About Chesterfield

East Midlands Chamber at Westminster to Present Growth Manifesto for the Region to Government

Improvements to taxation, infrastructure, skills alongside reform of the planning system are among key asks that will be handed to the UK government and MPs today in a new manifesto from East Midlands Chamber.

Under the proposals taxation and regulation would see reforms to make them simpler, transport would benefit from electrification of the Midland Main Line and upgrades to key road networks, while acceleration of full-fibre broadband roll-out across the East Midlands would boost digital growth.

The document also identifies the ‘Big Opportunity’ for the East Midlands – to develop the region as a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision.

Hosted by Nigel Mills MP, co-Chair of the East Midlands All Party Parliamentary Group, alongside East Midlands Chamber President Stuart Dawkins and Chair of the Board Kevin Harris, and with a delegation of regional business leaders in attendance, the event at 13.00 today in Westminster will mark the official launch of the Manifesto for Growth 2024.

Speaking ahead of the Westminster launch, East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said: “This document is the culmination of in depth engagement with our members. It builds upon our core themes of Innovation, Infrastructure, International trade and Investment, making specific recommendations in four areas: Skills reform for the reality of today’s workforce; Transport and infrastructure that is fit for purpose; Developing a taxation and regulation regime that is aligned with a long-term vision for the country; and how we fix the broken planning system.

“We’re also really excited to be presenting our Big Opportunity, to create a centre for the future of energy production, storage and provision in the East Midlands. We’ve already had some exciting recent developments in this space, including the STEP fusion plant development in West Burton, the Freeport’s ambitions for the Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site and the work Rolls-Royce are doing on Small Modular Nuclear Reactors.

“A vision of the future where the East Midlands is exporting the products, processes and people that can deliver Net Zero is absolutely possible, and it’s essential that we get the right policy support from Government to unlock that opportunity.”

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy & Insight, added: “We might not know when a General Election will be called, but it’s a certainty that it will at some point in the next ten months. With economic growth still precarious after several disruptive years, it’s a critical time to release this Manifesto that outlines the things businesses have told us they need for those that live and work in the East Midlands to be successful.

“This isn’t a zero sum game. If we get this right we all win. And the policy environment in which we operate is a key enabler to helping us get this right. Whoever is leading the country, businesses themselves will continue to do what they’ve always done: looking to develop opportunities, open new markets and maximise the materials they have and circumstances they are in to be successful.”

Some of the key asks in the Manifesto for Growth 2024 include:

• Business rates: Full review of the system.
• Tax and regulation: Simplify the R&D tax credits system.
• Skills: Incentives for businesses that invest in staff training.
• Infrastructure: speed up rollout of full-fibre Broadband.
• Planning: Let the private sector plug gaps on council staffing.
• Transport: Full electrification of the Midland Main Line commitment, reinstatement of direct rail links between Coventry and Leicester and improvements to the A50/A500 and A46 corridors.

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

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Show your love for Mum this Mother’s Day in Chesterfield

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to show some appreciation and spread some love for the amazing mums in Chesterfield, whilst enjoying all the unique offerings and charm of our town.

Here are three great ways you can show your love for Mum, whilst also supporting our town and enjoying everything Chesterfield has to offer.

1. Surprise Mum with some fantastic gifts from Chesterfield’s independent shops

Dotique 873x466

Take a stroll down the picturesque streets of Chesterfield, and you’ll find a treasure trove of quirky shops with handmade items, made by people with a passion for great products and services.

From stunning jewellery to the perfect bunch of flowers, our local shopping hubs have so much choice when it comes to memorable gifts. It’s an opportunity to give our high streets a much-needed boost, whilst treating our mothers to a gift that is as unique as them. Our businesses will help you go beyond the ordinary, helping you to treat mum to locally sourced food and beverages, crafted with passion and care by our town’s talented producers.

Looking for a last-minute present? See our Mother’s Day gift guide here.

2. Show your appreciation by treating Mum to her favourite meal

Couple dining at Casa Hotel

Of course, no Mother’s Day celebration is complete without indulging in your mum’s favourite meal. Fortunately, there’s no need to get stressed about the cooking! Chesterfield’s independent culinary scene is once again pulling out all the stops to offer your family an unforgettable dining experience.

