About Chesterfield

Markham miners remembered with memorial unveiling 80 years after 1938 tragedy

19th January 2018

Seven new life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of a memorial to miners who lost their lives at Markham Colliery nearly 80 years since the 1938 disaster at the site.

On 10 May 1938, 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured in an explosion at Markham Colliery which has now been reclaimed by us and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale regeneration scheme.

The steel figures were unveiled as part of the ‘Walking Together’ memorial − led by Derbyshire County Council − which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead.

Each figure is part of a walking trail which symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in three accidents at the site.

On 21 January 1937 an underground explosion claimed the lives of nine men and 18 miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury in the third disaster at the colliery when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed on 30 July 1973.

The most recent figures have been dedicated to Arthur Henson (45) who was employed at the colliery in the role known as a ripper, Herbert Hargreaves, contractor (48) and his two sons Herbert Hargreaves Jnr, contractor (27) and Leslie Hargreaves, contractor (23), Albert Ernest Rodgers, haulage hand (19), Robert Henry Wood, haulage hand (22) and Robert Simms, contractor (56).

There are now 34 figures at the site − the first two were unveiled in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1973 disaster.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, said:

“The Walking Together memorial is a special place where the miner’s community spirit can be remembered and where families, friends and future generations can come together to pay tribute.

“Great friendships were made at the site and generations of families worked there like Herbert Hargreaves and his two sons who were lost in the explosion in 1938.

“The site is now home to 42 businesses and many new jobs have been created but it’s important that we don’t forget the site’s mining history and the incredibly brave men that worked there.”

Five of the figures have been sponsored through a grant of £7,500 awarded to the ‘Walking Together’ memorial from the Duke of Devonshire’s Charitable Trust.

Henry Boot Developments − Derbyshire County Council’s private sector property partner and AJA Architects − the designers of many buildings on Markham Vale − have sponsored the other two figures.

Each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

Relatives of the miners commemorated at the unveiling also attended the event to pay tribute along with pupils from Duckmanton Primary School who performed a song and laid flowers.

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based artist Stephen Broadbent.

unearth

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champion Global Brands enter partnership with craft beer company BrewDog

19th January 2018

LoneWolf Spirits, the distilling arm of Scottish craft beer company BrewDog, has selected Chesterifeld based Global Brands as its distribution partner following a competitive three-way tender process.

Global Brands will support LoneWolf in achieving its ambitions of increasing availability of its range of spirits in the UK’s most desirable and popular bars. This will see LoneWolf retail sales grow by £40m over the next two years as Global Brands boosts unit sales of its London Dry Gin, Single Malt Vodka and canned Gin & Tonic by 100,000 cases.

Doug Bairner, Managing Director of LoneWolf Spirits, comments:-

“We created LoneWolf because the world of spirits is in danger of becoming complacent, and consumers deserve better.

“We distil – actually distil – from scratch on our premises and are creating spirits all the way from grain to glass. Global Brands instantly understood this and our passion for people to be able to enjoy a truly crafted spirit when they go to a bar, restaurant or hotel. We had shortlisted three distributors who each had their own unique strengths. We chose Global Brands for the quality of their Franklin & Sons business, the innovative ideas they came forward with in the pitch process and the knowledge and enthusiasm of their people.”

Steve Perez, Global Brands founder and Chairman, comments:-

“Our range of premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks, Franklin & Sons, is sold in some of the UK’s most desirable and popular on trade venues, whether that’s independent bars or boutique hotels. They’re the types of places where people want more from their drink and won’t accept compromise. They’re venues that attract discerning drinkers that will appreciate the quality of LoneWolf spirits.

“As well as being able to put LoneWolf into the right on trade venues, Doug and his team appreciated our own unrelenting pursuit of perfection on Franklin & Sons. We share the same unwavering commitment to only using natural ingredients across the range and won’t ever make any move that sacrifices taste. We know that for our customers, quality and taste is everything. This really resonated with LoneWolf.”

Global Brands distributes and manufactures a range of alcoholic drinks, premium tonics, mixers and soft drinks, and has recently opened a sales and marketing office in Shoreditch, London – the home of UK mixology – as part of its ongoing commitment to developing premium spirits and mixers.

Steve Perez continued:-

“The UK’s demand for premium quality spirits and serves continues to rise, and we want to ensure we remain at the forefront of industry trends so that we always deliver against the highest expectations. We’re continually investing in consumer research and customer relationships to do this and drawing on this knowledge, we know LoneWolf will be a massive success in the premium-end of the on trade.”

LoneWolf Spirits, created in April 2017 and based in Ellon, Scotland, utilise the finest craftsmanship and ingredients to produce truly craft spirits. Its vodka is distilled four times and filtered only once to allow its sweet grain character to shine, while its distillery is home to the world’s only triple bubble still and the tallest rectification column of any craft distillery in Europe. This allows for maximum copper contact during distilling, delivering spirits unparalleled in purity and quality.

Doug Bairner, concluded:-

“Our team has an unwavering obsession with creating only the very best. The partnership with Global Brands means we can sustain this obsession with perfection. It means we can continue to pour our heart and soul into creating more great products, and giving consumers an alternative to the ‘vanity-first, flavour-second’ spirits already out there.”

LoneWolf is already available in Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsburys.

Global brands will also be distributing BrewDog’s smooth supersonic whiskey Uncle Duke’s across the UK On Trade, Off Trade and International markets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Groups supporting mental wellbeing encouraged to apply for Five Ways to Wellbeing Small Grants Scheme

18th January 2018

Derbyshire County Council Public Health Department are encouraging local support groups to take advantage of the Five Ways to Wellbeing Small Grants Scheme aiming to improve the mental well being of people living in Derbyshire.

The aim of the fund is to improve the mental wellbeing of people living in Derbyshire by
providing community based activities and services that help people to access the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’.

Mental wellbeing can take many different forms, but a useful description is ‘feeling good’ and ‘functioning well’. Mental wellbeing is more than just happiness, it includes feelings of contentment, enjoyment, self-confidence and self-esteem. Physical and mental wellbeing are closely related and so overall wellbeing involves both the mind and the body.

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of national evidence-based actions (developed by the
New Economics Foundation) which promote people’s wellbeing. They are Connect, Be
Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are simple things
individuals can do in their everyday lives which have been proven to help improve people’s mental wellbeing.

Local voluntary, community or faith groups and organisations who deliver services in Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire are invited to apply for the small grant scheme.

Grants can be applied for, for up to £1500, on the condition that all grant money must be spent on the project within one year receiving the award. The grant scheme is administered by Chesterfield Champion, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and all applications must be sent to them by 5pm on Friday 16th February 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Spireites sign Burnley defender

18th January 2018

Chesterfield FC have signed young defender Alex Whitmore on a permanent basis from Burnley.

The 22-year-old central defender arrives on a two-and-a-half-year deal from the Premier League club.

Manager Jack Lester is delighted with his latest signing. He said:-

“Alex is well thought of at Burnley and we can improve him. He is dominant and aggressive, with two good feet. He is also quick and reads the game well.”

After putting pen to paper, Whitmore said: “I got a call from Burnley to say there was interest and it felt right straight away.

“I met Jack Lester and got on really well with him and had a nice conversation with him. I knew this is where I wanted to come to and it’s nice to get it over the line.”

Whitmore has had several spells out on loan. He made 43 appearances for Morecambe last term and turned out 11 times for League One Bury earlier this season.

Photography Tina Jenner

Posted in About Chesterfield

Major study on science and innovation in the D2N2 LEP area released

17th January 2018

Greater investment in research and development across the economy, strengthening the skills base to better engage with the digital revolution, and improving ambitious firms’ access to growth finance are key to enhancing science and innovation in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area, says a new study.

The Science and Innovation Audit for the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Area (or SIA) was commissioned and funded by the D2N2 LEP; the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary services which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. A copy can be read online at www.d2n2lep.org/Growth/Evidence-Base

Science and innovation’s positive impact on the D2N2 area economy is examined in the research report, produced by leading economic and social development consultants SQW.

The study says an estimated 188,000 people in the D2N2 LEP area work in (what the Office for National Statistics defines as) the economy’s science and technology related sectors (2016 figures). The report looks at how targeted investment could help accelerate productivity growth in this area.

The D2N2 Science and Innovation Audit report highlights the D2N2 LEP area has:

An estimated one-in-five jobs in (ONS defined) science and technology sectors.
Three university partners (Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Derby) whose research and business support have international reach.
Three science parks, plus innovation centres and ‘incubator’ areas; all home to many innovative and technology-rich small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
World class advanced manufacturing firms including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Toyota; a growing life sciences cluster in Nottingham, anchored by Boots and BioCity; and also innovative future food processing and digital technologies firms. All sectors already identified by D2N2 among its eight key commercial sectors; with, for example, Nottingham’s new £30million life sciences building BioCity Discovery receiving £6.5m in investment from D2N2’s Local Growth Fund allocation.

However, the Audit focuses on the need for the LEP area to foster a stronger innovation culture amongst businesses, help ambitious SMEs access growth finance to bring new products or ideas to market, improve skills and training, and encourage major firms to drive more research and development activity amongst supply chain companies.

A D2N2 SIA Framework has been developed to highlight how the D2N2 LEP area’s innovation culture, local expertise – in advanced manufacturing and engineering, digital technologies and data, and integrating systems – and area market priorities , can interact and complement one another to support greater productivity growth.

The Audit study concludes that a strategy to boost science and innovation long term in the LEP area should concentrate on market priority sectors, where considerable advances have already been made, including:

Next generation transport – The LEP area benefits greatly from having major employers Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier within its boundaries; each of which invests in their own research and development activity.
Life sciences and healthcare – In addition to BioCity (mentioned above) the D2N2 area’s sector companies include major employer Boots, the MediCity life sciences cluster; and Concept Life Sciences in Chapel-en-le-Frith and N4 Pharma in Chellaston, in Derbyshire.
Future food processing – The competitive food market is constantly hungry for new products and innovation here is seen as key. Food research is strong among D2N2’s university partners, but the LEP has also invested in innovation. With local industry body the Food and Drink Forum it is sharing the costs of the £7million Food Enterprise Advisory Support Team (FEAST) programme; to help businesses innovate and bring new products to market. D2N2’s funding comes from its €251m in European Structural and Investment Funds.
Energy and Low Carbon – As part of D2N2’s strategy to pursue a more sustainable, less environmentally damaging economy a D2N2 Energy Strategy is to be published in spring 2018, looking at how opportunities in this sector could be unlocked. Current D2N2 backed-initiatives include D2N2 Growth Hub help for SMEs to take a more low carbon approach and assistance to low carbon businesses; for example, recent Growth Hub assistance to help Nottingham low carbon couriers, WEGO.

The SIA has been commissioned now to inform changes to D2N2’s Strategic Economic Plan, its blueprint for developing its area’s economy, which is currently being ‘refreshed’.

Matt Wheatley, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said:-

“Our ambitions for a dynamic and productive economy led by science, technology and innovation, and creating opportunities for all, is only achievable by pinpointing the changes needed and bringing partners with us.

“To do this we needed an in-depth study of our current position, which this Science and Innovation Audit provides. I thank SQW and the partners who contributed to it. The study will be extremely useful in ‘refreshing’ our Strategic Economic Plan, and in seeing how D2N2 supports objectives in the Government’s Industrial Strategy, but it is also being made available to LEP area businesses and organisations, to progress their research objectives.”

The SIA study draws on existing evidence for the area; including its universities’ research profiles and results, national Research Councils and Innovate UK information, analysis of latest Business Register and Employment Survey data, and information from local partners.

A workshop was hosted with a D2N2 Innovation Working Group, and discussions held, from August to November (2017), with companies and other stakeholders. Around 40 organisations and businesses – including the Food and Drink Forum, East Midlands Rail Forum and Boots, Toyota, Rolls-Royce and Bombardier – contributed to the study.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Planning events to mark First World War anniversary

16th January 2018

Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Armistice Day on 11 November this year will mark 100 years since the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to more than four years of fighting in which an estimated 37 million people were killed.

It is anticipated that a range of organisations in Chesterfield may be planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.

The council has put together a 2018 World War One commemorations working group with a remit to collate events. Anyone planning events during the year is asked to contact the group with details so that the events can be publicised.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said:-

“The end of the First World War was a significant moment in modern history and we anticipate a range of organisations – schools, colleges, the University of Derby and local businesses – may be planning events during the year.

“As a council we will be staging events at the Pomegranate Theatre and the Winding Wheel, including a new play commissioned by the council, a series of First World War films, together with a special exhibition at the Museum and the annual October CAMRA Beer Festival on a First World War theme will also be included.

“We are planning a ‘poppy fall’ either side of the entrance to the Town Hall and would like to see our town centre bathed in commemorative displays during that month.

“We asking that anyone planning events or activities – be it window displays in local shops or specific activities relating to the commemorations – should be in touch. Our aim is to collate all the information, publish it on our website and through our communication channels.”

Anyone planning events should contact Rachel Appleyard, senior democratic and scrutiny officer, by emailing rachel.appleyard@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling (01246) 345277.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure

Chesterfield Champion celebrates growth with three senior promotions

15th January 2018

Whittam Cox Architects are pleased to announce three senior promotions following a sustained period of growth and diversification.

Central to this is the promotion of Andrew Dabbs who joined the practice 14 years ago. He has played a central role for many years in reinforcing the company’s design approach and credentials as well as driving efficiency to the practice’s management processes.

The promotion will see him join the board of directors to provide strategic leadership to a growing number of large design led projects and to drive a consistent design review process through the organisation.

Whittam Cox are also pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Bentley and David Turner to Associate Director level to further support the company’s management structure.

Rachel, who started at the practice 6 years ago, has specific expertise in urban mixed use regeneration projects, masterplanning and residential design. She was shortlisted in the ‘Best Architect’ category at the Women in Construction Engineering (WICE) awards in 2016. Rachel is currently leading a number of high profile residential projects through planning stages.

Since joining the practice 3 years ago, David has earned himself a reputation for working tirelessly to ensure Whittam Cox service provision is at the highest possible level. He is a highly experienced technical designer and project leader with expertise in small and large scale residential developments. He is currently leading the delivery of Middlewood Locks Build to rent scheme in Salford.

Alex Wall, Managing Director at Whittam Cox Architects, commented:-

“We have a very exciting and growing range of projects progressing in 2018. It is a genuine pleasure to recognise the drive and determination of these three individuals who continue to play a vital role in our commitment to design excellence and project delivery.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New jobs created as family-run barbers opens in Tesco Extra

15th January 2018

Customers visiting the Tesco Extra in Chesterfield can now add a haircut to their supermarket shopping list – a barbers has opened inside the store.

The supermarket giant has selected the Lockoford Lane site to trial ‘Gould Barbers’, a growing family-run barbers founded by two brothers.

Darran and Leigh Gould worked in their father’s own barber shop for 20 years before starting their own business in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

In 2016, they partnered with Tesco’s and entered retail space at a nearby store. Over the last few months, that has grown with the opening of six more shops, including Chesterfield.

Darran said:-

“The welcome we’ve received in Chesterfield so far has been fantastic, and we hope customers will make the most of our high standards and convenient service.

“Our other sites are mainly dotted around the East of England. While we are a growing brand, we value the importance of also providing an excellent service to the local community.

“All ages are welcome, from little ones right through to the older generations. Definitely pop in and see one of our stylists whether you need a simple trim or want a completely new look for 2018.”

The Gould Barbers store in Chesterfield is creating 12 jobs and a recruitment drive for skilled barbers to join the team is ongoing.

Darran added:-

“Feel free to pop into the store or message us on Facebook for more information. This is a very exciting time to join and be part of the team.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Helping local companies’ benefit from housing development

12th January 2018

Local companies are invited to a meet the buyer event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of new apartments in Chesterfield town centre.

MJ Developments Ltd has secured planning permission to create ten flats from the conversion of a commercial building on Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield.

Work has begun on preparing the site to allow building work to begin this month.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, includes local labour clauses in developments such as this to ensure developers use local suppliers and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies to win this business MJ Developments and Chesterfield Borough Council will hold a Meet the Buyer event at Chesterfield Town Hall, Rose Hill, from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday 25 January to provide details of a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

Windows
Kitchen fitting
Flooring
Electrical appliances
Painting and decorating
Wall tiling
Cleaners
Furniture Packs

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the meet the buyer event and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

MJ Developments will also be organising work experience opportunities for young people from Chesterfield College and local schools.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns for 2018

11th January 2018

After the overwhelming success of the event last year, the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival returns to Queen’s Park for a second year on the 4th and 5th August.

The festival is designed to celebrate the very best in Chesterfield Food and Drink with over 50 regional traders and businesses coming together at Queens Park to sell and showcase their produce and services. Traders already confirmed for 2018 include Nonnas Chesterfield, Global Brands and Ashgate Hopsicecare.

This year Chesterfield Champion, The Cheese Factor, has also been confirmed as main sponsor for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival.

The Cheese Factor, a well known family run business in the town, is a specialist cheese shop which stocks over 130 different cheeses from around the world. The Cheese Factor are proud to be a Chesterfield Champion, avidly supporting any initiative that will help Chesterfield to develop and grow as a destination – including sponsoring the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival.

Laura Ashby, Co-organiser and Creator of Edge Events, comments:-

“After an amazing first year we have expanded the site, adding more traders and activities to create a bigger and better festival for 2018 – there really will be something for everybody.Once again the festival will be free entry to everyone enabling everybody within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas to join in the event.

“We are really happy to have Cheese Factor as our main sponsor this year – a really well known company throughout Chesterfield and their products speak for themselves.”

Simon Davidson, Owner of R.P Davidson Cheese Factor, says:-

“The Cheese Factor is thrilled to be main Sponsor of the 2nd Chesterfield food and drink festival. Chesterfield has so much to offer and this will show people the diversity of food we have in the area and an event we can look forward to.”

Over the weekend there will be something for the whole family with delicious hot and cold food from around the world, talks and presentations, a live music stage, dance demonstrations, children’s entertainment and much more.

The Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival is just one of Edge Events growing programme of events in the town joining the Street Food and Grooves Festival which was recently announced set to take place in Chesterfield town centre from the 11th – 13th May.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Two new businesses and more jobs at Markham Vale

10th January 2018

Distribution and logistics giant Great Bear and supply chain specialist Gist Limited are the latest businesses to be handed keys to new premises at Markham Vale unlocking the way for up to 600 new jobs.

Great Bear Distribution is set to create up to 400 new jobs at its new 479,285 sq ft bespoke distribution centre − which is their second base at the site located just off junction 29A of the M1.

And Gist Limited is set to create up to 200 new jobs at its 90,760 sq ft bespoke, high-spec chilled warehouse and storage facility.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Derbsyhire County Council, said:-

“We’re delighted to handover the keys to Great Bear Distribution and Gist Limited − both companies will be creating jobs for local people which is fantastic news and they will be a real boost to the Derbyshire economy.

“Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities are key priorities of ours and we’re really pleased that Markham continues to play a vital role in bringing investment into the county.

“We look forward to following the progress of both firms over the coming months and welcoming even more businesses to the site this year.”

Chester-based Great Bear Distribution − which is part of the Culina Group − was established in 1994 and operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, Unilever, Mars and Mondelez.

The firm now occupies just under one million sq ft of land at Markham Vale making them the largest business on the site to date.

Peter Yarwood, Regional Operations Director at Great Bear Distribution, said:-

“We are very impressed with how quick not one, but two units have been delivered by Henry Boot Developments and Derbyshire County Council in such a short build time. On the back of the first unit, we agreed a deal for a second on Markham Vale North and due to the transition of a large part of our Midlands operations to Markham Vale, we needed a speedy delivery with no bumps along the way.

“We look forward to our second base becoming fully operational in the coming months, to benefit from the excellent motorway links and access routes which will help us to service our clients much more effectively.”

Gist Limited manages the supply chains for perishable and chilled products for a wide range of customers in the commercial and industrial sector and has 5,000 employees based at more than 40 sites throughout the UK and Europe.

Alan Devine, Managing Director, Gist, said:-

“We are happy to be working with Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot on the development of this important new extension to our national food and logistics network, on time and on budget.

“The new consolidation centre will significantly increase our ability to bring great service to our customers.”

Gist Limited is the third business to join Ferdinand Bilstein UK and Great Bear Distribution on Markham Vale North.

Both firm’s new bases were built by Henry Boot Developments − private sector property partner for Derbyshire County Council.

Vivienne Clements, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:-

“The announcement of the second unit for Great Bear Distribution and the Gist Limited facility at Markham Vale was absolutely brilliant and reflected great confidence from the firms in the region. Now that the near 500,000 sq ft unit for Great Bear Distribution has completed on Markham Vale North, we are extremely pleased to have delivered circa one million sq ft for them, creating excellent job opportunities for local people.

“Following this we are delighted to announce practical completion of the 90,760 sq ft unit for Gist Limited, the third unit on Markham Vale North. On the North, more than 20 acres of land now remains capable of sub-division into units from as little as 15,000 sq ft up to 300,000 sq ft.”

two new businesses

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development