Celebrate Chesterfield

Global Brands announces warehouse expansion

14th December 2019

Global Brands are expanding their current warehouse at their national distribution centre situated in Clay Cross.

The current expansion work sees the first phase of a £7m scheme. The increase in capacity will see the warehouse grow from 120,000 sq. to 158,000 sq. feet, holding over 10,000 pallets. The continued success of VK, Hooch and Franklin & Sons has required the company to increase the size of the distribution centre.

The second phase plans see the company building a state-of-the-art canning line, and Global Brands project manufacturing over 50m cans within the first year, increasing to over 100m units by year two.

Chairman Steve Perez (below) explains, “This is the first phase of our expansion plans, we have had to increase our logistic capability due to the fantastic success of our core brands. Shake Baby Shake and All Shook Up grab and go canned cocktails are now available in most supermarkets and we are exporting to over 30 countries internationally.”

Steve added: “This is really exciting for the area, we will be employing an additional 40 staff on the line and within our distribution centre. Our brands are British made with 99% of the components made in the UK and exported worldwide.”

Over the past year the company has employed an additional 21 people, bringing new jobs to the Clay Cross community.

Click here to find out more about Global Brands.

Click here to find out more about basing your business in Chesterfield.

steve perez honorary degree

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Leading asbestos authority welcomes two new apprentices to the team

13th December 2019

Olivia Anderson and Alicia Higgins have joined UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) as apprentices.

Olivia (below right), from Chesterfield, is a former Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School student and is undertaking a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship with UKATA. In her work-based learning role she will be working in both the Brand Development department and Events & Marketing department, assisting in the management of UKATA’s social media channels and wider marketing activities.

Olivia explained: “I really enjoy creative thinking – coming up with a solution that’s a little more out of the box. I’m of a generation that has grown up with fast-growing technology and social media, so marketing is something that I’ve always been exposed to. It made perfect sense to combine these things and go for the apprentice position with UKATA.”

She added: “All of the staff have been lovely – I immediately felt comfortable with the team and my days are flying by. I’ve been made to feel so welcome and couldn’t really ask for more. I’m really excited to learn and grow with the organisation.”

Alicia (below left), also from Chesterfield, is a former Netherthorpe School student. She is undertaking a Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship. Within her new role as a Membership Assistant at UKATA, Alicia will be supporting the membership department in liaising with and supporting UKATA’s members and associates nationwide.

Alicia commented: “UKATA’s objectives are so important and incredibly interesting, I’m really glad to have been able to secure a role with the organisation and embark on my goal to undertake a Business Admin apprenticeship. I love how much there is to learn at UKATA – I’m never bored!”

She added: “Everybody at UKATA is very friendly and professional and I’m really enjoying it. The professional environment is great to be in and the personal development involved with the apprenticeship is exactly what I’d hoped for.”

UKATA’s Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans (right) welcomed Olivia and Alicia to the UKATA team and their new roles, saying: “We are passionate about apprenticeships and using them to develop people. I started my career as an apprentice, so I understand first-hand the very real benefits they bring to both a business and to the people who choose to undertake them.

“Olivia and Alicia are a great fit for the UKATA team; we’re excited for their future with us.”

UKATA is one of a number of Apprentice Ambassador companies in Chesterfield that are committed to working together to promote apprenticeships in the town.

Click here to find out more about becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador.

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

Heathcotes appoints Group Managing Director

12th December 2019

Chesterfield care provider, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Brendan Kelly as Group Managing Director to provide nationwide strategic leadership.

Brendan was a Regional Director with a national charity prior to joining Heathcotes Group in 2009 as Regional Director for Heathcotes Northern. In his new role, Brendan will now oversee all regions with key responsibilities for the operational aspects of the organisation, including quality and compliance, learning and development and employee relations. Brendan has over 20 years’ experience in Health and Social care, primarily in adult mental health and learning disabilities, as well as a wealth of expertise in delivering, managing and developing services including crisis services, supported living and carer education.

David Harrison, CEO at Heathcotes Group, said: “It is fitting that, having reached his tenth anniversary with the company, Brendan is stepping up to this new role – he has been at the heart of Heathcotes’ success over the past decade. Brendan is someone who understands how the culture of an organisation is vital to the delivery of high quality care and he has led that culture at Heathcotes, making us one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist care providers. We now employ over 2,200 staff as a trusted partner to over 50 local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups. I know that Heathcotes’ continued success will be driven by Brendan’s strategic vision and passion for the work we do.”

Brendan said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to this position, with some exciting times ahead for Heathcotes. The company’s ethos remains the same as it was when I joined ten years ago – a commitment to providing a better quality of life and greater opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

He added: “We have achieved a great deal in recent years, including the development of a unique model of residential therapy for people with personality disorders, an award-winning apprenticeship programme which has become a benchmark for recruitment in the care sector and the successful introduction of a new independent supported living provision to complement our full-time residential care services. Heathcotes has the potential to achieve much more in the coming years and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”

At the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in February, Brendan spoke to delegates about the importance of embedding apprenticeship and skills initiatives into workforce development strategies to facilitate business growth. In March, Heathcotes Group joined the town’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, helping to increase local apprenticeship participation.

Heathcotes Group currently provides 72 specialist residential services supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, specialist children’s services, and a pioneering service model for people with personality disorders.

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference 2020.

Click here to find out more about becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador.

Heathcotes Group joined the town’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network following the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills conference, where Brendan Kelly was a key note speaker.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Go behind the scenes of Chatsworth at Christmas with a Channel Four TV Special

12th December 2019

Billed as must-see TV, watch the hour long ‘Christmas at Chatsworth House’ airing on Channel Four on Thursday 12 December at 9pm.

Chatsworth welcomed the national broadcaster to come and spend several weeks filming behind the scenes at the Derbyshire stately home as it pulls out all the stops to put on its annual festive season enjoyed by more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Taking a look behind the scenes of the historic Derbyshire house that provided the iconic backdrop for Pride and Prejudice, Christmas At Chatsworth House follows this unique British institution as it prepares for its most important weeks of the year and gets ready to open its doors to its Christmas visitors.

In just five days housekeepers, designers, gardeners and foresters transform Chatsworth with traditional and nostalgic Christmas displays. The house alone is decorated with over 30 Christmas trees, 60,000 baubles and a million fairy lights.

This year’s theme, A Land Far, Far Away, is a global experience with the grand rooms of the house dressed in homage to countries that have influenced generations of the Cavendish family. The Chatsworth team has delved into the collection to find a treasure trove of memorabilia from around the world. Morocco, India, Netherlands, Italy, China, Japan, and America all feature in what is described as ‘one of the most ambitious Christmas seasons staged by Chatsworth’.

ITN Production’s Executive Producer, Will Smith, said: “Viewers will be amazed at the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to transform Chatsworth House at Christmas and make it such a magical and enchanting time for visitors. This one-off documentary will provide a compelling insight into the sheer scale of getting the house ready so that guests can participate in the festive fun and have a Christmas to remember.”

Chatsworth’s Head of Visitor Experience, Sally Ambrose, said: “Christmas at Chatsworth has become one of the biggest events of the year for the estate, so we were delighted to welcome a national broadcaster to come and have a peek behind the scenes and feature some of our wonderful staff who make this such a special experience for thousands of visitors each year.”

Chatsworth Christmas runs up until 5 January 2020. Tickets for House and Garden are priced at £25 per adult and £15 per child (aged between 3-16). Family tickets are also available.

Click here to find out more about Christmas at Chatsworth House.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

55,000 sq ft industrial building now available at Markham Vale

12th December 2019

The brand new 55,000 sq. ft. industrial building at Markham Vale, aptly named MV55, is now available for immediate occupation.

MV55 provides a gross internal warehouse area of 52,500 sq. ft. with a further 2,500 sq. ft. office accommodation at 1st floor level with an option to expand below. With a 10 metre internal height, a 40 metre yard depth, 2 dock level loading doors and 4 level access loading doors, the building provides excellent opportunities for a range of industrial and logistics uses.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre business park with direct access to the M1 motorway via a dedicated junction, J29a. This prime development site offers build-to-suit units from 2,500 up to 300,000 sq. ft. for industrial, warehouse, hotel, office or retail builds.

It has also been announced that HGV repair and maintenance company Transcare 28 Ltd are the latest business to select Markham Vale as a place to meet their growing business needs.

2018 saw 1,600 jobs maintained at the development, along with 164,500 sq. ft. secured of new commercial space for three global businesses; Protec International, Sterigenics and Grangers International.

For a copy of the MV55 brochure or to find out more about relocating to Markham Vale, please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home

Pioneering Empty Property Scheme extended for North Derbsyhire

11th December 2019

A pioneering scheme set to bring dozens of empty homes across North East Derbyshire back into use, has been extended.

In January 2019, North East Derbyshire District Council became the first council in the country to take part in the Empty Property Scheme in partnership with energy company E.ON. The council was approached by E.ON, due to their commitment in tackling empty properties.

Originally set to pilot for one year, the scheme has now been extended for a further 12 months, due its success in reducing the number of empty properties in the District.

Cllr Richard Welton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The scheme is an excellent example of how the public and private sector can work together, at a time when it is vital for local authorities to maximise their income, to continue to provide essential public services.”

“NEDDC is taking the lead in developing innovative solutions to empty properties which are a blight on the local community. These homes also provide much needed housing for our residents.”

Since the scheme launched, 25 long term empty properties have been – or are in the process of – being brought back into use.

There are approximately 400 empty properties in the District at any one time and at a time where there is a shortage of housing, the Council is keen to help owners bring them back into use.

Nigel Dewbery, Director of Energy Efficiency at E.ON, said: “We’re really pleased to have extended the scheme for another twelve months and to be able to continue to work together with North East Derbyshire District Council to tackle the problem of empty properties.”

Services offered as part of the scheme include:

Free one-to-one support and advice.
A free property survey carried out by a professional from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Property cleaning and clearance.
Probate services.
Free EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
Flexible payment terms with no interest or charges.
Fully project managed renovation.
Discounted estate and letting agent rates.

The initiative has received widespread praise from a number of organisations, including other local authorities and the Empty Homes Network, who invited the Council and E.ON to talk at their National Empty Property Conference about the scheme.

If you own an empty property and would like to see if you are eligible to benefit from the scheme, please contact Thomas Evans on 01246 231111 or email Thomas.evans@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home

Successful business innovation project receives £1.8m funding boost

10th December 2019

A successful project set up to support businesses across the region to innovate through collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, has received £1.8m in further funding.

The Sheffield Innovation Programme was set up in 2016 to support SMEs from across the region to access academic expertise, facilities and resources at both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield to stimulate innovation to deliver new products and services.

The programme is jointly funded by both universities, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). The new phase of the project also includes the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, and enables the project to continue for a further 3 years until 2022.

The programme is free for businesses to use and since it began, more than 200 academics from both universities have worked with more than 300 companies from across the region. This has helped businesses in the region to engage in more than £1.2million worth of collaborative projects through Innovate UK programmes.

Professor Roger Eccleston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re delighted the project has received further funding which highlights the impact it is having for businesses in the region and the wider economy.”

“Many of the collaborations have resulted in lasting professional relationships and, more importantly, market success for the businesses we’ve worked with, contributing to the economic growth of the region as a whole.”

“Thanks to input from our academics and their research, a number of businesses have been able to find solutions to real-life business problems and bring new products to market.”

As part of the programme, the universities have provided businesses with academic support for projects, workshop-based innovation guidance, student interns and their world-class facilities.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-President for Research at the University of Sheffield, said: “We’re delighted that this successful programme, which has such a profound impact on businesses and economic growth in our region, will continue for another three years.”

“This scheme is a fantastic way for regional businesses to access our world-leading facilities and academic expertise to drive innovation and find solutions to the challenges they face.”

“At the University of Sheffield, we have a deeply ingrained connection to our region and a sense of pride in our civic values. Contributing to the growth and regeneration of the Sheffield City Region is a key part of our founding mission and ongoing strategy today.”

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s inspiring to see our region once again leading the way with cutting-edge university and industry collaborations. I’m proud that the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is able to support this important programme, with more than £200,000 in match funding and an active role in selecting two new specialist innovation advisors to work on the project.”

“Collaborations between our two leading universities and our innovative and forward-thinking businesses leads to exciting new developments and enables companies to bring new products to the market, further strengthening the economy and boosting supply-chains.”

Working closely with the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and other key partners, Sheffield Innovation Programme provides research and innovation to support regional businesses whilst attracting new inward investment.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Celebrating 2019 as a year of progress for Chesterfield

9th December 2019

My last blog of this year and of the decade! As the end of 2019 moves ever nearer, I think it’s important that we look back at the progress we’ve made as a town this year, as well as looking ahead to the future we’re creating.

Chesterfield has truly had a transformational year and decade. Developments in the area have made huge progress, with some passing major milestones and others being completed, like the successful opening of both the Premier Inn in the former Co-Op building and the new Saltergate Car Park which together have spearheaded the Northern Gateway development.

The plans for Northern Gateway include an enterprise centre for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

The former site of the old Queens Park Sports Centre has also been revitalised with the addition of some much needed 3G pitches which are hugely popular with the many grassroots football teams in the area.

As well as construction, it’s been a big year for retail both nationally and in Chesterfield. Although the high street economy as a whole is under threat from the internet it doesn’t have to be the case. I believe that the high street and online can work together and be equally successful in their own space. ALTERIS, the new owners of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, have proven this.

They are using Facebook to engage with shoppers and drive the redevelopment of the Vicar Lane area. They have asked shoppers what ‘offer’ they want and are responding accordingly and reaping the rewards via the resulting increased footfall. Pop-up shops, free classes, movie screenings and more at Vicar Lane have helped to bring people into the town centre helping Chesterfield’s high street performance remain above the national average.

We can all play a part in Chesterfield’s future retail success– Vote with your feet by shopping local; it really does make a difference.

The launch of the big screen at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre took place on Friday 6th December.

The public / private sector partnerships in Chesterfield are as strong as ever. Its effect is felt in every area of the borough from major developments like Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside through to spectacular events like the Christmas lights switch on and regular themed markets.

This collaboration is key to Chesterfield, and its people and businesses continuing to thrive. It also gives us an excellent excuse to celebrate our success with the annual Retail Awards and Food & Drink Awards. More importantly for me, these events recognise young talent – and having met the young chefs, Chesterfield College students and apprentices at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, I can confirm that the town has a wealth of it.

I feel confident as we go into 2020 and a new decade that Chesterfield’s future is bright and is in safe hands.

Best wishes for the New Year!

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

CT strengthens executive team with Commercial Director appointment

6th December 2019

Rob Longden has been promoted to Commercial Director at CT to support the company’s drive for further growth and success.

After joining CT over two years ago, Rob previously held the post of Head of Operations and has led an operational transformation to drive greater efficiencies within the service desk, providing significant benefits to both customers and the team. This, coupled with more than 25 years of operational leadership and significant experience within the Managed Services area made Rob a very natural choice to take a key role in the business and become CT’s Commercial Director.

Rob said, “I was delighted to accept the promotion and be part of a company that has such a unique approach to helping organisations achieve their business goals. I am looking forward to the challenge of the new role and using skills I have adopted throughout my career to build great teams and grow the business.”

Ian Snow, MD at CT, Said “Rob’s new appointment is a great step forwards for the business as we strengthen the board and continue to invest in our growing business. Rob has an impressive wealth of experience and enthusiasm and an ability to grow and build outstanding teams of people. Rob will now be leading both the operational and account management teams to enable coherent working from customer management through to service delivery.”

Under his new title, Rob’s key objective will be to ensure that the commercial models throughout the business deliver a growth strategy in line with the strategic business plan.

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

Vicar Lane wins national award for digital innovation

5th December 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, last night (4th December), won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards.

The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has beat big names in the retail sector to the award including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of their approach to technology and customers.

The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.

The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.

The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.

David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”

Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.

Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.

The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.

The shopping centre continues to be re-imagined and a new big screen and public square officially open in Chesterfield on Friday 6th December.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones demonstrates commitment to staff with dedicated Performance and Wellbeing Coach

4th December 2019

Banner Jones Solicitors has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its growing team with the appointment of a Performance and Wellbeing Coach.

Working closely with the firm’s HR department, experienced counsellor and psychotherapist Katie Newton is the latest in a string of senior personnel to join the award-winning law firm where she will provide tailored one-to-one sessions to staff across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Lisa Gill, Human Resources Manager at Banner Jones, said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is the upmost of importance, and Kate’s appointment is indicative of our ongoing commitment to this.”

“As the business continues to grow and expand, we are determined not to lose sight of the needs of those individuals who make our success a reality.”

“We pride ourselves on our open-door policy and are as committed as ever to putting our staff, as well as our customers, at the heart of every decision we make and in doing so provide a positive workspace for everyone.”

Katie Newton said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Banner Jones team and working alongside the HR team to ensure that the staff have as much support with regards their own health and wellbeing, as they do their professional development.

“My focus will very much be on contributing to, and bolstering, what is already a productive and happy workplace by ensuring that everyone has a voice in the way that the business operates – from its policies on working hours and flexible working, as well as devising wider, dedicated Health and Wellbeing Programmes across the firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home