Business round-up: Whittam Cox rebrand, AMRC visit and NIBE’s 20th milestone
Our Chesterfield Champion community continues to show the strength, innovation and ambition that makes our town a great place to invest, work and grow. From a major architecture practice unveiling a bold new brand, to advanced manufacturing developments attracting national attention, and a global heating technology company celebrating two decades in our town, these stories highlight the organisations helping to drive Chesterfield’s progress and profile.
Whittam Cox unveils new brand
Architecture practice Whittam Cox has launched a strategic rebrand built around the purpose “Progressive by design.”
The move comes after more than 50 years of working with clients and partners to shape places that support everyday urban life, with the practice saying its brand now reflects how its projects and thinking have evolved.
The refreshed identity aims to more clearly define who the practice is, how it works and the impact it wants to create in a fast-changing commercial, social and environmental landscape.
The new brand introduces clearer messaging, stronger project storytelling, more human-centred imagery and a new “Thinking” platform sharing insight and opinion from staff across the practice.
Nick Riley, managing executive director, said:
“Progressive by design reflects our purpose and direction as a practice. We’re building on a strong legacy and profile, but we know we can’t stand still.”
He added the focus remains on improving how the practice collaborates, designs and delivers projects to create places that support long-term value and everyday urban life.
While the brand has evolved, Whittam Cox said its core ethos ,collaboration, integrity, creativity and long-term relationships, remains unchanged. Retail continues to be part of its heritage, with urban residential shaping its future and a continued commercial focus.
Advanced manufacturing boost highlighted in visit
Advanced manufacturing is playing a growing role in the town’s economic future, highlighted by a visit from Chancellor Rachel Reeves to the AMRC’s COMPASS facility last month.
Mascot Management is contributing as delivery partner at the site, with director Jason Evans leading the factory fit-out. The company’s role includes construction management, safety governance and Principal Designer oversight to support the delivery of modern manufacturing space.
The visit reinforced the region’s rising national profile and the importance of high-quality industrial facilities that support innovation, skills development and long-term investment.
Mascot Management are working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to build on this momentum, supported by the £160m East Midlands Investment Zone launched in late 2024 to boost productivity and create high-value jobs.
EMCCA’s long-term vision places advanced manufacturing at the centre of regional growth, focusing on competitiveness, clean energy innovation and sustainable production.
A spokesperson during the visit said the region’s research strength, skilled delivery partners and strong local leadership provide “a powerful platform for innovation, investment and long-term competitiveness,” with the COMPASS facility highlighted as an example of the Midlands developing infrastructure to support the next generation of manufacturing.
NIBE is marking 20 years in the UK and Chesterfield in 2026.
Since establishing its presence in our town in 2006, the Chesterfield site has grown into a central hub for the company’s UK operations, supporting customers, partners and installers nationwide.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, NIBE’s global brand ambassador Freddie Ljungberg will visit the Chesterfield training centre in April to meet staff and installers and take part in training activities.
The milestone also highlights the company’s continued investment in skills and training. Its training centre equips heating professionals with the knowledge to install and maintain modern heating systems, supporting the growing demand for skilled installers as the UK moves towards lower-carbon heating.
Alongside professional training, NIBE continues to develop local talent and create long-term career opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
The company also supports local causes through fundraising and volunteering, reinforcing its commitment to the community.
Marking two decades in Chesterfield, NIBE said it remains focused on investing in people, supporting skills development and contributing positively to the town as it looks ahead to further growth.
