Business

Milestone moves to new offices

2nd January 2018

Following significant growth since launching less than 18 months ago, Milestone Financial Planning has relocated to larger offices.

The independent financial planner’s new headquarters, in Dunston Court in Chesterfield, is over two floors, boasting office space, meeting rooms and a boardroom. Headed by Michael and Jo Heath the firm has seen stellar growth since it was established in July 2016 with five staff appointed to manage Milestone’s growing client list.

Michael Heath, Director of Milestone Financial Planning commented: “The team and I are extremely excited for the future of Milestone. We now have the space we need to manage our further plans for expansion. It’s a very exciting time for the business and to be based in Chesterfield. The town is on a growth trajectory and it feels great to be part of that.”

As part of the office move, Milestone appealed to local school children to help decorate the reception with their artwork. Judging took place at the grand opening of the new offices in December. Hana Morley was declared the winner. Her artwork, and that of all the entrants, will now be displayed in a collage within the reception area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Businesses need greater certainty and support in 2018

22nd December 2017

Despite strong performances by exporters cashing in on the pound’s lower value during the earlier parts of 2017, businesses will be looking for greater certainty and support from Government next year and beyond.

That was the underlying message of the responses to the East Midlands Chamber* Quarterly Economic Survey for the final three months of the year.

Expected inflationary pressures, particularly arising from the cost of importing raw materials, resulted in a cooling of business confidence in the final quarter, but overall it remained strong.

The percentage of companies that reported confidence in turnover in Q4 was slightly down on Q3 but finished the year about ten percentage points higher than in Q4 2016. Confidence in profitability showed an even stronger finish to the year, up almost 20 percentage points over 12 months earlier.

Uncertainty about the future meant business expressing increased investment intentions throughout 2017 were fewer than in 2016 but, overall, ended the year about two percentage points higher than it started.

Recruitment difficulties remained a constant problem for businesses throughout the year, with 60% of respondents saying they had tried to recruit and 58% of them saying they’d struggled to find suitable candidates.

In the survey, over a third (36%) of respondents said they had recruited staff during the previous three months compared with just ten per cent that said they’d reduced their workforce.

Intentions to invest in equipment and training remained relatively weak in the fourth quarter compared with historic levels and the concerns about future price increases, which have been a feature of the past 12 months, remained.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said: “As we move into 2018, businesses will be looking for greater certainty and support to give them the confidence to invest and help grow productivity.

“The skills gap remains a key strategic issue for UK growth and one that Government policy needs to respond to in a meaningful way.

“Despite the uncertainty, however, the State of the Economy Index – compiled from the net results of the Quarterly Economic Survey – ended the year at 360, the second highest it’s been since Q2 2015.

“With Brexit talks now beginning to look at more positive things such as trading arrangements and the customs union, we hope that our negotiators will keep the needs of business to the fore so that we don’t lose momentum when it comes to confidence and investment plans.”

Posted in Business

Monkey Park purchases its premises following Natwest funding

21st December 2017

A Chesterfield-based multi-award winning social enterprise that promotes the personal and social well-being of the community has bought the Brampton building that it is based in since receiving a £142,000 grant from the Power to Change Foundation, a subsidised mortgage from Natwest.

Monkey Park – a café, bike repair shop and shared working environment – was established on Chester Street in 2015. Led by a group of local volunteers who are committed to community inclusion, Monkey Park provides a safe haven and an environment which encourages the development of the community.

Since 2015, the once derelict former tile warehouse has been transformed into a vibrant community hub creating four jobs within the local community.

With experienced legal support from the commercial services department of regional law firm Banner Jones which advised on the purchase of its building, Monkey Park can now ensure that it will be used for the good of the community for many years to come.

Recently awarded the ‘Organisation of the Year Award’ at the Voluntary Sector Awards for North Derbyshire, Monkey Park has won a bid to provide free ‘Equipped to Succeed’ courses for local people with limited opportunity.

Christine Redding, trustee of Monkey Park, has commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to purchase the premises of Monkey Park, which will allow the organisation to become much more sustainable. Now that the purchase is complete, we will be able to respond more efficiently to the needs of the community.

“The purchase of the property would not have been possible without the indispensable legal advice of Ian Osborn at Banner Jones who ensured we made the right long-term decisions to secure the future success of the organisation.”

Ian Osborn, commercial property specialist at Banner Jones, has commented: “Over the last two years, Monkey Park has provided many people in the local community with the opportunity for development. The purchase of its premises is a great achievement and I look forward to continuing to follow Monkey Park’s journey.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Mitchells strengthens team with new appointment

21st December 2017

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has further strengthened its corporate team with the appointment of a Chartered Accountant.

Kelly Scaysbrook ACA from Brockwell in Chesterfield joins the Saltergate-based firm as a Corporate Manager. Kelly gained a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in Accounting and Financial Management in 2012 and became a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in 2015.

Experienced in a variety of areas including accounts preparation, auditing, corporate and personal tax, Kelly makes the move from a Derby-based firm of Chartered Accountants.

Commenting on her appointment, Kelly said: “I am delighted to join a local, trusted business that really knows and understands the clients it serves. Mitchells is a relaxed and friendly environment to work in while maintaining a great level of professionalism, which really sets it apart from other firms.”

Outside work, Kelly enjoys socialising with friends and family as well as spending time at the gym. The move to a local firm now allows her a work life balance and will also give her the opportunity to get involved with the local community.

Posted in Business

New soft play comes to North Derbyshire

20th December 2017

Matlock Farm Park has recently opened its brand new Rainforest soft play.

The new all year round facilities are an indoor place of adventure in a Rainforest, with a new cafe lounge in the ruins of an Inca temple. It has an underwater themed soft play area for the toddlers with an interactive eye spy panel.

The Rainforest also has two new rooms for use with birthday parties and as classrooms.

Admission to the facilities are included with the entry fee to the Farm Park.

A Matlock Farm Park spokesperson said ” We needed to make Matlock Farm Park more of a 12 month facility, this new barn provides a warm dry area for those cold rainy days. Also we have the new Ark, where we will winter some of our animals are housed and there for a visit.”

“The Farm Park Vision, was to create an indoor play/learning centre, incorporating an overflow café with two classrooms.”

The new facilities were part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

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

New Derbyshire Building Control Partnership to host free breakfast launch event in Chesterfield

20th December 2017

Employers within the local construction sector can learn about how they can access thousands of pounds of funding to enable them to train and upskill their employees at a free breakfast networking event.

The event, which is being held on Tuesday 16 January at the Proact Stadium is being organised by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, a newly formed company.

Representatives from the Construction Industry Training Board, CITB, will be at the free-to-attend event, sharing help and advice on how SMEs can access up to £10,000 of funding and up to £500,000 of funding for collaborative training.

Flexible Funding is currently available for a range of skills, including training on new software accounting systems, marketing skills, social media training, as well as the general development of management and workforce skills.

As well as learning about available grants, the event will also serve as a platform to launch the newly formed company – Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, to businesses within the area.

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership was formed at the end of 2017 and incorporates six established Local Authority Building Control Services from Derby City Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council and Amber Valley Borough Council.

Together, they have joined forced to form the newly created Derbyshire BCP providing a complete local authority building control approval service across Derbyshire, operating out of the company’s two offices based in in Chesterfield and Derby.

All building control managers and related support staff were transferred from their respective local authority employer to the new company. Derbyshire Building Control Partnership now brings together years of experience and a wealth of building knowledge to deliver a modern and efficient building control service to help the local construction community.

Commenting on the event Neil Johnson, Managing Director of Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, said: “A great deal of behind the scenes work has gone in to establishing the new company, so I delighted to be able to officially launch Derbyshire Building Control Partnership. As well as finding out about the new organization and the services we now offer, it will be an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand about government funding that is available to help businesses of all sizes within Derbyshire’s construction sector address skills shortages.”

To book onto a free event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dbcp-breakfast-networking-event-tickets-41282650519

Posted in Business

Highlights of 2017

18th December 2017

What a year 2017 has been for Chesterfield. As well as confirming that the HS2 rail line would be brought through Chesterfield, work got underway on a number of key developments – Waterside, Peak Resort and the transformation of the former Co-op building on Elder Way into a hotel and restaurants.

In the words of Huw Bowen Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who spoke recently at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, “Chesterfield’s green lungs have overtaken the town’s mining heritage which is making it an attractive 21^st century investment prospect to investors.”

More than 3,000 businesses operate in Chesterfield with more set to come on board as plans for the town’s HS2 stop get underway. We asked Chesterfield Champions what their highlight had been in 2017 and what 2018 holds for them and the town., and here’s what they said:

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone PLC

“I have been the chair of Destination Chesterfield since it was formed in 2011. Every year has seen commercial growth in the town, however 2017 has been transformative for Chesterfield with physical work starting on key developments – the former Co-op, Peak Resort and Waterside. These are huge investments in their own right, however the announcement in July that we are to get our own HS2 station has taken the Towns potential to attract new investment to a different level, and put Chesterfield into an entirely new league. I don’t think we could have wished for much more for the Town this year- I and the rest of the Destination Chesterfield team go into 2018 with a very positive outlook.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“Shattering the glass ceiling was a highlight in 2017! In April I became the first female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the first all-female political and civic leadership team with Cllr Amanda Serjeant as deputy leader, Cllr Maureen Davenport as mayor and Mrs Liz Archer as mayoress. The future is very bright for Chesterfield. With Northern Gateway, Waterside and Peak Resort all moving ahead in 2018 there will be new business opportunities, more jobs and more visitors staying in Chesterfield.”

Michael Heath, Managing Director, Milestone Financial Planning

“What a year 2017 has been. From starting the company only 18 months ago we have massively expanded the team resulting in a move to brand new premises recently. It’s great to be part of the buzz in Chesterfield. There’s so much happening now and on the horizon. It’s a brilliant time to not only have a business here, but also live, work and visit.”

Laura Jo Owen, Owner, Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

“The highlight of 2017 for us was winning Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service at the Chesterfield Retail Awards. To have been nominated by our customers meant the world to us. Many of our customers have told me that their resolution for 2018 is to continue to shop locally and with this kind of passion, alongside continued investment from multiple retailers and independent businesses, we can create a sparking future for Chesterfield.”

Andrew McDaid, Partner, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

“2017 has been a great year for Mitchells. We have expanded our team at every level and also invested significantly in apprenticeships, supporting the Apprentice Town initiative. This was recognised at the 2017 North Midlands and South Yorkshire Apprentice Awards, where we won the Best SME Newcomer Award. Investing in our staff remains a priority for us as we respond to current and future local business needs. Chesterfield is a town on the up. It’s a very exciting time, particularly with work on major developments now beginning. Chesterfield is the place to do business.”

Craig Evans, General Manager, UK Asbestos Training Association

“As Chesterfield was named the UK’s first official ‘Apprentice Town’, one of our highlights in 2017 was recruiting three new Business Administration Apprentices from the local area in support of the initiative. All three have gone on to make a significant impact for UKATA. We’re proud to be involved and I hope our example and positive results will encourage other businesses to follow suit in 2018 and beyond.”

Julie Richards, Principal, Chesterfield College

“A highlight for Chesterfield College in 2017 was being judged joint fourth best college in the country by FE Week. My Christmas wish for Chesterfield this year would be for every business to employ and train an apprentice.”

Stefan Andrejczuk, CEO, Helen’s Trust

“Helen’s Trust highlight for 2017 was the annual 10k run though the magnificent grounds of Chatsworth. Over 1,000 runners took part, many of them residents of Chesterfield and surrounding areas, raising £21,000 between them. Having recently joined Helen’s Trust as CEO I am delighted with the amount raised which will be used to fund care for people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with a terminal illness who wish to remain at home in their final days. Our wish for Chesterfield in 2018, is the continuation of a town working together, especially the community, businesses, public services and charities to ensure the best outcomes for people who need support and services. An economically successful town improves lives for everyone and investment and development in Chesterfield, now and in the future, is exciting.”

Cloe Ingall, Business Development Manager, Chic Cleaning Services Ltd

“Winning our first big tender for a high-profile Chesterfield company was a big highlight for the business in 2017. This enabled us to move the business forward. Looking to 2018, my Christmas wish would be for all the pending developments to go ahead, create jobs and bring future business to the town. Since I moved here in the 1980s the town has developed at a great speed. There seems to be a vast amount happening with housing developments, businesses expanding and/or moving here, and this will create more opportunity for all of us!”

Sally Ambrose, Head of Visitor Experience, Chatsworth Estate

“In June 2017 The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hosted its first flower show at Chatsworth, and it was our most ambitious exhibition to-date in the house. During these two landmark events we welcomed many more first-time visitors to Chatsworth. We would like to wish everyone who lives and works in Chesterfield a prosperous 2018.”

Vicki Grove, Marketing Manager, ra Information Systems

“My Christmas wish for Chesterfield is to see more of the same progressive redevelopment. As a local resident and an employee of a Chesterfield Champion business, I have only seen a positive impact to the town and the surrounding areas over the last 10 years. As it’s just been announced that work will begin on the old Co-op department store, I am very excited to see what is done here. In the longer term, I am also very excited about the Peak Resort. There is a lot of anticipation in the local area about this project from the employment prospects this will bring through to the increased footfall to Chesterfield and Derbyshire as a whole. All in all, Chesterfield really is the place to be!”

James Annerson, Case Manager, Adcroft Hilton Limited

“The positivity amongst small to medium sized businesses, and the opportunities that are on the horizon for Chesterfield and its economy really is exciting for the town’s future. However, My Christmas wish for Chesterfield this year would be to see good trade within our town centre.”

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“Our Archaeological Dig at Bellhouse Lane, Staveley where we uncovered an almost intact workboat and part of two other boats was a huge highlight for 2017. Over 500 people, half of them children, signed up to join in. We hope that every child in Chesterfield has a wonderful Christmas.”

Lee Ashley, Director, Spire Recruitment Ltd

“Spire Recruitment had a great 2017. We were particularly proud to move in to a new office in the recently renovated Staveley Hall, the move was due to business growth and has been a real positive step for our company. If Santa was to bring anything to Chesterfield this Christmas, my wish would be for all the fantastic plans for the development of our town to all go ahead. It would be amazing for businesses and residents to feel the benefit of the planned expansions.”

Simon Paterson, NCS Delivery and Development Manager, Future Foundations

“Our highlight of the year was delivering the NCS programme to over 450 students in Chesterfield, who between them completed over 24,000 hours of social action and charity work!”

Alice Singleton, Website and Marketing Co-Ordinator, Green and Benz

“One of the highlights of 2017 was being named as the Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year at the Chesterfield Retail Awards. It’s always fantastic to be recognised within our local community. Our Christmas wish for Chesterfield it that people visit the town and have a great experience with the wide range of retailers. Chesterfield has a great shopping offering for all and alongside the wide range of food options, it’s the perfect place to complete all your shopping.”

Emma Loughlin, Director, eBusiness Works

“2017 has been a busy but fantastic year. We moved to new, bigger premises enabling us to expand the team and giving us room to grow. We have invested heavily in apprentices and it’s great to see them growing and developing their careers in Chesterfield. Working with so many fantastic businesses in the town, I know first hand the job and career opportunities that exist and I hope young people and their parents feel as positive about Chesterfield’s future as I do.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber

“With an organisation as diverse as the Chamber, there have been many highlights during the year, however, from a Chesterfield perspective, it would have to be the move, over a single weekend in February, from our old, not-fit-for-purpose offices in Canal Wharf to future-proofed premises at Millennium Way, off Dunston Road. Chesterfield is the focus of considerable development opportunity at the moment, from the hotel and restaurants in the old Co-op building, to Waterside and Peak Resort to the north of the town. Some of these plans are already quite long in the tooth and it would be nice to see them progress and start to create the promised jobs. It would also be nice to see our old office site converted to much-needed housing.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

SCR ‘transport fit for all’ aims to grow economy by £500m

18th December 2017

A major public consultation will be launched early in the New Year so that the public in Chesterfield and the Sheffield City Region (SCR) can have their say on an updated Transport Strategy making transport fit for all.

The Strategy aims to grow the economy by £500million by increasing the numbers of people able to get to work and education by public transport in just 30 minutes, to improve air quality, and to make the best use of the latest technologies.

Following the SCR Combined Authority’s agreement to publicly consult on its updated Transport Strategy, an online questionnaire will open on 8 January and remain open for responses until the end of March. Responses can also be taken by post or email, with details posted after the New Year in key transport and community points across the Region.

The SCR Transport Strategy, which looks ahead to 2040, aims to boost economic growth by ensuring everyone can access work opportunities easily, that streets are safe and healthy, the air quality improved, and that innovations in transport technologies are adopted.

Transport for the North (TfN) – which is set to become the country’s first sub-national statutory transport body – is also due to launch a consultation on its new draft Strategic Transport Plan early in the New Year. The TfN plan outlines the transport infrastructure needed to transform the economy of the North over the next 30 years, in line with the Northern Powerhouse agenda, stretching from the Sheffield City Region to the North East and from Liverpool to Hull.

The SCR Strategy reflects the changes in transport that have developed since the City Region’s 2011 transport plan, with the roles of the Combined Authority, Transport for the North, and the likely impact of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail. New technologies will also have an effect on transport in the future

The SCR Strategy will benefit people living and working across the whole of the region, and has been produced in liaison with local authority partners. It will help bring forward and support schemes that benefit businesses and communities, strengthen links, and promote joint investment.

The Strategy highlights the fundamental role that transport will play in delivering the SCR plans for economic growth, and emphasises a steadfast commitment to supporting national transport infrastructure programmes that benefit the City Region.

It outlines the region’s ambitions for improved connectivity to the wider North as a core part of the Northern Powerhouse; and sets out priorities for improving the City Region’s transport network through investment, building on its successful Infrastructure Fund programme.

Martin McKervey, a member of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Partnership, said :-

“Our vision is to continue to be a forward-looking city region, with integrated transport connections that support economic growth and improve quality of life for all.

“I am delighted that we are launching this plan for consultation, so that we can get the public’s views before we start commissioning work. The Strategy will be refined based on the comments received.”

The four key aims of the Strategy are:

To grow the economy inclusively by £500million by increasing the numbers of people able to get to key employment sites and education by public transport in 30 minutes and to increase rail commuting between the SCR and both Greater Manchester and Leeds City Regions by several thousand journeys daily. This also means ensuring 90% of the population can reach a long-haul airport by public transport within 90 minutes, and bringing 70% of people living in the most deprived areas within a 30-minute journey on public transport to a town, employment areas or education.
To create healthy, safe streets by increasing sustainable travel, delivering reduced accident rates, improving air quality, and reducing tailpipe carbon emissions.
Other aims are to have a zero carbon public transport network by 2040 and to have increased footfall in the main retail and leisure areas by 15%.
To adopt innovative technologies by increasing transport-focussed R & D investment by £330million, and to increase productivity by £75million through reducing journey times and using technology-based efficiencies.

The consultation process will involve MPS, local authorities and parish councils; businesses; and train and bus operators and Peel airports. It will also include special interest groups such as Friends of the Earth and Natural England, consumer groups such as Transport Focus, Sustrans, and tenants’ and residents’ associations.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Free employability training for Chesterfield

18th December 2017

Leading healthcare and training provider One to One Support Services of Chesterfield are running a number of courses aimed at helping people in to employment.

One to One will be running free City and Guilds accredited courses in Health and Social Care/Children and Young People alongside Employability Skills from their critically acclaimed Training Academy in Hasland; with the first course starting on Monday 8th January 2018.

Once completed the participants will come out with an industry recognised qualifications as well as the confidence to apply for jobs and confidently speak in interviews. The Level 1 course, focusses on employability; this includes help with interview questions and techniques, CV writing and discussing career options as well as Safeguarding, Communication, Dementia, English, Maths and ICT.

A previous attendee said “I have learnt how to be confident and learnt new skills I didn’t know I had” and “I’ve really enjoyed doing this course I didn’t think I would it’s been great and has really boosted my confidence”

To enrol on the course participants must be, 19 or over and either be unemployed or working less than 16 hours a week. The course, is run across 3 days a week for 4 weeks. This course is delivered by experience tutors who help to guide participants through the basics of care work.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Northern Gateway scheme underway with redevelopment of former Co-op building

12th December 2017

Work has begun to redevelop the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

The £10.5 million redevelopment by Jomast Developments is part of the Northern Gateway project led by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The store has been empty since closing in July 2013.

When completed, the building will include:

Seven ground floor family restaurants and bars
A 92 bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the first and second floors
A health and fitness centre in the basement

Adam Hearld, commercial director, Jomast Developments, said:-

“This has been a difficult and complex project to get off the ground and having resolved a number of pre development issues we are now delighted to be able to start on what we believe will be an exciting and vibrant leisure scheme in the heart of the town centre.

“We are anticipating completing the comprehensive refurbishment of the former Co-op building in September 2018 with the Premier Inn, bars, restaurants and gym opening to the public shortly afterwards.

“The Council’s environmental improvements on Elder Way and Knifesmithsgate are key to the success of this scheme and will be coordinated with our development programme throughout 2018.

“These proposals together with the redeveloped multi storey car park and wider plans for Northern Gateway will be critical in revitalising this part of Chesterfield town centre to provide a really exciting environment for people to visit, stay, eat, drink and work in.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has supported the private sector companies in the development by gaining a £5.83 million grant from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund for landscaping improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate which will benefit the Co-op development and the wider Northern Gateway scheme.

Funding is also being sought for further environmental improvements to connect Saltergate with the heart of the town centre.

The existing Saltergate multi-storey car park will also be redeveloped by the council in a multi-million scheme to provide safe, secure 24 hour parking for people using the hotel, restaurants and local shops.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said:-

“The Northern Gateway scheme is no longer a plan on a piece of paper, it is a reality.

“From here on the pace of the project will grow as the redevelopment of the former Co-op building will be followed in a few months by us starting work to demolish and replace the Saltergate multi-storey car park, before moving on to other parts of the scheme.

“The old Co-op is a dominant building in the town centre and it has been difficult to see it closed over the past few years. Seeing work start to bring it back in to use gives the town a real confidence boost.

“The growth of Internet shopping is causing hard times on high streets up and down the country but as people see work progress on this building they will see the northern side of the town centre coming back to life. The customers of this development will support existing town centre shops and help encourage other retailers to open shops to replace those that have closed down.”

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, added:-

“The start of work on transforming the former Co-op building on Elder Way is a major step forward in the development of Northern Gateway and the regeneration of the town centre.

“Chesterfield is going through some very exciting times and the redevelopment of the Co-op building is just one of a number of development opportunities that are now coming to fruition which will change the face of the town and change it for the better so that it is equipped it for the future.

“It is a key development in helping increase the vitality of the town centre as well as preparing Chesterfield to take full advantage of the opportunities that the HS2 station will bring with it.”

The wider Northern Gateway scheme will see an enterprise zone for small and medium sized businesses on part of the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park and refurbishment of the existing Saltergate multi-storey car park.

It is estimated the scheme will create around 500 jobs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Deadline looms for Enterprising Women nominations

12th December 2017

The annual quest to find the region’s most successful and inspirational businesswomen will come to an end soon after Christmas.

The final deadline for nominations for the 2018 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards is Friday 5 January.

Winners will be announced at a glittering, ‘little black dress’ dinner on 2 March – coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Eileen Richards, Founder of ER Recruitment, Leicester, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and one of the Co-Chairs of Enterprising Women, said:-

“If any enterprising women have time over the Christmas break – between balancing work and family through the holidays – then it would be an ideal time to nominate themselves for an award.

“Enterprising Women is all about finding and recognising women who make a serious contribution to the regional economy, often successfully balancing work, keeping home and motherhood, but not always being acknowledged for what they achieve.”

There are seven awards to be won this year – the 21^st year of the competition: Business Woman of the Year, Social Commitment, Apprentice of the Year, Female Employee of the Year, Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year.

Co-Chair Jean Mountain, a Past President at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for the 2018 awards.”

Chamber membership is a requirement for nomination.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business