Destination Chesterfield

Knight Frank appointed on long awaited Chesterfield Waterside offices

Knight Frank has been appointed to find tenants for office space in Chesterfield’s newest and most long awaited £340m regeneration project.

Construction of No.1 Waterside Place at Basin Square at Chesterfield Waterside, in the high quality mixed-use scheme set on the canalside in the Derbyshire town, will be completed in September 2021 after the project has spent many years in planning.

The project will see the eastern side of the town revitalised with the office accommodation, Basin Square, featuring No.1 Waterside Place – a detached 36,000 sq ft seven-storey Grade A office building, with the next phase seeing the delivery of a hotel, multi storey car park and build to rent apartments.

Accountants BHP have already signed up for 5,500 sq ft, leaving up to 30,000 sq ft available at the development by Chesterfield Waterside Limited, a joint venture between Bolsterstone Group, Laver Regeneration and Chesterfield Borough Council.

Harry Orwin-Allen from the Sheffield office of Knight Frank, said: “Chesterfield Waterside is an exciting, high quality, mixed-use scheme which will revitalise the eastern side of Chesterfield on an unprecedented scale for the town.

“The superior office accommodation at No.1 Waterside Place suits requirements from 2,500 sq ft upwards, and meets the needs of on-going requirements for a COVID secure environment.

“This development has been a long time in planning and comes at a time when Chesterfield is becoming a popular base for SMEs with its good town centre facilities and links to the motorway network.

“The development sits both at the edge of the town centre, next to the mainline railway station and on a major arterial route to the M1 motorway.”

No.1 Waterside Place also incorporates two passenger lifts, raised access flooring, air conditioning, LED lighting, a high quality entrance foyer, showers and cycle parking facilities on-site, plus attractive landscaping.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit and partners in Destination Chesterfield are offering support for inward investors and existing Chesterfield businesses wishing to move to the Waterside project including free guidance on access to finance, recruitment and training.

Historic market town Chesterfield nestles on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has a population of approximately 103,800. It has excellent links to the motorway network, via Junctions 29 and 30 of the M1 and is well served with train connectivity, including fast links to the capital and a proposed HS2 station in the future. It also benefits from being well located within easy access of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.

Knight Frank has been appointed as letting agents for the offices alongside Derby-based FHP Property Consultants.

For information please contact Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or Tim Richardson at FHP Property Consultants 01332 343 222 or visit chesterfieldwaterside.com

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

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House introduce “work from home, but away” scheme

With half term fast approaching, Chesterfield tea and coffee house Stephensons are introducing a creative new idea to help those in need of a quiet and productive space to do their work over the holidays and beyond.

Staff there have set up the “working from home, but away” initiative to help those struggling to find the peace and quiet needed to carry out their jobs.

Anyone who books a “working from home, but away” table will receive a hot drink on arrival, breakfast or lunch with a hot or cold drink, and a piece of cake or scone when in need!

All tables in the tea and coffee house are situated near power points and WIFI is available too, meaning customers will have everything required to set up their own workstations.

The prices for half term are as follows…

  • Breakfast sessions from 9.30 – 11.30, £11.95
  • Lunch sessions from 12.00 -2.00, £13.95.

In addition, dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free will all be catered for.

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House owner, Claire Wood said: “We are constantly trying to think of new ways that not only help our business, but also support the people of Chesterfield.

“If you are working at home, it is not always easy to be totally motivated and focused, and there could be distractions, particularly during half term. I also think, for our emotional well-being, a change of environment, with high quality food and drink, in a safe environment is a well deserved treat.”

Limited tables are available, so staff are asking those interested to request a “Work at Home, but Away” table when booking. You can book by calling 01246 205111 or by contacting them online.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Lime Living Estate Agents announces collaboration with local coffee shop

Lime Living Estate Agents has created its own branded coffee in collaboration with a local coffee shop.

The partnership has been created in response to the current climate in a drive to support the local economy. Lime Living are working with Society Coffee Shop & Bar to provide those moving into a new home with a bag of ground coffee as a welcoming gift.

Director at Lime Living Estate Agents, Jamie Wajs is keen to trade locally in order to support other local companies.

He said: “Over the last year or so, we have established a good business working relationship with Society Coffee Shop & Bar and the owner Liam, who has kept us in good supply of arabica coffees, tasty grilled Cheeses and speciality cakes and donuts, both at the office and also for our client and staff meetings. So, it was only natural when we had a discussion on how we can help each other in the current climate and the outcome was the branded bags of coffee.

“Originally we looked at offering a goodwill gesture drink for our clients, however with the ever changing Covid restrictions, we decided to offer the ground coffee for Cafetieres, handy for home movers, so they can enjoy a nice coffee to destress once they have completed the rush of move in day. Anybody enjoying the coffee and wanting more, can simply pop down to Society to purchase further coffee or enjoy other offerings down at their town centre shop.

“As well as raising that little extra awareness for both our businesses, it also shows the crossover many town centre independent businesses can create and how we can all help support & work together, so people know we are all still here and very much open for business, especially at a time the town centre is struggling for footfall, in particular the towns hospitality sector. Support Local, use local!”

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

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

East Midlands Chamber launches Enterprising Women Awards 2021

Female entrepreneurs, directors, employees and apprentices in the East Midlands will once again have a platform to showcase their success stories as the Enterprising Women Awards returns for 2021.

Applications are now open for the awards, which provides recognition to outstanding women in business across the region across various stages of the career ladder.
The annual showpiece event is organised by East Midlands Chamber and led by Eileen Richards MBE and Jean Mountain, who co-founded the Enterprising Women social network in 1997.

The 2021 awards features the same eight categories as this year’s event – which was held in early March as one of the last awards ceremonies before lockdown – including an honour for Outstanding Contribution to Work in STEM, which was introduced for the first time in the 2020 event.

Eileen, who owns the Leicester-based agency Eileen Richards Recruitment and is the Chamber’s vice-president, said: “These awards are really special every single year, but 2020 has brought to light so much resilience and innovation.

“We’ve all had breaking points and as women, we’re not always good at admitting that, but we’ve kept going during some tough periods.

“So having the chance to showcase the achievements of women in our region from these times is going to be an incredible moment and I can’t wait to see the entries.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors once again, many of which have returned to support what they believe to be a hugely important event for the East Midlands.”

Jean, a past president of the Chamber, added: “I am so delighted to see the Enterprising Women network, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022, go from strength to strength, and the awards are always a special event.”

The categories, and their sponsors, are:
• Social Commitment Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)
• Apprentice of the Year
• Employee of the Year (sponsored by Smallman & Son)
• Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• Team of the Year Award
• Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Unique Window Systems)
• Outstanding Contribution to Work in STEM (sponsored by Pick Everard)
• Business Woman of the Year (headline sponsored by Futures Housing Group)

This year’s event was launched during a virtual Zoom event held yesterday (15 October).

It featured a talk by Neeyantee Karia, the co-owner of Leicester-based “street food on-the-go” brand Jake & Nayns’ and the 2020 Business Woman of the Year, who reflected on the challenges she had encountered during a 20-year career in business.
The deadline for entries is Monday 21 December at 5pm.

Finalists will be announced on the week commencing 25 January and they will find out if they have won their category at a gala dinner planned for 12 March, subject to the Covid-19 situation.

To enter the Enterprising Women Awards, visit bit.ly/2NZoR3W.

Some categories are still available to businesses that want to get involved with the event. Anyone interested in sponsoring a category can contact Sanjib Sahota on 07776 596889 or email Sanjib.Sahota@emc-dnl.co.uk.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Destination Chesterfield celebrates 10 years with message of positivity for the town

Chesterfield could be set to repeat history and, once again, come out of a global recession stronger.

This month 10 years ago, amidst a global financial crisis, a marketing campaign was established to promote Chesterfield to potential investors. Since its launch, it has supported Chesterfield Borough Council and its Economic Growth team in securing more than £1bn of investment into the borough.

To mark the anniversary, Destination Chesterfield was celebrated recently in a special online breakfast event, hosted by Virtual World Studios, virtually attended by more than 40 people.

At the event, future marketing plans were unveiled detailing how the town, as a whole, can come back stronger from the Coronavirus pandemic.

At the event it was revealed that community, distinctiveness, sustainability and growth will be core to Destination Chesterfield’s marketing campaigns for the town. Two brand new campaigns – Sustainable Chesterfield and Experience Chesterfield, will also join long-running, successful projects and events, including Made in Chesterfield and Celebrate Chesterfield.

Peter Swallow, who was appointed Chair of Destination Chesterfield when it was established in 2010 said: “I am confident Chesterfield can come back stronger from this pandemic. Ten years ago we were in a recession and Chesterfield Borough Council took the bold move of establishing Destination Chesterfield – sending out the message that the town was ready and open for business.

“Now we have more than £1bn of developments and more on the horizon, including HS2 which is already attracting investors to the town putting us in a strong position coming out of the pandemic.”

Since the Destination Chesterfield campaign was launched, declaring Chesterfield open and ready to do business, the town has attracted more than £1bn of investment, with the borough now home to some of the UK’s largest and exciting regeneration, industrial and leisure schemes at PEAK, Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The past few months have been incredibly difficult for many of our local businesses. Rebuilding the local economy is a top priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and together with Destination Chesterfield, we have already implemented a number of financial and promotional measures to help our businesses through these challenging times. By working together, we can ensure that Chesterfield continues to be a thriving borough.

“Over the past 10 years, Destination Chesterfield have really helped us to reinvigorate the town. We’re look forward to continuing to work closely with the team at Destination Chesterfield as we look to build on the strong relationship that we’ve had for the past decade, one that will put us in a strong position to keep moving the borough forward.”

Destination Chesterfield has also created a supportive network of businesses, education providers and charities, known as Chesterfield Champions, who are all united in their desire for Chesterfield to thrive. The Champions network remains crucial to Destination Chesterfield’s future plans.

Peter added: “The Chesterfield Champions are intrinsic to the success of Destination Chesterfield. Their support and active involvement makes Destination Chesterfield happen and allows us to push forward the marketing of the town, as well as offer business support though during good and tough times. The facts really do speak for themselves. Together we make a difference.”

If your organisation would like to become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk or get in touch on 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield residents must follow stricter local rules from Saturday

Residents in Chesterfield are being urged to follow stricter rules coming into force from Saturday 17 October, in a bid to slow the rise in coronavirus cases.

Speaking in the Commons today, Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP, announced that Chesterfield – along with North East Derbyshire and Erewash – will be put into Tier 2 of the government’s Covid alert system – and will be placed on ‘high’ alert from 12.01am on Saturday.

It follows a review of the local situation by Government, in liaison with the Chesterfield Borough Council and neighbouring North East Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire County Council and local MPs.

As well as following the continued guidance to wash hands, stay apart and wear a face covering it means:

  • Different households or support bubbles should not mix indoors – at home, someone else’s home, pubs, restaurants, hotels or other hospitality venues, leisure venues or shops
  • When outdoors people should stick to the rule of six, including children.
  • If going on holiday, this should only be with the people they live with or that are in their support bubble
  • Family and friends can provide informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble – the bubble is limited to two households only so that informal childcare is provided by the same carers each time
  • Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
    All businesses, leisure facilities and other places which are allowed to open by law can remain open providing they meet Covid-19 secure guidance
  • Pubs, bars restaurants and other hospitality venues close at 10pm – drive-through services, click and collect and delivery services can continue after 10pm
  • You can take part in sport and physical activity outdoors but organised indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it’s possible to avoid mixing with people you don’t live with or share a support bubble with – there are exceptions for children and people with a disability

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.

“We understand that this is a concerning time for our residents, and our business community. But local infection rates are too high and are rising so it is critical that we act now to help stop the spread.

“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I urge everyone in Chesterfield to make sure they are familiar with the new restrictions, check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”

Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace, who is leading the county’s response to the outbreak, urged people to follow the tighter ‘lockdown’ rules.

“We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning, although not surprising given Chesterfield and North East are so close to Sheffield, and Erewash borders Nottinghamshire, which are all currently on ‘high’ alert and under extra restrictions. It’s more important than ever that we all work together to beat this.

“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.

“I realise that these extra restrictions for these areas will be frustrating but they are also necessary as we’re seeing a lot of community transmission.

“I cannot emphasise enough that from Saturday people from different households should not be mixing indoors, unless it is with people who are in their ‘bubble’ and they should stick to the ‘rule of 6’ when outside.

“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.”

For more information about local restrictions please visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Redbrik Half Virtual Events offer medal opportunity for region’s runners

Runners will be taking to streets and parks across the region this weekend (16-18 October) as the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon Virtual Events take place, offering entrants the opportunity to claim a medal despite ‘real’ event’s cancellation.

Organisers of the Redbrik Half Virtual Events have invited runners across the region to cover the equivalent distance of a Half Marathon, 10km or five miles before then engaging with the event on social media in order to claim a 2020 Redbrik Half medal, after the in-person event was cancelled earlier this year due to Covid-19.

Entrants into the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon and Five Mile Run who have deferred their entries to the 2021 RedbrikFoundation Chesterfield 10k will receive a medal upon completion of the Virtual Events, as will all those who have entered the 2021 Chesterfield 10k.

Runners can also enter the Virtual Events alone for a one-off fee of £10 by emailing info@chesterfield10k.com.

The event is calling on the local community to come out and support Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the event partners of the Redbrik Half Marathon. Both charities are due to miss out on huge amounts of funds usually pledged by those running in the Redbrik Half – an event which has raised more than £150,000 for good causes to date.

John Timms, Event Director said: “We’re really looking forward to the Redbrik Half Virtual Events – they represent a great chance for those who have missed out on the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon experience to still claim a medal.

“It’s a fun but safe way of getting involved with the event, and also a crucial chance to raise funds for brilliant charities such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, both of which have missed out on huge amounts of funding due to the cancellation of events because of the pandemic.

“It won’t quite replace the incredible atmosphere of the Redbrik Half Marathon, but it is our chance to give back to those who supported the event since its inception three years ago, and those who have already pledged their support for the RedbrikFoundation Chesterfield 10k.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director of Redbrik Estate Agents, said: “I noticed how well-received the Virtual London Marathon was recently, particularly when it came to participants still receiving race numbers and medals, so it’s fantastic that the RedbrikHalf Marathon will provide a similar experience despite the ‘real’ event’s cancellation.

“Running an event, albeit virtually, is a brilliant way to generate much-needed funds for great causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, both of which do so much to support the local community.

“We’ve been proud to support the Chesterfield Half Marathon for the last three years and can’t wait to see people take part in this year’s virtual events.”

A key supporter of the Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events is Chesterfield business Pronto Paints, a leading industrial paint manufacturer.

Pronto Paints Managing Director, David Beckford, said: “With the ‘real’ 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon being called off for obvious reasons, it’s all the more important for local people to get active and stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

“To that aim, this fits with our company ethos of continuing to support the health and wellbeing and physical activity of the community, so we’re really looking forward to seeing people take to the streets across the region and can’t wait to see medals being awarded for all those who take on the Virtual Redbrik Half Marathon.”

Entries are being taken for both the 2020 Redbrik Half Virtual Events and the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k. To enter or for more information, visit: www.redbrik.co.uk/events.

