Crooked Beverage Co, the UK’s first alcoholic craft soda has started the new year with a bang as they have been awarded the gold medal for Design & Packaging at the Drinks International Pre-Mixed Drinks Challenge 2018.

The Crooked Beverage Co is distributed by Chesterfield based business Global Brands with the ‘Crooked’ symbolism being a nod towards the towns iconic Crooked Spire.

An internationally acclaimed event, this year drew entries from across the globe, including Europe and the USA. The eighth edition of the competition saw fewer medals awarded from the same number of entrants, only four golds were awarded within the entire competition, with Crooked Beverage Co receiving one of these accolades.

The three Crooked flavours each convey their own story and feature specific, surreal character illustrations on the can to bring the brand to life. The branding encourages consumers to enter the #CrookedReality of these “worlds” and capture imaginations. The aim of brief set to Lisa O’Hara, local illustrator, was to encapsulate these narratives into imagery to print onto the can and packaging.

When describing her favourite illustration Lisa O’Hara details “Mother Moon; Peach and Pomegranate was the most interesting to illustrate. I tried to draw Mother Moon as mystical witchy being, with a range of potential back-stories. I could get lost in details like drawing her worshippers and in the idea of her controlling the sky and the sea. She’d definitely be the boss of the Crooked world”.

Sharing names with lyrics from Sheffield artists, the brand is heavily influenced by music which is explained by designer Lisa as paramount in the initial creation:-

“The musical theme attached to each flavour was an important part of getting to know the character’s personalities. I struggle to draw without listening to music so this method allowed me to immerse myself quite quickly. I have sketchbooks full of little weirdo characters that I can struggle to contextualise, so being responsible for interpreting both a character and their environment was really enjoyable, and the catalyst I needed”.

The design and packaging round is judged by a panel of experts and industry specialists. Comments from the judges included:-

“The alcoholic soda brand impressed the judging panel with the artistic and unusual designs which cover its 33cl can”. Despite the fewer medals the quality within the category is certainly there”.

Lisa O’ Hara comments:-

“Crooked struck gold! I’m so made up. It’s a testament to how well the brief and the ideas were put together. I am beyond proud and grateful that; a little-known Sheffield based illustrator, has been instrumental to a product that is so highly regarded.”

Charlie Leaver, Innovation Manager at Crooked Beverage Co, added:-

“A lot of creativity and deep thinking has gone into the entire Crooked brand. We wanted to create a product that was different, that the consumer can resonate with and get lost in. For us to be receiving this kind of recognition internationally is a celebration of just how much top quality work has gone into the brand from the entire team”.

LoneWolf Spirits, the distilling arm of Scottish craft beer company BrewDog, has selected Chesterifeld based Global Brands as its distribution partner following a competitive three-way tender process.

Global Brands will support LoneWolf in achieving its ambitions of increasing availability of its range of spirits in the UK’s most desirable and popular bars. This will see LoneWolf retail sales grow by £40m over the next two years as Global Brands boosts unit sales of its London Dry Gin, Single Malt Vodka and canned Gin & Tonic by 100,000 cases.

Doug Bairner, Managing Director of LoneWolf Spirits, comments:-

“We created LoneWolf because the world of spirits is in danger of becoming complacent, and consumers deserve better.

“We distil – actually distil – from scratch on our premises and are creating spirits all the way from grain to glass. Global Brands instantly understood this and our passion for people to be able to enjoy a truly crafted spirit when they go to a bar, restaurant or hotel. We had shortlisted three distributors who each had their own unique strengths. We chose Global Brands for the quality of their Franklin & Sons business, the innovative ideas they came forward with in the pitch process and the knowledge and enthusiasm of their people.”

Steve Perez, Global Brands founder and Chairman, comments:-

“Our range of premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks, Franklin & Sons, is sold in some of the UK’s most desirable and popular on trade venues, whether that’s independent bars or boutique hotels. They’re the types of places where people want more from their drink and won’t accept compromise. They’re venues that attract discerning drinkers that will appreciate the quality of LoneWolf spirits.

“As well as being able to put LoneWolf into the right on trade venues, Doug and his team appreciated our own unrelenting pursuit of perfection on Franklin & Sons. We share the same unwavering commitment to only using natural ingredients across the range and won’t ever make any move that sacrifices taste. We know that for our customers, quality and taste is everything. This really resonated with LoneWolf.”

Global Brands distributes and manufactures a range of alcoholic drinks, premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks, and has recently opened a sales and marketing office in Shoreditch, London – the home of UK mixology – as part of its ongoing commitment to developing premium spirits and mixers.

Steve Perez continued:-

“The UK’s demand for premium quality spirits and serves continues to rise, and we want to ensure we remain at the forefront of industry trends so that we always deliver against the highest expectations. We’re continually investing in consumer research and customer relationships to do this and drawing on this knowledge, we know LoneWolf will be a massive success in the premium-end of the on trade.”

LoneWolf Spirits, created in April 2017 and based in Ellon, Scotland, utilise the finest craftsmanship and ingredients to produce truly craft spirits. Its vodka is distilled four times and filtered only once to allow its sweet grain character to shine, while its distillery is home to the world’s only triple bubble still and the tallest rectification column of any craft distillery in Europe. This allows for maximum copper contact during distilling, delivering spirits unparalleled in purity and quality.

Doug Bairner, concluded:-

“Our team has an unwavering obsession with creating only the very best. The partnership with Global Brands means we can sustain this obsession with perfection. It means we can continue to pour our heart and soul into creating more great products, and giving consumers an alternative to the ‘vanity-first, flavour-second’ spirits already out there.”

LoneWolf is already available in Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys.

Global brands will also be distributing BrewDog’s smooth supersonic whiskey Uncle Duke’s across the UK On Trade, Off Trade and International markets.

Whittam Cox Architects are pleased to announce three senior promotions following a sustained period of growth and diversification.

Central to this is the promotion of Andrew Dabbs who joined the practice 14 years ago. He has played a central role for many years in reinforcing the company’s design approach and credentials as well as driving efficiency to the practice’s management processes.

The promotion will see him join the board of directors to provide strategic leadership to a growing number of large design led projects and to drive a consistent design review process through the organisation.

Whittam Cox are also pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Bentley and David Turner to Associate Director level to further support the company’s management structure.

Rachel, who started at the practice 6 years ago, has specific expertise in urban mixed use regeneration projects, masterplanning and residential design. She was shortlisted in the ‘Best Architect’ category at the Women in Construction Engineering (WICE) awards in 2016. Rachel is currently leading a number of high profile residential projects through planning stages.

Since joining the practice 3 years ago, David has earned himself a reputation for working tirelessly to ensure Whittam Cox service provision is at the highest possible level. He is a highly experienced technical designer and project leader with expertise in small and large scale residential developments. He is currently leading the delivery of Middlewood Locks Build to rent scheme in Salford.

Alex Wall, Managing Director at Whittam Cox Architects, commented:-

“We have a very exciting and growing range of projects progressing in 2018.  It is a genuine pleasure to recognise the drive and determination of these three individuals who continue to play a vital role in our commitment to design excellence and project delivery.”

Customers visiting the Tesco Extra in Chesterfield can now add a haircut to their supermarket shopping list – a barbers has opened inside the store.

The supermarket giant has selected the Lockoford Lane site to trial ‘Gould Barbers’, a growing family-run barbers founded by two brothers.

Darran and Leigh Gould worked in their father’s own barber shop for 20 years before starting their own business in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

In 2016, they partnered with Tesco’s and entered retail space at a nearby store. Over the last few months, that has grown with the opening of six more shops, including Chesterfield.

Darran said:-

“The welcome we’ve received in Chesterfield so far has been fantastic, and we hope customers will make the most of our high standards and convenient service.

“Our other sites are mainly dotted around the East of England. While we are a growing brand, we value the importance of also providing an excellent service to the local community.

“All ages are welcome, from little ones right through to the older generations. Definitely pop in and see one of our stylists whether you need a simple trim or want a completely new look for 2018.”

The Gould Barbers store in Chesterfield is creating 12 jobs and a recruitment drive for skilled barbers to join the team is ongoing.

Darran added:-

“Feel free to pop into the store or message us on Facebook for more information. This is a very exciting time to join and be part of the team.”

As part of a new programme called The Big House, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is supporting the growth of creative and digital businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

At NTU, The Big House runs the Elevator workshop series. The series supports businesses refine areas such as growth planning, marketing strategies, digital marketing practices and client relationships. Along the way, participants can have 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with creative and digital business specialists.

Events in the local area include:

Business Refresh – North East Derbyshire Council Offices – 26 January 2018
Refresh your business plan and ideas for growth using the Business Model Canvas. Clarify what works, what doesn’t, where you want to get to and how you will get there.

Building Stronger Sales – North East Derbyshire Council Offices – 21 March 2018
Improve your capacity of gaining new clients and potential investors through writing effective sales proposals and delivering knock-out pitches.

Creating Content for Digital PR – North East Derbyshire Council Offices – 15 May 2018
Successful marketing is underpinned by great content. This practical workshop will teach you how to make video and write copy that is appealing, engaging and useful to your target audience.

Elevator grants are also available for businesses bringing in external expertise for their projects.

Erica Horne, set up her own CAD for Fashion business in Derby three years ago, running training sessions in computer-aided design packages for those working or hoping to work in the fashion industry.

Most of her clients have been in the education sector which can leave her with little work during the holiday periods. She says:-

“The Big House came at the perfect time for me as it was approaching the summer holidays and I knew I needed to explore other opportunities because I couldn’t rely solely on work within universities during the holiday period.”

As a result of the individual mentoring advice and workshop series, Erica is now reaching out to new, larger clients.

Dan Lamoon’s video production business, Colab Creation also benefited from the Big House support at NTU. He signed up to the Elevator programme which he heard about when he was establishing Colab’s Nottingham office.

Dan said:-

“The business has recently undergone quite a lot of growth and I really wanted to make sure I was investing and focusing on the right areas to expand the business.”

From the support he received, Dan was able to put into practice some of his new plans and insights he developed during the series, particularly around staff mentoring.

The Big House is delivered by several partner organisations who between them provide a diverse range of support to different types and stages of businesses within the creative and digital sectors in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Partners in The Big House programme are Nottingham Trent University, Creative Quarter, Derby University, Derby Quad, Nottingham Business Ventures and Derby Theatre.

The programme is part of a £5 million investment in the creative and digital industries in the D2N2 Local Economic Partnership area. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and will run until 2019.

Chesterfield-based Milestone Financial Planning has strengthened its team further in 2018 with the appointment of Caroline Barr.

Caroline, from Wingerworth in Chesterfield, boasts more than 10 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Milestone she was the Executive Assistant to the Senior Executive team at Sheffield-based Techdept, which describes itself as the world’s first tech special ops team.

She returns to the financial services industry after a 10-year absence, joining Milestone as a Paraplanner. Within the role she will be responsible for identifying areas for financial planning and finding the most suitable products and services, liaising with clients, and implementing and reporting on industry changes.

Delighted to return to the financial services industry, Caroline commented: “I’m excited to reenergise my career in financial services at a company with such strong ethics and standards as Milestone. The family feel of Milestone is exactly what I have been looking for – an opportunity to work closely with clients and identify the best products and services possible for them.

“The collaborative approach that Milestone takes, working alongside other local respected businesses, like BRM Solicitors and Mitchells Chartered Accountants, means I am involved in Chesterfield’s thriving business community – an opportunity I am loving.”

Established only 18 months ago, Milestone Financial Planning has gone from strength-to-strength. Caroline is the firm’s fourth appointment and second Paraplanner. Welcoming her to Milestone, Director Michael Heath, said:-

“We are all excited to work alongside Caroline. She’s a perfect fit for the team, matching our values and vision. Bringing on board a second Paraplanner in the midst of our growth will enable us to deliver the first-rate service that we are becoming renowned for.”

Following significant growth since launching less than 18 months ago, Milestone Financial Planning has relocated to larger offices.

The independent financial planner’s new headquarters, in Dunston Court in Chesterfield, is over two floors, boasting office space, meeting rooms and a boardroom. Headed by Michael and Jo Heath the firm has seen stellar growth since it was established in July 2016 with five staff appointed to manage Milestone’s growing client list.

Michael Heath, Director of Milestone Financial Planning commented: “The team and I are extremely excited for the future of Milestone. We now have the space we need to manage our further plans for expansion. It’s a very exciting time for the business and to be based in Chesterfield. The town is on a growth trajectory and it feels great to be part of that.”

As part of the office move, Milestone appealed to local school children to help decorate the reception with their artwork. Judging took place at the grand opening of the new offices in December. Hana Morley was declared the winner. Her artwork, and that of all the entrants, will now be displayed in a collage within the reception area.