New build and housing retrofit company Starfish Group have expanded into an additional office space at Dunston House in Chesterfield this month.

The main office for the business is located at the nearby Bridge Business Centre where the socially responsible business are keen to develop the local economy through job creation and developing strong relationships with local businesses.

The business are dedicated to working closely with clients, local councils and residents, to achieve the best practice under the code of considerate construction in accordance with the Social Value Act 2012. It is the Starfish mission to build high quality new homes that environmentally improve, economically develop and socially enhance any area they do business in.

Starfish recently had a scheme feature in Inside Housing as Development of the Week and hope to continue this success in the coming year.

The founders of Chesterfield-based Willows Shepherd’s Huts, which designs and installs handcrafted willow huts as alternative business premises, is celebrating the completion of its first commercial contract since it was established earlier this year.

Boasting characteristics that are typical of Shepherd’s huts dating back to the 1800’s, the unique wooden 15 ft by 8 ft oak chassis hut will now house beauty salon Little Bo Chic from its new home in the gardens of local contemporary French restaurant, Maison Mes Amis.

Leading business legal services law firm Banner Jones Solicitors advised on the deal, with Maison Mes Amis leasing the hut from Willows Shepherd’s Huts on a rolling agreement basis.

Following a lengthy career as a joiner, tiler and bathroom fitter, Willows Shepherd’s Huts’ business owner and founder, Steven Avenier, said:-

“The idea to launch Willows Shepherd’s Huts came about when I was in the South of France visiting my parent’s mobile home which was in need of serious renovation.

“I ended up stripping the van to its bare bones, redesigning the layout and refurbishing the interior finishes in order to make the space better meet their needs, and in doing so I got the inspiration to design and build my own shepherds huts.

“They’re flexible and pretty to look at, and because they can be designed to meet the bespoke needs of each customer they don’t come with all of the usual limitations that a traditional set up would. They’re suited to being accommodation, offices, man-caves, boudoirs, garden retreat or anything, really.”

Although still considered to be quite unique for business use, popularity of the unique huts has hit the headlines recently with former MP David Cameron investing in a similar structure to be situated in his own garden in the Cotswolds.

“Each hut is a blank canvas, and they can be designed and built to meet the bespoke needs of each individual client,” said Avenier, who runs the business alongside his wife, Rachel. “To that end, it’s no surprise that demand is increasing rapidly.”

Banner Jones Executive Director and property law expert, Chris Sellars, advised on the deal between Maison Mes Amis and Willow Shepherd’s Huts. He said:-

“It has been great to be involved in a start-up project that has been an ambition for Steven for many years. Willows Shepherd’s Huts is a truly unique business, with a very unique product, and we look forward to seeing the founders take it forward in the months and years ahead.”

Commenting on the deal Marcella Kirk from Maison Mes Amis, said:-

“Upon meeting Steven you can see that he is incredibly passionate about his new business venture. The addition of the unique property to Maison Mes Amis enables us to standout in our location on Chatsworth Road, and ultimately allows us to house Little Bo Chic – expanding our reach and target audience.”

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new Corporate Banking Manager in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Steve Wicks joins the fast-growing relationship bank with over 25 years of banking experience. He will be involved in developing existing customer relationships as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

A strong focus on long-term relationships and high levels of personal service has seen the bank rated top for customer satisfaction eight years running in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers*. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Steve commented:-

“What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on serving the customer. As experienced local bankers we have the power to make all the decisions that matter to our customers, swiftly and sensibly here in the branch. The bank continues to grow locally through our reputation for providing our customers with extremely high levels of service.”

The branch, established in 2012 and located on Spire Walk Business Park, has developed a reputation for traditional banking, financial strength and high standards within the local business and professional services community.

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: –

“I am very pleased to welcome Steve and his substantial experience to our team. His appointment means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both existing and new customers in our area, whilst maintaining the high levels of service for which we are renowned.”

Originally from Sweden, Handelsbanken now has over 800 branches in more than 20 countries and was named the world’s fourth safest commercial bank, by Global Finance magazine. At a time when strength and stability is of particular importance to customers, the bank enjoys the highest credit ratings of all the major UK-based banks. This reflects Handelsbanken’s strong financial position, long-term focus and prudent, consistent approach to banking through all economic conditions.

Contracts totaling £100,000 within the rail industry have been won by start-up business The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.

The online business, which was established last year, is the brainchild of Andy Dukelow, the former Managing Director of Chesterfield-based Franke Sissons.

The company, which supplies a range of commercial sanitaryware and for healthcare, transport, stadiums, schools, sanitary bin service and public washrooms nationally, builds on Andy’s 35 years’ experience in market leading design, specification and knowledge across all commercial sanitaryware market sectors.

As part of the contract wins, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company is supplying grab poles, socket boxes and plates for power sockets as part of a major carriage refurbishment project for Trains Bits and More Limited. Additionally, the company is supplying parts for toilet systems as well as fascia panels for contracts with Bombardier and Arriva respectively.

Neil Smith, Trains Bits and More Limited Director, said:-

“We have extensive expertise and some great facilities at our Cheshire site, but working alongside a proven supplier of top-class washroom products is a real bonus for us.

“Moreover, Sanitaryware Supplies have some superb engineering workshops themselves, and they have already provided us with the necessary capacity to supply bespoke electrical backboxes and casings for our ongoing roll-out of three-pin and USB power sockets to several train companies.

“Looking forward, with increased skills and resources across two respected companies, we can provide a one-stop service to train operators looking to refurbish their fleet’s passenger toilet and washroom facilities.”

As well as having an online presence, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company also offers a traditional design and manufacturing service, with bespoke stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium projects, manufactured in Chesterfield.

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company,  commented:-

“There is a gap in the market for a quality stainless steel sanitaryware supplier, especially in custom made fabrication which is supported by a technical and after sales service that you can only deliver by having 35 years’ industry experience. Because of this, the business has really hit the ground running and I am winning sizeable national contracts which are contributing to the future success of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.”