News: Community united at stadium to launch "Rotherham Day"

A new annual celebration designed to showcase the very best of Rotherham is gathering momentum, with businesses, schools, charities and community leaders recently coming together at the AESSEAL New York Stadium to launch the town’s first official Rotherham Day.

Planned for Friday September 18, the initiative aims to bring the town together in a celebration of civic pride while recognising the people, organisations and businesses that help make Rotherham what it is today.

The idea is being spearheaded by local figure John Breckin, widely known as “Mr Rotherham”, alongside local businessman Scott Thorpe, founder of TMG Mortgage Network, and David Walker, Rotherham's School Games Organiser, with added support from a growing coalition of business and community groups and organisations across the borough.

Organisers say the day will focus on celebrating the town’s achievements, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the sense of pride among residents.

Events planned for the day include schools across the borough wearing red to show their support for the town, the continuation of the hugely successful Children’s Capital of Culture baton relay, a run to help support all local charities, which will then look to become a half marathon and full marathon to put the town on the map, and community events highlighting local charities, volunteers and businesses.

There are also plans for creative projects in schools, including a poetry initiative led by Year 9 students celebrating what Rotherham means to them with a book to published.

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Organisers say the ambition is for Rotherham Day to become a long-term tradition that grows year on year.

Scott Thorpe said the goal was simple: “Rotherham has incredible people, successful businesses and a strong community spirit. This day is about bringing that together and putting the town firmly on the map, with blue chip companies now on board, we are convinced we can now put Rotherham Firmly on the map.

“We want people to celebrate where they’re from, recognise the achievements around them and create something that future generations can be proud of.”

John Breckin added: “There’s already fantastic work happening across Rotherham every day. Rotherham Day is about connecting all of that and creating a moment where the whole town comes together.

“If we can inspire young people, celebrate our volunteers and remind everyone what makes this place special, then we’ve achieved something important.”

Organisers hope the initiative will grow into a major annual event for the town, attracting widespread participation from schools, businesses and community groups.

Phil Smith, Non-Executive Director at Rotherham United, was at the launch event and talked about his start in life in Rotherham and his journey to the upper echelons in the global financial sector. He is convinced that the local community working together to talk up the town will encourage investors to take a closer look.

Rotherham Day could be the start, as Thorpe adds: "This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a statement: Rotherham is proud, ambitious and ready to put itself back on the map."

Anyone interested in supporting or getting involved with Rotherham Day can contact the organisers to find out more about upcoming plans and opportunities to take part.

Rotherham Day Linktree

Images: Rotherham Day

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News: King's Birthday Honours for Rotherham execs

Rotherham Council Chief Executive Sharon Kemp has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list, for her services to business and to the community in Rotherham and South Yorkshire.

And Sarah McLeod, the CEO steering the regeneration of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham, arguably the UK’s greatest heritage restoration challenge of a generation, has been awarded an OBE for her services to the heritage sector.

Joining Rotherham Council in 2016 as part of a whole new senior leadership team brought in under Government appointed Commissioners, Sharon led the organisation on an improvement journey which saw its Children and Young People’s Services first being rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2017 and the organisation come out of special measures and intervention in 2018.

The Council was recognised as the 'Most Improved Council' in the country at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards in 2022, followed by an LGA peer review which described the Council as ‘an impressive organisation which serves the town well’ in 2023.

Sharon was appointed Transformation Commissioner for Nottingham City Council in May this year, whilst continuing to serve the people of Rotherham in her role as Chief Executive of the Council.

Sharon said: “This is an incredible honour, and I will be accepting in recognition of the Council, the borough, and all councillors, colleagues, partners and communities that work together to make Rotherham the amazing place it is.

“It is a privilege to do this job and to be part of such a dedicated team. I have had the honour of working with Cllr Chris Read as Leader of the Council, in driving forward the improvement of the Council and want to take this opportunity to thank those past and present who have not only supported the Council’s journey so far but continue to work together to create an even better future for Rotherham and the wider region.”

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council said: “Sharon has been central to the Council’s improvement journey over the past eight years and her energy, drive and unrelenting focus on delivering the best services possible for the people of Rotherham has been evident throughout our work together. She has played a key role in developing and improving partnerships across the borough and South Yorkshire, increasing collaboration and maximising opportunities for the area.

“As we continue to tackle the challenges facing our borough over the coming months and years, Sharon’s steadfast commitment to good quality public services and to our communities will continue to drive further success.”

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Sarah joined Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) as CEO in May 2017 after having to be persuaded to apply as “I didn’t think I knew enough about country houses.”

It was, she says, both the biggest challenge, and the biggest risk, she had ever undertaken.

