chesterfield champions

Chesterfield residents and businesses continue strong support for the local community

People and businesses in Chesterfield are continuing to support various initiatives and events, aimed at bringing our community together and supporting local charities.

The town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are helping to support the town through fundraising, sponsorship, and even helping to put smiles on faces to their customers.

Find out below about some of the latest activity from across our community.


Rosewood Wealth Management supports local artists by sponsoring the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Landscape - rosewood junction arts

Chesterfield’s Rosewood Wealth Management is joining forces with Junction Arts this spring to help it stage an exhibition of mini masterpieces that will raise money for the local arts charity.

The Brimington Road financial advice firm is sponsoring The Chesterfield Postcard Show 2023, an annual event that gives local people, communities and up and coming artists the opportunity to showcase their work at an exhibition in West Studios.

Last year 70 artists took part, and 131 postcard-size pieces were exhibited.  The exhibition celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being.  The event is organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom and the theme for 2023 is Wish You Were Here.  They are inviting people locally, from across the UK, and Internationally to create their own postcard piece of art and submit it by the 20th of April 2023.

Rosewood Wealth Management was founded in 2019 by Directors Shannan Pool-Gorman and Donna Robertson, it has since grown to become one of North Derbyshire’s most respected financial advice firms.  They offer services including mortgages, equity release, pensions, investments, and insurance.

Shannan Pool-Gorman, Director at the firm said: “At Rosewood we believe that it is important to give back to the Chesterfield community in which we operate.  Junction Arts has a fantastic track record of bringing communities together and empowering them through the arts.  This event is brilliant because its easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities, all you need is a piece of A6 card! We’re delighted to be supporting The Chesterfield Postcard Show and I hope that it’s the first of many Junction Arts initiatives that we’re involved in.”

Hannah Bowdler, Fundraising Coordinator at Junction Arts said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Shannan and the team at Rosewood Wealth Management for supporting this year’s show.  Their sponsorship will allow us to raise more money at this year’s event and help us to engage more local people in the arts. I’m delighted to be working with this fantastic local business that puts community at the heart of what they do.”

The deadline for entries is the 20th April 2023.  The exhibition will run from the 9th to the 19th May 2023 at West Studios. Further information about the exhibition and how to get involved can be found here: https://junctionarts.org/be-part-of-the-chesterfieldpostcard-show-2023/


Incredible donation for Ashgate Hospice from football fundraisers

Ashgate Referees donation

Two stalwart Sunday football league referees who have been donating their match fees to Ashgate Hospice were invited to Chesterfield FC where they handed over their donation pitch side.

Chris Roberts and Bruce Baskerville, from Chesterfield, have refereed thousands of semi-pro and non-league matches between them and decided to start donating a percentage of the fees they receive for officiating games.

The duo, both aged 64, have now raised more than £4,100 for the North Derbyshire hospice in just over 12 months.

Word of their kind-heartedness soon caught the attention of the local football fraternity and teams started voluntarily adding a donation of £5 or £10 as a gesture from their club.

They were invited to the Spireites’ match at home to Notts County on 11 February where they presented the money raised to Ashgate’s Community Fundraiser, Lynn Jones.

“We have made a commitment to ourselves that we won’t ask for any donations – that’s our mantra,” said Chris.

“We have been overwhelmed by the way our little story has caught the attention of the local football community, our friends and family.

“To begin, we just made a comment on our Facebook pages to highlight that we had raised another few pounds for the hospice and in just a matter of weeks people were offering us donations.

“We also noticed that when we arrived to do our matches some teams would voluntarily add a further £5 or £10 to our fee as a gesture from their club.”

Chris and Bruce wanted to help the hospice as they believe everyone in Chesterfield has an “affinity” with the hospice after being touched by its “amazing” care.

Bruce says they also want to improve the reputation of referees as well as the relationship they have with clubs, coaches, players and supporters.

“Last season I refereed a first division game in the Chesterfield Sunday League and sent the home team’s best player off,” he said.

“After the game they asked me to come into the home dressing room. I was expecting an earful and thought they’d end up throwing the match fee on the floor.

“They ended up paying me the £30 for reffing the game and then matching my fee for a donation to Ashgate.”

The money will help Ashgate Hospice care for families at its Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, as well as in their own homes across North Derbyshire.

Ashgate’s Lynn Jones, said: “We’re so grateful for the support of Chris and Bruce and everyone else in the local football community that’s supported their fundraiser.

“It’s so inspiring to hear how they’ve managed to turn a hobby of theirs into something that’s going to help families who need our vital support across North Derbyshire.

“I’m looking forward to following their fundraising venture over the coming season!”


Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care puts a smile on the faces of ‘Pup Parents’ for Mothers Day

rose cottage dogy day care

Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care helped to put smiles on the faces of customers recently, by giving Mothers Day cards and cupcakes to the centre’s ‘Pup Parents.’

Dawn Brown, Founder of Rose Cottage explained: “Being a mum is a special privilege – we don’t all have human babies, some have fur babies!

“No matter what type of mum you are we appreciate you and we made Mother’s Day cards to make our mums smile and show our appreciation.”

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Three Chesterfield businesses boosted by new recruits

Three businesses in Chesterfield have recently bolstered their ranks with new recruits, adding further growth to their organisations.

Law firm CMP Legal, community-based charity Junction Arts and sustainable packaging firm Robinson PLC have all taken on new staff – showcasing growth and investment in the town across a number of sectors.


CMP Legal announces new Employment Director

Lauren Pickard - CMP Legal

The Chesterfield based law firm that delivers expert services to clients in Derbyshire, Sheffield and across the UK is thrilled to announce the appointment of Lauren Pickard as its new Employment Director.

Lauren is a specialist Employment Law Solicitor and joins CMP Legal from national law firm Knights plc where she worked as a Senior Associate, previously based in Sheffield. She has a wealth of knowledge and employment law experience from managing performance, disciplinary and grievance matters to redundancy and restructuring advice, delivering training, drafting contracts and much more.

Lauren Pickard, Employment Director at CMP Legal says: “I am delighted to join CMP Legal at such an exciting time for the firm in terms of growth. CMP Legal has swiftly established itself as a niche practice offering high quality advice. The lawyers at CMP Legal have a wealth of experience and this, combined with their desire to do things in a dynamic and progressive way, works strongly to the benefit of clients.”

Neil Brown, Co-Founder at CMP Legal says: “Lauren has an excellent reputation in the region and will be a fantastic asset to both our business and our clients. We are delighted to welcome her into our expanding team as we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”


Robinson PLC invests in sales team with two senior appointments

Angela Doyle

Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has invested in its sales team with two new senior appointments in the UK.

Angela Doyle joins Robinson from Berry Plastics and previously Constantia Group where she worked in the flexibles sector in both the UK and Ireland in commercial sales, primarily in the food and beverage sector. Looking forward to her role as a New Business Development Manager at Robinson, Angela highlighted: “I have a strong technical and commercial skill set, working closely with customers and production on development, problem solving and meeting deadlines.  I have always enjoyed being part of a team, leading innovation and out of the box thinking.”

“Robinsons has a really strong collaborative, welcoming culture and I am looking forward to playing my part in the team, creating new business opportunities and building on the strong company foundations”.

Also joining the team as Business Development Manager is Nick Hudson. His background is in UK manufacture and outsourcing of premium packaging across many substrates.

Nick commented: “I am really looking forward to creating awareness of the company’s commitment to sustainable, innovative rigid box packaging and its high standards of quality and service leading to Robinsons being the first choice for customers”.


Junction Arts announces new Managing Director

Emily Junction Arts

Award-winning participatory arts charity, Junction Arts has appointed Emily Bowman, the current Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, as its new Managing Director.

Emily will join the Chesterfield-based charity on the 1st of April and is tasked with helping the team to deliver an ambitious programme of creative events and initiatives throughout 2023. She will lead the charity to deliver its vision, support the Arts Council England’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy and will be responsible to the Board on all matters of strategy, policy development and management.

Junction Arts has engaged communities across Bolsover District, North East Derbyshire, Chesterfield and rural areas of the East Midlands for over 45 years.   Following an uplift in National Portfolio Funding (NPO) from the Arts Council until 2026, the charity has aspirations for significant growth and is hoping to embark on a number of exciting partnership projects over the next three years.

Emily is currently the Deputy CEO for The Mighty Creatives, a children and young people’s charity based in Leicester and Arts Council England’s Bridge organisation for the East Midlands.  She has worked in the creative sector for 20 years and at a senior leadership level since 2015. Through her background and training in performance and her work in arts leadership, she has a deep understanding and passion for arts, culture, and creativity, specifically focused on young audiences, with experience in co-producing high-quality programmes that are accessible to all.

She said: “I am thrilled to be joining Junction Arts. I am excited to be leading such a vibrant and dedicated team and will do all I can to continue to grow and develop the organisation, building on its current success and supporting more people to engage, and creativity to thrive across our communities.”

Lucie Maycock, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Junction Arts said: “Emily has all the right experience, skills, and strategic thinking to take on this exciting role. She is passionate about community arts and making a real difference. Our shared values and her experience working with children, young people and communities, developing programmes that support their cultural, personal and professional development, will enhance our new and existing programmes. Helping to make a real impact and take the organisation to the next level.”


CMP Legal, Robinson PLC and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

spire view dusk chesterfield

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Chesterfield firm named as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies for the second year running

Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness has earnt a place on the FT 1000: the seventh annual list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies for the second year running.

On 1 March 2023, the latest FT-Statista report was released highlighting the fastest-growing European companies in the three years to 2021. Superior Wellness is delighted to have earnt a place on this list, ranking 323rd up from 348th last year. This also means the company has ranked in the top 60 across the UK.

Superior Wellness leads the market as the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.

The ranking shows how many businesses thrived despite the pandemic — or, in many cases, because of it. Superior Wellness was in a fortunate position to experience a monumental level of growth during the pandemic.

The ranking lists those European companies that achieved the highest compound annual growth rate in revenue between 2018 and 2021. The minimum average growth rate required to be included on the list was 36.2 per cent — marginally less than the 36.5 per cent last time round.

Superior Wellness moved into its headquarters in Chesterfield in March 2021 and last year opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities. It now works with a global partner network of 250 hot tub retailers and is focusing on its growth across the United States of America with two dedicated sales managers based there.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director, said: “We were so proud when we heard the news that Superior Wellness had made it once again onto the fastest-growing companies in Europe list. We ranked 323rd in Europe for the fastest growing companies and also in the top 60 in the UK!

I would like to extend my thanks to all the Superior Wellness team and our partners for making this possible.”

Chesterfield is superbly located in the heart of the UK, with fantastic connectivity and a strong workforce to help businesses grow. Find out more about locating your business in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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.

superior wellness spatex

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Custom Solar completes rooftop installation at neighbouring manufacturing business, Weightron Bilanciai

A Chesterfield solar installation business has recently completed a project with one of it’s neighbours, improving the sustainable energy use of one of our town’s manufacturing firms.

The team at Custom Solar say they are proud to have recently completed thr Solar PV Installation for Weightron Bilanciai, on Chesterfield Industrial Estate.

The 57kWp system was installed using 115 Solar PV Panels, allowing 48,019kWh of green energy to be generated per annum for the client.

During the delivery period of this project, Custom Solar’s operations team had to work particularly cautiously as they faced the challenging weather conditions of frosty December mornings. Their health and safety team closely monitored the situation daily and assured it was safe for the installation team to proceed with works. Monitoring the environment daily meant Custom Solar were able to complete the install successfully with no complications, maintaining their 10-year incident free Health and Safety record.

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron stated, “Custom Solar were able to deliver a solution that meets our current requirements, yet has the capacity to be expanded in the future if required, a seamless project from enquiry to completion.”

Custom Solar’s Director of Business, Gary Sucharewycz, said We are proud to have worked in partnership with Weightron Bilanciai to deliver a system that puts the business on the road for a more sustainable future. We loved having the opportunity to work locally with a neighbouring company to support them on their renewable energy journey.”

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK. The company’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on creativity, expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety.

The collaboration with Weightron is a great example of two local businesses working together to improve sustainability across the town, and shows partnership working to help our local economy grow. Find out more about how the town’s businesses are being encouraged to further collaborate, following the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference 2023.

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

custom solar weightron installation

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Recognition for JP Fire Safety Solutions with prestigious safety certification

JP Fire Safety Solutions Ltd. has been awarded highly sought-after certification for the firm’s Life Fire Risk Assessment services.

To achieve BAFE SP205 certification, BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) certified companies must demonstrate high quality standards and best working practice in the fire safety industry.

For the building owner, or the responsible person for fire safety within a building, there is a significant amount of legislation to be aware of and associated responsibilities to meet.

These safeguards are in place to protect the users and occupants of buildings. By choosing a BAFE certified company, the responsible person can satisfy themselves that they are choosing a quality assured service in terms of industry knowledge, skills and expertise, and help stop them from falling foul of fire safety laws, which can lead to large fines and even imprisonment.

The BAFE Register provides reassurance to businesses and property owners when selecting a competent fire protection company to assist them with their fire risk assessment needs.

John Priest, Director said: “We have been working towards this certification for the past 12 months and are delighted that we have been recognised by BAFE as the only provider in Chesterfield, and one of just 178 nationally, to meet their standards for Fire Risk Assessment services. We have always strived to provide the best service we can for our customers, and this recognition is the icing on the cake”.

Under the BAFE scheme, JP Fire Safety will be regularly audited by the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) who are the leading certification body for organisations to ensure they maintain their high-quality fire risk assessment services.

For more information on Fire Risk Assessments contact JP Fire Safety at info@jpfiresafety.co.uk or on 01246 556699.

JP Fire Safety Solutions Ltd. supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

JP Fire Safety

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Get involved, collaborate and make change happen conference tells Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield businesses have been urged to take action if they want to make a difference to the town’s future.

Speaking at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield Conference on Thursday 2 March, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco IT, Peter Swallow, Chair of the town’s inward investment marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield, called on businesses to ‘get involved,’ ‘collaborate’ and ‘make change happen’ to ensure the town achieves its transformational growth strategy by 2030.

He said: “We have a network of more than 200 businesses, charities and education providers in Chesterfield, known as Chesterfield Champions, and the people in these organisations do so much to support Destination Chesterfield to market the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit. But if we want to see the town thrive in an increasingly competitive market, we need to do even more collectively. We must collaborate and buy from each other and we must champion Chesterfield outside the area in order to help us bring investment into the borough and create highly skilled jobs.”

Launched on 23 February by Chesterfield Borough Council, key headline targets of the Chesterfield Growth Strategy include:

  • Increasing the number of employee jobs in the borough by 4% (2,000 jobs).
  • Increasing the number of businesses by 12% (400 businesses).
  • Increasing the number of higher value businesses by 15% (100 businesses).
  • Increasing the share of Chesterfield residents in knowledge-based occupations by 15% (baseline Census 21 – 18,000).
  • Increasing the value of the visitor economy by 20% (baseline £163m).

Speaking about the ambitious strategy at the conference, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “Bringing together the public, private and community sectors to champion our borough is key to achieving our ambitions and strengthening the local economy. As a council we have continued to bring investment into the area from central government and elsewhere.

“Earlier this year we announced our success in bringing almost £2.7 million of UK Shared Prosperity Funding into the borough, a comprehensive spending plan is in place that will provide training support, grant programmes for businesses and charities, as well as helping to make further improvements to green spaces, sports and play facilities across our borough.

“We have secured more than £45 million from the government, this will be used to invest in the future of Staveley but also to improve Chesterfield town centre and enhance our appeal to visitors.

“Looking to the future there is more than £2 billion of investment across our borough and this will help ensure that we have a bright future ahead of us but there is still more we can do and working with the Chesterfield Champions we look forward to promoting our borough as the place to live, work, visit and invest.”

As well as being Chair of Destination Chesterfield, Mr Swallow is also Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the private/public £340million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Growth Strategy will see further investors like Bolsterstone Group and Devonshire Group attracted to the borough which currently has more than £2 billion of regeneration in the pipeline.

The Devonshire Group is behind the future residential development and regeneration of 150 hectares of former industrial land in the Staveley and is also partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College and the University of Derby in delivering the Construction Skills Hub. This is funded through the Staveley Town Deal and will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners on a live construction site over 10 years.

In addition to site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation the Hub will also provide training in green technologies.

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield conference, which was attended by more than 250 members of the town’s businesses community, also saw the launch of the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which will position the borough as a desirable and contemporary destination for visitors, investors and residents.

The new plan places the town’s network of Champions at the forefront, having been recently praised by the UK’s leading place branding, place marketing and place making specialist Thinking Place, as a ‘sales force’ for the town.

Celebrate Chesterfield was sponsored by Chesterfield Champions Addooco IT, University of Derby, Choice Utility and Markham Vale.

Peter Swallow added: “The financial support of the town’s Champions is incredibly important to ensure events such as Celebrate happen. For people to be onboard and contributing actively to the town’s growth and development, then they also must be informed and involved with plans. The lasting and far reaching change we are striving for in Chesterfield cannot be done by one organisation alone; it must be a collaborative effort.”

Nigel Mallender, Head of Sales and Marketing at Addooco IT Ltd, the event’s headline sponsor said: “Addooco are a proud Chesterfield based business and the majority of our Team live in the town. We’re delighted to support the many Destination Chesterfield events and to promote their initiatives wherever possible. They do an excellent job of increasing awareness of our town and in spreading the word on what a great place Chesterfield is to live, work, meet and to run a business. Addooco are committed to Chesterfield and continue to use local suppliers, services and hire local people wherever we can.”

Dan Molloy, Managing Director of Choice Utility added: “I believe that Chesterfield is one of the best places to do business out of. It’s important that the businesses based here support the town and each other, whether it’s through attending and sponsoring events like Celebrate Chesterfield or shopping local. Having a thriving local economy is key to developing conversations with national investors and ensuring Chesterfield continues to grow and develop.”

Adam Doyle, Head of Business Engagement and Employability at the University of Derby which is supporting the Festival of Business Exhibition said: “We were proud to be the partner of the Derbyshire Festival of Business exhibition at Celebrate Chesterfield. The festival plays a key role in continuing to support the business community to innovate and grow, aligned to our aim of raising skills and aspirations across our region. Working with businesses, we are helping to position our county internationally as a place to do business as well as a place to study, live and work.”

A spokesperson for HBD, the developer behind Chesterfield’s hugely successful Markham Vale and a sponsor of Celebrate Chesterfield, added: “Chesterfield is a fantastic place to do business, as demonstrated by the phenomenal growth we’ve seen at Markham Vale and the creation of more than 2,700 new jobs.”

To discover more about the investment opportunities available in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

tricia gilby and peter swallow celebrate 2023

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New films explain why firms choose to invest in Derbyshire

A series of short films have been produced featuring businesses from across Derbyshire explaining why they have decided to invest in the county.

Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Economic Partnership commissioned the clips as part of the Invest in Derbyshire service, delivered in partnership with Marketing Derby.

The service promotes the county as a place to invest and provides support and advice to businesses looking to expand or locate in Derbyshire.

The support provided is bespoke, independent, free-of-charge and confidential.

In promoting Derbyshire, Marketing Derby is supported by local businesses whose own investment and growth stories make engaging case studies for others taking similar journeys and are exemplars as to why the county is a business location of choice.

The filmed ‘talking heads’ include a range of businesses across the county and from various sectors, including several firms in Chesterfield.

Among the businesses featured are Chesterfield Champions MTM Products, Roaring Mouse, Global Brands and Peak Village, which is owned by the Devonshire Group.

The films highlight why the businesses have decided to make Derbyshire their base.

They explain how they benefit from the central location and great connectivity, why the county’s quality of life offer is so important for staff wellbeing and recruitment plans, and how the heritage of innovation still lives on today.

Councillor Tony King, the county council’s cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, said: “Derbyshire has so much to offer investors. Its unique position at the heart of the UK, together with excellent transport links and quality of life, make our county an attractive place for businesses to locate invest, live, work and stay.

“It’s great that existing Derbyshire businesses are able to share their story, which we hope will give more businesses the confidence to base themselves here.”

Speaking about the new ‘talking heads’ films, Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Derbyshire businesses in promoting the county, sharing their investment stories and pride in being based here.

“Other businesses who are considering locating and investing in Derbyshire can start to get a flavour of the diverse mix of businesses who thrive here and the people behind them, which helps bring the ‘Invest in Derbyshire’ narrative to life!”

The films are now appearing on Invest in Derbyshire’s social media channels, including Twitter and LinkedIn.

To see the new films, follow Invest in Derbyshire on https://twitter.com/InvestinDerbys or https://www.linkedin.com/company/invest-in-derbyshire/.

MTM Products, Roaring Mouse, Global Brands and The Devonshire Group support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

MTM Mark Niblett

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Growth for Chesterfield businesses with new appointments and promotions

Several Chesterfield businesses have announced growth, strengthening their teams with new additions and promotions in recent months.

Companies in the digital, legal and professional services sectors have taken on new personnel or promoted from within, showing strong local development despite the tough economic climate nationally.

Hear from our businesses below on how they have bolstered their teams, which includes Central Technology, Bridge Help, Shorts and BRM Solicitors.


Central Technology announces new Managing Director and CEO

rob and ian announcement Central Technology

In order to support its continued growth plans and the development of its national branch network, Central Technology has announced a restructuring of the board team. Rob Longden is set to take over from Ian Snow as Managing Director, whilst Ian will move into a newly created CEO position.

Central Technology has achieved consistent year on year growth over the last 12 years and this change will enable that growth to further accelerate in line with current targets.

Rob has been with Central Technology for 6 years and has spent that time within the sales, operations and service delivery teams, most recently as Commercial Director. Rob has over 30 years of IT industry experience within both SME and corporate sectors developing, implementing and managing service delivery teams, ITIL frameworks and driving service excellence through process and operational controls.

Ian’s move to a full-time CEO role will see him focus on the strategic development of the business and ensuring the exceptionally high levels of customer service are maintained. This new role will draw on his past experience at Deloitte and as a Director at two high growth, market leading lift installation and maintenance businesses.

Ian commented: “Our goal was always to get CT into a position where Rob could take over as Managing Director and utilise his vast industry knowledge to help the business achieve its full potential. I am delighted we have reached the point where we can put this plan into action.”

Rob commented: “It is one of the proudest moments of my professional career to lead this tremendous company and the talented people within it, as well as being able to ensure successful outcomes for our valued customers.

“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know and work alongside our team and customers for a number of years. I believe it is this business experience coupled with my industry knowledge that puts me in a unique position to drive Central Technology forward. I am truly excited to see what we can achieve together in the coming months and years.”


Bridge Help makes senior promotion

Kate Snodden Bridge Help

Chesterfield’s commercial finance specialist, Bridge Help has promoted Katie Snodden to the newly created role of Head of Sales.

The promotion recognises the significant contribution Katie has made to the business since she joined as a Business Development Manager in 2021.

In 2022 alone Katie, who lives in Chesterfield, secured more than £8million worth of loans for brokers throughout England and Wales. In her newly created role, she will now lead Bridge Help’s team of Business Development Managers in growing the company’s loan book which it aims to double in 2023.

Chris Sellars, CEO and General Counsel of Bridge Help said: “Katie has built some amazing relationships across the industry, all whilst taking on additional responsibilities within the company. Her appointment is integral to our growth plans for next year and she is absolutely the right person for this role.”

Katie added: “I am thrilled to take on this exciting role. One of the many reasons I joined Bridge Help was the opportunity to grow my career and skillset within the business.”

Katie joined the bridging finance sector from the transport and logistics sector having previously worked within financial services for a large, chartered accountancy firm in London. Her appointment at Bridge Help signalled her return to the financial services sector, which she describes as her ‘first love’.

To further support the firm’s ambitious growth plans, at the end of last year, Bridge Help joined NACFB, the largest trade association for commercial finance brokers in the UK.


BRM Real Estate team strengthened by appointment of new Director

BRM Shoots Chesterfield and Sheffield Employment team

Image Copyright Paul David Drabble

Regional law firm BRM Solicitors has appointed experienced Real Estate Director George Thomson and Paralegal Georgina Kassim to support its clients in Chesterfield and the surrounding area.

Newly appointed Director, George Thomson specialises in agricultural and commercial property and has previously worked with a range of clients from large public sector organisations to smaller owner-managed businesses.

A strong background in agricultural property work enables George to support farmers, agricultural land and property owners, and other rural businesses in all of their property and land transactions.

George said: “I am delighted to re-join BRM as a Director during an exciting period of growth and look forward to contributing to the firm’s continuing success and expansion in the region.”

The team has also welcomed paralegal Georgina Kassim. Georgina will be working alongside George in the Chesterfield office.

Georgina said: “This is an exciting new role with a forward-thinking law firm and I am looking forward to working with the current and new clients”

Sanjeev Batra, Head of Chesterfield Real Estate said: “These recent appointments will help support our growth strategy and ensure the continued high-quality service that we already provide to our clients. George is a highly-skilled lawyer, and I am happy to add his experience and knowledge to our team.”


Shannon Wilson joins Shorts’ Radius team

shannon-wilson-radius

The Shorts team says it is thrilled to have welcomed Shannon Wilson to the Radius R&D Tax Reliefs team. Shannon joins Radius as a Manager, adding further expertise and experience to our specialist R&D tax team.

Shannon joins Shorts after 4 years as a specialist R&D Tax Consultant at a major professional services consultancy firm. Prior to this, she achieved her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Chester, followed by a master’s degree in Financial Management from Sheffield Hallam University.

On joining the firm as part of the Radius team, Shannon said: “It’s always nerve-racking starting a new job, but I’ve had such a warm welcome from everyone I have met so far. In the short time I’ve been here, everyone has truly made me feel part of the team. I look forward to seeing how I can develop my career further with such a forward-thinking and well-established company as Shorts.

“Shorts has already offered me the opportunities to further expand my skills, knowledge, and capabilities through getting stuck into, not only the preparation of R&D claims but also the internal side of things – demonstrating a culture of openness and the acceptance of new ideas from employees to continually grow the business.”

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner and Head of Radius, was delighted to welcome Shannon to the team: “Radius is built around deep expertise, a proactive ethos, and a passion for great client service. Shannon brings all of this to the Radius team, and I have no doubt she will excel at delivering great service and advice for our clients.”


Central Technology, Bridge Help, BRM Solicitors and Shorts 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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Chesterfield’s business community reflects on achievements made in 2022

2022 has been another year which has seen major progression across Chesterfield.

The town has seen several major regeneration projects completed, including the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, The Glassyard and One Waterside Place to name just a few.

Furthermore, work is beginning on a host of developments as we head into 2023 – with work continuing on the revitalisation of Chesterfield Town Centre, and seveal projects moving forward in Staveley thanks to the Town Deal funding.

Our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have shared their successes across the area, whilst looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2023.


“Chesterfield’s biggest achievement in 2022 has been its ability to continually receive large sums funding, which allows positive change to actually happen. Now we have secured funding, the vision can be realised, which benefits everyone in our town.

“My hope for Chesterfield in 2023, is for our town centre to be prioritised. Whilst we will see an increase in vacant properties, this presents us with opportunities to change its core purpose and uses, to create something new and exciting and re-define the traditional town centre model!”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

 


“We have seen real progression in 2022 on accessing funding and on key developments in and around Chesterfield. This has enabled the development of a platform from which the town can grow further in 2023. Going forward I am very much looking forward to seeing the redevelopment of the market in the town centre, I think this is key to the town’s success at adapting to the future retail landscape.”

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services


“I feel our biggest success in Chesterfield is the way we have bounced back from the impact of Covid-19. Our communities, local businesses, and each of us personally have shown such resilience and there is a lot of positive change toward not letting even a global pandemic set us back.

“My hope is together we continue crafting a better future, working towards UN sustainability goals, strengthening new partnerships, and enacting change at a local level. I’m excited to be able to help shape this growth through Connect and Reflect – our shared learning sessions, I hope you’ll get involved.”

Jenny Raschbauer, Project Director of Community Chesterfield.

Jenny from DVA


“2022 has thrown many curveballs to businesses and families alike. It has been a period of change, recovery, and crisis. I believe Chesterfield’s greatest achievement is found in its ability to bounce back, to successfully galvanise businesses to work better, more collaboratively and with greater levels of support than ever before.

“I hope that we will continue to work closely together in both our businesses and within the wider communities. I hope that we can use 2022 as a benchmark for future growth and evolution, and that we will continue to build up the town and its people into a thriving place to live and work.

Graham Nash, BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax


“The determination of local businesses to keep going and keep trying, even when things are difficult has been brilliant to see in 2022. Instead of giving up, in such challenging times, I’ve witnessed small businesses being brave and bold, and taking risks to build businesses that create jobs and economic growth in our town.

“Looking to 2023, I would love to see full occupancy of retail space in our town centre. We have some great retail units, both new and old and it is sad to see them empty. Full occupancy would offer more choice for shoppers, contribute to increased footfall, and attract more visitors to our town.”

Emily Coy, Business Doctors – Chesterfield

Business Doctors


“The 10th Anniversary of the Tapton Lock Festival was our biggest achievement for Chesterfield in 2022. Organised with a wide range of community groups it was a truly diverse cultural event showcasing the best of Chesterfields creative and cultural communities.

“We hope that Chesterfield will continue to grow its cultural and creative assets in 2023 and recognise the amazing artists and creatives that work with communities across the town. We want Chesterfield to be recognised and celebrated for its creative people and cultural communities.”

Paul Steele, Managing Director, Junction Arts


“It has been wonderful to see commercial premises being built and used in 2022– in particular the Northern Gateway development.  This will encourage business into the town and create employment opportunities. In 2023 I hope to see retail and business growth in the town, taking advantage of the fantastic opportunities which Chesterfield has to offer.”

Catherine Wenborn, Vines Legal Ltd


“Chesterfield is a developing market town which boasts many historic features and landmarks to be enjoyed by all however, in the 2022 we have seen development of new buildings and renovations of existing buildings to meet the demands and progression of the town. We hope to continue to see development of the town, and this includes our move into the newly renovated Hayfield House in January 2023.”

Johnanna Brewer, Associate Solicitor, Family Law Group


“We loved celebrating the success of apprentices and employers within the local community at the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022. Looking to 2023, I hope that the unemployment rate in Chesterfield continues to fall and that employers continue to grow talent and invest in skills for their businesses and subsequently support the local community and economic growth within Chesterfield.”

Peter Roberts, DBC Training


“Chesterfield’s business community has, once again, proved how resilient it is. To have seen the growth and developments that we have during the year is testament to our ‘can do’ approach to everything.  This gives me optimism for 2023. I have no doubt the town and its business community will more than rise to all the challenges that are thrown at us and continue to prove the naysayers wrong.”

Anna Melton, In the Works PR

Anna Melton


“Despite the challenges the town has faced in 2022, the pace of construction – both in the private and public sector has not slowed down. In fact, it’s been one of the busiest years for DBCP! This shows that Chesterfield is a very investable town. Looking to 2023, I hope to see more developments coming out of the ground. This will show, once again, that Chesterfield is a town that refuses to stand still and, instead, looks forward and invests in the future of the people who live and work here.”

David Pratt, Building Control Manager, DBCP

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership


“The opening of the Enterprise Centre was a real milestone for Chesterfield in 2022. It completed the regeneration of the Northern Gateway which has given the town a ‘revitalised central area to be proud of with new buildings, a transformed former Co-op department store and attractive public realm. It is great to see investment continuing in 2023 with the Levelling Up funding. This will, I hope, give Chesterfield a future-proofed town centre which everyone can benefit from – businesses, residents, shoppers and visitors.”

Peter Swallow, Chair, Destination Chesterfield


“It has been fantastic to see the continued preservation and investment in key town centre buildings throughout 2022 – like the Stephenson Memorial Hall and the former Co-op department store on Elder Way. Buildings like these give Chesterfield town centre its character and set it apart. Chesterfield has some stunning architecture which, through clever thinking is being preserved and repurposed for future users. It will be great to see the Pomegranate re-open in 2023 and new tenants in the units created at Elder Way.”

Mark Hill, Development Director, Jomast Developments


“To see Chesterfield delivering on two huge developments in the town with both the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place being completed and welcoming their first tenants has been very encouraging for the economic outlook for the town in 2023. I hope the town continues on its trajectory for developments and that Chesterfield Borough Council continues making strides to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Following our Love Chesterfield – Sustainability Award win in 2022, this is a cause very close to our hearts!”

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants


“Chesterfield and district have adapted incredibly well to the challenges of coming out of the pandemic. There have been lots of new businesses opening – The Glass Yard in Chesterfield and the new revamped Blue Stoops in Dronfield – and some of the vibrant festivals we all enjoy have come back to the town centre.

“My hope for 2023 is that Chesterfield and district will continue to thrive. There is so much innovation in the town, but so much more that can be done to make sure we keep moving forward and build on our identity as a business, shopping, and leisure destination.”

Claire Wilks, Commercial Manager, Dronfield Heritage Trust

Christmas Light Switch On and Market Dronfield Hall Barn


“One of the stand-out successes for both Bolsterstone and the town in 2022 has been the opening of the new office block at Chesterfield Waterside with two floors in the building already let. This gives the town much-needed large floorplate, high quality office accommodation. This is yet another tick in the box to enable the town to attract further investment. Chesterfield has all the ingredients to be successful in 2023 and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead and hope it will be a successful one for the town.”

Tom Swallow, Bolsterstone Group PLC


“Our borough emerged from the pandemic in a strong position for the future and, working with partners and business networks, we have progressed and delivered on a whole raft of projects which will help ensure Chesterfield continues to thrive for years to come. Highlights for our local businesses and economy include our successful bid for almost £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund, which is helping us to revitalise our town centre and marketplace. We’re also unlocking the potential of other key sites across the borough, including as part of our Staveley Town Deal project and the opening of flagship developments like the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place – making sure we remain in a strong position to attract investment, jobs and skills provision for the benefit of local people.

“As we look to the new year we must do so against the backdrop of a changing and challenging national economic picture. But our borough has shown itself to be resilient, innovative and collaborative in all that we do, and I feel confident that we will remain in a strong position to continue our growth and realise our ambitions for the future. We firmly believe that 2023 will be another transformative year for our borough, as we continue taking positive strides forward in our work to regenerate our communities and create opportunity for local people and business.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Tricia Gliby investment summit 2022


“2022 has had some notable successes for both the town and businesses that are based here. We have new high grade office accommodation and regeneration taking place in the town centre. I believe the investment that has been made in recent years will benefit Chesterfield significantly during the economic downturn. Chesterfield has resilience at its core and this has served and will continue to serve us well. I have lived, worked and run a business here for more than 50 years and I know the town is well-placed to ride out the recession and continue to grow. I hope that people share my optimism and continue to work together and support each other in 2023.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Multiple accolades for Superior Wellness at UK Pool & Spa Awards

Chesterfield based Superior Wellness were successful in winning several awards at the prestigious event held on 8 December 2022 in Birmingham.

The first award success was for the International Team of the Year, with the Superior Wellness Logistics team winning. Luke Shiels, Logistics Manager said: “We are over the moon to win this award, it’s great for the team to be acknowledged at the UK Pool & Spa awards. I am extremely proud of my team for all of their effort and hard work this year! We have all pulled together to make partner deliveries as smooth as possible and ensure that trade show season went ahead without any issues. Well done to all of you!”

The second accolade was for Marketing Initiative of the Year – for the location shoots. Superior Wellness has invested heavily in its marketing department with location shoots being a main focus throughout 2022. The team have travelled all over the country to many beautiful destinations and from this has been able to produce high quality marketing material for brands and partners.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “I am delighted that we have won the Marketing Initiative of the Year Award.  Our content has gone up a level with our new marketing studio and on location photoshoots. The team have worked incredibly hard, and I am very proud of them all.”

Superior wellness marketing team

Superior Wellness also received a Gold Award for the following categories:

  • Energy Efficiency/Eco Award – AquaSolus Eco-Heatlock
  • Energy Efficiency/Eco Award – Platinum Premium Shield
  • Spa Product of the Year – Ruby hot tub, Thermals Spas
  • Spa Product of the Year – Tokyo hot tub, Platinum Spas
  • Pool and Spa Supplier of the Year – Platinum Spas
  • Marketing Initiative of the Year – Marketing Studio

Rob Carlin, Managing Director said: “It is a great honour for us all to end the year with the award success, the team have been working hard all year and it’s great to see that all of their hard work has been recognised. I am extremely proud of the whole team.”

Showcasing the very best examples of pool and spa design from across the country, the UK Pool & Spa Awards celebrated its 12th anniversary with featured projects and products.  With 225 entries from 60 companies to assess, 22 judges were involved in the 2022 decision-making.

Entrants were awarded gold, silver or bronze standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted over 2,000 on-line votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.

Winners across 30 categories were announced during the presentation at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 8 December which featured a guest appearance from The Pool Guy, a pool maintenance specialist from Bedfordshire, who boasts 13.7 million followers on Tik-Tok and over one million likes on You Tube.

More information on the awards, including a full list of winners, can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

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.

Superior wellness team

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions sponsor local community awards ceremony

Several Chesterfield Businesses and organisations have pledged to sponsor the upcoming BrightLife ‘Champions Against Loneliness’ Awards.

The ceremony is set to held at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, on February 17th, 2023.

The awards evening is a fundraising event at which the local charity BrightLife will acknowledge and celebrate those members of society who have gone above and beyond in their actions to ensure that loneliness and isolation doesn’t occur amongst older people living within Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire.

The 2023 award categories will include:

  • Champion
  • Champion Young Person
  • Champion Volunteer
  • Champion Medical Professional
  • Champion Carer
  • Champion Business
  • Champion Neighbour
  • Champion Family
  • Champion Charity

Sponsors for the event include Banner Jones Solicitors, Heron Publications – the producer of Twist Magazine, and 1866 Sport – the official radio station of Chesterfield Football Club.

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager of Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “Banner Jones has worked alongside BrightLife (formerly Age Concern Chesterfield and District) for several years as we have always recognised the importance of supporting the elderly and vulnerable in our society.

Unfortunately we see the effects of loneliness in our everyday work with clients and it was this that gave us a reason to get behind this event and help to raise money for this outstanding local charity.”

Mike Firth, Director of Heron Publications commented “We are proud how closely our magazines are tied to the fabric of the communities they serve. When we heard that BrightLife was planning to recognise some of the most deserving individuals and groups in these communities, we were interested to find out more.

“We are excited to be a sponsor of the event and urge anyone who knows someone who strives to combat older people’s loneliness and isolation to get involved.”

Bridget Ball, 1866 Sport’s marketing manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with BrightLife and helping them recognise those have helped combat loneliness.”

If you or anyone you know has helped to prevent loneliness and isolation amongst older people living within your community, please submit a nomination at www.brightlife.charity/champions or phone BrightLife on 01246 273333.

Casa Hotel

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

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