News: All smiles as Tooth Express secures larger premises in Rotherham

Dental supply company Tooth Express, has completed the successful purchase of commercial premises in Rotherham in a strategic growth move.

Previously based in Sheffield, the new larger premises represent a key milestone in the next chapter of the family-run business which was established in 2008.

The Brightside Lane premises were leased and the company was keen to find a larger, permanent base, so opted to purchase a former funeral director's premises in Rotherham. The significantly larger building on Broom Valley Road now provides the space needed to support the company’s growth plans.

Sheffield-based property law specialist Mason Thomas Law advised Sophie Evans, managing director of Tooth Express, on the property purchase.

Sophie, who has worked within Tooth Express for more than ten years, took over the helm of the family owned and run business last year from her mother, Beverley Pearce who originally established the company.

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The company has since built a strong reputation supplying acrylic and composite false teeth for the manufacture of dentures to dental technicians and clinical dental technicians throughout the UK. More recently the business has expanded its product range to include denture base materials, clasps, rotaries and other specialist supplies.

Commenting on the legal process, Sophie said: “The team at Mason Thomas Law were fantastic. Jo Malcolm was straight-talking and exactly what I needed, with everything being explained clearly and simply. They were very easy to work with and so helpful throughout the process. I was so impressed and would recommend them to anyone needing a property lawyer.”

With a baby due in March, the purchase of the new property was a race against time. It was completed just before Christmas 2025, with Sophie electing to purchase with cash due to funding delays.

She explained: “When delays arose with the bank, I knew I wanted to get the purchase completed before Christmas, so I decided to proceed as a cash buyer.”

Jo Malcolm, Director and Licensed Conveyancer at Mason Thomas Law, said: “It was a pleasure to support Sophie on this important step for both her and the business. Securing larger premises gives Tooth Express room to grow and continue building on its strong reputation within the dental supply sector. We wish Sophie every success with both the expansion and the exciting upcoming new arrival.”

6-8 Broom Valley Road provides 2,093 sq ft of space and went up for sale with Commercial Property Rotherham from a guide price of £225,000.

Tooth Express website

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News: AMP-based tech firm secures investment

AddParts, a Rotherham-based technology company enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve production continuity and reduce operational risk, has secured a six-figure pre-seed investment from SFC Capital to support its growth.

The move comes as pharmaceutical manufacturers face increasing pressure to mitigate operational risk, reduce dependency on fragile supply chains, and maintain continuous production in highly regulated environments. Across global manufacturing, unplanned downtime is estimated to cost hundreds of billions of pounds annually, with even short disruptions having significant financial and operational impact in high-value pharmaceutical production environments.

Based in the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, AddParts addresses this challenge through a virtual-first model that enables manufacturers to store, access, and reproduce critical components on demand, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains and long lead times.

At the core of AddParts' offering is a virtual storeroom that enables manufacturers to take control of their critical parts data, ensuring components can be reproduced on demand, reducing reliance on OEMs, and enabling more resilient, proactive maintenance strategies.

As manufacturers seek to build more resilient, responsive operations, digital spare parts strategies are emerging as a critical component of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Beyond part replacement, AddParts supports manufacturers with reverse engineering of legacy components, digital capture of critical equipment, and engineering-led improvements that reduce failure risk and extend asset life. The firm operates under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system aligned with pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements, ensuring traceability, documentation, and compliance.

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AddParts was also supported by Venture.Community, an organisation that also has an office in the AMP Technology Centre and helps businesses in South Yorkshire raise investment. The programme played a key role in supporting the company's development and preparing it for successful investment.

Tom Fripp, Founder of AddParts, said: "Unplanned downtime is a global challenge for pharmaceutical manufacturers, with real consequences for cost, output, and supply continuity. By digitising critical components and making them available on demand, we're helping manufacturers respond faster and operate more resiliently. Early customer engagements have demonstrated measurable operational benefits, including significantly reduced lead times and improved production continuity. In some cases, avoiding a single extended stoppage fully offsets the cost of implementing AddParts' more proactive spare parts strategy."

Ed Stevenson, Fund Principal, SFC Capital, added: "AddParts gives manufacturers a digital record of their critical components, so they can reproduce what they need on demand instead of chasing OEMs. Tom has built something genuinely useful, and we're pleased to back him."

Peter Hopton, Executive Chairman and Founder, Venture.Community, added: "AddParts is a really exciting company. We liked the team, the depth of the product, and the traction with customers. The firm is solving a key pain point in regulated production lines worth millions of pounds in savings."

AddParts website
Venture.Community wesbite

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News: Rotherham United's latest accounts published as losses increase

Playing in League One following relegation from The Championship meant that Rotherham United received £6.7m less in central funding, contributing to a loss before tax of £4.65m.

Published accounts for the year ending June 2025 show that the loss of £4.65m is larger than previous years. Having made a loss before tax of £1.1m in the year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier, in 23/24 the overall operating losses increased to £1.7m in the relegation year, despite a rise in income.

League clubs receive central distributions from the Football League and a solidarity payment from the Premier League. In the Championship, the Millers received £9.2m, but in League One, this dropped 59% to £2.5m.

Income from player trading was down 89% from £2.5m in 2024 to £270,000 in 2025. 2024 sales included Oliver Rathbone and Peter Kioso and potentially payments from the earlier exits of Viktor Johansson and Ben Wiles.

Despite a drop in divisions, and lower average attendances (9,328 in 2025 and 10,677 in 2024) and season ticket sales (6,668 in 2025 and 7,225 in 2024), the club reported an increase in "match income and season tickets", which went from £2.8m in 2024 to £3.8m in 2025.

The increase is despite Key Performance Indicators for the Football League showing reductions in Match Day Income (£909,000 from £1.1m), income from Season Tickets (£1,6m from £1,7m) and Total Match Receipts (£2.5m from £2.8m). Season ticket prices for 2025/26 underwent an increase, as did individual match tickets.

Money from sponsorships was reduced with commercial income down from £3.2m to £3m. Wages and salaries (which includes playing and non-playing staff) went from £11.4m to £7,6m.

The income and expenditure lead to total turnover of £10.5m – a figure that stood at £19.2m in 2024.

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The club said in an earlier statement that it had taken measures to reduce costs and stabilise operations, with a clear focus on sustainability and responsible financial management.

The accounts have again highlighted the importance of sponsors, primarily the fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting PLC, who have continued to provide £1m in sponsorship.

The accounts also confirmed that the club is being charged £1m in annual rent from RU Estates Ltd, the company set up by the Stewart family when the AESSEAL New York Stadium was built.

Rothbiz reported at the start of the year that the latest accounts of ASD Lighting PLC had "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

Last month. Tony Stewart OBE, ceased to be the largest share owner in the holding company that sits above ASD Lighting and Rotherham United with the founder of the lighting business, and saviour of the football club, transferring his shareholding to his son.

Richard Stewart, managing director of ASD and vice chairman at Rotherham United saw his shareholding in ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd increase from 5% to 100%.

In an update, the League One club said that Richard Stewart "therefore indirectly holds 97.06% of the shares in Rotherham United Football Club."

RUFC website

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News: Leading engineering group eyes 90,000 sq ft Rotherham building

A Sheffield-based specialist engineering business that delivers world-beating iconic projects looks to be taking on large premises in Rotherham, planning documents show.

Previously known as SCX Special Projects, the Kinetic Solutions Group (KSG) provides bespoke engineered solutions to complex mechanical handling and lifting challenges for customers in the nuclear, defence, aviation and moving architecture sectors.

With its current headquarters close to Meadowhall in Sheffield, planning applications have now been submitted relating to a soon-to-be vacant industrial building in Templeborough, Rotherham.

The applications are for new signage and the installation of new windows at Vector House on Centurion Business Park.

The site was previously home to Newburgh Engineering before it was acquired out of administration in 2019 by Vector X-Cel Ltd. It is part of the X-Cel Group which has been expanding on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham since 2012 and recently secured a £35m funding package from HSBC UK for a manager buyout (MBO).

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The plans state "The site is currently occupied by an engineering company who are relocating to a new facility. The property is to have new owners and the new company (KSG - Kinetic Solutions Group) need to display their own company branding."

In 2021 X-Cel acquired the 90,000 sq ft premises in a £7m deal.

With a market-leading position in the UK, KSG has worked on a number of high profile projects. It designed and built the retractable roofs for Wimbledon’s Centre Court and No. 1 Court. For the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, it designed and installed the world’s first dividing retractable football pitch.

The group also builds and supports complex mechanical handling solutions for the UK nuclear decommissioning program while, in the aviation sector, it has solved challenges in the lifting and movement of complex engine and airframe structures for Rolls Royce, BAE and Bombardier.

Elysian Capital, a private equity firm based in London, acquired the company through an MBO in 2020 before Denley Hydraulics was added to the group the next year.

The group now operates through four separate business divisions; SCX - Mass Handling Systems, ARX - Kinetic Architecture, ISX Service and Maintenance and DHX Hydraulic systems. Each is distinct in their product/service offering and has their own teams and management structure. This devolved focus allows for targeted growth and profitability strategies within each division.

For the year ending March 2025, the group had a turnover of £35.5m, up from £28.9m in 2024, and EBITDA (earnings before tax) of £4.4m, up from £3.2m in the previous year.

KSG website

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News: ASD MD becomes Rotherham United's largest shareholder

Tony Stewart OBE, has ceased to be the largest share owner in the holding company that sits above ASD Lighting and Rotherham United.

The founder of the lighting business, and saviour of the football club, has transferred his shareholding to his son.

Richard Stewart, managing director of ASD and vice chairman at Rotherham United has seen his shareholding in ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd increase from 5% to 100%.

In an update, the League One club said that Richard Stewart "therefore indirectly holds 97.06% of the shares in Rotherham United Football Club.

"These changes are administrative in nature and ensure a clear ownership structure for the Club going forward.

"A. R. [Tony] Stewart will remain Chairman of Rotherham United Football Club, while R. P. Stewart will continue as Vice Chairman. Both remain fully committed to the Club and its long-term future.

"All of the aforementioned changes will be reflected on HMRC’s Companies House.

"The Board would like to thank supporters for their continued backing as the Club moves forward with a strengthened financial position and a clear ownership structure."

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The club also announced that it had completed a rights issue which has converted £550,005 of existing debt into equity. The update added: "This strengthens the Club’s balance sheet and reflects the continued commitment of the Club’s ownership to supporting Rotherham United’s long-term financial stability."

Many EFL clubs convert existing debt into equity to stabilise balance sheets and comply with Profitability and Sustainability rules.

Rothbiz reported at the start of the year that the latest accounts of fellow subsidiary ASD Lighting PLC had "included within debtors was £9,467,811 (2024: £5,204,737) due from Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Limited. The outstanding balance is repayable on demand."

The figure has risen from £929,150 in 2023.

Tony Stewart, who turns 81 this year, was one of a number of business people invited to the Town Hall with the aim of finding a way of resurrecting the borough's football league club after it fell into administration for the second time in 2008. He ended up going it alone and brought them out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

After the takeover came the decision to play home games at the now demolished Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, after working hard to get a deal to carry on playing at Millmoor, the club's home for over 100 years.

The club was charged with returning to play home games in its home town within four seasons by the Football League and Stewart, with the backing of his directors at ASD and the club, threw his drive, energy, business sense and money into creating the £20m New York Stadium on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The iconic stadium hosted its first game in July 2012 and under Tony's tenure the club has enjoyed promotions, Play-off final victories and cup wins at Wembley Stadium, plus a number of relegations, in a period of sensible financial management not always replicated across the league.

ASD Lighting website
RUFC website

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News: Administrator's report highlights £46m debts at stricken Rotherham firm, CF Booth

With the announcement of the sale of historic Rotherham firm, CF Booth Limited’s business and assets to Hu11 Limited, a subsidiary of Ron Hull Jnr Limited, an administrator's report shows how trade creditors are owed over £8m and are unlikely to see any of it.

James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to CF Booth Limited, one of the UK’s leading metal recycling companies, on 16 January 2026 and subsequently appointed Joint Administrators at a further five of the company’s subsidiaries on 20 January 2026.

Subsequently, on March 10, the same joint administrators were appointed to Demex Limited and Albion Jones Limited, also subsidiaries of CF Booth. Immediately following these appointments, the joint administrators completed a sale of substantially all the assets of all eight companies to Hu11 Limited. The transactions for Demex and Albion Jones were going concern sales, allowing the demolition business to continue operations.

In January, 54 members of staff were retained to assist the administrators with 114 members of staff made redundant. The administrators only mentioned that 29 members of staff employed by Demex and Albion Jones have transferred to Hu11 Limited.

On entering administration there were 169 staff, 149 employed by CF Booth Ltd.

A February report from Interpath showed that staff members are preferential creditors and should share £144,022.

One of the group's largest debt is with IGF, which only provided a £20m asset-based lending facility in 2025. The debt totalled £14.2m and administrators expect IGF will be repaid in full.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is listed as a secondary preferential creditor in respect of £1.2m in outstanding VAT, PAYE and National Insurance Contributions with Interpath expecting that they should receive a dividend.

£30.6m is owed to unsecured creditors. Administrators said before the sale that: "Based on present estimates, there may be a return to unsecured creditors. However, this is dependent on the value achieved from the sale of business and assets (which is not yet known), and the final costs of the administration which are also presently uncertain."

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Unsecured creditors in administration are suppliers, customers, or contractors without security for their debt, ranking at the bottom of the repayment priority list.

The unsecured creditors list include £3.5m - Employees, £14.3m - Intercompany creditors and another £2.2m - Other HMRC and HSE Fines & Penalties.

Company trade creditors are listed in a new update and the total owed is £8.2m.

The update also shows that the company had trade debtors owing them £12.8m when it went into administration, and that it owned property with a book value of around £3m that administrators now estimate could be realised at £11.5m. The company's main operation was at a 35-acre site at Armer Street, Masbrough.

Overall, administrators say that there is £17,319,045 as the estimated total assets available for preferential creditors, namely IGF and the HMRC. It goes on to say that when it comes to unsecured creditors, there is a deficit of £14,627,408.

In the unaudited management accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025, CF Booth Ltd recorded turnover of £107.3m and a loss of £5.3m. The company had recorded losses in each of the previous three years.

The February report explains: "Over recent months, the business experienced substantial operational and financial headwinds, including sharp rises in energy costs and pronounced volatility in copper prices. These market pressures materially undermined margins and generated a level of cost volatility that the business was unable to absorb.

"In addition, the company faced escalating cost burdens arising from increases to the National Living Wage and growing environmental compliance obligations. Additional strain was caused by VAT liabilities and penalties imposed by the Health and Safety Executive, all of which compounded the deterioration in cashflow and further weakened the Company's financial resilience."

CF Booth received notice that its appeal against an historical VAT Penalty assessment dating back a decade was unsuccessful resulting in a penalty of £1.4m becoming payable to HMRC. C F Booth Ltd was then fined £1.2m by the HSE after an investigation following the death of an employee on site.

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News: Rotherham-based X-Cel Group to go for growth following MBO

A Rotherham-based manufacturer, specialising in producing precision machined components for the renewables, defence and oil and gas industries, has completed a manager buyout (MBO) with the support of an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK.

X-Cel Group is a global manufacturer of machined components. In June 2012, the firm moved its Gasket and Seal division to the prestigious Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The site also includes the group’s coating, assembly and pressure testing plant and a dedicated assembly cell for customer turn key products.

X-Cel Group is utilising a £35m funding package from HSBC UK to support a change in ownership, following the retirement of founder and chairman Andrew Taylor.

Under the management buyout (MBO), Directors David Barton-Phillips and Tim Heron will each acquire a combined 35.7 per cent shareholding, with the remaining shares distributed evenly between Louis Wragg and Dale Stocks.

The HSBC UK investment will also support the expansion of the business, with operations set to move into a neighbouring 20,000 sq ft rented facility, increasing X-Cel Group’s total footprint to 140,000 sq ft. Rothbiz reported on expansion plans last year.

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The additional space will enable the company to scale its export capabilities, particularly across key international markets, including the United States and South East Asia, while also supporting plans to enter new sectors, such as aerospace and nuclear.

Following the MBO, X-Cel Group will safeguard 130 jobs across a range of roles, supporting an anticipated £10m increase in turnover over the next three years.

David Barton-Phillips, Director at X-Cel Group, said: “The ownership transition has provided X-Cel Group with a strong foundation to build further on our growth strategy for the future. This milestone marks a new chapter for the business, as we continue to expand our services to clients overseas and our offerings across Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Renewable and Nuclear markets.”

Lee Manterfield, Global Relationship Manager at HSBC UK, added: “It’s fantastic to see X-Cel Group continue to fly the flag globally for manufacturing excellence in South Yorkshire. As the market evolves, demands for X-Cel services look set to increase and diversify. We look forward to seeing this next chapter for the business as it targets further international expansion.”

Founded in 1984, X-Cel Group specialises in producing precision machined components exporting internationally to Oil & Gas, Renewables, Defence, Petrochemical, Nuclear and Power Generation industries.

X-Cel Group website
HSBC website

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News: Rotherham-based Parseq acquired

Parseq Limited, a specialist in document, finance, and payment process automation based in Rotherham, has been acquired by Paragon, a leading global business services provider in brand services and outsourced solutions.

Back in 2010 Hellaby-based Documetric began trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the new name of Parseq plc following a successful reverse takeover.

Parseq is a leading provider of business services and technology-led solutions, specialising in automating complex back-office and payment processes. With a history of managing sensitive data for the UK’s largest financial institutions, utilities, and public sector organisations, Parseq helps clients drive operational efficiency, reduce risk, and accelerate digital transformation.

Parseq operates globally with five offices across the UK, Bulgaria, and India. The company processes over £36 billion in payments and digitises 70 million documents annually for more than 75 international clients, including the UK’s top ten banks.

Paragon, which is wholly owned by Grenadier Holdings, a privately held investment company, said that the strategic investment reinforces its standing as a leading player in the business process services (BPS) sector.

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Clem Garvey, CEO of Paragon’s Outsourced Services division, said: "Parseq’s capabilities, talented teams and exciting plans are significantly complementary to Paragon’s strategy. Through this acquisition, we are welcoming a team of committed and talented people into our high-performing culture and we look forward to the promising conversations we can have with our new and existing clients about the value we can deliver as a result. I extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues.

Craig Naylor-Smith, CEO of Parseq, added: “Joining Paragon is a significant milestone that directly benefits our clients. By combining our strengths, we’re able to scale our back-office and payment solutions onto a global stage. This isn’t just about growth; it’s about giving our clients the international reach they need without ever compromising on the rigorous security and service standards they’ve come to expect from Parseq.”

The acquisition involves 354 employees globally. During an interim period, the business will operate with its existing branding before being fully integrated into the Paragon brand.

Parseq website
Paragon website

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News: Rotherham-born businessman brought on board at The Millers

Phil Smith has joined Rotherham United as a new Independent Non-Executive Director with a specific remit to examine how the club operates.

A lifelong Millers fan, Smith has had an incredibly successful career through a number of business ventures, most notably that of the technology solutions business, Embark Group, where he built a £42bn AuA (Assets Under Administration) platform, pension and investment business prior to its sale to the Lloyds Banking Group in a £390m deal in 2022.

RUFC Chairman Tony Stewart has brought the businessman on board to undertake a "thorough examination of the club’s strategic and day-to-day operations to provide us with an objective appraisal – and subsequent actions for both short and long-term projects – to help improve our fortunes both on and off the pitch."

The newly-created, unpaid, role will see him actively involved in all areas of the football club. Phil has a portfolio of other responsibilities, including as chair and in non-exec director roles at finance firms, from his base in London but is expected to spend considerable time at the club.

Smith, who has his roots in Kimberworth, has grown connections with the club in recent years through sponsorships including Embark, Defaqto and Prosper, which are set to continue, and through work with the Rotherham Hospice.

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Phil Smith, Independent Non-Executive Director at Rotherham United told the club's YouTube channel: "It's a pleasure to be involved with Rotherham United in a more formal capacity. I've been following this club as a fan for 50-odd years. I've been a sponsor, box holder, and heavily involved in various elements commercially with people like Steve Coakley [ the club's Commercial Director] and indeed Tony. I've got to know the Stewart family very well over a number of years and, fundamentally, that's what brings me here. It's to help this football club maintain its position as what it really is, which is a championship-level club that needs to perform like a championship-level club. So I'm here to bring a little bit more oomph that we may have lost in recent weeks and to have fun with it and bring the energy back.

"This is a very, very well-run business that needs to enhance its sporting performance. To do that, we just need to get a bit sharper in a few areas. So I'm here to bring a different set of eyes to the mix, to bring some suggestions, a little bit of creativity, so that the net produces the performance that we need on the pitch and ticks the box that we're all here for, which is to create entertainment value for you."

Smith added that his independent status will enable him to challenge Tony Stewart and the operations side of the club.

He said: "Honest truth is we undershoot our potential a little bit on the commercial side. We have a great franchise; we've done wonders over the last 17 years of ownership under the Stewart family. We can do a lot more. It's remembering those base factors that we are what we are, which is we're a Championship club masquerading as a first division club.

"We've got great support in the local business community; we need to stretch that out to the national business community to get our bang for our buck. We need to show the value that we could create for sponsors. If you do that, you get a virtuous circle where fans are excited, players want to come and play for us, and people want to come in the ground and have the full package of entertainment, not just that on the pitch. That creates a flywheel where you grow the economic power of the club and you carry on pushing hard."

Rotherham United website

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News: On the scrapheap? Administrators called in at £100m+ turnover Rotherham firm

The future of a historic Rotherham firm is in doubt after it appointed administrators.

The move comes after the group posted significant losses and the sad death of a director.

Headquartered and founded in Rotherham in the 1920s, CF Booth has grown from a local metal trader into one of the largest independently run metal recycling companies in Europe. With its massive Masbrough site, the business has been family owned and operated and employed over 200 staff, trading both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and processes recycled materials for a wide range of customers across the UK and beyond.

Over the years, hundreds of railway carriages and engines have been brought to the site for dismantling and recycling.

On January 16, C F Booth Ltd filed a notice to appoint James Ronald Alexander Lumb and Howard Smith of Interpath Advisory as joint administrators.

Administrators are brought in to help rescue the business, sell it, or wind it down to achieve the best outcome for creditors, often involving immediate action like managing redundancies while exploring sale options to preserve value.

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The company's latest financial accounts showed that the year ending 2024 was a testing one for the business. It reported sales of £113.6m that were 16.30% lower than the £135.7m achieved in the previous financial year. Commodity prices remained high but the volume of scrap traded was down 15%.

The company posted a loss of £5.9m after year's of profit.

After the year end C F Booth received notice that its appeal against an historical VAT Penalty assessment dating back a decade was unsuccessful resulting in a penalty of £1.4m becoming payable to HMRC. C F Booth Limited was then fined £1.2m by the HSE after an investigation following the death of an employee on site.

The accounts also showed that time was running out for the firm's banking facilities with £18m worth of loan and overdraft facilities falling due for renewal in June 2025 with the loans being repayable on six months' notice in the absence of an agreement to roil forward the facilities.

As part of refinancing, the group took out a short term loan in June 2025 of £1.5m to facilitate working capital requirements.

In October 2025 Rothbiz reported that Interpath Advisory assisted CF Booth on in securing a flexible £20m asset-based lending facility from Independent Growth Finance (IGF) "to support its growth ambitions."

In the same month, the large 82,624 sq ft C F Booth premises at Lyme Street was listed for sale / to let with agents. Pictures show an empty warehouse.

December 2025 saw the death of Ken Booth Jr, who oversaw significant expansion at Clarence Metal Works during his and his brother James’ tenure.

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News: Home Decor completes MBO

Rotherham-based Home Décor, one of the leading suppliers of sliding door and interior solutions in Europe, has been purchased in a management buyout (MBO) led by the company’s executive team.

Home Decor supply into retail, distribution, new build construction and online markets.

Originally formed as Acmetrack in England in 1975, the business was acquired by The Stanley Works Inc in 1987 and sold seventeen years later, at which time it was renamed Home Decor GB Ltd.

With its parent company part of the Cerberus Investment Group, the manufacturer made the move from Drakehouse in Sheffield to the Woodhouse Link development on the site of the former Laycast Foundry at Fence, just over the Rotherham border, in 2013.

The deal was for an undisclosed sum and the new owners include: Jason Limbert, Chief Executive Officer; Neil Martin, Contract Sales Director; and Jon Griffiths, Sales & Marketing Director.

Full-service accountancy firm, Shorts, played a pivotal role in structuring the deal and guiding the process.

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Jason Limbert said: "This is a defining moment for Home Decor as the Executive team increase their minority shareholding to take full ownership of the company. We are grateful for having been given this opportunity by Cerberus Capital Management and for the financial support and vote of confidence of HSBC to enable our ability to achieve it.”

“We would like to thank Shorts, especially Chris Alsop who has worked tirelessly on our behalf to structure a deal that satisfied all parties. We would also like to thank David Leonard our Relationship Director at HSBC who has been supportive of the business over many years and has worked with us to achieve a funding solution to enable the Executive team to take full control of the company at such a significant point in the company’s journey.”

“Paul Trudgill at Knights has also done a fantastic job of guiding us through the legal process, similarly David Robinson at Shorts has been great guiding us fully through the tax considerations of the transaction.”

“Under the full control of the Executive team, who collectively bring over 40 years of service, we look forward to continuing to implement our strategic plan that will continue to deliver growth, creating even more security for our valued Home Decor team.”

Chris Alsop added: “It has been a pleasure to assist the shareholders with this transaction. Home Decor has a strong reputation within their sector and we look forward to providing continued support throughout the next chapter of the company’s growth.”

Home Decor website

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News: Stelrad delivers strong operational performance despite subdued market

Stelrad, the UK's leading manufacturer of stylish modern radiators, has talked of ongoing economic uncertainty that has led to lower revenues in its latest financial results.

Registered in Newcastle, it now operates from facilities in both Nuth, in The Netherlands, and in Swinton, Mexborough. The Rotherham site handles the UK radiators business, coordinating an advanced production and distribution operation that spans a 17 acre site which is the largest radiator storage facility in the UK.

The company is a big supplier to new build housing developments and in a trading update for the ten months ended 31 October 2025, Stelrad said that new build end-market activity has remained subdued since the half year. The update added that the group "continues to implement proactive margin management initiatives and cost reduction activities, with continued operational excellence playing an important role in offsetting declines in volumes."

The board expects the full financial year to have an adjusted operating profit within a range of £32m to £33m, ahead of the prior year (£31.5m), with positive operating margin growth year-on-year.

After the announcement Stelrad successfully refinanced its £100m multicurrency facility agreement at improved terms which it says will reduce its future borrowing costs.

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Trevor Harvey, Chief Executive of Stelrad, said: "Stelrad continues to deliver a strong operational performance and remains on track to achieve growth in adjusted operating profit and margin expansion year-on-year, despite the subdued volume environment.

"Whilst the continued delay in end-market recovery remains frustrating, Stelrad's flexible, low-cost manufacturing footprint, outstanding customer service and unmatched product availability means that the Group remains well-positioned for the eventual recovery in our end markets, and I remain confident in our ability to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders."

The Rotherham site remains the company’s manufacturing hub for selected models, representing the brand’s continued investment in British engineering.

Stelrad explains that its customers increasingly want to know where their products are made, and for good reason. UK manufacturing means shorter supply chains, reduced delivery times, and lower environmental impact. It also reflects a continued investment in local communities and sustainable industry growth.

By producing selected radiators on site at Mexborough, Stelrad helps ensure that customers receive products made to exacting standards, including complying with BS-EN442.

Stelrad website

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News: Xeros successful in £5.95m fundraise

Xeros Technology Group plc, the Rotherham-based creator of technologies that reduce the impact of clothing on the planet, has raised close to £6m to fund operations.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, Xeros is a Leeds University spin-out that has created a number of technologies, such as the use of polymer beeds in washing and filters to collect microplastics.

The AIM-listed firm secured funding through a successful fundraise, retail offer and follow on, which included existing and linked shareholders.

Net proceeds will provide the group with at least 12 months' working capital and will be used to strengthen the company's balance sheet, enabling execution of current contracts, pursuit of global opportunities and to provide reassurance to contract counterparties.

Funding will also provide working capital as the company advances commercialisation of its core technologies.

For the six months ended 30 June 2025, Xeros posted a net loss narrowing by nearly 11% compared to the previous reporting period. The loss for the last half-year stood at £1.73m, down from a loss of £1.94m in the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA loss fell to £1.6m from £2.4m.

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The company recently signed a breakthrough agreement with one of the world's largest branded washing machine manufacturers that will result in the mass production of domestic washing machines using Xeros' Laundry Care technology (XDrum and XOrbs) under the manufacturer's brand.

Xeros anticipates that similar paid for agreements will follow, with three further global washing machine manufacturers currently in technical verification.

Announcing the placing, the board said that it was "confident about the prospects for the Group and now have in place commercial and development agreements across all three of the Company's technologies that are capable of delivering meaningful revenue.

"Commercial traction is expected across the Group's technology portfolio, with major laundry, machinery and electronics brands taking the technology to market."

Neil Austin, CEO of Xeros, said: "We have immediate commercial opportunities within domestic laundry for care and filtration, denim processing, and commercial laundry. Major global players across these areas are working with us to use our technology to help them improve performance, lessen environmental damage, and save energy, resources and money. This fundraise will ensure we continue the positive trajectory achieved in 2025, which is taking us ever closer to the global adoption of Xeros' technology."

Xeros website

Images: Xeros

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News: Rotherham manufacturer drives export growth with £1.5m government guarantee

Preformed Windings Limited, a leading manufacturer of high-voltage bars and diamond coils, has secured enhanced financial backing to strengthen its position in international markets through a £1.5m trade loan facility from HSBC UK, backed by a guarantee from UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency.

The company has over 50 years of experience manufacturing high-voltage bars and coils that are essential for stabilising and enhancing the performance of heavy machinery across multiple sectors, including hydropower, nuclear and power generation. These specialised components extend asset life, improve efficiency and reduce maintenance requirements for equipment that typically operates under extreme electrical stress.

Preformed Windings has operations at Vector 31 at Waleswood in Rotherham. It recently added a further 11,000 sq ft for a 60% increase in manufacturing capacity to meet the growing demand for high-voltage diamond coils.

With over 90% of its business driven by exports, Preformed Windings supplies customers across multiple continents. The trade loan facility, backed by UKEF’s General Export Facility, provides the financial flexibility needed to manage working capital while continuing to invest in growth and technical innovation, enabling the company to confidently handle large international orders and serve its expanding global customer base.

The company now employs more than 120 people – with 10% of staff recruited in the last six months – and expects to add further roles across production, technical, and sales teams as growth continues.

Preformed Windings works closely with Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Limited and the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, offering post-graduate and degree apprenticeship schemes to develop future engineering talent within the region.

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Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, said: "Preformed Windings’ success shows exactly why we created the General Export Facility - to give UK businesses the flexibility to invest in export growth. Their commitment to technical innovation and training showcases why the UK remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.

"By backing companies like Preformed Windings, we’re strengthening the UK’s competitive edge, supporting skilled jobs, and nurturing the engineering talent that underpins our economy.

"Looking ahead, the company is focused on expanding further into markets in North America, Middle East, Japan, and Europe, which present exciting opportunities for Preformed Windings advanced bar and coil technologies and expertise in supporting high-efficiency power generation."

James Stevens, CEO at Preformed Windings Limited, said: "With over 90% of our business driven by exports, the support by UKEF and HSBC UK has been critical in strengthening our position as a global leader in high-voltage bars and diamond coils.

"The General Export Facility has given us the confidence to manage working capital to meet overseas demand efficiently and competitively. As we expand into new markets, we see UKEF as a key partner in our international growth."

Kayley Towle, International Manager at HSBC UK, said: "At HSBC UK, we’re delighted to support innovative businesses like Preformed Windings to achieve their export growth ambitions. Working alongside UKEF, this is a great example of how partnership between banking and government can provide the flexible financing that businesses need to capitalise on international opportunities."

Preformed Windings website

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News: £20m facility boosts growth for CF Booth

Rotherham's CF Booth, one of the UK’s leading metal recycling companies, has received a flexible £20m asset-based lending facility from Independent Growth Finance (IGF) to support its growth ambitions.

Headquartered and founded in Rotherham in the 1920s, CF Booth has grown from a local metal trader into one of the largest independently run metal recycling companies in Europe. With its massive Masbrough site, the business is still family owned and employs over 200 staff and trades both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and processes recycled materials for a wide range of customers across the UK and beyond.

The facility provided by IGF will support the growth ambitions of the business and enable the group to continue investing in operations and performance improvement. Interpath Advisory assisted CF Booth on the deal.





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Christopher Woodcock, financial director at CF Booth, said: “With IGF’s support we have the working capital we need to accelerate our growth and enhance our operational performance. We are extremely positive about the new opportunities this investment will create. It further strengthens our position, allowing us to invest further in our operations, demonstrating our commitment to provide for our customers.”

Richard Spielbichler, ABL Director at IGF in Manchester, commented: “With a proud legacy and a clear strategic direction, CF Booth is well positioned to focus on their future growth and success. This investment will create a step change in the business, allowing them to invest in their operations and increase their capabilities to secure further new contracts.”

CF Booth website

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News: Productive Machines secures funding to help shore up UK digital supply chains

Productive Machines, a Rotherham-based startup that is set to transform UK digital supply chains has secured £510,000 from Digital Catapult.

Based within the Advanced Manufacturing Park's (AMP's) Technology Centre, Productive Machines uses a software simulation process called digital twinning to accelerate milling process design, reduce cycle time, eliminate quality problems and maximize productivity. Creating virtual replicas helps companies machine parts right the first time.

Digital Catapult helps businesses grow by applying deep tech, showing them what is possible, positive and productive with advanced technology.

The investment will enable the startup to scale the customer base for its SenseNC products, reshore manufacturing by increasing the competitiveness of local manufacturers, and drive greater resilience of UK digital supply chains.

Productive Machines has developed the world’s first autonomous milling optimisation software, SenseNC. The software streamlines machining operations by simulating and optimising various machine settings, helping manufacturers to optimise performance before operations are sent to CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools to precisely cut, shape, and finish materials. This computer-controlled machining method reduces the need for time-consuming trial-and-error processes, where production approaches are tested and refined. SenseNC minimises waste, lowers costs, and delivers significant gains in sustainability and productivity.

The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution has already been successfully trialled by manufacturers in the aerospace sector, including AML, a leader in the precision machining of metallic components, resulting in optimised and decarbonised manufacturing processes. The company managed to reshore production of two different aerospace parts back to the UK from overseas suppliers. Similar success has been achieved with partners such as FICEP UK, a leading supplier of structural steel and plate fabrication machine tools, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) in Belfast.

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Following Digital Catapult’s investment, Productive Machines is looking to respond to expressions of interest from prospective partners and customers in Europe and the US.

Digital Catapult’s investment takes the form of a convertible loan note and is made available by Innovate UK to allow Catapults to invest directly in the businesses they are supporting.

Erdem Ozturk, CEO and Co-founder of Productive Machines, said: " Digital Catapult’s investment will enable us to grow our customer base in the UK and Europe as well as expand to international markets where there is growing demand and interest in our solution. The UK has long been a leader in manufacturing, but with increasing global competition, solutions like our SenseNC software will be critical to sharpening the country’s competitive edge and reshoring processes back into the UK. Our next step will be to invest further into direct sales and partnerships, where we hope to demonstrate the value of investing into deep tech, and how collaboration and partnership is key to long-term startup and sectoral success."

Susan Bowen, CEO, Digital Catapult, added: "With a solution that can cut costs, decarbonise operations and increase productivity for manufacturers across the country, Productive Machines’ solution could transform the UK’s digital supply chains. With this investment, we are looking forward to working closely with Productive Machines to unlock opportunities to reshore UK manufacturing and boost industrial competitiveness."

In 2023, Productive Machines, a spinout from the The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), raised £2.2m in Seed funding.

Local MP Sarah Champion, recently visited the firm. She said: "It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done by Productive Machines right here in Rotherham. Their cutting-edge technology is not only boosting productivity and sustainability for UK manufacturers but also making reshoring a viable option. This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to strengthen British industry and create high-value jobs locally."

Productive Machines website
Digital Catapult website

Images: Productive Machines

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News: New owner for established Rotherham care home

A residential care home in Rotherham has a new owner following a purchase by a first-time entrant in the sector.

West Melton Lodge is a well-established care home registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide long-stay residential care for up to 32 residents. It is located in the village of West Melton in the North of the Rotherham borough.

The home, previously owned and operated by Stephen Oldale and Susan Leigh, was brought to market to allow them to pursue a well-earned retirement.

Following a confidential sales process with Jonathan Wickens at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by first-time entrant in the sector, Sriya Care Limited.

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Rahul Sood, Director at Sriya Care Limited, said: “We took over the West Melton Lodge care home in the Rotherham area at the end of June with a clear commitment to continuing the warm, resident-centred ethos that had been built over the years. We approached this as a long-term responsibility and are focused on ensuring residents feel safe, respected, and well cared for. In these initial weeks, we've been assessing all aspects of the home and have begun laying the groundwork to raise standards across care, environment, and systems over the coming months.

“The transition went very smoothly, and we’re grateful to the previous owners, who were retiring and incredibly supportive throughout the process. Their cooperation made the handover seamless. All existing staff transferred under TUPE, and we were especially pleased that Tania, the Registered Manager, chose to stay on. Her experience and calm leadership have been central to ensuring continuity and stability for both staff and residents. We’ve inherited a fantastic team - compassionate, capable, and genuinely committed to the well-being of the residents. It’s been a pleasure getting to know them and beginning to support them with resources and structure to help them thrive further. Our focus now is on steadily bringing the home up to the highest standards in every area, from compliance and care planning to resident engagement and family involvement.”

Jonathan Wickens, Director – Care at Christie & Co, added: “This is the fourth care home property we have sold for Stephen and Susan, and we wish them all the best in their retirement. It is good to see the home sold to somebody who approaches the care sector with such passion, and we are sure that Rahul will continue to support the great team at West Melton Lodge.”

West Melton Lodge was sold for an undisclosed price.

Christie & Co website

Images: Christie & Co

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News: Haulage operators receive £3.75m funding to drive growth

Yorkshire-based, TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire (STH), have received a £3.75m funding package from NatWest to support their ongoing expansion and strengthen their operations across Leeds and Rotherham.

Operating locally since 1968, the family run businesses specialise in haulage, warehousing, logistics and truck hire needs, tailoring services to offer both short and long term rentals. The funding—comprising a £2.75m Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance (RBSIF) facility and a £1m loan—will be used to purchase additional premises, boosting capacity and storage space to meet increasing customer demand.

STH provides a comprehensive range of services including commercial vehicle management, contract hire, maintenance, breakdown support, and long-term rentals. TSL Vanguard complements this offering with general haulage and warehousing services.

The acquisition of additional premises will support the businesses’ long term growth through greater capacity to extend their fleet and diversify service offerings, which currently include the operation of more than 1,000 trailers. This expansion will also allow more specialist roles to be brought in-house, reducing dependency on third parties and creating new employment opportunities in both Leeds and Holmes in Rotherham.

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Mark Liversidge, Managing Director at Specialist Trailer Hire, commented: “Securing this funding marks a significant milestone for both TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire. We’re excited about the opportunities this creates, both for our team and our customers, as ultimately the funding will enable us to invest in the space and infrastructure required for continued growth.

“We’ve had a great relationship with NatWest for years now and we’re looking forward to the future."

Mark Forsyth, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “As longstanding customers, we’re proud to support TSL Vanguard and Specialist Trailer Hire with a funding package that will enable them to scale their operations and invest in long-term growth.

Both businesses have a strong track record and a clear vision for the future, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work together and helping to enable their continued growth within the region, whether that’s through funding packages or the specialist knowledge, networks and expertise we can offer for businesses”.

Both companies are committed to environmental responsibility and evolving to meet the demands of the modern environment, with ongoing investment in fleet upgrades to reduce emissions. TSL Vanguard and STH are accredited by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which sets safety and efficiency standards within the transport operations industry, recognising fleet performance in key areas such as environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency.

The funding represents a significant step toward achieving the group’s long-term ambition of maintaining a strong position within the haulage and logistics market while expanding operational capabilities to meet future demands.

STH website
TSL Vanguard website

Images: STH

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News: Grants of up to £25,000 to help breathe new life into Rotherham high streets

Businesses on high streets across the borough have the opportunity to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 Rotherham Council investment.

As part of its commitment to breathe new life into Rotherham’s high streets and create thriving neighbourhoods, the Council has launched the Shop Unit Business Grant Project, funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The grant aims to help high street businesses in the town centre, Dinnington, Maltby, Swinton and Wath-Upon-Dearne enhance their premises by funding improvements that will contribute to their overall look, feel and vibrancy.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to improve the look and feel of their shop units. Improvements could include new shopfronts, signage, flooring, lighting and other refurbishments that will enhance the attractiveness of local high streets.

Businesses are being encouraged to act quickly, with grants awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.

Applications are open until October 30 2025, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025.

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Cllr. John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re committed to forging ahead and breathing new life into our high streets across the borough.

“This funding represents an opportunity to support the local businesses at the heart of our communities. By investing in the look and feel of shops located in our town centres, we’re helping to create more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents, shoppers and visitors alike. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply early and make the most of this support.”

Businesses interested should contact Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) for more information via businessgrants@rotherham.gov.ukl

The cabinet at Rotherham Council approved plans in March for the £3.28m of UKSPF for 2025/26, a transitional year allocation.

£945,256 is for business support with £60,000 set aside for enhancing the operation of the outdoor market during the current redevelopment. Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture is set to receive further funding with £275,000 for the extension of the successful traineeship programme. £200,000 has been allocated for marketing to support the communications and reach of the festival year.

Rothbiz reported in January on proposals put forward for Rotherham Council's latest budget which included £50,000 for free parking. One hour’s free parking has recently been introduced in council-run car parks in Rotherham town centre.

The investment across Rotherham’s high streets will be complemented by the introduction of a new ‘Street Safe Team’ focused on increasing safety in town and village centres, as well as a new team dedicated to roadside cleansing, with a focus on popular routes and key gateways.

RiDO website

Images: RMBC

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News: Further reaction to Liberty Steel liquidation

Last week a judge approved an application from creditors to place Speciality Steel UK Ltd (SSUK) into compulsory liquidation.

An Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator with Teneo Financial Advisory Limited appointed as Special Managers of the company, previously part of Liberty Steel and the GFG Aliiance, to assist the Official Receiver with the liquidation.

The court heard that the Department for Business and Trade had been preparing in the event of an Official Receiver being appointed, and was prepared to take control of SSUK’s affairs.

The company has operations in Rotherham and Sheffield. South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said that the news was "difficult, but offers the opportunity for clarity and a path forward. There is and will continue to be a period of uncertainty for workers at Liberty’s two sites in South Yorkshire.

"So I welcome the positive comments from the Secretary of State for Business in the wake of the Court’s decision.

"I now want to see swift progress from government to safeguard the unique steel making capabilities we have here in our region. I will be seeking a conversation with Ministers as a matter of urgency and will do everything I can to make sure that workers at Liberty Steel and the steel industry that is so integral to our identity, have the brightest possible future."

Secretary of State for Business, Jonathan Reynolds, has described the steelworks and its workers as important strategic assets for the UK, and wants them to have a strong future as part of the UK's overall steel strategy.

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Liberty employs around 1,450 people within the Speciality business and provides a wide range of specialist steel products.

Speciality Steels provides vital steelmaking capacity in aerospace, defence and power generation. The steel made by Liberty Speciality Steels can be found in vessels including aircraft carriers, military aircraft components and defence systems, landing gear, controls and in components for oil and gas, power generation, rail and beyond.

UK Steel Director General, Gareth Stace, said: “UK Steel welcomes the Government’s recognition of the importance of the Liberty Speciality Steel assets and hopes that a new owner is found quickly and can inject the investment and working capital required to return production volumes to previous levels.

“The assets produce high quality, specialist steels that serve high value markets. The low production levels of recent years have left significant holes in the domestic supply chain that have been filled by imports. We hope to see these holes quickly filled by UK-made steel.

“The Government must continue to push on trade defence and reducing the burden of energy costs so that the Speciality Steels business, and the rest of the UK steel ecosystem, is sustainable, and steel workers will in future be spared from the limbo state that the employees in South Yorkshire have endured.”

Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said: “This is an extremely worrying time for our members at Liberty Steel, but the Government’s intervention must mark a turning point to deliver certainty for these strategically important businesses.

“Crucially, jobs must be protected throughout any restructuring and transition to new ownership. Steelworkers at Liberty Steel are highly-skilled and hugely experienced; they are quite frankly irreplaceable and will be critical to delivering future success for the businesses.

“As a first priority wages must be paid and the outstanding twelve months of pensions contributions must be secured. Resolving pay and pensions is urgent and we are closely monitoring the situation, but in talks with senior officials we have received firm assurances that both matters are in hand.

“We welcome the Government’s intervention which is yet another demonstration of our Labour Government’s commitment to delivering for steelworkers and our vital foundation industry. However, in taking control of the business the Government has assumed responsibility for our livelihoods and our communities, and we will of course be holding them to account.”

Sheffield City Council Leader, Cllr Tom Hunt, said: "This will be a difficult period of uncertainty for the workers at Liberty Steel and we appreciate that the news yesterday will have caused concern.

"The Government have agreed to step in to safeguard jobs in the short-term. We hope this brings assurance for those who work there, as well as for those who live in the areas around Liberty Steel’s sites and rely on the steelworks for their own businesses.

"The steel industry is a big part of Sheffield’s past, present and future. We continue to work proactively with all stakeholders to safeguard the future of Liberty Steel, and the industry as a whole in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. We are committed to work alongside the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard and Cllr Chris Read and our colleagues at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to ensure a viable path forward can be found for Liberty Steel and its dedicated staff."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Google Maps

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