Celebrate Chesterfield

D2N2 appeals to businesses for Personal Protective Equipment

D2N2 is putting its support behind the PPE4NHS campaign and is asking businesses across the region to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the fight against Coronavirus.

In addition to widely reported shortages of PPE within the NHS, the Care and Charity sectors are also finding it difficult to source adequate items of PPE in order to safeguard vulnerable members of society.

Amongst the items in demand are:

  • Any fluid-resistant surgical masks including although not exclusively FFP2 or FFP3 (the rating is marked on each mask)
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Visors or goggles
  • Disposable aprons or overalls
  • Sanitising Gel
  • Overshoes

D2N2 Chief Executive Sajeeda Rose said: “We fully understand the efforts government are making to ensure PPE is available for all who need it, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the care system that are vital to shielding our most vulnerable citizens and preventing further strain on the front line by keeping people safe.”

“It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use to support our social care workers, care workers and other front-line employees.”

“If businesses are able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus, please get in touch.”

PPE4NHS

The campaign for PPE donations is the brainchild of Martin Rigley MBE, Chair of Discover Ashfield, and a D2N2 Enterprise Adviser with Portland Training College in Mansfield. Rigley has also been Managing Director of Sutton-in-Ashfield based, Lindhurst Engineering for the past 25 years.

Rigley said: “Having worked in engineering and manufacturing for nearly 40 years, I know there will now be cupboards and storerooms in manufacturing, engineering, construction and science-based businesses, full of brand-new PPE.”

“Our Health and Care workers desperately need this PPE and, as a business community, we have a duty to get it to them, if possible, without putting people at risk.”

Originally set up to cover the Mansfield and Ashfield area, the scheme is now being rolled out region-wide with the support of D2N2.

PPE Donations

Businesses interested in donating should visit the D2N2 PPE4NHS webpage.

To make the donation process as quick as possible, emails should include PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number. Businesses will be asked some questions about the type of support that can be provided and will be contacted as soon as possible if the support is needed.

Businesses can also interact with the scheme on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin via the @PPE4NHS accounts.

Click here to visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Businesses unite to support health and social care workers across Chesterfield and Derbyshire

Four local businesses have teamed up to manufacture and deliver free protective visors to health and social care workers.

Production has begun by Inkersall manufacturer, Hutchinson’s PVC Solutions Ltd.

An additional assembly line has also been created at One to One Support Services in Hasland.  With the support of the training academy’s office workers and tutors, it is hoped that 1,000 units will have been completed and delivered by the end of the week.

Melanie Ulyatt, MD of One to One Support services comments: “It is paramount that we all work together.  Keeping people safe in the community and keeping our essential workers as safe as possible is key to saving lives during this crisis.

“I am keen to promote this widely to ensure these reach those front line people that need it urgently”.

Local firms, Peak 4×4 Response and Autosupplies Chesterfield Limited are two of the businesses, which have volunteered to deliver the visors to local health and social workers.

A collection option is also available to those who are able to do so safely, following current Government guidelines.

Heath and social care providers in need of visors can register their interest at https://form.jotform.com/200912491635049

Hutchinson’s PVC Solutions Ltd has so far utilised materials usually designated for its PVC industrial and personal use products.  Businesses that are able to donate materials (ideally Clearplas PVC 50 and 1’ self-adhesive hook and loop Velcro) are urged to contact the Visor Distribution Chesterfield team via Facebook.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home

Two local magazines combine

Two Chesterfield publications have united to continue to serve their local communities during the Coronavirus crisis.

A combined April 2020 edition of ‘Twist’ and ‘Wings’ is published this week, but you can read it online here.

Heron Publications produce both titles – ‘Twist’ in Chesterfield and ‘Wings’ in Wingerworth, Tupton, Ashover and Clay Cross. The company has temporarily closed its office, but has managed to put together a 36-page ‘emergency edition’ to serve its readership.

Said editor Mike Firth: “We were encouraged when a good number of local businesses told us they wanted to continue to get their messages across to local people through advertising in our publications, so we combined our two Chesterfield titles for ease of production.

“Along with important public information, this magazine also contains plenty to entertain – and even amuse – our readers.

“We have tips for activities people can to take up at home, a tale about previous school closures, a feature detailing how local folk can enrol to become life-savers, an update on Chesterfield Canal progress… and readers can learn why a former local headmistress used to remove her teeth in class!”

To read this special edition of Twist / Wings, click here.

Last year, Twist Magazine delivered the 100th edition of Twist. Heron Publications are also responsible for Active8, delivered in south Sheffield, and the Dronfield Eye.

Click here to find out more about Twist Magazine

Click here to view the online publication

Click the image above to view the online publication

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield manufacturer offers factory, staff and resources in response to national COVID-19 effort

A Chesterfield manufacturer is offering its factory, people and resources to the national effort to fight the killer virus.

The company, Blachford UK, which manufactures vehicle soundproofing materials for clients in both the UK and Europe, including JCB and CASE, employs more than 100 people at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield.

Production at the factory has ceased in response to the global pandemic. However, appeals from the government to manufacturers to assist with the UK effort has prompted Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK to offer the services of the company’s factory and staff.

He said: “We have a large production facility and a skilled workforce, including engineers, machinists and designers, that can all be utilised to manufacture goods and equipment that are critical to the NHS.

“If there are any companies out there, particularly those making PPE for NHS workers, we have staff and equipment at Blachford and we’d all like to help.”

The company has set up a dedicated email address during the crisis, to ensure that requests for help are answered immediately.

Jason added: “The company view is that we are all in this together and our staff want to help wherever they can to help the nation get fit and well and back to business. Blachford is a family and I am immensely proud of every member of staff for their support, not only for the company but the national effort to fight Coronavirus.”

Jason praised the government’s response to a national shutdown, saying: “The national shutdown I believe puts UK manufacturers in a strong position to recover business faster than many other countries. There is no doubt that UK manufacturing will face financial hardship over the coming months but, due to the nation’s collective shutdown, I believe the sector will recover and be in an excellent position in a couple of years.”

Companies involved in producing essential supplies during the COVID-19 and would like to talk to Blachford should email NHSsupport@blachforduk.com

Jason Lippitt – MD of Blachford UK

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

Coronavirus outbreak: Support for Chesterfield businesses

In response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Chesterfield Borough Council is actively implementing a number of Government backed financial measures to help support local businesses.

The council has already identified local businesses that may be eligible to access small business grants and business rate relief and has contacted these businesses directly.

However, not all businesses will be eligible for the small business grants and business rate relief schemes. Chesterfield Borough Council therefore want to ensure that these Chesterfield-based businesses are aware of other support schemes and advice which may be available to them during this challenging time.

Further information and links to Government schemes is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Chesterfield Borough Council and our partner agencies are working hard to ensure that Chesterfield businesses can access the very best support and advice during these difficult times. I would urge all local businesses to keep up to date via our website and take the opportunity to discuss any specific concerns they might have with the council’s staff or those of our partner agencies”.

The council has a business advisor who is available to talk through and offer advice to any Chesterfield based business as part of our D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub scheme. You can contact the business advisor or staff of the council’s Economic Development team via economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Businesses can also get support and advice from a number of partner agencies including East Midlands Chamber, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Derbyshire County Council and Destination Chesterfield. Contact information and links to relevant websites are available on the Chesterfield Borough Council website via the link above.

Click here to read the Destination Chesterfield Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

anzacs chesterfield

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

New contract secured by Polar Windows

Chesterfield company, Polar Windows, has secured a £124,000 contract to manufacture, supply and install over 400 windows and doors for a housing development at Long Duckmanton near Chesterfield.

The windows and doors on this contract are to be manufactured using their latest window and door profile on the market “Optima” all of which will be manufactured to the standard of Pas 24.

Known as The Pastures, the site in Duckmanton includes 33 new build homes including two, three- and four-bedroom houses and three-bedroom bungalows.

Adrian Bradley, Senior Contracts Manager at Polar Windows said “It is great to have started a new relationship with another established Local Developer and we are hoping to continue the partnership on to future developments.”

Based in Chesterfield for over 30 years, Polar Windows is a family run business that has always put their customers at the heart of everything they do. First Established in 1989 by Managing Director Alan Crowe, Polar Windows now Employs over 25 full time staff and is proud to be the only window manufacturer in Chesterfield. Over the years they have built up an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience within their industry and have developed into Chesterfield’s largest manufacturer and installer of UPVC windows, doors, conservatories and glazed extensions.

Click here to find out more about Polar Windows

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

Chesterfield Royal Charity appeals to residents to help ‘Protect Your NHS’

The Charity that aims to ‘gift outstanding’ care and wellbeing support to patients and staff of Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Royal Primary Care is asking local people to get behind its appeal to ‘Protect Your NHS’.

The Chesterfield Royal Charity (1052913) is looking for donations that will make a real difference at an unprecedented time of challenge. Like the rest of the NHS, the hospital and its primary care services are under pressure as part of the UK’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The aim of the ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal is two-fold and all donations will be used to:

  • Gift health and wellbeing experiences to staff
  • Gift enhanced care and facilities to patients

Ken Godber, the Chesterfield Royal Charity’s Director comments: “Right now it’s more important than ever to look after the people that could be looking after you and your family – either now or in the next few weeks and months. And it’s equally important to give a helping hand to people in hospital at a time when visiting is suspended for all but the most essential reasons.”

“We have never experienced such demand for NHS care and treatment. Our ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal is about protecting hardworking staff and vulnerable patients. The money you give will help to provide essential care packages, mental health and wellbeing support for all staff. If they are able to stay well, they’ll be able to stay at work to look after those who need anything from over the phone medical advice to critical care on a ward. It will also enhance patient care and experience. With visitors not able to come in, our Charity can help to make sure loved ones have everything they need to make their hospital stay a positive experience – even in these tricky times.”

With people across North Derbyshire communities already showing support for the hospital – the Charity’s ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal looks set for success.

You can donate NOW through Just Giving – and any amount will be appreciated www.justgiving.com/chesterfield-royalhospital.

If you would like to link up with the Charity please call 01246 513367 or email CRHFT.Fundraising@nhs.net.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

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

Heathcotes launches recruitment drive

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a nationwide recruitment drive to assist its frontline teams in meeting the challenge of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

With many sectors in lockdown and staff shortages likely as COVID-19 forces many people into isolation, the company is seeking around 200 Support Workers for residential care services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Heathcotes is now offering temporary and permanent positions at various locations in Northern England, the Midlands and London. No care sector experience is necessary as new staff will be benefit from comprehensive training.

Heathcotes Head of Recruitment, Colin Ramwell, said: “All of the UK’s frontline services will be feeling the strain in the coming months and providers of social care will be under immense pressure. Our work will be more important than ever in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Many people will be concerned about employment security and many jobs have already been lost, but we want them to know that Heathcotes need kind, compassionate staff to help us make a difference at services nationwide.  As essential key workers, our staff can continue to work whilst their children continue to attend school.

“We are able to offer flexible contracts for people who may need a short-term source of income before returning their previous role in sectors such hospitality, retail and leisure, but we always welcome applicants who are interested in starting a long-term career in care. We fund all training and invest in the professional development of our staff.”

To address safety issues posed by Coronavirus, Heathcotes has implemented enhanced risk assessments and infection control protocols for staff and service users throughout its 72 services. The company has been continuously monitoring official advice, responding accordingly and communicating the latest updates and government guidelines to all staff.  Non-essential visitors to services have been told to delay their visit until further notice whilst essential visitors have been asked to carry out a simple risk assessment on themselves prior to visiting, and to observe enhanced infection control protocols before and during their visit.

Click here to find out more about Heathcotes Group

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

Chancellor gives support to millions of self-employed individuals

Rishi Sunak has announced a new scheme to support the UK’s self-employed affected by the coronavirus outbreak:

  • direct cash grant of 80% of their profits, up to £2,500 per month
  • latest announcement in an unprecedented package of government support to protect businesses and individuals

Millions of self-employed individuals will receive direct cash grants though a ground-breaking UK-wide scheme to help them during the coronavirus outbreak, the Chancellor announced today.

In the latest step to protect individuals and businesses, Rishi Sunak has set out plans that will see the self-employed receive up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least 3 months.

Millions of people across the UK could benefit from the new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, with those eligible receiving a cash grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profit over the last three years. This covers 95% of people who receive the majority of their income from self-employment.

This brings parity with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, announced by the Chancellor last week, where the Government committed to pay up to £2,500 each month in wages of employed workers who are furloughed during the outbreak.

Cleaners, plumbers, electricians, musicians, hairdressers and many other self-employed people who are eligible for the new scheme will be able to apply directly to HMRC for the taxable grant, using a simple online form, with the cash being paid directly into people’s bank account.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Self-employed people are a crucial part of the UK’s workforce who’ve understandably been looking for reassurance and support during this national emergency.”

“The package for the self-employed I’ve outlined today is one of the most generous in the world that has been announced so far. It targets support to those who need help most, offering the self-employed the same level of support as those in work.”

“Together with support packages for businesses and for workers, I am confident we now have the measures in place to ensure we can get through this emergency together.”

The scheme will be open to those with a trading profit of less than £50,000 in 2018-19 or an average trading profit of less than £50,000 from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

To qualify, more than half of their income in these periods must come from self-employment.

To minimise fraud, only those who are already in self-employment and meet the above conditions will be eligible to apply. HMRC will identify eligible taxpayers and contact them directly with guidance on how to apply.

The income support scheme, which is being designed by HMRC from scratch, will cover the three months to May. Grants will be paid in a single lump sum instalment covering all 3 months, and will start to be paid at the beginning of June.

Individuals should not contact HMRC now. HMRC will use existing information to check potential eligibility and invite applications once the scheme is operational.

Those who pay themselves a salary and dividends through their own company are not covered by the scheme but will be covered for their salary by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they are operating PAYE schemes.

The scheme has been designed after extensive engagement with stakeholders including the TUC, the Federation of Small Businesses and IPSE – The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.

Self-employed individuals are already benefitting from a series of measures announced by the Chancellor to boost household incomes and will be able to access these while the new scheme is being rolled out.

These include a strengthening of the welfare safety-net with a £7 billion boost to Universal Credit, income tax and VAT deferrals, £1 billion more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays.

Notes

  • further information and details of the scheme will be shared shortly by HMRC
  • HMRC will use the average trading profits from tax returns in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to determine the size of the grant
  • this scheme also applies to members of partnerships
  • before grant payments are made, the self-employed will still be able to access other available government support for those affected by coronavirus including more generous universal credit and business continuity loans where they have a business bank account

Chesterfield council houses homes building Brampton

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

Meet the Buyer Event Cancelled: But local companies can still benefit from Northern Gateway development

Local companies are being invited to get in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council to find out how to tender for work connected to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield.

The safety of residents, businesses and staff has been considered carefully following the latest government guidance relating to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the Meet the Buyer event that was due to take place at the Town Hall on Friday 27th March has been cancelled.

However, the construction of the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre on part of the Holywell Cross car park is still scheduled to commence in April and main contractors Robert Woodhead Limited remain very keen to speak to local companies to form part of their supply chain on this project and other local projects in their pipeline.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, as the planning authority, includes Local Labour Clauses within planning approvals for developments of this kind to ensure developers use local suppliers, have apprenticeships and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies, main contractors Robert Woodhead Limited are offering a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.  Opportunities include:

  • Brickwork
  • Plastering
  • Screeds
  • Joinery and kitchen fitting
  • Floor finishes
  • Fencing
  • Landscaping
  • Painting and decorating
  • Wall tiling
  • Mastic and sealants
  • Cleaners
  • Roof Tiling
  • Local Labour Recruitment Agencies

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, training, business and skills opportunities.”

“Robert Woodhead Limited has worked closely with the council to ensure that our Borough benefits as much as possible from the opportunities that building this new Enterprise Centre will bring.”

“Whilst it is disappointing that the event is not going ahead as planned, I am pleased that staff have worked hard to ensure a virtual alternative is in place. I would encourage all local businesses that deliver the trades and services specified to follow the link to our website below where businesses and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces. It is now more important than ever that we do all we can to support local businesses and this is an example of where we can make a difference.”

Dan Cove, Project Manager, Robert Woodhead Ltd said: “It is with regret that the meet the buyer event has been cancelled but we will undertake to respond to all enquiries remotely. As soon as we can, will look to reschedule the event but in the meantime, we would urge local businesses to get in touch through the website to express interest in the subcontractor opportunities we have available on the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre project.”

If you would like to express an intertest in any of the opportunities listed with Robert please click here or contact Emily Williams via email on emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

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

UKATA announces temporary video conference asbestos training during Coronavirus crisis

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is urging workers in construction-related industries and trades to make use of the time to upskill or refresh training.

In line with this, UKATA has approved its 200-member companies and individuals to deliver a number of its approved courses by video conferencing software, including Skype, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, UKATA members are approved to deliver the following courses by video conference:

  • Asbestos Awareness
  • Asbestos Awareness Refresher
  • Duty to Manage – Extension to Asbestos Awareness
  • Non-Licensable Refresher (Delegates must complete a Training Needs Analysis prior to the training)

The move to temporary video conference training was approved during a recent emergency UKATA board meeting.

A number of quality control measures have also been put in place with members to ensure the training delivered continues to be of a high quality. To support the delivery of courses UKATA is also developing a new, bespoke online examination system.

UKATA-approved training providers are audited regularly by UKATA to ensure the training they deliver is of a consistently high standard. They are also authorised to award industry-recognised and respected UKATA certificates following successful completion of training.

To ensure that training can continue to be delivered by members, UKATA has also agreed to grant an extension period to members whose membership process deadlines are approaching.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer of UKATA, which is a highly respected, leading authority on asbestos training explained: “These are uncertain times and we have acted swiftly to ensure that workers can access vital asbestos training and that our members can continue to deliver it.

“It’s a distressing time for everyone concerned, particularly self-employed people, but we are urging people to use this enforced downtime to upskill and increase their knowledge and awareness of asbestos.”

He  added: “The industry is going to have some difficult times ahead, from projects being cancelled to shortage of supplies, inevitably meaning works cannot be carried out, but the country and the industry WILL recover and we must all be ready to hit the ground running when that happens.

“UKATA staff are all working remotely to ensure that, as much as possible, it’s business as usual and that we can continue to support our members and the industry during these unprecedented times.”

To find a UKATA member in your area delivering asbestos training visit www.UKATA.org.uk,call 01246 824437 or email info@ukata.org.uk.

Click here to view our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

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