Author: Dom Stevens

Chesterfield based accountancy firm name new joint managing partners

2nd April 2019

Joint managing partners have taken up position at Yorkshire and North Derbyshire’s leading accountancy firm.

Audit partner Lisa Leighton and corporate finance partner Hamish Morrison took the reins at BHP – which has offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, and York – on 1 April 2019.

Both aged 45, Lisa began at BHP as a graduate in 1995 and Hamish joined BHP Corporate Finance as partner in 2012 with 20 years’ experience in the sector. Each will maintain responsibility for their current portfolio of clients.

Outgoing managing partner of 10 years, John Warner, will continue at the firm full-time as senior partner to manage his portfolio of clients.

At the start of his term as managing partner, John set out the firm’s first five-year strategy which, along with the subsequent five-year plan, achieved the aim of transforming BHP into the largest independent firm in Yorkshire.

From two offices and turnover of £8m in 2009, BHP now has five offices, turnover approaching £22m and is ranked number 35 of accounting firms in the UK.

John said: “BHP’s history is built on the ability to continuously adapt and stay at the forefront of the industry. It’s with this ethos that we continue to thrive today and I am fully confident in this next step for our business.

“My two highly qualified colleagues will inject a new wave of dynamism and drive to the firm, building on our strong foundations and leading us confidently into the next decade.”

Lisa and Hamish have been actively involved in the strategic and operational management of the business for several years and the hand-over process started in June 2018.

Providing partner-led advice on corporate finance deals and more general strategic areas, Hamish said: “This is a really exciting time for BHP. We continue to push forward – standing-out in the mid-tier market with significant initiatives to further add value, lead with technology, expand services and support staff and clients to reach their true potential.

“I very much look forward to BHP continuing to exceed client expectations well into the next decade.”

Lisa, who has extensive experience in auditing, business advice and corporate finance services for a wide range of organisations, said: “Like John, I’ve seen BHP grow and flourish over a number of years.

“BHP is all about people – our success comes from getting to know the people behind businesses and that is what I love. We support our clients and colleagues to develop, grow and be the best versions of themselves, and it is this culture that I want to take forward into the future.”

With more than 300 staff, including 31 partners, BHP was recently recognised in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For and also for the Community Award at the Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards.

Posted in Business

Celebrate the best apprentices in Chesterfield

1st April 2019

Chesterfield Champion, The Derbyshire Times, along with their sister titles, is honouring the efforts of apprentices, apprentice employers and the wonderful training providers who support them.

With close to a million active apprenticeships across England alone, apprenticeship schemes have fast become a route to future employment for thousands of school leavers.

The Sheffield City Region Apprenticeship Awards, now in their third year, recognise and reward both the apprentices and their employers that are excelling across the Sheffield City Region.

Entries are now open in the following 10 awards categories and will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster, on Thursday, June 27.

Categories include:

SME Apprentice Employer of the Year
Large Business Apprentice Employer
Diversity and Inclusion programme
Training Provider/Programme of the Year
Mentor of the Year
Higher/Degree Apprentice of the Year
Intermediate Apprentice of the Year
Business & Law Apprentice of the Year
Health & Public Service
Apprentice of the Year
Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year

To enter the awards, simply visit the website www.scrapprenticeshipawards.co.uk where you’ll also find full details of entry criteria and what the judges are looking for.

Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, canapes and deluxe two-course meal, entertainment, as well the awards themselves which promise to have you on your feet as we celebrate the apprenticeship stars of Sheffield City Region. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 3.

There are currently more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield.

There are many options available to young people after they leave school or college and choosing which is best is a big decision.

Chesterfield is the first town 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 by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Chesterfield is a town where young people, parents and businesses think ‘Apprenticeship First’.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List Launched for English Tourism Week

1st April 2019

Visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire are encouraged to indulge in an eclectic range of experiences this summer, ranging from climbing, caving, hiking and biking to sleeping under the stars and sampling local delicacies, following the launch of the ‘Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List: 101 Great Things to Do’.

Compiled by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the release of the Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List coincides with English Tourism Week (30 March – 9 April), which celebrates the quality and breadth of tourism in England.

From ordering a pint in the real ale capital of the world to climbing the Crooked Spire, exploring the UK’s first National Park and discovering Britain’s oldest Ice Age cave art, the list provides a showcase for 101 of the best things to do in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Food and drink experiences – such as sampling Hartington Stilton, learning how to make a Bakewell Pudding and dining at the area’s only Michelin-star restaurant – are also vital ingredients on the list, complementing Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire’s ‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ campaign, which celebrates local food and drink.

Run by VisitEngland, English Tourism Week marks the start of the tourist season and offers an opportunity to raise awareness of the value and contribution that tourism makes to the UK economy. The tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire generated £2.15 billion in 2017 – attracting 40.45 million visitors annually and supporting 28,630 jobs.*

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire is encouraging visitors and locals to share their own favourite ‘bucket list experiences’ using #UniqueDistrict and #EnglishTourismWeek19 on social media. There will also be the opportunity to win a selection of prizes at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/competitions.

“English Tourism Week is about celebrating the quality and value of England’s tourism offer, shining the spotlight on our amazing attractions and heritage, raising the profile of our tourism businesses and encouraging more visitors to discover and explore the Peak District and Derbyshire,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We hope our Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List will inspire more people to book a break in this wonderful area to enjoy the vibrant range of experiences on offer. We also hope it will encourage locals to explore what’s on their doorstep – and hopefully find some hidden gems too!”

View The Ultimate Peak District and Derbyshire Bucket List: 101 Great Things to Do

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Specsavers Matlock and Chesterfield donate food to combat child hunger

1st April 2019

With one in five UK children suffering from food poverty, Specsavers in Matlock and Chesterfield are thanking customers in the local community, after they joined forces to collect food to help those in need.

Generous staff and their families held an in-store food drive, collecting a range of the most needed food items in support of the Chesterfield Foodbank.

Last week, the stores’ staff also volunteered at the foodbank, lending a hand to sort through the food at the warehouse, helping the foodbank cope with the influx of donated food.

“Chesterfield Foodbank is an amazing charity – helping local families when they need it most with their crisis food packages. We are proud to have played our part in helping, and the volunteering session really brought our team together too” said Audiologist Juliet Metterick.

She continues: “It was nice to try something different and also feel that we are giving back to our community. If you have a couple of hours to spare I strongly recommend volunteering like we did.”

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer should visit chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Blachford UK sponsors 2019 Redbrik Half Marathon Fun Run

29th March 2019

Local manufacturer and employer, Blachford UK has confirmed its sponsorship of the 1km Fun Run at the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon for the second year running.

The family-friendly Blachford Fun Run will form part of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events on 20 October 2019, along with the Peak FM Five Mile Run and Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge. The Fun Run will be open to people of all ages – and dogs!

Starting at 9.40am, the Fun Run will start and end in Queen’s Park, with entry priced at £5.

Based in Holmewood, Blachford UK is one of Europe’s leading designers and manufacturers of noise reducing trim and insulation for industrial vehicles.

In addition to its sponsorship of the Fun Run, the firm will enter its own team into the event, as well as the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, to help raise money for local good causes.

Around 1,500 people signed up to Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events in 2018, almost double the sign-up total from the previous year.

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has raised around £100,000 for good causes since its inaugural event in 2017, including for the event’s charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK, said: “It’s a great honour to be part of the fundraising efforts to support local charities. Many of our staff live in Chesterfield so this is a great way for us to contribute to and get involved with the wider community.”

“Many of the Blachford team are, once again, looking forward to pulling on their running shoes and taking part in all of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s events, and to help raise more money for charity.”

Martin Ross, who took part in the 2018 Blachford UK Fun Run with his five-year-old grandson, said: “The 1km event last year was great fun and a good addition to the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon events.

“I’m looking forward to taking part again in 2019 and seeing the Fun Run help the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon continue to grow into one of the region’s biggest mass-participation events. I’m sure my grandson will beat me again!”

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We’re delighted to have Blachford UK on board for 2019 after the success of the 2018 Blachford UK Fun Run.”

“Partnerships with local businesses such as Blachford are crucial to us as one of the region’s fastest-expanding mass-participation events. The firm has good community roots and we’re excited to see this partnership continue to develop.”

Entries close to the Blachford Fun Run close online on Sunday 6 October, however entries will also be taken on race day before 9am. For more information or to sign-up, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

The search is on to find Chesterfield’s talented Young Artists of the Year

29th March 2019

Chesterfield College have launched their annual competition to find the local Young Artist of the Year. They are urging school children in Year 4 to Year 13 to get creative and produce an illustration, a painting or collage, photography or a 3D sculpture on the theme of “The environment and me”.

Finalists’ artwork, across a range of age and competition categories, will be exhibited as part of the college’s Art’s Festival taking place from 14 – 28 June 2019. The young artists will be invited to a special ceremony where the winners will be announced and presented with prizes.

James Marples, Marketing Manager at Chesterfield College said: “Over the last few years we have seen some amazing artwork from the young artists of Chesterfield. We are excited to be running the competition again this year. It is brilliant to be able to exhibit work from the artists of the future at our Arts Festival. The theme for this year is very topical and one which I hope will inspire people to get creative.”

Joseph Higgingbotham (below), winner of the Visual Arts Year 12-13 category in 2018 said: “It’s great to see my work on the wall of an actual gallery open to the public, I’m very proud of myself to be honest!”

Oliver Lea(right), winner of the 3D category last year explains, “It’s a great competition and I’m really happy to have won. I’ve produced a few pieces with PLA plastic going through a 3D pen that I then draw with to produce sculptures.”

The closing date for the competition is 10 June 2019. More details, including how to enter and terms and conditions of the competition can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Work has started for latest investor at Markham Vale

28th March 2019

Work has started on Sheffield-based Protec International’s new site, which is set to create up to 45 new jobs at Markham Vale.Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said:

“We look forward to moving into our new base at Markham Vale later this year, pushing ahead with our growth plans which will create up to 45 new jobs across both phases. The location couldn’t be better for accessing the national motorway network, and will allow us to continue delivering our range of building protection solutions to our construction industry clients on a next-day basis.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:

“It was great to meet Protec and visit where their new base will be at Markham Vale and we’re pleased work is now underway.“The firm will be a fantastic addition to the site and it’s great to hear they’re looking to create up to 45 new jobs for local people too.“Markham’s excellent location off Junction 29A of the M1 will be great for Protec and we’re pleased that the site continues to attract a range of companies that can grow and thrive there.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base with opportunity to expand is set to be completed by September and will be designed and built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments (HBD) on Markham Vale North.

Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments (HBD), said:

“It’s great to see work starting on site – with its combination of high-quality, purpose-built property and an unrivalled location and transport links, we’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove the ideal base for Protec as the business grows and continues to expand its team. Working to a 26-week timeline, we look forward to completing the Protec development in September.”

Plots of up to 15 acres are still available at Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments’ flagship regeneration site and can accommodate flexible design and build unit options up to 300,000 sq ft.

Find out more about Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Fancy Dress Fun Day brings in the dough for Comic Relief at Specsavers Chesterfield

28th March 2019

Staff at Specsavers Chesterfield donned their Pyjamas and Slippers for a day of fundraising in support of Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day 2019.

Along with the Fancy Dress, they truly got into the Red Nose Day spirit with competitions, collections and a bake sale in a bid to raise money for good causes

The amount raised on the day itself went into the store’s Comic Relief pot, which already had hundreds of pounds donated throughout the month from the sale of Red Nose Day glasses. In total, customers and staff raised a huge £1,000 throughout the month!

Vicki Bainbridge, Retail Director at Specsavers Matlock and Chesterfield comments: “Specsavers has long been a champion of Comic Relief, and it’s certainly a very significant part of the year when it comes to our fundraising efforts across both stores. The team can’t wait for it to come round every year!”

“It was great to see just how creative the costume efforts were and they must have been a hit with customers given how generous they were with donations!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards

Amazon to create 200 new permanent jobs with the opening of a new fulfilment centre in Chesterfield

27th March 2019

Amazon today announced plans to open a new fulfilment centre in Chesterfield and begin recruitment for more than 200 new permanent jobs. Amazon’s new investment will help meet customer demand, expand selection and enable SMEs selling on Amazon Marketplace to scale their businesses.

“We are delighted to open a new Amazon building in Chesterfield and begin recruitment for more than 200 new permanent roles with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits starting on day one,” said Stefano Perego, Amazon’s VP of UK Customer Fulfilment. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming a new team, who will play a crucial role in delivering a first rate level of service for our customers.”

Amazon fulfilment centre employees receive competitive pay and comprehensive benefits from day one. Pay starts at £10.50 in the London area and £9.50 for the rest of the UK for all full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees working in the company’s fulfilment centres. Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, subsidized meals and an employee discount, which combined are worth more than £700 annually, as well as a company pension plan.

Amazon also offers employees an innovative programme called Career Choice that provides funding for adult education, offering to pre-pay 95% of tuition and associated fees for nationally recognised courses, up to £8,000 over four years.

Bolsover District Council’s Chief Executive Dan Swaine said, “This is great news and welcome boost for the area. This new warehouse will create 200 permanent jobs in the area, meaning significant opportunities for local people and to attract a company like Amazon is good news for the local economy and the future of the District.”

Amazon has started recruiting for a range of new roles for the fulfillment centre, which will be located in Barlborough, including operations managers, engineers, HR and IT specialists. Recruitment for the Amazon team in Chesterfield who will pick, pack and ship customer orders will begin later this year. People interested in applying for jobs at Amazon should visit www.myamazonjob.com/fulfillment-centers/chesterfield

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire is centrally located and continues to attract high profile fulfillment and distributions operations to the area. To find out more about investing in the area visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Relocation to Chesterfield to accelerate growth plans for local business

26th March 2019

An award-winning Derbyshire business has made the move to larger premises in Chesterfield, bringing employment opportunities to the local area.

Oasis Studio, a creative design agency, has moved from Eckington into Chesterfield, bringing the potential for new creative roles.

The studio specialises in architecture and visualisation services and recently reached the 15-year milestone.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio, says: “2019 marks 15 years in business for us and we’ve got big plans for growth.”

“Chesterfield is a great base for us; there’s so many exciting projects going on and a fantastic community of local businesses, which we’re glad to be joining.”

Ahead of the move, Oasis Studio has become a Chesterfield Champion; a group of businesses involved with the Destination Chesterfield scheme, networking to promote the area as a desirable place to live, do business, invest and visit.

Paul adds: “We exhibited at Destination Chesterfield’s Celebrate Chesterfield event earlier this month, meeting other businesses in the area and listening to the plans for development in the coming months and years.

“Chesterfield is known for its history, but it’s also a thriving place to do business and we’re very excited to be joining the area.”

Oasis Studio is now based at Unit 4, Chatsworth Technology Park, Dunston Road, Chesterfield. For more information visit oasisstudio.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield financial planner to host free masterclasses for women in business

25th March 2019

A Chesterfield-based financial planner is hosting free masterclasses for female business owners.

Suzanne Jeakins, Financial Planner at Banner Jones Wealth Management, is running a series of women in business masterclasses to help owner-managers of small to medium sized enterprises manage their finances. The first masterclass on Wednesday 8 May will demystify pensions and cover how to create a financial plan.

Suzanne has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. She said: “There are lots of great businesses in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire led by women who know their sector well but may lack confidence in financial matters which can hold them back.”

“If you are a business owner or manager and would like to enhance your financial knowledge, are nearing retirement or are starting to look at selling your business, it’s an opportunity to get free advice.”

The masterclasses will all be held at Maison MesAmis in Chesterfield:

Wednesday 8 May – ‘Creating your financial plan and pensions uncovered’ Find out more
Wednesday 5 June – ‘Investments and life assurance’ Find out more
Wednesday 3 July – ‘Putting it in a plan’ Find out more

Banner Jones Wealth Management is a joint venture between Banner Jones Solicitors which has its headquarters in Chesterfield, and Future Life Wealth Management which is based in Renishaw. The company provides wealth management advice, financial planning and legal advice for businesses, individuals, trustees and inheritors of wealth.

To book a masterclass, call 01246 540546 or email dawnmann@bannerjones.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield