Home

East Midlands can ‘lead the way’ in energy transition, Midlands Energy Summit hears

The East Midlands has the potential to “lead the way” in the energy transition to net zero by holding some of the key ingredients – but businesses need more support to make changes right now.

These were two of the headline messages at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber at the University of Nottingham’s Trent Building yesterday (Thursday 30 November).

Speakers from major organisations including Toyota, Uniper, National Grid and the East Midlands Freeport gave an insight into some of the clean energy activities happening in the region, including in hydrogen, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

A new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre, which aims to transform cutting-edge green research at the University of Nottingham and Loughborough University into commercial products, was announced by the Freeport’s chief executive Tom Newman-Taylor at the event – with the Freeport contributing £5m over funding towards the initiative.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “With three of the big bases for future energy provision – hydrogen, nuclear fusion and nuclear fission – being developed here in the East Midlands, across a range of nationally-critical projects and research that is backed by public and private sector investment, we are leading the way in the energy transition.

“It was fascinating to hear more about some of these plans from the major players in these areas, and the new East Midlands zero-carbon innovation centre is an exciting initiative that taps into these strengths while developing new sectors that will deliver further investment and high-quality jobs for our communities.

“But while the future holds plenty of promise, we mustn’t forget about what we can do here and now to make gains in the green agenda. Toyota is a great example of a company making small adjustments to save lots of energy and while some of these learnings can be passed down through the supply chain, there is plenty more we can do.

“Small businesses tell us they want to make the necessary changes to decarbonise their operations, and many are already taking huge strides forward, but require more support.

“Our Sustainable East Midlands initiative can signpost businesses to funded programmes, events and best practice. More broadly, it’s crucial for businesses, the public sector and universities to work closer together to develop research and roll out new technologies that will help the East Midlands and UK to become a world leader in the net zero economy.”

Midlands Energy Summit - Scott Knowles

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

Learning Curve Group extends offer with new courses in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield training provider which helps learners gain skills to build careers in the beauty industry has extended its offer with several new courses.

Learning Curve Group, formerly known as White Rose Beauty Colleges, has already provided courses for thousands of learners in Chesterfield since 1996. Now, the organisation has expanded, adding hairdressing and barbering courses at its Chesterfield academy.

Helen Bradshaw, Learner Recruitment Officer at Learning Curve Group commented: “With accredited courses available from January and delivered by industry-trained staff, learners can expect an excellent, professional experience in our fabulous town centre college.

“With smaller class sizes and a warm, friendly environment, we strive for excellence in both preparing and enabling our learners the opportunity to work in the industry. Our salons are designed to replicate a high street salon and we regularly invite members of the public to enjoy a treatment at a discounted price.”

  • Level 1 Diploma course in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is aimed at learners who are under 19 years of age and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn the basic skills required to become a stylist or therapist.
  • The Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing offers a nature progression or and is also offered to learners over 19. This course builds and develops skills such as cutting and colouring and we encourage learners to gain work experience in a salon to give them a true insight into the business.
  • Level 3 and Level 4 is most suited to those who already work in a salon who would like to build on their existing knowledge with units such as creative colouring, colour correction, and advanced cutting skills to name but a few.

Helen added: “Barbering is an exciting new addition; we feel confident that a new generation of learners will be eager to bring their new skills to our town and offer an excellent service to the local community.

“We aim to support local salons with our wonderful Apprenticeship programme, which offers a great opportunity for learners to work in a salon with the support and encouragement from our experienced staff. Trends in hairdressing are as changeable as the fashion industry and we aim to offer our learners the most current up-to-date skills in our state of the art, modern college, consistently providing a stream of skilled stylists into the workforce.”

To find out more about our courses and to arrange a college tour, please contact the academy on 01246 588773 or email Helen.bradshaw@learningcurvegroup.co.uk

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

learning curve group

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Second round of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth programme opens to businesses

Applications have opened for the next cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses.

Companies are being encouraged to apply for the second phase of Create Growth, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

It comes as 23 East Midlands businesses completed the first cohort of the regional business growth accelerator.

The inaugural cohort, made up of firms from across Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby and Derbyshire, and Lincoln, Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland, have benefited from a programme of focused support over the last eight weeks.

Participants ranged from marketing and design agencies to architects, theatre companies to video producers.

Businesses completed an initial business health check, attended a full-day business bootcamp, which included opportunities to network, and logged on to eight virtual masterclasses covering themes including leadership, marketing, sales, finance and business planning.

As well as the 90-minute masterclasses delivered by industry experts, all participants were also assigned a mentor offering five hours of free support.

Guy Lewis, Director at programme delivery partner CDI Alliance, said: “Our first cohort were enthusiastic, engaged and committed to the programme.

“We’ve had some really encouraging feedback about the bootcamp session, masterclasses, and support offered throughout the programme, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the businesses who took part in Cohort One.”

All of the participating businesses now have the option to complete a fully funded 12-hour investment readiness workshop, helping to prepare their firms for growth.

To be eligible for Cohort 2 of the East Midlands Create Growth programme, businesses must:

  • Have turnover growth of 10% year-on-year over approximately 3 years (including either prior to or during the Pandemic)
  • Employ a minimum of 2 people over the last two years (full-time, part-time or freelance)
  • Have created a revenue generating product, launched a new platform or service, or reached a market of scale
  • Generated sales revenue in the last 2 years.
  • Be trading or registered within Leicester, Leicestershire, Derby, Derbyshire, Greater Lincolnshire, or Rutland.

Create Growth was launched in 2022 by DCMS, in partnership with Innovate UK. It is designed to support the development of creative industries with high-growth potential across England, outside of London.

The East Midlands programme is led by East Midlands Creative Consortium (EMC²), which aims to help creative businesses get investment ready. Its members include local authorities, universities, local enterprise partnerships, and many other organisations in the private, public and voluntary sector.

EMC² aims to support 100 creative businesses across three years through four cohort groups. The coalition came together through its successful £1.2m bid for the Government’s Create Growth Programme, led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).

Applications for the second cohort are now open – any eligible businesses interested in applying can find out more here.

CentralTechnology office

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

Chesterfield Champions to support those in need this Christmas

Several organisations in Chesterfield are playing their part in supporting our community this Christmas.

Businesses in the town will be helping those in need, with a number of different initiatives being offered which people can support.

If you’re looking to help and support those less fortunate in our area over the festive period, check out how you can get involved by viewing some of the initiatives below from our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions.

Rosewood Wealth Management supports Lifehouse Church Appeal

Rosewood Wealth Management One Waterside Place

Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is supporting an appeal hosted by Lifehouse Church, and is inviting people across the area to donate food items to help those less fortunate.

The church is building food hampers for vulnerable people in the community, and is asking for people to donate specific food and drink items, as displayed below.

Those wishing to donate can drop off products at Rosewood Wealth Management’s new office on the 4th floor at One Waterside Place, Basin Square, Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 7FH.

Chester’s Toy Appeal returns at Chesterfield FC

cfc toy appeal 23

 

 

Chester’s Toy Appeal, sponsored by Brett Martin Ltd, is now underway. New, unwrapped toys, donated as part of the appeal, will be handed out to families in need so that children who would otherwise go without receive a present on Christmas Day.

Donations can be taken to the main reception at John Pye Ltd on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, every Wednesday and Thursday, until December 13 (between 11am and 3pm).

Donations can also be taken to the main reception at the SMH Group Stadium, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except on matchdays).

Paperclip supports Christmas lunch for vulnerable people in Chesterfield

Anne - paperclip Brochure - Landscape

Chesterfield-based Paperclip Ltd. is supporting an appeal to provide a Christmas Lunch for disadvantaged people across Chesterfield.

The lunch will be held at Whittington Moor Methodist Church, Scarsdale Road, S41 8NA on Christmas Day from 1pm-5:30pm.

Those wishing to volunteer or donate to the event can ring the Paperclip Christmas Dinner Hotline on 01246 948 401. A full list of donations being accepted can be found on the Paperclip Linkedin page

Leverton UK to support Chesterfield FC Community Trust Food Box Appeal

Molly Jowitt, Leverton UK

Chesterfield property and construction company, Leverton UK has set up a Just Giving page to support a food box appeal being supported by Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

The fundraiser will also give the chance for a deserving family to win the Harrods bear, Ethan. They will also invite the winners to the Leverton UK Hospitality box at Chesterfield Football Club for a match.

Every £1 raised will enter a child into the draw, with the winner being announced 20th December by official Chesterfield FC mascot, Chester The Field Mouse.

Snowflakes appear on Chesterfield building to support The Children’s Hospital Charity

sheff childrens snowflakes

Several snowflakes have been lit up on the prominent Homes by Holmes building on Saltergate in Chesterfield, to support the charity’s annual appeal.

Each snowflake has been sponsored by a local resident or business, helping the hospital to continue its vital work in funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.

Find out more about the 2023 Snowflakes appeal. 

Greatest Hits Radio supports Mission Christmas Appeal

Greatest Hits Radio is supporting the Mission Christmas fundraiser by the Cash For Kids Charity. Presenter, Ken Bruce explained how people can get involved:

Rosewood Wealth Management, Chesterfield FC, Leverton UK, Paperclip, The Children’s Hospital Charity, and Greatest Hits Radio support 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Funding scheme for green innovation scoops national award

A programme that supports organisations to develop green energy and carbon reduction schemes in Derbyshire has won a category at this year’s Innovation Awards.

The Green Entrepreneurs Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire County Council, is a £2 million grant fund open to individuals and organisations based in the county looking to invest in and develop projects that support the drive towards the UK’s target of net zero carbon by 2050.

The programme team picked up the Sustainability Innovation Champion – Organisation category at the Innovation Awards, organised by the Technology Supply Chain, a membership organisation that connects UK innovative manufacturing, engineering and technology companies to grants, funded support and new opportunities. The awards recognise, reward and celebrate the companies, individuals and organisations dedicated to innovation. The national awards ceremonies attract thousands of entries from across the UK and beyond in four main categories: innovators, individual innovators, innovation champions and innovation thought leaders.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery, Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to win this award in recognition of our partnership with Derbyshire County Council that supports so many innovative projects in the county as we move towards net zero carbon. It is inspiring to see the resourcefulness and creativity of individuals and organisations here in Derbyshire, and it is rewarding to be able to contribute towards initiatives that are making a real difference to our sustainable future.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We recognise the contribution our business community can make towards meeting our target of becoming a net zero county by 2050.

“We’re proud that through the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and our partnership with the University of Derby, we’ve been able to support local firms to develop green energy and cut carbon emissions as part of our net-zero ambitions.”

Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain, added: “The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward innovation across the UK and internationally. Our winners are considered best-in-class and it is a pleasure to celebrate their achievements. This is a great win for the work done by the University of Derby in supporting SMEs in their region with much needed green innovation.”

Find out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme. To find out about the latest support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

eco busines green recycle suatinability

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

Hospital celebrates National Tree Week

To celebrate National Tree Week – which runs from 27 November to 3 December – Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is planting 230 trees across the hospital site.

The trees, which are from more than 20 varieties, are the result of a successful application to NHS Forest – an initiative which started in 2009 and has since seen more than 100,000 trees planted on or near to NHS property.

Thirty of the new saplings will be planted close to the Trust’s £2m Health and Wellbeing Hub – which opened in the summer and offers colleagues access to the latest gym and counselling break-out facilities, thanks to the Chesterfield Royal Charity’s fundraising appeal.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and senior officials will be joined by 15 members of staff who were nominated by their colleagues – some due to their commitment to the environment, some who have gone the extra mile and were nominated to mark their hard work and dedication.

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to receive the 230 trees from NHS Forest. It’s great news for the Trust and our surrounding community as we recognise the importance of a cleaner and greener environment – linking directly to our Green Strategy.

“I think it’s incredibly symbolic that we have 30 colleagues and guests standing shoulder-to-shoulder to plant the final 30 trees, marking this occasion – especially since it is the 75th birthday year of the NHS. It’s a great legacy for us all to have.”

The initial 200 trees are also being planted during National Tree Week. It’s expected to only take four hours for these saplings to be planted.

Dr Jon Cort, Chief Digital Officer, added: “We already have a huge commitment to our green spaces and trees across the Trust site. I personally believe this makes a great difference in improving the hospital environment. These 230 trees, of such variety, will stand the test of time and hopefully add to people’s health and wellbeing.”

royal hospital aerial shot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Collaboration is key to unleashing the potential of the region’s visitor economy

“Collaboration is key to unleashing the vast potential of the region’s visitor economy” – that’s the overriding message from the annual Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Conference.

The conference was the first major business-to-business event hosted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in collaboration with Visit Derby as the area’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).

The event brought together over 120 industry leaders to discuss tourism insights, emerging trends and new opportunities for growth and collaboration. It also highlighted the importance of accessibility and sustainability in strengthening the area’s tourism offer and attracting new visitors to the destination.

As new research from the 2022 Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, commonly known as STEAM, revealed the challenges facing the sector, the conference also highlighted issues including rising costs, high inflation and post-pandemic changes in consumer behaviour.

Opening the conference, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, announced the area’s tourism sector is now worth £2.59 billion to the local economy – an increase of 4% since 2019.

However, against the backdrop of high inflation, the figures reveal that although the total revenue generated across the Peak District and Derbyshire by the sector was up on pre-pandemic levels, overall visitor numbers in 2022 were 7% down.

The data also shows that whilst stays in non-serviced accommodation were 10.5% up on 2019 levels, jobs supported by the visitor economy were 12.5% down (against a national decline of 20%). Stays in serviced accommodation and the number of serviced bed spaces in the destination continue to remain below 2019 levels, providing an insight into changing visitor behaviour.

Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby’s status as an LVEP – a new national portfolio of accredited tourism organisations, administered by VisitEngland – was a key focus of the conference and delegates heard how the organisation will drive tourism strategy for the region, working in partnership with local, regional and national stakeholders to deliver visitor economy priorities.

As an LVEP, Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby will be eligible to bid for Government funding streams to support the growth of the visitor economy, and the organisation will also be able to access additional support from VisitEngland including dedicated toolkits and training.

The keynote speech was delivered by VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes OBE, who said: “I was delighted to attend the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Conference and see first-hand the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in action providing expert support and guidance to tourism businesses and hearing about the exciting and ambitious plans for growth.

“LVEPs are at the heart of transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, and we are delighted to be working with the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby LVEP on the national programme.”

During the conference, Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby highlighted plans to support and grow the visitor economy in 2024, including:

  • Developing an ambitious new Destination Development Plan for the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby to drive visitor economy growth in a sustainable and accessible way, with a focus on community and place.
  • Delivering a new programme of sector-specific business support events and workshops for tourism-related businesses, including a Season Opener & Leaflet Swap event that will be held on 20 March 2024, during English Tourism Week.
  • Running innovative marketing campaigns to increase visitor spend, boost overnight stays and extend the traditional tourism season.
  • Positioning the area as the destination of choice for accessible and sustainable breaks – working with partners, members and content creators to promote inclusive experiences and the use of public transport.
  • Harnessing the return of international travel by working closely with inbound tourism operators to attract overseas visitors and reach new markets.

An inspiring line-up of speakers covered topics including investment, regeneration, green tourism and the latest support and funding available for local businesses.

Crooked Spire at night

Posted in Business, Home

Top class cricket to return to Chesterfield in 2024

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, will return to Queen’s Park in June and July next year.

Derbyshire is set to do battle with local rivals Yorkshire.

The festival consists of two matches against Yorkshire, beginning on Sunday, 30 June 2024, with the 4-day County Championship match, and concluding with the fast-paced Vitality Blast T20 match on Sunday 7 July.

You can now enjoy the full week of cricket, at the picturesque Queen’s Park with a new Festival Pass.  This gives access to all five days of cricket for just £49.  You can book your tickets at https://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/chesterfield-festival-of-cricket/

There is a great summer of events in Chesterfield after it has been confirmed that both Eat in the Park and Chesterfield Pride will also return in 2024.

Jimmy Drew, Commerical Manager of Derbyshire County Cricket Club commented: “Chesterfield has a really good opportunity to capitalise on the great things that are taking place in the town and the surrounding area as well”.

Looking for details of events, and festivals happening in Chesterfield check out www.chestrfield.co.uk/events or sign up for our weekly email update here.

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

Rainbow at Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Taste Restaurant at Chesterfield College undergoes dramatic refurbishment

Chesterfield College’s Taste Restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation after its extensive refurbishment this Autumn. The renovation includes new flooring throughout, an updated bar, cocktail station and Art Deco design features.

Taste Restaurant is operated by college students under the watchful eye of their tutors, all of which hold a wealth of industry experience. It’s a fully licensed restaurant offering themed, as well as à la Carte menus.

Running these facilities gives learners experience of working in a commercial environment, delivering high quality food and service to paying customers, to gain the knowledge required for a successful career in the catering and hospitality industry.

A hidden gem in Chesterfield, Taste is open, during term time, not just to college students and staff but also to the public. Businesses are also encouraged to hold meetings and lunches in the restaurant and a pop-up workspace offer also includes unlimited hot drinks and Wi-Fi for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing space to work from or take meetings.

Bookings are recommended. For all bookings and enquires please email taste@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 01246 500500 ext. 1964. Alternatively, message their Facebook page.

Caleb Wilkes, Vocational Lead of Hospitality and Catering at Chesterfield College, explains: “We are a learner-led restaurant offering our students valuable hands-on experience to help them succeed. Our learners prepare and cook all the food, prepare and serve all the drinks and plan our events.

We have just finished refurbishment and we are back better than ever! Due to our brand-new bar, our learners gain experience using the latest industry-standard equipment, giving themselves the skills and knowledge they need to be successful out in industry. This also means our drinks offering has been further extended to give customers a fantastic array to choose from.

“We already welcome in the local community on a regular basis, but we would love to see more of you! We will be holding an open day for the community to come down and experience what we have on offer on Wednesday 24th January, 12pm – 2pm. We hope to see you there!”

Find out more about eating out in Chesterfield.

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

Taste restaurant refurbishment

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

New hires and promotions announced for Chesterfield Champions

Three Chesterfield businesses have announced new hires and promotions in recent weeks.

Banner Jones Solicitors, Shorts Accountants and Pinelog Ltd. have all bolstered their teams, showcasing further growth of their respective organisations.

Read more about the new team members from across the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions below.

Pinelog welcomes new Production Manager

Steve Betts - Pinelog

Steve Betts has joined Chesterfield-based timber lodge manufacturer Pinelog Limited as Production Manager.

He brings a wealth of experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication to his role at Pinelog, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.

Within his new role, Steve will support Pinelog’s detail driven process, from design conception, manufacture, delivery, installation, and customer handover.

Steve commented: “I’m a process driven person, with years of experience in fine tuning production and developing teams’ skillsets. I’m excited to see how I can support Pinelog’s vision.”

Steve’s employment background spans a number of blue-chip companies, including Toyota in both Derby and Japan for 17 years. Most recently, Steve worked in a consultancy role for a modular building manufacturer in the north of the UK.

He explained: “I first became aware of Pinelog when I visited Mercia Marina holiday park in Derby in my previous role and saw one of the company’s timber lodges. I was impressed by Pinelog’s quality.

“I am delighted to now be working for a company with such high standards of design and production. The attention to detail is unrivalled. Pinelog’s products stand apart in the timber lodge market.”

As well as the production of complete timber holiday lodges, in his new role Steve will also be overseeing the production of the commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog which are also manufactured at the company’s Chesterfield site.

Steve’s appointment is just one of a number of new management appointments Pinelog has created following its move to a new, larger site in Chesterfield in 2023. Earlier this year Pinelog appointed Judy Barwell to the position of Sales Account Manager.

Welcoming Steve to the role, Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, said: “Steve’s comprehensive background in production and management within a number of industries provides us with a springboard for further developing our own best in class processes.”

New recruit bolsters Business Legal Services team at Banner Jones

Tim Barley Banner Jones

Regional law firm Banner Jones has welcomed back Property Executive Tim Barley who returned to the firm in August.

Tim has commenced a 2-year Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship with Banner Jones and begins studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), following which he will be a fully qualified solicitor.

Originally joining Banner Jones in 2018, Tim will now work alongside Head of Business Legal Services, Andrew Fielder, to support with both commercial property and corporate work.

Having previously specialised in residential property matters including leasehold enfranchisement claims for landlords and tenants, his return to the firm will see him further his expert knowledge in a range of Business Legal Services.

Andrew Fielder, Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, said: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Tim back to the firm, and to be supporting him with his apprenticeship.

“He is an extremely passionate and capable trainee, and we know he will be a huge asset to both the team and our clients.”

Further commenting on Tim’s return to Banner Jones to complete his Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship, Andrew said it was ‘indicative of the firm’s commitment to investing in talent’, adding: “As a firm, we see the huge value in company-funded training to enable our employees to achieve their ambitions.

“This is evidenced in the fact that we currently have nine Trainee Solicitors on the 2-year LPC route based across our offices in Chesterfield, Mansfield and Sheffield, as well as 2 Chesterfield-based Trainee Solicitor apprentices and various others undertaking CILEx and Licensed Conveyancing qualifications.

“We are delighted that not only are we helping our staff reach their potential, but also providing our clients with a high quality of service.”

Tim Barley added: “It feels great to be returning to such a great firm and to be assisting Andrew Fielder.

“The firm as a whole has an unrivalled reputation for delivering accessible, customer service-led legal services and that’s something I am equally passionate about.”

Shorts promotes Kirstie Wilson to Audit and Accounts Director

Shorts Kirstie

Shorts has announced the promotion of Kirstie Wilson to the position of Audit and Accounts Director with immediate effect.

Since joining Shorts in 2016 as an Audit and Accounts Senior, Kirstie has demonstrated exceptional dedication and aptitude, earning promotions to Manager in 2018 and then Senior Manager in 2021.

Her progression to Director is testament to her exemplary skills and continued commitment to excellence, and to the active role she has played in the development of our corporate team during that time.

On confirming her promotion, Audit and Accounts Partner Howard Freeman said: “Kirstie’s promotion is very much deserved, and she has worked hard to achieve it.

“As Director, Kirstie will take on the role of Engagement Leader on a portfolio of our clients, will hold Responsible Individual (RI) status, and in due course will be able to sign audit reports on behalf of the firm, in addition to leading non-audit work.

“A fantastic achievement, as Kirstie will be the first non-partner to hold this position in Shorts. She will also take on the role of engagement leader for most of our charity clients, having obtained the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting earlier this year.”

Kirstie said: “I am delighted to have been promoted to Audit and Accounts Director at Shorts, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey.

“Shorts provide an excellent environment for learning and development, and my promotion demonstrates the genuine commitment within the firm to support the team with structured career paths.

“I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients and helping to contribute to the continued success of the firm.”

Kirstie is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and holds a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She is a Xero certified adviser, proficient in many cloud-based accounting systems, such as Xero and Sage and has experience working with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses.

In December 2022 Kirstie was also appointed the youngest ever Trustee at Ashgate Hospice. She can be contacted by calling 0114 2671617 / 01244 559955 and more information can be found at shorts.uk.com.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the ideal location to base your business here.

Pinelog, Banner Jones Solicitors and Shorts support 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, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield welcomes more than 17,000 visitors to annual Christmas lights switch-on

More than 17,000 visitors got into the festive spirit in Chesterfield last weekend, according to data from Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

The town officially switched on its Christmas Lights on Sunday, 19th November to mark the beginning of the Christmas period. In total, 17,313 came along to see the town lit up.

The weekend saw numerous attractions in the town centre, including a festive market, street entertainers, Santa’s grottos, fairground rides, and the annual Festival of Christmas Trees at the Crooked Spire.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We were thrilled to welcome so many visitors to Vicar Lane for the lights switch on. It was fantastic to see everyone getting into the Christmas spirit. We hope families will enjoy the upcoming festive activities we have planned including visiting Santa and our Festive Fun Day this weekend”.

After a successful opening weekend, the Christmas fun certainly isn’t stopping in Chesterfield. Santa is being kept busy, offering children the chance to meet him before the big day at a number of locations across the town.

This Saturday (25th November), between 10am to 4pm, there will be a day of festive fun at Vicar Lane. Visitors are sure to have a ‘bear-y’ merry time as Snowy the polar bear will be roaming around the centre ready to spread festive cheer throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to take part in the personalised bauble workshop. The workshop will be located next to Waterstones and no advance booking is required. Subject to availability.

On specified dates in December, between 11am-4pm, Vicar Lane is inviting families to come along to Santa’s workshop to get writing their letters to Santa. Plus, there will be lots of Christmas crafts for all to get involved in.  Santa’s elf workshop will be located next to Waterstones.

Vicar Lane’s very own Elf Training Academy will also be open on Saturday 16th December and Friday 22nd December between 11am to 4pm. This will be located next to Waterstones.

For a full guide to your perfect Christmas in Chesterfield, including events and acivities, local guides to the best gifts, food and drink, where to meet Santa, an much more, head over to our Christmas in Chesterfield page.

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

christmas lights new square

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter