Business

Construction of the Great Bear development to begin

4th November 2015

Construction of the 480,000 sq. ft. building will commence on 9^th November after planning permission had been secured for the Great Bear development on Plot 1 at Markham Vale.

Following the completion of all legal agreements, Derbyshire County Council’s development partner Henry Boot Developments Ltd has appointed a building contractor.

At 480,000 sq. ft. the building will be the largest to date on Markham Vale. When fully operational, the facility will employ 400 people across a variety of roles and disciplines within the logistics sector.

Markham Vale is an 80 hectare business park offering direct access to the M1 Motorway via a dedicated new junction, J29A. This prime development site offers industrial, warehouse and office accommodation in a range of unit sizes from 3,000 sq ft (279 sq m) up to one million sq ft (92,900 sq m). Markham Vale occupies a high profile location in the M1 Corridor and is available for immediate development.

There has been fantastic progress at Markham Vale over the past six years with more than 732 jobs created on site so far and 700 more in the pipeline.

Key recent investment includes:

National distribution and warehousing company Great Bear signing a deal to move on site in 2016 creating 400 new jobs;
The build new premises for gas, water and electric meter supplier Meter Provida, creating 40 jobs on site in January next year;
Packaging firm Inspirepac moving on-site with a view to creating up to 100 jobs as the company grows over the next two years;
Around 50 jobs created at Gould Alloys which moved on site in June;
Beginning of work to expand the site and turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs in the area

Find out more about Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Cocina named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year

29th October 2015

Cocina at Casa Hotel has been crowned Chesterfield’s best restaurant in the town’s prestigious Food and Drink Awards last night.

Judges described Cocina’s menu as ‘imaginative’ and the quality of food as ‘excellent,’ highlighting the ‘provenance of locally-sourced food.’ They also praised the overall ‘quality dining experience.’

The prestigious Restaurant of the Year award is another to add to the trophy cabinet of Chesterfield’s four star hotel, owned by local entrepreneur Steve Perez. Earlier this year it was announced as one of the top 5 hotels in the UK in the Trip Advisor 2015 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Steve Perez said: “It’s always wonderful to receive awards, especially when you are in the company of other great shortlisted restaurants. Here at Casa we always try and put our customers first so it feels extra special when they make their voices heard in such a brilliant way. Cocina focuses on both the food product and the customer – using the best quality locally sourced ingredients in the kitchen, and friendly, professional service in the dining room.”

As well as Cocina, 11 other food and drink establishments, producers and individuals were also named as Chesterfield’s finest at the sell-out awards ceremony hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall. Discover the full list of winners

Theo Randall said: ““Chesterfield’s food and drink scene is thriving; the strong field in the Best Newcomer category is testament to that. I commend all the finalists in this category knowing only too well myself, when I opened my first restaurant, Theo Randall at the InterContinental in 2006, the courage, commitment and belief in yourself it takes to set out and do it on your own.

“Good food is one of life’s simple pleasures. The support shown for the awards in both the nomination phase and the awards shows that good food is a passion of many people in Chesterfield.

“The awards are a great demonstration of how the food and drink scene in Chesterfield has evolved in recent years. It is now catering for many tastes, from authentic Japanese and Jamaican to Italian and Great British. The town has everything and is continuing to develop its thriving and increasingly successful hospitality scene.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, in association with Chesterfield College, the 2015 awards were the biggest yet and tickets sold out weeks in advance. More nominations than ever were received from the public resulting in 10 businesses being first time finalists in the awards.

As well as sponsoring the awards Chesterfield College also hosted them with 50 students, studying NVQ and BTECs in catering and hospitality, catering and silver serving a two course meal to more than 250 people attending the event. The college also trained the winner of the Young Chef of the Year James Greatorex.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal of Chesterfield College added: “The Food and Drink Awards are the go to event in Chesterfield. There is a wealth of outstanding food and drink establishments in the town and Chesterfield College is delighted to be training the future stars of the industry. Our mission statement is ‘inspiring futures, changing lives’ and the Food and Drink Awards enable us to do just that, giving the many apprentices we train real hands-on experiences at the ceremony each year.”

Destination Chesterfield Manager Dominic Stevens said: “Each year we have seen an increase in the number of people nominating businesses for the awards and this year was no exception. The support across Chesterfield has been phenomenal, with people keen to see the town, and the businesses and people working within its hospitality sector succeed and grow.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Visiting

Chatsworth at forefront of accessible tourism campaign

23rd October 2015

Chatsworth is one of eight businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire playing a leading role in a pioneering project promoting England as a leading destination for accessible tourism.

Official tourist board Visit Peak District & Derbyshire was one of just seven top destinations to net a share in national tourist board VisitEngland’s ‘Access for All’ project, funded by a 125,000 Euros (more than £93,000) grant from the European Commission.

Chastworth has had a site audit to review facilities and pinpoint areas that could be improved, classroom-based and on-line training to boost customer service, a ‘mystery shop’ by people with a range of disabilities and tips to improve their accessibility statement and websites.

It also shared in a £100,000 print and on-line media and marketing campaign by VisitEngland in partnership with Express Newspapers throughout September, which aimed to raise awareness of accessible destinations and businesses across England.

VisitEngland research reveals that the overnight accessible tourism market is now worth £3 billion per annum to the English economy, with day visits boosting the figure to £12.1 billion. Over the past few years, overnight trips by disabled tourists and their companions have increased by 19 per cent, and their spending is up by a third.

“VisitEngland estimates that the overall annual value of overnight accessible tourism to Derbyshire is £45 million, so it makes sense for local businesses to invest in improving their facilities and services for this key sector of the market,” said Lindsay Rae, Deputy Director and Head of Industry Engagement at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “The accessible tourism market is worth a sizeable £12.1 billion to the English economy, and many tourism businesses are realising that catering for disabled customers is not only a necessity but a wise investment that brings a host of business benefits. Many of the changes businesses make may be small, but combined contribute significantly to the visitor experience.”

Sally Ambrose, Head of Marketing and Visitor Services at Chatsworth said: “Chatsworth is delighted to be part of VisitEngland’s Access for All initiative. We have always been committed to providing the best possible service to all our visitors, including those with mobility impairments, and this scheme has enabled us to ensure we are constantly improving our facilities to provide the best possible visitor experience for all.”

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

Bloodhound and Mantra set to roll into town for Made in Chesterfield

22nd October 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in north east Derbyshire are being called on to support the annual Made in Chesterfield festival, a celebration of the town’s manufacturing sector throughout November organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Museum’s very own George Stephenson will attend the official launch of Made in Chesterfield 2015 to the business community at a special evening event on Tuesday 3 November.

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, and Bloodhound, the vehicle which is Britain’s latest attempt to break the world land speed record, travelling at a speed of 1,000mph.

A replica of the vehicle will be at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 18 November as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival and is central to a special drinks reception for Chesterfield Champions.

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

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.”

As well as the launch and Champions’ Bloodhound event, there is a packed programme of business events being held during Made in Chesterfield, including a manufacturing conference, business masterclasses and networking events.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar, 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.

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.”

Ian Harrison, UKTI Regional Director in the East Midlands, said he was delighted to be involved in Made in Chesterfield.

He added: “Our breakfast event Made in Chesterfield – Sold to the World, on 9 November, will include an in-depth look at the exciting opportunities for local companies to trade internationally.

“As part of UKTI’s Export Week programme, we hope the event will show businesses that whatever their size, we can help them take their goods and services worldwide.

“The Chesterfield event is also timed to coincide with the launch of the Government’s new Exporting is GREAT Campaign (www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk), which seeks to inspire 100,000 new exporters.”

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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Further progress in devolution deal talks

21st October 2015

An historic devolution deal, which would put more power in the hands of the people of the East Midlands, remains on course to be agreed before the end of the year.

A devolution delegation of local authority and business leaders from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire met with Government ministers and Treasury officials in London on Monday 19 October 2015 to thrash out more of the finer detail of the deal.

Further positive progress was made towards an agreement during the hour-long meeting and ministers asked the delegation to report back with further finer detail relating to two of the individual proposals in two weeks’ time.

Local politicians from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have been pushing for significant decisions on issues such as housing, transport, economic development and skills to be taken locally, rather than providing much greater influence for local people.

Following the meeting, Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Anne Western said:

“Once again, our discussions with Government have been extremely positive. Ministers have asked us to provide some further, finer detail on two specific points which we have agreed to go back with, in the next fortnight.

“We are closing in on an agreement which satisfies the Government’s requirements for devolution but, most importantly, a deal which will bring massive benefits to the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“We have reassured ministers that whilst the bid currently relates to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, our door is always open if other areas within the ‘Midlands Engine’ would like to join our devolution deal.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Museum celebrates everything Made in Chesterfield

16th October 2015

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can learn about the borough’s manufacturing industry through a new exhibition named ‘Made in Chesterfield’.

Items from at least 27 different Chesterfield companies will be on display including a drill collar from Techman Engineering, pottery, strapping from Damar Webbing and leather items from Claytons.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Chesterfield has a rich and varied manufacturing history which continues to this day.

“The borough is known for producing specialised and bespoke items, working closely with the customer, and has a reputation for quality.

“This is a great opportunity to see the work which still continues today and I’d encourage families to visit the exhibition and learn together.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday 9th January and will include some ‘hands on’ elements for the museum’s younger visitors, including boxes allowing them to feel and explore different materials.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield Festival which takes place across the town throughout November.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which coordinates the celebrations said: “Made in Chesterfield is a flagship event for the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector, which is the foundation of our economy and a large contributor to the region,

“However lots of young people don’t know the companies or careers that exist within it. Made in Chesterfield is an important tool in raise awareness of this sector.

“Last year during Made in Chesterfield we introduced more than 400 young people to the sector through a programme of events. This year, we’re running an entire month of school and business events throughout November.

“It is these events, combined with the exhibition at the museum, that will help us reach more people this year and enable the borough’s thriving manufacturing sector to survive and prosper for many more generations.”

More information can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

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

Chamber launches search for enterprising women

15th October 2015

The annual quest to find the most successful and inspirational business women in the East Midlands has been launched.

Nominations are invited for the 2016 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

There are seven awards to be won: Business Woman of the Year, Enterprising New Business Woman of the Year, Female Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, Community Champion of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and the prestigious Inspirational Woman of the Year.

The awards, launched yesterday (14 October 2015) celebrate the achievements of women in business, particularly those successfully juggling careers and home life.

Entries have to be in by 8 January 2016 and the winners will be announced at the Chamber’s 2016 Enterprising Women Festival on 4 March.

Jean Mountain, Chair of the Chamber’s Enterprising Women group, said: “There are some very talented and hard-working businesswomen in the East Midlands who make an important contribution to the local economy. All too often, their contribution does not get the recognition it deserves.”

Eileen Richards, her co-Chair, added: “By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire many other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for this year’s awards.”

To enter, or make a nomination for the awards, email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call 0330 320 0333.

Photograph below shows winners from 2014 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

Posted in Business

Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards declared a sell out!

15th October 2015

Celebrity chef, Theo Randall will be in town on Wednesday 28 October to host Chesterfield’s annual Food and Drink Awards. Organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with Chesterfield College the awards are a sell out yet again with more guests than ever attending the prestigious event.

Over 250 guests – 100 more than attended in year one, will come together to celebrate the success of the town’s food and drink industry at Chesterfield’s third glitzy ceremony.

31 businesses and individuals are up for 13 awards which will be announced on the night by Theo Randall. He said: “I am thrilled to be involved with the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2015. The awards are a great demonstration of how the food and drink scene in Chesterfield has evolved in recent years. It is now catering for many tastes, from authentic Japanese and Jamaican to Italian and Great British. The town has everything and is continuing to develop its thriving and increasingly successful hospitality scene.”

The awards are being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building. As well as hosting the ceremony, 50 of the college’s hospitality students will catering a delicious two course meal for the evening and providing silver service to guests. The college’s students will also be taking centre stage on the night, as three students from its Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery course have been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Chef of the Year award.

This year’s full shortlist in the 2015 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Calabria
Cocina at Casa Hotel

Café/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

H & F Vintage Tea Rooms
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Gastro Pub of the Year – presented by headline sponsor Chesterfield College

Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout
The Three Cottages

Pub / Bar of the Year – Sponsored by Hooper’s

Coco Bar Bistro
The Manor at Brampton
The Market Pub

Best Newcomer – sponsored by Barber Harrison and Platt

Coffee St
Four One Three
Qoozies

Best Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber

Blu Bistro & Coffee House
Libby’s
Stephenson’s Coffee and Tea House

Best Out of Town

The Bateman’s Mill
Red Lion Bar & Bistro at Peak Edge Hotel
The Tickled Trout

Chesterfield Food Producer – sponsored by Natwest

Granny Mary’s (Original Recipes)
Liza Bakes
Teresa Lambarelli’s

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Saint Mary & All Saints, Chesterfield (the Crooked Spire Church)
James Greatorex
Leanne Billyeald
Liam Slinn

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
Dehli 41
Indian Blues
O Tokuda

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Design

Chesters
The Little Castle
The Manor at Brampton

Conference Venue of the Year – sponsored by Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

Casa Hotel
Peak Edge Hotel
The Proact Stadium

On the night, a special award honouring a Food Hero in the town will also be presented by sponsor Banner Jones Solicitors.

Other supporters of the awards include the Derbyshire Times, Peak FM, Franke Sissons, Holdsworth Foods, Black Eyed Susan, Reflections and magician Steve Faulkner.

To find out this year’s winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards live on the night, follow @DesChes on Twitter using the hashtag #CFDA15 or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

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

Chesterfield College wins prestigious automotive award

14th October 2015

Chesterfield College has been crowned education provider of the year at the automotive industry’s Bodyshop Awards.

The college beat stiff competition from across the country to bring home the award which recognised the quality of training provision that they deliver as well as the passion and commitment of staff.

Industry experts on the judging panel commented on how the college was helping to produce excellent technicians and helping to meet the skills needs of the industry. Judges recognised that the college is being very proactive and highlighted, that while not the largest organisation in the nominees, they clearly demonstrated that they are growing and developing through their own ambition, matching the needs of the industry to attract more talent and improve skills.

Paul Sewell, Chesterfield College Vehicle Body and Paint Lecturer said: “Winning this national award was a fantastic achievement for all involved in the department. The team here are delighted that the industry has recognised our hard work and dedication.”

“Awards like this prove how important the work we do is in creating opportunities for learners and employers in the area. They also put us in the spotlight and open up doors to partnerships with bigger companies who donate equipment and expertise that helps our students to get a competitive edge by training with the latest industry materials and designs. These relationships are vital as we want to help everyone who comes through our door to be the best technicians of the future.”

This award adds to the department’s recent list of accolades including two gold medal winners at Skill Auto, part of WorldSkills UK, competitions and been crowned a centre of excellence by Bodyshop magazine.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Derbyshire tourism boosts local economy

14th October 2015

Tourism’s contribution to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy continues on an upward curve – generating more than £1.9 billion in 2014.

New research confirms that the area’s tourist economy has made solid progress since 2009, despite the challenging financial climate.

The industry’s value to the local economy increased from £1.47 billion in 2009 to more than £1.9 billion last year – an increase of five per cent on £1.8 billion in 2013 – while the number of full-time equivalent jobs it supported rose to 27,720 in 2014, compared with 25,285 in 2009.

Visitor numbers increased by more than 800,000 to reach more than 38.8 million in 2014, compared with 38 million in 2013 and 36.25 million in 2009.

The number of nights staying visitors spend in the area continues to grow steadily each year, from around 9.8 million in 2009 to more than 10.8 million in 2014.

“It’s very reassuring to see that, in spite of tough economic times, tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire continues to thrive and to make a key contribution to the local and regional economy,” said Jo Dilley, Director of Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“We’re particularly pleased that visitor numbers are up and that there’s a gradual increase in the total number of nights they stay, helping to add five per cent more value to the area’s economy from 2013 to 2014.

“The latest figures also reveal that more people are visiting at traditionally quiet times, such as post-Christmas, early spring and autumn, which is excellent news, as our marketing campaigns consistently emphasize that we are the ideal destination for a short break or longer holiday at any time of year.”

Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council and Visitor Economy Champion for the D2 Joint Committee, added: “A thriving visitor economy plays an important role in maintaining the economic health of our area – indeed our accommodation providers, attractions, pubs, cafés and shops rely on it to support jobs and livelihoods.

“Our goal is to further increase the value of the sector and visitor spend by helping local businesses exploit growth markets such as cycle tourism, improving the quality of the visitor experience and promoting the area as a wonderful destination at any time of the year.

“However, while the influx of visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire is great news, it is crucial we turn increased visitor spending into better paid jobs for local people.”

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

Employment continues to rise in Chesterfield

14th October 2015

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield and across the East Midlands continues to fall, according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics.

In September, there were 981 claimants, which is 90 fewer than in August (1,071) and 568 fewer than in September 2014 (1,549). The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a second month (1.5% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK).

The number of claimants in Derbyshire fell by 169 to 5,725 in September from 5,894 August and compared with September 2014 the fall was 2,143 from 7,868.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy for East Midlands Chamber said: “The figures released this morning reaffirm the strength of the East Midlands jobs market and that the region continues to drive the national economy.

“A small element of the improvement will be down to seasonal recruitment as the logistics and retail sectors, in particular, start preparing for the Christmas rush. We would expect to see this recruitment continue through the final quarter of the year.

“Strong employment does, however, bring its own issues and our members continue to report problems recruiting people with the skills they need. And many, particularly in leisure, retail, hospitality, logistics and some manufacturing sectors, have expressed concerns about the introduction of the National Living Wage next April which, they tell us, will make them adjust their recruitment plans.

“We also need to be aware of what is happening in overseas markets, such as the slowing growth in the China economy. This ongoing turbulence has an inevitable impact on business confidence, which can influence investment plans and recruitment.

“Although today’s figures are, once again, very positive, now is not the time to be complacent.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield