chesterfield business news

Vicar Lane set for boost as popular pizza maker moves into new store

Chesterfield Town Centre is set to welcome a new business, with popular food outlet Pizza Pi moving into a unit at Vicar Lane.

The new restaurant will be located on St James Square (underneath the centre’s outdoor screen), and will offer its customers ‘’honest, simple and good food’’.

The menu consists of wood-fired pizzas, garlic bread, fries and sides, with the dough and sauce made fresh every day. The shop is preparing to open just in time for Chesterfield residents to get their orders placed for Valentine’s Day.

Founded in 2017, originally as a mobile business, Pizza Pi has gone from strength to strength, and their new restaurant at Vicar Lane will cater for twice as many customers as their old premises on Beetwell Street.

While they are working around the clock to get the new restaurant ready in time for the opening, the Pizza Pi team are serving takeaway pizzas from a trailer out the front. Visit pizzapiuk.com to find out more.

Shaun Brown, Operations Manager, Vicar Lane said “We’re really excited to welcome Pizza Pi to our line-up. The restaurant is looking great and we can’t wait for them to open their doors next month!”

Pizza Pi joins Chesterfield’s plethora of food outlets, providing great dining options across the town. Find out more about what’s on offer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/

Based in the heart of Chesterfield, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre is  home to a range of popular high-street retailers and a mix of unique independent stores.

The centre features high street brands such as Waterstones, F.Hinds, Superdrug, Holland and Barrett, Clintons and New Look. It offers a great shopping experience in a clean, safe and easily accessible area of the town centre with its own multi-storey car park.

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

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Chesterfield FC Community Trust agrees partnership to enhance education offer

A partnership has been agreed between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and TEAM Education Trust to greatly enhance the Community Trust’s alternative provision offering.

Led by Matt Morris, who is the education & inclusion manager at TEAM Education Trust, the two organisations will develop a pathway to Ofsted accreditation, with the aim of achieving that within two years.

Commenting on the link-up, Morris said: “There’s a real magic here at Chesterfield Football Club. They’re offering something special and that’s why we at TEAM Education Trust really want to be involved.”

Sarah Baker, the CEO of TEAM Education Trust, added: “This is an exciting partnership which will offer lots of opportunities for our students and staff. It will also support those coming to the club from other schools from across Derbyshire and the young people who are working within Chesterfield FC Community Trust as part of their alternative provision.

“For us, it’s about quality, inclusive education. Between us both, we’re going to be supporting some amazing learning for young people and developing activities designed to motivate and inspire our students.

“We’ll be working with the Community Trust to help them to ensure their provision is of an excellent standard and to secure better outcomes for the young people across this area.”

Martin Thacker, director and trustee of the Community Trust, believes it is a fantastic opportunity for the organisation to move forward with its alternative provision.

He said: “Over a period of time, we’ve done some excellent work with young people who aren’t in schools, for whatever reason.

“This club has become their oasis – a place for them to come to and feel secure and safe and enjoy what they’re doing while they’re not in school.

“This development will mean that there’s an increase in the quality of water in that oasis. It’s so exciting and we’re really glad to be doing this.”

Chesterfield FC Community Trust 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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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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More support for Chesterfield businesses affected by Covid-19

Local businesses are being urged to apply for a new Business Rates relief scheme if they have been adversely affected by COVID-19.

Chesterfield Borough Council has been allocated £2.4m COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) to be distributed to ratepayers that did not qualify for previous COVID-19 related schemes, can demonstrate that business has been adversely affected and who have been unable to adequately adapt to that impact.

This is an application for a discount from business rates bills and not a grant payment.

The CARF discount is for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 only (and earlier in the event of a change in circumstances such as moving out of the property).

You may be able to claim a CARF discount from us if you are a Chesterfield Borough Council Business Rates payer and your business meets ALL of the following criteria:

  • it was occupied and registered for Business Rates during the financial year 2021-2022
  • it is open and operating (or temporarily closed due to COVID government guidelines)
  • it has been significantly and adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • it has not exceeded the permitted Business Grant Subsidy Allowance
  • it has not received Extended Retail Discount or Nursery Discount during the 2021/22 financial year
  • You have a business rates charge to pay during the financial year 2021-22

You can apply for a CARF discount online using the form below – you will need to create a My Chesterfield account before you can apply.

Paper applications will not be accepted.

Applications close on 13 February 2022.

You can apply for the CARF here.

Find out more about the latest support on offer for businesses in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Chesterfield Town Hall

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Mortgage 1st shortlisted for prestigious industry award

Chesterfield-based Mortgage Advice firm Mortgage 1st has been selected as a finalist in the Yorkshire East Midlands category at this year’s NatWest Local Hero Mortgage Awards.

Natwest is recognising mortgage brokers in the industry who have gone beyond everyday expectations to put the customer and their local community at the heart of their business.

Across the 12 regional categories, firms have been asked to demonstrate their position as a local mortgage and protection expert, their commitment to quality advice, excellent customer outcomes, and their positive contributions using the key areas of environment, inclusivity, wellbeing, charity and community. Only 3 firms have made it to the finals for our region.

Lisa Stones, Operations Director at Mortgage said: 1st said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have made it to the finals in the Natwest Local hero Awards. These awards focus on the areas of our business that mean the most to us, our team, our customers and our local community.

“To have made it to the finals is a huge achievement in itself and we’re extremely proud of our passionate, dedicated and hardworking team. We’ve got our fingers crossed for the awards!”

With their continued growth over the last 10 years, Mortgage 1st are able to continuously offer career opportunities for those with experience, as well as training and supporting individuals who are new to the industry. Their apprenticeship scheme encourages school leavers to enter financial services by providing a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Mortgage 1st designed a schools programme and have already delivered to hundreds of local students, offering them valuable life lessons about mortgages and future financial planning. Their diary is filling up fast for this year with new schools regularly approaching them.

Luke Christodoulides, NatWest’s national account manager, said in a recent article in the Mortgage Solutions publication: “These firms have exemplified putting the customer and their local community at the heart of everything they do, in addition to providing sound financial advice for those consumers within their locality.”

The winners will be revealed at the gala awards ceremony which will be held in Birmingham’s iconic grade 1 listed Town Hall in March.

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.

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Shorts expand Corporate Finance team with new appointments

Shorts’ Corporate Finance team are delighted to announce the appointment of Eleanor Heslop as Corporate Finance Executive earlier this month.

Eleanor joins Shorts with several years’ experience working within the local accountancy profession. Her appointment follows that of Connor Marshall, who joined the team last year in response to increasing levels of activity .

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner commented “I am delighted to welcome both Eleanor and Connor over the last twelve months. Eleanor joins us at an exciting phase as the Shorts’ Corporate Finance team continues to grow, on the back of a record year. The mergers and acquisition and funding markets remain very positive and alongside our Employee Ownership Trust specialism we think it is important to further strengthen our team as an essential part of supporting our clients in 2022 and beyond.”

Eleanor added “Shorts have an outstanding reputation of excellence, and I am really excited to join this growing and talented team at this time in the firm’s continued development. I look forward to playing a part in the next chapter of Shorts’ story.“

The Corporate Finance team can be contacted on corporate@shorts.uk.com or by calling 0114 2671617.

Shorts comprises of a team of specialists all pulling in the same direction. With a long-standing heritage of over 130 years, the company has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm.

It is home to some incredible expertise – specialists have joined Shorts from some of the world’s leading firms, bringing years of experience that they have shared and continue to hone.

Today, Shorts is recognised as an award-winning, leading regional firm, that’s not just delivering, but that innovates; using deep knowledge, technology and expertise to find new ways to make clients’ business better and their personal finances stronger.

Shorts Chartered Accountants 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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East Midlands unemployment rate hits lowest point in seven years – but Chamber warns of recruitment challenges

The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest point on record, new figures show.

It was 3.5% for the period between September and November last year, compared to a 4.1% national average.

This is the lowest level since the Office for National Statistics (ONS) began publishing regional labour market figures in April 2015, and represented the smallest proportion of the workforce being unemployed since the three months to December 2019, when the rate was 3.6%.

It also marked a significant drop on the previous reporting period for August to October 2021, when the region’s unemployment rate was on par with the UK average at 4.2%.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “This is fantastic news for the region’s labour market and sends a clear signal that the East Midlands is open for business.

“It reflects our own research that indicates our region’s firms are creating jobs to meet strong demand following the effects of the pandemic. The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q4 2021 showed two-thirds of companies attempted to recruit, while a net 35% expect to increase their headcount in the first three months of 2022.

“We are represented by a very diverse economy in the East Midlands but there have been some standout sectors to celebrate in recent times, such as the logistics industry that has been a major driver of job creation during the pandemic, which has accelerated pre-existing online shopping trends.”

Tightening labour pool presents acute challenge for businesses

While the East Midlands has one of the lowest unemployment rates for over-16s in the UK, the economic inactivity rate for people aged 16 to 64 rose from 21.02% to 22% in the most recent reporting period.

UK job vacancies also soared to a record high of 1.24 million between October and December – 462,000 higher compared with the three months before the pandemic.

Scott added: “Despite the positive trajectory in unemployment, businesses are still encountering major recruitment challenges in a super competitive jobs market.

“The 0.8% increase in the economic inactivity rate represents a rise in the number of people who have opted out of employment, whether it’s for studying, caring or to take early retirement – with the latter being a noticeable trend during the pandemic.

“This means the labour pool is tightening at a time when companies are desperately trying to fill roles to cope with demand, which will enable them to continue growing and creating more jobs for local people.

“Many companies in traditional industries such as manufacturing and construction often tell us about the difficulties in replacing an ageing workforce with younger talent, and the latest QES showed that eight in 10 of those that attempted recruitment struggled to find people with the right skills.

“As we await publication of the Government’s delayed Levelling Up White Paper, the wider context behind the latest ONS data illustrates the need for policymakers to understand how we can pull the right levers in order to support the local economy’s requirements.”

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Central Technology provides digital support to Chesterfield charity

Chesterfield-based Central Technology has been working closely with local charity Ashgate Hospice, by providing staff with digital support and advice.

Over the last few years, the company has been providing IT Support to the charity, including a recent webinar  which helped staff combat their IT issues.

Three IT challenges have been highlighted during CT’s work within the hospice and charity sector – budget constraints, data protection and agile working for staff.

Matt Corbishley, Director of people and performance at Ashgate Hospice explained why the company was a good fit for the charity:  “I know there’s a lot we don’t know, and having that external support from CT is invaluable”.

Hospices are responsible for sensitive employee data and also the data of vulnerable patients. Data security is at the heart of the service provided by Central Technology, and all parties can be assured that data risks are managed effectively.

The company is accredited with ISO27001 – a certification standard that is recognised worldwide as an indication that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) is aligned with information security best practices.

For Ashgate, Matt stated: “CT were the only provider to have that – that’s beyond digital security… that’s gold standard really!”.

Matt Corbishley, Ashgate Hospice

With the rise in agile working from the effects of COVID-19, Ashgate found it was especially important to implement smart-working practices.

Matt stated: “we wanted a strategy that enabled that remoting working for our teams. The hybrid support that’s emerged in certain years between the developer and operations role is extremely beneficial. Now the full team of clinicians can access SystmOne remotely and don’t have to come back to base which saves time and money, and staff can see more patients”.

The team at Central Technology has experience in supporting hospices by providing a strategic IT roadmap to support their charitable objectives. Its technology advice and solutions align with hospice business goals to ultimately improve patient care. Find out more about the range of support and advice on offer at: https://www.ct.co.uk/pages/contact

Central Technology and Ashgate Hospice 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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Grants available for Chesterfield businesses affected by Covid-19 Omicron variant

Businesses trading in Chesterfield’s hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors which have been affected by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are being encouraged to apply for a support grant.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant provides grants from £2,667 up to £6,000 to support local businesses impacted by the pandemic.

Applications for funding are now open, and will close on 11 February 2022. A business will be eligible for the grant if:

  • it was registered for Business Rates on 30 December 2021
  • it was trading on 30 December 2021
  • it is one of the hospitality, leisure or accommodation business types that are eligible for this payment (some exclusions do apply as per the BEIS guidance)

Businesses that may qualify for this grant are being contacted by Chesterfield Borough Council’s business grants team directly. However, if you think you are eligible and have not been in touch with anyone from the council about this yet, you can complete the application form here.

A business will not be entitled to a payment if it has entered into administration or insolvency or has exceeded the permitted Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.

Only the Business Rates payer at 30 December 2021 is entitled to claim this payment.

If you are eligible to receive a grant payment, you will receive this within seven days of your application being assessed and no later than 28 February 2022.

Meanwhile, the Government has also recently announced a new Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) and published guidance on the operation of the fund and details of the funding allocation for each local authority.

Chesterfield Borough Council is in the process of drafting the scheme ready to publish on its website during January 2022. Businesses are encouraged to keep checking Chesterfield Borough Council’s website and social media for further updates.

Find out more about the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund.

To find out more about some of the other business support available for companies in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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Local law firm looks to raise awareness for family mediation week

A Chesterfield law firm is looking to highlight the benefits of family mediation during an awareness week taking place from 17th-21st January.

Family Mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally-trained mediator helps you work out arrangements for children and finances following separation.

Midlands Dove Mediation, part of Elliot Mather LLP is a specialist service offering Family Mediation on a private and Legally Aided basis. The company, which has an office in Chesterfield says it is looking to assist clients across the East Midlands. The firm’s remote working capability also allows it to offer mediation services to clients nationally.

Mediation aims to assist ex-partners in making suitable arrangements for the future, avoiding the delay, cost and added stress that the Court process can bring.

Local family mediator Elizabeth Bilton FMCA, from Midlands Dove Mediation said: “We have an experienced team of specialist and Accredited Lawyer Mediators who have expertise in resolving family disputes using the process of Family Mediation. Family Mediation is proven to be an effective and time sensitive way for each family to explore different options and work out what arrangements are best for their Family.”

Midlands Dove has produced numerous useful guides that can be accessed free-of-charge, designed to assist parties who are searching for information about Mediation Services.  These can be accessed via the company’s website, which also contains the profiles of highly experienced Mediators – Elizabeth Bilton, Jennie Byrne, and Julie Skill.

Midlands Dove Mediation is also taking part in the Ministry of Justice’s Family Mediation Voucher Scheme, which meets up to £500 of mediation costs for families if they need to discuss arrangements for children. The scheme is anticipated to run until the end of March, although vouchers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parties interested in finding out more about mediation can also watch a free, online event with parenting expert Sue Atkins in discussion with Sarah Manning (a Mediator accredited by the Family Mediation Council), on the morning of Wednesday 19 January. In addition, the Family Mediation Council has organised a series of free, online events for professionals who work with families. The full programme of events, and details of how to sign up, are available on the Family Mediation Council website.

Elliot Mather LLP 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 Energy firm transitions to Employee Ownership

Shorts Chartered Accountants recently teamed up with Knights plc to act as corporate finance, tax advisors and legal representatives as Cost Advice Energy Specialists (Cost Advice) transitioned to an Employee Ownership model.

Established in 1995, and previously owned by brothers Christopher and Stephen Ball, the Company strives to set the benchmark for providing quality advice for commercial energy customers on the best ways for them to purchase and manage their electricity and gas.

Over its history, the business has expanded into a team of professionals who assist businesses across Britain, ranging from small independent retailers to large multi-site organisations.

On completing the transition, Stephen Ball commented: “Chris and I are extremely proud of the company and how it has grown and evolved over the last 26 years, and it is important to us that we protect its legacy and ensure it remains independent.

“Employee ownership provided a way for us to do this; it’s progressive and forward-thinking and provides a way to give back to our loyal and talented workforce who have helped to make Cost Advice what it is today. The company is going from strength-to-strength and now is the perfect time to start our exciting new chapter.”

Speaking about the transition to employee ownership, Shorts Corporate Finance Partner, Andy Ryder said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to Cost Advice and its new employee owners.

“Having discussed various succession planning options with Stephen and Chris, it was clear that the EOT route would best meet their overall objectives.

“Businesses that choose the EOT route build trust and shared responsibility. and we are confident that this will result in a very positive future for the business. We look forward to seeing Cost Advice’s continuing success under their new ownership model.”

Shorts 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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