News: More South Yorkshire businesses set for energy efficiency boost

A project that has supported businesses across the region to cut emissions, reduce costs, and boost efficiency has been expanded thanks to an additional £1.6m investment.

The Low Carbon Project provides dedicated support and a source of funding to help local businesses reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions but has previously seen a slow take up in Rotherham.

Businesses benefit from fully funded support, including on-site energy surveys and access to capital grants for improvements such as low-energy lighting, insulation, and efficient heating systems.

In the first phase, the project supported 223 businesses with £3.2m in funding. The second phase will run until March 2026 and aims to support a further 144 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham.

Sheffield City Council is leading the initiative, with the support of South Yorkshire’s other local authorities who are helping to deliver this support across the entire region.

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Erodatools, a second-generation precision engineering company based in Penistone, were supported by the Low Carbon Grant to install 240 solar panels on the roof of the factory it has owned for 52 years.

The new 102kwp photovoltaic system will generate more than 72,000 kwh green energy a year which will cut their annual electricity bills by an estimated £17,000 and reduce their carbon emissions by 14.07 tonnes a year.

The project is part-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Rotherham businesses should contact Rotherham Investment and Development Office for assistance.

Last year Rotherham Council reallocated £43,032 from the Low Carbon project to a project which aims to improve business productivity and digital innovation through the provision of capital or revenue grants. A council paper confirmed that: "The Low Carbon project continues to have difficulties in committing grants, whereas the Productivity project has a strong pipeline of applications that can complete quickly."

Councillor Mohammed Mahroof, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "We know many business owners want to reduce energy costs and do their bit for the planet, but it can be difficult to plan how to do this effectively, and to find the money to pay for carbon-saving measures.

"That is where this brilliant scheme can help. Specialist advisors will help businesses identify where they can make changes that save budgets and tackle the climate crisis. Low carbon grants give businesses the financial support they need to make changes that will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions."

Low Carbon Project website
RiDO website

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News: AMRC target more SMEs with "reconfigurable factory" research cell

Ease of access to the world-class research and development facilities on offer at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre's (AMRC's) Factory 2050, is being made even easier for small or medium-sized enterprises (SME).

A partner in the HVM Catapult (the government's strategic initiative that aims to revitalise the manufacturing industry), the AMRC focuses on advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors. It is a partnership between industry and academia, attracting paid industry members at different tiers, keen to make use of the world-class machines and facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham and Sheffield Business Park over the Parkway.

The AMRC Integrated Manufacturing Group (IMG) based at Factory 2050, is unveiling a new opportunity for smaller companies to more easily conduct research into machining and assembly technologies on a new "reconfigurable factory" research cell; in a safe and cost-effective environment.

Factory 2050 is the AMRC's latest development, built for IMG to conduct collaborative research with industrial and academic partners into reconfigurable robotic, digitally assisted assembly and part inspection technologies. The facility is capable of rapidly switching production between different high-value components and one-off parts.

With the introduction of a reconfigurable factory demonstrator, SMEs will have access to a generic research and development cell, where they can work with IMG engineers on manufacturing projects designed to take the risk out of trialling new technologies and processes before putting them into production.

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Operations manager for IMG, Chris Greaves, said the cell will be able to accommodate projects spanning the trialling of new robotic assembly techniques for mass customisation or even small batch manufacturing techniques, small component assembly, and finish machining and polishing operations.

The new cell is the result of a previous project conducted by IMG to produce a small scale, totally reconfigurable factory floor demonstrator. That project is now being scaled-up for industrial use into a full-scale production cell with multiple tools, grippers and sensors.

Greaves said: "The cell will be able to be reconfigured to the specific requirements of an SME with a shorter lead time. This will allow easier, quicker and more affordable engagement for SMEs.

"Our aim is to create more effective engagement and greater open access for SMEs; businesses who may not have the resources to join the AMRC as a member, but still want to take advantage of our state of the art capabilities and world-class research to improve their processes and outputs."

The group recently helped a small manufacturer test a new robotic drilling system. This allowed them to trial the system at the AMRC, so they didn't have to introduce an unknown technology straight into production on the factory floor.

Ben Morgan, Head of IMG, said: "There is a common misconception that automation and robotics cause unemployment. What we are seeing in the market is that companies who are implementing automation are re-distributing jobs within their business and as productivity increases, so do profits and re-investment. More competitive manufacturing will mean more orders and ultimately more jobs for the region. It is imperative that the Sheffield City Region embraces automation in order that work is not lost to lower cost economies.

"Simply put, the UK relies heavily on the success of SMEs. The AMRC want to help SMEs invest in the future and explore how new technologies can help improve production, helping UK businesses remain competitive on national and international markets."

The new research cell will be up and running towards the end of autumn in 2017 and IMG are encouraging any smaller manufacturing business who is interested working with them, to get in contact.

AMRC website

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News: Apprenticeship boost for manufacturing SMEs

The AMRC Training Centre's is launching its new "Flexible Apprenticeship Programme" that is tailored exclusively to meet the needs of small businesses.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the £20.5m centre focuses on students aged from 16 upwards, taken on paid apprenticeships. Part of the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, apprentices have opportunities to progress on to postgraduate courses, doctorates and MBA levels. Sponsoring companies range from global leaders such as Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel to local high-tech supply-chain companies.

Working in association with Sheffield Business Park and AMP developers Harworth Estates, the AMRC Training Centre will offer eight places on the new programme part-funded for the first year. These places will be awarded to business start-ups and small employers who have not recruited an apprentice within the last 12 months.

Delivering the same high-quality training as the established full-time 25 week model, the apprentices participating will receive intensive masterclasses staggered over a period of 16 weeks; designed to get them work-ready within a business as quickly as possible. Both these models are open to all small businesses in the region.

Harworth Estates and Sheffield Business Park won the £15,000 Lambert Smith Hampton Enterprise Award and the prize money has been matched to create a £30,000 fund to enable local young people that are not in education, employment or training, to get apprenticeships with local advanced manufacturers and a place at the AMRC Training Centre.

Daniel Swift, programme manager at the AMRC Training Centre, said: "From the very beginning the apprentices will be contributing to a businesss growth and performance, as the new flexible programme allows apprentices to be with their employer for several weeks at a time in between training.

Iain Thomson, partnerships manager at Harworth Estates, add: "Developing future talent for small businesses is the only way we'll achieve sustainable economic growth for the region and both Harworth Estates and Sheffield Business Park are delighted with the programme that the AMRC Training Centre has developed for this purpose."

The AMRC Training Centre takes 250 advanced apprentices a year and is currently providing training for more than 350 first and second year apprentices and hopes to significantly increase that number with further Government backing.

The centre is starting to recruit apprentices for the March 2016 intake and as part of the recruitment drive, an apprenticeship open event is taking place from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Tuesday January 19, which will offer young people who are considering an apprenticeship an ideal opportunity to find out more.

Potential apprentices will be able to tour the AMRC Training Centre's facilities and talk to trainers and current apprentices about the opportunities on offer.

Kerry Featherstone, Head of operations at the AMRC Training Centre, said: "We work with a number of SMEs and recruiting apprentices to the traditional academic time frame isn't always right for them.

"For some, the end of the school year is in the middle of their financial year - too late to make financial provision for an apprentice and too early to judge whether you can justify employing one. For others, the run up to the summer break is extremely busy and they don't have the time to consider potential candidates.

"It's important to remember that the opportunities in small companies aren't any less than those in large organisations and they can be greater. Apprentices at small firms may use a broader range of skills to cope with more variety of work, there can be increased potential for promotion and even global travel."

AMRC Training Centre website

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News: Businesses set to benefit from broadband boost

Small businesses in Rotherham are now able to apply for grants of up to £3,000 each to boost their broadband service.

Local councils have been successful in accessing the Government's broadband connection voucher scheme, which is to be extended for a further year. Each voucher covers up to £3,000 of installation costs but businesses can also apply as a group to connect bigger or more complicated premises. Once installed, businesses pay the line rental and VAT.

The Government announced that it was extending its SuperConnected Cities scheme and that more areas would be able to access the vouchers in the Autumn Statement 2014, to be funded through a £40m Challenge Fund operating on a first-come first-served basis and running until March 2016.

At the same time, contracts have been signed for a £22m project to ensure 97.9% of South Yorkshire will have access to superfast broadband by the end of 2017.

Developed by a partnership with the leadership of the four partners' authorities in South Yorkshire, alongside the support of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the project is part of the government's BDUK initiative which is based on a gap funded subsidy approach, where the private sector invests alongside a public subsidy to provide broadband to areas where there is not otherwise a viable commercial market.

Due to its involvement in the failed Digital Region project, South Yorkshire is the last in this current round of BDUK, the government project with the goal of delivering a fibre point in every community in the UK by the end of 2015.

The core contract for the new Superfast South Yorkshire broadband project will cover over 102,000 residential and business premises across eight delivery phases. The first cabinet is anticipated to go live in November 2015, and the final phases will be completed by the end of 2017.

Detailed surveys and designs are being carried out in order to finalise the deployment plan, which will be made public as soon as available so that households and businesses can understand when the deployment will reach them.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: "This is fantastic news for South Yorkshire as we know how important a fast broadband connection is for businesses across the UK. We want to make sure that small businesses have the technology they need to compete in the digital age. This scheme will help tens of thousands of small businesses around the UK and I urge all South Yorkshire businesses to apply for a voucher from April 2015 onwards."

Recommended reading: Is Fibre Necessary for Your Business in Rotherham?

Cllr. Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Business, Development and Skills at Sheffield City Council, added: "The South Yorkshire Local Authorities have long recognised the importance of broadband as an enabler of economic growth. We are keen to support as many of our small and medium sized businesses to access the connection vouchers and to realise the business benefits of being better connected.

"We believe that superfast broadband connectivity is essential for building a strong and competitive economy to support economic growth, open up new markets, attract investment and contribute to more and better jobs in the region."

Superfast South Yorkshire website

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News: AMRC help Close Brothers launch apprenticeship scheme

Close Brothers Group plc, the leading merchant banking group, has launched a programme to help SMEs recruit and train a new generation of advanced engineering workers with the support of the AMRC Training Centre in Rotherham and the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

Under the scheme, Close Brothers will help pay for 20 apprentices to learn their skills at the AMRC Training Centre. Close Brothers will fund half of the new recruits' wages during the first year and a quarter in the second, meaning participating SMEs won't have to bear the full cost of employing the apprentices until they are making a positive contribution to their business. The first intake will be in September 2015.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, The AMRC Training Centre forms part of the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) group and provides training in the practical and academic skills that manufacturing companies need to compete globally, from apprenticeship through to doctorate and MBA level.

In what is a banking first, the programme will support a further 20 apprentices in year two and 20 more in year three, meaning Close Brothers will be supporting up to 60 apprentices in the scheme at full capacity.

Specialising in lending, wealth management services and securities trading, Close Brothers has been a long-term supporter of SMEs, doubling its lending to the sector since 2009. The scheme is open to all SMEs, not just those currently working with Close Brothers.

Close Brothers, the MTA and the AMRC Training Centre will offer further support for participating companies and there are plans to bring the SME apprentices and Close Brothers' own financial apprentices together for team building and other events.

Stephen Hodges, chief executive of Close Brothers Banking division, said: "We know from our work with SMEs that many would like to take on apprentices but they are worried about the cost, time, and resource involved. Britain's manufacturing companies urgently need to recruit and train a new generation of skilled engineering workers if they are to grow in an increasingly competitive global market: we hope our initiative will help more SMEs to do just that. We believe this pioneering scheme will provide genuine financial support to the SME sector."

James Selka, CEO of the MTA, a trade association for companies working in the engineering-based manufacturing sector, said: "Companies need highly skilled workforces to enable them to get the most out of the latest technology they need to deploy to stay ahead. This initiative offers smaller firms the chance to be at the forefront of securing those skills for their futures. They, no less than larger companies, need to increase side-by-side investments in technology and skills to be globally competitive and meet customer demands for versatility. This scheme will help them do just that."

Alison Bettac, director of training at the AMRC Training Centre, added: "We are really grateful to Close Brothers for creating this golden opportunity for smaller firms to put fears of the costs and the administrative burden of employing an apprentice to one side.

"In addition to getting a high-quality vocational education, shop floor skills and access to employment, apprentices at the AMRC Training Centre can also be taking the first step on a road that could lead to undergraduate and post graduate qualifications that could make them company leaders in the future."

AMRC Training website
Close Brothers website
MTA website

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News: Prompt payment to support SMEs

There is little evidence that the government's commitment to pay 80% of undisputed invoices within five working days is having the intended effect of helping the UK's five million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO).

Central government spends £40 billion a year on goods and services, of which about £4.5 billion is spent directly on purchases from SMEs. A recent NAO report finds that, while UK businesses welcome the government's commitment to pay invoices more quickly than the 30 days required by law, there is a risk that the policy boosts the working capital of main contractors rather than benefiting other businesses down the supply chain.

The NAO looked in detail at four departments (the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and Cabinet Office) and found their reported performance is skewed in their favour by a high volume of low-value electronic transactions with a few large suppliers.

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As part of the study, the NAO has generated its own estimates, indicating that government suppliers could benefit from reduced interest costs of up to £88m a year as a result of government paying invoices in five working days rather than 30 calendar days. The policy also increases government's working capital requirement, and the NAO estimates this generates a cost to the taxpayer of £55 million a year in increased interest costs on government debt.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the UK's largest business organisation representing around 200,000 small businesses, believes that the private sector should learn from the Government on prompt payment.

Gordon Millward, regional chairman of the FSB, said: "Many in the private sector still have a lot to learn about paying bills in good time, and the Government has the opportunity to help teach them.

"This new report demonstrates the need to tighten up prompt payment practices right across the economy. Central Government has raised its game and is recognising the absolute priority of paying its suppliers on time, making it a requirement to pay within 30 days. It now needs to use this record to improve the wider payment culture, both in the rest of the public sector and in the private sector.

"It's a scandal that thousands of businesses have gone under because of late payment, with numerous others struggling with their cashflow because of poor payment practices.

"To improve the payment culture, the FSB believes that being a signatory to the prompt payment code must become a prerequisite for supplying the Government. To encourage further a change in culture, Government Departments must also get better at making sure the benefits of their own prompt payment practices are passed all the way down the supply chain and don't stop with the primary suppliers."

NAO website
FSB website

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News: SMEs look to Horizon 2020

Pera Technology is hosting an event in Rotherham next week to help businesses find out more about the EU's flagship Horizon 2020 funding programme.

Pera links firms with world-class scientists and commercial partners to help get new products to the market. It has secured in excess of €87m for SME businesses as part of the previous research and innovation programme funds from the EU. Over the past decade, it has created at least 600 innovative technology projects, with a market value of around £20 billion for clients.

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over seven years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market.

The EU has set a deadline of June 18 2014 for companies to bid for a slice of the €3.3 billion (£2.75 billion) Dedicated SME Instrument (DSI) during "Phase 1" of the initiative.

Applications can take anything between one and three months to complete, so Pera is urging British businesses start planning now.

A series of free to attend events are taking place in England this month with MAGNA Adventure Science Centre in Rotherham hosting Pera Technology on April 8.

As well as explaining how firms can bid for Phase 1 funding, the events will also cover the intricacies of Phase 2, where companies can apply for a further €3m for R&D purposes.

Paul Tranter, chief executive of Pera Technology, said: "Never before has this level of funding been made available to small and medium sized business for new product development purposes.

"One of the key differences between Horizon 2020, its predecessors and other public funding options is its commercial awareness. SMEs receive all of the money to spend as they see fit with a further 15 days of free coaching paid for directly by the European Commission.

"Only products that demonstrate a clear commercial demand will receive funding, meaning it's those products closer to market that are likely to be most successful. However, for company's earlier on in the development process there is additional funding available for initial research purposes."

Pera Technology website

Images: European Commission

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News: Barclays hosting international business clinic in Rotherham

Barclays and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are hosting an international clinic in Rotherham next week to inform local businesses on the ways to start trading overseas safely and successfully.

The business bank recently carried out research amongst 1,500 small businesses in the UK, revealing the rapid benefits of exporting. 29 per cent experienced a positive impact on their bottom line within just six months of expanding into international markets. Eight in ten (82 per cent) businesses experienced a positive impact on their bottom line after two years of exporting.

31% of businesses that currently sell overseas have had to employ more people in the UK as a result of their exporting activity. These businesses, on average, have recruited an extra 15 people in the UK each as a direct result of their exporting activity, which equates to around 336,0002 more people being employed across the UK as a result of businesses exporting or selling to overseas customers.

The research also found that 31 per cent of those who currently export are planning on branching into new markets in the next year and a further 24 per cent in the next two years. And, with continuing uncertainty in the Eurozone, businesses are looking for export opportunities further afield. Nine out of the top ten countries listed as targets by businesses exporting for three years or more3 are outside of Europe, with Hong Kong, India, China and Australia topping the list.

The research comes as Barclays recently launched a unique proposition, "Business Abroad", which provides the tools and know-how that businesses need to instantly start trading internationally with confidence. It offers free access to expert guidance, advice, workshops and tools, as well as discounts on international products and services.

Steve Cooper, vice chairman of Barclays Business Banking said: "Winning business overseas is a vitally important way for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out of recession. Our new research shows that in the challenging domestic market, exporting provides attractive new revenue growth for businesses, boosting the bottom line and supporting job creation.

"We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that step to winning new trade around the world, and have experts in place across the globe ready to lend their support and advice."

The event at the Holiday Inn on the morning of October 25 will cover the "Business Abroad" initiative. Barclays is also working with UKTI to help small businesses trade internationally – from securing their first international customer to setting up an overseas operation.

Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said: "Boosting the UK's export performance and supporting the growth of small and medium sized enterprises are key parts of our plan for growth that will help us secure a stronger, more balanced and resilient economy. The Government wants to see a further 100,000 British businesses exporting by 2020 and is committed to helping businesses of all sizes take their products and services to new markets overseas.

"Alongside the support offered by UK Trade and Investment, the Business Abroad proposition launched by Barclays will play an important role in helping British products and services find new markets overseas. I look forward to seeing our partnership deliver real results."

Barclays website

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News: Government announces new measures to boost British business

A series of new measures to help Britain's small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) grow and create jobs, export to new markets, secure finance and cut red tape has been launched by the Prime Minister.

RBS, NatWest and HSBC have agreed to facilitate the distribution of the £95m of the government's Regional Growth Fund to support SMEs considering investing in new capital assets. It is expected to create at least 4,000 jobs and unlock around £500 million of new investment.

To cut red tape, "one-click registration" will go live in April so that businesses can get online, register their business at Companies House, sign up for PAYE registration, Corporation Tax and Self Assessment all in one place. The ability to register for VAT will be added shortly after.

For exporters, new support involves national challenges and workshops, sector knowledge from business intermediaries and professional export advice, hosted by Yell to allow UK firms to swap information and experiences directly.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "British SMEs are already doing incredible things, but we urgently need more of them to follow that boldness. We need this to be a country where more people think "I can start my own business and I can sell to the world.

"Our determination is to come through these difficult times stronger, to trade our way to growth and jobs. We need to show real optimism about the future, and we need to show real aggression about pursuing Britain's interests in the world. The markets are there to be tapped; the deals are there to be done, the opportunities are there to be capitalised on. Now together we must seize them."

The national Business Link online service has also been relaunched. My New Business offers comprehensive information and guidance to those looking to start a business, including personalised checklists, video tutorials and step by step guides.

The Growth and Improvement Service offers access to informative videos, case studies, events and business support finders, for those who wish to develop their business.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "The Business Link services unveiled today will give businesses new, easy to use, and tailored online services.

"This represents the most effective and efficient way to provide the information and advice businesspeople tell us they need and will help businesses grow.

"Interactive tools and services provide real benefits and support to start-ups and SMEs and I am looking forward to seeing these new services put to good use."

Business Link website
BIS website

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News: MAS to target SMEs

A new nationally operated Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will focus on helping small and medium sized manufacturers to grow.

The new service will be delivered by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium (MAC) and will help create an estimated £1.5bn in economic growth, 23,000 jobs and safeguard 50,000 jobs.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service will continue to deliver a national service to all manufacturing businesses in England but the new consortium now means that there will be a specific focus on technical support SMEs developing advanced manufacturing capabilities and creating high value jobs.

Other target areas include business improvement with manufacturers operating in global supply chains, and boosting the number of apprentices at SMEs.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "Manufacturing contributes half of Britain's exports and has much higher productivity than the rest of the economy so it is essential to our plans for growth. That is why we are taking steps to ensure our industrial base is thriving as part of a strong and balanced UK economy.

"Britain has world class manufacturers and the new Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) will help them grow and create more outstanding companies with a particular focus on helping SMEs."

Previously delivered through the Regional Development Agencies the new service is expected to deliver four times the current return on investment. The Manufacturing Advisory Consortium comprises Grant Thornton, Pera, WM Manufacturing Consortium Ltd and MAS SW Ltd.

MAS in Yorkshire & Humber operates from offices on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

MAS Yorkshire & Humber website

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News: South Yorkshire set for sector growth

Councils in South Yorkshire are working together on a programme of support for high growth businesses already based here and for the attraction of new inward investment.

The four-year, £3.4m Sector Growth Enhancement Programme, part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund, is designed to support private sector growth across South Yorkshire and could bring in 600 gross new jobs and generate an increase in GVA of over £9m.

The programme seeks to contribute towards tackling the jobs deficit by stimulating growth and competitiveness in targeted SMEs displaying high growth potential within the strong and emerging sectors in South Yorkshire.

The sectors that have been selected for specific focus include Nuclear, Healthcare Technology, Digital & New Media and Business & Financial Services. These sectors already have a strong critical mass in the region and will provide diverse employment opportunities at all skills levels.

The programme will be delivered via an extension of the successful Invest South Yorkshire model and key activities include proactive business development and developing contacts and networks, key account management and flexible support to high growth potential SMEs and the attraction and facilitation of new inward investment.

In Rotherham the programme would be delivered by experts at Rotherham Investment & Development Office that, in 2008 - 2009, supported 124 businesses and helped to create or safeguard over a 1,000 jobs.

They supported Tata Steel Europe (then Corus) with their restructure and are helping engineering company, MTL Group, to relocate to a 300,000 sq ft advanced manufacturing facility in Rotherham.

RiDO specialists also supported a number of Advanced Manufacturing & Materials (AMM) companies in their moves to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham including Xeros, Struers, EoSemi and Exova.

David Fletcher, Director of Business Investment for Creative Sheffield, said: "This programme builds on the success, in recent years, of a strong partnership between the four South Yorkshire local authority investment teams.

"Whilst the emphasis until now has been around the growth of the larger companies in the region, this programme will allow us to develop our services to support smaller and medium sized businesses with high growth potential, a key element of the economy going forward."

Rotherham Investment and Development Office

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News: Rotherham companies in The Star Top 100 SMEs

The strength of Rotherham's small business sector was highlighted this week with 25 Rotherham businesses featuring in The Star's Top 100 SME's, with four in the top ten.

Compiled every year with chartered accountants, Barber Harrison & Platt, the list compiles small and medium sized enterprises in the Sheffield city region, placing the most profitable at the top.

Whirlowdale, one of the UK's largest pallet handlers, is the highest placed Rotherham business at number three thanks to a staggering 597% increase in profits from £631,000 to in excess of £4.4 million.

Even with profits falling from £3.8 million to just over £3 million, ASD Lighting is seventh overall. Huthwaite Research and History and Heraldy are eigth and ninth respectively.

SIA Ltd in Dinnintgon (16), CW Fletcher & Sons (17) and Nikken Kosakshu Europe (18) also make the top 20.

The following Rotherham companies also made the Top 100 - Horbury Building Systems (31), Acorn Industrial Services (35), TK Lynskey (36), Roofdec Ltd (39), George Hurst & Sons (47), Europa Engineering (50), Cutting & Wear Resistant (59), J White & Co (63), Candlelight Products (57), Charles Thompson Ltd (71), Ben Bennett Jr Ltd (74), Underwood Meats (75), Hydra Mining Tools (77), Furniss & White Foundries (78), CTS Ltd (82), Nicholas Associates (92), Whiteley Read Engineering (93) and MWS Joinery (100).

The Star article
Rotherham

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News: £5 million loan fund launched for region

A new loan fund worth £5 million has been launched in Yorkshire and Humber to help businesses tackle the credit crunch. Yorkshire Forward announced the "Transition Loan Fund" with Business Minister Pat McFadden in South Yorkshire as part of the Regional Development Agency’s ongoing efforts to support regional businesses through the recession. The new loan fund, which can be accessed through Business Link Yorkshire, has been designed to provide small to medium sized businesses in the region with working capital to help them maintain liquidity in their business. Speaking about the new transition loan fund Yorkshire Forward's Terry Hodgkinson explains: "We are not here to act as another bank, or to step on the toes of the banking sector and we are looking to closely with the banks to ensure the financial needs of the region’s businesses can be met via traditional routes and our support. We want to ensure well managed, sustainable companies can manage their credit successfully so that they can weather the downturn. "The transition loan fund adds to the support that we are already making available in the region and will help to ensure even more businesses can continue to operate and hopefully expand, despite the recession." Department for Business Minister Pat McFadden said: "Access to finance is key to helping businesses through these difficult times. Through this fund local firms can get the support they need to bridge short-term gaps and secure their futures. This is of particular value to firms in the supply chain where a major customer has run in to difficulty." The scheme involves a £1.2 million small loans pot that will be available for working capital of up to £50,000 for SMEs, a £1 million business angels co-finance scheme and a £2.8 million large loans scheme will provide general loans in the region of £70,000 to £100,000.

Yorkshire Forward website

Rotherham

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News: Small firms urged to sign up for Government contracts

Rotherham firms are being urged to sign up to the government's Supply2.gov.uk website and take advantage of the thousands of government contracts available. More than 123,000 companies have already signed up to the website, which provides an up to the minute database of government contracts for small businesses wishing to supply to the public sector. Suppliers who have signed up to the site receive advice on how best to access government contracts and a free daily email alert notifying them of new opportunities that are relevant to their business. Secretary of State Lord Mandelson said: "Every year the government spends many billions of pounds on public sector contracts. It is vital that we actively help small and medium sized companies take advantage of these business opportunities. In the current economic climate this is more important than ever. The supply.2gov.uk website is a crucial tool for this." Minister for Yorkshire & the Humber, Rosie Winterton said: "SMEs often have smaller overheads, local knowledge and great flexibility. Often they can offer the public sector better value for money than big business."
http://www.supply2.gov.uk/
Rotherham

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News: Rotherham entrepreneur in UK's top 100

Tony Stewart, the owner of Rotherham company ASD Lighting and Rotherham United Football Club is listed at joint 98th in Management Today's Top 100 Entrepreneurs 2009. This is the sixth time the list has been compiled and is based on two key measurements, growth in turnover and employment. The list states that Mr Stewart's wealth stands at £20m and indicates that ASD Lighting has enjoyed a turnover of £18m over the last five years, an 80% increase. The firm employs 172 people, a 24% increase over the last 5 years. Last year, ASD Lighting was named in The Star's Top SME's, again coming out top in Rotherham and named as South Yorkshire's second most profitable company, with a 50 per cent increase in profits from £2.6 million to £3.8 million. ASD have invested £5m in recent years expanding their premises on Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, creating more space to improve efficiency by better control and planned production. The diverse list of Britain's top 100 entrepreneurs sees Mr Stewart in good company, just behind chef Rick Stein who is at 97. Well known business figure Duncan Bannatyne is 6th with Sheffield's Emma Harrison of A4E Recruitment at 46 and Alan Beardshaw of Sheffield's Special Steel Company at 56.

ASD Lighting website

Management Today article

Rotherham

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News: Government's real help for business

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson today unveiled a package of measures designed to address the cash flow, credit and investment needs of small and medium businesses. The support package, which builds upon the commitments outlined in November's Pre Budget Report, consists of loan guarantees and a new Enterprise Fund aimed at helping companies struggling to access finance for working capital and investment.

The Government measures include:
- A £10bn Working Capital Scheme, securing up to £20bn of short term bank lending to companies with a turnover of up to £500m
- An Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, securing up to £1.3bn of additional bank loans to small firms with a turnover of up to £25m
- A £75m Capital for Enterprise Fund (£50m from Government augmented by £25m from the banks) to invest in small businesses which need equity.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "UK companies are the lifeblood of the economy and it is crucial that Government acts now to provide real help to support them through the downturn and see them emerge stronger on the other side."
Business Link website
Rotherham

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News: SYIF funds in place to help local businesses

With £9.7m of interim funding secured, The South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF) is in a position to continue supporting local businesses. SYIF was established in 2001 and has invested almost £50 million in South Yorkshire businesses (including money with management), created and safeguard 8,000 jobs and helped to generate more than £425 million worth of additional sales. Last month, SYIF completed its 500th investment. SYIF is working with another regional fund called PIF in developing a much larger, regional Venture Capital and Loan Fund to provide loans of £200k-£2m to small to medium sized enterprises. Tony Goulbourn, chief executive of SYIF said: "It is very much business as usual as we begin 2009 and we urge any company within South Yorkshire to speak to us about how we can provide the funds required to assist their growth. "We will continue to work closely with the financial intermediaries in South Yorkshire to help make the Fund available to as many businesses as possible whilst continuing to maintain rigorous investment criteria in these difficult economic times."

SYIF website

Rotherham

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News: SYIF appoints experienced investment manager

Fresh from securing £9.7m from Yorkshire Forward, SYIF has appointed a new investment manager. Ian Waterfield, 34, joins SYIF from the YFM Group in Leeds, where he worked as investment manager for their Yorkshire and Humber Equity Fund, investing in businesses across the region. Prior to this, Ian spent 12 years with KPMG, Europe's largest integrated accounting firm, where he qualified as a chartered accountant and went on to become an Associate Director in their Transaction Services division. Based in Rotherham, Ian's role as investment manager will involve appraising new opportunities to invest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire and ensuring investments are completed as smoothly as possible. He will also be working alongside the management teams of investee companies to help them achieve their growth ambitions. Ian said: "I was attracted to this position at SYIF because it gives me the opportunity to work with ambitious, young businesses across the region, helping them to grow. "I'm looking forward to building relationships in South Yorkshire and getting more involved in helping management teams achieve their goals." Tony Goulbourn, SYIF's chief executive, added: "Ian is a highly skilled and experienced investment manager, with an impressive track record. We are delighted to welcome him to SYIF. He will be a great asset to the fund."
SYIF website
Rotherham

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News: £9.7 Million fund approved to support business growth in Yorkshire and Humber

Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward has announced that they are to make £9.7 million available to support business growth in Yorkshire and Humber through venture capital funds Partnership Investment Finance (PIF) and South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF). The funds will allow SYIF and PIF to invest in small and medium sized enterprises (SME) in Objective 1 and 2 areas of the region who would struggle to secure finance for growth through the traditional banking system, especially in the current economic climate. The £9.7 million pot will ensure SYIF and PIF can continue to invest in regional businesses when their current funding stream ends on December 31st and whilst a new region wide venture capital and loan fund is developed using both Yorkshire Forward and European funds. It is hoped the new fund will be worth up to £120 million and come online in autumn 2009. Yorkshire Forward has recently started the process of tendering for a suitable fund manager to deliver the fund in the region. Alex McWhirter, assistant director of business at Yorkshire Forward said: "Both SYIF and PIF have achieved significant success in the region to date, investing more than £87 million in the region, supporting over 940 businesses. "This new funding will allow PIF and SYIF to continue with their existing pipeline of investments and work with new companies, whilst we continue to develop plans for a new regional fund that will make it easier for businesses from across our region to access finance for growth. "This latest investment and the development of the new fund are both key elements of Yorkshire Forward's core commitment to ensuring growing businesses in our region can access the support they need to succeed - and this is particularly critical in challenging economic circumstances."
SYIF website
Yorkshire Forward website
Rotherham

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News: Regional minister welcomes Pre-Budget report

The Government has published a Pre-Budget report that describes the next steps the Government is taking to support the economy, business and households through the current difficult economic climate and maintain economic stability in the long-term. Included in the £20bn package is action to help businesses respond. In the short term this inlcudes a new Small Business Finance Scheme, a new HMRC Business Payment Support Service, more generous tax relief for businesses now making losses and the the modification of a number of planned tax reforms. Longer term actions include a package of reforms to the taxation of foreign profits, measures to enhance SMEs’ access to government contracts and a set of economy focused devolutionary proposals, to be agreed with local authorities in city-regions. Further actions were aimed at those facing redundancy and seeking employment and £3bn of capital spending will be brought forward. The £3bn covers a number of sectors including transport, housing and regeneration, health and education, and the environment. This package will support different industries and jobs across the country. Rosie Winterton, Regional Minister for Yorkshire & The Humber has welcomed the Government's Pre-budget report. She said: "In our region, we know that our success is dependent on strong and vibrant businesses of all sizes. The Chancellor has put together a dynamic package through finance, tax and support that will help our local businesses come through the current uncertain times."

Pre-Budget report website
Rotherham

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