Author: Dom Stevens

Chesterfield Antiques Centre filmed for popular BBC programme

12th April 2017

Antiques Road Trip, the popular BBC One antiques programme, were filming in Chesterfield on Sunday 9 April.

Antique expert, Roo Irvine, arrived at the Chesterfield Antique Centre in a vintage blue triumph stag along with a BBC film crew and a handful of money to explore the centre for distinctive antiques.

Filming took place across both floors of the shop on Park Road off New Beetwell Street, with Roo learning about a variety of antiques unique to the town. The team then took the items off to auction in London to compete against fellow antique expert Phil Serrell.

Wendi Lindsay, joint Owner of Chesterfield Antiques Centre, said:-

“It was a fun day and an insight into how the programme is put together – hopefully the centre will enjoy further visits or filming in the future.”

The episode is expected to air when the new series is launched in July but this has not yet been confirmed by the BBC.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

AVK acquires majority share of Fusion Group Limited

12th April 2017

The directors of Fusion Group Limited are pleased to announce that leading gas and water industry manufacturer and solutions provider AVK Holdings A/S, has acquired the majority share of Fusion Group Ltd for an undisclosed sum in a move that creates one of the UK’s largest gas and water sector products suppliers. The combined turnover of the AVK UK activities and Fusion Group Limited operation will be in excess of £75 million, and will supply gas and water markets around the world.

AVK Group manufactures and supplies valves, fittings and related products for the worldwide gas, water and industrial sectors, and has a turnover more than £450 million. AVK in the UK has a turnover of more than £45 million and 250 employees and promotes its business through the trusted brands of Donkin, the Chesterfield based gas valve manufacturer, as well as Glenfield, Invicta, Orbinox and Damper Technology.

Fusion Group Ltd based in Chesterfield, England, was founded in 1971 by Chairman Eric Bridgstock, a pioneer in the adoption of polyethylene pipe for gas networks. It specialises in a broad range of polyethylene electrofusion fittings and related products, also for the global gas and water sectors, and has a turnover more than £30 million, with 320 employees.

Fusion Group Ltd will continue to operate under its own brand with Kevin Raine Fusion Group Managing Director and Neil Green Financial Director remaining with the business to support and drive the future growth strategy.

Paul Hubbard, Chairman of the AVK UK Group and AVK Group Director, says: “AVK and Fusion Group Ltd are a perfect match, serving the same gas and water markets with entirely complementary products which are often used in the same installation. This will benefit our customers worldwide, with enhanced service offers, broader product offer, a wider customer base, product development and a strengthened manufacturing platform. The acquisition will create greater career opportunities for all employees.

“Both companies work in a safety-critical sector where many customers literally connect AVK products into the mains networks using Fusion Group Ltd products; when they are joined together their shared high standards of design and manufacture are there for all to see.”

Kevin Raine, Group Managing Director at Fusion Group Ltd, adds “We envisage great potential for both businesses the synergies are obvious and will help each other to improve their customers’ experience. AVK and Fusion are leaders in their field and both have well established and trusted brands.

“Both companies benefit from lean manufacturing programmes; AVK have well-established manufacturing facilities and distribution in the UK and Europe, Middle East, China, Australia, America and South Africa; and are well positioned for further growth.”

Fusion Group Ltd has production sites in the UK, China and Egypt and their key markets include China, Europe, Middle East, South America and Australia. To compliment the Fusion Group Ltd offer, AVK has plastics production sites in Denmark, the Netherlands and China which manufacture PE ball valves for the global gas industry.

Paul Hubbard adds: “It has been decided that there will be no change to way the companies operate. We expect customers to benefit from each company’s reputation, knowledge and experience. While they will operate as totally separate business with great synergies, AVK and Fusion can work together in ways the customer can only benefit.”

Posted in Business

G F Tomlinson Group extend sponsorship deal

11th April 2017

Derbyshire-based construction firm G F Tomlinson Group have extended their sponsorship of Chesterfield’s big screen.

Ashley Carson, Chesterfield director & company secretary, after shaking hands on the deal said:-

“The screen has been used to enhance the matchday experience at the Proact over the last couple of years and it is important that we receive sponsorship to pay for the cost of maintaining it.

“I would like to thank G F Tomlinson Group for their continued, generous support, which is very much appreciated. They are also, of course, the club’s shirt sponsor and their backing is vital as we plan for next season and beyond.”

Andy Hughes, G F Tomlinson’s director and general manager, added:-

“As a local company, we are committed to supporting the local community in any way we can, from sponsorship of local sports clubs, to charity fundraising events on behalf of charities and schools.

“We are proud to extend our sponsorship of Chesterfield Football Club, which is a real asset to the community and it is important to us that we give them our support. We wish them every success next season.”

Andy Sewards, the company’s group managing director, added:-

“We have built a strong relationship with Chesterfield Football Club during the last season and this extension of our sponsorship is testament to the affiliation we have with the team.”

From offices in Derby, the Tomlinson Group works across the Midlands and nationally dealing with a multitude of different types and sizes of projects up to major multi-million pound developments.

Photography Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

EFL Awards for Spireite Zoe

11th April 2017

Spireites fan Zoe Edge was named the League One Supporter of the Year at Sunday night’s EFL Awards ceremony in London.

Although she narrowly missed out on the overall Supporter of the Year award – which was won by Doncaster Rovers follower Paul Mayfield – Zoe was recognised as the top fan in the division.

Zoe, who was joined by her parents Mick and Dylis at the London Hilton on Park Lane, said:-

“I had an amazing night at the EFL awards and I want to thank everyone for all their support. It’s a great honour to be the EFL’s League One Supporter of the Year.

“I’m very proud to get the award for myself and Spireites worldwide. The last two seasons have been tough. Hopefully this is the start of the change of luck!”

Nick Johnson, the club’s head of media & communications, said:-

“When I was asked to put someone forward to represent the club, Zoe was the obvious candidate. We are all very proud of Zoe, who has achieved so much in her life and continues to inspire everyone who meets her.”

Photography Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

Perez in gear for Donington this weekend

11th April 2017

Chesterfield’s race ace Seb Perez soars into his local circuit Donington Park this coming Easter weekend (15/16 April) for the next three rounds of the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Super Cup Championship.

The 17 year old Ginetta G55 race car driver and student at the prestigious Motor Sports Association College in Loughborough travels to the Leicestershire circuit after a sensational weekend at Brands Hatch just over a week ago (1/2 April).

Brands Hatch was Perez’s first weekend out in a new car and new race series for him after his last two seasons in the Ginetta Junior Championship, but in true racing style got on with the job at hand. Moving on up in motorsport is always a challenge and this was going to be a massive learning curve for him.

He was in action at the high-speed Indy Circuit track for the first time this season in a fiercely competitive field of 21 cars, and support race to the ever popular Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Televised live on ITV 4 , his talent was televised to audiences across the UK and further afield across Europe.

Saturday morning saw Seb finish in 8^th position in qualifying with a best time on lap 6 out of the 16 lap session and a time of 47.808s and topping speeds on parts of the circuit of 124mph.

The afternoon would see two races with a third on Sunday and all eyes were on Seb.

The opening race of the weekend saw Perez 8^th on the grid on the 4^th row and has the lights went out a battle commenced with Perez getting a great start off the line gaining 2 places from Ladell and Jones by the end of lap one and into 6^th place. He sustained 6^th place for rest of the 16 lap race to cross the line in a great first race of his season finishing 9 seconds behind his JHR Developments team mate George Gamble from Nottingham who took the chequered flag in first place

After the race Perez commented:-

“It was all new and my first time out apart from testing I got a good start gaining 2 places and the car performed well.”

A third row place 6^th on the grid gained from his finish in race one saw Perez ready for race two with a wet to drying track after a downpour before the race. A struggling start saw Seb drop to 10th on lap one and having some gearbox issues for a short time. Lap 4 saw Seb gain a place staying in 9^th but dropping back to 10^th on lap 8 and into 9^th a lap later. A fast changing of laps commenced after with changing places and close racing with Ladell and Minshaw who were pushing him hard. He took the line and finished in 8th position.

The circuit had dried out of the start of race three with Seb in 7^th on the grid on row 4 and the race being televised live on ITV 4. Lap one saw him loose three place to 10^th and saw a safety car make an appearance for a short time on lap 9, Keeping in 10^th place but by lap 14 he had made it to 6^th place and staying in the same position until lap 26 where it gained a place to 5^th where he stayed to take the chequered flag after 27 laps. The race saw team mate George Gamble again take first position.

Perez commented about the weekend “ it wasn’t a bad weekend at all, I have a lot to take from it and my first three races and it’s a massive learning curve” He added “JHR Developments have done a fantastic job on the car, the set up was great and sure there will be improvements for Donington”

Asked about the next three rounds at Donington Park this weekend and his home circuit he said “ I like Donington Park it is a good circuit its fast and flowing and have done some testing thee over the Winter so that will help”

So after a good weekend at Brands Hatch and a first outing for the new car Perez leaves the circuit in 5^th place in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Super Cup Championship Professional Driver class with 64 points and his team JHR Developments a first in the Team Championship with 140 points.

You can follow Seb and all the action on Sunday on ITV 4 where his races are televised live alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Editorial and images by Paul Horton

Posted in About Chesterfield

East Midlands honour for magazine group

10th April 2017

One of the original Chesterfield Champions has been named 2017 Community Business of the Year in the East Midlands. Magazine group Heron Publications Ltd have landed the prestigious award in the FSB/Worldpay UK Business Awards.

The accolade recognises the community links which have been fostered by their local magazines – ‘Twist’, ‘Wings’, ‘Dronfield Eye’, ‘Active8’ and ‘My Kind of Town’ – and the service they offer to customers.

Mike Firth, Director and Editor of the publications said:-

“We delight in reporting on other people’s success stories, so it is a change to find ourselves making headlines.

“This is a tremendous accolade for our company, coming in our 15th anniversary year. We pride ourselves on the links we have forged in the local community and the help we offer in publicising good causes and local successes, in addition to offering the best possible service for companies and shops wishing to promote themselves.

“A big thank-you to the hundreds of businesses who choose to advertise their goods and services in our local, professionally produced community magazines. Their support ensures that each and every month we have plenty of editorial space to commit to relevant features about the local community.”

The competition sponsors explained:-

“Winning an FSB/Worldpay UK Business Award says a huge amount about you and your business. The accolade allows your business to stand out from the crowd and provides you with the recognition you deserve, defines quality and performance standards and helps differentiate you from your competitors.”

Meanwhile, Heron Publications’ offices at Enterprise House, 179 Chesterfield Road, Dronfield, are being extended to enable the company to take on new members of staff and offer an even more comprehensive service to readers and advertisers.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Cathelco supply MGPS system for the RSS Sir David Attenborough

10th April 2017

Cathelco is supplying marine growth prevention systems (MGPS) for the RSS Sir David Attenborough, a state-of-the-art polar research vessel commissioned by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) which is being built by Cammell Laird and will be operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

The 128m vessel, which comes into service in 2019, will transform how ship-borne science is conducted in the Polar Regions. The commissioning of the RSS Sir David Attenborough is part of a major Government polar infrastructure investment programme designed to keep Britain at the forefront of world-leading research in Antarctica and the Arctic.

This state-of-the-art ‘floating laboratory’ will support teams of up to 60 scientists who will carry out research into key issues such a climate change and future sea level rises. Designed with an ice-strengthened capability, the ship can remain at sea for 60 days without re-supply.

The Cathelco marine growth prevention equipment will protect seawater pipework serving the main engines and auxiliary systems against ‘bio-fouling blockages’ caused by barnacles, mussels and other organisms.

The ‘biofouling community’ – consisting of tiny species like squirts, hard shell worms and sponges – affects many industries including underwater construction, desalination plants, ships hulls and pipework. Removing these organisms (a process called anti-fouling) is estimated to cost billions of dollars a year globally.

The marine growth prevention equipment consists of two electrolysis tanks, each containing a pair of copper and aluminium anodes which dose the water passing through four seachests. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which create an environment where barnacle and mussel larvae do not settle or breed, but pass directly to discharge. At the same time, ions from the aluminium anode create an anti-corrosive layer to protect the internal surfaces of pipes.

The concentrations of copper required to achieve this are extremely small – less than 2 parts per billion – resulting in a system which is environmentally benign.

Without proper bio-fouling protection, there is a risk that pipework serving engine cooling systems can become partially or completely blocked over a period of time, resulting in the need for manual cleaning or premature pipework renewal.

Justin Salisbury, Managing Director of Cathelco, comments:-

“The RSS Sir David Attenborough is an innovative vessel which demonstrates the UK’s capability in ship design and construction. We are delighted to have an association with the ship through the supply of our MGPS equipment which is the most widely used of its type in the world. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it does not involve the use of chemicals, an important factor for all vessels from an environmental perspective, but particularly for those entering Polar Regions.”

Cathelco are world leaders in the manufacturer of MGPS systems which are installed on vessels of all types ranging from oil tankers and naval vessels to cruise ships and ferries with a record of more than 50,000 installations worldwide.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Free Brexit support event for North Derbyshire’s manufacturing businesses

5th April 2017

Following the triggering of Article 50, manufacturing businesses in north Derbyshire can find out more about the support available to them post Brexit at a free lunchtime event being held at Casa Hotel on Wednesday 10 May.

The Chesterfield Manufacturing and Engineering Forum is being organised by Destination Chesterfield with support from United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

With manufacturing accounting for 45% of all UK exports, north east Derbyshire manufacturers have a vested interest in ensuring the Government negotiates a deal that supports their trade and growth ambitions.

With this in mind, a number of key speakers have been lined up for the event, including Andy Tuscher from the EEF The Manufacturers’ Organisation, who will address the government’s industrial strategy and also Brexit. EEF support and champion manufacturing and engineering in the UK and Europe and is working to secure a smooth and orderly exit from the EU.

Darren Buxton, a business growth specialist from Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, will also talk about SCR’s work to support business growth, and the support and skills programmes available to companies operating in north Derbyshire’s manufacturing sector.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The free event is an important opportunity for businesses in north Derbyshire’s manufacturing sector to gain a greater understanding of what can be expected following Brexit. Attending the forum event will enable them to discover what support is out there for them to be able to continue moving forward in times of financial and political uncertainty.”

The Chesterfield Manufacturing and Engineering Forum established in 2013 in order to bring together businesses operating within north Derbyshire’s engineering and manufacturing sector and also provide information that can support their growth.

Places at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum event at the Casa Hotel are limited and early booking is recommended. To book a place, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-and-north-derbyshire-manufacturing-forum/

Posted in Business

High Sheriff of Derbyshire to formally open Commerce House

5th April 2017

The High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Annie Hall, will formally open the new office of East Midlands Chamber at lunchtime on Friday this week.

Along with up to 60 regional dignitaries, business leaders and Chamber board members, Mrs Hall will be given a tour of the offices, on Millennium Way, off Dunston Road, after unveiling a plaque commemorating the event.

East Midlands Chamber moved from Canal Wharf to the renamed Commerce House, formerly St Andrews House, on 24 February.

Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The Chamber needed premises in Chesterfield that were modern, fit-for-purpose, that met the requirements of members for a quality facility in North Derbyshire and which reflect the Chamber’s position as the leading business representation organisation in the Midlands.

“Commerce House, which was fitted out for us by one of our patrons, Blueprint Interiors, gives us an office of which we can be proud and we’re delighted Mrs Hall has agreed to officially open it.”

The building is also home to Destination Chesterfield and their team.

The Chamber, which occupies the ground and first floor of the building is looking for a tenant to occupy over 3,000sq ft of available space on the third floor at Commerce House. Enquiries to Wilkins Hammond Commercial, 01246 555511 or email jrw@wilkins-hammond.com or visit www.wilkins-hammond.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Mitchells makes new appointment

5th April 2017

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has appointed Alex Frain (21) to its Corporate team. She joins from a leading national business advisory firm’s graduate programme where she specialised in audit work.

The University of Sheffield graduate was attracted to Mitchells’ commitment to a work/life balance for all its staff, as well as the opportunity to develop a more rounded knowledge of tax and auditing. Prior to joining Mitchells, Alex who lives in Norton Lees, Sheffield, was commuting daily to Nottingham.

She will continue working towards Chartered Accountant status through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) under Mitchells, working alongside its Corporate team to deliver services to SMEs throughout the region.

Speaking of her appointment, she said: “Moving to Mitchells is not just an opportunity for me to become a more rounded professional, but also to reclaim a work/life balance. The firm’s friendly team and commitment to flexible working for all staff will enable me to to have a fulfilling and balanced professional and personal life, as well as the time to study for my professional exams.”

Mitchells’ commitment to all staff enjoying a work/life balance was recognised in 2016 when the firm was shortlisted for the People Development award and the Employer of the Year award in the East Midlands Chamber and Derbyshire Times Business Awards respectively.

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells added: “Here at Mitchells, we are always looking to grow as a business with staff at the heart it. We are committed to looking after our staff as we believe it results in a better service to our clients.”

The firm is looking to make further appointments to add to its expanding team of tax professionals and Chartered Accountants. If you’re looking for a career at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, get in touch with Andrew McDaid by calling 01246 274121, or send your CV and covering letter to andrewmcdaid@mitchellsaccountants.co.uk

Posted in Business

Chesterfield College student creates Apprentice Town logo

4th April 2017

Chesterfield’s Apprentice Town initiative has been given its own identity thanks to Chesterfield College student Jade Bright (18) from Killamarsh.

Jade’s winning design was selected from 28 entries submitted by students on the Extended Diploma in Graphic and Interactive Design course at Chesterfield College. Her design will now appear on a new website and literature for the Apprentice Town initiative which was recently launched to the town’s business community by Destination Chesterfield at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event.

Already, there are more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield. The town is the first in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

The project was established by Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield College in order to raise awareness of apprenticeships and promote co-operative working across the education, business and learning community. As part of winning the design competition, Jade also won £100 of equipment from Turners Art Supplies and work experience with Chesterfield Borough Council’s graphic designers.

Leading employment, training and investment organisations from Chesterfield are involved in the initiative and sit on the Apprentice Town steering group, including Destination Chesterfield, Chesterfield College, NLT Training Services, University of Derby, East Midlands Chamber, Jobcentre Plus, Enterprise Adviser Network and Derbyshire County Council.

Emily Williams, Senior Economic Development Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council who is leading the Apprentice Town initiative, said: “Already, Chesterfield is a town where young people, parents and our businesses think ‘Apprenticeship First’. We want to grow individuals’ careers and futures alongside our businesses and the logo design competition played a critical role in doing that as it enabled students to gain real life work experience.

“All the students involved stepped up to the challenge and conducted themselves brilliantly. We had some superb entries and choosing a final winning design was not an easy task for the Apprentice Town steering group.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group added: “Congratulations to Jade and all the shortlisted students who came up with some fantastic designs for the competition. Part of the Apprenticeship Town initiative is about preparing young people for work so it is wonderful that students have been given the opportunity to design the logo which will be at the forefront of the campaign. Taking part has allowed them to develop skills they will need in their future careers as designers. We are looking forward to giving more young people and businesses opportunities to get the skills they need by working with Chesterfield Borough Council to help increase apprenticeship participation in the town.”

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield added: “With more than 4,000 new jobs set to be created over the next five years in and around Chesterfield, it is important that we retain and develop young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here. The Apprentice Town initiative will play a key role in showing our commitment and collaborative approach to helping companies recruit and develop their workforce both now and in the future.”

For further details of Apprentice Town, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/working/apprenticeships/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development