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Champions share latest growth and success after positive start to 2025

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have announced further growth and successes.

Firms across our town have announced new hires, successful events, and even launched a new podcast. Find out about the latest growth and success stories from across our town in the roundup below.

SMH Group Appoint Steve Fern as Chief Financial Officer

steve fern

SMH Group, a leading professional services firm with offices across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Fern as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 2025. Steve brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership, strategic growth, and business transformation, gained over a 25-year career across the UK, USA, and Australia.

Steve gained his ACA qualification early on in his career and has gone on to hold several senior roles across a diverse range of industries, including business turnaround, insurance and professional services. His fantastic track record includes his most recent success story where he held the role of Managing Director, taking the business on an incredible expansion journey which ultimately concluded with a sale to a national business.

Steve fostered a workplace culture where all staff felt valued and part of the company’s growth, aligning with the business’s core values. Earlier in his career, Steve supported hundreds of businesses during the financial crisis and implemented an industry-leading Enterprise Risk Management process while working in the US insurance sector.

Steve said: “I’m thrilled to join SMH Group at such an exciting time in its journey. The firm has a strong reputation for its client-first ethos and a dynamic approach to growth, with ten acquisitions since 2018. I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued success and helping build on the robust financial foundations already in place.”

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Steve’s people-focused approach and commitment to fostering positive company cultures have been instrumental in his career. Beyond work, he dedicates time to family, youth sports coaching, and charitable fundraising, including cycling the length of Britain.

Jonathon Dickens, CEO at SMH Group, said: “Steve’s wealth of expertise and his impressive track record in driving growth make him the perfect addition to our leadership team. His values align seamlessly with ours, and his appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients and staff alike.”

Chesterfield Chat launches podcast following success on Spire Radio

Radio broadcasters stood in front of crowds at Chesterfield town hall

Chesterfield Chat, the weekly radio show that debuted on Spire Radio in May 2024, is excited to announce the launch of its podcast. Due to listener demand and the show’s continued success, episodes will now be available on all major podcast platforms, allowing listeners to catch up on their favourite interviews and local stories anytime, anywhere.

Chesterfield Chat has quickly become a go-to source for news and information about the Chesterfield community. Hosted by Jordan Hartshorne, the show features engaging interviews with local businesses, charities, community groups, and artists, covering everything from upcoming events and initiatives to inspiring personal stories and local achievements.

“We’ve been thrilled with the response to Chesterfield Chat on Spire Radio since launching last year,” says Jordan Hartshorne, Chesterfield Chat host and Managing Director of Spire Radio. “The community has really embraced the show, and we’ve received so many requests for a way to listen back to episodes. Launching a podcast was the natural next step, and we’re delighted to make Chesterfield Chat even more accessible.”

Listeners can now subscribe to the Chesterfield Chat podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other popular podcast apps. New episodes will be released weekly following the live broadcast on Spire Radio.

Pinelog welcomes Darrell Fisher as new Production Manager

Darrell Fisher, Production Manager, Pinelog

Chesterfield-based Pinelog, a leading UK manufacturer of luxury timber lodges, has appointed Darrell Fisher as Production Manager.

Darrell brings 34 years of experience in the holiday homes, lodges, and motorhome sectors to his new role, having previously worked with the Swift Group Ltd, one of the UK’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturers. Beginning his career as an apprentice cabinet maker, Darrell has gained experience across the industry, from hands-on craftsmanship to strategic leadership, culminating in his role as Senior Production Manager at Swift.

“The stars aligned at just the right time,” Darrell explained. “I’d been thinking about a change for a while, and when I saw the role and spoke with Craig Morrison, Pinelog’s Operations Director, I knew it was the perfect fit. The scope of the role and the company’s vision for growth made it an easy decision.”

With extensive expertise in manufacturing, production management, and process improvement, Darrell is excited to bring his knowledge to Pinelog. His scope of work includes overseeing the transition from design to production, driving continuous improvement across manufacturing processes at the company’s Chesterfield site, managing delivery and installation, and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.

