Business

Chamber pledge to support changing attitudes to mental health in the workplace

Award-winning business representation organisation East Midlands Chamber* has signed a commitment to support changing attitudes towards mental health in the workplace.

Chief Executive Scott Knowles signed the ‘Time to Change’ pledge yesterday in front of staff and guests at an event at the Chamber’s office in Chesterfield.

Speaking before signing for the Chamber, Scott said: “The Chamber’s pledge is about how we think about and act when it comes to mental health and making sure people feel supported in the workplace.

“It is estimated that one-in-four workers are affected by anxiety, depression and stress. The average cost of mental health to business is over £1,000 per employee each year and most affected employees will give a different reason for any resulting absence.

“Looking after mental health is clearly very important and offering the right support leads to a more positive workforce. Nobody is immune from mental health challenges and nobody should be afraid to articulate their concerns.”

Time To Change is a social movement now involving thousands of people throughout England and Wales. It is led by mental health charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

The commitment signed by Scott says: “We pledge to change the way we think and act about mental health at work.”

Three guest speakers – Amy Hallam, Director at BRM Solicitors, Ruth Bunn, Managing Director at Intrinsic OT and Anna Kelynack-Boddy, Founder of Yogic Frog, of Derby, witnessed Scott signing the Time To Change pledge.

Amy said: “There was a time when the role of an employment solicitor was to advise a company on how to get rid of someone suffering mental health issues but that’s not the best way to manage things because you lose a member of staff and then have all the cost and inconvenience of having to recruit a replacement.

“It’s something we are quite passionate about nowadays and we do things differently.  We like to teach staff about recognising their own mental health issues and that of colleagues, recognising, for example, presenteeism, where a person turns up for work physically but doesn’t do very much.

“If a person is off sick, keep them involved in the business, invite them to come in to team meetings even if they go home straight afterwards. We’ve found that helps to accelerate their return to work.”

Ruth, who has worked in mental health in the NHS, said she was shocked when she heard Prince Harry had admitted receiving help with mental health issues to cope with the death of his mother.

“It was that word ‘admitted’ that I felt most strongly about, as though help for mental health issues was a dirty secret being dragged out, that it is something we should suffer in silence with a typically British stoic attitude and just get on with it.

“In hospital, when we saw people for whom everything had just got too much, we would talk openly about mental health and just talking about it lifted people up.”

She explained how everybody has a physical health scale and a mental health scale and the only difference was that physical ailments could be seen while mental illness was invisible.

After the signing, Anna, who has worked for big companies including Rolls-Royce and Walgreen Boots and now lists Rolls-Royce among her clients, explained how life should be viewed as a glass ball that you can’t afford to drop because it would shatter.

But she said there was no reason to juggle rubber balls – her description of immediate but perhaps unachieved goals – that can be allowed to fall to the floor without risk.

She then led a short, desk-based yoga session and advised people to take just ten minutes during the day to focus on one thing not related to work. “This has been proved to increase productivity by 80%,” she said.

For more information about Time To Change visit https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield opticians invest in new technology

Specsavers in Chesterfield has just invested £50,000 in 3D scanning technology which allows optometrists to view the eye in more detail than ever before.

The Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine, which will be available in April for appointments, is a cutting-edge piece of equipment, usually found in hospital eye departments. It is used for a variety of functions including screening and management of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The technology produces a structural scan of the eye, including layers of the eye that would not normally be visible using traditional eye testing techniques. The results are similar to an ultrasound or MRI scan, in that it creates multiple scan slice images that are built up to form a total image. The OCT machine uses a totally safe, laser light source and not x-ray-type radiation.

Chesterfield’s ophthalmic optician Allissa Charlesworth comments: ‘This investment gives our team the ability to enhance the services to the local community by identifying and helping to detect or manage conditions, with a level of diagnostic capability which previously would have needed a hospital visit.

‘OCT technology produces such a detailed picture of the structures in the eye that it allows us to identify signs of diseases years earlier than traditional methods. An example of this is glaucoma, which the store’s specialists are trained to spot. Given that nearly half of all sight loss is preventable*, the sooner we can detect these conditions, the sooner we can help manage them or refer people for treatment.’

The scan will be in addition to a thorough eye test, during which the optometrist will use a range of clinical tests and procedures to measure the quality of someone’s vision, as well as taking an overview of the health and function of their eyes and how they work together. The OCT scan takes just a few seconds and is non-contact and painless.

A customer’s OCT images will be stored on file so we can help note changes over time – a real benefit to the monitoring of someone’s overall eye health.

OCT scans are additional to the normal eye test and can be requested when the appointment is booked or when the customer arrives in store. The cost of this scan (£10) is in addition to the eye test and not covered by the NHS examination.

Specsavers

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Adorn Jewellers scoops top award at 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards

Adorn Jewellers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite retailer. The independent jeweller, which is owned by husband and wife team Laura Jo and Adam Owen, was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 19 June.

The multi award-winning jeweller, which is based in The Shambles in Chesterfield town centre, also clinched the title of Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year at the annual awards ceremony held at Casa Hotel.

This is the fifth consecutive year Adorn Jewellers has been recognised at the annual awards, but 2019 is the first year the business has taken the coveted overall title of Retailer of the Year.

Delighted to accept the award, Laura Jo Owen said: “After a winning a number of retail awards over the last five years I am absolutely speechless to win Retailer of the Year. Chesterfield has so many fantastic shops and stores that make for an amazing retail landscape, so to win the top award is unbelievable.”

The Retailer of the Year title sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) was just one of 15 awards presented to 13 businesses, events and individuals at the sixth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM presenter, Craig Bailey.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the awards recognise the very best shops, stores, market stalls and events in the borough. Nominated by shoppers, the winners were all selected by an independent panel of judges as well as Destination Chesterfield assessing the online presence of the businesses.

On the night it was also a double win for Something Special Bridal, based in Old Whittington, which walked away with the Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service titles.

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices and events were too.

Apprentice hairdresser Kelly Jaggers (24) from Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty in Hasland was named Retail Apprentice of the Year and Chesterfield’s popular Food and Drink Festival, which is organised by Edge Events, was voted Best Town Centre Event.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Chesterfield Retail Awards recognises some of the town’s most wonderful people and businesses and the 2019 awards ceremony was no exception. The way we shop is changing and Chesterfield’s retailers are adapting to this brilliantly. They are creating fun experiences for customers; providing spaces to meet, socialise and shop; utilising technology to communicate with customers and teaming up with local businesses and initiatives to ensure the town’s retail sector continues to thrive. Congratulations to every shortlisted and winning business and individual. They all play a very important role in Chesterfield’s economy.”

In addition to Adorn Jewellers, Something Special Bridal, Kelly Jaggers and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival, the winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Adorn Jewellers


Hair & Beauty Business of the Year (Sponsored by Elite Private Education)

Belle Vie

Alysha Bradley, Owner of Belle Vie said: “It feels absolutely amazing to be crowned Hair and Beauty Business of the Year. We care so much about the people in the business, our customers and the contribution we are all making to the community. The next step for the business is to open a disability retreat for adults and children.”


Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year (sponsored by In the Works PR)

Dotique

Dorothy Robinson, Owner of Dotique said: “We were delighted to win Best New Store last year so to follow that up with the Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year award in 2019 is just fabulous. I am ecstatic. I am very proud of Chesterfield and so happy to be here.


Home & Gifts Retailer of the Year

Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield


Food & Drink Retailer of the Year

Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “We’re over the moon to win the award particularly as it recognises the quality of our produce. I personally hand select all our produce daily from wholesale farmers and markets and if I wouldn’t eat it, then it’s not good enough for our customers. We’re all about quality.”


Leisure Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Peak FM)

Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Brian Quinney, Owner of Quinney’s Pet Supplies, said: “It feels amazing to be crowned Leisure Retailer of the year. It’s a fantastic reward after two and half years of hard work. We’ve grown massively since we opened, and we hope to continue that growth in the future.”


Market Hall Business of the Year (Sponsored by Arvato)

R P Davidson Cheese Factor

Simon Davidson, Owner of R P Davidson Cheese Factor said: “It’s a great honour for me and my staff to be crowned Market Hall Business of the Year. It’s important that the business continues to evolve. We don’t want more shops, but we definitely want to work with other retailers, and we have sponsored the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival in Queens Park in 2019.”


Market Trader of the Year (Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Roper’s Honey

Helen Roper, Owner of Roper’s Honey said: “It’s really exciting to be crowned Market Trader of the Year. We love the market, the customers and our fellow market traders – it’s like a big family – just like our business and we hope our children will be the future of it.”


Independent Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design)

Something Special Bridal

Tonya Stickley, Owner of Something Special Bridal, said: “I am over the moon to win. It is beyond amazing. It means so much to me and my little boutique to win the awards. It’s a tough environment economically and politically, so it’s great to recognise the independent retailer.”


National/Multiple Retailer of the Year (Sponsored by The University of Derby)

The Body Shop

Hannah Richardson, Manager of The Body Shop in Chesterfield said: “We were all completely shocked to hear we’d won. We are a small team of four, who are all committed to delivering the very best service to our loyal customers. We are all so proud to have won the award.”


Excellence in Customer Service (Sponsored by Casa Hotel)

Something Special Bridal


Best Town Centre Event (Sponsored by Spire Radio)

Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival

Laura Ashby, Managing Director of Edge Events, said: “It feels amazing to be local to Chesterfield and to win this award. It’s a fantastic event that is for all members of the family. We’re delighted to win.”


Apprentice of the Year (Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Kelly Jaggers (Bliss Hair, Nails and Beauty)

She said: “I am so happy and surprised to win the award. It is so nice to be appreciated. I have just completed my Level 2 apprenticeship and now want to do my Level 3. If you want to learn a new skill or trade, an apprenticeship is the best way to do it.”


Apprentice Employer of the Year (Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge, said: “I’m really pleased that I and the whole team have been recognised for the time and effort we put into our apprentice programme. I am a massive advocate of apprenticeships because I know the benefits that they can bring to a business as well as to the career development of young people.”


Best New Store 2018/2019 (Sponsored by Pavements Shopping Centre)

Astra Designs

Donna Danielle, Owner of Astra Designs said: “It’s a big shock to win but feels absolutely amazing to be named as the Best New Store at the Retail Awards.  There is so much support for business in Chesterfield. The community and customers mean so much to us and help us grow the business, which means my daughter is able to join it next year as an apprentice.”


Further supporters of the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, JayRar, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

For more information and images of the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/retailawards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Chamber’s Wider Remit will Help Build Thriving Communities

Corporate philanthropy has come a long way from the days when it was perceived as little more than a tax-deductible business expense.

Providing a junior league football team with kit for a year was once considered enough for a company to claim it was part of its local community.

However, more and more companies are starting to better understand the links between meaningful community engagement and their own successes – whether that’s around better engaging and developing existing staff, attracting the next generation of workforce or winning a new contract with others wanting to know they’re having an impact with the money they spend.

Next week, East Midlands Chamber* will be hosting its second annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit, at which delegates will hear from representatives of companies already working meaningfully with local communities and learn more about how they can get the best results for both themselves and the communities they’re based in.

They’ll also hear how the Chamber, which has widened its vision to ‘enhancing East Midlands businesses and communities’, is seeking to take a lead in helping firms engage in CSR activity.

Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, will tell delegates: “The focus in future will be about how businesses – particularly small and medium organisations – and communities work together for shared goals.

“Nowadays, it is not enough for a business just to provide jobs. Whether you’re a customer, employee or partner, people want to know that the company they work with cares about people and the planet, not just about profit.

“We are keen to create more opportunities for businesses to engage in CSR activities and to ensure the impact of this can be maximised both for the communities and the businesses themselves. Importantly we believe firmly in the link between successful businesses and thriving local communities.”

Research carried out by the Chamber found that 62% of members already engage in ‘CSR’, with 81% of those saying they do it because it is the ‘right thing to do’.

Sixty-eight per cent do it because they want to develop links with the community, 44% said it helps them build profile, 38% reported a personal connection to a cause and 31% viewed it as part of their staff development strategy.

Forty-one per cent of respondents said they intended to increase activity in this area in the year ahead. For those that don’t get involved in CSR, the main reason given was either not having enough resource or not having considered it.

The Chamber’s CSR Summit takes place at the University of Derby Chesterfield Campus on Tuesday 25 June from 8am to 10am. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2RlfHlC.

chesterfield college

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Gadget Show Presenter Inspires Local Students to Develop a Career in Technology

Georgie Barrat, leading technology journalist, Gadget Show presenter and broadcaster, encouraged local school and college students to get the knowledge they need to get into an industry where there are more jobs than people with the right digital skills yesterday. She shared her inside knowledge of the industry as part of the Sparks Series of lectures at Chesterfield College.

With the technology industry growing faster than the UK economy, Georgie gave a fascinating insight into the wide range of exciting developments she has tested from artificial intelligence to augmented reality, and much more besides.  She explained what opportunities these new technologies open up for young people about to enter the job market.

Georgie demonstrated how she carved a career in tech journalism and what it is like to work for some of the key tech employers. She also gave the audience some top tips about how to develop a bright future in the industry.

There were interesting questions from the audience about how new technological inventions would affect us as consumers and as a human race, as well as questions about what it is really like to work in technology and media.

Georgie’s final words of inspiration for the audience were:

“Digital literacy is what everyone is after. If you can code; if you are a software developer, the world is your oyster. If you go into any company, they want these skills.”

“Go out there. Dream big and go and shape the world. The world needs people like you to shape it.”

Georgie Barrat inspires local students

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Business Analytics Consultancy Announces Move to New Town Centre Location

Chesterfield based business analytics consultancy Peak Indicators have expanded to a new office location in Chesterfield town centre.

Peak Indicators Ltd took receipt of the keys to Hayfield House in February and following an 8 week programme of works the team have moved into their new home benefiting from a town centre location and excellent public transport links.

Andy Ball, Chief Operating Officer at Peak Indicators, said:

“We are looking forward to continuing our journey of growth in our new home here at Hayfield House, it’s a great time for us all. Chesterfield is a very accessible location allowing us to access talent and skill pools from surrounding Cities, which is vital for a niche consultancy such as ours”

“Following the investment in a new building and creating a fantastic working space the plans are to continue to build further world-leading analytical solutions that support an ever-expanding customer base.”

Peak Indicators were formed in 2008 as a Business Intelligence consultancy. The company is now very much focused on developing machine learning and augmented, advanced analytics applications for clients in the retail, financial services and consumer goods sectors.

Over the last 10 years Peak Indicators has created 50 jobs and their client base and service offering continues to grow.

Peak Indicators

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Exhibitors Encouraged to Sign Up for Derbyshire’s Largest Careers Event

Employers, colleges, training providers and voluntary organisations are being invited to book their place at this year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival.

The event is organised by Derbyshire County Council and supported by Derby City Council. It is aimed at students aged 13 to 19, particularly those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school.

Derbyshire Skills Festival is the largest careers event for young people in Derbyshire and this year it is being held at:

  • Proact Stadium, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ on Wednesday 18 September 2019
  • Derby Arena, Royal Way, Derby, DE24 8JB on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September 2019

All three events will run from 1.30pm to 7.30pm (last admission 6.45pm).

There will also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training are welcome to attend.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said:

“Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions that our young people will make and we’re pleased the Derbyshire Skills Festival can support them in this process.

“Last year more than 10,000 young people attended the festival making it a great event for organisations to showcase what opportunities they have to a huge audience.

“Thank you to the organisations that have already signed up to secure their place and we look forward to welcoming more.”The festival is an opportunity for young people leaving school or college or looking for a job with training to get all the information and guidance they need under one roof.

Visitors to the event will also be able to take part in have-a-go sessions to test their skills and give them an idea of what different careers might be like.

Organisations interested in having a stand at one or both of the venues can email: skillsfestival@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 536545 (office hours only).

Derbyshire Skills Festival chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Top Hats and Tiaras as Champions ‘Dress-Up’ For Master Cutler’s Challenge

This month, it was Top Hats and Tiaras at Chesterfield Champions Shorts, when they held a ‘dress-up day’ in support of the Master Cutler’s Challenge.

The Master and Mistress Cutler (Nicholas and Liz Cragg) try to visit as many participating companies as possible during the duration of the challenge, and Shorts were delighted when he chose to visit both of their offices along with Jack Kidder, Corporate Fundraising Manager at St. Luke’s and had the opportunity to speak to many of the team about the challenge and the charities who benefit from the funds raised.

Andy Irvine commented “We’ve been taking part in weekly dress down Fridays, but it was one of our tax team, who came up with the suggestion that we organise a ‘dress-up’ day for a change – something a bit different.  This seemed a great idea and we were delighted that so many of the team got on board with the idea.  The weather this week has been absolutely appalling, so we were especially delighted that so many people made the effort to make their way into work in all their finery.”

Jack Kidder added “Having spoken to a number of the teams taking part in this year’s challenge, there are as always, a wide variety of interesting and fun events taking place.  It’s great to see such enthusiasm, and originality from this year’s participators, and in all my years in fundraising, I haven’t come across anyone doing a dress-up day before.  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting both of Shorts’ offices and it was fantastic to see so many people taking part.”

There were a variety of outfits worn during the day, from evening dresses to black tie and dinner jackets, with tiaras, crowns and plenty of jewels.   A competition was held, and a bottle of champagne awarded to the ‘best dressed’ in both offices, with Margaret McPhail and Alexandra Robinson taking the titles.

The Master Cutler’s Challenge is now in its 12th year, and this year’s chosen primary charities are St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice.  Businesses across the Sheffield City Region are invited to raise as much as possible in fundraising for the two charities, and Shorts have already been busy, raising over £2,900 with a 13-mile sponsored walk, dress down Fridays, monthly cake sales and a variety of office sweepstakes and Last Man Standing competitions.

Shorts Dress up day Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Which are the best Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Businesses?

Businesses that represent the best of the area’s tourism industry are set to be showcased and celebrated in the newly-launched Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards.

Organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, the awards will recognise excellence and outstanding achievement in the Peak District and Derbyshire’s valuable tourism sector, which is worth over £2.15 billion, attracts 40.45 million visitors each year and supports over 28,000 jobs.

Nominations are open from 17th June to 4th August 2019, with local businesses encouraged to enter in 11 categories that celebrate different aspects of the visitor economy – from amazing visitor attractions and great accommodation providers to traditional pubs and unique experiences.

Winners from each category will automatically be put forward into the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Supported by the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, awards include ‘Hotel of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Accommodation of the Year’, ‘Pub of the Year’, ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Experience of the Year’. Others champion ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism’, shining a light on some of the most successful and committed tourism businesses in the area.

Entries will be judged by a panel of experts in the autumn. Those shortlisted will be informed in November 2019 and the winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2020.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of the visitor economy and the people who work across the area’s tourism sector to make it so successful.

“We look forward to honouring all the brilliant local businesses who continuously strive for excellence, ensuring visitors have the most rewarding and memorable experiences when they visit the Peak District and Derbyshire.”

The full list of categories is below:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

For more details on the categories and to enter, please visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/tourism-awards

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £75 plus VAT per category.

Applications open at 09:00 on 17th June 2019 and close at 23:59 on 4th August 2019. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

St Valentine's Day Luxury Cruise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Leisure, Visiting

BRM Solicitors to sponsor Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

Leading law firm and Chesterfield Champions BRM Solicitors take on naming rights of the popular Chesterfield Festival of Cricket after being involved in the annual event since 2013.

The BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, which returns to the picturesque Queen’s Park on Sunday 14 July, will see Derbyshire play Northamptonshire in four-day first-class cricket, before it rounds-off with the showpiece Twenty20 fixture against Yorkshire in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd.

Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, said: “It’s great to extend our relationship with BRM Solicitors after they have been involved in the festival for a number of seasons.”

“We’ve had some exciting matches across both formats in recent years, including a memorable Vitality Blast win last summer, and we hope to see more of the same in 2019.”

“The festival is very well supported – less than 30 per cent of tickets remain for the Yorkshire fixture – and by taking on the headline sponsorship, BRM Solicitors’ name and branding will be highly visible across Chesterfield this July.”

Rob Woodhead (right), Executive Director at BRM Solicitors, added: “BRM is delighted to continue its support of the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket.”

“Queen’s Park is recognised as one of the best venues to watch cricket in the world and the Derbyshire/Yorkshire T20 Blast, on Saturday the 20 July, is the jewel in the festival’s crown.”

“From BRM’s perspective the opening of our Sheffield office, at Steel City House in 2018, brings added ‘spice’ to the Derbyshire/Yorkshire fixture. When the possibility of becoming the headline sponsor of the Festival arose, it was too good an opportunity to miss!”

Find more information for this summer’s BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket here.

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket Image David Griffin

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Survey highlights positive impact D2N2 Growth Hub has had on local businesses

A business support network which helps SMEs across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to scale up and create jobs helps has enabled three quarters of the businesses it has worked with over the past 12 months to boost their in-house knowledge.

The D2N2 Growth Hub, which launched in 2016, has also helped 54% of the businesses it has worked with to innovate, 27% to invest in new technology and 16% to increase their turnover.

A further seven percent of the businesses it has supported have created new jobs over the past year, with the same percentage of businesses increasing their exports. It also helped 13% of businesses to access funding.

Of the businesses which have received D2N2 Growth Hub support, 89% would recommend the service to other SMEs, with 64% saying they had taken positive action as a result of the support they received. 81% of businesses the Growth Hub has helped have rated the support they received as either excellent or good.

The results are from the annual customer satisfaction survey of the D2N2 Growth Hub. Independent researchers spoke to around 350 of the 1,750 businesses the Growth Hub supported between January 2018 and January 2019.

The Growth Hub provides free, impartial advice to help businesses grow. Its support is available to start-ups, growing businesses and companies who are ready to scale up their operations. With a vast array of services on offer from the public, private and third sectors,  many businesses struggle to find the best services to fit their needs. The D2N2 Growth Hub fills this gap by providing up-to-date, valuable and relevant information, guidance and support.

D2N2 Growth Hub Manager Chris Pook said: “It’s clear from the results of this survey that the Growth Hub is having a real and positive impact on local businesses, by providing them with the support and advice they need to grow.

“All the headline indicators are up on previous years.’’

“With the Growth Hub moving into its next phase, with new advisers being recruited and a new grant scheme coming soon, we should hopefully see these results improve further as we continue our work to support growing businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, which are the lifeblood of our economy.”

One of the Derbyshire businesses that has received support from the D2N2 Growth Hub is CAD for Fashion, an academy which trains budding fashion designers and experienced industry professionals in how to use the latest technology in the fashion sector.

Founder Erica Horne, a successful fashion designer in her own right, said: “I can’t thank the Growth Hub enough. My adviser has been with me the whole way, offering invaluable support and advice as well as opening my eyes to the huge amount of resources available locally from workshops to funding.

“I have learnt so much from the last nine months of support and to have my ideas turn reality really is amazing.”

The D2N2 Growth Hub marked its fourth ‘birthday’ in December (below) with a celebration event including some of the more than 7,000 businesses it has engaged with.

Posted in Business

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