Business

Chesterfield factory expands with bank support

One of the UK’s leading nickel plating specialists is expanding its factory after securing a six figure funding deal.

NiTEC UK Ltd is based in Chesterfield and boasts one of the world’s largest electroless nickel plating facilities.  This cash injection will allow it to increase its existing production capacity which provides services including pipe strengthening and exterior protection to a diverse range of industries, from oil and aerospace to architecture and art.

Funding support was provided by Yorkshire Bank, with the deal arranged by Steve Wicks, Commercial Relationship Manager at the bank’s South Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre in Sheffield.

NiTEC UK’s in-house laboratory team developed SeaTEC, a revolutionary coating for the marine industry which can withstand exposure to salt spray for more than 19,000 hours.

The company also works with the aerospace and oil industries. Other more unusual bespoke projects include plating a gorilla sculpture created by Turner Prize winner David Mach.

Marcus Hill, Commercial Director at NiTEC UK, said: “We are pleased to be expanding to meet the growing demand for our expertise and products.  The support from Yorkshire Bank and commitment of the NiTEC team has been instrumental in establishing our reputation and place in the marketplace.

“Working with Yorkshire Bank has been fantastic and the team has really taken the time to learn our business.”

Kevin Elliot, head of the South Yorkshire Business and Private Banking Centre, said: “We are proud to be supporting a highly regarded local business that combines technological expertise with an impressive entrepreneurial flair.

“Yorkshire Bank remains committed to investing in the growth ambitions of the local business community.”

Source:Yorkshire Bank

Posted in Business

Local magazines get national recognition

Staff at Heron Publications are celebrating after being presented with a second successive accolade in the national Magazine Publishers’ Awards.

The company responsible for local titles including ‘Twist’, ‘Dronfield Eye’ and ‘Wings’ finished runner-up in the keenly contested ‘Best Magazine Editorial’ category. Director Mike Firth received the award at a glitzy presentation evening staged at the Heart of The Midlands Conference Centre, Warwickshire.

Hundreds of publications from dozens of companies featured at the annual conference and awards night and the ‘Best Magazine Editorial’ class was the most fiercely contested category. Ten magazines were on the shortlist.

A delighted Mike said: “We were thrilled to receive a similar accolade a year ago for the excellent quality of our front pages, but this particular category saw judges run the rule over the standard of editorial throughout our magazines.

“The number of entries overall had increased by more than 200% this year and the awards night featured many excellent publications belonging to magazine owners throughout Britain.

“There were even entries from magazines in Spain and Australia, so to be presented with the runner-up ‘Highly Commended’ trophy was indeed an achievement.”

Mike added: “Heron Publications – an original Chesterfield Champion – prides itself on offering readers a variety of interesting news and feature articles to enjoy each month, accompanied by the brightest local photographs.

“We are often told by readers and advertisers just how much they appreciate our magazine being around. We know people enjoy reading it, but it is very nice indeed to be honoured at such a prestigious national industry gathering.

“Although this particular award recognises our magazine’s editorial excellence, it is a reflection of the standards of our publications as a whole.”

Heron Publications is now into its 13th year and carefully distributes 51,000 free-of-charge magazines monthly in North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

 

Photograph: Mike Firth receiving the trophy at the Independent Magazine Publishers’ Awards.

Source:Heron Publications

Posted in Business, Manufacturing

Chesterfield solicitors receives national recognition

Banner Jones Solicitors has once again been named a ‘Leading Firm’ in the 2014 UK Legal 500 rankings.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager comments “Following our family law team’s success last year, we are delighted to have received a ranking for our personal injury team this year as well.  Being a Legal 500 firm is a great accolade for the business, and we are one of the few law firms in Chesterfield to have been awarded a ranking”.

Simon Wright who heads up the Personal Injury department has received recognition for leading ‘a very well-organised’ team, which handles claims of any size and type’ and as such has been given the accolade of ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the Legal 500. Both Robert Banner, also in the Personal Injury team and Toby Netting from the firm’s family law team have also received the Recommended Lawyer status.  The Legal 500 quoted Toby Netting as being ‘Exceptional’ and said that Robert Banner ‘exudes calm and experience’.   Simon comments “We are very proud of the business for achieving this ranking as it highlights our specialism and expertise in these areas. It is wonderful thing to have been given this recommendation from such a highly regarded publication”.

Source:Banner Jones Solicitors

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Electronics firm moves into 21st-century building thanks to grant funding

An expanding electronics company is enjoying life in a new premises – and has created new jobs – thanks to grant funding of a quarter of a million pounds from the Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

Kingfield Electronics, based in Chesterfield, has moved from two separate locations into a large new manufacturing facility that provides an increased range of manufacturing capabilities, and significantly improves its competitiveness within the global electronics manufacturing marketplace.

The £2.5m project was supported by a grant of £250,000 from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has been awarding RGF grants to business across the region.

The grant has enabled Kingfield Electronics to create 30 new jobs and safeguard a further 20 jobs which may otherwise have been under threat.

Kingfield Electronics’ new 45,000sq ft facility at Carrwood Road is in excess of twice the size of the previous premises, and the company says it provides “a far better platform on which to develop and win new customers.”

The project also includes further investment in new equipment, and the implementation of existing equipment that has been in storage due to a previous lack of space.

Kingfield Electronics started up in 1985 and manufactures products for companies operating in a number of high reliability, high technology areas including: aerospace, defence, process instrumentation, and oil/gas production.

It has grown steadily in recent years, though global competition has become tougher due to increased amounts of manufacturing moving out of the UK to countries offering cheaper labour rates.

Nick Taylor, Managing Director of Kingfield Electronics, said: “There is a constant requirement to offer ongoing performance improvements, cost reductions, and ever-quicker turnaround times.

“This latest investment has involved purchasing and refurbishing our new premises, as well as adding new production equipment, including an additional high-speed robotic assembly line.

“We are still a relatively small company, with no group company or external investors. However, we hope that this expansion – made possible with the grant from the RGF – will enable us to grow and compete more strongly in a global marketplace.”

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration said: “Chesterfield is on the up – each year we see new businesses relocating to the borough and existing businesses like Kingfield Electronics growing. In great part this is due to our own regeneration team providing expert support for Chesterfield businesses.

“It is great to see businesses growing thanks to the funding they have received from the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and as a board member I will continue to work with other members in the partnership to get the best deal for businesses and residents in the region.”

The grant funding has come from the LEP’s “Unlocking Business Investment” programme, which has seen £32m in central Government funding allocated to the Sheffield City Region.

Around £29m of that fund has already been allocated, while £3m is still available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that plan to create sustainable, private sector employment in the Sheffield City Region.

Significant expenditure must have taken place by March next year and the balance of investment must be in place by March 2016.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Sheffield City Region has secured a £320m “growth deal” from the Government, which will create more than 28,000 jobs and training for 40,000 people.

This is the fifth-largest sum to be secured of the 39 LEPs within the country.

For more information on Kingfield Electronics visit the website atwww.kingfield-electronics.co.uk

Information regarding Sheffield City Region’s “growth deal” will appear hereover the coming months.

Source:Sheffield City Region

Posted in Business, Development, Manufacturing

Derbyshire firm supported to grow

A Derbyshire-based jewellery label manufacturer, which supplies major jewellery buying groups worldwide, has secured funding for new machinery. This was made possible thanks to the Growth Accelerator Programme and support from Chesterfield-based asset finance broker, Balanced Funding Solutions.

The firm now has a bespoke labelling converter which has contributed to an increase in efficiency, with production times cut by 60%.  Finance has also enabled the company to employ an additional member of staff.

Caren Colabella of Magpie said “We are a family business with 5 employees.  We have recently moved to larger premises and plan to increase both UK and export sales and achieve the number one position with 60% market share by 2017.

“One of the biggest obstacles we faced was keeping up with production deadlines due to machinery down time, break downs and inefficiencies and we desperately needed additional bespoke machinery to cope with increased orders and demand.”

Commenting on the process John Pemberton of Balanced Funding Solutionssaid “ This is the type of problem that we encounter on a regular basis where small companies are not receiving the backing of their own bank and then do not know where to turn to help grow their business.

“We have secured a panel of lenders that have an appetite to lend to the SME market and are looking to fill this void with £12.7 billion of funds released to small businesses in 2013.

The list assets that we can fund is extensive and so if any local business is struggling then please get make contact with us and we will see what options are available”

Details of the Growth Accelerator Programme can be found online here.

Source:Balanced Funding Solutions

Posted in Business

Three Chesterfield businesses win regional awards

Three Chesterfield-based companies have been recognised in a prestigious awards scheme.

The national Chamber Awards, now in their 11th year, are a highlight of the business calendar, showcasing the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story.

Casa Hotel, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Northern Lights all came top in their respective categories.

  • Young Person in Business Award – Mark Thurman, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
  • Best Use of Technology to Improve Business Performance – Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
  • Achievement in International Business – Northern Lights, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

These three local businesses, along with six others, will now go forward to represent the East Midlands region in the national finals, which take place in London in November. The full list of winners can be seen here.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “Congratulations to all of the winners from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, who will go on to represent the Chamber – and the region – at the BCC’s national awards in November. It’s fantastic to see members of this Chamber achieve a clean sweep of awards for the whole region.

“The fact that all of the regional winners come from two of our three counties really demonstrates the strength of the business community here and reflects the role key role these businesses play in helping drive the UK’s economy forward.”

BCC President Nora Senior said: “These businesses play a crucial role in creating a balanced and prosperous economy and one that is admired on the global stage.

“They are hungry for growth, constantly seeking new opportunities in local and global economies, creating new products for market, and sharing best practice with their peers.

“The Chamber Awards are the perfect platform to showcase and celebrate the amazing work of firms across the country.”

Source:Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Bespoke distribution centre being built at Markham Vale

A Chesterfield-based metal distributor which ships stock around the world is marking its 30th anniversary by relocating to Markham Vale to benefit from better transport links.

Established in 1984, Gould Alloys is expected to move from its current base on Carwood Industrial Park and be up-and-running at new purpose-built premises located at Markham Vale just off Junction 29A of the M1 by Easter next year.

The site will provide direct access to the motorway for the firm which distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical and scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Jane Bradshaw, Managing Director at Gould Alloys said,

“We needed to relocate to assist better utilisation of space but were keen to remain in the local area so that we could retain all existing staff.  We also needed a site that was away from residential areas due to the volume of deliveries. Markham Vale ticked all the right boxes offering essential access to the motorway network and an opportunity to design and build to our exact specification. No other location in the area was able to facilitate our needs so precisely.”

Work started this week to build the 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre which will include office space and feature solar panels and energy efficient heating.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“This is another great development for Markham and for a local business moving from strength to strength.

“We’re committed to building a strong Derbyshire economy that creates jobs, grows businesses and provides a future for our young people, and Markham Vale will continue to play a key role in that.”

Gould Alloys’ new premises was designed by our private sector developer Henry Boot Ltd which is also building the unit.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s Regional Manager, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Gould Alloys to Markham Vale. The news follows a number of successful deals for the development including Ready Egg, Euro Garages and expansion for Holdsworth Foods in the last 12 months and other new interest is particularly strong. The recent announcement of the ‘Enterprise Zone grant’ will lead to other new accommodation/developments being constructed, commencing on site later this year.”

“We have invested £77 million to reclaim the former mining area at Markham, between Chesterfield and Bolsover, with the long term aim of creating 5,000 jobs.

Working with development partner Henry Boot Developments Limited, we have helped to attract 28 businesses to the site to date and create 565 jobs. A further 300 jobs have already been announced with the construction of new buildings underway.

In January, the Government announced Markham Vale was to receive £14.2 million to turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs in the area. Henry Boot are adding to the fund − secured following a bid drawn-up by the county council and submitted through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone − with a £12.5m contribution.

An additional £7.56 million to build a link road to the new site is also being invested by the county council and local transport boards for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) and Sheffield City Region (SCR).

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Business

Chesterfield firm to expand thanks to £50k grant

A Chesterfield firm is set to boost its workforce thanks to funding from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Corrugated Case Company has secured a £50,000 grant from D2N2’s Unlocking Investment for Growth programme, which is backed by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

It will form part of a £205,000 project to purchase new machinery, allowing the company to produce new work and enter different markets.

Staff numbers will rise by five full-time employees to 38 at the Danesmoor site, where they design, manufacture and merchant corrugated packaging, point-of-sale displays and related packaging material and services.

Three new machines have been purchased with the last of them to be installed in late Nov to create cost-effective types of packs they cannot currently produce whilst a new waste ink cleaning system will allow them to work in a much more environmentally friendly manner.

Mark Wilcockson, M.D. of The Corrugated Case Company, said: “This tranche of investment represents stage three of our three-year investment programme which started back in 2012 and will culminate with a large scale extension to our Danesmoor premises during 2015. I’m very pleased to say that throughout the period all sales and profit forecasts have been met which gives us great confidence going forward.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said: “This grant was deemed essential to their plans and the jobs created will be in a high priority area of the region.”

D2N2 secured £5m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, topped up further by the European Regional Development Fund, to help businesses grow through its Unlocking Investment for Growth (UI4G) programme.

Since launching in 2013, the programme has approved £3.2 million in grant funding which will create more than 300 jobs.  Further applications that are at an advanced stage are requesting in excess of £1.6m and expect to create an additional 200 jobs.

But it is a time-bound opportunity, with capital projects having to be completed by March 2015.

The programme will provide a grant in support of capital investment projects with a minimum overall project value of £200,000.  In exceptional circumstances up to £500,000 of grant funding is available for projects that can demonstrate real potential to create new jobs.

For more information, go to www.d2n2lep.org/UI4G, or call 01332 826366 or email UI4G@embltd.co.uk.

Source:D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Posted in Business, Development

Final three announced for Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year

Teresa Lambarelli is hoping to retain her Food Producer of the Year title for a second year running after being selected as one of the three finalists shortlisted for the prestigious award at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Fellow finalists include Liza Bakes Ltd and Brampton Brewery.

This prestigious title recognises local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield.

The shortlisted businesses were selected from hundreds of nominations received by Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the awards in association with Chesterfield College, also headline sponsor of the awards for the second year running.

The winner of the Food Producer of the Year category is just one of 17 which will be announced by celebrity Chef Ainsley Harriott at a glittering awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 29 October.

The shortlisted three were selected from six at a tasting event held on 20th August at Hollingwood Hub, the home of the Canal Trust Partnership in Chesterfield.  Also in the running for the award were Highfield House Farmand Meringue Bakery.

The competiton required each of the businesses to present three variations of their products to a panel of local judges, including Chesterfield Championsand sponsors of the event, NatWest. They were awarded marks out of 10 for both presentation and taste.  Business plans from each business will also be assessed by Destination Chesterfield and will contribute to the final scores.

Mick Littlewood, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said, “We are pleased that so many local businesses are producing such high quality produce and we are delighted to support the Food Producer of the Year award as part of our continued support of local businesses and entrepreneurs. We hope that this fantastic opportunity is going to be used as a stepping stone for each of the six businesses that were shortlisted and no matter what happens, we wish each and every one them the very best of luck.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “What should have been an enjoyable evening sampling some excellent, locally-produced food and drink, was a trial for everyone concerned and trying to decide a winner will be an incredibly difficult task.

“It was a very strong field and the judges had a very difficult decision. Each finalist was passionate about their products and took great pride in them. They were also equally passionate about their role as food and drink producers in Chesterfield and how they are actively helping the town receive the recognition it deserves for its thriving food sector.

Teresa Lambarelli said: “Winning last year was an absolutely fantastic, but I’m very nervous about this year, the competition is just so good!”

Chris Radford, Managing Director and Head Brewer of Brampton Brewerysaid: “The fact that we were nominated by our customers is enough of a recognition for us.  To win the award would be phenomenal, but it’s not the be all and end all. To be up against a great range of local producers, that are a testament to Chesterfield themselves, is a prize in itself. I’m so proud to be part of something that recognises the great talent the town really does have.”

Chatsworth Road-based Liza Bakes Ltd distributes its produce all over the country but prides itself in using local goods. Its cakes and puddings have already won awards such as their Orange Polenta Cake which won the Great Taste award in 2013. Louise Milroy, Managing Director of Liza Bakes Ltd said: “We were delighted when we found out we’d been nominated, to be up against such great local food producers is a privilege, honour, and a real tribute to our team and what they create every week.

“We’re strong believers in local produce ourselves, all of our products and ingredients come from local producers like Brampton Brewery and Eyres Fruit and Veg, so we’re proud to be part of a local award that appreciates and recognises authentic, local products to raise the profile of all of Chesterfield.”

This year there are more opportunities for food and drink establishments to win in the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards with the introduction of two new categories – International Restaurant of the Year and the Family Friendly Award.

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones, Franke Sissons andIn the Works PR.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Funding boost for new Queens Park Sports Centre

Chesterfield residents are to benefit from an enhanced sport facilities thanks to a £2 million funding Funding boost for new Queens Park Sports Centre

The investment comes from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities fund and will allow previously approved plans for the new centre to be expanded to provide additional activity space, including:

• Increasing the main swimming pool from six to eight lanes

• Increasing the size of the learner pool

• Increasing the number of sports courts from six to eight

• Additional studio space on the first floor of the building.

• Spectator seating in the swimming pool hall and main sports hall

Councillor Amanda Serjeant welcomes funding boost for new Queens Park Sports Centre

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Along with the collaboration agreement and funding committed by Chesterfield College, this £2 million grant from Sport England will make a huge difference to the quality of the sports provision we will be able to offer to our residents and visitors in the future.

“Since we first announced the project in early 2013, we have consistently said that we would seek grants to improve the number of activities and the space in the new centre and we have worked closely with national governing bodies, local sports groups and current users of our sport and leisure centres to achieve this.

“One of the council’s top priorities is to encourage people to lead healthy and active lifestyles and the new purpose-built Queens Park Sports Centre with its extended swimming pool and sports courts will allow us to offer more space and activities than is possible in the current sports centre. The new design is very space and energy efficient with more activity space being provided in a smaller building footprint than at present.

“There will also be opportunities for employment and training for local people while the centre is built with the current centre remaining in use until the new centre opens to cause as little disruption as possible to residents and sports clubs.”

Charles Johnston, Sport England’s property director, added: “The right facilities in the right areas are fundamental in providing more people with the opportunity to play sport.

“We’re investing in the new Queens Park Sports Centre to provide outstanding facilities which will encourage more people to take up sport and create a sporting habit for life.”

The plans for the extended new Queens Park Sports Centre were approved by the council’s planning committee at its meeting on Tuesday.

As well as the extended pool and sports courts, facilities on offer at the new sports centre will include:

• A learner pool with moveable floor and children’s fun water features

• Café and social space

• Midwifery centre

• Village changing facilities with individual and family cubicles for swimmers

• Changing facilities for other sports or activities

• Three Training Rooms

• Additional Activity studio

• 80 station gym

• Two glass back squash courts with moveable wall

• Car parking for approximately 150 cars.

The new centre will be built on the site of Queen’s Park Annexe.

At 19,050 square metres, it will take up less than half of the site and will also allow currently unusable space such as the derelict seating area to be re-established as green space. The bowls and tennis facilities are unaffected and will remain available.

Morgan Sindall has been appointed as the contractor to deliver the project. The contract specifies that where possible, they will use local people and supplies in building the new centre.

Work is set to begin on site in September with the new centre opening in early 2016.

Further information and displays will be available at the current Queens Park Sports Centre, the Staveley Healthy Living Centre, and the Councils Customer Service Centre.

Information will also be available on the council website and on social media.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved by Councillors at their meeting on Tuesday 19 August.

Members of Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans for the new centre, which will be built on the site of Queen’s Park Annexe, subject to planning conditions.

The council has applied to Sport England for a grant of more than £1 million to extend the plans for the new sports centre.

This would allow the main swimming pool to be extended from six to eight lanes, to increase the number of sports courts to eight and extra activity studio space.

This would enable more activities to take place at the same time than is possible in the current sports centre.

Plans for extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre approved and are welcomed by Councillor Amanda Serjeant

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “Now the plans for the extended Queen’s Park Sports Centre are approved, we are able to move on with the project, with work expected to start on site next month.

“We are currently waiting for the outcome of our bid to Sport England for the new centre and we hope to be able to share this imminently.”

The council has appointed Morgan Sindall, who built the Arc Leisure Centre in Matlock, as the contractor to deliver the project with a commitment to provide employment opportunities for local people.

It is anticipated the new centre should be complete by the end of 2015. The current Queen’s Park Sports Centre would remain open until a replacement has been constructed.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development