Celebrate Chesterfield

Investment success for FHP across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

FHP Property Consultants has reported a strong first half of the year in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with strong demand for its sites and properties across the area.

The company says it has seen a high amount of interest, particularly between Junctions 29 and 30 of the M1 motorway.

The office agency team has been dealing with a number of good quality enquiries which has led to the letting of 12,000ft² at Holmewood Business Park, Holmewood, a modern office park approximately 4 miles south east of Chesterfield. The 12,000 sq ft development comprises two lettings, one to Rutland UK , and the second to Harmony Fire who have several offices located across the country. Both businesses have committed to new 5 year terms and chose this location due to the connectivity to the M1.

FHP says there is one remaining office building at Holmewood Business Park comprising 5,267 sq ft, for which it already has strong interest, and the company believes it will be able to declare this “under offer” within the next couple of weeks.

The office team also has 6,000 sq ft “under offer” in Barlborough, just off Junction 30 which is due to complete any week with terms also out on an additional 12,000 sq ft office building in this location.

Darran Severn, Director at FHP Property Consultants commented: “It’s been hard work but pleasing we are seeing some of the deals we agreed earlier in the year completing. We are finding that enquiry levels are consistent and in some of these locations it’s a matter of unearthing the right occupier for the building.

Quality is key, and many of the businesses we are speaking with are looking for refurbished space that is immediately available for occupation. Both capital and rental values remain at existing levels, with typical lease lengths being between 5 and 10 years with breaks in year 3. Whilst there is an element of uncertainty in the air due to political and world events, we do require more stock across Derbyshire to satisfy ongoing requirements.”

The industrial agency team has also been busy working on several schemes in Clay Cross, the first being Wingfield View Business Park, which is being developed by Roe Developments. Wingfield View Business Park is a new industrial estate comprising 19 units totalling some 60,000 sq ft. The units range in size from 2,091 sq ft to 12,062 sq ft and have been available to purchase or lease.

FHP Property Consultants alongside joint agents are pleased to confirm that all units are now under offer with practical completion imminent.

Following the success at Wingfield View Business Park, Roe Developments has started construction on Egstow View Business Park, Clay Cross, which will offer a mix of trade counter and warehouse units. The scheme should be available for occupation around Q2 2025 and FHP has confirmed that there are already four units under offer on a leasehold basis including one drive-through unit.

Elsewhere in the Chesterfield area, FHP completed the sale of 12,500 sq ft unit  in Whittington to another local occupier and haa let a further 3,000 sq ft at Spectrum Business Park, just south of the town centre. Due to the success at Spectrum Business Park, the owners are now looking to deliver further units that will hopefully be available in Q1 2025.

Looking to locate your business in a superb central location with proximity to several major UK cities? Find out more about investing in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Wingfield View Clay Cross - warehouse units

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Positive outlook for East Midlands businesses as new research shows boost in sales and orders

Increased sales and orders, a growing confidence in future profitability, and reduced pressure to increase prices are among a series of findings from a new East Midlands survey of over 300 businesses.

Six in 10 respondents to East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (Q2, 2024) said they anticipated their turnover to improve this year, with half expecting gains in profitability to follow. An increasing number of businesses were planning to boost their investment in new equipment and training and there was a drop in those reporting difficulties with cashflow.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “It’s fantastic to see so many measures in our Quarterly Economic Survey pointing to growth for East Midlands businesses, with the data suggesting this will continue over the remainder of the year. What everyone in business wants to see is their turnover and profit going up and price pressures falling and that’s exactly the picture being painted by this data.

“For fewer respondents than in the last quarter to say they feel a compulsion to raise prices and for that data to coincide with a drop in inflation this week to 2% is a good combination. Orders are up, both in the UK and overseas, and businesses are increasingly talking up their intentions to invest, especially in plant and machinery. These are all signs that businesses are moving away from the drawn-out days of just ‘getting by’ in the face of tough times and are now looking to push ahead.

“It’s worthy of note that just as many East Midlands businesses are saying ‘competition’ is up there with inflation in their list of growing concerns. A healthy economy requires healthy competition between businesses, so this finding again suggests brighter times lie ahead for the rest of 2024.”

Highlights from East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey Q2, 2024:

• Six out of ten respondents expected turnover to increase

• Nearly half of respondents expected profitability to increase

• One third of respondents expected to raise prices (down from Q4 2023 when the figure was two out of five)

• Three out of ten respondents reported an increase in overseas sales over the last three months (up from two out ten in Q3, 2023)

• Just under a quarter of respondents expected overseas orders to increase over the next three months

In Chesterfield, businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have noticed a positive trend.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints commented: “Regarding the general business environment, I’d agree things are looking more positive in 2024. People are starting to make decisions again and move forward with plans. Pronto has seen an increase in volume over the last quarter and signs are it will continue in the coming months, across many of the sectors we work with.”

Peter Botham, Managing Director at Shed Grounds Maintenance said: “We have had an exceptional start to the new financial year, having secured nearly as many new contracts in the first 3 months as we did in the entirety of last year. This remarkable achievement is, however, tempered by the challenge of managing our margins with escalating costs, particularly in labour and fuel. Additionally, we are facing a shortage of skilled personnel to support our growth, making recruitment a significant challenge. Despite these hurdles, we remain optimistic about the future and our ability to continue our successful trajectory.”

Mark Niblett, Managing Director at MTM Products added: “Our sector continues to see increases in the cost of materials, and we are optimistic that the economy will improve over the coming year.

Guy Wall, Head of Marketing at GCL Products said: “At GCL Products, we’ve experienced firsthand the positive momentum reflected in the East Midlands Chamber’s latest survey. A sustained upturn in sales has given us the confidence to grow our staff numbers by 40% since the start of 2024, as well as pursuing futher development of our product range and improvement of production and dispatch processes. This growth reinforces our positive outlook for the future and we’re excited to continue investing in our people and infrastructure to maintain this upward trajectory.”

View the full Economic Survey for Q2, 2024 here.

Find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield, where you will benefit from the town’s superb central location and access to a skilled talent pool: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

Nibe business

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Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as businesses celebrate 10 years of innovative scheme

Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renowned Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.

Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.

Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.

Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.

Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.

Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.

Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to Chesterfield’s future. Learn more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield by visiting https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contacting Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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

Insurance and risk management company expands to new Chesterfield office

PIB, an insurance brokerage and risk management company has announced the opening of a new branch in Chesterfield.

The new site is designed to enhance the company’s service delivery and support in the midlands.

Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub for the firm, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.

The facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive programmes for colleagues and the businesses supported by PIB. The company’s training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to clients’ requirements.

PIB has highlighted Chesterfield’s strategic location as a key strength of the new premises. The team says it will benefit from our town’s robust travel network, with the branch offering easy access for clients and employees alike. Proximity to major motorways, public transport links, and ample parking ensures that reaching the branch is convenient, whether for a business meeting or a training session.

The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand PIB’s footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, the business says it is better positioned to meet the needs of clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens ties with the community.

Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, commented, “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “We’re delighted to see PIB investing in Chesterfield. Our town is a great place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location, affordability, and supportive business community.

“With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential. It is particularly pleasing to see business confidence in Chesterfield reflected by further evidence of companies looking to expand and relocate here.”

Want to find out more about what Chesterfield can offer your business? Find out more about the benefits of investing in Chesterfield here.

Chesterfield Office PIB

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms to launch sequel to popular Rob the Bank game

Town centre visitor attraction, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to launch a new game, which follows on from one of its most popular experiences.

Those familiar with the Rob the Bank game will get the chance to continue the adventure, with Rob the Bank 2 set to launch later this summer.

To build the exciting new game, the attraction has worked alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion business, FWD Motion to sustainably design the new room.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms chose FWD Motion to help eliminate single-use plastics and implement an effective upcycling initiative across their organisation.

Nick Hogan, Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, explained: “As a small business it can be difficult to build effective sustainable strategies, but when we decided to create a new set of escape rooms, we placed sustainability at the forefront of our thought process. We didn’t want to simply rip and replace – it was a case of considering what we could recycle, and most importantly, upcycle.”

Nick Hogan Chesterfield Escape Rooms

In search of an alternative solution to business-as-usual, Hogan approached FWD Motion. He commented: “We have had a working relationship with FWD for over 3 years, and in a recent account meeting we heard about their ability to print directly to MDF fire-rated board – which is the material we use for all our structural game build work. Realising we could print over and upcycle our old boards completely transformed our design process, and we quickly got to work with FWD’s creative team to produce the visual effects we needed. We’re delighted with the results!”

FWD Motion’s recent investment in a new sustainable printer enables them to print directly to board. Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for vinyl and laminates – reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for their vibrant print solutions.

“Printing directly to board is a massive step forward for many businesses like Chesterfield Escape Rooms, who regularly rely on bespoke designs and installations to keep their experience up to date,” said David Whiteley, Director of FWD Motion. “By using our new sustainable printing technology, Chesterfield Escape Rooms managed to save approximately 66 metres of vinyl and 66 metres of laminate – and it doesn’t stop there. Now, when their rooms next need updating, we can take the same boards and print over them again and again.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion are keen to continue working together and are already discussing joint projects for the future.

Whiteley concluded: “We are incredibly pleased to have supported Nick and the team at Chesterfield Escape Rooms over recent years and are now even happier to help them achieve their sustainability goals. By reprinting and reusing the same MDF boards and wall graphics, we can help them prevent unnecessary waste in landfills and drive a more environmentally responsible future.”

Speaking in more detail about what people can expect from Rob the Bank 2, Nick Hogan added: “This is a change of business model for us because this game will be able to support up to 12 players rather than six. This new game will require a minimum of four players.

“You’ve got to keep things as fresh as they possibly can, but there are huge amounts of work undertaken to change an Escape Room. This particular build will take around three months, but we will continue to keep things fresh in the coming years. We’ve had in excess of 30,000 players since opening three years ago, but I can say to all players that this new game will be bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

Booking will soon be available for the new game on the Chesterfield Escape Rooms website: https://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Escape Room 873x466

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Applications open for 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards

Visitor economy businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being encouraged to share their successes by applying for a prestigious awards ceremony.

Applications for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are now open. The awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement across the area’s £2.5 billion tourism sector and give local businesses an opportunity to share their success stories, generate valuable publicity and reach new customers.

Attractions, pubs, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, campsites and experience providers are amongst those encouraged to enter in one or more of 14 awards categories covering different aspects of the tourism industry.

The awards are organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the region’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) in collaboration with Visit Derby, and are held in partnership with the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the awards process itself provides businesses with the unique opportunity to develop and improve their offer through valuable feedback and insights.

Success at the awards also helps businesses to gain a marketing edge over competitors, increase staff pride and motivation, and secure high-profile media coverage across local, regional and potentially national publications.

Businesses have until 23:59 on Monday 26th August 2024 to enter the awards. The shortlist will be revealed this autumn and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony next spring.

Winners in most categories will automatically be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, giving them the chance to emulate the success of recent national competition finalists Wildhive Callow Hall, Pure Outdoor, Darwin Forest Lodges and Hoe Grange Holidays, who this year won Gold at national level.

The full list of categories for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are:

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

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are a celebration of our tourism industry and provide a high-profile opportunity for businesses to showcase their successes, achievements and commitment to quality and excellence.

“Tourism plays a vital role in making the Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby such a great place to live, work and visit, and these awards offer the chance for businesses to gather valuable feedback and insights on how they can continue to grow for the future.

“Entering the local awards is also the only way for businesses to qualify for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, unlocking valuable PR opportunities and earning recognition that places them on the map as one of England’s finest tourism businesses.”

The Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are free to enter for members of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and Visit Derby. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category.

Entrants must be based in Derbyshire, the city of Derby, or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Details of all the categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Derbyshire and Derby tourism awards

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Record number of walkers take on Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk event.

More than 3,400 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by NOCN Group, on Saturday 22nd June.

Walkers have already helped raise £220,000 to help fund end of life care in North Derbyshire, and the charity said it hopes to see the figure rise even more by the sponsorship deadline at the end of July.

Find out more about some of the Chesterfield Champion organisations which took part in the event.

The 10km walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group stadium, with people setting off at 10pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice said: “Once again everyone at the hospice has been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to all the walkers who came out to support the hospice.

“Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working so hard for months to put on an amazing event for the people of North Derbyshire, I’m so glad it was such a success.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.”

“We hope to see everyone back again next year donning their sparkles, pink tutus and bunny ears – you can grab your super early bird ticket now for just £8!”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 11th August, with the walk set to take place on 28th June 2025.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

If you’re looking for more events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Sparkle walk ashgate

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Women in engineering celebrated across Chesterfield

Women working in our town’s manufacturing and engineering sector will be celebrated on Sunday 23rd June, as part of International Women in Engineering Day.

The day aims to raise awareness of careers in the sector for women, with 2021 figures showing that just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are female.

With many businesses in Chesterfield working to reduce skills gaps in their workforces, attracting a diverse range of skilled people is a key priority for the future.

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai commented: “Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day is not just about recognising the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide, but also about inspiring future generations to break barriers, innovate without limits, and reshape the world with their ingenuity and passion.

“I would strongly recommend that young women and girls across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to look into what a rewarding career in our sector can offer. By encouraging more women to work in engineering, we are able to futureproof our businesses and help them to thrive for future generations.”

Women are contributing towards the success of many manufacturing and engineering businesses across Chesterfield. Find out more in our showcase below:

NIBE Energy Systems

Woman stood next to industrial machinery wearing yellow shirt

Phoebe Maxfield – NIBE Energy Systems

NIBE is working to create the energy systems of the future right here in Chesterfield. The company boasts a dedicated training centre in our town to train up heat pump installers. Heat pumps provide homes with heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water to create a perfect indoor climate with minimal impact on nature

Phoebe Maxfield works in the technical department at NIBE in Chesterfield, and shared her experiences.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

I have always been a very hands on person, taking things apart and putting them back together to figure out the “Why?” of how things work. It was also about breaking the mould.

Why do you love working in the sector?

You can never know everything, there is always something to learn. Working with a team with the experience that NIBE Technical has means that every day is a school day.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

My advice would be to go for it. Experience isn’t always necessary with tools and software. If you have a desire to learn and can find a training provider or employer who is willing to support you, there is an opportunity for everyone.

NeoDyne

neodyne women in engineering

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu (L), Megan McLoughlin (R) – NeoDyne

NeoDyne delivers leading-edge system integration, digital manufacturing and electrical engineering solutions & services to the life science, food & beverage, data centre and energy sectors.

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu works as an MES developer creating software for NeoDyne, while Megan McLoughlin is an automation engineer for the company.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Megan: Growing up I always enjoyed maths and science in school, in particular the problem solving and practical aspects. When considering different careers I found that engineering provided a way for me to apply these skills whilst getting to work in a team environment.

Aiswaryalakshmi: I have a strong interest in STEM courses and enjoy problem-solving, so I decided to pursue a career in engineering. I saw fantastic job options in the field, was motivated to dispel prejudices by role models, and felt inspired by them. My choice was also heavily influenced by the opportunity to truly influence society and the growing acceptance of diversity.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Megan: No two days are the same! As an engineer I get to work on projects from a variety of different sectors including energy, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical, and develop skills using a range of new exciting technologies.

Aiswaryalakshmi: As a MES developer at NeoDyne UK, I enjoy working in the manufacturing industry because it gives me the opportunity to close the gap between operations and IT and immediately enhance the effectiveness and quality of production. Observing the direct results of my work on the shop floor makes me happy, and I relish the challenge of using technology to optimize procedures. I like working in varied teams to promote creativity and address practical issues. I stay interested because of the lively, practical atmosphere. Furthermore, NeoDyne UK is an excellent environment to advance professionally and make a significant contribution due to its supportive culture and dedication to quality.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Megan: Engineering is such a great career as everyday is a learning day, you get to network with so many different people, work in a team, and often travel to different projects in the UK and abroad!

Aiswaryalakshmi: Open the doors to countless prospects in the manufacturing sector! Your creativity, tenacity, and resourcefulness are the engines that drive breakthrough discoveries and game-changing fixes. As you set out to redefine what is possible, follow your curiosity. Take on challenges as chances to show off your abilities and make an impact on the world. The manufacturing industry has a promising future awaiting your bravery and tenacity. Join us in building an infinitely inventive future !

MSE Hiller

Ros and Rebeckah MSE

Ros Fomin (L) and Rebekah Linacre (R) MSE Hiller

MSE Hiller supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK.

Rebekah Linacre is the company’s Commercial Manager, and covers the H&S aspect of MSE. Ros is a Technical Sales Engineer, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Ros: I was interested in solving problems and designing from a young age, and I was fortunate to have family and teachers who actively encouraged me to pursue a career in Engineering – in hindsight it wasn’t until I was older that I was exposed to the (ridiculous!) idea it couldn’t be for women, by which time it was too late!

Beckie: After leaving university, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. So I didn’t narrow down my options. I focused on finding a career that remained interesting and provided constant learning opportunities. This led to skills in managing health and safety, which forms a foundation to then work on a wide range of projects, adapting my skills and experience in different settings. Engineering opens so many doors.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Ros: For us, in Wastewater, the sector is so varied, with every project and customer being totally unique. I’ve seen behind the scenes at food factories, been to stunning remote sites in Scotland, and recently visited suppliers in Italy, so I’d say the constantly changing work and experiences is something I love about the sector.

Beckie: I am especially interested in supporting the development of infrastructure that affects us all on a daily basis, without even realising. No day is the same and you can specialise in topics or jobs that you may never knew even existed.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Ros: Engineering has a breadth of options within it, so don’t be put off by what you might have in mind as “Engineering” – if you’re interested in why things work, figuring out a tricky solution, or love making ideas into a reality, then a career in Engineering could be for you.

Beckie: I think the most important thing is to find something you enjoy or that uses skills that you are keen to develop. Engineering is multi faceted, so there are many different options to pursue, that you may not traditionally think of;- research, visit engineering businesses and determine if the options available align with what you are interested in.  In a world moving towards greater gender balance and equality, don’t consider gender as being something that inhibits you from pursuing working in a sector that entices you.

Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett - Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett is a joiner at Pinelog Ltd, a manufacturer of bespoke timber lodges based in Chesterfield.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Clare joined the company six years ago after discovering a love for joinery while helping a friend build a shepherd’s hut. Joining Pinelog was significant career change for Clare. Previously she was employed as a classroom assistant.

Since joining Pinelog, Clare has been trained in all aspects of the manufacturing process from timber frame construction and cladding to spray painting and internal fit out.

Why do you love working in the sector?

“I really like the fact the job is physical, and that I am constantly moving, Because the lodges are bespoke, every day is different. It’s fantastic to see a finished lodge and know that I have played a role in creating it.”

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Clare has two teenage daughters and is using her experience to guide their future careers. She added: “Through my own experience in manufacturing, I have encouraged my daughters to get training in a trade.”

Looking to kickstart your career in engineering? Find out about the range of apprenticeships available in the sector here.

Businesses looking to diversify and upskill their workforce are encouraged to contact the Chesterfield Borough Council skills brokerage team to discuss their needs. Find out more about the service here.

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Chesterfield Champions to get involved in Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are set to join thousands of people to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice this weekend.

The Sparkle Night Walk takes place each summer and sees people walking the 10km course through Chesterfield dressed in pink t-shirts and bunny ears.

The event helps to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides end-of-life care for patients and support for their families.

Charlotte Butterworth, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to all of the amazing businesses across North Derbyshire who will be taking part in our Sparkle Night Walk this year.

“The teams signing up and raising sponsorship for us will help fund care for the families who will need us now and in the future.

“We’ve had almost 3,000 people register for the event so far which is just incredible. We can’t wait to see so many of our supporters sparkling together on the big night.

“Let’s come together and do something amazing to raise funds towards vital palliative and end of life care in our region!”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “It is great to see Chesterfield’s community coming together once again to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice.

“The work carried out by the hospice’s dedicated team to support people and families across our area is so important, therefore it is brilliant to see the community supporting this fantastic event.

“I would like to wish everyone taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk all the best on the night. I’m sure it will be another superb evening for our town.”

Find out more about some of the businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire walking at this year’s event:

Banner Jones Solicitors

Four women stood outside office wearing pink shirts

Banner Jones is once again supporting Ashgate Hospice by participating in this year’s Sparkle Walk.

With a dedicated team of 16 participants, this is the fourth year that the law firm has participated in the event, having raised an impressive £1,500 in 2023, and around £1,000 in 2022.

Banner Jones Marketing Manager, Lynne Pope, said: “We are excited to be taking part in the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk for the fourth year. It’s a charity close to our hearts.

“Having visited the hospice, I saw the quality of service and care provided to those who need it the most. We are proud to be raising money for this vital local service, to help it continue supporting the local community in such an important way.”

Further information about the Banner Jones team’s fundraising efforts can be found here.

NIBE

Group of people holding up signs and wearing pink t shirts

A member of the NIBE team is taking part in the walk, in memory of a colleague and friend who used to work for the company.

Alan Sanders said: “I will walk in memory of my good friend and work colleague Sven Ove, who passed just over a year ago.

Ashgate cared for him and others I know in their time of need, and it’s terrible to think that others in need may not be accommodated due to lack of funding. Please if you knew Svein, consider helping this vital service.”

Find out more on the team’s fundraising page here.

Graysons Solicitors

Sparkle Walk team - Graysons

Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client team, said : “Everyone at Graysons Solicitors is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for the Sparkle Walk to support Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield once more.

“Our team deeply values the opportunity to contribute to such a vital community cause. Last year’s event left a lasting impression on us all, and we are keen to create even more wonderful memories this year while raising crucial funds for the hospice.”

Donate to the team’s JustGiving page here.

Peak Pharmacy

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

A team from Chesterfield’s Peak Pharmacy is set to take on the 10km course this Saturday.

Gillian Watters, P.A to the company’s Directors said: “Here at Peak Pharmacy, we wanted to focus our fundraising efforts on a local charity and chose to support Ashgate Hospice.  Being our local hospice care facility, many of us have personal experience of Ashgate caring for family and friends.

“The Ashgate fundraising team have done an excellent job helping collate our team registration details making it an easy team event for us to arrange.  We are very much looking forward to a fun evening with colleagues whilst raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Sponsor the team on it’s GoFundMe page.

Handelsbanken

handelsbanken ashgate fundraising team

Over the course of 2024, members of staff at Handelsbanken in Chesterfield will be undertaking a variety of activities to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice to support the incredible work they do.

In March, the team spent the day helping clear the woodland area in the hospice grounds for further redevelopment in the future to benefit the families using the hospice.

Throughout April, Handelsbanken Chesterfield collected new and pre-loved items for distribution to the hospice’s outlets in the local area.

Now, the team will be embarking on the 10km course to raise funds for Ashgate, and has already gone over a fabulous £4,500.

Donate to the team’s fundraising page here.

We Are Spaces

amy revell wearespaces

Chesterfield’s We Are Spaces will also be taking part in the walk. Find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/wearespaces

 

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Hat-trick of major industry awards for Mortgage 1st

Chesterfield based mortgage broker, Mortgage 1st has won some of the most competitive categories in three nationally recognised industry events.

The business was established in 2008, but has since grown into a company with over 50 employees based at its head office just off junction 30 of the M1 motorway.

In the space of just 17 days, Mortgage 1st picked up awards at three financial and mortgage sector awards ceremonies:

• Mortgage Strategy Awards – Best Mortgage Broker
• Financial Reporter Awards – Broker Firm of the Year
• Legal & General Mortgage Club Awards – Best Broker Firm for Overall Quality

Managing Director, Jon Stones: “This remarkable level of success is true testament to the skillset, culture and commitment of our amazing team at Mortgage 1st. To be recognised as the best mortgage broker firm in the UK across three separate awards events signals that we are very close to achieving exactly what we set out to 16 years ago.

“Being trusted to provide first class advice comes with huge responsibility, we aim to provide this as seamlessly as possible whilst keeping the customer at the heart of every improvement we make as a brand.

“We are still in a state of shock to be completely honest but thrilled that the judges and the readers of industry publications have recognised our achievements over the last 12 months. Winning these awards leaves us feeling immensely proud but also fuels our ambitions to enhance our offering even further.”

Centrally located in the UK with superb access to major cities via the M1, Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your business. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield here.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Three men in suits and one woman in black dress cheering on stage

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Have your say and help shape the future of Chesterfield

Residents, businesses, community groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being asked to have their say on how they think almost £20m worth of investment should be spent to help improve the town over the next 10 years.

A new and independent board, called the Chesterfield Town Board, is driving forward this investment and wants to hear people’s views to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas for the future of Chesterfield.

People can put forward their views as part of an online survey – which will be open until noon on Monday 24 June – and a series of engagement sessions are also being held with local community groups and organisations.

Dominic Staniforth, Chair of the Chesterfield Town Board, said: “Listening to local people and understanding how residents, businesses and community representatives think this money should be best invested is at the heart of our plans.

“This means our investment proposals will be developed by local people for local people: bringing together residents, business, and community leaders to devise and agree a shared vision for the future.

“It’s really important that we hear from as many people as possible, to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas that people may have for the future of Chesterfield.”

The short survey asks people to answer a series of brief questions, seeking their views on how the funding should be spent on projects which fit into three key themes:

  • Safety and security – this could include projects which help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, for example.
  • High streets, heritage and regeneration – this could include projects which would enhance the town, making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
  • Transport and connectivity – this could include projects which support improved access to the town centre, including work to support greener modes of travel, as well as public transport options.

People’s views will be used to help shape the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan setting out how and where the money will be spent.

Dominic added: “Chesterfield is a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – so please do spare a few minutes to complete our short survey and be part of our shared ambitions for the town.”

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth was appointed as Chair of the Board. He sits alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Chesterfieldonlinesurvey

For more information about Chesterfield Town Board visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/chesterfield-town-board

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

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