Development

Figures revealed at annual Investment Summit show new businesses are booming in Chesterfield

Official figures presented today at the Chesterfield Investment Summit show record levels of startups setting up in the Chesterfield area, alongside substantial growth in the town’s visitor economy and construction sectors. Survival rates for companies in Chesterfield far exceed the national average.

New business activity in Chesterfield, Derbyshire’s largest town, reached record levels in 2022 and is expected to grow again this year, according to figures shared today at the Chesterfield Investment Summit. Analysis of Companies House data, the official register of UK companies, shows that 1,021 startups with Chesterfield addresses were registered in 2022, 4% more than in 2021, and indicates the area is on track to create over 1,100 more businesses in 2023.

Analysis from Destination Chesterfield – the organisation responsible for promoting investment in the town – shows strong levels of new business activity in several sectors prioritised in Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy, as well as encouraging signs for the town’s independent retail sector:

  • 92 new hospitality companies were launched in Chesterfield during 2022, a 10% increase on 2021 (84) and more than three times the number (29) created in 2012. Hospitality is a crucial component of Chesterfield’s growing visitor economy, which attracted 3.7 million people in 2022 (20% more than 2021), according to Chesterfield Borough Council. The visitor economy supports over 2,000 full-time jobs in Chesterfield and was worth £207 million last year.
  • 106 new professional services companies were created in Chesterfield during 2022, an increase of 29% on 2021 (82). They include 27 management consulting companies, 22 engineering advisory firms and 12 advertising and digital media specialists. Chesterfield is actively encouraging professional services firms to locate to the town to help achieve a 15% increase in higher-skill, higher-wage knowledge-based occupations for residents by 2030.
  • 99 construction startups were established in Chesterfield in 2022, 10% more than 2021 (90) and 55% higher than 2012 (64). Data from Chesterfield Borough Council shows the number of new homes built in Chesterfield has more than doubled over the last decade to reach 373 completions in the year to April 2023. Chesterfield has exceeded its new build target in each of the last four years and the council has earmarked several prime locations for new residential development as part of plans to build more than 4,000 new homes by 2035.
  • 124 retail and wholesale startups began trading in Chesterfield in 2022. Although this was down 5% on 2021 figures, it represents a 49% improvement over the last decade and is expected to grow to more than 150 in 2023. The number was driven, in part, by a threefold increase in online retail startups over the last decade. Entrepreneurs in Chesterfield launched 23 e-commerce companies in 2022 and are on track to create over 40 more during 2023.

Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “New business activity is booming in Chesterfield, which is seeing growth from homegrown startups and those relocating to the town from elsewhere.These outcomes are the fruits of a purposeful strategy to secure new business investment in Chesterfield and help our existing businesses to grow.”

Dr Huw Bowen - Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council

“Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting, either through direct investment or public-private partnerships, a series of projects to provide high-quality commercial space for businesses. It has helped bring to market almost 300,000 square feet of modern office, industrial, manufacturing and logistics space since the start of 2022, and expects further new premises totalling more than one million square feet to become available by the middle of 2025.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Chesterfield is growing thanks to its location, its supportive community, the incredible lifestyle you can enjoy here, and the investments that are being made in high-quality business space and housing. We’ve seen more interest from local and incoming entrepreneurs post-pandemic, who are creating new jobs and opportunities for the abundant talent pool Chesterfield can access, and we expect that growth to continue as the town seizes new opportunities associated with the East Midlands devolution deal over the coming years.”

peter swallow speaking at Celebrate

Official figures also show that businesses based in Chesterfield consistently enjoy significantly higher survival rates than the national average. The latest data from the Office of National Statistics show that 62% of Chesterfield companies started in 2018 were still trading after three years, compared to 54% for all of the UK. Similar figures were recorded for businesses founded in 2016 and 2017.

More than 200 delegates, including domestic and commercial property investors and business leaders from the UK, attended the Chesterfield Investment Summit today. The Summit is organised by Destination Chesterfield and sponsored by East Midlands Chamber and Turner & Townsend.

Destination Chesterfield has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

spire drone 1

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

North East Derbyshire firms urged to take up support for growth, innovation and decarbonisation

How to grow, sustain, innovate and decarbonise are top of the agenda for an innovative new programme being launched in North East Derbyshire.

The Accelerator project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and East Midlands Chamber.

