business growth

Support on offer to scale up Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to find out more about an extensive support programme on offer to help them scale up and grow.

ScaleUp 360 is a fully-funded exciting support programme providing tailored support to entrepreneurs, start-ups and trading businesses with the ambition and potential to scale up their activity. The scheme is on offer to a range of businesses, from pre or early start-up, to investment ready and ambitions of ‘high growth.’

ScaleUp 360 is a £3.2m, part-European funded project that brings together a group of business experts from East Midlands Chambers of Commerce, The Business Village @BarnsleyBIC and Sheffield Hallam University.

Each client has a dedicated account manager whose role it will be to ensure they have access to the scale-up expertise, knowledge and connections they need to grow a sustainable and investment-ready business. This includes one-to-one specialist business advice, mentor support and workshops with like-minded businesses.

A number of businesses in Chesterfield and surrounding areas have already received support from ScaleUp 360. Find out about how they have benefitted below:

Revamped Curtains

tania revamped curtains

Tania Holmes, owner of Revamped Curtains said: “I set up in Feb 2021 and have been now trading for two years, working from home in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

“I love textiles, enjoy sewing and am passionate about recycling and reducing waste. My aim is to try to keep some textiles from here in the Midlands in the UK rather than it being shipped abroad. Revamped Curtains has developed over the last 2 years into a large Ebay store offering over 250 listings of hand-picked textiles, perfect for the home or for creative craft projects.

“My business advisor has been on hand to answer questions and guide me in the right direction. Having someone to turn to during the initial stages of the business being established was invaluable.

“Lockdown was challenging for all of us but trying to set up a business in this climate, following redundancy, working isolated at home was really, really difficult and continues to be now with the recession. The role not only as specialist support, but also as a nurturing and encouraging support mechanism shouldn’t be overlooked. That confidence-building as I grew and having someone to bounce ideas off and learn from was essential.

“The relationship is important too – and I think the key to growth. For example – I’m not a traditional “planner” so couldn’t do all the business planning and take clear steps in a conventional way which is suggested to all new businesses – that made me panic until an advisor said – don’t worry, if you are making money – just carry on doing what you are doing and build on it.

“Sharing knowledge and networking together is priceless – having meetings face to face, talking about experiences, offering referrals, and brainstorming shared problems or goals is like gold dust. We are all interconnected and being a sole trader can feel like a lonely place. These projects help us feel connected, supported and part of the greater whole.

“The variety of courses accessed mainly online – now face to face – have helped me develop new skills and understanding about what is necessary but also about what is possible, and what isn’t. It is only by understanding this framework that you can you build your vision.

“Things are currently economically tough. But after 2 years of trading now I know where I want to be. I’m a creative business with ideas for new product ranges and am excited about the future. I’ve built a solid foundation to be proud of and looking to the future with great optimism.”

Aspire Export Solutions Ltd.

Jackie Smith - Aspire Export Solutions Ltd

Jacqueline Smith, owner of Aspire Export Solutions Ltd. commented: “From advice and knowledge, based on experience and intuition, Aspire’s core offer is to partner and support customers looking to enter into, or further develop international markets for both products and services.

“Knowledge, insight and awareness are essential for any business, especially those looking to export goods and services. Aspire can investigate the opportunities or pitfalls – from developing a customer base and expanding into new markets.

“Whilst the ideas and thoughts behind the business were plentiful, it was not easy to translate these ideas and experience into a viable brand. That is where the assistance provided by Scaleup 360 was very important. I was allocated a mentor who supported me and helped put together a brand framework, and also helped put together the vision of my business moving forward. This in turn allowed me to focus on my business offering and even gave me the basis of an idea for a website which has been launched recently.

“Assistance from Scaleup 360 has been priceless, in as far as it has helped put my business in a position that has a greater potential for growth. It has also enabled me to interact with other likeminded business owners and opened up a network of new potential business contacts.

“So, for those businesses looking to take their next steps in expanding their organisation I would highly recommend that you do not be hesitate to get in touch with Abi Phillips at Scaleup 360. I’m really excited about how my vision of Aspire Export Solutions is developing, and look forward to supporting other local businesses on their route to International growth.”

The English Cyclist

rob millington the english cyclist

Rob Millington, owner of The English Cyclist said: “I founded The English Cyclist in 2014 after the Tour de France passed through the area near my home in the Peak District.