Impressed by Pinelog’s approach to craftsmanship and quality, Darrell said: “From day one, I’ve been impressed with the attention to detail and the traditional, hands-on building methods used for each lodge. The Pinelog production team are incredibly highly skilled and handcraft every aspect of the lodge from start to finish – unlike larger companies where teams often focus on smaller, segmented tasks. What they create is a credit to the exceptional skill and dedication of the team.”

In his new role Darrell will bring his skills to assisting with Pinelog’s journey to modernise and fine-tune its production processes while maintaining the brand’s legacy of quality. “I’m looking to introduce more contemporary techniques, strengthening the production team, and ensuring that Pinelog continues to exceed customer expectations as it grows,” explained Darrell.

Nick Grayson, Group Chairman, commented on Darrell’s appointment: “We’re delighted to welcome Darrell to the team. His wealth of experience and process-driven mindset are exactly what we need to take our manufacturing capabilities to the next level. With Darrell onboard, we’re confident that Pinelog will continue to set the standard for luxury timber lodge production in the UK.”

Workpays hosts The Big Assembly to highlight apprenticeships

Workpays big assembly

The Big Assembly 2025, founded and organised by Workpays, has once again proved to be the UK’s largest live-streamed apprenticeship event, with a record-breaking 197,000+ students, teachers, and employers signing up.

The event brought together leading employers, inspiring apprentices, and industry experts to provide valuable insights into apprenticeships and career pathways.

This year’s event featured a diverse panel of apprentices and industry leaders, who shared their career journeys, experiences, and advice to help young people explore their next steps:
  • Ali Amin – Former Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprentice at Shawpak, East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador
  • Chloe Fearnley – Level 2 SMART Repair Technician Apprentice at Arnold Clark
  • Danny McBean – Former Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprentice at Grants Dufftown Ltd, WorldSkills UK Champion
  • Centime Beach-Frank – Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Apprentice at Drax
  • Jonathan Foot – Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland
These panellists provided first-hand insights into apprenticeships, discussing how they developed skills, gained qualifications, and progressed in their careers.
The Big Assembly 2025 was made possible through the support of leading employers, including Compass Group UK & Ireland, Boots, Arnold Clark, Drax, Tarmac, IAE, and WorldSkills UK. These organisations played a key role in delivering an engaging and impactful event, demonstrating the breadth of apprenticeship opportunities available.
The event also received recognition from Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, who highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in shaping the future workforce and praised the Big Assembly’s role in inspiring young people to consider apprenticeship routes.
For those who missed the live event, the full Big Assembly 2025 broadcast is now available to watch on demand.

Bridge Help welcomes Lisa Griffiths as new Business Development Manager

Lisa Griffiths BDM Bridge Help

Chesterfield-based commercial bridging finance provider Bridge Help has swelled its ranks with the appointment of Lisa Griffiths, who has joined as a Business Development Manager.

Her appointment means Bridge Help continues to boast an all-female business development team, led by Katie Snodden, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry.

Lisa, who hails from Chesterfield, brings a wealth of experience her new role, including a 20-year career in law before transitioning into ground-up property development before moving into commercial finance brokering.

Her extensive knowledge of the property sector, from both legal and financial perspectives, gives her a unique understanding of the challenges brokers and borrowers face.

Speaking about her new role, Lisa commented: “I’ve always enjoyed working closely with clients and brokers to find solutions that make deals happen.

“Bridge Help is known for its flexible, common-sense approach to lending, and I’m excited to be part of a team that truly puts brokers and borrowers first. With my background in property and finance, I’m excited to work closely with brokers to help them find the right solutions for their clients and get deals done quickly.”

Lisa’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Bridge Help, as the company celebrates its fifth year and continues to expand and enhance its offering to brokers and borrowers.

Chris Sellars, CEO and General Counsel at Bridge Help, welcomed Lisa to the team, saying; “2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Bridge Help as we continue to grow and strengthen our offering. Lisa’s extensive experience, both in law and commercial finance, makes her a fantastic addition to our team. Her ability to understand complex deals from multiple angles will be a huge asset to our brokers. I’m delighted to welcome her aboard.”

 

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Trio of Chesterfield Champions announce further growth

Three organisations which are part of the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have announced further growth to their teams and wider offer.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help recently added new members to their teams, while training provider Workpays has expanded its range of qualifications for people in the area.

Find out in more detail in our roundup below:

Workpays expands offerings with Chartered Management Institute qualifications

Tea and training

 

Chesterfield training provider, Workpays has announced the integration of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications into its extensive range of offerings.

This strategic move aims to empower professionals with valuable skills and internationally recognised credentials, reinforcing Workpays’ commitment to fostering career growth and helping people to achieve success.

The Chartered Management Institute, widely regarded as a leading professional body for management and leadership qualifications, offers a host of benefits that resonate with individuals and organisations across industries.

A Workpays spokesperson commented: “CMI qualifications not only enhance employability but also open doors to higher-paying roles and increased job satisfaction. With CMI’s industry-recognised credentials, professionals can differentiate themselves in the job market, showcase their commitment to continuous improvement, and gain a competitive edge.

“With Workpays’ expertise in providing tailored training solutions and CMI’s prestigious qualifications, professionals can now access a comprehensive suite of programmes that cater to their specific needs and goals. Whether through online courses or blended learning, Workpays ensures flexibility and accessibility for individuals at different stages of their career journey.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action welcomes new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager

Juliet Grace 873 dva

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA), a leading charity dedicated to supporting and empowering communities, and health and social care in Derbyshire, has announced the appointment of Juliet Grace as the new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager.

Juliet brings with her a wealth of experience from an environmental background, having served with distinction at the National Trust, The Fieldfare Trust, and Green Estate and collaborated with various groups and charities over her career.

Renowned for her problem-solving prowess and arriving with an unwavering passion for contributing to the communities within Derbyshire, Juliet is committed to empowering local individuals to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector (VCS).

Derbyshire Voluntary Action say that Juliet’s dedication to empowering communities is a perfect match for the organisation’s core values. By embracing her leadership, DVA aims to continue its mission of providing support and resources to those in need, driving meaningful change across Derbyshire.

Juliet commented: “I am honoured and excited to join the exceptional team at Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to empower individuals and strengthen the social fabric of Derbyshire. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and inspiring local people to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector. Together, we will make a positive impact on the lives of the communities we serve.”

Bridge Help expands Business Development team

Bridge Help - Iona Reid - landscape

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has appointed Iona Reid to its Business Development team.

Iona brings a background in property sales and lettings to the role, joining the short-term commercial finance provider from Keepmoat Homes where she was a sales executive. Prior to this, she was a lettings manager with a national estate agent.

In her new role as Business Development Manager, Iona will be working with Bridge Help’s broker network supporting them to secure bridging finance for auction purchases, commercial and semi-commercial acquisitions and buy-to-let properties, as well as re-financing existing loans.

Her appointment follows growth at Bridge Help and a surge in new enquiries and there’s no doubt that her expertise and enthusiasm will make her a great addition to the team.

Iona commented on her new appointment saying: “I am really looking forward to working with such a supportive team and within the short-term finance sector. I have plenty of transferable skills from previous roles within the property industry and I’m inspired by new Manager, Katie and what she has achieved!”

Welcoming Iona to the team, Katie Snodden Head of Sales at Bridge Help added: “Iona is a welcome addition to the team as we continue to increase the support we offer to brokers across England and Wales. Her experience in sales and property makes her well-placed to help us continue to deliver great outcomes for their clients.”

Workpays, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help 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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Bridge Help’s Chesterfield Foodbank appeal raises £6,000

A six-week fundraising appeal, which has resulted in a whopping donation of £6,000 of food, toiletries and cash, will help hundreds of people in need across Chesterfield in 2023.

Launched in November 2022, Bridge Help’s annual Chesterfield Foodbank raised £3,000 thanks to donations from the firm’s brokers, suppliers, friends and family. The short-term commercial finance provider matched all donations, bringing the final total to £6,000.

A £4,400 haul of food and toiletries – which filled three vans – was delivered to the food bank just before Christmas. A £1,600 cash donation was also given to the charity to enable it to help people throughout the year when donations fall.