It signals a new era of local place-based support for districts like North East Derbyshire and will help local businesses to improve productivity through innovation and digital technology, reduce energy costs through decarbonisation and moving towards net zero, and grow through a robust business plan and strategy.

The Accelerator project offers:

  • Net Zero support to help businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey to reduce the cost of their energy bills and improve energy efficiencies. Training and 1-2-1 consultancy will be offered on a range of subjects including waste management and Investors in the Environment, also supporting businesses to develop comprehensive energy audits and de-carbonisation plans.
  • Innovation and R&D support from Innovation and Technology Specialists to help high-growth and scale-up businesses adopt digital technologies and take advantage of national programmes such as Innovate UK EDGE and Made Smarter.
  • Action planning workshops with expert trainers on a range of topics including Finance, HR, Digital Marketing and Sales.
  • Access to finance and specialised consultancy through growth vouchers and grants.
  • Networks for collaboration with fellow businesses including through the national Help to Grow: Management Course and the East Midlands Manufacturing Network which invites North East Derbyshire businesses to attend forums in Derby and in other key locations across the East Midlands.

Businesses are invited to hear about support on offer at the North East Derbyshire Accelerator launch event, taking place on Friday, 27th October 2023 at Coney Green Business Park, Clay Cross. Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, will present on the range of Accelerator support available, and explain how businesses can register to join the project and secure their free training workshop places.

Councillor Jayne Barry, North East Derbyshire District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Growth & Assets, said: “The new Accelerator Programme is a wonderful opportunity for businesses across North East Derbyshire to take their business to the next level – whether that be in terms of growth, developing new processes, adopting new technologies or tackling their energy costs.

“Knowing where to start can, however, be a real challenge. The package of specialist support and guidance on offer from East Midlands Chamber will, I’m sure, be invaluable to businesses seeking to inject new energy into their operations.

“I encourage anyone who would like to hear more about the exciting opportunities available through the Accelerator Programme to join our launch event on 27th October at Coney Green Business Centre.”

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, added: “The Accelerator project will help businesses across North East Derbyshire to improve their operations in a number of areas. Chamber business advisers are on hand to help businesses develop a business strategy to help achieve key objectives such as driving efficiencies and productivity, developing a decarbonisation plan, and becoming more sustainable.

“As well as one-to-one business adviser support, businesses have the opportunity to sign-up for a series of action planning workshops which significantly boost key skills within their teams.”

Businesses wishing to learn more about the Accelerator project in North East Derbyshire can do so by signing up to the 27th October event or visiting the programme at: www.d2n2growthhub.co.uk/accelerator and choosing North East Derbyshire as their district.

Find out more about the range of support available to businesses in Chesterfield and surrounding areas at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Two people shaking hands

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

Inspire Design’s Lee Barnes takes the reigns for Clay Cross Town Board

The Clay Cross Town Board has announced the appointment of Lee Barnes to the position of Chair.

The Managing Director of Clay Cross-based Inspire Design Group, Lee is an existing Board Member and is one of several private sector representatives on the Board.

Lee will head all future Clay Cross Town Board meetings, which oversee the delivery and progress of the Clay Cross Town Deal.

Clay Cross residents can take comfort in knowing the future of their town is in capable hands. As a North East Derbyshire resident and Clay Cross business owner, Lee has a breadth of professional experience in revitalising urban areas and guiding multi-disciplinary teams, with a strong commitment to seeing the town thrive.

As Chair, Lee plans to take Clay Cross’ local business scene to new heights for its residents stating, “I’ve got a really interesting journey ahead of me as Chair. I aim to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to help breathe new life into Clay Cross.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to move the town forward together, bringing new job opportunities, and more places to eat and drink and spend leisure time. As a resident myself, I am passionate about getting the best offer for us and am excited to lead us into the next phase of the Town Deal.”

So far, projects announced as part of the Clay Cross Town Deal include the regeneration of the town’s high street, along with a refurbishment of the Sharley Park Leisure Centre, which will be renamed Clay Cross Active.

Lee is also a member of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which aims to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Another town in our area which has benefitted from town deal funding is Staveley. Find out more about the range of projects taking place in the town here.

For more information on why Chesterfield is an excellent location to invest in your business, head over to our Invest In Chesterfield page.

Inspire Design and Development 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, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Sustainable heating and cooling provider announces move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A cutting-edge provider of heating and cooling solutions has made Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre its new home.

Infrared Group Ltd. specialises in offering a range of efficient heating and cooling options, including air source heat pumps and air conditioning systems. The company’s flagship product, the Infrared Heating Panels, stands at the forefront of its commitment to providing innovative solutions for homes and businesses.

With extensive research driving product selection, Infrared Group believes its heating panels represent the ideal heating solution for tomorrow’s world. Products are tailored around the UK Government’s plans to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and phase out the use of gas boilers, with the main aim of future-proofing clients’ homes, businesses, and projects.

Aaron Joseph, Sales Director at Infrared Group commented: “We stock a wide range of top brands for air source heat pumps and air conditioning with products and prices to suit all budgets. With a focus on rapid growth, we are actively seeking nationwide partnerships with developers who share our vision for the future of efficient heating technology.

“We not only provide top-notch installations but also pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. We’re embarking on a journey to a more efficient and sustainable future in heating and cooling.”

Leaders at the firm say they are ‘thrilled’ to be relocating to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Nathan De La Rosa, Industry Specialist at Infrared Group said: “This strategic move stems from our commitment to both efficiency and accessibility.

“Chesterfield offers a prime location in the centre of England, providing excellent transport links to both the north and the south. Moreover, we are passionate about contributing to the development of the Northern Gateway and believe our presence here will help to play a pivotal role in our growth.

“The modern facilities at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre are nothing short of fantastic, aligning perfectly with our vision for the future. Furthermore, our founders and dedicated team of staff hail from the Chesterfield area, and we are deeply committed to putting Chesterfield on the map and contributing to the region’s progress. We have a vehement passion to build local relationships with fellow business owners in Derbyshire as well as nationwide.”

Looking ahead, the company’s aspirations are firmly rooted in building its brand and spreading awareness about the benefits of ultra-efficient infrared heating. Infrared Group’s mission is to collaborate closely with homeowners, businesses, and developers, empowering them to revolutionise their heating solutions.

Aaron Joseph added: “We hold a steadfast belief that as people increasingly recognise the immense advantages of infrared heating, it will become the standard in buildings of the future. Our journey at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in Chesterfield is not just about business growth; it’s about catalysing a transformation in how we all approach heating and cooling, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient future for all.”

Chesterfield boasts a wide range of modern, well-connected and affordable office spaces available to assist businesses in their growth. Find your perfect office today.

infrared group team photo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Young people to learn entrepreneurial skills with new programme in Chesterfield

Young people in Chesterfield are being invited to take part in a new programme designed to develop their entrepreneurial skills and confidence to help them kickstart their career.

After successfully receiving £6,000 in funding through Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund, Young Enterprise – the national financial and enterprise education charity – is teaming up with Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School, inviting pupils to take part in its Company Programme.

The Company Programme aims to empower young people aged between 13 and 19 to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a volunteer from a local business.

Students will be responsible for making all the decisions about their business, including deciding on the company name, managing the company finances and selling to the public. Participants gain practical business experience and key skills.

Volunteers from local businesses are also being urged to get involved as mentors and provide the students with practical advice and guidance. Any businesses interested in taking part can contact the Educational Partnerships Manager: simon.paterson@y-e.org.uk .

As part of the annual programme of activities, Young Enterprise will also be running a launch and pitch event, where the young people will be able to pitch their business ideas to businesses in the area.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Brough Council, said: “We’re really pleased that our Community Grants Fund scheme can fund initiatives such as the Company Programme. When we first launched the scheme, we wanted to make sure that funding could be used to help people prepare to get in to work, and this project does just that.

“Our Skills Action Plan, which we unveiled earlier this year, is all about providing people not only with education, but also the experience of putting those skills into practice.

“Young Enterprise is giving young people the opportunity to improve their work readiness and work experience. It will help them to develop practical business experience and key skills including finance management and public speaking.

“We’re investing in Staveley through our Town Deal and I know many of the board members are keen to support this project and support young people to learn more about starting their own businesses. I am really looking forward to watching this project develop and seeing young people thrive.”

Ian Wingfield, headteacher at Springwell Community College, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project and I know our students are excited to get started. This is a great opportunity for them to develop a range of valuable skills at the same time as connecting further with their community.”

Sharon Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Young Enterprise, said: “We are delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council is supporting Springwell Community College and Netherthorpe School to launch Company Programme to their students. Company Programme provides a real-life learning opportunity that introduces young people to the realities of the world of work. Previous participants have come up with innovative ideas for their companies, often with a strong socially-conscious theme, which have real potential to become businesses of the future. We are excited to see what the young people taking part in Chesterfield achieve and wish them the best of luck for their Company Programme journey.”

Helen McVicar, headteacher at Netherthorpe School, says that the project will enable pupils to develop real-life skills. She said: “The Young Enterprise Scheme is a fantastic initiative, and we are delighted to be involved. We pride ourselves on being connected with our community and this project will help us to further strengthen those ties whilst also testing the entrepreneurial skills of our young people, and developing important real-life skills.”

More information on Young Enterprise, including details on how other schools and young people can get involved in the Company Programme, can be found at: www.young-enterprise.org.uk

Funding for Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

More information on the Community Grants Fund can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Learn more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to live, work and raise a family: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/

Young Enterprise

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Ceremony celebrates construction of multi-million pound mental health facilities in Derbyshire

A new 54-bed mental health facility for adults is progressing in Chesterfield, providing acute adult care on the Royal Hospital site.

Integrated Health Projects (IHP), the joint venture between VINCI Building UK and Sir Robert McAlpine, has celebrated the ‘topping out’ of the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s new mental health facilities across Derbyshire.

Mark Powell, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Simon Corben, Director and Head of Profession for NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England, and Geoff Neild, Programme Director for the Making Room for Dignity Programme attended an event held at Derby Kingsway Hospital alongside members of the project team.

The pioneering new mental health facilities are delivered as part of the Trust’s ambitious £150 million Making Room for Dignity Programme – a project using a blend of central, regional and Trust funding to completely revamp the county’s mental health inpatient (hospital) facilities.

The works include the Derwent Unit, a 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and the Carsington Unit, another 54-bed mental health facility for Adult Acute Care as well as a 14-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Kingsway Hospital in Derby.

Every room across both Adult Acute Care facilities will be en-suite and temperature controlled, with the facilities also including a shared therapy suite, kitchen, indoor fitness room, online library resource room, arts room and access to a secured roof terrace and garden for wards on the first floor.

James Beardmore, Project Manager at IHP, said: “We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone for these important projects and the exemplary collaboration demonstrated by the project team. We look forward to delivering these adult acute care facilities for the Trust’s ambitious Making Room for Dignity Programme. Once completed, they will greatly improve mental healthcare services across the region.”

Geoff Neild, at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Derwent Unit at Chesterfield and Carsington Unit at Derby form the backbone of our dormitory eradication programme giving each service user their own en-suite bedroom.

“For those service users from Derbyshire requiring intensive psychiatric care there is currently no provision within the county and our service users are currently placed in out-of-area facilities. This has a huge impact on the ability of family and loved ones to provide support at a time when it is often most needed. Kingfisher House will provide a 14 bedded unit meeting the needs of male service users in Derbyshire. Along with the newly refurbished Audrey House the Trust can meet the majority of the needs of both male and female service users requiring high acuity facilities.

“I am delighted that these new facilities will give staff, service users, family and friends fantastic settings in which to deliver or receive therapeutic care and support.”

topping-out_group-photograph

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Transition Chesterfield opens Eco Hub thanks to community funding

Transition Chesterfield has benefited from Chesterfield Borough Council’s community grant funding, enabling them to open an Eco Hub in the town.

Based on Low Pavement in Chesterfield, the Eco Hub is a pilot project that will work with residents to:

  • Improve their awareness of ‘Transition Chesterfield’ and the aims and objectives of the community group
  • Improve their awareness of climate action and the protection of the environment
  • Improve their understanding of net zero and a more sustainable Chesterfield
  • Access further learning and volunteer opportunities

Transition Chesterfield was one of the local organisations to benefit from the first round of funding, receiving £2,500 to open the new hub in the town centre.

The Eco Hub is initially open every Friday from 10am to 12.30pm until May 2024 and may open at other times if successful in recruiting enough volunteers.

The Hub at Low Pavement itself is open most days though for other community-based activities.

A total of £59,965 has been awarded to 16 local groups via the council’s new Community Grants Funding scheme so far, and applications for the second round of funding are now open.

The council is looking for grant applications from community groups and local voluntary organisations in Chesterfield and surrounding areas who have climate focused projects to deliver.

Karl Deakin, a volunteer with Transition Chesterfield, said: “We’re excited to win this funding which gives us a much-needed base for our activities. Our hub project will encourage interest and participation amongst residents to reduce their carbon footprint. It’s also a great opportunity for people to volunteer to help our environment and meet new people.”

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning, and environment said: “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges humanity faces worldwide, and it needs us all to consider how we can make individual changes to our routines as well as how we can will make substantial changes in the borough of Chesterfield.

“Community groups can play a huge part in helping to educate and inform our communities so we would love to hear about any local project ideas that could benefit from the available grant funding.

“Chesterfield Borough Council has more than £118,000 available to eligible local groups in this financial year (2023/24) so we are encouraging as many people as possible to find out more about the scheme and submit an application.”

The funding allocated through the grant scheme will support local groups to deliver projects that will build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used by community projects to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

Grants range from £500 to £6,000, and the deadline for applications for phase two is Friday 27 October.

Further information about the Community Grant Scheme, including details of how to apply can be found on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund.

Funding for Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

transition chesterfield eco hub

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s ‘off-grid’ households set for energy efficient boost

Homeowners in Chesterfield that have no mains gas supply to their property could benefit from financial support to help make energy efficient improvements to their homes and reduce their bills.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Marches Energy Agency (MEA), and E.ON Energy Solutions have joined forces to help residents to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient – after the council successfully secured over £440,000 through the Government’s Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2).

Grant funding will be used to help to improve the energy efficiency of at least 22 homes in the borough. Improvement measures will be dependent on the outcome of a technical survey but could include the introduction of a range of improvements from insulation and solar panels to air source heat pumps and smart heating controls. These measures can save residents money on their energy bills whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The funding will be available to homeowners who do not have a mains gas heating system and where their property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D,E,F or G and will only be eligible if one of the following statements apply:

  • Homeowner lives in one of the eligible postcode areas set by the Government
  • A permanent member of the household receives a means tested benefit
  • The combined household income is below £31,000 before tax

Further details on eligibility criteria can be found on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/hug2

Residents living in private rented accommodation may also be eligible for support, however the landlord will be required to contribute a minimum of a third of the total cost.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise. With funding secured through this scheme we can support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

“Despite facing significant financial pressures now and in future years, the council is committed to supporting those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis, and is doing all it can to maximise external funding opportunities like this, to help households across the borough.

“The funding will help to improve the energy performance and heating systems of off gas grid private sector homes and we will be carrying out technical surveys to make sure the most appropriate and efficient improvements can be made at each home.”

The council has already identified a number of households who are eligible for funding and MEA will be writing to them directly to advise them of the help available. Any other residents who think they may be eligible can contact MEA’s local team (Warmer Derby & Derbyshire) by emailing HUGD@mea.org.uk, calling 0800 677 1332 and selecting option 2 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or by completing the online application form.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “The energy we use to heat and power buildings is one of the largest factors in terms of carbon emissions, if we can make buildings more efficient and reduce energy loss, we will see carbon emissions reduce also. Supporting and promoting schemes like these grants which will help homeowners to improve thermal efficiency is vital to achieving our target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.”

Chesterfield Town Hall

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Redbrik shortlisted for flurry of top estate agency awards

Redbrik Estate Agents has been shortlisted for a number of top industry awards as the firm celebrates further growth and success.

The company has been shortlisted for Best Large Estate Agent at the Yorkshire Residential Real Estate Awards, as well as nominated in four categories at The Negotiator Awards.

The categories include Employer of the Year; Property Management Department of the Year and New Homes Specialists, with Land and New Homes Manager Emma Liversidge shortlisted as Rising Star of the Year.

It comes after Redbrik introduced their revolutionary new service, SecureMove™, at the end of last year.

SecureMove™ is an industry-leading process designed to minimise fall-throughs, speed up sales and provide more certainty to both buyers and sellers by legally preparing properties for sale before they go on the market.

Managing Director at Redbrik, Mark Ross, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for so many incredible awards and I would like to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication.

“This is our tenth year in business and we have achieved so much in that time. Since introducing Securemove™ last November, we have seen some fantastic results. We have successfully cut down completion times from the industry’s average of 150-180 days to an impressive 69 days, and on average, we are contract-ready in just 59 days. We have also seen our fall-through rates plummet to just 11 per cent, bucking the national trend.

“It is amazing to be recognised for the innovative and dynamic processes that set us apart from other agents, as well as the outstanding level of talent we have cultivated within the company.”

This year has seen Redbrik complete its 9,000th sale, make two new appointments to its board of Directors and grow to more than 60 employees across four offices operating in Sheffield and Chesterfield, as well as working hard to make changes which revolutionise the industry.

To find out more about Redbrik, visit www.redbrik.co.uk

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

Redbrik directors

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Mortgage 1st named as one of the best mortgage companies to work for in the UK

Chesterfield-based Mortgage 1st has been named as a Top Mortgage Employer and ‘one of the best mortgage companies to work for in the UK.’

The results come from an anonymous survey taken by all their employees evaluating key areas of the business such as culture, innovation, reputation and diversity.

To qualify, employers had to meet a minimum number of employee survey responses based on the overall size of the organisation. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top three companies in each category based on overall employee satisfaction. Alongside Mortgage 1st, only 8 other Mortgage Broker firms across the UK made the final list.

Mortgage 1st were listed as one of the top three companies across 4 key areas achieving Gold for Innovation, Silver for Reputation and Bronze for both Advancement and culture.

Operations Director Lisa Stones said: “Winning an award and being recognised for the work we do at Mortgage 1st is such an amazing feeling but this one tops them all as it was decided by our team. Knowing our team are happy, motivated and feel supported is what we constantly strive for and for them to score us so highly that we make the Top Mortgage Employers list is an incredible feeling.”

The Top Mortgage Employer list has been officially announced this week and shared across the intermediary sector, celebrating mortgage companies that have their team and customers at the heart of everything they do.

Mortgage 1st was founded in 2008 and now along with its sister brand Protection 1st and recent acquisition Peak Mortgages & Protection has a current total staff head count of 70. Senior team members, Advisers and Administrators work out of its Chesterfield & Belper head offices along with remote workers all over the UK, together serving customers for their mortgage and protection needs both locally and nationwide.

Chesterfield has a diverse business community and offers an excellent quality of life, sat on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park. Find out more about working in Chesterfield.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

Lewis Atkins Mortgage 1st

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

High-growth businesses in Chesterfield achieve new ambitions through Digital Upscaler

More than 1,000 ambitious businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire have received valuable support to embrace new technologies courtesy of an East Midlands Chamber-led programme.

The Digital Upscaler project, which part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and ran from 1 April 2020 to 30 June 2023, provided SMEs with knowledge, investment and capacity to scale-up.

It achieved this via intensive digital adviser support and specialist consultancy, capital grants to support technology investment, dedicated peer networks and a comprehensive programme of strategic action-planning workshops.

Technology grants valued at £1.6m in total, delivered as part of the project, have supported companies across a range of sectors to acquire and integrate new enterprise resource planning (ERP) and material requirements planning (MRP) systems, new access and entry systems, as well as install high-performance servers and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Digital technology support has been a core service of East Midlands Chamber for many years now. A significant part of that offer was Digital Upscaler, the impact of which can be seen both in the project’s deliverables and in the subsequent growth of the businesses supported.

“ERDF support may well have ended but the Chamber’s innovation and technology specialists continue to be on hand to guide scaling businesses on tapping into support from the Chamber’s new East Midlands Accelerator projects and through national programmes such as Made Smarter and Innovate UK EDGE.”

Digital Upscaler has supported several Chesterfield firms, including Images Costumes, a family-run business which supplies custom-made dancewear, uniforms and active wear to dance schools, individual performers, theatres and production companies.

These outfits have taken centre stage in a number of shows, from The BRIT Awards to that of Irish-American dance sensation, Michael Flatley.

Michelle Webb, Owner and Managing Director at Images Costumes Ltd. commented: “Technology really is ever-changing and, no matter how we try, we are never up to date! So the triage of support we’ve received; D2N2 Business Adviser support, workshops, and digital consultancy, has been hugely important to our business.”

North Derbyshire-based manufacturer, Penny Hydraulics also received the support. The Digital Upscaler project funded bespoke training on CAD Autodesk, which has helped automate the business’s goods lift design process, in turn reducing the wasted time and material caused by manual errors.

Find out more about Chesterfield’s vibrant business community, and the support available to firms in our area at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/

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