Local restaurants are gearing up to pay tribute to the extraordinary mothers in our lives, presenting a menu of unforgettable dishes that will make this Mother’s Day truly special. Get ready for some mouthwatering dishes and special menus to show our mums that they’re one of a kind.

Check out our guide to dining out this Mother’s Day. 

3. Give Mum the chance to let her hair down

Couple enjoying the spa at ringwood hall

If Mum likes to get her dancing shoes on, we have some fabulous acts performing in Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel theatre this year, with Shaun Ryder, Aled Jones and the legendary Showaddywaddy coming to town. On top of that, tributes to familiar favourites such as Queen, Tina Turner, Abba and Elton John will give her a night to remember.

See what’s on at the Winding Wheel Theatre here, or visit our events listings page for more great ideas.

Or, if she’d rather relax and wind down, why not buy her a voucher for one of Chesterfield’s local spas or hotels? Look out for some of the luxurious packages being promoted by the likes of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park, and Casa Hotel.

See our guide for places to visit in Chesterfield.

For more ways to help you find the perfect way to spoil mum, be sure to check out our  guides to 50 fantastic retailers and 50 brilliant bars and restaurants on social media. Whether it’s a cosy brunch, a heartfelt gift or some quality time in our beautiful local surroundings, let’s ensure our mums feel valued and cherished on this special day.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the remarkable mums in Chesterfield!

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Budding Chesterfield artists invited to submit their creations for the Chesterfield Postcard Show

Chesterfield’s annual exhibition of mini masterpieces is back for 2024, and residents across the area are being invited to take part.

This year’s Chesterfield Postcard Show is entitled ‘Memories Are Made of This” and will take place between the 7th and 17th of May at West Studios. Artists of all abilities are invited to be part of the exciting exhibition. All you need to do is submit a postcard-size piece of art by the 24th of April 2024.

Organised by Junction Arts and local artist Dave Elsom, the event celebrates the importance of getting creative and its impact on people’s self-esteem and well-being. Last year 173 artists submitted their works with 329 pieces of original art on display, raising over £1,200.

Hannah Bowdler, Fundraising Coordinator at Junction Arts said: “We believe that everyone should have access to art. The Chesterfield Postcard Shows provides a free exhibition of marvellous miniature artworks for local people to enjoy, a space for new artists to exhibit and showcase their talent, plus people can buy an original piece of art for just £10.

“This is the third year of the show, and we’d like to see more people get involved. It’s open to people of all ages and abilities to take part, and every postcard that is sent to us will feature in the show. Your postcard can be whatever you want it to be, a painting, a photograph, digital artwork, you can use whatever material you like, as long as it’s A6 size and is based on the theme of Memories Are Made of This.”

The original pieces will be available to buy during the exhibition to raise money to support local arts charity Junction Arts and their work within the community. Local businesses are also being invited to support the event, businesses requiring more information can contact hannah@junctionarts.org.

Submissions should be created on A6 card, not paper, and sent to The Chesterfield Postcard Show, Junction Arts, West Studios Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 7LL by the 24th of April 2024. If participants need a card, they can send a message to Hannah@junctionarts.org to request a blank card to be sent to them.

Junction Arts supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Postcard show

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Research shows Derbyshire is still on track for EV boom

New research suggests our area remains on track for an EV boom. A study by Midlands Connect predicts that Derbyshire and Derby city could see just under 66,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade, with a significant increase in public EV charge points needed to keep up with demand.

The new projections were announced today at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference. Figures suggest Derby and Derbyshire will see a 440% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030, with projections predicting to rise from 12,216 EVs today to 65,915 on its roads by the end of 2030.

New research forecasts have shown Derby and Derbyshire require a further 6,949 public charging points by 2030 to support the increase in EV use over the next decade, an 1,534% increase from the 453 chargers existing across the region today.

Estimates suggest that by 2030, the Midlands could be home to over 2million EVs, with just under 1 in 3 (32.5%) vehicles being electric. To support this growing number of EVs, 58,997 new public EV charging points must be installed across the Midlands by the end of the decade. This means installing 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the end of 2030.

The work is part of the Sub-national Transport Body’s efforts to support Local Authorities in increasing EV charger roll-out. In September 2023, it partnered with 14 Local Authorities for a total of £40.3mil of Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund to be part of consortium approach, accounting for ~61% of the regions £66.5mil funding.

The figures were announced at Midlands Connect’s EV Conference today, which brought together senior leaders and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Electric Vehicle industry. Discussions included hearing from firms manufacturing EVs; electrifying fleets of vehicles and ensuring that electrified transport is accessible to everyone.

Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect’s CEO, Maria Machancoses, said: “It’s clear Derby and Derbyshire is still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles, that could see just under 66,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of decade.

“Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.

“Our conference allowed us to bring together many different aspects of the EV industry, including Government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution.”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We welcome this valuable research from Midlands Connect which qualifies the actions we’re taking to meet this projected demand.

“We’re committed to providing convenient, comprehensive, and cost-effective charging solutions for road users in Derbyshire and are progressing several projects in this area.

“We’re providing solutions for those without off street parking by developing a network of slow chargers utilising existing street lights. This solution is perfect for overnight residential use and we’re working with residents to locate suitable sites where there is demand. We’re also exploring opportunities to develop Rapid and Ultra rapid charging hubs, through private sector partnerships, to keep commercial fleet operational.

“But we can’t do this alone. Obviously, we need to work in partnership with private sector providers to roll out charging infrastructure in Derbyshire at pace and we’re currently in conversations with industry with a view to installing the next phase later this year.”

Cars driving on road with crooked Spire in the background

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Chesterfield council housing project shortlisted for award

An £8 million regeneration project on council homes in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for a Building Communities Award – as works that improve, transform and modernise a housing estate are finalised.

The project, which has seen the transformation of the blocks of flats located at Newland Dale in Stonegravels has been shortlisted for the ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’ award at the event that takes place on 15 March 2024.

The flats on Newland Dale have benefitted from a major facelift as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to providing quality affordable housing across the borough and create modern, attractive places for people to live.

The modernisation works, carried out by the council’s main contractor Fortem Solutions Ltd. include a rendering works to the outside of the buildings – bringing a fresh and modern look and feel to the area.

In line with its climate change strategy, the council is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient, and a number of improvements have been made to the properties to help achieve this.

This included upgrading and fully re-insulating the roofing as well as replacing the windows throughout, whilst each property has also benefited from a boiler upgrade. As well as supporting the council’s climate plan, these measures will also help reduce fuel bills for council tenants.

All indoor communal areas have been redecorated, with non-slip flooring and new handrails being installed throughout to further improve the safety for tenants.

Outside of the properties, the project has seen the addition of two new car parks on site, including additional disabled bays and new cycle store rails. Footpaths and roads have also been resurfaced, with new traffic calming measures being installed – such as new speed signs and a pedestrian crossing.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are really pleased to see another one of our modernisation projects complete. Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and this project really has helped to improve tenant’s homes and brighten up the area.

“It is great that the project has been shortlisted for a ‘Refurbishment Project of the Year’ award as it recognised the hard work that has been put in by the council and Fortem to transform these properties for our tenants.

“It is really positive to see the homes become much more energy efficient too as we work towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050. As the cost of living continues to rise, these measures will also help to reduce the fuel bills for our tenants too.”

Tom Nicholson, commercial manager for Fortem Solutions, said: “We want to extend our praise to both the site team and our esteemed client upon the successful completion of the Newland Dale refurbishment project. The dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the site team throughout every stage of the project was truly fantastic. Their tireless efforts, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills ensured that the project was executed flawlessly, exceeding all expectations.

“We also want to express our gratitude to our client for their collaborative approach and unwavering support throughout the entire process. Their clear vision, constructive feedback, and willingness to engage in open communication were instrumental in achieving our shared goals.

“Together, we have transformed ideas into reality, delivering something that not only meets but surpasses the needs and desires of our client and their residents. It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside such dedicated professionals once again, and we look forward to the opportunity of future collaborations.”

Chesterfield Borough Council and Fortem Solutions support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Newland Dale

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Chatsworth to celebrate childhood with a new season of activities

A new family festival, a reimagined adventure playground and a multi-sensory art exhibition are just a glimpse of the year-long cultural programme of events coming to Chatsworth under the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’, encouraging visitors to experience Chatsworth and its rich history from a new perspective.

From Saturday 16 March, Chatsworth House and Garden will re-open to visitors with the launch of this year’s exhibition, Picturing Childhood. The thought-provoking and multi-sensory exhibition is designed to be enjoyed by all ages through the lens of childhood. It will include rarely seen artistic masterpieces from the collection, some of which will be on display for the first time, alongside new commissions and loans.

Visitors are invited to see, touch, smell, feel, think, do, and play through new commissions and loans by artists that encourage hands-on and perspective-bending interactions, including a unique scent experience curated by food historian and scent artist, Tasha Marks, and ‘Anthronaut’ series by Abigail Reynolds, which invites visitors to shift their visual perspective of Chatsworth.

Chatsworth House Trust is also working with educational partners to ensure the exhibition creates opportunities for collaboration with those in the local community. Children from Athelstan School in Sheffield will be invited for a ‘Chatsworth takeover’ week in June, including taking charge of its social media channel.

Chatsworth is partnering with The Reading Agency, which will help share the charity’s extensive learning resources with over one million subscribers and connect with local families to guide the content of special mindfulness areas, complete with books selected by young users of Chesterfield Library.

In addition to annual favourite events including the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, Country Fair and the spectacular Christmas display, Chatsworth is launching its inaugural family festival. Taking place from 25 – 27 May, families will be invited to unleash their creativity and let imaginations run wild. Developed for all ages, activities will include mastering gravity-defying circus skills, learning bushcraft, running for gold in sports day races, walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs and scavenger hunts.

Elsewhere on the estate, Chatsworth’s much-loved woodland adventure playground is undergoing a large-scale redevelopment, enhancing opportunities for imaginative free play and immersion within the beautiful surrounding nature of the estate. Set to reopen from April, families can enjoy an exciting day out packed full of adventure and play within the safe setting of the farmyard and playground.

The year-round learning and cultural programme will include a series of events including expert-led talks, tours and workshops for adults and children to explore new pastimes or develop an existing skill, many of which will be centred on the theme of ‘Celebrating Childhood’ at any age.

These include Historic Waterways Tours led by the landscape team through Stand Wood; Cutting Garden Floristry Workshops where participants will learn how to create seasonal arrangements using flowers from the garden; Macramé Plant Hanger workshops led by a local artist, Lamb feeding experiences; and guided tours of Picturing Childhood by exhibition curator Gill Hart.

This season will also see the launch of a new pricing initiative, aiming to take active steps to remove barriers to entry and demonstrate Chatsworth House Trust’s commitment to Chatsworth being a place for everyone. This includes a £10 year-round children’s ticket, giving access to the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.

Jane Marriott, Director of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “Through this season celebrating childhood, we hope that our visitors can experience Chatsworth from a new perspective – one that is playful and inquisitive, that celebrates learning and encourages a deeper connection and enjoyment of Chatsworth’s rich history.

“Childhood is something that unites us all. This year we will continue to commission new and exciting artists, introduce our first Chatsworth Family Festival, and develop our learning programme that is packed with opportunities to develop new skill. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to join us for a new perspective at Chatsworth.”
William Burlington, Chairman of Chatsworth House Trust, said: “We are thrilled that 2024 will be a year of storytelling, discovery and play as we celebrate children and childhood at Chatsworth throughout the year.

This year’s exhibition presents exciting new work by exceptional artists alongside the very best works from the historic collection, some on show for the first time. The exhibition has been designed to provoke wonder and to encourage new and different ways to get involved with art and ideas in the house and landscape, and we hope it will bring joy to people of all ages.”

For more information on the events being held at Chatsworth throughout the next 12 months, please visit the website here: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/
And for more information on the Picturing Childhood exhibition, please visit: https://www.chatsworth.org/events/picturing-childhood/

To find out more about upcoming events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, head over to our events page.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chatsworth - Season Opening 1 2024

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Contractor appointed to build new canal bridge at Staveley

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has appointed O’Brien Contractors Ltd. to construct and install a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the soon-to-be restored route of the canal at Staveley.

This will be the first stage of the Trust’s £6 million restoration project. The bulk of the money is from the Staveley Town Deal, a government levelling up project.

The new 38 metre long bridge will take the Trans Pennine Trail across the canal to meet the Arkwright Trail. Later the canal itself will be restored including a new bridge for farm vehicles and a new lock. There will also be a freshly landscaped relaxation area including picnic benches and information boards. This will be carefully planted to encourage wildlife.

O’Brien’s will start on site in April and major groundworks will start in May. The bridge will be installed in the summer and there will be a formal opening ceremony in September. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.

Tony Mitchell, Director, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by The Chesterfield Canal Trust to provide the new canal bridge at Staveley. This prestigious project will be a huge benefit to pedestrians and cyclists all over the region and the restoration of this historic route will benefit the community for many years to come. We look forward to working with the Trust and their team over the course of this exciting project.”

Chesterfield Canal Trust Development Manager, George Rogers, said “This is a big milestone for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and we are delighted to appoint O’Brien Contractors to deliver this statement structure over the canal. Installing this bridge will open up the route for future restoration in multiple ways and I am looking forward to seeing it progress over the summer”.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s taken a huge amount of work by the team at the Chesterfield Canal Trust to get to this point and I want to thank them for their efforts and congratulate them on reaching this important milestone. The expansion of the canal is an important project for the town deal – it will help make the town a more attractive place to visit and provide residents with new outdoor facilities to explore. I look forward to seeing the bridge completed as this will unlock the next stages of this project.”

The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

TPT Bridge Chesterfield canal artist impression

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Quirky new Chesterfield town centre store to provide ‘a smile, a laugh and bit of mischief’ to customers

A quirky independent store has opened its doors in Chesterfield Town Centre, selling a wide range of gifts and other unique items.

Eclectic Delights of Serendipity is owned by mother and daughter duo, Cheryl Knowles and Saffy Kendal-Allan, and has been running in Derbyshire for several years. Now, the business has begun welcoming customers to a new shop, based at 12 High Street.

The pair told us their story of running the business, and how it led to them taking the step to open in Chesterfield: “Some may know us from our little shop in Matlock Bath or previously our Hope shop or even know us from the beginning of our journey, 9 years ago at Cheryl’s first tiny shop just off Newbold Road.

spice girls mats eclectic delights

“Cheryl started off in her small shop doing re-loved furniture and small gifts which then took on a life of its own and she had to move into a larger shop at Hope Valley where she began being known more as a Gift, Clothing and Re-loved furniture shop. After a few years there, Cheryl then set her eyes on the ‘sea-side-without-a-sea’ town of Matlock Bath where Saffy joined to manage the shop as Cheryl continued in Hope Valley.

“However, after lockdown we decided to shut the Hope Valley shop and focus our efforts on Matlock Bath. After five years we decided we wanted a shop closer to home and by luck 12 High Street became available and three weeks later we are now in and ready for business.”

Cheryl and Saffy also explained what customers can expect to find when visiting the new Chesterfield shop.

They added: “Our shop name is exactly the type of items we sell: a broad and diverse range of items that you weren’t looking for but they appeared when you needed them. We are proud stockists of local independent suppliers such as: Letterbox Love, WaggyDogz, Enchanted Love, and so many more.

ecelctic delights

“We truly believe in having something that is for everyone which is why we don’t just sell cards and gifts but leather handbags, a MyMoments machine (which creates personalised items) and currently in the process of making a Boutique on our first floor. We also have plans for workshops on our first and top floor for both adults and children – so watch this space!”

In addition, the duo emphasised the importance of looking after customers and explained how they want to build up their community around the shop and the town: “What sets us apart from others is our customer care. We might be a shop, but we focus and care for our customers and their mental well-being while they are in our shop.

“Not everyone needs to buy something, but sometimes they just need someone to talk to and that’s what we are there for. We truly believe that if you look after the community around you, the community will look after you. Also, being a Mother and Daughter team we are always ready with a smile, a laugh and bit of mischief for all our customers as you can usually find us laughing and causing havoc together.

Being able to share this dream of running a shop together and bringing things in that we love and adore as well as spending so much time together is amazing and has brought us so close!”

“We are so excited to be a part of Chesterfield’s wide range of quirky independents. We have lived in Chesterfield for over 15 years and love the character of the town and its people. Chesterfield has such a friendly and welcoming community of people which we feel is unlike most towns or cities. As shoppers and now a business in the town we agree that we all need to support our local independents – each one brings something different and unique to the town making it a fun, diverse and great place to live and shop!”

For more information about the store, head over to the Eclectic Delights of Serendipity Facebook page.

Looking for a great opportunity to kickstart your leisure or retail business? Find out more about locating it in Chesterfield.

heart & home eclectic delights

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Unique legal and financial services business moves into Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A new, unique legal services business has announced a move into Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Clearlines is a first for the UK Care market allowing care providers to help their clients as they transition into care by providing them with with an assessment of their legal and financial foundation and offering them an opportunity to mitigate any of the issues that may have arisen in the assessment.

The business was founded last year and is part of the W & P Legal Group. W & P Legal specialises in legal services for later life planning. As such, a lot of the firm’s work was helping clients prepare for entering care or helping them transition a loved one into care. From this experience came Clearlines.

Tom Ash, Director, Clearlines Solutions LTD commented: “Clearlines is still a new product but we are starting to forge partnerships with national care brands and launching the service with several care providers. As such we have already outgrown our home office. We feel that the move to Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is a statement of intent for our new company. We will grow into our new premises, we will contribute to our local community and we will create jobs within Chesterfield.

Clearlines Office

“The location of Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was our main attraction. Its central location meant that it puts us in the heart of Chesterfield. The proximity to the train station is also a huge benefit, As we welcome colleagues from the rest of the W & P Legal group it means they are just a skip away from our new home.”

Chesterfield is home to a wide range of office space to suit all business needs, from start-up organisations to expanding businesses. The town is strategically located in the centre of England, with excellent connections to several major cities via road and rail. Find out more about investing in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

enterprise centre

 

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National Careers Week: How Chesterfield apprentices are unlocking business growth in Chesterfield

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to futureproof their workforces by finding out more about the far-reaching benefits of taking on apprentices in the town.

Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employment. In Chesterfield, this holds particularly true, as businesses stand to gain several benefits by taking on apprentices.

Ahead of National Careers Week 2024 (4-9 March), a panel of apprentices building their careers in the town have outlined these advantages, from fostering a skilled workforce for the future, to enhancing company culture and driving innovation.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, apprentices in the town spoke of the numerous ways in which they are contributing to their organisations. In an era defined by advancing technology and evolving industry demands, the need for skilled workers has never been more pronounced. By taking on apprentices, businesses in Chesterfield have been able to address this need by nurturing fresh talent and providing them with invaluable hands-on experience.

Lucy Jones, Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice with DBCP commented: “Apprentices have different backgrounds, ideas and viewpoints which can help to combat challenges which may arise in the business.

Lucy Jones - DBCP

Lucy Jones – DBCP

“They bring a different mindset to everyone else. You get to mould that person for your business and work with them to be a better version of themselves, with a range of skills from time management to dealing with clients. Apprentices are taking their learning and applying it to your business straight away.”

Moreover, businesses have the opportunity to tailor apprenticeship programs to align with their specific needs and objectives, ensuring that apprentices receive training that directly translates into tangible contributions to the company.

By investing in the development of apprentices, businesses not only secure a pipeline of skilled workers but also cultivate a culture of learning and growth within their organisation. This commitment to employee development not only benefits the individual apprentice but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the business and Chesterfield’s economy.

Chanelle Wallace, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice at MD Hair said: “Being based at the salon gives me a great opportunity to learn everyone else’s techniques and soak up all their experience. I’m then able to use that to find my style and ways of doing things, which I think helps to strengthen and grow the team. If you work with more experienced people, you’re going to learn those key social skills, which for my area of work is so important.”

Woman in a salon drying another woman's hair

Chanelle Wallace, MD Hair, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice

Apprenticeships are crucial in driving innovation by injecting fresh perspectives and new ideas into the workplace. As digital technologies continue to reshape industries, businesses in Chesterfield can leverage apprenticeships to harness emerging talent and foster a culture of innovation.

Isaac Marbridge, Level 7 ACCA Chartered Accountant Apprentice at BHP commented: “If a business has the flexibility to work with an apprentice, I’d recommend it. I have quarterly meetings with my manager, and we discuss my progress. I get to regularly put forward skills which I want to get trained up on, which I’m then able to go and pursue. That could be something unique that nobody else has done. This means I can then bring fresh knowledge into the business, which overall will help the organisation.

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference.

“Businesses will gain a lot by getting a different perspective. My industry, accountancy, is transforming and we must keep up with new technologies. Younger people coming through as apprentices and trainees will be better placed to get trained and help to drive the business forward. We’ve had talks about AI and how that is set to impact our sector, and we’ve got younger people already looking at how we can use it to our advantage.”

Furthermore, apprenticeships provide businesses with the opportunity to future-proof their workforce by equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, adapting to shifting market trends, or navigating regulatory changes, apprenticeships empower businesses in Chesterfield to stay agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Moreover, apprenticeships provide existing employees with the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of talent, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in their roles. This mentorship not only enhances the professional development of apprentices but also cultivates strong bonds between team members, leading to greater cohesion and productivity.

DBCP’s Lucy Jones added: “Most of the inspectors in our organisation are from an older generation. I think that it is important that we get trainees and apprentices into that role to keep it going and ensure the future of our industry. The job comes with a lot of responsibility, so it’s vital we give people that hands-on experience as soon as we can.”

In Chesterfield, businesses stand to gain a wealth of benefits by embracing apprenticeships as a cornerstone of their workforce development strategy. To assist businesses in ensuring they have the workforce required to meet the demands of the future, Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a skills brokerage service, which can signpost firms to the support they require.

Max Denton, Skills Delivery Assistant at Chesterfield Borough Council is currently working towards a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. He commented: “The role I carry out aligns with one of the five objectives in the council’s growth strategy, which is ensuring that people in our borough have the right skills to progress in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Three men stood having a conversation

Max Denton, Chesterfield Borough Council, Level 4 Project Manager Associate

“I believe that there is a lot of opportunity in Chesterfield at the moment. It is a pleasure to see the amount of development taking place here. It will certainly lead to more employment opportunities in the town. The focus of our growth strategy is to create higher-value jobs and growth, and I would encourage businesses to get in touch with us to see how we can support them.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and skills support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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Midlands Engine Investment Fund II launches providing businesses with the funds to grow

The British Business Bank has launched its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in Derbyshire prosper and thrive.

The fund will drive sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands, through investment strategies that best meet the needs of these firms. It includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up, or stay ahead.

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II aims to build on the success of the inaugural Midlands Engine Investment Fund, a £300m fund which has already supported 739 smaller businesses since its launch in 2017. The new fund will help hundreds more businesses to achieve their potential and further increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance by providing options to firms that might otherwise be unable to secure investment. Funding is designed to help smaller businesses with activities including expansion, product or service innovation, new processes, skills development and capital equipment.

Five fund managers have been appointed to manage the fund. BCRS Business Loans and First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans will manage the smaller loans part of the fund (£25,000 to £100,000), Frontier Development Capital and Maven Capital Partners will be responsible for larger loans (£100,000 to £2 million) and Mercia Ventures will manage equity deals (up to £5 million).

Louis Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank said: Small businesses are at the heart of The Midlands’ economy. Since launching in 2017, the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund has so far created more than 4,000 jobs across the region by backing 739 smaller businesses, boosting the region’s productivity by 70%.

The first Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided a blueprint for how we can support entrepreneurs and founders, whoever they are and wherever they are in the region, to access the funds and support they need. This new fund will allow us to continue supporting business owners across the Midlands, whether they’re at the start of their journey or are already running an established firm.

Promoting growth by ensuring entrepreneurs can access the finance they need regardless of where and who they are is one of the Bank’s strategic objectives, and vital to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s smaller businesses.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies MP said: Small businesses are the engine of the economy, which is why having access to funding like this is vital to help them thrive and grow, creating jobs and spreading opportunity everywhere.

As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the Midlands propelled the UK into a new era of technological and economic growth and now the next generation of entrepreneurs will have the support they need to continue this success.

Find out more about support available to businesses in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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