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Promotions announced at two Chesterfield accountancy firms

Two accountancy companies in Chesterfield have announced promotions, marking further growth in the town’s financial sector.

Shorts and BHP both continue to grow, showcasing the progression of local talent in the town.

Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery promoted to Director at Shorts

Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery SHORTS 873

Shorts has announced the double promotions of Ryan Wilkes and Liam Buttery to the positions of Directors within the Owner Managed Business team with effect from 1st April 2024.

The promotions were announced within a raft of promotions which saw nine other members of the team progressing into new roles within the firm.

On confirming the promotions, Partner Malcolm Pope said: “Over the last couple of years, Liam and Ryan have both taken on the role of Engagement Leader for our ever increasing portfolio of clients looked after by the Owner Managed Business team. They have played a pivotal role in the implementation of advancements to improve our clients’ experience’, and have both successfully completed our Management Development training program. Jointly, they continue to represent Shorts within the Owner Managed Business working group, as part of our membership of the Praxity Alliance, and more locally through our involvement with the Chesterfield Champions. Their promotions now to Director are extremely well deserved and reflect their dedication and commitment to continued growth within Shorts.”

Ryan said: “I am very excited to start the next step in my Shorts career as OMB Director. It was such a proud moment when found out I would be promoted, probably the proudest of my career so far. The road to get here has been challenging (as you would expect), however has allowed me to foster new skills and really expand my capabilities as an accountant, leader, and person! The support I received, at all levels of the firm to help me achieve this promotion, is a true testament to the culture and values created at Shorts. I can’t wait to get started on growing the department, working with current & future clients, while offering support to the team to help them achieve their careers goals.“

Liam Added: “Being promoted to director marks a significant milestone in my career, and is one that I am incredibly proud to achieve. The 15-year journey, from being a school leaving apprentice, becoming ACCA qualified in 2016, various management roles, and now director level, has been such a rewarding journey. Shorts genuine focus on personal growth, their investment in me, and the support of a brilliant team have all been instrumental in achieving this long-term goal. As director, I’m excited to continue working with both new and existing clients, whilst also investing in the development of individuals on their own career paths. I look forward to leading the owner-managed business team and continuing to build on its success.“

Ryan and Liam are both Chartered Certified Accountants, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage, and have experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses. They can be contacted by calling 0114 2671617 / 01244 559955 and more information can be found at shorts.uk.com.

BHP marks successful first quarter with promotions

BHP Heads of service photo collage_Landscape

BHP, one of the largest independent accountancy firms in the North of England, has announced promotions across the business and created heads of service positions to reflect ongoing growth.

The new roles recognise outstanding individual contributions to the firm and will be critical in driving the delivery of the long-term strategy and business plans for each service line.

The appointments include Paul Winwood and Chris Neale as Heads of Audit, Andy Haigh as Head of Corporate Finance, Ellie Dignam as Head of Digital Finance, and Fletcher Adamowicz as Head of Tax.

BHP has also announced 34 promotions across its office network in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton.

Felix Lee has been appointed Audit Director, while Oliver Watson and Patrick Simpson have been promoted to Audit Manager positions.

Other manager promotions include Emily Jones (Audit – Not for Profit), Joseph Briggs, William Sykes, Luke Harrower (all Corporate Finance), and Jack Moore (Digital Finance).

More promotions have been made across accountancy and management positions, which follow a further 79 made by BHP last autumn.

BHP Chief People Officer Karen Arch said: “Congratulations to everyone who has deservedly received recognition for their continued commitment and success.

“As a firm and a certified Great Place to Work, we’re passionate about developing our people and nurturing great talent, and these promotions reflect this.”

Lisa Leighton, Joint CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a positive start to 2024 and these promotions evidence not only this but also our leading approach of being a supportive workplace that places the development and future success of our people at the forefront of everything we do.

“It is especially pleasing to have created brand new ‘heads of’ roles for some of our main service line areas, which each have exciting plans and are central to our ongoing growth ambitions.”

Shorts and BHP 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 announce new hires, promotions and award wins

Several Chesterfield businesses have taken on new team members, announced promotions, and even scooped awards for tourism recently.

Read the latest news from our town’s community of Chesterfield Champions below.

Silver awards for Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel

Mum and son feeding a goat at Matlock Farm Park

Matlock Farm Park took home three silver awards for Visitor Attraction of the Year, Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Team of the year at the recent Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.

Chesterfield’s Peak Edge Hotel was also amongst the businesses recognised at the event, with a silver award for Hotel of the Year.

The winners of the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were announced at a special awards ceremony at the Museum of Making in Derby

Some of the area’s finest visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers were amongst those recognised at the awards, designed to showcase excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s tourism and hospitality sector.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in collaboration with Visit Derby as the region’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), this year’s awards celebrated the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst highlighting the sector’s valuable contribution to the local economy.

The awards were hotly contested, and finalists progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s ceremony.

Finalists, guests and partners enjoyed a drinks reception sponsored by White Peak Distillery followed by a three-course formal dinner in the historic surroundings of the Museum of Making, which is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory, at the heart of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Host Andy Miller compered the event as Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners were revealed in 14 awards categories celebrating the best of tourism in the local area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of all that’s great about our tourism industry locally, and recognise its vital importance to the local economy as well as the dedication of those who work in this important sector.

“Tourism is worth £2.59 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire, supporting thousands of jobs, and a strong, sustainable visitor economy is vital for the future success of our communities. The quality and diversity of our tourism offer is inspiring, and it has been an immense privilege to bring together such a wide range of tourism-related businesses to pay tribute to their hard work. It’s only fitting that many of our winners could now go on to represent the area nationally at this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Congratulations everyone!”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants welcomes new Senior Tax Specialist to bolster expert team

Mitchells group shot Liz Tim Jane B LR

Mitchells has announced the addition of Jane Falconer-White to its growing team in Chesterfield. She joins Chartered Tax Advisers Tim Leeman & Liz Fisher at the firm.

Jane brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the company, further strengthening its commitment to delivering exceptional tax advice to clients of all sizes.

Jane is a seasoned tax adviser and former management consultant, with a proven track record of success working with a diverse range of clients, from blue-chip organisations to individual sole traders. She also boasts a unique background in IT and project management, bringing valuable technical expertise and a collaborative approach.

But Jane’s strengths extend beyond qualifications and experience. She is passionate about simplifying the complex world of tax and empowering clients to make informed financial decisions. Driven by a desire to help people understand and improve, Jane excels at bridging the gap between technical jargon and everyday language. Mitchells believes that this, coupled with a flexible and fast-learning nature, makes her a perfect fit for the organisation.

“I’m excited to join Mitchells Chartered Accountants and contribute my skills to their already impressive team,” says Jane. “I’m particularly drawn to the firm’s focus on technology-driven solutions and client-centric approach, which aligns perfectly with my own values and working style.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants Partner, Andrew McDaid adds, “We’re delighted to welcome Jane Falconer-White to the team. Her diverse experience, technical expertise, and passion for communication make her a valuable asset. We’re confident that Jane will play a key role in helping our clients navigate the ever-evolving tax landscape and achieve their financial goals.”

Banner Jones announces plans to bolster Residential Property team amidst continued growth in demand

Richard Joy and Kate Skelton

Banner Jones has announced plans to build on the existing expertise and capacity of its Residential Property team amidst continued demand for its services, having handled over 13,500 new residential property related matters over the last three years.

The announcement coincides with news that Shareholding Director and Solicitor Richard Joy will become the sole Head of Residential Property across the firm following the recent retirement of Mark Bilton, a well-known and highly regarded property solicitor in the Mansfield area, who stepped down from his role as Executive Director in November last year.

Richard will now work closely with Kate Skelton, a property law expert who deals with property sales and purchases, transfers of equity and re-mortgages, who has been promoted to Shareholding Director and who is stepping up as operational lead of the firm’s Sheffield and Dronfield-based residential property teams.

Looking to the future the duo say they are hoping to build on the existing expertise and capacity of the team, which has invested heavily in its IT infrastructure in recent years in order to best meet the evolving needs of clients.

The developments have included the launch of the firms online ‘Flying Start’ client portal which allows for much of the conveyancing transaction to be completed online, typically saving up to four weeks throughout the conveyancing process. The ability to deal with the transaction securely and electronically has significantly speeded up the onboarding and transaction times and allows clients to undertake the steps required at a convenient time without the need to attend our offices.

The firm’s Project Management System now also includes an integration to enable property searches to be ordered automatically, allowing for artificial intelligence to assist the expert legal advisors to produce reports for clients based on search reports received.

This year, the firm has also developed a compliance support service for estate agents designed to underpin their increasingly stringent regulatory requirements surrounding ID verification for anti-money laundering and material information disclosure.

Commenting on his role and the department’s continued growth ambitions, Richard Joy said: “I am delighted to be continuing in my role as Head of Residential Property, working alongside Kate to deliver on our growth ambitions which will further strengthen our existing client service offering.

“The conveyancing market in particular has been very active in recent years, and we are confident that the investments that we have made in our IT infrastructure means that we are well equipped to keep up with increased demand and to better meet the needs of clients who increasingly want to work in a more fluid and dynamic way.

“We’re committed to continuing to challenge the way that we do things moving forward to further enhance what we do and how we do it, and I am looking forward to leading the team throughout that process.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Mark the best of luck as he moves to the next chapter in his life.”

Find out more about our award-winning legal services for businesses and individuals at www.bannerjones.co.uk

Long-serving Head of Charities at BHP to retire

Jane Marshall BHP

Jane Marshall, Partner and Head of Charities and Not-for-Profit at BHP, is to retire from her role at the end of March after 37 years at the firm.

As one of the leading independent accountancy firms in the North, Jane has helped grow the firm’s charities and not-for-profit expertise, leading it to be repeatedly recognised, at a national level, by Charity Finance Magazine in its annual audit survey. Most recently, in December 2023, BHP was named in the top 12 Charity Audit firms in the UK.

The recognition is based on feedback from clients and saw the firm top the national table for client service, scoring 97% for charity expertise and marking the 12th consecutive year of high scores for the firm. Following Jane’s retirement, Audit and Charities’ Partner, Laura Masheder will take on the role as Head of Charities and Not-for-Profit.

Jane founded BHP’s successful annual Charity Conference in 2005, after realising there was no provision for such high calibre events outside of London. Over the intervening 18 years, 15 conferences have been held, with the 2023 event attracting over 100 delegates from charities across the region to hear about the latest developments in the charity sector. During her time with the firm, Jane has also been a member of the ICAEW Charity Committee and was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire in 2017.

Jane began her work with charities and not-for-profits in the 1990s, before becoming Head of Charities in 2005 and Partner in 2008. She has overseen the team’s growth to be 65-strong, with professionals from across BHP’s five offices currently supporting over 250 charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Laura Masheder will be supported by three partners and three Director Responsible Individuals (RI). Laura is an accomplished Partner and has specialised in the charity and not-for-profit sector for over a decade. She has been working alongside Jane since joining BHP’s charity team in October 2022 and has a wide range of experience providing audit, compliance, technical accounting and compliance services to many charities and owner managed businesses.

Jane said: “I’ve enjoyed many happy years with BHP and have seen the firm grow from one office in Sheffield in the 1980s to be represented now by five offices, covering the whole of Yorkshire and North Derbyshire and serving an enviable client base. I’m enormously proud of the Charities and Not for Profit team we’ve developed, and I know it will flourish and grow further under Laura’s leadership.

“I wish the firm every success in what’s to come and will continue to champion the expert work and values of everyone involved in the firm.”

BHP Joint CEO Lisa Leighton said: “Jane will be greatly missed by her colleagues, clients and so many of her friends and associates across the firm and the industry. She has shared her vast knowledge and experience with countless team members over the last 37 years and leaves a lasting legacy within our Charities team.

I’d like to thank Jane for her commitment and dedication to BHP and the not-for-profit sector and wish her a very happy retirement.”

Laura added: “Jane has played a key role in establishing BHP as a Northern powerhouse within the third sector and I look forward, along with the rest of the team, to continuing to support our clients as they navigate what can only be described as a challenging economic period.
Personally, I wish Jane all the best for her retirement and can’t thank her enough for sharing her expertise and guidance with me since I joined the firm.”

The businesses featured in this article 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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National Careers Week: How Chesterfield apprentices are unlocking business growth in Chesterfield

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to futureproof their workforces by finding out more about the far-reaching benefits of taking on apprentices in the town.

Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employment. In Chesterfield, this holds particularly true, as businesses stand to gain several benefits by taking on apprentices.

Ahead of National Careers Week 2024 (4-9 March), a panel of apprentices building their careers in the town have outlined these advantages, from fostering a skilled workforce for the future, to enhancing company culture and driving innovation.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, apprentices in the town spoke of the numerous ways in which they are contributing to their organisations. In an era defined by advancing technology and evolving industry demands, the need for skilled workers has never been more pronounced. By taking on apprentices, businesses in Chesterfield have been able to address this need by nurturing fresh talent and providing them with invaluable hands-on experience.

Lucy Jones, Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice with DBCP commented: “Apprentices have different backgrounds, ideas and viewpoints which can help to combat challenges which may arise in the business.

Lucy Jones - DBCP

Lucy Jones – DBCP

“They bring a different mindset to everyone else. You get to mould that person for your business and work with them to be a better version of themselves, with a range of skills from time management to dealing with clients. Apprentices are taking their learning and applying it to your business straight away.”

Moreover, businesses have the opportunity to tailor apprenticeship programs to align with their specific needs and objectives, ensuring that apprentices receive training that directly translates into tangible contributions to the company.

By investing in the development of apprentices, businesses not only secure a pipeline of skilled workers but also cultivate a culture of learning and growth within their organisation. This commitment to employee development not only benefits the individual apprentice but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the business and Chesterfield’s economy.

Chanelle Wallace, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice at MD Hair said: “Being based at the salon gives me a great opportunity to learn everyone else’s techniques and soak up all their experience. I’m then able to use that to find my style and ways of doing things, which I think helps to strengthen and grow the team. If you work with more experienced people, you’re going to learn those key social skills, which for my area of work is so important.”

Woman in a salon drying another woman's hair

Chanelle Wallace, MD Hair, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice

Apprenticeships are crucial in driving innovation by injecting fresh perspectives and new ideas into the workplace. As digital technologies continue to reshape industries, businesses in Chesterfield can leverage apprenticeships to harness emerging talent and foster a culture of innovation.

Isaac Marbridge, Level 7 ACCA Chartered Accountant Apprentice at BHP commented: “If a business has the flexibility to work with an apprentice, I’d recommend it. I have quarterly meetings with my manager, and we discuss my progress. I get to regularly put forward skills which I want to get trained up on, which I’m then able to go and pursue. That could be something unique that nobody else has done. This means I can then bring fresh knowledge into the business, which overall will help the organisation.

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference.

“Businesses will gain a lot by getting a different perspective. My industry, accountancy, is transforming and we must keep up with new technologies. Younger people coming through as apprentices and trainees will be better placed to get trained and help to drive the business forward. We’ve had talks about AI and how that is set to impact our sector, and we’ve got younger people already looking at how we can use it to our advantage.”

Furthermore, apprenticeships provide businesses with the opportunity to future-proof their workforce by equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, adapting to shifting market trends, or navigating regulatory changes, apprenticeships empower businesses in Chesterfield to stay agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Moreover, apprenticeships provide existing employees with the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of talent, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in their roles. This mentorship not only enhances the professional development of apprentices but also cultivates strong bonds between team members, leading to greater cohesion and productivity.

DBCP’s Lucy Jones added: “Most of the inspectors in our organisation are from an older generation. I think that it is important that we get trainees and apprentices into that role to keep it going and ensure the future of our industry. The job comes with a lot of responsibility, so it’s vital we give people that hands-on experience as soon as we can.”

In Chesterfield, businesses stand to gain a wealth of benefits by embracing apprenticeships as a cornerstone of their workforce development strategy. To assist businesses in ensuring they have the workforce required to meet the demands of the future, Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a skills brokerage service, which can signpost firms to the support they require.

Max Denton, Skills Delivery Assistant at Chesterfield Borough Council is currently working towards a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. He commented: “The role I carry out aligns with one of the five objectives in the council’s growth strategy, which is ensuring that people in our borough have the right skills to progress in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Three men stood having a conversation

Max Denton, Chesterfield Borough Council, Level 4 Project Manager Associate

“I believe that there is a lot of opportunity in Chesterfield at the moment. It is a pleasure to see the amount of development taking place here. It will certainly lead to more employment opportunities in the town. The focus of our growth strategy is to create higher-value jobs and growth, and I would encourage businesses to get in touch with us to see how we can support them.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and skills support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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Offices at One Waterside Place now fully occupied

Less than 12 months after completion, all six floors of office space at One Waterside Place are now fully occupied, as new tenants move into the building.

The flagship office development, owned by Chesterfield Borough Council, has welcomed Rosewood Wealth Management and another international company, both expanding their presence in Chesterfield. They join BHP Chartered Accounts and Varley which already occupy space in the building.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We invested in One Waterside Place during the pandemic and it was a key element of our economic recovery. To have now fully let the office spaces within the first year of opening shows how our economy is growing and demonstrates how we can compete with the cities around us to attract both investment and jobs.”

Rosewood Wealth Management is a vibrant local business providing a professional and innovative scope of financial services: a complete financial review through to mortgages, pensions, investments and more. Rosewood has the client at the heart of everything they do.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, director and co-founder of Rosewood Wealth Management, said: “Rosewood is proud to be part of the development at Basin Square. We are passionate about supporting the local area and look forward to playing our part in the next development phase for our beautiful town.”

