Business

Derbyshire Voluntary Action looks to recruit new trustees

Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is looking to recruit new Trustees to its Board to broaden the sectors represented by its membership.

The organisation, representing more than 420 voluntary and community sector groups across Derbyshire, wishes to create a robust strategic plan to build more successful cross-sector collaborations, engage with businesses and improve its financial sustainability.

DVA’s Trustees work collaboratively and strive to provide the charity with clear leadership and effective governance. Newly recruited trustees must be willing to play a crucial role in supporting DVA to move forward and build on the organisation’s successes.

The key roles of the Trustees include contributing to board papers and being available to contribute to Board sub-groups, such as finance and HR, supporting staff and providing insight and guidance on key issues, new initiatives and new business/funding opportunities.

Trustees also:

• Actively contribute to the Board’s leadership role in providing strategic direction to the organisation by setting overall policy, defining goals and evaluating performance.
• Ensure that DVA works within the spirit of its governing document and complies with charity law and any other applicable legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that DVA pursues its charitable objects – as defined in its governing document and its vision and mission – as described in its business plan.
• Ensure that DVA uses its resources exclusively to pursue its organisational strategy, business plan and objectives.
• Safeguard the good name and values of DVA.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Support the chief executive in their role and monitor their performance against organisational strategy and the business plan.

DVA is particularly interested in hearing from people who are willing to share their experience and skills in the following areas; business development, marketing and brand management, finance, voluntary and community sector group development, lean management and digital skills.

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive and Julie Dixon, newly elected Chair of DVA, said: “This is an exciting time to join Derbyshire Voluntary Action. We move into our fourth decade, having formed in 1991 and move forward onto a new chapter of our history. This is a great opportunity for local community-minded people and professionals to join a forward-thinking organisation who see the great value of their communities and wish to contribute in a rewarding and impactful way”.

The organisation specialises in supporting health and well-being related voluntary and community sector organisations – from small volunteer-led self-help groups to local and regional charities delivering projects to benefit many Derbyshire residents. For an informal discussion and to find out more, contact DVA’s Chair, Julie Dixon, at julie@bana-uk.com.

For more information about DVA, visit www.dva.org.uk.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Dancing reindeer helps spread festive cheer

Oasis Studio, have brought their own creative style to Christmas. If you pass by the Studio on Dunston Road Chesterfield, you would have most likely seen a series of projections with a Christmas theme.

The virtual images tells the story of Ralf the dancing reindeer and his friends getting ready for the big day…..Ralf is a cheeky mischievous character who just loves to dance. But he is a little clumsy and always seems to be knocking things over with his dance moves. Not only can you watch him in Oasis Studio’s larger than life virtual window projections this year, but you can also interact with Ralph and other characters and wow your friends by getting them to dance anywhere by simply using your smart phone.

You can get involved by visiting https://oasisstudio.uk/ChristmasAR/   , then select a present to open (Ralf is hiding inside the EyeSiteView gift).  Then follow the instructions on your smartphone to see Ralph appear in front of you. 

Whether at home or with relatives across the country Oasis Studio hope that Ralf will bring some fun and laughter as he appears in your photos and videos.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio said “Here at Oasis Studio our creative elves are always working hard to produce cutting edge and unique Immersive media solutions for our clients. Our annual Christmas campaigns have become legendary. Each year our aim is to surpass the last, following the success of our Halloween and armistice display this year, we went further to make Ralf the reindeer an interactive experience. We hope that Ralph, can help spread a little much needed Christmas cheer this year.”

Oasis  Studio are asking you to share your footage on social media and use the hashtag #DancingRalf

For more ideas of things to do in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas

Dancing reindeer helps spread festive cheer

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

New financial facility confirmed for Custom Solar

Custom Solar has announced that the company has secured £4.8m in new lending from Virgin Money to accelerate its growth ambitions.

Based in Chesterfield, the business is behind the largest rooftop commercial installation in the country, fitting 21,000 solar panels at the Port of Hull, which will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1,400 tonnes every year.

The company has grown a pipeline of future projects and as such has looked towards further growth opportunities and with financial support from Virgin Money, it has given the business flexibility to target bigger designs and installations across its corporate and public sector customers.

Custom Solar was founded in 2011 and over the last 10 years the team has grown to 30 people, who travel to customers all over the UK. With the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s seeing an increase in customers moving towards sustainable business improvements and taking advantage of the incentives available when investing in renewable energy.

Gary Sucharewycz, Chief Executive Officer, Custom Solar, said “We are extremely pleased with the facility that will now be in place with Virgin Money. This will support and accelerate our ever-growing 200MW pipeline of solar projects that the company is securing. We wanted to match our growth and ambition for the future with a tangible financial facility that will accelerate our ability to complete projects at an expedient rate. This will not only be a benefit to our clientele but to our planet.”

Custom Solar scored highly on Virgin Money’s Sustainable Business Coach, a recently launched free app designed to help businesses be more sustainable by measuring, tracking, and offering guidance on improving their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials.

Gary added: “We were really pleased that the results of the Sustainable Business Coach demonstrated the high standards of our internal sustainability credentials. The Coach was really easy to use and enabled us to look at our own business, providing the encouragement that we are not only doing good by the work we do, but by the way we operate. We are committed to staying on top of our own carbon footprint.”

David Burgess, Director, Business Network, at Virgin Money, said: “Renewable energy is a vital part of our energy sources and we want to support sustainable organisations to help them grow and thrive. Custom Solar has been on quite a journey since its inception, with notable commercial projects that have demonstrated what the team is capable of. We are looking forward to working with the business as it accelerates its growth strategy, offering the financial backing it needs to deliver and exceed its customers’ expectations.”

Custom Solar was advised on corporate finance by fellow Chesterfield Champion BHP, with a team led by Partner, Kevin Davies, and Tim Brind, Director.

Kevin said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Custom Solar on this next step in its exciting development. It is a fantastic business that sits right at the heart of the current environmental narrative, supporting UK business in its drive for sustainable energy sources.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Funding support for businesses most impacted by Omicron

Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced today (21 December).

  • Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses
  • Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK
  • £30 million further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter

Recognising that the rise of the Omicron variant means some businesses are likely to struggle over the coming weeks, the government is providing one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England.

At what is often their most profitable time of year, many pubs and restaurants have seen cancellations and reduced footfall as people have responded to the rise in cases ahead of Christmas, with Hospitality UK reporting that many businesses have lost 40-60% of their December trade, often their most profitable month.

Around 200,000 businesses will be eligible for business grants which will be administered by local authorities and will be available in the coming weeks.

Given the uncertain situation faced by businesses, the government has chosen to provide generous grants, which are equivalent to the monthly cash grants provided to hospitality businesses when they were fully closed earlier this year, despite businesses now being still able to trade.

Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said:  “With the surge in Omicron cases, people are rightly exercising more caution as they go about their lives, which is impacting our hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors at what is typically the busiest time of the year.

That’s why we’re taking immediate action to help with an extra £1 billion in grants to these industries and reintroducing our Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.

I urge people across the country to please get boosted now to secure vital protection for yourselves, your loved ones and your communities.”

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “These measures will provide some welcome respite to many of those businesses that have been hit hardest by the latest Covid-19 measures.

“The Chancellor and his team has engaged with the British Chambers of Commerce in talks over the past week, considered the experiences of business communities including in the East Midlands, and the proposals we put to them.

“We are pleased the Chancellor heard our call for additional grant funding for hospitality and leisure businesses, which will provide some much-needed support in the face of this increasingly difficult trading period.

“The festive season is vital to the survival and prosperity of hospitality and leisure businesses in particular. Having missed out on the opportunity to maximise income last year, a second cancelled Christmas may have been devastating without the necessary financial backing.

“Clarity and speed will be needed to ensure these grants are paid out swiftly to help these hard-pressed firms weather the next few weeks.

“While these measures are a positive starting point, if restrictions persist or are tightened further, then we would need to see a wider support package, equal to the scale of any new measures, put in place.”

Chesterfield Borough Council will be announcing shortly how local businesses can access the funding.

Relatively Speaking

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Housing association CEO Lindsey Williams inducted as new East Midlands Chamber president

Lindsey Williams, who has headed up one of the region’s largest housing associations for almost two decades, is the new president of East Midlands Chamber.

The chief executive of Futures Housing Group, which manages more than 10,000 homes across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire, was inducted into the role at the Chamber’s annual general meeting.

In her first speech as president, she spoke about her two priorities – to support the Chamber’s objective of strengthening links between businesses and communities to create a “Sustainable East Midlands”, and to support the wider region in attracting, developing and retaining great talent via the young professionals’ network Generation Next.

She said: “I’m extremely proud to become president of East Midlands Chamber after observing much of its great work across the region as a board member, and I’m excited about what we can achieve in the year ahead.

“I’m passionate about people having choice – something that is limited by poverty and a lack of opportunity – so I want to ensure our region has equity of investment compared to the rest of the country and, specifically, to promote how any company can have an impact on the local community.

“As a housing provider with an important role in our communities, I’m aware of the many benefits this can have for organisations – building reputation, raising employee loyalty and establishing networks – and there has probably never been a more important time for this connection as we continue to see the negative impact of the pandemic on communities.

“The Chamber’s aim is to help its members achieve their aspirations in supporting the communities in which they operate by getting 70% of our members active in local communities – so I hope I can support in increasing this number over the next year by sharing best practice and ideas, celebrating the work of members and providing encouragement to organisations to engage.”

Lindsey, who joined the housing sector via a management traineeship at Birmingham City Council before becoming one of the UK’s youngest housing association directors before the age of 30, has been chief executive of Futures Housing Group since 2003, when it was known as Amber Valley Housing.

She led it through the acquisition of Daventry and District Housing in 2007, as well as in buying a stake in Nottingham-based training provider Access Training – which helps more than 1,000 learners a year – and launching a grounds maintenance social enterprise Futures Greenscape, which last year merged into the wider group.

During her time at Futures, the organisation has doubled headcount to about 330 people, achieved Investors in People platinum accreditation and, earlier this year, moved from Ripley to a new 20,000 sq ft home called Futures House, based at Pegasus Business Park next to East Midlands Airport. Lindsey has also been a strategic leader on various boards and is an active member of the National Housing Federation in the region.

As well as inviting Chamber members to approach her to discuss how they can build links with their communities and encouraging them to put forward young leaders for Generation Next membership, she announced the three charities she will raise money for throughout 2022.

These are Treetops Hospice Care, an end-of-life care charity that operates in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire; Focus, which helps young people in Leicester to develop skills, confidence and aspirations; and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which has helped protect the green spaces that have become so valuable during the pandemic.

Outgoing president Eileen Richards MBE, who owns Leicester-based ER Recruitment, presented her three charities – Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and Nottinghamshire Hospice – with their equal share of the £12,000 she fundraised.

In her speech, she said: “I chose these three charities carefully to reflect the wide range of good work being done every day and I’m incredibly proud to have quadrupled the Chamber’s previous best amount thanks to the amazing generosity of our members and staff.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as president and feel very honoured for the experience. It has been immensely fulfilling to see my priority objectives take great strides forward.

“Members have come to us in huge volumes and almost two-thirds have accessed at least one service; Generation Next has developed significantly to establish its own shadow board and stage its first awards event; and our strategy to help shape the region’s economic recovery has been witnessed by the Kickstart Scheme, in which we have helped to fill more than 1,500 placements.

“It was also exciting to see our Business Awards return to face-to-face events and encapsulate the best of all that our people and members do. Each of our three ceremonies highlighted the outstanding talent we are blessed with in our region.”

During the Chamber’s AGM, which was hosted by chair of the board of directors Ian Morgan OBE, Stuart Dawkins was elected as the new vice-president. He brings a wide range experience, including heading strategic planning and corporate communications for a FTSE 100 company, and has been a bord member for organisations for a wide variety of sectors.

New directors elected to the board were University of Derby commercial director Dr Peter Dewhurst, Geldards LLP chairman David Williams, SMB Group chief executive and principal Dawn Whitemore and Dr Cham Kang, chief visionary officer at business growth consultancy Qinesis.

David Campbell, director of the Chamber’s Derbyshire Business of the Year, SureScreen Diagnostics, which has supplied Covid-19 lateral flow tests to the UK and overseas, gave a speech about his company and there was a presentation for longstanding members of the Chamber.

Posted in Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , ,

Chesterfield Champions reflect on 2021 and look ahead to the new year

As we enter the festive season and the new year, Chesterfield Champions have been sharing their successes and reflecting on the challenges and progress made throughout 2021.

If you love Chesterfield and would like to chat about becoming a Champion, find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Find out what local businesses and organisations had to say below, as we head into 2022.

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“It’s weird to think nothing happened for the first four or five months of the year, but we adapted wonderfully.  This resulted in our trip boats and our Information Centre & Shop both being really busy; and more than 1,000 seats booked on our Chesterfield Santa Special cruises.

“The restrictions have made people explore their own town more and discover how great it is, including the canal where towpath use has gone up hugely. We are now looking forward to the final Government approval of the Staveley Town Deal next spring, receiving the money and starting detailed planning of the restoration of our beautiful canal. We are also working out our carbon footprint as a first step towards becoming a carbon net-zero organisation.”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

“I have been super impressed with how resilient and positive the Chesterfield business community is. Everyone is supporting one another and are super ambitious for the future. Chesterfield has performed strongly against all the national statistics in relation to unemployment and job creation, especially for under 25s, which is fantastic news.

“I am hoping the risk and consequences of COVID reduces as we move into 2022. It’s been a tough few years for many, but I know we will continue to be resilient, push innovation and draw new investment into our fantastic town of Chesterfield!”

Howard Freeman, Shorts Chartered Accountants

“2021 was yet another challenging year for the region’s businesses, with many continuing to show resilience and diversification. I’m proud of the way our region has pulled together and facilitated new opportunities, with many businesses going from strength to strength. We’re looking forward to 2022 when we hope to see even more of a return to the normality, that we all recognise.”

Nick Hogan, Chesterfield Escape Rooms

“After opening on 17th May 2021, we have had over 5000 players through our doors, and this has given me the confidence to expand the business and create a fourth room.  I am really excited about the new Chesterfield Games Quarter which will service all of the gaming needs of the town.”

Fiaz Sadiq, ActionCoach

“We’ve celebrated a number of successes in 2021, not least doubling our team members and clients. I have been really impressed with the resilience of the Chesterfield community and it wanting to help each other. I hope in 2022 that there is more financial support for local business and supporting wellbeing in the community.”

Joe Cattee, Director, Peak Pharmacy

“The challenges we’ve faced this last year have been extraordinary. We’ve had to adapt our pharmacies, depots and offices to ensure that they are as Covid compliant as possible, whilst juggling staff shortages due to positive tests results. Despite this we have managed to administer nearly 50,000 Covid jabs to date, as well as provide 48,000 flu vaccinations.

“Our staff have been fantastic during this whole process. Looking to 2022, we are looking to really invest in the area next year, relocating our sites into one depot. This will support our ambition to be as sustainable as possible and being as carbon neutral as possible over the next decade.”

Richard Fowler, Technical Sales and Account Manager, Ra Information Systems

“Having worked alongside our customers for over two decades we have seen technology play a pivotal role in enabling business success and continuity. We have worked closely with our customers throughout 2021, supporting them to adjust to changing demands. We were delighted that our proactive approach to product development was recognised when we won the Flexible Space Association award in Technology Innovation 2021.”

Chris Sellars, Managing Director, Bridge Help

“2021 saw Bridge Help undergo a rebrand, a recruitment drive and a move to larger premises which we have already outgrown. It’s been a year of sustained growth which is showing no signs of slowing down and which means we’ll shortly be moving to larger offices. It’s not just at Bridge Help where I see growth.

“Chesterfield has always had a resilient business community and I continue to be impressed at how businesses have adapted and evolved to both survive and thrive throughout Covid and Brexit. Bridge Help is very proud to be part of the community. The team and I are looking forward to working closely with more local businesses, sports clubs and charities in 2022. Exciting times are ahead.”

Tom Swallow, Development Manager, Bolsterstone Group PLC

“2021 has been a formative year for Chesterfield Waterside. Works continues apace on the Waterside Quarter with Avant Homes with excellent sales progress. Construction of the office block also continues to progress and we are now close to completion. Despite the challenges of Covid, I have been particularly impressed by the resilience of the contractors at Waterside and the continued progress of other exciting schemes across the borough.

“The amount of progress we are now seeing is testament to the investment confidence in the town, Chesterfield Borough Council and their forward-thinking vision. Our office at Waterside, One Waterside Place, will welcome its first tenants next year – that is an office party I am very much looking forward to!

Anna Melton, Director, In the Works PR

Anna Melton - In The Works PR

“The end of year COVID restrictions, while a disappointment, must not overshadow the successes of the town and its businesses. I am very fortunate to work with a number of businesses and projects in the town and I have been so impressed how, uncomplainingly, they have adapted quickly to the ever-changing COVID landscape throughout 2021.

“Their resilience, can-do attitude and forward-thinking makes me very proud to be part of the business community in Chesterfield and I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for 2022.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for everyone in our community, but I am deeply proud of the spirit and resilience that has shone through from Chesterfield people and businesses – pulling together to help one another.

“While the pandemic is not over yet, 2022 brings hope and our borough has a bright future. Our ambitious investment and regeneration projects mean we’re in a strong place to recover from the impact of the pandemic at a faster rate than many other towns. We will continue to work closely with the community to make sure Chesterfield remains a thriving borough.”

Peter Swallow, Chair, Destination Chesterfield

“2021 has been a year of change and adaptation which has seen the town’s drive, commitment and community spirit come to the fore. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient and forward thinking.

“New developments have come out of the ground and plans are in place for a further £1billion of developments across the borough. This will bring employment and opportunity to local people, not just in 2022 but far beyond that. Exciting times are ahead for Chesterfield – it is a town, and community, which I am proud to be part of.”

Hannah Bowdler, Junction Arts

“Junction Arts’ main aim for 2021 has been to bring our communities back together again. It has been a year of returning to face-to-face workshops and support within our communities helping people to feel confident and give them something to look forward to. A highlight has been bringing back one of our largest annual events back to the Chesterfield Canal: The Tapton Lock Festival.  And this year was our busiest yet! We were so proud this festival enabled people to reclaim the canal as a space to use and enjoy together at a local event.”

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services

 

“What a year it has been. Like all training providers we have juggled the ever-changing COVID regulations to ensure people can access the training they need to do their jobs properly and safely. It has also opened our eyes to a gap in training provision; older people in particular who find themselves out of work. Looking to 2022, NLT is drawing on its charitable roots and will be working with a number of grass roots charities and groups in the area to ensure that free training is available to help people get work-ready. The team and I are very excited by the prospect.”

Charlotte Watson, Interior Designer, SDE Group

“As always, SDE Group have continued to look at ways in which we can expand. Our latest highlight is the launch of SDE Electrical where we have responded to the continued growth in the electric vehicles market and introduced our EV Charging service. Our 3D Design team have grown due to the increase in demand for 3D design and visualisations, welcoming university graduates to develop their career within interior and industrial design. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2022!”

Rebecca Priest, JP Fire Safety

“As we come to the end of what was meant to be a more positive year, we count ourselves thankful that we have continued to see consistent growth. With an increased workforce and the lease signed on new offices on Beresford Way, 2022 looks set to be another successful year for JP Fire Safety Solutions. By continuing to adapt and develop different ways of working we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2022.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group

“The sheer determination and willingness of so many local people and organisations to support our students and apprentices to achieve has impressed me this year. I am forever grateful to teaching and support staff of the college for the work they do every day. I must also thank employers for creating so many work experience opportunities this year.

“We have excellent partnerships with employers who are as committed as we are to ensure they have a workforce for the future. I am looking forward to developing even stronger partnerships with employers and exploring more innovative ways to help businesses and individuals bounce back from the effects of the pandemic or take advantage of new opportunities it might have created.”

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants

“I think we all thought 2021 was going to be a breeze compared to 2020 but in many ways it’s been harder, with even greater uncertainties… Having said that 2021 has still seen huge strides being made by Northern Tea Merchants in our sustainability journey and is something we are really proud of.

“I am delighted to share that ALL our teabags are now made with fully biodegradable teabag paper, and we are working hard on our journey to become carbon neutral and as part of this, we are now planting a tree for every web order placed. We have exciting plans for 2022 which we know many of our tea and coffee devotees are going to really love.”

Theresa Goldsmith, Owner, The Goldsmith Clinic

 

“Another year amidst a global pandemic has been a whirlwind for sure! As a close contact business and a registered nurse practitioner, my main aim is to keep our patients safe and well and we have certainly been kept on our toes with the ever-changing COVID regulations. However, we have managed to grow exponentially in 2021 introducing ground-breaking treatments to The Goldsmith Clinic.

“We are finishing the year on a high by adding another two treatment rooms and taking on a full-time beauty therapist that will appeal to a new customer base for us. The entire team are very much looking forward to 2022 and sharing our passion for skin health with the good people of Chesterfield.”

Neil Johnson, Managing Director, DBCP

“It has been so encouraging to see development projects progressing in 2021 despite COVID restrictions, not only in Chesterfield but throughout Derbyshire bringing real benefits to the local economy. The team at DBCP has been phenomenally busy all year prompting the creation of a number of new jobs.

“And there are no signs of slowing down in 2022, which is a direct reflection of the town’s resilience and can-do approach. Planning for the future demands of DBCP, building control and the town, next year will see us recruit two degree apprentices. The prospect of developing the career of school leavers here in the town is something the team and I are very much looking forward to. Chesterfield really is a town of opportunity.”

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director, Edwards Employment Solutions

“2021 has been another colossal year for many industries and people and, it seems, is not going to end quietly. Despite the pandemic, we have experienced two busy and successful years, helping many key worker industries to find the staff they need. We are also ending the year on a high, having just recruited three new team members – an apprentice and two people via the Kickstart scheme.

“We are committed to giving them the help and support they need to really enjoy and succeed in the industry during the programmes, but more than that, helping them to progress here at Edwards. We are really looking forward to 2022 and helping many more local businesses and people find the staff and jobs they need.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Hot Tub Award Success for Superior Wellness

Chesterfield based Superior Wellness were successful in winning four awards at the prestigious UK Pool and Spa awards, held on 13 December 2021 in Birmingham.

The first accolade was for International Team of the Year – the team has doubled in size in the last 12 months and between them can speak six different languages. International sales account for 13% of total sales vs 3% the prior year highlighting the sheer success and growth. The team are focusing on further expansion in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The After Sales and Logistics team have also created new roles to support international customers including a French speaking customer service advisor.

The second award was for Best Marketing Initiative – awarded for the Channel 5 documentary ‘Hot Tub Brits – More Bubbles Please!’ which featured Superior Wellness. The marketing team also received a Gold Award for the Superior Wellness rebrand, the 10-year anniversary campaign and the partnership with Fibromyalgia Action UK. Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “The team have transformed the marketing during the last 12 months and continue to take it to the next level. I am very proud of what we have achieved so far and excited about 2022.”

The third award was for Spa Supplier of the Year; over the past year the partner network has grown to over 200 partners. Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “It has been an incredible year for our business and industry as a whole and we are delighted that our efforts and dedication has been recognised with this award win. A huge thank to all our partners and suppliers for their continued support.”

And last but certainly not least the evening ended with Rob Carlin, Managing Director winning the prestigious Special Achievement Award. The award marked the 10-year anniversary of Superior Wellness.

Rob Carlin said: “It has been an incredibly special year for Superior Wellness, which is why the Special Achievement Award is so fitting in this particular year. We moved into our new 130,000 sq ft head office and warehouse in March. The move coincided with the ten-year anniversary on 28 April; which was a huge milestone for the whole team.

“It is a great honour for us all to end the year with the award success, the team have been working hard all year and it’s great to see that all of their hard work has been recognised. I am extremely proud of the whole team.”

Superior Wellness also received a Gold Award for the following categories:
• UK Team of the Year
• Spa Product of the Year – Thermals Spas Hydro hot tub
• Spa Product of the Year – Platinum Spas Onyx 2021 hot tub
• Energy Efficiency Eco Award – Platinum Premium Shield
• Energy Efficiency Eco Award – Superior Wellness Head Office
• Above Ground Hot Tub Project of the Year – the Bowen Home Project

Showcasing the best examples of spa and home wellness design from across the country, the UK Pool & Spa Awards celebrated it eleventh anniversary with featured projects and products.

Winners across 30 categories were announced during the prestigious awards.

The entrants were awarded gold, silver or bronze standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted on-line votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.

More information on the awards, including a full list of winners, can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

The awards ceremony took place on Monday 13 December at the Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Plastic Free Festival to return for 2022

Chesterfield’s Plastic Free Festival, which debuted this year, has announced that it will be returning for 2022.

The festival will take place on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm on New Square marketplace and will feature special guests, Pride of Britain winners Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic, who have given numerous TED talks, picked up countless pieces of litter, and influenced businesses, schools and thousands of young people around the world.

Amy and Ella said: “Festivals are often associated with single use plastic but it’s great to see the Chesterfield’s Plastic Free festival leading the way. We are looking forward to speaking there and supporting the festival’s great work.”

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music and poetry performances. No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with attendees encouraged to bring their own bottles, cups and containers.

Applications are now open for businesses, community groups, performers and food and drink providers to have a presence at the festival, whilst businesses are being asked to consider sponsoring the event.

One business who has already stepped forward to sponsor, is Superior Wellness, winner of the Sustainability Award at the Love Chesterfield awards.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Plastic Free Festival in Chesterfield next year.  Sustainability is high on our agenda at Superior Wellness. Receiving the Sustainability Award demonstrates our commitment.”

Greg Hewitt, Chair of the Plastic Free Festival Organising Group, said: “We are really excited to bring back the Plastic Free Festival for 2022. This year’s event was a big success, despite the venue and date being moved, along with rain most of the day, many people turned out to discover local businesses reducing their single-use plastics, whilst enjoying superb musical performances.”

“We have more time to plan the event now to make it a really fantastic family fun day out, however in order for us to do this we require the funds to do so. Please consider supporting this superb event aimed at helping the Chesterfield community to reduce single-use plastics.”

Businesses wishing to sponsor or get involved with the festival should get in touch at theplasticfreefestival@gmail.com.

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

More than 100 new jobs on the way at Markham Vale

Sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa and home furnishings company Gallery Direct are the latest businesses to get keys to new premises at Derbyshire County Council’s and HBD’s flagship regeneration site, Markham Vale.

Founded in 1934, international paper-based packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa is set to create up to 20 new jobs with their expansion to another unit on the site where they have been based for 6 years.The eco-friendly company sources almost all their raw materials from their own paper mills and their products are 100% renewable and produced sustainably helping customers reduce their environmental footprint.The firm’s new base will be used for warehouse and distribution across the UK.

Mark Hawkins, General Manager at Smurfit Kappa said: “We moved into a new state of the art purpose-built site back in 2015 as one of the first occupants on the Markham Vale development.

“Since then the site has grown to a turnover of over £40 million and recruited over 65 people locally, due to the growth of the site and Smurfit Kappa’s own expansion in the UK we now require a purpose built distribution centre which the new building gives us, being perfectly located next to junction 29A of the M1.

“This new venture will create further jobs for the area and give people a great career opportunity working within Smurfit Kappa.”

Craig Handley, Customer Service and Logistics Director at Smurfit Kappa said: “With over 12,500 pallet spaces, the new Markham Vale North distribution facility will complement our existing production units in both Markham Vale and Chesterfield offering both excellent just in time customer deliveries.

“The unit is positioned ideally near the motorway access allowing the distribution of goods for our customers in the far north and south. We are undertaking an employment drive from within the local community for warehouse FLT drivers who will be using state of the art new VNA trucks.”

Established in 1973, family-run business, Gallery Direct is a leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories.

The company’s new northern base is set to create up to 90 new jobs and will be used for packing, warehousing, and a distribution hub with space to expand further for a new state-of-the-art showroom.

Peter Delaney, managing director at The Gallery Direct Group said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity.

“We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Gallery Direct to Markham Vale and see the expansion of Smurfit Kappa.

“Our central location makes Markham Vale an ideal distribution base for companies looking to cut their mileage and reduce their carbon footprint as well as meet needs of their clients more quickly.

“Smurfit Kappa’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with our own ambitions for attracting cleaner, greener growth.

“And we’re pleased that we’ve been able to come up with the goods for Gallery Direct which will soon be serving customers in the north of the country from Derbyshire instead of down south.

“The fact that between them they bring 110 new jobs is excellent news for the local economy too.”

Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments said:  “The rapid take-up of the Orion units is testament to the quality of the buildings developed and Markham Vale’s well-established reputation as premium business location.

“As a longstanding development partner of Derbyshire County Council, HBD are delighted to have delivered the units and we look forward to developing future ‘best in class’ accommodation for businesses and employees to thrive at Markham Vale.”

Both companies will be based in units owned by private sector property developers, Aver Property Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Ergo and NFU Mutual.

Leigh Burnett, asset manager, Ergo Real Estate said:  “Smurfit Kappa joins National Lighting who took occupation of Orion One in August and it is fantastic to have 2 such high calibre tenants taking these units. The Orion development is now fully let within 6 months of practical completion and is testament to the quality specification of the buildings and strategic location.”

Find out more about investing in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

NHS recruitment event to take place in Chesterfield in the new year

A recruitment event is set to take place in the new year, showcasing the opportunities available within the NHS across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Healthcare is a specialist provider of children’s, learning disability, substance misuse and mental health services – across community, inpatient and other settings. The Trust is actively looking to recruit Band 5 and 6 registered mental health and learning disability nurses, as well as occupational therapists.

To assist with this a series of recruitment events around the county are being planned, with the first one taking place from 10.00am-3.00pm on 15 January in Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium. There will be staff available to chat to about working for the Trust and the opportunities that are available. To make the recruitment process more effective and efficient, applications will be handled on the day, with interviews and conditional offers being made at the same time.

The Trust employs more than 2,800 staff providing services from several community and inpatient settings across the whole of Derbyshire. Across the county and the city, it serves a combined population of approximately one million people.  The Trust is looking for enthusiastic, talented and compassionate qualified staff to provide quality children’s, mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services to the people of Derbyshire.

The Trust is positive about making a difference to the people who use its services and we can offer a great career. It is also growing – with lots of local investment in services and new services being developed, offering lots of opportunities to colleagues.  There are also some innovative progression schemes, such as a Band 5 to Band 6 progression scheme for inpatient nurses.

The first in a series of recruitment events will take place on Saturday 15 January at the Technique Stadium in Chesterfield, focusing on opportunities in our acute and community mental health teams for nursing and occupational therapy colleagues.

If you are interest in attending the event, which will run from 10.00am – 3.00pm, you can register your interest by contacting the team at: DCHST.peopleresourceteam@nhs.net

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

West Studios marks landmark anniversary for tenant Junction Arts with Christmas giving tree

This year, to celebrate West Studios tenant and charity, Junction Arts 45th Anniversary, West Studios are hosting their first Christmas Giving Tree celebrating the work they have done across North East Derbyshire, Bolsover district and Chesterfield.

Junction Arts is a community arts charity embedded within communities facing social barriers such as poverty, poor mental health and isolation. They work across the community in care homes, schools, youth clubs and directly with families offering opportunities to be creative, learn new skills and create lasting and supportive friendships. Best known for their events Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade, the charity is also hosting Chesterfield’s first lantern parade on the 19th December.

West Studios is supporting Junction Arts campaign to raise £3000 this Christmas to go towards new projects and events to celebrate what matters most to communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator, West Studios said: “Junction Arts are a fantastic organisation that uses the arts to bring communities together and help our most isolated and vulnerable. Their values align closely with those of West Studios which is why our community believes it’s so important to give them support, especially at Christmas when those isolated and vulnerable individuals are at more risk.”

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Through the generous support of individuals, local businesses and our incredible volunteers, Junction Arts has been able to carry our aim of bringing our communities back together safely and confidently in 2021! The support of the West Studios Giving Tree signifies our plans to continue vital creative activities which empower lives and create strong and supportive friendships within our communities.”

To support Junction Arts, West Studios is welcoming people to visit the Gallery Shop reception to see the tree, donate and find out more about the charity.  You can also donate directly through Junction Arts online giving page:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/18702#!/DonationDetails

Donations will support local creative workshops giving isolated and vulnerable older people the chance to reconnect with their community; help the charity to create events that give young families the space and time to make magical memories together; and offer opportunities for young people to learn new skills, building their confidence to reach new heights.

West Studios and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

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