News: Rotherham Council's local spend up by £77.3m in five years

Rotherham Council is keeping more money in the local economy after increasing the amount of money it spends locally to more than £122m.

The Council’s Annual Social Value Report shows that local spending has risen by £77.3m, from £44.8m in 2019/20 to £122.1m in 2024/25, bringing greater benefit to residents, communities and the local economy.

The report, which recently went before the council's Cabinet, also shows that social value commitments secured through Council contracts now stands at £41.6m. Validated delivery of social value stands at £23.7m, having increased by 92% compared to the previous annual report.

Social value means securing wider benefits for local people and communities when the Council buys goods, works and services. This can include creating jobs and apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, helping community organisations and reducing environmental impact.

Legally the Council is only required to consider Social Value in its Services contracts where the estimated value is greater than £189,330. However, Rotherham's social value policy goes beyond this standard ensuring all contracts and tenders over £100,000 include social value measures.

Since the Council introduced its Social Value Policy in 2019, contracts have helped to secure or retain 454 full-time equivalent jobs for local people and deliver 1,169 weeks of apprenticeships. They have also provided 4,985 hours of personalised career mentoring and employment support, alongside 728 staff hours supporting local schools and colleges.

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The Council has also continued to work with partners through the Rotherham Together Partnership to improve how social value is planned, delivered and measured across the borough.

Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr. Chris Read said: “We want every pound the Council spends to deliver the greatest possible benefit for Rotherham.

“These figures show what that means in practice – creating jobs and apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, developing skills and helping community organisations.

“We have made strong progress, but there is more to do. Our priority now is to make sure every commitment delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for local people.

“Over the next year, we will strengthen how we monitor contracts and continue working with our partners to focus social value on the needs and priorities of Rotherham’s communities.”

The report includes a numner of case studies, including Sanderson Building Services, a Rotherham-based company who spent £45,000 with 16 local suppliers, including eight local SMEs, on one contract and has built a strong partnership with Maltby Learning Trust, supporting careers events, work experience placements and employer engagement activities.

Family-run Rotherham business, KCM Waste Management has embedded social value into its everyday operations, spending locally and recruiting eight local people whilst supporting local people who were previously unemployed and those facing barriers to work.

Mears and Equans run large contracts for the council and have become key partners in supporting inclusive growth across Rotherham. Alongside creating jobs and apprenticeships, they have championed opportunities for care leavers, supported more inclusive recruitment practices and worked with their supply chains to maximise the delivery of social value throughout the borough.

Through the Council's partnership with Go4Growth, a range of procurement readiness support has been made available to help local businesses develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required to access public sector and anchor institution supply chains. Work with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber includes sector specific Meet the Buyer events and monthly digital promotion of local supply chain opportunities.

In addition, the council has set up a feasibility service to allow business owners to explore employee ownership and is launching the first business support programme designed and delivered specifically for social clubs in the country.

Go4Growth website
Sanderson Building Services
KCM website

Images: Equans / RMBC

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News: Equans acquires Mway Communications

Equans UK & Ireland has announced the strategic acquisition of Mway Communications (Mway), a leading specialist in highways technology and communications infrastructure based in Rotherham.

In the UK & Ireland, Equans is a provider of sustainable facilities management and regeneration, and cutting-edge energy and digital services

Based on Meadowbank Industrial Estate, Mway serves National Highways and Tier 1 contractors throughout the UK's Strategic Road Network (SRN), delivering critical technology and engineering solutions that underpin National Highways three key imperatives - safety, customer & delivery. The company employs 100 people and generates an annual turnover of £26m.

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This acquisition enhances Equans’ UK offering, advancing its growth strategy by expanding expertise in connected infrastructure, operational technology, and communications networks. Mway’s comprehensive portfolio – including technology deployment, electrical engineering, street lighting, traffic signals, inductive loop installation, and highways civil works – complements Equans’ end-to-end capabilities across digital infrastructure, energy systems, engineering, and asset management.

Equans welcomes the Mway leadership team, led by Stephen Crawford, Managing Director, and Lee Day, Relationship Director as part of the acquisition.

James Graham, Divisional CEO, Equans UK & Ireland, commented: " Mway Communications has built an excellent reputation as a trusted delivery partner across the UK's Strategic Road Network. Their deep sector knowledge and proven customer partnerships make them excellent in their operation. We are delighted to welcome Stephen, Lee and the wider Mway team to Equans."

Stephen Crawford, Managing Director, Mway Communications, added: "Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality, dependable solutions, while building long-term relationships with our customers. Joining Equans unlocks new scale, capabilities, and growth opportunities while preserving the expertise and values that define Mway. We are excited about the future and look forward to working with our new colleagues across the Equans group.”

Equans website
Mway website

Images: Equans

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News: Sky’s the Limit for Barnsley & Rotherham’s Business of the Year

It proved to be a night to remember for South Yorkshire’s business community which came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the success they have enjoyed over the past 12 months at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

During a glittering evening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by Barnsley College celebrated the achievements of all elements of South Yorkshire’s business community: from apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocation, to organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work in the fields of growth, people development, customer service, sustainability and community impact.

Hosted by TV presenter Amy Garcia, the event saw over 540 guests from across South Yorkshire’s business community come together to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months. However, the night belonged to Parkgate-based Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd, which was chosen by judges to be a worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Since founding the business with little more than a pair of hedge trimmers and a dream of working outdoors in 2014, founder Luke Hammill has seen his company grow into a successful multi-million-pound venture, which employs 30 full-time members of staff. Today, the company successfully works on behalf of housebuilders, local authorities and some of Britain’s largest construction companies, where the company is responsible for developing community green spaces throughout the UK.

Under Luke’s leadership, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd has enjoyed significant year on year growth, with turnover rising from £1 million to £3 million within the past 12 months alone. As a direct result, the company has invested significantly in new plant machinery, staff training as well as investing back into the communities they serve by working closely with armed forces charities to help veterans forge new careers upon returning to civilian life.

Cateegory winners on the saw three other Rotherham-based companies receive accolades, with education recruitment specialists Trust Education being named as Start-Up of the Year, Equans securing the People Development Award and the Manvers-based Mace Group being crowned best large business.

Barnsley-based winners saw Wombwell-based Cranswick Convenience Foods secured the Community Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting a wide range of good causes in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, whilst Barnsley College’s innovative Carbon Literacy Project, as well as work undertaken to reduce carbon emissions across its sites, was rewarded with the Sustainability Award.

Barnsley FC Community Trust secured the title of Charity of the Year in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work in South Yorkshire.

Longstanding businesses Electrical Safety UK, Barnsley Hospice and Brearley & Co Accountants were presented with salutes to business in recognition of their 20, 30, and 40-year service respectively, whilst Barnsley-based JC Snell and White’s Bakery both celebrated their 90th anniversaries in 2024 – a combined total of more than 270 years’ service to South Yorkshire’s business community.

The important contributions made by charitable organisations were also recognised on the night, with Barnsley FC Community Trust securing the title of Charity of the Year, in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work.

Individual awards presented saw Leo Lewin (Affinity 2020 CiC) awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year, whilst Alicia Hewitt (Secure Power Limited) was crowned as Businessperson of the Year. A Special President’s Award was also given to Chris MacCormac, Chief Executive of the Morthyng Group, in recognition of their transformative work within the education sector.

In a heartfelt tribute which looked back at his 30 year career, Chris was honoured for his nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication towards education and community support. Chris started his career a youth worker in 1980, before going to transform Morthyng into a leading national training provider, which has helped thousands from disadvantaged backgrounds. He retires after a distinguished career and was celebrated for his lasting impact on the local community.

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Luke Hammill, Managing Director, Sky High Ground Maintenance, said: “It has been an incredible year for our business. Winning the title of Business of the Year, securing the Growth Award as well as being highly commended in the Businessperson of the Year category is something that I feel incredibly proud to have achieved.

"When I set up the business ten years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the company would grow and scale in the way it has done, and I feel very honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the judges. I left school with no formal qualifications at all, and I hope the success I’ve enjoyed since starting my own business goes to show that with the right work ethic and determination, anything is possible.

"Having the right people to support you is key. I’d like to give a massive thank you to each and every person of my Sky High team, especially my partner Danielle who has been with me on every step of this amazing journey.

"Businesses play a vital role in shaping the local and regional economy. From the outset, I’ve always wanted my business to be a force for good: we undertake a wide range of community projects, from supporting local schools to breaking down barriers towards employment by giving veterans a chance to rebuild their lives after leaving the armed forces.

"Of course, we’ve got no intention of resting on our laurels. One of the reasons we joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was because of the work it undertakes to create opportunities for its members within local supply chains. We’re hoping to work more closely with the Chamber in the years to come to bring these plans to fruition, which in turn will not just create more opportunities for our business but grow the local and regional economy.”

Mattthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “Over the past 12 months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Collectively, members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses, which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities, and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”

Full list of winners:

Salute to Business

Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
White’s Bakery – 90 years

President’s Award:

Chris MacCormac – Morthyng Vocational College

Most Promising New Business

Winner: Trust Education
Highly commended:
Grassroots Sports Academy Ltd
Morgan Wills & Trusts
Shortlisted:
AHJ Wills and Estates
Empress Building & Ballroom

Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Leo Lewin – Affinity 2020 CiC
Highly commended:
Ateeb Mughal – Equans
Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
Shortlisted:
Aiden Ellis – Osborne Technologies Limited
James Stretton – Equans

Business Growth Award

Winner: Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Highly commended:
Airmaster
M R Machine Knives
Shortlisted:
Trust Education
Wayv

Business Community Impact Award

Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
Highly commended:
Glu Recruit
MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
MWAY Communications Ltd

Commitment to People Development

Winner: Equans
Highly commended:
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
Secure Power Ltd
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
SMH Haywood & Co

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly commended
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
MED-EL UK Ltd
Shortlisted:
Rotherham Insurance Brokers
Signum Facilities Management Ltd

Sustainability Award

Winner: Barnsley College
Highly commended:
Equans
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Hydrov Ltd
KCM Waste Management Ltd

Charity of the Year

Winner: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Highly commended:
Age UK Rotherham
Weston Park Cancer Charity
Shortlisted:
Cathedral Archer Project
Rotherham Hospice

Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Alicia Hewitt - Secure Power Ltd
Highly commended:
James Biggin - Steel City Marketing Ltd
Luke Hammill - Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Shortlisted:
Mark Smith - MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Rob Shaw - Glu Recruit

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Mace Group
Highly commended:
Equi Trek
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Boohoo Group Plc
Equans

BR Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber / J36 Photography

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News: New apprentices take first step on construction career ladder in Rotherham

Four ambitious trainees have taken their first steps towards a career in construction after securing sought-after apprenticeships with energy and regeneration specialist Equans.

The new recruits will work alongside experienced teams and mentors on the housing repairs and maintenance service which Equans provides on behalf of Rotherham Council.

Over the course of the contract so far, Equans has created apprenticeships for 35 local people, providing the chance to build a successful career whilst learning trades and skills to last a lifetime.

On completion of their apprenticeships, the latest new recruits – who will study at local colleges - will be qualified in fields including joinery, electrical engineering, gas and heating engineering and plumbing.

One of the new apprentices is 20-year-old George Scattergood from Wath-upon-Dearne, who said: “When I started my joinery apprenticeship, I thought I would just be shadowing my mentor, but I’ve actually been able to get really stuck in and hands-on and have learnt so many new skills already!

“Everyone at Equans has been really welcoming and I can’t wait to see what opportunities there will be in the future after the completion of my apprenticeship.”

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Neil Wright, Head of Operations at Equans, commented: “I’m incredibly proud of the apprenticeships we have created in Rotherham – leaving a legacy in the communities where we work is really important to us. Apprenticeships not only provide valuable opportunities for individuals to kickstart their careers in the construction industry, but also contribute to the long-term development and growth of the borough.

“I am excited to see our latest recruits progress at Equans and to see the positive impact they will have.”

Rotherham Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhood Working, Cllr Sarah Allen said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for organisations such as Equans to recruit enthusiastic employees with practical skills and relevant qualifications. For the apprentices, it is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience, learning directly from the experienced professionals at Equans, in a field they feel passionately about.”

Equans employs around 150 staff on its ten-year contract with Rotherham Council, which provides repairs, maintenance and upgrades to approximately 20,000 council-owned homes.

Equans website

Images: Equans

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