Three employees at Banner Jones Solicitors have been given the opportunity to progress onto solicitor training contracts following their successes as paralegals within the firm.

Laura Barlow, Stacey Lee and Natalie Barnett started their formal training this month and all expect to qualify within two years after building up experience across three practice areas.

Chris Sellars, Director of Human Resources said: “As a firm we recognise that investing in our staff is the best way for us to secure our future. Our people are ultimately responsible for delivering the high levels of quality legal advice we have become known for and it is crucial we have a training and development plan in place.”

Laura Barlow, whose training contract begins within business legal services, joined the business in 2012 after finishing her Law degree or LPC. Laura had previously completed some work experience with the firm in 2011.  Laura started working as a secretary in the Mansfield Family Law team and was then promoted to paralegal in 2014 when she moved into the business legal services team in Chesterfield where she works today.

Stacey Lee joined Banner Jones on a temporary contract following a 2 week work experience. She then became a part time employee whilst finishing her degree.  Stacey finished her LPC in June 2012 and began full time work soon after. She began working as a paralegal in Bolsover, moving to the Chesterfield office last year to lead a busy team of 3. Stacey starts her training contract within residential property but will move to the private client team shortly.

Natalie Barnett joined the office in Mansfield in 2013 after finishing her LPC.  She progressed quickly to assisting with a caseload in the residential property team and then moved to the Chesterfield residential property department where she was then promoted to paralegal. Natalie has now moved into Family law where her training contract begins in the Ilkeston and Derby offices.

Chris adds “All three thoroughly deserve the opportunity and we wish them all the very best during their training”.

East Midlands firms are more optimistic than their national counterparts about their employment prospects for the rest of the year, according to figures released today.

The latest national Manpower Employment Outlook Survey showed a balance of plus 10% between the percentage of employers in the East Midlands which plan to hire additional workers over the coming three months and those who plan to reduce the size of their workforce.

At +4%, the national employment outlook now stands at its lowest level for three years, according to the survey.

Manpower said the figures appear to show that employers nationally are already reacting to the forthcoming implementation of the National Living Wage by scaling back their recruitment plans for the fourth quarter of 2015.

James Hick, its Managing Director, said: “An unintended consequence of the introduction of the new living wage is that firms might try to bypass the legislation altogether. We anticipate that some employers may look to mitigate the extra costs by taking on more younger or self-employed workers, who are not entitled to the national living wage.

“While on the surface this could be good news for youth unemployment, which currently stands at 16%, it could push a greater proportion of young people into low skilled jobs, resulting in an influx of less experienced workers into social care and other sectors hardest hit by the new legislation.

“Meanwhile, candidates under the age of 25 have been asking us why it is they will be paid less despite doing equal work.”

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) and a delegation of its members, from a range of sectors, are meeting with the Low Pay Commission later this month. The session will form part of the Commission’s consultation on the implications of changes outlined in the Summer Budget to the National Minimum Wage.

The Chamber’s annual State of the Economy Conference, in November, will focus on the impacts of the forthcoming changes, particularly on the retail, leisure, care and certain manufacturing sectors.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said: “The East Midlands has created jobs at a faster pace than anywhere else in the UK over the past 18 months and these figures somewhat underplay what we have seen in official national estimates and our own survey work. While the national outlook for the rest of the year is muted, regionally, the picture is still encouraging.

“What is clear, however, is that a number of local firms have concerns about how they will afford the Government’s proposed new National Living Wage when it is introduced in April.

“While we know from recent survey work that a significant majority of Chamber members and many other employers across the region already pay their staff a living wage, we are also aware that the forthcoming implementation of a new National Living Wage may well have a disproportionate effect on smaller employers already facing financial pressures as they implement pensions auto-enrolment.

“This will be of particular concern for some sectors – such as care, hospitality and retail – and could cause a ripple effect across pay scales as it will close the differentials, meaning they may also need to up-rate other pay grades and this is what we plan to highlight to the Low Pay Commission when we meet later this month.

“Firms will also want assurances that moves to further increase the minimum wage will follow an evidence-based approach to minimise impacts on smaller firms, for which adjustment will be harder.”

Almost one million pounds is being made available to help develop new and established small rural businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The funding is part of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s plan to boost economic growth and will aim to create at least 68 new jobs in the area, boost tourism and visitor numbers, increase the turnover of businesses and increase productivity in the rural economy.

The money could support a variety of activities from farmers diversifying into non-agricultural activities such an attraction to create jobs – to craft breweries looking to increase production.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Small rural businesses provide a service to their community, accessible employment opportunities and are an important part of the economy but can struggle to find funding which is perhaps more readily available in urban areas.

“The EAFRD funding we’re announcing is aimed specifically at providing owners of new and established, smaller businesses with the help they need.”

Up to 26 projects will be supported locally with capital grants to range from £35,000 to a maximum of approximately £140,000 to cover up to 40% of a project’s total costs. (Projects must have a total value of at least £87,500.)

To be eligible to apply for a grant a rural business must operate in the D2N2 area and in one of its eight key economic sectors – the visitor economy, food and drink manufacturing, low carbon, construction, transport equipment manufacturing, transport and logistics, creative industries or life sciences – OR be looking to create new jobs, OR increase productivity; OR introduce a technology, product or process new to their sector.

Applications – which must be submitted by 5pm on Friday November 27 – will be assessed by the Government and the D2N2 LEP. Those with the strongest business case will then be asked to make a further, full application for project funding.

More information about the Growth Programme can be found at www.gov.uk/government/collections/growth-programme-grants-for-the-rural-economy

Markham Vale in Chesterfield is flying the flag for economic development with more than 732 jobs created on site and 700 more in the pipeline, figures released today show.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Anne Western was joined on-site today by James Wharton MP, Government Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, to see work being carried out to develop the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone.

Key recent investment includes:

• National distribution and warehousing company Great Bear signing a deal to move on site in 2016 creating 400 new jobs;
• The start of work to build new premises for gas, water and electric meter supplier Meter Provida, creating 40 jobs on site in January next year;
• Packaging firm Inspirepac moving on-site with a view to creating up to 100 jobs as the company grows over the next two years;
• Around 50 jobs created at Gould Alloys which moved on site in June;
• Beginning of work to expand the site and turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs in the area

“Creating a strong economy in Derbyshire is one of our top priorities by helping businesses to thrive and create jobs for local people”, says Councillor Western.

“We’re working hard to attract businesses to Markham from outside the county but also provide a top-rate business park where home-grown businesses can expand and keep Derbyshire jobs in Derbyshire.

“The latest figures show just how far we’ve come since Industrial Ancillaries became the first firm to move on site six years ago.”

James Newman, chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“Our Enterprise Zones are a key part of the Sheffield City Region’s ambitious ten year Growth Plan and I’m pleased that our successes have attracted the attention of the new Northern Powerhouse Minister.

“We’ve invested well in developing our Markham Vale Enterprise Zone site which is going from strength-to-strength, with a number of new companies about to join our growing business community, including Great Bear, Gould Alloys, inspirepac and Meter Provida.”

Minister for Local Growth and the Northern Powerhouse James Wharton MP said:

“Enterprise Zones have a major role to play in the success of the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine as today’s job announcement shows.

“I have been really impressed with the levels of close co-operation I have seen here at Markham Vale between the private sector, councils and the local enterprise partnership, and I have seen at first hand some really impressive results which are already driving growth and jobs.”

A free event where small businesses can learn about claiming back up to 25 – 30% of research and development costs and gain access to grant funding, is being held at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield, on Wednesday 9 September.

According to government research it is believed that more than £10billion of Research & Development (R&D) tax credits – one of the UK’s most generous tax reliefs – have not been claimed since they were introduced in 2000.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have teamed up to host the free event, which takes place from 8.30am -10am, and will give local businesses the opportunity to learn more about R&D tax relief and potential for grant funding.

Explaining the decision to host the event Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells said: “Many businesses think that R&D tax relief is only available to large companies, however, it covers an abundance of costs and many small businesses are potentially missing out.

“The common misconception about R&D tax relief is that is only available to businesses that have people in white coats working in a laboratory. This is definitely not the case.

“R&D can include the development of new products or a bespoke piece of work. It’s also possible to take into consideration the costs of heating, lighting and IT costs in relation to R&D activities.”

As an example, Mitchells helped Chesterfield-based client Garrard Jones Engineering Ltd access R&D tax relief when developing new equipment for the business.

David Garrard, Managing Director of Garrard Jones Engineering, explained: “Using the R&D tax credits we have developed various equipment, including a Dinter Cutter Loader (DCL) machine to be sold to the export market. In the research and development stage we designed and built multiple prototypes. The tax credits were a way for us to claim back some of the cost of the designs and prototypes. This saving has understandably been a massive help for us and brought the business benefits which means we can invest more money in growing the company.”

Experts from Mitchells and RBS have been lined up as guest speakers. Together they will outline opportunities for local businesses and give examples of where they have secured substantial grant funding for clients. This will be an informative session, which includes refreshments, and will also provide the opportunity for local businesses to network and ask questions.

Mitchells and RBS are anticipating high demand for the R&D Tax Relief and Grant Opportunities event. To reserve your free place email Andrew McDaid at andrewmcdaid@mitchellsaccountants.co.uk

Financial support is available to help Derbyshire businesses install superfast broadband.

An extension of the connection voucher scheme means eligible businesses, charities and social enterprises can now apply for up to £3,000 no matter where in the county they’re based.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Support Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Councillor Paul Dunn said:

“We know the benefits superfast broadband can bring for local firms. A fast and reliable broadband service is as important as good road and rail links for businesses today.

“We’re bringing the technology through Digital Derbyshire and it’s great that we’ve now managed to make sure there’s cash available to help give local businesses access. It means Derbyshire businesses can compete both nationally and globally and bring jobs and prosperity to the county.”

Local firms can apply individually or as a group to connect bigger or more complicated premises such as an office block. If their application is successful, businesses would need to pay for the line rental and VAT.

The broadband Connection Vouchers scheme will be administered locally on behalf of central Government by Derby City Council.

For more information visit Superconnected Derby, tel: 01332 742 540 or email: shane.chaddha@derby.gov.uk.

Banner Jones has welcomed two new members to its growing team of legal advisers.

Abbas Khan joins as a Paralegal in the business legal services team and he will be based within Banner Jones in Chesterfield. Abbas, who has joined from Howells Solicitors in Sheffield says “I’m delighted to be part of the highly successful Business Legal Services team and see this as a fantastic opportunity for me”

Angela McGuckin joins from VL Lawyers in Ashbourne with over 10 years experience in private client law, specialising in the writing of wills, lasting powers of attorney and probate. Angela joins the Banner Jones Group to head up the private client team in the Bilton Hammond Solicitors office, Mansfield. Angela says “I’m looking forward to using my experience and knowledge of Mansfield to further develop the private client offering in this area.”

Chris Sellars, director of Banner Jones Group human resources said “These appointments come at a time of sustained growth for the group and they will allow us to continue to develop our service offering to clients. We would formally like to welcome Abbas and Angela to the business and wish them all the best in their new roles.”

New eco-friendly office space is now available at the Markham Vale Environment Centre following an extension of the facility.

With the original building at full occupancy with 12 small businesses, an investment of £975,000 was agreed in February last year to increase the size of the centre.

There are now several additional units for small firms looking to expand and for those already on the site.  The units are suitable for a range of businesses operating in the environmental and low-carbon sectors for uses ranging from office space to manufacturing.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s leader and cabinet member for strategic policy, economic development and budget said:

“The centre’s extension takes us a step further towards our goal of bringing 5,000 new jobs to Derbyshire for local people.

“Since its opening in 2006, the centre has been home to many small businesses and received positive feedback from occupants.

“We look forward to welcoming new businesses and seeing existing ones on site expand as Markham Vale continues to grow.”

The Environment Centre is in a prime location for businesses with easy access to the M1 motorway from junction 29A, Chesterfield.

A total of £611,520 for the extension came from the European Regional Development Fund with the remaining £363,480 contributed by Derbyshire County Council.

Businesses that may be interested in the new offices or units can contact the Markham Vale Environment Centre’s manager Trudi Saxton tel: 01246 826000 for more information.