Author: Dom Stevens

Employment continues to rise across the region

15th September 2016

The number of people in work in the East Midlands continues to rise despite fears that the outcome of the EU-Referendum might have caused massive job losses.

Figures released this morning by the Office of National Statistics showed that there were 2,296,242 people in work in the region in the three months to the end of July – 25,957 higher than the previous quarter, 26,462 better than a year earlier and 88,987 higher than two years ago.

The number of people unemployed fell to 102,104 for the quarter to the end of July – 4,126 lower than the previous quarter, 8,872 down on the previous year and 28,417 lower than two years previously.

The unemployment rate for the region dropped to 4.3%, down from 4.5% in the previous quarter and remains well below the 4.9% national level.

And the number of people claiming jobseekers allowance in August stayed the same in comparison to last months figures in Chesterfield

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“Reports from the recruitment sector since the EU-Referendum had suggested a slump, which makes today’s figures even more positive than might have been expected.

“Far from being negative, these figures show continued confidence from business across virtually the whole region and all sectors and are probably one of the best indicators to date that despite the vote to leave the EU nothing has actually happened yet to the detriment of business.

“Businesses across the East Midlands continue to be the drivers of the regional economy and, by default, the national economy. We make things here in the East Midlands and ship them all over the world, not just to the EU, and we will continue to do so long after we leave the EU.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Peak tourism economy’s £1.49 million cash boost

14th September 2016

Long-term prospects for the Peak District and Derbyshire’s visitor economy look even brighter thanks to confirmation of a £1.49 million grant to boost business quality, profitability and performance.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is celebrating news that its bid for cash from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to fund a comprehensive three-year business support programme has been successful.

The tourist board will work closely with Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority to develop the cycling market and the Peak District brand, promote Derbyshire products, support market towns and help businesses to boost their competitiveness.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will concentrate on developing the Peak District brand through ‘Inspired by the Peak District’, involving food and drink producers, creative industries, attractions and service and activity providers.

Working with Business Peak District, it will focus on promotional, marketing and on-line activity and an annual events programme.

The tourist board will also bring in tourism experts and specialist advisers to deliver a wide-ranging programme of business support focusing on international visitors, accessibility, marketing, business to business networking, workshops promoting the Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) and one-to-one advice and development.

Derbyshire County Council will focus on supporting market towns to swell and share visitor numbers, realise their full potential and boost their vibrancy. It will also promote Derbyshire products, with a particular emphasis on food and drink, to improve the quality of local services for visitors and encourage them to spend locally.

The Peak District National Park Authority, together with Derbyshire Dales District Council, will develop the growing, high-spending cycling market through the Pedal Peak Business Initiative. This will include grants to improve cycle facilities, a cycle friendly toolkit to help businesses understand the market, networking events, developing routes and marketing materials and creating and delivering Peak District Cyclist Welcome accreditation.

Around 400 businesses and their supply chains are set to benefit from the programme, which will be launched over the next few months and will run until the end of March 2019.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:-

“This is very exciting news for tourism businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“Working closely with our partners over the next three years, we will be able to drive up their quality and profitability, develop the Peak District and Derbyshire brand and support start-up businesses though initiatives specifically geared to create more jobs in the visitor economy sector, and bring long-term benefits to the local and regional economy.”

Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor, said:-

“Derbyshire has many obvious charms but there’s much more to our county than rolling hills and beautiful countryside.

“Our market towns play a vital role in welcoming visitors to the county as well as providing jobs and services for local people and we look forward to helping to promote all they have to offer visitors.

“Our ‘Made in Derbyshire’ campaign showcased the people, products and places that make our county great and we’ll work with local businesses to help build on these successes in the future.”

Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park, said:-

“This is further confirmation that the Peak District is a great place to visit and do business. Our reputation as a cycling destination continues to grow and this grant will help us help local businesses to make the most of every opportunity though the Pedal Peak District Business Initiative.”

Jim Harrison, Chair of Business Peak District, said:-

“As well as the many benefits the project will offer tourism businesses, promoting the ‘Inspired by the Peak District’ logo will help any organisation that uses it to boost both their profile and that of the area. The more all businesses work together, the stronger our voice will be.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

The Stage is Set for A Magical Christmas at Chatsworth

14th September 2016

The fairytale magic of the most famous of ballets will sweep everyone along into an enchanting winter wonderland at Chatsworth this festive season.

Christmas at Chatsworth: The Nutcracker will see the house transformed to present the festive tale complete with lavish costumes, beautiful decorations, wonderful stage sets and a few fantastic surprises in store sure to captivate all who visit.

Christmas at Chatsworth will transport everyone to a fairytale world populated by Nutcracker soldiers; elegant ballerinas and dancing snowflakes. All the cast will be on view – from the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Nutcracker and Clara – to depict the story in a series of stunning tableau scenes throughout the house.

In the tale, a box of performing toys charms the children and adults alike, but it is the Nutcracker doll that enchants Clara the most. As the curtain rises on Christmas Eve, visitors will be able to share in Clara’s adventures as she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince to a wonderful place where the magic really begins.

Along the way, the beautifully dressed rooms will tell the story of The Nutcracker with all the classic scenes from Clara’s dream; from the waltz of the snowflakes to the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Janet Bitton, Head Housekeeper at Chatsworth House, said:-

“The Land of Sweets in the Great Dining Room will be the highlight for me. The only light will be from the chandelier, like a moon above the city with its twinkling lights through the windows, and the glow from the huge Christmas trees in each corner will be magical.”

In a clever twist, the visitor will be able to experience the story as though they are both in the audience at the theatre and stepping backstage at the ballet. Guides will become stage managers and wardrobe mistresses.

For a special added thrill, visitors of all ages will be invited to enter into the magic of the story with many costumes to try on.

As well as the main event in the house, there is a whole host of festive themed activity. From truly magical nativity performances in the farmyard starring the farm animals, to gourmet evenings, floral workshops and wreath making demonstrations, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Or get Christmas shopping off to an early start with a visit to the Christmas market with over 100 stalls of gifts for the whole family.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure

New Stand Sponsor for Spireites

14th September 2016

Chesterfield Football Club are delighted to announce a deal with a leading local van sales company that will see the West Stand at the Proact Stadium named The Van Yard Stand.

The deal with The Van Yard sees them become a significant partner for the club and they have signed a deal to the end of the 2017/18 season.

The company have recently moved to new premises in Arkwright Town to cope with their increasing trade and linking up with the Spireites will help to enhance their brand awareness.

Chris Allsop, Managing Director of The Van Yard, said:-

“It is a great privilege to agree this sponsorship deal with the football club. We have streamlined our business and moved to new premises this year and the next step is for us to strengthen our commercial exposure in the area. Working with Chesterfield FC will allow us to do this and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Richard Nichols, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Chesterfield FC, said:-

“It is fantastic to have an enthusiastic and proactive company like The Van Yard associate their business with us here at Chesterfield Football Club.

“Chris has been a pleasure to deal with and we are both genuinely excited about developing a positive and strong relationship over the next two years. They are a local company who already work closely with the RAC, which demonstrates their lofty ambitions and that matches what we want to achieve here.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Sensational Seb Storms to Silverstone

14th September 2016

Chesterfield race ace Seb Perez soars into Silverstone this coming weekend for the penultimate rounds of the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship.

The 16 year old Ginetta race car driver travels to the Northamptonshire circuit after a sensational weekend just down the road at Rockingham three weeks ago; where Perez was “hard at it” testing the circuit, taking two days of hard work to get to grips with the car and circuit.

The two days testing had its ups and downs for Seb and his team JHR Developments, on the first Ginetta test day Perez was just outside the top five test times but by later during the day the cars performance was lacking and so was his testing positions. On looking into this closer the team found the car was having engine issues.

Work was carried out on the car ready for the second test day only to find the engine was not strong and still having problems finishing twelfth overall on the day. During free practice two the car managed one lap before retiring into the garage with technical problems,

On investigating further his team did an engine change due to continuing engine issues.

Saturday morning saw qualifying and Perez going out with a new engine after some fantastic work done by JHR Development to get the car race ready.

With the newly fitted engine Perez was “batting in the dark” not knowing how the engine was going to perform with a team keen to see how it progressed.

After a 15 minute qualifying session Perez missed out on a top five place finishing in 6th position with a time of 1.38.945 and hitting speeds of up to 85 mph, Perez commented “having a new engine fitted I was unsure how the car would perform, JHR Developments have worked wonders to get the car ready to race”.

Race one saw a battle commence from the lights going out between Perez and rookie team mate Sebastian Prialux both fighting for fourth place with a close battle for third between them both and Stuart Middleton and Perez taking the chequered flag, finally finishing in 5th position.

Saturday evening, race two saw freak weather conditions comprising of a storm and twister ripping across the circuit tearing down some teams hospitality suite awnings and leaving a trail of destruction around the circuit.

Perez sat in his car in the holding area for around 50 minutes, gale force winds rocking the car vigorously from side to side, only to be told that the race had been cancelled due to the severe conditions.

Sunday morning saw the start of the rescheduled race two and Perez 5th on the grid along side rookie racer Harry King.

A couple of laps into the race saw Perez move into third position and for the rest of the duration of the race he had a constant battle with Stuart Middleton fighting for second place, however Middleton managed to hold his lead over Perez who finished taking a podium position in third place.

Final race of the weekend after lunch saw Perez completing the 8 laps race in 15 minutes starting on the second row with a front row of rookie drivers, Tom Wood and Harry King.

The first lap saw him move up into second place, however on lap four Lewis Brown passed him taking second spot. Perez fought hard to regain second place but unfortunately missed out, finishing on the podium again taking third place.

After the race Perez commented:-

“An eventful weekend threw at us engine changes, freak weather and some of my best racing this season.

“I am looking forward to Silverstone, last year’s visit did not go to plan however this year sees a stronger position for us”.

Perez identifies that he cannot win the championship however he is fighting to win places and a top five finish after the last race at Brands Hatch.

Perez leaves Rockingham in 9th position in the championship with 250 points after a sensational weekend. His team still are in 3rd position in the Team Championship with 800 points

You can follow Seb and all the action on Sunday on ITV 4 where his races are televised live alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Editorial by Paul Horton / Images by Paul Horton Motorsport Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield

University set to update Chesterfield’s skill base

13th September 2016

Employers who want to update their staff’s skills or individuals aiming to get ahead in their careers can find out what the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus has to offer on October 27 at a Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening.

From 4pm-7pm, University lecturers will be at the Campus in the former St Helena’s grammar school on Sheffield Road to outline the range of business, engineering, IT and health care courses on offer.

Professor Margaret Bruce, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, explained the benefits of part-time study: “Our flexible approach to teaching and learning enables you to fit studying around your other commitments.

“That means you can gain a professional qualification whilst working, to help further your career, broadening your skills and knowledge in a flexible way, without it affecting your lifestyle.”

Courses available through part-time study in Chesterfield are:

■ HND Business and Management

■ BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering

■ FdSc Information Technology

■ Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care

The Campus, due to open next month, has had a multi-million pound conversion which has been sympathetic to the listed St Helena’s building, conserving as many of its historic features as possible. Booking is essential: visit derby.ac.uk/open days

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield based PCT Healthcare grows

13th September 2016

Chesterfield based PCT Healthcare, has acquired the six well-established pharmacies of K.M. Brennan

The first Brennans pharmacy opened in Beaumont Leys in 1980, the company has since grown from a single site to operating six pharmacies in the greater Leicestershire and Derbyshire area focused on community-based pharmacy services.

Chesterfield headquartered PCT Healthcare is the third largest independent pharmacy chain in the UK. Having earlier in the year completed the acquisition of WR Evans (Chemist), the enlarged group employs over 1,400 people and operates under the Peak Pharmacy, Tims and Parker, Manor Pharmacy and Cox and Robinson brands.

Peter Cattee, PCT Healthcare Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The transfer of Kevin Brennan’s business into Peak Pharmacy is an ideal opportunity for us to develop the business out of our traditional Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire base towards our branches further south.

“Kevin has built up a tremendous business by his hard work and application and we shall be following in his footsteps by continuing to concentrate on personal service, staff training and development and family culture – all supported by our strong operational background.

“Pharmacy continues to be integral to the needs of the NHS and in many regards looks like a practical solution to some of its current problems. PCT Healthcare is well-placed to deliver services in this environment.”

Posted in Business

Free Brexit helpline launched for East Midlands businesses

13th September 2016

Responding to continued uncertainty in the business community, East Midlands Chamber has partnered with law firm Eversheds to offer a free legal helpline to businesses that have queries on how different aspects of Brexit might impact their activity.

Areas that will be covered by the helpline include:

Employment issues
Commercial contracts
Intellectual Property
Funding arrangements
Business structures
Real estate
Other operating issues

Chamber members calling the lo-call rate number (0333 456 0480) will be offered one hour’s free over-the-phone advice by an expert from the Eversheds legal team.

The hotline will be managed by the Chamber, which will arrange for an expert from the Eversheds legal team to speak to callers.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“It is now 12 weeks since the landmark referendum result for the UK to leave the European Union, and companies remain confused about what will happen as we go through the Brexit process.

“While the full implications will only become clear once formal negotiations begin, there is work that businesses can start doing now in terms of the considerations they should be making with regards to those areas that we know are likely to be affected in some way, or where uncertainty is already having an impact.

“With over half of our members employing someone from a country in the wider EU, the main issue at the moment seems to be managing questions over what the status of these workers will be post-Brexit.

“But our members have also expressed concerns over intellectual property rights, continued funding for projects currently funded by EU money and the possibility of levies being laid against imports and exports.

“Working with Eversheds, we have set up the hotline so that our members can talk to legal experts to ensure that, even if they can’t at this stage have all the answers, they can at least ensure they’re asking the right questions to put themselves in the best possible position to overcome the uncertainty and realise the opportunities that Brexit will bring.”

James Fry, Partner at Eversheds said:-

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Chamber to help its members navigate through the uncertainty of Brexit.

“At Eversheds we are committed to giving clear, straightforward and objective advice on what exit from the EU may mean for businesses in the East Midlands. The issues are not the same for every business and we will ensure that our legal advice is tailored to specific needs.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Another deal done on Markham Vale

13th September 2016

Property developer Priority Space has exchanged contracts to acquire a prime 1.6 acre site at Markham Vale in Derbyshire.

The developer, which has exchanged contracts on the site in a joint venture with Hunt Group, will now seek planning permission for some 25,000 sq. ft. of high specification warehouse/industrial accommodation set over 12 units ranging from 1,200 – 3,050 sq ft, which will be available for purchase.

This will be the latest development at the popular Markham Vale, a 200 acre prime business and distribution park with Enterprise Zone status, located off junction 29a of the M1 motorway, and will provide much needed business space for SMEs in the region. The site has recently attracted occupiers such as Great Bear, Andrew Page, Inspirepac, Ready Egg, Meter Provida and Gould Alloys amongst others.

Innes England’s Derby office and Fernie Greaves in Sheffield have been jointly appointed to market the scheme which, subject to planning, is expected to start on site in November this year.

Associate director at Innes England, Stuart Waite commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside Fernie Greaves on this Priority Space scheme. Markham Vale is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier logistics locations and a flagship scheme for the region which has attracted considerable investment since its inception….we are convinced these units will be received well by the market”

Lee Buchanan, Director at Priority Space, said “After the success of Kiln Park Priority Space are looking forward to delivering their second commercial scheme. We believe the location at Markham Vale to be key in securing fully occupancy of the site. We hope to emulate Kiln Park and secure sales on the entire scheme before completion of the development

Shaun Hunt, Chief Executive at Hunt Group Ltd added, “Following a successful JV project between H.G. Holdings and Priority Space near Leeds we are pleased to be embarking upon this new development project using the same well proven team. The Markham Vale regeneration site is perfectly placed on this busy M1 corridor with many large operators having already established their businesses here. Our flexible, modern and most aesthetically pleasing units are likely to appeal to the more discerning business owner occupiers and investors”

It has also been announced that Britcon (UK) Ltd will be appointed as Main Contractor.

Posted in Business, Development

Chesterfield business begins shipboard testing for USCG Approval

13th September 2016

Chesterfield based business Cathelco have announced that their Evolution ballast water treatment (BWT) system has begun shipboard testing for U.S. Coast Guard Type Approval.

The system has been installed on the Svendborg Strait a 1085 TEU container ship owned by Carsten Rehder of Hamburg.

Julian Glogowski, Technical Director at Carsten Rehder, said:-

“From the start of this project to the final completion we appreciate the care and attention to detail from Cathelco, leading to a smooth, trouble free installation.

“We are very pleased with the outcome and look forward to continuing our relationship with Cathelco”

Peter Smith, Sales Director of Cathelco, said:-

“The system on the Svendborg Strait was installed a day ahead of schedule within a very confined area, demonstrating the flexibility of the equipment.”

The installation of the Evolution system was undertaken within 8 days at the Norderwerft yard in Hamburg. Commissioning and crew training was carried out on the ship’s first voyage.

Stewart Richard Ayre, Senior Project Manager at MPC Münchmeyer Petersen who oversaw the smooth running of the installation, said:-

“We are proud to be partners with Cathelco as the demand for BWT systems accelerates”

The Evolution system will supersede the original Cathelco BWT system which was launched in 2014 and already has IMO Approval and AMS certification. Prior installations include systems for ships ranging from ro-ro carriers to offshore supply vessels.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Consultation on future use of old sports centre site

12th September 2016

Councillors recently granted planning permission to demolish the old building, in Boythorpe Road, which closed when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened in January.

A range of different possible future uses for the site have been considered and tested against four criteria. From these, the council’s preferred option is to have 3G all-weather multi-sport pitches on the site with a surface that can be used for football, hockey, rugby and athletics training and recreational use.

Chesterfield Borough Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on the preferred option – but also seeking alternative suggestions that meet the criteria the council is using to decide what the future use of the site should be.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The former sports centre sits next to the grade two star listed Queen’s Park so it is important that what goes there is in keeping with that heritage site and the strict planning rules that come with it.

“In an era of council budget cuts whatever goes on the site also needs to generate an income rather than cost tax payers more money.”

The borough currently has fewer 3G all-weather sports pitches than is recommended for a population of its size and the use would be in keeping with the sport and leisure heritage of the site.

Councillor Serjeant added: “While this is our preferred option at this stage no decisions have been taken. So as well as getting views on that option we also want to hear from anyone who has other great ideas and can show us how they would meet the criteria we are working to.”

The consultation runs from today (Monday 12 September) to Friday 21 October and can be found online, along with further information and a map of the site, at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/qpscsurvey

Paper copies are also available from the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Boythorpe Road; the Healthy Living Centre in Barlow Road, Staveley; and our customer service centre in New Square.

Drop-in consultation sessions will also be held on:

Monday 26 September in Morrisons, Chatsworth Road from 10am to 7pm
Thursday 6 October at Chesterfield Market Place from 10am to 3pm

There will also be a session held at Chesterfield College freshers’ fair to get the views of students.

All options have been tested against four principles that the site use should:

Generate income and not cost council taxpayers any extra money
Support Council Plan objectives to improve the quality of life for local people, support a thriving borough, and deliver value for money
Complement Queen’s Park, with its grade two star heritage listing, and other facilities in the town centre and borough
Be well-used throughout the year and provide added value for the community

The council has considered various options against these criteria and has provisionally ruled them out for the following reasons:

Indoor leisure provision e.g. ice rink/roller skating/soft play – operators of these facilities usually want ‘shed’ buildings and they would not be appropriate from a planning perspective. The council also doesn’t believe these uses would be financially viable without the council subsidising running costs.
Cultural use e.g. for exhibitions, artist studios, events – this use could complement the park but usually requires significant subsidies to operate.
Outdoor leisure provision eg high ropes, climbing, water features – while this type of use would add to the facilities offered at Queen’s Park, it is not felt financially viable without the council subsidising running costs.
To add an extension to the existing park – this would add to the cost of maintaining and improving the park and put pressure on already tight budgets.
Shopping – given planning policies this is not felt a suitable location.
Housing – while there is a need to increase town centre housing the council does not feel this is an appropriate use for the site.
Car parking – as there are car parks either side of the site, and spare capacity in other car parks, there is not felt to be demand for more in this location.
Restaurant/pub use – the council does not feel this use would complement the park and there are other locations that would be more appropriate
Selling the land – the council would have would have far less control on ensuring the use is appropriate to the park’s heritage setting.

Although these options have been provisional ruled out the council is happy to hear alternative views from individuals, businesses or sports groups who can show how they would be viable.

A decision on a future use is expected to be made by early 2017, once the consultation responses have been analysed and considered.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting