Chesterfield Champions announce new appointments as businesses continue to grow
Businesses across our area are continuing to grow and invest in their teams, with several Chesterfield Champions announcing new senior appointments and strengthening their operations.
Paragon Products appoints new Managing Director
Family-owned business Paragon Products has appointed Jorden Clay as Managing Director as the Chesterfield-based business enters its next phase of growth.
The business specialises in supplying professional cleaning, hygiene and facilities management solutions to organisations across sectors including transport, education, facilities management, industry and the public sector.
Jorden, who previously held the role of Group General Manager, has almost 20 years’ experience across operations, finance, implementation and business transformation.
Over the past 18 months, Paragon has invested in its infrastructure, technology and people, including a new online ordering portal and improvements to its warehousing and transport operations.
The business has also strengthened its management structure, developed its own-brand proposition and improved its on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance to provide greater reliability for customers.
Alongside its operational growth, Paragon has reduced its carbon emissions by 50% and improved its EcoVadis sustainability rating from Bronze to Platinum.
As Managing Director, Jorden will build on this progress, with priorities including customer value, innovation, operational excellence and sustainable organic growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Jorden said:
“Our priority is clear: to build one high-performing team with the tools, capabilities and infrastructure to anticipate our customers’ changing needs and respond with confidence.
“As Managing Director, I am committed to turning this momentum into disciplined execution, stronger organic growth and lasting value for our customers, colleagues and partners.”
With a strengthened leadership team and operating platform, Paragon enters its next phase focused on sustainable growth, innovation and delivering measurable value for its customers.
BRM expands contentious probate team with Chesterfield solicitor
Law firm BRM has appointed solicitor Isobel Price to its contentious trusts and probate team, strengthening its presence in Chesterfield.
The team handles disputes involving wills, estates and inheritances across South Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
Isobel brings experience in agricultural inheritance disputes, Court of Protection matters and complex claims involving trusts and property ownership. She began her legal career at Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield before joining Chesterfield-based Spencers Solicitors and later training at Nigel Davis Solicitors in Ashbourne, where she qualified as a solicitor in 2023.
Isobel said:
“Joining BRM is an exciting opportunity for me to build on my experience, contribute to the firm’s impressive contentious probate team, and learn from experienced colleagues within a forward-thinking and supportive firm.”
Lewis Hastie, director of contentious probate at BRM, said:
“As a Chesterfield local, Isobel strengthens our presence in the town and enables us to support local clients even more effectively, while her experience acting for agricultural clients brings valuable additional expertise to the team.”
Isobel’s appointment is the latest in BRM’s ongoing recruitment drive.
Shorts strengthens audit team with appointment of new Audit Partner
South Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based accountancy firm Shorts Chartered Accountants has appointed Tom Dodd as Audit and Accounts Partner.
Tom joins Shorts from PwC, where he spent almost 13 years and progressed from Senior Associate to Director in 2021.
Based at Shorts’ Sheffield office, Tom brings experience advising businesses ranging from owner-managed companies to larger international organisations. He will work alongside the firm’s Audit team, supporting clients across a range of sectors and contributing to the firm’s continued development.
Tom said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Shorts at such an exciting point in the firm’s journey. Shorts has built a fantastic reputation for delivering high-quality advice whilst maintaining a genuinely people-focused culture, and those values strongly resonated with me. I am looking forward to working alongside the talented team here, developing client relationships and helping the firm continue its growth and success in the years ahead.”
Andy Irvine, Managing Partner at Shorts, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom to the partnership. His appointment represents a significant addition to our leadership team and further strengthens the depth of expertise we can offer our clients. Tom has an outstanding track record, having built his career with two highly respected international firms, and brings a wealth of experience that will benefit both our clients and our people.”
The appointment forms part of Shorts’ continued investment in its senior team and Audit and Accounts offering.
Paragon Products, BRM, and Shorts Chartered Accountants are among more than 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network.
