business.

"Like many new entrepreneurs we were unsure how quickly the business would grow. The flexible leasing terms offered at Moorgate Crofts has enabled us to source office space which suits our needs, and as we have recruited additional members of staff, we've been able to move to larger units without the added hassle of changing our telephone numbers or address."

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Amanda Parris at RiDO, added: "Connected Data Solutions has enjoyed rapid growth over the past three years and with a number of exciting projects in the pipeline the business has a very bright future. It was very clear from an early stage that it was equally important for the business to be able to find the right business support, as well as sourcing suitable premises. We have helped the company to access specialist support from the RiDO business support team as well as specialist help from the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.

"At RiDO we understand no new business owner has a crystal ball and the needs of a company can change rapidly. The flexible leasing terms we offer enables companies to relocate to larger units without the stress and costs of relocating to new business premises."

The company's new South East division will operate from Whitstable, Kent and create up to five new jobs. The centre will be used to support the company's growing national portfolio of clients which includes 3M and Epson as well as providing additional capacity as the company continues to invest in developing its own range of products.

In addition to producing its own range of products, Connected Data Solutions also acts as a delivery partner for the global software developer Kronos, a leading developer of workforce management software.

Paul Chatwin, director at Connected Data Solutions, said: "Launching a new South East division for the business is an important part of our future growth plans. I grew up in the area and felt Whitstable offered an excellent platform to continue growing our business.

"Since launching the business, we have developed a national client base, and our Roll Call software, the result of more than a decade of research and development is helping to ensure companies with large numbers of employees are accounted for quickly during emergency evacuations.

"We're at a very exciting time in our business journey and with a number of new products currently in development, our new office will support our operations in South Yorkshire and we are planning to create a number of new positions within both locations."

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News: Marketing expert stocks inspirational products

Rotherham-based businesswoman, Jackie Cook has become a UK stockist for Leaders in Heels products which stem from an Australian concept created to nurture, inspire and empower women.

With an online community, Leaders in Heels design inspirational stationery to help women develop habits of successful leaders and to encourage them to go after their dreams and make their mark on the world.

Based at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre, Jackie set up CQ Strategic Marketing offering a full range of marketing services alongside marketing training, coaching and mentoring.

Jackie Cook, managing director and founder of CQ Strategic Marketing and CQ Marketing Academy, said: "I am delighted to promote the Leaders in Heels brand in the UK, these products have helped me identify my goals and develop actions plans to achieve success both personally and professionally, keeping me focused and positive on a day-to-day basis.

"With all the media attention on the gender pay gap I see these products as great tools to support other business women, who frequently have "imposter syndrome" and listen too much to their "inner critic" instead of believing in themselves and pursuing their dreams.

"I work in the still very male-dominated sector of manufacturing and engineering, according to the latest report from Engineering UK only 12% of those working in engineering are female. The sector has a large skills shortage with the industry needing 203,000 people with Level 3+ engineering skills every year to meet demand through to 2024. Many of my clients are facing this issue on a day to day basis struggling to hire the skills they need, with many of them reintroducing apprenticeship schemes to develop the skills required in-house."

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Kasia Gospos, founder of Leaders in Heels, added: "I created the Leaders in Heels Manifesto to bring to life the main qualities that make you a Leader in Heels, successful and good at what you do in your daily life – moving up the corporate ladder, turning passion to profit and empowering other women to also reach their potential.

"Leaders in Heels content, stationery, e-books and events are inspired by our manifesto – a set of ideas and traits exemplified by the dynamic and successful women in the community. Through our work we strive to encourage women to follow their passion, be creative and innovative in their lives, feel confident and determined in their endeavours and to maintain a kind heart on the path to success."

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News: Moorhead Savage acquired by Graywoods

Leading Rotherham insolvency practice Moorhead Savage has been acquired by Sheffield's newest insolvency firm, Graywoods in a move that will offer expanded business turnaround and recovery services throughout the region and nationally.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, the award-winning firm is headed by Paul Moorhead who leads a team offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Graywoods was formed recently when business partners Deborah Lockwood and Adrian Graham left Begbies Traynor after five years. They had previously established Sheffield insolvency practice Hamiltons in 1999.

The acquisition by Graywoods, for an undisclosed sum, takes effect immediately, providing enhanced services to businesses across Yorkshire and beyond.

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Deborah Lockwood, director at Graywoods, said: "This is a great fit for both firms and comes at an exciting time for Graywoods as we cement our position as an independent insolvency practice with clients across the UK.

"This strategic alliance will bring real benefits for all our clients and we are looking forward to working with Moorhead Savage and its founder Paul Moorhead."

Fellow director Adrian Graham added: "This new team will help maximise our potential to offer support and guidance to the business community and will certainly create a much stronger brand as we continue our planned expansion in the months and years to come.

"The timing is perfect for ourselves, the City Region and for our full network of clients who we are confident will all enjoy enhanced levels of service as a result of this exciting new venture."

Dr Paul Moorhead of Moorhead Savage (pictured, left), added: "Moorhead Savage has grown consistently in a tough market and the time is right to join forces with Graywoods as we plan for a bright future.

"Graywoods and Moorhead Savage share the same ethos and approach to helping clients overcome financial problems and both firms will benefit from working together as we share expertise and resources to provide the best possible service to clients."

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News: Collaboration for Korean startups

Rotherham firms have been offering advice and support to new business startups from South Korea that are taking part in an innovative accelerator programme hosted by the borough.

Following a successful trade mission, five companies have now invested in the region, bringing remarkable new products to market. After receiving initial support from the South Korean Government, they are being housed in one of Rotherham's four enterprise centres run by RiDO, the Council's regeneration arm.

Based at Moorgate Crofts Businesses Centre, the five companies have teamed up with over 15 local businesses to help them gain an insight into the UK market. Through a number of workshops, mentoring sessions and knowledge exchange the South Korean companies are now much better informed on running a business in the UK.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, advisory cabinet member for Housing and the Local Environment at Rotherham Council, said: "Our local businesses have proven to be great ambassadors for Rotherham and the UK. They have all been extremely forthcoming in sharing their skills and knowledge which has been well received by the South Korean companies."

Town centre retailer Charlotte Scothern from Patchwork Pig has been passing on her wholesaler and customer experience with the "Daytripper" team who have come up with an innovative idea for the umbrella. Charlotte (pictured, right) said: "The Daytripper team have been wonderful to work with, they have great energy and enthusiasm for their product which would work well in the giftware and retail market."

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Local accountancy firm, Allotts, organised focus groups to enable Daytripper to develop the features of their new umbrella and led workshops to give advice on the legal requirements for operating a business in the UK. Jackie Saunders from Allotts said: "It's been an exciting new venture working with high tech businesses that are new to the region."

The "Ultimate Drone" team has been supported by Vertex Access, a Templeborough company, to help develop their first drone prototype. Vertex Access have shared their expertise in the market and enabled them to identify their customer segments and applications for the use of the drone.

Julia Millea for RiDO (pictured, second right) said: "We've being delighted by the response from local businesses to get involved, they have been very generous with their time and support, which has been one of the key successes of the programme. The teams received a warm welcome which has helped them to integrate into the business community."

"The South Korean Government is delighted by the teams' progress here in the UK and we hope to see at least three of the teams setting-up their business in the region over the coming months."

The Accelerator programme runs until mid-November with a final pitch day for investment being made on November 12.

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News: Summer time blues

Paul Moorhead of Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage, discusses the impacts that Summer holidays can have on a business.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham, Paul leads a team at Moorhead Savage offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul said: "The problem is pretty much the same one that businesses face at Christmas, the other time of the year when we are supposed to be enjoying ourselves.

"Some companies use the summer holiday period as an excuse not to pay people on time, which can have an added impact on an organisation already struggling with a cash flow problem.

"It's also a time of year when production slows down in many sectors because people are away and things don't move forward and quickly as they should.

"And people find that customers are ordering less, always a worry when orders are already lower than expected due to the on-going impact of the recession."

The response to any concerns should, Paul added, be both instant and positive.

"Don't let a summer holiday time cash flow crisis become a disaster in the autumn - the quicker you seek a solution to the problem the more likely there is to be a successful outcome," he said.