“I wanted to create a piece of artwork to celebrate the event, I designed some prints and shared photos of them on Facebook. When a friend expressed interest in purchasing a similar piece, I decided to start selling my designs on Etsy, and The English Cyclist was born. A few years later I added a shopify store (englishcyclist.com) where I continue to create a variety of cycling posters.

“Fortunately, when lockdown hit, I found myself with a product that fit a few key criteria that made it incredibly popular. Being cycling-based, my product was perfectly suited for the surge in interest in the sport as people looked for ways to stay active. Additionally, as a homeware item, it was just what people needed while they were stuck at home – a chance to spruce up their living spaces.

“Before I knew it, my side business had taken off at an unprecedented pace, and I was struggling to keep up with the demand. That’s when I reached out to ScaleUp 360, and I’m so glad I did. Abi provided me with some invaluable advice on fundamentals like incorporating and registering for VAT, which helped me to navigate some of the trickier aspects of running a business.

“ScaleUp 360 also introduced me to some fantastic accountants and marketing specialists, which took a huge amount of pressure off me and allowed me to focus on what I love most about my business – designing and providing excellent customer service.

“The support I received has been absolutely crucial to my growth plans. When my business started growing rapidly during lockdown, I wasn’t sure how to keep up with the demand while maintaining the high standards of service that I pride myself on. But the expert advice and guidance I received helped me to navigate these challenges with confidence.

“As my business continued to grow, I found myself facing new obstacles and opportunities. But with the ongoing support of ScaleUp 360, I was able to not only survive the growth but also make the most of the opportunity. By tapping into the expertise of their network, I was able to develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy that helped me to scale my business in a sustainable way.

“Based on my experience working with ScaleUp 360 and growing my own business, the advice I would give to other businesses looking to expand is to seek out expert support and guidance before you think you need it.

Whether it’s through a business accelerator, mentorship program, or other professional development opportunities, finding the right support can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of owning and running a business. In my case, the support I received was invaluable in helping me to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities as my business grew.

Find out more about the ScaleUp 360 initiative, and how it can help with the growth of your business, go to: https://www.scaleup360.co.uk/

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SDE Group agrees landmark deal to acquire Car Charge Go

A Chesterfield company has grown further into the electric vehicle market, by agreeing on a deal to acquire Plymouth-based Car Charge Go Ltd.

SDE Group has seen extensive growth over the past 12 months within the EV space, specifically focusing on the Commercial EV market with many national contracts secured.

These include the maintenance & installation of EV chargers across the electrical highway covering over 200 motorway service stations from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

The acquisition of Car Charge Go creates the pathway for a complete ‘end to end solution’ for Commercial and Domestic customers, presenting a one stop for all EV requirements.

Car Charge Go Ltd, was founded in 2021 by Kate Searl with the sole purpose to provide to domestic customers & company employees with a step-by-step guide from purchase of charger to installation. The firm has seen rapid growth since launching 12 months ago with national contracts with key brands such as Ocean BMW & Mini, along with securing deals with over 50 car dealership/leasing providers and national companies supporting their employees with the transition to EV.

Kate Searl, Operations Director of Car Charge Go said, “We are delighted to be part of the SDE family. The company has a strong heritage of retaining long standing customers with how they operate and manage customers, this ethos supports our wider growth plans to become a key provider within the domestic EV market that is already a competitive marketplace.”

The deal provides both SDE Electrical & Car Charge Go customers with the technical and back off support to help with all requirements as customer make the transition to EV – whether they are domestic or commercial customers.

Car Charge Go will now trade under SDE Electrical with Kate and her team becoming part of the wider group that will support & underpin SDE Group’s growth plans within this sector.

Jonathan Bennett, Group Managing Director at SDE Group said: “This is an exciting time for our company with all parts of our business seeing high levels of growth, especially our electrical sector. The acquisition of Car Charge Go is fantastic news for all our customers and SDE, along with supporting our long-term growth plans. Kate and her team will provide the technical support and solutions to all our customers that is required in this ever-evolving sector.”

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

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Manufacturing Growth Programme boosts 150 jobs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, has delivered more than eighty strategic reviews to firms in the region – despite being in the midst of the pandemic.

Specialist assistance from dedicated Manufacturing Growth Managers has helped companies to improve quality performance, access new markets, develop new products and address environmental concerns.

In a deal agreed with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, more than £130,000 of grants have been given out and this has been matched with £260,000 of private sector investment as manufacturing SMEs begin to bounce back from the effects of Covid-19.

Encouragingly, management teams still have until December 2022 to tap into MGP and make the most of a further £360,000 of support.

“Derbyshire and Nottingham manufacturers are extremely resilient, especially with what has been thrown at them over the last two years,” explained David Caddle, Regional Manager of the Manufacturing Growth Programme.

“Despite the pandemic, companies are still looking to grow sales and achieve competitive advantage and that’s where our team come in, using the GROWTHMapper benchmarking tool to identify pain points within the business.

“We can then use this to inform the specialist support they need, delivering grants that can help with a third of the total cost of an improvement project up to a maximum of £10,000.”

He went on to add: “There are still grants available to support the industrial bounce back and to help companies overcome the widespread supply chain and inflationary pressures we are seeing.”

More than 4,000 people in Chesterfield are currently employed by manufacturing businesses. Find out more about our town’s quality workforce, excellent location and vibrant business community at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Kids Planet surpasses 100 nursery milestone

With nurseries across the UK, family-owned, award-winning group Kids Planet has reached a milestone of surpassing 100 settings, having acquired Twinkles Nurseries group of six nurseries in North and West Yorkshire.

The company runs several nurseries across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with sites in Chesterfield Town Centre, North Wingfield, Sheepbridge, Brampton and Newbold.

CEO Clare Roberts first set up Kids Planet when she was struggling to find childcare in her local area with flexible hours. Working with her father John, and sister Lucy, Kids Planet has grown exponentially since opening, but still remains a family-orientated business.

Since opening in 2008, the group has expanded rapidly, with the current 103 active nurseries responsible for the care of over 11,500 children. Kids Planet even opened a dedicated Training Academy in 2018 for both internal and external employees, and has shown no signs of slowing down, even amidst the pandemic.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “This is a really impressive milestone when you think of where the company started almost 14 years ago. It is a true testament to the adaptability and dedication of our wonderful colleagues who have grown and developed alongside the business.

“I am delighted that the core values of Kids Planet have remained consistent and engrained in our daily work and it is truly a privilege to work with colleagues who share the same vision. I am so proud to reach such an incredible milestone of over 100 nurseries in the Kids Planet family.

“Well done to everyone that has been on the journey with us and I look forward to the exciting future we have ahead as a company and more importantly, as a team.”

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

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Bridge Help Strengthens business development team with new appointment

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has further strengthened its business development team with the appointment of Mo Miah.

Bringing 11 years’ experience with major high street banks and building societies, Mo joins Bridge Help’s team of regional Business Development Managers.

His appointment follows significant growth for Bridge Help during 2021 in which the short-term lender exceeded its own projections, lending more than £23 million.

Mo will be working alongside Bridge Help’s business development team managing broker and lender relationships throughout the country.

Making the move from a high street lender background, Mo is looking forward to the challenge of working with Bridge Help which specialises in complex deals that mainstream lenders traditionally avoid.

He said: “I’m passionate about helping people and providing great customer service, that’s why I got into this sector. Working at Bridge Help is a great opportunity for me to develop broker relationships and work alongside them throughout the loan process from initial enquiry to securing funds. That is a very exciting prospect for me.”

Welcoming Mo to the team, Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mo onboard. Developing and maintaining strong broker relationships is at the heart of what we do and a key reason why we can make what seems like an impossible deal, possible.”

Mo added: “Bridge Help takes a refreshing approach to commercial lending and I’m excited to be part of it. I already feel like I’m very much part of the team.”

Outside work, Mo is kept busy with his two young children, spending time with his wife and his extended family. When he does get time to himself, he enjoys playing 5-a-side and 8-a-side football.

To arrange a meeting with Mo or to speak to one of our business development team, contact Bridge Help on 033 3303 4681.

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

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Support to help boost business performance and growth comes to Chesterfield

Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Chesterfield can access support in developing leadership and management skills through programmes which have recently been launched by the University of Derby.

The courses have been created to help those new to management, as well as senior managers and leaders. The Help to Grow: Management: Chesterfield cohort starts 30th March 2022.

Help To Grow: Management

Help to Grow: Management is ideally suited to managers and leaders, providing an opportunity to boost your organisation’s performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The next intake for the programme is 30th March 2022

The 12-week programme will combine online learning with face-to-face case study workshops in Chesterfield, 1:1 mentor support and peer group networking.

Topics include strategy, innovation, engaging teams, digital technology and building the brand. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a tailored business growth plan to lead their business to its full potential.

