chesterfield business news

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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PEAK Gateway Resort receives reserved matters planning approval

Chesterfield Borough Council has approved the reserved matters planning application for a revised first phase of the PEAK Gateway Resort on the reclaimed Birchall Estate. The 300-acre property is located on the eastern boundary of the Peak District National Park in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

PEAK proposes to bring the scope and services of internationally successful ski resorts to create the UK’s equivalent for biking, hiking and other adventure sports as well as for nature, culture and heritage experiences.

PEAK will have its own micro grid for energy, waste and water. PEAK will generate and consume its own energy and operate a zero-carbon tourism dedicated mobility service.

Planning permission includes extensive overnight and holiday accommodation supported by hospitality, leisure, wellness, a multi-disciplinary bike park and experiential retail. As such, it is one of the largest permitted mixed-use leisure schemes in the UK. Five of the six largest cities in England are within 75 miles, providing a visitor catchment of over 20 million people.

Labelled Gateway at PEAK Image

Locally, PEAK has the potential to create over 1,000 new jobs. It will partner with the education sector to deliver a Green Skills Academy in support of both PEAK and Chesterfield’s commitment to training and upskilling across a broad range of key sectors, but especially for construction and tourism.

PEAK will be open to day, as well as stay visitors. Local residents and businesses will be able to take advantage of incentives and membership opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “PEAK Resort offers a fantastic opportunity to bring more visitors into Chesterfield, grow our local economy and create a range of new jobs.

“It will be an incredible asset for our borough and will be a national leader in respect of clean energy, zero carbon mobility and skills.

“I look forward to seeing this development take shape over the next few years.”

PEAK Gateway Resort from above

The current landowner has, over many years, fully reclaimed the 300-acre Birchall estate from opencast. The property now provides the perfect natural setting for the consented development. Nature and outdoor experiences are at the heart of the PEAK offer and BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) resulting from the development will all be achieved on the property.

Birchall and PEAK hope to be an exemplar of the reclamation of land from the industries of the past into enterprises of the future.

Rupert Carr, a director of Birchall and Peak Gateway Properties, said at the Planning Committee Meeting: “PEAK is the opportunity to deliver a clean growth infrastructure for the regional visitor economy, an opportunity for Chesterfield and indeed the region to build a significant presence in one of the fastest growing economic sectors. PEAK is finally of its time.”

PEAK Resort will also support the UK’s first hydrogen and EV tourist mobility service linking visitors to Chesterfield’s medieval market town centre, its national rail station and surrounding attractions as well as to the trails and natural wonders of the National Park.

Tarah Gear, director at Milligan who are part of Peak Gateway Properties said; “PEAK will become a blueprint for sustainable tourism, adding value to Chesterfield’s economy and community through job creation, investment in skills and regional connectivity.

“Milligan are proud to have been part of the team bringing the project forward to a point of market readiness. PEAK, as proposed, has been achieved through true partnership, a collaboration between local and regional stakeholders as well as national and international commercial operators. PEAK now has the opportunity to be a trailblazer and set new standards for the future of leisure and tourism.”

Colliers’ National Capital Markets team have been appointed to take the project forwards.

PEAK Gateway View

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New partnership to deliver cutting-edge CPD courses for business executives

A groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionising professional development and career advancement opportunities has been launched by the University of Derby and In Professional Development.

This strategic collaboration combines the academic excellence of the University of Derby with the innovative training solutions provided by In Professional Development, providing individuals and organisations with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

This integration will ensure that those who attend the courses are equipped not only with academic qualifications but also with practical skills that are highly sought after by employers.

The collaboration will extend beyond the classroom (face to face and virtual), offering tailored professional development solutions to organisations seeking to upskill their workforce. Through workshops, seminars, and customised training programmes, employees will have the opportunity to enhance their expertise in key areas such as leadership, project management, digital marketing and more, which they can use to drive organisational growth and success.

The partnership brings together the University’s expertise in industry-focused teaching and state-of-the-art facilities, with In Professional Development’s experience in delivering executive education and its reputation as one of the largest providers of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications outside of universities.

Commenting on the partnership, Samantha Deakin, Head of Enterprise at the University of Derby, said: “Our partnership with In Professional Development is a strategic boost to our already strong offering in executive education. Our range of CMI-accredited degrees, from undergraduate Business Management to MBAs, along with our successful business-to-business training initiatives, sets a strong foundation for this collaboration.

“This move is about enriching the way we educate business leaders. The partnership will blend In Professional Development’s extensive connections and industry insights with our academic and research expertise, offering a unique and relevant learning experience. It’s about taking our commitment to top-quality education to the next level and adapting to the changing needs of the business world.”

The first course to launch will be the Executive Leadership Programme, which is designed to help business leaders to unlock potential through transformative leadership for Executives.

As the partnership develops, more courses will be added, including industry-specific options.

The new partnership is the first step in the creation of a residential hub for CPD in Chesterfield, where the University has a teaching site. Courses will also be delivered at the University’s sites in Derby, with a conference for School and Academy leaders planned in June.

Marc Davis, Executive Director of In Professional Development, said: “We are excited to partner with the University of Derby to deliver high-quality professional development solutions that meet the evolving needs of individuals and organisations. By combining our expertise in training and development with the University’s academic resources, we aim to create a seamless pathway for individuals to enhance their skills and achieve their career goals.”

This partnership underlines the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals to reach their full potential in the workforce.

The University’s new Business School is currently under construction in the city centre and when completed will provide a facility for cutting-edge research, learning and teaching, and support businesses in the region and across the globe.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

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

Back of red brick University of Derby building, purple flowers at front

University of Derby, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield

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East Midlands Chamber at Westminster to Present Growth Manifesto for the Region to Government

Improvements to taxation, infrastructure, skills alongside reform of the planning system are among key asks that will be handed to the UK government and MPs today in a new manifesto from East Midlands Chamber.

Under the proposals taxation and regulation would see reforms to make them simpler, transport would benefit from electrification of the Midland Main Line and upgrades to key road networks, while acceleration of full-fibre broadband roll-out across the East Midlands would boost digital growth.

The document also identifies the ‘Big Opportunity’ for the East Midlands – to develop the region as a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision.

Hosted by Nigel Mills MP, co-Chair of the East Midlands All Party Parliamentary Group, alongside East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins and Chair of the Board Kevin Harris, and with a delegation of regional business leaders in attendance, the event at 13.00 today in Westminster will mark the official launch of the Manifesto for Growth 2024.

Speaking ahead of the Westminster launch, East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said: “This document is the culmination of in depth engagement with our members. It builds upon our core themes of Innovation, Infrastructure, International trade and Investment, making specific recommendations in four areas: Skills reform for the reality of today’s workforce; Transport and infrastructure that is fit for purpose; Developing a taxation and regulation regime that is aligned with a long-term vision for the country; and how we fix the broken planning system.

“We’re also really excited to be presenting our Big Opportunity, to create a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision in the East Midlands. We’ve already had some exciting recent developments in this space, including the STEP fusion plant development in West Burton, the Freeport’s ambitions for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site and the work Rolls-Royce are doing on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.

“A vision of the future where the East Midlands is exporting the products, processes and people that can deliver Net Zero is absolutely possible, and it’s essential that we get the right policy support from Government to unlock that opportunity.”

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy & Insight, added: “We might not know when a General Election will be called, but it’s a certainty that it will at some point in the next ten months. With economic growth still precarious after several disruptive years, it’s a critical time to release this Manifesto that outlines the things businesses have told us they need for those that live and work in the East Midlands to be successful.

“This isn’t a zero sum game. If we get this right we all win. And the policy environment in which we operate is a key enabler to helping us get this right. Whoever is leading the country, businesses themselves will continue to do what they’ve always done: looking to develop opportunities, open new markets and maximise the materials they have and circumstances they are in to be successful.”

Some of the key asks in the Manifesto for Growth 2024 include:

• Business rates: Full review of the system.
• Tax and regulation: Simplify the R&D tax credits system.
• Skills: Incentives for businesses that invest in staff training.
• Infrastructure: speed up rollout of full-fibre Broadband.
• Planning: Let the private sector plug gaps on council staffing.
• Transport: Full electrification of the Midland Main Line commitment, reinstatement of direct rail links between Coventry and Leicester and improvements to the A50/A500 and A46 corridors.

