Business

New sustainability training course launched in Chesterfield

A new course which could be instrumental in helping companies in Chesterfield win business, reduce energy costs and avoid prosecution, is now being delivered by leading Chesterfield-based training provider NLT Training Services.

Following accreditation by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), leading training provider NLT has been announced as the sole training provider in the East Midlands and Humberside for the Level 2 Working with Environmental Sustainability course.

NLT’s accreditation is being hailed as a significant step forward in helping businesses in the area understand one of the most talked about and urgent issues affecting the whole planet right now: sustainability. Sustainability is at the forefront of new policies and government agenda. The course may prove vital in winning bids for tenders and can reduce the risk of fines and prosecutions.

The new one-day course, is being held on 24 August at NLT’s Chesterfield offices in Brimington.

It covers everything from sustainable buildings to design and operations across all industry sectors, providing a practical introduction to Environmental Sustainability, equipping delegates with the knowledge, understanding, and motivation to make a positive difference within their organisation.

Andy Sheppard, Chief Executive of NLT said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this course and anticipate high demand for it. It represents a big step forward for sustainability issues amongst businesses in the region. Companies cannot afford to ignore sustainability any longer; it is top of the Government’s agenda, having been announced in the recent Budget that it is pushing for a global climate deal that keeps the goal of limiting global warming to two degrees.

“I would urge businesses now to begin embedding environmental sustainability not only into the fabric of the company but also job roles within it; the Level 2 Working with Environmental Sustainability course will enable them to do that.”

Places on the courses are limited and companies are being urged to sign up now for the course which costs £300 per delegate, or is available for a limited period with a special introductory offer of £250 per delegate.

NLT Training Services is one of the region’s leading training providers, operating from sites in Chesterfield and Scunthorpe. It is a specialist trainer and provider of apprentices in welding, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering as well as industry-leading commercial training courses.

Andy Sheppard CEO at NLT Training Services

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

D2N2 Growth Hub passes 500 mark for business people helped

More than 500 requests for business advice, assistance and funding help have now been handled by the Growth Hub team at the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The D2N2 Growth Hub was launched in Nottingham in December (2014) by the then Business and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock. It provides a ‘one stop shop’ for ambitious new and developing businesses looking for advice on training, growth, and how to access funding help to expand into fresh markets.

Growth Hub advisors work within the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP is a private sector-led partnership between business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary organisations, which promotes economic growth and jobs creation in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Since the Growth Hub team began work in January this year (2015) it has:

  • Developed the website – at d2n2growthhub.co.uk – giving accessible advice on areas such as starting and growing a business, accessing finance, training and skills development, and expanding into new and international markets.
  • Attended or arranged dozens of business facing events – including the first Venturefest East Midlands 2015 showcase in Nottingham, in April – all around the D2N2 area, where Growth Hub team members delivered talks and provided information on services offered.
  • Held workshops on how business support providers can work together more closely; for example, the D2N2 Growth Hub ‘Working Together’ event, held at the University of Derby’s Enterprise Centre in April.
  • Run D2N2’s first ever ‘Rural Means Business Conference’, at the RCAN (Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire) Newstead Centre, in Newstead Village, in March. Around 100 people attended to hear about the support and funding available to start up rural businesses around food manufacture, tourism, green energy and other enterprises.
  • Introduced a new Partnership-wide Customer Relationship Management system.

The D2N2 Growth Hub also helps to ‘power up business’ by working with other partners including the national Business Growth Service (encompassing Growth Accelerator), the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI); to enable businesses to grow, export and create jobs.

Satisfied customers who’ve approached the D2N2 Growth Hub for help include:

  • Jay Lloyd of Ashover, Derbyshire, who is looking into starting up a rural business, possibly wedding venue hire, said: “I approached the D2N2 Growth Hub for help and advice, and was provided with some really useful contacts and very good pointers on which direction to go in. I hope that, as someone starting up a new business, other people I have dealings with will be just as kind and helpful.”

Lindsay Allen, D2N2 Growth Hub Senior Programme Manager for Sector Development, added: “We have now dealt with around 520 enquiries on a wide range of topics, from business people working in lots of different sectors within the economy.

“The Growth Hub aims to simplify the business support offer. We offer a universal service, with events, and our web and phone service; and for those businesses ambitious to grow and create jobs, we can offer intensive support.

“Among the top enquiries are people looking for further training for themselves or their employees, or wanting to know how to access funding to expand an existing business. There is a lot of information and support for businesses, and people who use the D2N2 Growth Hub services are finding we can be of great help in finding exactly what they need.”D2N2

Posted in Business

Tower poppies could head to Chesterfield in 2016

Part of the poppy sculpture by Chesterfield artist Paul Cummins could be heading to the town as Chesterfield Borough Council makes a bid to display the commemorative artwork next year.

The council, together with Chesterfield College, Destination Chesterfield and ex-servicemen’s organisations, has completed an expression of interest to host the Weeping Window sculpture, which was part of the installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red on display at HM Tower of London in autumn 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War.

The display features 2,800 ceramic poppies, which will cascade from a building of some height. Options for displaying the sculpture include the Town Hall, Rose Hill.

Paul came up with the original idea for the sculpture after looking at some First World War archives while visiting the local studies and family history section of Chesterfield Library.

He was inspired by a line in the will of an unknown soldier, who died at Flanders, which said: “The blood-swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread.”

This gave him the idea of making an installation with ceramic poppies representing each of the dead.

The decision on whether the borough will host the sculpture will be made by a panel including Paul Cummins; 14-18 NOW, the official First World War Centenary cultural programme and the Imperial War Museum.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy and vice chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The First World War was a watershed in our history. Hosting the Weeping Window sculpture would be fitting for us to remember the many Chesterfield men and women who gave their lives during the conflict.

“As the artist, Paul Cummins, is from Chesterfield, this would also be an opportunity to show our pride in him and his work in his home town.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Cestrefeldians all felt immense pride when Paul Cummins’ poppy installation received such international acclaim. The chance to have the poppies on display here in Paul’s home town, the place where he got the inspiration for this magnificent artwork, is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

They represent so much about Chesterfield, not least the many men who lost their lives in the war; it seems only fitting that the artwork returns to its spiritual home. I hope the entire Chesterfield community – businesses and residents – join the campaign to make this happen. If successful, this will be momentous for Chesterfield and put our town further on the map for investors helping create jobs.”

The decision on whether Chesterfield could host the sculpture will be made in September.

If successful, the artwork could be on display in the town in 2016.

The council will seek sponsorship to cover the cost of displaying the sculpture. Anyone with any suggestions for funding should contact: Bernadette Wainwright, cultural and visitor services manager by email: bernadette.wainwright@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 345779.

Chesterfield Town Hall spring

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Chesterfield Champion raises £1k for Cancer Research

Chesterfield Champion Paperclip Admin is very proud to have raised just over £1,000 for Cancer Research UK at this year’s Race for Life Pretty Muddy challenge at Clumber Park.

Managing Director, Anne Batty got the whole team involved in the 5k event, which involved lots of fun obstacles, all designed to get everyone as muddy as possible.

Anne said: ‘It really was a team effort on the day, getting stuck in and helping each other complete the course. The muddy obstacles really made it a fun day and we are so grateful to everyone who donated.’

Paperclip Admin supports a whole range of businesses – supplying bespoke business administration from credit control to bookkeeping together with a dedicated reception facility.

Race for Life Paperclip Admin

Posted in Business

Chesterfield Marathon organisers launch business clubs

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins is calling on local businesses to join the Chesterfield Marathon‘s new business clubs – the Top 50 and the Top 100.

Organisers of the annual event say the clubs will help to create a lasting legacy for the town and ensure that as much money as possible is shared with all charities involved.

Those taking up membership will enjoy a range of benefits and discounts including member networking events, VIP tickets to the marathon’s hospitality marquee on race day, tickets to the charity’s annual dinner and PR opportunities.

Mr Perkins, who is also the Shadow Small Business Secretary, said: “The Chesterfield Marathon is a fantastic event for our town, bringing real economic benefits, especially to all the shops, restaurants, hotels and bars which visitors will flock to on marathon weekend.

“I’d encourage as many businesses as possible to support the marathon by joining the business clubs, and help the race organisers to grow the event and make it a huge success each year, for the benefit of everyone living here,” added Mr Perkins.

Mike Hyman, co-founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Chesterfield Marathon said: “It is our aim to make the marathon one of the UK’s largest running events, bringing thousands of runners and visitors into our town every year.

“Research shows that for every runner between 2 and 6.5 visitors will come to the town. With well over 1,000 runners in last year’s event, the marathon brings people to Chesterfield from all over the country, Europe and indeed other parts of the world; people who would not be spending their money in Chesterfield if it were not for the marathon,” added Mr Hyman.

The Chesterfield Marathon takes place on Sunday 20th September and involves a full, team-relay, half marathon and fun run, as well as an all-day party in Queens Park.

This year the charities which will benefit include Kids ‘n’ Cancer, MacMillan (Chesterfield Cancer Centre Appeal), Ashgate Hospicecare, the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

Images: Portrait: Inaugural member of the Top 100 Club – Maison MesAmis – (L-R) Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, James and Marcella Kirk, with daughter Darcy, and Mike Hyman of Chesterfield Marathon

Landscape: Inaugural member of Top 50 Club – Dunston Lodge, (L-R) Julie Harrington, Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, Richard Harrington with sons Charlie & Fraser, Mike Hyman of Chesterfield Marathon

Top 50 Business Club Chesterfield Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Major expansion agreed for Chesterfield-based healthcare provider

Chesterfield-based healthcare provider Heathcotes Group has agreed a £20 million expansion plan to double the size of their business, which specialises in providing care homes for adults with learning disabilities.

The deal, which combines finance from a leading high street bank together with debt funding and working capital, has been agreed on behalf of the Group by Chesterfield Champion Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers.

With more than 30 care homes and around 800 full-time staff, Heathcotes already has a strong presence in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Yorkshire, but is now targeting cities such as Manchester and Birmingham for further growth.

The Group plans to add a further eight care homes to its expanding portfolio in 2015 alone, with more scheduled in 2016 and 2017.

David Harrison, CEO of Heathcotes Group, said: “Since founding the business 12 years ago we have successfully built a strong reputation across Central England for delivering high-quality, purpose-built facilities for our residents.

“We have an excellent relationship with Mitchells and their understanding of our ethos, expansion plans and our approach to the care sector makes them a valued business partner”

Tony Hornsby, Partner at Mitchells who led the team that was heavily involved in the refinance process between the Heathcotes Group and Yorkshire Bank, said: “Heathcotes has been a client of Mitchells since its incorporation and we have worked together since the acquisition of the first home in 2003. We have a fantastic relationship with the group and their rapid growth since incorporation is testament to their commitment to excellence in care and professionalism. We have enjoyed assisting them with their growth and look forward to working with them through their expansion process.”

Mitchells, which is based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, is one of the leading corporate finance specialists firms in the UK Care Home market, delivering a full range of accounting and corporate finance services to care homes locally and nationwide. Its expert team works proactively with residential care providers to grow their business, minimise tax liabilities, increase profitability and build the value of their investment.

Image: Tony Hornsby, Partner at Mitchells.

Tony_Hornsby - landscape

Posted in Business

Celebration of Learning takes place in Chesterfield

 

The Investors in People Gold learning establishment invited local business partners and Care companies to join in the ceremony, and included inspirational speeches from those who have completed apprenticeships in the care sector and overcome unemployment to secure a job in the care industry.

Proceedings were commenced by The Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Barry Bingham who welcomed guests ahead of the main presentation of certificates and gifts for their achievements and dedication to improving their education and work prospects.

The celebration also paid tribute to employers who have given learners the opportunity to gain hands on experience in their place of work, and contributed to their practical skills learning.

Melanie Ulyatt, Managing Director, comments on the celebration: “This year’s celebration was a really special moment for us as a Training Academy as we enjoyed welcoming our learner’s friends and families to come and join us in their achievement. 2015 has seen the number of care related courses we offer expand dramatically so we look forward to welcoming even more learners to join in the celebrations at the 2016 event, during which One to One Support Services will also celebrate a huge landmark, marking 10 years of being in business”

The celebration also paid tribute to employers who have given learners the opportunity to gain hands on experience in their place of work, and contributed to their practical skills learning.

Melanie Ulyatt, Managing Director, comments on the celebration: “This year’s celebration was a really special moment for us as a Training Academy as we enjoyed welcoming our learner’s friends and families to come and join us in their achievement. 2015 has seen the number of care related courses we offer expand dramatically so we look forward to welcoming even more learners to join in the celebrations at the 2016 event, during which One to One Support Services will also celebrate a huge landmark, marking 10 years of being in business”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Dragon hunts for the next generation of entrepreneurs

The new Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Chesterfield College is encouraging budding entrepreneurs to join them to learn from the experts as enrolment opens for the new course which starts in September.

The academy at Chesterfield College will equip young people in the region with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in the working world.  Whether students are aspiring entrepreneurs or ready to make their mark within a growing business, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy puts them on the fast track to success.

Students aged 16-19 can now enrol for the Level 2 and 3 BTEC courses through the academy. These business-led courses have a mission to unleash young people’s entrepreneurial talent by giving them the opportunity to “learn by doing” on work experience placements, national enterprise challenge days and inspirational master class sessions. At the end of the Level 3 Course students attend a graduation with students from across the country and they have the opportunity to compete for National Entrepreneur of the Year presented by Peter Jones with a cash prize to boost their business.

The tailored courses,written by Peter Jones CBE in partnership with Edexcel, the UK’s largest educational awarding body, gives local students the opportunity to learn first-hand the essential skills needed for business success, allowing them to boost their confidence, business acumen and get a head start with improving their networking skills.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said: “This is a really exciting addition to what we offer at college. It is fantastic to be able to give young entrepreneurs from in and around Chesterfield the ability to learn from the best in business.”

Peter Jones Foundation CEO Alice Barnard said: “We have always tried to bust the myth that entrepreneurs are born and not made. We firmly believe that valuable skills and know-how can and should be taught which is why we created the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. It is great news that we are now working with Chesterfield College and can offer all the benefits of the academy to young people in the area.”

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Keeping Chesterfield town centre vibrant

New Chesterfield town centre masterplan

A masterplan has been agreed by Chesterfield Borough Council to guide future development of the town centre.

It outline proposals of how the town centre might adapt as it responds to changes in the retail sector caused by the growth of online shopping, a need for more housing and a desire to connect fringe sites to the historic core area around the market.

The plan has been produced by Chesterfield-based WCEC Architects and property regeneration consultants Aspinall Verdi after consultation with businesses and the council.

It recognises eight core areas within the town centre and contains outline proposals for each. Implementing the plan will require the support and financial commitment of both the private and public sector as many sites are outside of the control of Chesterfield Borough Council.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield is recognised as being a historic market town, with a great town centre built around the market squares, Crooked Spire church and the historic buildings which previous generations fought so hard to protect.

“But, like all town centres in the country, we need to evolve to take account of the changing world in which we live if we are to continue to attract locals and visitors to it.

“Although the occupancy of our shops is higher than in most parts of the country, and we have a good mix of independent and national retailers, we are not immune to the effects that online shopping and changing consumer habits are having on town centres.

“We will need to take the opportunities created by new technology if it is to remain a popular place to live and visit.”

The masterplan sets out a strategic overview for the town centre, helps determine community goals and aspirations and is a development framework that guides future development opportunities.

Priorities will be established, and funding sought, to enable the aspirations to become a reality of a period of time.

The masterplan will also be used to help guide future planning decisions when applications are made to develop the town centre.

Andy Dabbs, design director of WCEC Architects, said: “As a Chesterfield business ourselves this masterplan was an important project for us to work on.

“One of the key opportunities we identified is that many of the key sites within the town are physically close together but could be better connected.

“The growth of Ravenside as a retail location, with its proximity to Queen’s Park, offers an opportunity to link up these areas better with the historic core of the town centre but then also link through to the area around the Donut roundabout and across to the railway station.

“We believe there are also opportunities to develop the Markham Road entrance to the town, particularly with the plans to demolish the disused multi-storey car park.”

The masterplan can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/masterplan

Chesterfield Market

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Monkey Park project creates new home for entrepreneurs

A former tile warehouse is being completely renovated to create affordable, shared office space for Chesterfield’s entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.  Once complete, Monkey Park will also house a community cafe, a bike workshop and a bakery run by The Gingerbread Boy (previously found on Chatsworth Road).

Based at Clifton and Chester Street in Brampton, the centre is a not-for-profit social enterprise, designed to benefit local people and projects, as well as creating three employment opportunities.

Spokesperson, Christine Redding, said: “This is not just another café.  Monkey Park will pour profits made back into the local community so it’s in everyone’s interest to get it right.

“We’re trying to support community enterprises & social entrepreneurs that give something back to Chesterfield.  As part of this, we’ll be creating a new network of community enterprises within the town.

“We developed the centre through research and visits to similar hubs in Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester.  The initiative will be steered by a community interest company led by angel investors and local businesses.”

Monkey Park is already creating quite a buzz, with nearly 300 likes on Facebook and a bank of nearly 50 local residents volunteering their services to help the project get off to a flying start.

Visitors were also invited for a sneaky preview earlier this month to share ideas about how the venue should look and feel as well as to choose their favourite cakes and coffee.

More volunteers are wanted to help prepare the centre ready for opening in the autumn.  Anyone else interested in getting involved should search ‘Monkey Park’ on Facebook or Twitter.

Monkey Park Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development

Redevelopment of Chesterfield pub approved

Planning permission has been granted to redevelop the site of The Trumpeter to create a new local centre for the Grangewood community in Chesterfield.

The demolition of The Trumpeter will enable a complete redevelopment of the site, creating a new local centre.

The proposals for the site include a new Pub/cafe-bar and convenience store along with 3-4 independent retail units, potentially creating 30 new jobs in the local area.

Terry Caton, Developer, said “Caton Enterprises Ltd is a local business operating in Chesterfield for some 23 years. As such we didn’t just want to take away the facilities from the community. We wanted to look at this site in a different way.’

Martin Rix, of MAD architects LLP, says ‘We are trying to create a new retail centre for the community, providing facilities and services which are much needed in the area, and hopefully this development can act as a catalyst for further improvements locally.’

The planning department commented in their committee report that “The development has been sympathetically designed to reflect the scale and form of the wider area. A contemporary design approach has been taken which is felt would give the scheme an independent identity that would serve beneficial.”

Terry says ‘The design team are now developing the technical design to enable works to start on site and we are looking to open the new local retail centre to the public in 2016″.

Trumpeter Redevelopment

Posted in Business, Development