A specialist in agricultural and commercial insurance, Dallas Scott Davey (DSD), has appointed Toby Baker as part of its strategic growth and ongoing specialisation in estates and farm insurance. Toby, a highly experienced rural risks insurance broker, will be an integral part of the Lincoln team, heading up the company’s expansion into Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties. Toby lives in Pilton, Northamptonshire, and joins DSD, which is part of the TL Dallas Group, following a long and successful career at Lycetts. He will focus on serving farming and estate clients across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, and beyond. As part of DSD’s expansion strategy, the company also plans to establish a satellite office within a livestock mart, providing a local physical presence to better serve clients in the region. “I’m thrilled to be joining DSD at such an exciting time for the business,” said Toby. “The family and employee-owned company’s commitment to providing specialist agricultural insurance solutions aligns perfectly with my experience and passion for supporting rural businesses. I look forward to growing the client base and offering tailored insurance solutions across the region.” Ed Davey, co-founder of DSD, said: “Toby’s wealth of experience in farm and estate insurance makes him a fantastic addition to the team. His deep understanding of rural risks and his commitment to outstanding client service will be instrumental in strengthening our presence beyond our Lincolnshire heartland. We are delighted to have him on board.”

Andrew Byrne, group property development director of The Devonshire Group, has been officially announced as the new chair of Destination Chesterfield. Business leaders and key stakeholders from across the town were updated on Andrew’s election to the role at Celebrate Chesterfield 2025. Held at the Winding Wheel Theatre, the annual conference brought together the local business community to outline the future of Destination Chesterfield’s promotion of the town. Andrew will lead the strategic direction of the Destination Chesterfield partnership alongside the Destination Chesterfield board and team, guiding the initiative as it continues to raise the profile of the town as a thriving place to live, work, visit and invest. His appointment to this voluntary position marks a new chapter in the mission to drive investment, support local businesses, and showcase Chesterfield’s unique identity. The post was previously held for more than a decade by Peter Swallow, managing director of Bolsterstone PLC. Speaking to delegates for the first time as chair, Andrew expressed his enthusiasm for the role: “I am delighted to step into the role as chair of Destination Chesterfield, and I’m excited to bring my passion for the local area to continue our progress. “I’m looking forward to working with partners to highlight the new East Midlands Investment Zone, which will bring highly skilled jobs in green industries and advanced manufacturing to the Staveley area. “We are also evolving into a town to experience – through the revitalisation of our high streets in Chesterfield and Staveley, an extension to Chesterfield Canal, and the ongoing development of the groundbreaking visitor attraction, PEAK Gateway Resort. “We continue to build quality housing for residents in Chesterfield, including increasing the number of homes around our town centre. My priority, and that of the Destination Chesterfield partnership, is to ensure this continued regeneration benefits residents and bolsters our communities, as we continue to promote Chesterfield as a prime location to live, work, visit and invest.” For 15 years, Destination Chesterfield has played a crucial role in supporting local economic growth and promoting Chesterfield as a contemporary destination. During his address at Celebrate Chesterfield 2025, Andrew provided an overview of the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which will guide the promotion of Chesterfield until April 2027. This will concentrate on four key areas of activity:

• A place to call home – Showcasing Chesterfield as an attractive place to live whilst also encouraging further residential development across the borough.
• Made in Chesterfield – Promoting manufacturing, engineering, and green industries to attract investment and drive growth, while inspiring future generations to pursue rewarding careers in these thriving sectors.
• Experience Chesterfield – Showcasing the town’s tourism, hospitality, and cultural offerings to attract new businesses to the town centre and high streets, encourage people to spend leisure time locally, and support the visitor economy, while positioning Chesterfield as a gateway to the Peak District National Park.
• Telling the Chesterfield story – Strengthening Chesterfield’s brand and reputation through effective storytelling and working alongside the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions to raise the profile of Chesterfield as a contemporary destination. In addition, supporting businesses to grow by signposting support and encouraging innovation.

Law firm Freeths has been appointed as a new supplier on Frasers Group’s legal panel. Shirebrook-based Frasers Group is a retail, sport and premium fashion business, marketing products for global brands such as Slazenger, Flannels, Sports Direct, GAME and Jack Wills, among others. This appointment will allow Freeths to deliver legal expertise to the company, advising across a range of national real estate and property litigation matters. Real estate partner Caroline Smith has been named as the client partner. She will be supported by partner Paul Tomkins and a wider, multi-disciplinary team. Caroline Smith said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to Frasers Group’s panel at a time of continued growth for the business, bucking the trend of the retail sector over the last few years. “With our own team here at Freeths expanding, this appointment is a real opportunity for us to combine the breadth and depth of expertise, helping to really strengthen and support the client’s operational strategy. “Having only joined Freeths in October, I’m delighted with this significant appointment and excited to work with the Frasers Group wide variety of brands.” Davinder Poonia, group head of real estate – legal – at Frasers Group, added: “We are delighted to welcome Freeths to our panel of solicitors. The firm’s expertise in the market and proven track record in the real estate industry will further strengthen our ability to navigate complex legal matters with confidence. “Caroline is a highly skilled and trusted real estate lawyer and an expert in the industry. Her deep industry knowledge, strategic approach and commitment to delivering practical, commercially sound solutions make them an invaluable asset. Her approach perfectly aligns with our core values of the business and being able to deliver without limits. “This partnership reflects our commitment to working with top-tier legal professionals who share our values of excellence and innovation. We look forward to a successful collaboration that enhances the support and solutions available to our business and welcome Freeths on our journey to building the planet’s most admired and compelling brand ecosystem.”