News: S2S Group secures investment from Bailie Group to propel growth ambitions

The Rotherham-based S2S Group has received a £500k injection from investment firm Bailie Group.

S2S Group at Manvers is one of the leading players in electronics manufacturing, asset recovery and electronics recycling, specialising in the disposal and management of IT assets at the end of their lifecycle, offering a certified and eco-friendly IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) service.

The Baillie Group, a family-owned group of agencies and consultancies, invests in ideas, people, and properties with the goal of making a positive impact. It has offices in Leeds and Antrim.

The £500k deal sees Baillie Group acquire a 25% stake in S2S and is set to accelerate growth ambitions and develop S2S Group's market share in the defence sector, focusing on key target contracts.

The move builds on a recognition for a strong commitment to sustainable and secure recycling and reuse of end-of-life IT equipment, supporting clients across the defence, finance and education sectors. Significant growth in the last five years has included the acquisition of operations in London and Glasgow in 2023.

The investment from Bailie Group, which owns a portfolio of communications agencies and consultancies, is set enable S2S to accelerate its aims of achieving 21% growth this year, taking annual revenue to £5.8m.

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Grant Barton, CEO of S2S Group, said: “Partnering with Bailie Group is a major milestone for us. Their experience, network, and values align perfectly with our ambitions. With their support, we’re confident we can grow faster, innovate further, and deliver even greater value to our customers.

“After a strong 2024 and a sharpened focus on electronic and remote data‑wiping, particularly in the defence sector, this investment gives us the resources and know‑how to boost our positive impact on data security and create more value for both companies.”

Fergus Bailie, CEO of Bailie Group added: “Bailie Group’s mission is to improve lives by sharing knowledge, and this investment marks our first foray into safeguarding information through secure data disposal. S2S are operating in a critical area where security, sustainability and innovation come together, and we’re excited to support their vision for the future.

“Our commitment goes beyond financing; we’re bringing the expertise, energy and strategic guidance the team needs to scale and thrive. We believe S2S has tremendous growth potential, and by combining our strengths I’m confident we can expand their market share and drive their initiatives forward.”

In 2024, S2S processed a total of 217,329 redundant IT assets – 81% of which were scrapped through recycling and 19% resold, contributing to the circular economy.

S2S Group website

Images: S2S Group

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News: New owners install new chairman at Maplin

Rotherham-based electronics retailer, Maplin, has announced that Darren Shapland will be appointed as non-executive chairman of the company, taking over from John Lovering, who retired as chairman in June after the £85m sale to new owners, Rutland Partners.

Manvers-based Maplin sells a range of 15,000 products to tech-savvy hobbyists as well as general consumers. Rutland, the investor which specialises in special situations, operational change and turnaround, said that acquiring Maplin represents an exciting opportunity to build on recently improved performance in the business and help management deliver a broad based strategic plan aimed at releasing its further potential.

Shapland's career has seen him take on senior roles at Carpetright, Poundland, Sainsbury's, Wolseley, Superdrug and Arcadia.

John Cleland, the CEO retained by Rutland Partners at Maplin, said: "We are all delighted to have the opportunity to work with Darren. He brings a wealth of business and retail knowledge, which will undoubtedly add momentum to the solid growth and success of the business last year."

Maplin has delivered consistently strong like-for-like sales improvement over the course of the past 12 months and continues to deliver against its growth strategy under new ownership. Turnover for the 64-week period to March 2014 was £269m, up from £100m when Montagu Private Equity acquired the business in 2004.

Maplin has doubled its product range in two years and invested both in its store estate and the creation of a new website.

Darren Shapland, who will become non-executive chairman of Maplin in September, said: "I am delighted to be working with Maplin as non-executive chairman. The business model is unique and the company has great plans for the future. I'm looking forward to joining a great team."

Launched by two technology enthusiasts in 1972 who were frustrated by the lack of good quality electronics components, Maplin Electronics became the experts' choice, with a reputation for the best product range and expertise. In 2008 they moved to a 220,000 sq ft state of the art distribution centre and head office at Manvers in Rotherham.