The food donated weighed in at more than 1.2 tonnes, enabling up to 1,300 meals to be made.

Roisin O’Gorman from Chesterfield Foodbank thanked Bridge Help for the donation, saying: “This donation will make such a positive difference at this incredibly difficult time. Demand for the Foodbank has increased by 35% since last year and 50% from the year before. The food donated will help keep us stocked up throughout the year when our donations start to dry up. You have really helped local people in crisis who are facing poverty!”

As well as a £500 donation of food to the collection, Stoneacre Motor Group and Maxus supplied two vans and members of their team to help Bridge Help and staff from Chesterfield Foodbank load and transport everything to the foodbank’s distribution centre on Carrwood Road in Sheepbridge.

As well as essentials – tins, pasta, long life fruit juice and milk, Bridge Help also donated toiletries, chocolate and biscuit treats for Christmas. Donations were collected and stored at the firm’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane.

Arranged by the firm’s Business Development Manager Phoebe Sellars, who is also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice, she said: “Each year the Bridge Help Foodbank appeal raises more than the last, which truly amazed me this year as everyone is feeling the effect with the cost-of-living crisis. Once again, people have been so generous and enabled us to give our biggest donation ever.

“Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I know how much this donation is needed this year. More and more people are having to make the impossible decision between choosing whether to eat or heat. I am pleased that we have been able to make a small difference locally.”

This was the third consecutive year Bridge Help has organised a collection and donation to Chesterfield Foodbank.

Since launching the Chesterfield Foodbank appeal in 2019, Bridge Help has donated more than £11,000 to the Sheepbridge-based foodbank warehouse, which is operated by The Trussell Trust.

The Chesterfield Foodbank distribution centre supplies six food banks – central Chesterfield, New Whittington, Loundsley Green, Brimington, Hope Valley and Hasland, which is the most recent foodbank. The Hasland foodbank was opened in April 2022 to cope with the increase in working people struggling to eat amid the cost-of-living hike.

Chesterfield Foodbank provides three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to people who are referred to them and has been operating since 2013. The foodbank works through local agencies issuing vouchers to people in crisis who cannot afford to buy food.

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

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Bridge Help strengthens team with another new appointment

Tracey Vaughan is the latest appointment to Bridge Help’s Business Development Team.

Following her appointment, Chesterfield-based bridging loan provider, Bridge Help now boasts an all-female business development team, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry.

Tracey, who hails from the company’s base in Chesterfield, brings more than 20 years of sales experience to the role. Within the role, she will be offering guidance and support to help manage broker and lender relationships across England and Wales.

The company has continued to grow since its inception in 2017, filling a gap in the market for bespoke bridging loan products for complex deals.  Her appointment follows a successful first half of 2022 and comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Tina Panayi in April.

Tracey commented on her new role: “I just knew this is what I was looking for. It’s an inviting, helpful and professional team providing a bespoke service. There’s a strong focus on relationships and a really good team spirit – I wanted to be a part of it and grow with them.

“The whole team is lovely and I’m excited to see what the future holds and just can’t wait to get going, I think we’re going to be a great fit.”

Tracey joins from phs Group where she was a Field Account Manager. She brings extensive experience in relationship development to her new role at Bridge Help.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented on Tracey’s arrival: “We’re thrilled to welcome Tracey to the team – she’s local and really understands the importance of building relationships, which is what we’re all about at Bridge Help. With her strong sales background and extensive range of experience, I’m sure it’s going to be a great fit for all involved.”

Outside work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her family and taking her French Bulldog, Bonnie, out for walks.

To arrange a meeting with Tracey or to speak to a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help, contact the friendly team today on 033 3303 4681.

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

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New Business Development Manager joins Bridge Help

Chesterfield-based bespoke commercial bridging loan provider, Bridge Help, has marked its continued growth in 2022 with the appointment of a new Business Development Manager.

Tina Panayi brings 25 years of business development experience in the finance sector to her new role at the rapidly growing short-term finance firm.

As well as being an experienced relationship manager, Tina is also a qualified broker. She commented: “Being a qualified broker I fully understand clients’ requirements and where Bridge Help can add value to the loan process. It’s an exciting opportunity to be able to use all my skills.”

She joins the company’s team of Business Development Managers, at Bridge Help where she will be responsible for managing and growing relationships with brokers throughout England and Wales.

Tina’s career history includes roles with a number of high street lenders, including Bank of Scotland, B M Solutions, Aldermore Bank and, most recently, specialist lender Together Money.

She commented: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of my new role at Bridge Help. As a salesperson I’m very passionate about what I do and love adding value to the client’s business and being a bespoke lender where humans make the lending decisions rather than a computer, Bridge Help gives me the opportunity to do that.”

Tina’s appointment follows significant growth for Bridge Help during 2021 in which the short-term lender exceeded its own projections, lending more than £23 million and is on track to lend £40 million in 2022.

Delighted to welcome Tina to the team, Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help, added: “Tina shares the company’s passion for getting deals over the line and providing a bespoke approach to bridging finance. We’re excited to have her on board, helping us to continue developing valuable, long-lasting relationships with our growing broker network.”

While Tina is a new face to Bridge Help, she may be more familiar to fans of the Channel 4 programme Come Dine with Me. In 2009 she appeared on the show with her Greek-inspired menu.

To arrange a meeting with Tina or to speak to a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help, contact the friendly team today on 033 3303 4681.

Bridge Help 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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Bridge Help Strengthens business development team with new appointment

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has further strengthened its business development team with the appointment of Mo Miah.

Bringing 11 years’ experience with major high street banks and building societies, Mo joins Bridge Help’s team of regional Business Development Managers.

His appointment follows significant growth for Bridge Help during 2021 in which the short-term lender exceeded its own projections, lending more than £23 million.

Mo will be working alongside Bridge Help’s business development team managing broker and lender relationships throughout the country.

Making the move from a high street lender background, Mo is looking forward to the challenge of working with Bridge Help which specialises in complex deals that mainstream lenders traditionally avoid.

He said: “I’m passionate about helping people and providing great customer service, that’s why I got into this sector. Working at Bridge Help is a great opportunity for me to develop broker relationships and work alongside them throughout the loan process from initial enquiry to securing funds. That is a very exciting prospect for me.”

Welcoming Mo to the team, Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mo onboard. Developing and maintaining strong broker relationships is at the heart of what we do and a key reason why we can make what seems like an impossible deal, possible.”

Mo added: “Bridge Help takes a refreshing approach to commercial lending and I’m excited to be part of it. I already feel like I’m very much part of the team.”

Outside work, Mo is kept busy with his two young children, spending time with his wife and his extended family. When he does get time to himself, he enjoys playing 5-a-side and 8-a-side football.

To arrange a meeting with Mo or to speak to one of our business development team, contact Bridge Help on 033 3303 4681.

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

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Chesterfield’s Bridge Help goes carbon neutral

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has started 2022 as a carbon neutral organisation, offsetting the entire carbon footprint of its workforce – from their flights and car journeys to lunches and energy usage both at work and home.

In just two months the commercial bridging finance company has directly funded the planting of 508 trees across Madagascar, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique as well as achieving a reduction in 34.44 tonnes of CO2.

Becoming carbon neutral has been made possible by Ecologi – an organisation which helps companies and individuals fund impactful climate solutions, plant trees, analyse carbon footprint, become climate positive, achieve carbon neutrality and much more.

Every member of the Bridge Help team has been registered with Ecologi and carbon credits aligned according to their lifestyle.

By signing up to Ecologi, the Bridge Help team is directly funding high-impact climate solutions and supporting the town’s ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Companies and organisations that have signed up to Ecologi to date have, together, funded the planting of an amazing 31,450,527 trees reducing 1,239,380 tonnes of CO2 to date in a drive to bring greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to net zero by 2050.

With its team members, brokers and borrowers based throughout England and Wales, the company was an early adopter of Zoom video conferencing technology in order to minimising travel. A number of staff members also drive electric cars.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “Prior to signing up to Ecologi, we made small steps in becoming a carbon neutral business however this has now been accelerated. What myself and the team particularly like about Ecologi, is that we are all offsetting our personal carbon output 24/7 whether we are working or not. It is something the whole team is passionate about and we’ll be taking further steps throughout 2022 and beyond to reduce our impact on the environment.

He added: “We’re a growing business and it’s important to us all that our impact on the environment does not also increase. As we welcome new members to the team, they’ll also be automatically be signed up to Ecologi.”

Despite the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, the highest ever atmospheric CO2 concentration (419 parts per million) was recorded in June 2021. With seven of the warmest years on record all occurring since 2014, the issue of climate change is increasingly pressing.

To find out more about Ecologi and how you can get involved, visit ecologi.com.

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

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Bridge Help smashes fundraising target for Chesterfield Foodbank

More than £4,000 of much-needed food and toiletries was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank just before Christmas thanks to a fundraising appeal by Bridge Help.

Launched in November 2021, the team at Bridge Help hoped to raise £2,021 of food and toiletries but, thanks to the generosity of its brokers, suppliers and Chesterfield’s business community, Bridge Help smashed its original fundraising target in just six weeks.

A total of £2,130 of food and toiletries was collected which was matched pound for pound by Bridge Help. The match funding pledge meant a total of £4,360 – more than double the original fundraising target – was donated to Chesterfield Foodbank.

With the help of eight volunteers, hundreds of packets, tins, boxes, cartons, sacks and bottles were transported from Bridge Help’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas.

As well as Christmas treats of biscuits and crisps, Bridge Help also collected essentials, such as nappies, toiletries, tins and dried foods, which were all donated to Chesterfield Foodbank to ensure the charity had stock to distribute well into 2022.

The haul filled the Chesterfield Foodbank van as well as two additional vehicles, with Bridge Help CEO Chris Sellars also pitching in to help with a delivery when it became evident there was too much for two vehicles.

The annual charity fundraising campaign was organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe said: “Wow, just wow. I can’t thank everyone enough who donated. It was a pleasure and an honour to be able to hand over everything we collected and know that, together, we have made a small difference in the lives of people who are facing hardship not just at Christmas but throughout the year.”

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

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Bridge Help launches Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank

With an ambitious new target, Bridge Help has launched its annual Christmas fundraising appeal for Chesterfield Foodbank, and is calling on Chesterfield Champions to help.

Last year, the bridging loan company donated £1500 worth of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.  This year the company wants to do even better and is hoping to donate at least £2021 of goods to the local food bank.

Bridge Help is now appealing to the local business community to donate money or drop off donations of tinned goods, toiletries, nappies and luxuries, including biscuits, chocolates, crisps, and Christmas cakes and puddings at its offices on Old Brick Works Lane off Sheffield Road.

Bridge Help will match all donations before delivering to the Chesterfield Foodbank warehouse in Sheepbridge ahead of Christmas. Donations can be dropped off at the company’s office until Wednesday 15 December. All monetary donations will be used to purchase goods before the drop off at the Foodbank.

The annual charity fundraising campaign is organised by Phoebe Sellars, a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help and also a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice.

Phoebe explained: “Being a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am aware of the financial hardship many people experience. Working for Bridge Help I am in a position to do something practical that will help people in need over the Christmas period.

“Last year Chesterfield’s business community was incredibly generous, enabling us to donate a total of £1500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank. We want to do even better this year and ensure that more people can enjoy Christmas.”

Roisin O’Gorman, Deputy Project Coordinator at Chesterfield Foodbank, explained the importance of supporting the Foodbank, saying: “Since the start of the pandemic the Foodbank has provided food to over 9000 people, with a third of those sadly being children. With the end of the universal credit uplift, increased heating costs and the government furlough scheme ending, we anticipate that even more people will have to turn to foodbanks. We need donations now more than ever, so please consider donating to the foodbank. Your kind donations will enable us to keep supporting local people in crisis who cannot afford the basic essentials. No one should have to go hungry.”

Phoebe added: “The team and I will be working around tins, cartons of long-life milk, toothpaste and boxes of biscuits in the office for a few weeks, but it’s something we are all happy to do knowing what a difference the donation will make to so many people in the area this Christmas. I love this project, and we are incredibly proud as a team to do this for our local community.”

Chesterfield Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest network of food banks. Last December Chesterfield Foodbank fed 488 people in crisis.

To make a donation to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Christmas appeal, contact Phoebe Sellars on 033 3303 4681 or email phoebe@bridgehelp.co.uk.

Bridge Help 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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Citizens Advice Chesterfield appoints youngest ever trustee

Phoebe Sellars (22) has been appointed as the youngest ever trustee of Citizens Advice Chesterfield.

Phoebe, who hails from Chesterfield and is a Business Development Manager at Chesterfield-based bridging finance company Bridge Help, will be officially voted in as a trustee of the charity later this month.

Welcoming her to the volunteer role, Linda Moore, Chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “Phoebe’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious and, as a charity, we need people like her to help raise awareness of our cause and appeal to a broader audience. Quite often people don’t realise that we are a charity and as such, we do need to raise funds. We are delighted to welcome her on board.”

As a trustee, Phoebe will help create, shape and deliver a strategy that supports the aims and principles of Citizens Advice Chesterfield which is to provide help to those who are in need in the local area.

Phoebe is no stranger to charity work. Last year she was responsible for organising Bridge Help’s Christmas collection for Chesterfield Food Bank. It resulted in more than £1500 of much- needed food and toiletries being donated by the local business community.

Delighted to take up the role of trustee, Phoebe said: “This is a real honour for me. I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.

“I’m really eager to take on this new challenge in my life. The pandemic has hit many young people hard and as a young person, who has been very fortunate to have had the opportunities in life that I have had, I really want to give something back. Becoming a trustee with Citizens Advice Chesterfield is an excellent way for me to do this.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice, which is based at Broad Pavement, helps people who live within the borough of Chesterfield, by providing support with debt and money advice, financial skills, fuel poverty, welfare benefits and advice at GP and community settings. It is part of the national Citizens Advice network which through independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

The national Citizens Advice charity was established in 1939 to meet the needs of a civilian population during war time. Since then, the network of independent charities has become a vital service to many people with problems and in need of good quality independent advice. During the pandemic, the charity faced unprecedented challenges with the demand for their services rapidly increasing. In their busiest week, their website alone had 2.4 million views.

To access advice and support from Chesterfield Citizens Advice, please contact 0808 278 7843.

Citizens Advice Chesterfield and Bridge Help support 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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Tyrone Alexander joins Bridge Help’s growing regional BDM team

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has made its fifth new staff appointment in 2021.

Tyrone Alexander is the latest recruit to join commercial short-term lender Bridge Help as part of its expansion plans.

Making the move from Redwood Bank, Tyrone joins Bridge Help as a Business Development Manager to manage relationships with brokers in the Midlands.

Tyrone hails from a broker background himself, having held a business development role at specialist finance company Enterprise Finance where he specialised in buy-to-let finance and commercial loans, before joining Redwood Bank.

He said: “Having worked at a brokerage myself I understand the importance of good communication to ensure the deal is done efficiently and gets over the line.

“I really enjoy finance, particularly being at the forefront of it and playing a role in the decision-making. Bridge Help’s hands-on approach gives me the opportunity to get fully involved with loan applications.”

Bridge Help’s can-do approach throughout the pandemic has impressed Tyrone and attracted him to the role. He explained: “A lot of lenders pulled right back at the start of the pandemic and that just didn’t sit right with me. Bridge Help found ways to continue to lend even during lockdown and that impressed me.”

He joins at an exciting time of growth for Bridge Help. Alongside Tyrone, the company has made number of regional business development appointments since the start of the year to help meet demand for its loan products. In total, Bridge Help has made five new appointments in the team since the beginning of 2021, including Martin Bray from Chesterfield who joined as Loan Manager last month.

Welcoming Tyrone to Bridge Help, Chief Executive Chris Sellars said: “We have ambitious growth plans for Bridge Help and are on track to achieve them in 2021 with the team we have built in recent months. It’s a tremendously exciting time for the business and the people in it.”

Bridge Help 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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