The development of One Waterside Place was led by local property development and investment firm Bolsterstone Group PLC.

One Waterside Place

Peter Swallow, managing director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “One Waterside Place is a runaway success story having taken less than 12 months to fully let. When planning the commercial element of Chesterfield Waterside at Basin Square, we knew that the proximity of the train station would be a major pull for businesses. It has certainly been the case. We are now looking to deliver the next stages of Basin Square and anticipate similar success.”

One Waterside Place was Highly Commended in the Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year Award at the 2023 East Midlands Property Dinner organised by Insider Media. It was also Runner Up in the Commercial Development of the Year category at Business Link Magazine’s annual East Midlands Bricks Awards.

One Waterside Place provides bespoke office accommodation for established businesses – offering a modern, high-quality base for ambitious companies looking to grow and thrive in a central and well-connected location.

The 35,000 sq.ft. building delivers Grade A, large floorplate office accommodation, which does not exist elsewhere in Chesterfield. The building incorporates two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high-quality entrance foyer, showers, on-site cycle parking facilities as well as an attractive public realm and landscaping.

The building has been designed with sustainability in mind, boasting a BREEAM score of Very Good and an EPC A rating for its energy performance.

One Waterside Place sits within the £75 million first phase of the Basin Square neighbourhood which includes a mixed-use development as part of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme.

This area will be landscaped to a high-quality standard with the canal basin being at the heart of the scheme, creating a great environment to spend time in on the edge of the town centre alongside a central community hub for occupiers and residents of the Chesterfield Waterside scheme.

The canal basin site has been brought forward with support from the South Yorkshire Combined Authority Infrastructure Fund. One Waterside Place was funded by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Looking for office space to grow your business? Chesterfield has a wide range of premises available to suit your needs.

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BHP announces 79 promotions across its office network

BHP, an accountancy firm based at Chesterfield’s flagship One Waterside Place office development, has announced 79 promotions across its office network in the North Derbyshire and Yorkshire region.

The promotions cover Chesterfield, Sheffield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton, spaning a range of departments and including recognition across accountancy, management and director positions.

BHP is an independent firm of chartered accountants in Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, which acts for for many of the leading SMEs in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area; providing high quality assurance, advisory, corporate finance and tax services.

The news follows the recent appointment of 44 new trainees as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in future talent. The latest cohort is the second highest for BHP’s training scheme, which provides an opportunity for those looking to break into the finance industry to gain hands-on experience while studying for a professional qualification. Read more about the trainee scheme here.

Karen Arch, Director of People at BHP, said: “These promotions are thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all those involved.

“We’re committed to developing our people and supporting them in all aspects of their working life at BHP. These are key reasons why one in three of our employees have been with us for more than six years.”

Lisa Leighton, Joint CEO, said: “The 79 promotions not only represent the quality of our people but also the confidence we have as a business as we continue to fulfil our ambition of being the firm of choice for owner managed businesses across the North.

“Our people are vital to our success, and we’re proud to have been able to make 104 promotions across the business this year.”

Find out more about the wide range of high quality and well-connected office space available in Chesterfield.

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

BHP;business;WatersidePlace

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44 new trainees announced by Chesterfield’s BHP Accountants

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm, BHP has announced a new intake of 44 trainees on its successful training programme.

This latest cohort is the second highest for BHP’s training scheme, which provides an opportunity for those looking to break into the finance industry to gain hands-on experience while studying for a professional qualification.

This follows a record-breaking year in 2022, which saw 46 new trainees join the business, underlining BHP’s commitment to investing in future talent and career development. BHP has now taken on 134 trainees in the last three years.

The latest group of trainees cover a range of disciplines and span BHP’s entire network of offices – Chesterfield, Sheffield, Leeds, York, and Cleckheaton. In total, BHP has appointed 21 graduates, 12 non-graduates, and 11 placement students.

Find out more about BHP’s recent move to Chesterfield’s new One Waterside Place office building

BHP’s Director of People, Karen Arch, said: “At BHP, we’re passionate about nurturing and developing the skills of young professionals looking to break through and leave their mark on the finance industry.

“With each intake of trainees, we’re also improving our own workforce by widening our blend of skills, expertise, and personality. These new recruits will bring many benefits, perspectives and added value to our clients.

“Being certified as a Great Place to Work, we pride ourselves on being a supportive workplace that always keeps the wellbeing and future success of our people at the forefront.”

Chief Digital and Efficiency Officer Ellie Dignam said: “I love working at BHP and have enjoyed watching the firm grow and evolve over the last 11 years. I’ve personally benefited from our training programme and it’s great to see that we’re continuing to take on fresh new talent and support them in their career development.”

The company still has vacancies available, and people in Chesterfield will have the chance to meet representatives from BHP at an upcoming recruitment event in the town.

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

BHP;business;WatersidePlace (5)

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Chesterfield organisations continue strong community spirit

Several businesses, charities and community organisations in Chesterfield are continuing to launch new initiatives, aimed at supporting people across the area.

The town’s network of Chesterfield Champions is continuing to help raise the profile of our area and strengthen links, by hosting charity events, launching new support groups and more.

Find out more about some of the latest news from across our community in our latest roundup.

Spireites launch new LGBTQ+ supporters group

Rainbow Spireites

Chesterfield Football Club is now working alongside a new supporters group, aimed at improving the matchday experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The group was formed by supporters, Darren Yates and Ellie Yates, with the aim of creating a safe space and ensuring everyone feels welcome at the SMH Group Stadium.

Darren explained: “Our main aim is to be that safe space for LGBTQ+ supporters, who don’t want to come to the game on their own.

“It is also to be a critical friend of the club to help them reach into the community more.

“A group like this can really help fans feel welcome at games, and not have to worry about feeling alone or unwelcome.

“Everyone at the club has been brilliant and totally supportive. We were at Chesterfield Pride and the response was really good. People were saying that they were really happy to see the group being formed.”

Outlining plans for the future, Ellie said: “We’re hoping that now we’ve started getting a few members on board, we can start doing some meet-ups and talk to our members to see what they want to get out of the group as well.

“We’ve joined a regional alliance with some LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups. At the moment, we’re just letting people know we’re there and once we’ve got more members, we’ll look at pre-match meet-ups to encourage fans who might not feel safe enough going to games.”

Vicar Lane to support children’s charities with One Great Day event

Vicar Lane Fun Day

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will once again be supporting the UK-wide annual charity day ‘One Great Day’ on Saturday 2nd September.

One Great Day is a series of family and community charity events being held throughout the country to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and another local charity close to the heart of each community. This year Vicar Lane is proud to be sharing donations with GOSH and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event includes a range of free outdoor activities, a tombola and face painting for the youngsters.

From 10am – 3pm, mini aspiring footballers will have a chance to meet Chester the field mouse for a fun shoot-out challenge. For a minimum donation of £1, visitors can show off their skills to score against Chesterfield FC’s cheeky mascot.

To help raise as much money as possible the centre will be running a raffle draw – including a grand prize of 4 tickets to see Chesterfield Football Club play at home.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator said: We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us raise much-needed funds for two amazing charities. With the help of Chester the field mouse and Theo the bear, we hope to bring a smile and beat the amount raised last year.

To see the full schedule of events this One Great Day at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/ and plan your day out.

Charity skydive supports children with additional needs in Chesterfield

fairplay

A charity skydive has recently took place to raise funds for Fairplay, a charity which supports young people with additional needs in our area.

Rachel Middleton took the leap, and has so far raised more than £1,000 for her efforts. Rachel commented: “I’ve worked for Fairplay for over two years now and I want to support them to do more great work!

“We support families, child and young adults with disabilities and promote independent living skills in SCaRT, Moving Forward and Enterprise. We have lots of groups running including our gorgeous cafe, craft and gardening groups. Along with the new addition of our shop which the young people make things to sell and will be helping to run themselves!”

Find out more about the initiative on Rachel’s JustGiving page.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital awarded ‘Trailblazer’ status from Race Equality Matters

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the prestigious Trailblazer status from Race Equality Matters, a not-for-profit organisation seeking to improve racial equality.

Trailblazers are organisations that are successfully taking action and making an impact on race inequality and Chesterfield was selected for work on The Big Promise solution, where people and organisations make a public commitment to create meaningful and positive change.

Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status is determined by an independent panel of experts – all with lived experience. It aims to identify meaningful impact, keep momentum going, inspire others and evidence an organisations commitment to tackling race inequality.

Becoming a Trailblazer means that the work Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CRH) has done to implement The Big Promise has resulted in significant change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation. This is a step that contributes to their aim to successfully address racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

Hailey Pottinger, Co-Chair of the Race Equality and Cultural Inclusion Network at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Big Promise helped us to create an inclusive environment where everyone could get involved and talk to us about Race Equality. By giving the Big Promise a central focus, especially as part of Race Equality Week, we created a positive statement and encouraged conversations with colleagues and members of the public. The aim was to increase the understanding that race equality is everyone’s business and secure buy-in and a sense of personal responsibility.

“At Chesterfield, a lot of work is being done to raise awareness of anti-racism (and how that is different to simply not being racist). This work is laying the foundations for conversations around racism and feeding into the creation of our Anti-Racism Strategy. There was a big focus on as part of Race Equality Week.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director and Race Equality Network Exec Sponsor, at Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are pleased to be highlighted as trailblazers; however, we recognise that this is an ongoing process and there is a lot more we all need to do as an organisation and as individuals to ensure that that we not only highlight this agenda but actively drive action and change. As a Board of Directors, we have made a commitment to tackling race inequality and to be accountable for taking actions. It is something that is very important to all of us and to our colleagues across the organisation.”

BHP hosts work experience academy to provide a taste of the workplace for young people

Chesterfield waterside bhp

BHP offices at Chesterfield Waterside. Image supplied by Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Chesterfield accountancy firm, BHP has recently supported a number of young people by providing a work experience programme this summer.

The firm launched its first ever work experience academy, which the firm expained on its Linkedin page was well recieved by those who took part. The company said: “Our participants really enjoyed the practical, structured programme and many of them said they’ve been inspired to pursue a career in finance following their time with us, which is so great to hear!

“We’re really looking forward to meeting and getting to know our new Graduate and Non-Graduate trainees, who will be joining us very soon.”

Chesterfield FC, Vicar Lane, Fairplay, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and BHP 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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BHP bolsters its VAT offering with new Director

Leading independent accountancy firm BHP has strengthened its tax team with the appointment of Carla Horsfall as a VAT Director.

Carla joins BHP from Hart Shaw Accountants where she trained as a Chartered Accountant after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006. After spending four years in the audits and accounts team at Hart Shaw, Carla moved into the tax team in 2010 and began specialising in VAT.

The BHP tax team now consists of six VAT specialists, including Amar Zaman who was recently awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation Wreford Voge Medal for achieving Distinction and the highest mark in the country in the CTA Advanced Technical Paper on Cross-Border Indirect Taxation.

Carla, who will work across Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, said: “The experience of the VAT team at BHP really appealed to me, they have a wealth of knowledge, and I was keen to focus purely on VAT rather than a mix of everything as I had been doing in my previous role.

“I already feel so welcomed by the team and the firm has a real family feel to it which was important to me.

“I’m looking forward to becoming a core part of the team and developing further in my role.”

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “Carla brings with her brilliant experience and knowledge, and she will be a great addition to our growing team.

“We pride ourselves on the depth of knowledge of our VAT team and our ability to offer complex specialist VAT advice to our client base.

“Investing and developing our fantastic talent pool and supplementing it with experts like Carla is a key part of our strategy going forward.”

BHP has been ranked the second-best accountancy firm to work for in the UK, and the 35th best company to work for across Yorkshire and the Humber in the Best Companies survey 2021.

The independent accountancy firm is made up of over 350 professionals and 37 partners working across a wide range of specialities including audit and assurance, consulting, corporate finance and taxation.

For more information about BHP visit www.bhp.co.uk.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Double nomination for BHP at regional industry awards

Local independent accountancy firm, BHP, has been nominated in two categories at the prestigious Yorkshire Accountancy Awards.

The first nomination is for the Tax Service Award, which celebrates accountancy firms in Yorkshire who’ve stood apart from the competition through their technical ability and innovation in delivering tax services to clients.

BHP’s second nomination is for Support Staff of the Year, which celebrates the region’s most dedicated support staff or team working in IT, HR and other areas, whose exceptionally high standards contributed to the accountancy firm’s success.

Now in its fourth year, the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards celebrates the achievements of the region’s best and brightest from firms of all sizes, working with clients both locally and internationally. The event will be held on the 8 July at the New Dock Hall in Leeds.

BHP hope to build on their previous run of success at the awards, which includes Paul Winwood being recognised as Partner of the Year in 2020, as well as the accountancy firm’s win of Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Best Employer of the Year back in 2019.

Hamish Morrison, Joint Managing Partner, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that we’ve been nominated for these two awards.

“We’ve had to overcome some tremendous challenges over the past year to succeed as a business, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our IT team, who went above and beyond in ensuring BHP was not just fully functional during a sudden transition to remote working.

“Through their use of best-in-class technology solutions, they did not just keep the lights on but ensured that we could continue to offer clients and staff the high-quality experience they have come to expect from us.

“I’m also incredibly proud of all the colleagues within our tax team, whose pro-active approach to business tax planning throughout these difficult times has led to continued success for our clients.”

For more information about BHP, visit www.bhp.co.uk.

BHP 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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BHP announces relocation plans to Chesterfield’s Waterside development

Local accountancy firm BHP has announced plans to open a new office in the Chesterfield Waterside development – one of the UK’s largest regeneration schemes.

The move to the innovative and sustainable £320 million Waterside scheme will allow for the expansion of the BHP team as they actively recruit in a number of roles.

Construction of the seven storey Grade ‘A’ office building, One Waterside Place, began last year. The steel frame is now complete, and the building will be made watertight and undergo an internal fit-out before businesses move in later this year.

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “Despite the wider economic uncertainty of the past year, our team has continued to grow, and Chesterfield has always been an important location for us.

“Waterside is a fantastic regeneration project and offers us a really exciting opportunity to provide first class office facilities for our team and also get behind transformational investment in the area.”

Built across 16 hectares on the edge of Chesterfield town centre, the development will transform the remains of the old Trebor and Arnold Laver factories and create a thriving and successful canal-side environment. The site will include housing, shops, bars, a hotel, an outdoor event venue, an ecological park and a canal basin marina.

With both the commercial and residential elements underway, Chesterfield Waterside is already becoming an enviable address to live and work.

Lisa Leighton continued: “Going forwards we expect most of our teams to adopt a seamless blend of office and home working in which the office will be a place for collaboration, sharing ideas, meeting clients, and for all our people to grow and develop.

“The building will be set within an attractive landscaped area and connected to a high-quality public square featuring the newly constructed canal basin.

“As well as state-of-the-art work space, we’re planning on off-setting our carbon footprint across the whole office and staff will benefit from commuter friendly walking and cycle paths, as well as good access to Chesterfield’s mainline train station.

“It is a hugely exciting time for our Chesterfield team, and we’re continuing to recruit in this area, so we would urge people to get in touch if they’d like to find out about the roles available.”

BHP has had a presence in Chesterfield since 1991. The company also has sites in Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, and York.

With more than 350 staff, over the last ten years, BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.

BHP was ranked 84th by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the second year running in 2020. The hard-fought and nationally celebrated list, which is now in its 20th year, recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

For more information about BHP, visit www.bhp.co.uk

BHP 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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BHP Corporate Finance builds on success with deal advisory teams

A multi award-winning division of leading regional accountancy firm BHP now has over 20 deal advisory specialists sharing expertise across all aspects of corporate finance.

Building on 18-months of increased deal activity during a global pandemic, BHP Corporate Finance has bolstered its headcount with Will Sykes moving into its M&A advisory team and Mathew Oldfield into Transaction Services. This closely follows significant growth in team numbers in recent years, including two partner appointments in 2019.

Following a successful year’s internship with BHP Corporate Finance in 2018, Will completed his degree at the University of Leeds before joining the firm as part of its Graduate Recruitment Scheme. With a year’s post grad experience in BHP’s audit and tax teams under his belt he has now joined Corporate Finance on a full-time basis.

Mathew followed a similar route, training and qualifying with BHP’s audit team before switching to his new Transaction Services role in November 2020.

BHP Corporate Finance has a wide range of expertise across M&A, Transaction Services and SPA advisory, with seven partners and three directors leading these specialist service lines. The firm also boasts one of the region’s largest corporate tax advisory practices.

This expertise has recently been put to good use advising Greenhous Group on its disposal of Smart Fleet Solutions to highly acquisitive online automotive dealer Cazoo, and YFM Equity Partners’ investment in marketing automation platform Force24.

Other recent deals include Foresight Group’s investment in Sheffield-based M.R. Machine Knives, and engineering service and support group Pharos on the disposal of its power generation division to RSK Group.

Kevin Davies, partner at BHP Corporate Finance, said: “I’m tremendously proud of the way our team has adapted, expanded and succeeded in spite of the unusual times and the differing challenges that all businesses are currently facing.

“With the numerous talented and dedicated individuals that have recently joined us we’re confident that we will have another strong year with a team fully-equipped to meet the increasing demands of the deal-making environment.”

Martin Athey, Transaction Services Partner, added “These recent recruits not only demonstrate BHP’s commitment to nurturing and developing its people, but also highlight the specialisms, expertise and strength in depth across all of our service lines”.

BHP Corporate Finance provides a full range of personalised lead advisory and transaction support services for corporates, management teams, investors and funders.

Find out more about how they can assist here: https://bhpcorporatefinance.co.uk/

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

Bottom picture: Matthew Oldfield. Top picture: Will Sykes

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