Our town’s vibrant network of Chesterfield Champions continue to share their stories of success.
In recent weeks, firms have unveiled fresh hires and supported other companies in their growth.
Catch up on all the latest highlights in our roundup below.
DBCP looks to the future with latest apprentice appointment
Eighteen-year-old Lucy Cockle has embarked on the next stage of her career with an apprenticeship at DBCP, the leading provider of building control services throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Lucy, who lives in Barlborough, is the latest apprentice appointment at DBCP. Based at the firm’s Chesterfield office, Lucy has joined DBCP’s technical support team where she will undertake an 18-month Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship.
In her new role Lucy will support DBCP’s field-based building inspectors, processing Building Regulations applications and arranging inspections with builders, architects and property owners.
A former Worksop college student, Lucy completed her A Levels at the prestigious school earlier this year ahead of deciding to follow the apprenticeship route.
Lucy explained: “I knew that I wanted to work, earn and learn as well as explore a range of business roles. The apprenticeship at DBCP was a perfect fit for me as there are a range of pathways and avenues to go down within the company after I complete my qualification.
DBCP provides training opportunities from Level 2 through to degree level and fully qualified Building Control Surveyor status.
Lucy added: “Becoming a building control surveyor wasn’t a career I was aware of at school but starting my apprenticeship at DBCP has sparked my interest and I’m looking forward to seeing how my career progresses here as I learn more about the business and the industry.”
Lucy joins a number of apprentices at DBCP which has run a successful programme since 2018. Most recently, Charlotte Gladwin a Level 4 building control apprentice at DBCP, was named as the Newcomer of the Year in the LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2024.
David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, established the company’s apprenticeship scheme. He welcomed Lucy to her new role, saying: “Building control is not an industry that comes to mind when someone is leaving school. This, unfortunately, has created an industry skills shortage. Our apprenticeships, however, enable us to attract more young people like Lucy to both the industry and DBCP.”
If you’re interested in a future apprenticeship with DBCP, get in touch with David Pratt by emailing david.pratt@dbcp.co.uk
New buyer appointed at Pinelog as part of growth plans
Another new face has joined Pinelog Limited, one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of luxury timber lodges and buildings.
Stephen Hibbert from Sheffield, has joined Pinelog as a buyer, taking responsibility for the procurement of thousands of items for the company. Stephen’s is one of four back-office appointments Pinelog has made in the last 12 months as part of the firm’s strategic growth plans.
He brings a number of years in procurement to the role, previously being employed as a category manager.
Speaking about his appointment, Stephen said: “I am very proud to join Pinelog. The lodges are synonymous with quality and use premium products to ensure longevity. As such, it is very much a case of quality over price when it comes to purchasing decisions.”
Stephen’s role sees him taking responsibility of more than 3,500 in-stock items as well as specific fixtures and fittings for each bespoke lodge.
He added: “It is a hugely challenging but very rewarding role. As we’re manufacturing each lodge from raw materials from the ground up to the finished, furnished product ready for installation, there are thousands of items involved in the production of each one. I am very much enjoying the responsibility of ensuring our production team have the products, tools and equipment to complete each lodge on time and to the highest of standards. It’s great to be part of that team.”
Stephen is based at Pinelog’s headquarters and production facility in Chesterfield, Derbyshire where all lodges are manufactured. The company relocated to Chesterfield from Bakewell in 2022 to accommodate growth plans as well as allow for greater innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing process.
He explained: “Working alongside the team that constructs the lodges at the Chesterfield site means that I can ensure that the products not only meet the needs of our customers but also my colleagues.”
As part of its growth plans, Pinelog is also recruiting a production manager to join the senior leadership team and oversee production at the Chesterfield factory. The company is also recruiting a senior lead electrician. Earlier this year, Pinelog strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Lucy Wood and Jessica Blaney, who joined sales account manager Judy Barwell, to drive forward Pinelog’s ambitions to increase its share of lodge supply to the luxury holiday park sector.
If you are a holiday park operator or have land and are looking to invest in bespoke UK-designed and manufactured luxury sustainable timber lodges, speak to the sales team on 01246 942842 to discuss how Pinelog can help you.
Shorts supports drill bit manufacturing company to become employee owned
A South Yorkshire manufacturer and supplier of premium quality power tool accessories, drill bits and tools has become an employee owned business.
Sheffield-based Armeg Ltd, established in 1973, designs and manufactures high-performance, premium quality power tool drilling accessories for professionals and is now synonymous with smart design, enduring quality and trusted performance.
Armeg has been sold to the newly formed Armeg Employee Ownership Trust.
The move is set to enable the company’s 55 employees to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy and will mean business as usual for the firm with the current directors continuing to manage the company’s operations to bring through a new generation of management.
The new ownership model, established through an employee ownership trust (EOT), ensures each employee becomes a beneficiary of the trust.
Advisors included Sheffield’s Wake Smith Solicitors on legal matters and accountancy practice Shorts for corporate finance and tax advice.
Connor Marshall, Corporate Finance Senior Executive at Shorts, said: “It has been great to assist John and Charlie in securing the long-term future of Armeg. This transition into an EOT ensures that the culture and legacy of the business continues, with no change in day-to-day company operations for customers or employees. The employees have always been at the core of Armeg and in John and Charlie’s thoughts throughout the process and it will be great to see them benefit from the business going forward.”
Superior Wellness Appoints Brian Stalter as US Sales Manager to Strengthen Dealer Network
Superior Wellness proudly announces the appointment of Brian Stalter as the new US Sales Manager. Brian, a seasoned professional with over 20 years in the hot tub industry, brings extensive sales and product knowledge to his role, reinforcing Superior Wellness’s dedication to strengthening its dealer network across the United States.
Brian’s experience includes 15 years at Hot Springs and two years at Viking Spas, where he developed a deep understanding of the hot tub industry and a proven track record of successful dealer support and new business development. In his new position, Brian will be focusing on the acquisition and development of new dealer relationships across the Midwestern states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.
Brian expressed his enthusiasm for joining Superior Wellness, stating, “I’m extremely excited to work with Superior Wellness and feel like we’re producing some cutting-edge products that dealers enjoy selling! While I’ve been tasked initially with new business development and have been successful at it, I most enjoy helping dealers succeed. My 20-plus years have made me realize that each dealer has different needs; be it marketing, showroom merchandising and design, sales and product training among others. I can’t wait to be of service!”
Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director, commented, “Brian’s extensive experience and dedication to dealer success make him the perfect choice to lead our sales efforts in the United States. We are thrilled to have him on board, and his addition strengthens our commitment to expanding our dealer network and market presence.”
Superior Wellness views Brian’s appointment as a critical step in its growth strategy for the US, and his leadership will be instrumental in building a robust network of successful dealer partnerships across key states.
The organisations 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.
