News: Whitestone - the £600m planned investment in Rotherham that would create just 39 long term jobs

Planning documents for one of the largest solar farms in the country have been published - all 159 of them.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone has been given a cost estimate of between £500m and £600m. It is being promoted by Green Nation but operates under Net Zero One Ltd.

Initial consultation documents from Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites that are included in the proposed solar farm development are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

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Documents include numerous environmental statements on things like Landscape and Visual Impact (LVIA), contaminated land and transport, plus outline strategies for landscape and ecology management, surface water drainage and Public Right of Way (PROW) management.

However, much of the details are not yet known. Developers want to "maintain flexibility in the design" and instead specify parameter ranges, including details of the maximum, and minimum, size (footprint, width, and height, technology,) and locations of the different elements of the proposed development.

Plans also show that the developers are enacting a compulsory acquisition of land.

Applicants also say that they are proposing a large scheme due to its bulk generation potential and connection to the national grid that means that benefits are felt more widely. It discounts brownfield and rooftop sites due to thier unsuitability and related "ownership, occupation, and upkeep" issues.

On employment, planning documents say that: "During construction, it is anticipated that there would be 1,616 FTE jobs created as a result of direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities and that 538 of these would be from the local Study Area. Once operational, impacts on local labour market arising from operational and maintenance jobs would be more limited but still present, with 39 FTE direct, indirect and induced jobs created."

Promoters of the scheme, which they want to operate for 60 years, say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" but go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

The applicants conclude: "The significant need for low carbon electricity generation infrastructure to meet the government’s decarbonisation objectives, and wider environmental benefits of the proposal, including the significant increase in BNG and creation of new permissive paths locally, would outweigh any harm identified to the Green Belt."

Rotherham Council does not agree that the site is "grey belt" stating that "this part of the Borough performs an important strategic and local function as open countryside in a relatively densely populated area, helping to maintain separation between settlements, prevent encroachment into the countryside and preserve a sense of openness."

Rotherham Council and the local MPs have raised issues with the scheme's consultation.

Rothbiz has detailed the issues raised by Rotherham Council with the Whitestone proposals.

Whitestone website

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News: Rotherham Council raises issues with Whitestone solar proposals

Rotherham Council's issues with a massive solar farm proposed in the borough have been published.

Plans have moved to the next stage for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Local councils are statutory consultees for NSIPs and a report on Rotherham Council's issues with the proposals has been published with the application documents.

At the earlier stage, the council has commented on 18 separate issues. Proponents of the scheme, Green Nation, address how the latest submission relates to the earlier issues raised.

On the use of Green Belt land, Rotherham Council set out that the solar farm conflicts with the Rotherham Local Plan and national policies, in that "the development would introduce substantial built form and industrialising features into land intended to remain open and to safeguard the setting and separation of settlements."

In response, promoters of the scheme say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" and go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

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Rotherham Council has also raised issue with the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land which it says is "valuable not only because of its productive capacity for food and other crops, but also because it forms part of a finite soil resource and supports the long-term resilience of rural land use within the Borough."

Applicants argue that the scheme is set to operate for 60 years so any loss is temporary.

On the issue of lifespan, Rotherham Council has raised the issue of the 60 year timescale given that national policy is 40 years. The council said: "Even if the development is technically reversible at the end of its life, the Council considers that reversibility after 60 years substantially reduces the practical weight that can be attached to "temporary" effects in the planning balance.

The council adds that the operation is likely to span more than one generation and that a more nuanced approach would be needed, It said that the "applicant has not yet demonstrated why a 60-year operational life is justified."

Applicants say that in "recent decisions the Secretary of State has confirmed that the 60- year consent lifespan is ""temporary and reversible for the majority of the land.""

Concern has also been raised relating to the "scale, concentration and persistence of significant landscape and visual effects", particularly the impact on settlements such as North Anston, Wickersley, Ulley and Harthill, and various public rights of way and recreational routes. Issues have also been raised with the submitted Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).

Rotherham Council is also concerned about the harm to the setting of heritage assets and have asked for a robust assessment of setting impacts, including cumulative effects.

The authority is also unhappy with the inclusion of the Local Wildlife Site at Brampton Common within the limits of the scheme. Though applicants say that it is "not being managed to achieve the objectives for which it was designated," a strategy for enhancements has been drafted.

On Biodiversity Net Gain, a way of creating and improving natural habitats, Rotherham Council said that "expressing an intention to achieve a 10% minimum gain does not go far enough." BNG is not currently a legal requirement for NSIPs but applicants say that updated plans show that BNG metrics have calculated that area habitat units would see a 42.52% gain, hedgerow units, a 44.47% gain, and watercourse units, a 10.11% gain.

Rotherham Council has also raised concerns regarding the suitability and capacity of the proposed substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) location, along with issues regarding highways, drainage, glint and glare effects arising from solar panels, noise, and how the proposed cable corridor would interact with areas of landfill and potentially contaminated land.

Rotherham Council will now need to digest the 159 planning documents published with the application.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies, and people whose land is directly affected, can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

At the examination stage Rotherham Council will submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) which the Inspector must consider.

Images: Pexels / Vitaliy Bratkov

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News: Whitestone solar plans accepted by Government

Plans to build one of the largest solar farms in the country have moved a step forward - it would cover 1,169 hectares of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster.

Rotherham Council and the three local MPs have all raised issues with the application.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Having assessed application documents, the Government's Planning Inspectorate has now accepted an application for an order granting development consent.

A three month pre-examination stage will now begin looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage which is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

Rotherham Council has already made a representation stating that: "it has been made aware of an apparent failure to serve the requisite notice on the occupiers of Springvale Farm, Springvale House, Morthen House, and New Sycamore Farm. In the absence of evidence demonstrating that such service has been lawfully affected, the Council’s position is that the statutory consultation requirements may not have been fully satisfied."

Local councillors, parish councils and local residents have raised insues over the quality and effectiveness of the consultation.

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John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisborough says that the consultation has been "fundamentally flawed" adding that each of the three sites are seperate.

The MP said: "Residents do not experience the same local impacts across these three areas, and no reasonable observer would describe them as one contiguous or coherent site.

"Instead of respecting the different communities and recognising each of the three schemes should be subject to a separate consultation, Whitestone has lumped the schemes together in a single consultation. No doubt this is for convenience and to cut costs, but aggregating the three schemes deprives communities of a proper consultation and fails to fully discharge Whitestone's obligation under the act."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Each of the three schemes exceeds the threshold for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and therefore requires a robust, standalone consultation. Whitestone's decision to amalgamate them appears to prioritise administrative convenience and cost-saving over compliance with the Act [The Planning Act 2008] and over meaningful engagement with residents."

The MPs are asking the Government's chief planner to assess the the adequacy and validity of the Whitestone consultation.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "Should this be found to be inadequate, I would urge you to ensure that proper, detailed consultation, which recognises the unique impacts across the three separate schemes, is undertaken prior to any planning application moving forward."

Applicants are hoping for a decision on the plans in Autumn 2027.

Whitestone website

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News: South Yorkshire Mayor: "Whitestone is the wrong scheme"

Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire says that he is convinced that plans for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham "is the wrong scheme."

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Following a second round of consultation, the plans have been updated again.

Proponents of the scheme say that the size of the scheme has been reduced significantly.

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An update reads: "We received more than 10,000 pieces of written feedback. We have now reviewed all of the feedback we received. Where the feedback applied to the masterplan, we have made a number of changes to address concerns.

"In response to feedback from two rounds of consultation and ongoing stakeholder engagement, the size of Whitestone has been reduced significantly. The final size is now 1,169 hectares (2,888 acres), which includes 691 hectares (1,707 acres) for solar and associated infrastructure and 637 hectares (1,181 acres) for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Compared to the initial masterplan, this is a reduction of 37% of the developable area and a reduction of 17% of the total size of the project."

Following a public meeting on the plans, Oliver Coppard said: "I went into the room with significant doubts about the scale of the development, and the huge cost it will impose on the local community. I left the meeting convinced that it is the wrong scheme, with huge flaws in the public consultation, the design and the delivery, and it should not be imposed here, in the heart of South Yorkshire.

"I’ll be taking away all the comments and questions that were raised tonight, and following up with all those who attended and are interested in what we might be able to do to mount an objection to the Whitestone Solar Farm.

"It’s not in my gift to stop the scheme, and I can’t promise that will be the eventual outcome, but I can promise to explore all of our options and to work with partners and our communities to raise our voices together, and to do what we can to make those voices heard."

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A DCO submission is expected in Spring 2026.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Whitestone Net Zero Limited

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News: Second consultation for Whitestone solar plans

Developers behind the Whitestone Solar Farm are about to begin a second round of consultation after plans were updated.

Rothbiz reported in April on early stage plans being updated for a solar farm generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW and connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Due to its size, Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it needs a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than made locally by Rotherham and Doncaster Councils.

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A 450-page scoping report has been examined by the planning inspectorate which provided environmental information outlining the scope and methodology of the technical studies being conducted. It precedes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The report confirms that the proposed development is being brought forward by Whitestone Net Zero Limited, owned by Net Zero One Limited but it is intended to be constructed, managed and operated by Green Nation.

A leaflet from the developers states: "The first round of consultation ran for 11 weeks, and included public events, meetings with parish councils and other stakeholders, and individual discussions with local residents. We received 940 pieces of written feedback, which we have reviewed and considered, to inform the updated design shown at this round of consultation.

"We are now holding our second consultation on the updated masterplan and draft Environmental Statement, which will help inform the proposals we submit in our DCO application next spring."

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The consultation will be carried out from September 16 to October 28 2025. A number of public information events have been scheduled for October.

Whitestone website

Images: Green Nation / Google Maps

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News: Rotherham firms earn King's Award for Enterprise 2025

Two Rotherham-based companies have been named as recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.

For 2025, first time winner, International Energy Products, joins AES Engineering Ltd with the 16th Queen’s or King’s award won by AES group companies.

Based at North Anston, International Energy Products specialises in the production and manufacture of nickel alloys, stainless and low alloy products. Established in 2017 it is part of the International Group of companies which engineer, manufacture, and test high-quality steel products for the energy and defence sectors.

The company has been recognised for international trade. It exports to Europe, the US, Middle East, China and India, and sales reached £7.1m in the year to March 2024. Exports have helped annual sales grow by 122.03% over the last three years.

Emma Parkinson, founder and CEO at International Energy Products, said: "We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the King’s Award for Enterprise. It’s a recognition of our team’s ambition, skill and hard work – and our commitment to keeping Sheffield manufacturing at the forefront of global industry.

"Whilst we’ve already come a long way, this marks the start of an exciting new chapter where we’ll continue to grow, innovate, and champion UK manufacturing on the world stage."

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AES Engineering Ltd, the Templeborough-based mechanical seal manufacturer and reliability group serving over 100 countries, has received the King’s Award for Enterprise in the sustainable development category.

The 16th award won by AES group companies is the first to be won by the overall holding company. Previous Queen’s Awards achieved by individual parts of the group have included those for exports and technological achievement.

The group’s core products are manufactured in Rotherham and are used by major industries globally to prevent the leakage of liquids and gases into the environment, thereby preventing environmental damage as well as avoiding a health and safety risk.

AES’s seal support systems have prevented enormous quantities of water being unnecessarily consumed in industrial processes. A total of 42,000 of these systems have been installed around the world over the past decades, saving an estimated 1.6 trillion litres of water – enough to supply the population of South Yorkshire for over 20 years.

These and other savings by companies using group products translate into a reduced carbon footprint and better environmental record by significant sectors of global industry, far outweighing AES’s own direct and indirect energy use, and the cost to the environment of the group’s supply chain.

The AES Engineering Ltd group achieved Net Zero on all scopes in its global operations in 2021 and to date has committed £21m in environmental investments.

The group’s Net Zero calculations, verified by the leading standards body, BSI, show that its global operations had a net benefit to the environment during 2021-24 equivalent to more than 1.1 million tonnes of CO2e saved. That’s approximately the same as the CO2 absorbed by 15 million trees over the same period.

Chris Rea, group managing director and founder at AES, said: "A King’s Award is the ultimate establishment to business award and a huge boost to morale and motivation, but this award is particularly special as it encourages AES Engineering Ltd to continue to invest in sustainability, not least of which is our commitment to invest £29m by 2029 on environmental projects.

“By recognising that a UK based group can combine leadership on the environment and sustainability with commercial success these awards can only inspire others to play a greater part in combatting climate change."

International Energy Products
AES website

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News: Plans updated for massive solar farm in Rotherham

Following consultation, early stage plans have been updated for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported at the end of 2024 on plans for Whitestone Solar Farm, which if constructed, would generate up to 750MW of energy, enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Having recently completed a first consultation stage, developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Developers say that: "These areas would not have any solar panels or other above-ground infrastructure. Some will now be set aside for environmental enhancement and mitigation, and would be planted with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers to support wildlife and increase biodiversity."

The area for solar development and associated infrastructure would now only account for around half of the total updated site area.

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Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it would go for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A scoping seport is being submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. This enables the project to be designed to avoid or minimise negative environmental impacts and provides an opportunity to incorporate positive environmental enhancements into the project. A formal application is not expected until the summer of 2026.

Green Nation is planning a second consultation this autumn based on the updated proposals and the preliminary results of the environmental assessments.

The developers said: "During this consultation, which will be considered ‘statutory’, we will consult with the community, elected officials, and technical experts to fact check our initial results and help inform the final assessments that we will submit in our DCO application. When we get closer to the autumn, we will notify the community of the details of the consultation and how you can take part."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, who has already raised concerns about the proposals, said of the update: "I am pleased that this has resulted in some significant changes and a 25% reduction in the scale of the plan. It is welcome that particular areas which local residents sought to be protected have been.

"But nonetheless, the revised plan is not good enough. Whilst I support the government’s plans for more renewable energy to cut bills and end our reliance on foreign supplies, my priority is always my constituents. Residents in the affected areas - Harthill, Woodall, Aston, Brampton-en-le-Morthen and Ulley – are rightly worried about this and I will stand with them.

"I will continue to work with the developer, urging them to make further changes."

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Acres of Rotherham green belt eyed up for massive solar farm

Thousands of acres of green belt land in Rotherham has been identified in early stage proposals for the largest solar farm in Yorkshire - and one of the largest in the UK.

Solar developer Green Nation has begun consultation on plans to develop a solar and energy storage scheme that would be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

If constructed, Whitestone Solar Farm would generate up to 750MW of energy, which is enough to power up to 250,000 homes.

Whitestone would dwarf the Common Farm Solar project in Rotherham that secured planning permission in 2023 that would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW (and cover 285 acres with solar panels).

Consultation documents show that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up Whitestone Solar Farm.

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The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The developers say that the sites were chosen as there was available capacity at the Brinsworth substation in Rotherham - a remnant of the area's historic role in steel production.

Green Nation says that it has been able to secure an agreement for a new energy project to connect at this location.

A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and cable infrastructure would aslo be required.

With a capacity over 50MW, the plans for the development would not be determined by Rotherham Council, instead a Development Consent Order (DCO) application would be decided at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Classed as temporary (60 years), the proposed solar farms would be designed with open spaces around and between the panels with wildflowers and native grasses planted beneath. Measures are included to reduce the visual impact from homes and public rights of way.

Consultation documents state: "Whitestone could make a significant contribution to our national energy goals – helping in the fight against climate change while also contributing to energy security and helping reduce energy costs by producing clean, renewable energy here in the UK.

"We are at a very early stage in the development of Whitestone. Our goal is to develop the project in a way that is sensitive to the local environment and community. Over the next few months, we will consult with local residents and technical experts to ensure that valuable local knowledge is built into our proposals."

Consultation runs until to January 17 2025 with a number of in person events scheduled, starting in Rotherham at Aston cum Aughton Leisure Centre on November 30.

Developers plan to submit its application in spring 2026 with construction to follow in 2027 and connection in 2029.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Green Nation

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News: Scottish producer pounces for Rotherham popcorn maker in pre-pack deal

An independent popcorn manufacturer based in Rotherham has been bought out of administration in a pre-pack deal.

The 51 employees at SY Foods have been transferred under TUPE to the new owners - Taylors Snacks Ltd (previously Mackie's at Taypack Ltd).

SY Foods, founded in 2019, manufactures and supplies popcorn for a range of retailers and wholesalers. It was created in 2019 as a special purpose vehicle for the purchase of the business and assets from the administrators of Tommy Tucker Ltd which expanded to North Anston in 2016 but was downed by a voluntary product recall that resulted in significant losses, pressure on working capital and ultimately, insufficient further funds.

According to a report from administrators, Mazars, the 2022 administration was due to the impact of Brexit, COVID-19 and a recent significant increase in raw material and utility costs that adversely impacted the company's profitability and resulted in cashflow challenges.

Mazars were appointed on September 8 and a review concluded that there was "no reasonable prospect of rescuing the company in its existing form as a going concern due to the level of historic liabilities and reduction in margin directly attributable to the increase in the costs of raw materials and utilities as a consequence of Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic and the recent war in Ukraine."

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Historic liabilities included finance facilities provided by Close Brothers relating to invoicing and the purchase of assets in 2019. These liabilities totalled over £1m and put off a potential buyer which was sought before administration.

The company had also entered into a time to pay arrangement with HMRC who came close to submitting a winding up petition in a bid to recover approximately £500k relating to PAYE, NIC and VAT.

A pre-pack sale was launched which would see the company wound up and the business and assets sold.

18 parties were interested in the business and its assets and four bids were submitted to the administrators.

Taylors Snacks Ltd was successful with a bid of £700,000.

The acquiring company was founded as Mackie’s at Taypack Ltd in 2009 as a joint venture between Perthshire potato farmers, the Taylor family, and Mackie’s of Scotland, renowned for their luxury ice cream. The Taylor family successfully acquired the ownership of the company following a buy-out earlier this year and a rebrand to Taylors Snacks, is underway.

Taylors’ popcorn will be produced at South Yorkshire Foods’ existing factory in Rotherham, which uses traditional means of cooking popcorn in large kettles.

The acquisition will also see Taylors Snacks takeover the production and distribution of South Yorkshire Foods’ renowned ‘Big Night In’ range, a popular popcorn brand listed in the likes of ASDA, Iceland and B&M to name a few.

James Taylor, Managing Director of Taylors Snacks Ltd, said: “The addition of the popcorn manufacturing business makes for a really exciting time to be at Taylors. South Yorkshire Foods produces a high-quality product packed with flavour, something we pride ourselves on at Taylors Snacks.

“The new business move will not only add an array of dedicated, talented staff, it will also add to our ever extending range of products. It made sense right away.”

The sale included all the financed assets having their finance paid and Close Brothers agreed to the deal. Secondary preferred creditors, such as HMRC, were expected to receive 50p/£ but unsecured creditors are expected to receive nothing on their debts which totalled over £600,000.

SY Foods website
Mackie's at Taypack website

Images: Mackie's / Facebook

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News: Rotherham firm's take on secret Santa

Generous colleagues at a community-spirited Rotherham business are busy spreading festive cheer after coming up with a novel way to support Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Dinnington-based Safetykleen have decorated their office Christmas tree with tags showing various items from the charity’s ‘Amazon Wishlist’ which is packed with carefully selected gift ideas that are safe and appropriate for children and young people who visit the hospice.