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

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Budding Chesterfield artists invited to submit their creations for the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Chesterfield’s annual exhibition of mini masterpieces is back for 2024, and residents across the area are being invited to take part.

This year’s Chesterfield Postcard Show is entitled ‘Memories Are Made of This” and will take place between the 7th and 17th of May at West Studios. Artists of all abilities are invited to be part of the exciting exhibition. All you need to do is submit a postcard-size piece of art by the 24th of April 2024.

Organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, the event celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being. Last year 173 artists submitted their works with 329 pieces of original art on display, raising over £1,200.

Hannah Bowdler, Fundraising Coordinator at Junction Arts said: “We believe that everyone should have access to art. The Chesterfield Postcard Shows provides a free exhibition of marvellous miniature artworks for local people to enjoy, a space for new artists to exhibit and showcase their talent, plus people can buy an original piece of art for just £10.

“This is the third year of the show, and we’d like to see more people get involved. It’s open to people of all ages and abilities to take part, and every postcard that is sent to us will feature in the show. Your postcard can be whatever you want it to be, a painting, a photograph, digital artwork, you can use whatever material you like, as long as it’s A6 size and is based on the theme of Memories Are Made of This.”

The original pieces will be available to buy during the exhibition to raise money to support local arts charity Junction Arts and their work within the community. Local businesses are also being invited to support the event, businesses requiring more information can contact hannah@junctionarts.org.

Submissions should be created on A6 card, not paper, and sent to The Chesterfield Postcard Show, Junction Arts, West Studios Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7LL by the 24th of April 2024. If participants need a card, they can send a message to Hannah@junctionarts.org to request a blank card to be sent to them.

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

Chesterfield Postcard show

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Quirky new Chesterfield town centre store to provide ‘a smile, a laugh and bit of mischief’ to customers

A quirky independent store has opened its doors in Chesterfield Town Centre, selling a wide range of gifts and other unique items.

Eclectic Delights of Serendipity is owned by mother and daughter duo, Cheryl Knowles and Saffy Kendal-Allan, and has been running in Derbyshire for several years. Now, the business has begun welcoming customers to a new shop, based at 12 High Street.

The pair told us their story of running the business, and how it led to them taking the step to open in Chesterfield: “Some may know us from our little shop in Matlock Bath or previously our Hope shop or even know us from the beginning of our journey, 9 years ago at Cheryl’s first tiny shop just off Newbold Road.

spice girls mats eclectic delights

“Cheryl started off in her small shop doing re-loved furniture and small gifts which then took on a life of its own and she had to move into a larger shop at Hope Valley where she began being known more as a Gift, Clothing and Re-loved furniture shop. After a few years there, Cheryl then set her eyes on the ‘sea-side-without-a-sea’ town of Matlock Bath where Saffy joined to manage the shop as Cheryl continued in Hope Valley.

“However, after lockdown we decided to shut the Hope Valley shop and focus our efforts on Matlock Bath. After five years we decided we wanted a shop closer to home and by luck 12 High Street became available and three weeks later we are now in and ready for business.”

Cheryl and Saffy also explained what customers can expect to find when visiting the new Chesterfield shop.

They added: “Our shop name is exactly the type of items we sell: a broad and diverse range of items that you weren’t looking for but they appeared when you needed them. We are proud stockists of local independent suppliers such as: Letterbox Love, WaggyDogz, Enchanted Love, and so many more.

ecelctic delights

“We truly believe in having something that is for everyone which is why we don’t just sell cards and gifts but leather handbags, a MyMoments machine (which creates personalised items) and currently in the process of making a Boutique on our first floor. We also have plans for workshops on our first and top floor for both adults and children – so watch this space!”

In addition, the duo emphasised the importance of looking after customers and explained how they want to build up their community around the shop and the town: “What sets us apart from others is our customer care. We might be a shop, but we focus and care for our customers and their mental well-being while they are in our shop.

“Not everyone needs to buy something, but sometimes they just need someone to talk to and that’s what we are there for. We truly believe that if you look after the community around you, the community will look after you. Also, being a Mother and Daughter team we are always ready with a smile, a laugh and bit of mischief for all our customers as you can usually find us laughing and causing havoc together.

Being able to share this dream of running a shop together and bringing things in that we love and adore as well as spending so much time together is amazing and has brought us so close!”

“We are so excited to be a part of Chesterfield’s wide range of quirky independents. We have lived in Chesterfield for over 15 years and love the character of the town and its people. Chesterfield has such a friendly and welcoming community of people which we feel is unlike most towns or cities. As shoppers and now a business in the town we agree that we all need to support our local independents – each one brings something different and unique to the town making it a fun, diverse and great place to live and shop!”

For more information about the store, head over to the Eclectic Delights of Serendipity Facebook page.

Looking for a great opportunity to kickstart your leisure or retail business? Find out more about locating it in Chesterfield.

heart & home eclectic delights

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Unique legal and financial services business moves into Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A new, unique legal services business has announced a move into Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Clearlines is a first for the UK Care market allowing care providers to help their clients as they transition into care by providing them with with an assessment of their legal and financial foundation and offering them an opportunity to mitigate any of the issues that may have arisen in the assessment.

The business was founded last year and is part of the W & P Legal Group. W & P Legal specialises in legal services for later life planning. As such, a lot of the firm’s work was helping clients prepare for entering care or helping them transition a loved one into care. From this experience came Clearlines.

Tom Ash, Director, Clearlines Solutions LTD commented: “Clearlines is still a new product but we are starting to forge partnerships with national care brands and launching the service with several care providers. As such we have already outgrown our home office. We feel that the move to Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is a statement of intent for our new company. We will grow into our new premises, we will contribute to our local community and we will create jobs within Chesterfield.

Clearlines Office

“The location of Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was our main attraction. Its central location meant that it puts us in the heart of Chesterfield. The proximity to the train station is also a huge benefit, As we welcome colleagues from the rest of the W & P Legal group it means they are just a skip away from our new home.”

Chesterfield is home to a wide range of office space to suit all business needs, from start-up organisations to expanding businesses. The town is strategically located in the centre of England, with excellent connections to several major cities via road and rail. Find out more about investing in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

enterprise centre

 

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Midlands Engine Investment Fund II launches providing businesses with the funds to grow

The British Business Bank has launched its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in Derbyshire prosper and thrive.

The fund will drive sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands, through investment strategies that best meet the needs of these firms. It includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up, or stay ahead.

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II aims to build on the success of the inaugural Midlands Engine Investment Fund, a £300m fund which has already supported 739 smaller businesses since its launch in 2017. The new fund will help hundreds more businesses to achieve their potential and further increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance by providing options to firms that might otherwise be unable to secure investment. Funding is designed to help smaller businesses with activities including expansion, product or service innovation, new processes, skills development and capital equipment.

Five fund managers have been appointed to manage the fund. BCRS Business Loans and First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans will manage the smaller loans part of the fund (£25,000 to £100,000), Frontier Development Capital and Maven Capital Partners will be responsible for larger loans (£100,000 to £2 million) and Mercia Ventures will manage equity deals (up to £5 million).

Louis Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank said: Small businesses are at the heart of The Midlands’ economy. Since launching in 2017, the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund has so far created more than 4,000 jobs across the region by backing 739 smaller businesses, boosting the region’s productivity by 70%.

The first Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided a blueprint for how we can support entrepreneurs and founders, whoever they are and wherever they are in the region, to access the funds and support they need. This new fund will allow us to continue supporting business owners across the Midlands, whether they’re at the start of their journey or are already running an established firm.

Promoting growth by ensuring entrepreneurs can access the finance they need regardless of where and who they are is one of the Bank’s strategic objectives, and vital to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s smaller businesses.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies MP said: Small businesses are the engine of the economy, which is why having access to funding like this is vital to help them thrive and grow, creating jobs and spreading opportunity everywhere.

As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the Midlands propelled the UK into a new era of technological and economic growth and now the next generation of entrepreneurs will have the support they need to continue this success.

Find out more about support available to businesses in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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Chamber warns new government railway funding needs to do more to respond to East Midlands’ needs

Long-anticipated government funds of £123 million allocated to Midlands Rail Hub – a project to improve connectivity between train stations across the midlands – is to be welcomed, however, does little to meet the needs of those in the East Midlands, say East Midlands Chamber.

The initiative uses cash freed up by abandoned HS2 funds to upgrade stations and improve infrastructure across the overall midlands area.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Chris Hobson said:

“While any investment in midlands railway infrastructure is to be welcomed, we’re concerned that once again the primary focus is on towns and cities outside of the East Midlands. Our Manifesto for Growth 2024, which we’re taking to Westminster on 11th March, asks our policy makers to ensure we deliver fair funding for infrastructure in the East Midlands.

“This isn’t about receiving investment at the expense of our neighbours to the west, it’s about Government doing more to rectify the fact that we are the most under-funded region in the country when it comes to rail travel.

“We have desperately inadequate service between stations within the East Midlands and this hampers the tremendous growth potential of businesses. It’s all very well that a Birmingham-bound passenger might be able to jump on an extra train here and there at Nottingham but what we’re stating loud and clear in our manifesto is the huge need for transformational improvement within the East Midlands.

“We look forward to taking our manifesto to Westminster on 11th March and insisting politicians listen to what our businesses need to succeed.”

In Chesterfield, ambitious plans are set to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Railway Station – creating a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and providing improved public transport access.

Read more about the Chesterfield Station Masterplan here.

Chesterfield rail train station

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield legal firms celebrated at regional awards ceremony

Two Chesterfield legal firms, Banner Jones Solicitors and CMP Legal received accolades at the annual Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.

The team at Banner Jones are celebrating after winning Employment Team of the Year at the event, which took place on the 23rd of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield.

The event saw the Employment Team take home the accolade for the third consecutive year.

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

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

“A huge congratulations in particular goes to our Employment Law team, who have now won for the third consecutive year!”

Katie and Sara Banner Jones Employment Team of the Year

Katie Ash, Head of Banner Jones’ Employment team, added: “We are delighted to have won Employment Law Team of the Year for the third time.

“It has been a pleasure to help guide our clients through the past year and we are very much looking forward to building on those relationships throughout 2024 and beyond.”

Meanwhile, fellow Chesterfield solicitors, CMP Legal were also successful at the event, taking home the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team of the Year award.

Stacey Pocock, Solicitor and Executive Director at CMP Legal commented: “Winning the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team of the Year award underlines the effort and hard work that has gone into the creation of CMP Legal since we opened our doors for business three years ago.

“We are all thrilled and delighted by the recognition we have received”.

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

CMP Legal Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team of the Year

 

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

DBC Training announces move to larger Chesterfield premises

Skills and employability training provider DBC Training is expanding into larger Chesterfield premises, following successful growth in the town.

The organisation will move into new offices at Markham House in the centre of the town, allowing more learning space for the business to deliver its courses.

Commenting on the expansion of the business, Luke Brailsford, Senior Performance Manager at DBC Training said: “As a business we are growing, and we see Chesterfield as a key part of our growth plans. The investment in our new premises support this, offering more learning space for us to deliver high-quality employment and skills training courses in Chesterfield.

“This supports our ultimate aim to support local residents back into employment and to help more employers upskill their workforce through our award-winning apprenticeship service.

“We are still in Chesterfield Town Centre, on the top floor of Markham House. There are many benefits to this move, however, key ones being more space and room for the courses we deliver, along with being centrally located and close to partners that we work with.”

DBC Training has been delivering employment and skills training since 2000. The business matches skills training to local job vacancies and offers a range of courses to help unemployed people transition into work.

This offer includes warehouse, digital/ICT skills, FLT, Customer Service, Confidence building, CV preparation and much more. DBC is also an award-winning apprenticeship training provider, with apprenticeships available in Business Administration, Customer Service, Leadership and Management, Sales and Marketing, and much more.

Luke continued: “For DBC, Chesterfield is a perfect location for the services we offer. Having great transport links, growing employment markets and a thriving town centre. These are all key to making sure local residents thrive in our town.”

To find out more about the courses on offer at DBC Training, go to: https://www.dbc-training.co.uk/ – or attend the open evening at the new centre in Markham House on 11th March at 4pm.

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

DBC new premises

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

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