Celebrate Chesterfield

Shorts Accountants named finalists for 5 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm Shorts are finalists for 5 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards (2023).

The Yorkshire Accountancy Awards has rapidly grown to be one of the most prestigious accountancy awards ceremonies in the industry, celebrating the success and achievements of the best accounting firms in the Yorkshire region.

The five categories in which Shorts have been named finalists are:

  • Employer of the Year
  • Team of the Year
  • Support Staff of the Year (for Shorts’ Payroll team)
  • Consultancy / Advisory Service Award (for Shorts’ Genus team)
  • Rising Star Award (for Matthew Lewis, Audit and Accounts Manager)

Upon learning of his nomination for the Rising Star award, Matthew Lewis said: “I’m thrilled to have been nominated for the award and I’m looking forward to celebrating with all the finalists at the ceremony in February. Thanks to everyone at Shorts for their continued support in my professional development.”

Shorts is no stranger to the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, with several previous wins across different service lines:

  • 2022 Corporate Finance Service Award winner
  • 2021 In-House Finance Team of the Year
  • 2020 Accountancy Team of the Year
  • 2020 Corporate Finance Team of the Year
  • 2020 Support Team of the Year
  • 2018 Advisory Firm of the Year

The winners of this year’s Yorkshire Accountancy Awards will be revealed at the awards ceremony on February 23rd, 2023.

Shorts has traded in Chesterfield since SE Short established the practice in 1890. The company has an established reputation as reliable and forward thinking accountants, taxation and business advisers.

The company comprises of a team of specialists all pulling in the same direction. With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, we’ve grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s great range of professional service businesses here.

Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Shortlist revealed for 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

The shortlist for the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards has been revealed, showcasing excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Finalists have been announced in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

Shortlisted businesses will now go forward to the final round of independent judging before winners are revealed at a glittering awards ceremony at Casa Hotel, Chesterfield on Thursday 2nd March 2023.

Organised for the third year by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the 2023 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a fantastic celebration of the passionate, hardworking and distinctive businesses who continually raise the bar of our world-class tourism offer.

“Not only do the awards showcase the sheer quality of our tourism offer to visitors and investors from across the country, but they also highlight the rewarding careers available in the industry and serve as a timely reminder of the value of our visitor economy.

“Reaching the shortlist is an achievement in itself and we look forward to celebrating with our finalists and partners at the awards ceremony in 2023.”

Mark Thurman, Managing Director of Casa Hotels Group, says: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards at Casa Hotel for the second year in a row. The tourism awards are a great way to celebrate success across the area’s unique hospitality and tourism sector, and we’re thrilled to have been nominated for three awards this year alongside many other top-class businesses.

“Global Brands is also pleased to be sponsoring the reception drinks for this prestigious occasion and we look forward to celebrating with finalists on Thursday 2nd March 2023!”


Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2023 Shortlist


Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover
  • LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne
  • Upper Hurst Farm, Hartington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor

Experience of the Year

  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pendragon Project Team Adventures
  • Pure Outdoor

Hotel of the Year

  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne

New Tourism Business Award

  • Buxton Crescent Heritage Experience, Buxton
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • The George, Hathersage

Pub of the Year

  • The Blind Bull, Little Hucklow
  • The George, Hathersage
  • The Scotsman’s Pack Country Inn, Hathersage

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Tissington Ford Barn, Bradbourne
  • The Water Mill, Bradbourne
  • Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Earl Sterndale

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Bakewell
  • The Maynard, Grindleford
  • Red Lion Restaurant at Peak Edge Hotel, Chesterfield

Team of the Year

  • Creswell Crags Learning Team
  • Hattersley Wines
  • The Maynard Team

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Josh Butler, Longbow Bars and Restaurants
  • Courtney Charlton, The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop
  • Hollie Fentem, Rivendale Lodge Retreat

Unsung Hero

  • Soraya Ferrer, The Maynard
  • Martin Firth, Rivendale Lodge Retreat
  • Gavin Moy, Pure Outdoor

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Thornbridge Estate, Bakewell

For more details see: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards. Join the conversation on social media using #PDDTourismAwards.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield’s brand-new M&S store opens at Ravenside Retail Park

Local people have been supported to secure jobs at the new Marks and Spencer store in Chesterfield, as part of a partnership project with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located in Ravenside Retail Park, the store is designed with customers and local families at heart with a fresh, market-style Foodhall and a spacious Clothing, Home and Beauty Department, and over 400 car parking spaces.

At 46,000 sqft. the new store marks a big investment for M&S in Chesterfield, with over 100 new recruits joining the current team to welcome customers through the doors.

On the store’s official opening day, (Wednesday, 30th November) the M&S Chesterfield team gathered at the store entrance at 10am with Store Manager, Matt Corker, who was joined by guest of honor, Percy Pig, to cut the ribbon and declare the store officially open.

The opening day was also marked with a live broadcast from North Derbyshire Radio, who hosted the Breakfast and Daytime shows from the shop floor – interviewing colleagues and customers and getting a first-look at all the exciting new features.

Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Store Manager Matt Corker, who has worked at M&S for over 25 years, is exceptionally proud of the new store and his amazing team of of over 200 colleagues.

Matt said: “We’re thrilled to open our brand-new store in Chesterfield today. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches to our new store and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in the team who has worked so hard to make sure everything is ready for our big opening day.”

“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Chesterfield and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer. As well as bringing our existing M&S Chesterfield team across to the new store, we’re proud to introduce over 100 new recruits to M&S Chesterfield, who can’t wait to meet everyone. With an amazing new, fresh-market feel Foodhall and a Clothing, Home & Beauty department which is the perfect place to shop your M&S favourites, we really do have the best of M&S here in Chesterfield for everyone to enjoy!”

While acknowledging that it’s disappointing to lose the household name from its central location on the high street – Chesterfield Borough Council has welcomed the firm’s commitment to its future in the borough.

Local people were supported to apply for roles at the new store at a recent recruitment event led by the council.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The opening of this new Marks and Spencer store at Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough.

“Whilst we understand that the move is disappointing for our high street, the company’s decision to remain within our town demonstrates the confidence that this national retailer has in Chesterfield’s future.

“It has also created more than 100 new jobs, and we’ve been working closely with the company to support local people to benefit from these new employment opportunities.”

The council does not own the building which has now been vacated by Marks and Spencer, but is continuing to work with the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building,

Councillor Sarvent added: “While we have no direct control over the former Marks and Spencer building, we will do all we can to explore and support positive new uses for this central site in our town centre.

“We’re also making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.”

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Derbyshire to return to Queen’s Park in 2023 for the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

The fixture list has been confirmed ahead of the 2023 County Cricket season, with Derbyshire set to return to Queen’s Park in Chesterfield to do battle with local rivals Yorkshire.

Derbyshire will be beginning their campaign at home to Worcestershire in the LV= County Championship, starting on Thursday 6 April.

Mickey Arthur’s side will be looking to make a strong start to the red ball season, with two games on the road in April, before Derbyshire host Leicestershire and Gloucestershire in an opening block of five-successive first-class fixtures.

The Chesterfield Festival of Cricket returns in June, and promises to be the biggest ever, with Derbyshire facing Yorkshire in the County Championship, starting on Sunday 11 June, before the Falcons take on the Vikings in Vitality Blast action on Sunday 18 June, meaning five huge days of action at Queen’s Park.

Last season’s action in Chesterfield saw Derbyshire beat Middlesex by six wickets in the County Championship, and the Falcons securing a six-wicket win over Yorkshire in the T20 match, which was played in front of a sellout crowd.

The blockbuster clashes are also back in Derby next summer, with five Vitality Blast fixtures set to take place at The Incora County Ground, headlined by the East Midlands Derby against Notts Outlaws on Friday 9 June.

The Vitality Blast will kick off with the historic Blast Off at Edgbaston on Saturday 20 May, where the Falcons will take on Lancashire Lightning in front of a bumper crowd on the biggest stage.

On Monday 29 May, a Bank Holiday, The Incora County Ground will play host to a special double-header, as The Blaze take on Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, before Derbyshire Falcons take on Northants Steelbacks in the Vitality Blast under the floodlights.

In total, Derbyshire’s 2023 schedule includes 39 days of home cricket, while Members can also enjoy free access to England fixtures hosted at Derby, meaning Membership remains the best-value way to follow Derbyshire in 2023.

The full list of Derbyshire fixtures can be found at https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/

Derbyshire County Cricket Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Community Chesterfield and the University of Derby celebrate Partnership award

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield team has been applauded for its growing partnership project with the University of Derby.

The Voluntary Sector Awards were launched in 2014 to recognise the outstanding work carried out by the voluntary sector in our area. The event brings people together from across the Third Sector to celebrate the huge triumphs that have been made across Derbyshire in the last year.

Community Chesterfield was launched in 2019, as a collaboration between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby, the project has not only endured the global pandemic but smashed expectations and gone further than initially hoped, connecting students, university lecturers, and community groups across the county to work with and support each other in a true partnership.

Bev Crighton, from the University of Derby reflects: “[Community Chesterfield] is one of the most productive and successful projects I have seen in 11 years…. this one has really helped Chesterfield and the communities.”

A partnership started with the desire to uncover and nurture new relationships and opportunities, to pave the way for collaborations and innovation between the University and grassroots community and volunteer groups.

The project has presented training, research, and shared learning with the university, as well as local volunteers, and charities, putting students, teachers, professionals, and the community together in real-life situations allowing them to share their experiences and stories, to forge lasting connections, and emboldening them to champion community involvement, and the crucial importance of working collaboratively with the third sector in the classroom, in their careers, and in their futures.

Megan, a Student Nurse on Placement commented: “I have had the opportunity to spend time with different charities and their events whilst on placement, which has broadened my knowledge even more. I have also found that it has positively allowed me to expand my knowledge in the field I’m studying by discussing the role with a variety of different people and helping them to understand different professions within the health care setting.”

As the organisation looks to what else Community Chesterfield will achieve, so does the scope of the partnership, growing beyond its beginnings in health and social care and opening to the entire University, as well as looking for new opportunities in businesses across the county hoping to help shape how they interact with, and contribute to the community and voluntary sector.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Community Chesterfield Award win

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Training provider appointed for Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed as the training provider for the new Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The innovative Construction Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce that the college and university will be working together to support this project. As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, ensuring that everyone in Staveley can start, stay, and grow in the town.

“I look forward to working with them and our partners the Devonshire Group to progress the development of the Hub and start welcoming learners in Autumn 2023.”

A site has already been identified for the Construction Skills Hub in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which will be bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. This will allow trainees to develop their skills on a live housing site, and in time there will also be opportunities to gain experience on other Staveley Town Deal construction projects.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director for Devonshire Group, said: “When I first saw the concept of a Construction Skills Hub and was asked if we could help deliver one for Chesterfield, my resounding response was yes, and I know just where.

“Devonshire Group are deeply committed to offering opportunities for learning and skills development, and to making a real difference to the lives and employment prospects of those in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to assist the Council in providing a home for the Skills Hub. Supporting the next generation of people who will help create our built environment is something to be truly proud of.”

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

Gavin Varley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction at The Chesterfield College Group, explains: “We make a commitment to our students to not only provide them with the skills and qualifications they need, they are just the start, but with the work experience and industry knowledge that gives them the clarity of how and where to progress their career for years to come. We’re delighted to be a partner of this project as it comprehensively addresses this wider student experience, we commit to providing for all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the training provider, alongside Chesterfield College, for the new Construction Skills Hub, which will provide real-world learning opportunities to thousands of people looking to embark on a career in the construction industry or develop their skills so they can progress onto new roles.

“The Hub will enhance the existing construction training offer by providing the opportunity for local learners to develop their skills in a live on-site centre. Our ambition is for this to be ground-breaking, delivering a model that builds on the innovative approach of other such centres, and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Chesterfield College as well as working with prominent private sector companies on this exciting project.

“As a Civic University, we are committed to supporting the city and county’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, improving the life chances of people, developing a pipeline of talent that choose to live and work in the area, and addressing the skills gap through our involvement in initiatives such as the Construction Skills Hub.”

Working on a live construction site will not only allow learners to develop the skills they need, but it will also provide practical experience and help provide a link to construction companies where they could find permanent roles.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2 million of investment through the Town Deal with the aim to create a town where everyone can start, stay and grow. This investment will support eleven different projects across the town and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future by improving transport links, creating new housing, providing skills for local people, enhancing community facilities, and regenerating the town centre.

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

property and construction

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Devonshire Property Group commences construction on major industrial site in Staveley

Six much-needed industrial and warehouse units totalling 22,613 sq ft are being built in North Derbyshire to meet market demand.

Devonshire Property Group has started work on Hartington Business Park, off Farndale Road in Staveley, which will comprise three terraces of brand new, high specification, modern industrial and warehouse units ready to let for the start of 2023.

The development will offer six units across three terraces with units available from 2,429 sq ft to 4,856 sq ft. Alternatively, units could be combined to create single units up to 8,044 sq ft, offering ultimate flexibility and catering for occupier needs. The units are being marketed by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank and Commercial Property Partners (CPP).

Harry Orwin-Allen in Knight Frank Sheffield’s industrial team said: “There is a distinct lack of supply for good quality industrial spaces under 10,000 sq ft. This speculative development delivered by Devonshire Property Group will prove attractive to occupiers seeking high quality accommodation in the region.

“The units are currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in Q1 2023.”

Max Pickering of CPP added: “With the supply of good quality, smaller industrial buildings expected to remain low, Hartington Business Park will address some of the apparent supply imbalance with good quality units that cater for a range of occupier requirements.”

Key features of the units will include modern steel portal frames, steel profile cladding, concrete floor, secure concrete yard areas, ground level loading door, EV Charging points, three phase power supply and fibre broadband.

Hartington Business Park is located on the northern edge of Staveley, which is around five miles northeast of Chesterfield. The site benefits from access to the motorway network via J30 and J29A of the M1, both around three miles away from the development.

For further information contact Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or email harry.orwin-allen@knightfrank.com or call Max Pickering at CPP on 0114 273 8857.

Find out more about the range of developments taking place in Staveley at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

Devonshire Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Royal installs State-of-the-Art £1.5m MRI Scanner

A state-of-the-art £1.5m brand new MRI scanner has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – expecting to help diagnose more than 16,000 patients a year.

An MRI scanner– or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner – uses magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce three dimensional detailed images of most areas of the body without the use of radiation. It is used to diagnose and monitor treatments in both adults and children.

The Trust has two MRIs on site with this new Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5 T replacing an 11-year-old machine, which was removed in September.

The installation was carried out by a 50 tonne crane and took seven hours with the cryogenics and superconductor – needed to operate the machinery – being connected to the power supply and configured. The new machine will become operational from 23 December – just in time for Christmas.

The new MRI will have a life span of between 10-15 years and weighs just over 4 tonnes – the equivalent of a hippopotamus or about three cars. It will operate 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week – with scans lasting between 10-60 minutes. All scans are prioritised with urgent cases often receiving the results on the same day.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director at the Trust commented: “This is great news for the people of Chesterfield and shows that as a Trust we are investing in modern care and facilities – this being alongside the £27m Urgent and Emergency Care Development and the £2m Paediatric Assessment Unit.”

An MRI is typically used to diagnose a variety of pathologies including stroke, tumours, vascular anomalies and many musculo-skeletal problems.

Rebecca Ward, MRICT lead at the Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing in such an advanced piece of equipment into the hospital. The new technology will offer far greater quality and speed over our previous scanner. We know that it will improve our performance and mean we diagnose more people as well as providing a better experience for patients.”

Kevin Sargen, added: “I’d take this opportunity to flag that people need to access the right care by contacting their GP, 111 or pharmacies before coming to our Emergency Department – allowing us to ensure we can prioritise more serious conditions and those requiring access to diagnostics such as this new MRI.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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BHP becomes first tenant at flagship One Waterside Place in Chesterfield

Leading North Derbyshire and Yorkshire accountancy firm BHP has moved into Chesterfield’s most sought-after address at One Waterside Place.

BHP is the building’s first tenant and takes one floor in the six-storey building, relocating from its current site on Saltergate in Chesterfield town centre, which they occupied for more than 30 years.

The new office will be home to more than 70 BHP employees across its Personal and Corporate Tax, Healthcare, Audit and Accounts, and Payroll teams.

The ‘Grade A’ 5,550 sq ft office space boasts state-of-the-art office facilities, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café/bar area, modern kitchen, LED lighting, air conditioning and cycle parking.

BHP Partner Dominic Staniforth said: “We’re delighted to have officially moved into our brand-new office here at One Waterside Place. It’s been exciting to welcome the team in to experience the facilities first-hand.

“We’ve loved being part of the Chesterfield community for the past 30 years and the move demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and employment market, while providing us with a fantastic base for our firm to grow.

“One Waterside Place is superbly located and offers our people a great place to work, with an array of restaurants, cafés and shops on the doorstep. We look forward to being in our new home for many years to come.”

Lisa Leighton, BHP’s Joint Managing Partner, said: “Chesterfield has always been an important location for us. We’ve had a base in the town since 1991 and have built up a fantastic reputation in the area.

“The new office is an excellent space that provides first-class facilities for our team. I know I can speak on behalf of my Chesterfield colleagues when I say that we’re proud to be the first tenants in such a prestigious building and we look forward to our bright future at One Waterside Place.”

As well as nearby motorway links, One Waterside Place is desirably located next to Chesterfield’s mainline train station, with services reaching London St Pancras in under two hours.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome BHP to our new Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Chesterfield. Their investment is a ringing endorsement of our town and will help ensure there are great jobs for our residents. I want to wish them the best for their future,”

One Waterside Place is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council. The building’s property developer was Bolsterstone Group Plc and BHP’s office space was kitted out by Absolute Commercial Interiors Ltd.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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SMH Group completes merger with BCL Accountants

Leeds based accountancy practice, BCL Accountants Limited, have merged into the SMH Group, allowing the firm to offer an increased level of service to its clients backed by the strength of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire based group.

The merger took place on 1st November 2022, with the firm continuing to operate from their office on Pavilion Business Park in Leeds.

The new company, called SMH BCL Accountants Limited, sees existing Managing Director, Chris Nunn start a phased retirement over the next three years, with current co-Director, Stacey Pocklington stepping up into the Partner role. James Hartley and Jonathon Dickens, who lead all operations within the SMH group also join as Directors

The SMH Group offer a full range of business and personal financial services, including accountancy, financial advice, commercial finance, wills & probate, and mortgage advice, to businesses and individuals across region.

Chris Nunn, Managing Director of BCL Accountants Ltd comments: “Having joined BCL Accountants Limited in 1993, and becoming Managing Director in 2002, it is the right time to start phasing in my retirement. We’re delighted to join forces with the SMH Group, a regional firm that has a similar ethos and client focus to ourselves. They’re the perfect fit to ensure we can take BCL Accountants to the next level.

“It is very much business as usual for us – all the current staff will still be on hand, but we now have the resources of a larger firm to ensure we can offer the best all round service for all our clients’ business, personal and family financial requirements.

“Myself, and fellow Director at BCL Accountants Limited, Stacey Pocklington will be continuing, so will be on hand to ensure there is consistency for our clients going forward.

“SMH Group have the expertise to continue to deliver the highest quality service to our clients, as well as introducing their full-service offering meaning they can access all their financial requirements under one roof. I am confident the merger will be of benefit to all our clients and staff alike.”

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at the SMH Group adds: “This latest merger into the SMH Group is an excellent opportunity for both firms – it provides long term security and more added value services for clients of BCL Accountants and allows us to expand the SMH Group into a new area in Leeds, which has been a long-term objective of ours.

“Our thanks go to CMP Legal and Mason Thomas Law, who advised on all the legal aspects of the deal.

“We would like to offer a warm welcome to Chris, Stacey and all staff and clients into the SMH family.”

BCL Accountants specialise in providing accountancy services to a range of businesses, in particular the licensed trade, engineering and building trades. The addition of BCL Accountants Limited into the SMH Group is the sixth merger to take place since 2018, and the second in quick succession with Matlock based Malcom J Harris Ltd joining the group in September 2022.

SMH Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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25,000 new trees planted in Stand Wood above Chatsworth

A major replanting of Stand Wood, the woodland that sits on the steep hill behind Chatsworth House, is taking place to restore thousands of trees to the landscape which includes the Hunting Tower and four reservoirs.

The Forestry team at Chatsworth is hard at work planting around 25,000 new trees to create a more diverse woodland with a much wider variety of species including oak, hornbeam, birch, alder, sycamore and yew trees across its 383 acres. All of the saplings have been grown in UK nurseries and while different species grow at different rates, most of the tree canopy is expected to be above head height in the next 10-15 years.

John Everitt, Forestry Manager at Chatsworth: “We have records showing the woodland has been planted and replanted many times over the centuries. It’s part of the natural cycle with older trees and plants replaced with new growth – the trees we have recently replanted will soon grow to create a mature woodland again.”

“In fact, one of our retired foresters, Brian Gilbert, recently brought in some photos of him working in Stand Wood in the early 1960s. One particular photo caught my attention and shows a young Brian with a piece of pine pit wood slung over his shoulder, probably for use in the collieries that were such an important part of the local economy at the time.”

“He’s stood on the road between the Hunting Tower and Park Gate Farm, with the timber on his shoulder being felled from the top side of the track as part of a gale tidy up during a bad winter in February 1963. In the background of the picture are young larch, beech, oak and sweet chestnut trees planted following wartime felling. These are the same larch and sweet chestnut trees which we have recently had to fell as mature trees due to the Phytophthora outbreak.”

The replanting of affected areas with a greater mixture of species will help make Stand Wood more disease-resistant as it replaces trees which had to be felled after approximately 5500 trees (3500 tonnes of wood) became infected with a deadly water mould called Phytophthora Ramorum. The mould affects bark and foliage, usually leads to death and particularly damages Larch as well as some other trees and plants

The diseased trees were cut down to help prevent further spread of the disease to other areas of woodland on the estate and in neighbouring woodlands. Working with the Forestry Commission to identify the infected areas, the Chatsworth Forestry team felled and removed all the larch and sweet chestnut trees within these areas and in surrounding areas where larch trees were at risk.

Old paintings of Chatsworth show that the hillside behind the house was completely devoid of trees until it was replanted in the 18th century with the woodland having undergone partial felling and replanting on a number of occasions since. Among the oldest, at the crest, are several mature beech trees from the 18th or early 19th century.

Comprising nearly 4,000 acres, Chatsworth’s woodlands sequester around 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent a year – almost four times the annual emissions from owned and operated property in the Chatsworth Estate.

Chatsworth Forestry and Arboriculture is responsible for the stewardship and management of all woodlands and individual trees across the entire Chatsworth Estate. The woodlands are managed under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, FSC® certified and audited annually to ensure Chatsworth is operating to the highest industry standards.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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