business news

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes appoints new head of sales for its central region

Chesterfield Housebuilder Avant Homes Central has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Dawn Bennett to the newly created role of Head of Sales.

Dawn has worked at Avant Homes for 15 years, originally joining as a sales administrator in 2005 with Avant Homes’ Midlands operation before progressing to sales coordinator in 2010 and then area sales manager in 2016. In 2019 Dawn joined the Central team, based out of Chesterfield.

In her new role Dawn will be responsible for overseeing the sales function for the region whilst working closely with Avant Homes Central managing director Stuart Rowlands and with external partners.

Commenting on her appointment, Dawn said: “I’m proud to have worked at Avant Homes for the past 15 years and to be a part of the success of the business. Avant Homes Central is a fantastic, growing region with lots of opportunity. It’s an extremely exciting time to be stepping into this new role working with our teams to help drive the business forward. After starting my career in the housebuilding sector with Avant Homes I’m very excited to be given the chance to further develop my skills and continue my journey with the business.”

Based in Chesterfield, Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The group currently has 59 developments across its five operating regions, 10 of which are part of Avant Homes Central. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands said: “Dawn is a great addition to the Avant Homes Central leadership team. She has progressed through the ranks from sales administrator and brings a wealth of sales experience to her new position as head of sales.

“Dawn’s knowledge, expertise and love of Avant Homes really made her stand out. Dawn is a much-valued member of the Avant team and will play an important part in the continuing success of Avant Homes Central. We wish her every success.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Brexit Conference will prepare East Midlands businesses for new EU trading relationship

Businesses can find out how to prepare for a new trading relationship with the EU by attending a free online event hosted by East Midlands Chamber.

This year’s Brexit Conference, which takes place over the course of a morning on Thursday 26 November and is held in partnership with the Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Nottinghamshire County Council, will review the sweeping changes that 1 January 2021 will bring for exporters and importers.

Titled Business Preparedness: Where Are We Now?, it will offer guidance on the measures that can be taken to prepare for these changes and delve into what future trading conditions might look like.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles, who will deliver the opening address, said: “There are huge changes coming for businesses on 1 January, regardless of whether or not a trade deal is forthcoming, and now is the time to prepare.

“With all the latest updates, tips and takeaways, this year’s conference is a must for all those looking to continue, or prepare, trading overseas.”

The virtual conference involves a series of live streamed webinar sessions, keynote speakers and case studies.

It is aimed at businesses that trade internationally, customs agents, employees in businesses who are responsible for completing export documentation, and personnel who administer the documentation, sales, purchasing, logistics, dispatch and freight forwarders embarking into the export world.

Confirmed sessions include an overview of the future changes to trading conditions, HMRC update, routes to export markets, standards certification and the CE mark, effective supplier collaboration, HR implications and the ChamberCustoms offer.

Speakers include Keith Robe, managing director of customs solutions firm Cusdec; Simon Hart, lead international partner at RSM UK; Paragon Law managing director Thalej Vasishta; Nottingham University Business School professor of operations management Bart MacCarthy; and East Midlands Chamber’s director of partnerships David Pearson.

The Brexit Conference will take place on 26 November from 9am to 11.40am. To book a place, visit bit.ly/34D1jgJ.

Find out more about the range of support on offer for Chesterfield businesses, or to discover more business event happening locally, click here 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Corrugated Case Company featured in Britain’s Got Talent semi-final

Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer, Corrugated Case Company were taken by surprise recently, when they found out their products had been featured in an episode of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

The company’s boxes featured in a death-defying stunt during a semi-final episode, which was carried out by The Magic Marine (aka James Stott). The stunt saw the brave magician put his life in the hands of BGT judges David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Ashley Banjo.

Concealed in one of five giant boxes, The Magic Marine asked each of the four judges to release a ton of explosives dangling precariously overhead at random.

You can see the dramatic action in the video below:

Founded in 1996, The Corrugated Case Company is recognised today as one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging products, establishing a firm reputation for quality, innovation and delivering value to customers. However, the team believes this is the first time their products have featured in front of a national television audience!

Melissa Wilcockson, Technical Sales Manager for the Corrugated Case Company said: “We had no idea our boxes were going to be featured in the act. It wasn’t until a few weeks after the programme aired that we learned the order was shipped to a commercial provider of magical props, which is how they ended up in the hands of The Magic Marine.

“As you can imagine, it was a huge surprise for everybody. Our boxes and packaging have been used in all manner of industries, but this is the first time — as far as we know — they’ve been used for something like this!”

The company also joked in a statement on its website: “We can throw a few shapes here and there on the dance floor, but not much beyond the classic Big Fish / Little Fish / Cardboard Box routine. And as for comedy, well, we think it’s fair to say that joke just now is a prime example to suggest we wouldn’t make it past the front door — let alone the auditions round!”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Export Growth Plan launched to boost Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses in overseas trading

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has launched its ‘Export Growth Plan,’ which will provide additional financial support and expertise to help boost overseas activity for businesses.

Some of the plan is targeted towards companies based in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, including:

The Export Academy

Launched on 16 October 2020, The Export Academy is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000 to help build capabilities and confidence to trade internationally; and to overcome the challenges that businesses may face when they start to export.

Businesses can pick and mix which modules they would like to attend to find out how to understand customs procedures, export controls and documentation, getting paid, how to research international markets, pricing and distribution, export procedures, exporting products and services and Inco terms.

Structured around free one hour webinars, round tables and mentoring sessions, the Academy will give small and micro-businesses the opportunity to complete an export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers.

Internationalisation Fund

DIT is soon to release grants to help companies that have significant potential to grow their international sales. Match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 will be available for future activity for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire businesses (subject to eligibility and availability).

They are now accepting expressions of interest so that as soon as the fund is made available they can include you. The grants could cover the following areas – internationalising a website, procuring translation services, international consultancy, international legal advice, international IP advice, independent market visits or attendance at non TAP trade fairs.

1:1 consultations with an International Trade Adviser

DIT is offering a 30 minute 1:1 video or telephone consultation with an International Trade Adviser. If a business is experiencing issues in relation to international trade we are here to help.

Ian Harrison, Department for International Trade’s Head of Exports for Midlands said: “The Department’s recently launched Export Growth Plan will have a big impact across our region. Importantly, it will allow businesses in Chesterfield to grow their overseas trade and help them recover from the economic impact of coronavirus. This package of measures will ensure Midlands companies are supported from the start, with more funding, more Trade Advisers and the establishment of the Export Academy to help businesses build back better.”

You can find out more about what’s available here.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Avant Homes becomes 1st UK housebuilder to introduce Honda E vehicle fleet

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes has become the first UK housebuilder to introduce a fleet of 30 Honda e electric vehicles for its regional sales teams to use.

With 60 live developments across the Midlands, Yorkshire, north east England and Scotland, the new fleet will enable Avant Homes to provide prospective homebuyers with a more mobile and accessible sales service.

Supplied by motor retailer Stoneacre Chesterfield, the leasing deal is the biggest transaction the Tapton Lock dealership has ever brokered with a corporate client. The leasing agreement for the fleet was handled by Lex Autolease.

The cars have been introduced as part of a new commitment by the homebuilder to meet prospective buyers by appointment only at their preferred location, whether that is at a development, their home or the workplace.

Commenting on the new fleet, Avant Homes chief executive officer, Colin Lewis, said: “We learnt a lot during lockdown about how best to continue to provide our customers with exceptional service that is tailored to their needs.

“We identified that our customers need greater flexibility due to the changing circumstances they face and that we needed to evolve our sales function. We wanted to be able to meet our customers wherever was most convenient for them, so our idea was to be able to take Avant Homes to them on demand, and this led us to securing and introducing our new fleet of Honda e cars.

“We chose the Honda e so that we could not only provide our people with a state-of-the-art vehicle, but also minimise the environmental impact of the increased travel our sales team will be undertaking. The car’s contemporary and exciting design also appealed to us due to our desire to be a housebuilder that is different from the competition. So, like Avant Homes, the Honda e embodies an excellent combination of innovation, practicality and fun.

“We were clear from the outset that we wanted to support a local business to help deliver this initiative, so we are very pleased to have been able to partner with Stoneacre Chesterfield to acquire the new fleet. The service provided by the team there has been outstanding, and we can’t wait to get the cars delivered to our team across our five regional offices.”

Avant Homes is one of the UK’s leading private residential property developers. The business currently builds approximately 2,000 homes each year, has a turnover of circa £500m and employs around 780 people.

The Honda e, which was launched earlier this year, is the first electric Honda vehicle to be sold in Europe. At the beginning of October, it won the City Car of the Year category in the Sunday Times Motor Awards 2020 due to its unique combination of dynamic performance, refined comfort and futuristic technology. Inside, the modern minimalist passenger cabin utilises contemporary materials and is spacious and uncluttered to creates a comfortable lounge-like feel.

The Honda e features a water-cooled 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charge. The car is capable of travelling up to 137 miles before drivers need to recharge the battery which can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in only 30 minutes.

Regional manager for Stoneacre Chesterfield , David Harding, said: “The popularity of hybrid and e-vehicles is rapidly increasing, so we were delighted to see Avant Homes select the Honda e as the vehicle of choice for their sales fleet. We’re thrilled to be able to provide an affordable, efficient and stylish option, and help Avant Homes to optimise their customer experience.”

The fleet was officially handed over to Avant Homes at a special event at Chesterfield FC where the cars were revealed to Avant staff for the first time.

Avant Homes are also currently involved in building part of the residential area at Chesterfield Waterside. Find out more here.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield accountant Shorts leads the way on completing Chase Hardware management buyout

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm Shorts recently teamed up with Bell & Buxton and HSBC UK to act as lead advisors, legal representatives, and funders on the management buy-out of architectural ironmongery and general hardware distributers, Chase Hardware Ltd.

Chase Hardware Ltd was founded in 1978, with their head office based in Uttoxeter. Existing Director James Thomas has now taken full control following the acquisition of 100% of the share capital from the long-term owner Robert Roebuck.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “In these challenging times it is fantastic to see that transactions can be successfully completed. Chase is a great business and James has been key to driving that success over recent times. It was therefore a pleasure for myself and Adam Ames to advise James on completing the buy-out and we expect to see the business continue to go from strength to strength.”

Corporate Finance Partner at Bell & Buxton, Alex Ross added “Although funded corporate transactions have been difficult to complete since lockdown began, HSBC clearly bought into the ability of James as a manager and an individual and were very proactive in ensuring this deal was completed on pre-lockdown terms. James’ tenacity in ensuring the deal completed after months of delays should stand the business well in the future.”

James Thomas added “Having been in The Hardware & Ironmongery business for over 20 years and with Chase Hardware for the last 10 years, I am delighted to finally complete the management buy-out and to drive the business forward. We have a young dynamic team that are all excited to modernise the business, work more closely with our customers and firmly re-establish our identity in the market. Although it was a rollercoaster ride to get the deal done during such a difficult time, the company proved to be robust enough to trade successfully during the lockdown period. We reported continued growth and things are now looking even brighter for our future success.”
HSBC were advised by Duncan Shepherd of Wake Smith (legal advice) and Hawsons (financial due diligence), and the vendors were advised by Joanna Dawson of Dawson Radford Solicitors.

With a long-standing heritage of 130 years, Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. Shorts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership opens application process for new board members

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has begun recruitment for two new private-sector board members who can help the organisation continue the economic growth of the region.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) play a central role in deciding local economic priorities, driving drive economic growth and creating jobs and D2N2’s central goal is to improve the productivity of the economy of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire through inclusive growth.

To aid the organisation in this remit, D2N2 has begun looking for new board members who can help to shape the economic strategy across the region.

D2N2 Board members represent the LEP’s interests to partners and stakeholders in the private and public sectors and work collaboratively with them to deliver a shared agenda for our economy.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced senior leader or business owner with an outstanding ability to communicate, lead, and influence.
Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 board, said: “We’re keen to hear from business leaders with energy, creativity, and passion to help us shape and deliver our ambitions for the region.

“This is an important time for our region as we drive forward our strategy to rebuild and grow our economy delivering a more prosperous and lower carbon region, creating better skilled and higher value jobs for our future generations.

“We are committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and having a board that truly reflects the communities we serve. We would encourage applicants from all background and experiences to ensure we can deliver on our aim of being a truly diverse board.”

Applications are welcome from across the D2N2 area and from all sectors of the economy to reflect our diverse business community.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9 November 2020.

For more information on the role and application process, please visit the vacancies section on the D2N2 website.

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