About Chesterfield

Official opening for Brocklehurst Court

12th December 2018

Residents were joined by councillors to mark the official re-opening of Brocklehurst Court in Brampton after a £1 million refurbishment was completed.

The transformation has seen the outdated 1970s building of bedsits and small flats converted into 17 comfortable one and two-bedroom flats.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The work that has been carried out here is part of a major refurbishment programme we have begun to improve housing schemes for older people across the borough.

“Before this work was carried out we struggled to let the bedsits and flats at Brocklehurst Court. Now it is very different. We have had really positive feedback from the residents and the flats are really in demand.”

Each flat has been fitted with a new kitchen and bathroom, the whole building has been rewired, lighting around the communal areas has been improved and a new heating system installed. New windows and entrance doors have also been installed to improve the natural light in each flat.

The communal areas of the building have also been remodelled and refurbished, with an atrium being created to provide more natural light, and additional seating areas added into what were previously dark and lengthy corridors. There is also a laundry room with washing machines and tumble dryers as well as a shelter for mobility scooters.

The outdoor areas have been re-designed to include individual patios for the ground floor flats and Juliette balconies for those upstairs. Raised planting beds and seating areas have been created to encourage residents to garden and make the most of the outdoor space.

The work was designed and managed by the council’s in-house team of architects with the refurbishment carried out by Fortem Solutions. It was completed on time and to budget.

Brocklehurst Court is the first of three refurbishments of older persons’ accommodation being carried out by Chesterfield Borough Council. Work has already been completed at Glebe Court in Old Whittington ready for residents to move back in soon, while Catherine Court in Brampton will be finished in spring 2019.

Extensive internal and external works is also planned to improve blocks of flats on the Grangewood estate.

For more information about accommodation for older people visit: www.onthemove-cbc.org.uk, call On the Move on (01246) 345700 or visit their office on Low Pavement.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

New Vice Principal joins the Chesterfield College team

12th December 2018

Anna Jackson recently joined the Chesterfield College management team as Vice Principal for Learning, Skills and Innovation. She is working alongside Directors at the college to develop academic and technical provision and to drive forward the college’s quality and improvement plan.

Anna brings a wealth of education experience and a track record of curriculum improvement and working in partnership with local industry to develop the skills needed.

Following a career in industry, Anna joined the education sector around 15 years ago. Her first role in further education was in Leicester, where she initially worked as a lecturer but she quickly joined the management team.

Anna left her role as Head of Faculty for Business, ICT, Technology, Engineering and Construction at Birmingham Metropolitan College to join Chesterfield College. During her time in Birmingham she worked on key projects such as setting up the region’s Rail Academy working with stakeholders such as the National College of High Speed Rail.

Anna said: “I know from my short time in this job that this is a college which puts learning at the heart of what it does and I am looking forward to being part of that. A huge part of my role is to work with the team to improve performance and progress of learners and to develop Chesterfield College’s offer to ensure we are providing quality further education for students and employers.”

“I am keen to work with schools, employers and the Local Enterprise Partnerships to ensure that we are developing study programmes with progression and the local economy in mind. We will be working hard to raise learner aspirations and ensure they move on to positive destinations.”

Anna will play a key part in growing the college’s engineering and advanced manufacturing provision and a number of other projects to meet the needs of the region.

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

Derbyshire parents reminded to apply for 30 hours funded childcare

11th December 2018

Working parents across Derbyshire are being encouraged to apply now for extra funded childcare for the January term.

All three and four-year-old children in the county are entitled to 15 hours funded early education a week, but following changes made by the Government last year, some working parents are now eligible to receive 30 hours funded childcare a week.

Derbyshire County Council is reminding families to check their eligibility, get a code and apply by visiting Childcare Choices. It’s easy to apply and applicants just need their National Insurance number or Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) if they’re self-employed.

Parents who want to take up the additional childcare from the new term in January must apply now before the December 31 deadline. Those who are already benefiting from the additional funded childcare are also reminded they need to update their details approximately every three months to make sure they still qualify.

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People said: “We’re urging parents not to wait until the deadline but to check now to see if they qualify for extra funded childcare.”

“The extra funding is worth around £2,500 to families which will enable parents to work more hours if they want to while giving their children the chance to socialise and learn.”

“There are only three weeks left until the December 31 deadline and it’s a good idea not to leave it to the last minute to apply so applications can be processed and details checked.”

To be eligible for up to 30 hours of funded childcare families must meet the following criteria:

Both parents must be working (or the sole parent in a single parent family)
Each parent must earn on average at least £125 a week – equal to 16 hours at national minimum or living wage, including those on zero hours contracts. This earnings limit does not apply with self-employed parents who started their business less than 12 months ago.
Each parent does not earn more than £100,000 a year.

Families may still qualify where one or both parents are on maternity, paternity, adoption leave or statutory sick pay or if one is working but the other is unable to work because they are disabled or have caring responsibilities and receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.

Derbyshire County Council is continuing to work with schools, nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to encourage them to offer the extra hours flexibly to meet the needs of working parents in Derbyshire. Funded childcare is available at participating:

Full day care providers (eg nurseries)
Schools with nursery provision
Childminders
Sessional providers (eg playgroups)
Children’s centres
Before and after-school provision

The extra hours are government funded and eligibility is assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Even if parents don’t qualify for the extra hours they will still be entitled to the universal 15 hours of funded early education.

Families can check their eligibility and apply for their 30 hours funded childcare at Childcare Choices at the same time as claiming Universal Credit, tax credits, childcare vouchers or Tax-Free Childcare.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Two more additions to Markham Vale

11th December 2018

Two more businesses have selected Markham Vale as their preferred location and are now up and running in Waterloo Court on Markham Lane.

Integrity Devices Ltd, operating out of Unit 7, is a privately owned healthcare company who supply speciality medical devices in niche areas of the health industry. The company has gained plaudits for its commercial agility, offering high quality products at highly competitive prices.

The other new company at Waterloo Court is Barmy Army Ltd. Founded on the 94/95 cricket tour of Australia, the company have been supporting the England cricket team for well over 20 years both at home and abroad. They are now recognised as some of the greatest supporters in cricket and continue to help bring cricket to the masses, provide tickets and organise tours to support the team wherever they are playing.

This news follows yesterday’s announcement that a further three deals have been completed in the last two months at the Wilson Business Park, also at Markham Vale.

Markham Vale is a 200 acre business park with direct access to the M1 motorway via a dedicated junction, 29A. This prime development site offers build-to-suit units from 10,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. for industrial, warehouse, hotel or office builds.

Since acquiring the site ten years ago, more than 1,600 jobs have been created with 1.8 million sq. ft. of developed business space and another 100,000 sq. ft. available for further development.

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

Productivity increases at local factory thanks to LED lighting

11th December 2018

Productivity has increased at a Dronfield factory because its new LED lighting has helped re-energise its workforce.

Elkem in Dronfield found that the mood of the manufacturing staff in the factory changed when it switched from standard low bay to modern LED because they are now working in a bright environment.

The changeover was supplied by Chesterfield company Recon Electrical, who are specialists in low carbon energy.

Russ Gratton (right), Director of Recon Electrical, said: “The benefits of LED are clear, it saves energy and, consequently, money but it can also make staff more efficient.”

“Developers are also working on humancentric lighting – with panels which change from cooler bright light during the day to dimmer, warmer light in the evening. ”

“Cool white light makes the brain think it is the middle of the day so personal energy increases but for those who work late at night, lights can automatically dim down so staff who go home late will find their brains will be wanting to go to sleep straight away instead of being wide awake.”

Mr Gratton added: “We know that LED helps businesses in terms of cost because we transferred the lighting in our own warehouse and it had paid for its own installation in just over 18 months. Thereafter, there is a straightforward benefit in terms of up to 90 per cent reduction in lighting energy bills.”

Ian Goodwin, Maintenance Manager at Elkem Dronfield Limited, said: “We have had our lighting in our factory changed from HQI 400 Watt low bays to LED 200 Watt fittings with daylight dimming. This has made a dramatic effect on the feel of the building, the mood of the staff and productivity.”

In addition, the previous running costs were nearly £3,500 per year but, with the new LED fittings, the bill is down to £795.

Recon Electrical is moving fast with developments in energy efficiency thanks partly to support from the Low Carbon Business Network – a project hosted by the University of Derby and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr Gratton said: “It has helped us become more engaged with other companies – and work with other potential suppliers.”

“We are now working a lot with electric vehicle charging and run training courses for those companies who want to look at installation of EV charge points. We work with GRE Energy Training which offers an accredited course for electric vehicle charging. This will be a massive growth area over the coming years.”

“The Holy Grail is generating power and being able to store it, convert it and use it. But who knows what the next five years will bring. We just want to make sure we are at the forefront of innovation.”

Dr Fred Paterson, the University of Derby’s project lead for the Low Carbon Business Network, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to link such a go-ahead company as Recon Electrical with others in the field.”

“They are another example of a small Derbyshire company which is pushing the boundaries to help businesses become more energy-efficient to the benefit of their staff and the bottom line.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Further sales announced at Markham Vale’s Wilson Business Park

10th December 2018

Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has completed a further three deals in the last two months at Wilson Business Park, the flagship business park which forms part of the wider Markham Vale regeneration area.

GB Bespoke Joinery has purchased a 2,300 sq ft unit on the site which will form its new HQ, where it will manufacture joinery products for its nationwide contract projects.

Lee Gent, from GB Bespoke Joinery said: “The quality of the units at Wilson Business Park is outstanding, and the surrounding transport links mean excellent access to the surrounding cities, and beyond. We are looking forward to moving into our unit and continuing to grow our business.”

LTEK Systems, who manufacture control systems, has purchased Unit 11, totalling 1,250 sq ft, and motorcycle expedition company Globebusters have also secured a unit of the same size. A further unit has been purchased by a private investor and subsequently let to Switch Electrical Supplies.

The latest occupants to the scheme join the wider Markham Vale site, alongside businesses including Direct Track Solutions, Shotblast Solutions, Magpie Beauty & Catering Projects – negotiated by CPP earlier this year.

With three further units under offer, this leaves just two units available, of 2,200 & 3,050 sq ft. Priority Space is also building a further 15,000 sq ft standalone unit on nearby Greaves Close, which is close to completion and being offered for sale by CPP.

Stuart Waite, Partner at CPP commented: “We are delighted to have completed further sales, and additional lettings, on the park, demonstrating a resilient demand for small industrial units, especially those that are available to buy.”

“The site is now well-established as ideal premises for any business looking for accommodation in the region – and boasts an exceptional location and key transport links. We’d encourage anyone who is interested in space at Wilson Park to contact us directly.”

Markham Vale benefits from its own M1 motorway junction, Junction 29a, and is just five miles east of Chesterfield and approximately 20 miles from Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

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

Charities share Chamber’s fundraising efforts

10th December 2018

Three charities have been named as beneficiaries of fundraising efforts by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) in 2019. Chamber President Kevin Harris announced them at the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch on Friday.

They are CHICKS, SkillForce and Twenty Twenty, all three of which work to improve the lives of children and young people.

At next year’s Christmas Lunch, each will receive an equal share of £1,932.31 raised at this year’s event in addition to any other money raised by the Chamber’s efforts throughout the year.

At this year’s Christmas Lunch, the three charities nominated last year – Rhubarb Farm, Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid and Hope Against Cancer – each received a one-third share of £3,615.

The Chamber’s charity activities are managed by the East Midlands Chamber Charitable Fund, which was set up in 2016 and is administered by the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.

Kevin said: “It gave me great pleasure to present three very worthwhile charities with much-needed donations and also to name three more charities to which the Chamber will donate next year.”

“Charities rely on donations for their survival and whether it is a large or small amount I would encourage businesses to take part in events that help to raise money for them.”

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

New investor brings 60 jobs to Chesterfield

6th December 2018

I-Grunwerg, an award-winning supplier of houseware and catering products, is moving its operations to the former Franke Sissons site in Chesterfield.

The family-owned business, which has a turnover of £10 million, specialises in the design and distribution of premium stainless steel products including cutlery, tea ware, serving ware, tableware, kitchen utensils, cookware, kitchen knives, bar ware, and scissors.

It will move to the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate in May 2019 once refurbishment work on the former Franke Sissons building has been completed.

The move has been welcomed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council leader, who said: “We are really pleased that I-Grunwerg has decided to become one of our tenants on the Sheepbridge Industrial Estate.

“It is great that the former Franke Sissons site is back in use and providing job opportunities for Chesterfield residents.

“I-Grunwerg sells products through some of the biggest names in retail, including Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser, Waitrose, Lakeland and Costco, as well to catering businesses and restaurants. They also sell products online across the globe.

“So to get a company of that stature locating in the borough is a vote of confidence in Chesterfield. They will add to the growing number of leading companies who are located in the borough at sites like Sheepbridge Industrial Estate and Markham Vale.”

The company has received the support of the council’s economic development team to help it relocate to the area.

Igrunwerg Owner Ben Grunwerg said: “Our main focus is stainless steel kitchen equipment and we have a particular specialism in quality kitchen knives.

“We were attracted to Chesterfield because it is next to the M1, which as a distribution business is great for us. There are good local facilities here and the fact that Chesterfield is going to get HS2 is important as a lot of our customers are based down in London.

“We were also impressed with the development plans for Chesterfield, like the Northern Gateway scheme, which show the town has a bright future.”

The company will be relocating most of its existing workforce from Sheffield to Chesterfield but expects there to be some job opportunities for Chesterfield residents next year and then further roles in the future as the company looks to expand.

Ben added: “Half the jobs here will be warehouse roles and then in the offices we will have a full mix of staff in sales, accounting, operations, marketing, product design and graphic design.”

Refurbishment work to the former Franke Sissons building is already underway to create the company’s offices; a showroom for customers and business clients; research and development and product testing areas; distribution warehouse areas where products will be stored, packed and then sent out for delivery; and staff recreation facilities.

There is also space on the site where the company can expand and build additional warehouses in the future.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Patients and staff help to create Chesterfield hospital’s new website

6th December 2018

Over the last few months patients and staff from Chesterfield Royal Hospital have contributed to a new and improved website that made its appearance earlier this week.

The site retains its address – www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk – providing a host of up to date information on a range of services based at the hospital and in the community. It’s been designed taking patient and staff feedback into account, to make it easier for users to find what they need quickly, easily and all within the recommended ‘three clicks’ or less.

Head of Communications Sarah Turner-Saint says: “We’re thrilled with the results and have been working very closely with Frank Design to come up with a site that is easy to use and looks clean and modern. Unlike our old site this one now automatically adapts to mobile devices – so anyone logging on via their phone or tablet will see a huge difference. It’s a much more colourful and interactive experience for anyone wanting to find out more about our hospital.”

Sarah added: “This site is for everyone who might be coming into hospital, who wants to comment on their experiences or care and treatment, or who might be interested in working for us – so we need to know it functions well and gives them what they need.”

“We are excited about the new launch of the Chesterfield Royal NHS Trust public facing website” said Jamie Wise, Managing Director Frank Health, “our dedicated team at Frank collaborated closely with the Chesterfield team to deliver a high quality website, beautifully designed and built to an exceptional standard.”

The Trust is welcoming more feedback on how the site now it’s up and running – from how information is accessed, to what’s included on the pages. The new website can be found at: www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Arvato supports local young people through digital skills training partnership

5th December 2018

Arvato’s team in Chesterfield has backed a training initiative designed to equip young people in the region with digital skills.

As part of Arvato’s sponsorship of the Digital Advantage project, which took place at DCAS Chesterfield, they have supported twelve 16-18-year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to improve their employability and digital skills. The best performing students have been offered work placements at leading companies across the region.

Digital Advantage is a pop-up digital agency, run by The White Room who provide training and apprenticeships for companies working in or with digital media. The agency captures the energy of the digital revolution that is sweeping around the world to bring industry trainers, work experience and digital skills into colleges or schools.

They were supported by industry leaders who guided them in the development of a prototype digital business, website and video pitch to a panel of experts. The various tasks support the students to deepen their understanding of digital businesses and learn how to successfully break into the industry.

Arvato has previously sponsored the scheme in Sefton, offering work placements to two young people taking part in the initiative to help kick-start their careers.

Damon Bruce, Head of Operations at Chesterfield, Arvato UK & Ireland, said: “Creating opportunities for young people in our local area is really important to us, helping them unlock digital talent and developing skills that will be crucial to the success of businesses up and down the UK. The Digital Advantage scheme is a fantastic initiative that helps the participants to develop their creative and digital knowledge and translate this into a work environment.”

“After the success of the scheme in Sefton we’re excited to see the results of the Chesterfield project. We’ll be following the project closely as we look out for the next generation of talent in the digital world.”

For more information on the Digital Advantage programme please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

East Midlands Chamber named Chamber of the Year at BCC Awards

4th December 2018

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has secured one of the most significant and highly-sought accolades in business.

In a night of celebration at the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, held in London, it was East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) that won the overall Chamber of the Year title, sponsored by Quest.

Now in its 15th year, the national Chamber Business Awards is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The Chamber was also joined on the night by four member companies – Dalycom, Shirebrook Academy, Tidyco and trentbarton – which had gone on to enjoy regional success following their respective achievements at the Chamber’s Business Awards across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

It has been a busy and productive 2018 for the Chamber which, as the leading business support organisation in the region, continues to dedicate itself to providing its members with a comprehensive and ever-evolving suite of products, services and information to help businesses succeed and thrive.

Reflecting on the award, Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has shown impressive growth and retention in recent years. The strategic work and engagement of the Chamber with local stakeholders embodies the mission of Chambers of Commerce everywhere.”

“Its efforts to engage with other Chambers and improve member offerings is a testament to its dedication. Congratulations to the entire East Midlands team, truly worthy recipients of this award.”

Steve Charles, Head of Business Partnerships at award sponsor Quest, said: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), deserved winners of this prestigious award.”

“It is a great example of how a Chamber can make a significant contribution to the national network while also taking a leading and influential role in its own business community. It has developed a first-class service to members, which is witnessed by its continued growth. Well done to all the team.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), added: “To win Chamber of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a great endorsement of the extensive activity we deliver to our members across the region.”

“This acknowledgment is testament to the dedication and hard work shown by all the staff at the Chamber, who made this award possible by continuing to work tirelessly and passionately on behalf of our members to fulfil our overall objective – to enhance East Midlands businesses.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield