Business

Custom Solar delivers award winning solar project

25th October 2018

Chesterfield Champion Custom Solar has won a national award for its work with Associated British Ports to deliver the UK’s largest rooftop solar array.

The team scooped the impressive title of Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year at the Solar Power Portal Awards, held in Birmingham last week.

At the Port of Immingham, Custom Solar created one scheme on a 30,260m² warehouse. The site, which went live in April 2018, totals an impressive 4.5MW, enough to power almost 750 homes.

The awards, now in their sixth year, hosted 600 clean-energy professionals from the UK and beyond and recognised Immingham’s site, by contractors Custom Solar, best in show.

The installation, which will make a CO₂ saving of almost 1,500 tonnes per annum, will see the port utilise the majority of the generated energy to power port equipment such as cranes, conveyors, lock gates and offices with a small amount being exported from site and back to the national grid.

Matthew Brailsford, Managing Director of Custom Solar said: “Solar power has quickly become the energy generator of choice for many companies across the world, however, delivering project of this scale don’t happen every day. The 4.5MW of power at the Port of Immingham is one of the largest rooftop systems in the country and required a host of high voltage upgrades to ABP’s network. I’m just so proud of every single person who made this project a reality and award winning success.”

Mark Frith, Port Manager for Grimsby and Immingham said: “It’s pivotal that businesses in our region are making a concerted effort to reduce their CO₂ emissions. As the UK’s largest port by tonnage, we’re extremely proud to be able to work with professional contractors such as Custom Solar, who have enabled us to make a real difference in reducing our carbon footprint.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Spireites appoint new Associate Directors

25th October 2018

Following a lengthy interview process, Chesterfield FC has appointed Lesley Brentnall and Alison Richardson as Associate Directors.

The pair, who are both from Chesterfield and lifelong supporters of the club, will attend board meetings and work on various initiatives.

Lesley, who is Department Head of National Sales for Biffa PLC, specialises in business transformation projects and customer excellence. Commenting on her new appointment, she said: “I’m very honoured to have been given the opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Alison to help build bridges between the board and the fans.”

Alison is self-employed with a background in business strategy, leadership development and business change, across a wide range of organisations. She is looking forward to her new role, saying: “It’s a way to merge my love of football with my interest in business. I’m really excited at the prospect of making a difference and adding some value to the club.”

Chairman Mike Warner admitted that the board had a very difficult decision to make when selecting the associate directors. He said: “All the candidates we interviewed were of a very high calibre so we were faced with a tough choice.”

“In the end, we felt that the skills and experience Lesley and Alison have to offer were what we needed to help improve the running of the club. I am looking forward to working with them both and receiving their valued input. I would like to thank all the other short-listed candidates for taking the time to apply and attend interviews.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

The Garden Secret Spa opens new Spa Terrace

23rd October 2018

The Garden Secret Spa located in the grounds of Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa has opened their new spa terrace.

On Friday The Garden Secret Spa announced the opening of the first section of the phase two spa build. Opening in June 2018, the spa is still in its infancy. In August 2018 the spa was awarded the prestigious 5 Bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide, the first of which to be awarded within Derbyshire.

The latest announcement is the Spa Terrace development. The terrace wraps around the side and front of the spa, allowing guests access straight from the pool hall out into the gardens. Incorporating heaters and blankets it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind with a hot chocolate and watch the autumn leaves fall.

The terrace is the first step in bringing the spa into the gardens and there are more plans for this already award winning spa.

The Garden Secret Spa features a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

For further information on The Garden Secret Spa, call 01246 284750.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Celebrity Chef Chesterfield-bound for town’s Food and Drink Awards

22nd October 2018

The celebrity chef Lesley Waters will be arriving in Chesterfield on Wednesday 31 October to host the town’s sixth annual Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Well known for her regular television appearances on Ready Steady Cook and This Morning, Lesley Waters will announce the winners of 15 categories including Chesterfield’s Food Hero at the sell-out event.

Lesley said: “I am delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Once again, the awards ceremony, which is being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space Building, will be used as a learning experience for Chesterfield College’s catering and hospitality students, who both cook and serve a two-course meal on the night to more than 250 people.

Lesley commented: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

35 businesses and individuals are shortlisted in the 2018 awards, with 12 businesses taking part for the first time and 13 hoping to retain their titles from 2017. This year, the awards also see the introduction of two new categories recognising the vital role apprentices and their employers play in the Chesterfield’s food and drink sector.

The finalists in each category are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House

Bottle & Thyme

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café and Restaurant

Qoozies

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Derbyshire Building Control Partnership

The Fox & Goose Inn

The Market Pub

The Rectory

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

Chesterfield Arms

Junction Bar

Rose & Crown, Brampton

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Ciuri Ciuri

The Crafty Dog

Pump & Grind

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Junction Bar

Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

The Devonshire, Upper Langwith

Kathmandu Ghurka, Clay Cross

The Three Horse Shoes, Clay Cross

The Tickled Trout, Barlow

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Dehli 41

Einstein’s

Nonnas

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Mason’s Coffee Lounge

The Soulville Steakhouse

Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year – presented by the Mayor of Chesterfield

Casa Hotel

Proact Stadium

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Winster Foods

All Things Brownie Beautiful

Cup and Saucer

Original Recipes

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Ashley-Darrah Pienaar

Callum Taylor

Kye Homiak

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

Ben Forster – Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Corey Elliott – The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Courtney Slater – Katey’s Coffee Shop

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

The Rectory

Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House

Van Dyk

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group, Peak FM, and Reflections.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

New retailer on the way to Chesterfield town centre

18th October 2018

The Entertainer has announced it will be opening a store in Chesterfield.

The ambitious toy retailer has a vision that every childhood should be filled with wonder and its mission is to be the best-loved toy shop.

The grand opening of The Entertainer’s Chesterfield store, which will be on Packers Row, is expected to take place on the 10th November at 9.00.

The opening day event is going to have character visits, live demos and lots of toys! There will also be a competition with the first twenty families through the door having the chance to pick a gift card at random where they could win up to £100.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that The Entertainer will be opening a new store in Chesterfield.

“It joins Chesterfield’s existing mix of independent and high street retailers, bars, restaurants and historic market, which are key reasons why so many people, locally and nationally, visit the town each year.”

This latest investment follows the recent opening of Sorbo Lounge in the former Post Office and the redevelopment of the Co-op store, which will include a new Premier Inn.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

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

UKATA’s COO shortlisted for Business Person of the Year Award

18th October 2018

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) marked a decade of excellence in 2018, with another success story announced in October.

Craig Evans, who was appointed the Chief Operating Officer of the UK Asbestos Training Association in July 2018, has been announced as a finalist for Business Person of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

Craig is no stranger to business awards, in 2016 as General Manager for UKATA, Craig was shortlisted for The Derbyshire Times Business Awards and went on to win Business Person of the Year. Winning the award, gave Craig further encouragement and even more determination to push himself and the association forward to where it stands today.

Craig Evans said: “I was delighted to win the award in 2016 and it is a great privilege to be shortlisted again as a finalist just 2 years on in my new role as Chief Operating Officer. I have been very fortunate to have an extremely driven and passionate team behind me who embody the values of our organisation and strengthen our aims and objectives. This nomination is my first in my new position and to be up against such a high calibre of local candidates is an honour.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce. The prestigious awards ceremony takes place on Thursday 15th November at Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

The Van Yard extends stand sponsorship

17th October 2018

The Van Yard’s sponsorship of the West Stand at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium has been extended for another year.

Spireites commercial manager Jim Brown said: “I’d like to thank The Van Yard for their continued support. It is great to see all four stands sponsored and the support we receive from The Van Yard and other sponsors is very much appreciated.”

The Van Yard has been established for just over five years and can be found on Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield.

They have over 100 vans available, covering all types, from drop-siders, tippers, panel vans and car-based vans. From time to time they also have a few used cars for sale. All their vehicles are thoroughly checked over before being offered for sale and come with appropriate warranties and MOTs where required.

The Van Yard can also offer a range of finance packages that can be tailored to your specific circumstances to assist with the purchase of your van. They are also happy to discuss part-exchange deals.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield College to hold Apprenticeship Advice Evening

15th October 2018

A free advice evening at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 24 October aims to dispel the myths around apprenticeships and unveil the hundreds of local opportunities out there.

Learning Unlimited’s team will be on hand at the college on Infirmary Road for the Apprentice Advice Evening between 5:30pm and 7:30pm to provide guidance about careers and apprenticeships. There will be the chance to see what apprenticeships are available, hear about success stories and find out how to apply for apprenticeships.

Potential apprentices will hear how Chesterfield – as the UK’s very first ‘Apprentice Town’ – offers a wide variety of options to help people develop their career. The Apprentice Town initiative, which is led by Chesterfield Borough Council, aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and works with organisations such as Learning Unlimited to develop apprenticeship opportunities.

Leah Shortt, Operations Manager at Learning Unlimited, said: “There are a lot of myths surrounding apprenticeships and the benefits and yet there are so many opportunities available at the moment. Apprenticeships are a great way of making that first step towards a dream career. Apprentices can earn a wage, while learning skills and gaining experience.”

During the evening, potential apprentices will be able to see that apprenticeships cover a wide range of subjects from business, IT and accountancy to customer service and are not restricted to traditional, manual jobs previously associated with apprenticeships. What’s more, apprenticeships lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

Leah added: “We also want to show people that contrary to popular belief, apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers but for people at all ages. It’s a great way for people midway through their working life to learn new skills and boost qualifications and take careers in a new direction.”

“Our Apprenticeship Advice Evening will provide the ideal chance for people to come and have a chat with us and see what options are right on their doorstep.”

Potential apprentices, as well as parents and teachers, are invited to come along at any time during the evening for an informal chat with the team. They will be able to view apprenticeship vacancies, find out more about the individual apprenticeships and apply.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, added: “It’s really important that local residents benefit from the jobs and training opportunities created by the £1 billion of investment taking place within the borough. That is why we launched the Apprentice Town initiative. This advice evening is an excellent opportunity for young people, employers, parents and teachers to find out more about the wide range of apprenticeships available in Chesterfield.”

Whittam Cox Architects retains Gold Standard IIP Accreditation

15th October 2018

Chesterfield Champions Whittam Cox Architects is delighted to announce that it has retained its Gold standard Investors in People (IiP) Accreditation.

The award places the practice, which has over 130 employees, amongst the top 16% of all IiP-accredited businesses internationally.

Whittam Cox Architects initially gained IiP Gold status in 2015 following the recognition of employee investment and recruitment initiatives. The second accolade, which has been measured against the new IiP version 6 (v6) standard, reflects the successful development and implementation of the company’s latest values and innovation strategies.

Dave Savage, Board Director commented, “Confirmation we have once again been awarded Investors in People Gold further strengthens the Practice’s credibility and reinforces how much we value the individual and collective contribution of all of our employees.”

“I am proud that the Whittam Cox Architects team has once again demonstrated a commitment to continual improvement and equally delighted that we have been awarded the Investors in People Gold accreditation in recognition of this. “

The announcement follows a successful period which has seen the Practice deliver a number of noteworthy and high profile projects including a new 3500 home development in East London and a 2500 unit Build to Rent scheme in Greater Manchester as well as being identified as one of the ‘Top 1000 Business’ to Inspire Britain’ and ranking as one of the ‘Top 50 UK Architects’ by industry leading publication ‘Building’ Magazine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Training course for construction mental health launched

12th October 2018

A leading Chesterfield training provider, which specialises in construction, has announced the launch of its first course centred around the mental health and well-being of workers operating within the industry.

Delivered by Construction Skills People, and designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first-aid basis, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognised training course. Construction Skills People, who deliver a wide range of vocational qualifications and commercial training courses specially for the construction sector, are keen to see a change in the stigma that surrounds mental health, especially in the workplace.

According to the latest figures from The Health and Safety Executive, an estimated 12.5 million working days were lost and 526,000 workers suffered due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2016/17 across the country. Evidence from the Mental Health Foundation further suggests that nearly 13% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions, and that better mental health support in the workplace could save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year.

In a bid to drive those numbers down, Construction Skills People says MHFA will provide the skills and knowledge of construction workers to be able to identify poor mental health, as well as empowering both individuals in the work place and communities to understand the signs and symptoms and how best to support themselves and those around them in recovery.

It’s official launch comes during the week of World Mental Health Awareness Day – an annual event designed to promote worldwide mental health education, awareness and advocacy, particularly against the social stigma that many people with mental health issues face.

Kevin Hithersay, the Mental Health Training Provider at Construction Skills People who is delivering this course, said: “Mental health affects most of us in some way, and it’s important that we work to eliminate the stigma around mental health and encourage people to reach out if they are struggling.”

“This training course not only will help workers assess and support colleagues who struggle with poor mental health, as well as their family members and friends; but it is also designed to help to reduce the impact of absenteeism caused by such struggles on construction businesses.”

“The course is proving exceptionally popular to date which we hope is indicative of the recognition that this very important and very prevalent issue is now receiving.”

On completion, trainees will gain a qualification in Adult Mental Health First Aid, with the certificate issued by Mental Health First Aid (England). The MHFA standard course is split into four parts, including topics such as depression, suicide, substance misuse, anxiety disorders, self-harm, eating disorders, personality disorders and psychosis.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Working together to achieve world-class results for Peak District & Derbyshire

12th October 2018

The overarching message to delegates at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Tuesday was that working together is vital to secure the future success and prosperity of the Peak District and Derbyshire together to continue to create a world-class destination and five-star visitor experience.

Keynote speaker, Television Presenter and Peak District and Derbyshire champion Julia Bradbury, tourist board Managing Director Jo Dilley and Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council all reinforced the rallying call as the visitor economy gears up for further success in the future.

Julia, the first-ever female President of The Camping and Caravanning Club told around 150 delegates that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire was listening to what businesses feel they need and responding to it.

“The key is communication, and working together in a collaborative effort is much more successful. When we lived in Sheffield and my family ran a fashion couture shop, we shared clients with local businesses – a win-win for all and very happy customers. Helping and working with and for each other is important. We shouldn’t always think of neighbours as competition.”

“Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire needs businesses to support it through membership. This doesn’t just allow it to bid for funding to deliver workshops and support. The more members it has, the more marketing campaigns it can deliver, both nationally and internationally, to raise the profile of the area and drive visitors here. As co-founders of The Outdoor Guide, my sister Gina and I are proud to be part of this.”

Jo Dilley emphasized the continuing need for close teamwork between the public and private sectors, the tourist board and its Patrons and members, the University of Derby, D2N2, Visit England and VisitBritain.

“By coming together, we are far more powerful,” she said. “Our mission is to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.”

“We want to offer a world class experience, encouraging visitors to share and recommend the area as a great place to take a holiday. The visitor economy is currently in very robust shape, and we are confident that next year will be equally, if not more, successful.”

“The income we receive from our public and private partners through grants, patronage and membership is extremely important in our ongoing quest to secure other funding from sources such as the Discover England Fund and the European Development Fund. Since 2016, we have attracted an extra £2.5 million to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Councillor Barry Lewis underlined the key role that the visitor economy plays in Derbyshire County Council’s plans to drive economic growth for both residents and businesses.

“We recognise the fundamental role the tourist board plays in marketing tourism both domestically and internationally – but it is more than this. It is the focal point for business support to the visitor economy sector, and we are delighted to work alongside the team, always striving to help our businesses grow and offer even more excellent services and products to our visitors.”

Councillor Lewis welcomed the formation of the new Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, chaired by former VisitEngland Chief Executive and Derbyshire-born James Berresford.

The Board has been created to maximise the economic potential of Derbyshire’s unique and distinctive cultural and environmental assets to create an exceptional and thriving destination where people can live, work, visit and invest.

Councillor Lewis also underscored the importance of strategic regional initiatives such as the Midlands Engine and a new East Midlands Strategic Alliance to keep the visitor economy at the heart of Government policy and investment.

The tourist board team also looked forward to its forthcoming Food & Drink Campaign, set to be launched next spring to promote the Peak District and Derbyshire’s diverse and delicious culinary offer, plus a new initiative to develop business tourism, also scheduled to launch in 2019.

This will focus on bringing in new business at traditionally quiet times of year and also midweek, tapping into the potential of the wellbeing and health market and capitalising on the area’s assets as an accessible place where people can work, rest and invest.

Pictured (left to right) are: Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Deputy Director Lindsay Rae; its Managing Director Jo Dilley; Councillor Barry Lewis, Television Presenter Julia Bradbury, tourist board Chairman Paul Jones and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting