Business round-up: partnerships, appointments and awards

By Alex Baddley - 6 February 2026

Chesterfield College Group to become strategic partner of Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has announced that Chesterfield College Group will join as a new strategic partner.

Chesterfield College Group collaborates with hundreds of employers across the region, ranging from micro-businesses to large multinational organisations. The College has been rated Good by Ofsted, with an Outstanding grade for teacher training provision, and has won multiple awards for its accountancy training. In 2026, it will further expand its facilities with the opening of a new £10 million Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Building.

As a strategic partner, Chesterfield College Group will engage with East Midlands Chamber members across the region and contribute its expertise to policy discussions when political leaders meet with the Chamber.

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said:

“Further Education is an essential component in supporting provision of a skilled workforce for the future and Chesterfield College Group has built strong connections with business in Derbyshire and the East Midlands.

“I’m pleased to welcome Chesterfield College Group as a strategic partner, where I’m certain our shared goals of bringing employers and educators together to achieve growth will make for valuable collaboration.”

Chesterfield College Group Principal and CEO Julie Richards said:

“East Midlands Chamber’s insight into what businesses need and the importance they place on further education and prioritising skills to best equip the workforce of tomorrow, aligns perfectly with the College’s vision of empowering people through education, where individuals grow and communities thrive.

“We are excited for all of the opportunities this partnership will open for our students and apprentices as well as the business communities we serve.”

Shorts appoints Tom Wotton as Tax Director

Accountancy firm Shorts, with offices in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Wotton as Tax Director, effective Monday 26 January 2026.

Tom’s arrival strengthens the firm’s Tax Advisory team, increasing its leadership to four tax partners and five tax directors. His appointment further enhances Shorts’ ability to deliver high‑quality tax advice to its growing client base and supports the continued development of the Tax Advisory team.

Tom brings significant experience from previous senior roles, having advised a wide range of businesses and their owners. His expertise will be invaluable in supporting Shorts’ clients and expanding the firm’s tax advisory capabilities.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom said:

“I am excited to join Shorts at such a dynamic time for the firm. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the Tax team and working closely with colleagues and clients to deliver robust and forward‑thinking and proactive tax advice.”

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner at Shorts, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Tom to the firm. Tom’s appointment demonstrates our continued investment in high-calibre people and our commitment to providing outstanding service to our clients. Our tax advisory team is having a very busy year at present and the whole firm plans to grow further. His broad and high levels of experience will be great assets to the team.”

This appointment is the latest example of Shorts strengthening its specialist advisory services. As a firm that is proud to retain its independent status, Shorts remains committed to investing in highly qualified talent to service their clients. See shorts.uk.com

Peak Edge Hotel achieves near five-Star quality score

Local venue Peak Edge Hotel, has achieved an AA Quality Score of 85% following its latest AA overnight inspection – a level of performance typically associated with five-star hotels and placing it among the strongest-performing four-star hotels in the UK.

The independent assessment also reaffirmed the hotel’s Four Star AA Silver Award, alongside Two AA Rosettes for its Red Lion Restaurant, recognising excellence across hospitality, service, bedrooms and food.

The AA Quality Score sits at the top of the four-star category and above the national average, reflecting consistent performance across hospitality, food, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Inspectors praised the Peak Edge team as “wonderful, confident, friendly and attentive,” noting that the hotel offers a “memorable stay.”

Food was highlighted as a particular strength, underpinned by Peak Edge’s close connection to Walton Lodge Farm Estate, a Red Tractor certified working farm and home to the hotel’s owner, Steve Perez. The estate supplies rare breed meat, eggs, herbs, honey, and seasonal fruit and vegetables to the hotel and restaurant, reinforcing a genuine field-to-fork approach that is rooted in Derbyshire provenance rather than trend.

The inspection also recognised Peak Edge’s ongoing investment in the property, including a custom walk-in wine cellar from Sorrells, with further bedroom and bathroom upgrades planned. Bedrooms, public areas, and grounds are well maintained, and the hotel’s peaceful countryside setting enhances the overall guest experience.

Mark Thurman, Managing Director at Peak Edge Hotel, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of this result. The AA inspection is a rigorous, independent benchmark, so achieving an 85% Quality Score and reaffirming our Silver Award and Rosettes is a real credit to our team. It reflects the standards they deliver every day, while continuing to invest in the hotel and our food story for the long term.”

Located in a prime position, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Peak Edge Hotel is a four-star countryside retreat known for its relaxed, welcoming style, strong food credentials and deep-rooted connection to local land, producers and place.

For more information, visit peakedgehotel.co.uk.