Author: Dom Stevens

Online fashion retailer opens store in Chesterfield

Style Loft, an independent retailer specialising in ‘cultured clothing’ and ‘street styles’, have recently opened a store in Chesterfield.

The online business has enjoyed increased success trading nationwide over the last two years, so much so, that they were able to open a new hybrid store for their customers. The store identifies itself as the first ladies hybrid store in Chesterfield offering customers coffee, cakes and shakes whilst they shop; provided by local retailers Smith Street Coffee Roasters and Butterfingers Bakery.

Style Loft’s company ethos is to provide an easy, helpful shopping experience with complimentary style advice. The store hopes to remain on trend and competitively priced.

Emily Simister, a representative from the shop, says:-

“I am so passionate about fashion, setting up my own store was something I had to do. Choosing the location was easy, it had to be my home town.

“I strongly believe Chesterfield is becoming more and more cosmopolitan and I see Style Loft developing and expanding within the area. I love being alongside so many unique and independent businesses.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

GCSE students buck the national trend with improved grades

Nationally, this year’s results have shown the biggest ever year-on-year decline − down to the lowest level since 2008.

But provisional results show that 62% of Year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades A* to C in English and maths − an increase of 3% from last year.

More than 7,500 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results  with many outstanding stories from both schools and individual students.

Councillor Jim Coyle, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:-

“I’m delighted that early indications show our GCSE students have bucked the national downward trend and achieved even better grades than last year.

“GCSEs are an important stepping stone for the future whatever route young people choose to follow, whether that be vocational or academic.

“I want to congratulate all the students for their hard work − and heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people in achieving their success.”

Further education or training options for  Year 11 students include full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning, an apprenticeship or part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week.

Councillor Coyle added:-

“Young people staying on in education or work-based training can develop better skills, create opportunities and have more chance of fulfilling their learning potential and getting a job they enjoy.

“Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Skills Festivals.

“Whatever results students may have received today it’s important for them to know what options are open to them as they stay on in education or training.”

Derbyshire County Council will be hosting a Skills Festival at Queens Park Sports Centre on September 15, aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Training providers, the Armed Forces, larger employers and our community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities including forensic science, 3D printing and the use of technology in manufacturing.

There will be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training) will also be invited.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Inspire Resourcing Ltd celebrate new Saltergate office

Inspire Resourcing Ltd celebrated the purchase of their Saltergate Grade II listed building in July, inviting clients new and old to enjoy prosecco and canapes.

Inspire Resourcing are a recruitment agency that first opened their doors in 2009, having been based in Chesterfield for the past 7 years.

Owned by Directors Kirsty Gascoigne and Suzanne Lucas, Inspire is an independent agency, offering a transparent, customer focused recruitment solution. As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited business, committed to quality and continuous improvement. the business has grown from strength to strength over the last couple of years encouraging them to move to a bigger premises.

Inspire opened the doors to their newly refurbished office in June. The Inspire offices now boast a welcoming reception area for candidates and clients, a candidate interview suite and a private client conference room for customers wishing to interview off site.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Survey to reveal impact of Brexit vote on business

Businesses are being invited to take part in research that will help to identify the impact of Britain’s vote to leave the EU.

In the first real ‘acid test’, East Midlands Chamber has added Brexit-specific questions to its Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey.

The survey, which includes vital set questions through which the Chamber monitors the state of the economy in the East Midlands, is also asking firms:

  • What impact has the outcome of the EU referendum on 23 June had on your intentions to do business in overseas markets?
  • To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s recruitment decisions?
  • To what extent, if any, has the EU referendum result on 23 June influenced your business’s investment intentions

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

“Since the EU exit vote on 23 June, we have seen many reports and surveys based on national data but nothing meaningful yet that is specific to the East Midlands, or which has the breadth and depth of responses to be truly representative.

“This region is key to the UK economy. We make things in the East Midlands and we send them around the world. We have one of the strongest economies in the country when it comes to job and wealth creation.

“We have the power to influence policy at the highest level, but to do that, to truly represent our members and the wider business community, we have to know what local businesses are doing and how confident they feel about the short- and long-term future.

“Now, more than ever, we need as many businesses as possible to take part in our Quarterly Economic Survey, so that we can build the most accurate picture possible and use that data to ensure the wants and needs of regional businesses are heard and heeded.”

The Chamber’s Q3 post-Brexit Quarterly Economic Survey went live on 23 August. It will close on 12 September.

To take part, click here.

East Midlands Chamber logo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield business give drinks brand new identity

Global Brands is the UK’s leading independent drinks brand development business based in Chesterfield. It owns, markets and distributes a collection of products across the RTD, premium soft drinks, spirits and beer categories internationally. Global Brands’ line up now includes fantastic brands, such as VK, Hooch, Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks and tonics, Hoopers and Amigos Tequila Beer.

Global Brands have recently announced that Amigos Tequila Beer is launching a vibrant new identity alongside plenty of exciting activity planned for the upcoming year.

Amigos Tequila Beer is a golden, easy-drinking beer with the zing of South American limes and the flavour punch of Mexican tequila. Inspired by Mexico’s sense of vibrancy, passion and colour, Amigos have updated their visual identity. The new identity relishes in its Mexican character, by developing the wording on the logo from ‘tequila flavoured beer’ to the Spanish translation ‘con sabor a tequila’. This deepens the association with Amigos’ Tequila flavourings, which derives from the Mexican agave plant.

Alongside the next generation logo, all packaging and brand assets are undergoing an overhaul. By utilising pattern and colour as well as stylised typography, the vibrancy of the brand is really brought to life. The new visual identity will be softly rolled out across the brand from August, with all touch points expected to have made the transition to the new identity by September.

Christian Sarginson, Senior Brand Manager, said:-

‘The new visual identity is a chance for Amigos to really connect with its audience. The change is designed to articulate the vibrant zing of limes and the Mexican taste of Tequila which make Amigos so delicious. With a bright colour palate, and nods to street art and Latin culture, the identity update is a real statement of intent for where we plan to take the brand in 2017 with our #StreetCerveza campaign.”

Throughout the summer, Amigos has been supporting street culture by sponsoring the fantastic Urban Food Fest on Shoreditch High Street; gaining plaudits from publications such as Harper’s Bazaar who said they “loved” Amigos. Beyond this, Amigos has continued involvement with the street art scene in the UK, with plans for bigger and better activations in 2017 as part of the #StreetCerveza campaign.

Amigos is currently planning their biggest event of the year; Dia de los Muertos, a national Mexican holiday which falls on Halloween. A series of late-night parties will be held at the end of October, as well as a limited edition 4-pack in the off-trade, competitions across social media and activations in the on-trade.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Greek restaurant ‘Odyssey’ to open in September

Odyssey restaurant opens its doors to the public on 20th September. The Greek restaurant, centrally located on Knifesmithsgate in the old The Queens Head Pub building, hopes to combine traditional English architecture with Greek hospitality, culture, taste and cuisine.

Owned by a Greek family, now based in Chesterfield, the restaurant hopes to fill a gap in the market for Greek restaurants in the town. Aptly named “Odyssey”, the restaurant promises a journey into Greek flavours and traditions.

Konstantinos Diamantidis, a representative from the restaurant, says:-

“Our intention is to make you feel that you are somehow back in Greece, or if you have never been, maybe to give you a taste of your next holiday.

“My Grandmother (yiayia) used to say that there is nothing better than homemade food and taught us to eat and cook only the best. Now years later, we as a family will try to give you a taste of what Greek families believe good quality Greek food tastes like.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield business to supply rig equipment in Middle East

Chesterfield based firm Cathelco, will be providing a marine growth prevention system (MGPS) for the latest, in a series of jack-up drilling rigs, to be built by Lamprell – the United Arab Emirates based leading provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore and onshore oil & gas and renewable energy industries.

The order was won by Cathelco Middle East FZC based in Sharjah, which was set up in 2015 to provide sales and engineering support for customers throughout the region.

Cathelco marine growth prevention systems are designed to eliminate blockages caused by barnacles and mussels in seawater lines. The systems consist of copper and aluminium anodes which are wired to a control panel. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which create an environment where barnacle and mussel larvae do not settle and grow. At the same time the aluminium anode produces ions which suppress corrosion on the internal surfaces of pipes.

Carlo Soddu, who has been closely involved in the project at Cathelco, says:-

“In our experience jack-up rigs benefit from installations where the MGPS anodes are installed in pipe upstands, when a seachest is not available. By using this method the copper ions are drawn directly in the flow of seawater which maximises their effectiveness. The ease of access is another important advantage enabling maintenance time to be reduced to a matter of minutes each year.”

Cathelco are world leading manufacturers of MGPS based in Chesterfield, with a record of more than 50,000 installations on commercial vessels and offshore structures over a period of 50 years.

Lamprell rig under constructionl

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

£3.5m to help food and drink firms’ hungry for success

Food and drink manufacturers looking to expand, take on extra staff, develop new products and access financing will be aided by a £3.5million programme, part-funded by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Food Enterprise Advisory Support Team, or FEAST programme, will be delivered in the D2N2 LEP’s area by the Nottingham-based Food and Drink Forum; an industry-led, not for profit body set-up in 1998 to support and develop the food and drink sector, and represent it at a regional and national level.

FEAST will run for three years, beginning this summer (2016), and cost £3.5m.

The Forum will provide half the programme’s costs and the other half will come from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) portion of D2N2’s allocation of €251m in European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). D2N2 is the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, higher and further education providers, and community and voluntary organisations which promotes economic growth and jobs across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

FEAST’s services will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and drink manufacturing sector by providing:

  • an annual review of the sector’s performance, available to all businesses;
  • technical and business advice;
  • business mentoring;
  • tailored events for sector businesses, designed to share and promote good practice, and develop business partnerships;
  • an apprenticeship programme for the sector, to support job creation and skills development;
  • capital grants for SMEs looking to expand.

D2N2’s Growth Hub will help those running the FEAST project to engage with SMEs in the area. The Growth Hub supports new and established SMEs with help in business strategy and growth, marketing, networking and accessing funding for expansion; using its regional and national business networks to enable businesses to find the right help.

Peter Richardson, Chairman of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:

“Food and drink manufacturing is one of the UK’s most innovative sectors but smaller companies often don’t have the resources of big global brands to gather market intelligence, innovate and address technical issues.

“The FEAST programme is designed to help SMEs keep their competitive edge and develop their businesses. D2N2 is proud to be making a major investment in this three year initiative in one of its eight key sectors.”

The FEAST funding follows similar major investments in two other three-year projects by D2N2, again through its European Regional Development Fund monies, earlier this year.

Companies interested in benefiting from the project can contact the D2N2 Growth Hub for further information on 0333 006 9178 or by email to info@d2n2growthhub.co.uk

School of Artisan Food - Worksopl

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Davis and Hemmings sign new deals for Derbyshire

Pace bowler Will Davis and all-rounder Rob Hemmings have signed new two-year contracts with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, committing them both to the Club until the end of the 2018 season.

Davis made three four-day appearances this summer claiming 14 wickets at an average of 30, including best figures of 7-146 – the best figures by a Derbyshire bowler this year and the second youngest ever to claim seven in an innings for the county.

Hemmings featured in one first-class fixture this year, making his debut versus Worcestershire in June. The 20-year-old has also impressed for the Second XI this summer, earning him his first professional deal.

Head Coach, John Sadler said:-

“Will and Rob are promising young players who have both impressed with the first team after making their debuts this summer.

“Will has bowled very well and produced some standout performances since making his way into the side in June. He’s bowled with good pace and is an exciting prospect.

“He and Rob will now both benefit greatly from another winter working full time with the first team as they continue their developments.

“We have a good group of talented young players who continue to learn and improve. We hope Will and Rob will be part of a crop of youngsters who will stand up and help contribute regularly to winning games for Derbyshire for years to come.”

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

BRM Solicitors join forces with Macmillan

BRM Solicitors has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to offer a free will-writing service during September and October to raise money for the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

The firm ran the scheme in 2015, raising almost £10,000 for the Appeal – and has agreed to run the scheme again due to high demand.

Rob Woodhead, Head of Wills and Probate at BRM Solicitors, says:-

BRM Solicitors is very proud to volunteer our legal expertise to help such a worthwhile cause. The money raised from this free will-writing initiative will help Macmillan to provide vital support services to people affected by cancer.”

Over the two months, BRM Solicitors will waive its fees, and instead will encourage clients to make a voluntary donation of £54 per single will and £108 per double will to the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre. The amounts were chosen as £54 is the equivalent of funding two hours of a Macmillan Nurse and £108, four hours.

Macmillan is trying to raise £2.5 million to build the new state-of-the-art Cancer Centre. This exciting new development will mean that people with cancer in North and North East Derbyshire will be able to receive their vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built facility – providing joined up services closer to home.

98% of Macmillan’s funding comes from voluntary donations; over a third of which is from gifts in wills.

Rob Turner, Senior Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield, said:-

“This is a vital new centre for the people of North and North East Derbyshire. Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the toughest things that anyone can face and the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre will give local people the very best in treatment and support.  But we won’t be able to do this without the generosity of local people and support of local businesses like BRM Solicitors.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield College A Level students celebrate as they collect results

Chesterfield College students joined thousands of others across the country when they collected their A Level results earlier today. Students on Maths, Further Maths, English Language and English Literature, History, Business, Biology, Chemistry, Economics and General Studies courses achieved an amazing 100% pass rate.  Overall Chesterfield College students achieved a 95.2% pass rate meaning many students left knowing that their plans for university, further studies or work were secure.

Alongside volunteering for a children’s charity and working part-time, Josh Ludlam, age 18 from Bolsover, achieved B grades in English Language and Sociology to add to a Business studies qualification he had already achieved. Josh told us that he has chosen to continue his Business related studies at Chesterfield College’s University Centre so that he can continue to work and volunteer locally.

Mathew Heslop age 20 from Eckington was delighted when he opened his results. His hard work has secured a place at York University to study Biology after achieving 3 distinction* in BTEC Applied Science as well as a C in English Literature and C in Sociology A Levels.

AS level students also collected their results today. Bethany Shouk was delighted with her A & B grades in chemistry, psychology, sociology, biology and general studies. With her sights firmly set on a career in medicine she knows these results are a fantastic first step on her journey.

Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal for classroom based learning at Chesterfield College, said:-

“Congratulations to everyone receiving their A level results today. It was wonderful to see so many students get the results they needed to enable them to move on to university, an apprenticeship or other studies. It’s also important to remember whatever the outcome, the journey taken to get to this point is really valuable and there are plenty of options open to get the career you want.”

 

A Levels 2016-50

Posted in About Chesterfield

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