Banner Jones Solicitors

Double award win for Banner Jones at prestigious regional ceremony

The team at Banner Jones Solicitors are celebrating after winning two awards at the prestigious Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.

The event took place on the 17th of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield. It saw the Employment Team take home the accolade for the second consecutive year.

Banner Jones’ Chief Executive and Head of Personal Injury, Simon Wright, was also awarded Partner of the Year in recognition of his expertise within his field, his dedication to his clients and his continued contribution to the business’s success.

The firm’s conveyancing department, which is widely recognised for its customer service led approach and use of technology, was also shortlisted for the Residential Property of the Year Award but narrowly missed out on the night.

Commenting on the news Banner Jones’ Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “The Sheffield & District Law Society Awards provide an opportunity for the local legal community to come together to celebrate our many achievements and successes from across the year.

“It is therefore a real privilege and an honour to have been shortlisted in three categories, and to have taken home two of the awards. Our collective success is a real testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone at the firm has shown over the past 12 months.

“A huge congratulations in particular goes to our Employment Law team, and I am personally delighted to have won the Partner of the Year award.”

This is the second year in a row that the Banner Jones employment team, which prides itself on offering high-quality advice in a user-friendly, cost-effective manner to individuals, businesses, and charities, has won Employment Law Team of the Year.

Commenting on the award win Katie Ash, Head of Banner Jones’ Employment team, said: “We are delighted to have won Employment Law Team of the Year for the second time.

“It has been a pleasure to help guide our clients through the past year and we are very much looking forward to building on those relationships throughout 2023 and beyond.”

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

banner jones award win

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Banner Jones Solicitors shortlisted for three prestigious wards 

Banner Jones Solicitors, a regional law firm based in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for three awards at the upcoming Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.

Nominations for the firm include the prestigious Residential Property Team of the Year, and Employment Team of the Year.

Chief Executive and Head of the Personal Injury at Banner Jones, Simon Wright has also been nominated for Partner of the Year, in recognition of his expertise within his field, his dedication to his clients and his continued contribution to the success of the business.

The winners of the awards will be announced at the annual awards ceremony which will take place on the 17th of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield.

Commenting on the news, Banner Jones’ Chief Executive Simon Wright said: “The Sheffield & District Law Society Awards are a firm favourite in our events calendar. The event provides a unique opportunity for the local legal community to get together to celebrate our successes, and we are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted in two of the team categories this year.

“I am also delighted and privileged to have been nominated by my colleagues for the Partner of the Year award. However, it is important to emphasise that all three of the shortlisting’s are testament to the hard work and dedication that everyone at the firm has shown over the past 12 months.”

This is the second year in a row that the Banner Jones employment team – which prides itself on being able to offer high quality advice in a user-friendly, cost-effective manner to individuals, businesses and charities – has been shortlisted for the Employment Team of the Year Award, which it won in 2022.

Widely recognised for its customer service led approach, the firm’s conveyancing department is in the running for the Residential Property of the Year Award for the first time.

One of the largest and most experienced in our area, consisting of 42 members, the team was also shortlisted for the ‘Best use of Technology’ in the 2022 Sheffield business awards.

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

Banner Jones Award nomination

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Chesterfield businesses share more festive joy with support for the local community

Businesses across Chesterfield have shared more festive joy in the run-up to Christmas.

From fabulous charity efforts to hosting a Santa’s grotto for our four-legged friends, here’s a taste of what our business community has been up to this December.

Find out more about some of the great festive initiatives carried out by our network of Chesterfield Champions here.

Banner Jones Solicitors donates to local foodbank

The staff at Chesterfield law firm Banner Jones have come together to collect their largest ever donation for the local foodbank, Gussie’s Kitchen – including toys, toiletries and tasty treats.

Set up in April 2016 and based in St Augustine’s Church in Chesterfield, Gussie’s aims to provide a friendly social space for communities to come together, meet new people and enjoy a tasty, low cost meal made using surplus food distributed by FareShare.

Due to demand within the community Gussie’s have expanded their services to now also act as a foodbank as well as offering seasonal clothing.

The supplies donated by Banner Jones will be handed out to members of the local community using the service this Christmas.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Banner Jones’ marketing manager, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time to get together and spend quality time with families and friends, but for many people it can be an extremely difficult time of year. Especially for those who are struggling financially.

“We are delighted to have collected so many items, and to have been able to support those who are less fortunate this festive season. We hope the gifts go some way to putting a smile on someone’s face this Christmas.”

Redbrik continues to support community with charitable donations 

The Redbrik Foundation has recently donated over £3500 to organisations across Sheffield and Chesterfield.

Established in 2020, the Foundation supports several charitable organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

The latest funds were presented to three organisations; Ashgate Hospice received a donation of £1368, £1000 was donated to The Sheffield Children’s Hospital snowflake appeal and the Foundation granted £1500 to Whirlow Hall Farm.

Funds raised by Redbrik colleagues at the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k in October were donated exclusively to Ashgate Hospice in memory of colleague Kirstie Snape, as per the wishes of Kirstie’s family. In March 2021, Kirstie was sadly diagnosed with cancer, and after a brave fight with many highs and lows, she passed away in September this year.

The Sheffield Children’s Hospital snowflake appeal will contribute to building a helipad at the hospital to save vital minutes when every second counts for patients. Whirlow Hall Farm’s grant will provide alternative education programmes for vulnerable children and young people who cannot attend mainstream education due to a variety of medical needs, mental health issues and learning disabilities.

David Cooper, Redbrik Director and Trustee of the Redbrik Foundation, said: “We are delighted to provide support to all three incredible local charities, and we know first-hand the difference these donations will make in helping the organisations continue their work for the local community.

I am proud of each and every one of our Redbrik team who took part in the 10k to raise money for Ashgate Hospice in Kirstie’s memory, and I commend their dedication to fundraising during such a difficult time.”

The Redbrik Foundation has more to offer and would love to help fund more local charities. If your charity is interested in support from The Redbrik Foundation, contact David Cooper by email on david.cooper@redbrik.co.uk.

Vicar Lane Takes part in ‘Let’s Can Hunger’ campaign

vicar lane xmas

To support Chesterfield Foodbank, Vicar Lane took part in a LET’S CAN HUNGER campaign to collect donations of essential supplies, for families and those most in need within the community this Christmas.

Having already run two very successful collections this year for the people of Ukraine, this was another opportunity for the local people of Chesterfield to give what they can, to support a charity that relies heavily on what they receive by the community.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator, Vicar Lane said, “We are always blown away by the generosity of our local community, so we anticipate this to be a successful collection to support the work that Chesterfield Foodbank do.”

Paperclip supports Christmas lunch for the disadvantaged

Christmas Day Lunch for the disadvantaged

Paperclip  is supporting a Christmas Day lunch for local people in need of a hot meal, some company, or assistance with mental health or substance abuse.

The businesses is helping out by providing and servicing the telephone hotline, and by volunteering on the day.

To find out more about the Christmas Day lunch event, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/christmas-lunch-for-the-disadvantaged-hosted-by-paperclip/

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care hosts Santa’s Grotto for dogs

Rossi the boxer Rose Cottage Christmas

It would be unfair to leave our precious pooches out of the festive celebrations, wouldn’t it?!

Local Doggy Day Care business, Rose Cottage have ensured dog owners can get their pets into the spirit by hosting a Santa’s Grotto, between 12th-16th December.

Aptly named, SantaPAWS enabled owners to compete for the prize of ‘best dressed’ dog. Rossi the boxer dog (pictured) came out on top with his cute reindeer antlers and Christmas jumper!

Rossi and his owner took home a hamper box worth £50 in dog treats.. Someone is going to have a very merry Christmas indeed!

Banner Jones Solicitors, Redbrik, Rose Cottage, Vicar Lane and Paperclip 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 Champions sponsor local community awards ceremony

Several Chesterfield Businesses and organisations have pledged to sponsor the upcoming BrightLife ‘Champions Against Loneliness’ Awards.

The ceremony is set to held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, on February 17th, 2023.

The awards evening is a fundraising event at which the local charity BrightLife will acknowledge and celebrate those members of society who have gone above and beyond in their actions to ensure that loneliness and isolation doesn’t occur amongst older people living within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

The 2023 award categories will include:

  • Champion
  • Champion Young Person
  • Champion Volunteer
  • Champion Medical Professional
  • Champion Carer
  • Champion Business
  • Champion Neighbour
  • Champion Family
  • Champion Charity

Sponsors for the event include Banner Jones Solicitors, Heron Publications – the producer of Twist Magazine, and 1866 Sport – the official radio station of Chesterfield Football Club.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager of Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “Banner Jones has worked alongside BrightLife (formerly Age Concern Chesterfield and District) for several years as we have always recognised the importance of supporting the elderly and vulnerable in our society.

Unfortunately we see the effects of loneliness in our everyday work with clients and it was this that gave us a reason to get behind this event and help to raise money for this outstanding local charity.”

Mike Firth, Director of Heron Publications commented “We are proud how closely our magazines are tied to the fabric of the communities they serve. When we heard that BrightLife was planning to recognise some of the most deserving individuals and groups in these communities, we were interested to find out more.

“We are excited to be a sponsor of the event and urge anyone who knows someone who strives to combat older people’s loneliness and isolation to get involved.”

Bridget Ball, 1866 Sport’s marketing manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with BrightLife and helping them recognise those have helped combat loneliness.”

If you or anyone you know has helped to prevent loneliness and isolation amongst older people living within your community, please submit a nomination at www.brightlife.charity/champions or phone BrightLife on 01246 273333.

Casa Hotel

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Growth for Chesterfield professional service businesses

Four Chesterfield businesses operating in the legal, financial and IT sectors have recently announced growth, with new team members and internal promotions bolstering their ranks.

BRM Solicitors recently announces Director Sanjeev Batra as the new Head of Real Estate at Chesterfield.

Sanjeev specialises in acquisitions, sales and leasebacks, disposals, security transactions and landlord and tenant issues, joined BRM in 2012 and is based in the BRM Chesterfield office.

He commented: “At BRM we are continuing to work to develop a vibrant and dynamic property department, supporting new clients and working with the firm’s current clients to support their business.”

Elsewhere, Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management added Emily Steeples to the team as a Financial Services Administrator.

Donna Robertson, Independent Financial Adviser at the company said: “Emily is passionate about delivering an exceptional customer service experience. Having spent eight years in customer/client facing roles she finds it rewarding to be supporting clients along their personal journey.

“Emily’s commitment to building rapport, making sure each client feels comfortable and understood which aligns with, and complements, the Rosewood value of having the client at the heart of everything they do.

“Joining the team as a Financial Services Administrator, Emily brings her dynamic and bubbly personality along with an exciting, fresh perspective on social media and community support campaigns.”

Banner Jones Solicitors has also announced a major promotion, with Andrew Fielder being annoucned as the company’s new Head of Business Legal Services.

The announcement follows news that industry stalwart Stephen Gordon retired at the end of August, following an impressive and influential 35-year legal career.

Commenting on his new role Andrew said: “I have large shoes to fill in my new role as Head of Business Legal Services but having worked alongside Stephen for so many years I am confident that I have benefited hugely from his experience, and that I can further build on that legacy and look towards the growth of the Banner Jones commercial offering across each of our offices.”

Finally, five new appointments have been made at Chesterfield’s Central Technology, with Project Engineer Linford Njie , Project Manager Alicia Wright, Account Manager Alex Greveson, Technical Support Specialist Katie Cope and Cloud Internal Account Manager Callium Rigley all joining the team.

Alex Greveson said: “I have joined CT as an Account Manager to work and build relationships with our valued customers. Prior to CT, I have multiple years previous experience in Account / Project Management in the IT and Utilities sector.”

Katie Cope commented: “My current job role at CT is providing IT support to our customers via the CT helpdesk. I have previous experience within the IT sector supporting multiple sites of a regional law firm.”

BRM Solicitors, Rosewood Wealth Management, Banner Jones Solicitors and Central Technology 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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Business owners urged to review training policies following landmark judgment

Chesterfield’s Banner Jones Solicitors are urging business owners and employers from across the region to review their equality training policies and practices, after a landmark judgment found that one company had failed to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent the racial harassment of a member of staff.

The ruling in the case of Allay (UK) Ltd v Gehlen found that while the brokerage firm had delivered training on staff equality, it had become stale in the 20 months that followed.

The business had also failed to respond appropriately to claims of harassment from an employee and had therefore failed in its duty under the Equality Act 2010. Allay was ordered to pay compensation in the amount of £5,036.63.

In response to the Judgment, law firm Banner Jones has launched a comprehensive range of Employment Law training packages.

Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law at the firm, said: “In our experience, the vast majority of businesses take their duty under the Equality Act very seriously, and they want to do all that is necessary to prevent the harassment and bullying of staff. Rightly so.

“What’s different in this case, however, is that while Allay (UK) Ltd had policies and training in place, they had failed to ensure that they had regular refresher sessions in place and that they actively followed up with staff to make sure that they were acting in an appropriate way.”

Katie explains that employers can defend claims that they are vicariously liable for the discriminatory actions of their workers where they have taken ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent them from acting in such a way, and had the employer in this case delivered more regular training they may not have lost the case.

The Employment Tribunal also made some interesting observations on how training should be provided and they said that ‘brief and superficial’ training is unlikely to have a substantial effect in preventing harassment or have long lasting consequences.

By contrast, ‘thoughtful and forcefully presented’ training is more likely to be effective, and last longer.

The Judgment also found that with regards to how regularly training should be refreshed that if it becomes clear that harassment is still occurring and/or that staff didn’t understand the training, the employer needs to take further steps i.e. to improve and refresh the training.

Katie adds: “As the Judgment says, if training involves no more than gathering employees together and saying, ‘here is your harassment training, don’t do it’, before sending everyone back to work, it is unlikely to be effective or long lasting.

“Instead, the reasonable steps that employers should take include having well-drafted equal opportunities and anti-harassment and bullying policies in place, ensuring that all workers are made aware of those policies and understand them, that appropriate training is given, regularly, and that complaints are dealt with in the right way.

“Where this happens – where the training is regular and of a good standard, and the employer was unaware of the continuing harassment – then the reasonable steps defence might still succeed.

“The fundamental learning point for employers is to make sure that equality policies and training are of a high quality and updated regularly. “

The Judgment has prompted Banner Jones to develop a number of new training packages for clients which covers all of the necessary areas of Employment Law right through the employment lifecycle, from how to deal with recruitment through to how to deal with termination of employment, including redundancies.

Katie added: “Our clients who have already undertaken the training have said how much better it is that their line managers are able to deal with situations and that just giving them enough knowledge to deal with situations lawfully has been a real benefit to their business.”

Full details and costs can be found here https://www.bannerjones.co.uk/training-courses

Banner Jones supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Banner Jones Solicitors retains ‘Leading Firm’ status in the UK Legal 500

Chesterfield-based Banner Jones’ Family Law and Personal Injury teams have retained their Tier 2 ranking in this year’s Legal 500 for the 9th year in a row.

The annual publication, which assesses the strengths of law firms across the world, is acknowledgement of the continued great work of Banner Jones over the last 12 months, and the quality of the services they provide.

A full-service firm which covers all aspects of family law, Banner Jones’ award-winning family law department consists of two specialist teams; a family law team and a care proceedings team.

Known for its customer service led approach, the firm represents a range of private clients including individuals eligible for legal aid through to high-value business owners.

As part of this year’s Legal 500 ranking, work highlights included the management of a complex care proceedings matter involving identification of a parent outside jurisdiction, as well as acting in a financial remedy case worth £1.5m.

The firm’s formidable personal injury team, which is led by Simon Wright, and which has particular expertise in serious injury and abuse claims, has also retained its Tier 2 ranking,

Work highlights cited by the Legal 500 included acting for a client who sustained a serious injury at work to secure a £1.6m settlement, as well as representing a client in a historical sexual abuse case in order to secure both costs and damages totalling £110k.

Commenting on the rankings Banner Jones’ Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “This is fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of both our East Midlands-based family law and personal injury teams.

“Despite the challenges faced over the past year or so, our colleagues have continued to put the needs of clients at the heart of all that they do, and that determination has been reflected in the cases overseen, and those that they have settled.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of those who support our legal teams, and this accolade is also received in recognition of those who contribute to the day-to-day running and continued success of the business.”

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Banner Jones Solicitors

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Chesterfield Champions get into the festive spirit

A number of Chesterfield Champions have been getting into the Christmas spirit this season, whether it’s been through charitable donations, donning those festive jumpers or embellishing their businesses with dazzling decorations..

We’ve been so impressed to see the community spirit well and truly alive here in Chesterfield, despite the challenges posed by covid-19. So we’re showcasing some of our favourite festive stories and photos from our fabulous local businesses!

Wishing all our champions, businesses and residents a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Christmas Jumper Day 2020

A number of Chesterfield Champions sent us photos of their teams wearing some truly excellent knitwear on Christmas Jumper Day, which took place on Friday, 11th December in aid of Save the Children. Well done to all those who took part and donated!

Mortgage 1st

The team at Mortgage 1st raised a fabulous £140 for Save The Children by sporting their Christmas jumpers in the office and eating Christmas jumper day cakes!

Salute

Natalia and Daniela from Salute sent us this adorable photo of their little helper getting cosy in one of their jumpers… You can find out more about their Christmas hampers here.

 

Rosewood Wealth Management

Donna, Shannan and Abigail have at Rosewood have certainly been getting into the festive spirit this year! The team have been collecting toys for the Nightingale Ward at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, along with decorating the outside of their business with a fabulous reindeer model… Not forgetting those all-important Christmas jumpers!

Banner Jones Solicitors

We love this collage of Christmas jumpers put together by Banner Jones solicitors! A huge well done to all who got involved…

Charity Appeals and Donations

Many of our Champions have worked hard to ensure those who are less fortunate are able to enjoy Christmas this year. Whether it is collecting toys to help Santa deliver presents to Chesterfield children, or donating to local foodbanks so families are able to enjoy a proper Christmas dinner, Chesterfield’s businesses have shown true community spirit. Here’s a few examples:

Greatest Hits Radio’s toy appeal and festive jingle campaign

The team at Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire have been incredibly busy this year. Back in November they launched their Mission Christmas Toy appeal, which has provided gifts for underprivileged children across the region. But they certainly weren’t finished there! Now, the team have launched the Christmas Eve Jingle campaign to raise festive spirits, by asking people to gather on their doorsteps to ring a bell at 6pm for two minutes on Christmas Eve. Find out more here.

Chesterfield FC toy appeal

Chesterfield FC’s Community Trust have been keen to support local residents ever since they took over the ownership of the football club back in the summer. This Christmas has been no exception, with the Spireites collecting hundreds of toys for local children.

Bridge Help Foodbank Appeal

Chesterfield Champions and other local businesses have rallied around the Bridge Help appeal to support Chesterfield Foodbank this Christmas. The company matched all donations of luxury items with essential food, including cereal, long life milk and tinned goods.

Specsavers foodbank donation

The team at Specsavers Chesterfield generously donated supplies to Chesterfield Food Hut this Christmas, along with paying for all of the charity’s costs until February 2021. The money will be put towards covering costs and providing 250 hot meals per week to the most vulnerable in our area.

Central Technology and BRM Solicitors gift Smart TV’s and Netflix licenses to Ashgate Hospicecare

Chesterfield’s Central Technology and BRM Solicitors have generously gifted Ashgate Hospicecare a total of three smart TV’s to help the charity to help upgrade it’s patient rooms and enable patients to view films and TV shows on Netflix.

 

Spreading festive cheer in Chesterfield 

A number of Chesterfield Champions have come up with new and creative ways of bringing people across the town together this year, and there’s still time for you to get involved with some of them!

Spire Radio Christmas Carol singalong

With many Christmas Carol Concerts cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Middlecroft Community Group have teamed up with Spire Radio to hold a one-off special on Spire Radio on Friday 18th December from 6pm.

Make sure you join the on-air team for some festive fun!

Team spire

Crooked Spire festival of lights

With their regular Christmas schedule disrupted due to the pandemic, the team behind Chesterfield’s most famous landmark have still managed to put together a range of festive features and events this Christmas.

Carol singing will be taking place outside the Church from 1.00pm for 20 minutes each day from the 17th until the 24th December, along with a dazzling display of light being projected onto the spire from the 16th December until the 31st December.

Festive Brass

Dazzling Decorations on Chesterfield’s high-street

Make sure you head into Chesterfield Town Centre to take a look at the wonderful decorations in our local independent shops. And while you’re at it, you could enter the S40 Local Advent Town competition by spotting the numbers of the advent calendar in the windows of some stores!

Here are some of our favourites:

Adorn Jewellers

Fred’s Haberdashery

Shop Indie

Don’t forget you can find out more about local festive events, activities, gift ideas and shopping times over on our Christmas In Chesterfield pages.

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