Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, located in Saltergate, celebrated its 150^th anniversary with a brand new look and unveiling a blueprint for future progression – which will see them focus on providing a business growth and funding advisory service. The Chesterfield Champion marked a milestone anniversary by pledging to “refresh, future-proof and flourish”.

The company, which employs more than 40 staff with over 600 years of combined industry experience, is hoping its innovative approach to 21^st century accountancy will ensure it continues to prosper for the next 150 years.

Andrew McDaid, a Mitchells partner, said: “Our philosophy is to always stay ahead of the game We don’t want to ever stand still, we want to keep on pushing. Celebrating our 150 year anniversary is not simply a chance to look back fondly on what’s gone, it’s an opportunity to refresh, future-proof and flourish.”

“We are a firm that is built with technology very much at its core and we recognise that in the ever-evolving business landscape, our industry has changed. Companies expect more from their accountants, which is why we do so much more than number crunching.”

“The next phase of our development will see us specialising in helping businesses grow, assisting firms of all sizes to overcome big challenges so they can move to the next level of growth, allowing us to provide real value and insight.”

Mitchells provides clients with a dedicated team of accountants, business advisers and tax specialists who take responsibility for the day-to-day needs of a business, tracking performance and cash flow and providing proactive advice, analysis and direction.

Chesterfield-based company Valve & Process Solutions celebrated two milestones this month: doubling their annual turnover and doubling their space by taking on a new building.

The firm, which provides flow control products to the process industry and was founded in 2005, has taken on an additional 1900 sq foot warehouse next to its existing building, increasing its footprint two-fold. This follows the announcement made by Founder and Managing Director Steve Pearson, stating that the business’ annual turnover has doubled in the last twelve months from £1.5m to £3m, driven by an increase in exports to meet worldwide demand.

Steve commented: “Three years ago, when we moved into our existing unit, our business employed 4 people and now we have a team of ten.”

“And in the past 18 months we’ve moved from doing no international business whatsoever to doing business in 28 countries. It’s a huge testament to our engineers’ knowledge and experience in real-world solutions: customers come to us for advice and to solve challenges.”

“We’re thrilled to announce our doubling in turnover and expansion into additional space to enable VPS to further grow and continue to meet UK and international demand.”

Valve & Process Solutions supplies individual products, and builds ready-to-use, combination solutions for customers’ specifications. VPS is a supporter of The 2018 Year of Engineering – a national campaign to inspire the next generation of engineers and widen the pool of young people who join the profession.

The University of Derby, Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust are to work together to generate new opportunities for students, and to benefit visitors to Chatsworth and local communities across the county.

A strategic partnership agreement has been signed by University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor and son of the Duke of Devonshire.

The agreement paves the way for students to take up a variety of work and volunteer placements at the stately home, to stage events there and deliver agreed activities.

Professor Mitchell said: “This agreement is an important and exciting development for the University of Derby, and builds upon the very positive relationship we have had with Chatsworth over many years now.”

“As the county’s only university we aim to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We want to open doors to opportunities and experiences for our students and our local communities.!

“We also want our students to become game-changers in their chosen areas of study and career, and this partnership will help to raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential to succeed.”

The agreement identifies opportunities for students to work, volunteer and study at the world-renowned visitor attraction in a range of roles, developing their skills in a busy working environment, such as the kitchens of the Chatsworth restaurants. Students will also undertake business development projects; applying their skills and knowledge to challenges and opportunities. The potential to connect learning and Chatsworth is immense, including business, humanities, hospitality, tourism, engineering and the environment. Students will be able to take up work placements and internships of up to 12 months, or carry out industry-led studies and projects at Chatsworth.

The University will also collaborate with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust on marketing and promotion campaigns, funding bids, a plan which identifies the region’s learning and employment requirements, and to work more closely with deprived communities in the county.

University Provost (Academic), Professor Malcolm Todd, said: “As a TEF Gold university we want to offer the best possible educational experience for our students, with the aim of ensuring that, when they complete their course, they have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.”

“Many of our students will now have the chance to develop those skills by working alongside the expert Chatsworth team, contributing to the day-to-day operation of a very successful business with a world-renowned brand.”

“Working in partnership, the University of Derby and Chatsworth will provide an academic experience which is unique in the UK.”

Lord Burlington said: “As Chancellor of the University of Derby I have seen first-hand what incredible energy the University puts in to delivering value for its students, and at Chatsworth we are proud to be formally recognised as a suitable partner in this objective.”

“Through activities that also include the Devonshire Educational Trust, the three organisations have exciting plans to improve learning and employment opportunities right across the region and I hope that this Strategic Partnership Agreement will have a positive impact for years to come, not only for students but for visitors and local communities too.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor, signing the agreement at Chatsworth House. Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

Following a lengthy interview process, Chesterfield FC has appointed Lesley Brentnall and Alison Richardson as Associate Directors.

The pair, who are both from Chesterfield and lifelong supporters of the club, will attend board meetings and work on various initiatives.

Lesley, who is Department Head of National Sales for Biffa PLC, specialises in business transformation projects and customer excellence. Commenting on her new appointment, she said: “I’m very honoured to have been given the opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Alison to help build bridges between the board and the fans.”

Alison is self-employed with a background in business strategy, leadership development and business change, across a wide range of organisations. She is looking forward to her new role, saying: “It’s a way to merge my love of football with my interest in business. I’m really excited at the prospect of making a difference and adding some value to the club.”

Chairman Mike Warner admitted that the board had a very difficult decision to make when selecting the associate directors. He said: “All the candidates we interviewed were of a very high calibre so we were faced with a tough choice.”

“In the end, we felt that the skills and experience Lesley and Alison have to offer were what we needed to help improve the running of the club. I am looking forward to working with them both and receiving their valued input. I would like to thank all the other short-listed candidates for taking the time to apply and attend interviews.”