Business

A brand new chapter for national architects practice

A national architectural practice is entering an exciting new era with a new name and a fresh commitment to build on its heritage to help take forward major retail, residential and commercial projects across the country.

Award-winning WCEC is looking to the future as Whittam Cox Architects – 45 years after the company was formed

Over the last few years WCEC has enjoyed substantial growth and diversification, with new sectors established and work/offices in different geographical regions. Last year, as part of an ongoing assessment of the strategic positioning and future direction of the company, the practice decided it was time to refresh their image to better reflect the company they have become.

The change to a new and simpler name is being accompanied by a distinctive rebrand which includes a new website and entire new suite of stationary/marketing material. The new brand design has been led by Rizk McCay, a branding and marketing agency based in the Midlands.

Ashley Turner, Chief Executive at Whittam Cox Architects, said:-

“This is an exciting time for us. We wanted a fresh brand that represented our heritage, our people and our approach.

“The name comes from our founders, Jeff Whittam and Derek Cox and, for us, it puts the people back at the centre of our practice.

“Our new look also complements the work we do – balancing technical precision with commercial reality to make places we can all be proud of.”

Nick Riley, Board Director, added:-

“Our objective was to create a brand which related to us specifically, and our profession. We wanted to highlight what we sell to our clients; our skills, knowledge, experience and personality.”

The company trading status is completely unaffected by the change, with the WCEC Group Ltd continuing to be the legal and financial title.

The business has always had its roots in the Sheffield City Region, but growth over the last few years has seen the opening of offices in London and Leeds, employing a total of 140 staff.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Franklin & Sons defies Brexit woes to put the sparkle into British exports

 

Franklin & Sons is emerging as a key player in the surging premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks category around the globe as its award-winning* range enters its 30th international distribution market since its global launch in October 2015.

The small business has defied economists’ export predictions to become a leading, British success story post-Brexit that has reported a four-digit percentage rise in sales in the past year and invested in facilities in Chesterfield to cater for future growth. An iconic London brand established in 1886, Franklin & Sons re-entered distribution in 2015 and has since consistently challenged the category leaders, increased its market share and expanded its footprint in the UK and internationally.

From this month, the Franklin & Sons range will be sold in six new territories, including The UAE, Norway, Colombia and The Seychelles. The company has also invested in a new warehouse facility in order to store its growing range. Over the next three months, the premium drinks brand expects to add a further eight SKUs across it tonics, mixers and soft drinks segments.

Steve Perez, Chairman of Global Brands Ltd, comments: “It’s with great pleasure that we announce our 30th international market across four continents for Franklin & Sons. So soon after launching globally, to see our small business really challenge the status quo of the dynamic premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks category is amazing

The export arm of our business already accounts for 30% of total sales and is growing rapidly. This is due to the global premium spirits and gin renaissance, the rise in popularity of artisanal, natural mixers and the Franklin & Sons range’s British positioning.

“The rapid expansion of Franklin & Sons is testament to the unrivalled quality and originality of our brand. Our growing team has been working hard all year to demonstrate the difference that Franklin & Sons makes to the best of spirits – and this has undoubtedly paid off.

“We have an award-winning* range of tonics, mixers and soft drinks to match the ever-increasing range of spirits available to discerning drinkers globally, who clearly want a wider choice than the brands already on offer. As consumer thirst for quality spirits and mixers and the allure of brand Britain show no sign of abating, we’re confident that we’ll continue growing in the UK and beyond to make Franklin & Sons a success story that we can all be proud of.”

Franklin & Sons is distributed by leading independent drinks company, Global Brands, in the UK and is supported internationally through a range of best-in-class distribution partners including Districo.

Global Brands

Posted in Business

Women’s Tour to return to Chesterfield in 2017

Chesterfield will host the penultimate stage of The Women’s Tour on Saturday 10 June, with Stage Four of the UCI Women’s World Tour event both starting and finishing in the town.

The 130-kilometre stage will build on the successful first hosting of the race in 2016, when Lizzie Deignan took the win in Chesterfield, a key moment in her overall victory in last year’s Women’s Tour.

The Derbyshire stage of The Women’s Tour will start and finish again in the historic town centre of Chesterfield. The likes of Wirksworth, Belper, Bolsover and Staveley will all feature on the route.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy and Destination Chesterfield Vice Chair, said: “It is a real coup for Chesterfield to host both the start and finish of a tour stage and is part of our commitment to supporting the local economy and bringing visitors to the town.

“I know the organisers were impressed by the crowds and organisation of the event in Chesterfield last year and it is great that this time the route will also take in Staveley, Walton and other parts of the borough, which will enable more residents to see some world class cycle racing on their doorstep.”

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure Councillor Dean Collins said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Women’s Tour back to Derbyshire this summer. Last year’s event was brilliant and attracted lots of cycling enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Commenting on the announcement, Mick Bennett, Race Director for The Women’s Tour said; “We are delighted to be returning to Chesterfield and Derbyshire after the success of last year’s stage. This year with the stage coming on a weekend and Chesterfield hosting both the Start and Finish it will be a fantastic occasion and attract cycling fans from far and wide.”

All of the world’s top 15 teams will take part in the race, which is a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, including the world’s number one team Boels Dolmans, of defending race champion Lizzie Deignan, ensuring British fans can again look forward to cheering on the world’s best riders. In addition the British-based Drops and WNT teams will complete the 17 team field.

Highlights of every stage will be broadcast on ITV4 and available on demand via the ITV Hub. The Women’s Tour is a part of the UCI Women’s WorldTour, comprising 20 events around the world in 10 different countries.

Further details of all of the stages of The Women’s Tour will be announced over the coming weeks, including the locations of the SKODA Queen of the Mountain climbs and Eisberg Sprints for Stage Four.

Aviva Women's Tour Chsterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chesterfield architects unveil plans for Sheffield United

Exciting plans to further develop Sheffield United’s renowned Bramall Lane stadium, have been unveiled by Chesterfield architects WCEC.

Retained architects WCEC have submitted a planning application that will see the development of Boundary Corner (a nod towards the stadium’s footballing cricketing heritage), a four storey largely residential building which will feature an impressive ground floor new Club retail outlet (doubling the size of the current one).

WCEC’s Chief Executive Ashley Turner said:” We are delighted to be working as architects for Sheffield United. Following on from now completed projects such as the Westfield Corner Stand and Copthorne Hotel, we will take great pride in further enhancing what is an already superb venue starting with the Cherry Street and Shoreham Street developments.”

Boundary Corner

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

More jobs on the way as Markham welcomes Priority Space

Barnsley-based property developer Priority Space Limited is the latest business to invest at Derbyshire County Council’s and Henry Boot Development’s flagship regeneration site leading the way to up to 70 new jobs.

The company has appointed Scunthorpe-based construction firm Britcon (UK) Limited to build 13 new state-of-the-art units at the site which are set to be available for businesses to buy from July this year.

The units will range from 1,244 to 3,050 square feet. There will also be on-site parking.

Lee Buchanan, Director at Priority Space, said:

“The start of construction is a great milestone for the scheme − especially so soon after planning was granted.

“It is a significant speculative development in response to strong levels of demand in the area which reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Markham Vale site and the strength of the local economy.”

The latest businesses to join Markham Vale include Ferdinand Bilstein UK, Great Bear Distribution, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods, Ready Egg Products and Euro Garages.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget Councillor Anne Western said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Priority Space to Markham Vale.

“The firm’s new development will help boost Derbyshire’s economy and create jobs for local people − two key priorities of ours.

“We’re committed to helping businesses of all sizes at Markham and these new units will be great for smaller to medium-sized companies.”

Councillor Western added:

“The site continues to go from strength to strength. It’s now home to 40 businesses and has brought over 900 to jobs to the area so far.”

Vivienne Clements from Henry Boot Developments who are our private sector property partner said:

“We are pleased to welcome this type of investment to Markham Vale, demonstrating the robust demand in the area and the benefits of our established location.

“Priority Space’s speculative development will meet the demand of smaller occupiers allowing us to continue our focus on bespoke buildings of 10,000 square feet plus.”

Markham Vale Priority Space

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield retailer to open second boutique

Blanc will be opening a second store  at 177 Chatsworth Road on Friday 17th February 2017 and will specialise in Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom, Guest to a Wedding, Racewear and the popular Prom market.

The new Boutique, set over two showrooms, will provide ample room to show case and store a wide range of stylist outfits, dresses, accessories including big hats and fascinators — all aimed at discerning customers who want to ensure that their outfit is unique.

A Blanc spokesperson said  “Since we first opened our doors in 2011 we were confident that our range of clothing and accessories would go down well with our customers; nearly six years on and we’re running out of room to cater for all our customers.”

“Opening a second boutique will allow our Blanc to focus on our growing casual wear range and we are also looking to introduce two new major labels. With the new boutique, whatever the occasion we will dress you from head to toe. We are recruiting three new members of staff in order to maintain the high levels of customer service that we pride ourselves on.”

Blanc was a Chesterfield Retail Awards finalist in 2016 and winner in 2015.  Nominate your favourite retailers for the 2017 awards

Blanc Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development

Nominate your favourite shops, stores and market stalls now!

Nominations now open in the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Chesterfield’s shoppers are being called on to nominate their favourite shops and stores in the town’s 2017 Retail Awards.

Now in their fourth year, the prestigious awards are open to retailers and market stall holders in and around Chesterfield town centre, as well as those in Brampton and Whittington Moor.

People can nominate across 15 categories in the awards, which are designed to recognise the very best independent and high street retailers in Chesterfield.

Everyone who nominates will also be entered into a free prize draw to win a three course Sunday lunch at the Chesterfield Restaurant of the Year 2016, Cocina at the Casa Hotel.

Organiser of the popular awards, Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield, said: “The Retail Awards are an excellent opportunity for people to show their appreciation for the many shops, stores and market stalls within Chesterfield.

“Each and every one of the town’s retailers ensure that shoppers gain an experience that they couldn’t possibly get online, whether that is brilliant customer service, choice or advice. If you think someone deserves an award, make sure you nominate them.”

This year, Chesterfield-based IT and communications specialist Addooco, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the 2017 Retail Awards. Richard Walters, Managing Director of Addooco, said: “As a long-standing Chesterfield business Addooco is proud to be sponsoring the 2017 Retail Awards.

“We recognise the great value our retailers bring to ensure our town remains a vibrant and interesting place for residents and visitors alike. In these times of the online shopping generation our retailers have done a great job of offering a strong range of quality products to ensure consumers continue putting their money back in to the local economy. Addooco has a stated business objective to buy locally wherever possible and we would encourage others to do the same.”

Nominations, which can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards/nominate , are open until midnight on Sunday 5 March.

The 15 categories open for nominations in the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include:

• Hair and Beauty Business of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield College
• Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – sponsored by In the Works PR
• Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
• Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year – Presented by Chesterfield Healthy High Streets
• Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Progression Accountancy
• Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Custom Solar
• Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year – Presented by Addooco
• Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM
• Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
• Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
• National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
• Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers
• Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Arvato
• Best New Store (Opened 2015/2016) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
• Retailer of the year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber
The winners of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 24 May later this year.

A further two award winners will also be announced at the ceremony; winners of The Pavements Shopping Centre and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre Retailer of the Year Awards.

As well as Addooco IT and category sponsors, other supporters of the 2017 Chesterfield Retail Awards include Temple Safety, R A Information Systems, eBusiness Works and the Derbyshire Times.

Chesterfield Retail Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Great Bear recruitment drive

Great Bear, who are close to completing the fit-out of their logistics centre at Markham Vale, are now in the process of recruiting their new workforce.

They recently held a careers open-evening, which attracted almost 500 people on the night with many more contacts made by email. Current vacancies at the site can be searched at https://culinagroup.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/index 

The Great Bear vacancies and all the others advertised by companies based at Markham Vale are tweeted through the Markham Vales Grow Your Workforce Service twitter account on @MarkhamValeJobs

Vacancies listed on the twitter account are across a range of disciplines and levels from apprenticeships through to senior management.  In addition to the many Great Bear opportunities other recent ones include opportunities in logistics, welding, mechanical and electrical maintenance, health and safety, marketing and sales, and business administration.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Peak Resort developer keynote speaker at Celebrate Chesterfield event

Chesterfield’s world class resort, Peak Resort, will be the focus of the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Wednesday 22 March.

Rupert Carr, Director of Birchall Properties Ltd the company behind Peak Resort, is one of a number of key note speakers who will take to the stage to update on regeneration projects in the borough which are now moving into the delivery phase.

The free breakfast event, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, will bring together over 250 people from the town’s business community.

Tickets are going quickly for the event which is taking place at the Winding Wheel. Carr will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive, of Chesterfield Borough Council, Dr Peter Dewhurst, Director, Strategic Projects at the University of Derby and Traci Limb, UK Marketing Manager, and Paul Dodgson, UK Operations Director from Ferdinand Bilstein Ltd, the latest company to invest at Markham Vale.

This is the fifth annual Celebrate Chesterfield event. This year it is sponsored by the University of Derby,  Central Technology and Markham Vale

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, who will also be speaking at the event said: “The annual Celebrate event is just that, a celebration of everything the town has achieved over the last 12 months and further developments that are coming on board.

“Chesterfield has come a long way since the Destination Chesterfield campaign began in 2010. The town is attracting international and national investment, jobs are being created and we are regenerating large areas of the town. We must recognise these achievements and the Celebrate Chesterfield event provides us with the perfect forum to do this.”

Dr Peter Dewhurst, from headline sponsor University of Derby, said: “It is with great pride that the University of Derby agreed to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event in 2017, a year which will see our new Campus in the town expand opportunities for young people starting out on their careers as well as helping established and start-up businesses.

“Our highly sought-after Health and Social Care courses are producing the nurses of the future for north Derbyshire, while incubator units at the Campus and the state-of-the-art equipment in its Innovation Centre will provide a vital service for firms wanting to develop and test new products and materials.

“Engineering, business and IT courses complete the package in an historic building which the University has transformed into a 21st Century asset while retaining its heritage as an educational centre of excellence.”

Richard Thompson, Sales Director of the event’s associate sponsor Central Technology, added: “As a business established in Chesterfield for over 14 years we take pride in sponsoring this important local business event to showcase our efforts and success to our peers and colleagues in the region.”

Destination Chesterfield was established in 2010 during which time it has engaged the business community as Chesterfield Champions in actively supporting the marketing of the town and driving investment and bringing it to the attention of national investors.

Destination Chesterfield is part funded by contributions from local businesses, Chesterfield Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund. The project is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

The local business community plays a central role in its success by both leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, as well as businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

Book a place at the event:

Book an exhibition stand at Celebrate Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Employers to help shape skills growth across Derbyshire

An employer-led board aims to inspire local employers to boost employment and skills opportunities for young people in Derby and Derbyshire.

The D2 Skills & Employment Board (D2 SEB) bridges the gap between the private sector and those delivering the local skills agenda. Set up by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and supported by both Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, the Board aims to ensure there is appropriate employer ownership and leadership to steer opportunities for local young people. The D2 SEB also works closely with local partnerships to ensure employment and skills activity contributes to local economic growth ambitions.

The Board is chaired by Graham Mullholland from epm: technology group and involves employers from a range of private sector businesses including: Pentaxia, Katapult, Advanced Roofing, One to One Support Services, Toyota, Greenbank Group UK, The Derby Conference Centre, Yews Residential, Bowmer & Kirkland, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Jurys Inn (East Midlands Airport), Holiday Inn Derby- Riverlights, Signal House Group Ltd, Fairgrove Homes, Brighter Directions and the Arkwright Society. There are also key representative bodies that sit on the board including the city and county councils, DWP, Federation of Small Businesses, East Midlands Chamber, Destination Chesterfield and First Steps.

Graham Mulholland, CEO of epm: technology group, said:-

“It is important that the business community has a voice in shaping the skills agenda, and although the D2 SEB has taken time to form and mature, it is now in a great position to move forward. Our annual report reflects this and business leaders should now be confident to join in and have a voice.”

D2 SEB will focus on four priority sectors; Engineering, Construction, Health & Social Care and Visitor Economy, with an equal focus on Work Readiness.

Councillor Sarah Russell, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Derby City Council, said:-

“We’re passionate about improving opportunities for young people in the city to gain new skills and have more employment opportunities. It’s fantastic to have the Derby & Derbyshire Skills and Employment Board so employers are directly involved and pushing this agenda forward.”

An Annual Report has been published for 2015/16 which provides a detailed account of all the key activities achieved in the past year and what the priorities are for the next year.

Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, said:-

“The job market is changing all the time so it’s a vital part of our work to make sure our young people are equipped with the most relevant skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our young people are the ones that will shape the future so it’s important we give them the best opportunities. By working closely with our partners in the Derbyshire Economic Partnership we’ll be to learn from each other about how best to support young people, businesses and local communities.”

DC Rolfe apprentices

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Accountancy experts take Platinum Xero partner status

Shorts Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce they’re the first regional accountancy practice to achieve the highest status level for their knowledge and expertise.  The team at Shorts have qualified as Xero Platinum Partners following continued commitment to helping the region’s small businesses thrive using Xero’s online accounting software system.

Malcolm Pope, Accounts Partner at Shorts, said:-

“To be the first Xero Platinum Partner in the region is fantastic for Shorts and great news for our clients as it means we’re more experienced with the product and able to provide the best accounting advice for our clients.

“Xero allows businesses to send invoices, get paid, track expenses and manage their finances in real time and on the go. It also helps businesses to work more closely with their accountants who can also access the financial information online to give real-time help and advice.

Gary Turner, Xero Managing Director, said:-

“We’re really pleased the team at Shorts have progressed to Platinum Partner. Through the combination of Xero and Shorts’ depth of knowledge, small businesses can keep on top of their cashflow. Their accountants can simultaneously view the accounts at any time whilst ensuring that the businesses they support get the full use of their expertise.”

Based in Chesterfield and Sheffield, Shorts employ over 100 staff, including a significant number of Xero Certified advisers. They have grown significantly over recent years and were finalists in the 2016 British Accountancy Awards.  Becoming the region’s first Xero Platinum partner clearly demonstrates Shorts’ continued commitment to Xero, having been the region’s first gold Xero partner back in 2013.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business