Chesterfield Champions Shorts have been part of the team of advisors, legal representatives and funders on the management buy-out of automotive aftermarket braking products specialists, Juratek Ltd.
Founded in 1995 Juratek Ltd supply high-quality automotive aftermarket braking products for both Light & Commercial Vehicles, from its head office in Doncaster (UK). The £16m turnover company employs 50+ people and distributes around the world. Existing shareholder Matt Robinson (Managing Director), Toby Whewell (Sales & Marketing Director) and Mark Clegg (Operations Director) have now taken full control after acquiring the remaining shareholding from outgoing Chairman Allan Hooks.
Andy Ryder (right), Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “It was a pleasure to assist Matt, Toby and Mark to complete the buy-out of a business which they have been key to driving over recent times.”
Matt Robinson said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Juratek Ltd and have exciting plans to continue the growth of the company both in the UK and overseas markets. The company has seen a sustained period of growth and transition in the past 5 years and we are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities open to us.”
He added: “I was keen for Mark and Toby to join me in the management buyout, between us we have over 70 years’ experience in the Automotive Aftermarket, yet we also retain the energy and passion needed to drive the company to even greater success.”
Allan Hooks said “I have seen Juratek grow and develop into a well-respected aftermarket company both in the UK and Europe. Its’ commitment to quality in all areas of its business remain paramount to its trading ethos. After 20 years with the company I believe it is time for me to hand over the reins to the management team led by Matt Robinson, in whom I have full confidence.”
Fellow Chesterfield Champions BHP also provided financial due diligence advice.
One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.
Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’
Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre. Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.
In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.
Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”
Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.
Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.
More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.
Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”
Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.
David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.
“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”
The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:
Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant
Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.
“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”
Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”
Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.
Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”
Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”
Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.
“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”
Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”
David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further. Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”
Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons
Jake Parkin
Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”
International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Cocina at Casa Hotel
Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”
Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Chesters
Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.
“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”
Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes
Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”
Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”
Conference Venue of the Year
Casa Hotel
Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”
Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”
North Derbyshire and Yorkshire’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, has appointed three partners – all who started their careers at the firm.
Rachelle Rowbottom, who joined BHP in 1998 following her A-Levels and now heads up the tax service line to the charity and not-for-profit sector, has been made a Tax Partner. Through her charity role, Rachelle is a Charity Tax Group Observer Member, meaning she regularly attends meetings with key players in the sector, attends conferences and can input into lobbying activities – placing her at the very forefront of legislative changes. Rachelle also acts for a portfolio of owner-managed businesses.
Kevin Davies, who has been with the firm since 2001 following a degree in Maths with Accounting at the University of Sheffield, has been promoted to Corporate Finance Partner. Kevin, who is based in BHP’s Sheffield office, has worked on some of the region’s highest profile deals including MBOs, disposals and acquisitions.
Paul Winwood, who joined BHP in 2006 after studying Economics at Newcastle University, has been appointed Partner and Head of Audit. Paul will continue to act for a growing range of SMEs and regulated clients, in addition to ensuring BHP is fully prepared for dealing with the technological and regulatory changes facing the audit profession.
Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rachelle, Kevin and Paul to BHP’s 33-strong team of partners and we’re especially proud that they are all homegrown talent!
“We see each individual as a major asset to the firm and this is well deserved recognition for their hard work and commitment.
“Not only do these appointments further strengthen core areas of the business, but they also showcase the growth and career progression opportunities we can offer at BHP.”
Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, added: “At BHP, we understand how important it is to nurture, develop and support employees to reach their full potential. Furthermore, we want to retain talent and skills as much as possible.
“This approach has always been central to our business model and our firm’s success.”
Earlier this year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 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 recently awarded Best Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards and recognised with the Community Award at the Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. BHP’s Audit team also scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards last month.
With more than 300 staff, over the last 10 years BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m. For more information about BHP click here.
From left to right – Rachelle Rowbottom, Paul Winwood, Lisa Leighton, Kevin Davies, Hamish Morrison
The shortlist has been announced for the 2019 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.
Organised by the area’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, the awards recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector.
Finalists have been shortlisted across 11 categories celebrating different aspects of the visitor economy – from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.
Categories also champion accessible and sustainable tourism, highlighting businesses who are setting an inspirational and influential example.
Shortlisted businesses will be mystery-shopped and rigorously-judged by an expert panel, with the winners announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.
All Gold award winners will be presented with a luxury engraved award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the area’s best tourism businesses.
In a further boost, Gold award winners from each category will also automatically progress into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Congratulations to our shortlisted businesses, who have successfully reached the final stage of our search for the best of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism industry.”
“We’re proud to be shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area, who are a great reflection of the quality and vitality of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire.”
“We look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony next year.”
Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery, said: “As a manufacturing business that is passionate about delivering success and promoting our wonderful area, C W Sellors is delighted to be once again working with the team at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire to deliver a unique design and production of their local business awards.”
In a political climate where Brexit seems to be dominating the headlines and creating economic uncertainty, I am pleased to report that Chesterfield continues to buck the trend.
We’re boasting some of the biggest developments in the region, including Markham Vale, HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort, and this feels the tip of the iceberg. There is huge opportunity for Chesterfield’s high street.
In a room packed with members of the business community, we heard how the regeneration of our high street is taking shape. Excitingly, footfall at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has increased by 36% over the last six months thanks to their use of social media.
I was stunned to hear that we are spending an average of 136 minutes a day scrolling through 300 feet of content on our phones. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV. While I don’t think I fall into this category, my adult children definitely do.
There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years which has been driven by our use of social media. But, as always, Chesterfield is ahead of the game. The town and its retailers are using their social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram, to engage with people and draw them not just to their business but to the town in general.
Partnership and collaboration have been at the heart of the town’s marketing campaign since we launched Destination Chesterfield in 2010. It’s reaping rewards for everyone – investors, residents, businesses and visitors. But there is still room for improvement.
If you are active on social media, then consider using it to help Chesterfield grow further. The next time you’re visiting Chesterfield town centre, ‘check in’ online to the businesses you visit. If you’ve had good service, leave them a review on their social media pages or on TripAdvisor. Share pictures of the many town centre events, food and drinks and tag Chesterfield in your post.
With a smart phone and a social media account at your fingertips, you can become an unofficial but valued member of the Chesterfield marketing campaign.
Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and the more people that know this will drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to help our high street to not only survive but thrive.
If you want to keep up-to-date with all the developments, news and events in Chesterfield on social media, then you can on Twitter (@chesterfielduk), Instagram (@chesterfielduk) and Facebook.
For National Work Life Week (7 – 11 October 2019), Essential Site Skills (ESS) took time to recognise their hard-working staff members and their families, as well as their strong belief in a modern working ethos.
As an award-winning, nationwide training provider, ESS promote a working culture where the passion that their business was founded on is visible. They constantly encourage their employees to continue their professional development within their careers, making a point to always listen and offer learning opportunities where possible.
Excessive working hours and a lack of flexibility can lead to a lack of productivity and an unmotivated, uncaring workforce. Ensuring employees are supported in their working week creates a positive outlook, engagement, motivation and a loyalty to the organisation.
ESS are big believers in helping to ensure their employees’ wellbeing is supported both at home and at work. The whole team embolden one another, encourage engagement and champion each individual success – both in and out of work.
Meet Client Sales Co-ordinator, Laura Wagstaff with two of her children, Bronte and Olan.
Laura said: “Working for ESS has been a breath of fresh air for me. I have never felt at ease asking to nip off to children’s school events or appointments and was always weighed down heavily with the guilt, worried that this would affect my progression at work. That is not ESS at all, all managers are so supportive of my home-life commitments which has meant that I can still have a fantastic career as well as being a mummy!”
Meet Training and Consultancy Manager, Michael Harcourt, spending some quality time with his daughter Mila.
Michael said: “Working for ESS has enabled me to spend time at home with my daughter when I’m not out training. This is a huge benefit for me and keeps me motivated to work hard for the company. Work life balance is a big part of the ESS ethos and is actively promoted by my line manager.”
Meet Training and Consultancy Instructor, Matt Fletcher with his two daughters Esme and Lily.
Matt said “Creating a balance between work and family time is so important. ESS have always supported me and I’m given the flexibility to manage my own training diary, so that I can be around for school plays, sports days, drop offs and pick ups. I really value this time with my children and wife. Your relationship with your employer is a two way street and I can honestly say, after the support I have received they will be repaid in my hard work and graft. That’s the key to a healthy and positive workforce, take care of them and they will give you everything back.”
Every team member at ESS has the opportunity to not only work flexibly, but also do what they enjoy, developing their learning with further training. ESS are a happy and forward thinking team; with a strong belief in the quality and integrity of the training delivered.
Click here to find out more about Essential Site Skills
The businesses shortlisted for the 2019 Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards have been revealed.
The awards honour the very best of trade and commerce in the area, as well as helping to recognise the outstanding contribution of local business leaders and entrepreneurs.
They have big-name backing, with Casa Hotels and Global Brands once again proud to be supporting the Derbyshire Times business awards.
A spokesperson said: “The awards allow local businesses to showcase their work and also encourage both well-established along with newer businesses to enter. We wish all nominees the very best of luck. ”
“Both Global Brands and Casa Hotels are committed to supporting the Derbyshire economy through both employment and investment. As a business we know that Derbyshire offers the very best in location, benefiting from excellent transport links to all parts of the UK.”
“We feel that this is one of the key factors that have enabled our businesses along with various other projects to flourish in this wonderful area and we are extremely enthusiastic about our continued work with local partners in promoting and strengthening the Derbyshire brand for the future.”
The shortlist includes:
Innovation Award:
Jane-Louise Photography UK
UK Asbestos Training Association
Community Contribution:
Bookworms
Men-Talk
Move with Mumma
Customer Service Award:
Casa Hotel
Dales and Peaks
Morley Hayes
O’Connor & Co Removals Limited
Apprentice of the Year:
Carrie Price – KT Hair Academy for NJUK
Megan Thompson – Van Dyk by Wildes
Millie Walker – Auto Windscreens/ Markerstudy Group
Independent Retailer of the Year:
Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
OhSoBoss
Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes
Leisure and Lifestyle:
Casa Hotel
Matlock Farm Park
Morley Hayes
Peak Edge Hotel, Red Lion Pub and Restaurant
New Business of the Year:
Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd
Jane – Louise Photography UK
O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd
Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes
Professional Services Award:
BHP
Dales and Peaks
Mortgage 1st
Shorts
Small Business of the Year:
Dales and Peaks
Dawson Radford Solicitors
Moss Valley Fine Meats
Recruit 2 You Ltd
The Accountancy Recruitment Group
Excellence in Manufacturing:
H D Sharman Limited
Moss Valley Fine Meats
Charity of the Year:
Fairplay
Nenna Kind
Business Person of the Year:
Jon Stones – Mortgage 1st
Peter Botham – Shed Grounds Maintenance Ltd
Tom Currey – Dales and Peaks
There are also three prestigious awards where the winners are kept secret until the night itself. These are the People Development Award, the Lifetime Achievement award and the Business of the Year award.
The 2018 Business of the Year award went to local charity Ashgate Hospicecare (above right).
The Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards winners will be revealed at a glittering gala celebration event at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, on Thursday 14th November 2019.
The 2018 winners and runners-up join together for a group photograph at the end of the awards ceremony.
Housebuilder Woodall Homes has partnered with the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon to give away prizes for this year’s winners and goodies for all runners.
Providing prizes to the fastest female and fastest male for the over 40’s, over 50’s and over 60’s groups, the winners will be presented with a £25 John Lewis & Partners voucher from a member of the Woodall Homes team.
The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is taking place on Sunday 20 October for the third year in a row in aid of main charity partner, Ashgate Hospicecare. The race will also support North Aston based charity, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
Dave Wood, Managing Director of Woodall Homes, said: “The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon makes a difference to the lives of so many in our community and as a proud local housebuilder, I am pleased to get involved with such a momentous local event.”
“We hope that the winners enjoy their well-deserved John Lewis & Partners vouchers and there will also be goodies from Woodall Homes in the runner’s packs.”
“On marathon day we will have a stand where anyone can come on down and speak to our knowledgeable Sales Director, George Gordon, who will be able to provide customers with information and answer any questions about our developments.”
Constructing a range of new housing developments across Chesterfield and its surrounding areas, Woodall Homes is offering homes in Bolsover, Brimington, Calow, Chesterfield, Newbold and Long Duckmanton.
Now closed for applications, the local community can support runners at Queen’s Park from 9:30am or those participating in the race can arrive from 8:00am.
For more information about the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, including road closures, route maps and race timings, click here.
Vine Hotels have renovated Ashgate Hospicecare’s Family Bedroom free of charge to ensure that families can stay together.
The Family Bedroom is now open for families and friends visiting patients on the ward. The newly renovated bedroom and en-suite provide a beautiful, homely, and comfortable space for families. It allows them to remain close to their loved ones at the hospice.
Julie Foster, Matron at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This fantastic project has only been possible thanks to Vine Hotels, who have gone the extra mile to help transform their local hospice.”
Vine Hotels have created a comfortable, restful and beautifully furnished space for families and friends visiting their loved ones here at Ashgate Hospicecare.
The Family Bedroom is incredibly important for our patients. It provides the calming reassurance that their families and friends are able to stay overnight at the hospice and are near to them. For families and friends, the Family Bedroom provides all the facilities required to ensure a very comfortable stay without having to leave the hospice, especially when time is most precious.
On behalf of everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare, thank you so much Vine Hotels for enabling us to provide the excellence in care that we strive for.”
Dawn Langan, from Hastings, knows how vital the Family Bedroom is to people. She said, “When my mum came into the hospice, I was really scared. However, as soon as I saw how well my mum was treated here, it completely changed my mind about hospice care. The fact that mum could have her own room meant that she was able to maintain her dignity right up to the end. We could go to the other family areas at the hospice to relax and make a drink and to give mum the privacy she needed.
Being able to use the Family Bedroom made a huge difference to us in my mum’s final days. My children and I were able to spend much more time with her, rather than worrying about finding somewhere to stay or having to come back and forth to the hospice when we didn’t know how long we had left with her.
The staff would always check on us and they even kept sandwiches aside for us so that we didn’t have to worry about getting food in the middle of the night. We were able to spend those last days making more precious memories with mum and those memories will always stay with us. I know that having a beautifully renovated Family Bedroom will make a world of difference to so many families going through the worst time of their life.”
Garin Davies, Chief Executive of Vine Hotels, which has five hotels and venues across Sheffield said: “Ashgate Hospicecare provides a vital service to lots of families and we wanted to be able to help in some way. We were pleased to be given the opportunity to lend a hand and refurbish the room. We know how important the facility is and wanted to ensure that Ashgate could enable families to stay together.”
To find out more about how you could support this project, call Ali, Capital Appeal and Partnerships Manager on 01246 567250 or email alison.ward-foster@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.
Yorkshire and North Derbyshire’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, has received national recognition for its work championing cutting-edge technology to improve financial reporting.
The leading regional firm, which has offices in Chesterfield, York, Sheffield, Cleckheaton and Leeds, scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards – run in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
The award recognises BHP’s market-leading use of data analytics in audit. BHP is one of the pioneers of AI software, Inflo, which offers clients previously unobtainable insight into their business.
Inflo mines 100% of data meaning improved fraud detection, enhanced insight into anomaly transactions, and better assurance over business processes for clients.
Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of this achievement.”
“While quality, added-value and proactive advice have always been central in our audit work, we’re now standing out in our market for how we’re transforming our audit process with AI technology.”
“Not only are we pioneering the use of data analytics with our clients and fundamentally changing BHP as a business in doing so, but the firm is going further to actively champion this technology in the mid-size sector to help improve industry standards across the board.”
BHP is quickly becoming a thought leader in this area, speaking at industry events, conducting webinars and writing articles, and BHP’s Data Analytics Manager has been approached to support with a research project commissioned by the ICEAW.
The team at BHP also share their knowledge and learning internationally and have presented at the Kreston European Conference.
The British Accountancy Awards 2019 took place at The Grosvenor House Hotel on 25 September. Hosted by Sean Lock, over 800 guests were welcomed to celebrate excellence, professionalism, and innovation in accountancy.
Not only do these awards recognise key achievements in the market from an accountants in practice perspective but they also recognise excellence with practitioners working across the industry. Smaller regional practices and individual excellence are also celebrated with multiple awards for each.
Earlier this year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 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 recently awarded Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Best Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards and recognised with the Community Award at the Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards.
With more than 300 staff, including 33 partners, over the last 10 years BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.
The University of Derby has been commissioned by one of the country’s most popular stately homes to measure its economic impact after agreeing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiative with Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
The partnership aims to provide the team at Chatsworth with the skills needed to accurately assess the effect that the estate, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and its commercial activities have on the region.
Under the terms of the partnership, the University will recruit a graduate associate with the required level of economic expertise in business analytics to work on the project for a two-year period. During their time working with Chatsworth, the KTP recruit will introduce and embed knowledge into their practice and processes.
The graduate associate, supported by two economics academics from the University of Derby – Dr Nicola Lynch and Melanie Powell – will create mechanisms for data collection and measurement to make it possible for the economic impact work to be done in-house, rather than having to hire external consultants, which has been done in the past.
Professor Carley Foster, Head of the University of Derby’s Centre for Business Improvement, is overseeing the initiative.
She said: “This is a really exciting project and a wonderful opportunity for the graduate that we recruit. Using their expertise, they will enable staff at Chatsworth to learn how they can measure the economic impact of its commercial activity in a standardised way. The task will be to develop data collection tools and templates, complete with user guides, which staff at Chatsworth can use to support their changing needs in the future.”
“This has the benefit of enhancing the skills and knowledge of current employees, something which can’t be gained by hiring external consultants. As well as aiding the professional development of the staff, it will help Chatsworth to evaluate its activity in-house all year round, which will give its staff greater control and ownership of that process.”
Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Everyone at Chatsworth is very aware of the fact that our future is intrinsically linked to the future of our local communities, employees, visitors, suppliers and partners. This awareness has been the driving force behind a new initiative called Our Commitment to Our Shared Future, which details 10 goals we will deliver over the next 10 years, including doubling the benefit to local economies from our organisations.”
“The insight that this partnership with the University of Derby will bring will be invaluable in helping us deliver this goal, and will provide the team at Chatsworth with new skills to make more informed decisions for the benefit of the Chatsworth House Trust charity, and our local communities, for many years to come. It is also an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the relationship we have with the University.”
The University of Derby signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust in 2018, pledging to work more closely together.
The University’s Chancellor is Lord William Burlington, son of the current Duke of Devonshire, who had himself been Chancellor for more than a decade before stepping down.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that our long and fruitful relationship with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust includes initiatives such as this Knowledge Transfer Partnership. To work together in practical ways was at the heart of our strategic partnership agreement.
“Our solution-focused approach is proving successful and we are delighted to have been selected to work with one of the premier tourism businesses in the country.
“Not only will this project provide valuable insights to Chatsworth and its staff, but it will provide a superb opportunity for the successful graduate to work alongside one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations with the support of University of Derby academics.”
The deadline for applications for the graduate associate post is Wednesday 16 October. Click here for more information about the project and applying for the post.
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