Pinelog

Champions share latest growth and success after positive start to 2025

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

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

SMH Group Appoint Steve Fern as Chief Financial Officer

steve fern

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chesterfield Chat launches podcast following success on Spire Radio

Radio broadcasters stood in front of crowds at Chesterfield town hall

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

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

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

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

Pinelog welcomes Darrell Fisher as new Production Manager

Darrell Fisher, Production Manager, Pinelog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workpays hosts The Big Assembly to highlight apprenticeships

Workpays big assembly

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

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

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

Bridge Help welcomes Lisa Griffiths as new Business Development Manager

Lisa Griffiths BDM Bridge Help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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New hires for two Chesterfield manufacturers

Two Chesterfield manufacturing businesses have announced new appointments, further strengthening their teams.

Jessica Blaney has joined Chesterfield-based Pinelog Limited, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.

She has joined the long-standing family owned business as a sales administrator, bringing over 15 years of experience within construction and sales administration to Pinelog.

In her new role, Jessica will be supporting Pinelog’s busy sales team in managing customer enquiries and ensuring a seamless experience for clients from their initial contact through to the completion of their luxury timber lodge purchase.

Jessica joins Pinelog from the hospitality industry where she worked as a General Manager. Prior to working in hospitality Jessica worked for a large building material supplier of sustainable materials for 14 years. The role at Pinelog has enabled Jessica to return to an industry she knows and loves as well as have a better work life balance now that she has a young daughter.

She explained: “The job role at Pinelog sounded amazing and was exactly what I was looking for. Pinelog is a fantastic family-run local business, and it’s wonderful to be part of a tight-knit team again. I’m absolutely loving it. It’s a great environment to work in.”

Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, welcomed Jessica to the team, saying, “We are delighted to have Jessica join us. Her extensive experience in sales administration and her enthusiasm for the industry make her a great addition to our growing team.”

Jessica is the latest addition to Pinelog’s sales team headed by Judy Barwell. Earlier this year Lucy Wood re-joined the team as sales manager following a seven year career break to raise her young family. Pinelog prides itself on its parent-friendly work environment across the company, including its manufacturing facility in Chesterfield.

Pinelog, now in its fiftieth year, relocated to a larger site in Chesterfield which has facilitated an increase in production capacity, allowing for greater innovation and efficiency in their manufacturing process.

Elsewhere, Superior Wellness has announced the appointment of Magda Paradell as their new International Sales Manager. She joins them with over 15 years’ experience in the wellness sector.
Magda’s previous role was Export Area Manager at Aquavia Spa (one of Europe’s largest spa manufacturers) where she spent almost 16 years.

Magda spent 7 years as back office and customer service before moving in sales where she was Export Area Manager for 8 years. She specialised in B2B sales of hot tubs in a wide number of European markets including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and Italy. She holds a Tourism degree by the University of Manresa, and a Sales and Marketing Master by EAE Business School of Barcelona.

Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director said: “Our sales team is growing rapidly to support the growth of the company. I am thrilled that Magda has joined the European Sales team.
“Her experience will be invaluable, she’s an outstanding addition to our existing team and I am looking forward to working closely with her.”

Magda Paradell said: “It is with great pleasure I join the Superior Wellness team. This is a global company in a state of continuous evolution, boasting significant production capacity and an extensive array of highly competitive products.

“In addition to its offerings in the spa sector, the company is diversifying into other related products within the wellness industry. I see this as a remarkable opportunity to pursue professional challenges and to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the organisation.”

Pinelog Ltd and Superior Wellness support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Magda superior wellness

 

 

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New hires and promotions announced for Chesterfield Champions

Three Chesterfield businesses have announced new hires and promotions in recent weeks.

Banner Jones Solicitors, Shorts Accountants and Pinelog Ltd. have all bolstered their teams, showcasing further growth of their respective organisations.

Read more about the new team members from across the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions below.

Pinelog welcomes new Production Manager

Steve Betts - Pinelog

Steve Betts has joined Chesterfield-based timber lodge manufacturer Pinelog Limited as Production Manager.

He brings a wealth of experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication to his role at Pinelog, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.

Within his new role, Steve will support Pinelog’s detail driven process, from design conception, manufacture, delivery, installation, and customer handover.

Steve commented: “I’m a process driven person, with years of experience in fine tuning production and developing teams’ skillsets. I’m excited to see how I can support Pinelog’s vision.”

Steve’s employment background spans a number of blue-chip companies, including Toyota in both Derby and Japan for 17 years. Most recently, Steve worked in a consultancy role for a modular building manufacturer in the north of the UK.

He explained: “I first became aware of Pinelog when I visited Mercia Marina holiday park in Derby in my previous role and saw one of the company’s timber lodges. I was impressed by Pinelog’s quality.

“I am delighted to now be working for a company with such high standards of design and production. The attention to detail is unrivalled. Pinelog’s products stand apart in the timber lodge market.”

As well as the production of complete timber holiday lodges, in his new role Steve will also be overseeing the production of the commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog which are also manufactured at the company’s Chesterfield site.

Steve’s appointment is just one of a number of new management appointments Pinelog has created following its move to a new, larger site in Chesterfield in 2023. Earlier this year Pinelog appointed Judy Barwell to the position of Sales Account Manager.

Welcoming Steve to the role, Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, said: “Steve’s comprehensive background in production and management within a number of industries provides us with a springboard for further developing our own best in class processes.”

New recruit bolsters Business Legal Services team at Banner Jones

Tim Barley Banner Jones

Regional law firm Banner Jones has welcomed back Property Executive Tim Barley who returned to the firm in August.

Tim has commenced a 2-year Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship with Banner Jones and begins studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), following which he will be a fully qualified solicitor.

Originally joining Banner Jones in 2018, Tim will now work alongside Head of Business Legal Services, Andrew Fielder, to support with both commercial property and corporate work.

Having previously specialised in residential property matters including leasehold enfranchisement claims for landlords and tenants, his return to the firm will see him further his expert knowledge in a range of Business Legal Services.

Andrew Fielder, Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Tim back to the firm, and to be supporting him with his apprenticeship.

“He is an extremely passionate and capable trainee, and we know he will be a huge asset to both the team and our clients.”

Further commenting on Tim’s return to Banner Jones to complete his Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship, Andrew said it was ‘indicative of the firm’s commitment to investing in talent’, adding: “As a firm, we see the huge value in company-funded training to enable our employees to achieve their ambitions.

“This is evidenced in the fact that we currently have nine Trainee Solicitors on the 2-year LPC route based across our offices in Chesterfield, Mansfield and Sheffield, as well as 2 Chesterfield-based Trainee Solicitor apprentices and various others undertaking CILEx and Licensed Conveyancing qualifications.

“We are delighted that not only are we helping our staff reach their potential, but also providing our clients with a high quality of service.”

Tim Barley added: “It feels great to be returning to such a great firm and to be assisting Andrew Fielder.

“The firm as a whole has an unrivalled reputation for delivering accessible, customer service-led legal services and that’s something I am equally passionate about.”

Shorts promotes Kirstie Wilson to Audit and Accounts Director

Shorts Kirstie

Shorts has announced the promotion of Kirstie Wilson to the position of Audit and Accounts Director with immediate effect.

Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an Audit and Accounts Senior, Kirstie has demonstrated exceptional dedication and aptitude, earning promotions to Manager in 2018 and then Senior Manager in 2021.

Her progression to Director is testament to her exemplary skills and continued commitment to excellence, and to the active role she has played in the development of our corporate team during that time.

On confirming her promotion, Audit and Accounts Partner Howard Freeman said: “Kirstie’s promotion is very much deserved, and she has worked hard to achieve it.

“As Director, Kirstie will take on the role of Engagement Leader on a portfolio of our clients, will hold Responsible Individual (RI) status, and in due course will be able to sign audit reports on behalf of the firm, in addition to leading non-audit work.

“A fantastic achievement, as Kirstie will be the first non-partner to hold this position in Shorts. She will also take on the role of engagement leader for most of our charity clients, having obtained the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting earlier this year.”

Kirstie said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Audit and Accounts Director at Shorts, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey.

“Shorts provide an excellent environment for learning and development, and my promotion demonstrates the genuine commitment within the firm to support the team with structured career paths.

“I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”

Kirstie is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She is a Xero certified adviser, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage and has experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.

In December 2022 Kirstie was also appointed the youngest ever Trustee at Ashgate Hospice. She can be contacted by calling 0114 2671617 / 01244 559955 and more information can be found at shorts.uk.com.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the ideal location to base your business here.

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

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Chesterfield announced as new home for Pinelog Ltd

A leading manufacturer of timber holiday lodges and buildings, Pinelog Ltd, is set to relocate its production facility from Bakewell to Chesterfield and create 30 new jobs.

Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, a family-owned business which also owns Landal Darwin Forest and Landal Sandybrook Holiday Parks and employs approximately 240 people, made the announcement at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held on Wednesday 23 March at the Winding Wheel.

Known as a pioneer in the holiday park sector, the move to Chesterfield marks the end of Pinelog’s 10-year ambition to modernise their premises. The company will make the move from Bakewell, where it has been based since 1974, to its new premises on Sheepbridge Works in May later this year.

The new 36,000sq ft industrial unit, formerly occupied by Vesuvius, will enable the company to bring its production process under one roof. The site also offers a central location, excellent road links and access to a skilled local labour force and supply chain network.

In addition to complete holiday lodges, components for the construction of timber Glulam framed commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog, will also be manufactured at the new site.

Mr Grayson said: “Our refusal to compromise on our requirements for a new facility has meant it has been a long process, but it has paid off. All our requirements have been met at Chesterfield.

“The move to our new facility in Sheepbridge marks a new chapter in Pinelog’s story; one where we can modernise, invest in new technology and further improve the business to capitalise on the staycation boom and growth in sustainable construction.”

As part of the company’s exciting growth plans, Pinelog will develop partnerships with local skills providers, including Chesterfield College.

He added: “A number of our staff live in Chesterfield, as do I, so I know there is a good local labour pool we can draw on immediately to increase production capacity in the business. We have also got to look to our future workforce, so we will be investing in apprenticeships and skills and training through Chesterfield College.”

Mr Grayson’s announcement was welcomed by delegates at the business event, which was is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The University of Derby and sponsored by CT and Markham Vale.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, welcomed Pinelog Ltd to Chesterfield saying: “The investment by Pinelog in the town is testament to Chesterfield’s strong offering for manufacturing businesses. We not only have excellent road and transport links, but we also have the premises, people and skills and good local supplier network. Our economic development team have worked closely with Pinelog to help support their move into the town. I am delighted that Chesterfield has been selected by Pinelog as the location to take the business to the next level and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them as they settle into their new business base here in Chesterfield.”

Now in its twelfth year, Celebrate Chesterfield is one of the most hotly anticipated business events in the area. This year, the sell-out event also hosted the Derbyshire Festival of Business Exhibition and attracted 250 delegates.

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Despite the challenges the pandemic has thrown at the town, Chesterfield has kept moving and the announcement by Pinelog Group at the conference was testament to that. We’re delighted that Pinelog chose Celebrate Chesterfield as the event to share its relocation news.”

In addition to Mr Grayson, speakers at the conference also included Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, Neil Johnson, Director of Economic Growth at Chesterfield Borough Council, and Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby.

To find out more about investing in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest.

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