News: £83m Rotherham regeneration projects can be pushed back to 2028

Multimillion pound regeneration projects in Rotherham will have more time to be completed after the Government granted more flexibilities over how the money can be spent.

Partners in the borough will also find it easier to cancel projects, move funding to different, or even new, projects, and change governance arrangements.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the previous government had entered Rotherham into the Simplification Pathfinder Pilot, a simplified approach to funding delivery, after the National Audit Office (NAO) warned of delays around spending Levelling Up funding pots.

Now the new government has consolidated a number of funding schemes in a bid to accelerate project delivery and improve value for money.

In 2021, Rotherham secured £31.6m from the Town Deal to revamp areas of Rotherham town centre as well as Templeborough, Eastwood and the site of the proposed mainline station at Parkgate. In the same year, £12.6m was secured from the Future High Streets Fund.

From the Levelling Up Fund, Rotherham was successful in securing £19.5m for the town centre and £19.9m for a number of connected projects around the leisure industry. £20m was then secured in 2023 for a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

The pots have now been combined into the "Local Regeneration Fund" with single, annual allocations based on streamlined monitoring and reduced reporting frequency.

One of the main flexibilities is that all funding is now due to be spent by the end of March 2028.

The Future High Streets Fund was initially due to be spent by March 2024, with other funds then due to be spent by March 2026. In Rotherham this includes projects that have suffered delays due to rising costs, difficulties securing contractors and legal issues.

The revamp of Rotherham Market, which is using money from the Future High Street Fund, was originally scheduled to finish in December 2025 but this was pushed back to 2027 with total costs now at £40.89m. At Riverside Gardens, another Future High Street Fund project, a contractor has recently started work. Changes have also been made to projects at Rother Valley and Thrybergh Country parks but construction work is underway.

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With the council unable to acquire the properties required to deliver the Dinnington scheme, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was issued earlier this year which meant that the spending on the project was extended from 2026 to 2028.

Many schemes have completed in the borough backed by the funds. This includes Skills Street at Gulliver's Valley, work to transform heritage buildings at Maltby Grammar School, and the acquisition and demolition of burnt out buidings in the town centre.

Another flexibility is that the government no longer requires local authorities to seek approval for any changes. As long as it still meets conditions around value for money and contributes to one or more Government Missions, changes could include amendments to the scope of existing projects, the cancellation of existing projects and the creation of new projects.

An update from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) said: "After listening to feedback from local government, on the need for less bureaucratic micromanagement and more local control, we have now announced the consolidation of MHCLG’s Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplification Pathfinders Pilot Fund together into a single funding pot. This reform will increase flexibility to adapt schemes to local needs and focus on delivery.

"We are giving local authorities greater ability to make decisions locally about moving funding between projects in their funding portfolio. Local authorities should consider how they can use this increased flexibility to invest more effectively, whether that is pooling funding in the same area, redeploying funding to different priorities or making changes to existing projects to expedite delivery and maximise their impact.  

"It is our expectation that projects already underway will be completed, for the benefit of local residents. In the small number of cases where projects are no longer viable, we expect that councils will use the funding available to invest in the area that originally stood to benefit, so local residents can feel the improvements to their everyday lives that they have been promised. We strongly encourage local authorities to consult with key stakeholders, including MPs in their local areas on any proposed changes and in particular changes to the location or projects and/or intended beneficiaries."

Rothbiz has previously reported on changes made in Rotherham to funded schemes. Aspects have been removed from projects, such as a proposed new bridge over the River Don to the football stadium and the live music venue project has looked at a number of heritage properties in the town centre. A new project to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre was added to the mix earlier this year.

Not included in the funds is the Plan for Neighbourhoods that will guide a £20m investment into the town over the next ten years.

Images: RMBC / AHR / Maltby Learning Trust

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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: Health hub set to fill Boots in Rotherham town centre

Rotherham Council is planning to introduce "Health on the High Street" in a bid to improve access to health services and increase footfall in the town centre.

The idea would also provide a long term use for a large retail unit that has been empty since 2022.

Creating a community hub for health provision as a way to reinvigorate town centres has been tried and tested across the country in areas such as Barnsley and Oldham.

In Rotherham, the council acquired the former Boots building in 2023 after the retailer closed as part of a 2020 acceleration of its Transformation Plan.

Close to the markets redevelopment, the proposal involves Abbey Pharmacy relocating from its current position in the first phase with the exploration of the development of a new health facility within the remainder of the building part of a second phase.

The idea was included in the initial £20m Long Term Plan for Towns (now The Plan for Neighbourhoods).

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A paper to Rotherham Council's cabinet explains: "Rotherham town centre is currently limited in its provision of health care services and the Council has been working in partnership with health service partners to consider how that provision may be increased. This project would see the first step in improving the provision of health services for the Town Centre and surrounding communities.

"In terms of phase 2, there have been no decisions on how the remainder of the building will be utilised, but it is envisaged that the building could be used by GPs, Health or Wellbeing operators. This is being reviewed and a feasibility study is being undertaken to deliver a connected and collaborative health provision in the Town Centre.

"The Council has been liaising with health providers over the last year. Providers recognise the benefit of a health provision in this location and are actively engaging with the feasibility process."

The government's Plan for Neighbourhoods exemplifies the approach taken in Barnsley. Evidence provided states that proximity to public transport has minimised missed appointments and has attracted an additional 55,000 visits to the town centre, supporting local businesses. It cites "improved health outcomes and economic growth, improving patient care and fostering a greater sense of community" amongst the positive outcomes of the facility.

With the £40m revamp of the markets underway, and as part of the lease, Rotherham Council would need to pay to relocate Abbey Pharmacy from Howard Street now, and potentially a second time, or work around them. Both options have been discounted due to the costs involved.

Following cabinet approval, the council will carry out feasability work and design development using money from the Pathfinder pot. In 2023, Rotherham Council was granted more flexibility over the £80m+ regeneration funding it has secured from the Government.

Potential costs for a Rotherham health hub have not been made public but council Health Select Commission papers show that the Phase One proposal to relocate the pharmacy is estimated to cost £1.3m with Phase Two estimated at £400,000 to work up plans.

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News: More pathways to work to be created in Rotherham

South Yorkshire is one of nine £125m backed "inactivity trailblazers" across the country to launch, with the aim of helping areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity as part of the Government's wider Plan for Change.

Backed by £18m, South Yorkshire plans a dedicated new service working with employers to hire those with health conditions, and a new “triage” system to make it quicker and easier to connect people to employment, health, and skills support.

This work will include preventing people falling out of work completely due to ill health through an NHS programme, working with people with conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes. This could include arranging voluntary work as a stepping stone to paid employment or helping people receive the right treatment early so they can remain in a job.

Having been pioneered in Barnsley, the programme will now roll out to Rotherham and the rest of South Yorkshire. £8m is funding the NHS Accelerator programme.

The programmes build on the recommendations of the Pathways to Work Commission which was led by Barnsley Council in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). The report highlighted that the proof-of-concept model could deliver direct Exchequer savings of up to four pounds for every one spent.

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Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said: “For too long, whole areas of the UK have been written off and deprived of investment. We are turning the tide on this – as we believe in the potential of every single person across our country and that they deserve to benefit from the security and dignity that good work affords.

“This is why we’re investing £125m into nine local areas to get Britain back to health and back to work – with our new approach making it quicker and easier for people to access the support they need to stay in work if they have a health condition or return to work.

“South Yorkshire is the first to kick off their innovative plans – backed by £18 million – and we will be launching more areas in the coming weeks as we put more money in people’s pockets, boost living standards and Get Britain Working under our Plan for Change.”

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, added: “We know that South Yorkshire’s industrial past has left a legacy of poor health and low skills that holds people back right across our communities; holding people back from accessing good work, making the most of their potential or living their fullest lives.

“That’s why we developed the pioneering Pathways to Work approach here in Barnsley, and why we’re now working with the Government to roll that programme out across the whole of South Yorkshire. From today people will receive tailored support, bringing together the health system, the skills and employment system, to truly help people back into decent work.

“I’m really pleased that South Yorkshire is now leading with the first inactivity trailblazer and NHS growth accelerator to launch in the UK, because it means we can help people more quickly and more effectively, and in a more tailored way. That’s not just the right thing to do for those people locked out of finding good work, it’s the right thing for our economy too, helping us to create the bigger and better economy we need and deserve here in our region.”

The trailblazer programmes, which have been designed largely by civil servants based in Sheffield working with Mayoral Combined Authorities, are part of the Government’s wider efforts to reach an 80 per cent employment rate, which includes a record £1 billion investment in helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who can work into work and an overhaul of Jobcentres to make sure they meet the needs of employers.

Through their new initiatives, South Yorkshire aims to reduce inactivity from 25.5% in 2023 to under 20% by the end of 2029 – equivalent to helping 40,000 people across the area.

It is hoped that South Yorkshire will also be named as one of eight youth trailblazer areas, backed by £45m from the government to ensure all 18–21-year-olds have access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

Images: SYMCA

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News: Retained £20m Rotherham regeneration pot given wider remit

£20m earmarked for Rotherham by the previous Government has been confirmed and has been given a wider remit focusing on neighbourhood renewal and improving social capital.

Rotherham was selected in 2023 as one of 55 towns to be given £20m endowment-style funds to invest in local people’s priorities. The Long Term Plan for Towns has now been extended to 75 “left behind” areas and renamed the Plan for Neighbourhoods as part of efforts to end the "Whitehall knows best" approach by empowering local leaders to strengthen communities.

Undertaking meaningful engagement with the local community is a central pillar of the funding and "Neighbourhood Boards" will work up a Regeneration Plan – in partnership with the local authority - to deliver the strategic objectives of the programme.

Investment over a ten year period will take place in delivering improved vital community services from education, health and employment, to tackling local issues like crime. Transformation will be holistic, long-term, and sustainable to deliver meaningful change in the day-to-day lives of local people.

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With £250,000 of capcity funding already awarded to the borough, Rotherham Town Board, a private-sector chaired board that oversees government spending, has already been working on plans for the £20m endowment.

Rothbiz reported last year that the long term plan would focus on the key themes of safety and security, high streets, heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.

The new prospectus adds more potential interventions with activities listed ranging "from eye-catching new developments to the bread-and-butter issues raised by people on the doorstep."

The programme has three strategic objectives - thriving places, stronger communities and taking back control. Adding to safety, regeneration, high streets, heritage and transport interventions, money could be spent on addressing housing and homelessness issues, worklessness, business support, community cohesion, youth and community groups, sport and activity, education and skills and child poverty.

A further capacity payment of £200,000 will be made this financial year. Delivery funding will be released from the beginning of the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner said: “For years, too many neighbourhoods have been starved of investment, despite their potential to thrive and grow. Communities across the UK have so much to offer – rich cultural capital, unique heritage but most of all, an understanding of their own neighbourhood.

