Author: Dom Stevens

Well dressing tradition celebrated at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018

13th February 2018

From 6-10 June, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) newest Show, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show partnered by Wedgwood will return to the magnificent 1,000 acre Chatsworth Estate with exciting new content including a river of 12,000 Cosmos and over 100 varieties of orchid, to satisfy inquisitive minds and fulfil the senses. Moving on from last year’s success, Well Dressing will once again be a main feature in the Community area at the show.

Last year’s entrant Elaine Chapman of Tideswell Welldressers said: ‘The Show was a splendid showcase for the tradition of Welldressing in Derbyshire allowing its artistry to be brought to a wider audience.’

The RHS are calling out to all Well Dressing groups to apply to be part of this exciting new show and asking groups to theme their entries around their own town/village or group they’re representing. This can be in the form of an iconic building, a famous person of note, a slice of social history, folklore or tradition, the choice is yours. Well dressings will be on display for the whole of show week. During which time visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favourite. The winning well dressing will receive an RHS engraved trophy.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 26^th February. Please follow the link: https://rhsforms.formstack.com/forms/cha18_well_dressing_application to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

University of Derby Invest to Grow fund creates 1,000 local jobs

13th February 2018

The University of Derby has supported the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in key growth sectors across the East Midlands since launching its Invest to Grow funding scheme in 2014.

More than a quarter of the new jobs have been created in Derbyshire, including roles in transport equipment manufacturing, life sciences, construction, food and drink manufacturing, logistics, engineering and low carbon sectors.

It is a major milestone for the fund, which through a re-circulating finance scheme, provides a combination of loans and grants to SMEs to support specific projects. These are typically related to businesses growing, developing or improving their products and related services, as well as creating new and sustainable jobs.

Mr Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief-Executive and Finance Director of the University, said: “I’m delighted that the scheme managed by the University with an independent panel has reached this impressive milestone.

“The funding from Invest to Grow provides much needed financial support to businesses across the East Midlands and has had a significant economic impact over several key growth sectors. Alongside the ongoing Invest to Grow scheme and the additional support to SMEs from the University, we can expect to see further job creation and growth in the wider business community.”

The University was originally awarded a total of £16.35m in funding by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for its Invest to Grow scheme. This is not the end of the scheme however. As this is a re-circulating finance scheme, there is still recycled loan funding to be repaid into the scheme and recirculated to new projects.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery for Invest to Grow at the University of Derby, added: “In addition to job creation, managing the Invest to Grow fund has facilitated enhanced links between businesses and the University. There are several examples of ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange and a general increased awareness of the University’s wider role as an economic anchor institution supporting the region’s businesses.

“The funding has directly enabled many businesses to recruit new staff and bring in new skills or contributed to training and upskilling existing employees, often in relation to new equipment, technology or processes. Many of our funding recipients have also continued to work with the University through employing PhD students to undertake research.”

Homecare Direct Limited, based in Chesterfield, provide services to people who need individual care to organise their own support at home. The company was awarded £160,000 by Invest to Grow to enable them to relocate to new fit for purpose premises and to invest in its IT infrastructure.

Speaking about the impact of the Invest to Grow fund, Roger Adams, Director at Homecare Direct Limited, said: “Support from Invest to Grow not only enabled the business to grow and create new employment, but also led to further collaboration with the University. In 2017 Homecare Direct took on two placement students which proved to be highly successful and beneficial to both the company and the students.”

For more information about the University of Derby’s Invest to Grow Fund, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/investtogrow.

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development

Brewing up a successful career with Ringtons in Chesterfield

12th February 2018

Renowned tea and coffee experts Ringtons is on the search for five new apprentices, including two in Chesterfield, for its traditional doorstep delivery service following the successful introduction of two recruits to its apprenticeship programme.

The family-business is looking for five enthusiastic, passionate and ambitious recruits to join the 110-year-old company under its new Customer Services Apprenticeship Programme.

The Ringtons Chesterfield office operates 20 vans which provide regular deliveries to over 19,000 customers in the area.

The Customer Services Apprentices will be responsible for helping keep the nation in its favourite tea, coffee and biscuits via the company’s traditional doorstep delivery service which caters to over 240,000 customers from 19 sites throughout the UK. Duties of the apprenticeship role include supporting existing vans salespeople, making regular calls to local customers, providing excellent customer service, sales and stock management.

Jon Malton, Brand Director for Ringtons said: “Our new apprenticeship programme is the first we have offered in over 110 years of business and we are pleased to be in a position where we have found two successful new trainees and are able to look for even more. Not only are we attracting enthusiastic, passionate, committed and endearing trainees, but putting our recruits through a Ringtons induction programme which covers all areas of the business gives them a solid background to build their own skills and are essential for their Customer Services Apprenticeships.

Daniel Gray (26) and Connor Keegan (20) are the first recruits to undertake Ringtons’ apprenticeships programme at the company’s biggest sales office in Tyne and Wear. Speaking of the apprenticeship Connor Keegan said: “After a few years working in different jobs I saw the Ringtons apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain a more secure job with a steady income and to join a well-respected family business. I really enjoy working outside, managing my own time, talking to the customers and learning about every element of the business, so this role really suits me and I would recommend it to those looking for all-round customer service experience.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Ringtons Customer Services Apprenticeships via the Government’s ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ website: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-230858

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Another new business at Markham Vale

12th February 2018

Catering Projects Ltd, has recently taken possession of Unit 2 Waterloo Court at Markham Vale.

Catering Projects is at the cutting edge of the hospitality industry providing innovation throughout the design, build and installation of kitchens and bars. Their client portfolio includes some of the UK’s most successful restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.

The team at Catering Projects Ltd have over 120 years of commercial experience, from Design and Contract Management to Installation and Operations.

Paul Turnbull, the company’s Managing Director explains the company’s reason for investing at Markham Vale.

“Why we chose Markham Vale?, simply, right location close to transport hub and local amenities. Easily accessible for staff members and central location for our clients and supply chain. Our new premises provides the perfect platform for future growth with a large employment pool in the local area”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Local Training Provider Saved

12th February 2018

The future of training provision for all existing learners at NLT Training Services, has been secured.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has agreed to continue funding training for existing apprentices until the end of their training programme providing employers are happy to continue using NLT.

This decision paves the way for a take-over of NLT by WEBS Training Limited securing not only apprenticeship training provision but also around 20 jobs across NLT’s Chesterfield and Scunthorpe sites.

The announcement follows an Ofsted inspection late last year which saw NLT graded ‘inadequate’, resulting in the ESFA withdrawing funding and which threatened the longstanding training provider with closure.

Commenting on the announcement, Sarah Temperton Chief Executive of NLT Training Services said: “It is fair to say that we are all very relieved. We have been working hard to secure the future of the organisation and this sends out a very positive message to employers, apprentices and staff.

“Our thanks go to our apprentices, employers, the business community and WEBS for the support they have given NLT during this difficult time.”

The takeover by WEBS, a specialist manufacturing training provider based in Nottingham which is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, has saved 21 jobs and secured the future of much-needed engineering apprentice training provision in the area.

Commenting on the takeover, Sammy Jones, Managing Director of WEBS Training, said: “WEBS and NLT have worked together for a number of years, and we are both committed to delivering a unique experience to both learners and employers and developing and delivering outstanding training for industry by industry. The takeover made absolute sense and I am delighted that the EFSA’s decision means we can now press on with our plans to fully integrate NLT. Learners and employers will both benefit from the increased variety and enhanced training provision that we can now offer.”

Sarah added: “WEBS is already working hard with us to drive the quality of training forward. The additional resources that WEBS brings will enable the business improvement changes instigated earlier this year within NLT to be accelerated. It is an exciting time for everyone involved and an opportunity to deliver a greater variety of specialised training.”

WEBS and NLT have worked together for a number of years, with their respective Chief Executives sitting on each other’s board. They are also both Group Training Association (GTA) members, committed to delivering a unique experience to both learners and employers and developing and delivering outstanding training for industry by industry.

WEBS, which was founded by four of Long Eaton’s major manufacturing companies, has been delivering furniture training since 1968. The takeover of NLT’s Scunthorpe and Chesterfield operations will give WEBS a full East Midlands presence and expand the number of apprenticeships offered across all three sites, further helping meet local training demand.

The takeover by the Ofsted Good rated provider, will see NLT rebranded and all of its 200 Level 2 and 3 apprentices transferred ahead of the new academic year in 2018. Currently WEBS has more than 160 apprentices on roll.

NLT is now calling on local employers to use its services. Sarah added: “Any employers looking for apprentice training or to recruit an apprentice, should get in touch with us as soon as possible. WEBS will shortly begin recruiting engineering and business services apprentices in Chesterfield and Scunthorpe and we look forward to supporting learners and businesses long into the future.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Football and Education Programme launched by Chesterfield FC

8th February 2018

Are you looking to continue your studies when you leave school while training and playing football, representing Chesterfield FC? If so, there is an opportunity to study with Chesterfield FC Community Trust in 2018!

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s Football and Education programme is designed for individuals wanting to gain post-16 sports qualifications and play competitive football, alongside studying.

The course has been designed as a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Outwood Academy Newbold to give students with a passion for football, sport and education the opportunity learn and play football at the same time.

Students will develop the necessary skills, qualities and characteristics that are required to work within a professional football club or national governing body and gain transferable skills relevant across the sports industry and beyond.

Delivered in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold, students will study full-time within the sixth form, where a top-class education programme will be assured, with the school’s motto ‘Students First’ at the heart of everything they do.

Alongside their education, students will represent Chesterfield FC, competing in a league against other professional clubs and training on a daily basis with the Trust’s FA/UEFA-qualified coaches. There will be an opportunity to play against other clubs, including Birmingham City, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Sunderland!

Students will undertake 14 units of work including coursework and exam assessments over a two-year period. The course is full-time with students required to attend all lessons and complete work on time in order to play in the fixtures and represent Chesterfield FC. Upon completion, the course is equivalent to three A-levels, enabling the students to progress on to university, higher education or a foundation degree with Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

All studies will be based at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the state-of-the-art classrooms that the school has on site. Training sessions will take place at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the grass and astroturf pitches available on site. Home games will be played at Glapwell Stadium, allowing the students to experience playing within a stadium environment and students will have free access to the gym and hydrotherapy pool at the HUB at the Proact Stadium seven days a week, as well as access to a physio.

Upon completion of the course, students will be faced with a range of options, supporting them to have a future within the sports industry. Dependant on final grades, students will be able to go into higher education at university where ideal courses may include a degree in Sports Development, Sports Coaching or PE and School Sport.

Should students wish to stay involved in the professional football club environment, Chesterfield FC Community Trust offer a foundation degree, where students can study for a further two years whilst completing a full-time work placement within the football club.
All students will also be offered the opportunity to undertake their Level 1 coaching qualification which will enable them to apply for paid coaching work with Chesterfield FC Community Trust when they finish the course.

Steve Roberts, principal at Outwood Academy Newbold, expressed his delight at the partnership, saying: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s an opportunity for us to partner with Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust and provide students with an opportunity to do BTEC Level 3 Sports.

“That will actually help students who might want to progress to university and it gives people an opportunity to go out and be involved with football as an industry, behind the scenes roles or maybe progress onto something like sports and exercise science.

“It gives them that opportunity and more importantly it gives them the level of qualification to get on to the next step.

“We sit on top of the hill and we can see the stadium from the school. We are on a journey ourselves at the moment, which we’re delighted with and it is an opportunity to involve ourselves in a partnership which can provide something really valuable for students.”

Trust chief John Croot added: “The Football and Education Programme is something that we have been discussing with Steve and his team for a couple of months now.

“It’s taken us some time to get to this stage but we wanted to make sure that the course we were offering was of top quality, in order to fulfil our duties to the students.

“It will be fantastic to have a squad of players representing the club on a weekly basis as well as studying full-time, which I’m sure will stand them in good stead to go on and have a career in sport if that is what they wish to do.”

To apply, students should download the F&E Application Form, available via www.spireitestrust.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Leisure

Investment in customers adds up to Gold Award rating for Chesterfield accountants

6th February 2018

Chesterfield Champion, BHP Chartered Accountants, has achieved the top Gold Award rating from the prestigious Investor in Customers (IIC) accreditation.

BHP increased on its previous score achieved in 2015, when it was one of just 15% of firms in the country to achieve a top rating when first undergoing the rigorous accreditation process.

IIC independently assesses client satisfaction levels for businesses across all industries through the use of anonymous surveys undertaken with clients, employees and other business connections.

The questionnaires looked at a wide range of areas, from how well customer needs are understood and met, to how happy they feel with the service they receive. Other criteria assessed included how easy it is to do business with BHP, how likely a customer is to make a referral, and the quality of the experience and relationship.

Areas that were scored the highest across all offices by clients included the quality of the relationship with BHP and how fairly customers felt they are treated. Excellent communication was also highlighted as particularly strong, and clients described the firm as being friendly, efficient, reliable and highly competent.

John Warner, Managing Partner at BHP, says:-

“It’s vital that our customers feel valued and that they are getting a service that makes a genuine difference to their business and personal goals. Our aim is to ensure that the high standards we are renowned for are maintained and improved upon. To have increased our rating this year with an IIC Gold Award accreditation is a testament to the hard work of each and every one of our 300-strong team.”

BHP was assessed over a five week period with direct and online feedback from clients, staff and senior management as well as additional desk research which was carried out by an IIC assessor.

Tony Barritt, Managing Director of IIC, says:-

“Following the 2015 Investor in Customers assessment, the team at BHP worked hard to put in place the improvements which were identified at the feedback session. Their latest assessment has shown clear evidence of the success of these initiatives with increased scores across all teams, and a consistent and high-level of customer experience in all offices.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Perez Bags a Porsche Carrera Cup Drive for 2018

6th February 2018

Chesterfield’s 18 year old race ace Seb Perez, has taken a big step forward in his drive to become one of the Country’s best racing drivers, he will compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship for 2018 with Team Parker Racing and teammate Nottinghamshire’s George Gamble.

The news broke last week when both drivers announced their news to the World’s motorsport media and both drivers are excited and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the new Porsche Carrera race cars for this season.

For the past three seasons Perez has competed in racing Ginetta’s, two years in the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship, last year progressing to the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship

Seb’s first full season in a Ginetta G40 race car back in 2015 saw him get top ten finishes at Croft and Snetterton, part of eleven top 15 places for the season. He finished 20th in the final standings.

After 25 rounds of the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship in 2016, Perez finished the championship in 10th place taking his maiden pole position, a fastest race lap and four podiums, a first and three third places.

Last year Seb finished in a bigger race car in the Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup Championship tenth overhaul and said at the end of the season “It’s been a super tough season but of course all part of the learning process,”

A winning combination is hoped, George Gamble from Southwell Nottinghamshire is no newcomer to Perez they were teammates last season as well that saw him finish third in the Ginetta standings and was a GT5 Champion 2014.

A prestige racing brand like Porsche will have plenty of opportunities for Perez with good prizes and sponsorship, Perez will be out in an Amigos backed Porsche this season. The new second generation Porsche Type 991 911 GT3 cars cost over £130,000 as a racing package and feature a new 4.0-litre direct injection flat-six engine producing 485 hp with enhancements to aerodynamics and safety.

The championship will be supporting the British Touring Car Championship as part of the TOCA package and televised live on ITV4, it will also include a race in Monza, which is part of the European Le Mans Series weekend.

For 2018 the championship changes, In a change to qualifying, the second race of the weekend will be decided by the result of the first race plus the addition of a number selected at random deciding whether the first four, five, or six drivers on the grid will have their positions reversed on the grid. All other competitors will start from the position they finished in the first race, with both races featuring a standing start.

There is also a new points structure across the three categories of the championship – Pro, Pro-Am and Am, Perez will compete in the Pro-Am Class.

Motorsport is no stranger to Perez Jnr, he is son of 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion and Chesterfield businessman Steve Perez, Chairman of Chesterfield based drinks brand development business Global Brands Ltd and owner of Amigos Tequila Flavoured Beer and Kick Energy Drink Brands.

Seb has competed in many motorsports including rallying, at the wheel of a Nissan Micra rally car in the Kick Energy Junior 1000 Rally Championship. recently during his break from circuit racing Seb has been rallying in a Mk2 Ford Escort

Changing from forest tracks and rallying to circuit racing has been a learning curve for him.

Perez commented on his exciting news and said ” It’s quite a natural progression from Ginetta as we wanted to stay with the Touring Car package. I’ve driven the old Carrera and also the new one so it was interesting to compare them”, He added ” It’s fantastic to drive and is a massive step up from the Ginetta with the power and straightforward speed”

“I think I’m going to do the Pro-Am class, it’s a good place to start and will give me familiarisation with the car, being with Team Parker an incredibly experienced team with lots of years in these cars under their belt”

The Championship is ran over 8 race weekends The action starts at Brand Hatch 6th to 8th April, followed by the local round at Donington Park on 26th and 29th April.

Editorial by Paul Horton

Photography by Steve Perez

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield based architects appointed for ambitious regeneration scheme

6th February 2018

Chesterfield Champions, Whittam Cox Architects, have been appointed as the first design practice in the Sheffield City Region to play a key role in the transformation of Park Hill.

The practice are working on proposals for phase three of the ambitious regeneration scheme that will add student accommodation to the mix of commercial and other residential uses at the Grade II listed high rise blocks.

Based at Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, Whittam Cox Architects are building a growing student housing portfolio across the UK, alongside contracts for major residential, commercial and leisure developments.

At Park Hill, they introduced student specialist Alumno Developments to regeneration company Urban Splash in a partnership that will deliver 350 student bedrooms for occupation in the 2020/21 academic year.

The student phase is being designed around groups of predominantly four and eight bedrooms with a range of unit sizes to offer students a spectrum of rents to suit different budgets. Units will have shared living space in a unique three-storey ‘townhouse’ model that will add a distinct yet complementary neighbourhood to Park Hill.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented:-

“Park Hill is captivating and infectious; its original design has timeless value and integrity architecturally. Our responsibility is to interpret what is there and create a design response which ensures a long-term future for the fabric of this historically important asset, whilst also seeking to promote a sustainable and diverse community. Being part of the Park Hill story is a genuine privilege for us, especially as so many of our team and their families live in the city.”

David Campbell, Managing Director at Alumno also commented:-

“This is a special project and we are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the regeneration of Park Hill. The Estate has an amazing historical structure and importance for Sheffield, and we would like to make a positive contribution to its vibrancy and future life.”

Mark Latham, Regeneration Director of Manchester-based Urban Splash, added:-

“We always intended to create a mixed community at Park Hill. With the first phase complete and fully occupied we now have hundreds of people from mixed backgrounds and all ages living and working at Park Hill. We are so pleased to see a mutual respect and support reflected in the events and activities they create together with other residents in the area. We look forward to students being a significant and positive part of that community.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Royal commits to Dying to Work Charter

5th February 2018

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital has made an official pledge to protect colleagues who become terminally ill at work.

Building on work that was already taking place, the Trust has signed the Dying to Work Charter, part of the TUC’s wider campaign to protect the rights of workers given a terminal diagnosis, ensuring that they can’t be dismissed against their will as a result of their condition.

The campaign began in 2016 following a Cancer diagnosis received by sales manager Jacci Woodcock in Derbyshire three years ago who subsequently lost her job. The Charter recognises that work can be a welcome, therapeutic distraction and this pledge ensures the Trust’s support for such employees to choose the best course of action for themselves and their families without undue financial loss.

The Charter was first brought to the Trust’s attention through its Health and Wellbeing Committee and was referred to the Staff Partnership Committee (SPC), representing the Trust’s workforce, and driven forward with the considerable help of the Palliative Care Team and its lead Consultant Dr David Brooks. It replicated a lot of work that the Trust had already done for its workforce and SPC Chair, Sarah Harrington-Pollock, took it to the Committee for approval.

Sarah said:-

“We heard about the Charter and felt that it fitted very well with the Trust’s values. It puts into words some of the things that the Trust does anyway and, in signing the charter and displaying it on the corridors of the hospital, it allows us to make that commitment in a very visual and public way.

“We’re highly committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff and the committee, along with the SPC, has a very strong and practical presence within the Trust. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to get the backing of hospital leaders and this should be a message to any of our colleagues who receive the worst news that you will be supported and that your continued employment is not something that you need to worry about.”

Lee Barron, Midlands Regional Secretary for the TUC, said:-

“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis. I’m delighted that Chesterfield Royal Hospital has shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally ill workers.

“Around 600,000 workers are now covered by the Dying to Work Charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

New appointment adds strength to Champion offering

5th February 2018

Shorts are delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Richardson as the latest member of the team.

Having previously worked for Sage and more recently software provider ‘Exact’, Tony joins as Senior Exact Consultant within the firms Software Projects Team.

Malcolm Pope, Partner at Shorts, commenting on Tony’s appointment:-

“I am delighted that someone with Tony’s skills and experience has joined to the team. This is another important step in the growth of the firm and we are confident that he will contribute significantly to the future success of our clients and the firm as a whole.”

Tony added:-

“I am absolutely thrilled to have joined the team here at Shorts. Having worked alongside Shorts in my previous role at Exact, when they approached me with this opportunity it felt like a great fit. I am excited to bring my experience to such a forward-thinking firm as part of a software projects team that are passionate about providing clients with the right solution for their business.”

With the onset of cloud accounting with the likes of Xero, QuickBooks and Exact challenging the more established accounting systems providers like Sage, there has been a growing appetite in recent years in the SME market to embrace these technologies. Shorts were the amongst the first to fully embrace the potential of cloud based systems, and became the region’s first Platinum Xero Partners. Building on that, Shorts recently announced the formation of a dedicated Software Project’s Team to support clients through the adopting process of cloud accounting such as Xero and Exact.

The Software Projects Team have created a number of industry specific solutions for clients and see Exact as particularly suitable for those in manufacturing and distribution.

The team is unique within local accountancy practices and can provide solutions to any accounting challenges; making internal processes more efficient and implementing systems to get the best set up for each business. The team quickly identify the specific requirements of each business and ensures they get the right systems in place for their business and budgets, providing one-to-one training sessions as required.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business