chesterfield news

Corrugated Case Company celebrates 25 years of success

A Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in the production of sustainable packaging designs is celebrating 25 years of continued success.

The Corrugated Case Company was set up in 1997 and over the years has offered packaging solutions to a number of clients, becoming an established presence within the corrugated market.

The firm offers a personalized touch to clients which has enabled it to stay ahead of the game and continue to develop products and services to deliver a fast, efficient, and friendly service.

Chairman and Founder, Tony Hession commented: “We’ve had some very difficult times over the last 25 years and to have made it this far has been no mean achievement. We’ve all had to work very hard to get where we are and I am very proud of the business, it’s people and where we are currently at.

“We operate out of over 50,000 sq ft with over fifty staff. We have a modern and very well invested factory and turnover of over £15,000,000 including a number of very well known national companies as our customers.”

Mike Hartley, also a director at Corrugated Case Company said: “CCC’s success has been very well earned through hard work, dedication, and teamwork – all employees past and present have all made their contributions.

“I am very proud to be part of the 25 years celebrations and look forward to playing my part in the strategic development of the business”.

CEO, Mark Wilcockson said: “I cannot believe where 25 years has gone, as the saying goes “time flies when you’re having fun!”

The company is continuously looking to stay ahead in the market with investments in staff and technology. New investments include a state-of-the-art Flexo Folder gluer machine, double sided taping machine and the replacement of a flatbed diecutter.

As a celebration for the firm’s 25th anniversary, it is hosting a competition for local junior schools to create innovative designs.

Laura Woolley, Internal Sales Co-Ordinator said: “We have given the school a task to complete by the 18th July, where they can either tie in with existing projects or make it a bit of fun before the summer holidays the winners will be drawn on the 20th July digitally.

“Once we have received all the entries in, we will share photos and recognition for there efforts via our social media platforms for taking part. Not only does it allow them to win a prize but its also nice for them to share in our 25th year anniversary celebrations and feel its worthy of sharing with the younger generation.

“It is very important to us to inspire the younger generation and we always do our best to help where we can within the local community. We tend to get a lot of enquires for bespoke cardboard projects from schools and small businesses.

“A lot of the work we have done is with the design, Art, and technology teachers for local schools, Ashgate hospice and more statement piece ‘one-off’ projects including supply of the boxes for the Britain’s got Talent Magic Marine audition. Again, we are always on hand to do our bit.”

“Earlier this year we acquired the FSC accreditation which means that we only buy our materials from certified sustainable forests and suppliers who are FSC certified. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We co sponsored and attended the Plastic Free Festival in the Chesterfield Town centre this year which was also an addition to showcase how cardboard can be used and its versality. We also have solar panels installed on the roof of our headquarters. ”

To find out more about how Chesterfield can support you to locate and grow your business in the town, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Corrugated Case Company 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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Peak Pharmacy set to move to ultra-modern headquarters in North Derbyshire

Work has begun in Derbyshire to build a new ultra-modern headquarters for Peak Pharmacy, which will process millions of prescriptions per year for their patients.

Called Project Horizon, the multi-million pound venture at Markham Vale near junction 29A of the M1 signals a new chapter for the Chesterfield-based company.

The new Pharmacy Service Centre will handle prescriptions and dispatch medicines for the firm’s 150 community pharmacies across England. Prescriptions will be assembled for individual patients, then either delivered to local pharmacies for collection the next day, or direct to patients’ homes.

The facility will use state-of-the-art robots and automated systems to support staff handling over 400,000 medicines and other prescribed items every month – that’s 20,000 a day, more than 40 every minute.

Peak Pharmacy’s move is in response to caps in Government funding, which mean that pharmacy businesses are having to be more efficient in how they handle prescriptions. Centralising the process will also free up local pharmacists and Peak Pharmacy staff to provide other services for patients, such as vaccinations, blood pressure checks and healthy living advice.

Managing Director Joe Cattee, whose parents Peter and Jane founded Peak Pharmacy in 1981, said: “These are ambitious plans for our company, staff and customers – in the face of a rapidly changing pharmacy landscape.

“This will be transformational for us. We’re investing now to future-proof our business, so that we can continue to provide great local customer service which means so much to us.”

The new hub is due to open in April next year. It will house up to 100 staff, with the potential to grow into a 24-hour operation in future.

Peak Pharmacy is planning to be in a position to offer a centralised dispensing service to other independent pharmacies which don’t have the resources to develop their own centralised service, should the legislation allowing this change in the near future.

Mr Cattee added: “We’re inviting other pharmacies to contact us now, so we can show them how our hub can benefit them too.”

The company is investing more than £20m on Project Horizon, a significant proportion of which will be spent on automation technology. Around 40% of all prescriptions can be processed in this way.

The project will replace five smaller existing Peak Pharmacy sites in Derbyshire.  The new hub, on the site of the former Coalite coking plant in Bolsover, will:

  • Cover 113,000 square feet
  • Have a continued focus on sustainability, with energy efficiency measures, electric charge points for colleague and business vehicles, major tree-planting and a bat box
  • Provide an excellent working environment for staff, including a canteen and leisure facilities

Peak Pharmacy 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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Derbyshire North Careers Hub celebrates achievements of schools, colleges and businesses

The achievements of a young adult with special educational needs who has secured himself an internship at Chesterfield Royal Hospital – plus an aspiring female electrician engineer – were recognised at an event held to celebrate businesses and educators who have worked together to support hundreds of students in Derbyshire.

The Derbyshire North Careers Hub brings local employers together to work with schools and colleges to support their careers programmes which enable students to choose what they would like to do next, while also ensuring school and college leavers have the skills needed by employers in the region.

Part of a national programme funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Department for Education – and managed locally by D2N2 LEP – the Derbyshire North Careers Hub works with more than 30 schools and colleges as students prepare for their best next steps.

The event, which was held at The Whitworth in Darley Dale, was the first face-to-face meeting the Hub has had since being launched pre-lockdown, in February 2020. Students from The Highfields School, in Matlock, supported on the day.

Eighteen-year-old Jamie, a pupil at Alfreton Park Community Special School, gained valuable work experience with the Woodhead Group; a family-owned group of companies specialising in construction.

He was one of four pupils from the school who took part in a seven-week Supported Insight Scheme, through the Direct Education Business Partnership and part funded by the Careers Hub,  shadowing core areas of the business, visiting sites being developed by the Woodhead Group and spending time in their head office, in Edwinstowe, Mansfield where they were involved in real-life work place tasks such as keeping the building site safe and even brick laying.

Sarah Cutler is programme manager for Direct Education Business Partnership’s special educational needs programmes, supporting various SEND schools in the Derbyshire North Careers Hub. She worked closely with Alfreton Park Community Special School and Woodhead Group.

“Jamie has been a pupil at Alfreton Park since the age of four and, by his own admission, 14 years later, he feels that he needs a change to help with his personal development and wellbeing,” said Sarah.

“He flourished under the guidance of Matt Bust at Woodhead Group, who are one of our Cornerstone group employers and huge supporters of the project. The work experience helped him to gain the confidence he needed to gain a place on an internship at Chesterfield Royal Hospital which, hopefully, can be transferred into paid employment in 12 months’ time.

“On average, the percentage of young people with a Learning Disability in the D2N2 area that is in employment is 1.8%. We need to increase this figure by providing opportunities for these people and working together.

“This figure will increase – it won’t happen overnight – if we continue to do what we are doing.”

As well as being Business Support Manager at Woodhead Group, Matt Bust is enterprise advisor for The Bolsover School – who provided musical entertainment at the event. He said: “We structured each session for the students, and they took part in various tasks that are all relevant to our business.

“We noticed how they had grown and developed throughout the programme. It was a pilot programme, so we had no idea how it would be received, and we had to have flexibility when delivering the project to overcome issues such as covid and transport.

“But it was a huge success and we learned so much from the programme.”

As well as construction, other industries represented in the Careers Hub include healthcare and engineering. Projects that have been funded include Future Makers, Creators, Designers and Builders which brings together a local group of companies from those sectors. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the careers in these industries, plus the pathways into them.

Emma Dando, careers lead at St Mary’s Catholic High School, in Chesterfield, praised the Future Makers scheme, which has played a key role in launching the career of pupil Millie Liversedge.

Millie was mentored by Katie Burnham, who works for construction and property development company Henry Boot.

“I am absolutely delighted for Millie,” she said, “she will leave St Mary’s at the end of Year 12 to take up and apprenticeship with Western Power which, for Millie, is a dream job.

“The Future Makers project gave her the confidence to interview for the apprenticeship and this is definitely the right career path for her.”

The Derbyshire North Careers Hub is part of a national network of hubs, driven by the Careers & Enterprise Company. Evidence published by the company in October last year showed Career Hubs had accelerated overall careers education progress and performance by 56% in 12 months.

When it launched, the Hub worked with 21 schools and colleges but has expanded and now supports 35 schools and colleges. During lockdown, employers found innovative ways to continue working with schools, holding virtual events and sessions so that students could be supported in choosing their next step after education.

One of those employers, Fortem, delivered an interactive workshop during this time to Ashgate Croft – the first time that the property solutions experts have worked with a special school.

Marie Cooper, Group CEO of CBE+, explained the impact of the Cornerstone group of employers; a group of flagship businesses – including Fortem – carrying out exemplary work to support schools and colleges develop careers programmes and then sharing their best practice with others.

She said: “If we don’t engage as businesses in educating and inspiring the young people in Derbyshire, then who is going to be running these businesses in the future?

“The only way we can do that powerfully is to collaborate; collaborate as companies, education partners, schools and colleges.

“There are some businesses, responsible businesses in Derbyshire, but there are some that need educating. I hear that they haven’t got the resources or they’re too busy to do this; but there is so much support out there for those of all levels.”

Lana Jay, Strategic Careers Hub Lead at D2N2, added: “It was great to celebrate the amazing work that is happening across the Derbyshire North Careers Hub.

“Since our launch, we have developed stronger relationships with schools and colleges we support, and we have increased engagement with businesses in the local area and strengthened our local authority and partner relationships.

“This event was a chance to celebrate the successes and showcase some of those fantastic projects that have taken place.”

Derbyshire North Careers Hub, Woodhead Group. CBE+, Fortem, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DEBP and Mortgage 1st 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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Star cast announced for Chesterfield’s Sleeping Beauty pantomime

Take one TV soap star icon, add in one of the nation’s favourite Britain’s Got Talent winners, sprinkle with an arty Disney presenter and mix to create an exciting star-studded cast to headline Chesterfield’s far from sleepy pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Instantly recognisable from EastEnders and Coronation Street, Michelle Collins will be casting her own special spell over audiences as the bad fairy Carabosse. Boasting iconic places in TV history with her memorable roles as the home wrecker Cindy Beale in EastEnders and Rovers Return landlady Stella Price in Coronation Street, Michelle will ensure audiences have plenty to boo as the uninvited fairy delivers retribution on Princess Aurora.

He captured the hearts of the nation with his performances on Britain’s Got Talent and as pantomime hero, he’s sure to win the hearts of audiences too; Jai McDowall won the fifth season of BGT with his powerhouse vocals, natural charm and versatile song interpretations. Signed up to Syco Music, Jai followed up his TV success with an album and tour, before performing as BGT winner in the coveted Royal Variety Performance.

Bringing a palette of pantomime comedy, chaos and calamities to the production will be in the multi-talented hands of Lloyd Warbey, host of the legendary children’s TV classic Disney’s Art Attack. The much-loved show takes children on a fun-filled journey through the various stages of producing something artistic. Hosting the iconic show was a dream come true for Lloyd when he took over in 2012, having watched the programme religiously as a child. Professionally trained at the prestigious East 15 acting school, Lloyd will have audiences of all ages wrapped-up in laughter as he plays the pantomime fool.

Despite the notion of chaos with on-stage mishaps and mayhem, directing a pantomime is a careful balancing act of story, comedy, song and dance, combined with great staging, stunning lighting and special effects. And it’s going to take a special director to bring all these elements together in Chesterfield this Christmas!

With a back catalogue of choreographing and directing productions in TV, theatre and fashion, Di Cooke brings a wealth of experience to directing Sleeping Beauty. Having performed with Tina Turner, Rick Astley and Kylie, the in-demand director has also worked with comedy greats such as Ronnie Corbett and Russ Abbot, and more recently, Julian Clary and Alexander Armstrong.

Di has recently devised, directed and choreographed the award-winning Cromer Pier Show and The Cromer Christmas Show.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “I’m thrilled Michelle Collins will be leading this year’s cast in Chesterfield and I’m sure audiences are going to love her stella performance as a pantomime baddie. She’s joined by a very talented and exciting cast with Jai and Lloyd. The production of Sleeping Beauty promises an adventure for all family, with exciting special effects depicting Princess Aurora’s 100-year sleep, glittering costumes and lots of traditional audience participation in what’s shaping up to be Chesterfield’s biggest and brightest panto.”

Tickets for the pantomime Sleeping Beauty at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield are on sale now with a special discounted price on tickets purchased before 31 August 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the Box Office on 01246 345 222.

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Winding Wheel Twitter

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Chesterfield firms included in England’s top 50 SME apprentice employers

Chesterfield barbers Less Than Zero has been included in the annual list of top 50 best SME apprenticeship employers across the country.

The business based on Soresby Street in the town centre ranked 36th in England for taking on and developing apprentices.

The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2022 recognises leading small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers for their commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment.

The new annual rankings have been developed by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner of Less Than Zero commented: “We are over the moon. To know that we’d been nominated for it at all was amazing. We then knew we were finalists for the Top 100 then invited to an online TV announcement but we still thought we’d hadn’t been successful and when we hadn’t reached the 51 to 100 we actually logged off.

“That evening we looked at our emails and had 120 unread messages we knew something had happened and the first email we saw was a congratulations from the “Investors In People”.”

Martin explained how his business has worked with its apprentices to achieve the accolade: “It’s about the mindset of the apprentice and the employer being as one. Added to this a supportive and professional learning provider. We’ve been partners of the best for over 4 years now, Realise Training who were given the amazing accolade of Apprentice Training Provider 2022.

“Apprentices are the life blood of the company as they are the next generation of talent. We are always on the lookout to grow our team both in numbers but more importantly talent therefore in terms of people we ensure everyone has a Personal Development Plan and the necessary support in the company to ensure that’s understood and delivered. ”

For businesses considering taking on an apprentice in Chesterfield, Martin had the following advice: “Apprentices aren’t right for all business or put it more specifically, not every business of right for an apprentice.

“There’s a level of maturity needed within the business and also within the apprentice to understand Apprenticeships aren’t a quick fix they are part of a long journey of continual development and that sticking with it is what’s needed. Within my business sector, barbering, it offers learners and new entrants and amazing opportunity to have an amazing lifelong skill, have fun, have opportunities opened up that only superstars can dream of and earn great money.

“We try and empower our apprentices whether that’s a work experience starter on an NVQ Level 1  or a manager within the business on a Level 6.”

Meanwhile fellow Chesterfield company, Clee Hill Plant were also named in the list, with the firm ranking highest out of all plant hire companies in the UK.

Clee Hill has maintained a successful Apprentice Scheme for over twenty-five years which is an important element of its Business Development Strategy for the future.

Gavin Kirk, HR Manager, said: “Clee Hill Plant has a long history of supporting apprentices through their training programmes and enabling them to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in plant maintenance and repair.

“We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship pass rate and retention, with over 40 per cent of our operational employees either undergoing apprenticeship training or having completed their programme and choosing to continue their career with Clee Hill Plant.

“Apprentices who have completed their apprenticeships with us have progressed to become highly competent and experienced Plant Engineers, either workshop based or mobile.

“We offer a three-year advanced apprenticeship in plant maintenance and repair with training taking place ‘on the job’ and through block release at college.”

To find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Less Than Zero supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

North Derbyshire in the running to recieve several new rail stations

A proposal to reopen existing rail lines to passengers bringing the potential to build up to four new stations in North Derbyshire are steaming ahead with project leaders working with Network Rail to get the plans moving.

Derbyshire County Council has confirmed it is working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Network Rail to develop the business case to reopen the current, freight-only Barrow Hill line between Chesterfield and Sheffield to passengers.

If the outline project gets the green light at the next stage, it will signal the start of work to reintroduce passenger trains on the line and build up to 4 new stations in Derbyshire at Whittington, Staveley Barrow Hill, Eckington / Renishaw, and Killamarsh.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick, said: “This is all part of the Levelling Up agenda and we’re pleased that Government has recognised the need to reintroduce passenger services along these two routes.

“Significant new employment and housing development is already planned along the Barrow Hill Line route with long-overdue investment in this part of Derbyshire kick-started by the Staveley Town Deal.

“Re-opening both lines would build on this momentum, making it easier for people to travel to work, education, and healthcare, cutting congestion, improving air quality, and promoting greener travel as part of our commitment to cut carbon emissions to help tackle climate change.”

It is anticipated that the next stage of work by Network Rail should take approximately 4 months to complete.

The £25 million Staveley Town Deal offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

Meanwhile, Chesterfield Borough Council’s plans for development around Chesterfield station are well advanced, as set out in the recently approved Station Masterplan. The ambitious plans are set to transform the area between the town centre and Chesterfield Train Station – creating a vibrant gateway to North Derbyshire and setting out potential sites to create around 850 new jobs. Find out more here.

 

Chesterfield Railway Station at Night

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New bar and coffee shop open in Chesterfield town centre

Chesterfield is welcoming yet another new addition to the historic town centre, with The Empire Bar & Coffee Shop opening up on St Mary’s Gate.

The new business offers a range of draught and bottled beer and cider, wine, fresh cocktails, fresh bean barista coffee and various hot and cold drinks.

It officially opened it’s doors at the beginning of June and is situated over two floors with an additional outside seating area.

All hot drinks can be made with plant based products including almond, soya, oat and coconut milk. The Hot Chocolate is also vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Offers throughout the week, paired with the ever-friendly welcome from owners Simon Chidlow and Carlton Francis make Empire a unique experience. Not only is Empire child and dog friendly until 6pm daily, but the accommodating hosts want everyone to feel welcomed and accepted, offering BSL (British Sign Language) for a number of its already growing customers.

The owners stated: “Whether you’re looking for entertainment for all ages, affordable drinks or a space to host a small gathering or your next corporate event in our comfy upstairs area, you can rest assured that Empire will always try to accommodate.”

Since opening, the pair have welcomed back customers on numerous occasions, which demonstrates the warm and friendly appeal that drew them in on their first visit. With owner Simon growing up in Chesterfield, he says: “After COVID, everyone is eager to get back to normality, and we are excited to provide a space where people feel comfortable to do so!

“Local businesses bring with them a support for developing the local area and ultimately in supporting them, our customers are continuing to drive development in Chesterfield.

“Our aim is to support and work together with local independent businesses to help us all make a success and thrive.

“We have teamed up with Totally Cheesecakes and Bakes based in Clay Cross to offer locally made individual cheesecakes and this is the beginning of the food options available to come in the near future.”

Information on the offers and entertainment available can be found on Google, or Facebook and Instagram under @barempirechesterfield.

There are so many great restaurants, coffee shops and tea rooms, pubs and bars – you’ll be spoilt for choice when eating out in Chesterfield. Find out more about the town’s unique food and drink offer here.

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New series of summer business events launched by Chesterfield’s Great2Work

Chesterfield’s Great2Work has launched a new series of summer networking and wellbeing events to help support its community of co-working members.

The company, which supports local entrepreneurs and growing small businesses across Derbyshire is giving members the opportunity to attend ‘Stretch and Stroll’ and ‘The Summer Social,’ enabling attendees to network in a relaxed and informal setting.

Stretch and Stroll consists of a wellbeing walk lasting around 45 minutes, led by a walking guide. The event is a chance for colleagues to enjoy a chat while getting out of the office for some fresh air.

The Summer Social will be an end-of-the-week wind down taking place on Friday afternoons throughout July and August. Great2Work say ‘like Club Topicana, drinks are free’ for members who attend the event.

Lynne Pope, Social Media and Content Specialist at Great2 commented: “At Great2 we understand the importance of social engagement and its mental wellbeing benefits. Our Community events are the perfect excuse to get all our members into the coworking office for the day which means they can catch up with colleagues and friends as well as meet new members.

“We have a variety of different events to improve physical and mental wellbeing including yoga, walking and lunches. We are a people-driven business and if our people are not in a good place then it will have an adverse affect on the business so we do everything we can to promote health and wellbeing.

“Our community events are a perfect opportunity to find out about other member businesses and to tell them about you and your business. For our small businesses who use the flexible office space, it is a wonderful opportunity to network with other like-minded people. But it is not all about business, our members are friendly and welcoming and friendships are also made.

“We encourage conversation as a business tool but also to build personal relationships, share experiences and to get advice on all things from the best places to get lunch and fun places to visit with kids to great nightlife hotspots.

“As a company, our values include “Thriving Together” and “Collectively Conscious”. We desire to make conscious choices to improve the lives and communities of the people around us. We have built Great2 to support small business success in the local area.

“We do this by providing a flexible coworking office space that provides small businesses with a place to work from and by providing support services to support their growth. We know that businesses work better together which is why we encourage networking through our community events and why we attend the Chesterfield Champions events.

To find out more about the latest series of events taking place at Great2, go to: https://www.great2work.co.uk/blog/new-summer-events or contact: enquires@great2.co.uk

There is a great range of workspace opportunities in Chesterfield ready for you and your business. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Great2Work 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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Whittam Cox Architects named in AJ100 2022

Whittam Cox Architects has once again been named one of the UK’s top architectural practices in the annual AJ100.

The annual survey, which is produced by leading industry publication Architects Journal, is designed to provide a definitive record of the UK’s largest Architectural practices and recognises achievements made by these top practices each year. This year, as the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary, Whittam Cox Architects has been ranked 96th, reinforcing its position as one of the largest Architects practices based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region.

Nick Riley, Board Director at the practice commented, “Being listed in the AJ100 again is a credit to every individual in our practice. We consider ourselves to be an ambitious and progressive practice; always striving to advance the best service and best outcomes on projects. Being recognised in the industry for the work we do is really important to us.”

The practice is currently working on a wide range of diverse projects nationwide, including;

  • Brent Cross Town with Related Argent as Executive Architects on the first phases of a 180-acre Residential and Commercial masterplan
  • The Forum, a new digital and technology campus in Gloucester for our client Reef Group.
  • A new student village masterplan with Balfour Beatty Investments for Royal Holloway University of London
  • Extensive framework projects for our major retail clients, Asda, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer.
  • The AJ listing this year, also coincides with the practice recently winning an AJ Retrofit award for our Park Hill project in Sheffield.

Closer to home, Whittam Cox has worked alongside Chesterfield Borough Council to develop the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, which is set to provide modern office space for start-up and medium sized businesses. The centre is expected to open in July.

The company also plays a pivotal role in the Chesterfield Property & Construction Group, with Board Director Andy Dabbs (pictured below) chairing the group.

Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Andy Dabbs

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Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors Advises on key distribution agreement

Law firm BRM have advised Versalift United Kingdom Limited on a distribution agreement for Ruthmann.

The acquisition brings together Versalift and Ruthmann, two complimentary manufacturers with award-winning platform designs and world-class facilities.

Versalift United Kingdom Limited is the market-leading vehicle-mounted platform manufacturer that will exclusively distribute Ruthmann truck-mounted platforms from 1st April 2022 in the UK and Republic of Ireland, following the acquisition of Ruthmann by Time Manufacturing company in 2021.

Corporate Director, Trevor Bird acted as legal advisor to Versalift United Kingdom Limited, working closely with Andy Bray Versalift MD on the distribution agreement for Ruthmann STEIGER® and Ecoline ranges of products for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Trevor commented: “Versalift is a long-standing client, and I am delighted to have advised Andy and the team in bringing these fantastic new products to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. I am looking forward to supporting Versalift on its future growth plans.”

Andy Bray commented: “This is an important strategic acquisition for Time Manufacturing and it will benefit our current client and future client base, Trevor was instrumental in guiding me and the team through the process and his care and attention is second to none.”

BRM Solicitors is one of the leading providers of commercial and private client legal services in the area. Many of the firm’s partners and staff were born in Chesterfield or nearby.

The team believes its success and appeal is largely due to its mix of staff with city law firm experience and lifelong Chesterfield residents and its practice ethos is to deliver a city-style service to clients without forgetting our market town location and economy.

Find out more about some of the great local businesses in Chesterfield’s legal sector here.

BRM Solicitors 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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Growth for Chesterfield packaging firm as more brands move to sustainable options

Chesterfield packaging manufacturer, Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier to meet sustainability commitments.

The UK based supplier has seen more brands over the last year move their supply chain locally to meet environmental and supply chain pressures. The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “Brands are demanding for more locally sourced packaging; in parallel consumer expectations are rising as they become more environmentally savvy. We are seeing a reduction in paperboard being procured from Asia and a higher demand from the UK market. This will have a significant benefit to reduce environmental impact while supporting UK businesses and making the supply chain stronger and more flexible.”

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

A long-standing customer, Holdsworth Chocolates, sees great value in partnering with Robinson. David Sharples, Managing Director said:

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson’s paperboard factory is in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK, strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Dr Roberts continues: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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