chesterfield business news

£500,000 support boost for Derbyshire manufacturers

Small to medium-sized manufacturers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have received a £500,000 support boost to help them overcome challenges and make the most of new opportunities.

The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), which has already supported over 600 companies in other areas of the East Midlands, has agreed a deal with D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to provide specialist assistance to firms in the two counties.

Manufacturing firms can now access a dedicated Manufacturing Growth Manager, who will use the GROWTHMapper benchmarking tool to identify pain points within the business, before delivering grants that can help support a third of the total cost of the business improvement project up to a maximum £10,000.

This new support covers manufacturing efficiencies, strategic marketing, new product development and leadership and management, with the programme due to help more than 85 business between now and June 2023.

It is anticipated that this manufacturing driven assistance will create 111 new jobs and 28 new product launches.

Martin Coats, Managing Director of the Manufacturing Growth Programme, commented: “This is excellent news for SME manufacturers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and comes at a time when they will need access to industry specialists to overcome issues around Brexit and Covid-19.

“We have proven how successful this type of support, delivered by experts from the manufacturing sector, can be in Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Across these three areas we have created nearly 700 new jobs and completed 805 improvement projects, helping many firms fulfil their potential.”

He continued: “Thanks to the backing of the D2N2 LEP, we can now give this targeted assistance to companies locally, making sure they are competitive in the sectors they have an undeniable edge in, including aerospace, automotive, food and drink, medical and rail.

“Each project is tailored to the individual company, so it has the biggest impact. Our Manufacturing Growth Managers are also very well connected and can link in management teams to other business support, funding or even supply chain opportunities.”

Mickleover-based Devtank is one of the companies that has welcomed the support boost, citing the need for manufacturers to have tailored assistance that will allow them to scale-up.

The open source test and measurement business currently supplies clients in defence, green energy, space and telecoms and has developed a range of products that help businesses automate their production testing and smart monitoring solutions.

“We are scaling rapidly and just about to launch a dedicated product page/e-commerce shop on our website, not to mention looking at ways where we can maximise our recent approval as a design partner for the Raspberry Pi Foundation,” pointed out Tim Telford, Chief Technical Officer at Devtank.

“The Manufacturing Growth Programme coming to this region means the right support will be available for us at the right time and I’m sure it will be beneficial to many other local businesses at this time of real need during the covid-19 recovery phase.

“Having access to dedicated manufacturing support is essential in helping us thrive. The last few years has seen us develop a number of new products and we have reinvested every last penny and more into the business. Being able to secure grants and specialist external assistant to capitalise on this investment is great news and will enable us to take the next step.”

Frank Horsley, Head of Business & Innovation at D2N2 LEP, concluded: “We are delighted to support the extension of the highly successful programme into our region.

“Manufacturing remains the historic bedrock of the D2N2 economy. If we are to transform into a more competitive, but greener economy, our manufacturers will need support to embrace the challenges of industrial digitalisation and net zero so that, similar to the first industrial revolution, we can lead the world.

“We look forward to bringing our strategic influence and partnership network to bear to ensure our businesses have the opportunity to benefit from the excellent support MGP can deliver.”

The Manufacturing Growth Programme, which is funded by ERDF and delivered by Oxford Innovation Services, is open to all manufacturing SMEs in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire that employ less than 250 people or have a turnover below £36m.

To apply for grant funding, please use the online eligibility checker.

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Conference hears how digital upskilling and a human-first approach is key to developing resilient post pandemic future workforce

With demand for digital skills increasing by 36% in the last 12 months, digital upskilling in schools, colleges and businesses will be key to Chesterfield thriving post pandemic. That was the message from leaders at this year’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference.

At the virtual, live-streamed conference, it was revealed that the pandemic has brought digital skills to the forefront of work and education and opened up a number of exciting new employment opportunities in the low carbon economy.

Leaders speaking at the fifth annual conference stressed that collaboration between education providers and businesses is key to young people taking advantage of these opportunities post 16 and thriving in the workforce post pandemic.

Speaking at the conference Rachel Quinn, Head of People and Skills at D2N2 LEP said: “Covid has given us the impetus to push forward to use and develop technology to connect people and work better. However, we have to make sure that everyone can participate and make sure the connectivity exists and that everyone has the digital access and skills they need to succeed and thrive. Getting that connectivity right, for the economy and through into our education system is absolutely essential.”

Chesterfield College reported growth in the demand for digital skills in the area and has invested in a digital skills centre. James Lund, Interim Director of Sales at The Chesterfield College Group said: “Apprentice recruitment is starting to return to pre-Covid levels, and we anticipate digital skills being a growth area over the next two to three years. Similarly, we have also seen a growth in demand for apprenticeships in health and social care and construction.”

To ensure young people maximise the opportunities, headline speaker, author and former headteacher, Richard Gerver urged the conference to “look to our inner child in order to succeed and thrive in a post pandemic workforce.”

He said: “By changing our mindset and encouraging people to meet change and uncertainty with curiosity, awe, wonder and questioning rather than fear, young people will see the opportunities rather than obstacles.”

He warned of the long-term impact of change and uncertainty on the self-esteem of young people and urged people to remember the importance of softer skills alongside technical skills.

Mr Gerver added: “Covid has been the most horrific experience in most people’s lived experience but it won’t be the first or last time we have to cope with profound levels of change in our personal lives. All too often our reflex when dealing with a problem is to go direct to the technical or strategic solution, but we need to understand the human first and
that has never been more true than it is now, particularly when thinking about our future workforce.

“Dialogue between educators and businesses is more important than ever to support young people with career development. Real partnership is the key to success.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield reassured the conference that the council is committed to partnership working in order to ensure the future workforce have the post pandemic skills required by local employers.
She explained: “We’re not standing still in Chesterfield. We and our partners recognise that with change comes innovation and with challenge comes resilience. Building resilience and raising the aspirations of future generations is a priority for Chesterfield.

“Our aim is to continue to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses to ensure that our school and college leavers have the skills to access career opportunities available in the borough.”

The annual, free Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, and Destination Chesterfield, and is open to businesses, schools and education providers from across North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield businesses that wish to work with the Careers Hub, provide work experience or workplace visit opportunities, recruit apprentices or upskill existing employees, are encouraged to get in touch with Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council by emailing Emily.Williams@Chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 959717.

 

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Handelsbanken reports increases in both lending and deposit taking

Local relationship bank, Handelsbanken, has announced its 2020 results, showing ongoing increases in both lending and deposit-taking, as the Bank’s distinct model offers support to local customers through the ongoing crisis.

Handelsbanken saw a 1 per cent year-on-year increase in overall net lending to individual and corporate banking customers to £21.7bn.

The Bank also recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in overall customer deposits to £17.6bn, including 19 per cent growth in corporate deposits, in part reflecting its reputation for financial strength and solidity at this time.

Run by a team of 7 local bankers, Handelsbanken Chesterfield forms long-term, personal relationships with individuals and businesses in the North Derbyshire area, working closely with local customers to meet their distinct financial needs, both in the short and longer term.

Phil Walker, branch manager of Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield comments: “This has been a challenging last 12 months for everybody. However, what has stood out for me is people’s resilience, not least our customers and my branch staff, who have kept our branch open throughout.

We have successfully maintained the high levels of customer service that we are known for, and whilst we have met our customers in new ways, the relationships we have with them remain strong as a result. In turn, this has contributed to keeping the bank strong, safe and stable, as we continue supporting our customers through this uniquely difficult period”

Mikael Sorensen, UK CEO, says: “As a bank, we see it as our duty to stand strong and support our customers through the economic cycle. Over the last 12 months we have sought to fulfil this responsibility by keeping our branches open throughout, staying close to our customers and providing proactive support tailored to meet customers’ distinct needs.

“We’ve been encouraged by the trust our customers continue to place in us, which is well illustrated by the steady rise in deposits since the crisis began, as well as by how effectively we’ve been able to deal with any difficulties together. We remain focused on assisting our customers through these uncertain times, as well as helping them prepare for a world beyond the pandemic, both in terms of economic recovery and the longer-term transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Our local, relationship banking approach appears to be particularly valued at times like these. This year and beyond, we will be enhancing this approach through further investment in our digital capabilities. This investment is part of our plans to build a bank for the future, placing expertise and support closer to our branches so that our customers can choose how they want to engage with us and enjoy the best of both worlds – excellent personal service coupled with improved digital platforms and tools.”

Handelsbanken customers enjoy direct access to experienced branch teams who are empowered to make decisions locally and deliver high levels of customer satisfaction, without the presence of product or sales targets.

Handelsbanken’s successful formula has, for the fifth time, led to the Bank topping recommendations for its services in four of the five categories of the Competition and Markets Authority’s independent service quality survey for business banking, the results of which were published in August 20202. For the twelfth year in a row, Handelsbanken has been top-ranked for satisfaction, for both personal and business banking, in an independent survey of British bank customers3.

Handelsbanken plc has been assigned a long term credit rating of AA with a negative outlook by international credit ratings agency, Fitch; and a long term credit rating of AA-with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s. The ratings are the same as those given for the subsidiary’s Swedish parent, Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ), and confirm the Bank’s strength, stability and creditworthiness.

Businesses and individuals can contact Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch by calling 01246 231750.

Handelsbanken supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Champion of the Week

Phil Walker, Handelsbanken

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Peak Edge Hotel opens new ‘orangery’

The Peak Edge Hotel, a family owned 4-star, modern boutique hotel nestled on the edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park is set to open its new orangery extension in Spring 2021.

Renowned as one of the region’s leading wedding venues, The Peak Edge Hotel will be able to accommodate larger weddings, as well as providing more flexibility for all events. It enjoys its own dedicated bar area and boasts breath taking views over the hotel lake and Peak District National Park.

Combining historic style with modern facilities, including air conditioning, acoustically lined walls and disabled access, this purpose-built space can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, events, and celebrations.

Steve Perez, owner and chairman of Casa Hotel, The Peak Edge Hotel and Global Brands said: “Despite the global pandemic the government’s restrictions causing devastating effects on this industry and people’s livelihoods, we continue to strive and invest in The Peak Edge Hotel.

“We believe it is important to continuously improve our property to ensure we continue to offer the best venue, and award-winning experience.

“We cannot wait to welcome brides, grooms, guests, diners and residents back to The Peak Edge Hotel in the very near future.”

Boasting floor to ceiling windows, contrasting with stunning oak beams giving a wide view over the hotel’s lawns, the Orangery is especially opulent with leather upholstery, oak beam bar and open fireplace enhancing the period features and superb light quality of the room.

The popular luxury boutique hotel offers 27 bedrooms, and all boast stunning views over the Derbyshire Countryside, yet you are only a few miles from all major road networks. Historic Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, the market towns of Chesterfield, Bakewell & Matlock are all on the hotel’s doorstep.

The Peak Edge Hotel supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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University offers free funded consultancy to local businesses

The University of Derby is offering businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire funded consultancy free of charge as part of its commitment to helping the region thrive.

The consultancy service will give companies the opportunity to work alongside the university’s research and technical team to bring innovative new solutions to their organisation.

The project can relate to any area of business and support will be tailored toward the individual needs of each organisation. This could include getting a different perspective on a new idea for your organisation, or if your company is faced with a business problem that you would like support with.

Some of the areas which the University has already developed solutions for include:

  • Business processes and efficiencies
  • New product development
  • Identifying future opportunities
  • Marketing and market insight.

The University of Derby offers a wealth of expertise in a range of industries, from science and engineering to the arts and professional business services. The academic team are at the forefront of the latest industry developments, offering the highest standard of insight and research.

By taking part in the scheme, organisations will receive up to 40 hours of consultancy, and £500 towards any consumables that may be required.

Cara Roberts, Business Advisor at the University of Derby said: “We invite any Chesterfield business interested in exploring the opportunity to access our funded consultancy to contact us today, we look forward to reviewing how this could deliver real benefits to their organisation by addressing challenges or supporting innovation.”

If you would like to find out more about the University’s business consultancy services, or discuss working in partnership with them, Contact the Business Enquiry team on 0800 001 5500 or businessgateway@derby.ac.uk 

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

University of Derby St. Helena campus, Chesterfield

 

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Essential Site Skills Managing Director nominated for national award

The Managing Director of Essential Site Skills, Catherine Storer has been shortlisted as a nominee for the National Business Women’s Awards, taking place in May.

The National Business Women’s Awards are made up of 21 categories that allow any successful business in the UK to enter. All entries are judged by up to 4 of the national panel of judges.

Catherine is one of ten women shortlisted in the prestigious ‘Business Woman of the Year – Small’ category, with the awards night set to take place on May 14 at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington.

After finding out about her nomination, Catherine said: “I was so honoured to be announced as a finalist for Business Woman of the Year 2020. To be nominated and championed by my colleagues for such a prestigious award was an emotional moment for me.

“To have this kind of recognition is incredible, not only as a finalist but for my team that work so hard every day to make a difference to our industry, driving the company forward with unwavering and awe-inspiring abilities. All finalists should be so proud as these awards are empowering and encouraging for all woman in business.”

Essential Site Skills Ltd.  is an Award Winning, UK leading training provider with a reputation for their wealth of knowledge and quality of service within the industry.

The team is passionate about the industry and believe it’s their job to be innovative and creative in their teaching delivery to cater for all types of learners so they can meet their own goals and embrace development.

Their highly experienced trainers and testers ensure that all course participants leave with everything they need to be safe and efficient in the workplace and gain the type of industry card they want.

Essential Site Skills supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Opportunities highlighted by Chesterfield College on National Apprenticeship Week

During National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February), Learning Unlimited, the apprenticeship team at Chesterfield College, are highlighting the fact there are hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities available for anyone starting or developing a career in Derbyshire.

With over 97% of the employers they work with continuing to recruit apprentices, they say now is a great time to explore what apprenticeships can offer. They are holding a series of apprenticeship virtual advice evenings and workshops to help people find out more.

Learning Unlimited has helped hundreds of apprentices to start or develop their careers during the pandemic. They work with employers from various industry sectors who continue to develop their workforce and create exciting opportunities in areas such as engineering, construction, health and care, and business support.

With many headlines about the lack of employment opportunities for young people and redundancies across different industries hit hardest by the pandemic, Leah Shortt, Operations Manager at Learning Unlimited was keen to offer some hope to anyone affected.

She said:“Apprenticeships have always offered a way for people to build their future and I am pleased to say that with lots of new apprenticeship opportunities being created across Derbyshire, they are continuing to do so. Many of the employers we work with are delivering essential services and still need to build their workforce.

“Apprenticeships help them to do that at the same time as  giving young people, and those looking to retrain, an opportunity to get the start they need to develop their careers.

“A common myth is that apprenticeships are just for those starting out in the world of work. That isn’t the case. They offer the chance to get qualifications that may be equivalent to university level study, so they can be a perfect way for people to climb the career ladder and get noticed by their employers.

“Our series of advice evenings and application workshops will offer practical advice and support to help people make the most of opportunities that are available now and in the future. The team are looking forward to continuing to help people start their apprenticeship journey and build their career.”

The first virtual advice evening takes place on 11 February 5.30 – 6.30pm. To find out more and register for this event or others in the series visit www.learningunlimiteduk.com/events/.

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Chesterfield businesses get Shop Appy

Chesterfield businesses can now sign up to the Shop Appy web platform for free.

Shop Appy is a one stop, local, online support platform which enables customers to see what local shops and services have to offer, all in one place. 

Many independent businesses in Chesterfield have been looking at new ways to adapt and innovate during the Covid lockdowns. Chesterfield Borough Council has partnered with Derbyshire County Council to help businesses take advantage of the fast growing Shopappy.com.

The Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which is made up of Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and other district councils, has paid for the membership fee to the ShopAppy.com platform for local businesses. This free membership will last until November 2021.

As part of the Supporting Our High Street campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, is a new push to get more Chesterfield businesses to sign up for free to Shop Appy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Shop Appy is another helping hand for our businesses. Many have already adapted, and offer click & collect or delivery services, but the option to have Shop Appy free until November 2021 is a great addition to their business offer.

“As part of our campaign – Supporting Our High Street – we are promoting the benefits of taking advantage of this offer for businesses to use Shop Appy for free. Our businesses need our support now more than ever. Shopping online, but making the local choice, and using our favourite local businesses is what we must do.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with businesses to encourage sign up to the Shop Appy platform. Any business needing support with Shop Appy can contact the council’s town centre engagement officer, Rebecca Bland, by emailing Rebecca.bland@chesterfield.gov.uk

Businesses can register for Shop Appy at www.shopappy.com/vendor

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NLT throws a lifeline to Chesterfield youngster whose army career dreams were cut short by COVID-19

A young man who had has dreams of a career in the Paratroopers cruelly cut short by the pandemic, has been put on a new employment path thanks to NLT Training Services’ Step Into Employment programme.

Seventeen-year-old Josh Gaynor from Ashgate in Chesterfield left school last year to join the army as a junior soldier at the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate. Unfortunately, COVID outbreaks and subsequent quarantining meant his platoon missed weeks of vital training, so were set home.

Returning home, Josh struggled to get employment so enrolled on NLT’s Step Into Employment programme. Through the free six-week programme he is now undertaking vital work experience at The Kelstedge pub on Matlock Road.

Although the pub is closed during lockdown, it is doing takeaway food Friday to Sunday each week. Josh has joined the kitchen team on a part-time basis and is helping with meal preparation.

Josh commented: “I was gutted to leave AFC Harrogate but I am very relieved to be able to start something new. I am finding it really fun at The Kelstedge. I am working with a good set of people.”

Once the pub fully re-opens landlord and owner Simon Oxspring hopes to offer Josh paid employment and a permanent role on the team.

He commented: “Not knowing what demand would be like when we launched our takeaway service, the Step into Employment programme was an excellent way for us to provide someone with much-needed work experience and also determine whether we would be in a position to create a new salaried role.

“Josh has really impressed us and we’re looking forward to welcoming him to the team permanently once we are allowed to re-open fully.”

Prior to undertaking work experience at The Kelstedge, Josh received employability coaching at NLT’s offices in Brimington. This enabled him to compile his CV and also look at areas that best matched his skill set and interests. After receiving the offer of work experience, Step into Employment funded the completion of Josh’s Food Hygiene certificate to ensure he was work-ready.

NLT Training Services launched the free six-week Step Into Employment programme last year following the award of a Community Funds Grant.

Prioritising 16 – 24-year-olds, a group which has seen the biggest rise in unemployment since the pandemic, the programme is open to anyone who is currently not in employment, education or training.

Step Into Employment covers a number of practical work-ready skills, including CV preparation, interview techniques, cover letter writing and job search support as well as work experience at local companies operating in a range of sectors.

If you would like to find out more about how you can get involved with the Step into Employment programme, please get in touch with Janice Parker on 07947 550 571 or email janice.parker@nlt-training.co.uk.

NLT Training Services supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Innovation enables The Sanitaryware Supplies Company to flourish during the pandemic

Chesterfield’s Sanitaryware Supplies Company has seen an upturn in sales during the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to an innovative hygiene solution which has helped in the fight against the virus.

The foot-operated hand sanitising station came about because the company was selling wall mounted one-litre sanitiser dispensers online, but were asked on a few occasions if it could provide a bulk product which could dispense both gel and foaming soap from larger containers.

Designers then took the product a step further by creating a “no touch solution” for use in both indoor and outdoor settings.

The unit is operated by pressing a pedal at the front, which in turn dispenses liquid gel or foaming soap gel (at the choice of the customer) through an aluminium nozzle. All parts used on the units are supplied from local companies.

The design of the new sanitising station also means fewer changes of the liquid and a lockable unit which prevents the theft of hand washing gel.

Andy Dukelow, director at The Sanitaryware Supplies Company said: “As far as we are aware it is the only foot-operated dispenser on the market which can offer both types of dispensing (gel and foam). Also we have the only unit which is fully enclosed and lockable and can dispense 5,10 or 20 litre bulk-fill containers.”

The first sales of the new sanitising station were individual units to schools, factories and restaurants, followed by a national soap and gel manufacturer who wanted to take them into their portfolio to offer alongside their liquids.

Andy added: “We have since supplied them to schools, Amazon warehouses, cleaning companies, rail workshops amongst others and recently Chesterfield Football Club as a trial site for stadia.

“We have had good feedback from them and have already had enquiries for future units into local football clubs once crowds are allowed back in. In total we have sold over 150 units to date, starting in August 2020.

“We think that once we are out of lockdown, the sales will once again increase as we already have an enquiry for 500 units pending for another national company.

Sales of the new foot-operated sanitising stations, along with other projects such as new ‘Dado panels’ which are used on the inside of rail carriages, enabled the firm to achieve sales over and above those achieved in the same period of 2019 by 40%.

Andy said: “As part of our hygiene and handwashing portfolio we have supplied a large number of hygiene disposal units and scrub up troughs to the NHS, care homes and health centres as they increased their Covid compliance.

“We have also supplied washroom air fresheners to schools, where under new guidance all schools should ensure pupils wash their hands before entering.”

The Sanitaryware Supplies Company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Bridge Help launches new co-funding division

Chesterfield champion and commercial bridging loan company, Bridge Help has launched a new co-funding division of the business.

The new division, Bridge Help Ventures, offers people the opportunity to fund alongside Bridge Help in short-term commercial bridging loans and make attractive returns in a low-risk environment.

Bridge Help Ventures is offering returns of up to 12% and quarterly interest payments to people looking for an alternative to stocks and shares.

Funded by private individuals, Bridge Help has seen a surge in loan applications since the start of the pandemic as major banks and building societies have struggled to react quickly in the fast-moving commercial property market. Bridge Help, however, has been able to turn around loan applications, utilising video conferencing software, in as little as seven days.

The response rate of Bridge Help, which has been praised by brokers and lenders, coupled with global stock market uncertainty and the low interest rates on savings, has created the perfect platform to launch Bridge Help Ventures.

The platform showcases a range of opportunities, including industrial, Buy-to-Let, leisure, offices and retail property, which are open to prospective co-funders. Bridge Help does not offer investment advice, just solid opportunities for those who wish to take them up.

Chief Executive of Bridge Help Chris Sellars explained: “In a fast-moving market, Bridge Help has offered commercial property investors the chance to act decisively. This has led to an increase in applications which we are now in a position to share, via Bridge Help Ventures, with individuals who wish to make significantly increased returns compared to high street lenders.”

Bridge Help Ventures brings private funders alongside Bridge Help to fund a short-term loan, ensuring all interests are aligned and the risk shared. All loans are also backed by Legal Charge over property as well as being guaranteed, in order to give co-funders further peace of mind.

Chris added: “What we have seen in the pandemic is that there are people with money who want to do more with it than simply have it stagnate in a bank account. By the same token, they don’t want to take unnecessary risks and incur the expense and worry that goes hand in hand with the stock market and investment property.

“Bridge Help Ventures is an attractive alternative for savers and investors. We would not ask anyone to put money into something we would not ourselves. Additionally, co-funders do not incur upfront or ongoing investment costs compared to owning their own investment property. Similarly, property is secured against the loan which means, that if the worst happens and the lender defaults on the loan, we can take ownership of the property to recover monies.”

Despite the pandemic, last year saw Bridge Help remain on track with its growth ambitions, recruiting three new team members, approving more than £10 million in UK loans and relocating to larger premises in Chesterfield.

Chris added: “I am very excited for the future of Bridge Help and look forward to welcoming co-funders onboard through Bridge Help Ventures. The current financial climate has shown a very real need for alternative lenders other than high street banks.”

To learn more about Bridge Help Ventures and current available co-funding opportunities, please visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk/co-funding or get in touch by calling 033 3303 4681.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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