Weeks earlier, the Trust, spearheaded by Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL, had bought the dilapidated Grade I listed Georgian country house in Rotherham for £7m.

The task ahead was described in the sector as the ‘UK’s greatest heritage restoration challenge of a generation’. The estimated cost was £130m and every penny needed to be raised over the coming decades.

Seven years on and the house is boosting the region’s economy, providing jobs, nurturing skills and enabling local people to participate in new creative and cultural activities.

Sarah McLeod has developed and guided the WWPT from a start-up to a busy trading business now turning over £3.5m a year and growing, and has successfully raised funding for, and delivered, almost £30m of capital works. She also spearheaded and launched both the Trust’s overarching Masterplan and its Cultural Strategy, creating over 100 new paid jobs and over 300 volunteer roles.

"I’m so glad I took on the challenge,” says Sarah. “Wentworth Woodhouse is so much more than a restoration project; We are creating something really special, and my role has allowed me, and the people I work with, to be really creative and innovative in our thinking. We do things differently to other country houses and we are very proud of that.

“I am honoured and so proud to receive an OBE for my work. I feel incredibly lucky to work in heritage and am very grateful to everyone who has given me opportunities and supported me throughout my career,” said Sarah.

“For me, this award represents the hard work of everyone who works to protect and restore our historic places.”

RMBC website
Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: RMBC / WWPT

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News: New president for chamber, new chief exec set to follow

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has a new President in an important time for the member organisation that is set to see a new chief executive appointed next year.

At the recent Annual General Meeting, held at the new Barnsley College Business Centre, Matthew Stephens of Castlebray Services, was appointed the new President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

A leading regional figure in property and regeneration development, Matthew Stephens has played an active role in delivering and leading redevelopment across the Barnsley and Rotherham region, most notably the flagship Gateway Plaza development in Barnsley town centre.

Matthew has been an active member on the board of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce for over five years, serving as vice-president, with his role allowing him to liaise with local authorities to represent regeneration opportunities for Barnsley and Rotherham on behalf of the Chamber. He takes over the role from outgoing President Joada Allen, who held the position for three years.

Earlier this year, the chamber began looking for a replacement for its current chief executive, Andrew Denniff who after 14 years with the chamber will be retiring in June 2023.

The £70k pa role involves being a member of the Board of the company with full profit and loss responsibility, as well as the responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Chamber.

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The inauguration of the new President took place with outgoing President Joada Allen passing the responsibilities of the role, along with the ceremonial Chamber Presidential medal at the College’s impressive Business Centre, a new joint venture between the Chamber and the College.

Speaking of his appointment at the AGM, Matthew said “I am very proud to be announced as President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and I am honoured that the board has trusted me with this esteemed position.

“I am acutely aware of the important role that the Chamber plays for its members across the Barnsley, Rotherham and wider South Yorkshire region, and the variety of businesses our Chamber represents.

“I would like to be an active voice on behalf of our members and to do so effectively by representing our members across the many opportunities presented to the Chamber. I believe an open-door policy is the most effective way to communicate with our membership, so we can help members and their businesses thrive through the support offered by the Chamber. With the support of our Chief Executive, our Chamber team, our board of directors and our many stakeholders I believe we can continue to build on the fantastic work Joada has established to continue to make Barnsley and Rotherham a fantastic place to do business.”

Outgoing President, Joada Allen said “It is a privilege to hand over to our new incoming President. Having worked closely with Matthew over the last three years I firmly believe he will guide the Chamber to support the number of members I have had the privilege to meet during my tenure.

“I am looking forward to seeing our Chamber invest in quality growth, so we continue to serve our membership. I see the work that the Chamber does each and every day in representing businesses across Barnsley and Rotherham and that is vitally important, particularly in the current climate, that we continue to do so.”

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce website

Images: BR Chamber

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News: Rothbiz offers membership opportunities

Rotherham Business News is offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to support the website and the continued promotion of Rotherham, at the same time as raising their profile within the local business community.

Rothbiz is established as the website that brings together positive news regarding businesses, enterprise, commercial property, regeneration, key developments and the economy in Rotherham.

The site exists to promote Rotherham as a business location by using stories about the enterprising, innovative, proud, and world-renowned businesses that are based here.

A membership programme has been designed to enable businesses to show their support and feature on the site at the same time.

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The website launched in 2007 and has been growing ever since. It now has well over 6,000 subscribers and followers and receives 20,000 pageviews each month.

Tom Austen, founder and editor of Rotherham Business News, said: "If you have had coverage on Rothbiz, gained leads and business from reading the site, like our positive approach to talking up the borough and its businesses, want to raise the profile of your business or organisation, or just like being kept up to date with the latest news, Rothbiz is looking for members to get involved and help us to continue to grow.

"Different levels based on different budgets offer you the opportunity to be featured on the website and with your backing, Rothbiz will continue to publish articles each week focusing on positive stories about amazing Rotherham businesses.

"You will help us give Rotherham the positive coverage it deserves, raise the profile of Rotherham, change the perceptions of Rotherham and encourage Rotherham companies to recognise opportunities for collaboration, growth and business development."

Membership starts from just £10 a month.

Find out more information and become a member here.

Images: Rothbiz

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News: Master Cutler launches 2019 challenge

Businesses and organisations from across Sheffield and Rotherham came together recently in the elegant and historical Cutler's Hall to be part of the launch of The Master Cutler's Challenge 2019.

The charity challenge was launched in 2008, when the Master Cutler for that year, Gordon Bridge from AESSEAL in Rotherham, invited companies to transform a £50 investment into as much charity fundraising as possible.

Every year has seen the event grow – more than 500 companies have taken part to date, raising in excess of £1m for a range of charities.

The current Master Cutler, Nicholas Cragg, opened proceedings with a speech about the two charities – Rotherham Hospice and St Luke's in Sheffield – and why he has chosen them for this year's challenge.

Jordan, a volunteer with St Luke's also took to the stage to tell her story of her experience of the Sheffield-based hospice and the care and support given to her grandfather Colin and father-in-law Andrew as well as their family and friends at such a difficult and emotional time.

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Rotherham Hospice's head of community services, Helen Preece, gave a speech about the challenges faced by hospice community teams, and the hard work they undertake day and night to ensure patients and families are comfortable and looked after in their own homes.

The businesses and organisations collected their £50 initial investment from the Master Cutler and will now be busy raising money. Previous initiatives included turning the streets of Sheffield into a giant monopoly game, waxing legs, hitch hiking, or riding a bike for 32 hours.

The Master Cutler Nick Cragg said: "A massive thanks to the challengers, new and returning, who came to the launch of the 2019 Challenge in the Cutlers Hall. Good luck and I wish you every success. Thank you too to the fund raising teams of both hospices who worked so hard to make it happen."

Master Cutler Challenge website

Images: Master Cutler

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News: Rural Rotherham business named "British Champion"

Lawns Farm Shop and Morthen Milk in Rotherham has been named as a "British Champion," picking up a prestigious rural business award from the Countryside Alliance.

The 2016 Countryside Alliance Awards are run by the membership organisation that aims to protect rural life and were handed out by the Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom MP at a Parliamentary reception this week. Businesses from across England and Wales, who had already won their regional title, came to Westminster to find out if they had taken the national title.

Now run by four brothers of the Ross family in the small Rotherham village of Morthern, Lawns sells home grown food and locally sourced produce as well as milk from its own on site dairy.

Having won the regional title, the business went on to win the national title in the local food / drink category.

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Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: "This third-generation farm really impressed the judges, not least by its location, close to two huge motorways, which can be seen from the farm.

"The 2014 crisis in milk prices necessitated many changes for what was then predominantly a dairy farm, but realising that if the cows were to continue to be at the farm, change was needed. Action was taken, first by opening a farm shop to sell locally produced food and setting up a dairy to produce, bottle and deliver their own milk locally."

The ethos of the business is to provide high quality produce, direct from the producer with authenticity, traceability and sustainability. Education is also central to the Lawns Farm Shop mission, and a number of open days are held each year honouring the fine traditions of piglet racing, welly wanging and afternoon tea.

Lawns Farm Shop website

Images: Lawns Farm Shop / Facebook

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News: Chamber alignment as devolution continues

Presidents of both Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham Chambers of Commerce have announced their intention to promote a greater sense of partnership between the two organisations.

The move reflects a desire to work as a "regional chamber movement" across South Yorkshire, ensuring powerful representation of the local business community in a time of devolution, and mirroring the Combined Authority (CA) and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Currently the region has a forum for Chambers to connect. However, a more aligned position, which will initially see the two chambers strengthen their ties and co-operation, represents a new stage towards the potential creation of a South Yorkshire chamber body, reflecting the voice of business for the whole region.

Darren Pearce, president of Sheffield Chamber, said: "The leadership and governance of the region is set to experience significant change over the next few years, with the establishment of the Combined Authority, the potential of a city region Mayor, and devolution of funding to the region.

"The role of the Chambers is to support business in the evolving economic landscape and our intention is to work ever closer together, positioning the South Yorkshire Chambers as the voice of business for the region."

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Lisa Pogson, newly appointed president at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: "There is a commitment by both Chamber boards to work in greater co-operation to find an aligned voice on many key issues and establish areas of joint working to ensure we strengthen our proposition to members."

The prospect of electing a mayor for the Sheffield city region in May next year is in some doubt as the CA waits on a draft Devolution Order from the Government. A verbal update on devolution is on the agenda for the upcoming CA meeting.

The authority was seeking clarity from Government on whether a mayor is still needed as there are still significant concerns around the mayoral model amongst a number of city region authorities. Derbyshire County Council is mounting a legal challenge against the consultation regarding the creation of the Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority. A two day judicial hearing about devolution plans for Chesterfield took place at the High Court in London earlier this month.

BR Chamber website
Sheffield Chamber website

Images: SCR

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News: Campaign launched to drive down business crime

South Yorkshire Police is urging businesses to join forces and back a new campaign to form a crime-fighting superpower.

With the message: "You Don't Need Superpowers to Protect your Business," the aim is to showcase the free services available and encourage businesses to work with the force to protect themselves and their staff against crime.

Chief Inspector Richard Butterworth, force lead for business crime at South Yorkshire Police, said: "This campaign is all about empowering businesses and making sure that they know what support is available.

"We are determined to ensure that businesses feel safe and supported and have confidence to report crime.

"Whether you're a shop keeper, landlord, butcher or engineer, we are here to protect you, to protect livelihoods and in turn protect the region's economy.

"Through some free and simple steps, we can help keep South Yorkshire open for business and closed to criminals."

From shoplifting and metal theft, arson and burglary, to fraud and assault, business crime is defined as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that has a connection to a business.

It currently accounts for around 17% of all recorded crime in South Yorkshire with shoplifting making up 66% of that figure.

The second most common offence is making off without payment at petrol stations, followed by using fake plates when making off without payment, burglary, criminal damage and theft from motor vehicles.

To address the issue, South Yorkshire Police has a dedicated business crime group as well as a team of business crime advisors.

Chief Insp Butterworth added: "One of our biggest assets is our team of specialist advisors who will visit you and carry out a free security survey.

"They will look at all the ways you can reduce the chances of being a victim of crime from security fencing, property marking and lighting to protection of data.

"Businesses can also access a free "bizkit" on our website that features information about a variety of subjects including cyber security, lone working, cash on premises and social media.

"They will also find regular crime prevention features, links to national websites, spotlights on emerging trends, contact details, campaign updates and interviews with members of the business crime team."

South Yorkshire Police website

Images: South Yorkshire Police

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News: Rotherham agrees to pay up in Trading Standards dispute

The inter council dispute over the multimillion pound liabilities for the former South Yorkshire Trading Standards Unit (SYTSU) looks to have avoided formal litigation.

Established in 1985, the unit was effectively part of Sheffield Council and provided specialist services to businesses and the four local authorities. It was managed by a joint committee comprising of councillors from the four councils: Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Following the sudden death of the head of the former unit, Mike Buckley, in December 2005, substantial financial irregularities came to light with net losses amounting to approximately £13.5m.

The unit calibrated weights and measures and associated equipment, mainly for industry. SYTSU operated as a traded service, and its reported turnover prior to the discovery of these financial irregularities was £3.5m per annum. It had reported a small surplus in its latter years, which has been distributed amongst the four local authorities.

The unit was closed in 2006 and independent reviews have been carried out into the irregularities. A criminal investigation was also carried out by the Serious Fraud Office, in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police, and proceedings were brought against three defendants, who ran companies used by the unit in a complex fraud to cover losses.

Discussion between the councils on settling the outstanding financial position of the unit have been ongoing ever since.

Sheffield Council have been seeking to recover funds of up to £3m each from Doncaster, Barnsley and Rotherham for a number of years. The councils agreed that the costs should be shared but agreement could not be reached on the amounts as Sheffield originally wanted payment in full whilst the other councils felt that Sheffield, as lead authority, accountable body and having had the responsibilities for audit and accounting, should have identified the problems earlier and thus limited the size of the losses.

In fact, Rotherham Council began to query the cost of the unit as early as 1994 and gave early warning that they were considering withdrawing from the consortium. In the event they did not do so.

Now the cabinet at Rotherham Council has approved a settlement of the potential claim by Sheffield City Council. The settlement, along with similar agreements with Doncaster and Barnsley councils, will avoid them entering into formal legal dispute with Sheffield Council and the associated costs, delays and risks.

A report to Doncaster Council's cabinet shows that it has agreed to pay £2.5m but Rotherham's settlement is not yet known as its cabinet report was heard in private as it contained "information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings."

Images: Trading Standards Institute

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News: Home fixture for worldwide Webb

Premier League and FIFA listed referee, Howard Webb MBE has picked up a booking - the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) which is taking place in his hometown of Rotherham next month.

Hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham on May 16, YIBC is one of the leading business events in continental Europe and has attracted some of the biggest and most recognisable names from across the globe.

In a section of the convention hosted by BBC's Tanya Arnold, Howard, an Honorary Freeman of the Borough, will speak about his refereeing career, from taking up refereeing in local leagues in 1989 to preparing to travel to Brazil this summer to officiate in the World Cup.

Police sergeant and Rotherham United fan, Howard, has refereed the FIFA World Cup Final, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup Final.

Mike Firth, founder of YIBC, said: "Having Howard and Tanya on stage in a live talk is a fantastic addition to the line-up for Rotherham's first YIBC.

"For many years, the YIBC has welcomed speakers from the world of sport to offer delegates something a bit different to what they would expect from a business convention.

"We have had the likes of former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss and Paralympian David Weir speak in the past and Howard's story should be another excellent account.

"Sport is one of the biggest businesses in the world. To be successful you need to have determination, vision, the will to win and the skills to succeed, much of the same attributes that are needed in the rest of the business world so I am sure all the delegates will be able to take something away with them from the day."

Political heavyweights Michael Portillo and John Prescott will go head to head at this year's YIBC, with the line-up also including Robert Peston, business editor at BBC News and former financial editor of the Financial Times, Rosie Swale-Pope MBE, Brian Blessed and Richard Noble OBE.

Firth added: "YIBC Rotherham is proving popular and is shaping up to be a fantastic day. Since the speaker line-up was confirmed, the excitement has been building.

"We are delighted with the speakers we have been able to attract for the first YIBC Rotherham and the final preparations are being made ahead of May 16 - it sure to be a great day for all of the delegates attending and for Rotherham as a whole."

YIBC website

Images: South Yorkshire Police

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News: Metal theft event as new legislation comes into force

A business crime event is being held in Rotherham later this month to highlight the new licensing regime for scrap metal dealers that came into force across England and Wales at the start of October.

Delivering much needed reform of the scrap metal sector, The 2013 Act aims to provide effective and proportionate regulation, creating a more robust, local authority run, licensing regime that will support legitimate dealers yet provide the powers to effectively tackle unscrupulous operators.

The free, one day event on October 18 will provide dealers, manufacturers, stockholders and metals businesses with the latest metal theft crime data, an overview of current police initiatives and details of the new legislation.

The key note speaker Jo Byrne, Assistant Chief Constable of the South Yorkshire Police will discuss the impact of metal theft. The South Yorkshire Police will explain how they tackle metal theft in the county and future plans to crackdown on the problem.

The event will also provide the change to register for the free Scrapwatch initiative. Originally developed by Rotherham-based scrap metal dealer, SME Ltd, in 2012, the easy to use, virtual platform aims to encourage the local scrap metal industry to take a proactive stance against metal theft by reporting and mapping incidents.

South Yorkshire is one of the worst affected areas in the UK costing the county approximately £2.5m in damages and theft in 2012. In South Yorkshire alone there have been 324 arrests and a 31% reduction in metal theft in the county over a recent nine month period. Despite this, metal theft remains a real and persistent threat with 2,616 incidents being reported between April and November 2012. Metal theft accounts for 4% of all crime committed in South Yorkshire.

New York Stadium is hosting the event run by The Business Crime Reduction Centre (BCRC), the European-funded initiative which provides free and impartial security advice to SMEs in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

David Ransom, director of the BCRC, said: "Metal theft is an extremely serious crime. Not only does it cause significant financial losses to local businesses but it can also lead to serious injury and death. The recent crackdowns have seen crime figures reduce but there is still more to do."

BCRC website

Images: BCRC

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News: New MP champions Rotherham in maiden speech

Newly elected Rotherham MP, Sarah Champion used her maiden speech in the House of Commons to talk up Rotherham and its businesses.

During an important debate on the economy, Champion highlighted government cuts, job losses and youth unemployment but went on to share facts about industry in the borough.

She said: "The people of Rotherham are proud of their town, but they cannot understand why none of the good things are ever shared. Let me redress that.


"Seven out of 10 top Formula 1 racing cars are constructed of Rotherham steel.

"Every five seconds, somewhere in the world, an aircraft takes off or lands that is reliant on gear made from Rotherham steel.

"In recent years, Rotherham has embraced growing industries in advanced manufacturing, finance and IT services. Rotherham Ready, which was launched in 2005, is internationally acclaimed for its approach to integrating enterprise into learning for all children aged four to 19.

"This year, 18 new independent businesses opened in Rotherham town centre, as well as two national retailers. The recent £7.5m Clifton Park restoration is a benchmark of excellence. Rotherham Show is the largest free show in the north of England and welcomed 80,000 visitors during its two days in September.

"Rotherham United's stunning new home, the New York stadium, opened its doors to a sell-out crowd this year.

"Rotherham is the only place in the country affiliated to the Athena international programme, the main aim of which is to secure balance in leadership worldwide. As the first ever woman to be elected as MP for Rotherham, I am particularly pleased with that affiliation and I will work to support more young women to reach their full potential."

Sarah Champion website

Images: champion4rotherham.org.uk

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News: New York Stadium to become networking hub of Rotherham

Rotherham United chairman, Tony Stewart, has urged local companies to bring their business and support back to Rotherham United.

As the club approach the target of 2,500 season tickets sold, the owner of Rotherham-based ASD Lighting discussed how the £20m New York Stadium will be at the heart of the local community, from fans and their families to local businesses.

Tony Stewart, chairman of Rotherham United, said: "The New York Stadium is a venue for the people of Rotherham to come to enjoy and engage with. It will be at the heart of the local community and we want everyone to join us and be part of something really special.

"We are engaging with the local business community. The 1925 Club will set the standard in corporate hospitality with its world-class facilities and five-star dining. It will become the networking hub of Rotherham and stimulate new business relationships locally. This stadium will bring huge change and enhance the match day experience for all, be it children in the family stand, businesses and VIPs in the 1925 Club or season ticket holders.

"I can't wait to welcome everyone to this fantastic stadium and share what has been a dream of mine for many years. All local people can be part of this historic move by doing your part, supporting the stadium and bringing your business and support back to Rotherham United.

"The stadium really is the future of Rotherham and these are very exciting times for Rotherham United."

The stadium is nearing completion on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry close the Rotherham town centre. The 12,000 seater stadium will feature exhibition and banqueting spaces for 400 corporate guests and 1925 Club membership is fully transferable and can be shared with clients or staff and also provides networking opportunities and priority booking for other 1925 events.

Rotherham United website

Images: Ellrod Site Services / twitter

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News: The Budget 2012

The Chancellor, George Osborne introduced yesterday's Budget as one that "unashamedly backs business" but what does it mean for Rotherham businesses?

Local businesses should be able to keep more of their profits as the government announced that the main rate of corporation tax will be reduced from 26% to 24% in April 2012, to 23% in April 2013 and to 22% in April 2014. As a result, the UK will have the lowest main corporation tax rate in the G7 and the fourth lowest in the G20.

An additional boost for businesses looking to secure finance is likely to come from the Business Finance Partnership. Announced in the Autumn Statement, the managed funds will lend directly to mid-sized businesses and the fund has been increased to a total of £1.2 billion.

£100 million of the funding has also been allocated to invest through non-traditional lending channels that can reach smaller businesses, which could include peer-to-peer platforms and supply chain financing. Further details are expected later in the year.

The banks are also being incentivised to lend more to smaller businesses under the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme and the video games and animation industry is set for tax relief.

The government vowed to continue to reduce red tape which includes a radical change in the administration of tax returns for SMEs (earning less than £77k pa) which will be based on cashflow.

Rotherham retailers are also being given the option of Sunday trading during the Olympics and Paralympics this summer.

Osborne announced that £60m will be used to establish a UK centre for aerodynamics which will open in 2012–13 and support innovation in aerospace technology, commercialise new ideas and spin-off technologies with wider applications in other sectors.

The new centre could prove to support the work carried out by the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, and Tata Steel Specialty, who recently completed a £6.5m investment in aerospace steel production.

But Karl-Ulrich Köhler, MD & CEO of Tata Steel's European operations called on more to be done to support energy-intensive industrial companies in the UK. He said: "The Chancellor is rightly aiming to reward work, but this Budget did little to ease the additional unilateral energy costs that UK industry must bear. The benefits to industry pale into insignificance against the costs imposed on them from existing energy and climate change regulations, which are rising alarmingly in the UK."

Some direct investment has also been announced for transport in the region with Network Rail set to invest a further £130m in the Northern Hub rail scheme to improve transport links between Manchester and Sheffield.

This includes increasing capacity (but not electrification) on the Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield, which will enable the number of fast trains to double.

There has been no indication yet of Treasury approval for the £55m required for the DfT-approved tram-train project linking Rotherham and Sheffield.

Infrastructure projects in the Sheffield City Region are set for further funding with the government adding a further £270m to the Growing Places Fund. The region secured £12.3m from the fund in November to help unlock plans for economic growth, job creation and housing,

However, the Sheffield city region is not one of the "superconnected cities" to benefit from the £100m of funding for high speed broadband.

The Budget had little emphasis on skills, apprenticeships or youth unemployment but did outline an idea that will see a pilot project to determine the best way to introduce a programme of enterprise loans to help young people set up and grow their own businesses.

HM Treasury website

Images: hm-treasury.gov.uk

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News: Get involved with Rotherham Business News

November 2011 marks the fourth anniversary of Rotherham Business News.

With 3,000 positive articles covering business, enterprise, developments, commercial property and the economy in Rotherham, Rothbiz has been there first with the major stories.

As a continued effort to keep bringing readers the latest Rotherham business news first, and to grow as an operation, Rothbiz is offering exciting potential sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

If you are an interested business or organisation that wants to build the awareness of your brand, promote your services and target the Rotherham business community, please download the draft version of the Rothbiz media pack and we'll go from there.

Rothbiz will be back in December to bring you the name of Rotherham United's stadium, news of new inward investment deals, new lettings, new retailers, new start up companies, award wins, contract wins and all the Rotherham businesses making the news.

In the meantime, keep doing what you are doing or I won't have anything to write about. You are what makes Rothbiz possible.

Many thanks for your continued support,
Tom Austen

Rothbiz media pack

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News: Rotherham businesses urged to help increase the literacy levels of children

Business in the Community, a national charity, are working with Inspire Rotherham to place business volunteers into local primary schools to help increase the literacy levels of Rotherham children.

Children in Rotherham suffer from one of the lowest levels of attainment in literacy in the UK. Though the Right to Read programme, Business in the Community can train, CRB check and place business volunteers into Rotherham primary schools, at no cost to the business.

Research has shown that reading with a child for 10 minutes per week for one term can raise their reading age by up to one academic year.

The Right to Read programme aims to support students in their literacy development, while improving their confidence, communication skills and attitude towards reading. The interaction with business employees is seen as an opportunity for children, often from deprived backgrounds, to be introduced to the world of work and spend time with a role model that is a non-authority figure.

Funded by Yorkshire Forward, Inspire Rotherham is a dynamic, new approach, being managed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, which provides opportunities to raise aspirations and develop innovative, inspirational approaches to building skills and confidence in communication within young people, families, carers and practitioners across Rotherham.

For further information please contact Business in the Community on 0114 201 3307 / michelle.dickinson@bitc.org.uk

BITC website
Inspire Rotherham website

Images: BITC

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News: RiDO Business Centres take their offer online

Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) has launched a new website for its successful business centres with the help of one of their tenants, Castus Design.

The new RiDO Business Centre website www.ridobusinesscentres.co.uk includes interactive plans of each of the four centres, immediately showing potential tenants the options of available space at each location. The interactive plans also identify and promote the other companies already located at each Centre.

Amanda Parris, Business Centre Manager at RiDO said: "We wanted to make it easier for those new businesses looking for potential office or workshop space to see exactly what is available, and to provide easy access to the teams at each centre who can help potential tenants.

"We offer a number of benefits for companies looking to expand into their first business premises. These include easy in / easy out terms so businesses aren’t tied into long lease arrangements, professional premises without the high costs and modern facilities that help enhance the image of the business."

Three tenant companies within the centres with web design skills were invited to pitch for the work to create the new site. Castus Design, based at the Matrix @ Dinnington business centre were successful and Gary Hides, one of Castus' Directors said: "It was great to be awarded the Business Centre website project, not only to work with RiDO but also the opportunity to show how good the centres are as locations for young, growing businesses such as ours.

"We've have been based here for 18 months now and it really is ideal for us. Thanks to the support available from RiDO, taking the leap to our first office premises wasn't as daunting as we had expected.

"The novelty still hasn't worn off when I arrive at work each morning in such a plush building. Obviously this helps to give potential clients the right impression when they visit us. I like to call it the "wow" factor which is the message we wanted to communicate through the website."

RiDO Business Centres website
Castus website

Images: ridobusinesscentres.co.uk

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News: Rotherham named most enterprising place in Yorkshire

Rotherham has won the regional heats of the prestigious Enterprising Britain awards.

Enterprising school children and young entrepreneurs from the town wowed a panel of tough, private sector judges last week to help secure Rotherham's crown as "The Most Enterprising Place in Yorkshire."

Primary and secondary school pupils told the panel how enterprise education was making a difference to their aspirations, and then Young Entrepreneur Luci Bennett described how she successfully developed her own fashion label, Roc and Doll.

Their stories showed how Rotherham has the complete package for developing enterprise - with Rotherham Ready inspiring children about business as soon as they start school, and Rotherham Youth Enterprise providing all the support young people need to make their business dreams a reality.

Rotherham is home to some of the most deprived communities in the region, but has been undergoing a profound shift in culture, due to almost 54,000 enterprise interventions in schools between Rotherham Ready and Rotherham Youth Enterprise in the last five years.

Rotherham Ready, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has trained hundreds of teachers to develop enterprise in schools and colleges, and harnessed the passion of the business community to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship in education.

An astounding 103 schools and colleges in Rotherham have also achieved the Warwick Award for Excellence in Enterprise Education - the quality mark for enterprise learning.

Rotherham Youth Enterprise provides start up support, business coaching and incubation workspace for young entrepreneurs - enabling 232 youngsters to start businesses in the last five years.

The group were up against tough competition in the final from enterprise projects from Leeds, Airedale and Cottingley. But the panel of seven judges unanimously agreed that Rotherham was the winner.

They said they were 'blown away' by the presentation about enterprise in schools and, which was 'professional' and 'inspirational.'

Jackie Frost, Rotherham Ready Manager and Enterprise Projects Manager for the Council said: "Winning this award is well deserved recognition for the effort and passion of everyone involved in developing enterprise in Rotherham.

"Young people in Rotherham need to be enterprising - more so now than ever - and people from education and business involved with Rotherham Ready and Rotherham Youth Enterprise have been working to make sure that young people leave school, college or university ready for the challenges and opportunities of life, and ready to help shape the economy of Rotherham.

"Developing a culture of enterprise is only possible when people from across the local authority and the borough work together to make a difference. This award has been achieved because of that spirit of team work and passion. We give our warmest thanks and sincerest congratulations to everyone involved."

John Vincent - Yorkshire Forward Board Member and chair of the Regional Judging Panel said: "The success of Rotherham Ready demonstrates what can be achieved if people work together to improve the social and economic prospects of their community.

During August the Rotherham team will go up against the other eleven regional finalists from around the UK for the Enterprising Britain 2010 national title. The overall winner will then go on to represent the UK at the European Enterprise Awards next year.

Rotherham Ready website

Images: rotherhamready.org.uk

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News: Crime against business in South Yorkshire drops by nearly a quarter

A report from the South Yorkshire based Business Crime Reduction Centre (BCRC) shows that crimes against businesses were down 24% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

Using figures provided by South Yorkshire Police, the Centre breaks down reported crime in a number of ways including types of crime, reported value of the property stolen and the levels of crime in each of South Yorkshire's individual towns.

Although the retail sector experiences most in numbers of crimes, it is sectors such as Logistics and Engineering that show the highest monetary value of losses, giving rise to the description "low volume - high value crime."

Analysing the number of crimes committed in each of the major towns in the county shows that in Barnsley 14% of businesses were victims, Sheffield and Rotherham each saw 16% of its businesses hit by crime, while Doncaster suffered most with 20% of its businesses being victimised.

David Ransom, Director of the Business Crime Reduction Centre said: "We are delighted to be able to report such a significant drop in the number of crimes being committed against our local businesses.

"That's probably little compensation if your business has recently been victimised, however there can be no doubt that overall the picture regarding business crime is improving.

"This can only be positive for South Yorkshire, because crime is undoubtedly a brake on the forward movement of the economy."

BCRC website

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News: Rotherham firms in The Star Top 100

The strength of the Rotherham business sector was highlighted this week as 15 Rotherham-based firms made it into The Star's Top 100 companies list sponsored by Barber Harrison & Platt.

Ranked by turnover, fast-growing electronics retailer, Maplin, was the highest placed Rotherham firm at number 16 with manufacturing firm, London & Scandanavian Metallurgical at 17.

Manufacturing, engineering and industrial firms performed well with Rittal, the manufacturer of enclosure systems at Hellaby, coming out as Rotherham's most profitable businesses with profits at £6.1m for 2010. Award winning mechanical seal business AES Engineering at Templeborough also posted profits of over £6m.

The list includes locally-based independent businesses, holding companies in a UK group or the ultimate UK company of an overseas-controlled group filing accounts with Companies House.

Sheffield-based supplier of insulating, roofing and commercial interiors products, SIG, topped the list, posting the highest turnover and yearly profits.

Rotherham firms in The Star's Top 100 companies were Maplin (16), London & Scandanavian Metallurgical Co. (17), C F Booth (20), ABS Industrial Resources (22), Maple Leaf Bakery (25), LuK (32), Rittal (38), AES Engineering (41), Morphy Richards (46), First South Yorkshire (47), Burrows (South Yorkshire) (65), Energy Alloys (66), Ronald Hull Jnr (70), Massarella Catering Group (82) and Toyoda Gosei (87).

The Star website

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