Celebrate Chesterfield

New Chesterfield care home includes luxurious cinema, hair salon, tea room and bar

A brand-new care home in Chesterfield will provide its residents with a number of luxurious facilities, after being officially opened earlier this month.

Belvedere House is a brand new purpose-built residential care home based in the heart of Chesterfield, situated on St Augustine’s Road. It was officially unveiled in a grand opening attended by the mayor of Chesterfield, Cllr Glenys Falconer on Saturday, 19th March.

The facility built by Crown Care Group will provide luxurious living accommodation, with 64 bedrooms as well as a range of facilities for residents to enjoy including a cinema, tea room, bar/ brasserie, garden room, hair salon and extensive landscaped gardens.

The home will generate up to 50 jobs within the local area when it is at maximum capacity.

Claire Adsetts, Customer Relations Manager for Crown Care Group said: “We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to provide the very best care within a luxury setting, the whole team are keen to provide a professional service while also creating a home from home feel for our residents.

“We are extremely proud of the home and feel you really need to see it to believe the five star hotel feel that has been created. We are currently open to viewings and look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community.”

Claire added that providing quality care for people in the town is of great importance: “The care sector is an integral part health and social care, ensuring choice and the right care are available to all. Providing a brand new home with up to date luxury facilities will offer a choice to people who are looking for a care home but feel they have yet to find a home that provides luxury accommodation at an affordable price.

“Our initial team have now been recruited but we are keen to accept applications across all roles within the home for our next phase of recruitment.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

£5 million restoration confirmed for Chesterfield Canal as part of Staveley Town Deal

The Chesterfield Canal Trust says it is delighted to have been awarded £5.3 million from the Staveley Town Deal Fund.

The funding means that over the next three years, the canal will be extended by half a mile from Hartington Harbour onto the Staveley Puddlebank which runs across the Doe Lea valley.

There will also be two miles of multi-use towpath all the way to Renishaw. There will be a new lock and two new bridges, and a siphon pipe to take the water from Staveley Waterside (the new name for Staveley Town Basin) to the new canal section. In addition, full designs will be prepared for further work.

Peter Hardy, Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “Our scheme will bring enormous benefits to the residents of Staveley and surrounding areas with the extension of the canal from Staveley Waterside almost to the river Doe Lea. Together with the other projects awarded money from the Towns Fund, it will enhance the environment, health and wellbeing of all who live in the area.

“It will be the catalyst for the Chesterfield Canal Trust to complete the restoration of the canal.

“We are indebted to the local company Suon Ltd. which has donated the clay to be used in this project; without this generosity the scheme would not have been possible.”

The Trust further hopes to complete the canal restoration through to Renishaw. This will include the spectacular Doe Lea aqueduct, planned to be 37 metres long and 10 metres above river level.

The Trust’s volunteer Work Party has already started its Rewatering Renishaw project which will bring another half-mile of canal back to life. The aim is to join the two projects together finishing up with an extra 2½ miles of canal in the next few years.

For the next few months, the Trust’s Project Team, led by Mark Potter, will be making detailed preparations, preparing tender documents, appointing staff, and awarding contracts.

The first actual construction work will be the new Trans-Pennine Trail bridge, just east of the existing Eckington Road Bridge. This is scheduled to start early next year. The main earth moving to rebuild the Puddlebank will not start until 2024.

The Trust appointed George Rogers as its Development Manager just under three years ago. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to get the restoration to this point. Upon hearing the news of the award his reaction was “Now the hard work starts!”

The Trust has expressed its gratitude for all the support that it has received from Chesterfield Borough Council, the Staveley Town Deal Board, Derbyshire County Council, Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP, countless councillors and, perhaps most importantly, its membership and the local people in whose hearts the canal holds a very special place.

Chesterfield Canal Trust and Suon Ltd. support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Peak Edge Hotel receives go-ahead for hotel expansion and luxury spa

Derbyshire’s premium, four-star Peak Edge Hotel, has just been granted planning permission to expand the existing hotel and build a luxury spa.

The application for planning was approved on March 22nd, which will see an additional 27 bedrooms, in addition to a large spa facility featuring a range of experiences including a heated, indoor-outdoor hydro pool, sauna, steam rooms, several treatment rooms, and its own dedicated café bar.

The development follows huge efforts over the last 18 months to renovate and expand the hotel and adjoining 2 AA rosette awarded restaurant, Red Lion. Works already completed include an expansion of the existing Orangery Suite into the new Oak Room; additional restoration works to the property’s second function suite, The Walton; an expansion of the Red Lion restaurant and additional back of house and office space.

Owner Steve Perez said: “This is the exciting next phase in building a stunning destination for visitors to Derbyshire and for the local community. The extended hotel and luxury spa facility will be built to blend into the existing countryside and will be designed to the most exacting standards. We’re hoping to build a hotel and spa that exceeds expectations of all our guests, present and future”.

With planning permission now approved, updates on the plans, designs, and timings will be shared throughout the process.  Building work is likely to start in late Autumn, ideally in October, with completion expected by November 2023.

To find out more about Peak Edge Hotel visit www.peakedgehotel.co.uk

Recently, the hotel was commended as the best wedding venue in Derbyshire, after scooping the accolade at the 2022 Hitched Wedding Awards.

The Peak Edge Hotel 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, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Council reveals plan to revitalise and regenerate Chesterfield town centre

Start-ups, consolidation and inward investment has resulted in 310 more businesses being established in Chesterfield post pandemic than prior to March 2020.

“We’ve come through the pandemic in pretty good shape and demand for commercial space has gone through the roof,” said Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council who was speaking at the town’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield event.

“However, the Levelling Up funding is important to getting our high street back to where we want it to be. We need to work together like never before post pandemic.” he added.

Chesterfield has received nearly £20 million of Levelling Up funding to transform Chesterfield Town Centre. The funding, which is being matched by £6 million of investment from Chesterfield Borough Council will underpin the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield improvement plan.

The delivery of the  improvement plan is expected to increase land value in the town centre by 16% and shop occupancy levels to more than 90%, resulting in increased spending which will support the creation of around 100 new jobs in the town centre.

“We’re immensely grateful for the Levelling Up funding. It will make a big difference to the town centre to support our growth ambitions.” said Dr Bowen.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield programme will see key spaces in the town centre regenerated and reimagined, including Market Place, New Square, Burlington Street and Packers Row, Corporation Street and the George Stephenson Memorial Hall.

The refurbishment and remodelling of the George Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together a theatre, cinema, bar, café and exhibition space in one asset to allow greater cultural inclusion and participation.

In addition to the creation of new outdoor dwelling and entertainment space, the town centre will have a new lighting strategy and greater data connectivity to enable digital way finding, smart street lighting, predictive maintenance, environmental monitoring.

Dr Bowen added: “We want to celebrate the town’s identity and spaces and seating for people and events in the public realm that will encourage people to stay and dwell longer and spend more in the town.”

Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield complements Chesterfield Borough Council’s Masterplan for Chesterfield Train Station. At the event it was revealed that construction on a new southern link road into Chesterfield Train Station will begin later this year as part of the council’s commitment to create ‘a sense of arrival’ in the town.

Construction of the new road follows the relocation of Jewson builders’ merchants to a new purpose-built site on Sheffield Road from its current position on Spa Lane next to Chesterfield Train Station. Demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel will also commence later this year.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “2022 is already proving to be a landmark year for Chesterfield with the construction of the Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place, both symbols throughout the pandemic that Chesterfield is always open and ready to do business.

“Alongside regeneration projects and new developments, Chesterfield Borough Council is invested in supporting the future of young people and local residents. We want better jobs and more jobs for local people. Our local labour clauses in contracts have created more than 800 local jobs in the last year alone with many of them being apprenticeships.

