Chesterfield Champions showcase growth, talent and innovation across sectors
Our Chesterfield Champions continue to demonstrate the ambition and innovation that makes the town a strong place to work, invest and grow. From the launch of a new Japanese-inspired drinks brand by Global Brands, to continued expansion within the legal sector at Dawson Radford Solicitors and BRM, these latest updates highlight the organisations driving growth, creating opportunities and strengthening the local economy.
Global Brands launches new Japanese-inspired ASUKI liqueur into UK market
A new Japanese-inspired liqueur is set to make its mark on the UK drinks market, as Global Brands launches ASUKI.
Created for at-home social occasions, the 17% ABV liqueur has been developed in response to growing demand for Asian-inspired flavours, lower strength drinks and premium serves that can be easily recreated at home.
ASUKI launches with two variants – Yuzu Citrus and Cherry Blossom – both designed for simple spritzes, highballs and martini-style cocktails. The range aims to offer a modern alternative within the increasingly popular aperitivo and low-ABV category.
The launch comes as Asian flavours continue to rise in popularity in the UK, now valued at £14.6m and growing rapidly. At the same time, lower ABV liqueurs are outperforming higher strength spirits, reflecting a shift towards lighter, flavour-led drinks.
ASUKI Yuzu Citrus delivers a sharp, fresh citrus profile, while Cherry Blossom offers a softer, floral flavour. Both have been created for versatility, allowing consumers to make bar-style drinks at home with just a few ingredients.
The product’s design has also been developed with retail in mind. Its frosted glass bottle features subtle Japanese-inspired details, including patterns influenced by traditional gardens and seasonal motifs, aimed at boosting shelf appeal and gifting potential.
Craig Chapman, Head of Brand at Global Brands, said the launch reflects changing consumer habits, with more people seeking new drinking experiences at home and showing interest in Asian culture and flavour trends.
He added that the growth of the spritz occasion and demand for lower strength drinks presents a clear opportunity for a product like ASUKI.
The brand has been developed in collaboration with Clay Creative, with a focus on creating a premium yet accessible look and feel.
To find out more about Global Brands, visit globalbrands.co.uk
Award-winning commercial property lawyer joins Dawson Radford to lead new department
Chesterfield-based Dawson Radford Solicitors has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of award-winning commercial property specialist Ian Osborn as Head of Property.
Ian joins from Taylor Emmet Solicitors, where he was a partner in the Bakewell office, specialising in commercial property, agricultural and rural land matters. His move marks a return to the Chesterfield legal sector, having previously worked at Banner Jones Solicitors earlier in his career.
The appointment also sees him reunite with managing director Jo Dawson, who founded the firm in 2016. Alongside growing the business, she was recently nominated in the Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2025.
Ian brings a strong track record, having been named Sheffield & District Law Society’s Partner of the Year last year and previously leading a team recognised as Commercial Property Team of the Year in 2023.
At Dawson Radford, he will lead the development of a dedicated commercial property department, working alongside the firm’s established corporate team and advising on transactions where property plays a key role.
He said the role offered the opportunity to build and grow a department within an ambitious firm, adding that its Chesterfield base provides a strong location to support rural and agricultural clients across the region.
Jo Dawson said the appointment marks “an exciting new chapter” for the firm, creating an opportunity to expand its commercial property offering and grow a dedicated team.
Ian has previously advised on a number of high-profile deals, including the commercial lease for the Bottle & Thyme restaurant and bar at Chesterfield’s Elder Way development.
The appointment comes as Dawson Radford continues to grow, with further recruitment planned to support its expanding corporate law team.
To find out more about Dawson Radford Solicitors, visit dawsonradford.co.uk
Sheffield and Chesterfield legal firm BRM has strengthened its team with the appointment of two new solicitors as part of its continued growth.
Joe Creasor joins the corporate and commercial department, while Victoria Aldgate has been appointed to the residential conveyancing team. Their arrivals follow the recent appointment of Rob Johnson as a director in the firm’s contentious probate team.
The recruitment drive reflects BRM’s ongoing expansion across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.
Joe, who qualified in September 2024, previously worked at another Sheffield-based firm. He will support clients on a range of business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts and intellectual property.
He said he was attracted to BRM by its ambition and the opportunity to develop within a growing team.
Sarah Rowland, executive director and head of corporate, welcomed the appointment, saying Joe’s experience and approach to client relationships would further strengthen the team.
Victoria joins the residential property department, supporting clients with buying, selling and remortgaging homes. She began her legal career in 2018, qualifying as a solicitor in 2023, and has a particular interest in freehold transactions.
She said BRM’s strong reputation for client care was a key factor in her decision to join.
Stuart Taphouse, director and head of residential property, said her appointment would help the firm continue delivering a hands-on, supportive service for clients during what can often be a stressful process.
The latest hires underline BRM’s commitment to investing in talent as it continues to grow across the region.
To find out more about BRM, visit www.brmlaw.co.uk
Global Brands, Dawson Radford and BRM are a few of over 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.