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News: New appointment for growing Human

A Rotherham company supporting individuals across South Yorkshire is preparing for future growth by offering a human approach to recruitment services.

Human Recruitment, which has an office in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre has an independent and ethical approach to recruitment and has recently made a key appointment itself in order to drive its own expansion ambitions.

Caroline Travis was appointed as a "plate-spinner extraordinaire" earlier this year. She joined the business after expressing an interest in a different role which was advertised on Human's website, but after being invited for an interview, founder of the business Amy Stephenson, created the unusual role.

With more than 20 years' experience, Caroline Travis will be responsible for working alongside businesses looking to recruit new members of staff, as well as overseeing Human's future growth.

For the past five years, Caroline has overseen the office management of a busy Sheffield-based recruitment company. She also benefits from significant experience of working in the retail, automotive and engineering sectors where she has been responsible for recruiting and managing staff for much of her career.

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Human Recruitment was launched in April 2013 by experienced recruitment professional Amy Stephenson and currently operates from its Rotherham-based headquarters as well as running a satellite office in Sheffield.

Since the business was launched, Human has pioneered a unique five point fingerprint designed to help companies secure appointments based upon identifying matching skill sets and personalities. The unique approach has helped Human to secure contracts with some of the region’s largest businesses working in the manufacturing and healthcare sectors and business founder Amy Stephenson believes Caroline will play a key role in the future growth of the company.

Amy Stephenson, founder Human Recruitment said: "From the outset, Human has always sought to challenge the negative perceptions of the recruitment industry. It's an approach that has seen the business flourish over the past two years. When I received Caroline's CV, I felt she had the relevant skills and experience to play a role in the future growth of the business.

"Caroline brings with her a strong background in the recruitment sector, but as a relatively small business, I recognised that she would play a number of different roles within the company and so the idea of "plate-spinner extraordinaire" was born. It's an unusual role which has been created at a very exciting time within the business and marks the beginning of what I hope will be significant expansion plans for Human."

Caroline Travis (pictured), added: "When I first contacted Human, I would never have imagined that I would be coming to work as a professional plate spinner! It's a very exciting and challenging role.

"I've spent most of my career helping businesses to make the right choices when it comes to recruiting members of staff and when Amy asked me if I would be interested in joining the company I didn't hesitate. Human is an inspirational company to work for, and I’m looking forward to being a part of its future growth plans."

Human Recruitment website

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News: Many Yorkshire companies still struggling warns expert

Leading financial expert and insolvency practitioner Paul Moorhead is warning that as many as one in four businesses across the region could still be struggling for survival.


The latest statistics from R3, the Association of Business Recovery Professionals, says that the levels of businesses showing signs of financial problems in the UK are at a record low, with few than a quarter of companies displaying the key indicators of distress.

But Paul, the founder of Rotherham-based insolvency and business turnaround company Moorhead Savage, says those figures cannot hide the fact that many businesses are still finding trading circumstances difficult as the economy emerges from recession.

"Signs of distress can mean several indicators, including decreased profits, falling sales volumes, a declining market share, regularly using a maximum overdraft facility or at worst, making employees redundant," Paul explained.

"The latest R3 figures state that fewer than a quarter of businesses are showing a combination of those factors and that each one of those indicators is at the lowest level since they started issuing these figures.

"The statistics obviously give reason for optimism among business owners but even though the economy is apparently improving, we are still seeing companies in distress.

"Looking at it from another perspective, what it actually means is that almost a quarter of businesses are still struggling and needing help and that means that as you walk along the average high street, every fourth business you walk past is facing problems."

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, Paul leads a team at Moorhead Savage offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul added, however, that there were still steps companies could take to avoid a crisis, even if they were showing all the indicators of business distress.

"The key to emerging from a crisis is always to seek advice as soon as possible," he said.

"If you are experiencing only one of the R3 distress indicators, that is the time to start talking, before the problem multiplies.

"And by seeking expert guidance there is every good chance that you will emerge unscathed and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future."

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News: Count on the election to create uncertainty

Paul Moorhead of Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage, is warning that uncertainty around the upcoming general election could send some businesses closer to a financial crisis.


Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham, Paul leads a team at Moorhead Savage offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul says that companies that depend on government contracts in particular could be badly affected over the next few weeks.

"Organisations working in that area may well already be having difficulty getting those contracts agreed and getting necessary funding in place, which could have a seriously detrimental effect in the long term," he said.

"Investment decisions are not being taken and people are generally being quite cautious about business in the run up to May 7.

"That uncertainty only grows when there is a possibility of a coalition and nobody can predict what form that coalition will take."

"But if businesses are being cautious with their cash and delaying buying new equipment, for instance, then there starts that whole serious knock on effect as the problem begins to spread and even when the election is out of the way it will still take quite a while for businesses to get back on track."

Paul added, though, that fears about cash flow needed to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

"My advice is always the same – seek help now when you can see the possibility of things going badly," he stressed.

"By making sure you have the best possible opportunity to manage the process and ensuring you have taken control of the situation before it becomes a crisis, the crisis should be avoided."

The growing firm has recently appointed Mark Watkin as partnership development manager.

A former financial advisor, Mark has spent many years working in the financial services sector and joins the team to raise the profile of the business by promoting the services across the region and building relationships with other professional organisations.

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News: Spring clean your family finances says expert Paul

Leading financial expert and insolvency practitioner Paul Moorhead, says people should think about spring cleaning their finances if they want to be cash healthy in time for summer.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre in Rotherham, Paul leads a team at Moorhead Savage offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

"This is a good time of the year for people to take a detailed look at their finances," says Paul.

"Although there are now very real signs of financial recovery in the air many families are still suffering the effects of recession and need to resolve those issues before looking forward to a financially secure future.

"People who perhaps lost their jobs in the past few years will have possibly spent their redundancy payment and now be eating into their savings and it's at this point that things can get tough.

"Even people who have found work might be finding that they are not earning as much as they used to and they are having to live on much less.

"And if they built up debt during their time without a job, that can be one more problem they don't want to tackle."

If it seems like too much of the household income is going on debt repayment, though, Paul says now is the time to act and seek professional advice.

"There are mechanisms available to reduce the amount you are paying, helping you to keep on top of the debt while at the same time leaving you enough to live on," Paul added.

"The truth is that debt is never a problem until it becomes unaffordable but when that happens it is vital to seek the right support.

"Bankruptcy does not need to be only solution and by seeking prompt advice you can find the right solution for your particular circumstances."

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News: KD Navien picks Rotherham for its UK HQ

South Korean multinational KD Navien has its sights set on the European market and has chosen Rotherham for its UK HQ.

The leading manufacturer of condensing boilers also plans to open training centres and a research and development (R&D) facility in the Sheffield city region. It was entering lease negotiations following a visit to a number of sites in the region and was looking to set up temporarily for the first two years. The potential is to relocate to the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

KD Navien leads the way in the development of eco-friendly and high efficiency energy equipment and has recently launched a boiler combining new condensing and IT technologies. This means users can adjust their boiler by smartphone anytime, anywhere.

The company is part of the KD group which has a turnover in excess of £4.6bn. KD Navien, the heating technology arm of the company, made $206m turnover in 2013 and is on target for $264m in 2014.

Rothbiz understands that the company was strongly considering London as a first option due to the Korean community, but have now decided on the Sheffield city region.

Progress has already been made in establishing a UK workforce in Rotherham with five employees in post and five more currently advertised.

Cllr. Dominic Beck, cabinet member for Business Growth and Regeneration at Rotherham Council, said: "It is great to see another multinational manufacturing company located in Rotherham, helping to build the town's growing reputation as a global centre for modern manufacturing and technology.

"With the world-class facilities we already have at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the headquarters of KD Navien in Moorgate Crofts will join our growing community of global businesses in the town and will help to boost further growth in the sector.

"This continues our ongoing efforts to create high value long-term sustainable jobs in Rotherham and retain our highest skilled people locally. It is important a modern economy is a well-balanced one that is able to provide employment opportunities for all."

James Newman, chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterpise Partnership (LEP), added: "I am delighted to welcome an international company of the calibre of KD Navien to our City Region.

"I am confident the company will continue to grow their business in the UK and use it as a springboard for European markets.

"The ambitious plans for a heating technology R&D facility complement our strengths in innovating new advanced manufacturing techniques."

Graham Parkes, UK representative for KD Navien (pictured, right), said: "There is an ambitious plan for growth with the goal to recruit up 100 employees and open training centres by 2017.

"In the UK we have two bases, the European HQ in London and the UK HQ in Sheffield City Region.

"The opportunity for growth is significant and we are confident we have the right products and support to take the UK by storm."

Founded in 1978, KD Navien (KyoungDong Navien) was responsible for launching Asia's first condensing technology in 1988 and the introduction of Korean-style condensing gas boilers in 1998. Operating the world's largest boiler manufacturing plant, with an annual manufacturing capacity of 1.5 million units, it is already the largest producer and exporter of boilers in Korea and aims to be the leading global boiler company by 2020.

KD Navien website

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News: Moorhead's crisis helpline tackles Christmas debt problems

Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage is again launching its popular annual Christmas debt helpline to provide support for people who fear what financial horrors the New Year might bring.

The cost of excessive Christmas spending could be a major New Year headache as households struggle to meet payments on heavy-laden credit cards and overdue loan demands.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, the award-winning firm is headed by Paul Moorhead who leads a team offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Paul, the founder of insolvency practice Moorhead Savage and the 2013 Corporate Insolvency Practitioner of the Year, said: "Even though there are real signs that the worst of the recession is over, it is easy to see why some people think that they should at least enjoy Christmas while they can.

"But taking on an increasing amount of unsecured debt or adding items to the credit card as a short term solution to a long term problem, simply to ensure a good Christmas is never a good idea.

"Don't let bills ruin the season because there are things you can do to help ease the situation and the first is simply to seek professional advice. Our debt helpline is open all the way through Christmas and the New Year on 01709 331 300 to ensure that people start 2015 with some hope for the future.

"No problem ever seems as bad once it is shared so don"t let debt spoil your family's Christmas."

The growing firm celebrated its fifth birthday this year, taking on three more staff in the process.

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News: Moorhead Savage appoints new business support manager

Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage has appointed a new business support manager as it looks ahead to further growth.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, the award-winning enterprise is headed by Paul Moorhead who leads a team offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Gaynor Goodman joins the company after spending almost 30 years with the Insolvency Service in Leeds, where she was latterly a deputy official receiver.

She has most recently completed her Masters in Business Administration at the University of Sheffield.

In her new post, Gaynor – who lives in Barnsley - will be developing new business for Moorhead Savage and working on the company's strategy for future growth.

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Paul Moorhead, managing director at Moorhead Savage, said: "Gaynor's vast experience, especially in the area of investigation, will add enormously to our skill set, particularly when we are dealing with complex cases and transactions.

"As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, this latest appointment shows that we are continuing to develop and grow stronger, providing vital support in helping businesses to find ways to survive and enjoy a more prosperous future.

"For all those companies that are still having a tough time the advice is always to seek expert advice right now because things are seldom as bad as they might seem and there really can be light at the end of the tunnel."

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News: Growth on the menu for Rotherham software enterprise

Innoemenu Ltd, a new software development business in Rotherham, is set to take the restaurant and takeaway market by storm with its revolutionary new technology designed to make the process of ordering and paying for food in restaurants and takeaways quicker and more efficient.

Established by Vijay Earamala, a former student and graduate entrepreneur from Sheffield Hallam University, the firm has secured a unit at RiDO's Moorgate Crofts Business Centre as part of the Soft Landing Zone project which has given him a professional base for his growing enterprise.

Managed by RiDO (Rotherham Investment Development Office), the project secured funding from Europe to assist Rotherham companies to explore potential international trade opportunities in addition to helping overseas companies establish a base here in the borough.

The company's e-menu solutions enables staff in restaurants, bars and cafes to take an order through a tablet, mobile phone or ipad, which is automatically transferred to the kitchen and cashier. The software can also be used on a tablet or touch screen devices by customers in a restaurant to select from a clearly detailed menu images, and to place their order themselves. Thirdly, the software can be used on mobile devices, enabling customers to pre-order before arriving or taking their table at the restaurant.

RiDO's business development co-ordinator Julia Millea has helped Vijay by carrying out research into the South Yorkshire market to identify opportunities with restaurant and takeaway businesses within Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster. Innoemenu has also benefited from start-up advice on the incorporation of the business from RiDO and with links to local business networks and suppliers that the company could potentially work with.

Vijay Earamal, owner of Innoemenu Ltd (pictured, left), said: "This is an exciting time for my business as I am about to launch my new software programme both in the South Yorkshire area and nationally. The support I've had from RiDO has been fantastic and has really set me off on the right track. As a result of the research, I will be able to directly target food outlets in the South Yorkshire area, which gives me a great start to growing my customer base and creating new employment opportunities."

Nathan Woodcock, business co-ordinator for RiDO's Soft Landing Zone (pictured, right), added: "Vijay was a perfect candidate for support through our Soft Landing Zone. He has been working on developing the software for several months and it is exciting now he is at a stage to go live with his innovative products."

Innoemenu website
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News: Moorhead Savage marks fifth birthday with new appointments

Rotherham insolvency practice, Moorhead Savage is celebrating its fifth anniversary by welcoming two new faces to the team.

Established in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre, the award-winning firm is headed by Paul Moorhead who leads a team offering high quality, professional, impartial and ethical help and debt advice to both companies and individuals.

Saira Final (pictured, left) joins the company as marketing executive after graduating from the University of Sheffield.

She will be developing the company's marketing tools, organising events and working on social media, including the creation of a new website.

Saira comes to Moorhead Savage as part of the RISE project, created to increase graduate employment in small and medium sized enterprises.

RISE is a collaboration between city partners, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University, The University of Sheffield and the private sector.

Paul Moorhead, managing director at Moorhead Savage, said: "We are delighted to welcome Saira to the team. We are particularly pleased to be part of RISE and although the scheme covers an initial six month period we will be looking at the possibility of making this a permanent appointment."

Saira is joined at Moorhead Savage by a new insolvency administrator Linda Norburn (pictured, right).

Linda started her career at the Official Receiver's Office and has had a long career in insolvency, most recently with Leeds insolvency practice Chamberlains.

Paul added: "As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, both these appointments show that we are continuing to develop and grow stronger.

"The past five years have been tough for many businesses and quite tough for the insolvency profession too because, contrary to popular belief, the number of businesses getting into difficulties and seeking help has been relatively low and certainly lower than were forecast at the start of the recession in 2009, which is when we launched.

"At Moorhead Savage, though, we do not want to see businesses failing and we have spent much of our time helping people to find ways to survive and grow into a more prosperous future.

"There will always be businesses that are simply not viable but for all those companies that are still having a tough time the advice is always to seek expert advice right now because things are seldom as bad as they might seem and there really can be light at the end of the tunnel."

Moorhead Savage website

Images: Moorhead Savage

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News: Businesses continue to thrive in Rotherham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: Rotherham insolvency expert sees signs of recovery

Rotherham insolvency expert Paul Moorhead says positive signs of recovery indicate that the economy is strengthening for both companies and individuals.

The latest official statistics from the Government's Insolvency Service show that the number of businesses being declared insolvent is down by 15.1 per cent in comparison with the same period last year, while quarterly statistics also show a decrease of 6.9 per cent.

Personal bankruptcy cases have also seen a 15.9 per cent decrease on the same period last year, though the number of people seeking Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) rose by 20.3 per cent in the last quarter.

Paul, the founder of insolvency practice Moorhead Savage and the 2013 Corporate Insolvency Practitioner of the Year, said: "The overall message is that the situation for companies is getting better and that there is finally some room for optimism in the business community.

"While debt is still a serious problem for many people, many individuals are more confident about the future, as they are entering into long term repayment plans with their creditors rather than simply declaring themselves bankrupt.

"It was not so long ago that people were assuming that the only way to resolve a debt problem was to go down the bankruptcy route but by seeking proper advice and not trying to avoid the issue there is usually a way forward that will satisfy all the interested parties.

"Even now the economy is showing signs of positive growth, the advice remains the same as ever – if you're concerned about debt issues, seek advice and support as soon as possible."

Moorhead Savage website

Images: Moorhead Savage

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News: Business Lounge suits growing Rotherham enterprises

A Business Lounge has been established at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre in Rotherham to provide greater opportunities for new and growing businesses to co-work and network in this purpose-designed workspace.

Moorgate Crofts is one of four purpose built centres operated by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO). On the edge of the town centre, 54 office units, ranging from 9 to 51 sq m in size, have now been joined by a professional meeting space with IT suite including high-spec computers with Adobe graphic design software, plus tea and coffee making facilities. The Business Lounge can be booked free of charge and is available for use by any business or start-up in the Rotherham area.

Amanda Parris, business centre manager for RiDO, said: "This is a really exciting opportunity for businesses to meet, network and we are hoping it will become a hub for stimulating new business relationships. We responded to demand from local entrepreneurs who were looking for a professional meeting space where they can grow their businesses and work together with other like-minded people."

Paul Tomes, managing director of The Expo People, based in Moorgate Crofts, said: "It's a great place to meet up with business contacts in a relaxed environment. It's useful to have access to the graphic design software too. I'm sure I'll be using the Business Lounge many times in the future."

The centres, which regularly exceed its own targets of 85% of businesses surviving at least three years, has seen a number of companies moving on after experiencing rapid growth and requiring much larger premises, as happened with renewable energy business, Energy Max UK.

Henry Walsh, managing director of Energy Max UK, said: "We had a great start to our business at Moorgate Crofts, with all the support we needed in those important early days. It gave our business the right image and impression and we liked its central location and flexible contract structure. After just over a year at Moorgate Crofts, we have expanded and moved into new premises to cater for our business growth. I would definitely recommend Moorgate Crofts to any new or growing business."

The new Business Lounge was funded thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which RiDO also utilises to help local firms to expand internationally through the Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project.

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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News: Horbury Group secures £6m to support growth

Rotherham construction specialist, The Horbury Group has secured a £6m funding package from HSBC to support growth and help the company bid for larger contracts.

From its headquarters in the Moorgate area, the group combines a number of subsidiaries that specialise in areas including joinery, ceilings, dry lining, health and safety training, and recruitment.

The funding has been provided by HSBC's Yorkshire Corporate team in a deal managed by Guy Rothery. The company will use the finance to help drive growth as the recovery in the construction industry continues, enabling it to tend for larger, and a greater quantity of, projects. Horbury Group said it has seen improvement in demand for its core trade products of dry wall, ceilings, partitions, flooring and joinery.

The Horbury Group, which formed in Sheffield in 1993 as Horbury Building Systems, has gone from strength-to-strength over recent years, increasing its turnover from £1.4m in its first year to over £50m today.

Subsidiaries have worked on a range of high profile projects including the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and The Co-operative's headquarters in Manchester, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and the City Lofts development in St Paul's Place in Sheffield.

Horbury Building Systems Ltd was recently amongst the winners of this year's Federation of Plastering and Drywall Contractors Plaisterers' Awards for its £7m work on the plasterboard lined and skimmed, eleven storey high, circular atrium at Birmingham's iconic new library (pictured).

Trevor Wragg, founder and chief executive of Horbury Group, said: "We identified a number of growth opportunities as part of a recent strategic review and this funding will enable us to pursue these. The construction market certainly went through some difficult times but it has strengthened in recent months and confidence appears to have returned.

"We opened two new offices last year, in London and the South West, to meet clients' needs in those markets and we are confident of continued growth this year."

Mike Swift, deputy head of corporate for the Yorkshire region at HSBC, added: "Successful mid-market companies such as Horbury Group are vital in driving the Yorkshire, and wider UK economy, forward, particularly in a sector such as construction. The company showed strong management and resilience during the downturn and is now demonstrating its ambition with its growth strategy."

Guy Rothery, corporate banking manager at HSBC, concluded: "We are delighted to have been able to work with Horbury Group management over a period of time to enable the release of greater working capital facilities to support the growing demand for Horbury's services in the new build construction market. We look forward to working alongside them for many years in support of the Board's strategic objectives."

Horbury Group website
HSBC website

Images: Horbury / Mecanoo Architects

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