Graham Lock, Founder of the FIA, has revealed that Pinewood Property Estates has accepted his invitation to become the exclusive members for Chesterfield and Mansfield.
Graham Lock said: “I’m thrilled that Pinewood have joined our growing network of high calibre independent agents, they’re an award winning agency that puts the customer at the heart of everything they do, together with a fantastic internal culture. It’s not easy to gain FIA membership but this was a simple decision. Pinewood are clearly on top of their game and I can see a great future for them”.
Director Stacey Davies-Bowler said: “We’re delighted to have been asked to join the FIA, it’s a reflection of our continued progress as an award-winning, customer focused agency. The support, guidance, discounts, products suite and general feeling of being part of something special really appealed to me. The area exclusivity afforded to us will be a significant benefit to the team.”
Graham Lock continued “As soon as I spoke with Stacey I realised Pinewood were the right fit for the FIA. They will compliment our other members perfectly as we continue to build our eyecatching network of high calibre agents throughout the country. I’m really looking forward to seeing Pinewood continue to grow their business and we’re delighted to be a part of that story.”
In 2019, Pinewood Property Estates picked up 4 Golds and 1 Bronze at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards.
The annual search to find, recognise and celebrate the region’s leading businesses – and the contribution they make across the thriving economy and communities – has begun.
What’s more, winning a Chamber Business Award is a gateway to both the regional and national British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Awards, meaning a single application could result in outstanding local, regional and national recognition.
Organisations can enter as many awards categories as they like, with the application process honed in recent years to become fully online for enhanced user experience and ease.
The award categories are varied and wide ranging, ensuring inclusivity and opportunity for businesses of all sizes and sectors from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Categories for 2020 include Apprentice of the year; Business Improvement Through Technology; Commitment to People Development; Community Impact; Education and Business Partnership; Entrepreneur of the Year; Excellence in Customer Service; Excellence in International Trade; Manufacturer of the Year; Outstanding Growth and Small Business of the Year.
There is also a new category for 2020, the Environmental Impact Award, while one of the category winners will scoop the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Mazars, one of Europe’s largest accounting firms and headline sponsor of the Chamber’s awards programme.
Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, said: “Every year there is a real buzz as we launch our Business Awards. Our businesses work incredibly hard and as the region’s leading business representation organisation it is only right that we acknowledge and reward their efforts.”
“The benefits of entering awards are wide-ranging and profound; it’s win-win at every level. Our awards programme is among the most contested and prestigious around with all categories judged by business peers, ensuring a degree of validation and industry recognition difficult to find elsewhere.”
Jon Parker, Managing Director of ITP, a 2019 Business of the Year winner, added: “We entered the Chamber’s Business Awards because we’re proud of what we’re doing, and this was a great opportunity to showcase our work.”
“It was incredible to win. Every day we aim to make the world around us a better place, so to gain recognition through such a prestigious award is fantastic.”
The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 15 May. For further details and to download county-specific application forms visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/businessawards.
The Chamber will host gala dinners in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the autumn at which the awards will be presented.
Winners of specific awards from each county will then go forward to the BCC regional awards for a chance to compete for a national accolade.
Bloc Digital won the East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019
Derbyshire producers will get a chance to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors at Chatsworth Country Fair this summer thanks to an exciting opportunity offered by the area’s official tourist board.
For the third year running, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) is inviting local artisans to apply for a place in the Inspired by the Peak District and Derbyshire Marketplace at the major annual event, which attracts over 70,000 people from across the UK.
Held in the magnificent Chatsworth parkland, Chatsworth Country Fair (4 – 6 September 2020) showcases the best in traditional, British country pursuits with spectacular showground entertainment, quality trade stands and fun for all the family.
The opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses ranging from food and drink producers to artists and craftspeople, and is part financially supported by the MPDD-led European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project ‘Growing & Developing the Visitor Economy Within Derbyshire (Phase II)’.
