Chesterfield Champions strengthen teams and expand their services
Chesterfield Champions across Chesterfield and our wider region are making strategic moves to support long-term growth, strengthen expertise and create new opportunities for their teams and clients.
From employee ownership and leadership appointments to mergers that bring together specialist expertise, several organisations are taking important steps to build on their success.
BSP Consulting becomes employee-owned
Civil and structural engineering specialist BSP Consulting has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), transferring ownership of the business to its employees.
The award-winning firm, which employs 50 people across offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, says the move provides a strong foundation for its future while securing its position as an independent business.
The new structure gives employees a collective stake in the company’s success, with shares held by the Trust on behalf of current and future members of staff.
Day-to-day management and strategic direction will remain with the existing Board of Directors and management team, supported by a Board of Trustee Directors made up of members of the staff team.
Carl Hilton, Managing Director at BSP Consulting commented:
“This is an important milestone in the history of BSP Consulting and one that we believe provides an exciting opportunity for everyone within the business.
We have an incredibly talented group of people working at BSP, graduates and apprentices at the beginning of their careers to people who have developed their engineering careers through the business over many years. We have people with enormous technical experience alongside people who bring fresh ideas and different perspectives. This combination is what gives us our strength”
Banner Jones Solicitors strengthens its Care team leadership
Banner Jones Solicitors has appointed Director Jason Burnett to lead its specialist Care department as the firm continues to develop its services across North Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.
Jason joined the firm in 2022 and has played an important role in developing its Care services. His appointment will see him lead the department’s next phase of growth, with a focus on service development, training and mentoring opportunities.
A solicitor since 2008, Jason is a member of the Law Society’s Accredited Children Panel and is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in the UK Legal 500.
The appointment comes as Banner Jones celebrates its 14th consecutive year of recognition in the Legal 500, with its Family Law and Care team retaining its Tier 2 ranking in the 2027 edition.
Simon Wright, Chief Executive at Banner Jones, said:
“Jason has made an outstanding contribution to our Care department since joining the firm, and we’re delighted that he is now taking the lead in shaping its future.
He has been instrumental in developing the team, mentoring junior colleagues, supporting new talent and helping us strengthen our Care services across the region. His expertise, leadership and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families make him ideally placed to take the department forward.
With the team recently retaining its Tier 2 ranking in the Legal 500, this is an exciting time for Jason to take the helm, and we’re looking forward to seeing the department continue to grow under his leadership.”
Jason added:
“I’m incredibly proud to be taking over the leadership of our Care department and to have the opportunity to build on the strong foundations we’ve established.
It’s an exciting next chapter for the department, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve.”
SMH Group expands regional presence through Parkins merge
SMH Group has strengthened its regional presence after accountancy firm Parkins joined the group.
The Wickersley-based firm will now operate as SMH Parkins, continuing to support clients from its existing office with the same experienced team and established relationships.
The merger gives Parkins’ clients access to a wider range of specialist services across SMH Group, including commercial finance, corporate finance, financial services, residential mortgages and wills and probate.
For clients, day-to-day relationships, points of contact and service delivery will remain unchanged.
Jonathon Dickens, CEO of SMH Group, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Parkins into the SMH Group. They have a strong local reputation and share our commitment to providing clear advice and dependable support.”
The merger is part of SMH Group’s continued growth across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, bringing together established local firms while retaining the personal service valued by their clients.
BSP Consulting, Banner Jones Solicitors and SMH Group 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.