Maplin website

Images: Maplin / Wolseley

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News: S2S take on two apprentices

S2S Group, one of the leading players in electronics manufacturing, asset recovery and electronics recycling, has taken on two new apprentices at its Rotherham site.

Consolidating its sites in 2012, S2S is based at Manvers and specialises in the design and manufacture of circuit boards and associated products for the rail and power generation industries. Other parts of the group provide asset recovery, secure destruction and the recycling and refurbishing of old electronic equipment including computers and mobile phones.

After giving a number 18-24 year olds the opportunity of work experience through the local job centre, Damien Adams and Stephen Wilson stood out as worthy of joining the growing S2S team and were offered the apprenticeships.

Over the next 18 months, Damien and Stephen will work towards an NVQ in warehousing while gaining valuable hands-on experience focusing on the WEEE and recycling modules of the qualification.

Alan Dukinfield, managing director at S2S, said: "We're sympathetic to the fact that young people often struggle to find suitable employment and need work experience on their CV's.

"The nature of our work and high security involved means that we have to ensure that the calibre of anyone we employ is extremely high. When Damien and Stephen came to us, both fitted in well with the company and were keen to progress so were offered the opportunity to stay and work for relevant qualifications through the apprenticeship scheme. On behalf of all of us at S2S I'd like to welcome Damien and Stephen to the company."

S2S Group website

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News: Eplan partners with Siemens

Eplan UK, the Rotherham-based leader in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software, has joined up with another market leader, Siemens to close a loophole in the product lifecycle management (PLM) process.

With UK headquarters at Hellaby, Eplan is a subsidiary of Rittal, within the Friedhelm Loh Group. The software supports the electrical design within important parts of the engineering process, from CNC machines to the programmable controllers of factory assembly lines.

Siemens PLM Software is a leading global provider of systems that allow companies to manage the entire lifecycle of a product efficiently and cost-effectively, from the initial idea, design and manufacture, through service and disposal.

Eplan is a now an official Siemens PLM Solution Partner and the new partnership means that companies from different industries can benefit from this integrated approach which forms part of a consistent product creation process.

The companies have developed a sophisticated, future-proof integration of the Eplan platform into the Siemens Teamcenter PLM environment.

Maximilian Brandl, chairman of the Executive Board of Eplan, said: "In line with the partner programme, Eplan and Siemens PLM Software have together proven their strengths. The integration of the Eplan platform into Teamcenter opens up lots of doors for us in the growing PLM solutions market. Our joint customers can also benefit hugely from this increased consistency."

Urban August, senior vice president and managing director of Siemens PLM Software GmbH, also sees plenty of benefits for his customers: "The integration of Eplan into Teamcenter allows our customers to optimise interdisciplinary cooperation and use Teamcenter as a consistent platform for all those involved in the product life cycle."

Eplan's software has 150,000 pieces of manufacturer created component and device data, enabling users to easily select and apply the data or components required during a project, reducing the time it takes to produce important documentation.

Electrical design is considered an important element of the product creation process and so Eplan's integration into Teamcenter means that electrical engineering becomes part of the digital product model. This allows companies to achieve comprehensive product lifecycle management across all disciplines.

Other benefits include data consistency leading to reduced times and costs, and transparency and access that ensures reliability and quality in the entire product creation process.

Eplan UK website

Images: Eplan

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News: EPLAN UK grows in Rotherham

EPLAN UK, a leader in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software, has doubled the size of its technical support team in Rotherham.

With UK headquarters at Hellaby, EPLAN is a subsidiary of Rittal, within the Friedhelm Loh Group. The software supports the electrical design within important parts of the engineering process, from CNC machines to the programmable controllers of factory assembly lines.

Their technical support includes a training package in which a dedicated team of professional EPLAN consultants will provide on-site training or invite trainees to learn at EPLAN offices.

Ken Christie, director at EPLAN UK, said: "Exceptional customer service and support along with the development of quality products is a key focus for EPLAN. While EPLAN products have shown to be extremely reliable, having the backing of a dedicated and highly experienced engineering support team provides the added confidence that our customers look for.

"As design technology has advanced and become a more empowering force, users are not only looking for robust solutions but robust service and support capabilities from their suppliers. Our support team has a single focus – making sure our customers' needs and expectations are met."

EPLAN's software has 150,000 pieces of manufacturer created component and device data, enabling users to easily select and apply the data or components required during a project, reducing the time it takes to produce important documentation.

EPLAN UK website

Images: EPLAN UK

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News: eoSemi secures further funding

eoSemi, an innovative company with a base in Rotherham, has secured a £1.5m second tranche of funding. All of the company's existing investors, including NESTA Investments, Capital-E, and EV, participated in the latest round of financing.

With a facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, eoSemi is developing a silicon solution that replaces quartz crystals as the way electronic devices keep time, allowing a move away from physically-vibrating devices and the associated high manufacturing cost, large size and susceptibility to shock.

A viable, cost-effective silicon timing solution is considered to be the holy grail for chip designers and makers of consumer products. The new technology not only offers a smaller and lower cost alternative to traditional quartz, it also delivers a timing reference that can be properly integrated with the rest of the electronic system.

eoSemi expects to bring a new timing device to market this year, suitable for a wide range of consumer goods from mobile phones to televisions, as well as in industrial and automotive systems and wireless applications.

Ian Macbeth, CEO at eoSemi, said: "The continuing commitment of our investors is a ringing endorsement, not only of our core technology, but also of the progress made by our team towards bringing that technology to market.

"We are addressing a long-term market opportunity in excess of $4bn, and moving confidently from early-stage technology development towards commercial success."

Libby Kinsey, investment manager at NESTA investments, added: "We are delighted to be able to continue our relationship with eoSemi, as the team continues to execute professionally and deliver on its promises. The UK has a highly successful microelectronics industry, and NESTA is determined to play its part in supporting its development."

eoSemi website

Images: eoSemi

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News: eoSemi selects strategic sales partner for East Asia

eoSemi, an innovative company with a base in Rotherham, has appointed Intralink as strategic sales partner for the East Asian markets of Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.

With a facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, eoSemi is developing a silicon solution that replaces quartz crystals as the way electronic devices keep time, allowing a move away from physically-vibrating devices and the associated high manufacturing cost, large size and susceptibility to shock.

eoSemi will bring a new timing device to market, based entirely on silicon circuitry, which has applications in industrial, medical and consumer microprocessor-based systems, and mobile handsets. The first products are expected to be launched next year.

Intralink creates and implements business development strategies for Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea to enable technology companies to gain entry to these markets and establish a permanent presence through a local subsidiary, acquisition or partnership.

Greg Sutch, CEO of Intralink, said: "We believe that eoSemi's unique all-silicon technology has huge market potential as it overcomes the cost and size limitations of today's timing references.

"There are substantial growth opportunities in East Asia and we look forward to working closely with eoSemi's management team to build and execute a successful strategy to deliver this exciting new technology into the hands of customers."

Steve Cliffe, VP of sales and marketing at eoSemi, added: "Intralink has more than 20 years' experience in driving business development initiatives in the East Asian markets, and their expertise is strongly endorsed by the many companies they have helped to gain access and succeed in these markets.

"With their deep knowledge of the cultural and commercial challenges in East Asia, and an ability to quickly understand complex technical issues, Intralink's contribution will be significant in the introduction and commercial success of eoSemi's all-silicon products in the region."

In 2010, the company closed a £3m funding round led by NESTA Investments and Capital-E, to add to existing investors Enterprise Ventures (EV) via its RisingStars Growth Fund II and South Yorkshire Investment Fund.

Last month, eoSemi apponted Silicon Valley company, Red Shift Sales as the manufacturer's representative for North America.

eoSemi website

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News: CPI invests in Rotherham facility

CPI Electronics Ltd has invested in their Rotherham facility after year on year growth necessitated an increase in production capacity.

CPI provide a comprehensive contract manufacturing facility which is supported with advanced production equipment and a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

Their printed circuit boards and cable products are in daily use around the globe in a variety of high technology, high-reliability applications, and CPI has established particular expertise in product design and development of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies and software.

The company has recently invested £400,000 in new equipment from Blakell Europlacer, which provides them with a total maximum placement capacity that exceeds 40,000 components per hour.

Paul Ironmonger, Managing Director at CPI said: "We have seen solid growth in our organisation, and with some major contracts that we have recently concluded, the pressure on our existing facility had become something of a bottleneck. So we made the decision to invest heavily in not only SMT (surface mount technology) production equipment, but some other key areas such as stock management and factory enhancements to increase floorspace."

CPI was established at Hellaby in 1997 and a purpose built 8,000sq ft manufacturing plant in Templeborough went into operation in 2007.

CPI Electronics website

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News: Timely investment for eoSemi

eoSemi, a high-tech semiconductor company based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, is set to revolutionise the way electronic devices keep time after receiving its first venture capital investment.

A vibrating crystal is still used in nearly every electronic device on the planet to provide a stable timing reference. eoSemi will use the new investment to bring a new timing device to market, based entirely on silicon circuitry.

Enterprise Ventures completed the investment in the company via its RisingStars Growth Fund and alongside the South Yorkshire Investment Fund's Seedcorn Fund.

eoSemi has developed a patent pending silicon solution that replaces quartz crystals, allowing a move away from physically-vibrating devices and the associated high manufacturing cost, large package size and susceptibility to shock.

The silicon solution also allows the timing reference to be incorporated onto the existing silicon of the device for the first time, reducing the number of parts and therefore, the size and costs.

This new technology could be applied to a wide range of markets, from consumer goods, industrial & automotive systems and wireless applications, to more basic applications such as clocks and timers.

Ian Macbeth of eoSemi, said: "We approached a number of investors looking for help to explore the potential of our technology. EV provided invaluable assistance in exploring the alternative commercial routes going forward.

"EV's investment has given us the opportunity to commercialise our technology. There are few investors that would have taken such a keen interest in the company and its technology at this proof of concept stage."

Jonathan Diggines, CEO at EV said: "There aren't many semi-condutor businesses anywhere in the UK, so it is particularly significant to see eoSemi, a company with such potential, developing in the Yorkshire region. We will give eoSemi our full support."

eoSemi website
Rotherham

Images: eosemi.com

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News: Three more businesses at Rotherham's AMP

Three more businesses have joined the fast-growing community at the UK's only Advanced Manufacturing Park, in Rotherham.

Eadon Consulting, Sensdata and eoSemi are moving into the AMP Technology Centre, the Yorkshire Forward-funded centre for hi-tech advanced engineering, manufacturing and materials organisations.

Newly-established mechanical and structural engineering designer Eadon Consulting covers a wide range of sectors including movable bridges, nuclear lifting equipment, renewable energy, and waterways and flood defence. It has recently been involved in the design of access platforms for dehumidification work that is being carried out on the Forth Road Bridge.

The company chose the Technology Centre as the location for its first office base and director Michael Thorogood said feedback from visitors had been excellent.

Michael said: "The move was vital to support the continued expansion and growth of the company. Despite the challenging economic climate, there has been continued demand for our expertise and services.

"Moving to the AMP provides enhanced facilities that enable us to satisfy our expanding client base and take the company forward."

Moving from Sheffield Technology Park is Sensdata, a young high-tech enterprise, focusing on the development and manufacture of intelligent sensors for maximising energy utilisation and engineering maintenance resources.

Established by Dr Robert E. Brown in 2004, Sensdata uses the sensors to help industrial companies maximise their efficiency.

eoSemi is an emerging privately-funded semiconductor product company that combines proprietary solutions and advanced design to provide very accurate timing and frequency reference products using standard silicon technology.

AMP website
Eadon Consulting website
Sensdata website
eoSemi website
Rotherham

Images: AMP

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News: New premises in the evolution of Arrow

Arrow Technical Services are set to graduate into new premises on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.



Arrow is a design consultancy for the electronics sector whose services include concept development, product design, prototyping and project management. Some of Arrow's products have included infrared thermal inspection systems, water saving products, central heating system controllers and MP3 players.

The company are set to move from the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre into the Evolution development by UK Strategic Partnership, the joint venture company created by landowner UK Coal and property developer Strategic Sites.

Arrow has seen its business double following its move there in 2007 from Nursery Street in Sheffield. The four-strong team has increased to nine, led by managing director Chris Worrall.

Dr. Worrall said: "As a high-tech company ourselves, being located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park is a great benefit to us.

"It is important that we work in an environment that fosters technology innovation as we use the latest design and development technologies in our solution processes.

"In addition, it also provides us with a great opportunity to network with other like-minded companies based here."

Arrow was established in 1995 and began producing customised electronic controllers for aerospace applications. Since then, it has gone on to design and manufacture products and systems for the automotive, scientific, industrial and consumer electronics markets for clients around the world.

Much of Arrow's specialist design expertise is aimed at making the manufacturing operation of a company more efficient and economical.

Its design solutions simplify and speed up the process of turning a good idea into a fully field-proven, market ready production design.

When the design is complete, Arrow can continue to support their clients by manufacturing the products in their high-tech production facility located on the Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Acting on behalf of owner UK Strategic Partnership, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) successfully negotiated the purchase of the 3,100 sq ft unit at Evolution.

The industrial and logistics agent at LSH's Sheffield office, Ed Norris, said: "The AMP is considered one of, if not the finest business locations in the UK.

"With its flexible, high-specification accommodation, and excellent multi-modal transport connections, the AMP makes a highly attractive proposition for all forward thinking manufacturing, technology and materials businesses."

Arrow Technical website

AMP website

Rotherham

Images: arrowtechnical.com

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News: Challenges and remedies for the electronic sector

Rotherham is to host the latest topical seminar from Electronics Yorkshire. "Challenges and Remedies" brings together experts to discuss four key topics in the electronics industry. Legislative overview for electronics design engineers, recycling and the WEEE directive, recent developments in printed electronics and EMC and the multimedia future will all be covered. Electronics Yorkshire operates a technology centre and uses training, events and networking to support and assist the growth of the electronics sector throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. The event takes place at NAMTEC's Swinden House in Rotherham on November 7 with registration at 9:30am.

Electronics Yorkshire website
Rotherham

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News: Rotherham electronics firm benefits from funding initiative

Arrow Technical Services, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, are one of a number of firms to benefit from a funding initiative from Electronics Yorkshire. The business development programme has helped 20 firms to expand their equipment portfolios, develop staff training programmes and enhance their marketing strategies. For Arrow Technical Services, Electronics Yorkshire assisted in the purchase and installation of new production equipment which allowed the company to meet new lead-free manufacturing demands and also meant it could design PCBs using finer pitch and smaller components. Arrow is a design consultancy for the electronics sector whose services include concept development, product design, prototyping and project management. Some of Arrow's products have included infrared thermal inspection systems, water saving products, central heating system controllers and MP3 players. Chris Worrall, managing director at Arrow Technical Services, said: "The new production equipment has enabled us to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing technology advances and allowed us to maintain and win new contracts due to our improved manufacturing capabilities, as a result. The support and assistance from Electronics Yorkshire has been invaluable and can only bring huge benefits to the whole region in terms of jobs and job security."
Arrow Technical Services website
Electronics Yorkshire website
The Business Desk article
Rotherham

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