Business

Expansion for Markham Vale business

11th January 2020

An existing Markham Vale business, based in Waterloo Court, has grown since their initial investment and have acquired a second unit in Wilson Business Park.

Already well established at the site, the addition of the new unit enables Catering Projects to continue growing their business. The company design, supply and install high quality bespoke commercial kitchens and bars. Their works can be seen nationwide for big brand names such as the likes of Nandos, Wagamama’s, Wahaca and German Doner Kebab.

The continued business growth also means a growing workforce; the company have recently brought an apprentice administration assistant into the business from Chesterfield College and taken on a further three full time employees in the commercial team.

In addition to the above companies, other businesses based at Wilson Business Park include; Direct Track Solutions Ltd, GB Bespoke Joinery Ltd, Drill Store UK Ltd, Gradewell Ltd, Magpie Beauty Ltd, Switch Electrical Supplies Ltd, GlobeBusters, LTEK Systems and Shotblast Solutions Ltd.

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Derbyshire County Cricket Club apppoints Head of Talent Pathway

10th January 2020

Daryn Smit has been appointed Derbyshire County Cricket Club‘s new Head of Talent Pathway, with the aim of enhancing the number of local home-grown players progressing into the first team.

The 35-year-old will oversee players developing within the Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with The University of Derby, working closely with the Derbyshire Cricket Board and local clubs.

Smit will now transition into his off-field role, bringing his 16-year playing career to an end after making his last appearance for the club at Finals Day.

He already has experience working with developing players, having captained the Second XI side which saw Fynn Hudson-Prentice break through in 2019.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton said: “Daryn is a tremendous young coach and he has shown great leadership qualities throughout his work with the Second XI.”

“With this appointment, there will be more emphasis on the Academy and the long-term goal of developing local players to play professional cricket for Derbyshire.”

Smit added: “My goal was always to go into coaching and this is a brilliant opportunity for me, at this stage in my career. To finish playing now to take this role is a small sacrifice to make.”

“I have had a long and enjoyable playing career, the club have been brilliant to me, so this is a chance for me to give back to them and the youngsters that are coming through our pathway.”

Smit will now be tasked with increasing the number of Academy graduates playing professional cricket for Derbyshire and, potentially, England.

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

BHP announces record month for client wins

10th January 2020

The region’s leading accountancy firm, BHP, has announced a record month after winning 10 new clients worth nearly £500,000 in total.

The client wins, which include prestigious companies from the timber and flooring markets as well as the professional services and charitable sectors, are a reflection of the firm’s recent national recognition for the quality of its audit work.

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “We have seen a solid increase in demand for our services across the year but significantly in this last month.

“While we’ve been up against national firms, new clients have fed back that BHP’s approach and ethos have shone through and we’re particularly pleased to note a couple of private equity backed companies highlighting our rigorous audit approach as a decisive factor.”

In November 2019, BHP – which has offices in Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, Chesterfield, and York – scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards (below).

The award – run in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – recognises BHP’s market-leading use of data analytics in audit.

Lisa explains: “We continue to push forward with initiatives to further add value in our audits and lead with technology.

“It’s important to us that we don’t grow for growth’s sake and we continue to devote time to building those relationships we’ve already got – this has always been fundamental at BHP.

“If you focus on what clients need and continue to provide a great service then this will show through.”

In 2019, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times in their 100 Best Companies to Work For list – now in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally-celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

BHP was also awarded Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Best Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, while its Professional Services team were recognised by the Derbyshire Times Business Awards.

With more than 300 staff, over the last 10 years BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.

Click here to find out more about BHP.

In 2019, BHP scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Call for companies to enter contest for ERDF-funded student placement

9th January 2020

Local SME businesses can make a great start to the New Year by winning European funding and academic know-how to boost productivity and development.

The Productivity through Innovation (PtI) Scheme, funded through the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of Derby in collaboration with Nottingham and Nottingham Trent universities, is open to all small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area.

Up to nine companies will receive funding support to each take on a university graduate with the skills and knowledge to tackle a specific business project, such as product development and system design.

Academic support and access to university facilities, technology and other essential resources will also be made available to the businesses.

Successful completion of the 12-month Knowledge Exchange for Innovation placements, which must be part-sponsored by the successful SMEs to cover the cost of the students’ stipend – their basic salary – and travel expenses, will result in a full Industrial MPhil studentship for each of the graduates.

Sophie Beer, the University of Derby’s ERDF Project Manager, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for SMEs across the region to bring in new skills and knowledge, along with a fresh perspective to find solutions to a particular challenge or opportunity which could help transform their business.”

“This isn’t limited to any particular sector or market. It really is down to companies who would benefit from academic support and resources to work with us to clearly identify their needs and to find the expertise which will help them to achieve a specific business objective.”

The deadline to enter the scheme is 31 January 2020. Guidance notes and application forms are available by emailing Sophie at s.beer@derby.ac.uk.

Applications are particularly sought from, but not limited to, companies operating in the following sectors:

Rail
Life sciences and healthcare
Digital, software and cloud-based technology
Artificial intelligence
Smart Cities
Transport Equipment Manufacturing
Education

For more information please email Rob James, Corporate Communications Officer, r.james@derby.ac.uk or call 01332 591043.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home

Successful year for Markham Vale

9th January 2020

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

On Markham Vale North, two companies, Sterigenics and Protec International moved in to their brand new buildings. At the same time as those two buildings were erected, the construction team completed the construction of the Seymour Link Road creating new accesses. Several of the new business on Markham Vale North have expansion plans.

On Markham Vale East, Priority Space and the Hunt Group completed the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. factory and office unit on Greaves Close. In addition, there are a whole host of new companies that have moved in to the developer’s adjoining Wilson Business Park – including LTEK Systems, Globebusters and GB Joinery. Waterloo Court has also seen a flux of new occupiers – during the year Victor Marine Ltd, RB1 Ltd and Derbyshire Distillery moved to the site. Construction of another new industrial building is underway for Transcare 28 Ltd.

On the western side of the M1, an exciting and new development was started and completed all within the year. Developed by HBD, the brand new MV55 building is now available for immediate occupation.

2019 also saw further Walking Together figures installed as part of the Markham Mining Memorial – there are now 62 figures installed out of the 106 planned – and plans are already afoot to install more figures at two separate ceremonies during 2020. The achievements of the team behind the Walking Together and Story Mine website were also officially recognised with three awards.

Discussions are progressing with three further businesses that are considering Markham Vale as the place for their future business needs.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Banner Jones Solicitors partners with Chesterfield rugby club

7th January 2020

In celebration of its centenary anniversary this year, Chesterfield Panthers RUFC has purchased new 1919 replica shirts for its mini teams, thanks to sponsorship assistance from Chesterfield Champions Banner Jones Solicitors.

Based on Dunston Road, the club provides facilities for 18 teams, ranging in ages from 2-18 – including two dedicated female teams – each of which practice at the site twice a week.

The minis, which consists of seven teams who compete regularly against clubs across the Midlands region in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, debuted their new striking red-and-white striped shirts at their most recent games against Derby.

Being a non-for-profit organisation, the sponsorship from Banner Jones Solicitors will allow the club to invest its funds elsewhere supporting the day to day running of the club.

President of Chesterfield Panthers RUFC, Maria Allford, commented: “We are constantly looking to develop our facilities at Dunston Road to better support our players and the wider community and it is sponsorships like this which allow us to continue in this work.”

“Thank you, Banner Jones, our players are delighted with their new shirts, and we hope this is the start of a long partnership.”

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones added: “As a firm we are big supporters of grassroots sport and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to sponsor the new shirts. The core values of rugby are very close to our own and as such we will continue to support the club as best we can.”

“As Panthers is one of the largest rugby clubs in the local area, we think it is important that these facilities continue to strive, and we have everything crossed for another successful 100 years ahead!”

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure

Chesterfield chosen as home for new bridging finance company

7th January 2020

Following his departure from Banner Jones Solicitors in 2020, Chesterfield solicitor Chris Sellars has announced his new venture and it is to be based in the town.

In a bold move Chris has left the world of law to concentrate fully on his new business Bridge Help, a bridging finance company which provides short term loans for commercial property deals.

Established in late 2018 by Chris and business partners Andrew Parker and Sam Wood, the company is successfully filling a gap in the finance marketplace by providing short-term loans for property deals where High Street banks will not.

The company has grown month-on-month prompting Chris to make the decision last year to leave the legal profession after nearly 30 years and focus on developing Bridge Help further.

Bridge Help provides loans from £150,000 to £10 million and has ambitions to lend £100 million per year both direct to individuals and through a broker network.

Already it has provided finance for developments throughout the UK, including Sheffield, Dover, Dundee, York, Hornsea and Norfolk. Bridge Help is fast becoming known as one of the best and most competitive commercial lenders on the market.

Chris commented: “Leaving Banner Jones was an incredibly difficult decision to make but Bridge Help represents an exciting new chapter in both my professional and personal life. For 12 months the business was a side venture however, the level of demand from clients in that time has shown me the true potential of Bridge Help.

“Together with the team I have recruited, I have the opportunity to once again develop a company into a leading name in its field. I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

The company is based in offices on Hady Hill in Chesterfield and already 12, three of which are field based covering the UK. Plans are already in place for further recruitment in 2020.

He added: “I remain committed to my home town of Chesterfield. The town is an excellent central base for servicing projects we are financing throughout the UK.”

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Preparations in place for progress in Chesterfield during 2020

4th January 2020

There is an undercurrent of excitement in Chesterfield. The progress the town made in 2019 means we cannot escape the positivity we feel for 2020.

Forget Brexit and the General Election outcomes, I am proud to say the town has forged ahead with its plans regardless of the political uncertainty of recent years. And it shows.

This year we will see even more projects come out of the ground – Northern Gateway’s new innovation centre, and the office block and family housing being delivered at Chesterfield Waterside being just a few examples.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building at Chesterfield Waterside.

These developments send a clear message to local, national and even international investors and occupiers – Chesterfield is open for business regardless of the political uncertainties.

While many towns and cities chose to bunker down during the last recession, and even in the current climate of political uncertainty, Chesterfield purposefully chose to forge ahead with its plans, looking forward for ways to achieve growth for the town, rather than back.

That positivity is evident in all that has been achieved, and the plans we have for the town going forward in 2020 and beyond.

Did you know that more people are now employed in the businesses at Markham Vale than in its hey day as a colliery?

The brand new 55,000 sq. ft. industrial building at Markham Vale, MV55, is now available for immediate occupation.

Having successful major regeneration sites like Markham Vale and a council that is open to doing business, means that Chesterfield is now invited to sit at the same table as major cities. I’ve even heard Chesterfield referred to as a small city in investment circles.

We may not be a city, or even want to be one, but what we share with our larger counterparts is a vision to be a centre of success for residents, businesses and investors. There are no small town attitudes where the future of Chesterfield is concerned, there is only room for positivity.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

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

Superior Spas win top industry awards

3rd January 2020

Chesterfield based, Superior Spas, the UK’s largest importer and distributor of Hot Tubs, celebrated two major awards at the UK Pool & Spa Awards.

The awards acknowledged a company built on professionalism, motivation and customer service. The first award was the much coveted UK Team of the Year, which was followed by the prestigious Supplier of the Year, an award Superior have now been honoured to receive for the third time in the last 4-years.

The awards brings together the very best of the wet leisure industry and honour the outstanding work companies and individuals achieved throughout the year and 2019 was another standout year for Superior Spas.

Both awards showcase a fantastic company achievement within a very competitive UK industry.

Managing Director, Rob Carlin said, ‘I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all my team for the amazing work, dedication and commitment to Superior Spas. Rob continues, ‘2019 has been our best year on record for number of sales and development of the company. Our vision and success would not be possible without the outstanding team and customers we have. Gareth Ward, Sales Director of Superior Spas added, ‘we are immensely proud to win Supplier of the Year and Team of the Year. We couldn’t achieve these accolades without our great team and the support from our amazing partners across the UK’.

With a recorded breaking year coming to an end, 2020 looks set to be another outstanding year in the growth of Superior Spas, with the completion of a state of the art distribution centre and headquarters in Chesterfield.

2020 also sees the company portfolio increase, allowing Superior to offer more quality industry products that will further enhance the growth of the largest distributor network across the UK and advance further into Europe.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield training programme equips people for a career in construction

28th December 2019

Ten local people who want to carve a career in construction were celebrating recently after successfully graduating from a training programme at Chesterfield College. The programme gave them the qualifications and experience they need to secure a job in the industry.

The Pathways4Life programme, designed by national maintenance and refurbishment contractor company Fortem in 2005, was delivered in Chesterfield earlier this month in partnership with Chesterfield College, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme was driven by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning condition designed to ensure local residents and businesses can benefit from new investment and development in the town.

The 4 week programme, which gave many unemployed people the chance to retrain, was a mix of classroom lessons and work experience on local building sites. Participants graduated from the programme with an Asbestos Awareness Certificate, a CSCS card and valuable experience of working in a range of roles on building sites. Chesterfield College also helped the people on the programme to pass Level 1 qualifications in Employability and Health and Safety in a Construction environment.

Christian Smallwood, a participant on the course, said;

“It’s been really beneficial to be part of this. The skills and qualifications it has given us on top of the experiences we have had are fantastic. I’ve tried to get into the construction industry before but this time I feel like I have come away with people management skills too. I have learnt so much that I can take away into my next career.”

Andy Green, Regional Operations Director from Fortem explained why it was important for the organisation to develop and run training programmes like this.

“Our organisation has a genuine passion for leaving a legacy in the communities in which we work. Most of our work is on public sector projects and in social housing, so a lot of the people we engage with are in similar circumstances to the people who have come through the course today. Pathways4Life offers people a way into employment and that is why it is so important to us. We’ve equipped the people graduating from the programme with essential skills needed for a career in construction, and there could be opportunities for them on our sites in the future.”

Councillor Terry Gilby, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth from Chesterfield Borough Council said;

“As a council we are keen to support local people into local jobs and good careers through apprenticeships and training. When we receive a planning application for a large project it is fantastic to be able to work with developers, education partners and the Job Centre to give local residents the opportunity to get the skills they need. I am sure the people who have graduated from this programme will go on to good careers because of their experiences here.”

To find out more about courses available to help you get the qualifications you need to start a new career the Workskills team at Chesterfield College on 01246 500701.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Acquisition sees expansion for Aztec Oils

27th December 2019

Leading industrial lubrication specialist Aztec Oils has completed the acquisition of the lubricant, pre-packaged fuel and contract packing business of Multispec Limited (formally “Caldo Oils”), for an undisclosed sum.

North Derbyshire based Aztec Oils manufactures and distributes high performance lubricants to a wide range of industrial sectors and is fully committed to building long term relationships with its ever growing number of world-wide customers.

The terms of the acquisition will see Aztec procure Caldo’s manufacturing facilities in St Helens (Merseyside) along with distribution operations in Newton Abbot (Devon) and Rhuddlan (North Wales).

John Longstaff and John Warner from BHP Corporate Finance acted as lead advisors to Aztec Oils with tax advice being provided by Mark Cooper and Katherine Taylor. Andrew Fielder and Katie Ash from Banner Jones provided legal advice. Funding for the transaction was delivered by Matthew Chenery from Barclays Bank.

Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec commented “This venture really excites us. It gives us a great opportunity to develop our retail packaged range, offering both Aztec’s branded products, whilst at the same time growing our private label offering”.

John Longstaff, director at BHP Corporate Finance, commented, “we are delighted to have advised Aztec on this strategic transaction. Caldo is a perfect fit and I am confident that Mark and the team at Aztec will maximise the benefit of the opportunities afforded to the enlarged group.”.

Andrew Fielder, director at Banner Jones, commented, “this acquisition will enable Aztec to further expand its offering to existing customers, as well as reach into new markets, with new products and an increasingly impressive geographic footprint.

“We are pleased to have been able to support Aztec with its legal requirements throughout the transaction, and wish the company every luck for the future of the business as it continues to grow.”

Matthew Chenery at Barclays went on to say, “It’s great to see Aztec Oils going from strength to strength, demonstrating a real thirst for expansion and growth. We’re thrilled to be supporting this latest exciting acquisition which sets them up well to exploit future market opportunities”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Made in Chesterfield