Bluebell Wood cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at their hospice located in North Anston, Rotherham.

Safetykleen is an international business with a head office in Brentford Greater London, and a distribution centre in Dinnington,

Supervisor Matt Davis hung 45 tags on the tree to get things going and was astonished when every single one had been snapped up by kind-hearted colleagues within a few days.

“I came up with the idea after seeing a virtual version with a different charity last year,” said Matt, from Dinnington.

“I wanted to make it a little more personal so I decided to print off the tags and pop them on our tree in the canteen so colleagues can choose a gift for the children themselves.

“We’re just down the road from Bluebell Wood so it’s very much a local charity for us, and it’s such a well-deserving cause. Everyone has really bought into it and the response has been absolutely overwhelming.”

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Bluebell Wood’s Amazon Wishlist features a variety of treats including games, toys, books and art supplies as well as items that can be used for Bluebell Wood’s family fun days.

If any individual, group or business would like to send a gift to children at the hospice this year, they can do so here.

Shannon Gossage, Regional Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “We absolutely love Safetykleen’s unique take on ‘secret Santa’ and we can’t thank everyone at the firm enough for their kindness and Christmas spirit.

“The children and families who visit Bluebell Wood sadly never know how many more Christmases they’ll get to spend with each other, which makes it such a special time to make memories they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives.

“The wonderful gifts colleagues are kindly donating will help us do exactly that, as well as putting huge smiles on the faces of the children and young people who visit us.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Safetykleen for their generosity – merry Christmas from all at Bluebell Wood!”

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News: Bluebell Wood "overwhelmed" by support of local businesses through lockdown

Rotherham-based Bluebell Wood is sending out a heartfelt thank you to businesses for their "overwhelming" support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Anston charity works closely with many local and national businesses, as well as having a dedicated "365 Business Club" scheme with additional benefits for firms who choose to join.

Throughout the pandemic the hospice has been inundated with offers of help and support, despite many firms facing unprecedented challenges.

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, said: "We know that it's an incredibly challenging and uncertain time for so many businesses, which makes the support we’ve had over the past few months all the more overwhelming.

"The businesses we work with genuinely care about the communities we serve; and they continue to help us make a real difference to families whose time together is sadly just too short. I really can't put into words how much this means to those in our care, many of whom are going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment.

"We also understand that supporting charities like Bluebell Wood might not be at the top of the list of priorities for every firm right now. We know that it’s tough out there and none of us have a crystal ball to see what’s coming next.

"So for those firms who are not able to support us as they normally would  – we'd like to say a big thank you for all you've done, and we'd be delighted to work with you again when the time is right."

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The charity -  which cares for children with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire - has played an important role in supporting local communities and the NHS through the crisis.

"For all the hardship and pain we've witnessed in recent months, we’ve also seen a tremendous community spirit come to the fore that's been nothing short of inspirational,” Rachael continued.

"So many businesses of all shapes and sizes have played a significant role in serving their communities, going above and beyond to make sure they're a part of the solution.

"That's exactly what’s been so humbling for us. Despite the numerous challenges the firms who support us are having to navigate, they’ve still found the time to offer their support, however they're able.

"For those firms who are in a fortunate enough position to be looking to strengthen their relationships with their chosen charities, we would love to welcome you to our 365 Business Club with all its enhanced benefits.

“Working with our partners in the business world is very much a two-way street for us, so however you’re able to support Bluebell Wood, we'll ensure it's reciprocated.

"Thank you all once again to all our wonderful supporters – we simply couldn’t do what we do without you."

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News: Administrators appointed by food firm

The UK's largest independent popcorn manufacturer with sites in Rotherham and Retford has been forced to call in administrators following a voluntary product recall.

In 2016 Tommy Tucker Ltd snapped up an entire Rotherham business park at North Anston to satisfy increased market demand. The family firm is a key supplier to the British cinema industry, creating products for a string of high-profile names across the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, and licensed partners.

Mazars has now been appointed at Thomas Tucker Limited and R J Foods, which is continuing to trade while the joint administrators are looking to sell the business on as a going concern.

Adam Harris, joint administrator, Mazars, said: "The business has had a difficult year and had undergone an operational restructure and further investment by its owners.

"Whilst the underlying cause was disputed, the business agreed a voluntary product recall following an ongoing investigation with the Food Standards Agency. The recall has resulted in significant losses, pressure on working capital and, following a review, there were insufficient further funds available to bridge the shortfall identified.

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"Sadly the administrators have, as a result of the financial position, made a number of the staff redundant. Nevertheless, we are hopeful a sale will be achieved in light of the business' reputation for quality and its dedicated workforce. A going concern sale would secure the best outcome for the business' suppliers and customers and secure a future for the remaining employees."

64 jobs have already gone.

In August this year the firm recalled several brands and flavours of popcorn because they may contain milk which is not mentioned on the label. This meant that the products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents. Popcorn sold under Morrisons, Odean and Snackrite brands were affected.

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News: Tropical Butterfly House celebrating 25th birthday

The Tropical Butterfly House, Falconry and Wildlife Park in Rotherham will celebrate its 25th anniversary this weekend and is marking the milestone event with a variety of commemorative activities throughout the year.

When the North Anston park first opened in 1994 it was just the butterfly house, a nature wildlife trail and a small shop and café.

It opened on a shoestring budget, during an economic depression with three employees, butterflies, peacocks, a tarantula spider and a snake followed by barn owls, an eagle owl and later in its first season, goats and chickens.

Discovering in the first year that the key to future success could be allowing its visitors to handle and get closer to the animals they love, this very same ethos remains its USP today. Now renowned for its collection of exotic animals from around the world including many endangered species, the park offers its visitors daily up-close animal encounters and free-flying bird displays alongside views of the best of British wildlife.

New additions over the years include Lemur Heights and Meerkat Mansion. The site also includes purpose built conservation areas for native wildlife.

Visitor numbers have grown to over 150,000 per year in 2018 and the park now has over 60 staff.

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Andrew Reeve, wildlife park manager at The Tropical Butterfly House, Falconry and Wildlife Park, said: "Since arriving as park manager eight years ago the park has constantly been changing and developing. We have grown from a 4.5 acre to 8-acre site, doubling our visitor numbers at the same time.

"Our collection has become more focused on endangered species, with lots of new species being added over the years, from lemurs and otters to vultures. This has driven our fundraising efforts, for example when the visitors see the lemurs here and learn about their story, they are essentially helping to raise funds for survival in their native wild habitat."

Kim Bellis is the managing director and the owner's daughter and has spent all her life at the park and will be taking over the reins. She said: "As a family business we are all very proud of what the team have achieved here over the last 25 years.

"The legacy of my dad's labour of love brings it back to where it all began, inspiring the next generation's passion for nature. Now following the success of the park, he is now able to return to his passion for plants and animals and enjoy all the new challenges the new conservation sites will bring."

Tropical Butterfly House, Falconry and Wildlife Park website

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News: Tesco plans recommended for refusal

Plans for a standalone Tesco store alongside a pub at North Anston are being recommended for refusal after a dispute over the land has lead to a "poor layout" being submitted.

The planning application, which dates back to 2015, proposes the construction of an extension to The Cutler public house to provide a separate new retail shop unit for Tesco's.

It is proposed that the Cutler remains in use as a public house whilst a 3,100 sq ft Tesco Express store is built to the North to cater for local retailing needs.

The ownership of the site has been separated between the applicant, who would lease from the current owner Wulstan Capital, and the owners of the public house who retain ownership of The Cutler building and land to the south including the car park and the access from Woodsetts Road.

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The pub owners want to keep the beer garden on the site which has caused problems for Tesco.

An officer's report to an upcoming planning board explains: "The Council have requested that Tesco's engage in negotiations with the owners of this land to include it within their site and therefore their control. However, Tesco's have confirmed that the owner is unwilling to sell this land to them and wishes to retain it as part of the licensed public house premises.

"Whilst this is noted, it is considered that the proposed ownership arrangement creates a poor and unsatisfactory layout by physically disconnecting this beer garden area from the licensed premises of The Cutler public house. This would lead to users of the public house having to walk past the store premises with their drinks and the staff of the public house being unable to provide adequate surveillance of their beer garden."

84 objections to the scheme have been received, including from neighbouring residents who have raised concerns about the possibility for anti-social behaviour occurring from the beer garden as the site would be remote from the public house and would not be overlooked by the store.

Members of the planning board are being recommended to refuse the application "for the poor layout as the development would fail to contribute to securing a healthy and safe environment."

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News: Eagle Platforms heading to the next level

Rotherham-based platforms hire company, Eagle Platforms Ltd, is looking to take the business to new heights after receiving a £50,000 loan from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

From a standing start, it has grown to a near £2m turnover business, employing 20 people and last year had to move to larger premises in Anston to deal with demand which continues to grow year on year. The firm also operates from a number of regional hubs supplying the next generation of access platforms such as scissor lifts and telescopic booms.

UKSE is the wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel. It provides business finance to a wide variety of companies to encourage business growth and job creation in areas affected by changes in the steel industry.

This is the second time that UKSE has supported Eagle Platforms, having originally provided finance to the company as a start-up operation in 2011. The funding will be used to bolster the firm's sales and client services departments at the new site.

The company's progress was recognised as it was named the Fastest Growing Access Rental Hire Company 2017 by the International Powered Access Foundation (IPAF).

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Jim Haigh, managing director of Eagle Platforms (pictured, left), said: "Our longstanding relationship with UK Steel Enterprise has been central to our success to date, and we are already setting plans in motion for additional regional expansion over the next 24 months.

"The funds received will fund the expansion of our headquarters and allow us to develop a network of key professionals within the firm including client accounts and senior sales manager roles, in addition to our recently appointed finance firector – ensuring we can meet the increasing demand from our clients and drive the business forward."

Allan Wood, regional manager at UKSE (pictured, right), added: "Eagle Platforms, excellently led by Jim Haigh, has made great progress since our original involvement with the company back in 2011. Its performance to date is testament to the hard work and dedication of Jim and the company's rapidly expanding team, and we are delighted to be investing once again in order to support further growth and job creation in the local area."

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News: Transporter firm delivers £10,000 for Bluebell Wood

Car transport specialists Quinns Car Transport has donated a £10,000 windfall to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £4m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

The Kiveton Park vehicle transport company, which has supported South Yorkshire's only children's hospice for the last four years, won the money as part of a first prize in a charity raffle run by bespoke car transporter provider Transporter Engineering.

Quinns, a member of Bluebell Wood's 365 Business Club, won exclusive use of a new 25th anniversary edition EVO 12-car transporter vehicle for a year and £10,000 to donate to charity in the raffle at Transporter Engineering’s 25th anniversary customer event at Stoke Rochford Hall.

Sam Dunmow, logistics director at Quinns, said: "A few years ago we wanted to start raising money for charity and as Bluebell Wood was so local we thought that was a great choice. A few years ago we were invited to visit the hospice to hand over our first donation. Witnessing first-hand the great work they do inspired us to raise even more.

"When we won first prize at the Transporter Engineering evening we were thrilled but we got goose bumps when we found out how much money we'd won. We know £10,000 will make such a difference at Bluebell Wood and enable them to carry on doing the amazing things they do."

Isla Gill, sales and projects manager, Transporter Engineering, added: "We are delighted that the staff at Quinns have decided to donate £10,000 to Bluebell Wood, a charity that they have strong links with. From all of us at Transporter Engineering, we’re proud that we could be part of such a significant donation."

David Hall, corporate fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: "We're so very grateful to Quinns for choosing Bluebell Wood, and to Transporter Engineering for making this amazing gift possible. It will make all the difference to families facing the toughest of times and help us support them in making special memories together. £10,000 could pay for 480 hours of specialised nursing care, for several play sessions for all the children at Bluebell Wood and so much more."

In 2018, the Master Cutler will be supporting Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice through the Master Cutler's Challenge.

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News: Bluebell Wood launch 365 Business Club

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham is encouraging local and national organisations to make 2017 count by joining their 365 Business Club for just £1 a day.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Becoming a Bluebell Wood 365 Business Club member is seen as a great way to raise a company's profile, and engage with customers and staff. Corporate members will enjoy many benefits while supporting families during the toughest of times, including having the chance to make contacts at exclusive members' events as well as join a new Facebook networking group. Priority access will also be given to members for upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities.

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood, said: "By joining our 365 Business Club, you can help make 2017 count for the children and families we support, both at home and at our hospice. Membership costs just £365 a year – or £1 a day – which is enough to pay for 14 sessions of day care for a child who is too ill to attend school.

"When you become a corporate member you'll join a group of like-minded individuals and have the chance to network with other businesses, whilst enhancing your company reputation. Becoming a member of the 365 Business Club allows us to plan for our future."

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News: Ability Handling relocate after acquisition

Following extensive refurbishment, Ability Handling is now fully operational from premises in Rotherham that it acquired when it secured a deal for SEV Materials Handling.

The firm specialises in the hire, sale and service of forktrucks and sideloaders and has grown from premises in Sheffield and Rotherham.

Having acquired the materials handling and electric vehicles business of Smith's Electric Vehicles (SEV) in 2015, the combined company, which had revenues at acquisition of £3.5m, has relocated to North Anston. The firm said that the relocation "marks a new chapter in the history of Ability Handling and provides the foundation for our future growth."

Ability Handling was established in 1989 by Roger J. Hardman who for many years had been involved with the service and repair of agricultural machinery, contractors plant equipment and transport. Continued growth saw the firm consolidate to a single site on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate at Rotherham.

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Gaining a freehold property in the acquisition, the new premises offer the company a prominent road side position, close to major motorways, with ample land for future expansion. Until planning is approved, Ability Handling is renting nearby warehouse space to accommodate its stock of new and used forklift trucks and Cushman electric vehicles.

Smith's Electric Vehicles established SEV Materials Handling in 1993, which was a dealership for Doosan in the North East of England and TCM in South Yorkshire. Stephen Fisher, former MD of SEV Group, joined Ability Handling in late 2014.

As part of the growth plan, the new merged site is set to be joined by additional depots established to expand services to a wider geographical territory. Additional employment opportunities are also set be created in the region as plans go ahead to augment the current workforce of 30 with more engineers, sales and support staff. Further significant investment has been made in new fleet trucks, computer systems, vans, specialist equipment and employee training.

Roger Hardman, managing director of Ability Handling, said after concluding the deal: "We have already seen significant organic growth and this acquisition and planned investment puts Ability Handling at the forefront of its sector in the region and marks a major step forward."

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News: Betfred donates £25,000 to Bluebell Wood

Leading UK bookmaker, Betfred has donated £25,000 to the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham as part of their sponsorship of the Betfred World Snooker Championship.

The Championship was recently won by Mark Selby at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Before the start of the tournament, the bookmaker pledged £200 for every century scored, but if 70 centuries were reached they would round it up to £25,000.

Based at North Anston in Rotherham, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood. It has to raise over £3m each year to continue its work, and receives less than 10% statutory funding.

Alan McManus' break of 107 took the total number of centuries past the target of 70. The tournament record of 86 centuries was matched this year.

"It's wonderful," said McManus, a three-time Crucible semi-finalist. "On behalf of all the players if we can raise a few quid from being fortunate enough to play at this beautiful place and pot a few balls then it's all good.

"These guys do fantastic work and we're very proud to be associated with Bluebell Wood."

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The huge donation was pledged by Betfred's head of media, Mark Pearson, at the official launch of the tournament on April 15.

He added: "I've seen first-hand the incredible work that this organisation carries out, so it's our absolute pleasure to make this donation.

"They have a real positive presence here at the Crucible Theatre and the surrounding Tudor Square, and have become synonymous with the tournament.

"The record number of centuries at the Betfred World Snooker Championship was broken last year so we laid down a challenge to the players by setting the bar quite high again this year, but their class shone through once more as they surpassed our target."

Fred Done, co-founder of Betfred, added: "Sheffield always makes us feel so welcome so I'm delighted to once again support this fantastic local charity.

"Bluebell Wood makes a massive difference to so many people in this area, and this once again highlights our commitment to supporting the wider community here in snooker's spiritual home, as well as this terrific tournament."

In 2015 Betfred's contributions tipped them over the £200,000 mark in terms of money raised by the hospice in the few short years that it's been the official tournament charity.

World Snooker and Sheffield City Council agreed a deal yesterday to keep the sport's biggest tournament in the city for the next decade.

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News: Tommy Tucker's Rotherham relocation

Tommy Tucker Ltd, a manufacturer of over 50 million cinema servings of popcorn a year, is set to usher in a new era of growth as it snaps up an entire Rotherham business park to satisfy increased market demand.

The family firm, which has premises in Shireoaks and Retford in Nottinghamshire, produces popcorn, candyfloss and confectionery. It is already a leading supplier to Odeon and Vue cinemas across the country, and has moved into direct retail, selling through national retailers.

The UK's largest independent popcorn manufacturer has signed a ten-year lease on 43,000 sq ft of warehousing at Target Park on the North Anston Trading Estate, which is in Rotherham, to service a massive surge in growth and provide further contingency to its cinema and retail customer base.

Rothbiz was first with the news in October that the firm was planning to move into Units 1 and 2 at the development on the outskirts of Dinnington. The planning application to change the use of the site, that was previously home to Approved Food, stated that it would enable food production and distribution and that the new operation would be home to 30 full time employees.

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David Greg, managing director at Tommy Tucker, said: "The company is in a position to capitalise on a streamlined, logistical relocation, which enables us to consolidate several parts of our operations onto one site and to capitalise on better space for future growth.

"Maintaining a base in the M1, A1 corridor suits our operations perfectly and allows for fast access to all parts of the country respectively. And as we supply nationally, location was a prime consideration."

The deal was brokered by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank on behalf of Bold International Properties Ltd. Ben White, partner at Knight Frank, said: "Tommy Tucker wanted to create room for expansion and needed excellent transport links to fulfil its requirements and the site at Target Park is ideal for its purposes. The deal is a ten year lease with a five year break clause.

"Units in this part of the country, which enjoy superb motorway links and routes out to the east coast ports, are available at nationally competitive rates, which is a massive plus for businesses looking to relocate or expand."

The firm began life in 1988 servicing a hand full of cinemas, popping corn and loading trucks by hand. The company has transformed itself into the UK's largest independent popcorn manufacturer. Employing around 60 staff, Tommy Tucker now manufacturers hundreds of products onsite and outputs tens of millions of units every year.

Supplying to the UK and Europe, popcorn, candy floss and confectionery is available in a huge variety of formats. Ranging from one metre high cinema-ready tubes, gourmet flavoured and luxury popcorn, to a new American-diner inspired retail range. It also carries licences for confectionery products to tie in with movies such as Frozen, Minions and Star Wars.

Tommy Tucker Ltd acquired RJ Foods in June 2015 adding flapjacks and other confectionary products to its growing product range.

In 2014, new machinery was purchased to increase capacity and allow the company to produce new products and move into different markets and it expects to see up to 30% growth in the business during the next five years.

Tommy Tucker website
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