Business

Celebrate Chesterfield Business Event a Sell Out

14th March 2016

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield event, being held at the Winding Wheel on Thursday 17 March, is once again a sell-out. 250 people, more than ever before, will be descending on the venue to learn about the exciting plans for Chesterfield in 2016 and beyond.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with The University of Derby, the town’s leaders will update the business community on the progress made with developments, including the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme, at the event.

Speakers at the event, which is sponsored by Central Technology and Markham Vale, include Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of the Borough Council, and representatives from University of Derby, Meter Provida and Central Technology.

Dr Peter Dewhurst will be speaking at the event ahead of the University of Derby opening its Chesterfield campus later this year. There will be live Tweeting from the event, which is taking place between 7.30am – 10.00am. Follow Destination Chesterfield on Twitter at @DesChes, to keep up-to-date with announcements as they happen.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Play on the Proact pitch

11th March 2016

Businesses, local football clubs and individuals are being given the opportunity to play on the pitch at Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are now taking bookings to give fans the chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

From corporate events and inter-company matches with colleagues, to charity events, or even a game between friends who fancy an upgrade on a public park, the Proact Stadium will be available on the following dates:

May 17 – 7pm kick-off
May 18 – 7pm kick-off
May 19 – 7pm kick-off
May 24 – 7pm kick-off

One of the first businesses to take part will be the Proact themselves, based in Chesterfield, following their participation last year.

Each organisation that books will get the chance of a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, including full use of the stadium’s playing facilities, from the dressing room to the players’ tunnel.

A match co-ordinator and referee will be provided by the club and entry to the Proact Stadium will be free for spectators, with each business that signs up given two complimentary footballs to use during the game – and keep as a souvenir.

The cost to ‘Play at the Proact’ is just £1,750 per time slot. Playing slots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 16 players per squad, and a non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due 30 days before the game.

To book, please contact Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses invited to share in success of young entrepreneurs at the Winding Wheel

11th March 2016

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to show their support for local students at the Area Final of the Young Enterprise Company Competition.

Taking place on Tuesday 22nd March at the Winding Wheel, the event will celebrate the achievements of pupils from schools and colleges across North Derbyshire; all of whom have been running their own company over the past academic year, with support from local business advisers and teachers.

Finalists will compete for a number of awards during the evening – from Best Presentation to Overall Winning Company, as well as the opportunity to represent North Derbyshire at the County Final – taking place at The Roundhouse, Derby College on 25 April 2016.

Given the task of presenting for four minutes on their company achievements and experiences, each team will be assessed by an independent panel of judges including representatives from 2 local businesses – BRM Solicitors and North South Training. The range of products and services designed and created by finalists will also be on display.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the event, Steve Taylor, Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board said:-

“Our young people reveal so much potential and capability through the Young Enterprise Company Programme and so it’s fantastic that we are able to recognise this at the annual Area Final.

“The active involvement of volunteers from business and the local community is fundamental to Young Enterprise’s mission to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. It is our volunteers’ enthusiasm, knowledge and real life experiences that enrich the learning for students, bringing to life the world of work and preparing them for an enterprising future. I hope that lots of local businesses will join us at the Winding Wheel on 22nd March.”

The Young Enterprise Area Final begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22nd March with a complimentary drinks reception and an opportunity to look around the trade stands and talk with the competitors about their experience.

To confirm your attendance please email Steve Taylor – Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board at steve@startfp.co.uk

(Image shows the winners of the 2015 Young Enterprise Company Competition Area Final – students from Tupton Hall School who created a successful nappy cake business called Tantrum Baby Products)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Gill Lewis highly commended at Enterprising Women Awards

10th March 2016

Gill Lewis, Company Secretary at The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) in Chesterfield has received the accolade of ‘Highly Commended’ in The Female Employee of The Year category at the Enterprising Women Awards 2016.

Facilitated by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicester, Nottinghamshire) the ceremony at Shearsby Bath, Leicestershire hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson, was a celebration of the most talented women in business across the three counties. UKATA were one of only three companies to be shortlisted from the Chesterfield area.

The award recognises Gill’s commitment and passion in supporting UKATA. Gill said: “I was shocked to find out I had been nominated for this award, but to receive the honour is extremely flattering.”

Gill was joined by General Manager, Craig Evans at the Award Ceremony in Leicester, Craig commented: “Such a fantastic event, where unsung heroes were recognised for their achievements. Gill deserved to be in the finals, and I am very proud of her success”.

UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) actively promotes asbestos awareness, to include the dangers of working with the substance and health threats associated.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Expanding team at Handelsbanken Chesterfield

10th March 2016

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new member of staff in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Nicola Rodgers joins the fast-growing relationship bank, with 17 years of banking experience. Nicola will be involved in the operational side of the branch, supporting and serving existing customers, as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

Nicola’s recent banking experience has been in credit documentation – skills that will be put to full use in Handelsbanken’s decentralised branch model. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Nicola commented: “I am delighted to have joined Handelsbanken Chesterfield. What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on close personal relationships with its customers, its reputation for high levels of service and its traditional values. I have joined a team of experienced bankers who have the power to make decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch.”

To coincide with Nicola’s appointment, Claire Leach has also moved into the role of individual banking manager in the Chesterfield Branch she helped establish in 2012. Her new appointment supports the demand for Handelsbanken’s individual banking services in and around Chesterfield.

Claire commented: “We offer our customers a bespoke banking and mortgage service, provided to them by experienced and CeMAP qualified bankers. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to support the growth of our business in Chesterfield.”

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Nicola to the Chesterfield branch team. Her appointment has given Claire the opportunity to undertake her first account manager role, and means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both our existing and new customers in and around Chesterfield, whilst maintaining the high level of service for which we are renowned.”

(Image shows Handelsbanken Chesterfield team L-R: Nicola Rogers,Fraser Kirkman, Phil Walker, Claire Leach, Andy North, Cheryl Scothorne)

Posted in Business

Study into the benefits of HS2 for Chesterfield approved

9th March 2016

A £300,000 grant through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership will aid feasibility studies looking at proposed HS2 sites in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and how they can best benefit the local economy.

Phase Two of the planned national high speed railway, HS2, will create a track running up from the West Midlands, before splitting into western (towards the North-West) and eastern lines. The eastern line will pass through the D2N2 area; with a proposed East Midlands ‘hub’ at Toton and a major maintenance depot at Staveley, near Chesterfield, before the track continues to Sheffield and the North-East.

The Phase Two route is due to be confirmed by Government this autumn (2016). Trains would not operate on it until 2033 at the earliest, on the current project timetable.

D2N2 has approved funding for feasibility studies looking at both the Toton and Staveley HS2 plans, to see how the maximum economic benefit could be gained for the area from this national rail project.

A £45,000 grant will fund research into the Staveley maintenance depot; which will be responsible for maintaining tracks, bridges, tunnels, signalling and overhead power supply for HS2’s entire eastern line (Birmingham to Leeds). It’s estimated the site could support around 540 jobs directly and a further 700 indirectly, through supply chains.

The work (consultants for which have yet to be selected) will:

help develop the wider HS2 masterplan, particularly its wider regeneration ambitions;
identify the road links which the depot will need to connect it to the local area;
alongside education providers, promote the case for a local rail training facility to act as a secondary site linked to the proposed HS2 College campuses at Birmingham and Doncaster;
increase awareness among north-east Derbyshire businesses of the opportunities HS2 represents.

The remaining D2N2 study funding will be used to look into the feasibility of creating road and tram links, which would connect the proposed East Midlands hub at Toton with other important sites, to provide a more integrated transport network for passengers. This will include:

the feasibility of NET tram extensions to Toton’s HS2 station and beyond (study to be led by Nottingham City Council’s NET team);
updating of the traffic model for the hub area (to be led by Highways England);
a study looking into tram-train links (to be led by Network Rail and Nottingham City Council’s NET team).

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our IIB board members set aside funds for feasibility studies some time ago, realising that where there is a chance for significant economic gain, investment in further study would be needed.

“The HS2 project represents an enormous opportunity for the D2N2 LEP area. We want to make sure we’ve investigated any practical means of taking full advantage of that, to grow the economy and create jobs.”

In his Comprehensive Spending Review last November (2015), Chancellor George Osborne awarded £1.25million to the D2N2 LEP, to develop a growth strategy for the proposed HS2 hub at Toton. In his previous July Budget, the Chancellor had agreed £5million to develop Midlands Connect – the cross-region co-operation between Midlands’ LEPs, local authorities and businesses – to integrate the region’s transport networks, which will also include work on HS2 development.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Local specialist appointed to senior role at Mitchells

4th March 2016

FCCA Chartered Accountant and motor trade specialist, Rob Bray has joined the team at Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

Rob (31) from Walton in Chesterfield, is the latest in a series of senior appointments to join Mitchells following its business growth over the last 12 months.

He joins from a local accountancy firm and brings considerable experience in the motor trade to his new senior corporate manager role. He has both worked directly in the motor industry himself as well as advising garages and dealerships, on finance, industry regulations and commission structures.

In addition to the motor trade, Rob brings extensive knowledge of business within the local area having worked closely with businesses throughout Chesterfield, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire for more than 10 years.

He commented: “I am delighted to join the team at Mitchells. The firm has excellent relationships with the big finance houses, which is critical for motor traders and businesses looking to grow. Cars are my passion, so I am particularly pleased that I will be working so closely with existing and new motor trade clients, as well as those across the board, helping them operate more efficiently and competitively.”

Rob joins Mitchells’ 40-strong team of professionals, one of the largest and longest established in the area. His appointment follows shortly after that of Hari Mehta who joined at the end of last year as the firm’s auto enrolment expert.

Richard Trueman, managing partner of Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rob on board. He represents a significant step forward in our drive to further strengthen our senior corporate management team. Our clients want tailored industry-specific advice and solutions for their business and we have the senior team in place to provide this. We are keen to expand the team further and are actively recruiting at all levels throughout 2016.”

Mitchells has enjoyed a period of impressive growth in the last 12 months, which has seen the appointment of two new partners, and the appointment of six new members of the team.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Securing the best devolution deal for Chesterfield and Derbyshire

4th March 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council has voted to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London – on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport – transferred down to a local level.

At a special council meeting held on Thursday 3rd March, councillors confirmed that entering a deal will mean absolutely no changes to Chesterfield’s geographical boundaries with the town remaining firmly part of Derbyshire. Those councillors will also continue to control the running of all the services Chesterfield Borough Council is currently responsible for.

The additional devolved powers will be managed by a combined authority, which is made up of a group of councils, which will be led by an elected mayor. Chesterfield is applying for an equal seat at the table of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. This builds on the strong relationships that have already delivered significant investment in Chesterfield from the Sheffield City Region.

The decision by Chesterfield’s councillors starts a process that will include a full period of public consultation – likely to be in late spring or early summer – ahead of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government making a decision, anticipated to be in the autumn.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m Chesterfield born and bred. If you cut me open I would have Chesterfield written on one side and Derbyshire on the other.

“So from day one I have been very clear that this is not about us moving anywhere as some people have claimed. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will always be a Derbyshire town. Changing that has never been on the agenda and it never will be.

“This decision has been about what is going to be best for our economy and will most benefit our residents and businesses.

“It’s about creating jobs opportunities for young people who tell me they are desperately struggling to find work. It is about supporting the Chesterfield businesses who tell me that they want to expand but need staff with the right skills to do so.

“And it’s about giving our town an equal say at a table where £900 million is being handed out over the next 30 years.”

Three other Derbyshire councils – Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales district councils – are applying to join the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority as non-constituent members.

They have also decided to be full members of a similar North Midlands Combined Authority formed of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils, Derby City, Derbyshire County Council and around half of the Derbyshire district and borough councils.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also decided to apply to become a non-constituent member of the North Midlands Combined Authority.

This partnership is currently negotiating with government for a devolution deal that would also see powers come down from Government to be managed by a combined authority led by an elected mayor.

Councillor Burrows added: “I am in the unique position of being the only council leader to have been involved in negotiating devolution deals for both the North Midlands and Sheffield City Region areas.

“I’ve read every document on the subject and sat in the meetings here and in London. So I’ve heard every argument for and against both devolution deals and in all that time I’ve been looking for what is best for Chesterfield and Chesterfield alone.

“After hearing all the issues at the debate I came to a clear conclusion that this deal is in the best interests of Chesterfield. That view was shared overwhelmingly by councillors of all the three political parties represented on the council, who decided this is the deal we should put out to public consultation.

“What is on offer is so great that it would be reckless and gambling on the town’s future to walk away and not seek any devolution powers.”

Residents can view the report which has all the details considered by councillors at the meeting by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk and clicking on the devolution button at the bottom of the page. Paper copies can be seen at Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Amber Plastics Completes Management Buy Out

3rd March 2016

Chesterfield-based manufacturer Amber Plastics has completed a Management Buy Out led by Tony Bunting for an undisclosed sum, which has secured 40 jobs at the Sheepbridge manufacturing facility.

Funding to support the deal has been provided by RBS Invoice Finance and Royal Bank of Scotland and was overseen by Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors.

Tim Leeman, partner at Mitchells Chartered Accounts and Business Advisers said: “It is particularly pleasing that the MBO has been wholly managed by Chesterfield-based organisations, showing that the town has the skills and resources to successfully complete deals of this size.”

Established in 1978, Amber Plastics is one of Europe’s leading rotational moulders. Located on Broombank Road on Chesterfield Industrial Estate the business employs 40 staff. Tony Bunting has purchased the business from Derrick Round who will continue to work with the business in a consultative role. Tony Bunting originally joined the business in 1987 as a machine operator progressing to the role of General Manager three years prior to the MBO.

Amber Plastics has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, securing contracts in the domestic and overseas motorhome, health and construction markets. Tony Bunting is focused on driving growth further and has put in place a three-year plan which will see staff numbers increase by more than 25%.

A team of Chesterfield-based advisors and funders have supported the deal. RBS Invoice Finance represented by Kevin Burrows has provided a working capital facility which has released funds to assist the purchase of the business. This will also support ongoing cash flow requirements and the firm’s future growth strategy. The Royal Bank of Scotland’s banking team led by Simon Bellamy has also secured the day to day banking needs of the company. Tim Leeman from Mitchells Accountants and Business Advisers and Sarah Rowland from BRM Solicitors also advised on the completion of this transaction.

Tony Bunting, Managing Director of Amber Plastics, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure all jobs within the company as part of the purchase. Having managed the business on the ground since 2013 as General Manager, as well as worked alongside many of the team over the last 29 years, I know Amber Plastics is a strong position. It is both successful and profitable. Through the funding we have in place with RBS together with the team of advisers at Mitchells, the business is now committed to growing production to pre-2008 levels and significantly increasing the workforce over the next three years.”

Tim Leeman added: “As Tony has been effectively running the business for three years he was the perfect purchaser. Together we were able to provide detailed information to enable RBS Invoice Finance to make a funding decision. It has been a seamless change of ownership and one that sees the business remaining owner-managed.

Kevin Burrows, Commercial Business Development Manager at RBS Invoice Finance said: “We are delighted to support Tony with the successful completion of the MBO and support a local business. Tony has been part of Amber Plastics for a number of years and played a key role in the management team’s recent growth strategy. He is committed to continuing the firm’s success and building the reputation of Amber Plastics across the UK. I am delighted to support them and work alongside a team of Chesterfield advisors on the deal. In particular I worked very closely with Mitchells and together we recognised an appropriate funding structure which would suit Tony the best. The working capital facility in place has reduced the need for additional debt funding and provided a flexible facility that will support his future growth plans.”

Sarah Rowland, Head of Company Commercial at BRM Solicitors said: “Amber Plastics have been a BRM client for many years. My colleague Anna Cattee and I were pleased to advise them in this deal, and wish the company a successful future.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Still time for Derbyshire businesses to join free Healthy Workplaces scheme

2nd March 2016

More Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to sign up for a free health and wellbeing support programme which is tailored to the needs of each individual organisation.

Since it launched in July, Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire has worked with more than 40 local businesses, which together employ over 30,000 people, to help employees to get fitter, healthier and happier.

The Healthy Workplace teams offers one-to-one help and support in areas including:

Assessing an organisation’s current situation and highlighting key areas for change
Supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace
Putting in place long term solutions for preventing ill health
Developing strategies and action plans for making improvements
Providing information on local services
Providing advice and support on mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity, stop smoking support and alcohol and substance misuse
Offering training opportunities

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said:

“Making sure that employees are healthy and happy is an important function of any business.

“The Healthy Workplaces programme offers innovative solutions for employers who want to create a healthy and engaged workforce and also signposts onto other health and wellbeing projects such as the Heart of Derbyshire healthy eating options scheme.

“We would encourage anyone who has a business in Derbyshire to get in touch and see how our team can help.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is just one of the organisations working with the Healthy Workplaces team.

Sarah Cooper, HR Advisor at the hospital, said:

“We’ve worked closely with the Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire team to create a healthy and more engaged workforce.

“The team supported us to enable staff to access local weight management services and develop our range of physical activity sessions.

“In addition they have provided guidance to enable us to obtain the Gold Standard for the Heart of Derbyshire award so we can all benefit from a range of healthy meal options in our canteen – Café @ the Royal.”

Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire is free to join for all businesses within Derbyshire County Council boundaries (excluding Derby City).

Find out more about Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire at www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Further growth for Handelsbanken

2nd March 2016

Handelsbanken in Chesterfield has reported an encouraging start to the year following another year of growth for branches across the UK.

Thanks to the loyalty of its local branch customers, the 144-year-old bank has revealed an 11 per cent rise in lending to British customers (in quarter 4 2015 compared to quarter 2014). Over this period, UK business lending increased 8 per cent, to £10.36 billion, while lending to personal banking customers rose 17 per cent, to £5.09 billion. UK customer deposits increased 13 per cent over the same period, to £8.69 billion.

Run by a team of 6 experienced local bankers, Handelsbanken Chesterfield is one of 206 British branches, stretching from Inverness to Truro, Colwyn Bay to Canterbury. Handelsbanken puts this continuing growth, including 19 new branches announced in 2015, down to a clear, long-term focus on customer satisfaction, prudent banking and cost efficiency. This local, customer-led approach has seen the bank rated top for satisfaction and loyalty for the last seven years, in an independent annual survey of British banks’ personal and business customers. The focus was also recognised in the government-backed Business Banking Insight survey, published last month, where Handelsbanken received the highest customer ratings across all sizes of SME designated by the survey.

Phil Walker, manager of Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch commented: “It’s been another successful year for Handelsbanken and that has been replicated here in Chesterfield. New individual and corporate customers continue to join us, often on recommendation from our existing customers, who appreciate the personal banking relationship they have with their local branch.”

Anders Bouvin, Handelsbanken’s UK Chief Executive, comments: “We know that having a local presence in the communities we serve is important to our customers. They value a personal relationship based on trust and responsibility, being able to talk to a decision-maker who knows their circumstances, which is a vital part of our traditional banking model. We aim to complement, rather than replace this, with our digital services.”

Businesses and individuals can contact Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch by calling 01246 231750 or by visiting the branch office at Spire Walk, Chesterfield.

Posted in Business