Author: Dom Stevens

Council consults on changes to learning disability support

10th January 2019

Residents are being asked for their views on proposals to change the way people with learning disabilities and autism are supported to lead fulfilling lives.

Derbyshire County Council plans to transform support so it focuses on an individual’s strengths to help them achieve personal goals rather than fitting people in to services that are available.

The introduction of the Care Act 2014 gave the council greater responsibility to ensure people with learning disabilities and autism lead independent lives.

Members of the county council’s Cabinet have approved the launch of a 12-week consultation which will run until 31 March 2019. Letters have been sent to everyone who currently uses learning disability services together with a questionnaire which they, their family and carers are invited to complete. Residents can also fill it in online.

A series of events have been planned for people who currently attend day services and their relatives and carers to give their views. The below events will be held in Chesterfield will run from 10am-12 noon on:

Monday 4 February – No Limits, Lower Ground Floor, West Street, Chesterfield, S40 4TY
Wednesday 27 February – Markham Vale Land Services, Unit 14, Markham Lane, Chesterfield, S44 5HY
Wednesday 13 March – Bolsover Day Centre, Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover, S44 6DJ

A meetings will also be held for young people with learning disabilities who are due to move from the support of children’s services on Monday 25 February – St Thomas Centre, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 3AW.

Other meetings have been planned for outside the Chesterfield area, please click here to find out more.

Places need to be booked by contacting the county council on 01629 531307 or emailing telladultcare@derbyshire.gov.uk

Under the council’s proposals:

People who are assessed as having the most complex needs could continue to use suitably equipped day centres to access community activities – although the activities and location offered may change
People who are newly-referred to the service but do not have complex needs would be offered one-to-one support to access activities which could include paid work, training or volunteering.
Current service users who are not assessed with complex needs can choose to continue using day services.
In the future everyone would be assessed under the council’s transport policy and if they are not eligible for support may have to make and pay for their own travel arrangements to and from the day centre.
The council would support voluntary and independent organisations to develop a wider range of opportunities available for people with learning disabilities and autism.
Redesign work-based day services offered by the council to become employment skills and training hubs. These would offer people the opportunity to receive training and support them into work and, where appropriate, paid employment.

Councillor Jean Wharmby, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “We want to make sure our services help people with learning disabilities lead fulfilling lives.”

“They have told us they want to be involved in their local community, going out with friends, learning new skills or getting a job.”

“Instead of trying to fit people in to services we have available, we are keen to make sure our support focuses on an individual’s strengths to help them achieve personal goals.”

The county council currently supports around 680 people aged from 18 to over 65 with learning disabilities – of those, around 460 currently attend a county council day centre. Figures show that the number of people, particularly younger people, using day centres has fallen. Of the 15 council-run centres around the county, 14 have empty places as people are choosing to do other things.

Councillor Wharmby added: “I’d like to reassure people that no decisions will be taken until we have heard everyone’s views as we are committed to working together to come up with a service shaped by the people it affects most.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Free Employability and Skills Conference to be held to ensure school leavers are work ready

9th January 2019

Business leaders and the education sector in North Derbyshire are being urged to come together to address employability and skills in the area at a free conference next month.

With more than 14,000 students in North Derbyshire set to gain their GCSE and A Level qualifications over the next five years, the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference aims to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses to ensure school leavers are work ready.

Returning for a third year, the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, will be held at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa from 8.00am – 10.30am on Wednesday 13 February 2019.

The conference is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, Gail Widerman of Placing Futures, D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network and Destination Chesterfield.

The conference is an opportunity for employers and education providers to develop solutions together that will ensure young people leaving education have both the skills employers in the area require and are also aware of the employment opportunities available to them.

One of the headline speakers at the event includes Brendan Kelly, Managing Director of Heathcotes Group, the industry-leading providers of residential care for adults which is headquartered in Chesterfield.

Brendan Kelly commented: “Bringing on talented and dedicated people through apprenticeships has been vital to Heathcotes’ success in what is currently a very challenging health and social care sector. Working with our learning partners, Chesterfield College, we have developed a work-based learning programme which has been very successful in developing long-term careers in this region, so we welcomed the opportunity to speak at this conference to advocate the enormous value of apprenticeships for school leavers and businesses alike.”

Mr Kelly will also be joined by representatives from Capgemini, Brookfield School and St Marys Roman Catholic High School, who will be speaking at the event.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, explained why the conference is so important to Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. He said: “One of the council’s priorities is to ensure that local people benefit from the economic growth that we are seeing in Chesterfield.

“We have to plan now for future opportunities like HS2 and some of the other large developments so that, when those jobs become available, local people are skilled and able to take advantage of them.

“People in well paid jobs get more life opportunities, which means their health and wellbeing tends to be better and they have more cash in their pocket. This means they can spend more in the local economy. In turn, this supports other jobs.”

Gail Widerman, Director of Placing Futures Ltd – an independent consultancy service based in Chesterfield which links vocational learning to schools and employers, said: “Research has shown if a young person has four or more encounters with people from the world of business from year 7 to 11, they are 86% less likely to leave school and fall into NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and on average earn 15% more in their working lifetime. The more engagement students have with businesses while in school helps inform their aspirations and choices post education. It also gives businesses the opportunity to inspire young people to look at careers in our local industries.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

One week left to apply for primary school places

8th January 2019

Parents have just one week left to apply for their child’s primary school place for September 2019.

Parents of children who were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 must apply to Derbyshire County Council by midnight on Tuesday 15 January 2019. Councillor Alex Dale,Cabinet Member for Young People said:

“Parents have just one week left to apply for their child’s primary school place so if you haven’t already applied please send us your application as soon as possible.”

“Applying before the deadline gives parents the best chance of getting a place for their child at their preferred school so please don’t leave it until the last minute.”

“It’s really quick and easy to apply online and we’re here to support you throughout the application process.”

Applying online is the easiest method. This allows parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. Anyone who applies this way will receive an email to confirm their application has been received and another email on Primary National Offer Day – Tuesday 16 April 2019 – stating the outcome of their application.

Apply for a primary school place.

You can also apply by phone. Ring Call Derbyshire on tel:01629 533190 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.

When completing the application form parents will be asked to list, in order of preference, the three schools they would most like their child to go to. Parents are advised to consider including their normal area school as one of their preferences. Although parents have a legal right to express preferences they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Parents can still choose to complete a paper form, which they can get by emailing admissions.transport@derbyshire.gov.uk or by calling tel: 01629 537499. This must be returned to our admissions and transport team at the address shown on the form by the closing date.

Applications submitted to us after the deadline will not be considered until places have been allocated to those children whose parents did return their form on time. Parents who fail to meet the deadline may find that the school they want their child to go to is full.

Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel.

Posted in About Chesterfield

New Year message from Chamber President

7th January 2019

On the day that many people returned to work after a long Christmas break, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) published a video message from its President, Kevin Harris.

In it, he talks about the need to focus on the challenges, positives and opportunities that 2019 will present, rather than the negatives, particularly around whatever happens with Brexit.

“It’s essential we have the building bricks in place to ensure our growth this year, that’s the key to success,” he says.

Kevin, who is Office Managing Partner at RSM, the world’s 6th largest accountancy and advisory firm, based in Leicester, also talks about his goals for his year as Chamber President.

Looking back at 2018, he described the year as “busy”, but one that ended well when the Chamber took the top accolade of Chamber of the Year at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

The message ends with Kevin wishing all businesses a prosperous 2019.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local restaurant wins two prestigious awards

4th January 2019

The Tickled Trout has won Restaurant of the Year and its Owner Chris Mapp has been awarded Chef of the Year in the Derbyshire Life and Countryside Food & Drink Awards 2018.

Hailing from the kitchens of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay, Chris returned home after working in London and Cornwall, and fate had it that his old local pub was up for sale. Since opening in summer 2014, Chris and his team have worked tirelessly to create an independent pub and restaurant that the village can feel proud of. The Tickled Trout’s reputation has grown and it is now regarded as one of the best places to eat in the Chesterfield area.

Chris and his dedicated team believe in using great fresh ingredients, sourced from local suppliers they know and trust. The award winning gastro pub serves fine wine, great local ales and combines a relaxing atmosphere with excellent customer service. The team welcomes families and has a private dining room for small functions and private or corporate hire.

The Derbyshire Life Food & Drink Awards are designed to recognise the best in the region’s food and drink industry – including local producers and suppliers, chefs, restaurants, pubs and individuals who work within the hospitality industry. The companies are nominated by readers of Derbyshire Life, and the winners have been voted for by people throughout Derbyshire.

Chris said: “I am extremely humbled to be awarded the Chef of the Year in Derbyshire Life, it was a great surprise to me but I am really pleased. However, winning the Restaurant of the Year also confirms that I have a fabulous team that helps me and each other achieve excellence in what we do. We are forever learning and evolving but this group I have are just amazing, these awards represent their hard work and they absolutely deserve the recognition.”

