Business

80% of rooms let as Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre celebrates one year anniversary

After being open for just one year, 80% of offices are now let in Chesterfield’s flagship enterprise centre – providing a state-of-the-art base for new and growing businesses.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was officially opened in July 2022 and to mark one year since opening an informal networking session was held on Thursday 13 July to celebrate with tenants.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We faced many challenges when developing this building but it was a cornerstone of our Covid recovery plan and to see the building almost fully let just one year after opening shows that our local economy is strong and that Chesterfield is a great place to do business. The building is home to a really diverse range of businesses with lots of them being new startups that we hope will grow and thrive in our town.

“It was fantastic to speak with our tenants and learn more about what they do and the opportunities they are creating for local people.”

The Enterprise Centre includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes, all of which are fitted with the latest hi-tech features that are now standard requirements for modern businesses. It has meeting facilities allowing businesses to host hybrid meetings and secure cycle parking and shower facilities to allow tenants to bike to work – supporting low carbon transport options. There are also features like the break out room where businesses can network and find out how they can work together.

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

But the centre provides much more than just office space, as tenants can access bespoke business support services to help them grow and develop, supporting the creation of more jobs and boosting the local economy.

The building also boasts some first-class sustainability features which help keep energy use down and ensure the building is fit for the future – supporting to the council’s target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre contact the Enterprise Chesterfield team by calling 01246 903 900 or emailing enterprise@chesterfield.gov.uk

No matter what stage you are along your business journey, Chesterfield has a fantastic range of modern, flexible and sustainable office spaces to suit your organisation. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Group at North Gateway Celebration

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Vicar Lane makes further additions to exciting ‘Summer Fest’ schedule

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has added more events and activities to its exciting ‘Summer Fest’ lineup, taking place this July and August.

Visitors can choose from Giant Chess, Connect Four or Table Tennis for a competitive game in the sunshine, before stopping for a bite & relaxing on a deck chair – and that’s not all.

Throughout July and August, alongside events happening around the town centre – they will be hosting a series of free events for all the family to enjoy.

Until Sunday 16th July, Vicar Lane will be serving the best of Wimbledon action on the big screen, whilst visitors can pull up a deck chair in St James’ Square. Spectators will be able to purchase cream teas from The Vintage Tea Rooms and jugs of Pimm’s from Pizza Pi too.

The centre is providing a special treat on Sunday 16th July for National Ice Cream Day – the first 100 customers who visit Vicar Lane’s Ice Cream Van will be able to pick up a free ice cream.

Ahead of the region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration –  Chesterfield Pride – taking place on Sunday 23rd July, visitors are being welcomed to Vicar Lane the day before for vibrant entertainment, roaming around the centre as you shop.

On Saturday 22nd July, from 11am – 4pm, shoppers and visitors can revel with flamboyant ribbon dancers and snap a selfie with sparkling stilt walkers, whilst youngsters can have their face painted and get glitter tattoos throughout the day.

Vicar Lane is also excited to welcome the social media ‘Balloon Globe’ sensation to St James’s Square for kids and grown-ups to experience a bubble full of fun.

On Tuesday 25th July, the popular Medieval-themed fun day makes a return to Chesterfield and Vicar Lane will be hosting live musicians throughout the day as an extra treat for visitors to enjoy.

In August, there’ll be Summer fun days to get involved with, from Crazy Golf to roaming performers complete with singing and dancing.

To see the full schedule of events this Summer Fest at Vicar Lane, visit https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/summer/ and plan your days out.

Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: We are delighted to continue our events schedule into July and August for families to enjoy over the summer holidays. With Chesterfield Pride and the historic Medieval Market happening so close by – it is set to be a great atmosphere and we are excited to join in the fun and offer a place to come and shop, relax, enjoy and dine out!

Find out more about the wide range of summer events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Wimbledon Vicar Lane Big Screen

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Latest employment figures show ‘great resilience’ of East Midlands businesses

Figures show that unemployment in our region has dropped for the second consecutive month, despite the overall UK unemployment rate rising by 0.2%.

The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has reduced to 3.3% for the period between March and May 2023, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.

It fell by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous reporting period to April, moving in an opposite trajectory to the UK unemployment rate, which rose from 3.8% to 4%.

The region’s economic inactivity rate – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – dropped by three-tenths of a percentage point to 21.2%, the lowest level in a year.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Despite some mild concerns earlier in the year that the unemployment rate was rising, it appears to have stabilised around historically very low levels, which reflects the great resilience of the East Midlands business community amid some very tough challenges.

“Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past year as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down.

“While this rate remains significantly above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by just under 1.5% in the past nine months, giving firms more room to manoeuvre.

“Our own research backs this up but also illustrates persistent challenges, with our Quarterly Economic Survey showing seven in 10 businesses that attempted to recruit between April and June experienced problems in filling roles, compared to eight in 10 at the end of 2022.”

Nationally, regular pay grew by 7.3% during this period, a record annual increase despite lagging behind inflation, which stands at 8.7%.

Scott added: “While recruitment problems may be easing slightly, the record rise in wages suggests firms are still facing major cost pressures as the labour market tightness has forced employers to pay more for people at a time when they are being hit by inflation and surging interest rates.

“This is perhaps why future recruitment prospects are less optimistic, with a net 6% decline in East Midlands businesses adding to their headcount for the next three months. The proportion of firms intending to invest in training also declined by 3%, with business confidence fragile.

“What we desperately need is a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps.

“In our Business Manifesto for Growth, we have set out a list of policies we believe will make the required difference, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce.

“We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

East Midlands Chamber - Chesterfield office

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HRH The Princess Royal visits Chesterfield to officially open new developments

HRH The Princess Royal visited Chesterfield this week (12th July), officially opening the Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s new emergency department and a new facility at the University of Derby’s campus in the town.

Princess Anne visited the hospital’s new emergency department as part of a series of visits in the region on the day and met the dedicated team at the Trust – recognising the great work of the hospital staff and the team who worked around the clock to deliver the £27m state-of-the-art build.

The department was operationally opened on 21 June and has since seen more than 6,000 patients through its doors.

The new development, with its innovative approach to patient flow, high spec equipment, ultra-modern technology and a real grounding in the community through the locally sourced artwork and wayfinding is a redefining jewel in Chesterfield’s crown but it’s vital that people only visit if they truly need to. Dr Katherine Lendrum, Clinical Lead for the ED and ED Consultant, commented further: “The new Emergency Department is an absolutely amazing facility, and we were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to see what we do, how and where. It’s vital that people really do take note and only come to ED when they really need it!

“The new department is already working incredibly hard and is managing patients in a really efficient and safe way – we know that we’re providing better care and a better all-round experience for people – so it’s great that we’re able to take a moment and show our services to such a highly esteemed guest. We know that staff and patients – as well as the communities of Chesterfield will really see this as us redefining Chesterfield and showing that we’re fit for the future and providing a dedicated service which is second to none – by staff who really care!”

Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “This is a truly fantastic facility for the hospital and the communities we serve and to have HRH The Princess Royal come to officially open it is a real coup for colleagues and the community. I’m very proud of the skills, experience and hard work that have gone into shaping our new Emergency Department and to be able to show this to a member of the Royal family – based on our history – is even more rewarding.

“It felt very apt to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to officially open our ED: She was last here in 2009, when she opened the children and young people’s outpatients department we call ‘The Den’ and before that she opened The Scarsdale Maternity and Gynaecology Wing in 1990 – so this is third time very lucky! We’re very grateful and appreciate this historical moment means a lot to the people of Chesterfield and Derbyshire.”

Amongst the facilities The Princess – who is Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and also patron to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Royal College of Midwives – saw was the technology to live monitor patients, a dedicated children and young people’s area and a specialist zone for neurodiverse patients or those experiencing a mental health crisis, all of which mean we are providing a truly world-class facility for the region. The area above the department was also included in the extended tour which includes a state-of-the-art simulation suite and facilities to support training, health and wellbeing of our colleagues. The visit culminated with the unveiling of a special plaque in the reception/class atrium of the ED, alongside natural day light and specially commissioned artwork of the whole Joined Up Care Derbyshire system created by the world famous and local artist Dave Draws.

Dr Lendrum concluded: “ I was interested to talk to The Princess about how patients experience ED. Sometimes (in up to 70% of attendances) people choose to come to an emergency department with less urgent problems – perhaps because they don’t know where to go or because they perceive they will be seen quicker; get all the tests they need done or be treated faster. Our message about ‘if you feel well enough to have your tea, do you really need ED?’ have gone down really well with our communities. It is everyone’s responsibility to use health care services wisely.”

HRH The Princess Royal shaking hands with a member of staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Meanwhile, the new name of a hospital ward used by health students as part of their learning at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield site has been unveiled on the same day (12 July) by Her Royal Highness.

The simulation training facility, which has been renamed The Florence Nightingale Ward to honour the founder of modern nursing, features a number of hospital beds, artificial patients and other NHS-standard equipment enabling students to learn in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare them for entering the healthcare workforce.

The new name was unveiled with a plaque by HRH The Princess Royal at the site, which is home to a number of the University’s health and nursing programmes.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Florence Nightingale had strong connections to Derbyshire, and so we are proud to recognise her inspiring and wide-reaching impact through the renaming of our simulation training facility, which enables students to gain experience and develop their skills in a ward environment during their studies.

“As an institution we are renowned for the quality of our health programmes, so it is a tremendous honour to have HRH The Princess Royal visit to see first-hand the opportunities and facilities that the University of Derby has to offer and to unveil our dedicated plaque.”

During the visit, HRH The Princess Royal met academic staff and students, who showcased skills including heart tracing and cannulation. She was also shown a number of posters created by Adult and Mental Health Nursing students, surrounding improving treatment for patients within a variety of health settings including doll therapy for patients with dementia, Huntington’s disease and Motor Neurone disease.

HRH The Princess Royal also had the opportunity to see a demonstration of the Immersive Interactive Simulation Suite – a facility which provides 360° projections of a range of working environments, such as being in an ambulance or an operating theatre, offering students real-world learning opportunities.

Dr Denise Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “At the University, we prepare our students to make a difference to society and our first-class facilities mean students gain the skills to provide exceptional levels of care. We were delighted to showcase this to HRH The Princess Royal and for her to meet with our inspiring staff and students.”

HRH The Princess Royal also met with a breastfeeding support group that the University hosts at its Chesterfield site through its engagement with Derbyshire Voluntary Action.

The High Sheriff of Derbyshire Theresa Peltier, Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council Councillor David Taylor, the Mayor of Chesterfield Councillor Mick Brady and the MP for Chesterfield Toby Perkins were also in attendance at the event.

For more information about studying in the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby, visit: https://www.derby.ac.uk/colleges/health-psychology-social-care/

Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

HRH The Princess Royal meets nursing students at the University of Derby

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Chesterfield cold storage provider progresses with major expansion

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage, has announced significant progress on the construction of a new extension at its Chesterfield cold storage facility.

The provider of temperature-controlled storage solutions is currently working on numerous projects that aim to reshape the cold storage sector, creating sustainable storage solutions.

Following a recent announcement of the company’s £130m development at Easton, Grantham, and the significant expansion at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield, Magnavale is making significant strides towards its Net Zero goals.

Since breaking ground earlier this year, the project at Magnavale’s Chesterfield facility has reached several important milestones, bringing the UK project closer to the expected completion date of late 2024.

Site excavation on the new facility has been successfully completed, and the concrete foundations have been poured. Over the course of the summer, Magnavale’s team will shift its focus towards the steelwork construction of the cold store.

On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold store’s existing capacity of 40,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 65,000. This will make it one of the largest cold stores in the area.

This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperature-controlled facilities and value-added services.

The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave up-tempering and contract packing. Coupled with its strategic location, just off the M1, Magnavale Chesterfield is extremely desirable for food manufacturers that wish to cut unnecessary cost, risk, and complexity from their cold chain.

Perfectly located in the centre of England and just off the M1 motorway network, Chesterfield is home to a number of leading manufacturing and engineering businesses. Find out more about the benefits of locating your organisation in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

magnavale extension - artists impression

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New Chesterfield ice bath business invites residents to ‘take the plunge’

A new Chesterfield business is offering people the opportunity to experience ice bath therapy for the first time in a safe environment.

Cold Plunge Chesterfield is based at ‘The Nest: Therapy & Wellness Hub’ in Chesterfield town centre.

The business, which is located on South Place, off Beetwell Street has a specially designed ice bath, which ensures water can be cooled to the precise degree.

Traditionally, deliberate cold water exposure has been used to reduce pain, inflammation and speed up recovery time.

More recently, research has begun to show the positive impacts ice baths on the nervous system, neurotransmitters and mood, alongside positive impacts on an individual’s immune system, metabolism, mental clarity and sleep.

Gemma Howard, owner at Cold Plunge Chesterfield said: “No experience is necessary as we have trained ‘cold water practitioners’ who can fully support their first ice bath allowing an understanding of how your body will react to the cold.

“Clients can come alone, or with friends, or even hire the studio space for a private event. We also offer the option of having a ‘guided plunge’ with a mindfulness experience or ‘contrast therapy’ using our infrared sauna blanket. Everyone’s reason and experience in the cold water is as unique as them.”

Speaking on why she decided to invest in the town, Gemma commented: “I have lived in Chesterfield for most of my life. Most of my working career has been spent as a Psychology teacher in a local secondary school, but I have had a passion for experiencing and learning about cold water therapy and ice baths for about 4 years now.

“An opportunity to invest in this business and work with the team at ‘The Nest’ arose, and it just seemed like the right time to share the magic of cold water therapy with the people of Chesterfield.

“I have loved meeting all the different clients who live in and around the Chesterfield area. Whether someone comes for physical recovery after an event or training, or to alleviate feelings of anxiety/depression, or even help manage menopausal symptoms – It’s a privilege to watch them push themselves slightly out of their comfort zones and feel the benefits afterwards.”

To get more information about Cold Plunge Chesterfield, head over to the website: www.coldplungechesterfield.co.uk

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

cold plunge

 

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Joint agents appointed for Chesterfield’s pivotal Elder Way scheme

Jomast has appointed FHP as official joint agents of Elder Way – a pivotal site in Chesterfield town centre which has been redeveloped by the leading regeneration specialist into leisure and retail units.

FHP is the dominant retail and leisure agent within the Midlands, with offices in Nottingham, Birmingham and Derby, and has won the EGi East Midlands Most Active Retail Agent award for the last 13 years.

FHP will now work alongside WSB Property to jointly market the Elder Way scheme nationally to potential occupiers.

There are currently a number of leasing opportunities available at the 21,761 sq ft scheme, from smaller E Class and Sui Generis Bar units of 1,420 sq. ft. upwards to larger units of up to 4,704 sq. ft.

Alan Pearson, Director and Head of the Retail and Leisure at FHP commented: “We are pleased to partner with WSB Property to introduce Elder Way to a wider audience across the East Midlands. The units are suitable for a variety of uses following the change of the use class order which opens this up to office and clinical use, alongside the traditional retail and leisure use.”

Jomast has transformed the former Co-op department store into a landmark mixed-use leisure scheme comprising seven street-level units and a 16,285 sq. ft. basement. The site is being marketed to food and drink, and gym operators as well as retailers.

Constructed in the 1930s, the site boasts a mock-Tudor frontage and is as renowned as the town’s crooked Spire church.

A Premier Inn hotel already occupies the upper two floors of the building where it has been successfully operating since 2019. Recently Premier Inn owner Whitbread reported that its first-quarter sales came in ahead of last year’s figures, supported by strong demand for travel and leisure and robust performance of its UK hotels.

Elder Way is one of the key developments within Chesterfield Borough Council’s £60 million Northern Gateway Scheme which includes and new multi-storey car park, completed in 2021 and an Enterprise Centre opened in 2022. The Enterprise Centre, which has 32 office suites is recording near 100% occupancy just 12 months after opening. Both the Enterprise Centre and Saltergate multi-storey are located within a two-minute walk of Elder Way.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director of Jomast added: “We’re committed to creating developments and regenerating properties that have a transformative effect on towns and cities and Elder Way embodies this. It is a pivotal site both in the town centre and the Northern Gateway scheme in Chesterfield.”

Find out more about the Chesterfield Elder Way development here. 

Chesterfield Elder Way Development supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Elder Way

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Businesses encouraged to apply for prestigious Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Businesses in Chesterfield’s visitor economy sectors are being encouraged to apply for a prestigious awards ceremony, which could see them gain national recognition.

Applications for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards will officially open on Friday 14th July 2023.

Organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in collaboration with Visit Derby, the awards will celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the tourism sector.

The awards are set launch at an exciting time for the area’s visitor economy with Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby recently gaining Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status from VisitEngland, as part of a new national programme aimed at transforming and growing the visitor economy across England in an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable way.

There are 14 awards categories in total covering different aspects of the tourism industry, ranging from hotels, B&Bs and campsites to pubs, visitor attractions, unique experiences, and the hardworking people behind local businesses.

Applications will be open from 14th July to 30th August 2023. Shortlisted finalists will be revealed in the autumn and winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill on 7th March 2024.

The awards are held in association with the acclaimed VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024 and eligible regional winners will be automatically put forward for judging in the national awards.

The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are free to enter for members of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Visit Derby. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire, the city of Derby, or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Businesses interested in applying for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards can boost their chances of success by attending application masterclasses on Tuesday 11th July or Thursday 13th July 2023.

The free 90-minute webinars will include top tips on how to write a quality awards application and insights on what the judges will be looking for.

Full details of how to apply, and more information on the application writing webinars, can be found at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/tourism-awards

The 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are sponsored by digital solutions company Destination Core and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Businesses interested in sponsoring a category at the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards should contact Lindsay Rae at lindsay.rae@visitpeakdistrict.com.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of our world-class tourism industry and the passionate people who work tirelessly to provide visitors with experiences to remember.

“Tourism plays a vital role in making the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby such a great place to live, work and visit, and these awards also provide a timely opportunity for our hard-working, innovative and inspiring businesses to pause and celebrate what they have achieved.

“Becoming one of the first destinations in England to gain LVEP status from VisitEngland is a testament to the long-standing collaboration and growth of this sector over the years, and these awards provide a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses to showcase why they are so important for our region.”

Chris Sellors, Managing Director of C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, says:“As a business that prides itself on promoting quality and celebrating our Derbyshire heritage, C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches is delighted to be once again producing bespoke awards for the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards. Good luck to everyone who applies!”

Categories for the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Team of the Year (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever (Local Award)

Gold winners at the 2023 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, Visiting

Chesterfield barbershop named one of the best apprenticeship employers in the country

Chesterfield barbershop, Less Than Zero has reached the top five in an annual list of the best SME apprenticeship employers nationwide. 

The business, which is based on Soresby Street in the town centre, has ranked 5th in England by the Government for its outstanding commitment to apprenticeships. 

The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2023 recognises leading small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers across a range of criteria. These include the employer’s commitment to employing apprentices, its creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of its new apprentices, and the progression of its apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment. 

Employers are ranked not just for the number of apprentices they take on but also for their commitment to diversity and apprenticeship achievements. A dedication to delivering high-quality apprenticeships plays a crucial role in boosting the skills and career opportunities of people from all backgrounds while plugging skills gaps and helping the economy to grow. 

Martin Keyworth, owner of Less Than Zero Barbers said: “We are immensely proud to be in Chesterfield and bringing this accolade back to the town” 

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Congratulations to all the employers which have been recognised for their brilliant apprenticeship programmes.” 

“My apprenticeship was my golden ticket to a successful business career. These employers in digital, childcare and healthcare recognise the benefits apprentices can bring to their business, helping to create a talent pipeline and filling skills gaps to grow the economy.  I would encourage all businesses – regardless of size or sector – to follow their lead.” 

Chesterfield has a commitment to supporting apprenticeships and has declared itself an Apprentice Town.   The Apprentice Town initiative has been developed by Chesterfield Borough Council and partners and seeks to develop Chesterfield as a leading apprenticeship destination.  It looks to grow individuals’ careers and futures alongside successful businesses and a growing local economy. 

Apprentice Town aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher level apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the local economy. 

Search for the latest vacancies in and around Chesterfield

Find out more about taking on apprentices in your business

Learn more about the Apprentice Town Campaign and how you could get involved

Less Than Zero Barbers

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Featured, Home

East Midlands is bucking the national trend in economic performance, finds Chamber study

While sticky inflation, rising interest rates and skills gaps continue to cause concerns for businesses across the UK, a new study suggests the East Midlands may be bucking the national trend.

Research from East Midlands Chamber shows firms across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire are performing well, with improvements reported in sales activity, cashflow and pricing expectations between April and June 2023.

The business representation group’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business, also showed a third consecutive quarterly fall in the number of businesses reporting difficulties in filling vacancies.

However, there is caution ahead as the survey also showed a decline in advanced orders, future recruitment and investment intentions. The Chamber says increasing business investment is crucial to driving up productivity in order to bring down prices and, thus, inflation.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “Against a backdrop of continued challenges facing businesses when it comes to stubbornly high inflation, low growth and Bank of England decision-making, the results from our second QES of the year gives us cause for optimism the East Midlands is bucking the trend and delivering a strong performance.

“While any growth is relative to what has come before in terms of how these results should be interpreted, responses to questions around concerns and events driving price pressures give further credibility to the argument that factors such as higher utility costs, inflated wage settlements and expensive fuel are all easing as problems for businesses during 2023.

“The percentage of firms reporting pressure to increase their own prices has fallen sharply, down to 36% – compared to 54% last quarter and 60% three quarters ago – with a corresponding growth in those looking to keep prices the same, suggesting many of the increased costs have now been passed on.

“While messaging from policymakers remains tentative, the mood music among businesses is much more positive, with 41% of firms now expecting their profitability to grow over the next quarter, an increase over the previous three quarters from 38%, 34% and 28% respectively. In contrast, those expecting a drop in profitability has fallen from 41% in Q3 2022 to 26% this quarter.

“We’re clearly not completely out of the woods yet – advanced orders saw a slight slowdown and investment intentions remain stubbornly low – however, the regional economy is continuing the pick-up that began at the start of this year. A more stable policy environment over recent months will have supported an improvement in sentiment.

“As we get closer to a general election, it’s important that politicians and institutions behave responsibly with regards to policy announcements and fiscal decisions. The UK economy has already defied the expectations of six months ago – it’s important to capitalise on this now and not do anything that may inadvertently rocking the boat.

“At the same time, it remains imperative that Government backs business by focusing on what we call the ‘four Is’ – investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade – all of which is laid out in our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond.”

East Midlands Chamber QES Q2 2023 data

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2023 for the East Midlands*, which was completed by 340 organisations between 15 May and 9 June 2023, included:

  • UK and overseas sales grew by a net 4% and 8% respectively between the first and second quarters of the year, but advanced UK and overseas sales were down by 5% and 1% respectively
  • 62% of businesses added to their headcount in Q2 2023, compared to 60% in the previous quarter and 57% before that
  • While recruitment is growing, problems persist also less intensely than previously – with seven in 10 businesses that attempted to recruit experiencing problems in filling roles, compared to eight in 10 at the end of last year
  • Rising prices resulting from cost pressures for energy, raw materials, people and fuel are easing, with a net 31% of businesses expecting they will be forced to raise their own prices – down from a net 52% in the previous quarter
  • While a net 2% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, there was an 11% positive swing compared to the first three months of the year
  • Investment intentions, having grown in Q1, are trending downwards again, with a 3% decrease quarter on quarter for both investment in plant and machinery, and investment in training
  • The trajectory of business confidence shows a mixed picture, with confidence in turnover prospects down by 1% compared to the previous quarter but up by 7% for profitability expectations.

In Derbyshire the results showed:

  • Uk Sales and UK Orders grew by 4% and 7% respectively whilst Overseas Sales remained static.
  • 53% of businesses added to their headcount in Q2.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said: “Currently, business sentiment is cautious in relation to the domestic market, with sales falling compared to the previous quarter.

“The general outlook is consistent with views expressed in the previous quarter. Businesses involved in overseas markets also reflect this caution. The business environment is likely to be affected by mixed expectations in relation to future political leadership and monetary policy decision.

“There is no significant increase in recruitment, reflecting the hesitancy of many East Midlands businesses. Additionally, the shortage of employees applying for highly skilled full-time jobs highlights the importance of much-needed investment to upskilling the workforce, particularly regarding support from the educational institutions for local businesses.

“Inflation is still at undesirable levels. The slight positive increase in business confidence is likely to be crushed next quarter by the recent increase in the Bank of England base rate to 5%, which will likely impact investment decisions and businesses’ profitability in the short and medium term.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q2 2023, click here.

Commerce House

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Low Carbon Challenge Fund launched by Clay Cross Town Deal

Businesses within the Clay Cross Town Deal boundary can now apply for grant funding to contribute towards low-carbon initiatives.

Grant funding is available from an allocation of £645,000, out of the £24.1m Town Deal fund. The Government announced that Clay Cross would receive £24.1m of funding to deliver a number of projects contained in the Clay Cross Town Investment Plan.

“We work hard to support our businesses to help them thrive and grow whilst also helping them be equipped to reduce their carbon emissions,” Cllr Jayne Barry, North East Derbyshire District Council portfolio holder for Growth and Assets said.

“Supporting them to be more environmentally efficient is the purpose of this initiative and these grants will not only help them achieve this but ensure they are compliant and future-proof in what is an exciting time for Clay Cross with the Town deal investments.”

The application begins with submitting an Expression of Interest form, followed by a more detailed application once invited by administrators if eligibility criteria are met.

Eligible activities could include:

  • Improved insulation, lighting, heating and controls
  • Efficient motors, compressors, equipment
  • Vehicle chargers
  • Renewable energy (PV panels, ASHPs, GSHPs etc.)
  • Resource efficiency
  • Waste reduction and recycling
  • Improved metering and low-cost Building Management Systems
  • Emerging technological solutions

Applicants are expected to contribute at least 25% of the cost of their investments. and all financial activity for the projects should be completed by 31 December 2024.

More information about the grants as well as the Expression of Interest form are available here.

Solar Panels

Posted in Business, Home

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