Business

Mitchells makes new appointment

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has appointed Alex Frain (21) to its Corporate team. She joins from a leading national business advisory firm’s graduate programme where she specialised in audit work.

The University of Sheffield graduate was attracted to Mitchells’ commitment to a work/life balance for all its staff, as well as the opportunity to develop a more rounded knowledge of tax and auditing. Prior to joining Mitchells, Alex who lives in Norton Lees, Sheffield, was commuting daily to Nottingham.

She will continue working towards Chartered Accountant status through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) under Mitchells, working alongside its Corporate team to deliver services to SMEs throughout the region.

Speaking of her appointment, she said: “Moving to Mitchells is not just an opportunity for me to become a more rounded professional, but also to reclaim a work/life balance. The firm’s friendly team and commitment to flexible working for all staff will enable me to to have a fulfilling and balanced professional and personal life, as well as the time to study for my professional exams.”

Mitchells’ commitment to all staff enjoying a work/life balance was recognised in 2016 when the firm was shortlisted for the People Development award and the Employer of the Year award in the East Midlands Chamber and Derbyshire Times Business Awards respectively.

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells added: “Here at Mitchells, we are always looking to grow as a business with staff at the heart it. We are committed to looking after our staff as we believe it results in a better service to our clients.”

The firm is looking to make further appointments to add to its expanding team of tax professionals and Chartered Accountants. If you’re looking for a career at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, get in touch with Andrew McDaid by calling 01246 274121, or send your CV and covering letter to andrewmcdaid@mitchellsaccountants.co.uk

Alex Frain joins Mitchells Accountants

Posted in Business

Chesterfield College student creates Apprentice Town logo

Chesterfield’s Apprentice Town initiative has been given its own identity thanks to Chesterfield College student Jade Bright (18) from Killamarsh.

Jade’s winning design was selected from 28 entries submitted by students on the Extended Diploma in Graphic and Interactive Design course at Chesterfield College. Her design will now appear on a new website and literature for the Apprentice Town initiative which was recently launched to the town’s business community by Destination Chesterfield at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event.

Already, there are more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield. The town is the first in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

The project was established by Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield College in order to raise awareness of apprenticeships and promote co-operative working across the education, business and learning community. As part of winning the design competition, Jade also won £100 of equipment from Turners Art Supplies and work experience with Chesterfield Borough Council’s graphic designers.

Leading employment, training and investment organisations from Chesterfield are involved in the initiative and sit on the Apprentice Town steering group, including Destination Chesterfield, Chesterfield College, NLT Training Services, University of Derby, East Midlands Chamber, Jobcentre Plus, Enterprise Adviser Network and Derbyshire County Council.

Emily Williams, Senior Economic Development Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council who is leading the Apprentice Town initiative, said: “Already, Chesterfield is a town where young people, parents and our businesses think ‘Apprenticeship First’. We want to grow individuals’ careers and futures alongside our businesses and the logo design competition played a critical role in doing that as it enabled students to gain real life work experience.

“All the students involved stepped up to the challenge and conducted themselves brilliantly. We had some superb entries and choosing a final winning design was not an easy task for the Apprentice Town steering group.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group added: “Congratulations to Jade and all the shortlisted students who came up with some fantastic designs for the competition. Part of the Apprenticeship Town initiative is about preparing young people for work so it is wonderful that students have been given the opportunity to design the logo which will be at the forefront of the campaign. Taking part has allowed them to develop skills they will need in their future careers as designers. We are looking forward to giving more young people and businesses opportunities to get the skills they need by working with Chesterfield Borough Council to help increase apprenticeship participation in the town.”

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield added: “With more than 4,000 new jobs set to be created over the next five years in and around Chesterfield, it is important that we retain and develop young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here. The Apprentice Town initiative will play a key role in showing our commitment and collaborative approach to helping companies recruit and develop their workforce both now and in the future.”

For further details of Apprentice Town, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/working/apprenticeships/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

Last chance to enter the Apprenticeship Awards

Johnston Press titles including The Derbyshire Times, The Star and the Sheffield Telegraph want to shout about the best in on-the-job training, and this year they are running the first ever NMSY Apprenticeship Awards.

These awards celebrate and recognise the hardworking individuals and organisations involved in apprenticeships and how they shape our future.

As a Johnston Press event, their winners will be announced in 5 of their titles reaching nearly 1 million readers in print and online a month.

They have had plenty of entries across a variety of categories, but are keen to hear from more businesses and individuals.

The deadline to enter has been extended to midnight on Wednesday, April 5. They are particularly keen for entries in the small and medium employer and mentor categories.

Visit nmsyapprenticeshipawards.com for full details and a list of categories, or get in touch with our events manager Haroldine Lockwood on 07803 505658 or haroldine.lockwood@jpress.co.uk.

DC Rolfe apprentices

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Free Will Writing Service for Helen’s Trust 15th Anniversary

Chesterfield law firm BRM Solicitors are offering a free will writing service in support of Derbyshire-based charity, Helen’s Trust’ as part of their 15th Year Anniversary celebrations.

During April, BRM will waive their fees for writing wills, and instead encourage clients to make a donation to Helen’s Trust.

Suggested donations are £75 for a single will and £150 for a joint will.

The charity was established in 2001, and named after Helen Louise Lyon from Froggatt who sadly passed away with cancer, but due to a unique set of circumstances was able to achieve her wish of dying at home. She passionately believed that others should have that choice, and the charity was founded shortly after her funeral by members of her family and her doctor, Louise Jordan.

Helen’s Trust has a history of supporting people with terminal illness, deemed to be within their final 6 months of life, enabling them to achieve their wish of remaining at home at the end of their illness. The charity helps up to 150 people every year, providing care, equipment and support and will consider requests for anything that will make the difference in enabling someone to stay in their own home.

Founding Trustee and Chair of Helen’s Trust Board of Trustees, Dr Louise Jordan says: “It is amazing to think how fast things change in just 15 years. When the charity was set up, the great passion and determination to enable those who were terminally ill to stay in their own home was seen as ambitious.

“Now much publicity and research has been undertaken to support our vision. Yet sadly far too many people still are unable to stay in their own home, and often for the want of some imagination or flexibility or rapid response all of which Helen’s Trust prides itself on providing.

Helen’s Trust Fundraising and Business Manager Zoe Woodward says “One great thing about supporting a local charity is that you know your efforts are impacting on the people who live around you. It is fantastic that BRM Solicitors are able to offer their support to us and encourage people to undertake the important task of making a will, whilst helping others in their community.”

Every pound raised can make a difference. £75 can fund 5 hours of care in the home. £150 will pay for a whole night of a carer sitting at home with someone with terminal illness, ensuring their family is able to rest, safe in the knowledge their loved one is in safe hands.

To book you appointment please visit https://www.brmlaw.co.uk/helenstrust, or telephone 01246 555111.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New director of recruitment and development for Chesterfield FC

Guy Branston has been appointed as Chesterfield’s new director of recruitment and development.

Commenting on the appointment, director & company secretary Ashley Carson said: “With 18 players out of contract in the summer, it was vital that we brought someone in with the necessary qualities to work with Gary Caldwell on recruitment.

“We interviewed three quality candidates and Guy convinced us that he was the right man for the role. We were very impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm and I have no doubt that he will prove to be a valuable addition to the management team.

“We have been without a scouting network since Paul Mitchell left the club, leaving Gary with very little information when it came to recruiting players in January. Extensive research will now be carried out by Guy before any players are brought to the club, giving us the best possible chance of having a successful recruitment policy.”

Branston, who has been involved in coaching and recruitment since retiring from playing three years ago, set up an an online database for recruitment. After scouting for Scunthorpe United and Plymouth Argyle, he had three seasons as head of recruitment at Notts County.

Branston is very excited about the challenge he is faced with, saying: “I’ve already started to plan and I have identified some players who I have recommended to Gary.

“We spent a lot of time talking about things that need to change and things that need to be implemented to take the club forward. We have to start working straight away, putting plans in place for the summer.”

The holder of a UEFA A Licence, Branston started his playing career at Leicester City and had spells at various clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United.

Destination Chesterfield: Chesterfield Football Club B2net stadium match day experience.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chamber reacts to minimum wage increases

National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) both increased from 1 April.

NLW, for over-25s, has gone up 30p an hour from £7.20 to £7.50.

NMW for workers aged 21 to 24 has risen from £6.95 to £7.05 an hour, for 18- to 20-year-olds from £5.55 to £5.60 and for under-18s from £4 to £4.05.

The apprentice hourly rate has increased from £3.40 to £3.50 for under-19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Over-19s on a second or subsequent year of apprenticeship are entitled to the appropriate age-related minimum wage.

George Osborne, when Chancellor of the Exchequer, said NLW would rise to £9 an hour by 2020.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Most of our members already recognise that their greatest asset is their staff and pay above minimum wages.

“But there are sectors such as catering, caring, hospitality, retail and leisure for instance, where minimum wages are the norm and they are struggling to meet rising wage bills.

“While supporting the need to pay living wages, the Chamber urges Government to take into account that employers have additional costs to pay for staff, including employers’ National Insurance Contributions, pensions, sick and maternity pay and holiday cover and even a relatively small increase in minimum wages can create cash flow problems for companies running on tight margins.

“It is vital that Government finds ways of mitigating these added costs, particularly at a time when inflation is rising and will add to the pressure to increase wages. One way would be to carry out the review we have been calling for of the ‘broken’ business rates system.

“Business is the driver of the economy, the creator of jobs and wealth, but it can’t keep picking up the cost of the Government’s initiatives at the risk of its own survival, no matter how well intentioned those initiatives might be.”

Posted in Business

Shorts Senior Partner Retires after 29 years

Paul Beeson, Senior Partner at Shorts has recently retired after a highly successful career in accountancy.   Paul qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1977 whilst working for a large independent firm of Chartered Accountants in Sheffield. He then went on to work within the motor industry for three years before finally deciding to return to private practice when he joined Shorts in 1988.  Paul was appointed as partner in 1990 and took the position of Senior Partner in 2012 following the retirement of Peter Freeman.  After 29 years with the firm, Paul has now taken the decision to retire.

Friendly and approachable, Paul has always been popular with both colleagues and clients alike and built a large network of professional contacts within the business community.   His strengths have allowed him to advise all areas of business large and small during his career.  His specialism has been in advising owner-managed businesses, drawing on his significant experience to provide commercial advice, overseeing accounting, audit and tax services for businesses of all sizes.

When asked how he plans to spend his retirement, Paul commented “I consider this to be a new and exciting phase of my life and whilst I am sad to leave such a friendly, professional and successful firm, I am looking forward to new challenges ahead.“

Paul has played an instrumental part in the continued development of Shorts, which has grown from 30 to over 100 staff during his time with the firm.  He was a driving force behind the expansion of the Chesterfield-based firm into Sheffield with the opening of offices on Ecclesall Road in 2002, introducing Shorts to the South Yorkshire business community.

During his time as Senior Partner he has also overseen the redevelopment of the Sheffield and Chesterfield offices into professional, modern premises enjoyed by staff and clients alike.  As “Chairman” of the partner group he has overseen the implementation of a growth strategy which has realised organic growth of over 62% for the firm over the last 3 years.  Now the largest Independent firm in North Derbyshire with strong presence in South Yorkshire, the partners consider this continued success has been greatly influenced under his leadership and strength of judgement.

In 2000 Paul was elected by his peers to be President of the Sheffield and District Society of Chartered Accountants, and this led to Paul taking up a prestigious and important position as a member of the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, at Moorgate Place in London, which he held for several years.  A well-known, sociable fellow, keen golfer and cyclist, whose family life is as important to him as his working life, Paul will be very difficult to replace at Shorts. Partners and staff alike all wish him a long and happy retirement.

Posted in Business

Manufacturing has accelerated into 2017

Manufacturing has accelerated into 2017

Manufacturing has accelerated into 2017 according to the results of the East Midlands Chamber* Quarterly Economic Survey for the first three months of the year, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber.

The survey, conducted every three months by the Chamber to build an accurate picture of the region’s economy, showed that in the first quarter of 2017:

  • half of manufacturers saw growth in domestic sales and four-out-of-ten reported growth in overseas sales
  • advance orders for both domestic and overseas markets were impressively up,
  • nearly half of manufacturers had increased their workforce to meet growing demand, although over half of those were still struggling to recruit suitably skilled staff
  • a third of manufacturers said they planned to increase training budgets
  • a quarter said they planned to invest in plant and machinery
  • three-quarters said they expected turnover to rise in the coming year, and
  • nearly six-out-of-ten anticipated profitability growth for the coming year.

Chris said: “It’s great to see our manufacturers accelerate into 2017, taking advantage of growth in both domestic and international markets, aided by a favourable pound for those exporting. In past surveys, many reported plans to grow into new markets and it may be that we’re starting to see some of those plans being realised.

“There are still uncertainties about how Brexit negotiations may unfold, but what these results show is that manufacturers in the East Midlands will be on the front foot in facing these uncertainties, investing in training and new equipment to make sure they’re as well placed as they can be to rise to the challenges and opportunities that the coming months and years will bring.

“A plan for a long-term successful UK economy must have manufacturers and engineers at its heart. They’re certainly doing their bit to deliver. As we begin negotiations to exit the EU it’s vital that UK policy now does its bit too.”

East Midlands Chamber logo

 

Posted in Business

Chesterfield apprentice wins AMRC Training Centre ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award

A Chesterfield apprentice has become the first female apprentice to win the Apprentice of the Year’ award supported by Boeing at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Training Centre’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’ awards held at the University of Sheffield (30 March).

Leigh Worsdale (18) from Ashgate, works as an apprentice Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Builder for Foxwood Diesel, based in Whittington in Chesterfield. As well as winning the overall Apprentice of the Year title, Leigh also won the First Year Apprentice of the Year award. As part of her win, Leigh will visit Boeing’s factory in Washington State, outside Seattle, to see first-hand how the global aerospace company designs, tests and builds its 737 aircraft.

The Apprentice of the Year award, which is supported by Boeing, uses nominations from apprentice employers and trainers and is judged by a panel of members of the AMRC Training Centre staff and award sponsors.

Judges were ‘overwhelmingly’ impressed by Leigh’s confidence and spoke about how she continuously seeks ways to improve her workplace and its processes. Leigh has been responsible for introducing a number of incentives at Foxwood Diesel that have helped to improve the business.

Speaking at about her Apprentice of the Year award win, Leigh said: “I was shocked to win as there was such strong competition, but it’s amazing and I am over the moon. It feels great to have my work recognised by people in the industry outside Foxwood Diesel. It was an amazing feeling to hear my name called on night and I can’t believe that I am going to Boeing’s factory in America. I am really interested in aeroplanes so am looking forward to the visit and particularly to the Boeing museum.”

Foxwood Diesel Managing Director, Ken Worsdale said she was ‘enthusiastic, dedicated to the company and well in advance of her training plan.’

Leigh, a former Brookfield Community School student applied for an apprenticeship after her GCSEs because she wanted to gain experience while getting paid. She was inspired by the facilities at the AMRC Training Centre after attending one of the centre’s open days with her school.

Leigh will complete her apprenticeship this summer and hopes to go on and do a Level 4 Apprenticeship. She added: “I love what I do and really enjoy working in the industry. It is very hands on and the engine building aspect means you can get really involved.”

She was awarded an apprenticeship under the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme, which contributes to the cost of apprentices to help SMEs recruit and train a new generation of advanced engineers.

Leigh said her highlights from the Training Centre were meeting new people with the same interests and learning about maintenance and the tech support in engineering.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Banner Elected to Lead the Law Management Section Committee of the Law Society

Robert Banner, Executive Director of law firm Banner Jones, has been elected as Chairman of the Law Society’s Law Management Section Committee for the fourth year running – making him the longest standing  Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee’s function is to provide members with support, advice and expert assistance to enable their firms to progress as efficiently and as profitably as possible in the current legal market place. Its offering is aimed at partners, leaders and practice managers in law firms, and is provided by way of magazines, webinars, e-newsletters, pod casts, conferences and networking opportunities.

Having joined the Section’s Executive Committee in 2010, he took over as Chair from his predecessor, Chris Hart, in 2014. He sits alongside 15 other expert members, including managing partners and nationally known legal consultants – including Vice Chair, Anne Harrison, who is Chairwoman of top 150 law firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP.

In addition to his work with the Law Society, Robert has been an active member of the management team at law firm Banner Jones for more than 25-years, during which time the firm has grown from three partners to 17 directors; and from one office to six offices throughout South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

He said:-

“It is a privilege to have been appointed as Chair of the Law Management Section Committee for the fourth year running, and I very much look forward to sitting alongside my fellow committee members to ensure that our members continue to have access to the very best support and advice to help further their professional development.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire announced

BHP Accountants recently released their Top 50 survey of the most profitable SMEs in North Derbyshire, which showcases many of the region’s most successful businesses, that all contribute hugely to the local economy.

Download the Top 50 SMEs in North Derbyshire

The services and manufacturing sectors dominate the table this year, with the largest turnover figures of £272million and £130million respectively, followed by the wholesale sector which has a £118million turnover and the retail sector which has a £101million turnover.

Retail businesses have outperformed other industries this year, with a 13% increase in turnover, a 17% increase in pre-tax profits and a 43% increase in employee numbers. This is very encouraging news for the retail sector, which has demonstrated good growth patterns lately, after years of poor performance.

Overall the manufacturing sector has experienced a 3% fall in turnover, but an 8% growth in pre-tax profits, and 10% growth in employee numbers. With many companies in this sector reporting growth in profits and employee numbers, it’s largely very positive news for manufacturing, and this should enable further investment in the sector.

The services sector also continues to grow steadily, with an 8% growth in annual turnover, although there has been considerable pressure on profits, with a 13% annual decrease. This has therefore resulted in a decline in employment figures of 8%.

This year there have been 15 new entrants from varying sectors in the Top 50 table, the highest is for Pbst Limited, a financial services firm in 13th place, followed by Cloudbass Limited, which provides solutions to the broadcast market, and came 22nd in the table.

Dominic Staniforth, Partner at BHP Accountacts said  “In general, it’s still a favourable fiscal environment for investment, with both the Capital Allowances and Annual Investment Allowance helping to support growth, and the continued low interest rate economy should help to encourage further growth and stimulate investment.

However, the uncertainty surrounding post Brexit implications for the economy will keep playing on many peoples’ minds, so we will have to wait and see what impact these factors will have on the attitude of business owners throughout 2017.”

” In summary, there will no doubt be both challenges and opportunities ahead for all of the companies in this year’s Top 50, but having worked with and advised many of them during my career, I am confident that these North Derbyshire SMEs will continue to succeed and benefit the local economy greatly. ”

Dunston Innovation Centre-Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development