chesterfield news

Chesterfield’s Crush Design shortlisted for major continental award

An independent design and branding agency based in Chesterfield, which works for brands both close to home and across the globe, has been recognised by the only awards programme in Europe that celebrates the transformative power of rebranding and brand development.

Crush Design has been shortlisted for the Transform Awards Europe 2025, under the category of ‘Best Visual Identity From the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector.’ The nomination comes as a result from the company’s recent re-brand for Ziemann Holvrieka.

The awards recognise excellence in creativity and strategy across the whole brand development process. Categories cover audio branding, brand architecture, brand evolution, creative strategy, implementation, visual identity, and wayfinding. The awards also include a special recognition subsection to identify the most strategic, creative and innovative brand specialists.

Natalie Burkinshaw, Director at Crush said: “As a renowned global player with 15 subsidiaries worldwide, Ziemann Holvrieka has been at the forefront of shaping the beverage industry for over 170 years. Their engineering and manufacturing experience has seen them build breweries for the world’s most esteemed beer brands, along with executing projects across complementary industries worldwide.

Black and white image of female business owner smiling at camera

“But despite their centuries of success, the Ziemann Holvrieka brand was starting to fall behind. Whilst very established, their identity needed to be re-imagined to retain a competitive brand presence and look to the future of brewing engineering.

“Taking on this year-long re-brand project involved each and every one of the Crush team, but the hard work was certainly worth it. Working with the senior management at Ziemann Holvrieka, too, proved seamless, and as project partners that truly understood and trusted our creative thinking both during the development and rollout of the refreshed brand.

“They really were, and still are, a pleasure to work with, as we continue to support them in sustaining their identity across their website, sales collateral and wider creative assets. We look forward to the award results in March!”

Crush 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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East Midlands unemployment falls to lowest level in over a year

Unemployment in our region has fallen to the lowest level for more than a year, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.

However, East Midlands Chamber has warned that the impact of higher staffing costs businesses face from April, following measures announced in the Autumn Budget has yet to be seen.

The latest ONS data for the East Midlands region covers September to November 2024 and is now the lowest unemployment rate in England, having fallen 0.8% from the previous quarter. The last time the figure was below this point was April to June 2023.

Figures also show unemployment in the region among over 16’s having dropped more than any other region in the UK to 3.8%.

East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Falling unemployment is absolutely something we want to see, getting people into jobs and driving the East Midlands economy, but the reality is we’re not at a champagne moment. The swathe of costly measures announced to businesses in the tough Autumn Budget hasn’t hit yet and could well turn this figure upside down.

“Our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey revealed Corporate Taxation at the top of concerns reported by businesses, followed by inflation and business rates. With National Insurance contributions set to rise and a lower rate at which payments are made, added to a higher national living wage on the horizon, businesses have difficult decisions to address.

“We have strong data that shows a doubling of East Midlands businesses planning to cut back on recruitment, up to 22% of firms. To put perspective on that, it was 9% in the survey we carried out before the Autumn Budget was announced. Three out of ten respondents in the survey after the Budget have revised their investment plans downwards for training, while six out of ten plan to up their prices. These are signs that businesses are going ‘should we really be pushing up our costs when we’ve got huge added costs to foot somehow.’

“Our Quarterly Economic Survey is a reliable indicator of business intention in the East Midlands as it’s based on both sentiment and measurable factors. Businesses invest when times are good and the right environment is in place, but when you’ve attributed a certain amount of outgoing cash and then learn your staffing costs will be higher than anticipated you may well rethink.

“Political leaders must not sit back and wait to see how the next few months unfold. We need policies in place that are supportive to businesses in the East Midlands, enable uninhibited growth, so businesses are not having to freeze spending to protect themselves.”

To view East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2024 click here.

Looking for support or advice for your business? Get in touch with Destination Chesterfield today, and we’ll put you in touch with funded advisors to discuss your needs.

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Mayor of the East Midlands invites expressions of interest from voluntary, community and social enterprise sector

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, is inviting expressions of interest from the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in a new Associate Board member role.

This role is designed to give organisations working in the VCSE a stronger voice in shaping inclusive growth across the region.

The Associate Board Member will:

  •  advocate for the VCSE sector
  •  promote inclusion and support under-represented groups
  •  provide expert insight to inform key decisions

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I’m focused on driving inclusive growth in our region that benefits everyone. I’m really keen to ensure that the voice of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector is heard loud and clear on our Board and I encourage members of our VCSE sector to consider putting themselves forward for this very important role.”

The purpose of this important new role on the EMCCA Board, chaired by Mayor Claire, will be to help ensure the voice of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the East Midlands region is represented on the Board.

The VCSE Associate Board member will be responsible for advocating for the sector, promoting inclusion and addressing the needs of under-represented groups. They will also be expected to draw on their sector expertise to inform decision-making by the EMCCA Board which is chaired by the Mayor.

Through partnerships with key stakeholders across the region, EMCCA has developed a comprehensive set of investment priorities aimed at creating jobs, growing businesses and infrastructure improvements across the region. Its areas of focus will be transport, infrastructure development, housing, delivering on Net Zero goals and economic development. Find out more about the key priorities here: https://www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/what-we-do/

The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 31 January. Find out more information and how to apply here

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Regional skills funding to be highlighted at Chesterfield business conference

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to embrace new skills initiatives which aim to create high-quality jobs, bridge skills gaps, and ensure our region thrives in high-growth industries.

The upcoming Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference will outline how businesses can access and bolster local talent to support the growth of our economy.

The conference will highlight new and emerging policy at national and regional levels. This includes the government’s intention to launch foundation and short apprenticeships in key sectors, investing £40m to create a Growth and Skills Levy and a Youth Guarantee Trailblazers initiative. The East Midlands is one of eight areas in England and Wales set to benefit from additional funding for young people.

Delegates will also gain updates on existing programmes that enable new and existing employees to access an apprenticeship or other work-related training, such as Skills Bootcamps and supported internships – with no or minimal cost to employers.[1] Experts will update delegates on emerging topics, initiatives, funding, and opportunities to upskill their workforce.

The conference will hear from Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will speak about the challenges and opportunities in skills and employment across the region.

Cllr Hezelgrave commented: “The East Midlands is at the forefront of innovation, and we want to ensure our businesses are equipped to harness future growth in our region. By investing in local talent, we can close skills gaps, create high-quality jobs, and support sustainable and inclusive growth. This is an exciting time for employers to shape the future of our workforce, so I would encourage businesses to attend the conference and gain a comprehensive overview of the latest opportunities. I look forward to meeting regular members of our business community who attend the conference, and many new ones.”

Delegates will also hear about the benefits of inclusive recruitment and how employers can engage with a new project. Six Youth Voice Ambassadors will attend to share their experiences of the Connected Futures project, which is designed to break down barriers and improve access to employment for young people with learning disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Condition.

Back by popular demand, the conference will once again include an interactive Round Table session, giving businesses a unique chance to engage with four different table hosts who are experts on skills support and funding.

The conference seeks to strengthen existing links between education providers and local businesses. This helps ensure school leavers become work-ready and can ‘make it’ in their hometown.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: “We are proud to deliver the annual Employability and Skills Conference, which plays a vital role in supporting continued collaboration among businesses and the skills and education sector, promoting the sharing of best practices, and enhancing the skills of our residents. By developing a resilient workforce, we can help local businesses seize new opportunities and drive growth.

“This year’s conference places a strong emphasis on the wide range of support available to local businesses, and I encourage all business leaders to attend and explore the resources on offer.”

Find out more about the event and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-north-derbyshire-employability-skills-conference/

The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership delivers the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.

[1] Government funds the training and assessment cost of an apprenticeship for those aged up to 21 for non-levy paying employers. Employers are not required to pay anything towards employees’ National Insurance for all apprentices aged up to 25 (where the employee’s wage is below £4,189/month).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Study ranks Chesterfield in the UK’s top 20 greenest towns

Chesterfield has been ranked amongst the 20 greenest towns in the UK, according to a recent study.

Our town took 15th spot on the list compiled by HolidayCars, which studied several criteria including sustainability practices, green spaces available, public transport options, local food production, air quality and pollution levels, and support for local businesses.

Speaking about Chesterfield’s green credentials, the study said: “Found on the edges of the Peak District, Chesterfield is another green area to live in the UK. In fact, in a 2024 study by Eurocell Chesterfield was ranked as the UK’s best town for access to green spaces, with 95% of homes and flats having private outdoor space, with an average size of 249.7m².

“Queen’s Park in Chesterfield has also been a recent recipient of a Green Flag Award, while a brand-new dedicated cycle route has been installed linking the nearby location of Staveley to Markham Vale Business Park, which has encouraged many office workers in the business centre to cycle to work rather than drive.

“Derbyshire County Council recently involved Chesterfield schools in climate action education as part of their curriculum, part of which involves a Climate Leaders Award to inspire children and staff alike.

“The air quality in Chesterfield is also generally considered to be good, and thanks to its close proximity to the Peak District, there are plenty of local escapes into the hills as well as cycling routes throughout the Peaks, helping locals exercise in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member celebrated the news, commenting: “I’m proud to see Chesterfield listed as one of the UK’s greenest towns.

“Our town boasts a plethora of picturesque outdoor spaces for people to enjoy and of course sits alongside the world-famous Peak District National Park.

“Many of our organisations are also working to become greener and implement sustainability practices, with green growth across the East Midlands region three times higher than it was in 2015.

“Our central location and excellent public transport links also help to ensure Chesterfield offers an excellent quality of life for its residents.”

Find out more about living in Chesterfield: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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Long-awaited PEAK gateway resort breaks ground

The long-awaited PEAK gateway resort situated on the eastern boundary of the Peak District has broken ground. Phase One is scheduled to open to visitors 2027/8.

Consented on 283 acres (114 hectares) of reclaimed former opencast land, PEAK proposes the UK’s first purpose built national park gateway ‘resort town’.

PEAK Gateway will offer visitors world class facilities and services as a base from which to access the trails and attractions of the 550 square mile National Park. Similar to a ski resort, PEAK Gateway has visitor mobility at its heart. PEAK’s mobility system will link up the trails and country lanes of the Peak District without the need for a car and help establish the area as the largest integrated off and on road cycling and hiking region in the UK.

Planning approvals totalling 1.8mft2 (168,000m2) have been granted to facilitate a multi-branded mixed use development available to both day and stay visitors. The approvals offer extensive experiential retail, a wide range of leisure and educational facilities, a wellness clinic with operating theatres, 2,850 car parking spaces and up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 holiday lodges. The development has consent for its own energy park.

PEAK Gateway will be delivered by way of an incremental and phased ground leasing strategy. Heads of terms have already been agreed for the first two anchor plots with Colliers acting as Real Estate Adviser and leasing agents for Birchall Properties, the land owner. Phase One represents in the region of 30% of the consented development and is scheduled to open 2027/8.

Plan of new PEAK Gateway building - artist impression from high vantage point

Fully implemented PEAK has the potential to achieve a development value of over £1billion and sustain thousands of jobs. Around 70% of the reclaimed estate will be set aside for continued biodiversity gains as well as offer nature connectivity to encourage people’s engagement and delight in nature.

Sheffield City Region granted £2.85m for the construction of the now completed resort public highway access from A61 interchange at Sheepbridge and the new public rights of way around surrounding the resort estate.

The commencement of land formation works continues the delivery of the outcomes promised by the grant. Booths Group https://theboothgroup.co.uk/ have been appointed lead contractor for the land formation activity.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Acting Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “PEAK offers an opportunity to use formerly open cast land in a way that supports nature but also creates new opportunities for our residents and increases the number of visitors coming to Chesterfield. It is great to see work starting on site and I look forward to seeing the development progress.”

Scott Knowles CEO of the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce said: “PEAK’s gateway manifesto provides the opportunity for regional businesses to participate in the construction and operation of a world class ESG exemplar enterprise celebrating and making available the cultural and natural assets of our region.”

Jo Dilley Managing Director Visit Peak District and Derbyshire said: “The PEAK Gateway development, is a transformative project that will redefine the visitor experience in the Peak District. With the introduction of high quality serviced hotels, we will be able to cater to more groups and international visitors, offering world-class accommodations and amenities. The sustainable transport solution at the heart of PEAK will not only enhance the visitor experience by providing seamless access to the park’s trails and attractions but also significantly reduce car traffic in busy hotspot areas, a change
that will be warmly welcomed by local residents. This development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and enjoyable future for all who visit and live in and around the Peak District.”

James Shorthouse, Head of Alternative Markets at Colliers Real Estate said “We are delighted to have advised PEAK, and to be delivering exciting new developments bringing visitors and employment to Chesterfield and the East Midlands region of the UK.”

For enquires please contact james.shorthouse@colliers.com

Matthew Booth, Founder of The Booth Group, highlighted the significance of the project, stating: “This is a three year programme for Booth’s and perfectly complements our specialism of regenerative land solutions bringing challenging landscapes back into beneficial use. We are thrilled to be part of the iconic Peak Gateway development, activating the UK’s growth potential through the regeneration of land for local communities and legacy value.”

Rupert Carr of Birchall Properties said: “From the outset PEAK has been a land first business, over 30 years and millions of pounds has been invested in the revival of the former opencast estate and the obtaining of now implementable planning permissions. It’s great to finally be underway and to be involved in a regenerative enterprise capable of activating and sustaining clean growth in the regional visitor economy”. For enquiries, visit the PEAK community information website https://www.peakliaison.co.uk/enquiries

Location of PEAK Gateway

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Bridge Help celebrates five-year milestone from Chesterfield base

Chesterfield’s Bridge Help, a specialist provider of commercial bridging finance, is proudly celebrating five successful years in business.

Operating from its central Chesterfield headquarters, located on Old Brick Works Lane, the company has not only thrived but also defied the odds, with fewer than half of UK businesses surviving beyond their fifth year, according to government statistics.

Research shows that the likelihood of business failure increases year-on-year up to five years:

  • 1 year: 6% have failed
  • 2 years: 27% have failed
  • 3 years: 44% have failed
  • 4 years: 54% have failed
  • 5 years: 60% have failed

Founded in 2019 by Chesterfield native Chris Sellars, Bridge Help has since risen to become a trusted name in the bridging finance industry as well as developing a reputation for doing complex deals.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chris Sellars, General Counsel and Chief Executive of Bridge Help, said: “Reaching the five-year milestone is particularly meaningful because the odds are stacked against businesses surviving this long. It hasn’t always been easy, but through adaptability, hard work, and a commitment to doing things better, we’ve carved out a niche as a lender that prioritises personalised service over a ‘tick-box’ approach.”

In addition to the firm’s people-focused approach, Chris attributes Bridge Help’s strategic location in Chesterfield as a contributor to its success. The town providing a central base for servicing brokers and investors throughout England and Wales as well as attending major industry events in Manchester, London, and beyond.

He added: “Chesterfield is more than just my hometown; it’s the ideal location for Bridge Help. Its central position enables us to stay connected to brokers and clients across the UK while attending key industry events such as MBE and the Finance Professional Show. I remain deeply committed to Chesterfield, which has proven to be an excellent foundation for our growth.”

Bridge Help was launched to address inefficiencies Chris encountered during his legal career with Banner Jones Solicitors, where delays in securing finance often disrupted property deals. Determined to make a difference, he founded the company to offer fast, tailored lending solutions.

Originally based at offices on Hady Hill, the company relocated to its current HQ off Sheffield Road in 2020 where it employs a nine-strong team. Chesterfield’s central location and transport networks allows the team to meet brokers and clients across the UK with ease while also attending industry events that drive business growth.

“Chesterfield isn’t just where our story began; it’s central to how we operate. The town offers a fantastic quality of life for our team, and its strategic position enables us to remain agile and responsive to our clients’ needs,” he added.

Looking to the future, the company has recently secured additional inward funding, which will enable it to expand its lending book sustainably.

“This town is part of our DNA, and we’re excited to continue our journey here, supporting businesses and property projects across the UK. Here’s to the next five years and beyond.”

If you’re looking for a short-term loan for commercial property and would like to speak to a member of the Bridge Help business development team, contact Bridge Help on 033 3303 4681 or visit bridgehelp.co.uk.

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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Whittam Cox Architects expands into Scotland

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects is expanding, having announced the opening of its new office in Scotland.

Situated in Dundee, this expansion marks a milestone in the practice’s growth strategy and underscores its commitment to delivering architectural services in the region.

The new Scottish office will serve as a hub for the practice’s growing portfolio of projects in Scotland. The initial focus will be on Retail, enabling them to collaborate more closely with both national and local clients and stakeholders.

This strategic move aims to strengthen the company’s footprint in the region, with a particular focus on driving growth in the retail sector, as well as providing further potential to expand into a wider architectural offer to deliver projects in other sectors.

The practice has worked in Scotland for many years with some of the UK’s leading retailers. This office will look to further develop their ability to deliver a range of projects in the country.

“We are thrilled to officially launch our new office in Scotland,” said Andy Dabbs, Managing Executive Director: “We see Scotland as a diverse and dynamic market for us. By establishing a local presence, we aim to deepen our relationships with existing clients and enhance our proposition and reach for new client growth, both here and in Ireland”.

The Scottish office will focus initially on retail work. The firms long-standing expertise in retail architecture will be complemented by its aspiration to deliver wider architectural design and delivery services in the region.

The new office will be led through the new appointment of Regional Director Clive Gordon; a retail and technical expert with experience spanning many years. Clive is known to the practice through collaborating on previous projects together.

Commenting on his new appointment and the announcement of the new office, Clive said: “This is a great opportunity to build on the clear strengths of Whittam Cox Architects profile and reputation, and I’m delighted to be joining and them and shaping this new location. Through working closely with the senior management team and wider practice colleagues, we are confident we can create a strong service offering here with clear potential for growth.”

Whittam Cox Architects 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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Trio of Champions begin 2025 with exciting announcements

Three Chesterfield organisations have started 2025 strongly, announcing staff promotions and boosted services.

Our latest roundup features a new service being launched by Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s Primary Care department, a new CEO announced for SMH Group, and an exciting new role for a Managing Partner at Shorts Accountants.

Find out more below:

Royal Primary Care enhances patient experience with new phone system

Doctor writes on clipboard wearing stethoscope and gloves

Arriving at a time of increased demand across the NHS and primary care, Chesterfield’s Royal Primary Care (RPC) is excited to announce a positive development for patients with the implementation of a new, state-of-the-art phone system, Surgery Connect, designed to enhance patient experience and streamline practice management.

Nathaniel Webber, Managing Director of Royal Primary Care, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. The introduction of Surgery Connect is a significant step forward in improving our communication capabilities. This system will ensure that our patients experience more efficient and effective service, reducing wait times and enhancing overall satisfaction.”

Key benefits for patients:

• Enhanced Queue Position and Call-Back Options: Patients will spend less time waiting on the phone with new queue and call-back features.
• Effective Signposting: Patients are directed to the right service quickly, reducing wait times.
• Seamless Integration with Clinical Systems: Calls are managed more swiftly, with patient details easily checked and updated.
• Dedicated Cancellation Option: Patients can easily cancel appointments, helping to reduce wasted slots and improve availability.

Initial feedback from other GP practices using Surgery Connect has been overwhelmingly positive. Practices have reported significant improvements in call handling efficiency and patient satisfaction.

According to recent data, 60% of UK GP practices using Surgery Connect have seen a marked improvement in their communication processes. Additionally, patient surveys indicate an 85% satisfaction rate with the new system, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the overall patient experience.

Royal Primary Care is a division of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This close relationship allows for a more integrated approach to healthcare, combining primary care with hospital services to provide comprehensive care for our patients and ensures that we can respond effectively to the significant challenges in primary care and continue to deliver high-quality services.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted the operational benefits: “Surgery Connect is not just about better phone lines; it’s about integrating our communication with our clinical systems to provide a seamless experience for both patients and staff. The new system will allow us to manage calls more swiftly, update patient details easily, and reduce the time taken to handle each call. This means our staff can focus more on patient care.”

Shorts’ Managing Partner Andy Irvine elected to Global Board of Praxity

Shorts_Andy Irvine

With affect from 1st January 2025, Shorts’ Managing Partner Andy Irvine has been elected to the Global Governing Council and Board of Praxity – the world’s largest alliance of independent accounting and consulting firms.

Shorts have been members of Praxity since 2018, and in the six years since joining, have forged strong relationships with member firms and extended their reach to businesses worldwide. The alliance provides a modern responsive delivery model that gives member clients access to quality auditing, tax, accountancy and advice around the world, whilst UK clients remain confident in the knowledge that partner firms in other territories are there to support and guide as appropriate.

Having played an active role within the Alliance and chaired the UK conference for four years, Andy’s appointment to the Global Board, reflects his commitment to the future success of the Alliance.

Upon confirming his appointment, Andy Irvine said “I look forward to working with Steffen Aherns, Jason Drake and the rest of the Praxity board as we focus on developing the alliance for an exciting future, whilst continuing to serve our global clients with outstanding work.”

As active members of the alliance, Shorts maintain strong relationships with international colleagues. During 2024 alone, representatives from Shorts attended the North American Leadership conference, the Global Tax conference in Madrid, the Global conference in Singapore, and the North American Tax Conference in Orlando.

You can find out more about how being a member firm of Praxity helps Shorts’ clients by visiting shorts.uk.com/praxity/

SMH Group appoints Jonathon Dickens as CEO, James Hartley steps into Chairman role

Jonathon Dickens SMH Group

Yorkshire and Derbyshire based accounting and business services firm, SMH Group as announced the appointment of Jonathon Dickens as CEO of the business, with James Hartley moving to the role of Chairman.

Having been at the firm for almost 20 years after joining as an apprentice in 2005, Jonathon has been instrumental alongside James in the firm’s strategic growth in recent years, completing multiple acquisitions since 2017 and expanding the group’s service offering to include commercial finance, mortgage brokering and wealth management.

With these changes, SMH is doubling down on its already successful growth strategy and its vision of becoming the leading accounting and business adviser in the region. Key to this is continuing to attract and retain the best talent, making it the partner of choice for clients in the region, and continuing its current growth trajectory through a combination of organic growth and future M&A activity.

Jonathon Dickens, CEO said: “Our people are what makes SMH such a fantastic place to work and an equally trusted advisor to our clients. I hope to carry on the great work James and I have done together by continuing our growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.

“On a personal note, I’d also like to thank James for being an inspirational figure, a true mentor and friend during our time to date at SMH and beyond.”

James Hartley will be moving to a strategic advisory position in his new role as Chairman of SMH Limited.

James Hartley, Chairman added: “Over the last 22 years, SMH has become a business we can truly be proud of, with an incredible team and clients. I look forward to supporting the business in a strategic capacity in my new role as Chairman.”

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Chesterfield couple continue business success with launch of new cocktail bar

An entrepreneurial couple are continuing to build on their success in Chesterfield, following the successful launch of a new town centre cocktail bar.

Gavin and Hannah Grainger, who recently relocated the popular Bottle & Thyme restaurant to larger premises on Elder Way, have now opened a new bar on the site of the restaurant’s previous location.

The latest addition to the town, Elder, is a neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, serving coffee and grilled cheese by day and an extensive wine menu and charcuterie and cheese boards by night.

Speaking about their latest launch, Gavin commented: “Moving Bottle & Thyme over to its new home on Elder Way has been amazing and so well received. The new venue definitely does have more of a city vibe with it’s big, open, airy space but we also wanted to keep the small, intimate nature of our old venue and offer something a little different to Bottle & Thyme.

“Elder is a grown-up, sophisticated place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the finest things in life; good coffee, wine and cheese. We wanted to bring something to our town that isn’t currently on offer and feel Elder achieves this with its offering.

Plate of meditteranian food including bread, olives and cheeses

“Having both been raised in Chesterfield and currently bringing our own two boys up in the town, we are really passionate about developing the area and creating special places for people to share and enjoy. We want to bring people into the town centre from the town and surrounding areas and cities to support the town’s growth and other local businesses. We have a brilliant team that is currently growing and we are thrilled to be able to provide exciting job opportunities to our town.”

Speaking about their decision to invest further in our town centre, the couple added: “We really feel Chesterfield is on the brink of lots of exciting change. If anything we’ve learnt from Bottle & Thyme is that there is a significant market of people in Chesterfield who want to come out to enjoy quality products, service and something a bit different; creating a huge potential for independent businesses looking to embark on a new project.

“Something that we really value running businesses in Chesterfield is the incredibly supportive relationship businesses have with one another, for example visiting each other on Christmas do’s or special occasions, encouraging chats and promoting each other to customers.

“We can’t stress how grateful we are for the support given to us by our town so far. We have been running for 8 years and it is this support that has enabled us to expand to our new bigger premises to be able to offer so much more to the town centre. If people want to see change, they need to be part of it, alongside the independents taking the leap into our lovely town.

Elder 6

“Increased footfall in the town is a necessity, with local residents actively choosing to spend money within their town centre as opposed to outside of this and online. Our hope and aim is for Chesterfield to be a bustling, busy town with a fantastic offering of retail, hospitality and leisure and we really feel this can be achieved.

You can find Elder at 15-17 Knifesmithgate, S40 1RL in the town centre, just opposite Bottle & Thyme. The business is active on Instagram @elder_chesterfield and Facebook, detailing its products and upcoming events. Bookings can be made over the phone 03300161365 or via email hello@elderchesterfield.co.uk

Planning your visit to Chesterfield? Find out more about how to make the most of your stay here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Chesterfield Champions collaborate to secure purchase of key town centre property

Commercial interior design and build specialists We Are Spaces Ltd has announced the acquisition of 85 New Square in Chesterfield, further strengthening the company’s portfolio of landmark properties in the town.

The 16,000 sq ft building, which has been vacant for over a year having formerly served as the Revenues Office and Council Customer Service Centre, is located in the heart of Chesterfield’s conservation area.

The property was purchased from Chesterfield Borough Council following a competitive tendering process, with legal guidance provided by the commercial property team at Banner Jones Solicitors.

Overlooking the historic gardens and surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and leisure properties, the site is poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.

Plans for the property include a substantial transformation to create a modern, high-quality workspace offering. As part of their vision, We Are Spaces Ltd will preserve the character of the building while incorporating contemporary design features and state-of-the-art sustainability measures.

The refurbishment will involve removing outdated ceiling structures to expose unique architectural details, such as apex beams, creating an open and inviting environment that meets the growing demand for premium office spaces.

Amy Revell, co-founder and creative director at We Are Spaces Ltd, commented: “As local people running a local business, we are proud to once again be investing in Chesterfield’s future. Our vision for 85 New Square is to transform it into a vibrant, modern workspace that respects the building’s heritage while incorporating state-of-the-art sustainability features.”

The redevelopment strategy aligns with Chesterfield Borough Council’s Vitality and Viability of Centres plan, which focuses on rejuvenating the high street through strategic regeneration projects. Nearby initiatives include the refurbishment of Chesterfield Market and the development of the new Waterside scheme.

Amy added: “This project reflects our commitment to supporting the council with the revitalisation of the high street by bringing vacant properties back into use. By delivering a space of unmatched quality, we aim to attract businesses that will enhance the local economy and contribute to Chesterfield’s dynamic business community.”

Ben Couch, part of Banner Jones’ commercial property team, said: “We are delighted to have supported We Are Spaces Ltd on this significant acquisition. As a fellow Chesterfield Champion, it’s fantastic to play a role in a project that will reinvigorate a prominent town centre asset, driving positive change for the local community and economy.”

Work on the transformation is expected to begin in the coming months. Upon completion, the refurbished 85 New Square will provide a character-rich, modern workspace that meets Chesterfield’s growing demand for premium office environments.

Known for their expertise in blending design innovation with heritage preservation, We Are Spaces Ltd specialises in reimagining underutilised properties into spaces that inspire productivity and reflect the company’s dedication to sustainable, high-quality development.

This latest deal follows a further acquisition earlier this year for the company, which purchased a 3,355 sq ft Grade II listed commercial property in the heart of the town centre which is currently undergoing redevelopment with the aim of attracting smaller businesses that can drive footfall and increase spending within the town centre.

The 11-strong Commercial team at Banner Jones Solicitors specialise in commercial property sales and purchases, commercial leases, company formation, commercial agreements and business sales and purchases. With a wider Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Team working alongside our Commercial Team, the company is able to handle a wide range of matters.

Banner Jones Solicitors and We Are Spaces 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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