Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s ambitious £340 million regeneration scheme set to take shape in 2018

22nd March 2018

The ambitious £340 million regeneration project Chesterfield Waterside, is set to make significant progress in 2018.

The exciting news was revealed at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March by Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc the company leading the project.

At the event he revealed that construction of up to 170 two, three and four bedroom homes, which will form ‘The Park’ neighbourhood, is expected to get underway as early as the first quarter of 2019.

Delivery of a further 310 residential apartments within Phase 1 of Basin Square has also taken a step forward following a recent collaboration agreement with an investment company as the funding and delivery partner for the proposed ‘Build to Rent’ accommodation. The conclusion of this agreement is the first stage of a process which will facilitate the construction of these one and two bedroom units at Basin Square

The recent progress follows the granting of outline planning consent last year for the layout, heights and massing of the apartments, hotel, offices, retail units and multi-storey car park which will be constructed in Phase 1 of Basin Square.

Further developments at Basin Square include the granting of planning permission to restore the link from the canal to the newly constructed basin within the scheme. A reserved matters planning application will also shortly be submitted for the 4000m² office building, 30% of which is already under offer. Construction of the office building is expected to start early next year.

Speaking at the event Peter, who has recently returned from France having attended the leading worldwide property event MIPIM where the Chesterfield Waterside project was showcased, said: “I am delighted with the excellent progress being made at Chesterfield Waterside.

“The next step in this process is that we will now move forward with the ‘best bids’ process for the construction of the family housing units at The Park and, subject to reserved matters planning consent being granted, expect work to start on site on this phase early next year.

“Demand is strong as developers see the massive potential of Chesterfield Waterside as a whole. The development’s prime location next to the town centre, great road networks and the train station which will have an HS2 stop by 2034, make it an attractive investment opportunity that is holding its own at a regional, national and international level.”

The 16 hectare development is a 10-year project being led by Bolsterstone Group working in partnership with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council. The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin and is one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Over 250 delegates to Celebrate Chesterfield

14th March 2018

This year’s Celebrate Chesterfield has a packed agenda which celebrates the success of the town

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the Chesterfield Waterside, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, will launch the town’s new investment video whilst Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby will showcase the success of the Chesterfield Campus.

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology will take part in ‘Chat with a Champion’ and Toby Perkins MP, Cllr. Tricia Gilby , Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Phil Bramley, Editor of the Derbyshire Times and Dr Paula Holt will take be part of our Queston Time panel.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 250 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “We are a town on the up and we have a lot to be proud of. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic opportunity for the local business community to come together and toast achievements from the past 12 months and look forward to what is coming up during 2018 and beyond.”

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said:

“The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

“We remain committed to making a difference to Chesterfield and its population, growing our involvement in social and community projects to promote health and wellbeing. We have seen a significant increase in students at our Chesterfield Campus, particularly in adult and mental health nursing, giving more local people the opportunity to progress their careers. It is a joy to see the old girls’ school which has been restored sympathetically, but with state-of-the-art facilities, thriving as a vibrant educational centre of excellence. We are seeing occupation of our incubation space, and we are committed to supporting local businesses through innovation and creativity in areas such as health technology and product development, as well as working together to develop higher, degree and masters level apprenticeships.”

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added:

“Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us at CT. Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

“With a key focus on staff training and development, we will have dedicated training facilities and test labs for technical learning time. By attracting excellent technicians and developing our local apprenticeship scheme, we will be able to continue to provide the excellent service our customers expect.

“The event is a great opportunity for us to meet and work with like-minded mid-market organisations that are keen to grow business in Chesterfield and make it a great location to both work and live.”

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Limited tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now.

To book your ticket at the event, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

More events coming to town after success of Chesterfield Wheel

8th March 2018

Further high-profile events are being planned by Chesterfield Borough Council following the success of the Chesterfield Wheel.

The popular 60-metre ride, which will be open until Mother’s Day on Sunday March 11, has attracted thousands of people to the town and a number of businesses have reported a welcomed increase in footfall and trade.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of the council said:

“The Chesterfield Wheel is a recent example of where we have been able to deliver something special for the town at no cost to taxpayers while providing a real boost to the town’s shops and market traders. This is in addition to the successful artisan market and big town centre events, such as the Medieval Fun Day, which attract large crowds throughout the year. We are always looking to add to the town centre events calendar and would welcome any business or company with ideas to come and talk to us.”

“One big new event will see us work with an external company to deliver the first Street Food and Grooves Festival in the town centre, between May 11 and 13. This will see a wide mix of hot and cold food stalls from around the world, alongside live stage music. This will be another significant draw for both residents and visitors alike.”

“Another example is the series of events being held in November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, where we are working with a range of community and voluntary groups. The wide-ranging events will include a ‘poppy fall’ being created down both sides of the town hall entrance.”

Dom Stevens, manager of the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, added:

“The big wheel has proved a great draw for the town centre, bringing in both new visitors and encouraging people to return to the town who may not have been in recent months. We know that events bring people into the town and the wheel is no exception.”

“There are further events planned for the town throughout the year which, I hope, people will embrace in the same way they have the wheel and show their support through increased footfall into the town which will benefit the many great businesses based there.

The Chesterfield Observation Wheel has been brought to the town centre by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with operator Mellors Group Events and will operate daily until Sunday 11 March. For ticket prices including online discounts and booking information please click here.

The Street Food and Grooves Festival is organised by Chesterfield-based Edge Events and takes place in New Square from Friday May 11 until Sunday May 13.

A range of events are planned between October 11 and November 11 to mark the anniversary of the First World War.

The Chesterfield Artisan Market takes place on the last Sunday of each month.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge up and running

5th March 2018

An inaugural challenge which will give businesses and families the chance to get involved with the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has been officially launched.

Details for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon’s ‘Wellbeing Challenge’ were revealed at a special Champions Breakfast held by new event partner, Destination Chesterfield – a leading regional place marketing partnership which has pledged its support for the Half Marathon.

Entry into the challenge, which is the best-value way of entering the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Events at £80 in total, includes two entries into each of the event’s three individual elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, the 5-Mile Run and the one-kilometre Fun Run. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses and families to get involved with what is set to become the region’s biggest mass participation event.

Destination Chesterfield kicked off its partnership with the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon by launching a competition to win free entry into one of the 2018 Half Marathon events – with more prizes and competitions in the pipeline.

John Timms, events director at MLS Contracts Ltd, organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted to have Destination Chesterfield on board as sponsor for this year’s Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“As a Chesterfield business, they share countless values with ourselves, headline sponsor Redbrik Estate Agency and of course our charity partners Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

“After the success of last year’s event, we cannot wait for this year’s Half Marathon, and we’re excited about what this new partnership will bring to the 2018 event.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the 2018 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon. It has become an important event in the town’s calendar, helping raise the profile of Chesterfield, bringing people into the town to discover our offering and, crucially, spend money with our retailers and food and drink businesses here.

“It’s also a great example of Chesterfield Champions – Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, Peak FM, Crush Design & Creative and Ashgate Hospicecare – working together for the benefit of not only the town’s profile but for the people who will benefit from the charitable proceeds raised from the event.

“The addition of the Fun Run and Wellbeing Challenge is an excellent opportunity to get even more people involved in this fantastic event. I speak from experience, having competed every year since the event was launched, and this year will be no different. I am very much looking forward to it.”

This year’s Half Marathon, which is backed by Chesterfield Borough Council, will take place on Sunday 21 October 2018, starting at 9:30am in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield. Leading estate agency Redbrik will return as headline sponsor for the second year of its five-year sponsorship deal.

New for 2018 is a 5-Mile Run and a Wellbeing Challenge for businesses, community groups and family groups to get involved in. The event schedule will also be bolstered by the return of the one-kilometre Fun Run, which is open to all ages and abilities and takes place within Queen’s Park. Entry is £5.

Entries for the marathon is open, it is simple and easy to sign up. For more information visit www.redbrikchesterfieldhalf.com.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Apprentice Town website launches

5th March 2018

Chesterfield’s commitment to apprenticeships and the future of its young people is being demonstrated with the launch of a new website.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2018 (5 – 9 March 2018) the Apprentice Town website is being launched where job seekers will be able to find apprenticeship opportunities available in the town.

Last year Chesterfield become the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town,’ in a bid to help nurture the future and careers of youngsters while also helping companies meet skills gaps.

The initiative raises awareness of the huge positives of apprenticeships and brings together talented young people with local businesses for the good of the local economy.

With 1450 people starting an apprenticeship in Chesterfield in 2016/17, there are already more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield across a variety of sectors and levels from traineeships to Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Currently, there are more than 50 apprenticeship vacancies within the town being advertised on the website in a wide range of sectors, including business management, animal care, IT, hospitality and childcare

As well as showing the all the apprentice opportunities available in the town, the Apprentice Town website also provides a whole host of useful information for employees, employers and parents.

There are also details on how businesses can benefit from apprenticeships with information about the new Apprentice Levy and case studies from current apprentices in the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading the Apprentice Town initiative while Destination Chesterfield, as a partner, has developed the website for the project.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We were delighted to become the UK’s first Apprentice Town. Here in Chesterfield we recognise the importance of helping our young people secure careers while supporting the local economy.

“With so many new developments planned for the town more and more businesses are taking on an apprentice to address skills gaps and workforce needs.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “The Apprentice Town initiative shows the town’s commitment to supporting businesses to recruit and develop their workforce for the good of the local economy.

“A town which puts such a focus on developing the skills of its talented young will help attract more employers to invest in Chesterfield.”

In additional to Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, other partners involved in the Apprentice Town initiative include Chesterfield College, NLT Training Services, University of Derby, East Midlands Chamber, Jobcentre Plus, Enterprise Adviser Network and Derbyshire County Council.

The website can be viewed via www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships

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

Annual Celebrate Chesterfield event to announce future plans for town

7th February 2018

The latest developments for Chesterfield’s £320million Waterside scheme will be unveiled at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event on Thursday 22 March 2018.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Plc, the company behind the scheme, will reveal at the free business breakfast event how the ambitious regeneration project – one of the largest in the UK – will take a major step forward this year.

The programme aims to create a thriving new community with homes, offices, shops, bars and restaurants surrounding a new canal basin.

Peter will also be joined by Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who will update on the progress the town is making as a whole.

Celebrate Chesterfield, now in its sixth year and organised by Destination Chesterfield, is one of the biggest business events in the region. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend at the Winding Wheel this year.

“Last year’s event was a complete sell-out and we expect this year to be even more successful.”

Delegates can listen to case studies from growing local businesses, hear updates on some of the exciting plans in store for the town and will have the opportunity to quiz some of the town’s business leaders.

The University of Derby is this year’s headline sponsor with Central Technology and Markham Vale as associate sponsors.

Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Health and Social Care, said: “The University of Derby is proud to sponsor the Celebrate Chesterfield event once again in 2018.

Richard Thompson, Sales and Marketing Director at Central Technology, added: “Supporting Destination Chesterfield is of huge importance to us. Having been established and working in Chesterfield, with year on year growth for over 15 years, we seek to employ local talent and work with local mid-market organisations that require IT support and critical data and security protection.

“2018 is a big year for Central Technology as we move to a fully fitted 11,000 sq ft office later this spring to accommodate our growth and provide more opportunities for jobs in the area.

Destination Chesterfield was launched in 2010 to improve the economic prosperity of the town through a campaign to promote Chesterfield.

Over the past eight years it has brought together the business community as Chesterfield Champions to market the town, drive investment and bring it to the attention of national investors.

Celebrate Chesterfield is part of its campaign to make the town a “modern destination.” Tickets for the breakfast event, which is being held from 7.30am to 11am, are available to book now. Limited exhibition spaces for businesses to showcase their work are also available.

To book your ticket at the event, or reserve exhibition space, please visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/celebrate/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Highlights of 2017

18th December 2017

What a year 2017 has been for Chesterfield. As well as confirming that the HS2 rail line would be brought through Chesterfield, work got underway on a number of key developments – Waterside, Peak Resort and the transformation of the former Co-op building on Elder Way into a hotel and restaurants.

In the words of Huw Bowen Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, who spoke recently at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, “Chesterfield’s green lungs have overtaken the town’s mining heritage which is making it an attractive 21^st century investment prospect to investors.”

More than 3,000 businesses operate in Chesterfield with more set to come on board as plans for the town’s HS2 stop get underway. We asked Chesterfield Champions what their highlight had been in 2017 and what 2018 holds for them and the town., and here’s what they said:

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone PLC

“I have been the chair of Destination Chesterfield since it was formed in 2011. Every year has seen commercial growth in the town, however 2017 has been transformative for Chesterfield with physical work starting on key developments – the former Co-op, Peak Resort and Waterside. These are huge investments in their own right, however the announcement in July that we are to get our own HS2 station has taken the Towns potential to attract new investment to a different level, and put Chesterfield into an entirely new league. I don’t think we could have wished for much more for the Town this year- I and the rest of the Destination Chesterfield team go into 2018 with a very positive outlook.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“Shattering the glass ceiling was a highlight in 2017! In April I became the first female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council as part of the first all-female political and civic leadership team with Cllr Amanda Serjeant as deputy leader, Cllr Maureen Davenport as mayor and Mrs Liz Archer as mayoress. The future is very bright for Chesterfield. With Northern Gateway, Waterside and Peak Resort all moving ahead in 2018 there will be new business opportunities, more jobs and more visitors staying in Chesterfield.”

Michael Heath, Managing Director, Milestone Financial Planning

“What a year 2017 has been. From starting the company only 18 months ago we have massively expanded the team resulting in a move to brand new premises recently. It’s great to be part of the buzz in Chesterfield. There’s so much happening now and on the horizon. It’s a brilliant time to not only have a business here, but also live, work and visit.”

Laura Jo Owen, Owner, Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

“The highlight of 2017 for us was winning Independent Retailer of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service at the Chesterfield Retail Awards. To have been nominated by our customers meant the world to us. Many of our customers have told me that their resolution for 2018 is to continue to shop locally and with this kind of passion, alongside continued investment from multiple retailers and independent businesses, we can create a sparking future for Chesterfield.”

Andrew McDaid, Partner, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers

“2017 has been a great year for Mitchells. We have expanded our team at every level and also invested significantly in apprenticeships, supporting the Apprentice Town initiative. This was recognised at the 2017 North Midlands and South Yorkshire Apprentice Awards, where we won the Best SME Newcomer Award. Investing in our staff remains a priority for us as we respond to current and future local business needs. Chesterfield is a town on the up. It’s a very exciting time, particularly with work on major developments now beginning. Chesterfield is the place to do business.”

Craig Evans, General Manager, UK Asbestos Training Association

“As Chesterfield was named the UK’s first official ‘Apprentice Town’, one of our highlights in 2017 was recruiting three new Business Administration Apprentices from the local area in support of the initiative. All three have gone on to make a significant impact for UKATA. We’re proud to be involved and I hope our example and positive results will encourage other businesses to follow suit in 2018 and beyond.”

Julie Richards, Principal, Chesterfield College

“A highlight for Chesterfield College in 2017 was being judged joint fourth best college in the country by FE Week. My Christmas wish for Chesterfield this year would be for every business to employ and train an apprentice.”

Stefan Andrejczuk, CEO, Helen’s Trust

“Helen’s Trust highlight for 2017 was the annual 10k run though the magnificent grounds of Chatsworth. Over 1,000 runners took part, many of them residents of Chesterfield and surrounding areas, raising £21,000 between them. Having recently joined Helen’s Trust as CEO I am delighted with the amount raised which will be used to fund care for people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire with a terminal illness who wish to remain at home in their final days. Our wish for Chesterfield in 2018, is the continuation of a town working together, especially the community, businesses, public services and charities to ensure the best outcomes for people who need support and services. An economically successful town improves lives for everyone and investment and development in Chesterfield, now and in the future, is exciting.”

Cloe Ingall, Business Development Manager, Chic Cleaning Services Ltd

“Winning our first big tender for a high-profile Chesterfield company was a big highlight for the business in 2017. This enabled us to move the business forward. Looking to 2018, my Christmas wish would be for all the pending developments to go ahead, create jobs and bring future business to the town. Since I moved here in the 1980s the town has developed at a great speed. There seems to be a vast amount happening with housing developments, businesses expanding and/or moving here, and this will create more opportunity for all of us!”

Sally Ambrose, Head of Visitor Experience, Chatsworth Estate

“In June 2017 The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hosted its first flower show at Chatsworth, and it was our most ambitious exhibition to-date in the house. During these two landmark events we welcomed many more first-time visitors to Chatsworth. We would like to wish everyone who lives and works in Chesterfield a prosperous 2018.”

Vicki Grove, Marketing Manager, ra Information Systems

“My Christmas wish for Chesterfield is to see more of the same progressive redevelopment. As a local resident and an employee of a Chesterfield Champion business, I have only seen a positive impact to the town and the surrounding areas over the last 10 years. As it’s just been announced that work will begin on the old Co-op department store, I am very excited to see what is done here. In the longer term, I am also very excited about the Peak Resort. There is a lot of anticipation in the local area about this project from the employment prospects this will bring through to the increased footfall to Chesterfield and Derbyshire as a whole. All in all, Chesterfield really is the place to be!”

James Annerson, Case Manager, Adcroft Hilton Limited

“The positivity amongst small to medium sized businesses, and the opportunities that are on the horizon for Chesterfield and its economy really is exciting for the town’s future. However, My Christmas wish for Chesterfield this year would be to see good trade within our town centre.”

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“Our Archaeological Dig at Bellhouse Lane, Staveley where we uncovered an almost intact workboat and part of two other boats was a huge highlight for 2017. Over 500 people, half of them children, signed up to join in. We hope that every child in Chesterfield has a wonderful Christmas.”

Lee Ashley, Director, Spire Recruitment Ltd

“Spire Recruitment had a great 2017. We were particularly proud to move in to a new office in the recently renovated Staveley Hall, the move was due to business growth and has been a real positive step for our company. If Santa was to bring anything to Chesterfield this Christmas, my wish would be for all the fantastic plans for the development of our town to all go ahead. It would be amazing for businesses and residents to feel the benefit of the planned expansions.”

Simon Paterson, NCS Delivery and Development Manager, Future Foundations

“Our highlight of the year was delivering the NCS programme to over 450 students in Chesterfield, who between them completed over 24,000 hours of social action and charity work!”

Alice Singleton, Website and Marketing Co-Ordinator, Green and Benz

“One of the highlights of 2017 was being named as the Jewellery and Accessories Retailer of the Year at the Chesterfield Retail Awards. It’s always fantastic to be recognised within our local community. Our Christmas wish for Chesterfield it that people visit the town and have a great experience with the wide range of retailers. Chesterfield has a great shopping offering for all and alongside the wide range of food options, it’s the perfect place to complete all your shopping.”

Emma Loughlin, Director, eBusiness Works

“2017 has been a busy but fantastic year. We moved to new, bigger premises enabling us to expand the team and giving us room to grow. We have invested heavily in apprentices and it’s great to see them growing and developing their careers in Chesterfield. Working with so many fantastic businesses in the town, I know first hand the job and career opportunities that exist and I hope young people and their parents feel as positive about Chesterfield’s future as I do.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber

“With an organisation as diverse as the Chamber, there have been many highlights during the year, however, from a Chesterfield perspective, it would have to be the move, over a single weekend in February, from our old, not-fit-for-purpose offices in Canal Wharf to future-proofed premises at Millennium Way, off Dunston Road. Chesterfield is the focus of considerable development opportunity at the moment, from the hotel and restaurants in the old Co-op building, to Waterside and Peak Resort to the north of the town. Some of these plans are already quite long in the tooth and it would be nice to see them progress and start to create the promised jobs. It would also be nice to see our old office site converted to much-needed housing.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield businesses react to this year’s budget

23rd November 2017

‘A balanced budget,’ was the consensus of the panel at the Derbyshire Times Facebook Live round table, organised by Destination Chesterfield.

In a packed boardroom at Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, key figures from Chesterfield’s business, education and social sector, came together to discuss and digest Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn 2017 budget and what it means for both businesses and residents living in north Derbyshire.

Michael Heath, Managing Director of Milestone Financial Planning, commented: “At face value there were no big losers in this budget. However, when the fine print comes out it could all change. No single group has received any punitive levels of tax and young people have benefitted quite nicely. I was surprised there was no mention of pensions though.”

It was an encouraging budget for James Taylor, Managing Director of Roaring Mouse PR, who said: “There was a lot of positive talk about investment in housing, skills and technology.”

Ahead of announcing his Budget pledge, Hammond promised to guarantee a brighter future for the next generation by creating a fairer Britain. It was no surprise therefore to find him addressing housing, the NHS, education and technology as the key drivers of this budget.

Brexit was largely avoided, although Hammond committed to making Brexit negotiations a priority in the weeks and months ahead, saying that already £700m has been invested in Brexit preparations with a further £3bn set aside and more promised if needed.

Concerns were raised by the round table panel on learning that productivity growth has been revised downwards to 1.5% in 2017 from 2% with forecasts decreasing by 0.1% year on year until 2020. However, Britain’s share of debt has finally peaked and the borrowing was lower than the spring budget earlier in the year. Hammond committed to borrowing falling each year to reach its lowest level by 2023.

The chancellor said that the world was on the brink of a technological revolution which Britain was at the forefront He set money aside for emerging technologies to secure its ‘bright future’ and ‘embrace the next industrial revolution.’

A new tech business is founded in Britain every hour. With the investment he hoped this would be increased to every half hour creating high paid, high productivity jobs of tomorrow.

This budget, he said, invested in the infrastructure to support the next generation and in the future of the country. He described it as laying the foundations for a ‘Global Britain’ for a dynamic and innovative economy.

The panel gave their views on the key announcements and what they believe they mean for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

On the panel were:

PB: Phil Bramley – Editor, Derbyshire Times

MH: Michael Heath – Managing Director, Milestone Financial Planning

MB: Mark Bennington – Vice Principle of Apprenticeships and Commercial Services, Chesterfield College

GJ: Glenn Jaques – Director, BRM Solicitors

BRS: Beth Robson-Smith – Centre Manager, St Thomas’ Church Centre

LF: Liz Fisher – Tax and Payroll Manager, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business

JT: James Taylor – Managing Director, Roaring Mouse PR

Housing

Stamp Duty abolished for first-time buyers on homes up to £300,000, and on the first £300,000 of properties up to £500,000
100% council tax premium on empty properties
£44bn of capital funding to help build 300,000 homes annually by mid-2020s
New money for home builders fund
£630m ‘small sites fund’
£8bn of financial guarantees to support private housebuilding
£2.7bn housing infrastructure fund
£1.1bn for new urban regeneration
£34m to train construction workers
A review to be chaired by Oliver Letwin to look at ways to speed up planning permission
Creation of five new garden towns

MH: The abolishment of stamp duty for first time buyers was a big win.

JT: The price of housing has risen astronomically so anything that helps stimulate the property market at the bottom end should be welcomed.

PB: Are there enough houses available in Chesterfield?

MH: There certainly has to be stock available to buy? The Chancellor has committed to more homes being built and nodded towards ‘multi occupancy’ buildings in urban areas. Is that really what young people/families want?

PB: He also said there was a discrepancy between the number of houses being built and planning permissions granted. Why is that?

MH: It results from a land banking exercise and it has been going on a long time. Developers seek planning permission in order to increase the value of their land. However, the threat of Compulsory Purchase Orders if the land is now not developed quickly enough, will really shake things up.

JT: The small sites fund will also help small independent builders.

Homelessness and Universal Credit

£1.5bn to remove seven-day waiting period for Universal Credit; new claimants in receipt of housing benefit will get it for two weeks
£28m in three new housing pilot schemes – in the West Midlands, Manchester and Liverpool – to halve rough-sleeping by 2022 and eliminate it by 2027

PB: Homelessness is a big topic in Chesterfield. The Chancellor announced money to tackle the problem in specific cities. Could this benefit Chesterfield?

BRS: We can certainly look to learn and share Best Practice from these pilot projects, however I would like to see more done to tackle the root of homelessness.

PB: Will the changes to Universal Credit help homelessness?

BRS: it will help people who are at risk of losing their home, however the the process is not quick enough and it is a difficult process. Not having to pay back the money they are borrowing as quickly, is a big positive though.

Business

Business Rates – £2.3bn cost to bring forward the change to Consumer Prices Index (CPI) from Retail Prices Index (RPI) by two years to 2018
After next revaluation, future Business Rates revaluations to take place every three years rather than five
Staircase tax: businesses hit will have original bill reinstated
Discount for pubs (rateable value less than £100,000) extended by one year to March 2019
VAT – Current VAT threshold of £85,000 to remain for two years. Chancellor announced a consultation on the threshold at which small businesses pay VAT
Digital tax -£200m a year extra from income tax on UK sales
Target £1.2bn a year in lost VAT from online shopping
Increase to Research and Development expenditure credits to 12%
Those charging electric vehicles at work will not face ‘Benefit in Kind’ taxes
Cancelled a planned fuel duty rise
£2.5bn of investment to kick start the UK’s productivity
committed to retain the phased reduction of corporation tax

LF: He has stuck to the promises he made around VAT and Business Rates in the election manifesto. However, the digital tax is an attempt to raise money from digital retailers and create a level playing field between them and high street shops. This is good news for high street retailers who are constantly undercut on price by online retailers.

JT: He’s steered away from increasing the VAT threshold, but the consultation would indicate that it’s just been kicked down the line. It’s the same with Business Rates.

GJ: It’s great that the Chancellor has listened to businesses and brought forward plans to switch from RPI to CPI inflation on Business Rates, however local businesses are concerned about Business Rates now.

LF: I agree. Businesses need help now.

PB: The VAT threshold was described as ‘a banana skin dodge’.

MH: After the fiasco around National Insurance in the last Budget, the government can’t afford to do another U-turn, which is why I suspect he put it off.

JT: A lot of VAT stealth measures have already been introduced that businesses are already dealing with.

LF: VAT is so complicated that a lowering of the threshold level would involve many many more businesses that would have far reaching changes.

MH: It would be a huge task and would impact so many businesses. The talk of a ‘consultation’ would indicate that we are not done with the issue of the VAT threshold yet, causing more uncertainty to businesses.

LF: There’s yet another increase on company cars. They are looking less and less attractive to employees unless they’re electric vehicles.

MH: Yes, an electric company car is an attractive option seeing as he has said there will be no benefit in kind tax attached to charging the cars at work. It does make diesel cars very unattractive and this will be reflected in their secondhand value.

LF: The increase in Research and Development credits to 12% is good news for businesses, particularly those in engineering and manufacturing in Chesterfield. The Chancellor sneaked that one in. My concern is that many businesses will overlook this, unless they have adviser working with them.

Education

£40m for maths teachers; £600 premium for schools for each student taking A level maths
Triple number of computer science teachers to 12,000; creation of a new national centre for computing
National retraining scheme for digital expertise
Extra £20m for colleges to prepare for T-Levels

PB: It seems like it’s maths for everyone. What do you make of funding for maths teachers?

MB: Any investment in 16 – 19 area is very welcome. There is an issue in recruiting and retaining teachers and there is a big gap at the moment that isn’t being addressed. The investment however supports the inward investment in STEM and the digital revolution.

PB: Will the student premium push further education providers to tout for maths focused students?

MB: We welcome the investment but there are bigger things to go at. We hang a lot on maths, but it’s more around the vocation, application and usefulness of maths in a range of jobs.

MH: The Chancellor talked about maths being a route to technology skills which would support his declaration that Britain was on the brink of a technological revolution with driverless cars and 5G technology.

PB: With the money being allocated for T-Levels, the new technical qualifications, would that indicate that the Apprenticeship Levy hasn’t worked and that many companies just see it as a stealth tax?

MB: A lot of employers around the country are still trying to get their heads around the Levy as it is quite complicated. It means that they’re not spending their pot of money and it’s building up. What we’re seeing is those businesses who are spending their Levy pot are looking for level 5 management apprenticeship training.

Technology and Transport

£400m for electric vehicle charging infrastructure fund
1 percentage point increase in company car tax on diesel cars
From 2018, an increase in tax on diesel cars that don’t meet standards – to go up by one band
Proceeds to fund £220m clean air fund
£500m for artificial intelligence and 5G initiatives

JT: The budget measures around transport are not just about looking at driverless cars, they’re about creating growth and opportunities for car manufacturers that are already here as well as attracting investment from others

MB: The electric vehicle charging infrastructure fund should create a lot of opportunities for small businesses in the supply chain.

JT: I welcome money put into 5G alongside the transport infrastructure; this can only boost business. One of Chesterfield’s strengths is its transport network and being able to get into London in two hours by train. If you could reduce that and the time to get to Manchester, it would be fantastic.

MH: Not only being able to get around quicker but also be more productive while you’re getting around would be great and the £160m he has pledged to develop 5G networks is key to that.

Northern Powerhouse

£1.7bn transforming cities fund designed to improve transport links and promote local growth within city regions

PB: It doesn’t look like there is going to be another devolution deal on the table for Chesterfield anytime soon now.

JT: We’re not at the front of the queue now. It is good to decentralise and give more power to the regions but since pulling out of the SCR deal we are going to be some way down the queue.

MH: Devolution will come at some point and we’ll get involved once people understand what it is and how it can benefit us. We have to embrace the opportunity of devolution and the powers it will give us.

MB: Devolution has been a slow burn and it seems now to be concentrating on travel infrastructure.

PB: Devolution gives accountability of the money locally. Now it will be a land grab amongst local authorities.

MH: People of Chesterfield want to make the decision about how our money is being spent. We’ll never get our own devolution deal and we need to be part of something bigger but the risk is now that we’ll swallowed up by huge cities.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield

Business events programme announced for Made in Chesterfield

19th October 2017

Engineering and manufacturing businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being urged to ensure that they have the workforce in place for the town’s investment and development boom.

To support businesses within the sector, Made in Chesterfield – the annual month-long festival of engineering and manufacturing which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, is returning for the fourth year running in November.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, Made in Chesterfield 2017 promises to be the biggest and most successful yet with more young people and businesses in the sector taking part than ever before.

A number of free business events are being held throughout November in order to raise awareness of how companies within the sector can maximise opportunities local, nationally and globally

Free workshops, seminars and forums will provide information on available grants and finance to enter new markets at home and overseas as well as address solutions for skills shortages within their business.

Made in Chesterfield will be launched on Thursday 2 November at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse – Britain’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse, which has just reopened following a £1.1 million refurbishment.

The Made in Chesterfield business events include:

2 November Made in Chesterfield launch – Barrow Hill Roundhouse – Organised

by Destination Chesterfield

14 November DIT Masterclass: International e-commerce

15 November D2N2 Support for Innovative Businesses

16 November Annual Business and Manufacturing Seminar – Organised by Natwest, Shorts and Banner Jones

16 November Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum – Organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with United Cast Bar and Natwest Bank

22 November Digital Trade Advice Clinic

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “Businesses in manufacturing and engineering are vital to the ongoing success the local economy, more so now that an HS2 station and maintenance depot has been announced for the area. Although 17 years away, preparations for the arrival of HS2 in Chesterfield must begin now. There are 250 new high level skill jobs alone that will be provided at the maintenance depot as well as many others that will be generated within the local supply chain.

“Made in Chesterfield plays an important role in not only raising awareness of the job opportunities within the sector amongst young people and schools, but also in helping businesses get themselves future-proofed and HS2 ready.”

Dr Peter Dewhurst, Head of Strategic Projects at University of Derby, added: “We are very pleased to be sponsoring The Made in Chesterfield festival’s packed calendar of business events. Destination Chesterfield has teamed up with some innovative and high profile companies in the region to provide some really informative and inspiring masterclasses and networking events for businesses. We look forward to celebrating everything that is Made in Chesterfield.”

During the month-long Made in Chesterfield celebration of the sector, the winner of the Manufacturer of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Destination Chesterfield, will also be announced at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards on Thursday 9 November.

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and Placing Futures.

Alongside the business event programme during Made in Chesterfield, there is a separate schools programme, which features events, competitions and tours designed to attract young people to a career in engineering and manufacturing.

Booking details for all the Made in Chesterfield business events

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

Employers urged to provide ‘strong work experience’ to young people

18th October 2017

Employers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being urged to provide strong work experience to pupils, so that young people will be inspired to attend school and gain qualifications.

The plea to the business community was made at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference which was organised by Placing Futures Ltd, D2N2 Enterprise Advisor Network, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2 Skills and Employment Board and Destination Chesterfield.

At the conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses, it was revealed that work experience is a ‘postcode lottery’ with less than 50% of schools in the UK providing the opportunity to pupils.

Speaking at the event, Tracey Burnside from Whittington Green School, said: “Schools are under pressure from Ofsted for all pupils to achieve academically. This isn’t right for some pupils who are disengaged with education, however if schools provide them with an alternative non academic route through long term work experience in order to give them employability skills, then the school could be seen to be failing by Ofsted. This presents schools with a real dilemma which needs to be addressed by Ofsted and the curriculum.”

The conference also highlighted the importance of work experience to develop the life skills, confidence and employability of young people with learning disabilities. Nationally, only 6% of people with a learning disability are in paid employment, with this figure dropping to 1.7% in Derbyshire.

Clare Talati from Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, explained: “There is a fundamental focus on academic attainment rather than skills by employers, therefore young people with learning disabilities are missing out on the opportunity to meet with them and demonstrate that they can be hard working and loyal employees.”

Ms Talati called on employers to focus on the capability of young people rather than their learning disability. She urged employers to provide opportunities such as work experience, site visits and talks for young people with learning disabilities.

Introducing the conference Councilor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “With £700million of developments underway and HS2 on the horizon there are many fantastic opportunities for young people in the area. Schools and businesses must work together now to ensure our skills system is aligned with the economy and that jobs go to local people. Although HS2 is 17 years away we need to be getting ready for it now.”

Chesterfield Borough Council ensures that local people benefit from training, employment and supply chain opportunities generated through inward investment and developments in the area, through the inclusion of local labour clauses in contracts. William Davis Ltd, which was speaking at the event showed how this has been put into practice at the Dunston Grange Housing Scheme in Newbold where local young people will benefit from work experience placements, careers talks and apprenticeship opportunities,

Rebecca young, HS2 Ltd’s Skills and Employment Strategy Manager who headlined the speaker line up at conference revealed that businesses within the HS2 supply chain would be required to demonstrate their commitment to three key areas when tendering for opportunities – their provision of and commitment to apprenticeships, employment opportunities for people out of work and engagement with schools.

Schools that wish to work more closely with local businesses, are urged to get in touch with vocational learning consultancy Placing Futures which actively links training providers to schools in Chesterfield and the wider area and forms links with employers to develop relationships that communicate the current requirement of industry for recruiting school leavers into their sectors.

Placing Futures is a partner of D2N2’s Employability Framework which is being delivered (with £300,000 in support) through the Government-backed Careers & Enterprise Company Enterprise Adviser Network, and D2N2. The Framework seeks to address the mismatch between the employability skills that young people are leaving school with or picking up through post-16 training programmes, against those needed by employers.

To learn more about the stronger links that are being built between schools and employers in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area, visit www.d2n2lep.org/skills/d2n2-enterprise-adviser-network

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Free investment summit announced to unlock investment opportunities in Chesterfield

18th October 2017

With £1 billion of developments underway and a HS2 stop and maintenance depot set to be built in Chesterfield by 2033, businesses, investors and developers across the region that want to capitalise on the town’s growth trajectory are being invited to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free to attend event, which will be held on Thursday 30 November at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield from 8.30am – 12 noon, will give delegates a detailed overview of investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Speakers at the conference include Richard Brown CBE, a Board Member of HS2 and a non-executive member of the Department for Transport Board, Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council and Simon Quin, Director of the Institute of Place Management.

Although 17 years away, delegates will hear at the summit how the town is preparing now for the opportunities that HS2 will bring to Chesterfield. 250 new high level skill jobs alone will be provided at the maintenance depot which will be built in Staveley, as well as many others that will be generated within the local supply chain.

Alongside HS2, representatives from the town’s key developments – Chesterfield Waterside and Markham Vale, will also be attending the summit which is being organised by Destination Chesterfield, Derbyshire Economic Partnership and Marketing Derby – joint partners in the EU funded “Invest in D2N2” project with a focus on promoting Derbyshire both nationally and globally as the place to invest for growth and quality of life.

As well as the keynote speakers, there will be a networking breakfast, exhibition and a question and answer panel with speakers and local decision makers.

Commenting on the Summit, Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership Board Member, said: “Chesterfield’s location and connectivity within the UK gives the town a unique appeal and this has already been recognised by many of those looking to invest. The announcement of a HS2 stop in Chesterfield and nearby maintenance depot have sparked a surge of interest in the town from all types of inward investor, including commercial developers and house-builders both locally, regionally and nationally already.

“There are myriad investment opportunities at a local level and the Chesterfield Investment Summit is the ideal opportunity for potential investors to learn first-hand what these are. HS2 may be 17 years away, however now is the time to tap into the opportunities the railway line will bring. HS2 isn’t just a railway line, it’s a catalyst for growth across the region.”

John Forkin, Managing director of Marketing Derby, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Chesterfield Investment Summit. Chesterfield and the surrounding area has a strong offer and a range of attractive investment opportunities for which the event will provide a useful spotlight.”

Reserve a ticket at the Chesterfield Investment Summit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development