News: Haulage operators receive £3.75m funding to drive growth

Yorkshire-based, TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire (STH), have received a £3.75m funding package from NatWest to support their ongoing expansion and strengthen their operations across Leeds and Rotherham.

Operating locally since 1968, the family run businesses specialise in haulage, warehousing, logistics and truck hire needs, tailoring services to offer both short and long term rentals. The funding—comprising a £2.75m Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance (RBSIF) facility and a £1m loan—will be used to purchase additional premises, boosting capacity and storage space to meet increasing customer demand.

STH provides a comprehensive range of services including commercial vehicle management, contract hire, maintenance, breakdown support, and long-term rentals. TSL Vanguard complements this offering with general haulage and warehousing services.

The acquisition of additional premises will support the businesses’ long term growth through greater capacity to extend their fleet and diversify service offerings, which currently include the operation of more than 1,000 trailers. This expansion will also allow more specialist roles to be brought in-house, reducing dependency on third parties and creating new employment opportunities in both Leeds and Holmes in Rotherham.

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Mark Liversidge, Managing Director at Specialist Trailer Hire, commented: “Securing this funding marks a significant milestone for both TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire. We’re excited about the opportunities this creates, both for our team and our customers, as ultimately the funding will enable us to invest in the space and infrastructure required for continued growth.

“We’ve had a great relationship with NatWest for years now and we’re looking forward to the future."

Mark Forsyth, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “As longstanding customers, we’re proud to support TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire with a funding package that will enable them to scale their operations and invest in long-term growth.

Both businesses have a strong track record and a clear vision for the future, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work together and helping to enable their continued growth within the region, whether that’s through funding packages or the specialist knowledge, networks and expertise we can offer for businesses”.

Both companies are committed to environmental responsibility and evolving to meet the demands of the modern environment, with ongoing investment in fleet upgrades to reduce emissions. TSL Vanguard and STH are accredited by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which sets safety and efficiency standards within the transport operations industry, recognising fleet performance in key areas such as environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency.

The funding represents a significant step toward achieving the group’s long-term ambition of maintaining a strong position within the haulage and logistics market while expanding operational capabilities to meet future demands.

STH website
TSL Vanguard website

Images: STH

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News: Signs are that NatWest are taking Rotherham call centre building

NatWest, the major UK-based retail and commercial bank, appears to be taking on a vacant building in the Manvers area of Rotherham.

A planning application has recently been approved for new signage at Callflex Business Park showing that the company intends to use Unit 6, also known as Discovery House.

Recruitment for Customer Service Advisors based in the building began in February after refurbishment completed last year.

NatWest took on the large Cyan Building at Adwick Park in Manvers in 2007 when RBS Group plc, now known as NatWest Group plc, moved their Lombard business across Rotherham.

Lombard is one of the UK's leading asset finance providers and started out as the North Central Wagon and Finance Company in Rotherham in 1861.

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Unit 6 at Callflex is 33,822 sq ft and was previously used as a call centre by the The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Rothbiz reported in 2022 that at least 1,000 jobs were at risk over DWP's planned closure of 13 processing sites, including Rotherham.

Records indicate that Ashfield District Council operates the Callflex building as an investment property.

Also at Manvers, the Concentrix Call Centre at Adwick Park has been put up for sale as an investment.

At 62,652 sq ft over two floors on a 4.95 acre site, there is car parking either side of the building providing 440 car spaces.

The property is let on an FRI lease to Telecom Service Centres Ltd (TCS). The lease was re-geared last year on a ten year term from March 2024 at £430,000 per annum with a tenant option to break March 2029. TCS has been in occupation since 1999.

Concentrix Corporation is based in the United States with operations around the world, including the UK business entity, Telecom Service Centres Ltd. It has previously operated under the name, Webhelp. Concentrix set out plans in 2023 to buy Paris-based outsourcing and consultancy firm Webhelp in a $4.8 billion deal.

AP Investment and Andrew Dixon & Company are marketing the Manvers property for sale having been instructed to seek offers in excess of £4m.

Images: AP Investment / Knight Frank

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News: Directors in the driving seat at Rotherham-based tour operator

The management team of escorted coach tours company Leger Shearings Group (LSG) have acquired an additional stake in the business following an eight-figure funding deal with NatWest.

The deal sees LSG’s CEO Liam Race, CFO Andy Oldfield and CPO Chris Plummer become majority shareholders of the group which provides escorted coach tours across the UK and Europe. The transaction has enabled the management team to move from their previous minority position as they look to drive the business forward. The additional shareholding was acquired from Ian and Kathleen Henry who will continue to hold a minority shareholding and Ian Henry will serve as non-executive chairman of LSG.

Canklow-based LSG, which has over 200 employees, provided tours to more than 100,000 customers in 2023.

Since the initial MBO in 2019, which saw management obtain a 30% stake in the business, the company has more than doubled in size, with Leger Holidays’ acquisition of the assets of former competitor Shearings in 2020 credited with aiding the growth. The acquisition led to the formation of Leger Shearings Group. Turnover in 2023 was £83m.

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CEO Liam Race, said: “This is a very exciting time for Leger Shearings Group. We made a bold move acquiring the iconic Shearings brand and its assets in lockdown 2020, after its parent company entered administration, but it has certainly paid off. The business has delivered consistent profit growth since the pandemic recovery and we are expecting to exceed last year’s record breaking profit year with another record year for 2024.

“We have a fantastic relationship with the team at NatWest who understand the needs of the business and are committed to helping us reach our strategic goals. Their support has been invaluable over the years.”

Ian Henry, non-executive chairman of Leger Shearings Group, said: “Liam, Andy and Chris have a great vision for the future of the business, and I wish them every success as they move forward.”

Andy Croasdell, Relationship Director NatWest, said: “LSG are moving forward with exciting plans that should enable the business to achieve future profitable growth. We have a long-standing relationship with the business, working beside a first-class management team who navigated the business through an extremely challenging period during the Covid pandemic and, in more recent times, have delivered significant volume and service expertise to a loyal customer base.”

Andrew Gore, Director Credit Delivery at NatWest, added: “We are delighted to support this next phase and will look to continue our support to Liam and his team as they explore new opportunities for business growth.”

The deal was brokered by Whitehart Associates and KPMG for the business. Squire Patton Boggs (Tom Telford and Elysia Watts) provided legal advice to NatWest.

Leger Shearings Group website

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News: Plans drafted for new banking hub in Rotherham

Plans are progressing to reintroduce community banking services in the Rotherham town of Dinnington.

Rothbiz reported in February that LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, announced the addition of a new banking hub in the town. The announcement followed a request from former MP, Alexander Stafford.

The hubs are dedicated places where communities can access everyday personal and business banking services, such as withdrawing and depositing cash easily, or paying in cheques, over the counter. Owned by Cash Access UK, funded by the banks, and run by the Post Office, they're a way of bringing back banking to the people and areas that need it.

Dinnington has been left without a major High Street bank since the closure of HSBC and NatWest.

A planning application has now been submitted by Cash Access UK Limited for new signage at 31-33 Laughton Road.

The former Lloyds Pharmacy is sitauted opposite to the Aldi supermarket and markets area that is due to undergo an £11m regeneration project.

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To date, LINK has recommended over 100 banking hubs, including ones in Wath, Rossington and Thorne. There are currently 34 banking hubs up and running across the UK, with dozens more set to open in the coming months.

Each Banking Hub has a counter operated by the Post Office where customers can access services such as paying in cash and cheques, withdrawing cash and paying bills.

Representatives, called community bankers, from the major banks, inlcuding NatWest and HSBC, are available on different days but availability will vary for each hub based on local demand.

Building work is underway on the 23,500 sq ft unit but no opening date has been given.

In Wath, a temporary banking hub has been created at Montgomery Hall on Church Street.

Cash Access website

Images: MJB Commercial Property

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News: Rotherham mattress firm bounces into expansion with NatWest support

Leading e-commerce firm, MattressOnline, has announced plans to open up to three new retail premises over the next year, fuelled by a six-figure funding package provided by NatWest.

The Rotherham-based company, which celebrated their 20 year anniversary in December, is set to expand across Yorkshire marking a significant milestone in their journey and creating up to 30 new jobs. Operating for two decades with a strong emphasis on technology, MattressOnline has established itself as a pioneering force in the e-commerce landscape as the first to bring next day delivery to the mainstream. The decision to adopt a bricks-and-mortar retail arm represents a strategic shift that defies conventional trends and offers valuable insights into the future of the British high street.

With an annual revenue of nearly £30m, the Aldwarke company has made a notable impact in the digital sphere after founder and CEO Steve Adams identified a gap in the market for customers looking to buy a mattress without testing it first. The addition of physical stores in Skipton, Sheffield and Rotherham along with the recent opening in Doncaster underscores the company’s ambitions for enhancing customer accessibility and shopping experience.

This expansion is expected to create between 15-30 new jobs, further contributing to economic growth and employment in the region, with the company leadership envisioning a strong and sustainable approach to business characterised by their persistent innovation and approach to social responsibility.

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MattressOnline has remained dedicated to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The company operates a not-for-profit mattress recycling programme and has, to date, taken 120,000 mattresses out of landfill, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

Steve Adams, CEO of MattressOnline, said: “This expansion in our retail operation aligns with our mission to provide exceptional service and convenience to our customers while maintaining our positive contribution to the local economy and environment.”

“We’re delighted to have partnered with Aaron and the team at NatWest Corporate Banking as we embark on this new chapter of our business journey. Their understanding of our growth ambitions, diligent advice and professional approach to the transaction gave us confidence in the decision to choose them. I look forward to the long term partnership we’ll be building on.”

Aaron Carter, Relationship Director at NatWest, added: "We are proud to be supporting MattressOnline with their retail expansion. As a company, they have consistently innovated and we look forward to supporting their continued success. This investment will have a positive impact on the surround economy and communities they operate in across Yorkshire .”

BHP Deal Advisory acted as lead advisor for MattressOnline on this transaction and introduced NatWest to the opportunity. John Longstaff, Director, said: "MattressOnline is a high-quality business with a clear strategy for growth. We are delighted to have advised Steve and the wider team on this deal and in NatWest believe the business has secured an excellent long-term banking partner.”

MattressOnline website

Images: NatWest

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News: Dinnington recommended for new banking hub

LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, has announced that residents and businesses in Dinnington, Rotherham could soon find it easier to access banking services thanks to the addition of a new banking hub in the town. The announcement follows a request from local MP, Alexander Stafford.

The hubs are dedicated places where communities can access everyday personal and business banking services, such as withdrawing and depositing cash easily, or paying in cheques, over the counter. Owned by Cash Access UK, funded by the banks, and run by the Post Office, they're a way of bringing back banking to the people and areas that need it.

Dinnington has been left without a major High Street bank since the closure of HSBC and NatWest.

Rothbiz reported last year that Wath is set to get a new banking hub after it too suffered a similar fate.

Banking hubs can be recommended by LINK through a community request or following the announcement of the closure of the bank branch in a location. Successful recommendations are determined by several factors including the number of shops in the area, demographics, and proximity to other banking services.

To date, LINK has recommended over 100 banking hubs, including ones in Rossington and Thorne. There are currently 34 banking hubs up and running across the UK, with dozens more set to open in the coming months.

Representatives form the major banks, inlcuding NatWest and HSBC, are available on different days but availability will vary for each hub based on local demand.

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Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said: “I am delighted that banking services will return to Dinnington though the banking hub. I have been working with LINK and Cash Access UK to make sure that customers, businesses and all residents can have access to the banking services they need. I will never stop fighting for those in my area to be able to access the services they need, when they need it. This banking hub, alongside the £12m to rejuvenate the high street given to us by the Government, will do a world of good towards that goal.”

Cllr. Julz Hall, who represents the Dinnington ward, said: "As a local business owner, I am thrilled that we have secured a banking hub for our area. This will give people a reason to visit our high street and I really hope it will encourage them to buy coffee from an independent café and visit some of our shops while they are here. We also have huge potential for new businesses to set up here when the new units are completed, and access to cash will be a big positive for them. I am really excited about this new development."

Over the next few weeks, Cash Access UK will begin to engage with the local community and will start to look for potential sites. The hub will likely open in 12 months’ time.

Nick Quin, Head of Financial Inclusion LINK, said: “We’re very pleased to recommend a new hub in Dinnington. There are millions of people in the UK who are not ready to go cashless and prefer to conduct their banking face-to-face. If a community believes that it needs additional cash services, they can contact LINK directly and we can assess whether we can recommend new services such as a cash machine or banking hub.”

Cash Access UK website
LINK website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham-based tape manufacturer earning the support of boxing royalty

Empire Tapes, a British tape manufacturing business supplying customers across the globe with a varied selection of tapes, has secured £4m investment from NatWest to help grow the new sports tape sector of the business.

Founded in 1993 and with its base at Manvers in Rotherham, Empire Tapes are manufacturers, rewinders and converters of adhesive tape.

In 2017, the company diversified into the sports tapes space, focusing on the tape used to wrap boxers’ hands and secure their gloves during training and for competitive fights. The company’s Glove tape has a unique design which is waterproof and therefore stays intact during long sessions. In fact, the tape is so effective that there hasn’t yet been a stoppage to fix loose tape during a match where Empire’s tape was being used.

The tape further increased in popularity after it was endorsed by Lineal and WBC World Heavyweight Champion, Tyson Fury, helping to secure its status in the industry.

The sport sector is an important area of growth for Empire Tapes and the team have also launched their own range of boxing equipment and other products. Their training Boxing Gloves are the first non-competitive gloves to be sanctioned by the British Board of Boxing Control in the history of the sport. The funding from NatWest will support the business to progress these plans and help take the brand to a global audience.

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Mark Putwain, Finance Director at Empire Tapes, said: “We’re excited to be continuing to grow the sports sector of our business with help from NatWest. The support we have received so far has been invaluable in helping us move towards achieving our business growth goals and we are grateful to them for sharing our vision of the future for Empire Tapes.

“Since the beginning of our relationship, the NatWest team completely understood where we wanted to take the business in the next chapter for Empire Tapes and were truly excited about our plans. Their enthusiasm has helped drive us in recent years and pushed us towards our growth goals."

Liam Douglas, Relationship Director at NatWest, said: “At NatWest we’re passionate about supporting businesses who have a unique and ambitious vision for the future and helping them achieve their business goals. Empire Tapes is one of those businesses and we’re excited to be part of their journey as they diversify into a new sector. It’s great to see them gain support from industry greats like Tyson Fury and we look forward to seeing where this part of the business goes next.”

Reccomended reading: From Side Hustle to Main Income: Strategies for Success in the Digital Marketplace

Empire Tapes was started by Dean Sherriff and boosted by the addition of business partner, Mark Stanley, in 1997, leading to significant growth over the years. New members were added to the team that bring different levels of expertise. They are now one of the largest UK based tapes wholesalers, specialising in a wide range of tapes from masking tape, paper tape, cloth, aluminium & foam tapes. The company’s product range is vast, catering for its customers’ and varied requirements.

Empire Tapes website

Images: Tyson Fury / X

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News: NatWest confirm closure of another Rotherham branch

NatWest will be left with just one branch in the whole of the borough after the group announced the closure of another Rotherham bank - scheduled for later this year.

The group, formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), was until last year majority-owned by the government - a throwback to the £45bn bailout during the 2008 financial crisis.

Since then, and with customers choosing to do their everyday banking online or on mobile, NatWest has closed its branches on Corporation Street in the town centre and in Dinnington, which now has no major High Street bank.

The latest announcement is for the closure of NatWest's Wickersley branch.

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A statement from NatWest said: "With the ease of mobile and online banking fewer people are coming into the bank. This means we’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open. So, we want to make sure that we keep the branches people are using most.

"We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone. We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches."

NatWest said that the Bawtry Road branch saw counter transactions for personal customers decrease by 62% comparing January 2019 and January 2023. In 2022, 62% of personal customers using the branch also chose to use Online Banking or a mobile app.

NatWest added that the branch was used by six personal customers and 182 business customers on a regular basis in 2022.

The Wickersley branch is closing on October 17 2023.

The closure will leave just the town centre branch on Effingham Street. Other nearby branches are in Mexborough, Doncaster, and Crystal Peaks, Attercliffe and the city centre in Sheffield. Post Offices are also able to process some banking transactions.

NatWest website

Images: Google Maps

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News: NatWest spots SBD Apparel with £7.2m for Rotherham move

SBD Apparel Ltd has secured a multi-million-pound funding package with NatWest to support the opening of its new manufacturing headquarters in Rotherham.

SBD Apparel is a world-renowned sports brand manufacturing premium performance clothing and strength supports which are worn by elite strength and fitness athletes across the world. It is well known for its affiliation with the World Strongest Man competition.

Having moved its offices and warehouses closer to its main factory in Rotherham five years ago, SBD has expanded its workforce from four to 125 staff. Its new 100,000 sqft development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham has recently been completed.

The financial backing from the £7.2m bilateral NatWest term loan, coupled with £1.5m of grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, has enabled SBD to develop its new purpose-built headquarters that includes a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, creative centre, employee canteen and gym. The new site will ensure SBD significantly increases its manufacturing output to meet the growing global demand for its market leading products.

Founded by former British powerlifting athlete, Benjamin Banks in 2013, currently retails in over 46 countries globally and has 125 employees. SBD also sponsors hundreds of professional strongmen, powerlifting, weightlifting and CrossFit athletes. The world’s top 24 powerlifting athletes will complete at SBD’s Powerlifting Championships being held at the Sheffield City Hall on March 25 2023.

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The opening of the new site will support the creation of over 200 new jobs over a five-year period. SBD is collaborating with local schools, colleges and universities to offer routes into the industry within the local community.

SammyJo Gaunt, Group HR Manager, SBD Apparel said “We are excited to open our new manufacturing site in the Sheffield City Region, a vibrant city that is at the heart of the UK’s manufacturing industry.

This growth represents a significant move for our business as we continue to execute our global strategy, producing world leading strength supports, clothing and accessories. We are extremely grateful for the faith NatWest has placed in the business, enabling us to continue to grow SBD worldwide.”

Liam Douglas, Relationship Director, NatWest said “We are delighted to be supporting SBD Apparel with the opening of its new premises which will contribute to Sheffield’s rich manufacturing scene and create employment opportunities in the local area.

“After what has been a challenging couple of years for businesses across the country, this step signifies our commitment to allow our customers to continue to thrive and we look forward to supporting SBD Apparel’s ambitions in the future.”

SBD Apparel website

Images: SBD Apparel

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News: VW Transporter specialists expand Rotherham base

Rotherham-based Leighton Vans has received a £1.48m funding package from NatWest to invest in company growth, enabling job creation, international trading capabilities and expansion to new premises.

As the UK’s market leader in Volkswagen vans sales, parts and upgrade services, the business has undergone significant growth in recent years. This includes increasing its sales and leasing fleet to meet national demand and adding additional desirable upgrade services for those wanting to add a premium touch to their Transporter.

The funding secured from NatWest enabled Leighton Vans to purchase an additional trading premises, adjacent to its current Templeborough base, to enhance its manufacturing capacity. The new warehouse is twice the size of the existing site, allowing Leighton Vans to transform a higher volume of Transporters, retain more stock and create a new streamlined dispatch area – enabling the capability to ship parts internationally and trade with markets in the EU, Netherlands and Australia.

Additionally, the new funding means Leighton Vans can continue to support the local economy and recruit ten new members of staff across various parts of the business to help grow its passionate team even further.

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Robert Pick, Finance Director at Leighton Vans, said “We have a valued relationship with the Bank and NatWest has been incredibly supportive throughout the process.

“We are a business with our best days in front of us and have gradually progressed with our ambitious vision as the market leader for all things Volkswagen Transporter. We’ve seen rapid growth in the parts arm of the business, and this funding marks a new era for Leighton Vans. The new premises, with larger capacity and a bigger team, means we can enhance operations to better serve our customers locally as well as overseas.”

Liam Douglas, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said “We have been working with the Leighton Vans team for over five years and it has been fantastic to see the growth of its offering and community. It’s an exciting new chapter for business and it’s been great to support the team with its strategy.”

Leighton Vans moved to Rotherham in 2017, opening a brand new workshop and showroom.

Leighton Vans website
NatWest website

Images: Leighton Vans / NatWest

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News: Back Her Business helps Rotherham entrepreneur access funding

A Rotherham-based entrepreneur behind an inclusive clothing brand is just one of the 129 women in the North of England who has benefited from NatWest's innovative Back Her Business crowdfunding platform over the last 12 months.

Dr Joanna Baker-Rogers, founder of Busy Life, an e-commerce business championing people with disabilities has used Back Her Business to secure £1,581 of funding, including £750 from NatWest.

Back Her Business supports female entrepreneurs by helping and encouraging more women to start and fund their own businesses in the early stages.

Joanna will use the funding to finance her range of Diversity Designs Technical T-Shirts, running tops with imagery of runners including parathletes, helping to bridge the gap between sport and disabilities.

One in five of the UK population are disabled meaning they are twice as likely to be inactive as someone without a disability. However, four out of five disabled people say they would like to be more active. To encourage inclusivity in sport, Joanna will also create new designs covering a wider range of Paralympic sports, as well as develop a more extensive range of disability imagery to add to her current collections.

Busy Life partners with a different charity or fundraising campaign every month and a donation is made from every item sold.

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Dr Joanna Baker-Rogers, founder of Busy Life, said: "After completing my Doctorate in Special Needs Education, I was unable to find a teaching job. Instead, I decided to create a business that championed inclusion. This was inspired by my experience and own relationship with disABILITY, having had a speech impediment for as long as I can remember.

"Back Her Business has helped me reach the next stage of business growth and I would definitely recommend the platform to anyone starting or expanding a business. To have NatWest contribute towards your crowdfunding target is hugely rewarding.

"My plans, for the future, are to add more sports to my Diversity Designs collection and to partner with other businesses to increase my product range. I'm also developing a selection of inclusive toys and board games to develop the Busy Life brand further."

The brand recently received support from Hannah Cockroft (pictured), multiple British World Record Holder, Olympic and World Champion wheelchair racer.

Back Her Business has been developed in partnership with Crowdfunder and forms part of NatWest's wider commitment to reduce the gender gap when it comes to entrepreneurship, by supporting the creation of a further 400,000 female-led businesses by 2025.

Back Her Business launched in March 2019 following NatWest's Rose Review, which revealed £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men. The Government-backed report also highlighted that only one in three entrepreneurs are female.

Heather Waters, Enterprise Manager at NatWest, said: "At NatWest, our aim is to support entrepreneurial women like Joanna and help them drive forward ambitious ideas and business growth through Back Her Business.

"More than a year on from the launch of the UK's first female-only crowdfunding platform, we are continuing to support successful entrepreneurs in the North and across the country by providing them with industry-leading advice, coaching and mentorship."

Busy Life website
Back Her Business website

Images: Busy Life

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News: C.F. Booth back in profit

Rotherham-based, C.F. Booth, one of the largest independently run recycling companies in Europe, has returned to profitability having refocused on its core activity of metal recycling.

The company specialises in metal recycling and metal ingot manufacturing of both ferrous and non ferrous metals for UK import and export. Their Clarence Metal Works on Armer Street is thought to be the largest scrapyard in Europe.

Established in 1920 it has grown from a local metal trader to offer a range of services including specialist forms of scrap metal recycling and the trading and processing of all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap. the group employs around 300 staff.

For the year to March 31 2018, turnover at the family firm increased by £19.9m to £139.8m, an increase of 16.7% on the previous year. It meant that the firm was back in profit with a profit for the year before taxation of £576,000 compared to a loss in 2017 of £231,000.

Metal recycling accounted for £132.9m of turnover. £63.2m of the total turnover came from overseas trade.

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A financial report from the company states: "Considerable work was done in the previous year to restructure the business and to streamline operations in order to refocus the group on its core activity of metal recycling. The comprehensive restructuring plan involved two of our group companies downsizing significantly and relocating their operations to reduce costs and improve efficiency."

Bosses put the increase in sales down to a further improvement in market conditions during the year, adding: "The group trades predominantly with assets linked to commodity prices and as a result it is highly exposed to movements in the price of metals. Metal prices remained buoyant during 2017 and 2018, with prices at 31 March 2018 being 30% - 35% higher than the lows reached during 2016. Exports represented 45% of total sales which consistent to 2017 (45%)."

Turnover at the group rose annually from £42m in 2000 and peaked at £272.3m in 2012 before being hit by lower metal prices.

The report also adds that C.F. Booth secured long term finance and repaid its overdraft facilities with NatWest bank, giving it a strong financial position with working capital to invest in further growth.

C.F. Booth website

Images: Google Maps

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News: RBS prepares to vacate Rotherham branch

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) has moved quickly to prepare the historic bank building on the High Street for a new occupier as it closes its Rotherham town centre branch in November.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that the High Street branch was one of 162 branch closures announced by the taxpayer-backed group having decided that NatWest should become its primary customer facing brand in England and Wales and Royal Bank of Scotland its core brand in Scotland.

Now a planning application has been submitted to decommission the branch, following its proposed closure. The plans are required as the property is a Grade II listed building.

The plans, drawn up by Styles & Wood Integrated Property Services, involve changes on the outside including removing signage and removing the cash machine and replacing it with sandstone ashlar blocks to match the existing frontage. Inside, work would involve removing the cashiers counter and banking related fittings and fixtures.

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The plans state: "The branch is due to close in November 2018. Accordingly, the objective of the works that are subject to this application is to remove all banking related fittings from the building.

"The proposals are necessary to ensure that the building presents an attractive proposition for re-use by an alternate occupier (subject to the necessary consents). The removal of these items aims to ensure that the building is increasingly viable and thus aim to reduce the amount of time that the building is vacant."

The closure follows on from an announcement in December to close 62 RBS branches, and 197 NatWest branches, including the branch in Dinnington. The RBS branch at Wickersley is set to close in August.

NatWest announced that it would close its Corporation Street branch in Rotherham town centre in 2014 with the alternative branch on Effingham Street remaining open and refurbished. The Corporation Street branch building has remained empty since closing. Rothbiz understands that it was acquired by a Sheffield-based real estate firm.

The RBS property is within the town centre conservation area and the High Street area has benefited from the Townscape Heritage Initiative where £4.7m investment from the HLF, Rotherham Council and the property owners has led to the restoration, renovation and repair of a number of historic buildings.

The planning application adds that: "Whilst altered throughout the life of the building, the internal appearance retains many original features, such as moulded ceilings, paneled timber doors, traditional architraves and skirtings."

The building was built in 1892 possibly on the site of the "OLD BANK / FOUNDED 1792" as the sign above the doorway reads. The impressive building is notable for its polished granite columns.

Images: Styles & Wood

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News: RBS to close Rotherham branch

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) is set to close its branch inside the historic bank building on the High Street in Rotherham town centre.

RBS in England & Wales and NatWest retail banking business in Scotland was due to be divested and Rothbiz reported in 2013 that it would be launched as a separate "challenger bank", under the brand name, Williams & Glyn.

This year however, the taxpayer-backed RBS group has decided that NatWest should become its primary customer facing brand in England and Wales and Royal Bank of Scotland its core brand in Scotland.

Now a further 162 branch closures have been announced, including the Rotherham branch in November and the Wickersley branch in August. It is not clear what will happen to the Swallownest branch which was set to become part of Williams & Glyn.

The news follows on from an announcement in December to close 62 Royal Bank of Scotland branches, and 197 NatWest branches, including the branch in Dinnington. NatWest announced that it would close its Corporation Street branch in Rotherham town centre in 2014 with the alternative branch on Effingham Street remaining open and refurbished.

The Corporation Street branch building has remained empty since closing.

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An RBS spokesperson said: "We are no longer launching Williams & Glyn as a challenger bank, and we now have two branch networks operating in close proximity to each other; NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, in England & Wales. As a result we have had to review our overall branch footprint in England and Wales and we've made the difficult decision to close a number of Royal Bank of Scotland branches. Customers of Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales will be able to use NatWest branches instead for their everyday banking needs.

"Furthermore, the way customers bank with us has changed radically over the last few years. Since 2014, branch transactions across Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales are down 30%. During this same period, there has been a 53% increase in the number of customers using mobile banking and mobile transactions have increased by 74%. We now provide our customers with more ways to bank with us than ever before – customers can choose from a range of digital, face-to-face and local options to suit their needs.

"We expect these branch closures to result in around 792 roles being made redundant. We realise this is difficult news for our colleagues and we are doing everything we can to support those affected. We will ensure compulsory redundancies are kept to an absolute minimum."

A key building at the foot of Rotherham High Street, the Rotherham branch has its history in the Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co Ltd which was a past constituent of RBS. The bank was established in 1792 by famous Rotherham steelmakers, the Walker brothers; along with Vincent Eyre, agent of the Duke of Norfolk (the principal landowner in the area); and William Stanley, a local businessman described as a "gentleman well-known and much respected at Rotherham."

The bank renamed Walkers & Stanley in 1829 and in 1836 the business was sold for £27,000 to a new joint-stock company, Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co. The bank grew rapidly but the business was not without problems. Major accounting deficiencies were discovered during the 1840s and bad debts soared during the local commercial depression of the late 1870s.

In 1907, with a paid-up capital of £256,000, the bank was acquired by Williams Deacon's Bank Ltd of London and Manchester. This was later acquired by RBS and amalgamated with other acquired networks to form Williams & Glyn's Bank in 1970.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1892 possibly on the site of the "OLD BANK / FOUNDED 1792" as the sign above the doorway reads. The impressive building is notable for its polished granite columns.

RBS website

Images: Google Maps / Rotherham Archives

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News: NatWest to close another Rotherham bank

The NatWest branch in Dinnington, Rotherham is set to close next year. It follows the closure of the HSBC branch, just over the road, and leaves the town with the prospect of having no major High Street bank.

Following a review of the branch network by the taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, a decision has been taken to close 62 Royal Bank of Scotland branches, and 197 NatWest branches.

The Dinnington branch of NatWest on Laughton Road is due to close on June 4 2018.

An RBS spokesperson said: "More and more of our customers are choosing to do their everyday banking online or on mobile. Since 2014 the number of customers using our branches across the UK has fallen by 40% and mobile transactions have increased by 73% over the same period. Over 5 million customers now use our mobile banking app and one in five only bank with us digitally.

"We're providing our customers with more ways to bank than ever before – they can choose from a range of digital, to face-to-face options. As customers continue to change the way they bank with us, we must change the way we serve them, so we are investing in our more popular branches and shaping our network, replacing traditional bricks and mortar branches with alternative ways to bank, including; Community Bankers, Mobile Bank on Wheels, and Post Offices, so that we can reach even more customers.

"We expect these branch closures to result in around 680 redundancies. We realise this is difficult news for our colleagues and we are doing everything we can to support those affected. We will ensure compulsory redundancies are kept to an absolute minimum."

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The closest branch for Dinnington customers will be at Wickersley. NatWest announced that it would close its Corporation Street branch in Rotherham town centre in 2014 with the alternative branch on Effingham Street remaining open and refurbished.

Without a local branch, NatWest and HSBC customers can get a balance, make withdrawals and pay in cash and cheques at the Post Office, which was only saved thanks to a link up with retailer, Heron Foods.

RBS said that this latest move will result in around 680 redundancies, adding, "we will seek to manage this process on a voluntary basis."

Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said: "The Royal Bank of Scotland has decided to decimate its bank branch network. Now serious questions need to be asked about whether these closures mark the end of branch network banking."

Earlier this week, Lloyds Banking Group informed staff that they will be closing another 49 branches of the Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank, including two in Sheffield.

RBS plc website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham waste firm bags £500k funding boost

KCM Waste Management has secured a £500,000 business loan from NatWest and a seven-figure investment from asset finance provider Lombard as it expands its Rotherham operations.

The family firm was established 30 years ago and provides waste disposal services to commercial and domestic clients across South Yorkshire from its base at Gin House Lane, where the expanding company has purchased further land for expansion.

An adjacent site was up until recently used by another company (Balmforth Transport) and was sandwiched between two KCM sites. Balmforth vacated the site and KCM stepped in to purchase it. A parcel of land to the North has recently been granted planning permission to be used by KCM as part of its waste management business for storage and distribution and permission was subsequently granted on the new site for a haulage yard and storage and distribution centre.

The whole site reconfiguration will include the relocation of head offices back to Gin House Lane where up to ten new jobs are set to be created.

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Emma Hickling, financial controller at KCM Waste, said: "We have identified several opportunities to consolidate and expand, so this investment comes at a perfect time for the business.

"The process of working with NatWest, the funding partners and our accountants Brearley & Co has been very collaborative and we have been involved and kept informed every step of the way."

The funding packages were achieved through collaboration between the Hickling family, NatWest, Lombard, RBS Invoice Finance and Brearley & Co Accountants.

Mark Smallman of Brearley & Co, said: "The implementation of improved financial systems has enabled the directors to receive regular accurate management accounts.

"Frequent meetings regarding finance have provided the directors with the information and confidence to invest in assets that are streamlining operations at KCM Waste."

A fire destroyed the original KCM offices in 2013 and the funding will enable the owners to add new income streams to existing waste management, recycling, collection and skip hire services.

Lombard, the asset finance provider which began hiring out rolling stock to the railways as the North Central Wagon and Finance Company in Rotherham in 1861, has also injected a seven-figure sum into the business, which will be used to purchase, install and operate an energy efficient biomass boiler.

Aaron Carter, senior relationship manager at NatWest, added: "Over the past five years KCM Waste has achieved strong growth, increasing its workforce and giving back to the area by supporting community assets and facilities.

"The Hickling family has a clear strategy for long-term growth and this funding will allow them to identify new revenue streams while improving the day-to-day operations of the business."

KCM Waste website
Brearley & Co website
Lombard website
NatWest website

Images: NatWest

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News: Leighton Vans invest in new Rotherham HQ

Leighton Vans Ltd, specialists in Volkswagen T5 & T6 van conversions, has bought a new 11,800 sq ft company headquarters and showroom in Rotherham as part of ambitious expansion plans.

The automotive business, which has become a hit with the outdoor and lifestyle community nationwide, is the brainchild of Mike Leighton who spotted a gap in the market for sales and bespoke customisation of VW transporter vans four years ago. It is a spin off from Leighton's former used car business, set up ten years ago.

A million-pound funding package from NatWest and Lombard Finance helped finance the deal which will see the company move from Sheffield to the former Bradken manufacturing unit at Templeborough.

The Dodds Close unit was vacated by Bradken after the Australian heavy engineering company was hit by the downturn in the global mining industry.

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Mike Leighton, managing director of Leighton Vans (pictured), said: "Not only do we sell, rent and lease VW transporters but we create unique, high specification vans which can be colour coded, body styled, upgraded and modified to what our client requires. We really wanted to find premises that suited our business needs, and allowed for growth.

"I've always had a vision to move to a site which would be a drive-to destination for our customers. I wanted a space to display about 50 vehicles, offer merchandise and have an informal customer area.

"This concept will work really well at Dodds Close. Parking and storage was always an issue for us but now we will be able to enhance both our customer experience and the production side, doubling our workforce of eight and operating four ramps in the garage instead of two. The location is really well positioned for the M1, Meadowhall and train stations."

The site is currently being refurbished following the granting of planning permission. It is planned to open in late March.

Sheffield solicitors Wake Smith advised on the deal. Paul Gibbon, director at Wake Smith's commercial property division, said: "We were really pleased to be able to arrange the purchase requirements for Leighton Vans expansion.

"The business model established by Mike works extremely well and he has developed a strong customer base across the country, tapping into the popularity of outdoor sports and people wanting to enjoy the countryside."

The company now has a one million pound turnover, has customers nationwide and also supports world renowned professional mountain bikers including Sheffield's Steve Peat, Scotland's trial cyclist Danny Macaskill and World Cup circuit rider Brendan Fairclough.

Aaron Carter, relationship manager at NatWest, said: "Leighton Vans is a dynamic and ambitious business. It has been really rewarding to work with the management team to progress their growth plans, which are helping to create new jobs locally."

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, which marketed Dodds Close, added: "This industrial warehouse unit is in an established location and ideal for Leighton Vans' expansion needs. It will allow them to have a much improved base with office, showroom, customer area and workshop – all under one roof.

"This unit was one of a few freeholds available and we had good levels of interest because of the quality.

"We wish them every success in their new home."

Leighton Vans website

Images: Wake Smith / Leighton Vans

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News: Latest round of £2.5m Skills & Opportunities Fund opens

Local projects aimed at boosting enterprise and self-employment are being targeted for support as part of a £2.5m fund set up by NatWest and The RBS Group.

The Skills & Opportunities Fund saw the banking group commit £2.5m last year to fund projects in charities, social enterprises, community groups, state-funded schools and colleges across the UK and Ireland. It is dedicated to supporting projects in disadvantaged communities that help people to help themselves by learning new skills, getting into the world of work or setting up their own business.

A further allocation of £2.5m is being split across two rounds in 2016 and applications to the fund are being invited as the latest round opens today (August 19). Eligible organisations can apply for up to £35,000 each.

From over 2,700 entries and 270 shortlisted organisations, the bank has supported 163 organisations since the fund opened in May 2015.

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Seven regions have their own decision making boards in order to distribute the funds. Although all regions will be looking to fund projects that enable people to help themselves, each will have differing priorities recognising regional differences.

Richard Topliss, ‎managing director at RBS Corporate Banking, North of England and chair of the North Board, explained: "For this round the North Board have focused on two specific areas of activity. Firstly, we want to fund projects that help people investigate self-employment and start their own business. We also want to support projects that aim to improve the financial education of disadvantaged people to help them manage their personal finances more effectively."

A shortlist of projects being considered for funding in each region will be published later in the year. Voting will then be open to the public and the outcome of the public vote will be taken into consideration by the regional judging panels.

Previous projects securing funding include AALFY in Sheffield (pictured), a social enterprise running the Learn|Create|Sell project - a creative and practical course for the unemployed. It is a collaboration with Hantu, a Sheffield-based fashion label. Each participant will be taught the skills to produce a commercial product on a laser cutter and a shop will then launch their start-up business.

Action for Business Ltd secured funding last year to help budding entrepreneurs in Bradford West set up sustainable companies through their Carlisle Business Centre. The funding goes towards a project aimed at maximising the entrepreneurial potential of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Skills & Opportunities Fund website

Images: AALFY

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News: Hire purchase for Rotherham haulage firm

Rotherham haulage business T and R T Wasteney has bought a new lorry after obtaining funding support from NatWest and the bank's asset finance partner Lombard.

The family-owned firm provides haulage services and skip hire to builders and construction firms in and around South Yorkshire.

The business was started more than four decades ago as a skip hire company but has expanded to include haulage services due to demand.

Robert Wasteney, partner at T and R T Wasteney, said: "As the industry has changed we have adapted the business to include haulage. This has proved very popular with our customers who know they can depend on us and our services."

The company found it could no longer operate with only one lorry and turned to NatWest relationship manager Pam Goodison for support on the purchase of a second vehicle. Pam worked with Lombard on acquiring a loan for the lorry.

Pam said: "I was delighted to support T and R T Wasteney on the purchase of the new lorry which will assist the business with further growth and development. I wish the business every success for the future."

Lombard, the UK's largest asset finance provider, recently celebrated its 150 years in business since it began hiring out rolling stock to the railways as the North Central Wagon and Finance Company in Rotherham in 1861. It still has around 600 staff in Manvers and specialises in products such as hire purchase, operating lease and sale and leaseback.

The deal follows on from a similar deal for fellow Rotherham firm, N M Logistics, that added three new lorries to its fleet of trucks thanks to joint funding facilities provided by NatWest and Lombard.

NatWest website
Lombard website

Images: NatWest

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News: NatWest to close Rotherham branch

NatWest, part of the taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, has announced that it will close its Corporation Street branch in Rotherham town centre, a site once key to the council's riverside regeneration aspirations.

NatWest said that it was a difficult decision but the number of people using the branch has dropped by 12% since 2011 as customers use alternative ways of banking such as by telephone, in Post Offices, by app and online.

The branch is set to close on September 26, with the alternative branch on Effingham Street remaining open, and set to benefit from a significant investment in its refurbishment in 2014. The bank is also making arrangements with the local Post Office.

As part of major redevelopment, Corporation Street was constructed in 1913. NatWest occupies a stone building in an Edwardian Classical style and joins the former Lloyd's bank next door within the town's conservation area that radiates from Rotherham Minster.

In 2008, with the Rotherham Renaissance regeneration programme in full swing, negotiations were concluded and NatWest had recommended to its board that the Corporation Street building should be sold to Rotherham Council. It would have been added to its portfolio of strategic acquisitions in the area, that also includes the Lloyd's bank.

The site was earmarked in outline plans from Liverpool developer, Iliad, as part of the "Westgate Demonstrator Project" which led to the multimillion pound investment in new buildings at Old Market and Keppel Wharf, and the redevelopment of the Imperial Buildings.

To accompany the physical regeneration, the council had earmarked £3.5m from regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, to carry out a significant scheme of environmental works and public realm improvements.

A 50 space undercroft car park and a feature known as the "deck of cards," stepping down to the river were planned for area. The aspiration was to close the stretch of Market Street from the Natwest building through to Tesco Bridge and create a cascading area of public realm at the upper Market Street level down to the weirside, opening up other council-owned development sites along the river.

By 2009, and the onset of the banking crisis, NatWest reneged on a proposed move into the commercial unit in the Old Market building and the council's acquisition was off.

Now, five years later, and with Yorkshire Forward abolished and its geographic programme pots of money gone, NatWest is moving out, just as the borough waits to see if plans come forward for a 25,000 sq ft cinema complex on the nearby Forge Island site.

NatWest website

Images: Tom Austen

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