Destination Chesterfield

Canal Walking Festival ready to set off this weekend

The biggest walking festival based on a single canal in the country is all set and ready to start on Saturday 11th September. The Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival will comprise of 41 walks in all, with the last one on Sunday 19th September.

The walks cover the whole of the canal’s 46 miles from Chesterfield to West Stockwith on the River Trent. They vary from a one mile stroll to a full twenty miles. Much of the scenery is beautiful, none more so than the Giant’s Staircase of 22 locks in just over a mile between Kiveton and Shireoaks that features in several of the walks.

The festival is organised by the Chesterfield Canal Trust, whose Walks Officer, David Blackburn, said: “After last year’s cancellation, we are delighted to be back. The canal is an absolute delight at any time of year, but early Autumn possibly sees it at its best.”

There are special interest walks, such as Wildlife, History, Architecture, Archaeology and Restoration. There are opportunities to explore some of the attractive towns and villages in North Nottinghamshire or you can combine a walk with a cruise on one of the Trust’s trip boats. There is even the opportunity to learn about Geocaching, whilst enjoying the delights of the canal.

New this year is the opportunity to earn sponsorship money for your favourite cause by towing the Trust’s replica Cuckoo boat. There is even a cycle ride with a difference. Waterway and railway enthusiasts will relish the opportunity of a canal and river walk finishing up at Britain’s last surviving working Railway Roundhouse at Barrow Hill.

Pride of place goes to the 20 mile Restoration Walk from Chesterfield to Worksop. This covers the 12 miles of canal that have been restored since 1989 and the 8 miles that are yet to be re-awakened.

All the walks are free except for those combined with a boat. They must be booked in advance, either online via the Trust’s website – search for Chesterfield Canal Trust – or by ringing 01246 477569. A brochure with full details is available at various places along the canal, including Hollingwood Hub and local Tourist Information Centres. It is also available online. Some walks are already full, so it is advisable to book now to avoid disappointment.

Obviously all the walks will be subject to the latest Covid advice, so participants should come prepared with a face covering, even if it will not actually be required.

The Chesterfield Canal Trust wishes to thank all the walk leaders, the many organisations which have helped and the festival’s sponsors: the Canal & River Trust, Avant Homes, Derbyshire County Council Action Grants and Eckington, Misterton and West Stockwith Parish Councils.

Find out more about the event at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-canal-walking-festival/

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Residents offered the chance to go ‘behind the scenes’ at iconic Chesterfield buildings

Residents and visitors in Chesterfield will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes at a some of the town’s iconic buildings this September, as part of the Heritage Open Days event taking place across the country.

Heritage Open Days take place every September and see organisations and volunteers across the country organise events to celebrate the nation’s history and culture.

To celebrate the initiative this year, Chesterfield Borough Council is opening the doors to a number of its venues for people to explore.

Mayor’s parlour and council chamber tours

Residents will have the opportunity to visit the mayor’s parlour and council chamber where the Chesterfield Mayor and Consort – Councillor Glenys Falconer and Councillor Keith Falconer – will be on hand to talk about their roles at the council, including chairing full council meetings and the duties they carry out on a weekly basis.

Two tours will take place at 11am on both Thursday 16 September and Friday 17 September and will take around an hour and a half to complete. People can register to attend one of the tours by contacting Leanne Mowbray, member and civic support officer, on 01246 345239, or by email at: Mayors.Office@chesterfield.gov.uk.  Places are limited, so booking is essential.

Revolution House

Revolution House will also be re-opening its doors and welcoming visitors back for the first time since December 2019 for two Heritage Open Days. Visitors can come along between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 12 and Sunday 19 September to find out more about the history of the House. The House takes its name from the Revolution of 1688 when three local noblemen met to begin planning their part in events which led to the overthrow of King James II in favour of William and Mary of Orange.

Entry to the House is free, but donations are welcome.

Chesterfield Museum stores

There will also be an opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore one of Chesterfield Museum’s offsite stores. On Saturday 11 September visitors will have the chance to discover some of the larger items collected by the museum that would be difficult to display in the museum itself. The tour will also explore how the museum looks after the town’s collection so the objects can be enjoyed by generations to come.

The tour will take place at Unit 1, Calow Brook Drive, Off Calow Lane, Hasland, Chesterfield, S41 0DR. Booking is not required and visitors just need to arrive by 11am to join the tour.

For those unable to attend the behind-the-scenes events, the team at Chesterfield Museum will be posting a video online which explores fascinating parts of history. Working with History’s Maid, the latest video which will be shared is ‘History of Tea’ – from Catherine of Braganaza to the two world wars, tea has been a British necessity. For more information or to view the video visit the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page or www.chesterfield.gov.uk.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Heritage Open Days provide an exciting and interesting way to learn more about key venues, the history and how they operate on a day-to-day basis so we are really pleased to be opening the doors to some of our key venues so people can explore.

“We hope that plenty of residents and visitors will take the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and find out more about the history of our borough.”

For more information on the Heritage Open Days, visit www.visitchesterfield.info/whats-on

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New vintage antiques store with a modern twist opens in Chesterfield

A new store trading in antiques and vintage items is coming to Chesterfield, adding yet another independent business to the town.

The Lucky Magpie Salvage will open this weekend (Saturday 4th September) following a major refurbishment of the premises on Hollis Lane Top.

Owner, Suzie Kujawinski has worked with her team in putting together a unique customer journey, featuring sections designated for different focuses. The store will sell a range of old items including: lamps and lights, military, nostalgia, signs, fairground, and Kitchenalia.

Suzie said: “I really want to make sure that The Lucky Magpie is supporting local, independent businesses and also up-and-coming creatives that have a flair for upcycling pieces.

“Whether you’ve got five pounds or a hundred pounds, it is open to everybody. So whether you just want to spend some pocket money or invest in something for life, you can find it here.

“It is about having an experience where you come in and feel like a big kid, because I think that after what we’ve all been through with the pandemic, this is what people need. That little bit of escapism where you can come in and relive memories from your childhood.

Suzie also explained why she chose Chesterfield as the perfect place to locate her business: “Everyone is so friendly and people are so welcoming. There is a real close-knit community here. I’ve worked all over and the town has a homely, traditional family feel to it.

“I feel safe going out on my own at any time. I like to have a chat with people and it is lovely when someone strikes up a conversation with you. That’s what sold it for me.”

Chesterfield boasts a vibrant range of independent and national stores, providing an enjoyable, welcoming and unique offer to shoppers. Find out more about shopping in the town here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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Chatsworth Launches Recruitment Drive For Hospitality Staff

Chatsworth has launched a recruitment drive to fill more than 30 hospitality roles in its cafes, pub and restaurants across the Derbyshire estate.

A selection of full and part-time positions are available for immediate starts in the hotels and restaurants, working in both the kitchens and front of house.

The recruitment drive follows the launch of a professional training academy to support new employees at Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group. The Devonshire Hospitality Academy will welcome its first students in autumn 2021 for its in-house training programme, which will lead to a recognised industry qualification at Level 2 Apprenticeship. Crucially, on successful completion of the course, permanent full time jobs will automatically offered.

In an effort to attract candidates and highlight the exciting career opportunities on offer, two Recruitment Days are taking place at Chatsworth on Thursday 9 September and Saturday 11 September.

Every attendee will be guaranteed an interview with a member of the senior hospitality team with a range of short term part-time seasonal roles on offer to longer-term opportunities with for those looking to build a career.

Richard Palmer, Devonshire Hotels MD, is particularly interested in finding people looking to make a longer term commitment and take advantage of the 18-month industry recognised training programme on offer.

“The loss of the labour force from Europe and the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality sector being one of the last to re-open has created a ‘perfect storm’ impacting on our ability to recruit and find people with the right skills.

“We want to get across the message that they are lots of fantastic careers in hospitality and we can help support people to realise those aspirations. I’m an example of this as I actually started within the Hotels at Bolton Abbey as a waiter and am now heading up the hotels and restaurants group.

“We’re keen to hear from people who may be coming to the end of furlough and are looking for a career change as well as those who may be starting out and looking for a job with excellent prospects.”

As well as Richard himself, the Chatsworth team is full of inspiring stories of those who have worked their way up with the support and training on offer from James Adlington who started as a casual worker to now managing the acclaimed Burlington Restaurant in Yorkshire in just six years to David Milward and Steph Shirt who both started as apprentices and are now Chef at Chatsworth and Head Baker at Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop respectively.

Richard added: “If you’re approachable and passionate, we would love you to become part of our team.”

As well as the guaranteed interview, attendees will hear from the senior hospitality team about working for Chatsworth. Roles are currently available at the Cavendish Hotel, the Devonshire Arms in Beeley and the Devonshire Arms in Pilsley.

Anyone interested in finding out more is advised to register their interest with their preferred date and time slot as soon as possible as places are limited. A drink and slice of homemade cake is thrown in to seal the deal.

  • Thursday 9 September | 2.30pm, 4pm, 5,30pm
  • Saturday 11 September | 10.30am, 12pm, 3pm
  • Location: Cavendish Restaurant, The Stables, Chatsworth, DE45 1PP
  • Email hr@devonshiregroup.co.uk to register.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Local entrepreneurs set to be recognised for hard work and resilience at 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards

The entrepreneurial achievements of new sole traders and limited companies are being celebrated in the brand-new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management.

Four businesses – CarMats.co.uk, Precious Memories by Anne-Marie, Stanedge Golf Ltd and Virtual World Studios Ltd – have all been shortlisted for the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors, the new category recognises the achievements, leadership, vision and success of new sole traders and limited companies in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire over the last 18 months.

In addition to the accolade, the winner of the award will also receive 10 hours of free mentoring with Banner Jones Solicitors as well as a 12 months of marketing support through Chesterfield Champions with awards organiser Destination Chesterfield covering the contribution cost for a financial year.

The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award will be announced at a black- tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on 20th October 2021.

Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk explained how it feels to be a finalist: “It’s a real honour to be shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the Love Chesterfield Awards. Industry awards are great, but there’s something special about local recognition. Chesterfield has so many great businesses and entrepreneurs; I’m looking forward to cheering for them all on the night of the awards.”

Anne-Marie Scott, Owner of Precious Memories by Anne-Marie said: “It feels very surreal to be nominated, mostly because I still have to pinch myself at times that I created not only a business from scratch but also my dream job! In the hardest year for most of the country, my business has still flourished and I was able to employ an intern to help with the demands of the growing business. Chesterfield is a wonderful market town, unique in encouraging local independent businesses, and encouraging local entrepreneurs helps to keep our much-loved town centre alive.”

Delighted to be shortlisted for the award, Fame Tate, Director and Owner of Stanedge Golf Ltd said: “I feel incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the award and to be recognised for what myself and my team have achieved at Stanedge Golf Club, particularly in such a short period of time. On a more personal level it is hugely satisfying as this is not just a business venture – it is a labour of love. It drives me every single day and it is something that I am hugely passionate about. I have said from day one that I want the club to be the best; that is something that will never change.”

Lyn Sheppard, Manging Director of Virtual World Studios Ltd commented: “I see entrepreneurship as a creative approach to developing and driving a business forward through innovation. I am extremely pleased that we are a finalist for this award. It was a very nice surprise. When lockdown forced the studio to close, it was only our ability to think creatively that enabled us to re-configure the virtual reality technology we had originally developed for film production, into effective and eye-catching virtual solutions for businesses.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained the importance of the new award: “Entrepreneurship plays a huge role in any thriving town or city – driving innovation, creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the local economy and never more so than during the pandemic. These businesses have adapted brilliantly to the challenges thrown at them, embodying Chesterfield’s can-do attitude. It was important to the Destination Chesterfield board that we recognised their hard work and achievements with this new award category.”

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

The Entrepreneur of the Year award is one of 16 categories in the new 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management. The new awards have combined Chesterfield’s annual High Street and Food and Drink awards and also recognised the contribution of entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprentices and sustainability over the last 18 months.

See the full list of 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

The 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors and partners, including: Addooco IT, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Digital High Street, The Chesterfield College Group, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management, Evoluted, Greatest Hits Radio South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Van Dyk by Wildes.

Peter Swallow added: “It’s never been more important to show our appreciation of the business community, so we’d love for the awards ceremony to be our biggest and best yet. This can only be made possible with sponsorship.”

There are only two sponsorship opportunities remaining. If you would like to support the Love Chesterfield awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or contact Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

County Council announces bumper Autumn of adult education courses

Learning opportunities are available for people across Chesterfield and Derbyshire, both online and face to face this autumn as part of Derbyshire County Council’s adult community education service.

During the pandemic many of the classes offered by the council’s adult community education service had to be moved online. This worked successfully in lots of subject areas so as the service gears up for the new term starting in September it will be offering a wide range of online courses as well as ones at its 16 centres spread across the county.

The online courses give students the flexibility to join in from their home or business and include ‘student paced’ ones that learners can do at any time in the advertised period.

Courses leading to qualifications and skills start from Monday 6 September with opportunities to join later in the year as well. These will be both online and face to face and include employability skills, maths and English GCSEs, digital skills, setting up your own business and environmental training.

There will be a week of free taster sessions of some of the learning for leisure courses from Monday 13 September. These are ideal for residents who may not be sure if a particular course is for them. There’s a choice of over 20 different subjects including:

  • boxing
  • music
  • foreign languages
  • creative writing
  • poetry
  • murder mystery evening – the Crich Creeper
  • social media for business
  • cookery
  • exercise – both gentle and more challenging

Then the wide range of learning for leisure courses, both online and face to face, get underway from Monday 20 September with day schools and one-off evening sessions later in the term. Languages, arts and crafts, healthy living, care for the environment, personal development and creative cookery are amongst the subjects on offer.

Those wanting to gain essential digital skills, improve their qualifications, change career, set up a business or learn to lip read will find courses to suit them as well. And there are family learning courses and provision for adults with learning disabilities and those wanting to improve their mental health.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale said: “I’m delighted that our adult education service can now offer face to face classes as well as continuing with online learning.

“This blend of learning is widening the opportunities for more residents to get involved and means that we can offer even more subjects whether for leisure or to gain qualifications”.

Bookings are now open. Find the full details in the adult education course brochures.

Book a learning for leisure course

Booking details for the qualification and skills courses varies and specifics are given in that brochure. Course fees vary with some courses free of charge and concessions for those on certain benefits and Derbyshire Gold Card holders.

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Chesterfield businessmen to complete marathon for canine charity

Two dog-loving local businessmen are planning to design and complete their very own marathon route to raise money for their favourite canine charity.

Paul Gosney, who lives in Chesterfield and Tony Dent, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, are taking part in the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday October 3 on behalf of national charity Support Dogs, whose training centre is in Brightside.

Tony, a partner at B&B Vehicle Contracts, a vehicle leasing specialist in Chesterfield, and Paul, business development manager at City Taxis, are old friends who share a common love of dogs.

The pair, neither of whom have run a marathon before, are currently plotting a 26.2 mile marathon route starting at Dronfield Woodhouse and finishing at Support Dogs via various parts of Sheffield – hopefully around six hours later.

They plan to post staging posts online to encourage supporters to cheer them on at various points along the way, snaking through the city and avoiding as many hills as possible! Support will be provided by their friend Jim as pacemaker on his electric trike, Spike le Trike, and Tony’s wife Katey in a back-up van.

“We both love dogs, and Support Dogs do amazing work,” says Tony, whose company has made Support Dogs their charity of the year.

“I’ve known about their work and supported them for many years. I was recently watching one of their videos about a young girl whose life was turned round by her assistance dog, and every time I watch it, I cry!  It’s heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time.

“It gives someone a new lease of life which you would not expect from an animal. The sheer joy that a dog brings to people’s lives and what these dogs do is incredible. They give people who have disabilities such freedom and a new lease of life, and that’s what’s it’s all about for me.”

Tony and Paul are now hard at work in the gym and pounding the streets in preparation for the event, in which participants can choose their own marathon-length route.

Toy had heart surgery two years ago, so the Virtual London Marathon is a big challenge. Both men, who have set themselves a fundraising target of £3,000 are planning a practice half marathon route in September to test their fitness.

“When people hear that we’re doing a ‘virtual’ marathon they seem to think that it’s online and we’re not actually running 26.2 miles – but believe me we are!” says Paul.

Support Dogs trains assistance dogs for children and adults with autism, epilepsy and physical disability, enabling them to lead safer, more independent lives. It receives no government funding, and for every dog it trains it receives more than 50 requests for help.

If you would like to sponsor Tony and Paul go to Virgin Money Giving

City Taxis supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Shorts wins ‘In-house finance team of the year’ at prestigious accountancy awards

The finance team at Shorts Chartered Accountants has been named ‘In-House Finance Team of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2021.

The annual awards ceremony, which took place on August 19th, celebrates the achievements and successes of the region’s best accountancy professionals.

The accolade is one of several gained by Shorts in recent years, showing substantial recognition from industry peers. They include:

  • Advisory Firm of the Year, Yorkshire Accountancy Awards Winner 2018
  • Mid-Tier Firm of the Year, British Accountancy Awards Finalist 2016
  • Insider Dealmakers, Corporate Finance Firm of the Year – Shortlisted 2016, 2017 & 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, National / International Dealmaker of the Year – Shortlisted 2017 & Winner 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, Mid-Market Dealmaker of the Year – Winner 2017 & Shortlisted 2018
  • Insider Dealmakers, Deal of the Year up to £2.5m – Winner 2018

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shorts finance team was already producing regular and detailed information across the whole firm and partner group. However, the work they completed during the COVID period was essential to ongoing stability, enabling sound business decisions to be made during an extremely uncertain period.

The team demonstrated excellent standards of work and improved efficiencies, including production of revised budgets, and enhancing many internal reports.

Michelle Frost, Practice Director at Shorts said: “Our finance team blows me away with their enthusiasm and drive for continuous improvement. And when any of them have the available capacity, they will always offer a helping hand to other team members. True gems.”

According to the judges of the event: “Shorts Chartered Accountants demonstrated a focus on continuous improvement, carrying out a transformation programme that really impressed the judges, and showed how they were integral to the overall success of the business.”

With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, Chesterfield-based Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. With over 120 staff, the company is one of the largest practices in the region.

Shorts Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Council bids for £20m of Government money to further boost Chesterfield town centre transformation and cultural offering

Plans to create a modern and extended customer experience at the Stephenson Memorial Hall – which houses Chesterfield’s Pomegranate Theatre, and Museum – are at the heart of a bid for almost £20m worth of Government funding submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council’s bid to the Levelling Up Fund makes the case for an allocation of £11m towards the costs of a £15.6m project to remodel and refurbish Chesterfield’s ‘striking’ Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Under the plans, the refurbished Hall would bring together under one roof an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum offering, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

If successful, the remaining £8.5m would be immediately allocated to further regenerate Chesterfield’s historic town centre, with investment centred on four key public spaces – Corporation Street, Rykneld Square, Market Square and New Square – and how these are connected to one another.

These spaces would be re-imagined for a range of flexible uses including markets, festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings in a programme that will aim to complement the offering at Stephenson Memorial Hall and other key town centre assets such as the Church of St Mary and All Saints (Crooked Spire) and Market Hall Assembly Rooms.

The funding would enable delivery of a vastly improved public realm alongside new seating, landscaping, lighting, and signage, and a step change in digital connectivity.

The proposals are the next stage of the council’s ambitious plans to transform Chesterfield town centre and make sure the borough’s market traders, retailers and other employers are strongly positioned to recover from the long-term economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We recognise the need to invest in Chesterfield town centre to make sure it remains a vibrant place for generations to come – providing great opportunities and experiences for local people and businesses, and keeping Chesterfield on the map as a go-to place for visitors.

“We’re already making significant progress on our £1bn borough-wide growth programme to create new jobs for local people, support new business start-ups, improve employability through better skills provision, revitalise former industrial sites and attract new investment.

“But our ambitions don’t stop there. Here in Chesterfield, we have a compelling story to tell and a prosperous future ahead of us – one which we firmly believe is deserving of further investment as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

“The council’s bid seeks funding to invest in another round of ambitious projects which will further bolster our work to transform how Chesterfield town centre looks and feels, while creating a flagship visitor experience in one of the town’s most iconic and striking buildings.”

The Government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund is open to local councils to support investment in town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.

Chesterfield Borough Council expects to hear in November 2021 whether its bid has been successful.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

BHP bolsters its VAT offering with new Director

Leading independent accountancy firm BHP has strengthened its tax team with the appointment of Carla Horsfall as a VAT Director.

Carla joins BHP from Hart Shaw Accountants where she trained as a Chartered Accountant after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006. After spending four years in the audits and accounts team at Hart Shaw, Carla moved into the tax team in 2010 and began specialising in VAT.

The BHP tax team now consists of six VAT specialists, including Amar Zaman who was recently awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation Wreford Voge Medal for achieving Distinction and the highest mark in the country in the CTA Advanced Technical Paper on Cross-Border Indirect Taxation.

Carla, who will work across Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, said: “The experience of the VAT team at BHP really appealed to me, they have a wealth of knowledge, and I was keen to focus purely on VAT rather than a mix of everything as I had been doing in my previous role.

“I already feel so welcomed by the team and the firm has a real family feel to it which was important to me.

“I’m looking forward to becoming a core part of the team and developing further in my role.”

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “Carla brings with her brilliant experience and knowledge, and she will be a great addition to our growing team.

“We pride ourselves on the depth of knowledge of our VAT team and our ability to offer complex specialist VAT advice to our client base.

“Investing and developing our fantastic talent pool and supplementing it with experts like Carla is a key part of our strategy going forward.”

BHP has been ranked the second-best accountancy firm to work for in the UK, and the 35th best company to work for across Yorkshire and the Humber in the Best Companies survey 2021.

The independent accountancy firm is made up of over 350 professionals and 37 partners working across a wide range of specialities including audit and assurance, consulting, corporate finance and taxation.

For more information about BHP visit www.bhp.co.uk.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chamber calls for clarity on the future of HS2 East

The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has commented on uncertainty around the future of the HS2 Eastern Leg, calling on the government to “stop playing games” with the future of our region.

If delivered in full, Chesterfield will stand to benefit from the Eastern leg of HS2 in a number of ways, with high speed trains carrying passengers to and from Chesterfield station. There are also proposals for regeneration of the area around the station, along with further plans for a maintenence depot in Staveley, creating a significant number of new jobs in the area.

Commenting on the ongoing uncertainty regarding the future of the HS2 Eastern Leg, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Fundamentally, nothing has officially changed regarding the future of the HS2 Eastern Leg since last year when the Government said it would set out its proposals in the Integrated Rail Plan (IRP).

“Yet it seems like every other weekend, we are reading reports in national media outlets in which anonymous Whitehall civil servants are sending out signals to diminish its chances of happening.

“With the IRP being kicked down the road continuously and not expected until the autumn, it has left a void for constant speculation that is causing huge uncertainty at a time when we need to know the direction ahead for future regional economic planning.

“It’s time for the Government to stop playing games with the future of our region, and those other areas that would stand to benefit significantly from HS2 East.

“While many of our perceptions have been adjusted during the pandemic, the huge economic benefits that HS2 can bring as part of the much-hyped levelling up agenda haven’t changed.

“Much of the understanding around HS2 appears to be hopelessly flawed. It is much more than just a new railway, bringing growth in the form of business investment, house building, place regeneration, high-skilled job creation, innovation, green technologies and more to areas that have faced chronic underinvestment over a number of years.

“Indeed, we are already seeing these plans start to come to fruition across Birmingham, where the certainty of the first phase of HS2 has already spurred private sector investment and development.

“Without the development of HS2 as promised, these plans will be critically undermined, and any delivery that does happen will certainly not be of the magnitude aspired to.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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