“We are fortunate to have both Chesterfield College and a University of Derby campus in the town centre which, together, are supporting more than 10,000 students and apprentices helping us have a skilled work force to attract further businesses to invest in the borough of Chesterfield.”

Now in its twelfth year, Celebrate Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The University of Derby and sponsored by Central Technology and Markham Vale. It is one of the most hotly anticipated business events in the area and this year welcomed around 250 delegates to the Winding Wheel.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, who led the event said: “Once again Celebrate was truly that – a celebration of all that is happening right now in Chesterfield and in the future. We continue to prove that we are a town punching above our weight and that reflects in the levels of funding we are attracting as well as the many new businesses that are choosing to make the town their home.”

As well as Dr Huw Bowen, speakers at the event included Professor Warren Manning – Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, Stephen Wenlock – Joint Growth Unit Manager, Chesterfield Borough Council and representatives from two town centre businesses, Emma Stevenson from M’s Gallery and Andy Jupp from Paperstarlights, who have benefitted from the Digital High Street initiative.

For further information about Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield

To learn more about the office space and investment opportunities in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield office campaign launched to capitalise on post Covid ‘flight to prime’ by businesses and investors

Chesterfield is set to capitalise on the ‘flight to prime’ trend by businesses looking for high quality office space in the aftermath of COVID-19, with the launch of a brand-new digital marketing campaign.

With 81% of UK businesses agreeing they need to implement a new workplace strategy, following the lockdown-induced Work From Home movement, Chesterfield’s new campaign aims to prove it has the space to suit office requirements in the town as well as offering a central location and excellent road and rail links.

Launched at the town’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on 23 March, the new office campaign aims to reach national businesses looking for regional satellite office space as well as local start-ups and established businesses looking to expand.

The campaign, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has been developed by Destination Chesterfield is partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Economic Partnership.

Chesterfield newest office developments, One Waterside Place and The Enterprise Centre both feature in the new campaign. Due to be completed later this year, they bring more than 100,000 sq ft of additional office space to Chesterfield’s offering.

The Government’s work from home advice was lifted on Thursday 27 January in England after being in place for nearly two years. With many organisations expected to adopt a work from home/office hybrid approach, demand has increased for flexible, modern large floor plate working space which is easily adaptable and has Covid measures in place.

Launching the campaign, which has been designed by digital agency Defeye Creative, Dom Stevens Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Progress on the new office developments continued throughout the pandemic and this has put Chesterfield in an excellent position to capitalise on the changing demands for office space post Covid.

“People have been exposed to new ways of working, prompting companies of all sizes and sectors to completely rethink their workplace needs. People now want more choice in how, when and where they work, and we can meet this demand in Chesterfield.”

“With the new office developments at Waterside, the Enterprise Centre and The Glass Yard, alongside existing office provision, Chesterfield can now cater for businesses at every stage of their life cycle – from incubation stage to maturity.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “Chesterfield is a fantastic option for businesses whether they are looking to start, relocate or grow. We have a strong community, a skilled workforce, fantastic transport connections and a bright future.  We’ve seen recently that the quality of life particularly for young families is unmatched and together all these factors show that Chesterfield is open for business. We are in an excellent position to recover from the pandemic and welcome new businesses and residents to our borough.”

To learn more about available office space in Chesterfield, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Flexible workspace that grows with your business.

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

Chesterfield announced as new home for Pinelog Ltd

A leading manufacturer of timber holiday lodges and buildings, Pinelog Ltd, is set to relocate its production facility from Bakewell to Chesterfield and create 30 new jobs.

Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, a family-owned business which also owns Landal Darwin Forest and Landal Sandybrook Holiday Parks and employs approximately 240 people, made the announcement at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held on Wednesday 23 March at the Winding Wheel.

Known as a pioneer in the holiday park sector, the move to Chesterfield marks the end of Pinelog’s 10-year ambition to modernise their premises. The company will make the move from Bakewell, where it has been based since 1974, to its new premises on Sheepbridge Works in May later this year.

The new 36,000sq ft industrial unit, formerly occupied by Vesuvius, will enable the company to bring its production process under one roof. The site also offers a central location, excellent road links and access to a skilled local labour force and supply chain network.

In addition to complete holiday lodges, components for the construction of timber Glulam framed commercial buildings designed and built by Pinelog, will also be manufactured at the new site.

Mr Grayson said: “Our refusal to compromise on our requirements for a new facility has meant it has been a long process, but it has paid off. All our requirements have been met at Chesterfield.

“The move to our new facility in Sheepbridge marks a new chapter in Pinelog’s story; one where we can modernise, invest in new technology and further improve the business to capitalise on the staycation boom and growth in sustainable construction.”

As part of the company’s exciting growth plans, Pinelog will develop partnerships with local skills providers, including Chesterfield College.

He added: “A number of our staff live in Chesterfield, as do I, so I know there is a good local labour pool we can draw on immediately to increase production capacity in the business. We have also got to look to our future workforce, so we will be investing in apprenticeships and skills and training through Chesterfield College.”

Mr Grayson’s announcement was welcomed by delegates at the business event, which was is organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The University of Derby and sponsored by CT and Markham Vale.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, welcomed Pinelog Ltd to Chesterfield saying: “The investment by Pinelog in the town is testament to Chesterfield’s strong offering for manufacturing businesses. We not only have excellent road and transport links, but we also have the premises, people and skills and good local supplier network. Our economic development team have worked closely with Pinelog to help support their move into the town. I am delighted that Chesterfield has been selected by Pinelog as the location to take the business to the next level and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them as they settle into their new business base here in Chesterfield.”

Now in its twelfth year, Celebrate Chesterfield is one of the most hotly anticipated business events in the area. This year, the sell-out event also hosted the Derbyshire Festival of Business Exhibition and attracted 250 delegates.

Dominic Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “Despite the challenges the pandemic has thrown at the town, Chesterfield has kept moving and the announcement by Pinelog Group at the conference was testament to that. We’re delighted that Pinelog chose Celebrate Chesterfield as the event to share its relocation news.”

In addition to Mr Grayson, speakers at the conference also included Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, Neil Johnson, Director of Economic Growth at Chesterfield Borough Council, and Professor Warren Manning, Provost Innovation and Research at the University of Derby.

To find out more about investing in Chesterfield, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/invest.

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

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care announces rebrand and new franchise model

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care, based in Chesterfield has undergone a major rebrand with a view to franchising the successful businesses to enable further growth.

The business has also annouced it’s first ever ‘Easter Doggy Fayre,’ which aims to bring together people and their pooches at the centre for a day of family fun.

Rose Cottage has been trading since 2017 now and is very well established with in the Chesterfield community. The business has also gained national recognition having been named ‘Kennel of the Year Award 2021’ by the Pet Industry Federation.

Now, Rose Cottage is tweaking its branding to focus more on ‘DogLand,’ which is the overall company name. This name and brand will be used as part of the new franchise model being implemented by the business.

The team has also announced the development of many more additional assets to DogLand, including an app to help with pain points in the dog industry and revolutionising care in the canine community. On top of that, the brand-new ‘Podcast Camper’ will be travelling up and down the UK talking to everyone with a story to tell about dogs.

Dawn Brown, Founder of Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care and DogLand commented: “We are very excited to announce that we have been working towards our overall goal of franchising for the last 3 years it’s been very much the goal since day one of starting this journey.

“We want to give other people the opportunity to work as we do by buying into our franchise model. The dream is very close to becoming a reality and we are excited to welcome new franchisees on board with our mission.

“I’m from Sheffield originally however after moving to Chesterfield and starting a business I found the local support invaluable to my success.  Nervous in the beginning that I was new to the area and new to the community, everyone was so friendly and soon jumped on board my mission and understood my vision.

“We support a number of local key workers with our services giving them the peace of mind that their fur babies are cared for to a high standard when they are at work.  Covid-19 was a very difficult time for small local businesses, however because of the loyalty of my customers in my community we withstood the pandemic and learnt a lot from what our clients wanted and expected and we came out the pandemic stronger than ever. Without the local support this would not be possible.”

On top of the new franchise, DogLand is inviting owners and their furry friends to an all-day Easter Doggy Fayre at the Chesterfield site, just off Piccadilly Road near Chesterfield Rail Station.

The event is set to take place on Saturday, 16th and Sunday, 17th April, with cash raised from the entry fee to be donated to a local charity working with dogs and animals.

Kids under 16 will be able to enter the event free, witu all people attending to be given a raffle ticket to be entered into a prize draw. 20 independent retailers will also be in attendance to showcase their products and services across the two day event.

A fun dog show will be judged by local judge Sue Smith (a cruft’s judge), she herself breeds British champion Pomeranians.

A viewing tour of rose cottage will also be provided on the day around lunch time to showcase the services provided by the business. Other features for people to enjoy at the fayre will include a photo station, kids activities, snacks and refreshments, and homemade goodies for the dogs.

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

rose cottage dogy day care

 

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Chesterfield’s SDE Group helps fellow local business move to new Markham Vale warehouse

Chesterfield’s SDE Group has helped to facilitate the move of a fellow business in the town to new premises at Markham Vale.

The company successfully refurbished the new home of BeaconMedaes in a ten week project that was delivered from ‘Concept to Completion’ across all areas of the SDE Group.

SDE Group were required to alter the racking layout from a VNA (very narrow aisle) to a standard aisle due to the change of their fork lift trucks, whilst also removing various areas of racking to clear space for a ‘goods in’ area. Timber decks were supplied and installed on beam levels as per the client’s requirements.

The company’s Installation Engineers relocated the multi-tier shelving system from BeaconMedaes’  previous site in Staveley to the new warehouse space. SDE Electrical were involved to alter the lighting to suit the new racking layout.

Interior joiners created an office space from the original store room by installing interior stud walls and were decorated to a high standard to create a brighter inviting working environment.

While the 3D Design team assisted in the design and layout of the new canteen and kitchen areas to create a comfortable breakout space for all workforces within the building.

A high level of Project Management was required to ensure all works were completed efficiently and on time to the highest standards. SDE Group provided numerous consultations with various people to ensure the project met all regulations in order for sign off.

Project Consultant, Luke Hemstock said: “On a whole I thought that the project ran very smoothly, this was down to good communication from the client and ourselves and if there was any issues that did arise, we made sure that these were sorted immediately to avoid any delays or financial implications.

“We were extremely pleased from the industrial racking move to the dilapidations and interior alterations, everything worked very well and met the clients’ requirements and timescales, the feedback from the client has been very positive. On larger projects such as this one, there are always snagging works making sure everything meets the client’s expectation, therefore we have made sure we have been there to support the client throughout the whole process, from concept to completion.

Luke also said it feels great to be collaborating with fellow businesses in Chesterfield: “In our line of work, we work with a wide variety of clients, from national PLC’s to small independent businesses. That is all well and good, but the most satisfying part for me personally is helping local businesses, a lot of which you know on a much more personal level due to the mutual connections with them. The journey you go on with them and the growth you can contribute to first hand is fantastic.”

Take a tour of the newly-refurbished warehouse by viewing a video on the SDE Group website.

SDE Group 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, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Custom Solar begins innovative project at Portsmouth International Port

Chesterfield-based Custom Solar has announced its latest major sustainable project at Portsmouth International Port.

The team has started to develop the installation of a ground-breaking solar and battery system at the port, managed by Portsmouth City Council’s in-house energy services team. The project began in February 2022 and will incorporate roof-mounted solar panels across a number of buildings, a large battery, and solar canopies.

When completed, the power produced by the 2,660 solar panels will contribute around 35% of the site’s power; a significant step in Portsmouth International Port’s ambition to be the UK’s first net-zero carbon port. The installation is due to complete in summer 2022.

Portsmouth is the first UK port to have solar canopies and a mega-watt sized battery installed as part of a renewable installation. When completed, the 1.2 megawatt peak system, will be the largest solar and battery installation to date across the council’s portfolio of renewable generation.

As well as generating carbon-free power, the solar canopies will provide shade for cars waiting to board ferries; allowing them to stay cooler for longer, without having to run their engines.

Image by Portsmouth International Port

The battery, with a capacity of 1.5 megawatt hours (enough to run a typical home for 4 months), will capture green power that would otherwise be exported from the site and using it in the port’s buildings when it is needed.

The new battery will work in tandem with an upcoming battery storage pilot announced in the summer; supplying balancing services to the national grid and storing power during lower pricing periods. When complete, it is estimated that 98% of the electricity consumed by the port will come from the solar and battery, combined.

Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Portsmouth City Council in the delivery of this special project, utilising our experience in developing and delivering solar at another established British port.

“We have already broken ground and we are excited to showcase a solar rooftop, solar carport canopy, and battery storage system. We are proud to have been selected to work towards the environmental ambitions of Portsmouth International Port and look forward to delivering another major on-site project in a busy operational environment that will aid in carbon reduction goals.”

Jerry Clarke, pilot and senior project manager at Portsmouth International Port added: “The port is owned by the people of Portsmouth, so we have a duty to control and reduce the impact of port operations on the local environment.

“We’re delighted to work with the wider council and Custom Solar on this exciting project. It will significantly expand our solar generating capability, and is part of an integrated approach that will help us to offer shore power for smaller ships, without having to take extra power from the local electricity grid.

“Combined with other sustainability initiatives, it will help us achieve our ambition of becoming one of the UK’s first zero emission ports by 2050”.

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

From L-R: Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar: Tony Denney, Site Manager for Custom Solar; Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Green Recovery, Cllr Kimberly Barrett; Owen Hughes, Project Manager at Portsmouth City Council’s Energy Services Team; Andrew Waggott; Energy Services Team Manager at Portsmouth City Council.

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Print Digital Media takes on new apprentice with help of local skills provider GBS Apprenticeships

Print Digital Media has added to it’s growing team by taking on a new apprentice after working with local skills and careers company, GBS Apprenticeships.

Jasmine Mowbray has been working at Print Digital Media for just over a month, and has already been involved in a number of marketing projects at the firm.

Jasmine explained how her first month working with the business has already given her a range of new skills and experience: “I have had a fantastic time in my first month at Print Digital Media. Working for a small company meant I got to meet everyone involved in the business really quickly and all my co-workers are supportive and always happy to help to help, if I’m ever in need of guidance.

“Everything happens in one building, so I have been able to see the full cycle of the service we provide, from design to proof and print. This has enabled me to become more knowledgeable about the business, which has helped a lot in my projects.

“Since starting my role, I have worked on a range of different marketing projects. I’m always doing something different everyday meaning that it never gets repetitive, and it also means I’m able to test and improve my abilities, resulting in a wider set of skills.

“I wish I had chosen this path sooner! It’s a really dynamic way of learning as you are gaining valuable industry experience whilst also obtaining a degree. If you are someone who’s looking to widen their knowledge but struggles with learning in a classroom and long hours of studying, an apprenticeship would be a better option for you!”

Richard Musgrove, Managing Director of Print Digital Media commented on how much of a benefit Jasmine has already had on the company: “It’s been a really difficult two years for many businesses, especially the hospitality sector but projects that have been on hold are now coming through. The investments we made last summer in new printing presses increased our capacity, dramatically speeding up our turnaround times, which has improved our service offering and enabled us to take on additional works.

“Young people are often criticised, a lot of which is unjust in my experience as the majority just need a platform to learn, develop and grow. At PDM we are very proud to be supporting the younger generation that are starting out, whether it’s work experience or apprenticeship programmes and if we can provide development opportunities, to help them personally or professionally that sets them on the right path, then brilliant. We might just be mentoring the next Ben Francis.”

Richard also praise GBS for enabling his company to find the right person for his business: “The whole GBS team were very supportive and the process was incredibly easy. GBS took a detailed brief of our requirements and really tried to understand our culture and how we work to find the best fit, ensuring the candidates would also fit in.

“What really struck me was how considerate and caring GBS were towards the candidates, as it’s a daunting experience coming out of sixth form or college into an interview process, but they were great.

Coral Guard, Marketing Manager at GBS Apprenticeships said: “Everything we do is for the benefit of both learner and employer. We want our employers to bring bright young minds into the business and give them the opportunity to thrive. Apprentices are able to gain brand new skills, while a business can help build on skill gaps and strengthen their business further. Seeing businesses grow and develop further through employing an apprentice is why we do what we do.

“We are always at hand to help a business get started with employing an apprentice. Just pick up the phone or drop us an email and we can have a chat about what your business needs. We help by evaluating what type of apprenticeship will benefit the business, handle all the advertisement and the recruitment process. There are many benefits of hiring an apprentice including:

  • Bridging the skills gap, particularly those within technology as this helps to move a business forward.
  • Having a fresh perspective. Apprentices may not have work experience but they can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas that can help a business grow. Young people tend to have strong technology skills and they can use this knowledge to build a competitive advantage.
  • The cost of an apprenticeship pays for itself. Within a few years, or even sooner, apprentices can improve a company’s bottom line by improving effectivity and boosting productivity.
  • It’s a cost effective way to train staff or hire new staff.
  • GBS are there to support you and your apprentice from start to finish. We want both apprentice and employer to work together to help build one another’s skills and business.

“Overall, apprenticeships are a great way to provide life changing opportunities to young people and a cost effective way for local businesses to develop their workforce and bridge those skill gaps.”

Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Print Digital Media and GBS Apprenticeships support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Outdoor performance space created at Springwell Community College

A new performance canopy has been built at Springwell Community College with funding provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

The new canopy is next to the performing arts block – providing space for summer concerts and productions to be held outside. It can also be used by students during the day as a covered social and dining space.

Ian Wingfield, headteacher at Springwell Community College, said: “The SCART (Springwell Community Arts) provision at Springwell has had a challenging time through the pandemic and this investment will help to reboot and enhance this highly regarded programme. The new performance space is a welcome addition to our college and creates new opportunities for students to develop their skills and build on stage experience.”

The performance canopy was constructed during half term and benches have been placed under the canopy to provide a sheltered social and dining space.

As part of the Town Deal process, accelerator funding worth £500,000 was granted by Government to deliver projects ahead of the full set of projects that form Staveley Town Deal.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The accelerator funding has really helped kickstart the Town Deal and demonstrates the broad ambitions of the Town Deal Board. The projects that have been supported through accelerator funding aim to improve the quality of life for local residents and ensure that Staveley is a place to start, to stay and to grow. I look forward to the summer when we can enjoy outdoor performances at Springwell Community College and I hope the community will turn out to support these performances too.”

Accelerator funding has also been used to create new play facilities on King George V Playing Field, upgrade CCTV in Staveley Town Centre, improve drainage on the Chantry Playing Fields and to undertake preparatory works for DRIIVe a rail innovation and training centre which will be built in Barrow Hill.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The accelerator projects are really just the first step in delivering the wider Town Deal, there will be lots of updates around the eleven key projects that form the Town Investment Plan over the next few months as well as the opportunity for residents to get involved.”

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

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