Applications are open until Friday 1st May 2020. Successful applicants will be notified in early June 2020. Stalls provided to successful applicants will be subject to a charge of £100 plus VAT per business.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re excited to once again offer local businesses the fantastic opportunity to showcase their products and services at Chatsworth Country Fair via our ERDF project.”
“The event is the biggest and best of its kind in the country and our Inspired by the Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace offers a unique platform for businesses to reach a potential audience of thousands of people from across the UK.”
“Thanks to our funding support, it’s a great chance for businesses to assess – with little financial risk – the effectiveness of exhibiting at a show such as this, with the hope that they attend under their own steam in future years. Good luck to everyone who applies!”
Val and Nigel Hufton of The Tasty Cakery exhibited in the Inspired by the Peak District & Derbyshire Marketplace last year. They said: “Attending Chatsworth Country Fair was a huge boost for our business. It was the best fair we had ever attended and we not only sold plenty of products, but we gained good exposure to the public and also valuable trade interest.”
“It provided us with a fantastic opportunity to sell our products at an event that we probably couldn’t have afforded to exhibit at in our own right. It was also great networking with other local producers and there was fantastic camaraderie!”
ESS team members Dave Newton and John Wright are taking part in the 100km-long Peak District Challenge in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
1 in 4 people in the UK die of heart and circulatory diseases. The BHF use their resources to research treatments and support those suffering from these life changing conditions. Through their help, the number of people dying from heart disease has halved since 2005 but more can still be done.
This is a very personal cause for Dave in particular. Dave sadly lost his brother, Jono, to Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (S.A.D.S) last year. S.A.D.S is a genetic condition which can cause sudden death to people who are otherwise perfectly healthy.
Jono was incredibly fit and healthy, working as a professional bodybuilder and personal trainer. Without any prior warning, he died in his sleep, leaving behind his partner and two children. There are many unanswered questions about S.A.D.S and additional funding to find causes and cures are desperately needed. Dave and John hope that their efforts can raise further awareness and resources to this end.
The Peak District Challenge, starting on 4th July, consists of a tough 100km (61 miles) route through the Derbyshire hills. Dave and John will be completing a full continuous figure-of-8-loop through the peaks without stopping for sleep. They will start at their Bakewell base camp at 7am and won’t stop until they have crossed the finish line.
They are already well on their way to their £1,000 each fundraising target and every small contribution can make a difference. Just £24 is enough to pay for 2 hours of research. You can donate to Dave & John’s JustGiving pages via the links below.
The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is opening a call for new projects from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund allocation.
The Local Growth Fund is a Government Fund awarded to each LEP area to support economic growth in every region. D2N2 has an allocation of just over £250M which has been invested in projects since 2015 to unlock new jobs, housing and support skills development.
As the fund is coming to the end of the programme, D2N2 is looking to invite potential new projects that are ready to be delivered in the last year of the programme before March 2021 to utilise any remaining funds, that can support the objectives for a stronger, more productive and inclusive region.
The LEP is inviting organisations to put forward their proposals for capital projects that support the economic objectives for the region as set out in the Strategic Economic Plan and emerging Local Industrial Strategy. This can include projects such as facilities to support innovation, managed or incubation workspace for new and growing businesses, infrastructure to unlock new housing and employment sites including transport, and skills capital to support learners.
Sajeeda Rose, CEO of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “We are looking for projects that are ready to go that will facilitate new jobs and opportunities for local people and businesses and contribute towards the growth of the regional economy.”
“These projects will help us to drive forward our shared growth agenda, delivering economic growth and regenerating and revitalising our communities.”
Projects that have previously received Local Growth funding through the LEP include city and town centre regeneration projects, road and rail improvements, flood defences, training facilities, and development sites.
For more information and further details on how to apply to the pipeline call, visit the D2N2 LEP website here.
The deadline for responses is Midday on the 2nd of March 2020.
Over 200 delegates attended the 2019 D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Annual Conference in November.
The Government announced today (11th February) it will proceed with HS2 following recommendations from the independent Oakervee Review.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Chesterfield. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity for the town and borough. The new high-speed train line will have a transformative effect on our economy, with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.
“HS2 will afford the one million people that currently live within 30 minutes’ drive of Chesterfield railway station improved rail connectivity to the north and south and establish Chesterfield as the international gateway to the world-famous Peak District national park.
“Chesterfield is ready for HS2. We are currently finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan ahead of a public consultation exercise this summer and have been making the case for the new HS2 line maintenance depot, which will bring hundreds of new high-quality engineering jobs to Staveley, to also be used as a base for construction of the new line.
“I am also delighted that over 800 primary and secondary school children in Chesterfield and north Derbyshire have already had the opportunity to engage in our “HS2 and You” programme. With the billions of pounds of investment now planned for the rail industry there will be plenty of great job opportunities for future generations”.
“There is no limit to the council’s ambition to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people. The arrival of HS2 is critical to our future.”
Today’s announcement comes on the back of Talgo’s recent decision to establish its UK Headquarters at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The Spanish train manufacturer has also confirmed its commitment to develop a Rail Innovation and Training Centre in Chesterfield.
The Innovation Centre, which is expected to open in 2022, will include a suite of specialist research and development laboratories, commercial office and workshop space, and training facilities that will provide a complete education pathway from school through to university level study. The Innovation Centre will also act as a hub for Talgo to engage with local companies that supply parts to the rail industry.
Whilst the Government has given the go ahead to the construction of the whole line, the announcement also references an intention to carry out a further review of the second phase of HS2, which includes the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.
Cllr Tricia Gilby, continued: “It is critical that the delivery schedule for HS2 Phase 2b is not delayed further and there must be no downgrading of the line through the East Midlands to reduce costs.
“I will therefore be working closely with East Midlands’ Leaders from both the public and private sectors to ensure that this doesn’t happen. We must provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities.
Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber*, said: “
The vast potential of HS2 will only be realised if implemented in its entirety. While it is of course essential to keep an eye on costs, failure to deliver the Eastern Leg would undermine the whole project and greatly limit its return on investment; putting businesses here in the region at a distinct disadvantage in the process.”
Responding to news Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said:
“A further review of HS2 Phase 2b is an opportunity to make sure that HS2 is properly integrated with Midlands Engine Rail, and that other rail improvements are brought forward before the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton is operational.
“It is important, however, that the Phase 2b hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent in this Parliament to provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities. A review must also commit to constructing Phase 2b from the West Midlands to the East Midlands first, and must not consider downgrading lines north of Birmingham to cut costs. The Midlands must not be short changed with a two-tier HS2 network.
“Midlands Connect will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and local authorities to develop a plan that maximises the benefits of HS2, including improved HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield and the early delivery of the planned HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley.
“The Midlands has a golden opportunity to make the most of the huge benefits HS2 will bring to our communities. It is time to come together to deliver the infrastructure revolution the region desperately needs.”
Award winning law firm Banner Jones has raised £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice through their annual Free Wills Month.
Running for the 4th year in a row, as part of the John Eastwood Hospice Free Wills Month, the team offered members of the public the opportunity to have their will written or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.
The funds raised will help John Eastwood Hospice – an independent registered charity – continue its work in providing vital palliative care services to patients for free to those with life-limiting illnesses. The charity relies on the generosity of the local community and its team of volunteers.
This donation comes amidst of the firm’s next upcoming charity Free Wills Month which is expected to run throughout February in support of Helens Trust, a Derbyshire-based charity which helps terminally ill people spend the rest of their life in their own home.
Katie Woodard, Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “We work closely with John Eastwood Hospice throughout the year and I’m so pleased that the work we do on a daily basis has helped raise money for such a valuable cause.
“We would like to thank all those who have donated and taken the time to let our dedicated team guide them through the Will writing process.”
Martyn Knox, Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice said: “At John Eastwood Hospice we support people with advanced or progressive diseases such as cancer, motor-neurone disease or other long-term conditions to help improve and maximise the quality of the lives of our patients and their families.
“We are always so grateful for Banner Jones’ support and our ongoing relationship with the team.”
Banner Jones Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Dronfield and Nottingham.
Vicky Strong (Paralegal at Banner Jones), Katie Woodward (Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones), Mark Bilton (Executive Director at Banner Jones) and Martyn Knox (Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice)
Award-winning accountancy firm, BHP, has expanded its tax department with the appointment of Suzy Harris-Milnes as Tax Partner.
Suzy has specialised in private client work for more than 20 years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm, where she will help business owners, wealthy individuals and trusts with their personal tax affairs. She joins BHP after spending 24 years at Grant Thornton.
Offering bespoke advice, Suzy has extensive experience in creating aligned personal and business strategies for private clients.
Chris Humphreys, Head of Tax at BHP, said: “Suzy has spent the majority of her career developing long-lasting relationships with private clients to help shape and structure their personal finances.
“As we continue to grow, we are thrilled that Suzy has chosen to join the business – her experience in private client work will further strengthen the services that we offer.”
Suzy Harris-Milnes, Tax Partner at BHP, commented: “BHP has a long-standing reputation as a strong, independent business with an exciting future ahead. I was attracted to the growing accountancy firm because of its great clients, numerous award wins and recruitment growth over the last few years.
“I am now looking forward to expanding my speciality, building new relationships, training the team internally and highlighting the importance of private client work.”
Last year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.
Sometimes national celebrations are specifically relevant to a local area, and that is the case with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 3 to 7 February.
One could argue that Chesterfield celebrates apprenticeships 52 weeks a year as we were the first, and I believe still remain the only place, to declare itself an Apprentice Town nearly three years ago.
Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success.
There is more than £1billion worth of investment, development and redevelopment taking place in and around the town which, it is estimated, will create will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs. I for one want local people and school leavers to benefit from these jobs, but they can only do this if they have the right skills and are aware of the opportunities available.
Chesterfield was the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’
The Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference on 26 February will, I hope, further this conversation. The conference brings together business and education leaders to discuss how as a town we can develop our young people in order to improve the employability and skills offering for the future.
Let’s not wait for the conference however. If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend – make sure young people around you are aware of apprenticeships and the value they bring to their personal and professional development and the town’s prosperity.
The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Look Beyond’. It celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England today. From highlighting the breadth of industries and roles available to the talent and energy apprentices bring into the workplace. Let’s all ‘look beyond’ when we’re giving young people post 16 careers advice.
Baasit Siddiqui, star of Gogglebox and expert on Education and Social Mobility, will be the key note speaker at the event.
More than 14,000 students in North Derbyshire are set to gain their GCSE and A Level qualifications in the next five years. As these young people weigh up their futures and decide how best to forge their career path, I believe it’s vital that apprenticeships are presented as viable options alongside University and A Levels, to pupils in schools.
We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed. Having a skilled workforce is key to ensure our town continues to thrive for generations to come.
“Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success”
Chesterfield Champions Spire Radio and S40 & S41 Local magazines are partnering to offer discounted advertising packages across radio and print.
The new partnership will help businesses get their name and services out to a wider and more diverse local audience. Companies or organisations can benefit from a healthy discount (between 20 and 25%) when advertising packages on radio and in the magazines are arranged together, helping Chesterfield’s businesses reach even more potential clients. Along with the advertising packages, Spire Radio, are also offering all S40 & S41 Local advertisers, new or existing, 10% off any quoted event price.
S40 Local is one of two popular printed publications, that together form the online hub, Chesterfield Local. S40 Local magazine has been helping support local business, encouraging a sense of community and championing local events for over 11 years. Sister publication, S41 Local, was launched in 2018 and follows the same ethos as the original magazine with tailored content for the community based to the North West of Chesterfield, together delivering to 14,500 addresses.
S40 Local delivers to areas including Acorn Ridge, Ashgate, Brampton, Brookside, Holymoorside, Somersall and Walton, S41 Local to Ashgate Heights, Brockwell, Brushfield, Cutthorpe, Dunston (Skylarks & businesses) Highfield, Linacre, Newbold, Piccadilly, Sheffield Road (businesses) and Spital. Plus, both are delivered to a small selection of independent town centre businesses. (Please note: S40 & S41 Local do not cover the entire postcodes for S40 and S41 as distribution has grown organically).
Paul Chapman, Editor and Owner of S40 Local, said: “I’m excited to be pairing our services alongside Spire Radio. Like Spire Radio, I’m keen to support our town and the great independent businesses within it. This partnership will enable businesses to make the readers of S40 and S41 Local, together with the online listeners of Spire Radio aware of the great services they have to offer.”
Simon Paterson, Editor of S41 Local, said: “Having seen the great work that Spire Radio do at many of our local events, championing our town and providing quality entertainment, I am proud to be a part of this forward-thinking partnership. It’s great when two local, independent businesses work together, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this great venture.”
Spire Radio is a lifestyle branded online community radio station, broadcasting 24 hours a day from their Chesterfield Town Centre studio. They have the biggest range of live shows broadcast from Chesterfield (they do not syndicate shows with other stations), with over 80 hours a week of local, live content. They are coming up to their 5th anniversary, which will bring a range of changes to the station, including a significant investment to be announced in Spring 2020.
Jordan Hartshorne, Director of Social Media and PR at Spire Radio (right), thinks working together reflects the community spirit of Chesterfield: “Spire Radio is really excited to be working with S40 and S41 Local magazines on these new packages which will help Chesterfield businesses reach more people in the community”.
Award-winning estate agent Dales & Peaks will be expanding to a new office location in Matlock to accommodate its expanding team following the acquisition of rival firm TPS Estates.
Established in 2006, the company offers ‘no-fuss’ professional services to those looking to buy, sell or rent residential properties. Dales & Peaks have expanded to grow their already substantial property portfolio and client base across Derbyshire, the East Midlands and beyond.
The new location will provide a large office space, situated in an attractive listed building sat at a prominent location at Dale Road in Matlock and will employ three staff members, with the view of growing this to five or six in 2020.
Banner Jones Solicitors advised Dale & Peaks – which has a well-established office on Old Brick Works Lane, Chesterfield – on the business acquisition and the lease agreement on the new office space. Banner Jones Solicitors and Dales & Peaks are both part of the Chesterfield Champions scheme which is run by Destination Chesterfield.
Sarah Currey, Managing Director of Dales & Peaks, said: “We’ve had a hugely successful year, with considerable expansion through the hard work of the team. Having recently won Small Business of the Year 2019 at the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards, ending the year with the acquisition of TPS Estates is a fantastic achievement, allowing us to further our offering across Derbyshire and the East Midlands, and to continue to provide high-quality services to our ever-expanding client base.”
“We hope the acquisition and our new office space in Matlock will ensure that we are in a strong location to help people with their residential property needs in Matlock and surrounding areas, and to provide another great location out of which our growing, passionate team can operate.”
“Banner Jones’ advice throughout this period has been invaluable, and we are looking forward to what the future now holds!”
Ian Osborn, Commercial Solicitor at Banner Jones added: “Dales & Peaks has had a great year which has seen them expand organically, as well as through the acquisition of TPS.”
“We are delighted to have been instructed to support them with their commercial legal requirements during this time and look forward to assisting with their commercial offering in the future, as their operation continues to grow.”
Banner Jones offers a full range of services to businesses, including commercial agreements, company formations, support with commercial property and more.
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