About Chesterfield

Fifth cohort of RISE graduate scheme now available to Chesterfield businesses

The latest cohort of graduates is now available to Chesterfield businesses, as part of a unique business support initiative focussed on enabling small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow through the employment of graduate talent.

RISE has been effective in helping SMEs overcome the barriers faced in graduate recruitment and equipping them with the tools and know-how to become successful graduate employers.

Since 2013 RISE has supported more than 400 SMEs based across the Sheffield City Region, including Chesterfield successfully recruit over 500 graduates.

Many of those businesses have gone on to report increases in turnover, productivity, innovation and growth as a result. The enhanced RISE project now provides even more comprehensive business support and business benefits.

  • RISE support is free for businesses to use
  • The scheme will help businesses access top quality graduate talent for your business through the following means:
    • Help to draft an advert, providing graduate-specific labour market advice and expertise
    • Advertise the role as part of a national targeted advertising campaign
    • Undertake candidate selection processes using application forms, technical tests, video interviews and assessment centres
    • Assist in the logistics of setting up final interviews
  • Sessions/training on best-practice recruitment, allowing us to transfer the know-how to recruit graduates in the future
  • A grant available for businesses who use the scheme for the first time

Oliver Tarrant, SME Engagement manager with RISE said: “During these uncertain times we recognise how important it is that small and medium sized businesses, who are wanting to grow their business and recruit talented graduates, receive high-quality, straightforward, and safe support.

“We will work closely with businesses to provide a tailored service and to help them save costs and time, offering a rigorous selection process.

“We are engaging with businesses from now until 10th February, but we are ideally looking for businesses to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Rikki Stout, Head of HR at Barlborough-based e-commerce business, Xbite, explains: “We connected with RISE because we wanted to meet, train and develop fresh graduate talent. We understand the value in finding ambitious young people who are hungry for experience and seeking a challenge. RISE has matched us with excellent people straight from university, meaning we can nurture and develop them early on. We are part of their journey and they are part of ours.

“There are many challenges faced by businesses looking to recruit graduates. Time to recruit well is a big one. As is the cost of sourcing, meeting and connecting with people. This is addressed by RISE. But fear of bringing in new people who might not have the exact experience of your systems or industry shouldn’t be a barrier to growth.”

Rikki Stout, Xbite

You can find out more by going to the RISE website or by emailing  oliver@risescr.co.uk

RISE is part-funded by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , ,

Flats and apartments set to be created in landmark Chesterfield Town Centre building

A prominent building in Chesterfield Town Centre is set to be brought back to life, with the property set to be converted into a mix of studio, apartment and flats.

Chesterfield Borough Council approved a planning application from the Tamcourt Group (JLK Architectural design) to convert the upper levels of a former Greggs bakery shop into residential dwellings.

Situated on the junction of Packers Row and High Street in the town centre, the property will consist of one-bedroom studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and a third-floor extension on the existing flat roof section of the building to allow space for two one-bedroom apartments.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Creating attractive places to live in the heart of the town contributes to a thriving and sustainable town centre for the future, and supports the night-time economy.

“Developments like this are a positive step forward for the town centre, providing well-located homes, close to shops, leisure and entertainment venues – and increasing the options for local people when choosing what kind of home they would like to live in.”

In the planning documents, Phillip Riden, chairman of the Chesterfield and District Civic Society said: “We strongly support the proposal to restore the ground floor of the building to retail use, and the creation of studio and one-bedroom flats above.

“This will increase the supply of reasonably priced accommodation in the town centre and bring another building back into residential use, a policy which we consider highly desirable.

“In the mid-nineteenth century half the one hundred or so separate properties in the shambles were residential: town centres evolve as needs and tastes change and these may go round in a circle.”

You can find out more about developments taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire on our website here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Spireites’ Community Trust team deliver food parcels

The Chesterfield FC Community Trust team helped out at Derbyshire Community Hub last week, delivering food parcels to those in need during Lockdown 3.0.

Whilst always maintaining social distancing and following guidelines, staff volunteered at a charity that supports households who need help during the pandemic.

Having supported Derbyshire Community Hub during October’s Free School Dinners project, the synergy between both organisations of being community focused and supporting those in need made for another opportunity to work together.

Keith Jackson, the Trust’s head of sport and activities, said: “Throughout the last ten months, the team have tried to think of ways to support the local community in these trying times.

“We always set out each year to impact as many local lives in a positive way and this has been no different, despite the difficulties. Be it serving food, collecting food or delivering it, we continue to do as much as we safely can to engage with and help out the local area.”

Nic Finch from the Community Hub said: “A huge thank you to the Trust for their support today. We are always looking for donations and volunteers to get involved so please do get in touch.”

Anyone who would like more information about Derbyshire Community Hub or would like to volunteer for them should email derbyshirecommunityhub@gmail.com

Chesterfield FC Community Trust also recently spread some Christmas cheer across the town, by collecting donations for Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which aimed to ensure no child in our area was left without a present on Christmas Day. You can find out more about the initiative here. 

Chesterfield FC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

NIBE Energy Systems’ Phil Hurley appointed as heat pump association (HPA) Chairman

NIBE Energy Systems (UK) is pleased to announce that its UK Managing Director, Phil Hurley, has been appointed Chairman of the Heat Pump Association.

With 2021 set to be a turning point for tackling climate change, the appointment comes at a critical time for a heating industry which is responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Heat Pumps are a key solution to tackling this and the Heat Pump Association is committed to promoting their benefits and wide scale deployment as a low carbon solution. This further supports NIBE’s vision to help shape and grow the heat pump market by supporting installers through providing training opportunities and creating a supportive policy framework.

NIBE is a European market leader for domestic heating products, manufacturing equipment for both household and commercial use.

Commenting on his appointment Phil Hurley, Managing Director at NIBE Energy Systems, said: “With the Government’s announcement of its Green Industrial Revolution, the heat pump industry now finds itself on the crest of a wave. I would like to thank Graham for his tireless work and leadership which has brought significant results. I look forward to building on Graham’s achievements and ensuring the heat pump industry is ready to step up and deliver on its promises.”

The Heat Pump Association is in great shape following Graham Wright’s tenure as Chairman which began in 2019, leading to some major breakthroughs for the heat pump industry. Working closely with Graham, Phil Hurley had been Vice-Chairman of the HPA since April 2019. As Chairman, he will now work alongside newly appointed Vice Chairman, Max Halliwell of Mitsubishi Electric.

NIBE Energy Systems supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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

East Midlands Chamber survey shows region’s economic recovery is “treading water” – but businesses are confident about future

The economic recovery has stalled in the East Midlands as tightening Covid-19 restrictions took their toll on businesses, according to new research published today.

An East Midlands Chamber study found cashflow and advanced orders were significantly affected for many firms during the final quarter of 2020 as the second national lockdown in November – straddled by the most severe tiered coronavirus restrictions imposed on the region and the uncertainty leading to the end of the Brexit transition period – undermined resilience to future shocks and the ability to respond to new opportunities.

However, the Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020 showed signs of light at the end of the tunnel as a net 16% of businesses in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire said they expected to create jobs in the three months following the study, which was conducted in November – while there were also positive indicators for turnover, profitability and investment intentions.

The restrained confidence for the prospects of 2021 was reflected in the Chamber’s State of the Economy Index, which aggregates the survey data to provide an overall “health score”, as it flatlined following the rebound of Q3.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Future pricing intentions started to creep up as increases in raw material costs – along with access difficulties – began to impact on manufacturers. Advanced orders and bookings were down for many as the national lockdown in November caused some to pause their plans and a general sentiment of ‘wait and see’ started to pervade the conversations of some.

“In conversations with businesses, many spoke of a ‘weariness’ and ‘fatigue’ at navigating themselves and their staff through the difficulties of the past 10 months.

“However, there was still an undercurrent of tentative optimism for the coming year, as reflected in the confidence indicators for future turnover and profitability, perhaps acknowledging that the current predicament can’t last forever.

“The economy, as a whole, hasn’t slipped back to the place it was in during May and June, nor has it continued its rebound from that position. Instead, it can best be described as ‘treading water, waiting to see whether the final days of a year that asked more questions than anyone would have anticipated finally delivered some answers.”

Key findings of East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020

Some 476 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q4 2020.

A third of these were from a manufacturing background, while 200 exporters were represented within the cohort.

Key findings from the survey, conducted between 2 and 23 November, showed:

• Sales decreased for a net 9% of businesses involved in the UK market and net 17% of firms in the overseas market in the three months leading to the survey
• Advanced orders for the three months following the study were down for a net 14% of companies in the UK market and net 21% of those with international operations
• Cashflow worsened for a net 15% of companies. This was the fourth consecutive quarter in which this indicator fell into negative territory
• Investment intentions were in positive territory, with spending plans revised upwards for a net 2% when it comes to buying new plant, machinery or equipment, and a net 10% for training
• A net 6% decreased their workforce during Q4 but a net 16% expected headcount to increase over the first three months of Q1 2021
• Business confidence levels remained stable after a deep fall over the summer. A net 35% of firms expected turnover to improve in Q1 2021 and a net 20% predicted a rise in profitability

What policymakers must do in 2021 to help businesses

The Chamber models the survey data across a range of key performance indicators, including sales and orders, recruitment, cashflow, investment intentions and confidence, to produce a quarterly State of the Economy Index, which enables it to compare local business performance quarter-by-quarter.

In Q2, the score fell to -411, its lowest level on record and the first time it’s fallen into negative territory. It was back into positive territory for Q3 – but only just at +17 – and there was only a three-point increase to +20 in Q4.

This means it remains the third lowest score on record and 221 points lower than the pre-Covid survey for Q1 2020.

Chris added: “It’s clear that 2020 was unprecedented, unpredictable and created amazing levels of uncertainty. Much of what has gone on has been out of businesses’ ability to control. However, under those circumstances, with one hand tied behind their backs, they have worked to manage those factors that they can control, looking for internal efficiencies, improvements in quality and new opportunities.

“As we move into 2021, policymakers must do likewise. It is in their gift to control the nation’s capacity for testing, the speed at which a vaccine is rolled out and the availability and reading of data on how the pandemic is progressing.

“They can also control the levels of business support provided, the rules as to how it’s accessed, and the measures that exist to allow businesses to reopen and make money without Government support.

“It is essential that we get this right for 2021, particularly as we begin the year in the worst possible manner with the prospect of at least two months of national lockdown.

“Despite all the challenges of the past year, the vast majority of businesses have made it through – with some even finding opportunities to excel. If the first half of 2021 follows a similar pattern to the past six months, then more of those currently treading water may sadly slip under.”

 

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

“We go into 2021 with hope” – Peter Swallow – January 2021

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow has outlined his hopes and aspirations for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as we enter the new year…

Following what has been a very difficult year for everyone, we go into 2021 with hope, in the knowledge that a vaccine will soon hopefully eradicate Coronavirus, there is an undercurrent of excitement and energy going into the New Year.

With light at the end of the tunnel, we can now not only look forwards but also back at what has been achieved, despite the pandemic.

While we may have felt that 2020 was a year in limbo, now that we have time to reflect, we can see that the town made significant progress in the face of adversity enabling us to go into 2021 with a firm foundation for growth.

Pre Covid our strong and proud Shop Local message came to the fore during lockdown. As our high street closed, we opened our laptops and phones and shopped locally virtually with help from Destination Chesterfield and the local media. They sprang into action and brought attention to the myriad of independent retailers and market traders to ensure we gave them our business.

The very real experience of the high street closing I believe, has made us value it even more. We have missed the opportunity of being able to ‘pop’ into town and meet up with friends or simply bump into them while out on errands.

It is the strong community spirit that exists in Chesterfield that makes us resilient as a town and able to face the catastrophic effects of a pandemic head on. I am proud that we didn’t bunker down and ride out the storm- we chose to fight it head on instead. This resilience has enabled us to identify opportunities which have emerged during the pandemic; one of these being the growth in demand for quality office space, a fact which is acknowledged by virtually all commercial property advisors and consultants.

Experts agree that working from home is not a long-term option for a number of reasons. I know that I am fed up with it! Instead, they predict that we will combine home and office working.

Rather than having a single large office, large companies will want to spread risk and look to regional markets like Chesterfield in which to establish satellite offices.

Chesterfield could not be better positioned to capitalise on this opportunity in 2021. Three new office developments will open – the Enterprise Centre at Northern Gateway, No.1 Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside and Glass Yard on Sheffield Road.

The offices will of course benefit the town centre as office workers will create critical footfall in local shops, stores and market stalls.

It is this forward thinking, resilience and community spirit that will ensure Chesterfield thrives in the face of a global recession, just as it did 10 years ago when the council established Destination Chesterfield. If history repeats itself then we have much to look forward to in 2021 and beyond.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Fabric hearts keep patients and families connected at Ashgate Hospicecare

Ashgate Hospicecare has introduced fabric hearts to help keep families connected during the Coronaviurs pandemic.

The hand sewn hearts are made in matching fabric, with one kept by the patient and the other given to the family member. The charity is hoping that this will provide comfort to those who are unable to visit the hospice and encourage feelings of togetherness during a time when so many are apart.

Arlene Honeyman, Head of Supportive Care at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This has been a really difficult year for so many of us. This is especially true for our patients and their families who are hoping to create precious memories in the time they have left together.

“The hearts are a beautiful way to let someone know that your heart is missing theirs. Sometimes the only safe connection is by a video call, if both hearts are shown then this is a compassionate and powerful visual way to connect and remind the other person that you are sending them your love and that you remain connected.”

The hand sewn hearts were donated by Shelagh’s Sewing Circle, a volunteer group in the Dronfield area founded and led by Shelagh Cheetham, 63, who is a retired teacher. Her now 200-strong volunteer group has also made and donated more than 66,000 face masks to key workers and frontline staff in the local community, as well as across the UK since March of 2020.

With the demand for masks reducing, the group was determined to continue providing support in the local community and Shelagh knew exactly where they could start.

Shelagh said: “I’ve been a firm supporter of Ashgate since my father-in-law was cared for at the hospice 12-years ago. I am honoured to be able to give something back to such an amazing organisation and to know that I am helping people during the darkest times of their lives.”

“Needing the support of the hospice can be such a difficult time in a person’s life, as they learn to live with an uncertain future. It can be hard for the family to visit their loved ones and then go home each day without them. The hearts are something they can carry with them, even after their loved one has died and know that someone cares.

“This is something both me and my volunteers are very passionate about.”

The group is now working towards building a charity that helps combat loneliness and isolation in the local community through the medium of crafting and creativity.

The fabric hearts will also be available across the charity’s 14 shops to offer comfort and support to grieving relatives donating their loved one’s possessions.

Julia Hewerdine, Manager of the Donation Centre at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “In the present climate, it can be very difficult accepting a donation from a bereaved customer. It’s human nature to want to hug a person who is sometimes crying or showing raw emotion.

“You must try and console them with words and that doesn’t always feel enough. It can be heart-breaking to be stood in front of someone who is emotional and not be able to reach out to offer that support.

“The hearts will allow us to spread kindness and provide us with a new way to offer comfort in these difficult times. It is something that they can take away with them as a reminder that they are not alone.”

To find out how you can support Ashgate Hospicecare, go to www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

ActionCOACH Chesterfield offers six local companies complimentary acess to 2021 business bootcamp

ActionCOACH Chesterfield are offering six businesses complimentary access to its Business Bootcamp 2021.

The chosen 6 will have access to the group’s ActionCLUB sessions. these will be 2 hour sessions for up to 2 people per business, for 4 weeks. Everything will be measurable so ActionCOACH can actively track the results they know you will achieve.

At the end of January a panel of judges, including Actioncoach Chesterfield’s Fiaz Sadiq and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield will analyse the results of all 6 businesses and pick a winner.

The winning prize will be 12 months complimentary ActionCLUB membership worth £5940, with sessions being held every 2 weeks.

Business Coach and managing director of ActionCOACH, Fiaz Sadiq said: “Many business owners work IN their business and it’s even more important now to invest time in learning on how to work ON your business. Creating synergies between all the moving parts of their business from Mindset, Marketing, Finance, Virtual Leadership and Management in an ever-changing Digital Economy”

“ActionCOACH Chesterfield has been open for Business since September 2020, and during the short time we have been open we have not only serviced paying clients – but opened our doors to any local businesses struggling in the current climate, by gifting them free coaching sessions to help them achieve their goals and teach them basic business survival skills.

“We have shared one on one coaching sessions with local businesses in need, as well as gifted webinars to help them shift their mindset from “how will I survive this” to “I will survive this”.

Applicants should send the following details to the email address provided:

  • Who they are
  • Brief into to their business
  • What their goals are and the help they need to achieve them

The application deadline is Friday the 29th January 2020 – so make sure you submit your application to Chesterfield@actioncoach.co.uk before then to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize.

ActionCOACH supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Local businesses called on to go plastic free in 2021

Destination Chesterfield is calling on businesses in the borough to go plastic free in 2021.

The town’s marketing organisation has signed up to become a Plastic Free Ally of Plastic Free Chesterfield, a campaign group working to reduce single-use plastics in the borough. The group is part of over 700 other similar Plastic Free groups coordinated by national charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

Destination Chesterfield now wants businesses to follow its lead and become part of the local effort dedicated to minimising the town’s contribution to the single-use plastic crisis.

Becoming a Plastic Free Ally means Destination Chesterfield will now be plastic free at the many events, ceremonies and conferences it organises each year as well as in its day-to-day activities.

Amongst the many changes Destination Chesterfield will make, single-use plastic cups and coffee cups will be swapped for glass and china glasses and mugs for drinks, metal cutlery will be used instead of single-use plastic cutlery and paper, and card or cotton bags will replace single use plastic bags at events.

The four-strong Destination Chesterfield team have also all personally pledged to use refillable bottles or cups instead of single use plastic water bottles.

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re excited to be working in partnership with Plastic Free Chesterfield. We hope members of the town’s business community will now join us in our mission to reduce the impact of plastic on our environment, both locally and globally.

“In 2021 we’re encouraging businesses across Chesterfield to see if they’re able to make changes to their plastic use. If we all work together then, collectively, we’ll make a big difference in reducing the environmental impact on the rivers and beautiful local landscape here in North Derbyshire.”

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead commented: “We’re delighted to have the support of Destination Chesterfield, with the amazing work they do to support local businesses here in Chesterfield. It comes at a fantastic time for our group, which last year resulted in 50 Chesterfield businesses signing up to become Plastic Free Champions, as well as Chesterfield Borough Council officially backing our campaign.”

A number of businesses have already become Plastic Free Champions, including The Pekoe Café at Northern Tea Merchants, R.P Davidson Cheese Factor, Shop Indie in Vicar Lane Shopping Centre and Chesterfield High Street Awards winner Steph’s Sustainable Stuff.

Greg added: “We now look forward to working with both Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council to reach out to and sign up even more businesses, particularly those with 100 or more staff, where a business representative must join our Steering Group if we are to officially become an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

Businesses that wish to join Destination Chesterfield and become a Plastic Free Champion or find out more about reducing plastic consumption in their organisation, should visit https://plasticfreechesterfield.org.uk/businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Mitchells Chartered Accountants blasts off the New Year by announcing new recruits

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers based in central Chesterfield are starting 2021 with optimism and have announced the recent recruitment of several new staff members.

The leading accountancy firm has a long-established reputation as an excellent employer and are also part of the Chesterfield Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, helping to promote all aspects of apprenticeships, including traineeships, higher and degree level apprenticeships.

Their Employer Solutions team continue to provide support and guidance to their clients through the myriad of changes to Government support measures; ensuring their clients take full advantage of the various available grants and other support mechanisms. Their Corporate teams also continue to advise their clients through the complexities of Brexit.

Despite the current economic environment, they have also continued to experience high demand for their core services from their growing client base, consisting primarily of owner-managed SME’s. To assist with this growth, they have recently recruited several new full time members of staff.

Recently, Mitchells moved to strengthen their small business department with the return of a former placement Student, Jessica Wright. Jess completed a year’s placement with Mitchells during 2018-2019 and went on to achieve a first class degree in Mathematics from Sheffield Hallam University. Even though Jess didn’t study accountancy, the time she spent with Mitchells gave her an essential insight into the industry which confirmed her future career path.

Small Business Manager, Laura Pain said: “We were very pleased to welcome Jess back to the firm in September this year and she is now studying towards her professional qualifications.”

Partner Andrew McDaid said: “We believe that staffing is a critical factor in service delivery and look for knowledgeable, personable team members who will receive training to ensure they meet modern-day business demands, as well as the human side of being a people-to-people business.”

Regarding the various new roles, Andrew went on to explain: “The roles are client facing and we therefore require individuals who are keen to advance their knowledge of accounting by applying themselves in a dynamic accountancy practice.”

Charlie Furniss recently started, having been made redundant from his role as an assistant accountant at another firm, due to Covid-19. He is currently level 3 AAT qualified and looking forward to further his studies at Mitchells.

Charlie said “Having been made redundant at such a young age during the current pandemic, I was nervous about getting another job. I am delighted to have joined Mitchells, where everyone is so friendly and helpful. I am driven by learning new skills and expanding my working experience and can’t wait to complete my AAT qualification”.

Jeffrey O’Gara recently started having graduated with a first class degree in Accounting & Finance in 2018 at Sheffield Hallam University. He initially moved into industry but was looking for the right move into practice.

Jeffrey explained “I am eager to learn and plan on becoming a Chartered Accountant in the next few years and I believe Mitchells will be a great place for me to achieve this. The chance to work with and improve the local business community with a personal touch is something I want to be involved in”.

Mitchells’ specialist corporate finance team provide a complete end-to-end service for businesses looking at an acquisition, a management buy out, business sale or succession planning. They have extensive experience of successfully arranging corporate finance packages for businesses across a wide range of sectors, including hospitality, manufacturing, commercial construction, healthcare and transport, with finance amounts ranging from £100,000 to £200 million.

Despite the current challenging environment, they are still completing on many deals and don’t see this stopping any time soon.

Andrew McDaid said “We are always forward-thinking and have been pondering the shape of the post-pandemic world. We knew we wanted to strengthen our corporate finance team to accommodate our strategic ambitions and we knew we had found the right guy with Rob Drake”.

Rob recently started at Mitchells as a corporate finance executive. Rob obtained a 1st class degree in Mathematics at University of Sheffield and became a Chartered Accountant in 2019.

Robert was a financial consultant for a High Street bank for several years before moving into practice. He has developed experience working for a wide range of business within both an accounting and audit capacity having worked at a large regional firm since 2016. Having completed his ACA exams in 2019, Robert was seeking an opportunity away from audit that would allow him to continue his professional development.

Rob explained: “When I decided to pursue opportunities outside of audit, I was keen to expand my knowledge in corporate finance. After meeting with Andrew, Tony and Tim, I instantly recognised that we shared the same values. I’m very much looking forward to working with the team and helping deliver a quality service to existing and new clients of Mitchells.”

Andrew McDaid commented: “Robert is a highly confident individual; he is a very personable individual and demonstrates excellent communication skills with a clear commitment to working hard and continuing the development of his career”.

When asked about the challenges in recruiting, training and servicing its clients during a lockdown, Andrew said: “Our IT strategy has always been to invest heavily in technology to keep our business relevant and competitive. This included an upgrade of our entire IT hardware in 2020, which together with our cloud servers meant that we were able to transition to full time remote working without any issues whatsoever. We have the necessary tools and software to create collaborative experiences for staff and clients, which help to develop important relationships and ultimately continue to deliver standout client service.”

Mitchells are enthusiastic energised by the possibilities of 2021 and beyond and encourage the business community to remain optimistic.

Mitchells supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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

Chesterfield residents encouraged to take a New Year’s Resolution to reduce plastic pollution

Single-use plastic campaign group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is encouraging Chesterfield residents to take a Plastic Free New Year’s Resolution Pledge, helping to reduce plastic pollution by making at least one swap away from single-use plastics in 2021.

The issue has been high up the agenda recently, with Chesterfield Borough Council passing a motion earlier in December, taking the pledge themselves to remove single-use plastics from council operations, along with supporting Plastic Free Chesterfield and future plastic-free initiatives.

2020 proved to be a mixed year for the issues of plastic pollution, with single-use face masks and gloves littering our environment and waterways due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and later in the year the UK government officially banned plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds.

Destination Chesterfield and a number of local businesses, initiatives and community groups have pledged to become ‘plastic free champions,’ aimed at cutting single-use plastics from their products and operations.

Plastic Free Chesterfield are now calling on residents to take action themselves, publishing ideas for swaps on their website as well as social media.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield Community Lead, said: “The New Year is a perfect time to start thinking about what more can be done to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, or worse in our streams, rivers and oceans.”

“We want to make it as easy as possible for Chesterfield residents to take action, and are encouraging everyone to make at least one swap away from using single-use plastic. This could range from bringing your own reusable bags when going shopping, to reusing and refilling cleaning products and pantry goods from Plastic Free Champion and award-winning businesses such as Steph’s Sustainable Stuff.”

The group has published 21 Ideas for New Year’s Plastic-Free swaps. This can be found via the Plastic Free Chesterfield website:
21 Ideas for 2021: New Year’s Plastic-Free Swaps

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter