Demand conditions in the East Midlands soften as 2025 begins

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Latest Regional Growth Tracker survey data from NatWest signalled a renewed decline in business activity at the start of 2025 amid subdued demand conditions. The headline NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index registered at 49.8 in January, down from 50.7 in December, to signal a renewed fall in output at firms in the region. The decrease in activity was the first seen since July 2024, albeit only fractional overall. Panellists noted that subdued demand conditions drove the decline, as new orders fell again. Nonetheless, East Midlands firms remained confident of a rise in output over the next year. Average cost burdens faced by firms increased at a sharper pace in the opening month of 2025. Higher input prices were linked to greater wage bills and increased energy tariffs. In a bid to protect margins, East Midlands firms raised their selling prices during January. The pace of charge inflation picked up to the fastest since December 2023 and was sharper than the series average. Panellists sought to pass through greater costs to customers. Lisa Phillips, Regional Managing Director, Midlands and East, Commercial Mid Markets, said: “Whilst the opening month of 2025 saw a challenging demand environment for East Midlands firms, the region started the year in a more stable place than other parts of the country, however. “Businesses remained upbeat in their outlook for the coming year. “Encouragingly, firms were able to pass through some of the increase in costs to their customers, via higher selling prices. Inflationary pressures were strong, but nonetheless, input price and output charge hikes in the region were less marked than at the UK level. “The Bank of England’s interest rate cut last week means that policy is now less restrictive, with further loosening expected in the year ahead.” Performance in relation to UK The fall in output at firms in the East Midlands was only fractional, but contrasted with a marginal increase in activity seen at the UK level. Panellists noted that subdued demand conditions drove the decline, as new orders fell again, and at the fastest pace since June 2024. Lower new orders were often attributed to weak customer confidence amid challenging economic conditions, and the resulting efforts by clients to reduce costs. The fall in new orders was stronger than the UK average, meanwhile. Nevertheless, businesses were positive in their expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming year in January. Optimism among companies reportedly stemmed from new product development, investment in new facilities and hopes of stronger demand conditions. That said, the degree of confidence slipped from that seen in December. Of the 12 monitored UK areas, only the West Midlands and London were more upbeat regarding their prospects. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence suggested that lower employment was due to reduced new order inflows and cut-backs to temporary and part-time workers. The rate of contraction was strong and the second-fastest since September 2023. The pace of decline was broadly in line with the UK average, however. At the same time, companies in the East Midlands depleted their backlogs of work at the weakest rate in three months at the start of the year. Panellists stated that subdued demand conditions enabled them to work through incomplete business. Although sharper than the long-run series average, the pace of decline was slower than the UK average. Cost burdens rose at a quicker pace in January. The rate of input cost inflation was historically elevated and the fastest since April 2024, albeit just below the UK average. Subsequently, firms raised their output charges in January, although the rate of increase in selling prices was slightly less marked than the UK average.

Aggregate Industries makes contracting business MD

Aggregate Industries has appointed Kevin Murgatroyd as MD for its contracting business. HIs promotion follows more than two years with Aggregate Industries, having . He joined the business as Regional Director for the South in 2022, managing ten Asphalt plants and the southern contracting business. Since April last year he has had overall responsibility for the Contracting division and its circa 400 employees. The MD role will now see Kevin lead on the business’ strategy development, maintaining key customer relationships with National Highways and other tier one and two contractors, as well as ensuring strict compliance to sustainability targets. He said: “I’m delighted to have taken up the role of Managing Director for Aggregate Industries’ Contracting business and stepping up to the Executive Committee. Having joined the company two years ago, I can already see the incredible work Aggregate Industries offer to its customers, not only in the services and products we provide, but doing so sustainably. “To work for a company that has such a clear desire to do better for the planet, in a traditionally carbon-intensive industry is really exciting, and there’s so many strides we can take in the Contracting business especially to lower our carbon footprint in our transportation and the products we supply. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with them.” CEO Lee Sleight said: “Kevin has a proven track record in leading the operations for a number of high-profile companies, and at the same time demonstrating significant growth and improved profit margins. Since joining us in 2022 he has shown incredible leadership skills and strategic thinking and is so very deserving of his promotion to Managing Director for our Contracting business. I look forward to working with him closer as he joins the Executive Committee at an incredible time of growth for Aggregate Industries.”

Chamber opens first quarterly economic survey of 2025

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Performance in sales and orders, challenges in hiring staff and anticipated profit are among insight to be reported by the region’s businesses as East Midlands Chamber opens its first Quarterly Economic Survey of 2025. Business leaders from multiple sectors are being urged to share experience and expectations for the months ahead across areas ranging from investment intention to future pricing. Corporate taxation, inflation and business rates were the greatest concerns of businesses in the most recent survey, conducted after the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget. Compiled from a combination of measurable data and sentiment, the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey is a key indicator of challenges and opportunities identified by East Midlands businesses.  The findings are recognised by economists, the Bank of England and the government.  East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “The last Quarterly Economic Survey painted an alarming picture – an almost total turnaround in all measures, with nearly all the data tracking business performance and projected growth pointing in a negative direction.  Businesses reported significant drops in sales and orders, both within the UK and overseas; the number of businesses saying they plan to pull back on recruitment doubled and there was a huge fall of 38% in businesses expecting to make a profit. “When businesses are in a good place, they tend to cite competition as one of their primary concerns and will often have plans to spend on things like machinery or increased headcount. Those are signs of healthy, confident operation.  In the last survey, we saw protective measures taking shape, with investment plans stalling and corporate taxation, inflation and business rates soaring to the top of reported worries. Reeling from the tough announcements made in the Autumn Budget, requiring firms to prepare for higher costs from April this year, the picture seemed to be a general tightening of the belt. “Tracking the changing experience of East Midlands businesses is vital and having a wide range of respondents provides the most useful results.  This is the first Quarterly Economic Survey of 2025 and I’d urge businesses of all sizes to take a few moments to share their experiences and expectations for the months ahead.”

Construction Skills Hub launches degree level apprenticeship

The Construction Skills Hub has launched a new degree level apprenticeship programme to help people access the skills they need for a great career in Chesterfield. At the Hub students will be able to undertake an apprenticeship and earn a degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering from the University of Derby. The Construction Skills Hub, funded through the Staveley Town Deal,  is run in partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College and the University of Derby. Currently more than 40 students are studying on the site earning trade-based qualifications in things like groundworks, brickwork, joinery and more through Chesterfield College. Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic that this qualification can now be delivered through the Construction Skills Hub – for our economy to grow we need to build, and I know this facility will help create the next generation of skilled construction workers. “Apprenticeships offer a great opportunity for anyone to develop their skills whilst also earning, and it was important that through the Construction Skills Hub we can support apprenticeships that offer higher level skills. “I look forward to welcoming the new students to the site when they begin their studies in September.” The launch of the new degree apprenticeship programme coincides with National Apprenticeship Week – a chance to celebrate apprenticeships and recognise the important role they play in helping to develop skills for life. Professor Chris Bussell, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby is delighted to be in partnership working with Chesterfield College and Chesterfield Borough Council, to deliver real-world applied learning through apprenticeships across the construction sector. The Construction Skills Hub provides fantastic opportunities for learners to gain valuable qualifications in construction management, quantity surveying and higher-level construction skills. “The University of Derby has vast experience in delivering apprenticeships with the recent OFSTED provision highlighting many of the good aspects of our provision. Apprenticeships provide an excellent opportunity for people to earn whilst they learn and to achieve qualifications through to degree level that will provide them a strong basis for a successful career in their chosen field. “Working closely with industry, as we are through the Construction Skills Hub, is a strategic priority for the University and we are delighted to be working across Chesterfield to provide multiple opportunities to learners.”

Midlands businesses struggling to secure additional funding required to support growth

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New research from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP reveals that while many companies in the Midlands anticipate needing extra funding for growth this year, most expect a struggle to secure it. The firm’s research, which surveyed 800 businesses in the UK, finds that 70% expect that they’ll need to apply for additional funding this year. The most common amount expected to be needed was between £10m – £25m. The top reasons noted for this extra funding are to ‘invest in new premises or equipment’ and to ‘invest in R&D or new service offerings’. Over one quarter of those who required funding also said that it would be needed to manage challenges in the market, including to ‘support liquidity requirements linked to challenging trading conditions’ (29%) and to manage the impact of ‘increasing employment costs’ (26%). However, many businesses do not anticipate it will be easy to secure the extra funding their business requires. In fact, over two thirds (68%) said that their business is currently finding it hard to access new sources of funding. The majority (69%) are utilising alternative lending sources, with the number of businesses who would consider funding from alternative funding sources (82%) such as asset-backed loans or specialist credit funds, or a debt fund, being the same as those who would consider a traditional bank loan (82%). Larger businesses are also much more confident that their existing lender would support their additional funding needs (92%) compared to the medium-sized businesses surveyed (80%). They are also found to have more flexibility with the funding sources available to them, with 83% of larger businesses prepared to move to a new lender that may be more expensive but offered better terms, compared to 68% of medium-sized businesses. This may reflect the fact that medium-sized businesses’ confidence in their funding position has been on a steady decline throughout 2024 and remained stagnant in December, at -9 percentage points (pp) lower than the start of the year. A lack of funding is also found to be constraining all businesses’ abilities to boost their productivity levels. Of the 68% who noted this as an issue, the biggest barriers they are facing when accessing new funding sources are:
  • The complexity or length of the funding application process
  • Regulatory barriers or compliance requirements
  • Limited availability of affordable financing options
Almost three quarters (73%) of the businesses surveyed believe that the Government needs to do more to help improve access to private sources of funding for businesses. These businesses believe that the Government should prioritise the below actions to address this issue:
  • Improve partnerships with private financial institutions to expand access
  • Implement policies that incentivise private investment in local businesses
  • Enhance tax incentives for private investors in high-growth sectors
Matt Buckingham, practice leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP in the Midlands, said: “Access to funding is obviously a powerful dynamic in driving growth across our region, and while businesses of all sizes expect they’ll need additional support this year, few are expecting it to be a straightforward process. “Higher interest rates are an ongoing challenge in the wider market, along with rising input and labour costs – exacerbated by the increases to employer NI contributions and National Minimum Wage announced in the Budget – and, for some sectors, exposure to waning consumer confidence. These issues are likely increasing businesses’ need for further funding while also impacting their ability to access it.” Jon Bramwell, a Director within the Clients & Markets Debt Advisory Practice for Grant Thornton, said: “The debt markets have recovered significantly over the last year and our expectation is that this will continue through 2025. Whilst the base rate is still higher than it has been, it has stabilised, and it’s anticipated that it will reduce further over the medium term. “Lenders do however have a high bar and are sensitive to the challenges in the macro-economic environment, particularly in sectors such as retail and leisure where businesses’ financial performance is driven by discretionary spending. “The impacts of the October Budget on National Insurance and National Minimum Wage have also been factored into credit decisions as this has directly impacted the financial outlook for many businesses. This means that it is vital for businesses to know which funders to approach and how best to present their business in a balanced way. “Liquidity across the debt markets has never been greater and the various options available means that there are numerous potential avenues and types of lenders for businesses to approach – with the British Business Bank confirming that 50% of new money lent in the UK now comes from sources other than the high street. “Whilst this variety is positive, it can be challenging to navigate the market as accessing new or additional funding can be a complex process and so preparation is key. All businesses need to be able to demonstrate strong business fundamentals, including evidence of performance, robust and maintainable revenues, and controlled costs.”

Marked fall in number of permanent staff appointments in the Midlands

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The latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global, saw the number of permanent staff placements fall for the eighth consecutive month across the Midlands at the start of 2025. The decrease was marked and softened only slightly from that seen in December. Temp billings meanwhile, rose only fractionally as the rate of increase eased to the softest in the current ten-month sequence. Demand for staff was contracted, as vacancies for both permanent and temporary roles reduced during January, with the latter seeing the steepest fall since May 2020. On the pay front, permanent salary inflation gained momentum for the second month in a row and was at a four-month high. Similarly, temp pay rates rose at the quickest pace since last October. The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: Midlands is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 100 recruitment and employment consultancies in the Midlands. Eighth consecutive decrease in permanent staff appointments The number of staff placed into permanent roles fell across the Midlands in January, extending the current sequence to eight months. Recruiters linked the sustained reduction to a lack of demand from clients as well as reports of recruitment freezes in response to upcoming changes in employment law. All four monitored English regions saw permanent placements fall in January, with the Midlands seeing the second-softest decline, after London. January data saw the number of billings received for temporary staff employment broadly stall across the Midlands. The seasonally adjusted Temporary Billings Index was only just above the neutral 50.0 threshold, as recruiters mentioned a lack of jobs coming through agencies. Although fractional, the Midlands was the only region to post a rise in temporary billings. Latest data pointed to an eighth consecutive monthly decrease in demand for permanent staff in the Midlands. The pace of reduction eased slightly but remained robust overall. Of the four monitored regions, only London saw a softer fall in vacancies than the Midlands. Temp vacancies fell for the fifth month in a row in January. The decrease was sharp and the most severe since May 2020. Nevertheless, the downturn was the softest of the four monitored English regions. Permanent staff availability rises at softer yet still marked rate Adjusted for seasonal factors, the Permanent Staff Availability Index signalled a twenty-second consecutive monthly increase in permanent candidate numbers in January. There were reports that the uplift in staff supply was linked to a rise in redundancies. The rate of increase was marked but the least prominent in three months. The rise in the Midlands was the strongest of the four monitored regions. Temp staff availability across the Midlands picked up again at the start of 2025, extending the current sequence to 21 months. Recruiters mentioned a lack of temporary contracts being available which pushed candidate numbers higher. The rate of growth in temp staff supply slowed from December and was the softest since last August. Starting salary inflation gains momentum in January Recruiters across the Midlands continued to record an increase in starting salaries for permanent workers in January, thereby stretching the current sequence of uplifts which began in March 2021. Some panellists mentioned that the rise was due to higher salary offers to attract suitably skilled staff. The rate of starting salary inflation strengthened from the previous survey period to reach the highest since last September. The Midlands recorded the strongest salary growth of the four monitored English regions. Average hourly pay for short-term staff rose for the second time in as many months at the start of the year. Where temp wages increased, anecdotal evidence suggested the rise was due to a shortage of skilled staff. The rate of increase was solid, and the steepest for three months. Kate Holt, People Consulting Partner at KPMG in the Midlands, said: “Businesses in the Midlands are maintaining a highly cautious approach when it comes to making permanent hires, and the eight-month trend of declining appointments is likely to be extended until the new tax year at least. “Growth of temporary billings in the region have also stalled, in a clear sign that the impending employers National Insurance rate rise alongside ongoing economic pressures are weighing heavy on employers’ confidence. “Wage increases also continue to dominate the local market, with starting salaries for both permanent and temporary staff in the Midlands now escalating above the national average. As employers are forced to offer higher starting salaries to attract and retain talent, this will only serve to exacerbate wage inflation further. All this points to the Midlands job market remaining challenging throughout 2025.” Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “Businesses entered the year uncertain on the growth path, and that has driven a ‘wait and see’ approach to hiring. Around the country, REC members report that clients have plans and are hopeful for the year ahead – but firms are slowing investment until they see more momentum in the economy. “This explains why temporary staff employment broadly stalled across the Midlands, although the Midlands and London had softer declines in permanent hiring than elsewhere in England, however. “Last week’s move on interest rates was timely as a way of boosting confidence. The more central role of growth in Government thinking since the Chancellor’s speech last month will also help. But it takes time, and real action, to build business confidence. “An autumn of fiscal gloom, difficulty navigating significant upcoming tax rises and little progress on the practicalities of a costly new approach to employment rights are all acting as brakes on progress. As well as the monetary stimulus to growth, it’s time for greater clarity on how the Government will use its industrial strategy to drive the growth of the whole economy.”

Light Science Technologies signs deal with US agri-giant

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Light Science Technologies Holdings (LSTH) has signed a new distribution deal that could expand the Derbyshire-headquartered firm’s reach in the UK and Europe. The agreement with Agrolux, a global horticulture lighting supplier, gives LSTH exclusive rights to sell its partner’s LED lighting system in the UK and Ireland under the ‘Agrolux presented by Light Science’ brand. There’s also potential to take the partnership further into Europe over time. For growers, this means more options when it comes to energy-efficient lighting. LSTH will offer Agrolux’s LED Wega product line alongside its own nurturGROW sustainable lighting range, combining these with its sensor and installation services. The deal strengthens Light Science’s position in the controlled environment agriculture market, where it already has a growing pipeline of potential projects. If all goes well, the partnership could work both ways, with Agrolux eventually selling Light Science products through its global network. The initial pipeline of quoted projects in the UK and Europe stands at over £10 million, with Light Science aiming to convert these opportunities by leveraging Agrolux’s 20 years of expertise in agronomy. Agrolux is part of Gavita International, which is owned by Scotts Miracle-Gro, a major player in the lawn and garden industry with a market cap of $3.9 billion. “We are delighted to have established this distribution agreement with such a prestigious partner that is part of the Scotts Miracle-Gro group,” said LSTH Chief Executive Simon Deacon. “The opportunity to work with Argolux and provide an expanded product range to existing and new clients provides an exciting opportunity for us to target a wider end audience. “This partnership presents significant potential future benefits for us to expand our global presence and reach as we work on complementary opportunities.”

Small firms call for £3k incentive to help them take on apprentices

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Increasing the financial incentive for small businesses that employ an apprentice could help encourage more to do so, according to new data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). To mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week in England, which starts today (Monday 10 February), the business group has released statistics that found almost half (47%) of small business employers say reintroducing a £3,000 incentive would encourage them to take on apprentices. Of those small firms that currently employ an apprentice, almost three quarters (73%) say the financial incentive could mean taking on more in the future. Currently, employers are given £1,000 when they hire an apprentice under 19 years old. FSB is calling on Government to use the summer’s Spending Review to update this to a £3,000 incentive for those hiring an apprentice under 25 years old, exclusively for SMEs. FSB data also highlighted that 36% of small business employers who currently employ apprentices say reduced admin or paperwork would encourage them to take on more. FSB wants Government to introduce a standardised way of tracking both on and off the job training that apprentices do. This is currently done by apprenticeship providers, all of which have differing approaches, creating more work for employers. Latest Government statistics show that although the number of apprenticeship starts has increased overall, lower-level apprenticeships, which are traditionally done by smaller firms have fallen. More needs to be done to encourage more small firms to take on entry-level apprentices. FSB is calling on Government to set targets to increase the number of apprenticeship starts in small businesses across the parliament. Tina McKenzie, FSB Policy Chair, said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a great opportunity to shine a light on all the fantastic small businesses out there that currently employ apprentices – nurturing their skills, while at the same time growing their business. “Our members who employ apprentices often tell us how they help fill skills gaps in their team, and also bring in fresh new ideas. “We’d love to see the starts numbers increasing and more small firms taking on apprentices, particularly at the entry-level. Our research shows what a difference bringing back the £3,000 incentive, which was briefly introduced during the pandemic, would make to the numbers. The Government has an opportunity to make a difference on this at the Spending Review in June. “With so many struggling with the admin side of taking on an apprentice, it’s clear time and resources are in short supply for small businesses, most of which don’t have a separate HR team. Providing financial incentives would help to offset this.”

WBR Group further strengthens market position with strategic hires

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WBR Group, the independent provider of SSAS administration and tax advisory services, has appointed three new members to its sales team. Charlie Dewey joins as Director of Distribution with Nick White and James Cannon joining as Business Development Consultants. They join Alan Godbeer, SSAS Sales Director who has been with the firm for 15 years and has a deep understanding of DBSSAS. Charlie will report to David Santaney, Chief Commercial Officer at WBR, and Nick and James will report to Charlie, as will Alan. These appointments mark a significant step in WBR Group’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional SSAS services and continuing to expand its market presence and coverage of the UK. Charlie Dewey joins from the SIPP and SSAS platform specialist, Curtis Banks, having spent almost 14 years at the firm, most recently as the Head of Sales. He brings a wealth of experience in the SSAS sector and will be instrumental in driving the growth of WBR Group’s SSAS book, ensuring that advisers and new direct clients receive the highest level of service and support. He will work closely with Peter Collier, Director of Marketing and Brand, and Caitlin Southall who recently joined WBR Group as Head of SSAS Proposition. Charlie will be covering the Leicester and Midlands area and London. Nick White joins from Wesleyan where he was Regional Sales Manager for Yorkshire and the Northeast. He has over 17 years’ experience and has a robust background in sales and client management. Nick has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth and build strong client relationships. Prior to his tenure at Wesleyan, Nick was the Regional Sales Director at WestBridge SSAS, where he successfully expanded the firm’s market presence in the same region. James Cannon has over 22 years’ experience in the specialist pensions sector and joins WBR from Embark Group, where he excelled as a Corporate Relationship Manager. In this capacity, he managed institutional sales and supported both new and prospective clients, showcasing his strong relationship building skills. With a proven track record in the financial services sector, James has consistently driven growth and delivered outstanding service and previously worked at Rowanmoor. His expertise and dedication to client satisfaction will be invaluable as he takes on the role of Business Development Consultant for the Northwest of England. Martin Tilley, COO of WBR Group, said: “The SSAS sector is still experiencing growth and transformation, and it’s crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve. By bringing on board Charlie, Nick, James, and Caitlin, we are not only enhancing our sales capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional service and expertise. “These strategic hires and our recent strategic acquisitions of Brunel Trustees and Censeo Actuarial will enable us to better serve our clients and capitalise on the opportunities within the SSAS market and wider actuarial and legal opportunities. “We have always believed that maintaining personal connections and offering tailored, high quality support are key to navigating the complexities of the SSAS sector. Our new team members will play a pivotal role in ensuring we continue to lead the industry and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.” Charlie Dewey, Director of Distribution at WBR, added: “The SSAS sector is still a vibrant one and such a useful planning tool for SMEs and family businesses. So, when I was looking for my next challenge, being able to be part of the growth story of WBR was too good to miss. “I am really looking forward to continuing the excellent work undertaken by Peter and Alan, that has seen the business grow to be the largest independent SSAS administrator in the UK. To continue this growth trajectory, and be able to support advisers and direct clients, we need to build a bigger sales team and we will continue to do this with additional hires.”

Solicitors expand reach into Chesterfield with Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre move

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A firm of solicitors has expanded its reach into Chesterfield, following a move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in the heart of the town. Best Solicitors has identified Chesterfield as a place where it can build stronger connections with the local community, support new clients, and further strengthen ties with businesses and individuals throughout the area. Ellie Whitehead, a legal advisor at Best Solicitors, said: “Our new office, conveniently located at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, is strategically positioned to make our services more accessible and convenient for everyone in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. “The offices themselves are modern and serviced to an amazing standard and easily accessible for all forms of travel with a car park located right next to us. “This new location not only brings us closer to those who need expert legal advice but also allows us to extend our solicitor support to the people of Chesterfield. We are truly excited about this opportunity and the positive impact it will have on the community.” Ellie added that Chesterfield’s recent investment in new businesses at the enterprise centres in Tapton and Dunston were also an incentive. To coincide with the move, Best Solicitors has teamed up with an assistance dogs charity to offer free wills to people in the area. Support Dogs is a charity that relies heavily on the donations left to the charity in wills. In fact, one in three of its life-saving support dogs would not exist without this support. The good cause trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy or a physical disability to live safer, more independent lives. Danny Anderson, head of fundraising at Support Dogs, said schemes like free wills are hugely important to small charities. He added: “We are so grateful to Best Solicitors for being part of this scheme. “Charities like Support Dogs rely heavily on the donations left to us in wills. “They really do make a life-changing difference to the people we help. It leaves a real lasting legacy and tribute to their life as well.”