The Government has awarded East Midlands Business (EMB) a five-year contract to deliver export trade advice and support to companies in Chesterfield and across the East Midlands.

EMB is a not-for-profit organisation which is 75% owned by the Chambers of Commerce for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.

As part of the deal, it will deliver UKTI services aimed at helping companies to start exporting or increase their overseas business by finding customers in new markets, taking part in trade shows and exporting online around the world.

Firms will also be eligible to bid for a share of £100m in additional export support through European structural and investment funds.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Chamber, which represents businesses in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, said: “The Chamber is delighted that EMB has won the contract to continue to deliver UK Trade & Investment services to businesses across the East Midlands over the next five years.

“International trade is a key part of the Chamber’s services – to members and non-members – and it looks forward to working closely with UKTI in the months ahead to help more businesses export and fully realise their potential in the global marketplace.”

The first business at Markham Vale has been turned green thanks to the region’s experts in solar energy, Custom Solar Ltd.

MSE Hiller will now be totally self-sufficient in electricity following the switch on of the firm’s final Photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Based at a £3 million purpose-built facility at Markham Vale following a move from Clay Cross in 2010, MSE Hiller, supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK.

The new facility is more than four times the size of the old premises, yet annual energy costs will now be less than half thanks to low energy lighting, efficient heating systems and the recovery of heat and water. Heat from the welding bay will even be recirculated throughout the building and their high speed balancing machine will actually recovers so much energy it will put power back into the National Grid.

Ivan Fomin, Director of MSE Hiller explained: ““With environmental management being a prerequisite for the business with many of MSE Hiller’s customers, and in a period where reporting of carbon footprints and reducing emissions has become such an important aspect when looking to build partnerships with customers, the installation of a renewable energy system like this is a major step forward for the company.

Electricity prices historically have risen at approximately 10% per annum so generating our own electricity like this can protect us against future price rises and ensure that our business is not exposed to uncontrollable growing overheads.”

Pleased to be supporting a fellow Chesterfield Champion to grow, Custom Solar Ltd hopes the project will kick off a green revolution in Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Matt Brailsford, Director of Custom Solar Ltd said: “Renewable energy sources like the PV system at MSE Hiller are ideal for any business with their own premises. It doesn’t matter what size the building is, all businesses can benefit from investing in PV systems as the like for like percentage of income and savings is relative to the investment.

“Although the financial benefits are very attractive companies will also benefit from being known as an eco-conscious organisation in terms of marketing.”

Custom Solar Ltd has also recently installed PV systems at both Knights Care Homes including Drovers Call in Gainsborough, and Shorts Accountants of Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Interest in Chesterfield and Sheffield City Region at international property trade show MIPIM 2015 will be at an all-time high following a wave of substantial investments in the area.

Chesterfield has seen particularly high-profile publicity in recent months following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the £400m leisure and visitor attraction Peak development – a joint venture partnership between Birchall Properties in the UK and US firm Grand Heritage Hotel Group.

Private sector support for the City Region’s presence at MIPIM has reached record levels this year, as growing numbers of top businesses join the mission, further underlining its significant business potential. The delegation is made up of top business names from across the area including Chesterfield Champion Henry Boot, and will be supported by public sector representatives whose attendance will show investors the strength and importance of local public-private partnership working.

The City Region’s delegation will capitalise on growing interest in 2015 in regional property outside of London. A recent study by Nabarro, an international law firm with offices in Sheffield, showed that property investors expect regional property to rise in attractiveness over the next two years.

Martin McKervey, Partner at Nabarro and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board member, said:

“The business for property in Sheffield City Region is buoyant and the level of interest in our offer is very high. This year’s programme of activity for the festival is bigger and better than ever before – we are confident in what we have to offer and in our ability to engage with an international audience. This tight schedule of seminars, events and pre-arranged meetings has been designed tell investors about the incredible depth and breadth of opportunity available in Sheffield City Region.”

This year, Sheffield City Region has joined forces with Leeds City Region for MIPIM 2015, in order to demonstrate the connected ambition of both regions. As two of the foremost economic forces in the Northern Powerhouse, the two City Regions will be showcasing the investment ready opportunities that will drive economic growth in the North. The Sheffield City Region will also be working with partners from the Midlands in the neighbouring D2N2 area (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire) to promote the strong links and shared economic priorities.

James Newman, Chairman of Sheffield City Region LEP said: “In such a highly competitive market place, working together and having a connected ambition can only strengthen our proposition. Our focus for MIPIM 2015 is to build upon the success our city regions experienced at MIPIM UK in October and to showcase the economic potential we both have.”

To find out more information about Sheffield City Region’s attendance at MIPIM 2015 or to join the delegation, visit www.sheffieldcityregion.org.uk/MIPIM

Image: Peak Masterplan by Stanton Williams (Retina Images)

The team at Handelsbanken in Chesterfield is celebrating following another year of growth for branches across the UK.

Crediting its success to the loyalty of local clients, the 143-year-old bank has revealed a 14 per cent rise in lending to British customers (Q4 ’14 vs Q4 ’13). Business lending has increased 10 per cent, to £9.59 billion, while lending to personal banking customers has risen 22 per cent, to £4.35 billion. UK customer deposits have increased 56 per cent over the period, to £7.72 billion.

Since becoming part of the Handelsbanken group in May 2013, assets under management at Heartwood have risen by 53% to £2.3 billion. This growth reflects the steady expansion of wealth management services, now available to customers throughout Handelsbanken’s nationwide branch network.

These positive results follow the recent appointment of a new staff member – Fraser Kirkman – who joined the Chesterfield team this month to help meet the growing demand of both existing and new customers locally.

Run by 5 experienced local bankers, Handelsbanken Chesterfield is now one of 189 local British branches.

Phil Walker, Manager of Handelsbanken in Chesterfield commented: “We are finding that both corporate and individual customers continue to choose Handelsbanken for the way we deliver long term relationship banking, always from the local branch and always based on trust and high levels of personal service. We continue to grow through personal recommendations from our satisfied customers and this drives our success in the UK.”

Anders Bouvin, Handelsbanken’s UK Chief Executive, comments: “For us it’s not about how far or how fast we grow in the UK. Instead it’s about ensuring every day that our branches are able to deliver the best possible service to their customers, based only on their individual needs.”

Back by popular demand, The Fox and Goose in Wigley near Chesterfield is set to host a second James Bond themed charity dinner.

Designed to raise money for North Derbyshire Young Enterprise, as well as helping to raise the charity’s profile locally, the event will be once again be based on the 2006 film, Casino Royale.

The prestigious black tie event takes place on Saturday March 14th from 7pm and includes a delicious four-course dinner, which will be complimented by casino entertainment, a live band, raffle and silent auction.

Hazel James, volunteer board member of North Derbyshire Young Enterprise and event organiser said:-

“As well as being a really fun night, the dinner is also a vital part of the charity’s fundraising efforts.

“The event funds 90% of the work we do in supporting the schools and running the Young Enterprise Company Programme and is an incredibly important date in the board’s calendar.

“It’s a great cause for local businesses to get behind as part of their commitment to charitable giving and corporate social responsibility and we hope many people will join us at the event.”

Tables of ten are now available priced at £400 each, with all proceeds supporting North Derbyshire Young Enterprise. A limited number of individual tickets may also be available for smaller parties and couples. For more information and to book email Hazel.James@rykneldhomes.org.uk.

Chesterfield distributor Industrial Ancillaries will deliver its first accredited course in Industrial Hose Fittings and Safety next week.

Working in partnership with the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), the training is designed for people working with hydraulic and pneumatic hoses across all industries including construction, oil and gas, plumbing, process and analytical instrumentation, energy, aerospace and medical.

As a BFPA approved training centre, the Industrial Ancillaries Academy is an important addition to the core business in helping to raise standards and awareness, especially in the area of safety within the industry.

Jamie Dennis, Managing Director of Industrial Ancillaries said:

“These training programmes have been established to raise the awareness levels of people who work with hydraulic and pneumatic hoses at all levels: from the system designer and field engineer, to the machine operator and the person who actually makes hose assemblies.

Being a supplier of these products, we have a responsibility to promote health and safety when the products are in use. Anyone looking to improve their working knowledge is welcome to participate in the courses.”

Run from the firm’s head office at Markham Vale, courses range from Foundation level, through to more intermediate classes in Hose Inspection and Management, and are aimed at anyone wishing to improve their current knowledge or job prospects within the industry.

Set dates are being advertised and private bookings are also available.  For more information and to book visit www.indanc.academy.

Business owners and managers are invited to find out about local training and apprenticeship opportunities at a workshop being held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield this March.

Hosted by Sheffield City Region, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), the event will include presentations from small businesses that have grown by developing their staff and taking on apprentices.

Sheffield City Region LEP Board Member Nigel Brewster said: “The benefits of taking on an apprentice or investing in skills training for staff are clear. However, we know that for some sole-traders and small businesses the whole process can seem time consuming and knowing where to start can be a barrier. These events will begin to tackle this by giving local business owners practical advice about how they can upskill their workforce. Business growth is at the heart of the LEP’s vision, and we recognise that if business owners and managers give employees the right skills then they will be better able to grow.”

Melanie Ulyatt, FSB Regional Chairman, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said: “The FSB is passionate about helping small business to grow and succeed. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the LEP and SFA to host these events which will give businesses up-to-date information and effective advice about skills training opportunities in Sheffield City Region.”

The workshop will take place Tuesday 10 March, 9am to 1pm, Casa Hotel, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield.  Free to attend, businesses encouraged to register online as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. For booking information visit http://growththroughtraining.org.uk/skillsevents.

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new member of staff in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Fraser Kirkman joins the fast-growing relationship bank, following his graduation in Business and Management last year. He will be involved in the operational side of the branch, supporting and serving existing customers, as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

Fraser commented: “I am delighted to be joining Handelsbanken Chesterfield. What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on close personal relationships with its customers, its reputation for high levels of service and its traditional values. I will be joining a team of experienced bankers who have the power to make decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch. It will be great to start my banking career in my local branch.”

The branch, established in 2012 and located at Spire Walk, has developed a reputation for traditional banking, financial strength and high standards within the local business and professional services community.

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Fraser to the Chesterfield branch team. This is a great local story – a local lad who has graduated and chosen to start his Handelsbanken career in Chesterfield. His appointment means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both existing and new customers in and around Chesterfield, whilst maintaining the high levels of service for which we are renowned.”

Originally from Sweden, Handelsbanken now has over 820 branches in 24 countries, and has been judged one of the world’s strongest banks by financial information provider Bloomberg.

SEO CoPilot presented a technical masterclass to digital and creative students at Chesterfield College last week to give them a competitive edge when applying for work.

Guy Tomlinson, Founder of SEO CoPilot, took students through some of the high-level techniques and procedures for understanding search engine optimisation and website traffic, as well as looking at the decisions businesses need to make when setting up online.

Guy, who is keen to help students gain practical experience said:-

“There are so many different technology models that students need to understand to be able to compete in industry and so I am very happy to offer my support and experience to compliment the curriculum covered at Chesterfield College.

“If a website isn’t optimised for the search engines the site will not show up when people search for products and services relevant to their business. As this is the lifeblood of any business it’s essential to get it right first time.

“Through this masterclass I was able to explain to students the importance of building elements of online marketing strategy into the website design and I hope this knowledge will help them to stand out from the crowd when looking for employment.”

Digital and Creative Industries Lecturer at Chesterfield College, Julia Allen said:-

“We’re all for industry experts coming into College and passing on some of the latest and greatest in skills and knowledge that will help students progress in their future careers.

“The session proved to be particularly popular as it geared the students with a solid understanding of how to provide future clients with a fantastic service.”

SEO CoPilot is based in the heart of Chesterfield and delivers bespoke search engine optimisation, pay per click and social media campaigns to help businesses increase traffic to their website and boost the amount of sales and enquiries they receive.