Business

School children launch business enterprise to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare

12th August 2019

Thanks to a unique partnership between Capgemini, Placing Futures and Brookfield Community School, school students have launched a business enterprise creating and selling botanical-themed merchandise to raise vital funds for a Horticultural Therapy Project at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Mark Lodge from Capgemini initially developed the idea. Capgemini has been supporting Ashgate Hospicecare for the past two years, donating £1,000 towards the Horticultural Therapy Project which aims to get patients gardening again to support physical and mental wellbeing.

Thanks to the hard work of the students at Brookfield Community School, the enterprise is hoping to raise an extra £230 in from the total sales of aprons, mugs and canvas bags designed by the students. This project will be the first of many such ventures and fundraising initiatives led by the students that will raise funds for patients at Ashgate Hospicecare, as well as developing the creative and business skills of the students involved.

Mark said, “We know how much Ashgate Hospicecare’s Day Hospice patients really enjoy spending time in the hospice garden. Many people with a life-limiting illness have lost the physical ability or confidence to garden, or lost enjoyment of their own garden because they feel so emotionally or mentally low. The Horticultural Therapy Project has given them back the confidence to garden again in a safe and sociable way. It’s been amazing to help this project grow and to see that the hours Capgemini staff have volunteered getting the project set up has made a real difference to the lives of patients.”

Mark is also an Enterprise Advisor, volunteering his time in schools to increase students’ engagement with businesses and awareness of career opportunities. “It was whilst at Brookfield Community School that the idea was born to run a competition for GCSE textile students to design items that could be sold to raise money for the Horticultural Therapy Project at Ashgate Hospicecare.”

The designs were then judged by Day Hospice patients and the winning three were turned into merchandise. By doing this, not only have the students been able to develop their entrepreneurial skills, they’ve also gained an insight into what the hospice does and why the money they are helping to raise is so important.”

Director of Placing Futures Limited, Gail Widerman added, “Having worked for several years as an Enterprise Coordinator (an affiliate to the National Careers and Enterprise Company), it is my directive to engage local businesses with schools in order to enhance careers guidance for students in Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and Bolsover.”

“This collaborative project that raises money for Ashgate Hospicecare is very close to my heart, having lost several family members to cancer over the last few years. It was my pleasure to initially finance the project with Brookfield Community School. The hope is that this project will be the start of an enterprise challenge that future GCSE students can engage in for years to come, raising yet more funds for patients under the care of the hospice.”

Dawn Jepson, Occupational Therapist at Ashgate Hospicecare and Horticultural Therapy Project Lead, said, “Capgemini and Placing Futures’ continued support, alongside Brookfield Community School engagement, of the Horticultural Therapy Project, both financially and practically, has been greatly appreciated by all the staff here at Ashgate Hospicecare. The feedback from patients has been very positive, whether they have actively participated in the gardening activities, some of whom thought they would never get their hands dirty in soil again, or simply sat and enjoyed the outdoor space. For our patients who have never gardened before, it has given them the opportunity to learn new skills.

We hope to continue to build links with our local community, such as has been achieved through this exciting project with Brookfield Community School. The Horticultural Therapy Project continues to grow, and we are now supported by a team of enthusiastic volunteers of all ages and abilities who help to run sessions, come up with new ideas and maintain our grounds. We hope to attract further support and would welcome anyone who may wish to volunteer in the gardens or help towards funding the project.”

If you would like to purchase any of the products designed by the students, volunteer or help to fund the Horticultural Therapy Project at Ashgate Hospicecare, please email dawn.jepson@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Side picture credit: EKRPICTURES, volunteer photographer for Ashgate Hospicecare

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Leengate Valves extend Spireites sponsorship

9th August 2019

Leengate Valves have agreed to continue as Chesterfield’s back of shirt sponsor for the first-team kit, extending their long association with the club.

The deal, which covers the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, will also feature the Leengate Valves logo on the team’s shirt sleeve.

Chesterfield commercial manager Jim Brown said: “Steve and his family have been major sponsors, as well as supporters of the club, from our days at Saltergate. We very much appreciate their continued support.”

Leengate Valves’ Managing Director Steve Pickering said: “I’ve been a supporter for over 50 years and it’s great that we have been able to have our name on the back of the shirts for over ten years.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to wish the team all the very best this season.”

Leengate Valves are a leading industrial valves wholesaler and a trusted provider of specialist calibration, actuation, and valve engineering services.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Vicar Lane installs stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire Dales

9th August 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has transformed St. James Square with a breathtaking backdrop image, which depicts an iconic vista in the Derbyshire Dales.

Vicar Lane is inviting shoppers to identify the beauty spot pictured for the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher in their social media competition. Customers wishing to participate should head to the Vicar Lane Facebook page to find out more.

Visitors to Chesterfield are encouraged to visit the Centre this summer to enjoy a variety of floral installations and the grass cows that have moo-ved in for the summer period. All of which offer perfect Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our close proximity to the Peak District with this stunning installation and the chance for our customers to win a little treat on us!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Supporting Chesterfield’s growth

8th August 2019

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

August is upon us and we’re well into the summer holidays. If you’re looking to explore what our town has to offer you and your family, then this is the time to do it!

We have more festivals and events in and around the town centre than ever before. The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards has also been released, offering a great starting point for the very best places to eat and drink.

It’s a great way to kickstart the summer holidays with the kids. What better way to entice them off their screens than with the promise of a tasty treat followed by a day of learning, disguised as fun and intrigue?

There’s a multitude of events going on in the area – from canal cruises, treasure hunts and miniature train rides to hands on history at Bolsover Castle, science roadshows and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival. There is something to suit every taste (pun intended!).

As the events calendar has grown year on year, so has Chesterfield’s fortunes. I am delighted that we can, once again, turn the spotlight on the town in the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit. This year the theme is supporting communities through regeneration.

The increased footfall in the town centre and attendance at the many events is evidence that Chesterfield’s regeneration is successful.

More than £1bn of developments are on site and more are on the way. 2019 is the year that we are seeing spades in the ground on a number of much anticipated sites, like Northern Gateway, Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside. All these sites are, in turn, creating employment opportunities.

There are now more jobs at Markham Vale that when it was a colliery. A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale; that’s 200 more people than were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980s heyday. Proof that Chesterfield’s regeneration strategy is working.

And we have more success stories to look forward to. Avant Homes is to begin building 173 homes at Waterside later this year after receiving detailed planning permission. Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd have also acquired a new site that will treble their existing space.

Whether you’re a resident or business, it’s important that we come together as a community to support the town’s growth in order to safeguard our future success. Together we really do make a difference.

If you’re interested in the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield and finding out about how you can support it and get involved, then register here to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit which takes place on 11 September at Casa Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

D2N2 businesses to benefit from £16.74m skills training fund

8th August 2019

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP area are urged to take advantage of a £16.74m skills training fund to upskill their workforce.

The training is delivered as part of a programme called Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW), which Serco’s Employment, Skills & Enterprise business is managing across the D2N2 region. Under the 28-month programme which launched in April, Serco will work in partnership with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to provide skills development that focuses on upskilling employees in key priority sectors as identified in the LEP’s strategic economic plan;

Transport Equipment Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Food & Drink Manufacturing
Visitor Economy
Low Carbon
Transport & Logistics
Creative & Digital Industries
Construction

Through SSW, eligible businesses can benefit from funded training, tailored to their specific needs. Training is flexible and businesses can select full qualifications or mix and match individual units that are directly relevant to their work. Previous SSW programme participants have benefited from increased employee confidence, motivation and productivity and improved employee loyalty and retention.

Business participants will each benefit from a bespoke Training Needs Analysis that identifies requirements for upskilling or skills gaps in their workforce. Training for participant businesses could cover subjects such as IT and digital skills, leadership and management or more vocationally relevant courses.

The SSW programme in D2N2 also offers support and training for individuals at risk of redundancy or those who have been made redundant within the last three months.

To deliver the programme, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Serco has partnered with expert training organisations to offer local businesses recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses, aiming to enhance employees’ skills and increase the competitiveness of the businesses.

Rob Matts, Head of Skills Support for the Workforce at Serco, said: “I am delighted that Serco has been selected by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to manage the SSW programme in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in partnership with the LEP. We have already supported more than 20,000 learners through our SSW delivery across England with more than 7000 businesses benefitting from this important service.”

“I would urge businesses or, individuals that may be facing redundancy, to get in touch with our team and take advantage of the funded training on offer. We look forward to enabling many more businesses to take advantage of SSW training to upskill their staff and grow their businesses.”

Chris Pook, D2N2 Growth Hub Project Manager said: “Nurturing skills within the workforce is essential to help businesses thrive. Companies that we speak to often require advice and support for them to access the right skills for their business and this programme will provide meaningful training which will help support business growth and productivity improvements in the local economy. We look forward to working closely with Serco on this opportunity.”

Businesses can contact Serco on skillssupport@serco.com or click here for more details and to find out if they are eligible for funded training through Skills Support for the Workforce.

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

Derbyshire building boom prompts further recruitment for DBCP

8th August 2019

Derbyshire’s building boom has prompted Chesterfield Champion Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) to further strengthen its team of building control surveyors.

Experienced building control surveyor Sarah Pearce and trainee building control surveyor Christian Ellis have joined DBCP.

Based out of the company’s Derby office, Sarah and Christian will be covering Derby and South Derbyshire working with builders, architects and property owners in the area.

Christian’s appointment addresses the construction industry’s concerns around a shortage of building control surveyors which could threaten the current growth rate of the UK construction sector. Christian is one of two graduate trainees and a building control apprentice employed by DBCP as it seeks to invest in its workforce at all levels.

Welcoming Sarah and Christian to DBCP, Managing Director Neil Johnson said: “Innovations in building technology and a government pledge to build a million new homes by 2020 all add to the future demands for building control expertise. This is why, as a business, we have really focussed on recruitment in recent months to further add to the resources, skills and experience of the team. We offer a strong service throughout Derbyshire, one that is matched to the current construction boom regionally and nationally.”

Christian, from Wirksworth, has recently completed a Biology degree at the University of Lincoln. He joins the company as a trainee where he will combine work and study over the next two years to complete a Level 4 Diploma in HNC Construction and the Built Environment.

He explained: “I’ve been around building all my life; I even grew up on a construction site and knew it was what I wanted to do when I left university. Although biology and building control seem very difference there are a number of transferable skills to take from my university course to this role.”

In his spare time, Christian likes to play and watch a number of sports and enjoys going to the gym with his friends.

Sarah, from Fleckney, in Leicestershire, has more than 15 years’ experience in building control and joins from Oadby and Wigston Council. She commented: “The move to DBCP has given me the opportunity to focus on my role and provide a great building control service. There is so much behind the scenes support at DBCP which makes it a great environment to work in.”

Outside work, Sarah enjoys cycling and runs her own cycling group on Saturday mornings. She is soon to complete RideLondon, a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for Action Aid – a charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.

DBCP is the recommended building control service provider in Derbyshire and is responsible for ensuring that all new construction, conversions, alterations and extensions are built to a minimum standard and meet certain health, safety and welfare standards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

UKATA re-elects chair for second term

7th August 2019

In an unprecedented move, Chesterfield Champion UKATA has elected Graham O’Mahony as its Chair for a second term. Graham will be the only Chair to hold the position for two consecutive terms in the Association’s 10+ years’ history.

Graham is supported in his role by Stuart Miller, who was also re-elected as Deputy Chair at the AGM held on 4 July 2019.

In his position of Chair, Graham will continue to lead the 10-strong Board of Directors, who provide strategic direction and governance to the Association.

Combining this volunteer position alongside his role of Managing Director of ATL Safety Limited, Graham has worked in the construction industry for more than 26 years, delivering asbestos training for nearly 20 years. A pioneer in the field of asbestos training and standards, Graham was an asbestos surveyor and delivered training in asbestos handling prior to the introduction of comprehensive asbestos regulations.

Graham has been instrumental in the development of UKATA since its formation in 2008 and its subsequent growth to become the largest not for profit asbestos training providers association in the UK. As an active board member, Graham has developed a number of UKATA’s industry-leading courses, including the popular Duty to Manage course.

Commenting on his re-appointment, Graham said: “My decision to stand for re-election stemmed from the fact that I feel I have so much more to give to UKATA which will benefit all members. I am delighted to be re-elected to the position of Chair. Together with my fellow board members we are committed to taking UKATA from strength to strength.”

Welcoming Graham’s re-appointment, UKATA Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans, pictured with some of the UKATA team below, added: “Graham’s extensive knowledge of the industry has been key in the development of UKATA. Together we both acknowledge that UKATA can make further impact on improving the industry’s understanding of the dangers of asbestos and we shall be taking a number of exciting developments forward in 2019 and beyond in order to make a very real difference in helping reduce the risks surrounding asbestos.”

UKATA is a leading authority on asbestos training. UKATA approved training is accessible throughout the UK. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Mortgage 1st raises over £800 for Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau

7th August 2019

7 members of the Mortgage 1st team took part in a charity event on Tuesday 30 July, which saw them abseiling down the side of the Chesterfield Town Hall to raise money for their local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Lisa Stones, HR & Marketing Director at the company said: “As mortgage advisers, Mortgage 1st understands and appreciates more that most the important of giving and receiving good advice and therefore decided to support the Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau at their charity abseil event this summer along with around 50 other brave individuals.”

The team raised a total of £837.50, which will all go direct to the charity to enable it to offer a valuable free advisory service to local residents in and around Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Champion, Mortgage 1st is based in Barlborough and provides knowledgeable services across the whole of the UK.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Barrow Hill Roundhouse to restore railway gem

7th August 2019

Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield will bring an historic steam locomotive back to life after purchasing the 1880s gem.

The trading arm of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society has agreed to buy the Class 1F Half Cab No 41708 from the 1708 Locomotive Preservation Trust for an undisclosed sum.

The locomotive, which has been on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield for the last 15 years, will be refurbished and returned to steam, 10 years after the first attempt by the charity to acquire the locomotive with the backing of the National Railway Museum at York.

The Half Cab spent the majority of its working life at the Roundhouse and Staveley Works, where it was allocated for shunting duties, between 1947 and 1965. It returned to Barrow Hill in July 1998 to star in the Roundhouse’s public reopening following the successful campaign to save the unique building from demolition. The locomotive made several further visits between 1998 and 2002 before returning to its home shed on a permanent basis in 2004.

Mervyn Allcock, Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society spokesperson said: “We have now finalised the deal and are looking forward to bringing the 139-year-old engine out of the shed and back into use with funds we have already set aside and with a fundraising campaign which will be launched in 2020, the 150^th anniversary of the opening of the Roundhouse.”

“The restoration and rebuild project will start with a detailed examination of the locomotive in order to understand exactly what needs to be done to bring it back into steam. We are very grateful for the support and advice given to us by Wake Smith which has enabled us to secure the locomotive’s future as an intrinsic part of the Barrow Hill story.”

The Class 1F locomotive was designed by Samuel Johnson, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Midland Railway from 1873 to 1903. Used for hauling freight, shunting and some branch line passenger use, 185 of the class were built in Derby. This particular locomotive was built in 1880, numbered 1418. It was rebuilt about 20 years later and re-numbered 1708.

It underwent another change of identity to 41708 when the locomotive passed into the ownership of British Railways in 1948. By the time it arrived at Barrow Hill in 1947, only 72 of the original 185 locomotives remained in service. By 1961 there were 11 class members and the last five, including 41708, were withdrawn in September 1965. The class only lasted as long as this because the Midland Railway had signed a contract for 100 years in 1866 to provide shunting engines to Staveley Works.

41708 is the only Class 1F to have been preserved. It is also one of only two locomotives which worked at Barrow Hill which have been preserved. The other Barrow Hill survivor is a diesel shunting engine, Class 10 D4092, which is also based at the Roundhouse.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue.

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

Shorts advises on sale of JW Hutchinson Funeral Service

6th August 2019

Shorts has acted as lead financial advisors to Alison and Anthony Corbett on the sale of Funeral Directors, JW Hutchinson to A.W Lymn The Family Funeral Service.

JW Hutchinson was established in 1904, and over four generations have served the region’s communities. It was an important consideration to find a buyer with similar values, when the owners decided to sell.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continuing success of the business under new ownership.”

Anthony and Alison Corbett said “We were extremely happy that when we made the decision to sell J W Hutchinson we were able to agree a sale with another family owned funeral directors, AW Lymn The Family Funeral Service. The families have known each other for generations so we know the company and its clients are in safe hands. We were supported through this from the start by both Shorts and our solicitor, with their help and advice making what could have been a stressful time into a smooth and successful sale.”

Matthew Lymn Rose added “A.W.Lymn The Family Funeral Service are thrilled to have been able to acquire J. W. Hutchinson Funeral Service in Rainworth. As another family business, having served the people of Rainworth for generations, we felt the fit between the two businesses was excellent. In the first ten months we have had a complete refurbishment of the premises, the two full time staff members Wendy and David continue to work in the business based at the Rainworth Office, and both have enrolled onto the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Directing course to enhance their qualifications, and the fleet have been updated with a Rolls-Royce ceremonial fleet in keeping with the original vehicles operated by the family firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Banner Jones raises over £500 for Citizens Advice Chesterfield in sponsored abseil

6th August 2019

A team of legal eagles from law firm Banner Jones has raised over £500 for the Citizens Advice Bureau after abseiling three storeys down the side of Chesterfield Town Hall.

Taking on the challenge in support of the local charity, ten lawyers and support staff from the Legal 500 listed law firm, which operates across South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire, took the plunge on 30 July.

A local charity which offers free advice to the community on a wide range of subjects – including personal debt, benefit entitlements, housing issues, immigration matters, employment issues and family matters – the Citizens Advice Bureau Chesterfield is situated on Broad Pavement in the town centre.

Dawn Mann, Customer Relations Manager at Banner Jones, who took part in the challenge, said: “Chesterfield CAB is an independent charity, and as such it is heavily dependant upon financial support and donations in order to continue to deliver its vital service – ensuring that people in the community have somewhere to turn to when they need help.”

“Needless to say, participating in this particular event was a little bit daunting, but we really enjoyed the challenge, and we are pleased to have raised money for such an important local service.”

“Thank you to all of those who donated.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business