Business

Engineering marvel arrives at Chesterfield College to inspire next generation of experts

19th November 2015

A replica of Bloodhound, the British-built and designed 1000 mph jet and rocket powered car, which will attempt the land speed record next year, is at Chesterfield College for two days to inspire the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians.

120 pupils from schools across Derbyshire and more than 200 students from college are amongst some of the 100,000 young people in the UK who will get the chance to see the replica and find out how the best of the best in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) world have created this feat of engineering.

The young engineers have also built their own jet powered car, taken part in special science workshops and heard from key employers in the region like Rolls Royce, about the careers they could have if they studied STEM subjects.

The Bloodhound team is also on hand at Chesterfield College to meet businesses and engineers and offer a tour of the replica car. A first successful event was held for Chesterfield Champions yesterday evening and there will be another opportunity for local businesses to visit the college tonight.

In the East Midlands, between 2010 and 2020 more than two thirds of jobs will need engineering skills. That is 158,400 jobs that will need qualified engineers. However, over the last 7 years there has been a decline of 20.8% of students choosing STEM subjects. Almost two in five firms (39%) that require STEM-skilled employees report current difficulties in recruitment.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College said:

“Having such a high profile and exciting project in college is a fantastic opportunity to excite young people about where studying STEM subjects can lead. We know that STEM related jobs are on the increase but the number of students choosing to study the subjects that will get them the right qualifications to get these jobs has been in decline for some time now. As a college working in an area that is home to a host of key employers we know how important it is to inspire the next generation.”

To find out more about tonight’s Bloodhound event being held for local businesses please click here.

Bloodhound is in Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield Festival; a month-long celebration of the town’s manufacturing and engineering industry. More information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made.

Photography by Les Wilcockson Photography and Chesterfield College.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Get moving for Movember Workplace Challenge

16th November 2015

Men in Chesterfield and Derbyshire can win prizes by signing up to a new two-week Workplace Challenge taking place from 16th to 29th November.

Linking to the month of ‘Movember,’ which raises awareness of men’s health, the competition is designed to promote the benefits that physical activity has in helping to prevent cancer.

The Movember Workplace Challenge is free and easy to join with men simply asked to log their activity online over a two week period and there is a prize on offer for the best ‘Active Moustache’. All participants need to do to be in with the chance of winning is send in a photo of themselves sporting a ‘mo’ (moustache) and taking part in sport or physical activity to Derbyshire Sport.

The Chief Medical Officer (department for health 2011) recommends 150 minutes moderate intensity activity each week for adults. With this in mind, any men who successfully complete and log 150 minutes of activity before midnight on 29th November will automatically be entered into a prize draw.

This will be the final challenge in 2015 and will be followed by a brand new challenge in January 2016 to kick-start the new year.

For more information and to sign up visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Ashgate Hospicecare wins innovation award

16th November 2015

Ashgate Hospicecare has won the ‘Innovation in Income Generation Award’ at the 2015 Hospice UK Awards – together with Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust.

Supported by The National Gardens Scheme, the national awards recognise the enormous contribution that individuals and innovative programmes have made to hospice care in local communities across the UK.

The three charities were praised for working collaboratively together on the #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign, which gives local people the opportunity to undertake a fundraising challenge whilst raising money for all three of the non-profit organisations. To date, the joint venture has raised over £30,000 which will be split equally between the charities.

Esther Preston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Ashgate Hospicecare, says “Ashgate, Blythe House and Helen’s Trust had all experienced supporters, particularly corporates, who found it hard to support one charity over another. The obvious solution was to set up a joint fundraising venture, so we launched our #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign.”

Managing Director of Markovitz Ltd, David Hopkins, welcomes the idea of supporting three charities simultaneously and is a keen supporter of the campaign. David says, “Challenge Derbyshire is such an amazing initiative for our company to support. Not only does it benefit such worthy charities, it also champions how lucky we are in North Derbyshire to have these three wonderful organisations working together for our community. As a company employing people right across the region, we have found that the majority of our staff and customer’s families have been touched at one time or another by one or more of the charities it benefits. It is wonderful to know that every pound we raise for Challenge Derbyshire is equally benefiting three wonderful local charities. We will certainly continue to promote and support the project.”

To get involved in #ChallengeDerbyshire and support three local charities, visit http://www.challengederbyshire.org.uk/#!get_involved/c8k2

Photo: Left to Right – Dr Ros Taylor MBE, George Plumptre (NGS), Blythe House Hospice Director Janet Dunphy, Heidi Hawkins, Esther Preston and Lord Howard of Lympne

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

More positive job figures for Chesterfield

11th November 2015

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Chesterfield continues to fall according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics. In October, there were 922 JSA claimants , 60 fewer than in September (980) and 505 fewer than in October 2014 (1485). The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a third month (1.4% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK and 1.5% for the East Midlands).

The figures across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire continues also to fall, In October, there were 31,550 JSA claimants across the three counties, 1,490 fewer than in September (33,040) and 9,680 fewer than in October 2014 (41,230).

The number of unemployed people in the East Midlands fell by 7,980 to 103,109 over the three months to the end of September, meaning that the region’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.5%. Over the same period, the number of people in work decreased slightly, by 747, to 2,168,138.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber said: “The employment figures released today are positive and, while taking into account the usual spike in seasonal employment we normally see at this time of year, once again show that the region continues to lead when it comes to creating jobs.

“Although the figures remain robust, there are underlying issues in the economy which still need to be addressed. Chamber members continue to report problems recruiting people with the skills they need, while the region still lags behind the UK average when it comes to productivity.

“It’s important that the jobs being created by East Midlands businesses are sustainable, which means they must be created alongside improvements in productivity.

“To keep the momentum going, we need to continue to invest in the skills and experience of our workforce and focus on attracting and retaining the best talent.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chiquito recruiting for December launch

11th November 2015

Chiquito are recruiting for their new Chesterfield restaurant which is planned to open this December. The new restaurant is creating around 80 jobs for the town.

The restaurant is currently recruiting for team members, cocktail bar tenders and door hosts. A recruitment week starts on Monday 16th November. To apply send your CV to careers@chiquito.co.uk or chesterfield@chiquito.co.uk before Sunday 15th November.

The popular mexican eatery is coming to Alma Leisure Park at the site of the former Wacky Warehouse.

Jody Millward, Regional Marketing Coordinator at Chiquito said:-

“We’re thrilled to announce that Chiquito is to join Chesterfield’s growing food and drink offering and hope to be open to the public in December.

“The combination of our quality food, quality drinks and cocktails, soaked up in our authentic and fun surroundings will take you to places you haven’t been before! Fresh, vibrant and colourful!

“Our team is the heartbeat of our restaurant and we look forward to meeting local candidates who are as passionate as we are about food, drink and all things Tex Mex.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Visiting

Two of the top ten East Midlands hotels are in Chesterfield

10th November 2015

Hotel search website trivago.co.uk have revealed the results of their inaugural Top Hotel Awards and the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield has been named the top-rated hotel in the East Midlands.

trivago.co.uk have used aggregated online user ratings in order to recognise the best rated hotels, both regionally and nationally

The majority of the top-rated hotels are clustered towards the centre of the East Midlands region, with easy access to the Peak District. Two hotels are located in Chesterfield, alongside first place Casa Hotel is the Peak Edge Hotel which was named equal 5th in the survey.

To view the full results, please visit: checkin.trivago.co.uk/2015/11/04/trivago-uk-top-hotel-awards- 2015/#EastMid

Stuart Downham, Operations Director, Casa Hotel: “We are thrilled to be named as the number one hotel in the East Midlands for trivago’s 2015 Top Hotel Awards, the team at Casa work tirelessly to ensure the best stay for our guests. Being an independent hotel we are able to really tailor our service to the needs of our guests and every decision we make is made with the guest as our number one priority. We value all of the feedback we receive, we use it to get a little bit better every single day and recognition for our consistently high levels of service will give us all even more motivation to exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Denise Bartlett, UK Public Relations at trivago.co.uk said “With their attention to detail and attentiveness towards their guests, it is easy to see why Casa is our top-rated hotel in the East Midlands this year. Given the high number of independent hotels and guest houses in the top 20 for this region, it is only fitting that an independent hotel should take this title.

The trivago Top Hotel Awards aim to judge all accommodation fairly, whether they are chain hotel in Lincoln, a guest house in the Peak District, or a luxury independent hotel. It is really encouraging to see such a range of accommodation, both in terms of price and geographical location, in our top 20.”

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

Chesterfield College Student Wins National Motor Industry Outstanding Achievers Award

10th November 2015

The award winning apprentice James Grayson scooped another prestigious award last week at an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) ceremony held at Silverstone. He was crowned outstanding achiever of the year in the Paint Apprentice category. HRH Prince Michael of Kent and the Head of the IMI Steve Nash presented James with his award.

James was up against some strong competition from all over the UK but was recognised for his excellent attitude towards learning at college, his IMI Skill Auto Gold medal win and his involvement in the UK World Skills team.

James has now completed his apprenticeship and is working for Wheeler Dealers TV Presenter Mike Brewer, at Mike Brewer Motors on Bramall Lane in Sheffield.

His tutor at Chesterfield College, Paul Sewell said:

“Congratulations to James. We know he has a promising future ahead and the IMI have obviously recognised that too. It is fantastic to see how students develop during their time with us and over the process of their apprenticeships. What a fantastic way to end his apprenticeship!”

Mike Brewer said:

“We knew James had something special when he applied. It is important that we have only the very best in the industry in our team, and we’re pleased to say that he is. This national award is a well-deserved recognition of his skills. We are proud to have him as part of our team. Congratulations James!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

George Stephenson launches Made in Chesterfield 2015

10th November 2015

Month long manufacturing festival aims to reach thousands of young people

Chesterfield Museum’s very own George Stephenson officially launched Made in Chesterfield 2015 at a special event on Tuesday 3 November.

The month long Made in Chesterfield festival aims to raise awareness of the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector to young people and schools in the hope they will consider a career in it. Last year more than 400 young people were introduced to the sector in just a week and this year organisers Destination Chesterfield are hoping to reach thousands during Made 2015.

As part of the celebrations schools from throughout North East Derbyshire, including Tupton Hall, The Bolsover School, Shirebrook Academy and Parkside School, will be visiting companies and training providers in the sector to gain hands-on experience.

At the launch Councillor Amanda Serjeant, vice chair of Destination Chesterfield and cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Engineering has always played a major part in Chesterfield’s economy and these events show that this heritage is continuing today.

“Engineering companies are also at the forefront of work in the town to create apprentices to give young people high quality job opportunities.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase all they do and raise awareness of the many different types of products being manufactured in the town.”

The museum is also hosting a special Made in Chesterfield Exhibition, celebrating the wide range of amazing and sometimes quirky products being made in Chesterfield both today and bygone days, including George Stephenson’s cucumber straightener.

As well as George Stephenson, Chesterfield is welcoming a number of high profile names from manufacturing and engineering during the festival, including Mantra – AMRC’s travelling showcase for advanced engineering, which pupils from across the county will be visiting at MSE Hiller.

A life size replica of Bloodhound, the vehicle which is Britain’s latest attempt to break the world land speed record, travelling at a speed of 1,000mph, will also be rolling into Chesterfield College for the festival.

The arrival of Bloodhound in Chesterfield has special significance for the town as local industrial weighing specialists Weightron Bilanciai Ltd, has supplied the weighing systems that have been use throughout the build of the project. The company is also supplying a system to measure the weight distribution through the wheels of the car, to allow the balancing of the vehicle.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure, and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only do this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Chesterfield College, Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Placing Futures, NLT Training, UKTI, East Midlands Chamber, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Positive 4 Young People.

To find out more about any of the Made in Chesterfield business events and to register to attend, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield accountants appoints grants and finance specialist

10th November 2015

Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has appointed FCCA Qualified Accountant Hari Mehta.

Hari (33), from Nottingham, joins from a leading Derby firm of accountants. His appointment further strengthens Mitchells’ Corporate and Care Home team which has reported more than 300% of growth in transactional financial due diligence assignments in 2015.
Amongst his considerable experience, he specialises in accessing government grants and corporate finance, having secured more than £1m of Regional Growth Fund funding for clients in the last 12 months. In addition to grants and finance, Hari also has extensive experience with Auto Enrolment and his appointment further secures Mitchells as being one of only a few accountants in the UK to provide specialist auto enrolment services.

Mitchells has enjoyed a period of impressive growth since the beginning of the year. Earlier this year the firm appointed two new partners and committed to creating five new jobs, which includes three qualified accountants within the firm before the end of the year, one of which is Hari’s appointment.

Explaining what attracted to him to the new role at Mitchells, Hari said: “Mitchells is an ethical company which is long established with ambitious growth plans. The enthusiasm, honesty and integrity shown by the team in dealing with their clients attracted me to both the role and firm.”
Hari, who is married, enjoys boxing and playing golf outside work. He is also a keen traveller, having family based all over the world.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Handelsbanken claims top spot for customer service

4th November 2015

Handelsbanken in Chesterfield is celebrating after being rated top for both customer satisfaction and loyalty for the seventh year running.

An independent survey – by European research institution EPSI Rating – confirms the locally-focused relationship bank has managed to maintain its top ranking during another year of strong UK expansion.

Since the financial crisis began seven years ago, the bank has announced over 140 new British branches. As well as the Chesterfield branch, Handelsbanken now serves individual and corporate customers in another 200 communities throughout Great Britain.

The bank puts customer satisfaction first, and believes local branches are best-placed to make all decisions relating to their customers. Chesterfield branch staff have full power to advise customers and agree individual product terms and pricing, free from targets or bonus incentives.

Phil Walker, manager of Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch commented:

Our decentralised approach provides customers with a local relationship banking service. The majority of decisions are made in the branch by our experienced staff who are empowered to do so. Our ever-growing reputation and close attention to customer care is supported by the latest survey results.”

Handelsbanken has also published its latest (Q3) financial results this week, revealing that net lending to UK households rose by 18% (to £4.9 bn) in the last 12 months. The bank also extended net lending to UK businesses by a further 11%, to £10.1 billion in total.

Handelsbanken’s group results also reaffirm its exceptionally strong capital and liquidity positions, and low credit loss ratios, which have earned it amongst the highest credit ratings of any international bank. Over successive years, the bank has been judged one of the strongest in the world, by financial information provider Bloomberg.

The Swedish-headquartered bank operates over 840 branches in 25 countries worldwide, with the UK representing its fastest-growing market.

A team of 5 bankers serves customers from Handelsbanken in Chesterfield, drawing on over 100 years of banking experience between them.

Posted in Business

Brave team at BHP kick off Macmillan fundraising mission

4th November 2015

Two partners and four employees at Barber Harrison and Platt (BHP) have had their legs waxed for charity, raising £800 for The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

This is the first event of several BHP is planning to help fundraise for what they see as a vital project for the area. The firm says it is a cause which has struck a chord with many businesses in Chesterfield.

Partner Dominic Staniforth said “The local community is very important to us – and we encourage staff to do all they can to support the causes that they are passionate about. Sadly, cancer affects a huge amount of people and has touched on many people’s lives.

“The new cancer centre will be extremely welcome in the area, helping to make what will always be a difficult time that little bit more bearable. We think that both Macmillan and the hospital are doing a great job and are pleased to be able to do our bit to support them.

“We would very much like to thank the staff and students from the Beauty Department of Chesterfield College for their generous support in our first event.”

On 26 November BHP is running a Race Night which is already gathering support – with sponsors MTM Products, NatWest and Padley and Venables already signed up to really help make it a success. For tickets or sponsorship information email tanya.addy@bhp.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business