As its name suggests, the Redbrik Foundation will be a new charity partner of the 10k event, alongside Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The Redbrik Foundation is a newly formed charitable trust which will support a number of local organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Construction begins on Chesterfield’s Glass Yard development

Work has now started on an exciting new development in Chesterfield, which will feature office space, retail units and an artisan food hall.

The Glass Yard will be situated on Sheffield Road, directly opposite the Technique Stadium and is set to bring 50,000 sq.ft (4,645 sq.m.) of commercial space along with a 163 space customer car park.

It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. allowing for an open plan, daylight filled environment. Each office will have a minimalist design and will incorporate the latest IT infrastructure.

The development will also be incorporating The Batch House; serving and selling premium artisan food and drink in a relaxed and sustainable environment.

A range of independent catering kitchens will surround a communal indoor and outdoor seating area with welfare spaces and meeting rooms.


The development has been designed to:

  • Create a safe, friendly atmosphere to work, eat and meet in
  • Dog friendly
  • Focus on quality food and drink served and sold in the nicest possible way
  • No single use plastic

Tim Turner, managing director at Blue Deer Ltd. said: “We’ve decided the town and the country wants to get on. Covid 19 is a real nuisance and could be around for sometime, but if we all behave it will be controlled.

“Chesterfield has many advantages moving forward, a great geographical position, good road network to the North and the Midlands and a very positive Council determined to encourage investment into the town. The town today does lack that little bit of style in places and The Glass Yard is squarely aimed at bringing a new kind of working environment to plug that gap.

“I’m really pleased we are on site, it’s been a challenge during the pandemic but the interest shown already is really encouraging and by the time the development is completed next August we should have a really exciting addition for the town. Hopefully by then, we’ll have some great new tenants and the Country will have tamed this horrid virus, I’m hoping both these things come true!”

Ideally located in Chesterfield, The Glass Yard is situated within two hours of 60% of major English Destinations.

The Glass Yard and Batch House are an enduring testimony to the site’s historical significance and a gesture to the significant part that Chesterfield played in the British glass industry.

Dema Glass once stood directly opposite the new development, and was the country’s largest manufacturer of domestic glassware. Developers at The Glass Yard think this special connection with the town should be remembered.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Winners of 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards to be revealed

Amid the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic, the seventh annual Chesterfield High Street Awards is set to name the very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Street magician Steve Faulkner will host the virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October where 41 finalists will become 15 winners. One of the winners will claim the overall title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

Although virtual, the awards ceremony will be live with everyone invited to tune in to watch on the night. The event will be streamed from Destination Chesterfield’s website from 7.30pm – 8.30pm.  And everyone registering to watch will receive a 20% discount for Casa Hotel’s new dining at home service.

During the evening guests will also be able to visit a virtual photo booth hosted by Chesterfield Champion, Noonah.  Selfies taken during the event will be brought together in the form of an online mosaic, which will be revealed at the end of the ceremony.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

The businesses, individuals and events shortlisted in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
50 Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

Apprentice of the Year
Abi Ashmore, Superior Spas
Grace Blant, Elliot Mather
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Superior Spas
Therapy Lounge

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “Although organising the awards has been challenging this year, I am delighted that they are still able to go ahead albeit online. However, it does mean that more people than ever will be able to tune in and share in the success of every individual and business that has been shortlisted.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe* The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

To register to watch the Chesterfield High Street Awards and receive your discount code for Casa Hotel’s dining at home service, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-high-street-awards/.

Chesterfield High Street Awards

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

Chamber looks at what ONS employment statistics for June to August 2020 say about state of East Midlands labour market

New figures published today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the UK unemployment rate has risen to its highest level for more than three years.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5% for the three months ending August 2020, compared to 4.1% for the May to July period – with 629,000 UK workers disappearing from the payrolls of British companies since the beginning of Covid-19 lockdown in March.

There were 153,000 people aged between 16 and 24 in employment between June and August compared to the previous quarter, and 102,000 fewer than the same period in 2019.

In the East Midlands, the unemployment rate rose by 0.3% to 4.4%, one-tenth of a percentage point below the national average.

Responding to the figures, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “These figures suggest the East Midlands is slightly ahead of the national average when it comes to keeping people in jobs.

“Our own Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 2020 showed that a net 6% of businesses expect to increase the size of their workforce in the three months following September.

“It’s also important to note how Government schemes are beginning to come into effect for 16 to 24-year-olds – who have been the worst-affected demographic during this pandemic – in the form of the Kickstart scheme. The Chamber, in its role as a gateway organisation, has now submitted applications on behalf of businesses for more than 500 roles.

“On the surface, all this should give us cause for optimism, but we know this is a macroeconomic perspective and there are certain sectors – such as hospitality, tourism and events – that are much more exposed.

“The picture has also changed somewhat since these figures were recorded. The road to recovery has been slowed down by further obstacles in the form of stricter lockdown restrictions and Government warnings regarding prolonged disruption, while the end of the Brexit transition period is looming dangerously ahead.

“While the Government says it has tried to mitigate this by extending the Job Support Scheme and offering monthly business grants for businesses forced to close due to local restrictions, we don’t yet know whether this will be enough to save some of the worst-hit sectors.

“There’s still a lot of uncertainty for businesses, making it difficult for them to plan, make decisions on investment and recruit staff because they aren’t sure what they are building towards. The next few months will be very important for the labour market and it feels like it’s going to be a bumpy ride ahead.”

Other interesting findings in the report were that production-based roles made up a higher proportion of jobs in the East Midlands (13.1%) than any other region, with Wales second at 11.7%. Jobs in services represented 79.7% of the region’s labour market, with 7.2% of workers employed in other broad industry groups.

The ONS regional statistics, including the East Midlands, can be found here

Scott-Knowles East Midlands Chamber

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Town leaders secure £500,000 cash boost for Staveley community projects

Residents in Staveley are set to benefit from a range of community improvements after town leaders secured £500,000 as part of wider plans to regenerate the area.

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 the town centre are among the projects which will benefit from a cash boost.

The proposal to the government’s Accelerator Fund was submitted by Chesterfield Borough Council on behalf of the Staveley Town Deal Board.

This initial money will be used to kick-start improvements ahead of the Board’s submission of the Staveley Town Investment Plan, which is currently being finalised ahead of submission to the government’s Towns Fund. The Plan aims to secure up to £25m to help build a stronger economy for the area.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, Destination Chesterfield board member and managing director of local business MSE Hiller, said: “This initial slug of government funding is great news for the area and signals the start of positive change for Staveley.

“These projects align with the Board’s long-term regeneration plans for Staveley, which we will shortly be setting out for government as part of our ambitious Town Investment Plan.

“Our collective aim is to create new jobs for local people and a stronger and more resilient local economy.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair, said: “Being able to invest in grassroots facilities and projects like these now means we can bring real and immediate improvements that will benefit local people.

“These are positive investments in key facilities which support people’s health and well-being at a time when Staveley, like so many towns up and down the country, is struggling to weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s about doing all we can to help our communities build back stronger for the future.”

The projects which will receive funding are:

  • George V Playing Field – to provide play spaces and outdoor gym equipment
  • Springwell Community College – installation of a 3G all-weather sports pitch
  • Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club – to provide drainage for three pitches as part of the Club’s wider pitch redevelopment project
  • Staveley town centre – to upgrade CCTV equipment in the area
  • Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) project – to support site development for a new rail training and innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

The Staveley Town Deal Board has been established to oversee the development and implementation of a long-term Town Investment Plan for the Staveley area.

It is made up of elected members and senior officers from Chesterfield Borough Council, Staveley Town Council and Derbyshire County Council, both local members of parliament, representatives from local charitable organisations, Derbyshire Police, education leaders and representatives of the local business community.

Staveley Hall

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