News: Macalloy on export trail in Poland

Rotherham manufacturer, Macalloy, is one of a number of firms from the Sheffield city region that are heading to Poland this week as part of a Department for International Trade Northern Powerhouse trade mission.

Dinnington-based Macalloy are world leaders in design, manufacture and supply of threaded bar and cable systems to engineering and construction projects across the globe. Approximately 80% of the company's turnover is from export.

Barclays has provided both term debt and working capital to Macalloy, which employs over 90 staff, in a bid to further boost exports. Turnover for the current year is expected to exceed £11m.

The trip to Warsaw will highlight the key opportunities for businesses in the advanced manufacturing sector, while also showcasing Northern expertise in Poland.

Given the city region's specialisms in advanced manufacturing and engineering, Poland is an important target market, as well as being a gateway to the broader Eastern and Central European region.

Latest figures available show that, in 2015, Sheffield City Region exported £71m worth of goods to Poland. This was the city region's 13th largest export market for goods but, given existing international connections via Doncaster Sheffield Airport – which flies to six Polish cities – and a strong Polish community resident in the city region, there is potential to trade significantly more.

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Sir Nigel Knowles, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "In Sheffield City Region we grab each opportunity and make the most of it, whatever the size of the company, whatever its sector and whatever its ambition.

"We do this daily with domestic and international business partners alike, and the level of Sheffield City Region involvement in this trade mission is testament to that. We have a strong business ethic and our approach is simple, straightforward and pragmatic.

"With everyone pulling together, and a significant sense of community, we are achieving transformational change and building a thriving, super-connected and successful economy. This is helping to attract, retain and develop skills in the region which are so important for the SCR's sustainable growth."

Marian Sudbury, director of exports & investment for the Northern Powerhouse, added: "As an international economic department, our global export promotion activity allows us to identify the sector-market combinations that present the greatest opportunities for business. Naturally, advanced manufacturing features highly in this area.

"Trade missions allow us to showcase Northern expertise and encourage companies to develop business overseas in a structured and supportive environment. The mission to Poland will give delegates insight into the Polish market and facilitate networking opportunities to help businesses to reach their export potential."

A total of five Sheffield City Region-based companies will participate in the 18-company mission, and they will be supported by delegates of the Sheffield City Region Executive Team.

Heading to Poland alongside Macalloy are Sheffield-based Numill Ltd, Straaltechniek Ltd which has a site close to the M1 motorway in Shiregreen, Dronfield-based Armeg Ltd and Cerex Ltd, based in Nether Edge, Sheffield.

Macalloy tension rods are used as hangers for the steel arch Warta Bridge in Gorzow, Poland and Macalloy tension bars are used to suspend the bridge deck from the steel arch at John Paul II bridge in Pulawy, Poland (pictured).

Both Macalloy tie rods and and Macalloy PT post tensioning bars are used in the KL8 footbridge in Poznan, Poland. Macalloy PT bars are used as anchor bolts to hold down either end of the steel arch. The Macalloy tie rods are use to support the bridge deck.

At the Stadion Zagłębia Lubin, the stayed roof structure is suspended with Macalloy tie rods and anchored back to the ground over steel pylons which double up as anchor points for the floodlights. The floodlights were also tied back to the steel pylons using Macalloy tension bars.

Macalloy website
SCR website

Images: Vistal

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News: Inward investment tops £1.9 billion

The Sheffield City Region (SCR) is celebrating its best ever year for investment by foreign-owned companies, with growth up by a record 50% on 2016.

The nine districts across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Notts which comprise the SCR have seen a massive £1.9 billion pumped into the region, and more than 7,000 jobs created or safeguarded.

The figures, compiled by the SCR, represent the most successful year for foreign investment into the region since the SCR was established six years ago to drive economic growth and jobs.

Teams from the regeneration departments of the nine local authorities, such as RiDO, are supported by the region-wide SCR inward investment team to work together to attract foreign companies from overseas, and others already based in the UK looking to relocate and expand.

Rachel Clark, director of trade and investment for the SCR, said: "The region is seeing some very exciting success, and the culmination of a lot of hard partnership work with our local authority and business partners. These investments can often take years to come to fruition – but it's all worthwhile when the jobs and investment come in and create such fantastic economic growth."

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Headline-grabbing investments include Amazon's fourth warehouse in Doncaster – the largest number it has in any one place in the UK, and the announcement of the creation of high-value jobs by supercar manufacturer, McLaren Automotive, and US aero giant, Boeing.

Planning permission has recently been secured for a 75,000 sq ft development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham that will enable McLaren to open a multimillion pound Composites Technology Centre.

The centre is set to create more than 200 jobs and will comprise approximately 150 production staff and 50 manufacturing support staff.

Rothbiz recently reported that the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has invested £25m to support growing local companies and inward investors of strategic significance. A £12m commitment was made to McLaren which has helped to secure a £50m project.

In the past year foreign companies have invested £500m in 49 projects, creating 2,800 jobs; UK-based foreign-owned companies invested in another 31 projects, creating a further 366 jobs.

In the SCR key sectors, advanced manufacturing and engineering accounted for over 30% of the year's investments. Other important areas, which include automotive, logistics and business, professional and financial services, represented around 60%.

Recent foreign investments relating to Rotherham include the £330m deal that saw ENGIE, a French headquartered multinational firm that specialises in electricity generation and renewable energy, acquire Keepmoat's Regeneration division which includes a significant operation in Rotherham.

Earlier in the period, one of Rotherham's manufacturing success stories, Pyronix, was acquired by China's Hikvision, the world's largest supplier of video surveillance products and solutions.

In August, the global aerospace and defence company, General Dynamics, took on new office space in Rotherham for its UK-based IT business and in November, Rotherham company, Envelopemaster, was taken over by the UK division of German-HQ'd VP Group.

Also during the period, GLASSOLUTIONS, part of French multinational Saint-Gobain announced that it is restructuring its contracting business that is centrally based in Rotherham, confirming an investment of £5m and a restructure of its operating model.

In property, a Joint Venture between Asian investors Fico Corporation and Singha Estates snapped up the Mercure Sheffield Parkway hotel in Rotherham for an undisclosed sum.

SCR Invest website

Images: Boeing / McLaren

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News: Foreign direct investment continues into region

New FDI figures show the UK had a record number of inward investment projects and created second highest number of jobs ever in 2015 to 2016.

The figures are from the Government's Department for International Trade and across the country, 2,213 inward investment projects were secured in the tax year 2015 to 2016, an 11% increase on the previous year. This lead to around 116,000 jobs being created or safeguarded - the second highest number on record.

Almost 1,600 new jobs a week were created by foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2015 to 2016. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), now part of the Department for International Trade (DIT), helped to secure four out of five of the projects that created these jobs. Since 2010, nearly 390,000 new jobs have been created through foreign direct investment in the UK.

For Yorkshire and the Humber, 104 FDI projects were secured, which meant a total of 2,992 new jobs created. The Northern Powerhouse saw a boost to FDI projects by nearly a quarter (24%) in 2015 to 2016.

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International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, said: "These impressive results show the UK continues to be the place to do business.

"We've broadened our reach with emerging markets across the world to cement our position as the number one destination in Europe for investment. This continued vote of confidence in the UK will help attract foreign investment to create jobs, security and opportunities for people across the UK."

The USA remained the UK's largest source of inward investment providing 570 projects. This was followed by China (including Hong Kong) with 156 and India with 140.

Demonstrating the UK's attractiveness to an ever-widening pool of global investors, investments originated from a record 79 countries and the UK became the top European destination for projects from emerging markets. Projects from Latin America rose by 240% and those from Central and Eastern Europe surged by 131%.

Advanced manufacturing, a sector key to the economic success of Rotherham and the Sheffield city region saw an 11% increase in projects from 468 last year to 518, and a 13% increase in jobs created from 33,288 to 37,472.

FDI projects covered by Rothbiz in 2015 include Nikken Kosakusho Europe opening its £4m development on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, where it is planning a £3m extension. Irish owned manufacturing firm, MGB Plastics, made a seven figure investment in new machinery at its Rotherham facility.

Also during the period, Acorn Industrial Services Group, one of the largest power transmission distributors in the country, was acquired by the Swedish industrial group, Axel Johnson International.

The department records wider types of inward investment projects, including mergers and acquisitions and those that are not publicly announced by foreign investors. Therefore, the FDI project figures reported are different from those reported by external organisations, such as Ernst & Young, who track FDI project flows mostly based on investment announcements. These external organisations report on calendar year, while the department’s statistics are for financial year

Images: Harworth Estates

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News: Rotherham businesses urged to succeed overseas

Pricecheck Toiletries, winner of the Queen's Award in 2015 that recognised excellence in international trade, is to talk about its export success at a UKTI event in Rotherham next week.

Pricecheck is a leading supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock. It won the Queen's Award for International Trade 2015 for continuous and cumulative overseas export earnings growth of 283% over six years, from £3m in 2009, to £12m in 2014.

Earlier this year, the family firm made a £1m move to a 113,000 sq ft state of the art building at Beighton Link, just over the border in Rotherham, where it aims to double turnover from £40m to an anticipated £80m, and increase staff numbers to 150 over a five year period.

The free event takes place on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham during the ever growing Exporting is GREAT week and is organised by UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber. It is part of a joint initiative between UKTI Yorkshire, Sheffield City Region LEP, South Yorkshire International Trade Centre and Enterprise Europe Network and aims to help grow the economy by helping every business fulfil their export potential.

"Breaking Barriers: Succeed Overseas" will hear from local businesses that will share their export experiences and provide examples on how they have succeeded in international markets. Expert seminars will also cover topics such as research, legal implications, business support and documentation.

Giles Searby, partner and specialist in commercial litigation and international trade at event legal partner hlw Keeble Hawson, will present at a Tax and Legal Issues workshop, before taking questions about avoiding problems when exporting.

Andrew Hulse of accountants and business advisors UHY Hacker Young will also address the event on tax and accountancy issues for exporters.

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An 19-strong Indonesian trade mission will also attend, seeking opportunities to do business with local companies. The inward trade mission, organised by the South Yorkshire International Trade Centre, involves senior executives of Indonesian businesses in sectors including timber manufacturing, forest conservation and restoration, construction, accountancy, software and hardware, law, food production, agricultural industries, the transportation and distribution of natural gas, shipping, property and real estate, maternity, baby and children’s products, tools for e-commerce, digital, website design and promotions.

Joining the inward delegation and addressing the event is Adrian Short, president director of PT Rolls-Royce Indonesia.

Susan Waterson, deputy regional director for UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Exporting is GREAT Week is an outstanding opportunity for businesses to learn more about international trade opportunities, and the support available to help them fulfil their exporting ambitions.

"Whether a newcomer or an existing exporter looking to expand, the Week offers something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming you.

"Exporting helps companies to grow, and taking those initial steps to find out more can prove invaluable.

"UKTI and our partners in Yorkshire and the Humber are determined to help local companies succeed in the global race. We're already working with thousands of companies across the region to do just that – we want to help a great many more."

UKTI Yorkshire website

Images: UKTI

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News: Find out why exporting is great

Exporting is GREAT, as a number of Rotherham firms have already shown.

Taking place this week, Export Week is a dedicated week of activity by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and includes a varied series of events all over the UK, aimed at businesses to either start their export journey or increase their international business.

The week also marks the launch of "Exporting is GREAT" - a unique new five year campaign that will present real-time export opportunities businesses can apply for instantly, in a move to get 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020.

Exporting is GREAT – part of the world-renowned GREAT campaign – is the Government's most ambitious export campaign to date. For the first time, it will present real-time export opportunities across media outlets and digital channels to businesses – of all sizes, from across sectors and every region of the UK – that they can apply for immediately. The platform has gone live with hundreds of business opportunities, which will be available at www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk. Around 1,000 more will come online each month.

UKTI and partners kicked off a roadshow of events last month in Rotherham when business leaders from Pyronix, Gala Tent and Newburgh Precision encouraged other companies to get involved in exports and explained how international trade was key to driving growth.

Further events are taking place in Barnsley, Doncaster and back in Rotherham, on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Mark Robson, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at the UKTI, said: "As the world becomes ever more globalised and digital, the potential for businesses of all sizes to reach out to new customers and lucrative new markets beyond the UK has never been greater. UKTI will continue to work with customers across the region, including through Exporting is GREAT, to realise this potential.

"While international trade may bring some new challenges and also has some new risks, the benefits always outweigh any of these and I'd encourage every business to look beyond our shores for some really incredible opportunities.

"There is a wealth of support, advice and funding available but the strongest argument for entrepreneurs to break into international trade is simply the benefits it can bring to each business in terms of profitability, competitiveness and resilience."

The free AMP event on November 26 will hear from Sheffield firms: Chimo Holdings - an historic cutlery and giftware maker; Lawson Thinking - a global leadership consultant; and The Floow - a cutting edge vehicle tracking and data company. Each will discuss how they broke into international trade and share their tips with others looking to find growth and success on foreign shores.

Those attending will also receive a free copy of a new guide to international trade called Five Steps To Export, which offers simple advice on identifying new opportunities overseas and how you can find growth on foreign shores.

Robson added: "First-time exporters are critical to the future of Yorkshire and the wider UK economy and the world is hungry for Brand Britain. There really has never been a better time to explore new markets and seek out lucrative new relationships overseas."

UKTI Yorkshire events

Images: UKTI

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News: Expert advice from Rotherham exporters

Three of Rotherham's leading exporters told businesses to do their research, focus on a key market and seek expert advice as they shared the secrets of their international success at a recent event aimed at encouraging more companies to trade overseas.

Business leaders from Pyronix, Gala Tent and Newburgh Precision encouraged other companies to get involved in exports and explained how international trade was key to driving growth.

Organised by UKTI, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and RiDO, the business and regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the free event was held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre.

Security systems manufacturer Pyronix has enjoyed average annual growth of between 10 to 15% thanks to international trade and the Hellaby firm's commercial director Colin Beresford said research, a focused strategy and a local feel was critical to that success.

He explained: "You have to do your homework. Make sure you understand both the rules and regulations for the country and specifically those for your product or service. There are always many layers to the onion in each country that go beyond international standards.

"While we could operate in many markets, we don't. It's far better to invest and commit resources to one strategic market. You will get much more out of that market and will get a firm foothold for further development.

"It's true that many markets will be happy to buy UK products in a UK language. With others you have to talk specifically to them. Making products feel local can be costly and time-consuming but it could be worth it. Commit the time and resources you need to succeed."

Pyronix sells abroad through distributors, alarm receiving centres and large installers with the aim of replicating the success it has had in the UK. Turnover this year is expected to be over £23m and the expanding firm sells around £11m worth of products to the UK market. Strategic export markets include Russia, Italy, Poland and South Africa.

Jason Mace, founder of Gala Tent, told guests how his business has grown from a temporary table top operation in the function room of a local working men's club to an international supplier. One the UK's largest importer and exporter of tents, marquees and pop up awnings, Gala Tent has a turnover of £10m.

The company's route to export without franchises has enabled Mace to move quickly and still keep control of the business. A set of websites with their own back office functions were created by the Gala team in Manvers and taken on by overseas distributors with their own warehouse space who could translate them and do the selling in return for exclusivity.

Eleven distributors are in place in the EU, along with one in Iceland.

Mace said: "Start simple. We began in Ireland and developed a model for exporting. Do the research and check if the country wants your product. Once you've decided on a target, stick with it and don't be tempted to try multiple destinations at once.

"Once you've established a successful system for international trade – expand! I'd say to every business that they should try exporting, it is worth it. Without exports, your business won't expand."

Advanced manufacturer Newburgh Precision discussed how it was returning to the export field following the downturn in the global oil & gas market. The business specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies and has an impressive facility at Templeborough.

David Greenan, managing director at Newburgh Precision, told the attendees: "We've got some great skills in the business but the challenge we face is knowing which countries to target, what markets to go for and who the customers are. You need local knowledge for that and that’s where the UKTI and expert advisors come in."

After the event Tim O'Connell, business development manager at RIDO, said: "This event was a great opportunity to showcase some of the world-class businesses here and to understand how they are finding success around the world. By working together and sharing our experiences and contacts we can really show what we have to offer the world."

Pyronix website
Gala Tent website
Newburgh Precision website
UKTI Yorkshire website
RiDO website

Images: UKTI / twitter

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News: Legal experts at Rotherham export event

hlw Keeble Hawson will be bringing its legal expertise in international trading to a breakfast export event in Rotherham hosted by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) this week.

Held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre on October 15, the session is aimed at entrepreneurs seeking to take their first step in exports, businesses wanting top tips on expanding overseas operations – and for anyone wanting to meet contacts who can share their expertise and global networks.

With four offices in Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster, hlw Keeble Hawson is one of the region's biggest law firms.

Partner, Giles Searby, a high-profile specialist in commercial litigation and international trade, said: "We will be applying our experience to respond to questions from companies who need guidance about first time exporting in terms of how to contract the sale, what needs to be considered - and how to make sure you get paid.

"We also welcome approaches from more established traders seeking tips on topics that might centre on supply chain issues, managing cost and the division of risk under international commercial terms."

The event will offer unique insights into finding success overseas and guests will also be able to ask business leaders how they overcame the export challenges they have faced. Attendees will also receive a free copy of a new guide to international trade, Five Steps to Export, which offers simple advice on identifying new opportunities overseas and how you can find growth on foreign shores.

Organised by UKTI, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and RiDO, the business and regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the free breakfast event will feature talks from three Rotherham export success stories - Gala Tent, Pyronix and Newburgh Engineering.

Michael Peacock, commercial litigation partner and head of the manufacturing sector group at hlw Keeble Hawson, said: "We are delighted to be involved with this initiative as there is huge growth potential in exports, which many companies in the region could harness. Events such as this to help signpost them to experts who can help fulfil their international trade aspirations are invaluable."

UKTI Yorkshire & Humber website
hlw Keeble Hawson website

Images: UKTI

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News: Rotherham export successes

Three of Rotherham's leading exporters are set to share their export journey, offer their insights and reveal their top tips for local businesses looking to break into international trade at an event next month.

Organised by UKTI, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and RiDO, the business and regeneration arm of Rotherham Council, the free breakfast event aims to help grow the Rotherham economy by helping every business fulfil their export potential.

Held at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna in Rotherham on October 15, it is aimed at entrepreneurs looking to take their first step in exports, businesses wanting to get top tips on expanding overseas operations or for anyone wanting to meet valuable contacts who can share their expertise and global networks.

One the UK's largest importer and exporter of tents, marquees and pop up awnings, Gala Tents will highlight the growth of the business from a temporary table top operation in the function room of a local working men's club to an international supplier. Moving to Manvers in 2011, the firm now turns over more than £10m a year and exports to dozens of countries around the globe.

Also at the event are Newburgh Engineering, which has grown into an internationally-renowned, award-winning business that specialises in manufacturing medium to large precision engineering components and assemblies. In 2004, a purpose built facility was constructed at Templeborough, Rotherham, which has since expanded to 135,000 sq ft of modern manufacturing space. In its 75th year in 2014, Newburgh Engineering decided to split its two sites, Rotherham and Bradwell, into two separate businesses. Newburgh Precision Ltd, the high-tech precision engineering sub-contractor with a facility in Rotherham, has expanded its apprentice training school and invested in new equipment, taking on twice as many apprentices.

Rotherham success story, Pyronix will update attendees on continued plans to boost exports of their award-winning range of electronic security equipment for intruder alarms. Turnover this year is expected to be over £23m and the expanding firm sells around £11m worth of products to the UK market. New export markets such as Italy, Russia and Poland have been identified, where the aim is to replicate the sales success. The firm already exports to over 70 countries worldwide.

Those attending will also receive a free copy of a new guide to international trade called Five Steps To Export, which offers simple advice on identifying new opportunities overseas and how you can find growth on foreign shores.

Mark Robson, regional director of UKTI Yorkshire and Humber, said: "Exports are crucial to the future prosperity of this region. This event will allow businesses in Rotherham to hear how their neighbours are finding growth in international trade, learn how they can do the same and also meet like-minded businesses who can help them on their export journey."

William Beckett, who won two Queen's Awards for International Trade with William Beckett Plastics and is Chair of the Sheffield City Region Export Partnership, added: "The LEP is dedicated to helping more businesses deliver growth through international trade. By working together and sharing our experiences and contacts we can really show the world what the Sheffield City Region has to offer the world."

UKTI Yorkshire website
Sheffield City Region LEP website
RiDO website

Images: UKTI

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News: 1,000 more jobs through inward investment

A thousand more jobs were created through foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the Sheffield city region in 2014-15, according to figures collected by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

UKTI is the Government's trade body that works to encourage and support overseas companies to look at the UK as the best place to set up or expand their business. It also works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports.

The annual investment figures from UKTI for the 2014/15 financial year show the UK attracted 1,988 FDI projects - 12% more than 2013/14 – estimated to have brought with them almost 85,000 new jobs and 23,000 safeguarded jobs across the UK.

The UK received the highest number and value of FDI projects in Europe in 2014 and the strong performance has seen the country's inward FDI stock – the value of accumulated FDI in the UK – break the £1 trillion level for the first time. This is the highest in Europe and third in the world after the United States and China.

Figures show that 24 "successes" coming via UKTI were into the Sheffield city region, down from the 28 in the previous year. The projects resulted in an estimated 1,046 new jobs and 280 safeguarded jobs. This compares to 1,755 new, and 131 safeguarded, jobs in 2013/14.

Three further UKTI projects covered a number of areas including the Sheffield city region.

The Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has its own inward investment team, which works with UKTI and local authorities and targets potential investors across the UK and overseas.

Through its Strategic Economic Plan, the LEP has set ambitious targets for private sector growth and includes the ambition to attract 10,000 jobs over the next ten years from organisations based (owned) outside of the city region.

The LEP is set to use half of a £52m growth fund to support significant inward investment and a recent funding call was made to use £3.5m of EU cash to bring forward land and premises for employment sites, specifically targeting inward investment from foreign firms wanting ready built premises.

The initiatives are to address the fact that the Sheffield city region is not attracting its per head population share of UKTI inward investment compared to other Northern economies. The call said that: "Sheffield city region is still lagging behind the national average and neighbouring Local Enterprise Partnership area performance levels, particularly in relation to job creation, despite the increase in 2012/13."

Closer working with UKTI has seen the number of project leads for investments from UKTI increase from just three in 2011.

Comparable LEP regions include Leeds City Region LEP which saw 46 projects via UKTI in 2014/5 (down from 55 the previous year), and the North East LEP which saw 44 projects in 2014/5 (up from 38 in the previous year). Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP recorded 33 UKTI projects in 2014/15, an increase on 27 in the previous year. The Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP had the highest number of "successes" in 2014/15 with 73 which was down from 77 in the previous year.

Of the 28 projects coming into the Sheffield city region, nine came from the Americas, five from the Asia Pacific region and ten from Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Seven were from new investors whilst 17 came from existing investors already in the region.

Investment types included three mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures, 13 new investments and eight expansions. Four related to European HQ projects, seven to manufacturing operations, three to research and development, three to sales operations and nine to services.

Nine of the FDI projects came from the advanced engineering and manufacturing sector, eight from business, professional and financial services, two from energy environment and infrastructure, two from the creative, digital & media and ICT sector and three from advanced engineering / life sciences.

Rotherham FDI projects reported by Rothbiz over the period include South Korean multinational KD Navien, a leading manufacturer of condensing boilers, choosing Rotherham for its UK HQ; Nikken Kosakusho Europe investing £3.6m in a new facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP); and JELD-WEN investing almost £4m in its Woodhouse Mill production facilities to meet increased product demand.

Deals included Hempel Wire's acquisition by Canadian firm, Central Wire Industries; Focus NDT being acquired by the US-based MISTRAS Group; Northern Engineering (Sheffield) Ltd (NES), acquisition by American specialist private investment partnership, Industrial Growth Partners (IGP), as part of a deal for parent company, Sanders Industries; and the conclusion of the £1 billion deal struck by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo to take over Canada Bread, the company owned by Maple Leaf Foods. The deal includes the largest bagel production facility in Europe, based at Swinton in Rotherham.

March saw Danish investors, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners acquire 100% of the Brite Partnerhsip's biomass-fired power plant project at Templeborough for £150m.

Sheffield city region inward investment website

Images: Harworth Estates

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News: Export experts at Rotherham event

Rotherham businesses are being given the chance to find out more about the opportunities to win new overseas business at an interactive workshop next month. .

Organised by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the event is free for Rotherham-based companies and will take place at RiDO's Fusion @ Magna business centre at Templeborough on November 13. The theme will be "winning new overseas business through market research and customer service."

The event is part of RiDO's ERDF-funded Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham – Soft Landing Zone project which offers support to Rotherham companies with accessing international markets and helping foreign inward investors who choose to locate to its business centres. UKTI is the Government's trade body that works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through exports.

The workshop will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from UK Trade & Investment, who will provide information on how Rotherham businesses can identify and explore opportunities in international markets, with the aim of achieving international growth. He will look at where, when and how to access new markets, the importance of being customer-focused and he will also reveal some interesting global findings on customer service.

Nathan Woodcock, business development co-ordinator at RiDO will also speak about what advice and support is available in Rotherham to help businesses to increase their export sales. This includes free access to market research that RiDO’s experienced team can carry out for Rotherham companies to assist them in identifying and exploring new overseas markets.

Nathan said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses who are thinking of exporting, or who have already started to trade internationally, to learn from experts at UKTI and network with other businesses who are doing so. Any Rotherham business that is looking for help with international market research through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone should register now as this opportunity will be coming to an end in the next few months."

Rotherham businesses can also benefit from RiDO's free Export Communication Review (ECR). This is designed to help local businesses to develop trading relations with both English and non-English speaking export markets by reviewing a company's literature, branding and website.

RiDO website

Images: RiDO

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News: UKTI and EEF sign partnership deal

The Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), the UK trade organisation dedicated to the future of manufacturing, has signed a partnership agreement with the Government’s trade body, UKTI, to help boost exports and attract more businesses to invest in the UK.

The deal demonstrates a commitment from EEF, which represents manufacturers ranging from global corporations to small and medium sized businesses, to support UKTI in achieving the Government's £1 trillion export target by 2020.

The agreement, signed by UKTI CEO Dominic Jermey and EEF CEO Terry Scuoler, will see both organisations working closely together to build stronger partnerships with manufacturers, boost overseas trade missions and raise greater awareness of the support available from UKTI.

Terry Scuoler, CEO of EEF, said: "Improving our export performance is key to helping Britain achieve the better-balanced economy needed to deliver long-term stability and growth. UKTI has a vital role to play in helping companies to increase their global footprint. We will now work together to ensure that manufacturers are aware of the support it provides in finding new markets overseas, as well as smoothing the way for new exporters."

Dominic Jermey, CEO of UKTI, added: "As part of our strategy to build stronger relationships with our partners, I am delighted to be working closer with British manufacturers through EEF to drive towards sustainable economic growth through exports. The scale of ambition to achieve our £1 trillion export target by 2020 will require a full team effort with Government and business working together. This partnership will be a very positive step forward towards this goal."

A recent economic survey from the EEF showed an area of caution in exports where demand weakness in key markets and the appreciation of sterling is adding to uncertainty, resulting in a small decline in the number of Yorkshire manufacturers confident of achieving export growth in the third quarter of the year. With the Eurozone economy flagging significantly, political risks increasing and a stronger Sterling exchange rate, export orders UK-wide are turning negative for the first time since the start of 2013.

The EEF recently acquired a new headquarters in Rotherham, taking nearly 7,000 sq ft of office space at Advantage House, Catcliffe.

EEF website
UKTI website

Images: EEF

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News: Mid-sized businesses reluctant to export despite renewed confidence

UK mid-sized businesses are being too conservative in their export ambitions and are not considering key growth markets overseas, even though they are aware of the benefits, new research from Lloyds Bank shows.

Almost three out of five firms (58%), turning over between £25m and £750m, said that they do not currently export and less than one in ten (7%) are looking to do so within the next five years, indicating that over half of mid-sized businesses are still cautious in considering their long-term export strategy.

It follows from the announcement in January that mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire will be some of the first to be personally offered tailored trade advice and an intensive programme of support from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to help them start exporting or break into new markets.

A pilot study was set to be conducted in Yorkshire and the South East followed by a full national roll out.

According to the findings of the Llyods report, just under a fifth (17%) of firms stated that selling overseas is one of their top three business objectives for the next twelve months. This contrasts with two out of five firms (43%) who said that focusing on growing their UK market is their top priority and three out of five mid-sized firms (60%) who are focused on increasing turnover.

This lack of focus on exports is despite businesses being aware of the benefits. Around three-quarters (73%) said that the main advantages of overseas trade were expanding their customer base while just over three-quarters (77%) linked it to increasing sales and profit.

Tim Hinton, managing director for SME and Mid-markets Banking at Lloyds Bank, said: "Although business confidence has reached a record high, mid-sized firms often appear to be overlooking the benefits of exporting.

"Businesses are focusing their efforts on their UK operations first, looking to reduce their costs and increase productivity before embarking on global growth opportunities."

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and DHL Express published new research which identified that members who exported were confident of boosting turnover. Measuring UK exporting activity and business confidence of more than 2,300 exporting firms, it showed that more than two thirds (70%) believe their turnover will improve in the next 12 months – up 10% on the same time last year.

Export Britain website

Images: British Chambers of Commerce

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News: Private sector to help with 10,000 new jobs aim

A multinational medical company with the potential for 1,200 new jobs and a Korean boiler manufacturer aiming to open on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) are two key prospects for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as they hope to foster the creation of 10,000 new jobs over the next decade through inward investment.

LEPs are the government's new model to promote economic development. The private sector led boards provide the strategic leadership required to set out local economic priorities, and better reflect the natural economic geography of the areas they serve.

A combined inward investment team for the Sheffield city region (SCR) called SCRInvest has been working alongside local authorities and national bodies such as UKTI to generate more leads from new investments. Since SCRinvest became operational in 2011, there have been 23 investment successes sourced by the LEP/UKTI, resulting in 1,264 new jobs.

The Strategic Economic Plan for the region sets ambitious targets for private sector growth and includes the ambition to attract 10,000 jobs over the next ten years from organisations based (owned) outside of the city region, including at least one internationally significant investment by a major original equipment manufacturer.

The SCR economic development budget is reliant on receiving cash from business rates growth in Enterprise Zones. This cash will be used to repay the £1.1m inward investment "loan" that was advanced to the LEP by the districts between 2012/13 and 2013/14.

The work of the inward investment team involves flying the flag for the city region at high profile events like the commercial property expo, MIPIM in France and tradeshows such as OMTEC in America and the Singapore Air Show. Closer working with UKTI, the government organisation that supports UK exporters and encourages overseas investment in the UK, has seen the number of project leads for investments from UKTI go from three in 2011 to 48 active projects in the SCR's pipeline.

For example, a multinational medical company has shortlisted a number of sites across the SCR for three expansion sites, with a potential for 1,200 new jobs. The project was identified through UKTI and a competitive proposal was gathered with input from across the region. During the site visit, leaders and chief executives from shortlisted sites met with the company and support was also provided by the Master Cutler and many members of the Universities and private sector.

Another inward investment has seen a Korean boiler manufacturer entering lease negotiations following a visit to a number of sites in the region. It is looking to set up temporarily for the first two years and aims to relocate to the AMP in Rotherham. The company was strongly considering London as a first option due to the Korean community, but have now decided on the Sheffield city region.

The inward investment experts are now set to work more closely with members of the region's private sector, who have experience of dealing with overseas ownership or have multiple sites, in order to develop high profile connections, improve branding awareness outside the region and identify and engage with large organisations capable of making large investments.

Ellen Cutler, inward investment director for the SCR, said in a report to the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority: "Although the initiatives have delivered several notable successes for the city region in recent years, it is recognised greater coordination and private sector engagement is needed to enhance the effectiveness of inward investment activities going forward. In addition, strong governance of inward investment activity will improve outputs.

"An Inward Investment Board is proposed to be established, tasked with agreeing a medium to long term vision for inward investment growth within the SCR, and advising the LEP Board on appropriate initiatives to achieve this."

SCRInvest website

Images: Harworth Estates

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News: Rotherham companies urged to use overseas business networks

Businesses across the Sheffield city region are being urged to use the Overseas Business Network (OBN) to boost exports.

A series of events with representatives from the OBN are being launched by South Yorkshire International Trade Centre (SYITC).

The Overseas Business Network initiative, created by Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012, aims to transform the support available to businesses looking to grow through exports.

It is made up of representatives of 41 countries from around the world tasked with helping businesses enter new markets, find customers and offer guidance on international trade.

SYITC is bringing key officials from the countries to the Sheffield city region to meet with businesses through a series of "Meet and Build" events.

At the first event more than 50 people attended, including Vince Cunningham from China Britain Business Council, Chris Wren and Dhini Puspitasari of the British Chamber in Indonesia, Chris Bush of the British Slovak Business Centre, Steve Toogood and Caroline Erskine of the UK India Business Council, along with Jennifer Hainsworth from the British Chamber in Singapore (all pictured).

Nick Patrick, international trade manager at SYITC, said: "The events provide an opportunity for companies in the Sheffield City Region to meet with the Overseas Business Network and vice-versa.

"The OBN is a fantastic initiative which helps make personal introductions to key contacts around the world. I am looking to meet representatives from all 41 markets so when we have a business in the Sheffield City Region looking to expand into another country we can put them in touch with the right person there to help make that process as smooth as possible.

"These individuals are located across the world tasked with helping businesses in the Sheffield City Region to export to these markets. Please put them to use.

"With support from all the Chambers of Commerce, UKTI, South Yorkshire International Trade Forum and Creative Sheffield, we can provide all the necessary assistance for businesses to grow their exports."

Lorraine Holt is the regional co-ordinator for Yorkshire and Humber within the Overseas Business Network initiative. She said: "The Government wants to double UK exports to £1trillion by 2020 and they see the OBN as a critical element to helping business grow existing markets and create new routes into international trade.

"The network provides practical business-to-business support and guidance on their relevant market, preparing businesses to enter new regions, as well as offering access to customers, distributors and suppliers."

The OBN initiative is a partnership between all the British Chambers of Commerce, UKTI and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Representatives from Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Slovakia and Singapore are set to attend the next SYITC event on July 18.

As part of the OBN, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has also been hosting "Exporting to" events focusing on South Africa, China, and most recently, Romania. There will be two more held later in the year.

SYITC website
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

Images: SYITC

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News: Wind Power Performance could hold the key to low cost renewable energy

Wind Power Performance Ltd, a high tech energy firm based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, could have the power to bring low cost renewable energy to the world.

With developed nations committed to generating energy from renewable sources (the UK is legally committed to meeting 15% of the energy demand from renewable sources by 2020 and the USA has a target of 20% renewable energy by 2020), the barrier for many renewable energy projects is the high setup costs and relatively low returns on investment.

Wind Power Performance is developing a grid-level energy storage battery with 1MWh-100MWh storage capacity which it hopes to be the lowest cost battery technology in the world. By using its new batteries, developers of offshore wind farms or solar farms could reduce the price at which electricity must be generated from the source to break even over the lifetime of the project.

The enterprise was recently recognised for Outstanding Achievement through Passport to Export at the second annual Passport To Export Awards, organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Yorkshire and the Humber.

UKTI's Passport to Export Service assesses a company's readiness for international business, and helps it build international trade capacity.

With a base in the AMP Technology Centre (itself powered by an innovative hydrogen grid system), judges recognised Wind Power Performance's achievements in developing international patents and overseas interest in its energy storage battery to support renewable electricity.

The battery technology is based on existing, proven chemistries and architectures used daily in the metal refining industry and would slash the setup costs of renewable energy projects.

The company was founded by Nick Kitchin, a management consultant who has previously worked for Shell and manufacturer, Carpenter Ltd.

Nick, said: "As the percentage of renewables increases, so the variability of the generation also increases, particularly in solar and wind, so the stability that the grid is looking for is tested more and more.

"Our bi-metal battery is essentially a buffer between the power generation and the demand in the grid, and it's that that gives us the chance to reinforce that buffer and give stability for the supplier. I suppose it's another way of saying "let's keep the lights on."

The company is looking for investors to take the technology forward. The energy storage market opportunity is forecast by Lux Research to be worth $114bn by 2017 and to be 45GW and worth £2.7bn per year globally by 2020.

Wind Power Performance website

Images: Aedas

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News: UKTI targets Yorkshire's "mittelstand"

Mid-sized businesses in Yorkshire will be some of the first to be personally offered tailored trade advice and an intensive programme of support to help them start exporting or break into new markets.

Recently appointed Trade Minister, Lord Livingston, will personally write to all the UK's 8,900 mid-sized businesses by this summer to ask them if they would like trade support from national business support organisation, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

A pilot study will be conducted in Yorkshire and the South East followed by a full national roll out.

The government sees mid-sized businesses as vital to its economic plan to reduce the deficit and create more jobs. The CBI estimates that, if they reach their full potential, it would be worth £20 to £50 billion to the UK economy. Currently mid-sized businesses make up just 0.5% of all businesses but contribute around a fifth of employment and turnover in the UK.

Germans use the word "mittelstand" for the millions of middle-sized companies that form the backbone of their booming economy. Only 17% of UK mid-sized businesses generate revenues outside of the EU compared to 25% in Germany and 30% in Italy.

Lord Livingston said: "Mid-sized businesses have the potential to be economic powerhouses for the UK economy, creating jobs and growth for all regions of the UK.

"Their success is dependant on expanding beyond domestic markets so we will be making personal contact with all mid-sized businesses to find out what we can do to help them go up a gear and compete with the best the rest of the world has to offer.

"Businesses excel with UKTI's support and we want to make sure that they are not just trading abroad, but thriving there."

The UKTI believe that, with its help, mid-sized businesses can increase their sales by £1.8m. Support includes international trade advisers, assessments of export readiness, trade visits and communications reviews.

UKTI website

Images: UKTI

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News: Regional export values increase

Figures released by HM Revenue & Customs have revealed that the total regional export values for Yorkshire are on the increase.

The region's export values reached £4.34 billion in the third quarter of 2013, an increase on the £4.14 billion achieved in the same period last year.

Although slightly down on the £4.43 billion achieved in the second quarter, the region's export values have been on an upward trend since the start of 2012.

Export experts believe that demand is coming from both inside and outside of Europe.

Audit, accounting and business services firm, BDO believes that demand for Yorkshire exports is increasing, particularly beyond the Eurozone, with rest of the world sales up 11%. More promisingly still, emerging markets sales rose sharply, with exports to Africa up 45% and Asia up 47% – albeit from a low base.

Mark Robson, regional director at UKTI, said: "Although the region has experienced mixed fortunes this quarter, it is encouraging to see that we are holding our own and are one of only four English regions – and the only one in the north – to have enjoyed export growth.

"It is clear that, despite some uncertainty, local businesses are making the most of the international opportunities available, particularly in established markets like the EU and emerging economies such as Eastern Europe and Latin America.

"The region has so much to offer and I am confident that our businesses will continue to seize on export opportunities and fulfil their global potential."

Steve Beahan, partner at the Sheffield office of Irwin Mitchell, added: "Small and medium-sized businesses have a big role to play in export success and we think they can do even more.

"Recent initiatives such as Export Week play a big part highlighting and encouraging companies to explore all of the opportunities that are available to them including which markets are most suitable, how they can access finance and how to seek out new trade partners.

"Getting the right advice is also important and seeking good quality timely legal advice from firms which understand their sector is essential."

UKTI website
Irwin Mitchell website

Images: UKTI

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News: Chambers' role in export success

Local Chambers of Commerce are set to play a bigger role in supporting export, working with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) alongside other business groups, to develop and accredit overseas Chambers of Commerce, initially in 21 key growth markets.

Chambers of Commerce are the largest private sector providers of international trade services in the UK, and are committed to helping businesses find new markets and trade the world.

As part of its efforts, a new online resource, Export Britain, has been launched to showcase the opportunities available in key international markets, and help businesses reach out to find new connections overseas.

Announced at the International Trade Conference last month, the accredited overseas Chambers of Commerce will give UK firms practical support when they travel overseas, and provide them with a first port of call in the countries they wish to do business in. Export Britain links UK exporters with these organisations.

This week is Export Week, a series of events to help companies to trade internationally.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: "At the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, we have long recognised the need to better support our exporters.

"Export Week will raise further awareness of the great opportunities out there for would-be exporters, and the fantastic support available for those who need it. We believe that export growth must be a priority, both for government and business.

"Local exporters are more optimistic now about their prospects, with confidence higher than it has been since before the economic crisis. But we need more companies that haven't considered exporting to have a go, and start saying yes to the opportunities that exist in new markets across the globe.

"Chambers of Commerce are here to support firms every step of the way, to help them make in-roads and connections in new countries and provide practical assistance such as training and export documentation."

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

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News: Export Week in Rotherham

Rotherham firms are being urged to start their own export journey as another Export Week begins.

Taking place on November 11 - 15, Export Week is a dedicated week of activity by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) to promote exporting, with events planned in Rotherham and Sheffield to provide expert insight.

Following the success of Export Week in May, which focused on High Growth Markets, UKTI will run a series of regional events aimed at getting businesses to either start exporting or expand their export activity.

Can You Export? is taking place on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham on Monday November 11. The free half day workshop reviews the steps needed to consider exporting. It challenges perceptions of exporting and outlines both the benefits and potential pitfalls.

It will also provide a platform to review a business and its ability to take advantage of new export markets, identify international opportunities and to improve profit and growth through international trade.

Aiming to provide valuable first-hand insight on emerging trends and analysis, The World of Exporting event on November 15 at the Mercure St Paul's Hotel in Sheffield will include keynote addresses from international brand specialist Rita Clifton, a former strategy director for Saatchi & Saatchi, and Mark Robson, the regional director for UKTI Yorkshire and the Humber.

They will be joined by Russ Grazier, regional trade director for RBS; Andy Coticelli, a tax Partner at Deloitte; Hamish Smith, group economist at NatWest; and Jim Keir, regional manager for UK Export Finance (UKEF).

Julia Gash, the founder of BIDBI, formerly known as Bag It Don't Bin It (pictured), is urging others to follow her lead and embrace the opportunities presented by international trading.

"Trading internationally has transformed the way we do business", explained Julia, who founded BIDBI as a green and ethical manufacturing company of tote bags in Sheffield in 2008. "It has opened up markets in the US, Middle East and South East Asia, and has given us a fantastic platform for future expansion.

"It can be a little daunting taking those initial steps onto foreign shores, but my message is firmly to embrace the challenge and to work closely with the likes of UKTI to utilise the services, support and experience they offer."

Overseas sales currently account for 10 per cent of BIDBIs total business, but Julia is confident that will grow to 25 per cent within the next 12 months on the back of growing orders and partnerships in Japan, South Korea, the UAE and beyond.

The company, incorporating offshoot venture Talented Totes, specialises in producing bespoke ethical cloth bags and totes for companies, events and fashion houses. Recent contracts include a Mary Portas collection for House of Fraser and a range for The National Gallery.

Julia added: "I hope the success of BIDBI and Talented Totes inspires others to follow our lead. It’s a big wide world with plenty of amazing opportunities, and it would be fantastic to see many, many more South Yorkshire companies competing internationally, driving jobs and growth, and fulfilling their undoubted potential."

BIDBI website
Export Week website

Images: UKTI

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News: Rotherham firms urged to get export help

Rotherham companies make stuff and sell it abroad, but it is not just the likes of Macalloy, Martek Marine and MTL than can increase profits through international trade.

An exporting workshop is being organised by RiDO (Rotherham Investment & Development Office) in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) that will give local businesses the chance to learn all about overseas trade.


The International Trade Workshop will be held at RiDO's Fusion Business Centre in Templeborough on October 8 from 10-1pm. It will be led by Simon Bedford, an expert advisor from UKTI, who will provide information on how Rotherham businesses can start selling their products and services to new overseas markets, or increase sales to existing international markets. He will also speak about what advice and support is available in Rotherham to help businesses to increase their export sales.

Julia Millea will also explain how the Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham – Soft Landing Zone – works, offering support to Rotherham companies with accessing international markets and helping foreign inward investors who choose to locate to RiDO's business centres. RiDO is the only Soft Landing Zone in the UK, alongside 23 others across the world.

Julia Millea, business development co-ordinator for RiDO, said: "This is a great opportunity for local businesses who are thinking of exporting, or who have already started to trade internationally, to learn from experts at UKTI and network with other businesses who are doing so.  There is lots of support available through RiDO's Soft Landing Zone and UKTI to help businesses to grow their export sales and stimulate new overseas markets."

The ERDF Growth and Prosperity in Rotherham (Soft Landing Zone) project is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £842k investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme 2007-13.

To book a place, contact Julia Millea by email at Julia.millea@rido.org.uk or call 07810 151953.

RiDO Business Centres website

Images: RiDO

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