Author: Dom Stevens

Chamber Comments on Appointment of New Business Secretary

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP has been appointed as Secretary of State for Business in Prime Minister David Cameron’s new Cabinet.

Mr Javid, the Member for Bromsgrove, was Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in the previous Cabinet. He takes over the business brief from former Lib Dem MP Dr Vince Cable, who lost his seat at last Thursday’s election.

Chris Hobson, Head of Information and Representation at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “We look forward to working with Sajid as he looks to move the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) forward to maintain and build on the momentum in the economy, which has been largely driven by business.

“In order to do this, he needs to ensure the team at BIS is talking to businesses here in the East Midlands, which as a region, has been a national leader in terms of creating jobs and driving economic growth in the UK over the past five years.

“The region has a broad-based and balanced economy, with real strengths in manufacturing and engineering and these are key sectors which need to be supported in order to secure the long-term success of the UK’s economy.”

East Midlands Chamber logo

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Free adult cycle training in Chesterfield

Adults in Chesterfield can upgrade their cycling skills for free thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s new County Rider scheme.

County Rider offers free one to one cycle training to people aged 18 or over who live, work or study in Chesterfield

Councillor John Owen, deputy cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“The great thing about County Rider is that the programme can be tailored to suit your needs.

“Your instructor will design a programme to suit you whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced cyclist who wants to become an even better rider. The training is not strenuous and can be done at your own pace.

“Cycling is great for you and for the environment − and we will teach you how to do it safely. You can get fit and save money on travel while reducing the pollution caused by traffic congestion.”

County Rider offers learners up to four training sessions and each one can last up to two hours. The amount of coaching required will depend on what the learner wants to achieve and their instructor’s assessment of their skill level.

County Rider training meets national standards recognised by the Department for Transport.

Apply for County Rider training or contact the Derbyshire County Council road safety team for more information, tel: 01629 538060.

chesterfield cycling

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Apprenticeships celebrated for helping to deliver quality care

In a special celebration at Learning Unlimited, 64 apprentices from across the East Midlands, North and North West working with Chesterfield based company Heathcotes Care were recognised for their hard work and commitment to training and successfully completing their apprenticeships. The event marked the achievements of learners at all levels including the first higher level health and social care apprentices who are working in managerial positions within the organisation.

At the event, all the apprentices received certificates and special awards were given to the apprentice of the year, a leader in learning and the most improved learner. All 64 apprentices are now working with the company in a variety of roles at all levels in the organisation.

Heathcotes Care, who provide specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities across the East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber and the North West, highlighted how important apprenticeships are to give their workforce the skills they need to deliver a quality service. The organisation has been working in partnership with Learning Unlimited for the last two years to provide a work based learning formula that has helped them to reduce staff turnover and improve retention and progression rates.

 

Brendan Kelly, Operations Director from Heathcotes Care said: “For us, service user experience is the key to success. Apprenticeships help us to deliver that. When we have attracted the people with the right qualities to care, apprenticeships help us to give them the skills to do their job well.  When staff are happy and feel that they can do their job well they stay with us which means the adults we care for get quality and continuity and that makes a difference to their quality of life.

“The different levels of apprenticeships on offer mean that we can progress people from entry to managerial level and equip them with an in-depth knowledge of how we work. We can see how this benefits the people we care for, our staff and our organisation which is why we have just started 75 new apprentices with Learning Unlimited. ”

Steve Hepworth, Head of Learning Unlimited said: “Celebration events like this really make you realise how important getting the right skills can be for an organisation and for a learner. It is inspirational to see so many successful learners keen to celebrate their apprenticeships as well as recognising the journey they go on to progress their careers. The success rate for Heathcotes Care is way above national average and I think that is partly down to the culture within the organisation and partly due to the way our work based tutors ensure learners are supported to succeed. The partnership approach pays off and we are looking forward to supporting the new apprentices thorough to the next celebration event.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Peak FM breakfast pair to host 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Peak FM breakfast show presenters, James Summers and Becky Measures have been confirmed as the hosts of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards.

The popular pair will host the glittering award ceremony, which will honour the town’s very best jewellers, independent stores, food and drink retailers, and multiple retailers at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel on Wednesday 24 June 2015.

The awards are organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited – part of the Chesterfield College Group. More than 150 businesses have been nominated across 15 award categories, and the shortlist will be announced at the next Destination Chesterfield Champions Breakfast on the 21st May.

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “We’re delighted James and Becky have agreed to host the awards ceremony. They’re big, familiar personalities in the town and I’m sure they will make the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony a memorable event.”

For more information about the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards or follow on Twitter using the hashtag #retailawards15.

At the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, James and Becky will announce the winners of the following categories:

  • Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
  • Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
  • Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the Pavements Shopping Centre
  • Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
  • Children’s Clothes, Toys & Accessories Retailer of the Year
  • Food and Drink Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by BHP Accountants
  • Phones and Technology Retailer of the Year
  • Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM
  • Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Independent Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Jumble Design
  • National/ Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Vicar Lane
  • Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited
  • Market Hall Business of the Year – Sponsored by Kier
  • Best New Store (Opened 2014/2015) – Sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors
  • Vicar Lane Retailer of the Year
  • Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Other supporters of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards include eBusiness works and the Derbyshire Times.

There are limited sponsorship opportunities still available if you are interested in becoming involved please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.ukPeak FM Breakfast Team

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Joseph Clayton and Sons Ltd takeover rival

Joseph Clayton and Sons Ltd of Chesterfield have taken over J & E Sedgwick & Company Limited

This will create the largest vegetable tanning group in the UK. The acquisition was initiated to fit with the long term plans of the shareholders and senior management of Claytons.

While the two businesses will continue to run as separate units, retaining the existing management teams, the deal will create an operation with a combined turnover exceeding £6 million. All members of staff will be retained from each company, creating a joint workforce of around 60.

Certain functions such as finance, purchasing and sales will be coordinated to ensure the enlarged organisation will be better placed to support the powerful brands of Sedgwicks and Claytons in the marketplace.

The acquisition will make Claytons the largest vegetable tannery group in the UK.

Ian Walker, Chairman & Managing Director of Claytons said: “While it is easy to see us as two very similar vegetable tanning units in fact our product ranges only have a narrow area of overlap.

“Claytons produce a wide range of bespoke leathers with a variety of end uses while Sedgwicks focus on bridle and saddlery leathers. This is not surprising given that Claytons have developed from an industrial leather background while Sedgwicks have developed out of an equestrian; our processes, leathers and customers are distinct. So this is not an exercise in consolidation but in growth for two longstanding businesses. We are also pleased to be manufacturing in a location near Walsall, the important centre of UK saddlery and leather goods.”

“We are delighted with this outcome for our business” said Richard Farrow, the current Managing Director of Sedgwicks. “Claytons understand our world of vegetable tanned leathers and have a similar heritage to ours. There could be no better custodian to pass our business to.”

Richard is the grandson of one of the early owners and managers of J.E.Sedgwick and with his fellow shareholders has been looking at the future of the company as he comes towards retirement. He will remain as Managing Director and also join the board of the expanded group.

“Our specialist manufacturing teams regularly work with firms to ensure that they have access to the support and guidance necessary to continue to drive their growth, and also receive training from the University of Warwick to ensure that they fully understand the issues faced by firms in the sector.”

Joseph Clayton & Sons Ltd was founded in 1840 in Chesterfield to make leathers for industrial belting, the textile industry, harness leathers and other purposes. It has recently introduced an acclaimed new line of Cordovan Leather for the luxury sector.

Sedgwicks is recognised throughout the world for its bridle leathers and was founded in 1900 in Birmingham in order to make equestrian leathers.

The Camlee Group acted as lead advisors in a deal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

From canvas to canvas for St Mary’s students’ winning tent design

Two Year 10 students from St Mary’s School have finally seen their winning tent design brought to life by Staveley-based outdoor products designer FieldCandy.

Students Rhys Rossello (15) and Louis Rafferty (14), both studying Graphics Products at St Mary’s, took part in the tent design competition organised by Destination Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival last year. Made in Chesterfield brought together the town’s thriving manufacturing sector and schools to highlight to career opportunities within it.

The winning design, which features Chesterfield’s crooked spire, the Proact Stadium roof, the train station, Town Hall and Growth Sculpture, was selected by Crush Design and Derbyshire Education Business Project.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The judges felt that Rhys and Louis’ design reflected Chesterfield and it was a good modern adaptation for a tent.”

Rhys and Louis worked at Crush Design’s studio on Marsden Street in Chesterfield to transform their design into a format ready for printing on the FieldCandy tent.

Headteacher of St Mary’s Sean McClafferty added: “Both Rhys and Louis are a credit to St Mary’s. They have excelled themselves and I am sure this success will encourage them to consider careers in the area of design as they are both clearly gifted students.”

The design was reproduced on a stunning two-man tent by FieldCandy. John Harris, Director of FieldCandy, said: “We were delighted to be able to participate in Made in Chesterfield. We’re even more thrilled with the wonderful design that Rhys and Louis have produced. It’s translated excellently into a tent and we’re very proud of it.

“Taking part in Made in Chesterfield was a great opportunity for FieldCandy to give something back to the Borough. The Council has been exceptionally supportive of the business and has helped us access grant funding to grow and create jobs here.”

Since launching in 2011 FieldCandy has taken the camping world by storm with its unique eye-catching luxury designs which are all made at the company’s headquarters on Colliery Close in Staveley.  The designer tents, which feature offbeat graphics such as leopard print, a block of cheese and floral motifs, have developed a celebrity following and are seen at festivals over the world. Some of the designs have even been showcased at the 54th Grammy Awards in the US.

FieldCandy and Crush Design were just two of a number of companies that took part in Made in Chesterfield 2014. The manufacturing festival will return later this year in November for a full month of events. It is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To keep up to date with events and developments in Chesterfield, as well as plans for Made in Chesterfield 2015 visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

Made in Chesterfield Tent

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

Solar farms in Derbyshire Move a Step Closer

Plans for solar farms in Derbyshire are moving a step closer following consultation on the project.

Derbyshire County Council Councillors will next week (Tuesday 5 May 2015) hear that there is overall support for ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels − better known as solar farms – at five proposed sites in the North East and Amber Valley areas of the county.

Following a six week consultation, which included drop in sessions close to the sites, local residents indicated they generally agreed with proposals to put solar farms on underused land we own.

This includes former colliery or underused agricultural land unsuitable for growing crops.

Planning permission will now be sought next month (May) to develop sites at:

  • agricultural land at Mansfield Road, Temple Normanton
  • former Williamthorpe Colliery, Holmewood.
  • Westthorpe Hills, former Westthorpe Colliery, Killamarsh
  • land at Pye Bridge, Alfreton
  • former Swanwick Colliery reclamation land, Swanwick

Proposals to develop agricultural land at Swathwick Lane, Swathwick, Wingerworth have been dropped following concerns by local residents that it would be too intrusive.

If planning permission is granted solar panels would be installed in the ground to generate electricity from the sun. An energy supplier then pays us for each unit of electricity produced with extra payments if the electricity is then exported to the National Grid.

If any of the sites get the go-ahead they could be up and running by March 2016.

Service Director for Transport and Environment, Allison Thomas, said:

“These sites are not currently being put to their best use so if we get planning approval it offers great potential to generate a good income for the council and so help protect services.

“Generally these locations tend not to be of much environmental interest so developing them could also provide a good opportunity to improve the local conservation.

“We have made a public commitment in our Climate Change Charter to invest in renewable energy technologies to help reduce our negative impact on climate change and provide local, green sources of energy, and it is pleasing to know that, in principle, we have the support of local residents.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Children to Become Market Traders at Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield’s youngsters are being given the opportunity to learn about life as a market trader at the children’s market event on Saturday 23 May 2015 from 10 am-4 pm

Open to three to 14-year-olds, budding traders are invited to sell their unwanted toys, clothes and books around the town pump in the market place. There will also be entertainment and a disco on the day.

Stalls are free but availability is limited.

To book a stall at the children’s market, visit www.visitchesterfield.info/childrensmarketbookingform.aspx or call Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre on 01246 345777 or 01246 345778.

Childrens market Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Calling New Market Traders for Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council is giving new market traders the opportunity to take stalls for only £10 as part of the annual Love Your Local Market week.

The offer is open to people who have not previously been market traders to stand at the general market on Friday 15, Saturday 16, Monday 18, Friday 22 or Saturday 23 May.

For more information or to pre-book a stall, call the council’s markets team on 01246 345999

Arts and Crafts Fair

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Meets Spain in Mi Casa Cook book

A tantalising new cookbook has been launched by local entrepreneur and Chesterfield’s four star Casa Hotel owner, Steve Perez.

The mi Casa Cook book, follows hot on the heels of Casa Hotel being voted 5th best hotel in the UK, in Trip Advisors 2015 Travellers Choice Awards. It draws on influences from Steve’s Spanish roots, and his passion for high quality local produce. Mi Casa, offers insights into dishes inspired by his Derbyshire upbringing as well as showcasing the skills of the two AA rosette kitchen team and Head Chef Andrew Wilson.

Featuring over 30 dishes ranging from simple Tapas dishes to ‘Something Special’ Cocina restaurant inspired recipes, Mi Casa has been written to suit the skills of the novice and adventurous home cooks alike with easy to follow recipes.

For Steve Perez, this book marks the latest venture into the food, drink and hospitality industry. Speaking of the book launch, he said: “I’m delighted to have a platform to celebrate my love of food in ‘Mi Casa’. Not only is it a great way to recognise some of the fantastic local food produce available in Chesterfield and surrounding areas, it’s also an opportunity to inspire readers to add a taste of Spain to their dishes too.”

“My late Father Santiago, originally from Barcelona, inspired me throughout my career. I grew up in the Derbyshire countryside with him cooking Spanish dishes in the home. When it came to building Casa Hotel, I wanted something which would reflect my Mediterranean roots and the same is true about the Mi Casa cook book.”

Central to Casa Hotel’s achievements are the quality of the ingredients and produce used in its menus.  Walton Lodge Farm, which is part of Steve’s Walton Lodge Estate, provides meat and eggs to Casa Hotel. Mi Casa features a behind the scenes look at the workings of the farm and its unique connection to the hotel. It also introduces other local key Derbyshire suppliers, Highfield House Farm and John Hattersley Wines, as well Yorkshire-based Grey’s Fine Foods, which brings the authentic Spanish tastes and ingredients to Casa.

Throughout the last 40 years Steve has successfully carved a career for himself in the hospitality industry. From Steve’s humble beginnings working in the kitchen of his father’s restaurant, moving from managing pubs to developing the hugely successful international drinks business Global Brands.

‘Mi Casa: Spanish-Inspired Recipes from the Heart of Derbyshire’ is available to purchase directly from Casa Hotel or through Amazon and is priced at £14.95.

Mi Casa Cook Book Steve Perez

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

New Destination Chesterfield Board Member Appointed for Manufacturing Sector

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of the leading supplier of centrifuges to the water and food industries, MSE Hiller, is the newest addition to the Destination Chesterfield board.

Ivan replaces James Brand of United Cast Bar as the board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough. James has stepped down from the board due to increasing work commitments however will continue in his role as the chair of the popular Manufacturing Forum.

Ivan and the company have taken an active role in manufacturing initiatives organised by Destination Chesterfield, including last year’s successful Made in Chesterfield Week where schools were invited to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

Ivan brings more than 35 years’ experience to his board member role.  Delighted to join the board, he said: “Destination Chesterfield is a conduit for joining together the many companies and organisations in Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector, be they employers, training providers, or young people still at school and looking for direction. It is by joining these groups together successfully that we can help further improve the manufacturing sector in the town.”

He is particularly passionate about apprenticeships within the sector, explaining: “For me manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure. It is vitally important that we maintain Chesterfield’s manufacturing tradition and capability, and that will be my broad focus in my role on the Destination Chesterfield Board.

“I have been an employer in Chesterfield for 25 years and I have always made a point of offering apprenticeships. To this day many of my early apprentices are still working with me after two decades.”

MSE Hiller, which has been based in Chesterfield since 2001, supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK. Currently no other company offers the service and products which they do and, as a result, is very much in demand.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ivan to the board although sad that James Brand has left. We thank him for all he has done and will continue to do as both a Chesterfield Champion and a thriving manufacturing business in the town.

“MSE Hiller is a great example of a local company that is establishing the town as an engineering specialist. Ivan brings much personal experience in the sector as both an employee and an employer and is very clear about how he wants it and Chesterfield to develop. We are all very much looking forward to working with him.”

Ivan Fomin joins the existing members of the Board, which include:

Destination Chesterfield is helping to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.  This approach to promoting the town sees the local business community playing a central role in its success by leading an independent board of Directors for Destination Chesterfield, and businesses pledging their support to become Chesterfield Champions.

MSE Hiller will be taking part in Made in Chesterfield throughout November 2015. Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To find out more about Destination Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk. Or if you are interested in becoming involved in Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dom Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Ivan Fomin

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

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