Business

Mayor opens new home for three of Chesterfield’s small businesses

10th December 2014

The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Alexis Diouf, took time out of his busy schedule on Small Business Saturday (6 December) to officially open the new home of three small businesses – StraightCurves, In the Works PR and eBusiness Works – who have all relocated to 104 Saltergate.

The four storey building, situated opposite the former home of Chesterfield Football Club, was purchased by StraightCurves earlier this year after the business outgrew its previous home in the Market Hall.

Following a Global Derbyshire Grant, the building was completely refurbished to be fully accessible and to create office space for two other small businesses – In the Works PR and eBusiness Works – who have moved into the top floor of the building.

The move into larger premises has also enabled StraightCurves, a small business delivering art and craft courses and workshops to both children and adults, to create a new full-time job.

During the opening the Mayor and Mayoress were given a tour of the building which includes three large studios dedicated to crafts, including a special space for children’s parties, kids crafting workshops and after school clubs, a brand new kitchen and disabled toilet facilities across two floors. They also met with a number of local artists, designers and craftspeople who use the space at StraightCurves to deliver craft workshops to the public.

Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Alexis Diouf said: “It has been great to visit on the opening day. We wish you all success, and hope to visit again soon.”

Karen Rogers, owner of StraightCurves said: “We were thrilled that the Mayor was able to officially open our new home on Saltergate. It was so fitting that our official opening was on Small Business Saturday, which is all about supporting, inspiring and promoting small businesses, as it just embodies the spirit of the companies based in our new home. We’re all thrilled with the new premises and excited about the opportunities that it offers.”

Anna Melton, Director of In the Works PR said: “We’re delighted with our new home, the building’s lovely to work in and a great place to welcome clients too. Having just won Business Idea of the Year for eBusiness Works at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards, our plans for expansion are moving forward quickly and our new office space allows us to do that.”

Following the official opening by the Mayor, StraightCurves continued their celebration of Small Business Saturday by hosting an Open Day which featured a craft fair with stalls from lots of small crafty Chesterfield-based businesses selling everything from cards, to original artworks, jewellery and ceramics.

Source:StraightCurves

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local manufacturer breaks another world record

3rd December 2014

United Cast Bar has once again taken the lead in the manufacturing industry by increasing its already large portfolio of sizes.

On Wednesday 3rd December the Chesterfield-based firm broke yet another world record by successfully producing a 680mm diameter bar using the continous casting method. Much of the bar, which weighs more than 150 tonne, has already been preordered.

James Brand, Managing Director of the United Cast Bar (UK) facility said,

“Once again we have continued to push the boundaries of achievement and what is capable within continuous cast iron bar production. The team has worked very hard, making great quality bar with incredible dimensional control and quality. We are very proud of this ground breaking achievement.”

United Cast Bar (UK) is the only company in its global market place to attempt this scale of production. The bar will be used in many industrial applications, particularly hydraulic and fluid power.

A European producer of continuously cast iron bar, the firm has production sites in the UK and Spain, a wholly-owned distribution network across Europe and a site in South Korea.

Source:United Cast Bar

Posted in Business, Made in Chesterfield

Town’s top firms rewarded at Derbyshire Times Business Awards

28th November 2014

Chesterfield’s best firms were in the spotlight at last week’s Derbyshire Times’ Business Awards in association with Destination Chesterfield.

An impressive 15 categories were claimed locally at the glittering black tie event, hosted at the Proact Stadium by BBC Look North presenter, Claire Frisby.

The ultimate Business of the Year accolade went to United Cast Bar, a manufacturer based on Spital Lane, which also received the award for Excellence in Manufacturing.

James Brand, Director at the firm said: “It’s an absolute honour to have won. I’d like to say a massive thank you to our dedicated team for all of their hard work over the years. Of course I’d like to thank our loyal clients. It’s humbling to be recognised for our achievements locally, and when up against such great businesses the accolade is even more rewarding.”

The New Business of the Year award went to innovative firm, NuWorld Energy, which specialises in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Describing the win as a privilege, Director, Mark Pymm said:-

“It just shows that the blood, sweat and tears endured during the first year of a new business is all worth it in the end. If it wasn’t for the support of the local business community, colleagues, friends and family, we would not be in this position and I look forward to building on this achievement with our growing team and being there again next year.”

Also honoured on the night was Casa Hotel which received the Customer Service award and Northern Tea Merchants which claimed Retailer of the Year.

Taking home the Community Contribution award for the second year running was Franke Sissons and both the Lifetime Achievement and Apprentice of the Year awards were won by Central Technology.

Organiser and Derbyshire Times Editor Graeme Huston said:-

“It’s fantastic to have everyone from our proud business community come together to celebrate their achievements in 2014.

“All the many entries were worthy of praise and our judging panel deliberated long and hard to find this year’s winners and we wish them and everyone else the best of luck for 2015.”

The full list of winners include:-

Business of the year: United Cast Bar
Small business of the year: Creativity Sells
New business of the year: NuWorld Energy
Apprentice of the year: Jamie Ridgeway, Central Technology
Young business person of the year: Hayley Gillbard
Business personality of the year: Mark Lord, Aztec Oils
Entrepreneur of the year: Robert Carlin
Team of the year: Auto Windscreens
Business idea of the year: In The Works PR
Retailer of the year: Northern Tea Merchants
Community contribution of the year: Franke Sissons
Employer of the year award: Auto Windscreens
Lifetime achievement award: Ian Snow, Central Technology
Customer service award: Casa Hotel
Creative innovation award: VHS Group
Environment Award: Carbon Low
Excellence in professional services: Barber Harrison and Platt
Excellence in Manufacturing: United Cast Bar

Photographs from the event can be seen in this week’s Derbyshire Times.

Source:Derbyshire Times

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Election wish list unveiled by local business leaders

27th November 2014

Business leaders from Chesterfield are among those who have this week unveiled their demands of the next UK Government.

The East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, took representatives of more than 50 member businesses to Westminster on 25th November to meet MPs and launch its 2015 General Election business manifesto.

The event, in the Churchill Dining Room, in the Houses of Parliament was sponsored by Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, the Shadow Minister for Small Business and was also attended by a host of regional MPs.

The manifesto was developed in collaboration with businesses from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. It proposes measures which the Chamber believes will create an economy for long-term success and support a vibrant and prosperous East Midlands.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “Over the course of the current Parliament, businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire have demonstrated a robustness, tenacity and ambition that has placed the East Midlands at the front of the pack in terms of driving economic growth and private sector job creation.

“However, decisions taken over the term of the next Parliament will be instrumental in determining the future direction of this growth. Businesses are committed to ensuring the resource, knowledge and skills which exist in the East Midlands are utilised to full effect to deliver growth.

“In doing so, it is essential that their commitment is demonstrably reciprocated by our politicians and the Chamber and its members were pleased to get the opportunity to go down to Westminster to state the case of local business directly to our elected representatives.”

The Chamber’s business manifesto is made up of 23 individual policy recommendations, which include:

• Placing business at the centre of local growth by offering clear commitments on devolution and the role business can play, guaranteeing a business ratepayers’ vote on local economic strategy, legislating to increase opportunities for SMEs to benefit from public contracts and committing to further rounds of the Regional Growth Fund.

• Delivering on long-term infrastructure needs by developing and implementing a 50-year UK energy security strategy, commissioning an independent body to deliver the National Infrastructure Plan, taking bold decisions to meet housing needs, ensuring every business has access to superfast broadband and working for delivery of the Eastern leg of HS2 as rapidly as possible.

• Fixing the link between education and the world of work by measuring employment outcomes in secondary school assessments, ensuring work experience is embedded into education, championing vocational options in education and ensuring a link between the curriculum and the demands of the labour market.

• Supporting East Midlands businesses to succeed overseas by reforming Air Passenger Duty to support development of new routes, ensuring Government backing for the development of global business-to-business networking, developing UK Export Finance into a ‘best in class’ agency and introducing a ‘fast track’ passport scheme for UK exports.

• Reducing the cost of doing business by undertaking a root and branch review of the broken Business Rates system, delivering regulation to encourage a more flexible and less burdensome trading environment, developing a programme for policy-makers in business-led departments to spend time at Chambers, ensuring the traditional routes to business finance are effective and new route development is supported, acting to simplify and increase transparency in the tax system and promising no unilateral measures that would increase energy costs for UK business.

A full copy of the manifesto can be found at http://bit.ly/1A7yGn9.

Source:East Midlands Chamber

Posted in Business

Funding enables local firm to grow

21st November 2014

An expanding Chesterfield-based engineering firm has secured funding for new equipment thanks to support from asset finance broker, Balanced Funding Solutions.

Maxco Engineering in Staveley now boasts a modern CNC Steel Profile Cutting Machine and a number of benefits have already resulted from the investment, including a 20% increase in turnover and the addition of two new members of staff.

Originally struggling to finance the improvements needed to meet an increase in demand, the flame cutting specialist is now very positive about its future.

Owner Paul Smith, said, “John at Balanced Funding Solutions talked through my requirements and was knowledgeable and took time to understand the business. He has also followed the process through start to finish with us which has impressed both Flamtek and I.

“Gaining this funding has opened my eyes to new market sectors both nationally and locally. We are now looking at new opportunities such as a plasma head cutting tool and the business also plans to take on another apprentice in 2015.”

Established six years ago, Maxco Engineering provides high quality shape cutting and steel profiling, among other services, from its headquarters on Fan Road in Staveley.

Image: Balanced Funding Solutions Director John Pemberton and Paul Smith of Maxco Engineering

Source:Balanced Funding Solutions

Posted in Business

Young People Hail Inaugural Made in Chesterfield Week a Success

18th November 2014

More than 400 students from North East Derbyshire’s schools have hailed Chesterfield’s very first manufacturing festival, Made in Chesterfield, a success.

The week (10 – 14 November), which was coordinated by Destination Chesterfield, featured a programme of manufacturing dedicated events.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield kicked off the festival by unveiling a new sculpture outside Chesterfield Coach Station, which was a collaboration between, Franke Sissons Ltd’s apprentices and students from Parkside School.

Year 10 Parkside School student Bayley Siddall, who worked on the sculpture’s design said, “It’s given me a real insight into what I would like to do in the future.”

The week-long festival was designed to showcase the town’s successful manufacturing and engineering sector and ignite career interest in the sector from young people as well as bring together the business community.

School events included tours of United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company and Kingfield Electronics, as well as making a stainless steel die at NLT, and an open evening at Chesterfield College.

There was also a number of competitions held throughout the week including design a tent with FieldCandy and Crush Design, and a Twitter vs Drone competition hosted by Magnifica Technologies Ltd and Kingfield Electronics, which was won by Brookfield School.

Commenting at a business round table event during Made in Chesterfield Week, Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of Franke Sissons said: “You have to overcome a generation that thinks manufacturing is noisy and dirty. There are young people leaving school now that haven’t had family members working in industry and view manufacturing as the past. This isn’t the case. Chesterfield has a thriving manufacturing and engineering sector and many companies within it are working throughout the world.”

He added: As a former apprentice myself, I am very passionate about working closely with local schools. Working with students at Parkside School gave us the opportunity to give 10 young people and insight into the manufacturing industry, and show them the different careers and routes they could pursue. Many children think that manufacturing is just solely about working in a factory, but there’s so much more to it and that’s what Made in Chesterfield was designed to show them.”

A highlight of the week included the arrival of the travelling engineering showcase, MANTRA, (Manufacturing Transporter), sponsored by commercial insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher, on Thursday 14 November at the Proact Stadium. The 14m HGV trailer, packed with state of the art engineering technology has been developed by The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, a world-class centre for advanced machining and materials research for aerospace and other high-value manufacturing sectors.

Toby Perkins MP for Chesterfield, joined students from Tupton Primary School on Mantra. He said: “Manufacturing is vitally important for Britain’s future and motivating the next generation of Engineers to see the potential opportunities is a great idea. I hope that some of the children I met here today will be the Engineers of the future.”

A number of sixth form students were also invited to take part in the annual manufacturing breakfast seminar held at The Proact Stadium during the Week. Hosted by Shorts Chartered Accountants, NatWest and Banner Jones Solicitors, the event brought together key speakers from the heart of local business, putting emphasis on the future of manufacturing within the region.

Made in Chesterfield Week also coincided with UK Trade & Investment’s (UKTI) sixth Export Week. It emerged during the festival that many of the town’s companies are supplying their products globally and also contributing to Chesterfield reputation for manufacturing and engineering specialisms.

11% of the country’s gross comes from manufacturing which contributes £6.7 trillion to the global economy and locally this represents around 20% for Sheffield City Region.

Simon Grandidge, International Marketing Manager for UK Trade & Investment East Midlands said: “The week long Made in Chesterfield festival provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the products and services that come from the area and we were delighted to support Destination Chesterfield with our own export themed event, offering advice to local businesses on how to boost their profits by winning business overseas.

“The event formed part of the biggest Export Week we have held in the region yet, with over 400 companies attending across the week, but we still think that more firms should be taking advantage of the support that is available to them through UKTI and other business support organisations.

“Our research tells us that only 14%, some 8,000, of East Midlands companies export – so there is a lot more we could achieve by boosting this figure by just a few percent.

“We will continue to work with our regional partners, including Destination Chesterfield, to encourage businesses to look at overseas markets and to help drive the economy forwards.”

Although the coal mining industry in north east Derbyshire has ended, Chesterfield’s reputation as the centre of centrifuging in the UK continues with MSE Hiller, based at Markham Vale. The company supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller said: “No one in Britain is doing what we are doing. Our products and services are very much in demand.”

Earlier this year United Cast Bar (UK) brought Chesterfield to the attention of the global iron industry after it successfully produced a record-breaking 665mm diameter bar of iron, casting 220 tonnes of material using the continuous casting method.

James Brand Managing director of United Cast Bar said: “While there are fewer jobs in the sector today, he believes there is a wealth of undiscovered opportunities for young people and I urge schools to encourage young people to consider a career within it.

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing the manufacturing and engineering sector to their attention. Made in Chesterfield has made a fantastic start in doing this and I very much hope it continues.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “Chesterfield has a rich heritage in the manufacturing and engineering sector and it’s important to celebrate that. We’re really passionate about inspiring young people to pursue a career in manufacturing or engineering but to be able to do that it’s vital to show them that there are hundreds of careers paths they could pursue in the sector.

“We’re thrilled that the first Made in Chesterfield festival went down a storm. Thank you to all of the local businesses that got behind the week by hosting their own events and attending others. We can’t wait to bring it back again next year to more young people.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in next year’s Made in Chesterfield Week, please contact dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Growing Chesterfield firm named industry’s best

11th November 2014

Recon Electrical has triumphed in the national 2014 Electrical Industry awards, putting the business on track to expand further.

Once again the Sheepbridge-based independent electrical wholesaler beat off stiff competition from a number of national and international chains to win two awards at the prestigious black tie event – UK Electrical Wholesaler of the Year and Electrical App of the Year.

The Recon Electrical Phone App is believed to be the first of its kind in the electrical industry. It was developed for Recon’s customers earlier this year to provide them with an on-the-go source of information, including a technical library and quick quote feature, which can be accessed via their smart phone.

Held in London, the annual event, which is organised by Electrical Times, is the trade’s longest running and most respected awards championing excellence. The awards not only encourage and celebrate innovation, but also rewards the contribution of individuals and teams across the electrical trade.

This is the second time this year that Recon Electrical has been recognised in national competitions. Earlier in 2014 the business was highly commended in two categories at the Electrical Wholesaler Awards 2014 – Best Individual Wholesaler Branch and Best Electrical Wholesaler with 10 and Under Branches.

Recon Electrical’s Managing Director Andy Salvin, said “The Electrical Industry Awards win has topped off a brilliant year for the business. The awards pay tribute to our focus on customer satisfaction by having the right, skilled and knowledgeable staff.

“In the near future we are looking to expand on what we have in Chesterfield and are looking for larger premises. Long term, we are looking at opening other branches and increasing the team.”

Established in 1996, Recon Electrical now employs nine people at its Broombank Road premises, where it supplies commercial, industrial and private customers with electrical products and consumables, including lamps, lighting, plugs, sockets, cabling, electrical panels and control gear, to companies and individuals locally and throughout the UK.

The company has already made a big impact amongst the area’s trades people after it formed the Chesterfield Trades Hub last year, which was launched to bring the sector together to share business and discuss upcoming projects in the town.

Source:Recon Electrical Ltd via In the Works PR

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

More jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale

30th October 2014

Up to 100 new jobs are to be created at Markham Vale as Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Inspirepac has announced its plans for a multi-million pound expansion project.

inspirepac, which manufacturers a full range of corrugated cardboard from basic transit and protective cases to specialist retail-ready packaging and fully printed displays, for well-known blue chip brands, will move into a new 100,250 sq ft warehouse and office building being built at Markham Vale.

The new premises will add to the firm’s existing sites at Sheepbridge in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Wetherby in Yorkshire and Runcorn in Cheshire, and will house new high quality state-of-the-art printing, die-cutting and gluing machinery as part of a £6million investment to help transform the company’s £46m group of businesses.

inspirepac, which supplies leading companies including PepsiCo, Bacardi, Thorntons, Kimberley Clark, 3M and Unilever, currently employs 260 people in total including 110 staff at its Sheepbridge headquarters − and a further 100 jobs will be created at the new site long-term.

Chris Marples, CEO at inspirepac, said: “We are delighted to secure new premises at Markham Vale. This new site, combined with further planned investment in 2016, will enable the Inspirepac Group to grow beyond £90m in the next five years, with the opportunity of creating up to 100 further jobs over this period. Local investment and new jobs are essential for the region and we are pleased to be playing our part in helping the local community and give job security and longevity to our existing employees.”

Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, introduced inspirepac to Markham Vale. She said:

“inspirepac is a great ambassador for Derbyshire business. It’s embracing the latest technology to be a leader in its field and bring contracts from big name companies to Derbyshire.

“We’re delighted inspirepac has chosen Markham as the home for its new premises taking the number of its sites in the county to three.”

She added: “Today’s announcement is great news for Markham Vale which is playing a key role in our plans to drive growth in Derbyshire by stimulating economic activity, helping businesses to thrive and creating jobs for local people.”

inspirepac are the latest in a line of companies to acquire premises on the regeneration site off junction 29a of the M1.

Existing occupiers include MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Henry Boot Developments, the county council’s private sector developer, has secured a 20 year lease agreement with Inspirepac and will start building the new warehouse and office space next month. It is expected to be built by May 2015.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s Regional Manager, said: “We are delighted to secure such a significant deal with inspirepac. This is testament to the appeal of Markham Vale which continues to attract high performance brands because of its exceptional location right next to the M1 and also opportunities for high specification, purpose designed buildings that can facilitate next generation manufacturing and distribution techniques.”

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Business

Government and Sheffield City Region sign £325 million Growth Deal

23rd October 2014

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, will today join up with council and business leaders from across Sheffield City Region to sign a £325 million Growth Deal.

In July, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) secured the landmark funding for Sheffield City Region, which will create over 28,000 jobs and training for 40,000 people.

The official signing ceremony will take place at the Electric Works in Sheffield City Centre. Electric Works is a state-of-the-art office space and home to a growing community of creative, digital and media businesses in Sheffield City Region.

The Deputy Prime Minister will meet with leaders from the Sheffield City Region including LEP Chairman James Newman and Combined Authority Deputy Chairman Councillor Eion Watts.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who chairs the Local Growth Cabinet Committee said:

“We are ending a culture of Whitehall knows best. Decisions over spending on infrastructure, business support and housing are being made at a truly local level.

“Instead, we are placing the power and money in the hands of the people who know how to spend it best, making a real difference to Sheffield City Region.

“This Growth Deal will create thousands of jobs, provide incredible new training opportunities for young people, build thousands of new homes and improve transport links for everyone – building a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP, said:

“Signing our deal with the Deputy Prime Minister marks an important milestone in the process of taking control of our local economy. This deal will unlock millions of pounds of investment to grow the Sheffield City Region economy and create jobs.

“The Sheffield City Region LEP achieved the fifth biggest deal with Government of all areas in England. We achieved this because our leaders worked closely together to put forward a very compelling offer.

“However, this is only the first small step on a journey to take control of our City Region’s economic destiny.”

Councillor Eion Watts, Deputy Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said:

“This Growth Deal is a significant step in the right direction and we will continue to work with Government to address the imbalances in the national economy.

“The Sheffield City Region has proved that it has the strong governance and processes in place to use government funding effectively to create jobs for local people.

“We are continuing to work with Government to get the best deal for our City Region and we recently submitted a further funding bid which asks for £38 million to further boost jobs and growth in the City Region.”

The Growth Deal has been achieved as a result of the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) to Government which set out plans to transform the local economy over the next decade. At the heart of the plan is the creation of 70,000 new private sector jobs and 6,000 new businesses over the next ten years.

The funding secured by the Growth Deal will facilitate over £600 million of infrastructure schemes, including improvements to Sheffield City Centre, transport links to new housing and employment sites the Dearne Valley and a link road to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.

It will enable the LEP to create a £130 million Skills Bank, which will provide training for 40,000 people in the Sheffield City Region, including between 5,000 and 7,500 apprentices. The funding will also be used to upgrade further education facilities and build a brand new British Glass Academy.

The Growth Deal will also mean that the LEP can extend its business investment programme which will create 4,000 new jobs for local people.

Earlier this month, Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) wrote to Government to officially ask for an additional £38 million to further boost economic growth and create jobs in the area.

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in Business

New Nando’s creates 30 new jobs in Chesterfield

21st October 2014

Chesterfield residents and visitors are in for a tasty treat as Nando’s, home of legendary Portuguese flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, opens to the public on Wednesday 22nd October 2014.

Located in Alma Leisure Park on the former Blockbusters retail site, the restaurant stays true to Nando’s unique Afro-Portuguese roots with a stunning design seating up to 128 guests. The opening has also created 30 new jobs for the local area, ranging from cashiers and grillers to assistant managers.

Packed with flavour and great variety, the new restaurant is just a stone’s throw away from the cinema and will provide the perfect pre or post film refreshment for students, families and locals.

19 year old Nando’s devotee, Jared Shooter, will be given the opportunity of a lifetime after winning a Facebook competition to open the new Chesterfield restaurant. Jared is adding to his list of Nando’s achievements, having finished second place at last year’s ‘Nando’s Comedian of the Year’. As well as cutting the all-important ribbon, Jared will be the very first customer to sample the infamous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken.

Andy Crook, Nando’s Regional Managing Director said: “Chesterfield is clearly hungry for chicken, so we’re delighted to be finally opening a restaurant in the area to satisfy people’s cravings.”

Source:Nandos

Posted in Business, Visiting

Chesterfield firm named best in county

13th October 2014

Marine maintenance equipment manufacturer Cathelco has been named Derbyshire Business of the Year 2014 by the county’s Chamber of Commerce.

The Chesterfield-based firm which produces anti-fouling systems for seawater pipework received the award at the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards at the Roundhouse on Friday. The company also won the Excellence in Innovation award.

In its 55-year history, Cathelco has completed more than 30,000 installations worldwide. Its success stems from its focus on two very specialised but essential safety systems for vessels in the harsh marine environment, namely its pipework anti-fouling systems and its hull corrosion protection systems.

Its Technical Director, Robert Field, said: “We are delighted to have won this award, which comes on the back of a great year for Cathelco. Our BWT system is going into commercial production and there is already strong interest from ship owners worldwide.

“As a result, Cathelco will be enlarging its production facilities and increasing its workforce. This award is testament to the hard work of all our staff in achieving this.”

Another Chesterfield business – Mitchells Chartered Accountants – also scooped an award on the evening for Best use of Technology to Improve Business Performance.

A spokesman at the firm said: “We are delighted to have won the award because it is at the very heart of what we do. Essentially, we are on a journey of development to transform our clients’ businesses using more than just accountancy skills.

“We’ll continue to blaze a trail in the effort to make business operations and growth easier for our clients. Our motto is ‘if you can’t measure it you can’t manage it’ – we think this is why the Chamber were kind enough to recognise us for this prestigious award.”

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “The Chamber’s congratulations go to all of this year’s winners. We had some stellar entries this year and the judging process was extremely tough, but all of the winning businesses thoroughly deserve their success.

“The standard of competition was extremely high this year which clearly shows that, following a year in which the local economy has made remarkable progress, we have some real success stories of Derbyshire businesses doing well.

“Over the past 12 months, businesses in Derbyshire have been busy investing, innovating, exporting and growing and these awards are testament to the quality of business we have in this city and county.”

Source:Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield