Chesterfield News

Chesterfield Champions: Further growth across town’s business network

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to share their successes.

Over the past month, firms have announced new hires, launched innovative networking events and supported major acquisitions.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “It is very pleasing to see further success across our town. The more our businesses grow, the more robust and resilient our economy becomes.

“I would like to congratulate all Chesterfield Champions on their recent growth, and we wish further success in the future.”


Banner Jones Advises Peak Sensors on Recent Acquisition by SDI Group plc

Man with dark hair and beard wearing suit and tie smiling for camera

Banner Jones, in collaboration with Mitchells Accountants, successfully advised Peak Sensors Holdings on its recent sale to SDI Group plc. The acquisition, completed late last year, is valued at approximately £2.4 million.

SDI Group plc, quoted on AIM, specialises in the design and manufacture of scientific and technology products for digital imaging and sensing and control applications. This acquisition expands its portfolio and capabilities.

Peak Sensors, a leading UK manufacturer based in Chesterfield, produces standard and bespoke temperature sensors, including thermocouples and resistance thermometers, servicing various industries such as glass, ceramics, incinerators (including energy from waste), cement and ovens.

With a 5,300 sq ft leasehold facility and 14 employees, Peak Sensors reported revenues of £2.1 million for the year ending March 31, 2023.

Further to the acquisition Roshan Aucklah, CEO of Peak Sensors since 2017, will continue to lead the business under SDI Group ownership. Peter Smith, one of the founders, will remain as a consultant. Peak Sensors will now be part of SDI Group’s Sensors and Controls division.

Andrew Fielder, Solicitor and Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, commented: “It was a real pleasure to support Peak Sensors in an acquisition deal that will enhance and drive the company’s success. We are also pleased to have worked again with Mitchells Accountants to support another local Chesterfield business.”

Speaking to press last year following the deal Ken Ford, Chairman of SDI, remarked: “The acquisition of Peak Sensors is a strategic step in our Group growth, demonstrating opportunities to acquire businesses with high-quality products and export growth potential. We expect the acquisition to be earnings-enhancing in the first full year of ownership. We are delighted to welcome Roshan Aucklah, Peter Smith, and their staff to the SDI Group.”


BSP Consulting appoints two new associate directors

BSP Carol Ell and James Payne

East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has made internal promotions to create two new associate directors.

Civil engineer Carol Ell has been with the company 20 years next month.

Finance manager James Payne joined BSP from school in August 2001 and has held a variety of roles within the business.

BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “Both Carol and James have proven themselves to be very committed to BSP Consulting, with almost 43 years of service between them. They bring an energy and enthusiasm to the company which very much contributes to our success.

“I am pleased to announce that they have both earned a well-deserved promotion to associate director and congratulate them on their new appointments.”

BSP Consulting was founded 25 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands.

An award-winning firm that operates across the UK, BSP offers civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering. The company works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage.

For more information about BSP Consulting visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk


Collaboration leads to new networking event for Chesterfield property firms

property net gain networking

A new networking event taking place monthly has been launched at Casa Hotel, giving property and construction companies further opportunity to collaborate.

Property Net Gain Club has been set up by two members of the town’s business community, Emily Smith and Mike Jones.

Emily is currently working on the Holywell Hotel development in Chesterfield Town Centre, while Mike has experience working for several businesses in the property sector locally.

Mike commented: “We’re really excited to bring people together that share a common interest in property and Chesterfield. Both topics are a passion of mine – so the idea to create an informal and sociable network is really exciting.”

Emily added: “It’s great to see people coming to our event from other locations to find out more about the town. Being able to compliment the great work and effort that Destination Chesterfield put into the sector, we saw an opportunity to use our networks to share the good news and initiatives about the town even further.”

Find out more about the events at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chesterfield-property-networking-by-net-gain-club-tickets-810203188547


BHP continues growth with new appointment and Commercial Finance offer

bhp commercial finance team

BHP, one of the leading independent accountancy firms in the North, is continuing its growth with the appointment of Dan Summerfield to head up its new Commercial Finance service.

With recent data highlighting that access to funding is becoming more challenging for SMEs, the firm’s new offering will help clients identify and secure the right finance product for their needs, while ensuring they have access to competitive terms.

Dan Summerfield, a Yorkshire financier, joins BHP from Panacea Investment Group in Leeds and has held senior roles in the banking and finance sector over his 30-year career. Dan will oversee all aspects of commercial finance and the firm’s Professional Banking and Finance team, ensuring his wealth of experience can support clients across BHP’s five offices.

Hamish Morrison, Joint CEO at BHP, said: “As trusted advisors, we’re committed to not only delivering a high-quality service to our clients but also expanding our offer to meet the challenges our clients may be experiencing. This new service is evidence of that approach, and we believe it will ensure our clients and their businesses can thrive, despite potential headwinds.”

Dan Summerfield added: “I’m pleased to be joining BHP as it continues to grow. Together with the other partners, I’m looking forward to expanding this service to ensure we can support our clients.

“The finance market has been a volatile space over the last few years, adding to the challenges many businesses have had to face. With the marketplace expected to continue to change as a result of economic uncertainty, it’s crucial that businesses have access to expert advice. Bringing together my experience with the other expertise within BHP, we can offer integrated advisory services that empower our clients.”

Dan is the latest hire for BHP, which has recently announced the appointment of Mark Stanton to Partner in its Digital Finance team, made several new promotions and created new heads of service positions.

BHP Joint CEO Lisa Leighton said: “The last year has been a transformational period for our business as we’ve continued to grow organically, by supporting our clients to do the same. Having been recognised repeatedly over the last 12 months by independent assessor Great Place to Work® UK in a number of categories, we’re pleased to not only be able to attract the best talent in the region, but also to find new talent through our graduate and non-graduate training schemes.

“As we continue to invest in our services and our people, we’re really looking forward to what’s to come for BHP and our clients.”

Josh Marsh

Destination Chesterfield Coordinator (Investment and Marketing)

Email Josh
property net gain club