About Chesterfield

Growth for Shorts’ Radius team

Chesterfield Champion Shorts is delighted to announce the appointment of Research and Development Tax Reliefs Expert, Marianne Lindsay. Marianne joins Shorts Radius team as a Senior Manager, helping businesses claim their full entitlement to Government backed tax reliefs for innovation. She has an Animal Science degree and a background in agricultural and pharmaceutical sales and joins Radius after several years working at a specialist R&D tax relief consultancy using her scientific knowledge to help innovative companies claim R&D tax reliefs.

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner and Head of Radius commented “Our Radius team continues to grow rapidly as we help more and more local companies claim their entitlement to valuable tax reliefs for innovation such as R&D tax reliefs. We have generated savings of over £10m for our clients in recent years and now partner with local Chambers of Commerce and other organisations to help spread awareness.”

“Marianne is another excellent specialist recruit to strengthen our existing team and gives us much needed additional capacity and expertise to service our clients and continue to grow. We now have one of the most highly qualified R&D teams in the North.”

Marianne added “After a varied career in Agricultural and Pharmaceutical sales, followed by a number of years helping innovative companies claim R&D tax reliefs, I am really excited to be joining such a professional and forward-thinking Accountancy practice as Shorts. Being a part of Radius will give me the opportunity to add my scientific knowledge to an already highly skilled team and help them to continue promoting the R&D tax relief scheme to aid all those innovative SME’s in and around the area.”

Marianne can be contacted by Marianne.lindsay@shorts.uk.com or calling 01246 559955.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Chesterfield is among six shortlisted locations seeking to become the base for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo that could create thousands of jobs for local people.

If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.

Talgo will build a UK factory when it receives an initial order for new trains. This could include a £2.75 billion rolling stock contract from HS2.

The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.

The Spanish rail giant has confirmed that Chesterfield is one of six shortlisted locations across the UK it is considering, with a decision expected in November. The company intends to adopt a ‘true manufacturing’ approach, which would also see it source component parts from within the UK.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been working with a range of partners, including landowners Suon Ltd on the bid to encourage Talgo to locate the factory in the borough.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity and if our bid is successful it would be a massive boost to our economy in terms of employment opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also create more opportunities for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.

“Talgo is a major player in the worldwide rail sector and one of the companies that HS2 has shortlisted to provide it with the high speed trains needed for the new rail network.

“It is important to stress that we are only one of six shortlisted locations at the moment. No decision has been made so it is important that expectations are not raised at this stage.

“However, a huge amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make the case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough and we think we have a really strong bid.”

The bid highlights:

  • That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development
  • Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley
  • Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time
  • That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road
  • The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce

 

If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021. A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.

Even if the bid is not successful Councillor Gilby hopes the connections and close working with partners on the bid will pave the way for other large scale industrial uses of the former colliery site.

Councillor Gilby added: “The factory would support the wider regeneration of the former Staveley Works site area as part of our partnership working with landowners and Derbyshire County Council.

“Putting together the bid has really helped develop relationships with a range of partners, including the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

“While we hope that this close working will persuade Talgo that the Staveley site is the right location for a UK train factory it also means that if we are not successful we have a good platform to attract other development opportunities.”

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield.

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Franklin & Sons spearheading ‘no alcohol’ trend with Infused Soda collection

Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield’s Global Brands, the premium soft drink, tonic and mixer brand, has unveiled its latest innovation to tap into the growing non-alcohol trend. Taking inspiration from distillers and their focus on beautiful flavour infusions and expressions, Franklin & Sons has created a range of premium non-alcoholic Infused Sodas each combining three flavours.

Coming in three unique flavours; Fragrant Guava & Persian Lime with Root Ginger, Exotic Pineapple & Aromatic Cardamom with Cracked Cubeb Pepper, and Succulent Pomegranate & Floral Hibiscus with Delicate Rose, the sodas are an extension to the brand’s core soft drinks selection, offering the same complex taste and flavour profiles of a cocktail serve – but without the alcohol content.

Available in Tesco Stores, each infused flavour falls below sugar tax with just 4.2g sugar per 100ml, and contains just 49 calories per 275ml bottle.

Designed to be served chilled over ice in a tall wine glass, and garnished with fresh fruit, the premium sodas provide the flavour experience and sophistication of a cocktail serve, but for non-alcohol occasions.

Jen Draper, Head of Marketing at Franklin & Sons, said, “We know that mindful drinking has become increasingly popular over the last year, but there are still very few options for those who want the premium, alcohol-free experience either in bar or at home. Why should non-drinkers miss out on a beautifully garnished, complex drink with exciting and interesting flavours?

“We have created the Franklin & Sons Infused Sodas to tap into the rising trend of non-drinkers and those looking to cut down or moderate their alcohol intake, especially true in the run up to and around Christmas. The three flavours are complex enough to suit refined palates, ensuring they provide the taste experience that discerning cocktail consumers demand. The sodas take the sophistication of cocktail flavours & encapsulate them in a premium, natural soft drink.”

The new Infused Soda launch comes of the back of huge piece of research by Franklin & Sons into the drinking habits of consumers, showing that younger generations are willing to pay more on drinks overall, and almost half of under 35s surveyed say they are likely to order a non-alcoholic drink on a night out. The Franklin & Sons’ study also found that the perfect drink should also be delivered through excellent service, with the drinking experience at the venue just as important as the drink itself. This perfect drink should also attract an average of 74 ‘likes’ once posted on Instagram.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Moor ward by-election results announced

Liberal Democrat candidate Tony Rogers has been elected as a Chesterfield Borough Councillor following a by-election in the Moor ward.

The election was held following the death of Labour councillor Keith Brown who previously held the seat.

Mr Rogers won the seat with 532 votes. Labour candidate Ron Mihaly received 445 votes, Conservative candidate Gordon Partington got 84 votes and UKIP candidate Barry Thompson received 69 votes. The turnout was 34.4%.

The result means the political make-up of the council is now:

  • Labour – 36 councillors
  • Liberal Democrats – ten councillors
  • Independent – two councillors

Labour councillor Kate Caulfield, who was elected in the local elections in May 2015 remains the other councillor in the Moor ward. All councillors remain in post until the local elections to be held in May 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield

BRM Solicitors support Macmillan services in Chesterfield

For the fourth successive year, BRM Solicitors has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to exclusively offer a free will writing service during September and October to support Macmillan in Chesterfield.

Excluding Gift Aid donations, the Chesterfield law firm has so far raised over £50,000 over the last three years for the Macmillan appeal to help build the NGS Macmillan Unit, at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and fund services at the centre. With the centre now open, the firm is continuing its support by getting behind Macmillan’s ongoing work in the region to provide better cancer care.

Until 31 October, BRM Solicitors will waive its fees, and instead will encourage clients to make a voluntary donation of £75 per single will and £150 per double will to the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors said:

“The new centre has already made a huge impact on the range and quality of treatment available to cancer patients in the local area. We are very proud that through the free wills service, our clients were able to directly contribute to funding construction of the centre. Going forward, clients making wills with the service can continue to have a direct impact on the care of patients at the centre by helping fund new services.”

Hannah Lumb, Local Fundraising Manager at Macmillan said:

“Every person who takes part in this scheme, your donations will automatically be restricted to fund Macmillan Services based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, or on Macmillan grants to people living with cancer in the Chesterfield area. As a charity, we do not get any government funding and 98% of our income comes from the public. The number of people with cancer is growing every day and we want to reach and improve the lives of as many of those people as we can. We couldn’t provide our vital services without the people who support us.”

“Over the next few years, we will be investing well over £1 million to fund new projects and health professionals at the hospital. For example, we’re helping set up a new Welfare Rights Service and Macmillan Supportive Care Service (3 Nurses and a Clinical Navigator to enhance the current Palliative Care and Acute Oncology service) at the new centre. We’re committed to delivering these new projects, but urgently need your help to fund them and develop similar services in the future.”

NGS Macmillan Unit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

“There’ll be no stopping us” – family run to raise cash for Bluebell Wood

A 38-year-old mother of two is using her young son’s recovery from serious illness as motivation when she and her family take on the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon in October.

Marissa Gaunt, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, will run the 13.1-mile route with her husband Craig in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice later this year, taking inspiration from their son Brodie’s recovery from a serious viral infection, from which he almost died, when he was just 14 months old.

Brodie, now six, will also be taking part in the event’s 1km Fun Run with his sister Maisey along with other pupils from St Peter and St Paul School in Chesterfield.

The family will be taking part to support Chesterfield Half Marathon charity partner Bluebell Wood, and have signed up to a weekly after-school running club set up by St Peter and St Paul School to allow pupils and parents to train together in the lead-up to the event.

Marissa said: “You always think life is so precious, especially with your children. Being in that situation, it just pulls on your heartstrings.”

“When Brodie was 14 months old he had a viral infection which spread to his brain, and ended up with inflammation on the brain. He spent two months in hospital and had to learn to crawl and eat again.”

“Thankfully he was discharged but the experience will live with us forever.”

“We’re so lucky to have our lives and when we heard about the work of Bluebell Wood, we wanted to support them.”

Marissa and her daughter Maisey take part in a 5km Park Run every Saturday, with Brodie recently joining them after completing his first run in 39 minutes.

The Chesterfield Half won’t be Marissa and Craig’s first endurance event experience, however – the couple completed the Robin Hood Half Marathon in Nottingham eight years ago in 130 minutes, and are aiming to break the two-hour mark this time.

“Anything we can raise will be amazing,” said Marissa.

“I would say we’ll aim for £500 and any more on top of that would be incredible. Once we get started there’ll be no stopping us.”

Lucy Rathbone, Community Fundraiser at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “It’s fantastic seeing what St. Peter and St. Paul School are doing – with some incredible people and families taking part in their weekly running club.”

“Marissa and her family’s story is a genuinely inspirational one – having been through tough times themselves they’ve come through and are now actively contributing to raising money for a great cause while also keeping fighting fit!”

The deadline to sign up for any of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon races is midnight on Sunday 7th October. For more information and to sign up please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesters shortlisted for ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’ award

Chesters, based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, is among the 20 finalists shortlisted for the coveted Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award, as part of the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards.

The 20 shortlisted restaurants will now compete for a place in the final and the chance to take home the enviable title of the ‘UK’s Best Fish and Chip Restaurant’. Judges will now make visits to each of the restaurants for mystery dining assessments, which will whittle down the shortlist to decide the placing of the Top 5 and the overall national winner.

Chrisoulla from Chesters told Destination Chesterfield: “It means everything to us. Here at Chesters, we all try so hard as a team to have an establishment to be proud of. It’s equally as important to win local awards, and we have been shortlisted in the Family Friendly Award at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this month.”

“This means so much to us because it makes us feel proud to be a part of Chesterfield and thank it’s great people. We will use this as an initial step, and with the backing of our town, we can try to win awards nationally and put Chesterfield on the map.”

Award sponsor Alan Pearce, Field Sales Manager at Goldensheaf, added: “This category rewards businesses committed to providing the highest standard of fish and chip dining experience, coupled what a drive to constantly improve standards and diversify their offering. We congratulate the 20 restaurants in reaching the semi-final and wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition.”

The winner of the Fish and Chip Restaurant of the Year Award will be announced at The National Fish & Chip Awards’ 31st anniversary ceremony in London on 24 January 2019.

The winners of the Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards will be announced in a glittering awards ceremony Chesterfield College on the 31st October 2018. To see all finalists click here.

Chesters

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses ‘now able to transfer’ apprenticeship levy funds to other organisations and charities

As of April 2018, levy-paying employers are now able to transfer up to 10% of their levy funds to other organisations – giving them extra flexibility in how they use it to help close skills gaps.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency said that employers wishing to transfer a proportion of their annual levy funds will be able to choose who they want to give it to – providing their designated recipient wants to receive it and both parties are registered on the apprenticeship system.

Ashgate Hospicecare is an example of how local charities could benefit hugely as a result. Ashgate Hospicecare is an independent registered charity that provides vital hospice care and support to patients and their families across North Derbyshire, both at the Hospice and in the community.

Ali Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “This is just one of the amazing ways you or your company can support the Hospice and make a huge difference to the lives of local people in North Derbyshire. If you would like to get in touch just call on 01246 568801 or email: Alison.ward-foster@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.”

Barbara-Anne Walker (right) was appointed as Chief Executive in January 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

CPP secures sale of 90,000 sq ft Chesterfield site

Leading property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has facilitated the off-market sale of an 90,000 sq ft property in Chesterfield on behalf of investment company MCR Property, with Chesterfield Champions Banner Jones Solicitors providing advice on the acquisition.

Situated on a prominent site in Chesterfield Town Centre and home to a myriad of businesses including retailers, a Kwik-Fit, the central Job Centre and 20,000 sq ft of offices, Markham House was acquired by local Chesterfield-based Property Investment Company Lodge Farm Estates for an undisclosed sum in September, representing the single largest transaction in Chesterfield Town Centre for many years.

Plans are now afoot for a full refurbishment of the mixed-use site, which has an annual investment net initial yield of 11.75%, with the new owners looking to bring the building ‘back up to a modern standard’.

Rob Darrington, Partner at CPP, said: “Markham House is situated in a very prominent position in Chesterfield, which is a significant factor in its success attracting such a unique mix of tenants – from retailers, through to office-based businesses and service providers.”

“I’m sure this will be a great addition Lodge Farm Estate’s portfolio due to its size and potential for future development – providing the much needed town centre office accommodation and retail space, which is high in demand – and we were delighted to have facilitated its sale off-market.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Banner Jones, commented: “I’m pleased to have advised Lodge Farm Estates on the acquisition of these premises which, once refurbished, will add to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield which is making it an increasingly desirable area for businesses to expand into.”

Commenting on the site acquisition David Tate, Lodge Farm Estates Director, said: “Markham House offers a significant opportunity to Chesterfield Town Centre.”

“It is our intention to refurbish the property and bring it back up to a modern standard to offer good quality, functional space for a variety of uses, well needed by business in the region. The property will offer a variety of accommodation from traditional office suites between 1,000 sq ft – 10,000 sq ft, to self contained small studios suitable for private gym uses, medical purposes or similar.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Shorts launch new website

Chesterfield Champion Shorts is pleased to announce the launch of its brand-new website and updated logo. Over the last 4 years its business has seen growth of 20% pa each and every year.  It is now over twice the size it was in 2014 and it was considered time to update its online presence.

Andy Irvine (right), Shorts’ Managing Partner, who has driven the rebrand process from conception commented: “We are not your average accountancy firm. We wanted our new website to enable visitors not only to find out about our services; but to learn what makes us different, who we are and what really makes us tick.”

“Undertaking a project of this scale has been an extremely challenging yet rewarding process. Working with local brand agency Vivid Creative, we are all delighted and very excited by the results and I am sure that anyone who visits our new website will agree that it offers a great insight into who we are and how we work.”

Shorts was recently selected as a finalist at this year’s British Accountancy awards for Mid-Tier Firm Innovation of the Year.

2018 has already proved to be a successful year for Shorts following a win at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards where Shorts was awarded Advisory Team of the Year and picking up three awards at the Insider Media Dealmaker awards in summer for Emerging Dealmaker of the year, Deal of the Year (up to £2.5m) and National / International Deal of the Year.

Shorts launch new website

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Knight Frank appointed to market 102,515 sq ft unit at Markham Vale

Commercial property agent Knight Frank has been appointed to secure a new occupier for 102,515 sq ft of industrial and distribution facility at Markham Vale, the popular 200-acre industrial park in North Derbyshire.

Knight Frank’s industrial and logistics team are seeking a tenant for the unit which fronts directly onto the M1 motorway at Junction 29a.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank and head of the Yorkshire industrial team, said: “Given the strategic location, immediately adjacent to Junction 29a, the site is easily accessible from the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, with direct connectivity to the M1 and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.

“The location and quality of build has previously attracted major players to this flagship development.”

“This type and size of facility proves popular in the Sheffield City Region and we anticipate good levels of interest in the available unit as the area continues to maintain its position as a distribution hub for the UK.”

Features at the unit include a two bay industrial/distribution facility with 12m clear internal eaves height, LED warehouse lighting, 10 dock level loading doors, four ground level loading doors, sprinkler system, heating to part of the warehouse, fitted office/amenity block including canteen and locker room, and a good sized external yard area and car parking.

The premises also have the benefit of being partly racked and have a multi-tier mezzanine extending to approx 40,953 sq ft (3,805 sq m) arranged over three levels which can be removed if not required.

Markham Vale has proved a success with occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development