Business

New Destination Chesterfield Board Member Appointed for Manufacturing Sector

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of the leading supplier of centrifuges to the water and food industries, MSE Hiller, is the newest addition to the Destination Chesterfield board.

Ivan replaces James Brand of United Cast Bar as the board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough. James has stepped down from the board due to increasing work commitments however will continue in his role as the chair of the popular Manufacturing Forum.

Ivan and the company have taken an active role in manufacturing initiatives organised by Destination Chesterfield, including last year’s successful Made in Chesterfield Week where schools were invited to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

Ivan brings more than 35 years’ experience to his board member role.  Delighted to join the board, he said: “Destination Chesterfield is a conduit for joining together the many companies and organisations in Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector, be they employers, training providers, or young people still at school and looking for direction. It is by joining these groups together successfully that we can help further improve the manufacturing sector in the town.”

He is particularly passionate about apprenticeships within the sector, explaining: “For me manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure. It is vitally important that we maintain Chesterfield’s manufacturing tradition and capability, and that will be my broad focus in my role on the Destination Chesterfield Board.

“I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships. To this day many of my early apprentices are still working with me after two decades.”

MSE Hiller, which has been based in Chesterfield since 2001, supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Currently no other company offers the service and products which they do and, as a result, is very much in demand.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ivan to the board although sad that James Brand has left. We thank him for all he has done and will continue to do as both a Chesterfield Champion and a thriving manufacturing business in the town.

“MSE Hiller is a great example of a local company that is establishing the town as an engineering specialist. Ivan brings much personal experience in the sector as both an employee and an employer and is very clear about how he wants it and Chesterfield to develop. We are all very much looking forward to working with him.”

Ivan Fomin joins the existing members of the Board, which include:

Destination Chesterfield is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.  This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

MSE Hiller will be taking part in Made in Chesterfield throughout November 2015. Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To find out more about Destination Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk. Or if you are interested in becoming involved in Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Ivan Fomin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

Ground-Breaking Markham Deal Set to Bring 400 Jobs

Up to 400 new jobs are set to be created at a Chesterfield regeneration site with the opening of a new distribution centre at Markham Vale.

Chester-based firm Great Bear Distribution will move into a purpose-built warehouse and offices − Markham’s biggest development to date bringing the largest number of jobs in a single development.

Established in 1994, Great Bear Distribution operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as Sainsbury’s, BMW, and Unilever.

Glenn Lindfield, CEO of Great Bear Distribution said:

“Bringing our business to Markham Vale is a positive step forward for our company.

“The site is exactly what we’ve been looking for with tailor-made facilities in a prime location just off Junction 29A of the M1 motorway, providing easy access to our customers and other bases across the UK.

“We look forward to becoming part of Markham’s growing network of companies.”

Work to build the 479,285 square feet development is expected to start in autumn this year, and reach completion in spring 2016.

The premises are situated next to Markham Vale’s Environment Centre and will be built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on the site off Junction 29A of the M1 motorway.

Peter Storey, head of Markham Vale said:

“Great Bear Distribution will be a real feather in Markham’s cap bringing 400 jobs which is great news for the Derbyshire economy.

“Markham’s fantastic transport links next to the M1 make the perfect choice for a wide range of businesses and we look forward to welcoming even more companies to the site this year and in the future.”

Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Ben Ward at Henry Boot Developments said:

“We are delighted to secure such a ground-breaking deal with Great Bear Distribution.

“This last year has been exceptional for Markham Vale with six major deals and a huge amount of development activity.

“We have worked very closely with Great Bear Distribution in designing this bespoke facility to meet their exact requirements and many of the features are at the forefront of technology.”

The regeneration site is one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zone Developments with the final phase, which is a further 100 acres currently being prepared for development using a £14.2m Government grant awarded through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

t-mac technologies Acquired by Utilitywise PLC

Chesterfield based t-mac Technologies has been acquired for £10m by Utilitywise PLC, a leading independent utility cost management consultancy.

t-mac Technologies is a family-run business which began in 1978. The sale will see current directors Jonathan Wilkinson and Lisa Gingell remain at the helm while owners Alan and Irene Wilkinson retire.

t-mac allows clients to monitor and reduce their energy consumption, making savings and helping them comply with government legislation. It provides real-time energy and environmental metering and monitoring as well as building controls and equipment performance management. The interactive, cloud based central software platform means that users can analyse, manage and operate one or many buildings through a single software interface from anywhere in the world.

The sale, which was advised by BRM Solicitors, enhances t-mac’s existing customer relationships, whilst providing an opportunity for Utilitywise’s current customer base to benefit from t-mac’s cutting edge technology.

Lisa Gingell, co-founder and Director at t-mac Technologies, commented:-

“This is an exciting time for our business. We have truly valued the advice and support we received from the team at BRM who helped make this sale as seamless as possible.

“Working with the Utilitywise group we will continue to build business across UK, Europe and Asia Pacific and develop the t-mac brand of products and software as a service.”

Sarah Rowland, Head of the Company Commercial Team at BRM Solicitors, said:-

“t-mac and its directors are high quality and long-standing clients of BRM and we always enjoy working with them. We have seen t-mac grow from its incorporation and we are very proud to have been able to assist in this important evolution.

“My colleagues and I wish Irene and Alan well in their deserved retirement and Jonathan and Lisa every success in playing a key role in the future development of the t-mac brand and new products.  We look forward to seeing the continued growth of the t-mac brand”.

The initial consideration payable is £10m, £6.25m in cash and  1,782,319 new ordinary shares in Utilitywise.  Up to a further GBP £12 million will become payable once earn out accounts have been finalised, in cash (70%) and new Utilitywise shares.  The initial cash consideration is being funded by a new £25 million revolving credit facility with Royal Bank of Scotland plc.

Utilitywise CEO, Geoff Thompson commented:

“The market for BeMS is growing and modern cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, such as t-mac, provide significant cost advantages over traditional solutions which require intensive capital investment and offer long term ROIs.

“We know that our customers are increasingly looking for rapid impact, cost-effective services that provide them with more control over their electricity, gas and water usage, to help drive their business efficiency agenda as well as mitigate against future price volatility. This acquisition continues to expand our broad range of services that address the breadth of our customers’ energy needs.

“The acquisition of t-mac Technologies will play a major role in helping us to deliver significant added-value services and develop closer, more profitable relationships with existing customers, as well as supporting our new customer acquisition strategy”.

Chesterfield News

Posted in Business

Job Figures Keep Improving

The number of unemployed people in the East Midlands has fallen by almost 2,500, according to new job figures released by the Office for National Statistics.  The rate is now at 5.1% which is below the national average of 5.6%.

People (aged 16-64) in employment in the region has increased by 10,400 to 2,152,769 in the three months to February, meaning there were 66,549 more people in work than in the same period last year.

The number of people in Chesterfield claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) stood at 1404, which is 562 lower than the figure announced in March 2014.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has welcomed the figures.

Chief Executive, George Cowcher, said: “This was another extremely positive set of employment figures, with the number of JSA claimants across the region falling significantly over the year, the number of people in work increasing and the unemployment rate in the East Midlands now well below the national average.

“Over the past five years, the unemployment rate in the East Midlands has fallen by 2.3% and largely this has been driven by the efforts of local businesses in creating the jobs and generating the growth needed to secure and sustain the economic recovery.

“Wage increases are also now higher than inflation and are boosting living standards – a focus on improving productivity from businesses will ensure this is sustainable.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre up for Prestigious Award

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards For Excellence 2015.

The centre, based in Rykneld Square and owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, is in the running for Visitor Information Provider of the Year and faces competition from the City of London Information Centre, Durham Visitor Information Network, Simply Staffordshire and The Welcome People in London.

Alyson Barnes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Tourism, Museums and Events Manager said:-

“We provide a welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors both prior to and during their stay in Chesterfield, delivered by enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff.

“The staff are ambassadors for Chesterfield, promoting the town and the Peak District to allow visitors to get the most from their stay, increasing visitor spend and supporting the local economy.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony held on Monday 11 May 2015 at the Sage, Gateshead and all finalists are guaranteed to receive either gold, silver, bronze or highly commended.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said:-

“It’s been another successful year for our excellence awards as we’ve received hundreds of applications of an extremely high standard. That’s why all the finalists should be incredibly proud that they’ve been short-listed against such tough competition.

“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists who now represent the top five in their category in England and wish them all the very best of luck on awards night.”

Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre

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

Franke Sissons lobbied for change at Westminster Briefing

Franke Sissons Ltd, who have been manufacturing for over 230 years, has headed a hard-hitting parliamentary discussion to outline the lack of surveillance for genuine CE Marking, required by UK Law, on products fitted in commercial buildings.

Franke Sissons Ltd employs the majority of its staff from the Derbyshire area and says it could expand its business and create even more employment opportunities if mandatory proof of CE Marking at tender stage was instigated.

The Company, based at Carrwood Rd, Chesterfield has solicited the support of local MP Toby Perkins and the industry body that supports manufacturing in the bathroom industry, The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), to host a hard hitting briefing session for MP’s in Westminster.

Aiming to highlight the obvious shortfalls of legislation that currently goes completely unchecked, the briefing detailed to MPs how contractors are regularly substituting unlawful and inferior products in the final fit, through either lack of knowledge in the law or in ignorance for the cheapest option.

Franke’s Managing Director, Andy Dukelow explains, “This is a problem right across the building industry not just in our sector. Without a CE Mark on products for bathrooms and washrooms, consumers may endure scalding injuries, product failure under load and ultimately products will fail completely, there is no back up and absolutely no guarantee.  Those manufacturers and suppliers who have made the investment to comply, with what is actually a law not just a guideline, will continue to be undercut by non-conforming companies putting UK jobs at risk.  I am personally deeply frustrated by the slow pace of understanding at Government level, this is a UK Law, and one of the few that could offer UK business a tangible level of support and actually add longevity to cash savings to the British tax payer.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Videos show latest progress at Markham Vale

Work to develop a Chesterfield regeneration site at Markham Vale is gathering pace.

Derbyshire County Council have been filming the progress of two of their latest developments, inspirepac and Gould Alloys.

The first development is a 50,000 square feet building for Chesterfield-based metal distributors Gould Alloys which is due to be completed in April.

And work to build a 100,250 square feet printing factory and office building for Derbyshire-based company inspirepac is due to be completed in May.

Read more about developments in Chesterfield

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

AW Repair Group Opens at Markham Vale Bringing More Jobs to Chesterfield

A vehicle accident repair centre has opened up its new state-of-the-art bodyshop at a Chesterfield regeneration site bringing 14 new jobs.

AW Repair Group, which provides a range of crash repair services, opened its fourth bodyshop at Markham Vale this month in a £450,000 expansion.

The firm’s new premises just off junction 29A of the M1, adds to their existing sites in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

Managing Director of AW Repair Group, Andrew Walsh said:

“Markham Vale fitted perfectly with the group’s expansion plans being located just off the M1. We are excited to be opening up job opportunities in the surrounding areas and looking forward to working with the local community.”

AW Repair Group work in partnership with prestige manufacturers such as Land Rover, Jaguar and the Volkswagen Group, and currently employs 85 people across three sites.

A further 14 jobs have been created at the Markham site, 12 of which have been filled and two will be advertised shortly.

Peter Storey, Head of Markham Employment Growth Zone at Markham Vale said:

“AW Repair Group is the latest in a line of companies signing up to move in at Markham, bringing more jobs to the area.”Markham Vale continues to thrive and plays a key role in achieving the council’s long-term vision of building a strong economy in Derbyshire that creates jobs and provides a bright future for our young people.”

The firm’s 15,000 sq. ft. bodyshop was designed by our private sector developer, Henry Boot Ltd as part of the Waterloo Court building.

Ben Ward from Henry Boot Developments commented:

“We are delighted to welcome AW Repair Group to Markham Vale. The recent flurry of successful deals makes Markham Vale one of the most active enterprise zones in the UK.”We recently welcomed Ready Egg and Euro Garages, delivered additional space for Holdsworth Foods and are currently underway with significant new buildings for Gould Alloys and inspirepac for occupation this summer.”

Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

The regeneration site is one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zone developments and this latest development is being funded using a £14.2m Government grant awarded through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone.

AW Repair Group opens at Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Modern Awakening for Chesterfield’s Online Presence

Destination Chesterfield’s website has been given a fresh look, bringing to life the town’s images and news in a bold new mobile-friendly format.

Now in its fourth year, the Destination Chesterfield marketing project’s online image refresh, which has been produced by Chesterfield-based Crush Design, reflects the changing face of the town.

With more than 50% of website traffic now being via mobile devices, the new website is fully responsive to make it as easy as possible for people to access. As well as mobile device functionality, the new Destination Chesterfield website includes social media integration and improved business, news and events content to meet the needs of the site’s users.

The new website was launched earlier this month at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event where it was also announced that £1billion of development will be taking place in the Borough over the next ten years.

As well as keeping businesses and residents up-to-date with what is happening, the website is also designed to showcase the town to inward investors, highlighting opportunities and the many positives of locating a business in Chesterfield.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “The investment in the town over the last three years, together with that coming on-stream during the next decade, has and will significantly change the landscape of our town and we need an online presence that supports Chesterfield’s modern awakening. The new website enables us to show off the town to its full advantage to all audiences, whether that is people who already live and do business here or companies looking to relocate.”

To take a tour of the new-look website and keep up-to-date with events and developments in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

Destination Chesterfield Website

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield

Lawyers of the Future Reach Finals in Regional Competition

Budding lawyers from Chesterfield College have battled their way through a courtroom showdown to secure a place at the final of the 2015 Inter-School Mock Trial.

The annual competition, held by Sheffield Hallam University, in partnership with the Sheffield Law Society, is an opportunity for A level students from schools and colleges across the region to compete for valuable work experience placements with local solicitors, as well as a trophy to take back home.

Students at Chesterfield College gave a winning performance before the jury and now wait to hear who they will face in the final which takes place at Sheffield Combined Courts in June.

Julie Fidorra, 6th form law lecturer said:-

“Competitions like this give students a fantastic insight into what it is like to be a solicitor or a barrister and where their studies can lead to.

“I am really proud of our students. They were articulate and presented their case eloquently. They have proven they can put the things they have learnt into practice without letting the pressure of a real life court room scenario affect their ability to think on their feet. They really did look the part too!”

Holly Cole, one of the A ‘level team members commented:-

“The competition has been an amazing and eye-opening experience. It has been fun too. It’s made me realise that I would definitely like to pursue law as a career.”

 

Photo: From left to right: Chesterfield College A’Level Law Students – Holly Cole, Freya Hindley, Bobby Cutts, Andre Beighton , Tom Ullyatt.

 

Chesterfield College - 2015 interschool mock trial competition

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

First Wireless Broadband Antennae in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champion, Central Technology, has installed the first state-of-the-art wireless antenna in Chesterfield to create faster speeds.

The super-fast broadband speeds up to 160 times faster than currently available to all business tenants in close proximity to Beresford Way, Sheepbridge, Chesterfield.

Ian Snow, Managing Director remarks:-

“We are excited to bring the first antenna to Chesterfield, which will make a big difference to many of our neighbours who we know have been struggling with poor broadband for a number of years.  Our technical team has overcome complex challenges to deliver this much needed service which will naturally boost efficiency and productivity.

“Central Technology’s ISP infrastructure and antenna is an affordable alternative and offers business peace of mind that they are getting the best possible internet speeds and management of their broadband service.”

Beresford Way is the first of Central Technology’s sites to benefit from superfast broadband and will act as a blue print to roll out further antennas in Chesterfield at a later date.

 

Central Technology Broadband

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield