News: Canford Group completes acquisition of Lemonaid

Rotherham-based Lemonaid Motor Legal, a provider of fast and effective claims solutions for insurance brokers, has been acquired by Canford Group, a leading independent provider of first notification of loss (FNOL) and motor claims management services.

The acquisition extends Canford Group’s diversified, tech-enabled specialist legal services platform across the full lifecycle of the motor claim, from first notification through to litigation, giving the Group visibility and control over claim quality from the outset. Lemonaid joins Canford Law, Canford Law Scotland and PDC Group as the Group’s fourth vertical.

Based in Templeborough, Lemonaid provides white-label FNOL and claims management services to motor insurance brokers, triaging claims and placing them with a panel of specialist service providers across credit hire, repairs, recovery and storage, salvage and personal injury.

The senior leadership team, led by Managing Director Luke Baker, will remain in place and retain a significant equity stake, ensuring continuity as Lemonaid continues to operate under its own brand, building on the strong reputation it has established with its broker clients.

Advertisement
David Nash, Group CEO of Canford Group, said: “The completion of this acquisition marks the second acquisition into the Canford Group. There has been real excitement about welcoming Luke and his team to the Group, and working with Luke ahead of completion has been incredibly enjoyable. It is evident that our businesses share the same direction and I am excited by the opportunities this new relationship will create for clients and colleagues across the Group.”

Luke Baker, Managing Director of Lemonaid, added: “I’m incredibly excited that Lemonaid is entering a new chapter, becoming part of Canford Group. Reaching this point shows what can be achieved when you bring together great people, brilliant partners across our customers and suppliers, and the huge amount of ambition that has always been at the heart of Lemonaid. This feel like a natural fit as we become part of the Group and continue to invest in our people, our capabilities, and the first class service Lemonaid continues to deliver.”

"Canford Group’s expertise will allow us to stay closer to the complete client journey, from the initial accident through to representation and the recovery of our clients’ losses. That’s a huge step forward for Lemonaid and our team, but most importantly for our clients and partners."

The acquisition is Canford’s second bolt-on since Queen Park Equity’s investment in December 2025.

Lemonaid website

Images: Canford Group

Read more...

News: Public funding set to be used to buy land for South Yorkshire Airport City project

South Yorkshire’s Mayor and leaders are set to approve a landmark deal to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport and adjacent land into public ownership.

Rothbiz reported last year on a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board (SYMCA) decision to reopen the airport when it approved a £160m (£159.52m) funding package.

However, during negotiations with landowners, Peel, it was found that clauses in a proposed lease would impact upon the viability of the project. Specifically a solution to a turnover rent clause that was satisfactory for all parties could not be found.

Discussions continued and a change in stance from Peel combined with the potential use of devolved powers led to talks over the freehold purchase of the airport site and the adjacent Gateway East development land.

The SYMCA board is now being asked to essentially use funding that was approved to pay for the lease of the land, to instead cover the borrowing costs for purchasing around 1,000 acres from Peel.

Papers explain that borrowing is profiled to be repaid over a thirty-year period compared to a 125-year lease, with public control of the land offering the opportunity to "achieve the strategic ambition by reinstating the airport whilst at the same time developing the Gateway East land."

Advertisement
No figures have been made public yet and, whilst bosses say that acquisition borrowing can be largely matched to grant funding, they identify a risk that FlyDoncaster Ltd, the 100% Doncaster Council-owned private limited company running the operation, will need to generate the cashflows required to repay the credit facility extended to it by SYMCA.

Another major risk to the project remains a potential legal challenge from other regional airports regarding the use of public money.

South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’m delighted to say that subject to formal approval of the MCA Board next week and then Peel, we’ve agreed a deal that means we’re taking Doncaster Sheffield Airport and adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land into public ownership. This is a deal that puts the future of DSA back in our hands and finally gives one of the biggest and best growth opportunities in South Yorkshire the platform for long-term success that it needs and deserves.

“Four years ago, we were told that our airport would be closing. But alongside [Mayor of Doncaster] Ros Jones, I said I would do anything I could to save DSA, and I meant it.

“Which is why after months of negotiations and the growing flexibility afforded to us by the government’s devolution agenda, today we can announce that we have come to an agreement for SYMCA to buy the airport and Innovation Quarter employment land from Peel.

“Subject to the agreement of the MCA Board next week, the airport and surrounding Innovation Quarter employment land will be owned and controlled by us, for us; the people of South Yorkshire. This deal means our future will be in our own hands again.

“When the airport closed, almost everything was against us; the owners did not want to sell, we had no legal powers to intervene or stop the airport from closing, and no backing from the government at the time. Today, the future for DSA is bright, with the airport back in our hands, the sky’s the limit.”

Chancellor John Healey, who is also MP for or Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, added: "This is concrete proof of the benefits of shifting power out of Whitehall and into the hands of the people who best know their local economies: our mayors and local leaders.”

“Local and regional jobs, innovation, opportunities and hope for communities and families across South Yorkshire, including in Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, will all flow from the hard work, determination and partnership which has delivered this outcome.”

“This is precisely the good growth in every postcode that the Government has made its central mission.”

FlyDoncaster Ltd website

Images: FlyDoncaster Ltd

Read more...

News: Rotherham bank building sold, council tight-lipped

An empty former bank on Corporation Street has sold at auction at the same time as the local council approves the purchase of an unnamed property in Rotherham town centre.

The former NatWest bank building was previously part of a regeneration scheme but agreements could not be reached between the owner and the council.

Described as being "in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion," BTG Eddisons listed 38 Corporation Street with a guide price of £180,000 - £200,000.

It sold this week for £300,500.

Rothbiz reported in 2021 on investment plans for vacant buildings on Corporation Street as part of a bid to extend the town's new Leisure and Cultural Quarter from nearby Forge Island.

As development continued on the cinema and hotel scheme, acquisitions by Rotherham Council have included the Riverside Precinct, the former Mecca Bingo building, the building vacated by Wilko, and the burnt-out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street. All but the grade II listed Mecca building have been demolished.

In the case of the former NatWest Bank, private sector owners did not bring forward a suitable scheme and previously turned down a bid from the council to buy the building.

To support the scheme, Rotherham Council was prepared to sell the former Lloyds bank next door for just £1 in 2022.

By 2024, concerns were being raised regarding the progress made by the owners of the NatWest Bank who were then given a short timescale to provide a plan. With no suitable plans for the bank, the owners then informed the council that they would consider selling the property. However, an agreement could not be reached.

Auction documents show that the property was being sold by Chicken Villas Limited, a company that is connected to the QFM Group, the Sheffield-based operator of a number of popular food franchises.

Advertisement
Earlier this week, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the use of its Capital Contingency Fund to "acquire a property in Rotherham Town Centre for the purposes of future regeneration."

The documents do not name the property but describe it as being "the subject of previous masterplan and feasibility work, demonstrating the strategic value of the property for regeneration purposes" and add that the "property’s location means that its future ownership, condition and use could have a material bearing on the quality and delivery of surrounding regeneration proposals."

A cabinet paper adds: "Acquisition would enable the Council to secure control of the property while future development options are assessed. Those options may include refurbishment, redevelopment, reuse in conjunction with adjoining Council interests, or incorporation within a wider regeneration proposal.

"The property is vacant and understood to require significant investment. Acquisition would therefore expose the Council to immediate holding, security, insurance, compliance and maintenance costs pending agreement and funding of any future use.

"The property is vacant and in poor condition, and full access has not yet been provided. There is therefore a risk of significant structural, fabric, building-services, asbestos, security or other abnormal costs. The maximum bid will reflect the limitations of the available information. If acquired, an initial allowance will be made for the security, insurance, health and safety and property-management measures considered essential pending a full condition assessment."

Looking ahead, the council, which is working on multimillion pound public realm work on Corporation Street and a new riverside gardens, said of the new target: "No funded redevelopment project is presently being approved. There is a risk that the cost of bringing the property back into beneficial use exceeds available resources. Acquisition must therefore be justified principally by the property’s strategic importance, supported by an assessment of holding costs and future options."

Options to leave any redevelopment up to the private sector owners, or indeed seek to engage and work with the building's owners were rejected due to the lack of influence and direct control of future regeneration.

Draft plans submitted with the auction documents show around 2,000 sq ft of commercial space in a new building overlooking the river and new gardens and a 1,700 sq ft commercial unit in the old bank. Plans for the upper floors show apartments across both buildings.

Neither the property that Rotherham Council has been authorised to acquire, or the successful bidder of the auction lot has been disclosed.

BTG auctions

Images: BTG

Read more...

News: £50m Leger MBO completes

The Rotherham-based Leger Shearings Group, the UK’s largest escorted coach touring holidays operator, has passed into the sole ownership of chief executive Liam Race and chief financial officer Andrew Oldfield, following a management buy-out (MBO) that sees the pair acquire the remaining shares in the business.

The deal, valued in excess of £50m completes a journey the pair began in 2019, when Race, Oldfield and colleague Chris Plummer acquired an initial 30% stake in escorted coach tours company Leger Holidays from Ian Henry who had led the company for over 35 years.

2020 saw the company acquire the assets of iconic coach holiday brand Shearings, following the collapse of former owner Specialist Leisure Group and the Leger Shearings Group was formed.

Race, Oldfield and Plummer increased their holding to a majority stake in 2024, at which point Ian Henry moved to non-executive chairman. The latest transaction sees Race and Oldfield acquire the remaining interests held by the Henry family, taking the two executives to full ownership of the group. The MBO is funded by NatWest, which continues its long-standing relationship with the business.

Ian Henry, exits the business and chief product officer Chris Plummer, a fellow participant in the 2019 buy-out, who has just celebrated 20 years with the business, retires from the group as part of the transaction. Race and Oldfield paid warm tribute to both, crediting them with a central role in the group’s growth and transformation.

Since the initial MBO in 2019, the Canklow company has more than doubled in size. The acquisition of former competitor Shearings is credited with driving that growth and the 2022 acquisition of Arena Travel broadened the product range further, adding its specialist-interest brands.

The buy-out follows a sustained period of growth for the group, which has now delivered 20 consecutive months of growth, with sales and forward bookings both ahead of any previous year at this stage.

In recent years, Leger Shearings Group has been at the forefront of reinventing coach touring, redefining it as a premium experience, often combining luxury, convenience and sustainability while offering travellers an increasingly attractive alternative to flying. Race and Oldfield take ownership with a clear agenda for the next phase, centred on the premiumisation of the Leger brand. This includes Lumina, the group’s new flagship touring experience, which departs for its first tour in April 2027.

Leger Shearings Group carries holidaymakers across the UK, Europe and beyond, combining large-scale escorted coach touring with a growing portfolio of specialist-interest travel. Its brands include the well-known Leger Holidays and Shearings names, alongside crafting-holidays specialist Stitchtopia and bridge-holidays specialist First for Bridge. The group employs around 170 people and carries approximately 100,000 passengers each year.

Advertisement
Liam Race, chief executive, said: “This is a hugely proud moment for Andy and me, and the natural next step in a journey we started in 2019. Ian built something remarkable over more than 30 years and taking full ownership of Leger Shearings Group is both a privilege and a responsibility we don’t take lightly.

“The business is in the strongest shape it has ever been. We’ve delivered 20 consecutive months of growth, forward bookings are ahead of where we have ever been at this point, and we have ambitious plans to build on that. We’re premiumising the Leger brand, and our new flagship experience, Lumina, sets off on its first departures this April, with more exciting developments still to come. Through all of it our focus stays exactly where it has always been — on the customer, and on the repeat business that great service earns us.”

Race added a personal tribute to his outgoing colleagues: “Ian and Chris have been instrumental in everything we have achieved. Ian leaves an extraordinary legacy, and we wish Chris a long and happy retirement. We are proud to carry the business they helped build into its next chapter.”

Andrew Oldfield, chief financial officer, said: “Completing this buy-out puts the business on the firmest footing it has ever had, and we’re doing it from a position of real strength — record forward bookings, sustained growth and the continued backing of NatWest, who have been alongside us every step of the way. It gives Liam and me the platform to keep investing in our product, our brand and our people, and to pursue the growth opportunities we can clearly see ahead.”

Chris Plummer, who retires from the business, said: “It has been one of the great privileges of my career to help build Leger Shearings Group alongside Liam, Andy and the team. I retire immensely proud of what we have achieved together and completely confident in the future of the business. I’ll be cheering them on.”

Ian Henry said: “Liam and Andy have been at the heart of this company’s growth and transformation. They led the business through the challenges of the Covid era and on through recovery and impressive growth, and they have built a great team of talent around them. It has been the privilege of my career to build this business, and I leave it in excellent hands. I wish them every success.”

Relationship director Andy Croasdell of NatWest, said: “We've worked alongside Leger Shearings Group through several significant milestones in its journey and have seen first-hand the ambition and capability of Liam, Andy and the wider team.

"This latest transaction is the culmination of a long-term succession plan and reflects the confidence we have in the business, its leadership and its future growth prospects. We are delighted to continue supporting the company as it enters this exciting new chapter.”

Shakespeare Martineau (legal) and KPMG (tax) advised the company, and Browne Jacobson advised the Henry family and Chris Plummer with NatWest providing the debt facility to support the transaction.

Leger Shearings website

Images: Leger Shearings

Read more...

News: At £631.7m, Harworth agrees to Peel deal

The board of Harworth, the Rotherham-based regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has recommended a best and final takeover offer from major shareholder Peel Holdings, valuing the company at £631.7m.

Rothbiz reported last month on the initial cash offer worth £582.88m at 172.5p per share that was dismissed, along with a follow up bid at 177.5p. The board argued that those attempts significantly undervalued the business and its standalone growth potential.

Having acquired Harworth shares and passing the 30% mark, Peel Pepper (UK) Limited (part of the wider Peel Group) returned with an increased cash offer of 187p per share which has now gained the unanimous recommendation of the Harworth board.

Created from what was UK Coal, Harworth Group owns, develops, and manages a portfolio of over 15,000 acres of strategic land over 100 sites located throughout the North of England and Midlands. With a focus on Grade A industrial and logistics (I&L) space and emerging opportunities in the data centre market, the company has a target of £1bn of EPRA NDV - EPRA NDV is how Harworth measures the value of its assets.

Manchester's The Peel Group is a long-term investor in Harworth, having held various ownership interests in Harworth over a number of years. The Peel Holdings directors believe that Harworth's assets would be best owned, managed and developed under the full control of Peel Holdings.

An update to the stock exchange read: "While the Harworth Board has confidence in the Group’s standalone strategy and future potential, the recommendation follows careful consideration of the Best and Final Offer and engagement with Harworth Shareholders."

Advertisement
Peel believes that the bid is a "highly attractive and certain cash solution at a full valuation, against the alternative of an investment in Harworth, which has an increasingly uncertain outlook, and an unsuitable public company structure from which to deliver the strategic change that BidCo [Peel] believes is required."

Harworth's statement added: "The Harworth Board believes that the Best and Final Offer is in the best interests of all Harworth Shareholders, as it accelerates shareholder returns that could be delivered from, and removes the execution risk associated with, the strategic plan that Harworth would pursue independently."

In the earlier bid document, Peel said that Harworth's administrative expenses and net interest expenses are too high and increasing, whilst the investment portfolio's passing rental income has decreased. Harworth subsequently announced a strategy to reduce expenses and withdraw from the residential sector to focus on industrial and data centre development. Peel said that this strategy was "reactive and unsubstantiated."

Harworth recently moved into a new headquarters at its flagship Waverley development in Rotherham. Peel earlier said that it had "not yet determined whether any changes will be made to the location of Harworth's headquarters or headquarters functions, or to the locations of Harworth's other fixed places of business." Any changes would be considered as part of a review into Harworth's assets.

Peel's earlier document also said it would de-list the business from the stock exchange and on jobs, the announcement said: "Following the Offer becoming or being declared unconditional, BidCo expects to review overlapping functions across the Harworth Group, including senior management, corporate, operational, finance, human resources, compliance and other support functions.

"Based on BidCo's preliminary assessment, the Offer is expected to result in a significant headcount reduction and synergies from overlapping functions and the elimination of costs associated with Harworth's status as a listed company. BidCo has not yet determined the number of roles likely to be affected, the timing of any reductions or the specific functions or locations in which any reductions may occur and will provide further information to affected employees in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements."

Peel is expected to review Harworth's fixed asset base, including its strategic land bank and investment portfolio, and then intends to accelerate the disposal of selected assets.

Harworth Group website
The Peel Group website

Images: Sotech Architectural Facade Systems

Read more...

News: Prominent Rotherham bank building goes up for auction

An empty former bank in Rotherham town centre is set to go under the hammer next month.

The Corporation Street building was previously part of a regeneration scheme but agreements could not be reached between the owner and the council.

The former NatWest bank is described as being "in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion."

Rothbiz reported in 2021 on investment plans for vacant buildings on Corporation Street as part of a bid to extend the town's new Leisure and Cultural Quarter.

As development continued on the cinema and hotel scheme at nearby Forge Island, acquisitions by the council included the Riverside Precinct, the former Mecca Bingo building, the building vacated by Wilko, and the burnt-out buildings on the opposite side of Corporation Street. All but the grade II listed Mecca building have been demolished.

In the case of the former NatWest Bank, private sector owners have not brought forward a suitable scheme and have turned down a bid from the council to buy the building.

2021 plans showed CGIs of a new scheme at the bank buildings on Corporation Street, adding that: "The Council have worked in conjunction with private sector owners to develop a mixed use and residential scheme which is capable of retaining the heritage features of buildings within the conservation area but requires some public sector funding."

Advertisement
To support the scheme, Rotherham Council was prepared to sell the former Lloyds bank next door for just £1 in 2022.

By 2024, concerns were being raised earlier regarding the progress made by the owners of the NatWest Bank who were then given a short timescale to provide a plan. With no suitable plans for the bank, the owners then informed the council that they would consider selling the property. An agreement could not be reached.

Now BTG Eddisons is listing 38 Corporation Street for its next auction in October with a guide price of £180,000 - £200,000.

The listing states: "An attractive and substantial stone built detached building dating back to the early 1900s originally as a Bank arranged over three floors in a state of disrepair requiring development and conversion. The existing layout comprises a ground floor which is largely open plan with several annexed meeting rooms.

"The property benefits from several strong rooms in the basement and has ancillary accommodation throughout the remainder of the property and upper floors. A scheme has been drawn up to for the conversion and development to provide two ground floor commercial units, one of which have a lower ground floor along with a mix of one and two bedroom apartments over the upper floors. We understand that any development may be eligible for local authority grants or even GAP funding, prospective buyers are to carry out their own due diligence and enquiries in this regard.

"The building is well located within the heart of the town centre and close by the new Forge Island development, a joint scheme delivered by Rotherham Council and Muse Developments. The development includes a 69-room Travelodge hotel, an 8-screen boutique cinema and a pedestrianised public space including 6 commercial properties providing bar, restaurant and entertainment facilities."

Allthough not a isted building, the former Sheffield Banking Company branch was added to the local list of heritage assets earlier this year. Listed as 36 Corporation Street, it states that it was built in 1892-4 with the northern end of the front elevation rebuilt and inset in 1913 to comply with the construction of the new road. The present building replaced an earlier house, present by 1774, which was occupied by Sheffield Banking Company from 1834.

With work underway on the new Riverside Gardens and street scene improvements, the council has been hoping to acquire more property interests at Corporation Street. The properties were not named but minutes from Rotherham's Town Deal board from 2025 show that the council had an offer accepted on the Ring Shop and make reference to 22 Corporation Street.

BTG Eddisons website

Images: BTG Eddisons

Read more...

News: Equans acquires Mway Communications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equans website
Mway website

Images: Equans

Read more...

News: How much Ron Hull paid for CF Booth, the massive Rotherham scrap yard, and Millmoor

An administrator's report has revealed further details of the deal which saw the sale of the business and assets of historic Rotherham firm, CF Booth Limited, to Hu11 Limited, a subsidiary of Ron Hull Jnr Limited.

James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to CF Booth Limited, one of the UK’s leading metal recycling companies, in January. A number of the company's subsidiaries entered administration in the following months.

All eight companies were acquired by Hu11 Limited in March. The transactions for subsidiaries, Demex and Albion Jones, were going concern sales, allowing the demolition business to continue operations.

Administrators say that, following an accelerated marketing and sale process, six bidders were shortlisted based on value, confirmed funding and the ability to complete within the required timeframe. A sale of substantially all of the group's business and assets was concluded to Hu11 Limited for total consideration of £13.77m exclusive of VAT.

The administrator's report shows that £7.25m was for the freehold of the Armer Street premises - the 35-acre site at Masbrough which includes the Clarence Metal Works and Rotherham United's former home, Millmoor.

£3.4m was for plant and machinery, with the rest for other properties, stock and vehicles.

29 staff moved over as part of the demolition businesses but 149 were made redundant.

Advertisement
As previously reported by Rothbiz, CF Booth had £46m debts when it entered administration.

The business experienced substantial operational and financial headwinds, including sharp rises in energy costs and pronounced volatility in copper prices.

One of the group's largest debt was with IGF, which only provided a £20m asset-based lending facility in 2025. The debt totalled £14.2m and administrators confirm that IGF has been repaid in full from a combination of book debt collections and the sale of business proceeds.

£1.24m remained outstanding to HMRC in outstanding VAT, PAYE and National Insurance Contributions with Interpath expecting that they should receive a dividend.

£30.6m was owed to unsecured creditors. Administrators say: "Based on current estimates, we anticipate that unsecured creditors should receive a dividend. We have yet to determine the amount of this, but we will do so when we have completed the realisation of assets and payment of associated costs.

"It is intended that the Company will be placed into creditors' voluntary liquidation in order to make a distribution to the unsecured creditors prior to the end date of the administration, which is 15 January 2027."

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 released previously included £3.5m - Employees, £14.3m - Intercompany creditors and another £2.2m - Other HMRC and HSE Fines & Penalties. Company trade creditors were listed with the total owed at £8.2m.

Whilst trading, 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.

Administrators add that they are "reviewing the affairs of the Company to find out if there are any actions which can be taken against third parties to increase recoveries for creditors.

"We have considered matters raised by creditors, reviewed transactions involving connected parties, assessed the Company's governance and record-keeping practices, analysed information relating to asset disposals and creditor treatment, and investigated matters requiring further enquiry in accordance with our statutory obligations.

"Significant time has also been spent reviewing and assessing information received from third parties, including creditor representations, professional advisers and government agencies, together with preparing and submitting our report on the conduct of the directors to the Insolvency Service, which is confidential."

Since concluding the deal, Ron Hull moved quickly to take on the fully operational rail siding which has enabled the provider of a range of metal recovery and waste recycling services to offer decommissioned rail stack handling and the sale and loading of scrap metal via rail.

Buildings on the site, considered to be in poor condition and surplus to requirements, were earmarked for demolition and planning permission was secured to demolish the stands and structures at Millmoor. Work started on the historic football stadium last month.

Ron Hull website

Images: Google Maps / RUFC

Read more...

News: Rotherham restaurants up for sale

A range of restaurant businesses and buildings in Rotherham have gone up for sale.

At Stag, an established restaurant, takeaway and wine bar is up for sale. Agents say that it is a turnkey, profitable business with significant growth potential.

Although not mentioned by name, the images clearly show La Pondicherry Stag, one of Rotherham's leading Indian restaurants.

The particulars for the sale of the business, which has the leasehold listed for £95,000, states: "An exciting opportunity has arisen to acquire a well-established restaurant, takeaway and wine bar business in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, offering an excellent combination of strong trading performance, attractive premises, an established customer base and significant potential for further growth.

"The business has been successfully operated for approximately 10 years, building a loyal local following through quality food, excellent service and a welcoming dining experience. In addition to the established restaurant and takeaway operation, the premises also benefit from a fully completed upstairs wine bar with its own separate bar area and approximately 40 additional seats.

"The upstairs wine bar forms part of the overall business and is included in the sale. It provides an exciting additional hospitality space that can be developed for wine and drinks service, private parties, functions, events and other occasions.

"The current owner is now looking to sell due to personal circumstances and forthcoming medical treatment. This is therefore a genuine opportunity for a new owner to take over an established and profitable operation with multiple areas for future development."

The advert adds that: "The current owner has made the difficult decision to sell due to personal circumstances and forthcoming medical treatment, making it no longer possible to dedicate the time and commitment required to continue operating the business."

Also at Stag, the nearby property containing Lilia Bistro is listed as being under offer. The 991 sq ft property, which only last year changed from Willows, and was previously Cuccini's, was up for sale for £145,000. The business was not for sale but the particulars state that a three year lease was signed in June 2023.

Advertisement
At Wales, The property containing the Asia Palace has been put up for sale via auction.

The freehold has been given a guide price of £150,000 by auctioneers BTG Eddisons.

Described as a substantial mixed use property in excess of 5,000 sq ft, the lot includes a ground floor restaurant premises including a bar and large dining areas, customer toilets plus a catering kitchen and prep areas.

The Cantonese restaurant near to Rother Valley and the Waleswood campsite is currently closed with the particulars adding: "The freehold title is currently subject to a 15 year lease dated 16th June 2022, however we have been advised it has been agreed between the seller and the tenant that this will be surrendered before completion."

Also in Rotherham, Veritas Business Sales is listing a pub restaurant in a "desirable semi-rural location between Rotherham and Worksop" as being available for sale.

The freehold has been given a guide price of £599,995. The purchase of the leasehold going concern is also an option.

The advert states: "Believed to date back in excess of 300 years, this historic property is one of the village's most recognisable and characterful buildings. Having stood at the heart of the local community for centuries, the property successfully blends period charm with modern trading facilities, creating a destination venue that enjoys an outstanding reputation for quality food, excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere.

"The property underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2020 at a cost of in excess of £500,000, transforming the business into the impressive venue seen today. More recently, the current owner has invested a further £120,000 over the past two months, installing brand-new commercial catering equipment, carrying out extensive internal redecoration and completely refurbishing the spacious two-bedroom owner's accommodation, including the installation of a brand-new fitted kitchen. As a result, the property is presented to an exceptional standard throughout, allowing a purchaser to continue trading immediately without the need for further capital expenditure."

Although listed as a confidential sale, property websites have the location as Brampton-en-le-Morthern, whose only pub is the Rising Deer.

The listing states that 70% of turnover is generated from food sales with the restaurant accommodating around 60 diners, whilst the business consistently serves in excess of 100 covers every Sunday.

BTG Eddisons website
Veritas website

Images: La Pondicherry / instagram / BTG

Read more...

News: AES Engineering global expansion continues

Rotherham-based AES Engineering Ltd has further increased its reliability services and product offering in the Middle East by acquiring a controlling stake in the reliability companies Technomax Middle East Engineering LLC and Technomax Industrial Services LLC for an undisclosed sum.

With global headquarters at Templeborough, AESSEAL manufactures seals to stop leakage of harmful liquids and gases into the environment for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, food, water, mining and pharmaceuticals.

Both Technomax companies will fall under the operating structure of the recently formed ADGM UAE company, AVT Reliability Middle East and North Africa.

This latest expansion in the global market follows acquisitions in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and USA.

Technomax, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, is specialised in all industrial segments and focuses primarily on the oil and gas, power generation, municipal water and desalination sectors.

They are a recognised leader in reliability and vibration monitoring services, executing prevention and problem solving with machinery, foundations and structures. Technomax also provide crane monitoring/service as part of their portfolio.

Technomax operates many long-term reliability contracts, with prestigious end users in the Middle East onshore and offshore industrial sectors, assisting them with plant wide reliability improvement and optimisation on thousands of rotating machinery assets and equipment on a daily basis.

Advertisement
The acquisition will allow the existing customers of Technomax to benefit from a wider product and service offering from the AES Reliability Group of companies.

In particular, by joining the AES Engineering Group, Technomax customers gain access to world-class reliability products such as Machine Sentry, the cloud-based condition monitoring system, and EasyBrace, the universal bracing system designed for the reduction of structural vibration in small bore pipes.

Founder and managing director Shebeaun Mohammed Sherief said: "When considering the next chapter for Technomax, it was important for me to find a partner who shared our values, our commitment to customers and our long-term vision. Choosing AES Engineering Ltd was therefore a natural decision. This partnership enables us to better support our customers by combining our local experience with the global expertise, talented people, innovative products and engineering solutions of the AVT and AES Group, while positioning the business for continued growth across both our existing and new markets."

AES Engineering Ltd group managing director Chris Rea said: "The acquisition of Technomax supports our strategic decision to globalise our reliability focused businesses and further strengthens our customer reliability offering in the important Middle East market."

AESSEAL website

Images: AES

Read more...

News: Objections heard over licence for proposed new events and sports venue in Rotherham

South Yorkshire Police has withdrawn its objections to an events licence for a sports and recreation facility in Rotherham, with work taking place to overcome potential issues using conditions and management control.

Initially the licence application was seeking permission for an outdoor events space at the site of the Guest & Chrimes pitches on Bassingthorpe Lane near Greasbrough.

The application for a premises licence is from SME Enviromental Holdings LTD, the company behind a number of regeneration projects in Rotherham town centre, including The Empire and The Bunka.

Plans show a large venue space complemented with a pavilion and café, plus 77 to 110 car parking spaces. Also shown are seven padel courts and an area for golfing activities - a netted driving range with 13 bays, a chipping area, and a putting area.

The application would be for between May and September and limits the provision licensable activities to a maximum of 16 occasions between 11am and 12 midnight on any day of the week.

With the site accessed via a narrow road, and events proposed that may attract significant numbers of attendees, objections from South Yorkshire Police, the Rotherham Council's Environmental Health department, and local residents were received and the plans have been updated in response.

Diane Kraus, Principal Licensing Officer at Rotherham Council explained to the council's Licensing Sub-Committee: "The significant change that has been made is that the police has continued negotiations with the applicant, and as a result of that, the applicant formally amended the application form.

"Principally, [the application] now seeks for six occasions between May and September, and at this stage the hours of application remain unchanged."

Advertisement
The applicant has also offered a host of further management conditions including stewarding, vehicle management, monitoring music levels and encouraging patrons to leave the site quietly and respectfully.

Kirsty Leonard for Environmental Health at Rotherham Council, said: "Whilst Environmental Health welcomes the proposed control measures, we consider that they remain largely aspirational and lack sufficient detail to provide confidence that events will be effectively managed and controlled in practice."

The officer told that meeting that the applicant's intention to hold events like galas and farmer's markets was not reflected in the application.

Opposing the application, Environmental Health go on to say that, if the committee are to approve the licence, then they recommend that entertainment and the sale of alcohol is restricted to 11am to 10pm with a maximum of one of the six events being a major music event (where music is the main focus), attracting up to a maximum of 2,000 attendees. The remaining five events may be minor music events (where music is not the main focus) attracting up to a maximum of 500 attendees.

A further 18 conditions are proposed.

South Yorkshire Police has withdrawn its objections but instead put forward 28 management controls, largely focusing on the production of event management plans for each event.

Many of the concerns relate to the use of Gin House Lane to access the site and a number of local residents have also made representations to raise their concerns.

Local councillors gave their support for local events and activities in the ward but were opposed to the application. Cllr Linda Beresford said: "We feel that it is the wrong place to hold large events and has the potential to impact on public safety, to cause noise nuisance, and because of the number of people that could attend, and the time the events could finish, we think this will have a big impact on the community."

Mark McGrail, the applicant, explained to the Licensing Sub-Committee the history of the site that has been a sports facility for over 120 years and the legal agreements in place regarding access and its continued use for sports and recreation now that it is in his ownership.

McGrail said: "The intentions are to put in a new sports facility, a recreational facility and like all sports and recreational facilities, we'll offer a drinking option. Currently we are allowed to do any events within the parameters, so the argument to not be able to do an event up there is null and void, we can still do events up there. This is about licencing for drinks. So if we want to put a sports facility, any sports, any activity around recreation, we are able to do so. The point is that we are trying to control this, make it a safe environment and more community-led environment.

"A lot of issues regarding the access roads and transport up there. Our aim is to create a new facility to add to our projects in Rotherham town centre. We are a ten minute walk from the town centre, eight minutes from the [proposed mainline] train station. The council are looking at a bridge as part of the Gateway railway station, all that area where Greasbrough Road is is all getting redeveloped and this is a link to that.

"This ain't about raves all night, this ain't about music event sites like Hooton Lodge. This is about us creating a facility and creating a fund to create that facility. I am not about to cause mayhem and put Iron Maiden on in the middle of the night.

"I know that Rotherham Council is eager for me to build the sports facility but this is all part of it. Our planning application has gone in but we've held it back for this meeting.

"The reason why we are trying to do this is that the business model is to revitalise the town centre with leisure and tourism, same as Rother Valley, same as everybody else. This is a facility where people can camp there, glamp there, drink there, enjoy sports there, and use Gin House Lane as a pedestrianised area."

The applicant went on to discuss the issues with the COMAH [Control of Major Accident Hazards] in place at the Victrex site nearby, the lack of council maintenance of the highways, and that the sports facility was operating before any of the nearby housing estate was built.

The wider Bassingthorpe housing development was also discussed with the applicant keen to use his land to create a facility that can service the proposed 2,000 home development on former greenbelt land.

McGrail added: "There will be sports facilities, there will be a restaurant, there will be a cafe on there, a community element on that site, we've got padel courts planned. When that facility is done, we still need to apply for a premises licence regardless. This [current application] pre-empts that facility and for us, it determines which avenue we go down. But there needs to be an understanding that it is part of a bigger picture other than just a field getting a licence. It is part of a larger community - 2,400 houses, community, school, everything else.

"This application has been reduced to a point so we are not essentially having events every day. We can still hold sports and recreational activity events but we want it to be a controlled environment where we can deliver something better for the community.

"I am passionate enough to get it delivered, and strong enough to see it what it needs to be. If it is was about money I should sell the land for housing, but it's not, it's about bringing it back into use."

Having heard the representations, the Licensing Sub-Committee went into a private session to decide on the licence application. A decision is expected to be published in due course.

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

News: £100m regeneration contract for "Rotherham’s reboot"

Further work can get underway on transforming five underused council-owned sites in Rotherham town centre, with developers proposing bold designs for places where people can "live, work and hang out."

Rotherham Council has approved the use of external funding to take regeneration plans to the next stage.

Rothbiz reported last month on early details of the projects from social impact developer Capital&Centric, who have been awarded a contract that could reach up to £100m in value.

The next phase involves Rotherham Council using £2.42m from its remaining Local Regeneration Grant secured from the government for pre-development work and feasibility studies to create full business cases for each site.

The sites include:

- the cleared site of the burnt-out buildings on Corporation Street
- Snail Yard - the cleared site of the former Primark store on High Street, currently a small pocket park
- The Statutes - the cleared site of the former Magistrates Court, currently used as a car park
- two sites along Sheffield Road in the area designated as Riverside Residential

Describing the schemes as the next chapter in Rotherham town centre's transformation, Andrew Bramidge, Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, told councillors: "The five sites have the capacity to elevate the offer within the town centre. Some of these sites have been vacant or underused for many years but now have the potential to create quality homes, attract investment and provide new commercial opportunities. This will provide a platform to create new communities and support and strengthen the long term viability and vitality of the town centre."

The Statutes and the sites on Sheffield Road are for residential schemes that are estimated to deliver 225 new homes including both apartments and houses. The Corporation Street and Snail Yard sites are considered best suited to a development of mixed uses.

The outcome of Stage 2 feasibility work, and the potential move to stage 3 (the construction of the schemes) will be reported to Cabinet in Summer 2027.

Bramidge added that the phased approach is about ensuring that the council has "robust, deliverable and evidence-based controls to enable the realisation of these transformative regeneration opportunities in our town centre."

In a statement, Capital&Centric, said: "The vision for Rotherham’s reboot will see a key stretch of the riverside reimagined with three interlinked residential-led neighbourhoods and two urban schemes where people can live, work and hang out. Plans are being prepared for the delivery of high-quality new homes and private gardens, alongside space for indie businesses, with active commercial space being earmarked for cafés, bars, makers and creatives.

"The bold designs coupled with Rotherham’s outstanding connectivity to nearby towns and cities will celebrate urban living with a greener, more walkable, accessible vibe with plant-lined streets, attractive pocket parks, and spaces to sit and meet friends. A town centre that people don’t just pass through, but properly live, work and play in."

Cllr. Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rotherham Council discussed the designs for the waterfront development describing them as "quirky" and reminiscent of the developments in Kelham Island in Sheffield. "It looks absolutely fantastic," she said. "If we manage to pull this off, I think this is really going to transform our town centre."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "The second theme in our masterplan was about having many more people living in our town centre. We have delivered some new homes but this, certainly in terms of those larger sites on Sheffield Road and Westgate, will be a huge step-change in the community in those areas.

"The quality that has been done at stage 1 on the design is exceptional - I think they are exciting designs and ideas from a highly-rated development partner. I'm really pleased that this is coming forward.

"There are the usual caveats that I hope this all goes well and the money is well spent. We don't want to end up with a product that no one wants of course but there is every reason at this stage that this is a really big moment for the next ten years of development in that part of the town centre."

Capital&Centric website

Images: Capital&Centric / ESH

Read more...

News: Micropub plan for Rotherham village retail parade

A unit in a popular Rotherham retail parade could be swapping pasties for pints, if plans are approved.

A long-standing bar nearby is also planning a revamp.

Rothbiz reported in February that British bakery chain, Greggs, was expanding at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, which closed following retirement, to create a bakery and cafe.

With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty.

Now a licencing application has been made that would bring the old Gregg's back to life.

Jaxx Irish Bar Limited has applied for the sale by retail of alcohol and the provision of late night refreshment, plus the performance of live music and any playing of recorded music.

Documents show that the opening hours requested are Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

Advertisement
In 2023, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the continuation of a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the popular Wickersley area.

A statement of licensing policy was approved in 2020 as the council is responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol, hot food and various events. It included a Cumulative Impact Policy which detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Policies are introduced if the authority considers that the number of licensed premises within a defined area is at such a level that the granting of further licences would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The zone was introduced to combat "problems surrounding anti-social behaviour, low-level crime, public nuisance including noise and ambulance related alcohol call outs in a mainly residential area."

The Council has been keen to make clear that the policy does not create a ban on the grant of licenses within Wickersley but an applicant "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Also in Wickersley, The Olive Lounge has recently applied for planning permission for an extension.

Plans show a single storey glass extension to the front facing Bawtry Road that would take the venue from 2,799 sq ft to 3,552 sq ft.

Last year, The Olive Lounge was taken over by the operators of its near neighbours, The W Bars Team that are part of the same group that opertates the W Italian Restaurant.

Images: Rightmove

Read more...

News: New Rotherham depot for Warrior Link

A nationwide specialist haulage provider has expanded into a new depot in Rotherham, with the help of Wake Smith Solicitors.

Warrior Link, founded in 2021 by industry veteran Lee Hollingworth and previously headquartered in Sheffield, provides transport solutions including palletised freight, contract logistics, and time-sensitive deliveries to sectors including manufacturing, food, packaging and construction.

The company, which offers nationwide coverage through its reliable 28-vehicle fleet, has relocated into a 9,994 sq ft detached premises on Lowton Way on Hellaby Industrial Estate in Rotherham, marking the firm’s biggest facility lease to date.

The former parcel hub site offers Warrior Link warehousing and offices on a large plot of 1.25 acres and allows growth for the sustainable, smart logistics operation.

Christie Smith from Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors’ commercial property team acted for Warrior Link on the lease with Kitty Hendrick, senior surveyor from the Sheffield office of Knight Frank representing landlord Ravensworth Properties.

Advertisement
Lee Hollingworth, managing director, at Warrior Link, which has added 7 roles to its 49-strong employee count following the move, said: “With over 24 years of logistics experience behind our team, Warrior Link has built a reputation for being a solid partner for smart, flexible haulage solutions.

“Warrior Link has been built on real-world logistics experience, and a passion for delivering exceptional service. We combine decades of transport knowledge with a growing vehicle fleet and team of experienced, forces-friendly drivers.

“Lowton provided the ideal location with excellent transport links to M1 and M18 and is central to the nationwide areas which we service. We have created additional roles with the move to accommodate our growing business.

“Both Knight Frank and Wake Smith Solicitors were excellent and helped the move go smoothly.”

Lowton Way on Hellaby Industrial Estate, already occupied by Pyronix Ltd, Northern Powergrid, Parseq, KP Nuts and Reflex Systems Ltd, benefits from access to the motorway being situated immediately adjacent to Junction 1 of the M18. The M1 and A1(M) are within close proximity.

Warrior Link, which also has depots in Nottingham, Milton Keynes and Doncaster, is driven by military heritage and veteran values, employing many ex-forces personnel as well as supporting the Armed Forces Covenant and prides itself on its professional, uniformed drivers trained in customer interaction.

Services include nationwide palletised freight; contract logistics; time-sensitive and ad-hoc loads; return load/backhaul solutions to reduce empty miles; and ambient, non-refrigerated loads.

The firm quickly grew into a trusted transport partner for manufacturers, construction firms, facilities management providers and more and achieved 20% electrification by the end of 2025, driving change in the logistics sector.

Warrior Link website

Images: Knight Frank

Read more...

News: Rotherham engineering firm acquired

Mechanical engineering specialist Fluid Sealing & Engineering (FSE) has been acquired by RSK.

Based at Parkgate, FSE was established in 1986 and works across the UK for water authorities and other industries, specialising in the supply and installation of pipework and process equipment.

Chesire-based RSK has already executed one of the most successful buy and build strategies in the environmental services sector, bringing together more than 200 businesses and more than 17,000 talented employees.

RSK said that the deal, for an undisclosed sum, would enhance the group’s water sector expertise with the business’s extensive experience in wastewater and water treatment infrastructure.

The FSE business specialises in the supply and installation of integrated mechanical systems encompassing design, off-site fabrication and on-site installation of complex fluid conveyance and pumping infrastructure within live water and wastewater treatment assets. This includes the associated structural and access steelwork that enables FSE to deliver single-package mechanical solutions.

The business operates within various water industry and national specifications – Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specifications (WIMES), individual water company specifications and British Standards – and holds a comprehensive suite of industry accreditations, including ISO 9001, Achilles UVDB, UKAS product certification and SSIP Worksafe.

Advertisement
FSE Managing Director Lee Sanderson, who will continue to lead the business, said: “Joining the RSK Group marks a pivotal milestone in FSE’s 40-year history. Since our founding in 1986, we have taken great pride in delivering complex mechanical engineering solutions for the UK’s most critical infrastructure, and finding a partner that shares our deep-rooted commitment to safety and long-term client relationships was paramount.

“This acquisition comes at a defining moment for the water industry. Now that we are in the AMP8 cycle, the scale of investment required to modernise wastewater and water treatment assets is unprecedented. FSE is now uniquely positioned to meet this demand. With the backing of RSK, we have the enhanced capacity and resources to scale our operations, driving significant growth while continuing to support our core water authority partners and Tier 1 contractors.

“Our mission remains the same: to provide the technical excellence FSE is known for, now with the global strength of RSK behind us.”

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder added: “RSK is proud of its ongoing contribution to the UK water industry, made possible by the integrated, multidisciplinary skills of colleagues across RSK businesses working together in this crucial sector. Our work to help advance water sector infrastructure development continues at pace, supported by businesses such as FSE, which bring strong regulatory credentials and clear alignment with AMP8 demand. RSK Group and FSE share a strong safety culture and a commitment to long-standing client relationships, which is extremely important to me, and I am very pleased to welcome our new colleagues onboard.”

FSE has a client base that includes Laing O’Rourke, Kier, Tilbury Douglas, JN Bentley, Murphy Group, Alfa Laval, Galliford Try, C2V, Esh Construction and GSE. FSE has also worked with the RSK Group business MWH Treatment.

Water sector clients include Scottish Water, Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water, Southern Water, Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, South West Water and Jersey Water.

Fluid Sealing & Engineering website
RSK website

Images: RSK

Read more...

News: Rotherham Council in £4.5m deal with developers

Rotherham Council are close to concluding a deal that will net them £4.5m and enable a controversial 450 house development to go ahead.

Rothbiz reported in April that new developers had stepped in at Whiston after Avant Homes pulled out.

A residential allocation was made for nearly 50 acres of greenbelt land off Lathe Road / Worrygoose Lane through the development of the borough's Local Plan.

Miller Homes and St. Modwen Homes are now set to develop the site with a phased approach.

The new developers are now set to purchase a piece of surplus land on Worrygoose Lane from Rotherham Council, described as a "ransom strip."

Advertisement
The council's cabinet is being asked to sign off the deal. A report explains: "The land is required to provide lawful access to a residential site allocated within the Council’s adopted Local Plan and therefore represents a ransom strip, without control of which the wider site cannot be developed.

"During the course of negotiations, a number of offers were made by the developer and adjoining landowners. At one stage, all offers were withdrawn while alternative options for accessing the site were explored, resulting in a period of limited engagement with the Council. At a later stage, a change in developer and a refreshed commercial approach led to negotiations being re-opened and ultimately concluding in a final agreed offer of £4.5m for the Council’s land.

"The disposal enables the realisation of value from a Council-owned asset and also enables delivery of a wider residential development, including affordable housing, as already identified within the Council’s Local Plan and wider objectives to deliver new residential and affordable residential across the Borough."

A reserved matters application for the site has never been approved. It detailed where the houses would go, the types of houses, and the location of things like attenuation basins and play areas. Miller Homes are now updating plans to reflect the incoming housebuilders’ product ranges.

With outline approval, the scheme comes with a number of conditions, such as contributing to £225,000 for transport improvements plus a financial contribution to the proposed works at Worrygoose roundabout, £100k per annum for a period of three years for bus services, and 25% on site affordable housing provision.

Miller Homes website

Images: Google Maps

Read more...

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.

Advertisement
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

Images: Tooth Express

Read more...

News: Lifco acquires Rotherham firm

Lifco, a Swedish industrial conglomerate, has seen through a deal for a Rotherham-based niche manufacturer of secondary glazing.

Glass Umbrella Ltd is based at Dinnington in Rotherham and trades as Granada Secondary Glazing. Its 74-person team leads the UK in precision secondary glazing.

Granada Glazing has been in business for over 45 years and is the largest manufacturer of secondary glazing products in the UK. Since 1980, the company has made over a million frames, averaging roughly 100 frames a day and around 25,000 every year. It supplies a broad range of high-quality, bespoke products to the trade and commercial sectors, as well as directly to consumers through its Clearview subsidiary.

With net sales of approximately £11m in 2025, the Rotherham firm is expected to be consolidated into a Lifco division in the second quarter of 2026.

Lifco, a SEK 23.8bn (£1.88 billion) turnover industrial group, recognised Granada’s long operating history, differentiated market position and resilient business model. The acquisition provides Granada with a long-term ownership structure that supports its management team and growth strategy, while preserving the business’s operational independence, culture and brand.

The transaction further reflects Lifco’s strategy of acquiring niche, market-leading businesses with strong cash generation and opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.

Advertisement
Malcolm White, former owner of Granada, said: “Granada holds a very special place for me – it is a talented team doing genuinely exciting work, and over the years they have demonstrated real professionalism and delivered outstanding results.

"At 70, however, I felt I owed it to that team to ensure the business had the long-term stability and support it deserves – something I felt I could no longer provide alone. I therefore appointed Debrett's to help identify the right partner: someone who would share my belief in what Granada is building.

"I am delighted with Lifco. They understand the long-term vision, and I have every confidence they will back the team to continue their success – without losing the qualities that have made Granada what it is today.”

Debrett’s has advised the shareholde on the deal. Mark Selby, partner at Debrett’s, said: “Granada is a high-quality, market-leading business with a strong culture of innovation and product differentiation. We are delighted to have supported the shareholder in finding the right partner in Lifco, which shares their long-term vision and provides an excellent platform for the next stage of growth.”

Lorna Mendelsöhn, Acquisition Director at Lifco, added: “This transaction is reflective of Lifco’s long‑term acquisition strategy and focus on niche market leaders. We were impressed by the quality of the business and well executed deal process, and we look forward to providing a long‑term home for the business and its team.”

The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Mark Selby, Seb Rowlands, Harveer Gill and Will Mason.

Other advisers included Tom Durrant and Jessica Hopkinson of Squire Patton Boggs, legal advice to the shareholder.

BDO LLP and Walker Morris LLP, tax and legal advice to the buyer respectively.

Granada Secondary Glazing website

Images: Granada Secondary Glazing

Read more...

News: Council forced to take action on burnt-out Wetherspoons in Rotherham

Rotherham Council has taken action over a fire-damaged pub in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year that the former Rhinoceros pub on Bridgegate was listed as being sold subject to contract off a guide price of £249,995.

Known locally as "Rhinos," it was one of 16 pubs put up for sale by J D Wetherspoons in 2019. It had been operating independently from Wetherspoon but was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The units were in the process of being refurbished and the initial intention was for the rear wing of the building to be converted into residential apartments, but two subsequent fires caused considerable damage to the existing building and structure.

Proposals for a new "Georgian inspired" mixed use development to replace the pub were approved in 2924.

Advertisement
An update from Rotherham Council states: "Work is taking place to partially demolish the former Rhinoceros (Rhinos) building on Bridgegate in the town centre, to make the site safe and allow the pedestrianised area in front of the building to be re-opened.

"The building had been left in a poor condition following fire damage, so the Council has stepped in to take action. We're working with the owners of the building to carry out the remainder of the demolition work."

"We’re continuing to take positive steps to improve the town centre and create a place we can all feel proud of."

Planning documents showed that Rotherham Council served a s215 notice on a previous owner of the site in an effort to address the eyesore of a wrecked building. Local authorities have the power to take steps requiring land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area. The notice was served "due to the dilapidated and poor state the building is still in after the fire and given the site is located in a prime location in the town centre conservation area."

If the owner/occupier fails to carry out the works specified within the prescribed time period, councils have the power either to prosecute, or where appropriate, to carry out the works itself. Councils can seek to recover the costs through the courts or by placing a charge on the property through HM Land Registry to recover the costs should the property be sold.

No longer listed for sale, agents for the property, BRH, said that it "presents an exceptional opportunity for investors and developers. With full planning permission granted for 22 self-contained flats and 2 x large ground floor commercial units, it offers significant potential for redevelopment."

BRH gave it an estimated post-development value of approximately £3m.

Images: Tom Austen

Read more...