Destination Chesterfield

BHP Corporate Finance builds on success with deal advisory teams

A multi award-winning division of leading regional accountancy firm BHP now has over 20 deal advisory specialists sharing expertise across all aspects of corporate finance.

Building on 18-months of increased deal activity during a global pandemic, BHP Corporate Finance has bolstered its headcount with Will Sykes moving into its M&A advisory team and Mathew Oldfield into Transaction Services. This closely follows significant growth in team numbers in recent years, including two partner appointments in 2019.

Following a successful year’s internship with BHP Corporate Finance in 2018, Will completed his degree at the University of Leeds before joining the firm as part of its Graduate Recruitment Scheme. With a year’s post grad experience in BHP’s audit and tax teams under his belt he has now joined Corporate Finance on a full-time basis.

Mathew followed a similar route, training and qualifying with BHP’s audit team before switching to his new Transaction Services role in November 2020.

BHP Corporate Finance has a wide range of expertise across M&A, Transaction Services and SPA advisory, with seven partners and three directors leading these specialist service lines. The firm also boasts one of the region’s largest corporate tax advisory practices.

This expertise has recently been put to good use advising Greenhous Group on its disposal of Smart Fleet Solutions to highly acquisitive online automotive dealer Cazoo, and YFM Equity Partners’ investment in marketing automation platform Force24.

Other recent deals include Foresight Group’s investment in Sheffield-based M.R. Machine Knives, and engineering service and support group Pharos on the disposal of its power generation division to RSK Group.

Kevin Davies, partner at BHP Corporate Finance, said: “I’m tremendously proud of the way our team has adapted, expanded and succeeded in spite of the unusual times and the differing challenges that all businesses are currently facing.

“With the numerous talented and dedicated individuals that have recently joined us we’re confident that we will have another strong year with a team fully-equipped to meet the increasing demands of the deal-making environment.”

Martin Athey, Transaction Services Partner, added “These recent recruits not only demonstrate BHP’s commitment to nurturing and developing its people, but also highlight the specialisms, expertise and strength in depth across all of our service lines”.

BHP Corporate Finance provides a full range of personalised lead advisory and transaction support services for corporates, management teams, investors and funders.

Find out more about how they can assist here: https://bhpcorporatefinance.co.uk/

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Bottom picture: Matthew Oldfield. Top picture: Will Sykes

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Chesterfield’s Heathcotes Group appoints Recruitment Business Partner

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Emily Frost as recruitment business partner to support its specialist residential services nationwide.

Emily brings a wealth of experience in overseeing successful recruitment and talent acquisition within the health and social care sector. Prior to joining Heathcotes, she held senior recruitment roles for a variety of major care providers, encompassing specialist services for children, the elderly and adults with mental health needs, autism and learning disabilities.

She is now responsible for recruitment across all areas of Heathcotes’ organisation including its office-based support operations and 72 residential care services for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.

Emily said: “I am very excited to join an organisation like Heathcotes Group, which has a very forward-thinking approach to investing in people and supporting their long-term progression. The company has won national recognition for its workforce development policies, including an award-winning apprenticeship programme. It’s certainly an organisation that facilitates long-term career progression – around ninety per cent of the senior management started out as entry-level support workers.

“The pandemic has given everyone a greater appreciation of social care and how vital it is to the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people. Working life at Heathcotes focuses on helping our service users to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so our support teams know that they are making a lasting difference. Highlighting that sense of achievement is important in attracting talented, compassionate and dedicated people to our sector.”

Heathcotes Group’s range of specialist services supports individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, Personality Disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy. The company offers full-time residential care services alongside supported living which enables service users to develop their independence in self-contained accommodation backed by 24-hour care support when needed.

Heathcotes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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£2m Green Entrepreneurs Fund to be launched in Derbyshire

Companies in Chesterfield and Derbyshire with green aspirations can apply for a slice of a new £2m funding pot – which is set to be launched at an event delivered by East Midlands Chamber.

Derbyshire County Council will introduce its £2m Green Entrepreneurs Fund at an information session hosted by the Chamber on Thursday 17 March from 9am to 10am.

The fund, which was created in collaboration with the University of Derby as part of its Covid-19 economic strategy and climate change commitments, is intended to help SMEs to develop and invest in low-carbon energy and carbon reduction schemes alongside training.

East Midlands Chamber policy and representation manager Ian Bates said: “Since we launched our Sustainable East Midlands campaign at the tail end of last year, we’ve noticed a strong uplift in the number of businesses that are recognising the importance of joining the low-carbon agenda.

“But many of these ambitious companies will require the necessary funding to give them both the incentive and confidence to invest in green technologies.

“The Green Entrepreneurs Fund is a fantastic initiative from Derbyshire County Council in collaboration with our strategic partner, the University of Derby, and we’re very eager to help promote it to the wider business community with this launch event.”

Who is eligible for the Green Entrepreneurs Fund?

Derbyshire-based SMEs employing up to 250 staff and micro-businesses with up to 10 staff are eligible to apply for grants, which are designed to kickstart the county’s carbon reduction and alternative energy agenda, as well as boost the financial health of local businesses in the wake of the pandemic.

The capital and revenue support will help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, retrain in low-carbon skills and develop innovative solutions in low-carbon schemes.

A small number of high-quality demonstrator projects that provide community heat and power solutions will be prioritised.

The £2m scheme is funded by Derbyshire County Council’s Covid Recovery Fund and overseen by a Green Entrepreneurs Fund Programme Board featuring representatives from the council and University of Derby.

Green Entrepreneurs Fund launch event

Businesses can find out who can apply for the funding, the levels of grants available and timescales for delivery at the Chamber-run event on 17 March.

It will also include talks from Derbyshire County Council leader Councillor Barry Lewis, and Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor and chief executive at the University of Derby, about the work they are doing to contribute towards carbon reduction in Derbyshire. Find out more about the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/green-entrepreneurs-fund-launch-event/

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Chesterfield residents can have their say on major new cycling and walking route

Derbyshire County Council has published ambitious plans for an east-west walking and cycling route for Chesterfield and local people are being asked for their views.The government has awarded the authority  just over £1.6 million to create a new route for cyclists and those on foot.

The route will go from the A619 junction with Holymoor Road, along Chatsworth Road and the existing Hipper Valley Trail, through Queen’s Park, and to the hospital by using Crow Lane and Wetlands Lane.

The plans for the route include improving existing sections by widening and resurfacing, to provide enough space for all users and allow for better social distancing.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This new route will help many people to walk or cycle into the town centre, to the railway station and the hospital.

“We’ve already seen a huge increase in the number of cyclists in the town centre and this route will help to take more traffic off the roads, which can only be a good thing for everyone.

“We can’t use this money for anything else, nor can we use it anywhere else in the county, so I’d urge everyone who lives locally to have a look at the plans and let us have their views.”

The consultation closes on 25 March 2021 and you can take part here.

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire already has a number of cycling routes, catered towards all ages and abilities. We’ve put together a list of 10 great routes in our area for you to take on…  Find out more and get on your bike today!

And for those who are new to cycling or unsure on how to get started, we’ve put together a guide to show you how easy and convenient cycling in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire can be. It’s a great way to improve your own health and the health of our local environment!

Cycling in Queens Park - Get on your bike in Chesterfield

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Mitchells announces appointment of two female partners on International Women’s Day

The first female partners have been appointed at one of Derbyshire’s oldest firms of chartered accountants.

Laura Pain and Liz Fisher are the first female partners in Chesterfield-based Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers’ 153-year history.

Boasting an impressive 36 years combined service between them, tax and employer solutions specialist Liz and cloud accounting and start up expert Laura now join Tim Leeman, Andrew McDaid and Tony Hornsby in leading the strategic direction of the firm.

Respected and well-known in the business community, Liz and Laura organise regular and longstanding female networking events and head up the firm’s tax and small business divisions respectively.

Liz and Laura’s promotion not only recognises their long service but also their commitment to the continued growth of the business particularly over the last 12 months. Partner Tony Hornsby explained: “Over the past few years, and even more so since the pandemic, Liz and Laura have demonstrated their commitment and drive towards the continued growth of Mitchells and the development of the teams that works with them. They embody the ethos and character of Mitchells and I and my fellow partners are extremely excited at what they will bring to the continued growth and leadership of the firm.”

Laura is a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). Her promotion comes 100 years after the registration of the first female chartered accountant in the world. In May 1920 Mary Harris Smith, at the age of 75 years old, was allowed to join the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). She had applied repeatedly however the ICAEW could not refuse her again after The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed in 1919 opening the way for women to be admitted into professions such as accountancy.

Laura said: “I am thrilled to have made a little bit of history in the firm. Being one of the first-ever female partners at Mitchells is an incredible honour for me and I am proud that I can share it with Liz.”

Liz’s promotion in particular, embodies Mitchells’ longstanding commitment to growing and developing talent within the firm. She has been with Mitchells since leaving school in 1997, joining the firm in a part time admin role after completing her A Levels. She went on to complete an ATT apprenticeship and later qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser (one of three at Mitchells), winning a distinction for one of the exam papers.

She commented: “Twenty-four years ago the head of sixth form at my school said that leaving education to take up a workplace traineeship would be the worst decision I’d ever make. I hope my recent promotion will inspire other young people currently at a crossroads over whether to choose higher education or the world of work. As I have shown, if you join the right company, which believes in supporting employees and developing them then there is no barrier to progression within your career.”

Laura added: “The last 12 months in my 22-year career in accountancy has been one of the most challenging but also the most rewarding. “I am very proud of the advice and support I and the Mitchells’ team have delivered to clients during the pandemic crisis. I am delighted to join Andrew, Tim, Tony and Liz in leading such a strong and dedicated team.”

Mitchells is a leading accountancy and business advisory firm based in Chesterfield. The firm prides itself on its pragmatic and down-to-earth approach, providing high quality accountancy and taxation services and business advice to all types of industry sectors. It is one of only a handful of care home specialists and their services in this sector are in demand nationally.

With a team of 40 staff, Mitchells is large enough to take on the most demanding of businesses but small enough to provide personal care and attention. The firm is a proud Chesterfield Champion and devoted to supporting the town in its economic development and success.

For more information about Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, please visit www.mitchellsaccountants.co.uk

Mitchells Chartered Accountants supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Entire Facilities Management continues growth with move to new Bolsover site

A leading service provider in facilities management and support services based in Chesterfield is continuing to grow, by moving to a 4,000 square-foot site in Bolsover.

Entire FM’s new office will enable the company to bring various elements of operations under one roof, with the new premises providing almost three times more floor space than at the previous location of their head office on Whittington Moor.

The move comes off the back of continued growth for Entire, with the company recruiting 32 new members of staff over the last 12 months and further plans to create more jobs. Overall, the firm’s latest figures for Q1 2021 show business growth up five-fold when compared to Q1 2020.

On top of the move to the new North Derbyshire site, Entire FM still has UK satellite offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester as well as a USA office in Chicago.

The new headquarters will house Entire FM’s main operations office, alongside a 24/7 support desk and security monitoring centre. This means the site will act as a central hub for all operations.

In addition, all other companies within the Entire FM group will also be located at the new Bolsover site. This includes JPFM, Block Waste, Alkota and PWE.

The move has been hailed as an exciting time for the company, with the new site providing a key piece of the puzzle of Entire FM’s continuous and rapid growth.

Pete Currey, Managing Director at Entire FM said: “The move to a new head office was certainly due as we simply ran out of space to operate at our old office on Whittington Moor.

“We didn’t necessarily choose Bolsover, but Bolsover chose us; The building was just a perfect fit for what we needed. It will allow us to have more productive work space and allow us to continue our drive forward in the facilities management industry.

“The central geographical location is perfect for us as a business and the fact that we’re literally next door to the M1 is priceless. We can’t wait to reveal the finished product once the refurb works are complete.”

Entire Facilities Management supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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New Business Development Manager joins Bridge Help

With plans to deliver more than £25 million in short-term loans in 2021, Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has appointed a new Business Development Manager (BDM).

Experienced client manager Katie Snodden has joined Bridge Help and is the firm’s second BDM appointment. Her appointment reflects the increase in broker interest in Bridge Help’s loan offering.

In her new role, Katie will join industry stalwart and fellow BDM Danny Power in building Bridge Help’s loan pipeline through the Bridge Help’s broker network.

Katie, from Chesterfield, brings extensive experience in the transport and logistics sector to her role at Bridge Help. Prior to joining the sector six years ago, Katie worked within financial services for a large, chartered accountancy firm leaving the sector when she relocated from London to the East Midlands. She now returns to the industry, which she describes as her ‘first love’.

She explained: “I thoroughly enjoyed working in the Financial Services sector and am delighted to return to it, now bringing my client management experience to the role. The logistics and transport industry has a very different culture and environment to Financial Services, however delivering solutions is at the heart of them both and that’s something I get immense job satisfaction from.”

Bridge Help’s flexible working environment attracted Katie to both the role and sector. She added: “The systems and procedures Bridge Help has in place enables me to perform my role equally well in either the office or at home, which is really important to me.

“Work is no longer 9 – 5 and office-based; the pandemic has proven that. If a broker wants to speak to me in the evening after they have finished homeschooling and put their children to bed, I absolutely understand that. Flexibility is key and I am delighted to join a firm that recognises this.”

Welcoming her to the firm, Chris Sellars Chief Executive of Bridge Help said: “We are all delighted to have Katie onboard. She joins us at an exciting and busy time. Despite the industry’s worst fears, 2020 was a good year for bridging finance and Bridge Help, with borrowers turning to alternative lenders such as ourselves in order to access capital quickly to make the most of commercial property opportunities presented by the pandemic.”

Katie is the first of a number of appointments Bridge Help plans to make this year as part of the company’s ambitions to achieve a £100 million loan book by 2024.

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Bridge Help supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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Students wow the Gateway at PEAK development team with architectural designs

Students at the University of Derby have impressed the team at Milligan, who are developing the Gateway at PEAK, after unveiling their architectural visions for the UK’s first fully-serviced national park gateway based in Chesterfield.

The Gateway at PEAK will be part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District. As part of developer Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties’ partnership with the University of Derby, undergraduate and Masters level students responded to a live brief and were challenged to assume the role of architect on the project.

The students were asked to consider local communities, wildlife preservation, sustainable design with a Net Zero Carbon objective, and respectfully incorporate the Peak District’s natural beauty into their designs.

The students worked in teams to envision scheme designs and complementary uses such as F&B, retail and exhibits, delivering unique concepts that offered a broad spectrum of options for the developers to consider.

After all the proposals were submitted, the Milligan development shortlisted four finalists who were awarded a share of £1,000.

The Gateway at Peak architectural designs – University of Derby

Dr Boris Ceranic, Course Director for Masters Programmes and Centre of Excellence Leader at the University of Derby, said: “I was impressed by the quality of the work and particularly pleased by the way undergraduate and Masters students have worked together as a team to deliver such complex and demanding design charrette briefs.

The designs were inspiring, with highly sustainable and distinctive visions of unique visitor experiences, resolved through proposals that blurred the boundaries between the open and enclosed, solid and transparent, static and fluid, natural and built environment.”

Lecturer, Graham Markwell comments, “This live project has allowed us to work with industry partners to deliver a high-quality experiential learning initiative. The students have produced innovative solutions to the brief provided and have greatly benefitted from interacting with professional clients and real-world projects.”

The Gateway at Peak architectural designs – University of Derby

Gary Dawson, second year student on the BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Venue Design talks about the project and the valuable experience it provided; “We really enjoyed working on the project, being able to apply our creative skills to a public space of the future was fantastic and gave a real sense of how we will apply the skills we are learning in future careers. Having the opportunity to push ourselves and see what we can accomplish, in the limited time we had, helped us all begin to realise what we are capable of achieving and what our futures might be like.”

For Milligan the project was a great way of not only accessing some fresh thinking for the development but also a way of inspiring the next generation of creative talent within the industry.

Paul Hanegraaf, Creative Director at Milligan notes “I was blown away by the quality and thought put into each submission – especially as the students had little under a week to prepare.

We have been developing the plans for the Gateway at PEAK for some time and will soon be announcing the architect we have appointed before revealing their plans later in the year.

It’s wonderful to have input and inspiration from the next generation of designers, planners and architects, after all, it is that generation we’re building this inspiring place for.”

The Gateway at Peak architectural designs – University of Derby

Rupert Carr, Director of Birchall Properties adds “I was delighted with the quality and the quantity of the work produced by the students in such a short period of time. It was nothing less than remarkable and I was genuinely uplifted by the thinking and consideration behind the concepts the students shared.

“Of particular note for me was the way all teams expressed real enthusiasm for and belief in the potential for a better built environment, one with an underlying philosophy to deliver social and environmental benefits as well as great commercial opportunities”.

The Gateway at PEAK is part of PEAK Resort, where works for the all-weather, all-year, all-ages Summit at PEAK, are already underway. PEAK Resort also has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

The Gateway at Peak architectural designs – University of Derby

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£25.2m investment for Staveley announced

Town leaders have welcomed a multi-million pound funding boost which will pave the way for significant regeneration in a former mining community in North Derbyshire.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2m worth of funding following the Government’s Town Deal programme announcement today – presenting a ‘golden opportunity’ to transform the area for future generations.

It follows a successful bid for funding by the Staveley Town Deal Board, which submitted a Town Investment Plan to unlock the funding package for a range of projects that will drive long term economic growth, offer quality skills and employment opportunities and improve the green spaces and canal network around Staveley.

And it is a further boost for the borough’s wider growth agenda – adding to the significant and sustained investments that are already being made across the area to ensure Chesterfield’s communities are in the strongest possible position to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “We are delighted at the news from Government today that Staveley stands to be awarded £25.2m as part of the Towns Fund.

“Our plans are rooted in the needs and aspirations of Staveley’s communities, and have been driven by the Board’s collective ambitions to attract the investment that this area deserves.

“Bringing funding on this scale to Staveley will transform the area and realise huge benefits to local people, both in terms of how they lead their everyday lives and take advantage of future opportunities. As a local businessman and Chair of the Town Deal Board, I am thrilled that Government has recognised the potential of our place and sees the value in backing our Town Investment Plan.”

The funding will be spent over a five-year period, steered by the Staveley Town Deal Board, and with the overall programme managed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

It follows an earlier successful bid by the Board under the Government’s Accelerator Fund – securing £500,000 worth of funding for grassroots projects. They include a new state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitch at Springwell Community College, new play equipment for King George V Playing Field and new CCTV equipment for Staveley town centre.

Welcoming the news, Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, added: “Today’s announcement is tremendous news for our borough, and for the communities of Staveley who are set to benefit from this sizeable investment in a range of exciting projects and programmes.

“This is a golden opportunity which paves the way for this former mining community – which has often been overlooked by previous national funding programmes – to realise its full potential both now and in the future.

“I would like to thank all of the partners who have worked on the Town Deal over the last year. Staveley is a very special place with a rich history and wonderful assets. Through this funding, we will look to harness the town’s great potential through re-vitalising the high street, delivering new investment and much-needed jobs, supporting local people to reach their full potential and exciting the interest of new visitors to the place.”

Following the announcement of the funding offer, partners in Staveley will be working with Government to agree the terms for the next stage of the Town Deal programme and to determine how each project will be funded.

This will allow the promoters of each project to develop their full business cases, which will be needed before the funding can be released. The Staveley Town Deal Board will be supporting each project through that process so that delivery on the ground can start as soon as practicable.

Elsewhere in North Derbyshire, £24.1 million has been awarded to kickstart a number of regeneration projects in Clay Cross.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “What an incredible and proud moment this is for Clay Cross and North East Derbyshire. To be awarded the full sum we asked for – over £24 million pounds will mean Clay Cross will be an exciting hub of redevelopment, opportunity and prosperity for years to come.”

You’ll be able to find out more about all of the projects included as part of the Staveley Town Deal and other regeneration sites across the area at the virtual Celebrate Chesterfield event, taking place on Wednesday, 31st March. To register your place at the virtual event, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Find out more about all the regeneration projects taking place across Staveley here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

 

Works road and canal basin

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Chesterfield’s Avant Homes Central appoints new Regional Development Director

Housebuilder Avant Homes Central, which is based in Chesterfield has promoted its technical director, Chris Clingo, to the newly created role of regional development director.

Chris has 18 years’ experience in the housebuilding industry and joined Avant Homes in April 2014 as a senior engineer for the Yorkshire region. In his new role, Chris will be responsible for leading the regional development team while also overseeing the planning and commercial functions for the business.

Commenting on his promotion, Chris said: “During my time at Avant Homes I’ve worked across the Yorkshire, Central and Group operations undertaking six separate roles for the company, so I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to take another step in my career as regional development director.

“I bring a great passion for people and the Avant Homes product to the role and I hope to acquire additional skills to build upon my success personally and to benefit the Central region.”

Avant Homes is one of the Midlands’ leading private residential property developers. The Central company currently has 10 live developments in the region.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “Chris has real dedication for the housebuilding industry and following his years of experience in the sector is more than up to the challenge of leading the regional development team in our Central region.

“As the new regional development director, Chris’ expertise will be vital in ensuring our planning and commercial functions are sound and achievable as we continue to drive Avant Homes towards further success.”

Avant Homes Central also announced four further promotions across its regional operation including Lorna Rider who was promoted to land director; Llinos Lewis who has been appointed to regional sales manager; Jack Staples, who has been promoted to regional assistant sales manager; and Paul Sterling who is now an area construction manager for the region.

Stuart continued: “Alongside Chris, we’re pleased to have promoted four further members of the Central team. We are committed to investing in our people and developing their potential at all levels of their career. They all play a significant role in their departments across the business and represent the great people we strive to have in our Central team. We congratulate all of them on their new positions.”

Avant Homes is one of the UK’s leading private residential property developers. The company currently has 60 live developments being delivered by five regional operating companies.

The company is currently progressing with the construction of 173 new homes on the former timber yard site off Brimington Road as part of the landmark Chesterfield Waterside development

In addition to its Central operation, Avant Homes has four other operating companies located within the Scotland, North East, Yorkshire and the Midlands. The Avant Homes Group builds approximately 2,000 homes each year, has a turnover of circa £500m and employs around 780 people in total.

Avant Homes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Virtual workplace tours launched to north eastern Derbyshire’s students during National Careers Week

National Careers Week 2021 (1 – March) sees the launch of three virtual workplace tours to students across north eastern Derbyshire.

Produced as part of the Made in Chesterfield campaign, the films feature three local businesses operating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector – MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar (UCB) and Woodhead Construction.

The films, which are available to view on YouTube, feature virtual tours of the UCB foundry, MSE Hiller’s workshop and laboratory and Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Enterprise Centre which is currently being built by Woodhead Construction.

Each of the inspiring films feature details of the job roles available at each business, what they involve and qualifications and skills needed.

Produced by Chesterfield-based Defeye Creative, the films are designed to bridge the gap between education providers and businesses during the pandemic and answer the questions that young people are unable to ask while school trips are not allowed.

Despite the recent announcement that students across the country will be returning to the classroom on Monday 8 March, social distancing restrictions will remain in place until at least 21 June this year, preventing students undertaking vital workplace visits and work experience.

Sponsored by Chesterfield College, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

The campaign was originally launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties. Over the last six years, Made in Chesterfield has helped introduce thousands of young people in North East Derbyshire to careers in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to take STEM experiences into the classroom and home. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic it is important that we continue to ensure that young people have access to education, training, jobs and work placements in Chesterfield’s STEM sector.

“With HS2 on the horizon, there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation, but only if we have the skilled workforce to meet investor demand.

“Although virtual for now, I am confident that these videos will be successful in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Workplace visits are essential for young people making important decisions about their future. It provides them with valuable insight into what the workplace is like and also gives them the opportunity to ask employers important questions about the skills they need to develop. I’m delighted that local employers have taken part in this because it is vital to ensuring we build a thriving borough and create excellent opportunities for young people.

“These videos will help support the careers information on offer through the My Future platform, making sure that young people can get excellent advice and information about the opportunities available to them. I hope lots of young people will watch these videos and use the information provided to plan their future.”

Daniel Heffernan, Senior Careers Hub Lead, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:  “In these challenging times it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given the opportunity to explore and understand the career opportunities open to them. These tours bring a little slice of industry into the classroom, which will help to drive up aspiration and subsequently attainment.

“They will play a key role in supporting localised skills development and support us in our ambitions to create a steady pipeline of talent, that our businesses will need to bounce back and thrive, as we enter the recovery stages of the pandemic.

“I look forward to sharing these resources with our network of 32 schools and colleges across North Derbyshire, and our wider network of 140 schools across D2N2 as we all work together to ensure that our young people are able to step over any economic cracks created by COVID-19, and that they are given as much support as possible to go on to lead successful lives after education.”

Charlotte Land, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at DEBP added: “The Made in Chesterfield Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people and teachers to gain an insight into the amazing places people work in Chesterfield.  DEBP work with employers to develop their programme offer and introduce them to local schools. The programme is an essential part of our work as a STEM Ambassador Hub to bridge the STEM skills gap by introducing young people to positive role models and work environments and through challenging stereotypical perceptions of engineering and manufacturing.”

Schools throughout north eastern Derbyshire are now being encouraged to share the films with students and give them a virtual taste of career opportunities in the STEM sector.

All the virtual tours, as well as informative videos on each organisation, can be viewed here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools/

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