chesterfield business news

Chesterfield’s Lomas & Mitchell Architects featured on TV’s Grand Designs

Chesterfield’s Lomas and Mitchell Architects, a firm specialising in low-energy design recently featured in an episode of Grand Designs.

Broadcast next Wednesday, 28th September on Channel 4 at 9pm, the project featured a new, multi-generational home built on a small-holding in Derbyshire.

Jillian Mitchell, one of the directors at Lomas and Mitchell Architects, has been closely involved with the project. She commented: “The building design is a modern interpretation of a Derbyshire Longhouse, often a long, narrow building housing humans, animals and farm machinery.

“At the heart of the Longhouse is the kitchen and dining area, where everyone meets to prepare food and eat together.  With our project, a generous open-plan space will enable the whole family to gather.”

The building is a refined barn, with profiled cladding and a steel-framed structure.  Vertical fins – not yet installed, so they won’t feature in the programme this time – mirror the ‘hit-and-miss’ timber often found in barns to protect cattle and sheep from direct sunlight.  The dramatic roof planes relate to angles in the surrounding countryside and the building is anchored into the landscape on both levels.

Jillian added: “We have been privileged to work with a great team on this project, and have delivered this building in spite of the challenges from the pandemic, the shortages in materials and the on-going war in Ukraine.”

Jillian is also involved as Vice-Chair of Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group, which brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills across the town.

Read Jillian’s recent blog on how the group is coming together to highlight the importance of sustainability across the town.

Lomas & Mitchell Architects 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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Platinum Spas uses latest technology for ‘augmented reality’ hot tub experience

Chesterfield-based Platinum Spas, part of Superior Wellness has announced its latest venture into a 3D AR (Augmented Reality) hot tub experience.

This latest feature will enable customers to not only be able to have a 360 view of the Premium range Tokyo hot tub but also view the hot tub in their own space and the process is really simple. This will allow people to make an informed decision on whether the hot tub is the right choice for them.

The introduction of the 3D AR means people can now view the Tokyo hot tub from the comfort of their home before actually making the trip out and visiting one of the Platinum Spas retailers.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “It will also be a great benefit to our partner network as it will enable them to demonstrate this product to a customer even if they do not currently have that particular model in stock.

“One of the benefits of AR is that it increases engagement and interaction whilst also providing a richer user experience. We are continuing to innovate and focus on what our consumers want. This is just one of many steps we are taking to take our marketing to the next level.”

Another benefit of this new technology is that it enables customers to scan, place and view the hot tub at 100% of its actual size. A QR code is scanned on a smartphone camera and people are then free to roam and inspect the hot tub. This will allow customers and partners to see whether or not the hot tub would fit into their showroom, garden room, garden space or wherever they wish.

Sarah added: “Superior Wellness are really excited to launch this new feature for the Tokyo hot tub. The Platinum Spas brand continues to innovate every year with new ideas being introduced to ensure they offer the very best in technology and design.”

Superior Wellness 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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Community Chesterfield project to further expand its training offer into Derbyshire

After great results, local project Community Chesterfield is now offering free training to even more of Derbyshire’s volunteers, students, and community groups.

As a partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby, Community Chesterfield aims to strengthen the voluntary sector by creating opportunities for the university and community to learn together. Training and Tea are short, convenient, and are held online via Zoom, so that you can make a cuppa and start your day with one of the sessions; each on a specific short subject.

The Lottery funded project has so far provided 2,271 hours of training, which has been fantastically well received. Julie Drury, the Daytime Group Leader at Chesterfield Fibromyalgia Support Group said “I’ve done lots of courses, at some point I was doing one every week or every two weeks…for it to be free training as well for groups like ours and for me personally has been amazing; massive, massive help. It’s given me loads more confidence”.

Due to past success and the positive impact made by this initiative, Community Chesterfield are now widening access to fully funded places. Those working or volunteering for a Community, Voluntary or Third Sector organisation or groups that provide a service to people living in in Chesterfield or Northeast Derbyshire are now eligible for a free place, along with staff and students from the University of Derby. If you do not fit these criteria, tickets will be available to purchase.

“I’m so proud of the success of Training & Tea sessions” says Kate Burns, Skills and Learning Coordinator at Community Chesterfield. “Especially now we’re widening the scope of people that can attend, I’m excited for more people to get involved and develop their knowledge and skills”.

For the next series of topics, chosen by the Derbyshire community, they are going to be welcoming back local Derbyshire based trainer Andrew Deighton from AWD Development Solutions Ltd.

  • 5th October– Working Styles and Preferences
  • 19th October– Building and Developing an Exceptional Team
  • 9th November– Managing Difficult Conversations
  • 23rd November– Facilitation Skills

“The sessions have been really popular, and the feedback has been fantastic. I think that’s because they’re very focused, time efficient and always end when we say they will. People can then get on with the rest of their day” says Andrew Deighton from AWD Development Solutions Ltd.

To find out more or to book your place visit bit.ly/CommunityChesterfieldEventbrite.

To stay up to date with our events and activities, we encourage you to check out our website for our social media links and to sign up to our Newsletter https://www.communitychesterfield.org.uk/.

Community Chesterfield 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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North Derbyshire’s Mortgage 1st expands offer with launch of new protection services

Mortgage 1st’s exciting growth plans are showing no signs of slowing down as they approach the final quarter of 2022.

The North Derbyshire firm’s ambitious plans have always included a specialist protection arm of the business which will better serve their customers insurance needs whilst offering additional support to their existing advisers.

Mortgage 1st managing director Jon Stones said: “Our aim at Mortgage 1st is to provide the best possible service to our clients and also the proposition to our advisers.  There is no better way to do that than to enhance the protection offering and process we currently have as a brand.  The FCA are looking very closely at advice in general but protection advice seems to be an increasingly hot topic.”

As plans had started to develop an opportunity arose to bring Dave Corbett to Mortgage 1st to help bring Protection 1st to life.  Dave has an impeccable track record within the industry and is incredibly well respected.

Dave Corbett joins Chesterfield-based Mortgage 1st from The Money Group, where he was Recruitment and Brand Development Director. He has also held senior roles as Regional Sales Director at Primis Mortgage Network, and as Regional Business Manager at the Tenet Group.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Mortgage 1st at what is proving to be such a crucial time for the business. To make the move now and to know I am joining a brand that not only stands out in the industry but has genuine ambitions to be the best, is a great personal fit for me.

“Jon and Lisa have built an incredible organisation where the culture and family feel jump out in every interaction.”

As Mortgage 1st continues to welcome new faces to the team every month, total head count will exceed 50 by the end of 2022. With Mortgage & Protection advisers both locally in Chesterfield and across the country working collaboratively together they can continue to offer their growing number of customers a high quality service.

For more information of the services they provide or the vacancies available visit www.mortgage1st.co.uk

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

Jon Stones, Mortgage 1st

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Vicar Lane works with Chesterfield organisations to support local residents

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will launch a major community-based campaign this autumn called ‘We Care’.

In a bid to highlight a whole host of local charities and support groups available to the community, Vicar Lane will set the stage for local residents to get the help they need, make meaningful life changes and connect with others to better cope with today’s a difficult times.

All events will be FREE to join throughout September and October and although some might need a registration, there will be no need to book.

On Saturday the 10th September, visitors can attend a ‘public living room’ in front of the large screen at Vicar Lane, where members of the public can chat to mental health workers about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Mental Health Liaison Service and The Georgia Bird Foundation are very proud to be working in collaboration with SoBS Chesterfield, The Tomorrow Project, Mentell, Kakou and a number of amazing volunteers to hold this workshop that’s been inspired and supported by CALM’s Last Photo exhibition in London.

On Tuesday 13th September there’ll be an opportunity to get involved in a panel led discussion celebrating the collective impact that our local social enterprises bring to the community – putting people, purpose and planet first. Speakers include; Hannah Bowdler from Junction Arts, Sian Spencer-Bray from Therapy and Lifestyle Clinic, Jenny Raschbauer from Community Chesterfield and Barbara Tomasella from the University of Derby.

As the weeks go on, there’ll be pop ups and drop ins such as ‘Knit and Natter’. A local group that aims to welcome people who knit or crochet, whatever their level or skill, into a relaxed and calming environment with the opportunity to meet others. Plus, a mindfulness colouring workshop, hosted by Junction Arts. An award-winning community arts charity, focused on building confidence and improving wellbeing for all those who attend.

Events will continue to be announced and pop up around the centre so keep an eye out on https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/ for a full list of confirmed activity over the coming weeks.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re proud to be able to work with local community groups and charities to highlight the ways in which people can get support across many areas from Mindfulness to Loneliness. The cost-of-living crisis, combined with a change in season can make this time of year challenging and so we welcome everybody to get involved with the sessions on offer over the coming weeks. As part of a wider project for us to keep the focus on such important topics, we are exploring ways to ensure our staff and tenants continue to get support and training in mental health awareness and we will keep our community up to date with progress we make.’’

Vicar Lane, Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, University of Derby, Junction Arts and Therapy & Lifestyle Clinic support 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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The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is open under new ownership

Northern Tea Merchants’ iconic café based on Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, is open under new ownership and with a new name.

Kim Lamin is following a long-held dream of owning her own café and has now achieved this by taking on the reins at The Café at Northern Tea Merchants. Kim has been licensed to use the Northern Tea Merchants’ brand.

She said: “It’s always been my dream to have my own café so when the opportunity arose to run The Café at Northern Tea Merchants, I jumped at the chance. Having been a long-standing customer of Northern Tea Merchants for more than 15 years, I couldn’t say no!”

Kim has recruited three members of staff to help her run the new café – Brennan, Laura and Alida. They bring a wealth of customer service experience to their new roles.

She added: “I feel incredibly lucky to have the best team around me. Our aim with The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is to offer the best customer service, alongside great homemade food and, obviously, the best tea and coffee!”

As well as a wide selection of hot and cold drinks, The Café at Northern Tea Merchant’s now boasts a new menu which includes a range of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, including sandwiches, paninis, salads, home-made quiche, pate, jacket potatoes, cakes and Cream Teas. Afternoon Tea is also available if ordered in advance.

Welcoming Kim and her team, James Pogson, director of Northern Tea Merchants said: “Our shop and café have been a familiar site on Chatsworth Road since 2003 when we first opened. As a customer herself, Kim knows only too well the pleasure of sitting in our café enjoying one of our many teas and coffees while watching the world go by. Nothing beats it!

“We are delighted to have Kim onboard at Northern Tea Merchants. With her enthusiasm and passion, I have every confidence she will make a success of her new venture.”

The Café at Northern Tea Merchants is open Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm (serving until 3:30pm), to book a table or order an Afternoon Tea, call 01246 232 600.

Northern Tea Merchants 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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Local Proclamation of King Charles III held at Chesterfield Town Hall

Crowds gathered outside Chesterfield Town Hall to witness a local ceremony to proclaim the accession of King Charles III last weekend, Sunday, 11 September.

Councillor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, read the Local Proclamation from the balcony of the Town Hall, as part of a series of official events held across the country this weekend to mark the historic occasion.

It follows a meeting of the Accession Council on Saturday, 10 September at St James’s Palace in London, to formally proclaim Charles as the new sovereign.

Councillor Rogers said: “We remain united in collective sorrow following the passing of HM The Queen and we will continue to reflect together as a community during this period of national mourning.

“Today’s ceremony was an important moment in the history of our country, and our borough, as we came together to mark the local Proclamation of King Charles III reign as our new sovereign.

“It was touching to see so many across our community unite for this historic occasion and, on behalf of the people of Chesterfield in my role as Mayor, I was honoured to play my part in this unforgettable moment in history.”

The Union Flag was temporarily raised to full-mast in line with the national Proclamation protocol. It has now been lowered to half-mast to mark the ongoing national mourning period.

The Union Flag, which is currently flying at half-mast above the Town Hall, will be temporarily raised to full-mast at 11am on Saturday morning until 1pm on Sunday, in line with the national Proclamation protocol.

Businesses and local leaders across the town also paid their respects last week. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/09/chesterfield-leaders-and-businesses-pay-tribute-to-queen-elizabeth-ii/

People are also reminded that they can lay tributes including flowers at the official memorial site at Queen’s Park bandstand, and Books of Condolence are available at locations across the borough.

Meanwhile Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire church has announced a memorial service will be taking place there at the weekend:

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Chesterfield leaders and businesses pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes and condolences have been paid by leaders and businesses in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, following the passing of HM The Queen.

The Union Flag is flying at half-mast on Chesterfield Town Hall to mark the period of national mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow commented: “I was very saddened to hear the news about Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. Although she was 96 years of age her death has still come as a complete shock. She has led the nation for 70 years, ever present for the whole of my lifetime, and a steadfast presence throughout the country’s highs and lows.

“She was a memorable individual with her visit to Chesterfield in 1977 still remaining strong in the memory of many residents in the town. Whether a supporter of the royal family or not, few can disagree that she was dedicated to her role, and the country as a whole, throughout her reign. She will be sadly missed, and may she rest in peace.”

Councillor Tony Rogers, Mayor of Chesterfield, said: “Like many others, I find the news of the Queen’s death difficult to take in because she is someone who has always remained a constant in our lives.

“Throughout her reign, the Queen has shown an immense interest in all aspects of public life and has visited every part of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and other places in the world. We well-remember her visits to Chesterfield including in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, in 1985 to open the Royal Hospital and in 2003 when she visited Chesterfield Market.

“I am sure people in Chesterfield will unite to remember all she has meant to us during her long life and during her reign as our Queen.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Since coming to the throne at the young age of 25, she has shown an immense dedication to her role as our Queen as well as being a wife and mother and later a much-loved grandmother and great grandmother. Our thoughts go to the Royal Family at this sad time.”

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive, said: “The Queen always played a full part in public life and it is right and proper that we mark her passing. The flag at the Town Hall is flying at half-mast and we will also be opening books of condolence for people to express their sadness at her loss.

“We have lost a public figure whose experience is unparalleled, and I hope people will come together to celebrate her life as well as mourn her death.”

Further information about local arrangements – including Books of Condolence and flower laying – will be shared by Chesterfield Borough Council as soon as possible.

People can also sign the Royal Book of Condolence at www.royal.uk

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing today.

“The Queen has been the epitome of stability and patriotism throughout her seven decades of unwavering public service, an icon who has symbolised British patriotism across the world.

“As patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, she was a true friend to the business community and as the figurehead of the Commonwealth, she was the tie between nations that have become important trading partners.

“It is with great sorrow that we must now come to terms with a Great Britain without our Queen, but she has already demonstrated to us on so many occasions the strength we will need to move forward.”

Chesterfield businesses have also been paying their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family:


 

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Chesterfield public relations business appointed to help recruit more than 60,000 new security officers

A Chesterfield PR business has been appointed by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to help recruit 62,000 new security officers and change the outdated perception of the industry.

The trade body for the professional security industry in the UK will be working with Roaring Mouse Public Relations, one of the businesses which recently moved into brand-new office space at Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. 

The BSIA has started consulting with its members, which provide over 70 percent of private security services in the UK, on plans to launch the industry’s biggest-ever recruitment drive. Feedback indicates that the sector must increase in the size of the professional security officer population by 70 percent to meet growing demand for services in the next 12 months.

Roaring Mouse will work with the BSIA and its members on an integrated PR campaign to reach purpose-driven people including former police officers and members of the armed forces with positive messages about opportunities in the professional private security sector.

Roaring Mouse’s account team will be led by Stephanie Dobson and report to Andrew Cooper, the BSIA’s Head of Marketing and Communications.

Stephanie Dobson, Account Director at Roaring Mouse Public Relations, comments: “There is a mismatch between perception and reality when it comes to how people see the security industry. This is a professional, diverse, tech-savvy sector open to anyone who genuinely cares about making the world safer and more secure. Our campaign will appeal to that sense of purpose and make it clear that security is a smart career choice where people can progress and be the very best versions of themselves.”

Andrew Cooper comments: “Security is more than just a high-vis vest. It involves teams of highly-trained, purpose-driven professionals playing a fundamental role keeping the UK safe and secure. Roaring Mouse has proven campaigning expertise and a clear vision for how we could reach and influence the kind of people that would thrive in our industry.”

Find out more about the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/

Roaring Mouse Public Relations 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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Value boosting accountants thrive in Chesterfield

A Chesterfield accountancy business has announced remarkable financial growth of more than 300% in the last year.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax is a small but growing accountancy firm in Chesterfield. Having identified a growing need in the local marketplace for a business-strategy focused accountancy firm, owner Graham Nash launched the firm in 2020, with the initial objective to help turn businesses around and help them recover from the pandemic.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, offering strategic business strategy and financial management advice for start-ups and long-established businesses predominantly in the engineering, property and manufacturing sectors.

Owner Graham comments: “In the last 12 months we have experienced a 300% growth financially and doubled the number of clients we work with to over 100. I have recruited a small team within the first 12 months, and this is targeted to expand further in early 2023.”

One example of the combined expertise and efforts at BusinessWise is how they have helped an East Midlands firm more than double its value to over £5m in the two most challenging years in recent economic history.

The Managing Director of the company said: “They took on everything from a detailed review of the financial processes and systems, to implementing new processes to provide accurate figures. They provided detailed monthly reporting, management accounts and forecasting so more informed strategic decisions could be made. They also managed negotiations and discussions with HMRC on our behalf.

“Graham is a highly motivated and professional individual and has become an integral advisor to my business. Without the team at BusinessWise, we would not be in the position we find ourselves today. I can highly recommend his services and he is a real asset to any business in need of support.”

In addition, BusinessWise has actively passed work and referrals valued at £400,000 of business to local suppliers and professional services in the last two years, once again adding value, proposition and strength to the local economy.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your business here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

BusinessWise Accountancy & Tax 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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Markham Vale hails record job figures as it supports region’s post-Covid recovery

470 jobs were created at Markham Vale last year in one of the largest ever annual totals recorded at Derbyshire County Council’s flagship industrial and logistics scheme near Chesterfield.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre joint venture development between property developer HBD and Derbyshire County Council. It is one of the region’s landmark schemes, attracting new businesses and creating thousands of new jobs.

2,702 new jobs have been created at the development to date, with the latest figures demonstrating its impact in driving investment and supporting the region’s post-Covid recovery.

Derbyshire County Council recently had its efforts recognised by Local Government Chronicle, being shortlisted in the Economic Support category in the upcoming 2022 LGC Awards.

Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is a hugely successful scheme and plays an important role in supporting the region’s economy, which is more important than ever as the region recovers from the pandemic and the many challenges that brought.

“2021 was another strong year for Markham Vale – we completed two zero-carbon buildings totalling more than 300,000 sq. ft., Daher Aerospace moved into a new 55,000 sq. ft. unit, and a landmark deal was secured with Gridserve to create Derbyshire’s first EV charging station.

“We’re very proud of what our joint venture has achieved at Markham Vale to date and we look forward to welcoming more innovative, forward-thinking businesses to Derbyshire.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said: “These figures are very reassuring and a strong sign that businesses are starting to recover from the pandemic.

“Markham Vale plays a key role in helping to deliver on our commitment to building a strong, diverse, and green economy by creating jobs for local people and attracting local, national, and international businesses.

“As well as welcoming several new businesses to the site last year including Gallery Direct and Daher Aerospace Limited, we saw sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa expand to another unit and we’re looking forward to seeing Markham continue to grow and welcoming even more businesses to the site in the future.”

HBD and Markham Vale support 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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