Help to Grow is 90 per cent funded by the government. The University of Derby will be delivering the programme across the East Midlands and West Midlands, with their next cohort taking place in Chesterfield at St Helena’s.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University of Derby, said: “We are proud to be a partner in delivering the Help to Grow: Management programme.

“This programme has been designed in partnership with CABS, Small Business Charter accredited business schools from across the UK, and business leaders. Our hand-picked delivery team all have real-life relatable experiences to share from their own business careers and understand the pressures of working in a small business.

“Many small business leaders are time-poor and often struggle to find time to plan the future and engage with likeminded ambitious leaders. Our current participants are seeing the results both personally and professionally. Seeing the impact straight away from their actions they quickly start to reap the benefits of taking time to work on the business, rather than in it.”

Find out more about the programme here.

If your business would like to request more information from the University of Derby, click here. 

Smart and Inclusive Leadership

Participants will develop their unique leadership skills and learn how to build resilience in themselves and others, so that they can create positive impact within their organisation. The next intake for the programme is 25th April 2022.

The programme is suitable for aspiring leaders, graduates, supervisors, and managers and is funded by the European Social Fund and delivering partners (including the University of Derby), meaning participants can attend without any cost to their organisation.

The course will be offered through a blend of online learning methods and has been designed to allow participants to tailor learning to their individual needs. There are four taught units including Developing Your Inner Leader, Leading Through Challenge and Change, Inclusive Leadership, and Leader as Coach and Mentor.

Participants can decide whether to take a single unit or complete the entire programme. There are a choice of start dates with the next intake starting at the end of January.

Find out more about Smart and Inclusive Leadership.

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.

St Helena's Chesterfield

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Businesses set to move into Chesterfield’s new Glassyard development

One of Chesterfield’s exciting new developments, The Glassyard is beginning to welcome businesses on-site with a local hairdresser confirmed as one of the companies set to move into a retail unit there.

A move to The Glassyard has enabled MD Hair to take the business to the next level after operating as a sole trader for five years.

The Glass Yard is a 50,000sq ft development comprising a mix of office and retail space as well as an artisan food and drink hall, known as the Batch House – set to open in February.

The move to The Glass Yard on Sheffield Road, has seen MD Hair grow from sole trader status to a team of three.

Michelle Dalman, Director of MD Hair commented: “I’m really excited to see more businesses moving into The Glass Yard. I am already delighted with the number of new clients we’ve had through the door. Now, it’s all about building the brand and moving forward from there.”

Despite having grown from a sole trader working in premises on Mansfield Road, to a salon with eight chairs, Michelle already has further plans for future growth. She explained: “We’re already thinking about how we can grow. We’ve got room here and I would like to add another salon in the near future.

“We’d also love to open a training academy and be able to offer in house apprenticeships. All our staff have got higher training and that’s important to us. We’re offering a luxury, premium service here and want customers to have more than just a haircut – it’s an experience.”

Sheffield-based property law specialist Mason Thomas Law assisted in her move to the brand new, bespoke premises at The Glass Yard. Mason Thomas Law worked closely with Blue Deer Ltd, to secure the lease deal on behalf of MD Hair.

Michelle explained: “The team at Mason Thomas Law has been amazing. Not knowing anything about the legal side of things, they have really helped me understand everything by breaking everything down into Layman’s terms. Jumping from being a sole trader to this is quite a big leap, so it’s good to have their support.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Solicitor at Mason Thomas Law said: “It’s been great to see the growth of MD Hair and we’re thrilled to help the business move into its new premises. As well as acquiring new premises, Michelle was upscaling the business at the same time, so it was important to us that we made the lease negotiations at The Glass Yard as straightforward as possible for her. It’s an exciting time for Michelle and her team and we all wish he well and look forward to seeing the business thrive.”

To learn more about how Mason Thomas Law can help you, get in touch with the team today on 0114 2945 360.

 

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New financial facility confirmed for Custom Solar

Custom Solar has announced that the company has secured £4.8m in new lending from Virgin Money to accelerate its growth ambitions.

Based in Chesterfield, the business is behind the largest rooftop commercial installation in the country, fitting 21,000 solar panels at the Port of Hull, which will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,400 tonnes every year.

The company has grown a pipeline of future projects and as such has looked towards further growth opportunities and with financial support from Virgin Money, it has given the business flexibility to target bigger designs and installations across its corporate and public sector customers.

Custom Solar was founded in 2011 and over the last 10 years the team has grown to 30 people, who travel to customers all over the UK. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s seeing an increase in customers moving towards sustainable business improvements and taking advantage of the incentives available when investing in renewable energy.

Gary Sucharewycz, Chief Executive Officer, Custom Solar, said “We are extremely pleased with the facility that will now be in place with Virgin Money. This will support and accelerate our ever-growing 200MW pipeline of solar projects that the company is securing. We wanted to match our growth and ambition for the future with a tangible financial facility that will accelerate our ability to complete projects at an expedient rate. This will not only be a benefit to our clientele but to our planet.”

Custom Solar scored highly on Virgin Money’s Sustainable Business Coach, a recently launched free app designed to help businesses be more sustainable by measuring, tracking, and offering guidance on improving their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

Gary added: “We were really pleased that the results of the Sustainable Business Coach demonstrated the high standards of our internal sustainability credentials. The Coach was really easy to use and enabled us to look at our own business, providing the encouragement that we are not only doing good by the work we do, but by the way we operate. We are committed to staying on top of our own carbon footprint.”

David Burgess, Director, Business Network, at Virgin Money, said: “Renewable energy is a vital part of our energy sources and we want to support sustainable organisations to help them grow and thrive. Custom Solar has been on quite a journey since its inception, with notable commercial projects that have demonstrated what the team is capable of. We are looking forward to working with the business as it accelerates its growth strategy, offering the financial backing it needs to deliver and exceed its customers’ expectations.”

Custom Solar was advised on corporate finance by fellow Chesterfield Champion BHP, with a team led by Partner, Kevin Davies, and Tim Brind, Director.

Kevin said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Custom Solar on this next step in its exciting development. It is a fantastic business that sits right at the heart of the current environmental narrative, supporting UK business in its drive for sustainable energy sources.”

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

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Management Restructure for Chesterfield’s Custom Solar

Green energy company Custom Solar has announced that the company has been restructured, with a new senior leadership formation taking the helm.

10 years from the company’s inception, Custom Solar has seen exponential growth from completing major solar projects such as the UK’s largest in the Port of Hull to securing large-scale commercial contracts with UK-leading businesses.

Growth and success have resulted in an increase in Custom Solar personnel working nationwide as well as in the firm’s new head office located in Chesterfield. The new invigorated management structure will seek to take the company forward into the future and continue to deliver further success.

Company founder Matthew Brailsford stated his pride in the progression since founding the Company: “The last 10 years at the helm of Custom Solar have been more exciting and challenging than I could ever have imagined, as a team we have achieved amazing things and have pioneered new and exciting projects across the UK.

“The business and sector show unrivaled potential in the coming years and as such Custom Solar is preparing for the mammoth challenge of decarbonising the UK’s electricity supply.

“As we continue to grow, I recognised the need to bolster the senior leadership team with a mix of industry seasoned professionals and outside expertise. Gary Sucharewycz (CEO), Victoria Brown (CFO), and Kristian Clark (COO) all have proven track records of success and add another level of professionalism and dedication to the business.

“I very much look forward to the leadership taking the reins of the day-to-day operation of the business as I know they will expand our reach, impact, and ongoing financial stability.”

“I personally now move to the role of Group Chairman to focus on strategic growth, acquisition, and investment. This is an incredibly bright and exciting time for Custom Solar, and I hope everyone will join me in wishing the senior leadership team all the very best as they continue to drive the business forwards.”

Gary Sucharewycz CEO, has been with the business for the last 6 years in the role of Director of Development and Strategy and has been in senior roles within the solar sector for the last 11 years with over 20 years of experience in the Energy industry. He has been pivotal in driving Custom Solar’s growth, developing a commercial pipeline and development process that has achieved an incredible success rate of contracted projects that has reflected in year-on-year growth with many major contracts secured across the UK.

Gary has expressed his delight to have taken on the new position: “I am really proud to have been asked to take on this role at this point in our journey having been heavily involved in the company’s growth since joining the business.

“The new position requires me to take on additional responsibility in driving us forward through an incredible growth period and I am delighted to be supported in this by Victoria and Kristian whom I have been working with over the last 8 months transitioning into our new roles.

“Through this time we have already seen an exciting period of growth in terms of recruiting new members of the team, contracts secured and projects delivered. We are supported by an experienced and successful management team and a very talented wider team internally, who is based at our new head office location and site-based through our engineering teams.

Victoria Brown CFO, who joined the business earlier in the year is a qualified accountant and Award-winning Chartered Director with over 20 years post qualified experience in various businesses. Knowledgeable in change management, risk management & mitigation, funding, and phases of high growth, Victoria brings a wealth of financial expertise to the company.

Victoria is also NED for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Risk and Audit Committee at Sheffield Hallam University, is Chairman of the Institute of Directors for South Yorkshire, and is a Member of the Company of Cutlers.

Kristian Clark COO, has been Operations Director at Custom Solar for the last 2 years and has been intricately involved in the businesses’ continued scaling up of its delivery model. His knowledge and approach have helped the business focus on its core deliverables, whilst seeing a controlled strategy of growth.

Kristian is highly experienced in Solar PV delivery with a history of developing businesses operations functions to manage growth efficiently and safely, he is an experienced people manager which will allow us to progress on to the next phase of our evolution.

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Dawson Radford Solicitors continues impressive growth with new appointment

North Derbyshire-based Dawson Radford Solicitors has continued its growth plans with the appointment of Liam Kenealy as Head of Employment law.

As the practice celebrates its 5th anniversary, DR continues to provide high quality legal services to businesses in the local area (and beyond) and sees this as a key appointment to further expand the range of services it offers.

“Athough the last 18 months have certainly brought about some challenges, it was really important to me that we stuck to the plans we had in place” says managing director, Jo Dawson. “Providing employment law services to our clients, to me, is a key area we can support with, and it really does go hand in hand with the existing corporate, commercial and property work we undertake”.

Liam is well known in the Chesterfield area having worked at law firms in both Sheffield, and most recently Chesterfield. The task of establishing a new department is not unknown to him, which was exactly the track record Dawson Radford were searching for. “It has taken some time to find the right person to join our team. Obviously it had to be someone with the technical ability and drive, but it also had to be someone who fitted with our culture and values, and the working environment we’ve created – for me that was absolutely key” said Jo.

Speaking of the importance of employment law, Liam comments: “Anyone who has employed a team, large or small over the past 18 months will have had to make some employment law decisions at some point, whether that be choices about flexible working, furlough payments, maybe even restructures and redundancies. It’s such an important part of running a business, and it is vital to get this area of law correct – I’m really looking forward to supporting Dawson Radford’s clients, existing and new, with their employment law decisions”.

Dawson Radford can now offer employment law support to business, both on an ad-hoc and retainer basis. Their services range from the preparation of key employment documents through to representation at The Employment Tribunal. To find out how the firm can assist your business you can visit www.dawsonradford.co.uk or call 01246 932100 for a no obligation chat.

Dawson Radford supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield pet store continues growth with move to new premises

A Chesterfield retailer known for supplying a range of products for our pets has announced further growth by moving to a new premises at Littlemoor in Newbold.

Quinney’s Pet Supplies was established in October 2016 inside Chesterfield Market Hall with the aim of supplying a range of products for dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, fish, cagebirds, wild birds and wildlife. These include food, treats, toys and accessories as well as a range of greeting cards produced by Michelle Quinney featuring her stunning photography.

During the last 5 years the business has grown substantially, being nominated four successive years for a variety of awards including Market Hall Business of the Year (finalist), Retailer of the Year (finalist) and Leisure Retailer of the Year (winner).

Owner Brian Quinney said: “We were extremely proud and honoured to be recognised in these awards and immensely grateful to our customers for their support during our time in the Market Hall. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new shop at Littlemoor.”

Brian also explained how he’ll remember trading in the town’s market hall fondly: “Our time in Chesterfield town centre has been most enjoyable and we’ve met some wonderful people. The Market Hall has been especially good to us and we will miss our friends there. Chesterfield is an amazing town and a great place to shop so please continue to support your high street”.

The dog-friendly store in Newbold will now give Quinney’s the opportunity to sell a greater range of products and cater to more pet lovers across the town. Brian said: “It is now time to take our business to the next level and we are very excited about the move to Littlemoor shops at Newbold.

“The extra space will enable us to expand our product ranges and introduce new and larger products whilst retaining our award winning service. We will continue to operate our free and reliable same day local deliveries and customers will be able to pull up directly outside with plenty of free parking. We are also looking forward to welcoming new customers including four-legged ones into our dog friendly shop!”

Find out more about the new shop on the company’s website: www.quinneyspetsupplies.co.uk

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