RiDO News

Yorkshire's Manufacturers Improve Links With Germany

2010-03-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yorkshire’s advanced manufacturers demonstrated their world-class reputation for innovation and excellence during a visit by an organisation which supports UK and German companies that want to trade and invest overseas.

The Government’s UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) helps UK companies win export business globally, and overseas businesses seeking to invest in the UK, marketing this country’s strengths as a world-class source of products and services, partnership and as a business location.

The Director-General of UKTI in Germany, Malcolm Scott, visited Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) – the only one of its kind in the UK – which is attracting millions in investment to South Yorkshire.

According to UKTI, Britain is Europe’s number one destination for inward investment and Yorkshire comes high on the list of preferred locations. Rotherham is one of only 16 places in the world – and the first in England – to be recognised as a world leader in welcoming inward investment. It holds the Soft Landing Zone accolade, awarded by the USA’s National Business Incubation Association, for its support for businesses to arrive, survive and succeed in the town.

During his visit, Mr Scott saw for himself why the AMP has a global reputation for engineering, innovation, research and manufacturing excellence, and why it is attracting interest from around the world.

It is a joint venture between public and private sector organisations including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and land-owner UK Coal. Last year, the Government announced that Rolls-Royce had chosen the AMP as the location for its new £25m Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC).

When it opens, the NAMRC will sit alongside other world-leading materials and structures R&D organisations at the AMP including the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, the TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire) and Castings Technology International (Cti).

Technology developed at the AMP is already being used in leading-edge projects, such as within Formula 1 and the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

“The AMP is an important driver for the regeneration of the engineering sector, in South Yorkshire, the wider Yorkshire region, and throughout the UK,” said Yorkshire Forward assistant director of business Jim Farmery.

“Visits by international business intermediaries such as Mr Scott, who is leading a team promoting UK investment opportunities for German companies, help to raise the profile of the world-class manufacturing support available at the AMP, and promote the site to potential investors.”

Mr Scott visited the AMP Technology Centre, home to 17 high-tech companies including Fripp Design and Research, a product design, research and business consultancy; HBM UK, a global market leader in test and measurement, and weighing technologies; cleantech company ITI Energy; the UK branch of Belgium’s Materialise Group, best known for its activities in the field of rapid industrial and medical prototyping; and Bromley Technologies, an elite winter sports equipment manufacturer behind some of the best bob skeleton athletes in the world, Shelley Rudman, Kristan Bromley and Nicola Minichiello.

He also toured the University of Sheffield AMRC with Boeing, a £100m partnership that builds on the shared scientific excellence, expertise and technological innovation of the world's leading aerospace company and the world-class research within the university’s faculty of engineering.

Harnessing Innovation to Build World Leaders

2010-03-01T00:10:00.000-08:00

Specialists in the business of creating value from intellectual property will share their knowledge with the region’s manufacturers at a free event at Rotherham’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Patent attorneys Paul Foot and David McWilliams, of Withers & Rogers, one of the leading UK intellectual property law firms, will lead a seminar on Thursday March 11 aimed at helping business people capture and manage the flow of innovation within their companies. The two partners in the firm set up its Sheffield office – its fourth – last September.

Paul Foot said: “In today’s cut-throat business environment, a competitive advantage could be lost if a company’s intellectual property isn’t identified, protected and managed effectively.”

The firm’s Advanced Engineering group advises clients in fields as diverse as medical devices, motorsport, composite materials, consumer packaging and aerospace technology. In the UK, its clients include Ricardo plc, Goodrich Control Systems, Covidien, and AMP-based Bromley Technologies. It also advises and acts for individuals, start-up companies, SMEs and a number of UK universities.

The seminar will provide tips on how companies can harvest inventiveness within their organisations, assess the real potential of new technologies, and implement management structures to turn ideas into valuable assets.

The event has been organised by Creative Space Management (CSM), which manages the AMP Technology Centre on behalf of owners Yorkshire Forward.

CSM director Paul Taylor said: “Companies based at the AMP are forging an international reputation for world-beating technologies ranging from an almost waterless washing system to a revolutionary new silicon timing device and sports equipment designs covering the bob skeleton and Formula 1 racing.

“The Park is a real breeding ground for ideas and inventiveness, with collaborations happening more frequently between tenants and indeed companies throughout the region. This event is for all engineering companies, large and small, interested in finding out more about how they can turn their technological advances into competitive advantage.”

The free event will be held at the AMP Technology Centre on Thursday March 11, 4-6pm. To register, contact Nicola Taylor on 0114 286 6262 or email ntaylor@withersrogers.com.

More than 50 new businesses have opened thanks to Rotherham Enterprise

2010-02-18T03:44:00.000-08:00

A project set up to help new and existing businesses develop is celebrating helping more than 50 people turn entrepreneur and make their business dream a reality.

Rotherham Enterprise, was set up by partners in the borough to give a helping hand to people who had a business idea but needed help and advice to make it happen and to help existing businesses progress.

Rachel Clark from Rotherham Enterprise said: “We are delighted that in our first year we have helped more than 50 individuals set up their own businesses.

“We set out to develop and foster an enterprising culture across our local communities by promoting self-employment and enterprising opportunities for individuals and businesses. We are really thrilled by our success to date and are sure there are many more people out there who can turn an idea into a thriving business.”

The project, funded by European Regional Development Fund, employs teams of business coaches and business support officers to work closely with communities and with individuals who want to start or already run their own business.

The coaches are able to offer free advice and can help people to develop their ideas and mentor them through the first steps of setting up a company or give them the direction they need to grow their business.

New businesses who have benefitted from Rotherham Enterprise include:

Empire Medical Training Services, set up by Chris Unwin to deliver first aid training courses and services to private and public sector organisations
Danny Winterman, from Dinnington, set up Phoenix Luxury Interiors an interior installation company
Rebecca Gregory from Kimberworth Park has set up a cleaning company, RCS
Sharon Turner and Joe Devlin have set up Level Ground Ltd (a social enterprise) to provide specialised driving tuition to the people with audible impairment and have developed a training course to teach other instructors in the techniques required
Mr Khan, owner of Park Gate based Homeflair, has opened a new garden centre and restaurant, which has led to 17 new staff and helped to diminish the long term unemployment register.

“We have helped people from all walks of life from those recently made redundant to single mums who really wanted to get back into the world of work and have helped people set up in so many different sectors.

“There are many opportunities for people to become self employed and in the current economic climate it is extremely important for people to know that free and confidential help is available,” added Rachel.

For those businesses that have been established for a while there is also support for them via a team of Business Community Support Officers under the direction of Barnsely and Rotherham Chamber. The BCSO’s will provide hands-on guidance for any established business in Rotherham whether it is a matter of survival through the recession or opportunities for growth.

The Business Community Support Officers have assisted and helped over 50 businesses in a variety of areas including business planning and marketing plans, each receiving on average two days of support.

Rotherham Enterprise is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is being delivered by four partner organisations; Rotherham Youth Enterprise, Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber, Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) and Voluntary Action Rotherham.

Jackie Frost from Rotherham Enterprise said: “We will be helping these businesses throughout 2010 and are keen to hear from anyone who has an idea that they’d like to turn into a business.”

To contact Rotherham Enterprise please call:
RYE if you are under 30 on 01709 515410
RiDO if you are over 30 on 01709-372099.
VAR if you want to start a social enterprise on 01709 726891.
Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce if you have an existing business on 0844 2253235

Manufacturing innovators to share views with local MPs

2010-02-15T00:42:00.000-08:00

Two South Yorkshire MPs will take part in a roundtable discussion with businesses based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) Technology Centre today (Friday 12 February).

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane and Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron will sit down with representatives from some of Yorkshire’s most innovative advanced manufacturing companies to find out how they think the Government can help them continue to grow and deliver jobs and prosperity for the region.

Creative Space Management (CSM), which manages the AMP Technology Centre for owners Yorkshire Forward, has organised the roundtable discussion and tour of the AMP.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with their MPs to talk about the current challenges and opportunities they are facing and suggest ways in which the Government can help,” said CSM Director Paul Taylor.

Organisations meeting the MPs include: Fripp Design and Research, a product design, research and business consultancy which aims to more than double its workforce on the park in 2010; HBM UK, a global market leader in test and measurement, and weighing technologies; cleantech company ITI Energy; the UK branch of the Materialise Group, best known for its activities in the field of rapid industrial and medical prototyping; and Creative Sheffield, whose investment managers are instrumental in attracting investors to move to the AMP.

At the AMP, world-leading materials and structures R&D organisations are partnering industry innovators and international brands to create a centre of advanced manufacturing excellence with a global reputation. Based at the hub of the Park, the Technology Centre provides small and start-up high-tech companies with a support infrastructure designed to help them turn innovative ideas into commercial reality in an environment which accelerates growth.

Kevin Barron MP said: “The past and future investment on this site is leading the way in 21st century manufacturing technology, all those who are involved should be very proud.”

Free course to help smaller firms bid for government contracts

2010-02-01T03:05:00.000-08:00

A free online public procurement course designed to help smaller firms bid for the £220 billion of public sector contracts awarded each year was today launched jointly by Small Business Minister Lord Davies and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne.

The course, ‘Winning the Contract’, shows participants how to identify business opportunities to supply goods and services to the public sector, explains the public procurement process, and demonstrates how to submit tenders. It has helpful hints and tips to guide and inform businesses on the bidding process, and where to find public sector contract opportunities.

Trade, Investment and Small Business Minister Lord Davies said:

“Small and medium-sized businesses already sell their goods and services to the public sector, but many more could do so. Opening up public sector procurement to a wider range of suppliers provides new opportunities for small businesses as the UK economy heads towards growth.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Bryne, MP said:

"Small and medium-sized businesses are the engine-room of our economy. We want them to harness the spending power of government to grow their businesses and create jobs. This new free course will help those businesses to compete effectively for government contracts, locking in the recovery and strengthening businesses throughout the country."

Winning the Contract is a nationally available online training course which all businesses, regardless of size and sector, can access free of charge. It is part of a series of joint initiatives by the Office of Government Commerce and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aimed at making the procurement market clearer and simpler.

Businesses can register to access the ‘Winning the Contract’ course by clicking through to learndirect on the Business Link website at www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement. The course, developed by Government and hosted by learndirect, takes a maximum of 3 to 4 hours and can be taken section by section as time allows.

World's first green washer to be made in Rotherham

2010-01-28T03:48:00.000-08:00

An almost waterless laundry cleaning system is the latest world-beating innovation to be associated with the UK’s only dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in South Yorkshire.

Xeros Ltd is developing the world’s first “virtually waterless” washing machines at its new environmentally efficient unit at Evolution @ the AMP in Rotherham. The park is a joint venture between Yorkshire Forward and UK Coal, while the Evolution scheme has been developed by UK Strategic Partnership.

The technology has been developed over the past 30 years by textile chemistry professor Stephen Burkinshaw at the University of Leeds. Spinout company Xeros has undertaken the commercialisation of the process at its laboratories in Leeds. The decision to move operations to the Park was made as Xeros focuses on discussions with commercial partners in a bid to break into the global laundry products market - expected to reach around $50 billion this year.

Xeros CEO Bill Westwater said: “This is an exciting development in our plan to offer the world a greener washing system and gives us an impressive location to demonstrate the technology to potential partners. We have received tremendous support from the team at the AMP and hope that working alongside industry innovators and international brands at the Park will open up new opportunities. We are looking forward to launching our first machines from Evolution.”

The new washers will re-use polymer beads which act as a cleaning agent to remove dirt from clothes. The Xeros process saves up to 90 per cent of water compared to conventional washing machines. Taking US domestic washing as an example, that translates into 1.2 billion tonnes of water saved per year, equivalent to 17 million swimming pools.

The system also has the potential to dramatically cut carbon emissions because far less electricity and detergent is required than in conventional machines.

Xeros aims to have a commercially viable product ready for the end of 2010. Its first target will be the commercial washing market, including hotels, care homes, and high street washing outlets. It also plans to license the technology to domestic machine manufacturers, enabling them to capture the considerably larger domestic market.

Investment manager Pippa Hedley, of South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing & Metals (AMM) team, said: “Xeros’s decision to move to the AMP is further evidence that the development is the right calibre to attract world-beating innovators.“

Acting for Evolution owner UK Strategic Partnership, Knight Frank successfully negotiated the lease of the 2,427 sq ft unit. Yorkshire Forward provided funding towards the cost of the fit-out for the new unit, while additional grants for company development have been secured through South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF).

Knight Frank’s Rebecca Schofield said: “Xeros is the latest company to recognise the business value to be gained from moving to this prestigious location. The company joins AtraNova, Dormer Tools, Arrow Technical and Struers at the Evolution development, where the remaining units ranging from 2,200-27,000 sq ft of high quality space are available for immediate occupation.”

The Park is on the Rotherham-Sheffield border, in Rotherham’s Waverley area, just off the M1’s Junction 33. It is a joint venture between public and private sector organisations, including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and land-owner UK Coal, creating an internationally recognised centre for engineering, innovation, research and manufacturing excellence.

Its development opportunities range from small office, workshop and lab space, through medium-sized hybrid and light industrial units to larger custom-built design and build options.

For further information, contact 0114 254 1259 or visit www.ampuk.com

Chance for businesses to win share of £250m

2010-01-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Public-sector bodies with a combined spending power of £250m-plus are telling businesses: “We want to spend it with you!”

They range from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to the NHS, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to the University of Sheffield.

And they are all taking part in a Meet the Buyer event in Rotherham on Tuesday, January 26, to show what types of goods and services they are in the market for. The event is free, as is the practical advice and support available from an array of specialist business advisers.

It is the second in consecutive years organised by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Business Link Yorkshire.

“We want to help companies – especially local ones – find as many opportunities as possible to win business,” said the Cabinet Member for economic development, planning and transportation, Cllr Gerald Smith.

The event is not exclusively for Rotherham companies, but the organisers hope many from across the borough and sub-region will grab the opportunities to win more business. Sessions include:

- Presentations ranging from finding out about contract opportunities, to the dos and don’ts of completing tenders

- Website tours and e-tendering system demos

- Surgeries hosted by Business Link Yorkshire and the council’s regeneration arm, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) – get one-to-one advice for your business

- An update on construction business in the region, by YORbuild, the umbrella for local authority procurement of building contractors

- Doing business electronically

- Help with business rates – practical advice on how the council can help businesses beat the credit crunch

The event will also give businesses an excellent networking opportunity. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

It runs from 9.30am-2pm at the Holiday Inn, West Bawtry Road, Rotherham S60 4NA (just off M1 J33). To reserve a place:

Log on https://yandh.regionalknowledgesystem.com/EDMSPortalWebsite/Default.aspx

Or ring Business Link Yorkshire on 08456-048048

Yorkshire prepares to revel in glamour of Formula 1

2010-01-11T04:31:00.000-08:00

NEW decade, new sport for Yorkshire people to get excited about.

Who would have thought 12 months ago that the glitz and glamour of Formula 1 would be catching the imagination of the county's sports fans hooked on the likes of Sheffield United and Leeds Rhinos, Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the St Leger?

But 2010 dawns with a new team to cheer on, a new name to get behind and a new sport to get immersed in.

Formula 1 has always held a special place in the British sporting psyche thanks to the gung-ho playboy lifestyle of Jackie Stewart and Stirling Moss, James Hunt and Nigel Mansell.

They lived life on the edge; speeding around corners at full throttle with Niki Lauda, going wheel-to-wheel with Juan Manuel Fangio and trading body paint at 180mph with Ayrton Senna.

We watched from afar in Yorkshire, following southern companies like McLaren and Williams and making the annual pilgrimage to Silverstone to watch our boys do battle with Ferrari's prancing horse.

Not since Mexborough's Mike Hawthorn won the world title in 1958 has Yorkshire had such a vested interest in the billionaire's playground that is the Formula 1 paddock.

That was until Manor Motorsport, housed on a business park in Dinnington in Rotherham, drove into view in June and announced they would be rubbing shoulders with Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes.

From humble beginnings in John Booth's garage in 1990, through 171 race wins and 19 championship titles from Formula Ford to the F3 Euroseries to the most famous grid in motorsport, the rise has been meteoric and impressive.

And now Formula 1 fans in Yorkshire have someone to get behind, and thanks to the financial clout of billionaire businessman Sir Richard Branson, the rebranded Virgin Racing is a team with genuine aspirations of establishing themselves on the top step of the motorsport podium in the coming years.

"It gives us tremendous credibility out there," said Booth of Virgin's backing.

"It was a suitable vehicle to use Manor for the entry, but it was always possibly the plan for that to change.

"To have somebody like Sir Richard and Virgin on board is a dream come true for us. When you watch Sir Richard in interviews he's a global media figure and one of the most recognised faces on the planet.

"Sponsors want to be with him, and he just brings a real buzz to the whole operation."

2010 may prove to be a tough acclimatisation for a team with the smallest budget on the grid but Virgin Racing will carry Manor's Yorkshire heritage to all corners of the globe in Formula 1's 19-stop worldwide car chase.

The team may have a second base at technical director Nick Wirth's Oxfordshire plant, where the cars are designed, but its origins are in Dinnington where the Manor operation is expanding to accomodate the increased infrastructure of a Formula 1 team. An expanded workforce is working around the clock to get the Virgin Racing cars ready for the proposed first testing session at Silverstone in early February.

And having a Formula 1 team within your own borders has helped raise the profile of Yorkshire sport and is being welcomed with open arms by business and tourism industries in the white rose county.

"Formula 1 is a huge sport and that plays a big part in raising the profile of Yorkshire," said Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire.

"It helps to get people viewing Yorkshire not as the old image of mills and industry, but as a new, urban, chique place to visit."

For those who have kept a close eye on Manor's progress through the years, their ascension to the Formula 1 grid is a triumph to behold.

And for one of the most recognisable businessmen in the world in Branson to give a Yorkshire enterprise his full backing, plus banking giant Lloyds to invest in the team, suggests big things are to come for Manor and for the future of Formula 1 in the county.

"It's fantastic for the people behind Manor and justifies their belief that they have always had something special," said Clark Herron of the Rotherham Investment and Development Office.

"Richard Branson is not going to throw money into something he did not think would be successful. It raises the profile of Rotherham and South Yorkshire and a lot of people are really proud to have one of the two Virgin operations here on our doorstep.

"It generates a feel-good factor and a lot of people will become Formula 1 fans if only to watch the progress of Virgin Racing."

The two men driving the cars for Virgin and ultimately determining how successful the team is, may not be household names in Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi, but are drivers of genuine potential.

Glock leads the team following his two years and three podium-finishes with Toyota. And while he accepts success may not be as instant for a team with the smallest budget on the grid, the challenge of helping a team build into Formula 1 proved hard to resist for the German.

"The first time I went to Virgin Racing, they told me they wanted me and no-one else and that was a good feeling," said the 27-year-old. "Everything is a bit different to a normal F1 team, but it's great to have a different way of approaching the sport.

"John Booth never had the possibility in F3 or other categories to have a huge budget and simply throw money at things; he just had to do the best with what he had. Everyone knows we have to work hard, but you also need to keep the fun element – that's important."

Yorkshire grit has arrived in Formula 1.

Source:

Westby, Nick. (2010). Yorkshire Prepares to revel in glamour of Formula 1, [Online]. Available:

Rotherham support for business lifts it into elite worldwide group

2010-01-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

Rotherham has become the first place in England to join one of the world’s most elite groups of business locations.

The borough, just chosen by Rolls-Royce as the location for its Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, joins 15 others recognised internationally as excellent for supporting businesses.

That could help Rotherham attract more overseas companies, bringing investment and jobs. It already has more than 90, employing about 7,000 people.

After a tough judging process, the US-based National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) has awarded the borough “Soft Landing Zone” status, giving it an “excellent” rating for helping overseas investor companies set up there.

The borough joins the likes of Boston University and several other US centres, Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Australia’s National Innovation Centre, Technopolis, in Finland, and other mainland Europe centres in France, the Netherlands and Belgium.

The UK’s only other such zone is in Wales.

To win acceptance, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the Borough Council’s regeneration arm, had to show how its support for business, particularly start-up, existing and incoming companies, made a significant different to their arrival, survival and success.

RiDO did so by explaining how it helps entrepreneurs start their businesses, existing companies grow, and national and overseas companies relocate to the borough.

A big factor was the council’s four purpose-built business centres, fully managed by RiDO. Their range of facilities and support, including office and workshop space and services, such as administration, would help give overseas companies the soft landing.

“This is a tremendous coup for the borough,” said the council’s Cabinet Member for economic development, planning and transportation, Cllr Gerald Smith. “Coming so soon after Rolls-Royce’s choice of the Advanced Manufacturing Park here for its £25m research centre, it puts another Rotherham flag on the international business map.”

RiDO business development manager Tim O’Connell added: “That in turn brings greater potential for new investment and jobs. It justifies the council’s commitment to creating the business centres across the borough, and our effort to help the excellent public-private partnership here to bolster the local economy. If we were a restaurant, this would be the equivalent of winning three Michelin stars.”

Yorkshire Forward’s assistant director of business, Theresa Lindsay, welcomed the success: “The US is a key market for the region and achieving international recognition for the first-class support Rotherham gives to international businesses is a fantastic achievement and drums home the message that relocating here will deliver real business advantage.”

The NBIA, based in Athens, Ohio, promotes the “incubation” of new companies and others relocating to other countries. Rotherham already has more than 90 overseas companies from around the world, many of them helped by RiDO and providing thousands of jobs.

Its membership director, Randy Morris, said: “This award puts RiDO in an elite group of just 16 business incubators from nine countries on four continents who have the unique services to assist companies who are moving into their country from another country.

“Soft Landings incubators find that the designation gives them credibility and communicates to potential clients that their services provide just what they’ll need to make a “soft landing” in the new country. It gives the incubator the cache of having a respected outside organisation’s recommendation.

Its website tells regeneration organisations worldwide: “Every day, companies are expanding into international markets… If you want to land foreign businesses, you need to let them know you can accelerate their growth.”

Window on the future of manufacturing goes live

2010-01-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

Latest technology is turning a worldwide spotlight on companies that are continuing South Yorkshire's tradition of developing new ideas and innovations.

They are the focus of a new website promoting the region's super-technology park and the world-leading companies, large and small, involved there.

The Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), the only one of its kind in the UK, is a 100-acre site in Rotherham, on its border with Sheffield. It is a joint venture between public and private sector organisations, including regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and land-owner UK Coal, creating an internationally recognised centre for engineering, innovation, research and manufacturing excellence.

The new website, www.attheamp.com, provides information about the technologies and organisations already at the Park, and an overview of the development opportunities available to high-tech companies keen to move in and rub shoulders with industry innovators, including the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing. . The latest to announce it plans taking space at the Park is Rolls-Royce.

Yorkshire Forward's assistant director of business, Jim Farmery, said: “Some of the world's most important high-tech innovations are being made at the AMP. Dormer Tools and other R&D and manufacturing specialists are here. The likes of Boeing and Messier-Dowty are partnering the university. And these and others are increasingly collaborating and sharing knowledge with like-minded companies.

“The AMP is playing a vital role in helping our manufacturers share knowledge, improve productivity and achieve success in the global economy.”

The website is part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of the Park's successes and help intermediaries and companies seeking locations.

For some manufacturers, a key factor in the decision to relocate is the proximity and access to research organisations developing new technologies and integrating them into industrial processes.

Technologies at the Park are turning vision into business, and bringing contracts and jobs into the regional economy. They include friction stir welding, laser metal deposition and cold metal spray processes at the TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire) – where the equipment is among the most advanced in the world.

The region's SMEs can access these key technologies and develop novel solutions through TWI's wide-ranging technology transfer programmes, which offer the opportunity to benefit from subsidised technical support. Since 2002, TWI Yorkshire has helped to create and safeguard 1,297 jobs and produce £81m in turnover for companies in the Yorkshire and Humber region, through a series of Yorkshire Forward-funded Technology Transfer Programmes.

TWI's Mark Roughsedge said: “The AMP has greatly enhanced our presence in the region and we have built strong professional and personal links with our neighbour organisations and companies. The convenience, accessibility and prestige of the Park have been a huge asset to TWI and we look forward to continuing to build and strengthen these links.” Development opportunities range from small office, workshop and lab space, through medium-sized hybrid and light industrial units to larger custom-built design and build options.

Rolls-Royce to set up research centre at AMP

2009-12-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

Rolls-Royce has chosen the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham as the base for one of two groundbreaking research and engineering plants coming to South Yorkshire, set to create several hundred jobs.

They represent the biggest investment in South Yorkshire for decades and are forecast to contribute £1bn a year to the UK economy for many years to come. Through them, Britain will become the world’s leading supplier of components and research for the global nuclear energy industry.

The first will be a £25m Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), just off the Parkway at Waverley. That is primarily funded by £15m from the Government and £10m from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

It will sit alongside the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing research Centre with Boeing, which played a leading role in bringing the projects to Yorkshire.

The second will be a civil nuclear manufacturing plant, whose exact location has yet to be announced. That will get £45m of Government support.

They will make important research and engineering contributions to Britain’s nuclear energy programme. The manufacturing plant will produce large pressure vessels – drums 30 metres (98ft) across – for nuclear reactors.

Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, visited the AMP on Thursday December 3 to announce these and other measures to help Britain create a low-carbon economy.

“We excel in so many things in this country,” he said, praising the South Yorkshire and UK “passion for manufacturing”. The full package comprises:

That the new Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) will be based in South Yorkshire alongside the AMRC, led by Sheffield University in partnership with University of Manchester, with Rolls Royce as the lead industrial partner.
An additional £8m to upgrade the nuclear laboratories at Manchester University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute to support the NAMRC. This is in addition to the £15m Government has already committed to the NAMRC.
Rolls-Royce's planned civil nuclear factory in South Yorkshire.
A Nuclear Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) in the North West and Yorkshire, led by NWDA in close collaboration with Yorkshire Forward.
As part of the Nuclear LCEA the North West will support the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s (MAS) nuclear services as part of the Nuclear LCEA, offering manufacturing companies advice and support to access the nuclear energy market.

The measures will help British businesses potentially provide up to 80 per cent of the work on construction of new nuclear power plants.

Yorkshire Forward chief executive Tom Riordan said: “Yorkshire Forward has worked closely with Rolls-Royce and the Government to secure both investments and this announcement is incredible news for a part of our region hit hard by the recession. It recognises the cutting edge facilities and the top quality of our academic and business skills base.

“The UK's nuclear programme is expected to create over 4,500 engineering jobs over the next 25 years and well over a £1bn a year to the industry. Yorkshire Forward’s investment into both the NAMRC and Rolls-Royce’s new manufacturing facility will firmly put the region at the very heart of the UK’s energy sector. This cements our position as a centre of excellence for manufacturing, to a global marketplace, securing and creating jobs now and in the future.”

The leader of Rotherham Borough Council, Cllr Roger Stone, said: “This is a new era for Rotherham. Rolls-Royce is the best in the world at what it does. It has chosen a location that’s among the best in the world.

“These projects have massive implications for the UK economy. At a local level, as well as new high-quality jobs we believe it will galvanise our young people into strengthening their skills and ambitions to be, like Rolls-Royce, world-class players.”

The new centre will be led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with the University of Manchester with Rolls- Royce as a lead industrial partner.

It will bring together university research and industrial expertise to develop manufacturing techniques and components that will meet the demand for new nuclear power stations. It will also benefit supply chain companies with support in securing accreditation to compete in the civil nuclear sector.

Founder industrial partners also include Areva, Westinghouse, Sheffield Forgemasters and NAMTEC.

Lord Mandelson also announced that Rolls-Royce’s planned civil nuclear facility was destined for South Yorkshire. That will manufacture, assemble and test high quality components that are essential to meet the requirements of the planned new civil nuclear power plants across the UK. This investment will create more than 300 jobs, with hundreds more expected to be made throughout industry supply chains, across the region.

The industry giant acknowledged Yorkshire and Humber’s position as the centre for excellence in advanced manufacturing and chose South Yorkshire, despite strong international competition, as a result of the strong skills base already present in the region.

Lord Mandelson said: “We know that we have to make the transition to a low carbon future, and the Government is determined to ensure that British businesses get the support they need to seize the business opportunities that transition creates.

“The civil nuclear sector is one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing excellence. Today’s announcement is about investing in our future. A greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British economy.”

Rosie Winterton, the Minister for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: "This latest substantial investment in the world class facilities we have at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in South Yorkshire demonstrates our leading role as a base for advanced manufacturing research and production. It also confirms the vital role our universities play in our future economic growth."Yorkshire and The Humber has real potential in advanced engineering and materials and in being a world-leader for research and scientific development - and in the commercial exploitation of new technologies."

Rotherham aboard Boeing Dreamliner maiden flight

2009-12-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

A bit of Rotherham is set to take to the skies over the USA today, Tuesday December 15, in the shape of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, when the new generation of aircraft makes its first flight.

The new jet, the first to be made with a majority of composite materials, is set to take off about 10am (around 3pm UK time) from Everett’s Paine Field. It’s expected to fly for about five hours before landing at Boeing Field in Seattle. There are some 840 Dreamliners on order, with the first scheduled for delivery late next year.

What most people in the UK don’t know about the 787 is that a quarter of the value of the aircraft comes from the UK. And, regionally, many also don’t realise is that a very important part of that value comes from South Yorkshire. When bidding for the landing gear was opened, manufacturer Messier-Dowty came to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, at the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, to see if it was feasible to make landing gear parts from a new grade of titanium alloy. Previously, landing gear had been made from steel, so as you can imagine, going from steel to titanium is a big step, but going from steel to an unknown grade of titanium (in this case Titanium 5553, a high-strength, low-weight material that can be made very hard) is a giant leap.

Getting this safety-critical part right is especially important because (on good flights) you only use it twice, but you want it to be as strong as possible, and airline companies want it to be not only strong but as light as possible to reduce the amount of fuel consumption and environmental impact. Using a combination of manufacturing techniques, the AMRC satisfied both these needs and substantially reduced the development time for working Ti5553. Critically, this enabled the manufacturing times to be reduced along with the cost and enabled Messier-Dowty to win the order. This is the first time it has been won by a company outside the USA. So, the first time that South Yorkshire holiday makers land while onboard a 787 they should take heart and pride in the fact that one of the most important parts of their flight, the landing gear, was developed on the Rotherham-Sheffield border.

Australians Make a Wise Investment in Rotherham

2009-12-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

One of Australia’s leading charities has chosen South Yorkshire as its first international base.

Sheffield and Rotherham have welcomed WISE Ability, a new charity that delivers employment services to disadvantaged job seekers in these areas.

Image: Left to Right
Front Row: Kay Sutton (WISE Ability), David Stevens (WISE Ability), Joanna Holland (Creative Sheffield)
Back Row: Tim O’Connell (RIDO), John Bateup (WISE Employment), Marc Adams (Yorkshire Forward)

WISE Ability was founded by Australian charity, WISE Employment, which operates 22 branches across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory and specialises in providing quality employment services to local job seekers and employers.

The establishment of WISE Ability in this region has created 40 jobs across South Yorkshire, nine of them already filled. Its main purpose is to serve and enrich the lives of disadvantaged job seekers in the community.

Helped by local and regional agencies Creativesheffield, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) and Yorkshire Forward, WISE Ability is looking forward to bringing a new employment service to the region.

John Bateup, CEO of WISE Employment, said:
“We are very excited to be launching our first offices in the UK in Sheffield and Rotherham. It has involved a lot of hard work and preparation, from our own teams here and in Australia.”

“With the support of local organisations such as Creativesheffield and RiDO, we are really looking forward to providing a quality employment service to the local communities in Sheffield and Rotherham.”

Ms. Kay Sutton, Managing Director of WISE Ability, added:
“This area of South Yorkshire is a fantastic base for our business. The local community has been very supportive and we look forward to providing and assisting local job seekers and employers.”

“I am really looking forward to establishing my team and providing a quality employment service to the local community.”

WISE Ability is working in partnership with Remploy, one of the UK’s largest providers of specialist employment services, to deliver the Government’s Flexible New Deal employment programme in South Yorkshire. The Flexible New Deal programme is designed to help people who have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than 12 months return to work through the provision of training, skills development and specialist support to help people overcome barriers to employment.

RiDO business development manager Tim O’Connell said:
“This is a high-quality company and it’s great news that it has chosen Sheffield and Rotherham, having been impressed by our workforce and support. It’s also further proof that South Yorkshire has what businesses from the UK and overseas are looking for.”

Joanna Holland, Investment Manager at Creativesheffield, added:
“We are thrilled that WISE Ability has chosen Sheffield in which to locate one of its two initial UK branches. This is a positive message for the city, contributing to a fantastic level of office take-up in the last quarter, creating new jobs and of course helping local people find work. Securing such an international inward investment is a credit to the city and the great qualities it offers.”

CO2Sense Yorkshire Announces £800,000 of Resource Efficiency Funding

2009-12-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

CO2Sense Yorkshire has announced it is offering two packages of funding to SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber that are working to cut greenhouse gas emissions through resource efficiency.

CO2Sense Yorkshire is a not-for-profit company funded by Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund. The company’s Greenhouse Gas Savings Capital Investment Fund and Innovative Resource Efficiency Projects Fund, will help SMEs in the Yorkshire and Humber region to build businesses that can compete in a low carbon economy.

Companies will be able to bid for funds to deliver waste reduction, reuse, and recycling services, as well as energy and water savings, from the Greenhouse Gas Savings fund. This fund is designed to increase the capacity of the resource efficiency sector in Yorkshire and Humber. Funded projects are expected to hit targets for CO2 emissions reductions, tonnage of waste diverted from landfill, and business growth.

The Innovative Resource Efficiency Projects Fund is designed to support projects that break new ground in resource efficiency. Funds are available for projects which increase the uptake of environmental advice, offer support to businesses to reduce their resource consumption, and offer innovative solutions for priority materials and sectors.

Commenting on the funding announcement, Andy Hartley, operations director ofCO2Sense Yorkshire said:

“Our key aim is to increase the competitiveness, capacity, quality and scale of
companies in the resource efficiency sector in Yorkshire and Humber. These
funding packages will help businesses to grow and prosper, increasing
regional competitiveness, and generating the expertise to transform
Yorkshire and Humber into a low carbon economy.”

Tom Riordan, chief executive at Yorkshire Forward, said:

“Cutting the region’s CO2 emissions is one of Yorkshire Forward’s priorities.
With the Copenhagen Climate Change summit taking place in December, now is
an ideal time for businesses to look at what they can do to play their part
in reducing the region’s carbon footprint.”

Businesses and projects that were successful in the last round of funding received between £5,000 and £75,000 of support. Funding bids can be submitted by individual SMEs or from groups or consortiums, if a project is large or regionally significant. CO2Sense Yorkshire will also help businesses access additional funding from other sources such as national partners or research and development grants for larger bids.

Shelley Rudman gets Gold in Italian Job

2009-12-07T02:50:00.000-08:00

A stunning performance won Olympian Shelley Rudman her first World Cup gold medal of this season in the women's skeleton bobsleigh.

It was a superb return to Italy's Cesana track, near Turin, for one of the top ice-sport athletes backed by the AMP's Bromley Technologies. She took silver there in the 2006 Winter Olympics – the first British woman ever to win a medal in the event – and on Friday (December 4) she not only took World Cup gold but also beat the track record.

Despite battling flu-like symptoms and a slight hip injury, Shelley threw down the gauntlet to her competitors with a strong first run that saw her hold a 0.23 second advantage over second-placed Marion Trott of Germany.

Her competitors came back at her in the second run, but Shelley pulled out a track record run of 58.71 seconds to win by over 0.3 seconds from Trott and third-placed Melissa Hollingsworth (Canada).

The win moves her to the top of the World Cup Standings after three rounds – and there to see her do it were fiancé Kristan Bromley and their daughter, Ella. Shelley is pictured above, centre, with kristan and Nicola Minichiello.

“I am so happy with this result,” said a jubilant Shelley. “To take gold and beat the track record is such a fantastic feeling. I had two really consistent runs but managed to clean up the second to gain the extra speed. A gold here after my Olympic silver at the last games is a real step forward and I still have to keep the focus. Having Ella out here has really helped me to relax and keep focused and my feet on the ground. I will enjoy today then it's back to the program and the next race.”

Shelley uses a sled developed as part of the Formula Ice programme by Bromley Technologies Ltd, based at the AMP Technology Centre.

Kristan, the world's only triple-crown holder in the skeleton bob, had won bronze in the US Lake Placid races just a week or so earlier, and had put in a strong performance at Cesana. But in a horrendous moment for any bobsleigh slider, at the start of his second run his sled jumped out of the groove in the ice and he lost crucial fractions of a second that kept him off the podium.

The next round of the World Cup takes place in Winterberg, Germany, on December 11. Watch out for your local athletes!

Rotherham-Sheffield support has been invaluable in helping Bromley Technologies boost its athletes' performances. AMP backing is from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC), Dormer Tools, Materialise and Fripp Design. The Sheffield support comes from law firm Nabarro and chartered accountants Barber Harrison & Platt.

Government Outlines Support for UK Civil Nuclear Sector Ahead of Copenhagen

2009-12-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

As part of the Government’s commitment to new low carbon sustainable growth, the Business Secretary Lord Mandelson provided a boost for the UK’s civil nuclear industry today, outlining a package of announcements in Yorkshire and the North West to provide real help to enable British businesses to seize the opportunities this rapidly expanding sector presents.

Speaking at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) in Rotherham he announced:

* That the new Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) will be based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire alongside the AMRC, led by Sheffield University in partnership with University of Manchester, with Rolls Royce as the lead industrial partner.

* An additional £8m to upgrade the nuclear laboratories at Manchester University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute to support the NAMRC. This is in addition to the £15m Government has already committed to the NAMRC.

* Rolls-Royce's planned civil nuclear factory in South Yorkshire.

* A Nuclear Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) in the North West and Yorkshire, led by NWDA in close collaboration with Yorkshire Forward

As part of the Nuclear LCEA the North West will support the Manufacturing Advisory Service’s (MAS) nuclear services as part of the Nuclear LCEA, offering manufacturing companies advice and support to access the nuclear energy market.

The NAMRC was a commitment under the Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, and is supported by £15m of government funding from the Strategic Investment Fund It will bring together university research and industrial expertise to develop manufacturing techniques and components that will meet the demand for new nuclear power stations. It will also benefit supply chain companies with support in securing accreditation to compete in the civil nuclear sector. Led by Rolls-Royce, founder industrial partners also include Areva, Westinghouse, Sheffield Forgemasters and NAMTEC.

In another boost for South Yorkshire, Rolls-Royce announced its intention in principle to base its new civil nuclear factory in the region. This factory is part of an investment programme that Rolls-Royce announced on 28 July 2009, which included £45m of investment from the Government.

Lord Mandelson said:

“We know that we have to make the transition to a low carbon future, and the Government is determined to ensure that British businesses get the support they need to seize the business opportunities that transition creates. The civil nuclear sector is one of the key low carbon industries where the UK has the potential for job creation, economic growth and engineering and manufacturing excellence. Today’s announcement is about investing in our future. A greener, smarter, more skilled, more balanced British economy.”

Chancellor, Alistair Darling MP also commented:

“It is essential that the UK economy continues to build upon its strengths in the high tech and knowledge based industries so that as we come out of the recession these industries drive forward sustainable growth within the UK and our ability to compete in global markets.

“The NAMRC is a perfect example of how Government, universities and industry can work together to drive that growth
in the UK economy.”

The creation of a Nuclear Low Carbon Economic Area (LCEA) in the North West and Yorkshire will give a focus to investment, developments and skills support which will benefit companies across the UK. With this kind of investment in capabilities, UK companies have the potential to provide up to 80% of the work on construction of new nuclear power plants, and the LCEA will support the development of UK capability to win this business. As part of this the North West Regional Development Agency will build the capacity and capability for MAS NW to provide specialist support to the nuclear supply chin, offering support to the MAS national network to bring the benefits to the whole of the UK.

Business Minister Lord Drayson said:

“Low Carbon Economic Areas will help us focus investment, skills and infrastructure regionally to boost the UK’s national capacity. This nuclear low carbon economic area will combine the advantages of nuclear infrastructure in the North West and advanced manufacturing in Yorkshire, the advanced manufacturing base in the region and the excellent skills and research bases in Manchester and Sheffield universities. By drawing together our activity regionally we can accelerate our capability nationally.”

Energy Minister Lord Hunt outlined the significance of the government’s support for the UK civil nuclear sector in his speech today to the Nuclear Industries Association:

“A global climate deal in Copenhagen needs all countries to make the most ambitious commitments possible, but it will also require us to change how we generate our energy. Nuclear is a low carbon and secure source of energy and must be part of our future energy mix if we're to meet our climate change goals. We've already had commitment from industry to build 16GW of new nuclear in the UK. This manufacturing package will ensure we utilise the skills that we have in this country to make sure those power stations get built.”

Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward said:

“Yorkshire Forward has worked closely with Rolls Royce and the Government to secure both investments and this announcement is incredible news for a part of our region hit hard by the recession. It recognises the cutting edge facilities and the top quality of our academic and business skills base. The UK's nuclear programme is expected to create over 4,500 engineering jobs over the next 25 years and more than a £1bn a year to the industry. This investment, and others like it, puts the region at the very heart of the UK’s energy sector and cements our position as a centre of excellence for manufacturing, to a global marketplace.”

ENDS -

New home for company keeping a watchful eye on industry

2009-11-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

A small enterprising South Yorkshire business running on-site and wireless condition based monitoring services for industrial equipment has relocated to the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham.

Drive Management Services (DMS) is a specialist engineering consultancy working with blue chip and SME organisations across a broad range of sectors from manufacturing to water treatment, from building supplies to food production. It offers a range of condition monitoring products and services designed to eliminate downtime and lost production as a result of machine failure.
Co-founder and sales director Allan Findlow said the six-year-old company had outgrown its base at Sheffield Technology Parks and needed to find the right location for continued expansion. He was keen to move into an area where networking opportunities with like-minded engineering and manufacturing organisations would be possible.

“We have been working with a local company Sensdata, and when they moved to the Advanced Manufacturing Park we did some research and quickly realised it is the perfect location for us to take our business to the next level. It ticks all the boxes for us in terms of our requirements,” said Mr Findlow.

The combined ground floor workshop and office space at the Yorkshire Forward-funded AMP Technology Centre, which DMS moved into this week (1 December), means the team now has dedicated facilities for its operations.

“We have high expectations for our newly developed web-based monitoring system and anticipate demand for our services will continue to increase. Our flexible approach and specialist knowledge is attractive to many companies, and we believe it’s important to portray a professional and successful image to maximise opportunities in the marketplace. Our move to the AMP gives us an address and premises which we know will impress visitors, as well as being operationally more efficient for us,” he added.

Yorkshire Forward’s assistant director of business, Jim Farmery, said: “We are already witnessing success and growth amongst current occupiers at the Park, with many of the tenants recognised as global forces across a range of sectors. Their success is attracting a high level of interest and we are delighted that companies of the same high calibre, such as Sensdata and DMS, are choosing to move there.”

New tenants for Yorkshire's advanced manufacturing hub

2009-11-04T02:40:00.000-08:00

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

They have moved in to the Yorkshire Forward-funded Technology Centre, an environmentally-friendly building at the heart of the Park, which provides dedicated support for innovation and 50,000 sq ft of office, laboratory and workshop space for hi-tech advanced engineering, manufacturing and materials organisations.

The businesses are:

newly-established mechanical and structural engineering designer Eadon Consulting.
Sensdata, a young high-tech player, focusing on the development and manufacture of intelligent sensors for maximising energy utilisation and engineering maintenance resources.
eoSemi, an emerging privately-funded semiconductor product company.

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

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

"The move was vital to support the continued expansion and growth of the company,” he said. “Despite the challenging economic climate, there has been continued demand for our expertise and services. Moving to the AMP provides enhanced facilities that enable us to satisfy our expanding client base and take the company forward."

The Technology Centre’s tenants are a diverse mix ranging from fledgling engineering and technology companies to university spin-offs and subsidiaries of established companies. One thing they have in common is that they have all fulfilled a demanding set of criteria to gain admission to the AMP.

The businesses include winter sports R&D engineer Bromley Technologies – behind some of the world’s top bobsleigh racers; ITI Energy, specialising in clean technologies and research; the UK branch of the Belgian Materialise Group, best known for its activities in the field of rapid industrial and medical prototyping; and the UK subsidiary of Germany’s HBM, a global market leader in test-and-measurement and weighing technology.

Yorkshire Forward’s assistant director of business, Jim Farmery, said: “This is an exciting time for the AMP and the wider South Yorkshire Advanced Manufacturing and Materials community. We are proud that these innovative companies recognise the benefits of moving to the Park, and look forward to more tenants joining them soon.”

The AMP is in Rotherham’s Waverley area, just off the M1’s Junction 33. Its development opportunities range from small office, workshop and lab space, through medium-sized hybrid and light industrial units to larger custom-built design and build options.

High-tech address fuels expansion for electronic design company

2009-11-04T02:38:00.000-08:00

A small South Yorkshire company working with global giants such as Microsoft, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Morphy Richards is to move to larger premises at Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).

Arrow Technical specialises in the development and application of new electronic products for clients from small start-ups to high-tech multinationals across a range of market sectors including automotive, industrial, medical, scientific and consumer electronics.

Typical of many in the AMP Technology Centre, it is a small company, but a big player with big ambitions, as its client-list shows. Arrow has seen its business double following its move there in 2007 from Nursery Street in Sheffield. The four-strong team has increased to nine, led by managing director Chris Worrall.

He was keen to keep his business located at the AMP and this week signed a deal to buy a larger unit, capable of accommodating his expansion plans at the Park’s latest development, Evolution @ the AMP.

“Image counts in business and since moving to the AMP our location and facilities have impressed customers and contributed to our rapid growth,” said Chris Worrall, who is also a board director at Electronics Yorkshire, a not-for-profit organisation promoting collaboration and complementary services to benefit member companies and the sector as a whole.

“There is no question that being at the AMP has been good for business, in terms of the location, which offers excellent access, the high-tech look of the place, and the opportunities for networking with professionals working at the cutting edge of technology. We are looking forward to moving into Evolution and inviting our customers to visit the new factory.”

Acting on behalf of owner UK Strategic Partnership, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) successfully negotiated the purchase of the 3,100 sq ft unit at Evolution. The development totals 95,000 sq ft of high-quality units, which offer ideal growth opportunities for SMEs keen to locate their business at the heart of Yorkshire’s advanced manufacturing community.

The industrial and logistics agent at LSH’s Sheffield office, Ed Norris, said: "The AMP is considered one of, if not the finest business locations in the UK. With its flexible, high-specification accommodation, and excellent multi-modal transport connections, the AMP makes a highly attractive proposition for all forward thinking manufacturing, technology and materials businesses.”

Other high-tech companies reaping the benefits of the AMP's facilities include Dormer Tools, Bromley Technologies, Fripp Design and Research, ITI Energy and Materialise.

Investment manager Philippa Hedley, of South Yorkshire's Advanced Manufacturing & Metals (AMM) team, said: “Technologically advanced companies such as Arrow are benefiting from the Park's international profile and its ability to attract industry innovators. Arrow's success demonstrates that the AMP is fulfilling its role as an accelerator for advanced manufacturing businesses in the region and we are delighted Chris has chosen to continue to grow the business there.“

The AMP is a joint venture between landowner UK Coal and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward. The agency’s assistant director of business, Jim Farmery, said: “We welcome Arrow to Evolution. The move from the Technology Centre demonstrates that this serviced facility is the perfect location for high-tech companies that are looking to grow, as they work alongside the global names that are currently developing the next generation of advanced manufacturing technologies and products at the Park.”

The AMP's available property options ensure there is something to suit growing companies at every stage of development, from managed office, workshop and lab space through medium-sized hybrid and industrial units at Evolution to larger custom-built designs.

Business Minister hails AMP as “exciting”

2009-11-04T02:34:00.000-08:00

The Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform Ian Lucas MP dropped into the AMP for a whistle-stop tour of CTi and TWI’s Yorkshire Technology Centre.

Commenting on his visit, the Minister said: “What is happening here is very exciting. There are some very committed and innovative companies with world-beating ideas and technologies which British industry needs to better use to compete more effectively.

“Advanced manufacturing is the future. We need to have it and we’ve got to go for it. Britain has the high skills, commitment and knowledge to build a strong manufacturing future. The Advanced Manufacturing Park is a successful template for industry and university collaboration, so I am delighted to be here in Rotherham to see it working.”

AMP adds value to support for high-growth companies

2009-11-04T02:30:00.000-08:00

The AMP is ramping up its support for innovation-led companies in the manufacturing industry by becoming a member of the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA).

The AMP is fast becoming the UK’s centre for advanced manufacturing research and innovation, both in terms of the technologies being developed at the site and the companies choosing to locate there. Now, the AMP has been invited to become a member of the lobbying and networking organisation UKSPA to further enhance the levels of support on offer to tenants and the wider advanced manufacturing and materials (AMM) sector in South Yorkshire.

Region hosts second major manufacturing conference of the autumn

2009-11-04T02:27:00.000-08:00

South Yorkshire took another step in cementing its claim to be the centre of the UK's Advanced Manufacturing heartland as it hosted its second major manufacturing conference of the autumn.

Following September's international TRAM aerospace conference, over 150 delegates from across the country gathered again at the AMP Technology Centre recently to hear from industry experts speaking at the 2009 MWP Summit on themes relating to 'Sustainable Manufacturing in the 21st Century.'

Key speakers included; Chris Rea from Rotherham-based AESSEAL, who spoke about best practice in applying and managing manufacturing technology in a tough market place; Nick Guttridge, of Gardner Aerospace, giving an insight into accessing the aerospace supply chain; and David Heck from the Boeing company who explored the implications for suppliers to aerospace and other industries of the increasing use of composite materials in place of metals.

Delegates also learnt about the latest developments at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) on the Rotherham – Sheffield border, and saw presentations from two of the growing businesses within the AMP Technology Centre. Fripp Design highlighted how developments in the fields of computer-aided design and rapid prototyping/manufacture can have significant impact with replacement and reconstructive surgery, whilst Bromley Technologies showed how aerospace and Formula One technology is being utilised to maximise the opportunities for local winter sports athletes Shelley Rudman, Kristan Bromley and Nicola Minichiello to gain medals in next February's 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

The event was hosted at the AMP Technology Centre by the Yorkshire Forward funded South Yorkshire Advanced Manufacturing and Materials team, and Joe Anwyl, the team’s senior business development manager explained the importance of these type of events.

“There are numerous benefits to hosting such events as the MWP Summit and the TRAM aerospace event in the region. It gives manufacturing companies in both South Yorkshire and the wider Yorkshire region the opportunity to hear from some of the top national and international industry experts at a location on their own doorsteps.

“These events also provide ideal platforms to showcase the world-leading advanced manufacturing technologies and companies that are based in South Yorkshire and the surrounding area. This potentially offers opportunities for our companies to network and gain more business, and for us to show companies from outside the region the benefits of possible expansion or relocation to this region.”

Advanced Manufacturing Park gives companies a competitive edge

2009-11-04T02:22:00.000-08:00

A senior figure from Lord Mandelson's department today visited the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in South Yorkshire to see how organisations based there are helping the region's manufacturers take advantage of emerging technologies to make them more globally competitive.

Philip Rutnam, Director General – Business, from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, toured the University of Sheffield's AMRC with Boeing Rolls-Royce Factory of the Future and TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire) at the Rotherham-based AMP during his visit hosted by Yorkshire Forward.

Both provide world-leading R&D services designed to help companies implement new technologies and secure sustainable business and jobs for the regional economy.

In the five years since it opened, the AMRC has made a significant contribution to the region's manufacturing industry through its collaborative approach to developing cutting-edge technologies for partner companies. There have been over 200 instances of organisations being helped, 200 jobs created or safeguarded, and £45m generated in additional sales.

TWI Technology Centre (Yorkshire), with funding from Yorkshire Forward, is supporting the region's SMEs by making the full range of its membership services available through Technology Transfer programmes. Already a significant number of SMEs have been assisted in a variety of ways. They include the optimisation of factory layout, review of production procedures, and introduction of alternative manufacturing processes.

The senior business development manager of South Yorkshire's Advanced Manufacturing & Metals (AMM) team, Joe Anwyl, said: “The Park is fast becoming the UK's centre for advanced manufacturing research and innovation, both in terms of the technologies being developed at the site and the companies choosing to locate there. The wide range of property options available provides growing companies with the opportunity to move here and benefit from their proximity to industry innovators such as the AMRC and TWI.”

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward commented on the visit: “This is an opportunity to showcase the world-class technologies being developed at the Advanced Manufacturing Park for not only the companies based on the park, but also manufacturers across the region, ensuring Yorkshire and Humber is competitive and strengthening the regional economy.”

Young Entrepreneurs Moving on up Despite Downturn

2009-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

The winners of last year’s Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards say their businesses have been booming in 2009 - despite the economic gloom.

As the closing date for this year’s Young Entrepreneur award draws close, former entrants report order books are full, the opportunities are out there - and people are still hungry for the services of innovative young people.

Andy Parton, who won the Best Business Using IT/Technology category for his company Flowed Media Ltd, says he has been so busy, he’s had to stop doing some of the jobs he was routinely taking on in order to focus on his strengths and his business.

Andy said: “I got to a stage when I was so busy just trying to get everything done, and saying yes to everything to keep the money coming in, I stopped focusing on the business and the direction it was going. I now concentrate on my core business and not on the less profitable bits. It’s a much more efficient and rewarding way of doing things.

“Working smart also helps me to spend more time developing relationships, creating networks with other entrepreneurs to develop ideas and ways of working that are mutually beneficial for the future.”

Now he is 30, Andy’s digital solutions business has taken on two members of staff based Fusion Business Centre, run by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the Council’s regeneration arm.

And his public sector client portfolio has grown thanks to his niche offering. Flowed uniquely specialises in digital solutions in education for the 14 to 19 age group, developing online tools to make sure teachers have got the right tools for the job.

He is also busy developing creative online packages that he believes businesses will need in the future.

Andy said: “I’m always coming up with ideas - as well as being able to project manage things. Being one step ahead is key in the online business.
“When I won the award last year, it felt great. It gave me recognition, something to talk about online - and confidence. I’ve now got a goal and a long-term plan that the RiDO business advisors helped me to develop. It’s been an interesting year!”
www.flowed.co.uk

Meanwhile last year’s overall winners Josh Abbotts and Gavin Winder at Prototype Creative have also reported a good year’s business.

The pair, who run their graphic and web design agency out of another RiDO-run business centre – Century at Manvers – have seen full order books without even trying to get them.

Josh said: “We’ve done very little to get more work – it just keeps on coming in from word of mouth. We find often the best way of marketing yourself is by doing a really good job.

“Small jobs may not be the most profitable on the surface – but do them well and people will often be back with bigger orders.”
www.prototypecreative.co.uk

Back for the fourth year, the awards have consistently uncovered a wealth of young talent that had previously been invisible. Awards backer Rotherham Enterprise Network (REN) helps ensure through follow-up publicity that they become highly visible, including local, regional and national media coverage.

Awards organiser and judge Geoff Link, enterprise manager at RiDO said: “We often find that in a downturn small companies can become busier as people turn away from larger, more expensive firms. These awards are an opportunity to get your talent out there. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what you can do – and be rewarded for it too.”

The awards are part of the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, and are sponsored by REN, Rotherham Youth Enterprise (RYE) and Business Link, the Government-funded Solutions for Business and other partners.

This year the overall winner will receive £1,000, from award sponsors UK Steel Enterprise, with the four category winners taking home £500 each from the other sponsors, Business Link, Yorkshire Forward and the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

This year’s entrants can choose from the following categories: Best New Start-up (trading between six months and two years), Best Established Business (trading more than two years), Best Business IT/Technology and Business Most Determined to Succeed.
Entry forms are available by calling 01709 372099, by visiting your local library, or by going to www.rido.org.uk and following the prompts. All applicants must submit a completed application to the judges by July 17 2009.

The overall winner is to be announced at the Chamber awards ceremony in Rotherham in October.

New Parking Scheme Means it's Free After 3PM

2009-05-29T15:26:00.000-07:00

A major initiative has been launched today [Friday May, 29] in Rotherham Town Centre to enable shoppers to park for free after 3pm.

The scheme, which has been developed by Rotherham Borough Council in partnership with Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, applies to on-street parking and council run car parks, six days a week and all Rotherham Council car parking (including on and off street) will continue to be free all day Sunday.

The ‘Free After 3’ campaign aims to encourage people to visit the town after 3pm and support town centre businesses during the current economic downturn. It builds on a number of recent Town Centre Management initiatives, such as the Business Grants Scheme and the online discount shopping voucher scheme click-backs – all of which aim to give retailers financial support to develop their businesses especially during these difficult times.

Town Centre Manager Julie Roberts said: “Retailers across the country are facing tough trading conditions and although there are no quick fix solutions, we believe that it’s essential to tackle the challenges head on and do what we can to alleviate some of the immediate problems."

“Parking charges have always been an emotive issue and therefore we felt it was important to look at this and see what steps we could take to reduce the cost for visitors. We hope the ‘Free After 3’ will bring more people into town in the late afternoon, encourage families to shop with us after school and benefit those who want to enjoy an early evening meal or catch up with friends.”

Andrew Denniff, policy & communications manager for Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “This is not an easy time to do business but both the council and the chamber are committed to doing what we can to support the town centre and encourage shoppers into Rotherham. We hope the ‘Free After 3’ concession will have a positive impact during the next few months.”

News of the free parking has already been welcomed by a number of town centre retailers.
Ilkeston Co-op Travel Manager Nicky Mallows said: “It’s great to see the council taking this sort of action as there’s no doubt that being able to pop into town and park for free is a real bonus for shoppers.”

Nicky hopes that retailers will support the idea by launching their own initiatives. For example Ilkeston Co-op Travel will now pick up the parking charges for anyone who books a holiday with them.

Further parking initiatives to encourage shoppers into the town centre will be announced later in June.

RiDO is the regeneration arm of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

For further information, contact:
Alison Hall
Town Centre Management
Environment & Development Services
+44 (0)1709-336882; 07766-698192; alison.hall@rotherham.gov.uk
http://www.investinrotherham.co.uk/
http://www.rotherhamtowncentre.co.uk/
http://www.rotherhamrenaissance.co.uk/
http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/

Calling All Young Entrepreneurs: Rotherham Needs You!

2009-05-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

The borough’s most inspiring young business men and women are being urged to showcase their skills by entering a regional award specifically aimed at nurturing and rewarding young talent.

The call comes from Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) as it launches its Rotherham Young Entrepreneur Award 2009.

Awards organiser and judge Geoff Link, enterprise manager at RiDO said: “There’s never been a more important time to nurture and invest in young home-grown talent than the current economic times we find ourselves in.

“We all know how hard it is out there. But that makes it even more important for us to reward and promote the brave young people who are building their own futures through their own start-up businesses.

“Entrepreneurs are important for the future of this borough and it’s our job to make sure they get the support and encouragement they need and deserve. Rotherham needs you!”

Back for the fourth year, the awards have consistently uncovered a wealth of young talent that had previously been invisible.

Last year Gavin Winder and Joshua Abbotts won the Best New Start Up category for their graphic and web design business Prototype Creative when they were both just 26.
The Barnsley College graduates now have a string of corporate clients – and won a lot of valuable new business as a direct result of last year’s win.

Gavin said: “We entered the awards to prove to ourselves that what we had and what we do, is a viable product. The result showed that it was – and that other people believed we were worthy of being Young Entrepreneurs of the year. It was a great feeling.

“We earned recognition amongst other local businesses from the awards and the publicity that followed.

“We also followed up the awards with a small campaign to Chamber members and gained quite a bit of work from it. I’d say to any young person that’s set up a business to enter. It’s a great confidence boost, raises your profile and can lead to great things.”

In 2007, 22-year-old ice sculptor Matthew Ainsworth took home the top award and put it towards a 20ft x 20ft walk in freezer to take his business to another level. Despite the downturn, his business ExQuisite Ice is still in going from strength to strength. Last year he took on his first employee.

The awards are part of the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, and are sponsored by Rotherham Enterprise Network (REN), Business Link, the Government-funded Solutions for Business and other partners.

This year the overall winner will receive £1,000, from award sponsors UK Steel Enterprise, with the four category winners taking home £500 each from the other sponsors Business Link, Yorkshire Forward and the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

This year’s entrants can choose from the following categories: Best New Start-up (trading between six months and two years), Best Established Business (trading more than two years), Best Business IT/Technology and Business Most Determined to Succeed.

Runners up in the four categories will also receive £250 to put towards their business.

Entry forms are available by calling 01709 372099, by visiting your local library, or download one by clicking here.

All applicants must submit a completed application to the judges by July 17 2009.

The overall winner is to be announced at the Chamber awards ceremony in October.

First Two Rotherham Companies to Enter the Matrix

2009-03-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

A new business hub aimed at nurturing entrepreneurs has already welcomed its first two tenants.Matrix@Dinnington, a purpose-built business centre in the former colliery town in the south of Rotherham borough, is now home to online property services company Censia, [pictured] which runs localpropertyadvertiser.com, and eco-builders The Greenway Construction Company.

The £3.4m centre is the fourth of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s purpose-built network of business hubs for start-up and growing businesses, and the first in the south of the borough. They are all run by the Council’s regeneration arm, Rotherham Investment & Development Office’s (RiDO).

The other three – Century, at Manvers, Moorgate Crofts, just off the town centre, and Fusion@Magna, at Templeborough – have helped hundreds of people turn their lives around.

And all the businesses in the centres have been helped by advisers in the Council’s enterprise team which is part of Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO).

“Facilities are exceptional, it’s very affordable and the location is great. What RiDO’s doing fits in with us perfectly – it’s a fantastic marriage,” said Greenway operations director Glyn Prendergast [pictured]. As well as building large-scale developments, his company also transforms properties into environmentally-friendly homes and businesses.

Despite the gloomy outlook for the construction sector, he said it was the right time to start up the business.

“People have said to us, ‘Why are you starting a construction business with what’s going on?’ The answer to that is that we want to be ready for when things pick up again. And although large construction companies are struggling, homeowners are still keen on upgrading their homes, with extensions, conservatories or green improvements, for when the market picks up and they can sell their property for the highest price.

”Matrix@Dinnington offers a range of facilities including conference rooms, fully managed phone and broadband networks and, crucially for start up businesses, month-by-month rental deals.The other new tenant, Censia, provides services to the residential and commercial property sector such as low cost conveyancing, Home Information Packs (HIPs), energy performance certificates and financial services.

Managing director Nick Ford said: “The highly competitive nature of the property services sector means that we need to keep our operating costs to a minimum in order to pass on highly competitively priced products and services to our clients. The Matrix meets our requirements by providing us with state-of-the-art facilities and a brand new office space for client meetings. Our plans for rapid growth, coupled with the flexible month-in month-out rental termsmeans that we can upgrade at any time to a larger unit within the same facility without incurring a great deal of effort or additional cost.

”For more information go to http://www.localpropertyadvertiser.com/ or call Censia on 01909 547200 or The Greenway Construction Company on 01909 547111.

For more information on Matrix call Sarah Hanson at RiDO on 01709 547000.

Entrepreneur sees the future – and it works

2009-02-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

Entrepreneurs have looked into the future – and seen how Rotherham could help make it work for them.More than 50 visitors, about half of them people who are or want to be their own boss, attended an open day at the Borough Council’s latest purpose-built business centre for start-up and growing companies, Matrix@Dinnington.

A symbol of the enterprise future for the local, and national, economy, Matrix sits on the site of one of the borough’s industrial foundations of the past, the township’s former colliery, now a shining new business park. The centre is run by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the council’s regeneration arm.

“This place really has the wow factor,” said Cath and Thomas Madden, who run their electrical testing company, Portable Appliance Testing, in Maltby. “We’re a new company and working from home, but we would loveto move in here once we’re a little bit more established. Very impressed – by the price, the quality, and the support from RiDO.

”Entrepreneurs saw where their companies could be located, in a sparkling new centre combining offices and industrial units. And, just as important, they heard from people who had taken the leap of faith before them, to set up on their own.

People such as Jacqui Saxon, of the Ultimate Balloon Company UK Ltd, and Dave Ward, of Fusion Office Interiors, both of whom are in another purpose-built centre, at Templeborough – Fusion@Magna – and headline speaker Jean Stewart, who runs her own business consultancy JS Development in Doncaster.

She has been helping companies train their staff and develop their businesses over the past 10 years, and told the entrepreneurs: “Never say, ‘I’m only a one-man or one-woman, or even a small, business. You are a business – you need to be taken seriously.”

RiDO business development team manager Tim O’Connell gave an overview of how the council’s four purpose-built centres helped companies, not least through the practical, and free, advice, guidance and support of the RiDO and Rotherham Youth Enterprise business advisers – highly praised by other speakers.

Enterprise team manager Geoff Link said: “In times like this, with recession biting, people may be wondering what the future holds for them. Rotherham found in the last recession that there was a surge of start-ups. Much of work, including this event, is about saying to anyone considering such a life-changing option – the help and support you need is here, and space is not only here but here in high quality and at low cost.”

Two Major Deals in Rotherham Defy Economic Gloom

2009-02-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Anglo-Dutch TCN UK is celebrating its completion of two more major deals at the 285-acre Waterfront mixed-use development at Manvers, in Rotherham.

The two deals – with Taylor Wimpey and Aldi food stores – add to the ever-increasing number of successful deals being completed at Waterfront.

The deal with the UK’s biggest house builder, Taylor Wimpey, will allow the creation of 202 new homes at the Waterfront development, which overlooks the 50-acre sailing lake. In total, there will be 689 homes, including apartments.

The second deal is with expanding food store operator Aldi, which will be developing a 14,000 sq ft food store along with 8,000 sq ft of kiosk retail units.

TCN Director Stephen Holme said: “This is an exciting start to 2009. With all this doom and gloom around it’s great to see so much activity on the site. Not only are we bucking the trend, but we are progressing this unique mixed-use development which has taken over five years of work to bring to this stage.”

The past 24 months have seen the company push ahead with remarkable transformations of a former coalfield wasteland in the South Yorkshire borough. They include:
• Construction of a 130-room Radisson Park Inn, due for completion June this year
• The completion of the Marston’s family pub
• The completion of the British Canoeing Union’s Olympic Training Club, next to the 50-acre lake, which becomes fully operational next spring
• The completion of the nine-hole pay-and-play golf course, clubhouse and driving range, which is now operational
• Planning permission granted for a 6,000 sq ft KFC drive-thru restaurant

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for regeneration and development, Cllr Gerald Smith, welcomed the new signings: “This would be excellent news at any time, but in the current climate it’s a vote of confidence in Rotherham’s opportunities for business and proof that well-founded developments can still make progress.”

Stephen Holme said: “The story doesn’t end here. With a further 40 acres to develop and planning approval for a further 350 houses, leisure, retail and business space, Waterfront has many opportunities available for all types of companies looking to be located on this unique scheme.”

Film Returns to Rotherham Arts Centre

2009-02-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

After setting the silver screen alight last year, cinema is returning to Rotherham’s Studio Theatre to deliver a season of favourite children’s films with a twist.

Starting on Thursday February 19 with the smash-hit High School Musical 3: Senior Year, “Film @ the Studio” promises to deliver an exciting cinematic experience with fun workshops held before the performances, to help get the young cinema-lovers fully revved-up.

High School Musical follows sweethearts Troy and Gabriella, who are faced with the ultimate prospect of being separated after graduating from East High.

Joined by the rest of their Wildcat friends, they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes, and fears about the future.

Before the star-studded film shows, a professional Cheerleader will be taking the audience through energetic routines so they can join alongside stars Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale whilst they perform the routines on screen.

Keeping with the musical tradition, appearing on screen on Saturday February 28 will be the multi-million dollar grossing Mamma Mia!, fresh from smashing the UK DVD sales records.

The heart-warming comedy, Mamma Mia!, which features the songs of Swedish super-group ABBA, is set on a Greek island, where a bride-to-be discovers that any of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård) could be her real father.

Unsure what to do, she invites all three of them to her nuptials, much to the chagrin of her very surprised mother.

Before the curtain goes up, the Get Sorted Academy of Music will be leading a fun singing workshop through the classic song “Dancing Queen” so that when the cast start singing, the audience can join in.

Finishing the season on Sunday March 21 will be the 2007 remake of Hairspray, starring John Travolta, Zac Efron and Christopher Walken.

Tracy Turnblad, a teen with all the right moves, is obsessed with the Corny Collins Show. Every day after school, she and her best friend Penny run home to watch the programme and drool over the hot Link Larkin, much to her mother’s dismay.

After one of the stars of the show leaves, Corny Collins holds auditions to see who will be the next person on the Corny Collins show. With all of the help of her friend Seaweed, Tracy makes it on the show, angering the evil dance queen Amber Von Tussle and her mother Velma.

Tracy then decides that it's not fair that the black kids can only dance on the Corny Collins Show once a month and with the help of Seaweed, Link, Penny, Motormouth Maybelle, her father and Edna, she's going to integrate the show.....without denting her 'do!

Before the showing, Get Sorted Academy of Music will be taking the audience through the song “Good Morning Baltimore”, which kicks the film off.

All three films will be shown at both 11am and 2pm, with the workshop for High School Musical starting at 1.30pm and lasting for 30 minutes and both the workshops for Mamma Mia! and Hairspray starting at 10am and lasting for an hour.

Rotherham Theatre’s Manager Mark Scott said: “The cinema season last year captured the hearts and minds of theatre-lovers across the borough and we’re sure this year will be even bigger and better.

“We’re ecstatic that we can offer cinema-lovers a much more full experience than their local multiplex. Not only can you not see these three classic films on the big screen anymore, but also there are the workshops before the screenings, which are guaranteed to get the audience fully into the experience.

“We are also only charging a fraction of the amount the multiplexes charge, with adult tickets for £3, children for £2.50 and Two Ten Club members just £2, plus, there’s free popcorn for everyone!”

To avoid disappointment, book in advance by calling the Box Office on 01709 823621, or alternatively, visit the Box Office, located in the Central Library and Arts Centre on Walker Place.

Sarah Takes the Helm at Matrix

2009-02-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

As the recession turns hundreds of workers’ minds to their futures, a council has opened its latest business centre for start-up companies.

Previous downturns saw rises in the number of people deciding to launch out on their own. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is ready if that is repeated this time.

And at its new business centre, Matrix@Dinnington, one crucial new member of staff is looking forward to giving budding entrepreneurs a helping hand.

Centre co-ordinator Sarah Hanson has spent the past three years honing her skills at the council’s three other successful business centres – Fusion@Magna, Moorgate Crofts and Century.

She will now play an important role in the council’s continuing drive to encourage and support entrepreneurs and their young businesses at Matrix.

“We all know how tough things are out there,” she said, “but there’s no doubt that there are opportunities for small entrepreneurial businesses as long as they have the right help.

“Matrix offers not only affordable new office or workshop space at low costs, but also free business and financial advice that can make all the difference to someone starting out in business. We also offer a professional messaging service and meeting rooms for important meetings or presentations.

“Although the current economic situation brings only bad news for some, for others it can open up an opportunity to do something they’ve always wanted to do – like be your own boss.”

On average 85 per cent of companies in RiDO-run business centres survive to year three – that’s slightly down, due to the recession hitting young companies as well as established ones, but it is still 14 percentage points ahead of the national average of 71 per cent.

RiDO works on a daily basis with 105 new-start businesses. It has played a part in “incubating” more than 600 new businesses, which in turn created more than 3,000 new jobs.

Matrix is the first in the south of the borough, and it is hoped it will cater for the new breed of entrepreneurs in the area. It has 17 self-contained offices and 24 workshops – some of which have a mezzanine-level office incorporated for those who don’t want a separate room for handling paperwork. It is about five minutes from Junction 31 of the M1.

But RiDO has already been working hard in the area to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Business adviser Rachel Clark has so far helped 47 start-ups get off the ground, creating 108 new jobs in Dinnington.

And the RiDO team has this message for anyone interested in starting up their own business, delivered by business development manager Tim O’Connell: “You can do it! And we’ll help you.”

Prices start at £230.75 a month including heating and water.

For more details on Matrix or the event call Sarah Hanson on (01909) 547000 or go to www.investinrotherham.co.uk

A Rotherham Company is Helping Businesses Protect Staff from Conflict

2009-01-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

Three men have taken the fightback against violence, including knife-crime, into their own hands… literally. They are black-belt self-defence experts and they are helping give violence and hostility the chop, among workforces and schoolchildren.

Karl Blackwell, Stephen Mohammed and their former martial arts teacher, Dave Turton, have set up conflict consultancy Your Guardians in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and hope to work closely with the Home Office-backed Violent Crime Unit.

They offer training to staff who come into contact with the general public and might be exposed to conflict and hostility, and go into schools to try to steer young people away from mimicking the behaviour they see around them and on screen.

Dave Turton said: “Britain is a more aggressive place than it used to be. We also know that one way to stop the trend towards violence is to introduce awareness and training at school level.

“That’s why we’re using our experience to help prevent the violence before it has even happened. Children mimic what’s happening around them then act it out almost automatically.

“This way we can help them recognise the dangers and go away with increased knowledge of personal safety and the law.”

Your Guardians has a network of 200 members up and down the country, enabling the company to offer a bespoke service all over the UK.

“Today, companies have an obligation to protect their staff from violence or conflict – and they can get grants to help them pay for the courses and training they need,” said Dave Turton.

“We do teach our own self-defence system, but one of the most essential keys to protection is to know how to calm things down before conflict or violence occurs.

“We give training to make sure our candidates are confident to read the signs and know how to stop potential violence.”

The company has just moved into Fusion@Magna, a business centre set-up and run by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the Borough Council’s regeneration arm, which gives support to businesses, including start-ups.

From Fusion, the qualified instructors and members of the Institute of Conflict Management organise training courses including: basic physical intervention skills, door supervision, breakaway or disengagement skills, security guarding, knife awareness, anger management along with conflict management.

But as well as giving strategies for coping with the violence that already exists in society, Your Guardians knows that to minimise the dangers to individuals, action needs to be taken early on. The team now works in schools – locally with Wingfield Business and Enterprise College. The team has even produced a DVD and is looking to work with the Home Office-backed Violent Crime Unit.

Dave Turton also runs a separate venture, the Self Defence Federation, from the new office – a unique and world-recognised self-defence system developed by Dave, which combines selected disciplines from all the martial arts into one practical programme.

All three of the Your Guardians directors have high-dan black belts.
RiDO business adviser based at Fusion, Bob Langley said: “These dedicated people are providing a valuable service to the whole of the UK. They work tirelessly to achieve their goals and I look forward to helping them to make their business grow.”

For more information call (01709) 789411 or go to www.yourguardians.co.uk
For more information on RiDO business centres call Amanda Parris on (01709) 300100.

Anniversary Marks Leisure Build Progress at Manvers

2009-01-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

This week sees a rare event these days… a developer celebrating progress.

Anglo-Dutch TCN UK is marking the second anniversary of its 285-acre Waterfront mixed-use development at Manvers, in Rotherham.

The past 24 months have seen the company push ahead with remarkable transformations of a former coalfield wasteland in the South Yorkshire borough. They include:

*The completion of the British Canoeing Union’s Olympic Training Club, next to the 50-acre lake, which becomes fully operational next spring
*The completion of the nine-hole Pay and Play golf course, clubhouse and driving range, which is now operational
*The completion of the Marston’s family pub
*Rapid progress in building a 130-room Radisson Park Inn, also due for completion in the spring
*Planning permission granted for a new KFC drive-thru restaurant, with construction due to start in March 2009.
*Planning permission granted for an Aldi with neighbourhood retail units.
*Planning permission for an additional 350 houses and additional retail and leisure facilities.

TCN UK also completed a deal this year with the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, for the creation of 334 homes on a 19-acre site at Waterfront.

And there is even more to come. Stephen Holme, director of TCN UK, said: “With the leisure and residential elements of the Waterfront scheme reaching completion or well under way, we are now in a strong position to start marketing the office and industrial accommodation.

“Planning has been granted for 78,000 sq ft of business premises, and we are able to cater for a range of requirements on a design-and-build basis, up to 100,000 sq ft. Waterfront will be ideal for any business wanting bespoke premises just a seven-minute drive from the M1.

“But what makes Waterfront particularly attractive to companies is that it has a range of leisure and retail amenities on the doorstep. Many new office parks in the region cannot offer this. It’s a business benefit that will set us apart from the competition and contribute to Waterfront’s attraction as a major location for companies. They can put down roots in an area with a readily available amenities and potential workforce, and create jobs for local people with a tradition of hard work.”

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for regeneration and development, Cllr Gerald Smith, said: “TCN UK has been an excellent business partner to work with, not only at Waterfront but, latterly, with its ambitious £200m-worth of projects in our town-centre Renaissance programme. At a time when many places are seeing important projects halted, TCN has pushed ahead with confidence.”

Future development plans for the Waterfront also include additional ancillary retail outlets, including a petrol station and medical and health centre.

Past News

2008-12-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

The full News stories below can be provided upon request. Please complete the RiDO contact form clearly stating the article title and date.

09.12.08 Government hears Rotherham’s business success story

Chancellor Alistair Darling and Exchequer Secretary Angela Eagle heard the Rotherham success story on encouraging and supporting start-up companies on Monday December 8...

02.12.08 New year – and a new life for entrepreneurs

As the New Year approaches, people with dreams of starting their own businesses are being offered the chance to make them real...

27.11.08 Council chief to talk business at 11 Downing Street

A Rotherham Council chief will address a group of influential business leaders at 11 Downing Street as part of a worldwide celebration of the work done to encourage entrepreneurs...

24.11.08 New golf attraction tees up to help drive Rotherham regeneration

It is the new face of golf, and it is taking shape on the site of what was once one of the UK’s most important coalfields, in a South Yorkshire borough...

24.11.08 A high tech computer broker finds new home in green business centre

A “green” IT systems recycling company has chosen one of Britain’s greenest business centres, in Rotherham, as the base for its global operation...

24.11.08 HRH The Duke of Kent to officially open Macalloy’s Rotherham factory

A world-leading Rotherham design and manufacturing company is to be rewarded for its award-winning export track record with a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent...

10.11.08 Budding Entrepreneurs Urged to Test Drive Their Ideas

Rotherham’s budding entrepreneurs will have a rare chance to ‘test drive’ their business ideas as part of a worldwide event on December 8...

28.10.08 RiDO announces its Young Entrepreneur of the Year winners 2008

Graphic designers Gavin Winder and Joshua Abbotts have been awarded the prestigious top prize in this year’s Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2008...

06.10.08 High-tech business centre is new connection for digital phone company

A new Rotherham company aims to help businesses beat the credit crunch – and at the same time carve out its own successful communications niche. Nigel Short and Kerry Goding have created Voot Mobile...

01.10.08 Business sector gets preview of £5m business centre

Movers and shakers in the business world have had a preview of one of the UK’s most unusual business centres for entrepreneurs...

29.08.08 Face looks set to be a model business

In the cut-throat world of modelling, a new Rotherham-based agency is planning to do things differently. Louise Chambers and Craig Fleming have joined forces to launch Face from the newly opened £5m Fusion @ Magna business centre...

20.08.08 German delegation mark 10th anniversary of partnership

A six-strong delegation from Riesa, in eastern Germany, has made a VIP visit to Rotherham to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the economic and development partnership between the town and the borough...

18.08.08 Julie is a safe pair of hands guiding flagship business centre

The woman who will captain a new £5m flagship business centre, one of the most innovative in the UK, is no stranger to helping start-up companies flourish.

30.07.08 Rotherham Cabinet approves final YES! agreement

Europe’s biggest covered leisure, entertainment and sports destination got the final go-ahead today from the political leaders of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, in South Yorkshire. Oak, listed on the Alternative Investment...

07.07.08 Young Maria dances her way to success

Maria Middleton, one of last year’s winners of the Rotherham Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, has seen her dance business cha-cha-cha its way to success since October...

06.07.08 FUSION@Magna: Small, affordable units in a great location

The new £5m business centre for start-up companies in Rotherham will open its doors in April as Fusion @ Magna...

03.07.08 A new forum for business growth in Rotherham

In the current tough economic climate, Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) is stepping up the support it offers to the borough’s start-up businesses...

17.06.08 New impetus in Rotherham's regeneration drive

More high-quality companies providing more high-quality jobs and more entrepreneurs – those are the priorities for the man leading the award-winning drive to regenerate a Yorkshire borough...

27.05.08 Entrepreneurs undeterred by downturn

Despite the national economic downturn, one Yorkshire borough is continuing to attract budding entrepreneurs interested in launching their own businesses...

09.05.08 Top regeneration role for Paul

A man who has played a leading role in Rotherham’s regeneration over the past five years has been given the job of spearheading...

25.04.08 A Rotherham company starts a discount revolution

With fears of a credit crunch hitting people in the pocket, a Rotherham entrepreneur has started a national discount revolution. And he reckons it has already saved the public £30m.

22.02.08 YES! Project moves to final stage

Europe’s largest covered leisure, activity and convention destination, the £350m YES! Project, is nearing the final stage in its progress towards construction.

29.01.08 Sheffield Parkway Competition - Winner Announced

Tim Norlund, a 23-year-old architect from Denmark, has beaten more than 100 entries to gain first prize in the Sheffield Parkway footbridge competition.

25.01.08 Rotherham is top of the table

Rotherham is forging ahead in helping people carve out careers in new and developing industries.

10.12.07 RiDO Chief Addresses National UK Business Incubation Conference

One of the leading figures in the regeneration of Rotherham has told the borough’s success story on an international stage.

26.11.07 Rotherham Businesses set to grow in Green Building

An innovative ‘green’ building is being developed in Rotherham that will provide budding entrepreneurs with the right location to launch and grow their businesses from.

09.11.07 Home-grown Martek Marine announces expansion plans

An award-winning home-grown Rotherham company is celebrating its own astonishing success story – by expanding into larger premises.

30.10.07 Botswanan Government Officials Visit Rotherham

The Government of one of the world’s fastest-growing economies is looking at Rotherham as a potential supplier of e-procurement technology. A five-strong delegation from Botswana is paying a flying visit to talk to a specialist company in the borough.

02.10.07 Angelo Po puts Rotherham on the Culinary Map

International kitchen equipment firm Angelo Po has set up a brand new office and warehouse unit at Dinnington Business Park as the HQ for its UK operation.

25.09.07 The Store Room takes stock on Rotherham

The former Garnett Dickinson site has finally been filled – with a mighty 90,000sq ft storage facility set up by new storage solution firm The Store Room.

11.09.07 Cash Support on Offer for Flood-damaged Businesses

Flood-hit small businesses across Rotherham are reminded that they can still apply for cash support to help them cope.To apply, please download and complete the form below: Once completed, please return the form to:Rotherham Investment & Development...

11.09.07 Together Financial Services Opens for Business

A brand new start-up company has just opened for business at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre, offering sensible financial advice to new customers in the borough and nationwide.

05.09.07 Rotherham sets a Green Example

Rotherham is playing a key role in a new initiative designed to promote the growth of “green” roofs.

25.08.07 AESSEAL hire 1000th Employee

AESSEAL is a British based engineering business that has continued to expand manufacturing in its South Yorkshire roots, whilst developing a sales and service infrastructure globally.

24.08.07 How to get ahead in advertising with On TV and Radio

Broadcast media specialist Rotherham-based On TV and Radio provides quality creative solutions that really help get businesses noticed.

14.08.07 Football Magazine Kicks Off in Rotherham

A leading football magazine has chosen Rotherham as the base to launch its South Yorkshire edition.My Favourite Shirt – the grassroots to professional football publication is now operating from Moorgate Crofts, the £3.

07.08.07 Students Help Capture a Moment in Rotherham's History

Students from Rotherham College of Arts and Technology are playing a unique role in preserving the town’s history.

31.07.07 Yorkshire Forward Flood Recovery Fund

Yorkshire Forward has made available a £5 million recovery fund to help businesses in Yorkshire that have been affected by the flooding. Small businesses can receive up to £2,500 per company for immediate recovery needs.

31.07.07 Rotherham scheme scoops top national design award

The first major town-centre project in the ambitious Rotherham Renaissance programme has quickly made its mark – as a winner in the National Housing Design Awards.

31.07.07 LuK (UK) Ltd celebrates milestone with open day for families

A Rotherham company is paying tribute to its staff for their hard work and support during the last 20 years, which management say has been key to its continued growth and success in the UK.

30.07.07 Help for Businesses Affected by Flooding

Following the extensive damage caused by the recent flooding across South Yorkshire, help is being made available by the Regional Development Agency Yorkshire Forward.

25.07.07 Modern technology helps map Rotherham's historic flood

As the clean-up continues in Rotherham, Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO) has taken a step back to assess the true scale of the historic floods. And it has found a shocking picture.

24.07.07 WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG THING IN ADVERTISING? ROTHERHAM-BASED WATTS THAT?

With an impressive advertising portfolio to date, Rotherham advertising company Watts That? has already created a big noise in the business.

19.07.07 ENTREPRENEURS URGED TO DRIVE BUSINESS IDEAS FORWARD Rotherham’s potential entrepreneurs are being urged to think seriously about setting up their own businesses in a major campaign that is being launched this month.

19.07.07 Corus to participate in launch of new Boeing Dreamliner

Corus Engineering Steels (CES), based in Rotherham UK, announced its participation in the launch of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner.