Chesterfield-based company Valve & Process Solutions celebrated two milestones this month: doubling their annual turnover and doubling their space by taking on a new building.

The firm, which provides flow control products to the process industry and was founded in 2005, has taken on an additional 1900 sq foot warehouse next to its existing building, increasing its footprint two-fold. This follows the announcement made by Founder and Managing Director Steve Pearson, stating that the business’ annual turnover has doubled in the last twelve months from £1.5m to £3m, driven by an increase in exports to meet worldwide demand.

Steve commented: “Three years ago, when we moved into our existing unit, our business employed 4 people and now we have a team of ten.”

“And in the past 18 months we’ve moved from doing no international business whatsoever to doing business in 28 countries. It’s a huge testament to our engineers’ knowledge and experience in real-world solutions: customers come to us for advice and to solve challenges.”

“We’re thrilled to announce our doubling in turnover and expansion into additional space to enable VPS to further grow and continue to meet UK and international demand.”

Valve & Process Solutions supplies individual products, and builds ready-to-use, combination solutions for customers’ specifications. VPS is a supporter of The 2018 Year of Engineering – a national campaign to inspire the next generation of engineers and widen the pool of young people who join the profession.

The University of Derby, Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust are to work together to generate new opportunities for students, and to benefit visitors to Chatsworth and local communities across the county.

A strategic partnership agreement has been signed by University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor and son of the Duke of Devonshire.

The agreement paves the way for students to take up a variety of work and volunteer placements at the stately home, to stage events there and deliver agreed activities.

Professor Mitchell said: “This agreement is an important and exciting development for the University of Derby, and builds upon the very positive relationship we have had with Chatsworth over many years now.”

“As the county’s only university we aim to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We want to open doors to opportunities and experiences for our students and our local communities.!

“We also want our students to become game-changers in their chosen areas of study and career, and this partnership will help to raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential to succeed.”

The agreement identifies opportunities for students to work, volunteer and study at the world-renowned visitor attraction in a range of roles, developing their skills in a busy working environment, such as the kitchens of the Chatsworth restaurants. Students will also undertake business development projects; applying their skills and knowledge to challenges and opportunities. The potential to connect learning and Chatsworth is immense, including business, humanities, hospitality, tourism, engineering and the environment. Students will be able to take up work placements and internships of up to 12 months, or carry out industry-led studies and projects at Chatsworth.

The University will also collaborate with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust on marketing and promotion campaigns, funding bids, a plan which identifies the region’s learning and employment requirements, and to work more closely with deprived communities in the county.

University Provost (Academic), Professor Malcolm Todd, said: “As a TEF Gold university we want to offer the best possible educational experience for our students, with the aim of ensuring that, when they complete their course, they have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.”

“Many of our students will now have the chance to develop those skills by working alongside the expert Chatsworth team, contributing to the day-to-day operation of a very successful business with a world-renowned brand.”

“Working in partnership, the University of Derby and Chatsworth will provide an academic experience which is unique in the UK.”

Lord Burlington said: “As Chancellor of the University of Derby I have seen first-hand what incredible energy the University puts in to delivering value for its students, and at Chatsworth we are proud to be formally recognised as a suitable partner in this objective.”

“Through activities that also include the Devonshire Educational Trust, the three organisations have exciting plans to improve learning and employment opportunities right across the region and I hope that this Strategic Partnership Agreement will have a positive impact for years to come, not only for students but for visitors and local communities too.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor, signing the agreement at Chatsworth House. Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

Following a lengthy interview process, Chesterfield FC has appointed Lesley Brentnall and Alison Richardson as Associate Directors.

The pair, who are both from Chesterfield and lifelong supporters of the club, will attend board meetings and work on various initiatives.

Lesley, who is Department Head of National Sales for Biffa PLC, specialises in business transformation projects and customer excellence. Commenting on her new appointment, she said: “I’m very honoured to have been given the opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Alison to help build bridges between the board and the fans.”

Alison is self-employed with a background in business strategy, leadership development and business change, across a wide range of organisations. She is looking forward to her new role, saying: “It’s a way to merge my love of football with my interest in business. I’m really excited at the prospect of making a difference and adding some value to the club.”

Chairman Mike Warner admitted that the board had a very difficult decision to make when selecting the associate directors. He said: “All the candidates we interviewed were of a very high calibre so we were faced with a tough choice.”

“In the end, we felt that the skills and experience Lesley and Alison have to offer were what we needed to help improve the running of the club. I am looking forward to working with them both and receiving their valued input. I would like to thank all the other short-listed candidates for taking the time to apply and attend interviews.”

The Garden Secret Spa located in the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has opened their new spa terrace.

On Friday The Garden Secret Spa announced the opening of the first section of the phase two spa build. Opening in June 2018, the spa is still in its infancy. In August 2018 the spa was awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide, the first of which to be awarded within Derbyshire.

The latest announcement is the Spa Terrace development. The terrace wraps around the side and front of the spa, allowing guests access straight from the pool hall out into the gardens. Incorporating heaters and blankets it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with a hot chocolate and watch the autumn leaves fall.

The terrace is the first step in bringing the spa into the gardens and there are more plans for this already award winning spa.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

For further information on The Garden Secret Spa, call 01246 284750.

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) marked a decade of excellence in 2018, with another success story announced in October.

Craig Evans, who was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association in July 2018, has been announced as a finalist for Business Person of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

Craig is no stranger to business awards, in 2016 as General Manager for UKATA, Craig was shortlisted for The Derbyshire Times Business Awards and went on to win Business Person of the Year. Winning the award, gave Craig further encouragement and even more determination to push himself and the association forward to where it stands today.

Craig Evans said: “I was delighted to win the award in 2016 and it is a great privilege to be shortlisted again as a finalist just 2 years on in my new role as Chief Operating Officer. I have been very fortunate to have an extremely driven and passionate team behind me who embody the values of our organisation and strengthen our aims and objectives. This nomination is my first in my new position and to be up against such a high calibre of local candidates is an honour.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce. The prestigious awards ceremony takes place on Thursday 15th November at Chesterfield College.

The Van Yard’s sponsorship of the West Stand at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium has been extended for another year.

Spireites commercial manager Jim Brown said: “I’d like to thank The Van Yard for their continued support. It is great to see all four stands sponsored and the support we receive from The Van Yard and other sponsors is very much appreciated.”

The Van Yard has been established for just over five years and can be found on Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.

They have over 100 vans available, covering all types, from drop-siders, tippers, panel vans and car-based vans. From time to time they also have a few used cars for sale. All their vehicles are thoroughly checked over before being offered for sale and come with appropriate warranties and MOTs where required.

The Van Yard can also offer a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your specific circumstances to assist with the purchase of your van. They are also happy to discuss part-exchange deals.