New build and housing retrofit company Starfish Group have expanded into an additional office space at Dunston House in Chesterfield this month.

The main office for the business is located at the nearby Bridge Business Centre where the socially responsible business are keen to develop the local economy through job creation and developing strong relationships with local businesses.

The business are dedicated to working closely with clients, local councils and residents, to achieve the best practice under the code of considerate construction in accordance with the Social Value Act 2012. It is the Starfish mission to build high quality new homes that environmentally improve, economically develop and socially enhance any area they do business in.

Starfish recently had a scheme feature in Inside Housing as Development of the Week and hope to continue this success in the coming year.

The founders of Chesterfield-based Willows Shepherd’s Huts, which designs and installs handcrafted willow huts as alternative business premises, is celebrating the completion of its first commercial contract since it was established earlier this year.

Boasting characteristics that are typical of Shepherd’s huts dating back to the 1800’s, the unique wooden 15 ft by 8 ft oak chassis hut will now house beauty salon Little Bo Chic from its new home in the gardens of local contemporary French restaurant, Maison Mes Amis.

Leading business legal services law firm Banner Jones Solicitors advised on the deal, with Maison Mes Amis leasing the hut from Willows Shepherd’s Huts on a rolling agreement basis.

Following a lengthy career as a joiner, tiler and bathroom fitter, Willows Shepherd’s Huts’ business owner and founder, Steven Avenier, said:-

“The idea to launch Willows Shepherd’s Huts came about when I was in the South of France visiting my parent’s mobile home which was in need of serious renovation.

“I ended up stripping the van to its bare bones, redesigning the layout and refurbishing the interior finishes in order to make the space better meet their needs, and in doing so I got the inspiration to design and build my own shepherds huts.

“They’re flexible and pretty to look at, and because they can be designed to meet the bespoke needs of each customer they don’t come with all of the usual limitations that a traditional set up would. They’re suited to being accommodation, offices, man-caves, boudoirs, garden retreat or anything, really.”

Although still considered to be quite unique for business use, popularity of the unique huts has hit the headlines recently with former MP David Cameron investing in a similar structure to be situated in his own garden in the Cotswolds.

“Each hut is a blank canvas, and they can be designed and built to meet the bespoke needs of each individual client,” said Avenier, who runs the business alongside his wife, Rachel. “To that end, it’s no surprise that demand is increasing rapidly.”

Banner Jones Executive Director and property law expert, Chris Sellars, advised on the deal between Maison Mes Amis and Willow Shepherd’s Huts. He said:-

“It has been great to be involved in a start-up project that has been an ambition for Steven for many years. Willows Shepherd’s Huts is a truly unique business, with a very unique product, and we look forward to seeing the founders take it forward in the months and years ahead.”

Commenting on the deal Marcella Kirk from Maison Mes Amis, said:-

“Upon meeting Steven you can see that he is incredibly passionate about his new business venture. The addition of the unique property to Maison Mes Amis enables us to standout in our location on Chatsworth Road, and ultimately allows us to house Little Bo Chic – expanding our reach and target audience.”

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new Corporate Banking Manager in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Steve Wicks joins the fast-growing relationship bank with over 25 years of banking experience. He will be involved in developing existing customer relationships as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

A strong focus on long-term relationships and high levels of personal service has seen the bank rated top for customer satisfaction eight years running in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers*. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Steve commented:-

“What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on serving the customer. As experienced local bankers we have the power to make all the decisions that matter to our customers, swiftly and sensibly here in the branch. The bank continues to grow locally through our reputation for providing our customers with extremely high levels of service.”

The branch, established in 2012 and located on Spire Walk Business Park, has developed a reputation for traditional banking, financial strength and high standards within the local business and professional services community.

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: –

“I am very pleased to welcome Steve and his substantial experience to our team. His appointment means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both existing and new customers in our area, whilst maintaining the high levels of service for which we are renowned.”

Originally from Sweden, Handelsbanken now has over 800 branches in more than 20 countries and was named the world’s fourth safest commercial bank, by Global Finance magazine. At a time when strength and stability is of particular importance to customers, the bank enjoys the highest credit ratings of all the major UK-based banks. This reflects Handelsbanken’s strong financial position, long-term focus and prudent, consistent approach to banking through all economic conditions.

Contracts totaling £100,000 within the rail industry have been won by start-up business The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.

The online business, which was established last year, is the brainchild of Andy Dukelow, the former Managing Director of Chesterfield-based Franke Sissons.

The company, which supplies a range of commercial sanitaryware and for healthcare, transport, stadiums, schools, sanitary bin service and public washrooms nationally, builds on Andy’s 35 years’ experience in market leading design, specification and knowledge across all commercial sanitaryware market sectors.

As part of the contract wins, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company is supplying grab poles, socket boxes and plates for power sockets as part of a major carriage refurbishment project for Trains Bits and More Limited. Additionally, the company is supplying parts for toilet systems as well as fascia panels for contracts with Bombardier and Arriva respectively.

Neil Smith, Trains Bits and More Limited Director, said:-

“We have extensive expertise and some great facilities at our Cheshire site, but working alongside a proven supplier of top-class washroom products is a real bonus for us.

“Moreover, Sanitaryware Supplies have some superb engineering workshops themselves, and they have already provided us with the necessary capacity to supply bespoke electrical backboxes and casings for our ongoing roll-out of three-pin and USB power sockets to several train companies.

“Looking forward, with increased skills and resources across two respected companies, we can provide a one-stop service to train operators looking to refurbish their fleet’s passenger toilet and washroom facilities.”

As well as having an online presence, The Sanitaryware Supplies Company also offers a traditional design and manufacturing service, with bespoke stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium projects, manufactured in Chesterfield.

Andy Dukelow, Managing Director of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company,  commented:-

“There is a gap in the market for a quality stainless steel sanitaryware supplier, especially in custom made fabrication which is supported by a technical and after sales service that you can only deliver by having 35 years’ industry experience. Because of this, the business has really hit the ground running and I am winning sizeable national contracts which are contributing to the future success of The Sanitaryware Supplies Company.”

Chesterfield-based kitchenware manufacturer David Mason Design are set to move into their new headquarters at Carrwood Industrial Estate after 7 year deal agreed with national industrial and commercial property manager, Dunedin.

The transaction,  facilitated by property consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP), will see the family run wholesale supplier – best known for its bespoke salt and pepper mills and tableware accessories – take over the 22,750 sq ft unit situated close to the town’s centre and just off the A61.

Adam Smith of Dunedin Industrial, said:-

“The warehouse, which is situated on the Carrwood Industrial Estate in Chesterfield, provides David Mason Design with an ideal base from which to meet the needs of its customers across the country.

“Spanning in excess of 22,000 sq ft their new premises comes with ample office and warehouse space to allow expansion and continued growth in the months and years ahead.”

Property consultancy CPP, which acted on behalf of the landlord, has also been responsible for other deals at the popular industrial estate; with a leading plumbing and heating products distributor taking over four bays spanning in excess of 50,000 sq ft – inclusive of warehouse and office space – in December 2016.

Ed Norris, commenting on the deal between David Mason Design and Dunedin CPP Partner, said:-

“The Carrwood Industrial Estate is ideally situated close to major transport links, making it an ideal location for businesses such as David Mason Design and other businesses like it which require a high level of accessibility due to a far-reaching network of clients.”

Commenting on the new premises David Mason Design’s CEO, Nicholas Cowan, said the business now had the space needed to continue to ‘deliver excellence’ to a growing customer base across the UK and abroad – including retailers, importers and distributors.

He said:-

“With more than 60 years’ experience in the production of mills we have established a strong reputation for technical innovation and quality when it comes to designing and manufacturing salt and pepper mills and other kitchenware accessories.

“This move into bigger premises located close to major transport links is part of our ongoing commitment to providing an accessible service to our customers who are invested in sourcing, supplying and selling unique, exclusive products.”

Markham Vale has seen a spectacular start to 2017. Since January’s opening of the new spine road on Markham Vale North, Henry Boot Developments and their development partner Derbyshire County Council have completed, commenced construction and secured offers for 850,000 sq ft of industrial space at the flagship development.

Chesterfield Champion, Start Financial Planning has expanded its team further with the appointment of Nick Evans.

Nick (28) from Hasland, joins the independent financial advice firm as a trainee financial advisor. He makes the move to the financial services industry from a career in training and, prior to that, banking where he worked for a high street building society for six years.

Nick’s appointment plays a key part in the firm’s ambitious growth plans. He is currently undertaking financial advisor qualifications and expects to qualify in October later this year.

He commented:-

“I am loving the challenge that my career change has brought. While I have experience of working in a financial environment, I am now learning about and dealing with a vast array of financial products in order to deliver truly independent financial advice.”

Outside work, Nick plays guitar with a few local bands and last year played with the indie folk duo The Natterjacks at Derbyshire’s Y Not Festival.

Start Financial Planning was established last year by Steve Taylor and Michael Heath. Working closely with firms within Chesterfield’s professional services sector, Start has brought a new approach to the world of financial planning.

Welcoming Nick to Start, Steve said:-

“We’re delighted to have Nick on board. His appointment embodies our approach to doing things differently from other financial advisers. We want to develop team from the ground up, training them in all aspects of the business so that they have full knowledge of products, markets and our clients. This, we believe, delivers a far superior service.”

Delivering a full financial planning service to individuals and businesses nationwide, Start’s services are in high demand from small business owners who are keen to maximise their pension contributions.

As well as pensions and exit strategies, Start Financial Planning also specialise in tax planning, estate planning, investments, business and personal protection.

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 13^th place, followed by Cloudbass Limited, which provides solutions to the broadcast market, and came 22^nd 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. ”