The Tickled Trout was also named the Best Out of Town venue at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in October 2018, adding to numerous awards won by the restaurant since opening.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Archaeological survey to take place at Chesterfield car park

4th January 2019

A number of parking spaces at Holywell Cross (Donut) car park will be temporarily unavailable while an archaeological survey is carried out on the site.

Chesterfield Borough Council submitted a planning application in October seeking permission to build a three-floor Enterprise Centre for small businesses on the car park, known locally as the Donut car park, as part of the Northern Gateway scheme.

Before the application can be considered the council is required to do an archaeological survey of the site to identify if there are any significant archaeological features beneath the planned development area.

To enable this work to happen some spaces within the car park will be out of use from Monday 7 January. The work is expected to take between two and three weeks, depending on the weather.

The rest of the car park will remain open as usual but if motorists find the car park is full then nearby alternatives include Soresby Street, Rose Hill, St Mary’s Gate and Durrant Road. Full details can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/carparks

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The Enterprise Centre is needed to meet the demand from start-up businesses and existing small and medium sized businesses for office accommodation in a town centre location.

“Having a centre at this location creates jobs and also supports existing businesses in the town centre, particularly around the northern part, by providing extra customers during the day.

“We will carry out the archaeological surveys as quickly as possible to minimise any possible disruption for motorists.”

The planned Enterprise Centre building would include:

32 air conditioned offices, of different sizes, to suit a range of start-up and small companies
Two meeting rooms
High speed broadband access and wi-fi throughout the building
A reception and shared lobby area
CCTV in communal areas inside and outside the building
Facilities for staff working in the building including kitchenettes, break out spaces, showers and a bicycle store

The planning application is due to be considered by the council’s planning committee in February.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

£220,000 of support to create a North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone

3rd January 2019

Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP has announced the creation of a North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone.

The £220,000 funding will support the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to develop the Northern Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone which aims accelerate development on 6 sites across 3 local authorities in northern Derbyshire (Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Chesterfield). They all have a recognised manufacturing heritage and presence to enable the area to benefit from potential investment associated with the development and maintenance of HS2.

The North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone aims to provide greater certainty on planning issues to unlock investment for growth by manufacturing businesses in the zone, ensuring more productive land-use and boosting investment and productivity in the area.

This is one of four projects, announced today, involved in the space industry, food sector, and the development of HS2, which will form the new and innovative East Midlands Manufacturing Zones,

Melton Mowbray, Space Park Leicester, and the areas across North Derbyshire and Greater Lincolnshire will together benefit from a total of £500,000 funding to develop their plans.

The investment builds on existing strengths in space, food and advanced manufacturing across the region, helping these important sectors to flourish and boost economic growth and jobs in the Midlands Engine.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Zones aim to reduce planning restrictions to allow land to be used more productively and provide certainty for business investment.

The announcement comes as the Secretary of State, who is also the government’s Midlands Engine Champion, visits organisations across the East Midlands today to hear how they are contributing to a thriving region at the heart of the UK’s economic success.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon James Brokenshire said: “Manufacturing, innovation and trade are at the heart of the East Midlands economy, so it is the perfect place for the UK’s first Manufacturing Zones.”

“This is another example of how the government’s is delivering for the Midlands with our modern Industrial Strategy backing local businesses and building on local strengths.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “ This announcement is further proof that Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector has the ‘ingredients’ ready and waiting to attract further investment and respond to HS2 opportunities. Thanks to the town’s strong manufactured heritage, we have the skilled workforce with support in place to deliver future skilled workers through both the Apprentice Town and Made in Chesterfield initiatives.

“For the last four years Destination Chesterfield has worked hard to promote jobs and careers in the engineering and manufacturing industry to schools and students in North Derbyshire. The funding for the North Derbyshire Manufacturing Zone not only signals further investment in the town, but also future job prospects for the 14,000 young people who will leave school in the next six years.”

The government’s Midlands Engine strategy is supporting the East Midlands to realise its huge potential.

Initiatives including over £1.9 billion of funding from the Local Growth Fund and an investment of £20 million in the Midlands Skills Challenge to boost people’s employment prospects are enabling businesses to create more jobs, export more goods and services and grow their productivity. Since 2010 unemployment has fallen 38% and there are 64,500 more small businesses.

The East Midlands has also received sustained investment in recent years, including more than £400 million for the strategic road network, more than £60 million to tackle congestion and improve local transport.

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

One to One Support Services praised in Care Quality Commission report

2nd January 2019

One to One Support Services is celebrating due to a glowing Care Quality Commission report. The local care and training provider, with head offices based in Holmewood, and offices in Hasland and Sheffield, has been rated “Good” overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

One to One Support Services provides personal care to people living in their own homes in Chesterfield, north Derbyshire and parts of Sheffield. The service supports older persons, younger persons, children and families. This includes people with learning and physical disabilities, mental health needs and people with multi-sensory impairments.

Staff were spoken to about their experiences within the company. One member of the team said: “We get regular supervision sessions and our practice is observed. In between all of those, if we need anything from advice to actual hands-on support it’s there, from our buddy system right through to the seniors and the managers.”

Another commented on the training they received: “The training is good and our competency is assessed to ensure we have understood. It covers all the mandatory areas like moving and handling safeguarding, mental capacity and food hygiene. We also then have training in areas that are specific to the individual care needs of people we support.”

Clients were asked about their care plans: “I have full input into my care plan together with my family and I have it here.” Another said: “My care plan is reviewed with me I review it with them and is up to date. I have a copy here.”

The report stated that people were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Where people needed support to make specific decisions, their capacity had been assessed.

Finishing quotes in the report from clients stated: “I am happy with the service. It runs well. I have no issues over the running of it at all.” Another client said: “I would certainly recommend them with no improvements required.”

Melanie Ulyatt MBE, Managing Director of One to One Support Services, said: “We are happy about the report as it shows the high quality, bespoke care we provide to our clients. We care for the whole family and value what they say to us.”

“The care staff are committed people with amazing skills and their attitude towards their clients and personal development is exceptional. I am very proud of the whole company and team that makes this happen.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Welcome to 2019 – Blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

1st January 2019

I’d like to kick off 2019 by saying Happy New Year to you all!

2018 was a formative year for Chesterfield – This was the year that all the hard work that has been taking place behind the scenes started to take physical shape and create a presence in the town.

Delivery of the much discussed Northern Gateway development is within touching distance. The new Premier Inn hotel on Elder Way will open early this year and the Saltergate multi-storey car park is well underway; all of which is beginning the visual transformation and regeneration of this area of the Town Centre.

2019 is the year that we’ll also see spades in the ground at Chesterfield Waterside; bringing new life into the area adjacent to the train station and the town centre, as well as adding to the housing, work and leisure offering of the town.

Chesterfield’s rail offering will come further under the spotlight too. We’ve long appreciated the fantastic connectivity of the town, but it has really been brought to the fore with the interest shown in us a result of the HS2 proposals, and by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.

How ironic that Chesterfield is the final resting place of the father of the railways, George Stephenson, but the town could also be involved in the start of the next rail revolution. This isn’t a pipe dream this could be a reality. The town may have missed out on Talgo’s train manufacturing facility, but we will be getting its £9 million innovation and training centre at Barrow Hill.

Talgo’s interest in the town wasn’t accidental. This, like the developments that are starting to take shape, is the result of the hard work of many people working behind the scenes marketing the town at home and abroad.

The plans which have been taking shape over many years are starting to come together and arebringing job opportunities with it. By way of example, at the end of last year, I was delighted to hear that I-Grunwerg will be taking over the former Franke Sissons site at Sheepbridge. Opening in May, the company will create 60 local jobs.

It is important, however, that we maintain the pace of progress, and everyone has a part to play in Chesterfield’s ongoing success. Let’s make sure we all take the opportunity to praise and promote the town when ever the opportunity arises rather than talking it down. Praise the development you see and call out the nay-sayers. Chesterfield is still very much on the rise and we must continue to recognise and celebrate that.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Learning Unlimited expands its team

30th December 2018

Chesterfield-based Learning Unlimited has expanded its team with two new appointments.

Business Development Consultant, Rachael Wood, and Partnership Account Officer, Molly Wilkins, have joined the team that provides apprentices, training and development plans to businesses across the country.

Rachael (right) will be working with employers to help them recruit the right apprentices that they need for their businesses. She brings with her more than nine years of experience providing support to employers across Sheffield and Leeds city regions and has previously worked with Barnsley College.

While account managing within the engineering and sports sector, she supported employers with their apprenticeship recruitment needs and advised on the apprenticeship levy and how to access funding streams.

“I’m looking forward to working with businesses to help them recruit the right apprentices for their business,” said Rachael. “I’ll be there to help employers recruit and train and develop their current teams and guide them through their training needs to develop succession planning.”

Molly, meanwhile, comes from a customer-service focused background and will be responsible for assisting with organising and recruiting apprentices for employers and directly involved in employer and learner engagement. She said: “I am really looking forward to a new challenge and learning all about the comprehensive apprenticeship provision that Learning Unlimited offer. The team has been so welcoming and I can’t wait to get stuck into my new role.”

Last month, Learning Unlimited’s opened its brand new Apprenticeship Hub in the heart of Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

What advice would you give to your younger self?

28th December 2018

While Christmas may be a time of giving, for many people it is also a time of financial worry, with thoughts of bills and debts looming in the New Year.

At some point in our life, we all need a little help and advice, Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is for many people their first point of call.

Highlighting the impact of advice on people’s lives, CAB has teamed up with Destination Chesterfield and asked its network of Champions what resolution, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, they would advise their younger selves to make this New Year.

Chesterfield Champions is a powerful network of individuals and organisations that support the development of the town’s economy, shape its future and showcase all that is good about Chesterfield.

Name: Phil Bramley

Job Title: Editor

Company: Derbyshire Times

“My advice to my younger self would be to not be afraid to take more risks and that there’s nothing wrong with daring to fail. Taking a leap into the unknown is the best way to break out of your comfort zone and we never really learn until we get things wrong.”

Name: Simon Paterson

Job Title: Senior Project Manager

Organisation: Future Foundations

“I would tell my much younger self ‘stop working for someone’s else’s business and start your own!’ Whilst you are living at home, mortgage free with no kids, you have the opportunity to follow your passions and turn them into a profitable business with little to no risk!”

Name: Anna Melton

Job Title: Director

Company: In the Works PR

“If I could turn the clock back, I’d say to my younger self, don’t compare yourself to others and take every opportunity that comes your way. Plough your own furrow and where you encounter set-backs, focus on the solution and not the problem. And smile more.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Office

Organisation: UK Asbestos training Association (UKATA)

“Accept any funded training you are offered! If your employer offers to fund another NVQ, grab it with both hands. If you can take one piece of knowledge from a course that you retain and implement it has been worthwhile attending. You might feel at the time that you are not interested in another qualification, but these courses are a real path to a future career…. I speak from experience. I began my working career as an apprentice and now lead a national association!”

Name: Vicki Grove

Job Title: Marketing Manager

Company: ra Information Systems

“The New Year resolution I would advise my younger self to make would simply be ‘to live in the moment’. This is easy to say in hindsight of course but life would have been simpler if I had spent more time enjoying the present and less time trying to shape the future.”

Name: Rod Auton

Job Title: Trustee

Organisation: Chesterfield Canal Trust

“I would tell my younger self to build on the good things from last year to make the New Year even better. You will get satisfaction in your job, and your life in general, if you can see improvements. Remember the bad things as well. Analysing and learning from mistakes can be really positive, because that will spur you on to improve.”

Name: James Pogson

Job Title: Director

Company: Northern Tea Merchants

“To my younger self I would say ‘get out into the world and travel.’ I have been lucky to do this as part of my job where I search out new teas and coffees. Through this, I have been able to understand the business inside out – from our suppliers to the products and our customers, which has given me great confidence in doing business. Personally, I have found that travel really does enrich you and transform your outlook on life.”

Name: Leah Shortt

Job Title: Operations Manager

Organisation: Learning Unlimited

“I’d advise taking more self-care. Living in a society full of pressures as a young person can sometimes be overwhelming, whether that be from school, the media, family or friends. I remember regularly prioritising these over my own physical and mental health. As I’ve matured, now more than ever, I realise how crucial it is to look after myself and take the time out to focus on me. Looking back, I feel this would have really helped during those difficult and stressful times we all go through as teenagers.”

Name: Peter Swallow

Job Title: Chair

Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

“Be patient, and DO listen to those with more experience than yourself.”

Name: Pasquale Pollio

Job Title: Director

Company: Nonnas Chesterfield Ltd

“Make a plan, stay consistent and go after your dreams.”

Name: Tricia Gilby

Job Title: Leader of the Council

Organisation: Chesterfield Borough Council

“My advice is to not take life too seriously. There’s a line in a Bob Dylan song which I strongly identify with: ‘I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now…’(My Back Pages, 1964).”

Name: Neil Johnson

Job Title: Managing Director

Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

“Don’t let anyone, including yourself, limit your potential. Think about the things you can and want to achieve. Set a target 30% more than that; you will be surprised at how far you can go by aspiring higher, believing in yourself and putting the effort in to realise your ambition.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Chesterfield is part of a network of 316 independent charities throughout the United Kingdom that give free, confidential information and advice to assist people with money, legal, consumer and other problems. To access help and support, please visit www.chesterfieldcab.co.uk.

More information about becoming a Chesterfield Champion

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield