About Chesterfield

New strategy published to meet skills demand in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

A new localised strategy has been published to ensure people have the skills to meet economic, technological, climate and social challenges in our region.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a UK Government Department for Education (DfE) project designed to place local employers at the heart of a specific region’s skills system.

This means consulting with employers of all sizes and sectors to understand what skills, capabilities, qualifications, and attributes local companies need from their staff to meet growing productivity, tech, environmental and economic issues, and working with training providers to deliver the right range and calibre of courses.

The LSIP for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been led and delivered by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), due to their close but independent connections to local employers, stakeholders and training professionals.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s new skills plan has found that while the area has enormous economic potential in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, tourism, and technology, there are a range of skills and labour vulnerabilities in the counties that could threaten growth and productivity if not addressed.

Work readiness, digital capabilities and navigating Net Zero opportunities were all found to be of concern among employers, while growing occupational gaps in construction, information and communication technologies, engineering and conservation particularly must be closed to maximise opportunities in service industries, infrastructure, energy security and industrial decarbonisation.

The LSIP report outlines the needs of local businesses, especially in light of recent shifts in the workforce such as the impact of Covid lockdowns, remote working and changes to how young people gain exposure to the workplace. Local problems in recruiting skilled tutors in certain sectors has been highlighted as an urgent need to be tackled.

Understanding how the area’s vast size– as well as having several areas of deprivation – create challenges for people accessing education and work factor into the plan. Evolutions in Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the pressures of adapting to climate change also shape the LSIP’s recommendations.

The LSIP has put forward 18 actionable priorities that require local training providers, councils, trade bodies and other regional stakeholders to make changes before June 2025. The plan has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Education The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP.

Local lead for the LSIP and author of the approved report, Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, Development Manager for FSB said: “I’m delighted that Government has granted approval and officially unveiled our strategy aimed at providing the local community with the precise skills required by businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“The LSIP encompasses both a structured methodology and a comprehensive blueprint, focusing on active engagement with employers. This approach ensures a thorough grasp of their critical skill deficiencies, challenges, and prospects, while aligning these requirements with local skills provision. It represents a bold stride towards the future, with the welfare of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses at its core.

“We are instigating reforms tailored to a workforce spanning generations. The task of catering to diverse generational needs and expectations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is undeniably challenging, yet it’s a challenge that we, alongside local training providers and stakeholders are eager to embrace.

“A robust skills foundation in any locality is intimately tied to business efficiency and the well-being of individual employees. The opportunity to play a role in enhancing these vital facets has been truly rewarding. With the official release of the plan, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our local educational institutions, independent training providers, governing bodies, skill development entities, and industry leaders to transform this vision into reality.”

Following approval and publication of the LSIP, the Federation of Small Businesses can now continue to work with these stakeholders – as well as monitor and report progress – over the next two years.

The full LSIP report is available for download now at: https://www.fsb.org.uk/derbyshire-and-nottinghamshire-lsip.html

Find out more about the range of skills and employability initiatives taking place across Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Students learning construction skills at Chesterfield College

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Residents invited to shape Chesterfield Borough Council’s new housing strategy

Residents in Chesterfield are being invited to have their say to help shape a new housing strategy – designed to improve the delivery of housing services across the borough.

Chesterfield Borough Council is consulting with residents and stakeholders to understand what they feel are the main challenges and priorities are for housing as it develops a new Housing Strategy (2023 to 2027).

The housing strategy will be used to outline what the council will do over the next four years to improve the delivery of new homes in the borough, improve the standard of existing homes, and help people find a home that meets their needs.

Residents have until Monday 25 September to complete the online consultation and share their views.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Housing is a hugely important topic for everyone, so it’s important that we listen to the views of our residents and give them chance to have their say.

“To ensure we are reflecting all views and recognise the diverse range of housing needs, I strongly encourage as many people as possible to complete the online consultation and help us to develop the new housing strategy.

“The housing strategy aims to set the scene to ensure that we have appropriate housing in all areas and across all tenures to meet the housing needs of the people of Chesterfield.”

Residents can take part in the consultation at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing-strategy

Recently rated the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, Chesterfield has a broad range of contemporary and traditional housing. The town is ideally located in the centre of the country, with excellent transport links via road and rail, sat in close proximity to several major UK airports.

According to Rightmove, Chesterfield houses are around £10,000 cheaper on average than properties in Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

Heaton Court houses

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Local leaders meet as East Midlands devolution plans gather pace

Local leaders from a range of sectors came together this month to discuss the progress of East Midlands devolution, as plans to give the region extra powers and funding gather pace and momentum.

The event, held on Friday 18 August, saw Chief Executives at Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council provide updates on key elements of the region’s proposed devolution deal, including transport, skills and adult education, housing, and net-zero.

Stakeholders representing a broad range of interests across the region – including business, universities and colleges, and emergency services – were given the opportunity to put questions to senior officers at the four councils.

The event was held ahead of several major devolution milestones over the coming months. For the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to come into existence, new legislation is required from the government, which is anticipated to be in place before the end of the year.

Detailed devolution proposals would then be sent to the government for approval, meaning that EMCCA could be a reality from spring 2024, with the first ever election for a regional mayor – covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham – taking place in May 2024.

Emma Alexander, Managing Director at Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution would unlock major benefits for our region, including extra powers and funding around a range of issues including housing, transport, skills, adult education and the environment.

“It is vital that we engage with key stakeholders every step of the way in this process, which is why I was delighted to see so many partners and colleagues in attendance at our event.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “The East Midlands has historically received the lowest levels of public funding in England. The fact that the East Midlands has consistently delivered GDP growth close to the UK average, from very low levels of investment, is testament to the commitment and ingenuity of the thousands of SMEs that are the backbone of the region’s economy.

“Devolving decision-making powers over how funding is spent to local areas is an important step and a once in a generation opportunity to organise ourselves in a way so that it’s easy for government to provide us with the funding we need to grow our local economy, productivity and wealth.”

Greg Broughton, Sustainable Growth and Place Manager at the Environment Agency (East Midlands), said: “Reflecting on the recent devolution stakeholder event, it was abundantly clear that there is a strong collective enthusiasm and drive to seize the opportunity for devolution to work together, to collaborate in new ways and to make the changes needed to transform the region.

“I was particularly pleased to hear that tackling environmental inequality and climate change is at the heart of the commitment to build a resilient and vibrant future for the people and places of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and I am excited to be part of building this new vision.”

If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.

Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of at least £1.14 billion, spread over a 30-year period.

More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.

Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.

Mark Rogers, the new Interim Chief Officer for the East Midlands Devolution Programme, was a guest speaker at the event following his recent appointment.

Rogers brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and also played a pivotal role in the formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority. He will be joined by an interim team as the region’s devolution plans progress.

Find out more about the range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The Spire viewed from Old Whittington along Whittington Moor

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New EV charging site opens in North Derbyshire

A new charging site for electronic vehicles has been installed at a new site near Chesterfield.

Two rapid charging stations have been installed by InstaVolt at Starbucks, located on The Hill in Glapwell.

This latest addition brings the total of InstaVolt EV charging sites in the Chesterfield area to six, with others being based at McDonald’s West Bars, Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club, KFC at Markham Vale, alongside McDonald’s and Costa Coffee in Barlborough.

With plans to install 10,000 rapid chargers by 2030, InstaVolt currently has more than 1,200 chargers across the country.

There are now more than 780,000 EVs on Britain’s roads. InstaVolt says charging infrastructure is increasing to match demand as more people make the switch to electric vehicles, with 550 rapid chargers installed last month alone.

Adrian Keen, the CEO of InstaVolt, said: “We’re delighted to bring more of our award-winning rapid chargers to Chesterfield, with class-leading reliability of more than 99.9% and installations of two or more chargers at many sites.

“EV drivers can be confident that when they arrive, they’ll find an easy to use charger, with on-site driver amenities, without having to queue.”

He added: “With an extensive, fully nationwide network, EV drivers are never far away from an InstaVolt rapid charger. When embarking on a long journey, just a little bit of route planning in advance using search engines or a dedicated App for charging points like ZapMap or InstaVolt’s own App, makes life easier.

“And while you recharge your EV, recharge yourself: stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee or bite to eat from one of our on-site partners.”

InstaVolt’s chargers are powered using 100% renewable energy, are easy to use and take contactless payment.

Drivers can visit the website, or sign up to the optional InstaVolt App, where they can find their nearest charging station, search for real-time availability across its sites, and pay for their charge – all in one place.

Chesterfield Borough Council recently published its climate stategy, which outlines aims to ensure the Borough achieves net zero by 2050. Read more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/02/new-climate-strategy-agreed-in-chesterfield/

Planning a journey to Chesterfield? Find out more about the town’s excellent transport links here.

Instavolt Chesterfield 873

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New housing scheme in Clay Cross offers “save to buy” scheme for local tenants

35 new homes are being developed in Clay Cross, offering a flexible option for local tenants looking to get on the property ladder.

Six two-bed houses and a three-bed home were on display to the public recently, to showcase the new development at Clay Lane.

These homes have been built in partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council, Rentplus, and Woodall Homes, helping fill the need for affordable quality homes in the district.

The scheme is the first affordable rent to buy scheme in NE Derbyshire. Tenants move in with no deposit and pay an affordable rent (which includes all repairs and service charges) which gives tenants the opportunity to save towards a future mortgage.

At key pre-set points at years 5, 10, 15 or 20 they can buy their home and are given a 10% sum from Rentplus towards their savings. The average total household income of tenants on the scheme is £33,000 and the properties have been allocated to local residents, mostly key or essential workers. who otherwise would have struggled to purchase a property on the open market.

Steve Collins, CEO of Rentplus explains why affordable rent to buy schemes are needed: “With the average house price for first-time buyers in North East Derbyshire over £211,000, many working households on lower or middle incomes are locked out of home ownership as they are unable to save enough for a deposit, even though they could afford mortgage repayments.

“Tenants move in without paying an initial deposit and then rent their home at an affordable rent (which includes all repairs and service charges) for between 5 and 20 years whilst they save. When ready to buy, they receive a gifted deposit of 10% from Rentplus towards their savings”

North East Derbyshire District Council Leader, Councillor Nigel Barker said: “I’m delighted to see such a fantastic scheme for some of our wonderful residents, who will be moving into these brand new houses in the coming weeks. In our Council Plan, we have demonstrated our commitment to increasing the number of affordable homes in the district in the years to come.”

MP Lee Rowley has also welcomed the scheme: “I’m very impressed with what I have seen today and I’m looking forward to seeing people move into their Rentplus home. They key thing is to give people choices: whether to rent or to buy, or something in-between. What’s so good about this is that it allows people to become homeowners in the medium or long term but doing it in a way that helps people in the short term.”

Did you know that Chesterfield was recently ranked as the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family? Find out more about the excellent lifestyle offered to residents in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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

clay lane houses NEDDC

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Peddler Market Chesterfield to host exclusive business networking event

The popular Peddler Market in Chesterfield is getting ready to welcome businesses from across the town and region to Peddler Connect, an exclusive networking session at its next market in September.

The event, which is one of the UK’s leading street food markets, launched for the first time in Chesterfield back in June and was enjoyed by visitors from Chesterfield and further afield, who enjoyed a wide range of food, drink, crafts, and live entertainment.

Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the buzz of Peddler Market in the scenic and historic setting of Chesterfield town centre next month, and the event has partnered with Destination Chesterfield to ensure businesses hear how they can get a slice of the action.

A free, informal networking session is being hosted on Friday, 15th September, offering delegates an exclusive opportunity to meet and purchase food and drink before the event opens to the public.

Luke Hood, Head of Marketing at Peddler Events commented: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming businesses to our next event in Chesterfield and are delighted to be playing our part in helping to create connections, which will benefit the local economy.

“On top of that, guests will be able to sample some of the amazing food, drink, and entertainment on offer, ensuring they can enjoy networking with a twist in a relaxed and informal setting. Our launch event in June was a huge success, and we can’t wait to welcome more people to Peddler Market Chesterfield this time around.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “It has been fantastic to see the popularity of Peddler Market since its launch in the town this summer. We are pleased to be supporting firms by bringing them together in a unique setting and helping them to make those all-important links which businesses thrive on. I would encourage anyone in the business community to come along and enjoy the afternoon.”

Find out more about the networking event and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/peddler-connect/

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Chesterfield Borough Council received £2.69m of UKSPF funding which will be invested across the borough over the next three years. A portion of this will be invested into promoting the borough as a place to visit, and providing support for arts, culture, and heritage activities.

peddler networking

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Chesterfield organisations continue strong community spirit

Several businesses, charities and community organisations in Chesterfield are continuing to launch new initiatives, aimed at supporting people across the area.

The town’s network of Chesterfield Champions is continuing to help raise the profile of our area and strengthen links, by hosting charity events, launching new support groups and more.

Find out more about some of the latest news from across our community in our latest roundup.

Spireites launch new LGBTQ+ supporters group

Rainbow Spireites

Chesterfield Football Club is now working alongside a new supporters group, aimed at improving the matchday experience for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The group was formed by supporters, Darren Yates and Ellie Yates, with the aim of creating a safe space and ensuring everyone feels welcome at the SMH Group Stadium.

Darren explained: “Our main aim is to be that safe space for LGBTQ+ supporters, who don’t want to come to the game on their own.

“It is also to be a critical friend of the club to help them reach into the community more.

“A group like this can really help fans feel welcome at games, and not have to worry about feeling alone or unwelcome.

“Everyone at the club has been brilliant and totally supportive. We were at Chesterfield Pride and the response was really good. People were saying that they were really happy to see the group being formed.”

Outlining plans for the future, Ellie said: “We’re hoping that now we’ve started getting a few members on board, we can start doing some meet-ups and talk to our members to see what they want to get out of the group as well.

“We’ve joined a regional alliance with some LGBTQ+ supporters’ groups. At the moment, we’re just letting people know we’re there and once we’ve got more members, we’ll look at pre-match meet-ups to encourage fans who might not feel safe enough going to games.”

Vicar Lane to support children’s charities with One Great Day event

Vicar Lane Fun Day

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre will once again be supporting the UK-wide annual charity day ‘One Great Day’ on Saturday 2nd September.

One Great Day is a series of family and community charity events being held throughout the country to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and another local charity close to the heart of each community. This year Vicar Lane is proud to be sharing donations with GOSH and Sheffield Children’s Hospital, The Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event includes a range of free outdoor activities, a tombola and face painting for the youngsters.

From 10am – 3pm, mini aspiring footballers will have a chance to meet Chester the field mouse for a fun shoot-out challenge. For a minimum donation of £1, visitors can show off their skills to score against Chesterfield FC’s cheeky mascot.

To help raise as much money as possible the centre will be running a raffle draw – including a grand prize of 4 tickets to see Chesterfield Football Club play at home.

Brandon Howard, Centre Administrator said: We’re really looking forward to welcoming the people of Chesterfield to Vicar Lane to help us raise much-needed funds for two amazing charities. With the help of Chester the field mouse and Theo the bear, we hope to bring a smile and beat the amount raised last year.

To see the full schedule of events this One Great Day at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/ and plan your day out.

Charity skydive supports children with additional needs in Chesterfield

fairplay

A charity skydive has recently took place to raise funds for Fairplay, a charity which supports young people with additional needs in our area.

Rachel Middleton took the leap, and has so far raised more than £1,000 for her efforts. Rachel commented: “I’ve worked for Fairplay for over two years now and I want to support them to do more great work!

“We support families, child and young adults with disabilities and promote independent living skills in SCaRT, Moving Forward and Enterprise. We have lots of groups running including our gorgeous cafe, craft and gardening groups. Along with the new addition of our shop which the young people make things to sell and will be helping to run themselves!”

Find out more about the initiative on Rachel’s JustGiving page.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital awarded ‘Trailblazer’ status from Race Equality Matters

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the prestigious Trailblazer status from Race Equality Matters, a not-for-profit organisation seeking to improve racial equality.

Trailblazers are organisations that are successfully taking action and making an impact on race inequality and Chesterfield was selected for work on The Big Promise solution, where people and organisations make a public commitment to create meaningful and positive change.

Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status is determined by an independent panel of experts – all with lived experience. It aims to identify meaningful impact, keep momentum going, inspire others and evidence an organisations commitment to tackling race inequality.

Becoming a Trailblazer means that the work Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CRH) has done to implement The Big Promise has resulted in significant change and made an impact across the breadth of the entire organisation. This is a step that contributes to their aim to successfully address racial inequality and become a more diverse, inclusive and equal organisation.

Hailey Pottinger, Co-Chair of the Race Equality and Cultural Inclusion Network at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Big Promise helped us to create an inclusive environment where everyone could get involved and talk to us about Race Equality. By giving the Big Promise a central focus, especially as part of Race Equality Week, we created a positive statement and encouraged conversations with colleagues and members of the public. The aim was to increase the understanding that race equality is everyone’s business and secure buy-in and a sense of personal responsibility.

“At Chesterfield, a lot of work is being done to raise awareness of anti-racism (and how that is different to simply not being racist). This work is laying the foundations for conversations around racism and feeding into the creation of our Anti-Racism Strategy. There was a big focus on as part of Race Equality Week.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director and Race Equality Network Exec Sponsor, at Chesterfield Royal NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are pleased to be highlighted as trailblazers; however, we recognise that this is an ongoing process and there is a lot more we all need to do as an organisation and as individuals to ensure that that we not only highlight this agenda but actively drive action and change. As a Board of Directors, we have made a commitment to tackling race inequality and to be accountable for taking actions. It is something that is very important to all of us and to our colleagues across the organisation.”

BHP hosts work experience academy to provide a taste of the workplace for young people

Chesterfield waterside bhp

BHP offices at Chesterfield Waterside. Image supplied by Derbyshire Economic Partnership

Chesterfield accountancy firm, BHP has recently supported a number of young people by providing a work experience programme this summer.

The firm launched its first ever work experience academy, which the firm expained on its Linkedin page was well recieved by those who took part. The company said: “Our participants really enjoyed the practical, structured programme and many of them said they’ve been inspired to pursue a career in finance following their time with us, which is so great to hear!

“We’re really looking forward to meeting and getting to know our new Graduate and Non-Graduate trainees, who will be joining us very soon.”

Chesterfield FC, Vicar Lane, Fairplay, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and BHP support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Work due to start on 650 new houses in Mastin Moor

Work is due to begin on the new 650-home community in Mastin Moor, near Staveley after planning approval was granted this week.

The Devonshire Group, which owns the 46-hectare site, will now begin enabling works for phases 1 and 2 of the project, which will pave the way for the first homes to be delivered. These include creation of a new access road, services and the formation of public open space.

The preparatory works are due to complete in late spring 2024, with work on the new homes set to begin over the summer of 2024 on the first phase of 143 three, four and five- bedroom homes, by local developer Harron Homes.

The enabling works will also pave the way for the launch of the Construction Skills Hub, a Staveley Town Deal project, developed by Chesterfield Borough Council and to be operated by Chesterfield College in conjunction with the University of Derby. The Devonshire Group has collaborated on and supported the Council to deliver this innovative project.

The Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, helping develop skills in the local community and provide new career opportunities.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group, said: “Receiving planning approval marks an exciting next step for our development at Mastin Moor. We are now able to get underway with works in earnest and start to see the project really take shape.

“Our focus now is to ensure that we move the project forward quickly, while also prioritising a considered, sustainable and sensitive approach for the benefit of the wider community that we serve. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey and creating a place that will contribute to the area and provide new homes for local people.’

Upon completion, the new community at Mastin Moor will deliver 650 new homes, including affordable and accessible properties, elderly accommodation and a local centre. The development will also provide almost 20 hectares of publicly accessible open space and landscaping, significantly enhancing the biodiversity on site.

The project is expected to take 10 years to complete and create 150 direct construction jobs, as well as 250 roles in the supply chain and elsewhere.

Outline planning permission for the site was approved by Committee in December 2022.

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

Indicative-masterplan-Mastin-Moor

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Chesterfield’s Shed Grounds Maintenance announces milestone with global transport firm

Shed Grounds Maintenance, a provider of landscaping and facilities management services, has announced a significant achievement in its partnership with Scania, a world-leading provider of transport solutions.

The Chesterfield firm has now expanded its services to cover an impressive 30 sites across various locations for Scania since the companies’ first successful collaboration in 2017.

Since securing its initial contract with Scania, Shed Grounds Maintenance has continuously demonstrated its commitment to excellence in delivering exceptional and reliable outdoor maintenance services, including grounds maintenance, building cleaning, tree surgery and winter maintenance services.

Scania is renowned for its global presence, with operations spanning over 100 countries and a workforce of approximately 54,000 employees. The company has built a solid reputation as a leading provider of sustainable transport solutions, delivering cutting-edge products and services to meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry.

Scania specialises in the production of heavy trucks, buses, and engines, striving to lead the shift towards a sustainable future. The company places a strong emphasis on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, making significant contributions to the industry’s environmental sustainability efforts.

Peter Botham, Managing Director of Shed Grounds Maintenance commented: “We are thrilled to have reached this significant milestone with Scania.”

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the strong partnership we have built with Scania over the years. We are committed to providing them with exceptional outdoor maintenance services as they continue to lead the way in the transport industry.”

Shed Grounds Maintenance also said that the company takes immense pride in upholding Scania’s commitment to a greener future by caring for their outdoor areas and offering guidance on biodiversity solutions for their properties.

Julie Dispaine, Lead Facilities Manager for East and Central Regions at Scania UK, said: “At Scania, we pride ourselves on Driving the Shift towards a better future, which includes respecting the environment and limiting our impact.

“Which is why our relationship with Shed is so important. They are always looking for solutions to help us lessen our impact, which has included the creation of habitats for our birds, bees, and insect communities.”

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

scania shed grounds

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Trio of Chesterfield Champions announce further growth

Three organisations which are part of the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have announced further growth to their teams and wider offer.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help recently added new members to their teams, while training provider Workpays has expanded its range of qualifications for people in the area.

Find out in more detail in our roundup below:

Workpays expands offerings with Chartered Management Institute qualifications

Tea and training

 

Chesterfield training provider, Workpays has announced the integration of Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications into its extensive range of offerings.

This strategic move aims to empower professionals with valuable skills and internationally recognised credentials, reinforcing Workpays’ commitment to fostering career growth and helping people to achieve success.

The Chartered Management Institute, widely regarded as a leading professional body for management and leadership qualifications, offers a host of benefits that resonate with individuals and organisations across industries.

A Workpays spokesperson commented: “CMI qualifications not only enhance employability but also open doors to higher-paying roles and increased job satisfaction. With CMI’s industry-recognised credentials, professionals can differentiate themselves in the job market, showcase their commitment to continuous improvement, and gain a competitive edge.

“With Workpays’ expertise in providing tailored training solutions and CMI’s prestigious qualifications, professionals can now access a comprehensive suite of programmes that cater to their specific needs and goals. Whether through online courses or blended learning, Workpays ensures flexibility and accessibility for individuals at different stages of their career journey.”

Derbyshire Voluntary Action welcomes new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager

Juliet Grace 873 dva

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA), a leading charity dedicated to supporting and empowering communities, and health and social care in Derbyshire, has announced the appointment of Juliet Grace as the new Deputy CEO & Operations Manager.

Juliet brings with her a wealth of experience from an environmental background, having served with distinction at the National Trust, The Fieldfare Trust, and Green Estate and collaborated with various groups and charities over her career.

Renowned for her problem-solving prowess and arriving with an unwavering passion for contributing to the communities within Derbyshire, Juliet is committed to empowering local individuals to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector (VCS).

Derbyshire Voluntary Action say that Juliet’s dedication to empowering communities is a perfect match for the organisation’s core values. By embracing her leadership, DVA aims to continue its mission of providing support and resources to those in need, driving meaningful change across Derbyshire.

Juliet commented: “I am honoured and excited to join the exceptional team at Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

“Together, we will work tirelessly to empower individuals and strengthen the social fabric of Derbyshire. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and inspiring local people to thrive through their involvement with the Voluntary Charity Sector. Together, we will make a positive impact on the lives of the communities we serve.”

Bridge Help expands Business Development team

Bridge Help - Iona Reid - landscape

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has appointed Iona Reid to its Business Development team.

Iona brings a background in property sales and lettings to the role, joining the short-term commercial finance provider from Keepmoat Homes where she was a sales executive. Prior to this, she was a lettings manager with a national estate agent.

In her new role as Business Development Manager, Iona will be working with Bridge Help’s broker network supporting them to secure bridging finance for auction purchases, commercial and semi-commercial acquisitions and buy-to-let properties, as well as re-financing existing loans.

Her appointment follows growth at Bridge Help and a surge in new enquiries and there’s no doubt that her expertise and enthusiasm will make her a great addition to the team.

Iona commented on her new appointment saying: “I am really looking forward to working with such a supportive team and within the short-term finance sector. I have plenty of transferable skills from previous roles within the property industry and I’m inspired by new Manager, Katie and what she has achieved!”

Welcoming Iona to the team, Katie Snodden Head of Sales at Bridge Help added: “Iona is a welcome addition to the team as we continue to increase the support we offer to brokers across England and Wales. Her experience in sales and property makes her well-placed to help us continue to deliver great outcomes for their clients.”

Workpays, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Bridge Help support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield manufacturer announces strategic sustainability partnership

Chesterfield’s MTM Products, one of the leading UK industrial graphics suppliers, has announced a strategic partnership with CarbonQuota, a print and packaging carbon measurement and reduction specialist.

The partnership reflects MTM’s firm commitment to delivering a more energy-efficient and carbon-reduced operation.

Catering to a diverse range of industries, MTM supplies original equipment manufacturers in the UK and EU, with a particular focus on automotive, electrical and electronic, rail, medical, construction, and machinery equipment sectors.

The company’s industry-specific stock management systems, including lineside stocking, buffer stocks, and call-off orders, ensure seamless and efficient supply chain operations for its esteemed clientele. The company already operates to recognised industry standards, including BS, ISO, and UL/ANSI, and holds ISO9001/14001 certifications.

Mark Niblett, Managing Director of MTM Products commented: “We take pride in our technical and applications engineering expertise, the expertise and proficiency of our teams, competitive pricing, and our signature MTM Express quick turnaround service.

“It is now becoming increasingly important to our clients to also understand our environmental impact. Our partnership with CarbonQuota signifies our commitment to decarbonise as much as possible by 2030.

“This not only benefits the environment but also brings with it many other advantages for MTM Products Ltd, including competitive differentiation.“

MTM Products engaged CarbonQuota to accelerate its carbon reduction efforts, aligning with the 2030 government directive and rising client demands for environmentally conscious practices.

CarbonQuota’s expertise in carbon management and granular three-step approach provided MTM with a clear roadmap to establish baselines, set objectives, and execute their decarbonisation plans.

One of the primary goals of this partnership was to demonstrate MTM’s commitment to delivering measurable carbon footprint reduction results. Independent assessment by CarbonQuota has confirmed the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of MTM’s energy use and carbon footprint data.

As a result of their implemented carbon reduction strategies, MTM has successfully decreased its operational carbon footprint by an impressive 34 tonnes of CO2e over the past year.

Looking forward, MTM Products is determined to continue reducing its carbon emissions, furthering environmental responsibility, and setting new benchmarks for lower carbon manufacturing practices. By partnering with CarbonQuota, MTM is poised to drive positive change within its business and beyond.

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

MTM Mark Niblett

Mark Niblett, MTM Products

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