Celebrate Chesterfield

Value boosting accountants thrive in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield accountancy business has announced remarkable financial growth of more than 300% in the last year.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax is a small but growing accountancy firm in Chesterfield. Having identified a growing need in the local marketplace for a business-strategy focused accountancy firm, owner Graham Nash launched the firm in 2020, with the initial objective to help turn businesses around and help them recover from the pandemic.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, offering strategic business strategy and financial management advice for start-ups and long-established businesses predominantly in the engineering, property and manufacturing sectors.

Owner Graham comments: “In the last 12 months we have experienced a 300% growth financially and doubled the number of clients we work with to over 100. I have recruited a small team within the first 12 months, and this is targeted to expand further in early 2023.”

One example of the combined expertise and efforts at BusinessWise is how they have helped an East Midlands firm more than double its value to over £5m in the two most challenging years in recent economic history.

The Managing Director of the company said: “They took on everything from a detailed review of the financial processes and systems, to implementing new processes to provide accurate figures. They provided detailed monthly reporting, management accounts and forecasting so more informed strategic decisions could be made. They also managed negotiations and discussions with HMRC on our behalf.

“Graham is a highly motivated and professional individual and has become an integral advisor to my business. Without the team at BusinessWise, we would not be in the position we find ourselves today. I can highly recommend his services and he is a real asset to any business in need of support.”

In addition, BusinessWise has actively passed work and referrals valued at £400,000 of business to local suppliers and professional services in the last two years, once again adding value, proposition and strength to the local economy.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your business here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

BusinessWise Accountancy & Tax supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Markham Vale hails record job figures as it supports region’s post-Covid recovery

470 jobs were created at Markham Vale last year in one of the largest ever annual totals recorded at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship industrial and logistics scheme near Chesterfield.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture development between property developer HBD and Derbyshire County Council. It is one of the region’s landmark schemes, attracting new businesses and creating thousands of new jobs.

2,702 new jobs have been created at the development to date, with the latest figures demonstrating its impact in driving investment and supporting the region’s post-Covid recovery.

Derbyshire County Council recently had its efforts recognised by Local Government Chronicle, being shortlisted in the Economic Support category in the upcoming 2022 LGC Awards.

Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is a hugely successful scheme and plays an important role in supporting the region’s economy, which is more important than ever as the region recovers from the pandemic and the many challenges that brought.

“2021 was another strong year for Markham Vale – we completed two zero-carbon buildings totalling more than 300,000 sq. ft., Daher Aerospace moved into a new 55,000 sq. ft. unit, and a landmark deal was secured with Gridserve to create Derbyshire’s first EV charging station.

“We’re very proud of what our joint venture has achieved at Markham Vale to date and we look forward to welcoming more innovative, forward-thinking businesses to Derbyshire.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “These figures are very reassuring and a strong sign that businesses are starting to recover from the pandemic.

“Markham Vale plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people and attracting local, national, and international businesses.

“As well as welcoming several new businesses to the site last year including Gallery Direct and Daher Aerospace Limited, we saw sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa expand to another unit and we’re looking forward to seeing Markham continue to grow and welcoming even more businesses to the site in the future.”

HBD and Markham Vale support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Three young people in the running for top apprentice title at the Love Chesterfield Awards

One young person is set to be named as the town’s top apprentice next month.

Henry Kay, Ria Smith and Will Brooks are all in the running for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year Award in the annual 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

The award, which is sponsored by DBC Training, recognises apprentices that have made a significant contribution to the success of a local organisation.

Henry (21), a trainee accountant at BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax, follows in the footsteps of the company’s founder, who also started his career as an apprentice. “I’m happy to be considered for the Apprentice of the Year award, it feels great to be a finalist. I chose to do an apprenticeship because it was a good way to get into accounting without having to take the traditional university route; it was the better option for me.”

Graham Nash, Director of BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax added: “Apprenticeships provide good quality young people and the opportunity to mould best practice in business for both the apprentice and the company. I am the result of an apprenticeship and have seen many diamonds found and nurtured to reach great potential.”

Ria (22), who is a Support Office Assistant at Peak Pharmacy, began her career with the company when she assisted with its COVID-19 vaccination clinics. She said: “I feel very grateful to have been shortlisted for this award. I was so excited when I found out I had been nominated!

“During the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to work for Peak Pharmacy in its COVID-19 vaccination clinics both within Casa Hotel and the Clay Cross Pharmacy. I was ready to further my education and jumped at the opportunity when I saw Peak Pharmacy was advertising for an apprentice in its support office. I love the fast pace of the office and no two days are the same. My apprenticeship has allowed me to start from scratch and build a career for the future.”

Andrea Street, Head of Support Office at Peak Pharmacy said: “Having apprentices has given us the opportunity to develop and grow a talented and motivated workforce. The aim is to see them move into permanent roles within our company and continue their training. Ria’s energy and enthusiasm has without doubt had a positive impact on our Support team and across the company. She is a valued member of our team, and we couldn’t be happier that she chose to complete her apprenticeship with us!”

Will (19) who is a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Superior Wellness has taken on several additional marketing responsibilities in the business this year and has been praised by his employer for ‘stepping up’.

Will commented: “I’m very happy to be included in the shortlist for the Apprentice of the Year award. I chose the route of an apprenticeship as I feel it suited my work style much better than going to university and could give me experience in the workplace at a young age. It’s had a big impact on me in terms of my ambition and motivation.”

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing at Superior Wellness added: Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for people to start their careers and we are huge advocates of them. Will adapted to his role well and was keen to learn from day one.

“In April, our two marketing executives left the business, leaving Will and myself to take on several additional responsibilities. Will adapted to this change in a calm and professional way and was excited about the prospect of additional responsibilities. Will has really stepped up and is doing the same level of work as the marketing executives despite being at the start of his career.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield congratulated Ria, Will and Henry commenting: “Apprentices play such a pivotal role in fulfilling the town’s ambitions for growth. Having a pool of young talent is crucial both for our existing businesses and potential investors in the area so it’s important we give recognition to the apprentices and their employers who are helping them progress in their careers within the town.”

The Apprentice of the Year award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and DBC Training, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

2021 Apprentice of the Year Award winner, Ellie Gibson – Heathcotes Group

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£1.14 billion devolution deal announced for the East Midlands

Local leaders in large parts of the East Midlands will be given new powers to improve transport, boost skills training and build more attractive and affordable homes through a historic, first of a kind county devolution deal signed with the government.

Levelling Up Secretary Greg Clark has signed the deal with Derbyshire and Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham, which will see the area appoint a directly elected mayor, responsible for delivering local priorities, backed by a new £38 million per year investment fund, totalling £1.14 billion over 30 years.

The deal delivers on a commitment made in the government’s Levelling Up white paper published early this year to shift in powers and resources away from Whitehall to local communities.

In addition to the agreed funding being under local control rather than control from Whitehall, a new Mayoral Combined County Authority will be created, with control over the core adult education budget, to boost skills in the region, as well as the ability to increase control over transport infrastructure.

The new mayor will also be granted powers to drive regeneration, with compulsory purchase powers and the ability to designate Mayoral development areas and establish Mayoral Development Corporations to promote growth and build new homes.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield’s residents and businesses deserve to have the same opportunities as those living in the towns and cities of the West Midlands, South Yorkshire, and other areas where Mayoral Combined Authorities already exist.

“They do not at present, which is why I welcome the announcement of a devolution deal for the East Midlands. Being able to access new sources of funding and take on new powers in relation to transport, housing, adult education, skills, and other matters can only be a good thing but these freedoms come at a price.

“I will be taking a close interest in how the East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority takes shape over the next 18 months and how we at Chesterfield Borough Council best influence this new body to achieve the very best outcomes for the people of Chesterfield.

“Given the current cost of living crisis, we must avoid power struggles and unnecessary bureaucracy, it is a time for local government at all levels to come together and put our communities first.”

Levelling up Secretary Greg Clark said: “The East Midlands is renowned for its economic dynamism and it has the potential to lead the Britain’s economy of the future. For a long time I have believed that the East Midlands should have the powers and devolved budgets that other areas in Britain have been benefitting from and I am thrilled to be able to bring that about in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

“I am impressed by the way councils in the region have come together to agree the first deal of this kind in the country, which will benefit residents in all of the great cities, towns and villages across the area of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“Taking decisions out of Whitehall and putting them back in the hands of local people is foundational to levelling up and this deal does that.

“The new East Midlands Combined County Authority will also be granted control of over £17 million of additional funding for the building of new homes on brownfield land in 2024/25, subject to sufficient eligible projects for funding being identified, and a further £18 million has been agreed to support housing priorities and drive Net Zero Ambitions into the area.”

In a joint statement, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We welcome the £1.14 billion devolution deal from the government on offer for our region. It’s fantastic news.

“We want to make the most of every penny so this can be used to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“As Leaders, we have all fought for a fairer share for our cities and counties, and a bigger voice for our area, to give us the clout and the influence we deserve, and to help us live up to our full potential.

“This deal would help make that a reality, creating more and better jobs through greater investment in our area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, and an enhanced greener environment, as we move towards being carbon neutral. These are what we all want to see, and we will work together for the common good of the East Midlands.

“We haven’t always had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, which has held us back. This is a golden opportunity to change that and put the power to do so in our own hands.

“There is a lot still to be agreed, and this is the beginning of the journey, not the end. We’re determined to build on this deal over time, as other areas have done.”

This will be the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority, a new model of devolution provided for in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. Implementation of this deal is dependent on Parliamentary approval of the Bill and necessary secondary legislation, as well as a public consultation.

This marks another important milestone in the government’s commitment to ensure that every area in England that wants a devolution deal can get one by 2030, as promised in the Levelling Up white paper published earlier this year.

New powers will help to improve local skills which will meet the specific needs of the local economy, helping to boost the region financially. In addition, there will be greater powers to drive regeneration creating more affordable housing for local people, making the area a more desirable place to live, work and visit.

Town Hall

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‘Regeneration is not just confined to Chesterfield Town Centre’

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow has given his thoughts on the town’s ongoing regeneration ahead of the 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit.

September officially sees the end of summer and, let’s hope, this unnaturally hot weather.

While the heat has brought with it lethargy and exhaustion for many, the same can’t be said for Chesterfield’s ambitious investment plans which are to be put under the spotlight at the Chesterfield Investment Summit. And there is much to talk about.

The opening of the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre recently signified the completion of the first phase of the £20 million Northern Gateway regeneration scheme.

Phase 2 is already underway with the demolition of the former Chesterfield Hotel the redevelopment of which forms part of the ambitious Chesterfield Station Masterplan which will deliver regeneration of the area around Chesterfield train station.

Phase 1 has transformed the northern entrance to Chesterfield town centre so I have no doubt that phase 2 will be equally effective.  As well as the Enterprise Centre and transformation of the iconic 1920s iconic former Co-op department store into units targeted at food and drink businesses, the project also comprised the redevelopment of the Saltergate multi-storey car park, and improvements to the public space at Elder Way and Knifesmithgate.

The new office space at the Enterprise Centre will shortly be joined by One Waterside Place at Chesterfield Waterside. It’s a different offering to that provided at The Enterprise Centre, as it delivers larger floorplates, but offers accommodation which much needed in the town if we are to achieve our ambitions. Already, there are tenants set to move in – BHP Accountants, a long-standing Chesterfield business which, because of the availability of suitable new Grade A office space in the town, is able to remain in Chesterfield and grow their business further.

Make no mistake, the investment and regeneration in Chesterfield is not just confined to the town centre; it is happening throughout the borough.

The Staveley Works development, which is being delivered by Devonshire Group, will transform 150 hectares of former industrial land in Staveley into 700 homes, shops, leisure, a hotel, primary school, and a canal marina. It is considered the largest regeneration opportunity in the area.

Regeneration and construction are one thing, however a key success factor in Chesterfield’s growth and development is creating and promoting job opportunities in all sectors for everyone; they go hand in hand like the public/private partnerships which are transforming the town and surrounding areas.

I am immensely proud of the ongoing work by all partners – public and private, to not only transform the town but ensure all young people in Chesterfield are aware of the many job opportunities here. It is a team effort, and the results very much speak for themselves.

 

Restoration of Chesterfield Canal, Staveley

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New store for motorcycle and truck accessories opens at The Glass Yard

A store selling goods for motorcyclists and truckers has opened in one of Chesterfield’s newest retail developments, The Glass Yard. 

The Glass Yard SpeedShop has been opened by local company Securit GB Ltd; which was created by husband and wife team, Phil and Caroline Churm. The company has previously been based in Staveley and on Foxwood Road in Chesterfield.

The business has had to adapt several times since being founded in 2004, as a result of factors such as the 2008 recession and Brexit.

However, the company saw a sharp rise in online sales for its MotoWear brand during the Covid-19 pandemic. MotoWear provides unique motorcycle and trucker merchandise, with 75% of the product lines designed and printed in-house. The rest of the lines are manufactured in the UK.

During the pandemic, Securit GB Ltd also took the opportunity of grant and loan support  for the business, enabling the couple to invest in new print machines and time to design & create new exciting lines. This enabled the firm to return to events with an exciting new range.

Caroline explained how the company wanted to take the next step by having a physical retail presence at The Glass Yard:

“We want to open a destination for people to visit in person. It’s a unique open-plan shop, with the motorcycle, truck accessories, and merchandise, with additional space available for the design and print side of the business. We are also able to create one-off merchandise for presents and companies.”

The shop will be offering a ‘click and collect service for its online products too, and will be hosting events for bikers, starting on 2nd October 2022.

Caroline added: “The Glass Yard is an amazingly fresh & modern place to work and trade. As soon as we visited the place we knew we wanted to open a shop.

“We have always been located in Chesterfield, we love the people and Phil grew up in the area, the council has always been proactive towards small businesses and we have a lot of support in the area from family and friends.

“We hope that The Glass Yard SpeedShop will increase our sales and give the customer a different experience other than online. People want to stay local and shop locally. Since we have been open people are happy to visit and use a local company.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s great range of independent retailers at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses set to be named in annual awards

Four Chesterfield businesses are in the running to be named as the winner of the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs UK, Bridge Help, Northern Tea Merchants and Robinsons PLC have all been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award which is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Sustainability Award was introduced to the Love Chesterfield Awards and recognises organisations that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

The four finalists not only measure and report their progress but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Donna Swift-Moore, Designer and Company Director at Astra Designs explained: “With the fashion industry being the second worst industry for polluting water from dyeing textiles and over a third of all clothing being sent to landfill, it is vital for us to create fashion that has the least impact possible.

Donna Swift-Moore, Astra Designs

“I’m absolutely over the moon that our company has been recognised as a finalist for the Sustainability Award. Our entire business is built around creating sustainable fashion and accessories, so being acknowledged for this is truly amazing.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “At the start of this year, we were delighted to become carbon neutral. To be recognised by the Love Chesterfield Awards for the work we’ve done in achieving this is fantastic. Sustainability is incredibly important to us; it is something the whole team is passionate about.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We put a great deal of time and focus into understanding the impact of the work we do. From the food miles right down to the packaging, we’re always striving to make the operation as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve made some significant positive steps over the last five years and it’s wonderful to get this recognition.”

James Pogson, Northern Tea Merchants

Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson PLC commented: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do as a business here at Robinson and we are working on a wide range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as enhance the experience of our employees and local communities in which we operate.

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist for the sustainability award; the team at our Rigid Box site in Chesterfield is proud that our products are not only 100% recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials, but also promote consumers to reuse the beautiful presentation and gift boxes in the home.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO of Robinson PLC

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award. We all need to work together to tackle the climate crisis and reduce our emissions. It’s important that we celebrate and learn from those businesses that are leading the way and changing their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of recognising sustainability: “Having forward-thinking businesses and individuals is something that Chesterfield prides itself on and the four businesses shortlisted for the Sustainability Award are no exception, helping the town achieve its ambitions of becoming carbon neutral.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

The Sustainability Award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Chesterfield Borough Council, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accounting and Tax, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

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BRM Completes Over 800 Plot Sales In 12 Months Exceeding £100 Million

Strengthening its position as one of the strongest property firms in our region, BRM Solicitors plot sales team had an incredible close to July having completed over 800 plot sales in the previous 12 months.

The BRM Solicitors plot sales team was specifically recruited in June 2019, in advance of large-scale instructions from several regional developers, based on staffing for success and business modelling to ensure that client needs were met from the outset and not in reaction, as is often the case. This has continued as developers have increased instructions.

In total, 846 homes were sold during the period, an increase of 38% compared to the previous year, with the average selling price increasing to £156,000.

This culminated in an incredible close to 30th June, with the team completing over 127 property completions in one day.

Sales across the regions on that day saw the department complete on properties as far away as Cumbria, average values of around £153,000, total value exceeding £19 Million, with the final completion taking place at 11.30 pm.

Having already had a busy first half of 2022, the team, headed by BRM Director Stuart Taphouse, is predicting more of the same.

BRM Head of Real Estate Adrian Sheehan said: “The success comes on the back of the hard work and organisation of the plot sales team and we are looking forward to more completions in the coming months. The figures speak for themselves, but the positive feedback from our clients is particularly gratifying.”

The property team at BRM advises on all aspects of property management and transactions, including portfolio management, finance, and development with specialisms in hospitality, retail and shopping centres, and commercial and residential developments.

BRM Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

BRM Solicitors Adrian Sheehan Chesterfield Champion

Adrian Sheehan, Head of Real Estate, BRM Solicitors

 

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Big jump in number of East Midlands businesses selling green products, new research shows

The proportion of East Midlands businesses now selling green goods and services has almost trebled over the past seven years, according to new research by East Midlands Chamber and Derby Business School at the University of Derby.

In 2015, 16% of companies in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire derived turnover from supplying environmentally-friendly goods – such as energy efficiency, waste recovery and eco-food and drink products – but this increased to 45% in 2022 as more firms identified opportunities in the UK’s race to net zero.

However, the Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2022 study, a unique piece of research of the regional growth trends over the past seven years, found that 35% of businesses still aren’t engaged with green growth – with reasons cited including gaps in information, skills and access to finance.

The Chamber launched a Sustainable East Midlands initiative in 2020 that aims to educate firms about the importance of embracing low-carbon business practices in order to cut costs, win new contracts, and recruit and retain the best talent – while also signposting to funding opportunities.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “The net zero agenda presents a big challenge to businesses but there is also a raft of opportunities for those eager to tackle it head-on by creating the products and services that will help steer the energy transition.

“Amid the current cost of doing business crisis, a move towards sustainable products and services could unlock the long-term efficiency gains that offset rising prices while creating a sustainable East Midlands economy.

“While it’s great to see more engagement among SMEs, there remains a significant gap between large and small firms, and it’s slightly concerning to see the number of organisations accessing business support has dropped in recent times.

“We need our decision-makers to develop policy mechanisms that are better aligned with regional business interests and specific sector needs in order to intensify engagement, while companies also need financial support to reskill and upskill our existing workforce. This will enable us to continue with the great progress we’ve already made in this generation’s most important issue.”

Other key findings from the research, which was based on responses from 372 organisations in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottingham to the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey in February 2022, included:

• There is a rising trend of diversification into green markets, with a four-fold increase (7.5% to 28.5%) in businesses reporting that between 1% and 19% of their turnover derives from green goods and services between 2015 and 2022
• The proportion of businesses considering green growth as part of their business strategies has more than doubled over the past four years from 9.7% in 2018 to 21.5% in 2022
• More than 80% of large businesses are actively pursuing green growth opportunities, compared with 61% of medium, 56% of small and 36% of micro-sized companies
• Only 17% of firms surveyed said the current policy landscape allows them to fully engage with green growth
• A third (33%) did not feel well-informed about the support available for green growth, although this was a drop from 42% in 2021
• The largest demands for skills development are in the areas of energy and resource efficiency, renewables and access to green finance

Report lead Dr Polina Baranova, a senior lecturer in strategic management, said: “It’s been positive to see such a positive trajectory in the proportion of firms entering the green goods and services markets, with SMEs becoming more active in green growth.

“Regionally, as the opportunities for green growth are becoming more pronounced, there is a need for a holistic approach to supporting pro-environmental businesses.”

Dr Fred Paterson, university lead for sustainable business and clean growth, added: “This growth is particularly encouraging in the context of the post-Covid economic recovery as it suggests there has been something of a ‘reset’ in how leaders are developing strategies to grow their business.”

Dr Baranova will discuss findings from the research at East Midlands Chamber’s Sustainability Summit on Thursday 22 September at the University of Derby Enterprise Centre. Find out more about the event here. 

 

 

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Chesterfield Estate Agent completes move to The Glassyard

A Chesterfield estate agent has announced a move to The Glassyard, building on a successful 12 years of trading in the town.

Lime Living has moved into the new development on Sheffield Road, which provides the company with a modern and accessible environment for staff and customers.

Jamie Wajs, Managing Director at Lime Living explained how the move came about: “Following the pandemic and the changes in the day to day working & social habits, we started to look around the town for new premises that combined a modern & vibrant, accessible work / social environment.

“From initially viewing the units during the build phase and working out the viability of such a move, every time we popped down to the Glass Yard we got a great feeling about the development and that this was ticking the boxes, not just for us as a business but also for our staff and clients.

“We are surrounded by an array of independent businesses, professional services and a fantastic food & drink hall, all of which receive a good level of footfall and along with the ample parking, provides further exposure for our business.

Jamie went on to explain how being located in Chesterfield has enabled the company to go from strength-to-strength: “Recent growth is very much helped by Chesterfield currently going through the biggest new home building scheme for many years and this is not just good for our business and our industry, but for the town as a whole.

“We are seeing an upward curve in demand to live in and around the town, with many buyers either moving back to the area, or drawn in by the connectivity to other towns & cities, property prices although increasing remain lower than desirable areas of the cities; easy access to the Peak District also is a big draw.”

Find out more about the many benefits of investing in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Lime Living supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield’s Corrugated Case Company acquired by global packaging specialist

The Corrugated Case Company based in Chesterfield has been acquired by the UK arm of global packaging specialists, Tri-Wall.

Tri-Wall UK Ltd, with its HQ in Monmouth, has signed a deal to take over CCC, with a clear intention to expand operations, invest in equipment and grow jobs.

Founded in 1996, The Corrugated Case Company has become one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging products. With a firm reputation of quality, innovation and delivering value for its customers, CCC is a great addition to the Tri-Wall Portfolio.

Find out how The Corrugated Case Company recently marked its 25th anniversary.

Gavin Peters, the UK CEO of Tri-Wall, says: “This is a great opportunity for both CCC and Tri-Wall to expand and grow into a stronger position. With CCC on board, we enlarge our footprint, both geographically and in product range, positioning us as the go-to supplier for all things packaging.”

He adds: “The business and people at CCC are fantastic and we are privileged to have them on board. The energy and enthusiasm I have felt from them throughout this process has been infectious and I cannot wait to start the integration process. We will all be learning from each other to develop better group practices and to provide our customers with even more product range..”

Mark Wilcockson the CEO of CCC, says: “It’s with great delight that we are joining the Tri-Wall UK family. Throughout the acquisition process it’s been evident that the ethics, ethos and values of our businesses are completely aligned.

“We’re very excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for our staff, our suppliers and importantly our customers both existing and new. The future shines brightly and we’re delighted to be on the next part of our journey alongside the Tri-Wall UK team.”

Tony Hession, the chairman of CCC, adds: “At The Corrugated Case Company, we are delighted to pass on our business activities and the future of the business to Tri-Wall UK. This acquisition will be the start of the next phase of development for our company, with all the advantages that being part of a worldwide group will bring.”

Tri-Wall UK now has a turnover of over £60 Million and has plans to grow over the coming months.

Corrugated Case Company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

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