This World Creativity and Innovation Day, we’re celebrating the amazing talent and achievement of businesses based here in Chesterfield.

From new systems to improve efficiency or sustainability, to harnessing the power of AI – our businesses are constantly looking for new ways to gain a competitive and creative edge.

World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated globally on April 21 to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem-solving for sustainable development. The United Nations founded this day to highlight the role of culture, creative industries, and initiatives in various sectors to promote creativity and innovation.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “We are so proud of the way our businesses contribute to the wider national and global economy, right here in Chesterfield.

“Our town has transformed itself in recent decades, from being known for traditional industries such as mining and mineral extraction, to now becoming a place where advanced manufacturing businesses and exciting creative and digital companies call their home.

“We’re pleased to share with you how many of our businesses are continuing to grow and innovate, giving them a competitive edge and ensuring Chesterfield’s economy continues to evolve and thrive.”

Here are just some of the brilliant successes from Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s creative and innovative organisations which we have seen over the last few months.

Noonah reveals cutting-edge AI photo booth

Noonah, a Chesterfield company with expertise in event technology, has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art AI Photo Booth for immersive brand experiences.

The firm says its latest innovation guarantees an exceptional event journey, with high-quality outputs, generated with unmatched resolution and artistic flair. It promises to elevate every captured moment, with rapid output generation within seconds, meaning attendees can instantly see their AI-enhanced photos in real time.

Safety and customisation take centre stage, as the booth is fully brandable and offers robust moderation tools, ensuring a secure and tailored experience. Noonah’s commitment to inclusivity is evident with ethnicity consideration, promoting diverse and representative outputs.

In addition, Noonah’s in-house tech team is continually introducing new modes, making the AI Photo Booth future-proof for any event or brand activation. Built for versatility, ease of setup, portability, and onsite technical support makes it ideal for pop-ups, conferences, and diverse event settings.

The new technology can include features such as:

• AI Themer Mode, which seamlessly transforms your audience into avatars of your chosen theme, whether it’s a dynamic brand campaign, a blockbuster film release, or a seasonal setting.

• AI Headshots Mode, providing versatile headshots which can serve as event media, perfect for ID badges, office lanyards, and professional platforms like LinkedIn.

• AI TimeMachine Mode, allowing users to experience historical milestones, future landscapes, or age transformations.

• AI Stylize Mode, transforming ordinary snapshots into pieces of art, each embodying a unique and visually striking style. Whether it’s the charm of anime, the fun of cartoons, the bold strokes of comics, or even the elegance of renowned art styles.

• AI Destination Mode, which can allow attendees to picture themselves amid the lush greenery of a jungle, the tranquil shores of a beach, the bustling energy of New York’s Times Square, or even the majestic grandeur of the pyramids.

“This new AI Photo Booth redefines how brands connect with their audiences at events,” said Hannah Mott, Marketing Manager at Noonah. “It’s not just a booth; it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences.”

For inquiries regarding the new product, contact info@noonah.co.uk or visit noonah.ai

Custom Solar launches new robot to clean and maintain solar panels

A new robot has been created by Custom Solar, providing an inventive new solution to maintain solar panels.

The SolarCleano F1 has been designed to meet all needs in cleaning all types of solar installations, ensuring panels can work as effectively as possible and supporting the production of renewable and sustainable energy.

The robot can be dismounted into 4 parts for easy transportation. Highly mobile, it can be easily carried and operated by one person. The assembly and disassembly of the robot can be completed within 3 minutes.

A Custom Solar spokesperson commented: “As a company that has seen continuous growth over the last few years, adapting and evolving to new technologies comes as a standard. Here at Custom Solar, we wouldn’t be able to offer our clients the fantastic, pioneering projects that we can, without the support of advanced technologies such as our cleaning robot.

“Alongside our use of advanced tech, we have internal engineering and construction capability to design, develop, engineer and deliver multi technology services. These include, solar rooftop and car port solutions, civil engineering, LED lighting, HV and LV electrical infrastructure, EV solutions and BESS. The ability to deliver all the above showcases how far ahead we are in our industry, as Solar has been primarily a sub-contracted workforce.

“It is so important that we continue innovating and evolving with technology as this is what keeps us as the UK’s leading commercial Solar PV Developers.”

CarMats.co.uk innovates at new Chesterfield HQ to meet rising demand

CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, recently announced the opening of its 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility located on Chesterfield Trading Estate.

Since then, the organisation has been able to scale up its production and growth rapidly. Ash Young, Managing Director of CarMats.co.uk explained how the organsiation has adapted to capitalise on the demand it has experienced.

He said: “If we hadn’t done things differently, we wouldn’t have seen the growth that we have. When we set up the business we were aiming for 100 orders per day, but because we changed the way we marketed the products, we are now shipping around 150,000 orders per year and we’re going to turn over about £7.5m this year.

“We’ve managed to hire a really skilled team in Chesterfield and the transport links mean it’s easy for us to get out to couriers easily.”

Trio of Chesterfield businesses join forces in sustainable collaboration

Three businesses, all based in Chesterfield have entered a collaborative network to assist their customers with sustainability and efficiency.

LB Electrical Contractors, Choice Utility and Infrared group have entered into a collective commitment to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, after firms recognised the complimentary nature of each others’ strengths.

Choice’s proficiency in business energy, Infrared Group’s groundbreaking infrared heating panels, and LB Electrical’s expertise in solar panel and battery storage installation enable them to join forces, creating a comprehensive solution that not only enhances user experiences but also fosters innovation and efficiency.

In terms of supporting business in the area, the collaboration intends to provide a holistic approach. It seeks drive economic growth in the town, promote technological advancement, and create a positive impact on the community.

Dan Molloy, Director, Choice Utility said: “We are really excited about this collaboration as it allows us to focus our efforts locally to advise a large array of different businesses in all elements of their energy costs.

“We are committed to helping businesses reduce their costs in all aspects, we have always been able to help enhance energy pricing for all our customers and advise in energy reduction measures but now we have a fantastic opportunity to work together formally with both LB Electrical & Infrared Group, giving us the confidence that our clients are receiving the very best service.”

Lee Burgess, Director, LB Electrical Contractors Ltd. added: “LB Electrical are thrilled to be part of the exciting collaboration with Choice and Infrared. This partnership brings together the expertise of Choice in providing flexible solutions and the cutting-edge technology of Infrared, and we couldn’t be more pleased to contribute our electrical expertise to this innovative initiative.

“By integrating our services, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in optimizing energy costs and promoting sustainability. Together, we aim to implement energy-efficient solutions that not only reduce operational expenses but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business environment.

Weightron Bilanciai showcases digital weighing system to improve accuracy and efficiency

Weightron Bilanciai. Bridge Way, Chesterfield

Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has launched a new product, which will support businesses in improving their accuracy, efficiency and compliance.

The company has unveiled WinWeigh 5, a dedicated, user-friendly cloud based weighing package, which gives unrivalled versatility and flexibility, opening up new dimensions in the management of weighing data.

WinWeigh5 revolutionises the way businesses manage their weighbridge and weighing operations by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. This powerful software is designed to streamline weighbridge processes, reduce manual errors, and improve overall productivity for businesses of all sizes.

Companies can seamlessly integrate WinWeigh5 with their existing systems, such as accounting software, ERP solutions, and more. Users can automate data entry, invoicing, and reporting to save time and reduce errors.

The software enables businesses to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards with built-in reporting tools, by generating accurate reports for regulatory authorities, audits, and internal analysis.

WinWeigh 5 also has the ability to weigh lorry loads without the need for drivers to leave their cabs. The software controls integrated ANPR cameras, traffic lights, traffic barriers and driver-operated terminals. These touch screen terminals, fitted with RFID card readers, guide drivers through the weighing process, without the need for them to leave their cabs.

“We are excited to introduce WinWeigh5 to the market,” said Nick Catt, CEO of Weightron Bilanciai. “We believe this software will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighbridge data management and weighing processes for our customers. With its cloud-based architecture, robust features, and user-friendly design, WinWeigh5 sets a new standard for weighbridge automation and management.”

Peak Pharmacy improves efficiency by investing in new technology

Chesterfield-based Peak Pharmacy has invested in new, innovative equipment to speed up its processes, along with improving accuracy and capacity.

The organisation recently moved to a new headquarters at the Horizon 29 development near Chesterfield and is now investing in an Austrian system provided by Knapp to improve the way it dispenses medications for customers.

Managing Director, Joe Cattee explained: “Knapp partners with a number of organisations within the country already and supports with the ability to pick products by using fully automated and manual picking zones for speed and convenience.

“The attraction to work with this provider was that they have designed a system that enables us to dispense patients’ medication at our site. This takes this workload out of community pharmacy and creates capacity within our pharmacy network for our teams to support patients in different ways.

“The machine is significantly more accurate than human dispensing, and the speed in which we can dispense medication means that we can do approximately half of all the prescriptions we do on a monthly basis through our Hub. Clearly, there will be some requirements to support and educate both our pharmacy teams and patients, but it enables us to revolutionise what we do under extremely challenging conditions.”

The new technology is helping Peak Pharmacy to revolutionise how it operates, enabling the business to continue thriving during a challenging economic climate.

Joe added: “By investing in automation at our Hub, we reduce the stress and pressure on our pharmacy teams, ensuring a better level of patient care is provided. The launch of the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme on 31st January 2024, enabling community pharmacy to treat seven common health conditions without visiting a GP, shows the direction of travel that community pharmacy needs to undertake.

“By removing dispensing volume across our estate, and assembling centrally, we can ensure a more accurate and timely service of medication provision, whilst also having capacity to engage in more NHS and private services to support patient wellbeing. In short, if we don’t adapt then we will not remain a viable business. Community pharmacy plays a huge part in supporting the country, but the financial reimbursement for what we do means that the costs of running our business now outweigh the revenue we receive for the services we provide.”

Global Brands collaborates to provide sustainable drinks solution for Red Engine bars

Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.

The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.

Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.

Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21^st century.

The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.

Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.

James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”

Highlight Crafts showcases design and print technology

Headed up by life-long crafter Stephanie Weightman and husband Karl, Highlight Crafts designs and produces products for a range of crafts including papercraft, fabric, mixed media, flower making, painting, digital crafting and so much more from their offices based in Clay Cross, Chesterfield. Customers can buy these products through their own website or through shopping channel Create & Craft.

The team at Highlight Crafts is aiming to be as sustainable as possible in their creation of new products. All paper products are printed by local printers which helps other local businesses in the area. All fabric is designed and printed in house on the companies printers, with much of this being printed to order, to cut out waste. They also have three large laser cutters enabling them to produce their own stencils cutting out unnecessary extra deliveries and packaging needs. The company has also recently just switched to paper packaging for their paper crafting dies helping to reduce the amount of plastic across all their packaging.

In August 2023 Highlight Crafts opened the Highlight Crafts Academy where they threw open the doors of their purpose built academy building to invite members of the public to come and join in the creative fun. With 4 classrooms that can hold up to 10 people each, the Academy was launched to as a place for customers who love to craft to come and learn new techniques, refine their skills, meet other friendly crafters and have fun doing what they love while being taught by some of the best in the business.

The Academy also runs 6 craft festivals a year. These are 10-day events where they run 4 classes per day as taster classes for local people. In between the day courses and festivals the Academy is open every Thursday afternoon for the weekly craft club for anyone wanting to come along and join in for a few hours. This is a great way to bring crafters in the community together who can bring their own projects or use materials provided by the Academy.

For anyone wanting to come and get creative with Highlight Crafts please head to www.highlightcrafts.com to find out more.

New AI technology created by Oasis Studio for the property sector

The EyeSiteView team, based at Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio has launched new AI-powered technology platform aimed at creating an immersive property exploration suite for businesses.

The new technology, named Vantage, will assist property and construction sector organisations in providing a better experience for customers, with a new interactive sales centre solution.

It offers an interactive property exploration solution to partners looking to enhance their customer experience for the modern buyer, and most importantly improve the buyer’s ability to reserve new-build plots off-plan.

Installed into Sales Centres in the form of a Touchscreen or a tablet, Vantage is equipped with the latest 3D interactive property marketing content such as interactive site plans, configurators and virtual tours.

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “Innovation is very much at the core of everything we do here. We are no strangers to AI, we have been learning and leveraging practices within our workflow for some time.

“For us to now find a valuable use and confidently implement the technology within one of our products is a huge milestone for us and our partners. With the pace of advancements we’ve seen with AI alone in the last year, I would encourage all businesses, especially SME’s to explore the capabilities of AI.

“For us, it has not only enhanced and increased our internal efficiency, but it is now playing a big role in the products and services we can offer our clients.”

Platinum Spas recognised by leading hot tub and swim spa magazines

Superior Wellness, Broombank Park, Chesterfield

Superior Wellness, A Chesterfield-based manufacturer and distributor of hot tub and swim spas has announced that its flagship brand, Platinum Spas, has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? 2024 hot tub and swim spa manufacturer for the sixth year in a row.

Platinum Spas is an innovative hot tub and swim spa brand creating premium quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing. With a focus on innovation and the latest technology, the range boasts premium features to provide the ultimate hot tub and swim spa experience.

WhatSpa? magazine celebrates its 19th anniversary this year and it has helped over 1 million UK homeowners to buy their dream hot tub since its launch in 2005. WhatSwimSpa? magazine followed in the footsteps of its sister publication and has been helping UK swim spa buyers in their vital research since 2013.

Rob Carlin, Superior Wellness Managing Director said “I am delighted that Platinum Spas has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Approved Manufacturer once again.

“The WhatSpa? magazine and website are a very important tool for the end customer to use when finding their perfect hot tub.  It is also great for our partner network to proudly say they are selling an approved and leading hot tub and swim spa brand.”

RA Information Systems shows innovation to enhance customer experience

Richard Fowler, RA Information Systems

The team at RA Information Systems in Chesterfield is reflecting on how it has innovated in recent months to improve the user experience of its software, and also to improve sustainability efforts by helping to raise awareness of trees across various UK communities.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Recently, we’ve added new features for our Clarity Visitor system, empowering our users to streamline their processes even further. In addition to seamlessly handling check-ins, we’ve integrated the system with visitor label and pass printing, enhancing the way our customers manage their visitors. With compatible printers, visit passes and labels can now be generated swiftly and on-demand, enhancing efficiency and convenience.

“Last year we also contributed to some of the UK councils to introduce Community Tree Portals. Developed by our dedicated Ezytreev team, this innovative platform harmonises technology, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. With ezyPortal, we’re not just raising awareness – we’re transforming the way people perceive trees, positioning them as accessible environmental assets for all to appreciate.”

The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.