“We will do things differently, our fully funded Plan for Neighbourhoods puts local people in the driving seat of their potential, having control of where the Whitehall cash goes – what issues they want to tackle, where they want to regenerate and what growth they want turbocharge.”

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris added: “When our local neighbourhoods thrive, the rest of the country thrives too. That’s why we are empowering communities to take control of their futures and create the regeneration and growth they want to see.

“Our Plan for Neighbourhoods we will deliver long-term funding that will bolster that inner community spirit in us all and relight the fires in corners of the UK that have for too long been left fighting for survival.

“This, along with our ambitious reforms to streamline the planning system, devolve powers and strengthen workers’ rights, will help get places and people thriving once again.”

Neighbourhood Boards will need to confirm finalised membership and any proposals to alter their place boundaries by the end of April. The previous allocation came with a defined area around Rotherham town centre. From Spring 2025 to winter 2025 Neighbourhood Boards will submit their Regeneration Plan to government for assessment and approval.

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News: Plans to bring new tenants to Rotherham retail park

Planning applications are progressing at Parkgate that could lead to new tenants opening at the popular Rotherham retail destination.

With Superdrug moving within Parkgate Shopping, doubling the size of its previous store with a c. 10,000 sq ft unit, plans have been approved that will allow a new occupier to move in to the empty unit.

My Dentist (GB) Limited has had its plans for unit 10c checked by Rotherham Council and the authority has issued a Lawful Development Certificate, approving the use as a dentist clinic under the current planning permission.

The key issue was whether or not the existing use falls within use Class E and therefore doesn’t require a change of use application. Changes in 2020 grouped Commercial, Business and Service in Use Class E and includes both the retail sale of goods, other than hot food, as well as the provision of medical or health services.

Planners concluded: "It is considered that the proposed use of the Unit for a Dentist Clinic can be carried out without the submission of a full planning application, as the previous and proposed uses fall within the same wider use class and as such there is no material change in the use of the building."

Mydentist is one of the largest dental providers in the UK with a national chain of 534 dental practices. It currently operates in Rotherham town centre and Brinsworth. The group is jointly owned by management and Palamon Capital Partners.

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Across the park, owners, Threadneedle, have submitted plans for Units 17 and 18.

The applications are for the reconfigurement of the internal layout, including the mezzanine, a new trolley bay and new solar panels.

The units are currently occupied by the TUI Holiday Superstore and One Below but the correspondence talks of new tenants.

Agents, Savills, said: "The works are part of a package of works to enable the units to be occupied by new tenants. As can be seen from the proposed works shown on the submitted plans they are of a minor nature and do not raise substantial considerations."

Another new opening involves an unnamed food retailer taking a new build unit. Rothbiz reported in January that an outline planning application had been approved for a new 20,000 sq ft foodstore at the park.

Parkgate Shopping website
Mydentisit website

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News: South Yorkshire receives Government backing to help build pathways to work

A pioneering approach to tackling economic inactivity which aims to get 10,000 South Yorkshire residents back into work over the next four years is set to receive Government funding.

Unveiling the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, confirmed up to £10m of funding for a trailblazer programme that will be led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), focused on improving the support available to people who are economically inactive due to ill health, helping them return to work.

As part of the trailblazer, the South Yorkshire Integrated Care System (ICS) will also become an NHS England Health and Growth Accelerator area, receiving a share of £45m. This will help develop evidence of the impact of targeted action on the top health conditions driving economic inactivity. SYMCA and the South Yorkshire ICS will work together to integrate the support to tackle economic inactivity.

These programmes will build on the recommendations of the Pathways to Work Commission which was led by Barnsley Council in partnership with the SYMCA. The report outlined the need for a proof-of-concept model that brings together work, health and skills support in a radical new approach to help people overcome barriers to employment.

The funding for South Yorkshire, which is part of a £240m cash injection announced in the Budget, will accelerate the rollout of local services for employment support. The Pathways to Work report highlighted that the proof-of-concept model could deliver direct Exchequer savings of up to four pounds for every one spent.

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The commission, led by former Health Secretary Rt Hon Alan Milburn, reported this summer and revealed “a catastrophic failure” in the benefits, health and employment system. It highlighted “a chaotic mess” of national and local initiatives and a focus on toughening benefits rules instead of addressing ill health, the primary driver of economic inactivity.

Official forecasts expect working-age health-related benefits to increase from £48 billion in 2023-24 to £63 billion in 2028–29.

Based on the largest-ever survey of people classified as ‘economically inactive’, the commission found that seven in ten people would take a job aligned with their skills, interests and circumstances. However, only one in 10 economically inactive people had demonstrated steps to finding employment.

The commission made a series of radical proposals to help people overcome the obstacles to work with intensive, personalised support and a duty to engage with employment services.

Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “In South Yorkshire, work, health and skills barriers have prevented people here making the most of their talents for far too long. That’s why we’re has been determined to address those barriers through our pioneering Pathways to Work Commission. The Commission’s report set out recommendations that could unlock the full potential of our communities and I’m really pleased that the Government has backed our pioneering approach.

“In South Yorkshire we have led the way in highlighting the importance of bringing work, health and skills together as we support people back into employment. We now have a Government that understands the importance of devolution and joined-up working, and together we are undertaking the biggest reforms to how we support people into work for a generation.

“Our trailblazer will help us to create a bigger and better economy in South Yorkshire that helps people to stay near and go far.”

Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive of NHS South Yorkshire, added: “We know that there is a strong link between good health and a good job and vice versa. We’re absolutely committed to supporting those in South Yorkshire with a health need to access work or stay in a job if it’s at risk. This is also about fairness, often those with a disability or a long-term health condition live in some of our most deprived communities. So were focussing our efforts where it will help the most. We are already making progress but I’m delighted we’ve been selected as a Health and Growth Accelerator to help us go further faster.”

Barnsley Pathways To Work website

Images: Barnsley Council

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News: Safe, welcoming, green, and with accessible services and facilities - £20m vision for Rotherham town centre

Councillors in Rotherham have been given an update on how £20m of government funding could be used to continue the regeneration of Rotherham town centre, despite doubts being raised whether the money will reach the borough.

After a consultation period, the key themes of safety and security, high streets, heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity are at the forefront of local priorities with a number of objectives and potential schemes being looked at.

Rothbiz reported last month that the town's MP, Sarah Champion, and leader of the Council, Cllr. Chris Read, had written to the government regarding regeneration funding awarded to Rotherham town centre under the previous government.

In 2023 Rotherham was selected as one of 55 towns to be given £20m endowment-style funds to invest in local people’s priorities. A government deadline of August 1 2024 was moved and a submission date remains unconfirmed.

The Rotherham Town Board, a private-sector chaired board that oversees government spending in the borough, has been working on a new 10-year vision and 3-year investment plan relating to the £20m fund. An update was recently presented to the council's Improving Places Select Commission.

Setting out a geographic area and broad investment themes, the government also published a policy toolkit, a list of interventions that provide the opportunity for Town Boards to take bespoke, ‘off-menu’ approaches.

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For Rotherham, one of the main areas of investment is around "feeling safe." The report states: "Investment will contribute to the establishment of a 'Rotherham Town Team' with dedicated, cross-organisation resources and powers to bolster enforcement, providing a welcoming and reassuring presence in the town centre.

"The town centre team will increase capacity for both preventative and responsive interventions such as building and coordinating local intelligence, dealing with street drinking, anti-social behaviour and signposting people to support and services."

Under "social interaction" funding is set to go to events, activities and campaigns to attract more people into the town centre, encourage them to stay and visit again.

Tackling the number of empty buildings is also listed as a priority, supporting work that is already underway where the council is undertaking acquisitions, with potential grant schemes and managed refurbishment projects.

A new focus for the town centre is around improving services and facilities with the report stating that: "The primary focus for this work will bring health to the High Street. Objectives will ensure the developing town centre community has access to good health facilities as well as giving those from around the Borough another reason to visit the town centre."

Improvements to public spaces links to both regeneration and safety so investment could follow in more high quality, well maintained public spaces.

Under transport and connectivity, interventions in the report include active travel schemes and improvements for gateways and routes to areas such as Clifton Park and the new mainline station zone towards Parkgate.

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News: Medical company expands into new Rotherham HQ

A global manufacturer and distributor of healthcare equipment is expanding into bigger premises with the £850,000 purchase of a new Rotherham HQ.

ISO-registered Sheffmed manufactures and distributes ENT suctions and instruments across the world and is relocating after 20 years into 8,395 sq ft at Salisbury House on Centurion Business Park at Templeborough.

Wake Smith advised Sheffmed, which employs 15 people, on the commercial property work while the Sheffield office of Knight Frank acted for owners toolmakers Troy (UK) Ltd on the sale.

Sonia Hobson, managing director at Sheffmed, which started out in an office at Aizlewood’s Mill in Sheffield, said: “We have grown out of the old place on Clifton Street and were looking for something with more space for our existing team and our resources. It will be a new experience for us being on an established business park but we are really looking forward to the move and being amongst like minded business people.

“We are currently undergoing some work in the warehouse to give us a mezzanine floor and a clean room which is essential for our work with medical instruments and are hoping to be in before November.

“This is the right decision for our business and we even have a nature reserve nearby which is ideal for walking our dogs at lunchtime.”

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Ben Spencer, director in Wake Smith's commercial property team who acted on the purchase of Sheffmed’s former base at Clifton House in Sheffield 10 years ago, advised on the new purchase and business estate requirements.

He said: “We’re pleased to have worked again with Sonia to bring the purchase to fruition. This is a growing firm and we wish Sonia and her team the best of luck in their new base.”

Harry Orwin-Allen, senior surveyor at Knight Frank in Sheffield, said: “Centurion Business Park is an established commercial location with fantastic links to the national motorway network.

“Salisbury House, which forms part of the wider estate, is a modern hybrid business unit which offers a range of good quality office space and full height industrial warehouse accommodation with yard and loading, which offered Sheffmed opportunity to expand their operations further within the region.

“The market for similar property to purchase remains robust in the Yorkshire area and, on behalf of our retained client, it was great to secure a committed purchaser in Sheffmed. It was a pleasure dealing with Sonia and her team, who acted swiftly throughout the process.”

Sonia added: “Ben Spencer at Wake Smith really looks after us and that is why we go back for our commercial property work. He provides information quickly and is always friendly and helpful when we need any advice.”

Sheffmed website

Images: Wake Smith

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News: Watermans presented with Queen’s Award for International Trade

Staff at Rotherham-based E-commerce business, Watermans, recently welcomed the Lord Lieutenant to their headquarters to celebrate receiving a Queen's Award. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Dame Hilary presented this award to Gail and Matt Waterman.

The award was won in 2022 for Enterprise, International Trade. The Queen’s Award is the highest UK business award to achieve for any business.To mark this fantastic achievement the team held a celebratory event where they were presented a trophy and an official scroll by the King’s representative Lord Lieutenant Dame Hilary.

For the small team run by Gail Waterman, it is a great example of a successful part-owned black business striving for success. The business workforce is 98% female, championing women to be present in the workforce no matter their gender.

His Majesty Lord Lieutenant said: "It’s incredible to meet the team here at Watermans and present them this prestigious award. Their efforts and their business truly capture what the Queens Award means. This award is much sought-after for high achievers. Watermans have been recognised for being exceptional at International Trade."

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The Queen's Award is an outstanding award for business. It was the last award to be awarded during Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

Founders Matt and Gail Waterman said: "It’s a huge honour to receive this award in front of staff and family. We are very proud of this achievement; the business has been running for over ten years and to receive this award is a huge accomplishment for the brand.

"The award speaks for itself and our triumph, we are delighted to have everyone together to mark this special occasion."

Watermans boasts a strong track record of international trade, with its services now available globally in the USA, Dubai, Australia, and Slovenia, Sweden, Finland and Norway, Thailand, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Croatia. Recently, it has signed two new territories Jordan and Egypt.

Using marketplaces such as Amazon, where Watermans is a best seller, has helped to build an additional international profile especially in USA, with one Amazon sale every 30 seconds.

Watermans website

Images: Watermans

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News: Rotherham director banned for wrongly claiming Bounce Back Loans

A Rotherham-based director overstated turnover for his four construction contractor companies to secure £200,000 Covid-19 financial support to which he was not entitled.

Stephen Burke, 63, from Woodhouse Mill, has been disqualified as a director for 11 years after he took £200,000 of taxpayers’ money through the Bounce Back Loan scheme that his companies were not entitled to.

Burke was director of four companies that provided services to construction projects: Yorkshire Plant Hire and Sales Ltd, Yorkshire Site Preparation Ltd, Woodhouse Civil Engineering Ltd and Richmond Brokers Ltd.

One of the four companies, Yorkshire Site Preparation Ltd, was listed as dormant with Companies House by January 2020. Of the other three, their company accounts ending January 2020 indicated turnover ranging from just £635 to £3,400.

Despite this, Burke, who was sole director of each company by 2020, stated on the application forms that turnover was between £200,000 and £320,000 for each company. This allowed him to secure four Bounce Back Loans for the full £50,000 permitted under the scheme.

He spent £174,000 repaying a personal loan to his former partner, which was also a breach of the loans’ conditions as they could only be spent on legitimate business expenditure.

In February 2021, Burke sought to dissolve all four companies. This was blocked due to the outstanding loans being identified, and instead the companies were placed in liquidation. The Liquidator has begun recovery action.

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The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy accepted a disqualification undertaking from Stephen John Burke, after he admitted obtaining £200,000 in government Bounce Back Loans, the maximum amount available of £50,000 per company, by overstating company turnover, then using the funds obtained to repay a personal loan and not for the economic benefit of the company.

His ban is effective from 4 August 2022 and lasts for 11 years.

The disqualification undertaking prevents him from directly, or indirectly, becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

Rob Clarke, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: "Coronavirus support schemes were introduced to help British businesses through the most testing of times, providing them with the financial support to protect jobs and return to prosperity.

"Stephen Burke not only sought to defraud the Bounce Back Loan scheme for personal gain, but then sought to cover his tracks by dissolving the companies he’d used. This abhorrent conduct has rightly resulted in a lengthy ban, removing his ability to trade with the benefit of limited liability until 2033."

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News: Plans approved for £2m medical centre in Rotherham

Planning permission has been granted to construct a £2m medical centre at the Waverley development in Rotherham.

The newly approved health centre is expected to serve up to 6,000 residents at Olive Lane, which is currently being developed by land and property regeneration specialists, Harworth Group.

Designed by Race Cottam Associates, the new centre encompasses a two-storey building with a double height patient waiting area as a feature glazed element addressing the development. The ground floor is entirely patient-facing and includes a reception and interview room alongside a range of clinical spaces such as consultation, nurses’ and treatment rooms.

The staff-centric first floor houses the centre’s office/admin rooms, spaces for debriefing and sharing of information both internally and with external professionals, and staff comfort facilities. Car and cycle parking is positioned to the south of the site alongside a dedicated ambulance pick-up/drop-off zone.

Laurie Cottam, director at Race Cottam, said: "Olive Lane’s medical centre forms part of a wider development masterplan that will eventually see a new high street created with retail, leisure and office spaces. Situated on the corner of Stephenson Way, the intention is for the medical centre to bookend this junction of the high street with a prominent and striking new building.”

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The design allows for the centre’s front façade and eaves to match the adjacent street scene while a higher roof ridge creates a focal point on the northern elevation. A fully glazed feature corner with perforated panels engages the site entrance, and a subtle chamfered overhang indicates the main entrance point. The centre’s material palette incorporates cream brick with stack and stretcher bond detailing, aluminium framing and dark grey standing seam roofing.

Cottam added: “Internally, we worked closely alongside the local Clinical Commissioning Group to establish an appropriate provision of healthcare services. The centre is designed so publicly accessible spaces are located towards the street frontage, meaning the patient journey is as straightforward as possible. If necessary, the design also can be adapted to accommodate a one-way system and contact-free movement.”

Also designed to achieve a BREAAM Excellent rating, the new medical centre features materials deliberately specified for their durability and a primarily natural ventilation strategy.

Plans for Olive Lane, submitted last year, also include retail uses, a gym, offices, restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, community space, a bus hub and residential development, all of which will create a vibrant centre for local people.

Images: Race Cottam

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News: Working Win programme extended

The groundbreaking Working Win programme that helps people in South Yorkshire to find and stay in work has been extended until March 2023, providing welcome news to local people and employers.

Delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, in partnership with the DWP, NHS England and South Yorkshire Housing Association, Working Win provides support for people who have a health condition and are unemployed, off sick or in work but struggling.

Over the past four years, more than 5,000 people have been supported, with 2,424 returning to work or finding work, with thanks to the programme, which is completely free to participants. The extension to the scheme means more South Yorkshire people can be supported thanks to the funding boost from the Government’s Work and Health Unit.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard explains: “It is really important that here in South Yorkshire we do everything we can to help people to stay in or to find work. Working Win has had a dramatic impact on so many people’s lives, as well as on local businesses and the wider economy. It is part of our Renewal Action Plan which aims to support jobs and businesses to recover from the impact of the Pandemic.”

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Niall O’Reilly, Head of Work and Wellbeing at South Yorkshire Housing Association said: “Fifteen million days of work are lost each year to stress, anxiety and depression. This causes businesses to lose productivity and staff to experience reduced quality of life and damage to their career prospects. Working Win can help equip people with the tools they need to cope much better, building their resilience and return to the workplace, for the benefit of themselves and their employers.”

He adds: “Working Win is entirely free, it’s voluntary and participants can opt in or out of the support at any point.”

As well as providing practical support to improve wellbeing and enable people to thrive in work, Working Win gives participants access to free Westfield Health and Vitality at Work wellbeing packages. This includes a 24-hour advice and information line and a 24/7 GP telephone line, plus expert support with employment, housing and finance, income and debt advice.

Working Win participant, Mark, said: “Within a week of being on Working Win, my whole life changed. I recognised the strengths I had and was able to start back at work part time. Within a few weeks I was offered full time work, which I accepted and have now been offered a promotion. I learned to quash the depressive thoughts that were holding me back and to focus on my own value and self-worth. I feel like I’m back now and able to contribute to society.”

South Yorkshire employers are encouraged to let employees know about Working Win if they feel it may help, either by sharing an e-leaflet or inviting someone from the team to give a short presentation to staff.

Working Win website

Images: SYMCA

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News: Street food plan for empty Rotherham retail unit

A new takeaway could bring "a fresh take on street food" to Rotherham town centre, if plans are approved.

Amo's Street Food wants to open up on Effingham Street in a former finance services shop to start selling "guilt-free fast food" to go.

The plans explain that the new food operation will use low-fat grilling and air frying "to sell healthy but tasty convenient takeaway food to help contribute in tackling obesity."

The change of use application from Amon Banda includes new ventilation equipment.

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A tasty looking menu has already been drawn up. It includes smash burgers, chicken wings, lobster tail and more.

The application states: "Amo’s Street Food is aiming to sell healthy but tasty convenient takeaway food to help contribute in tackling obesity. None of our food will be cooked in oil, we will be airfrying our meat/seafood and flame grilling using gas a griddle. Our rice will be cooked in a rice cooker and our homemade chips will be air fried. All our ingredients will be fresh with no use of frozen ingredients."

And the website adds: "We believe that food can be good for the body and soul, so we’ve developed a menu of hearty fast food that’s all of the good and none of the bad.

"Our chef has over ten years of experience and cooks every dish with fresh ingredients and modern techniques for the same hearty flavour, with less calories."

Amo's Street Food website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Research firm in Rotherham relocation

A group of life science companies have consolidated their brands onto one site in Rotherham so that they can continue to expand.

A number of similar firms under the Calibre Scientific portfolio now operate from the R-evolution Phase 3 scheme at the world-renowned Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham.

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, Calibre Scientific is a diversified global developer, manufacturer and distributor of consumable products in the life sciences and diagnostics markets. The business has continually expanded through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, and today has a broad portfolio of more than 3,000 products, which it sells into over 100 countries worldwide.

BioServUK, Molecular Dimensions, and Protein Ark—from haved moved onto the AMP from The Innovation Centre, Sheffield.

BioservUK is an expert in the processing of antibodies and made a research and technology contribution towards Covid-19 testing with PCR and Rapid Antigen kits.

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Situated alongside other market leaders, the customised facility includes hi-tech laboratories for research, development, and product manufacture, efficiently designed warehouse space, and innovative employee workspaces to foster collaboration and communication.

Confirming the move, Calibre Scientific said that the updated facility will bring significant growth and expansion opportunities, ensuring Calibre Scientific remains at the forefront of business operations and scientific excellence in the UK.

Andy Wright, General Manager, Calibre Scientific UK, said: "Relocation to the Advanced Manufacturing Park is the next exciting chapter in the ongoing expansion and evolution of Calibre Scientific within the UK. It allows us to continue our mission of creating a better tomorrow by solving life science challenges, today."

The 2020 planning application that facilitated the move said that the company was seeking to have all employees in one building and want to double their staff from 23 employees to 43 employees in the next three years (by 2023).

Calibre Scientific website

Images: BioServUK

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News: Council keen to get Covid cash to companies

Only £500,000 out of a £1.5 billion government COVID-19 fund has so far reached local businesses via Rotherham Council.

The authority has now approved a new scheme to distribute a remaining £4m pot which is at risk of going back to the Government if it is not spent.

In March 2021 the Government announced a COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that were ineligible for previous support linked to business rates.

The Government only announced Rotherham Council’s funding allocation of £4.8m and the detailed scheme guidance in December 2021 and the council's scheme and eligibility criteria was approved at Cabinet in February 2022.

So far, 120 businesses, with a total relief value of £528k, have been approved.

This was based on providing business rates relief of 50% of the business rates bill up to a maximum of £6k for eligible businesses.

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With so much of the cash still remaining, a decision was taken by the council to top up approved claimants’ relief up to 100% of their 2021/22 business rates bill, with a maximum award of £30,000.

In addition, businesses that were eligible but did not apply will be awarded up to £2,900.

A cabinet paper explains: "The Council needed to agree an approach to topping up the businesses that did apply for the award to further utilise the funding and potentially, providing a smaller award to those businesses that could benefit from the scheme but haven’t come forward for support.

"An officer decision was taken to allow the Council to increase the award for businesses that have been approved via the Council’s application process to 100% businesses rates relief, up to a maximum of £30k. This will cost £1.9m.

"The remaining funding will then be used to provide a smaller payment to businesses that are eligible but have not applied, a payment of up to £2,900 per business will be made and it is estimated this will cost £2.9m.

"Businesses provided with an award will receive a revised 2021/22 business rates bill."

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham United post loss for COVID-hit season

Rotherham United has posted its latest financial results that covered the team's relegation season from The Championship.

The Millers posted a loss of £705,928 for the year ending June 30 2021, mainly due to being unable to sell season tickets and have any fans in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Losses were £1.2m in 2020 and a profit before tax of £2.74m was recorded for 2019.

Accounts filed with Companies House show that turnover was £12.1m, up from the previous season (when the team earned promotion from League One) which was £9.6m, but down from the £14m for 18/19 - the last time the team played in second tier (before the pandemic).

Chairman Tony Stewart OBE (pictured), founder of successful Rotherham firm, ASD Lighting, saved the Millers in 2008 when he brought the then League Two club out of administration via a Creditors Voluntary Agreement (CVA). Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC) Ltd is wholly owned by ASD Lightings Holdings Ltd, which is owned by the Stewart family.

In March 2020, ASD Lighting Holdings Ltd took up a £2m share issue in the football club which helped to cover a reduction in match day revenue and reduced funding from the League. The club also took out an interest free loan guaranteed by the Premier League to help deal with the impact of COVID.

Loan repayments to the EFL due to be repayed in a year totalled £477,066. The long term loan from the Football League, at £1.9m, is repayable in equal installments with the final repayment due in 2025.

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Central distributions via the Football League went up to £7.9m for being in The Championship, up from £2.7m when in League One.

No income was recieved from season ticket sales in the period. This was £2.5m for 2019. The club launched an alternative to ticket refunds called "United Rotherham" and provided the opportunity for ticket holders to "rollover" funds for when fans could return. Season ticket sales for this season in League One were again back over 6,000 as COVID restrictions eased.

Income also came from televised matches (£690,000), and merchandising income was boosted by fans tuning in online to the iFollow service during lockdown.

The directors used the accounts to thank staff, fans and sponsors for "working hard and offering support throughout these difficult times."

At £2.3m, sponsorship only dropped 4%. The club boosted digital opportunities for sponsors and continued to recieve £1m in sponsorship from Stewart's ASD Lighting plc. The accounts also show that the football club again paid £1m to RU Estates Ltd, another Stewart familty company that was set up to build the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The club's wage bill totalled £8.2m, one of the lowest in the league. Other Championship clubs have wage bills over £50m and many clubs spend much more on wages than they bring in as they risk it all to reach The Premier League.

Directors conclude that, although the club now has significant net liabilties (namely the EFL loans), cash flow forecasts have been prepared for the next three years that show that "the company can continue to trade as a going concern but it must continue to rely upon the support of sponsors, in particular its fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting plc, to enable it to do so."

Rotherham United website

Images: RUFC

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News: Rotherham physio helps tackle loneliness in the community

A mobile physiotherapy clinic which specialises in home visits and regular group sessions for the over 65s is on track for further expansion just months after its launch, thanks to demand from clients impacted by mobility and injury issues that have worsened as a result of the pandemic.

Based in Whiston, Rotherham, Village Physio was founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Animesh Sundas (a chartered physiotherapist) and Samantha Logan (the business director).

Animesh has worked within the NHS for many years. The duo said the move was motivated in part by the Covid-19 caused backlog in the number of people waiting to access vital physio services, and a desire to help the local elderly community to build strength and balance and increase mobility.

By offering group sessions, which currently take place at a local village hall, and with plans to expand into care homes and other community settings, they say they are also hoping to help combat loneliness by providing participants with a fun way to stay connected.

Now, just three months after its launch, Village Physio is looking to expand its services.

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To facilitate the expansion Samantha and Animesh received funding from UKSE - a business that invests in steel areas across the UK – which was used to invest in a professional website, logo, and uniforms, as well as to increase its marketing activity.

The business also hopes to expand the area in which they offer appointments.

Animesh Sundas, of Village Physio, said: “Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the recovery of falls related injuries, muscle and joint problems, as well as the ongoing physical health of someone who suffers from a condition such as osteoporosis, or arthritis.

“Regular, timely treatment is therefore really important and so the impact of the backlogs in NHS treatment as a result of the pandemic has been very worrying for many.

“Aging and leading a sedentary lifestyle can affect people's strength, balance and mobility making it more difficult to conduct their everyday activities and make them more likely to fall. Older adults who take part in regular physical activity such as physiotherapy can make significant improvements.

"Village Physio was set up in order to tackle these problems and reintroduce exercise and wellbeing classes to the older members of our community who may have been less active and possibly lonelier due to social distancing and lockdown."

Steve Lyon, Regional Executive at UKSE said: “Village Physio offers something really unique within the local community of Whiston and its surrounding areas. Thanks to the hard work of both Animesh and Samantha the business has got off to a really great start, and their classes are already proving very popular in bringing together the local community and promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Village Physio website
UKSE website

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News: £4.8m Rotherham business rates relief scheme launched

A £4.8m fund to help businesses who have lost out due to the COVID-19 pandemic is to be made available by Rotherham Council.

Business owners need to act fast, with the application window due to close at the end of April.

Businesses that have suffered a negative financial impact from the Covid-19 pandemic during the 2021/22 financial year are invited to apply to Rotherham Council for business rates relief.

Applicants will be able to apply for rates relief of 50%, up to a maximum of £6,000, until the application window closes on 30 April 2022. All claims will be assessed after this date, when the total award will be reviewed and applied. If there is a residual balance remaining once all successful applications have been reviewed and their initial award calculated, it will be distributed across all successful applicants to maximise the use of this grant, retaining the funding within Rotherham. Dependent upon the number of successful claims received, the relief award could be increased above the current maximum of £6,000.

The Council scheme will follow Government criteria for the awarding of grants, which states that the Council must:

- not award relief to ratepayers who for the same period are or would have been eligible for the Extended Retail Discount (covering Retail, Hospitality and Leisure), or the Nursery Discount.
- not award relief to a business premise for a period when it is unoccupied (other than hereditaments which have become closed temporarily due to the government’s advice on COVID-19, which should be treated as occupied for the purposes of this relief)
- direct their support towards ratepayers who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact.

To qualify for a grant, businesses must have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and must not be eligible and/or in receipt of another discretionary relief scheme.

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Cllr Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety & Finance said: “It is vital, if your business qualifies, that you apply to Rotherham Council for a rates relief award.”

“We’re working hard together to rebuild our local economy and help our businesses through difficult trading conditions, towards the better days that lay ahead. This latest grant scheme will help Rotherham’s economy along the road to recovery.”

Businesses applying for the Rotherham Council scheme must have been in occupation on 31 December 2021, though businesses in the following sectors do not qualify:

- Public sector organisations
- Banks
- Utilities
- Advertising Units
- Petrol Stations
- Sports Facilities and Grounds

Example businesses that could apply:

Community Centres
Factories
Offices (Commerical/Educational/Industrial etc)
Workshops
Retail Warehouses
Vehicle repair workshops and premises

Businesses also have until March 18 2022 to apply for an Omicron Leisure and Hospitality Grant, which launched in Rotherham at the start of the year.

RMBC COVID support website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Rotherham hospitality and leisure businesses can now apply for grants up to £6,000

Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in Rotherham are now able to apply for the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant which could offer them up to £6,000 in support grant.

The grant is to support businesses that offer in-person services that were affected during the Omicron COVID-19 outbreak. It applies to businesses where the main service and activity takes place in fixed rate-paying premises in the hospitality, leisure, and accommodation sectors. The business does need to be the rate payer to apply.

Grants are being offered per premise, and the amount paid is varied by rateable value of each eligible premises. The criteria for which businesses are eligible – and those which are not – has been set by the Government.

To apply, businesses will need to complete an application form and must provide the required evidence. You can get further information about what you need to include in your application, and to submit an application, at www.rotherham.gov.uk/business-economy/financial-support-business/2.

Unfortunately, the Council is unable to make payments for this grant without an application. This has been made clear in the guidance from Government and the Council has no discretion.

Businesses such as cafes, bars, restaurants, boarding houses, hotels and B&Bs, soft play centres or areas, and wedding venues, can apply.

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But the grant is not for businesses such as gyms, sporting or fitness classes, personal care, or businesses who predominantly offer a takeaway service such as food kiosks or cafes who generate 50% or more of their income through a takeaway service.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. No new claims will be accepted after Saturday 26 February 2022 and all applications must be completed with all supportive evidence by Monday 28 February. Any unresolved claims outstanding on 1 March 2022 will be closed as per Government’s guidelines.

Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Community Safety and Finance, Cllr Saghir Alam, said: “The Council is pleased to be administrating this Government scheme to help businesses in Rotherham. The pandemic has put a lot of strain on many hardworking businesses, with the hospitality and leisure sectors particularly hard hit. I know that this scheme will offer many business owners some relief after a very difficult year of operating. We want to see this funding claimed and retained in Rotherham to support our economy and local jobs but it is time limited, so, if you are eligible, please do not delay and apply as soon as possible.”

In addition, the Council is responsible for designing its own scheme for discretionary relief.

In March 2021 the Government announced a new COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) of £1.5 billion. The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates. However, Government only announced Rotherham Council’s funding allocation of £4.8m and the detailed scheme guidance in December 2021.

Images: RMBC

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