Destination Chesterfield

Councils Team up to Host Third Virtual Apprenticeships and Jobs Fair

Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council have teamed up to host a third virtual jobs fair, that aims to highlight career opportunities for local residents in all three areas.

The virtual event will take place across all three council’s social media pages on Wednesday 27 January between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. All the vacancies and opportunities can be found by searching for #DerbyshireJobsFair on social media. The councils will also be sharing vacancies from organisations across the area throughout the event.

After the great success of the first two virtual jobs fairs, which featured hundreds of available roles, it is hoped that even more employers will get involved and showcase the current opportunities they have available.

Many employers have already signed up to advertise vacancies but there are still spaces available.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic that following the success of the first two virtual jobs fairs that we can work together again to support our communities.

“Covid-19 is having a serious effect on the local economy and it is absolutely vital that we support both businesses and local people. Lots of people have lost jobs this year and we must do everything we can to support our residents at this difficult time.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Carolyn Renwick, said: “Our last online jobs fair proved extremely successful, reaching tens of thousands of residents who were interested in the vacancies. By working in partnership with our neighbouring authorities we can really escalate the opportunities available to a wider audience, at a time when help and opportunity is so desperately needed.”

Liz Smyth, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Bolsover District Council, said: “A virtual Jobs Fair is the ideal way for people looking for work to find new and exciting opportunities. With the difficulties we have all faced during the pandemic it is important that we do what we can to support residents who may have lost their jobs or need to find further employment.”

The event will be held on 27 January 2021 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media channels. Businesses wishing to advertise and take part can do so free of charge, email mark.szadura@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk with your expression of interest.

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

D2N2 Growth Hub Launches Peer Network Programme

The D2N2 Growth Hub launches it’s Peer Network programme which aims to bring together diverse cohorts of SMEs to work together collaboratively to discuss challenges, share feedback and devise practical solutions.

The programme, which is being delivered locally by a network of Growth Hubs, forms part of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing EU transition. It seeks to improve the resilience of SMEs, their capability to adapt their business models to the “new normal” and position themselves for future success, driving longer-term productivity gains.

The programme, which will be delivered by a network skilled facilitators, will consist of the following sector based Peer Networks:

  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality and Visitor Economy
  • Creative Industries
  • Life Sciences
  • Retail
  • Construction
  • Food and Drink
  • Social/Healthcare

The Growth Hub will also deliver the following mixed-sector groups:

  • High growth businesses
  • Women-owned businesses
  • BAME businesses
  • High growth businesses with a focus on digital (technology, cyber security)
  • High growth businesses with a focus on leadership and management
  • High growth businesses with a focus on sales/e-commerce

Each of the above networks will bring together groups of 11 SMEs which will run from January to March 2021. In total 18 hours of Peer Network support will be provided to each business with an additional 3.5 hours of one to one support. The key benefits to businesses are:

  • Overcoming business challenges and recognising new opportunities
  • Build a trusted network of connections
  • Improving long-term personal and business performance
  • Achieving higher turnover, employment levels and productivity growth – as research indicates for businesses adopting formal management practices

Chris Pook, D2N2 Growth Hub Manager said: “The Peer Networks are a welcome addition to the wealth of business support already delivered via the Growth Hub. This tried and tested action learning methodology will provide added value to the businesses involved, especially during these challenging economic times.”

For more information and to register your interest in joining a network please click here.

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Award for Redbrik’s Chesterfield Lettings Team

Redbrik’s Chesterfield Lettings team have won the British Property Awards Letting Agent of the Year for Chesterfield.

Lettings Manager, Abigail Wilks, commented: “The award is very well deserved and is a credit to our fantastic team at Chesterfield Lettings.

“The team consistently show outstanding customer service in everything they do. I was thrilled this was highlighted throughout the extensive British Property Awards judging period, which included mystery shops assessing customer service, knowledge and helpfulness.”

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with the opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding customer service levels are rewarded with an accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

Robert McLean, from The British Property Awards, added: “If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time.”

REDBRIK is one of Chesterfield’s leading independent sales and lettings agents. Founded in January 2013 by directors and experienced agents, Mark Ross and Julie Bulheller, REDBRIK is built on an ethos of honesty, unrivalled customer service and innovative marketing.

Since opening their first branch, REDBRIK has enjoyed continual success, expanding into two Sheffield offices at Crystal Peaks and Millhouses, and a substantially larger office in Chesterfield to accommodate company growth.

Going from strength to strength, the company started out with two directors in one small office, and now employ more than 40 members of staff and provide services across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and Sheffield.

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

Redbriklogo2020

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Global inspirational education speaker to headline town’s 2021 Skills and Employability Conference

One of the most inspirational leaders of his generation, award winning speaker, author and former Long Eaton headteacher Richard Gerver, will headline this year’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Skills and Employability Conference.

Passionate about collaboration between businesses and education, Richard will address the profound challenges that now face young people and educators at the conference, which is being held virtually on Wednesday 10 February from 8.30am – 10.00am.

He will bring his own experience of turning around a failing primary school 10 years ago, to highlight the need to radically transform the education system from its current highly prescriptive environment to one of flexibility, to enable more young people to get the jobs they aspire to.

Usually speaking on the international stage and working with governments and global corporations including Microsoft and Google, the pandemic has seen Richard locked down which gave the event organisers the opportunity to secure him for the virtual conference.

Richard commented: “Schools are under immense pressure right now so I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to educators and businesses in my home county of Derbyshire and bring my insight and experience to the conference which I hope will provide support and reassurance during this unprecedented time.”

He added: “It is fantastic to be in Chesterfield, albeit it virtually. I know the town well and am a regular visitor to Queen’s Park through my work with Derbyshire County Cricket Club.”

At the virtual conference Richard will also be joined in the speaker line-up by Rachel Quinn, Head of People and Skills at D2N2 LEP who leads on D2N2’s People and Skills strategy and programmes and policy relating to careers, employability, social inclusion and inclusive growth.

The event, which is free to attend, is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network, CEC and Destination Chesterfield, and is open to businesses, schools and education providers in North Derbyshire.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s vital that young people and businesses can access all the information they need to plan for their future, and the Employability and Skills Conference is always an important source of information for them. We are delighted to be joined by Richard as keynote speaker at this year’s event. His experiences in educational change make him the ideal speaker after the last year, I look forward to hearing his insights and I’m sure he will be a real hit with other attendees.”

To secure your place at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-north-derbyshire-employability-skills-conference/

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New owner sees a bright future for Peak Shopping Village

Situated in the village of Rowsley, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, the Peak Shopping Village has been bought by the Devonshire Property Group Ltd (DPG) which says the outlet centre has “exciting potential”.

The company has acquired the site for an undisclosed sum with the intention of growing customers and jobs through a fresh approach based on its local expertise. The Devonshire Property Group is a part of the Devonshire Group of companies that represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and includes nearby Chatsworth, as well as Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire and Lismore Castle in Ireland.

Located in the Derbyshire Dales, just three miles from Chatsworth, DPG approached the previous site owner, a significant property investor in multiple countries, and completed the sale today (11 January 2021) following several months of negotiations.

DPG will work with the existing management team to improve the site, with immediate actions to include some essential repairs and redecoration. By revitalising the customer experience at Peak Shopping Village, with more units occupied and stronger marketing, DPG aims to boost footfall for the benefit of all occupants. There are no current plans to expand the site or create a discount Chatsworth Gift Shop or Farm Shop.

More than 30 shops currently operate at Peak Shopping Village, which employs between 80 and 100 people. National names such as Pavers Shoes, Leading Labels, The Gift Company and Regatta operate alongside independents such as The Woolroom. The site hosts events year round, including regular Makers Markets showcasing the talent of local artisans, and its biggest event, the ‘Peak Festive Spectacular’ at Christmas.

The Devonshire Group believes Peak Shopping Village is perfectly located as a gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.  It views the purchase as a long term investment and an opportunity to create both a local retail outlet for the community and an exciting retail leisure destination for visitors to the Derbyshire Dales.

The Devonshire Group has strong experience in retail through its existing operations at Chatsworth (the estate farm shop and gift shops) and at Bolton Abbey and is a landlord to many retail outlets across its estates.

Lord Burlington, the Duke of Devonshire’s son, and Stephen Vickers, CEO of the Devonshire Group have been heavily involved in the planning and negotiation of the purchase.

Stephen Vickers: “We believe Peak Shopping Village has exciting potential and we see a bright future for jobs and growth. Our ultimate aim is for the site to realise its full potential as an important contributor to the fabric of the local economy, and we will be developing our plans for achieving this in the coming months.”

Lord Burlington: “Our team has the experience and expertise to help to reinvigorate Peak Shopping Village so that it’s a better experience for shop owners and those who use the office space. We are determined to make it the best it can be, both for our local communities and for the experience of visitors to the area. For us, it’s an exciting, long-term investment in Derbyshire, at the gateway to the Peak District National Park and the Chatsworth Estate.”

This investment is unrelated to any of the visitor facing businesses at either the Chatsworth or the Bolton Abbey Estates. The purchase is a capital transaction funded from the sale of commercial assets in Eastbourne.

The nearby conservation area and nature trail managed by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is part of the sale and the Devonshire Group aims to support it in future with a renewed education focus and experience for visitors to the shopping village. The nearby allotments are not part of the sale.

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

All images supplied by the Chatsworth House Trust

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Chesterfield Champions work together in offering support to local vaccine rollout

Two Chesterfield businesses are working in tandem as part of efforts to speed-up the covid-19 vaccine rollout across Chesterfield.

Casa Hotel has been working closely with PCT Healthcare, the parent company to get the green light from the government and NHS England to vaccinate residents at Casa Hotel.

Casa Hotel owner, Steve Perez announced on his official Twitter account on Monday, 18th January that Casa has been given the go-ahead to become a vaccination centre from 1st February until the end of June.

Darryl Dethick, head of business transformation at PCT Healthcare said: “We’re delighted to be working with the team at the Casa hotel in Chesterfield along with the team at NHS England to get our Covid vaccination site up and running as soon as possible.  It’s great to be able to work together and support each other in helping to protect our local community.

“Community Pharmacy is really well placed to help look after the health needs of the local population and our Pharmacists and teams are really excited about being able to be part of the national vaccination campaign.”

Joe Cattee, PCT Healthcare director

Casa Hotel owner, Steve Perez said: We have a big car park, lots of space and being a modern building. We are very accessible, including toilets which is very important to the elderly. Instead of waiting in line on a cold pavement, waiting before and after the vaccination can be done in the warmth, under cover.

“We are used to being a 24 hour operation so that poses no issues to us.  We have the resources between us. We have come together as Chesterfield Champions with very different businesses for the benefit of the town.”

The collaboration comes as Chesterfield Borough Council recently announced vaccines are beginning to take place at Chesterfield’s Winding Wheel, along with several other venues across Derbyshire.

PCT Healthcare and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

steve perez honorary degree

Casa Hotel owner, Steve Perez

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Brand new escape rooms coming to Chesterfield

A brand new entertainment venue is coming soon to Chesterfield Town Centre. Situated in Soresby Street, Chesterfield Escape Rooms are delighted to confirm they will open their doors in March 2021, after going through a full renovation project.

A new venture started in October 2020 to deliver themed Escape Rooms and which will employ up to 15 people in the town.

An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a game in which a team of between 2-10 players cooperatively discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more rooms, in order to progress and successfully accomplish an exit in a 60-minute period.

All games have live games masters and Chesterfield Escape Rooms will be actively recruiting in late January/ early February, ideally suited to people who love working with the public, are outgoing and maybe even have  an amateur dramatics background.

Owner, Nick Hogan stated, “Despite the hospitality, tourist, and entertainment sectors being devastated over the past 6 months, I see a real need for family, friends, and teams to spend some quality time together in a safe, clean, fun, exciting, and challenging environment.”

“It’s our intention to reinvigorate a little bit of the town centre and bring three new and exciting rooms, never seen in this area before.

“We looked long and hard at the type of escape room we wanted to provide and eventually chose rooms that have been played by over 30,000 people in the UK.

“Trip Advisor ranks these games as the number one attraction in their towns, so we know the people of Chesterfield will enjoy their time with us. We aim to deliver a fantastic customer experience and put a smile back on peoples’ faces.”

Further details can be found on their website at www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk. You can also get in touch by email: info@chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk or via telephone: 01246 720088.

 

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Winding Wheel one of seven new COVID-19 vaccination sites

Chesterfield’s iconic Winding Wheel theatre is becoming Derbyshire’s latest COVID-19 vaccination site today, continuing the rapid rollout of the vaccination programme across the county.

The site will begin vaccinations on Thursday morning, using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and it will be followed closely by a second Chesterfield vaccination site at Wheatbridge Surgery on Saturday.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-owned Winding Wheel becomes the tenth primary care vaccination site serving Derbyshire. It is the first of a new wave of openings, with six other sites also opening in the coming days.

The Winding Wheel is a Grade II listed building, built in 1923, and was previously the Picture House Cinema. It normally hosts a popular programme of arts and entertainments, but has been converted into a vaccination site through the hard work of teams from several organisations working together.

The Winding Wheel will initially only carry out vaccinations for healthcare workers, while patient vaccinations are carried out at the nearby Wheatbridge Surgery, ensuring Chesterfield is well provided. Some Chesterfield patients may also be offered appointments at Stubley Medical Practice in Dronfield, if that is more convenient for them.

This start of vaccinations at the Winding Wheel site marks the start of a new wave of openings, including the county’s most southerly vaccination site so far, in Swadlincote. The full list of this wave of openings is:

Winding Wheel Theatre, Chesterfield
Wheatbridge Surgery, Chesterfield
Littlewick Medical Centre
Springs Health Centre, Clowne
Buxton Medical Practice
Shirebrook Sports Sports Hall
Oaklands Village Commmunity Centre, Swadlincote

Vaccinations at the Winding Wheel are being carried out by Chesterfield & Dronfield Primary Care Network (PCN), representing 12 GP practices. Vaccinations are all by appointment only.

People should not contact their GP about a vaccination unless asked to do so, and should not attend any vaccination site without an appointment.

Derby & Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is managing the rollout of the vaccine across the county, and CCG medical director Dr Steve Lloyd said the opening of the Winding Wheel was another big step forward.

The Winding Wheel is such a treasured and historic part of Chesterfield and I’m delighted that it is playing an important in this major vaccination programme.

Carrying out vaccinations at the Winding Wheel means we can provide this vital vaccine to the people of Chesterfield and its surrounding areas in a location well known to most people.

Teams from the PCN, Chesterfield Council and Derbyshire Community Healthcare Services and the CCG have all worked incredibly hard to get this vaccination site up and running, and I’m really proud of their efforts.

The contrast with the modern surrounds of Derby Arena, which opened just last week, demonstrates how flexible, thorough and determined our teams are to identify and prepare the most appropriate venues to reach as many patients as possible.

I’m also particularly pleased that we are beginning vaccinations in Swadlincote, which is our most southerly site yet and provides a vaccination site for communities of South Derbyshire.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted that the Covid-19 vaccination programme is being rolled out in Chesterfield. The use of The Winding Wheel Theatre, which the council owns and operates, as a local vaccination site is a huge step forward in our fight against the virus.

“We’ve been working closely with NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group and other partners to support the roll out and ensure that The Winding Wheel Theatre is ready to receive health care workers for their vaccinations. At this time, Chesterfield residents will be invited to have their vaccination at another local venue, and I urge as many people as possible to come forward and get vaccinated.

“Although this is a huge step forward, we must all make sure we continue to follow the Government guidelines and protect our most vulnerable.”

Vaccinations will be rolled out to more sites over the coming days and weeks, as the vaccination programme continues to build momentum.

The first vaccinations in Derbyshire took place at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Royal Derby Hospital on December 8th, followed by the county’s first vaccinations at a primary care site on December 18th at Stubley Medical Centre.

Festival of Remembrance

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Fifth cohort of RISE graduate scheme now available to Chesterfield businesses

The latest cohort of graduates is now available to Chesterfield businesses, as part of a unique business support initiative focussed on enabling small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow through the employment of graduate talent.

RISE has been effective in helping SMEs overcome the barriers faced in graduate recruitment and equipping them with the tools and know-how to become successful graduate employers.

Since 2013 RISE has supported more than 400 SMEs based across the Sheffield City Region, including Chesterfield successfully recruit over 500 graduates.

Many of those businesses have gone on to report increases in turnover, productivity, innovation and growth as a result. The enhanced RISE project now provides even more comprehensive business support and business benefits.

  • RISE support is free for businesses to use
  • The scheme will help businesses access top quality graduate talent for your business through the following means:
    • Help to draft an advert, providing graduate-specific labour market advice and expertise
    • Advertise the role as part of a national targeted advertising campaign
    • Undertake candidate selection processes using application forms, technical tests, video interviews and assessment centres
    • Assist in the logistics of setting up final interviews
  • Sessions/training on best-practice recruitment, allowing us to transfer the know-how to recruit graduates in the future
  • A grant available for businesses who use the scheme for the first time

Oliver Tarrant, SME Engagement manager with RISE said: “During these uncertain times we recognise how important it is that small and medium sized businesses, who are wanting to grow their business and recruit talented graduates, receive high-quality, straightforward, and safe support.

“We will work closely with businesses to provide a tailored service and to help them save costs and time, offering a rigorous selection process.

“We are engaging with businesses from now until 10th February, but we are ideally looking for businesses to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Rikki Stout, Head of HR at Barlborough-based e-commerce business, Xbite, explains: “We connected with RISE because we wanted to meet, train and develop fresh graduate talent. We understand the value in finding ambitious young people who are hungry for experience and seeking a challenge. RISE has matched us with excellent people straight from university, meaning we can nurture and develop them early on. We are part of their journey and they are part of ours.

“There are many challenges faced by businesses looking to recruit graduates. Time to recruit well is a big one. As is the cost of sourcing, meeting and connecting with people. This is addressed by RISE. But fear of bringing in new people who might not have the exact experience of your systems or industry shouldn’t be a barrier to growth.”

Rikki Stout, Xbite

You can find out more by going to the RISE website or by emailing  oliver@risescr.co.uk

RISE is part-funded by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

 

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Flats and apartments set to be created in landmark Chesterfield Town Centre building

A prominent building in Chesterfield Town Centre is set to be brought back to life, with the property set to be converted into a mix of studio, apartment and flats.

Chesterfield Borough Council approved a planning application from the Tamcourt Group (JLK Architectural design) to convert the upper levels of a former Greggs bakery shop into residential dwellings.

Situated on the junction of Packers Row and High Street in the town centre, the property will consist of one-bedroom studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and a third-floor extension on the existing flat roof section of the building to allow space for two one-bedroom apartments.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Creating attractive places to live in the heart of the town contributes to a thriving and sustainable town centre for the future, and supports the night-time economy.

“Developments like this are a positive step forward for the town centre, providing well-located homes, close to shops, leisure and entertainment venues – and increasing the options for local people when choosing what kind of home they would like to live in.”

In the planning documents, Phillip Riden, chairman of the Chesterfield and District Civic Society said: “We strongly support the proposal to restore the ground floor of the building to retail use, and the creation of studio and one-bedroom flats above.

“This will increase the supply of reasonably priced accommodation in the town centre and bring another building back into residential use, a policy which we consider highly desirable.

“In the mid-nineteenth century half the one hundred or so separate properties in the shambles were residential: town centres evolve as needs and tastes change and these may go round in a circle.”

You can find out more about developments taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire on our website here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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Chesterfield businesses are stronger together

Despite the return to lockdown, Chesterfield businesses are now looking ahead to a spring recovery following the roll out of the Oxford vaccine.

Whether your focus is survival or growth, there is plenty you can be doing to prepare for the future.  Every decision you make now could impact your business’ ability to thrive post pandemic.

But you’re not alone in your preparations.  Chesterfield businesses are keen to collaborate and have shared their stories to inspire further success across the town.

 

Business Support

Are you working closely with local organisations?

Ossies’s Fresh Ginger was grateful of complimentary support from Chesterfield Borough Council’s business advisor, Adrian Williamson.  Owner, Ossie Bash Taqi said: “As a fledgling enterprise we needed advice and guidance in developing the business particularly in COVID times.  Adrian has been invaluable in advising on procedural measures and in setting both long and short term targets and guiding us in the development of a business plan – all extremely useful to a relaunching business.”

“Adrian provided us with contacts and links to a variety of appropriate organisations which we will be able to use for continued support and specialist guidance such as the Food and Drink Forum and Feast 2, as well as giving us options on potential funding streams as the business is unexpectedly expanding.”

SDE Group has saved money by trading locally with Mad Designs Ltd.  Charlotte Watson, 3D Designer at SDE Group said: “They have assisted in huge cost savings in producing good quality loading signs for our clients. We received advice in the most cost efficient and best quality way in producing our signs to provide 100% customer satisfaction to all our clients – therefore increasing our sales.”

“We are always looking for more local businesses to collaborate with, aid the local community and welcome any person / company  to talk through more opportunities.”

The team at Mitchells Chartered Accountants has been recommended by Nine Limes Digital for being so helpful despite the web design agency not being a client and offering advice free of charge.  Steve Bassett, Director of Nine Limes Design said: “Mitchells Chartered Accountants made us aware of the availability of discretionary grants to local businesses in the Chesterfield area which were not eligible to receive funding from other areas.  Andrew provided invaluable support and advice in our successful application and I am extremely grateful for this.”

Do check out more local businesses for your next tender.

 

 

industrial anc

How can you support your team?

With so much change over the past year, it’s likely you will have identified a need to invest in training to drive things forward.

Last year Peak Pipe Systems, ControlPoint Ltd and Weightron Bilancia all upskilled their management teams with thousands of pounds worth of training – for free, thanks to a Government scheme.

Laura Chapman HR Manager at Peak Pipe Systems commented: “Investing in our people is a priority but we have to keep an eye on our budgets.  A number of talented staff across our shop floor, offices and warehouse had been promoted to team leaders, but had not received managerial training. Skills Support for the Workforce enabled us to support them in their roles.”

Chesterfield businesses have been benefiting from free online workshops.  A new programme has been announced this month by D2N2 Growth Hub with courses ranging from email marketing to employee empowerment.  And 12 week digital skills courses opened in December for both employees and job seekers with local training provider GBS offering courses in Digital Marketing, Content Creation and IT.

There’s support on hand to help your senior team establish goals for the year ahead with a free webinar from Business Doctors Chesterfield.

And six businesses can access twelve months of complimentary coaching from ActionCOACH, with applications due by 29th January.

See more programmes that support with skills and training.

 

Resources and Information

Is it time to recruit?

Whilst some redundancies may be unavoidable, the Government’s furlough scheme has helped millions of people to stay in employment.  And you may be thinking about growing your team to hit the ground running ahead of recovery.

Local recruiters that are working with Destination Chesterfield to grow the town’s economy have been pleased to assist during the pandemic.

If you’re looking to recruit an apprentice like Chesterfield businesses Addooco, Inspire Design and Development and UKATA, the upcoming Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference will provide a helpful platform to find out more.  The Chesterfield Apprentice Town website is also very informative.

Community Chesterfield, which supports the voluntary sector, has benefitted from the free recruitment of two interns through the University of Derby including graduate, Hayley Beaumont.

Charlotte Repton, Project Manager of Community Chesterfield said: “Using Hayley’s design skills and expertise, Community Chesterfield was able to offer branding services free of charge to voluntary organisations, which included refreshing logos and designing web pages, delivering over £1000 worth of services during her short internship”.

And Chesterfield businesses have been supported to offer virtual work experience to young people.  For more details check out this information session on 27th January.

 

 

Can you afford not to update your IT?

It requires careful planning to maintain adequate cash flow.  But prioritising innovation will be key to unlocking post crisis growth.  And there is financial support available to help you achieve this.

The Government Grant and Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the speedy response of Chesterfield Borough Council were cited as key factors in the recent growth of Chesterfield recruiter, Edwards Employment Solutions.

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director explained: “Thanks to funding I was able to invest in a CRM system which allows the business to manage candidates and clients more easily, saving time and money.  Having this system in place meant I had the resources and infrastructure to pitch for and secure a number of large contracts. It meant a complete turn-around for us and led to the business making four new appointments and needing larger offices.

Similarly, a free IT review from Central Technology has given Ashgate Hospicecare a strong understanding of future requirements, enabling the team to start 2021 in a stronger position.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance, Ashgate Hospicecare said: “We enlisted the services of CT to help us ensure technology provided the foundations we need to support our charitable objectives and long term future goals. The team have worked closely with our IT Manager, leadership team and board of trustees to develop a technology roadmap that met these long term charitable and business objectives.”

 

 

How can you raise your profile?

Whether your business is busy or temporarily closed, it’s always a good idea to remind current and future customers that you are here and to maintain a positive image of yourself in your customer’s mind, ready for when they are looking to access you.

Some of the companies that have been learning how to gain free coverage within the local media include Liza Bakes, StraightCurves and A&A Photography.  Destination Chesterfield’s PR free workshops run twice a year and the first 2021 date will be announced shortly.

And there are currently 190 local organisations – known as Chesterfield Champions – working with Destination Chesterfield to raise the profile of the town and its successful businesses.

It has been a popular time to invest in improvements to the online customer experience.  Love Brewing has made its website more user friendly and added more product lines.  Cheese Factor has traded online for the first time by adding Shopify to its existing website.  Rosewood Wealth is taking appointments through Shop Appy.

And businesses have been thinking creatively when it comes to live experiences.  Bridal boutique, Precious Memories brought her brand to life outdoors in St James Square at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, also utilising the new big screen where a number of independent retailers have been promoted.

Dotique was one of a number of Chesterfield businesses to benefit from free inclusion in the Fiver Fest scheme promoted by S40 Local to encourage shopping locally.

Claire from Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House was grateful of free promotion in Twist magazine, which responded to the pandemic by setting up a loyalty card scheme for readers.  Claire said: “We’ve been shown cards by people coming in, entitling them to receive a free hot drink with their breakfasts. I regularly received comments from people who say they have seen our offer mentioned in Twist.”

 

A safe space to work?

During lockdown many small and start-up businesses have found themselves sharing their home office workspace with partners, who have suddenly found themselves working from home, as well as with children who are self-isolating.

Working at local cafes such as Stephensons Tea and Coffee House has provided quiet and productive space to work, and will be appreciated again once venues can reopen.  And Chesterfield’s meeting spaces have strengthened hygiene policies to provide a safe space to meet ready for reopening (although please do check with each individual venue as the end of lockdown approaches).

If you’re looking for new premises in the near future, the team at Chesterfield Borough Council can carry out a free property search for your business.  One option is the Chesterfield Enterprise Centre, which is due to be completed in spring 2021.

Local charity, Junction Arts, which works with people to improve well-being and inspire change through the arts, recently moved into West Studios to take advantage of the benefits the space offers. Jemma Burton from the team at Junction Arts said:

“It is really nice to be in the office at West Studios. The studio space works really well for us on a practical level and moving gave us a better deal because of everything that was included as part of the tenancy: utilities, internet, security, cleaning, and parking are all part of the package. The money we have saved on our running costs will go directly into projects which will benefit communities. Not only that, it has a nice feel to it from a social and networking point of view. There is a welcoming atmosphere. We are meeting different tenants and making connections with artists and different businesses. It is a great place to raise your profile.”

West Studios has also launched a virtual office space to support small and start-up businesses in Chesterfield to develop and be part of a bigger network of creative industries.

 

Time to become more sustainable?

Tackling the effects of climate change is a key priority for Chesterfield Borough Council, having declared a climate emergency.  And East Midlands Chamber has launched its Sustainable East Midlands campaign to help businesses engage with the sustainability agenda.

Although some businesses may be reluctant to the required changes coming from new regulations, becoming greener also brings opportunities to reduce costs, for securing new business and for innovation.

At the end of 2020, Chesterfield based Custom Solar created energy savings for local company, Xbite, equivalent to supplying eight average UK homes with electricity for one year.  Xbite was awarded a maximum value £20,000 low-carbon energy grant to help install over 270 solar panels at its HQ offices at Barlborough and warehouse at Markham Vale.

Nick Whitehead, managing director at Xbite, said: “The DE-Carbonise Team took all the hassle away from applying for the grant and were great to work with. Solar panels will help us reduce our CO2 emissions by 20,731kg per year, and generate 74,760 kWh per year of electricity, some of which we will be able to sell back to the National Grid.”

The DE-Carbonise project launched in November 2019 and is a 3-year extension to the previously successful and award-winning D2EE project, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. Grants of up to £20,000 are available for businesses looking to improve their environmental practices. Over 500 businesses in Derby and Derbyshire have been supported to date.

 

Let’s work together

It’s likely your business has already engaged with other local organisations – either before or during the pandemic.  The town is well-known for collaborative working and Destination Chesterfield is pleased to link together with partners to support growth and development.

We’d love to say hello.

If you would like to access marketing and other local opportunities, training, peer networks or a free business adviser with bespoke advice for your needs, please contact Tara Underhill for more information: 07392868746 or tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield