Development

SDE Group collaborates with John Pye Auctions on smart storage project

Chesterfield’s SDE Group has revealed a successful collaboration with John Pye Auctions to enhance their operational efficiency and safety through the implementation of smart storage solutions.

The project involved a comprehensive assessment of existing equipment and procedures, followed by the design and installation of tailored storage systems. The project not only optimised space utilisation but also streamlined workflows, leading to improved productivity and adherence to safety protocols.

The successful transformation within a 12-month period was a testament to the collaborative efforts between SDE Group and John Pye’s team.

Project Consultant, Elliot Watson explained: “When John Pye Chesterfield first approached SDE for a small quantity of shelving in one of their salesrooms, it was clear to see during our first visit that the site had grown that quickly in such a short space of time, what made sense from an operational perspective (and what was required from a H&S point-of-view) were made secondary priorities to coping with the huge volume of sales the business was experiencing.

“That is why it is even more rewarding to see the site completely transformed within 12 months, after the hours put into reviewing all of their existing equipment and operational procedures, several designs and then re-designs, and then finally getting the project to site prior to their peak sales period.

“Special thanks go to Josh, Steve, John, and the rest of the Chesterfield team for their hard work and cooperation throughout the process.

“Witnessing a transformative project like this is always rewarding — even more so when it supports a local business and strengthens their service to the wider community.”

Chesterfield is home to a vibrant community of businesses which thrive through collaboration. Find out more about locating your business here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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Chesterfield Champions among the winners in regional tourism awards

Exceptional tourism businesses in Chesterfield and the Peak District took centre stage as the winners of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were revealed at a glittering awards ceremony.

The prestigious event was held at the East Midlands Conference Centre and brought together hundreds of guests including industry leaders, innovators and rising stars for a night of recognition and celebration during English Tourism Week (14-23 March).

The region’s two Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby – joined forces to deliver the awards ceremony in partnership for the first time, with the support of East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed guests by congratulating the outstanding achievements of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry and highlighting the sector’s vital £5.25bn of economic impact contribution to the East Midlands’ economy.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes OBE applauded the talent, passion and innovation of the shortlisted finalists, and recognised the collaborative efforts of Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby in driving growth and excellence across the region’s visitor economy.

The awards were hotly contested and finalists – including visitor attractions, experiences, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers – progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by an independent panel of experts to arrive at last night’s event.

In the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award category, Matlock Farm Park took the coveted gold award, while Peak Edge Hotel picked up the bronze accolade.

Peak Edge also won a silver award for Hotel of the Year, while Chatsworth’s Country Fair 2024 received gold for Festival and Event of the Year.

Hosted by Donna Alos, the awards ceremony featured a vibrant atmosphere and included a three-course meal produced by Nottingham Venues that showcased suppliers from across the East Midlands.

The awards were held in partnership with VisitEngland and Gold winners of the core categories will have the opportunity to progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2025, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

For the full list of winners from the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Awards please visit: https://visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/events/category/tourism-awards

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “The East Midlands’ Tourism Awards showcase the places and experiences that make life in the East Midlands so rich. We are a destination – and tonight’s participants show why. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winners and nominees, and to celebrate their ingenuity and hard work.

“I am also delighted that we are doing this as a region, for the first time. Just as the East Midlands Combined County Authority creates space for us to come together around a common cause, so too do these awards. I am committed to making the East Midlands the best region in the country to live, work, and visit, and it is by working in partnership that we can best achieve that goal.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Bringing together the finalists of the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards and the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards under one roof has provided an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate the power of collaboration in driving excellence, delivering economic growth and elevating the quality of tourism across the East Midlands.

“Tourism is a major economic driver, and it is the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism sector that makes our region the world-class destination that it is – driving growth, creating jobs, and contributing billions to our economy.

“Huge congratulations to all the worthy winners as well as the shortlisted businesses and individuals!”

The 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards were sponsored by EV charging specialists VoltShare and Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who designed and handcrafted luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

The Awards Ceremony was jointly sponsored by Nottingham Venues and the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

If you’re planning a visit to the Peak District, be sure to experience Chesterfield during your stay.

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First phase of Chesterfield Market revamp completed

Chesterfield Market is ready to welcome visitors and shoppers to the first completed phase of the multi-million-pound regeneration project to revitalise the market and public spaces.

Work in the upper half of the Market square has included the installation of new feature paving, relaying of the traditional cobbles, the creation of bespoke market stalls, new street furniture and improvements to drainage, security and other infrastructure.

The second phase of the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will now begin in the lower half of the Market square. It includes similar work to create a more open market that can support a wider range of markets and events.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “These exciting improvements are just the start of our town centre transformation, we’re enhancing the look and feel of the market but also providing traders with better facilities and creating more flexible spaces that will support a wider range of uses.

Market 3 L-R Cllr Kate Sarvent, Cllr Tricia Gilby

“It’s fantastic to see these improvements come to life and I hope that everyone can see what we are trying to achieve across our town centre. We’ll continue to work with our market traders and town centre businesses to minimise disruption as further phases of our regeneration project progress.”
Steve Siddall, whose family have been selling bedding and soft furnishings on Chesterfield Market for more than 70 years, said: “I like the new stalls, really sturdy and plenty of room. I’m looking forward to getting trading and welcoming new customers to my stall.”

The works are being carried out on behalf of the council by Thomas Bow.

John Allen, Construction Director at Thomas Bow, said: “After much hard work by our teams, both in the planning stage and delivery, it’s great to see the first phase of this high-profile scheme completed. As part of our commitment to delivering a positive impact through our works, and also the wider community, we have been busy behind the scenes working with local community groups, schools and colleges, educating young people on the civil engineering industry and providing a T level placement for a student within our offices.”

Works in the lower half of the market square will begin with the historic cobbles being lifted, and re-laid and some new paving will also be installed – together this will maintain the historic look but will provide a more level surface throughout the Market Place, making it easier for people with accessibility issues such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users or parents with pushchairs to navigate the market.

While works on phase two are underway a small number of traders will be on stalls in a new temporary market area in New Square.

New market stalls will be built and a new central area in the market place will have feature paving inspired by designs in the Market Hall and provide space for food traders and to support town centre events.

Later this year work will begin on New Square which will be opened up to create a new flexible events space but also provide additional stalls for busy market days.

Further phases of works include Rykneld Square which will be transformed to create a green and welcoming space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire.
Improvements to Corporation Street will create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall, which houses the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum.

The project is funded through an almost £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. With the funding split between town centre regeneration works and the refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Find out more about the works taking place in Chesterfield town centre: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

For more information or to sign up for project updates by email, please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

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East Midlands Mayor to launch brand new vision for investment at UK’s biggest real estate development showcase

The East Midlands will use the UK’s biggest development and investment event to launch a brand-new vision for the future of the region’s economy.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, will lead a team of partners from across the East Midlands when she unveils the new vision at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds from 20-22 May.

And the region will come together for the first time in a new East Midlands Pavilion, where investors, developers and businesses can meet the Mayor, talk to inward investment teams and hear about a series of major commercial opportunities.

Partners from across the East Midlands will stage a series of events at UKREiiF which will showcase major commercial development destinations like the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Investment Zone.

One of the sites outlined for the East Midlands Investment Zone will be based in Staveley, which aims to bring investment and jobs to the area in advanced manufacturing and green industries.

There will also be a spotlight on the region’s status as a national tourist destination via the new Visit East Midlands initiative, which highlights the Peak District, Sherwood Forest and key visitor attractions.

Its two vibrant cities, Derby and Nottingham, will also be holding investment showcases, highlighting their role as national destinations for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, creative industries, food production and advanced logistics and distribution centres.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands is a hidden gem – but it won’t be hidden for much longer. When you join us at UKREiiF, we will be telling this story with a brand-new East Midlands spatial vision – bringing to life the potential for investment, business, and development.

This will be bolstered by a long-term plan for regional growth that’ll give businesses and investors the certainty they need. So come and meet me, my team, and our partners and colleagues from across our region at the East Midlands Pavilion at UKREiiF.”

Mayor Claire will lead an East Midlands team which also includes the leadership team from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), East Midlands Freeport, Marketing Derby, Invest in Nottingham, Invest in Derbyshire and Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield is located in the centre of England, next to the M1 motorway. Leading companies in manufacturing, engineering, professional services and construction are already seeing the strategic benefits of locating their businesses in our town.

Find out more about becoming part of Chesterfield’s thriving business community at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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Champions collaborate to help firms achieve ESG targets

A group of businesspeople in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are joining forces to raise awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) for all companies.

Three local firms – Choice Utility, Green Arch Consulting and Kakou are highlighting the strategic advantages of integrating ESG principles into business plans and processes. They are hoping to spread awareness of the importance of ESG and the impact it could have on the future of small businesses in Chesterfield.

ESG looks at how a business can run more efficiently, more sustainably and be more socially responsible, which will not only help cut costs but allow for longevity, in terms of how the business will be able to prepare for the next 10 years.

This means better financial options going forward, be that from investors, banks and the rest of the customer base.

The three businesses are set to host an awareness event at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel in April, to ensure firms are well informed about how ESG reporting could affect things in future.

Speakers include:

  • Ann Fomukong-Boden, Founding Director of Kakou Technolgies
  • Emma Knight-Strong, Director of Green-Arch Consulting
  • Dan Molloy, Director of Choice Utility
  • Natashia Lee, Managing Director of ESG PRO

Choice Utility’s Dan Molloy said: “Having a detailed report can help improve interest rates offered from financial institutions, improve the overall business value for exit strategies, improve relations with customers and staff to build a company with a sustainable future. With FTSE 100 companies and government institutions making the disclosures in the report integral to winning their business and ongoing tender offers.

“Major UK cities are already building this into their business. Chesterfield businesses will no doubt have already had current clients or potential clients that are asking for more information from their supply chain.

“This is due to changes in government regulations and the need for disclosures up and down the chain. New tendering platforms from the government and the NHS require scope 3 carbon reporting which is the collection of information from the supply chain, this means that contracts and opportunities further down the chain can find themselves in jeopardy by not having this information.

“ESG reporting will inevitably become increasingly more integral to these regulations so it’s imperative businesses are equipped with the information in order to not lose out on millions in potential revenue.

“Ultimately businesses across Chesterfield and Derbyshire are already doing incredible work, likely already doing a lot that once reported correctly can become a fantastic foundation for their ESG principles.”

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Founding Director of Kakou Technologies, added: “A sustainability-focused culture starts with leadership commitment, employee engagement, and clear goals. A step-by-step approach ensures lasting change without overwhelming resources, making sustainability a shared responsibility and an integral part of business operations for long-term success.”

Emma Knight-Strong, Director of Green Arch Consulting said: “ESG is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Fostering a deeper understanding of business operations enables decision-makers to identify future risks and opportunities with greater clarity, while transparency fosters trust and drives long-term value. Sustainable business is smart business.”

Find out more about the event and book your place: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/the-esg-advantage/

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£1.4 million dental practice to open in Chesterfield

mydentist, the UK’s largest dental care provider, is set to relocate its practice in Chesterfield to a new large-scale practice at Saltergate, following an investment of £1.4 million.

Set to officially open in March, the new practice at Saltergate marks a substantial enhancement for the 11,000+ people mydentist treats within the community. With patients set to benefit from a modern, state-of-the-art practice, a greater range of dental treatments and technology, as well as improved wheelchair and disabled access.

The new practice – located just an 8-minute walk from the current site on Saltergate – will allow for practice expansion, moving from 6 to 9 dental surgeries initially, with the potential to grow to 15 surgeries in the future.

The practice move will also enable job creation to take the experienced team to over 30 dentists, dental nurses, reception staff, treatment co-ordinators and managers.

John Hudson, Property Director at mydentist, commented: “We’re thrilled to be on track to open our new Chesterfield practice in March. This new practice will not only offer improved facilities for our dedicated practice teams, but also more choice for our patients.”

Jessica Winney Belton, Practice Manager for mydentist Chesterfield, commented: “The new site at Saltergate will enable us to substantially increase our dental surgery capacity and our team, which in turn will mean more care can be delivered to our patients. While we work to ensure the practice is ready to open its doors officially in March, our team at 115 Saltergate remain committed to providing patients with the best possible level of care.

“We look forward to welcoming patients into the new practice in March and to delivering affordable care to the community of Chesterfield, so that they can continue to access the vital dental care that they need.”

A full range of dental treatments will be on offer at the practice, including teeth whitening, teeth straightening, hygiene appointments, smile makeovers and dental implants.

You can currently find mydentist Chesterfield at 115 Saltergate and contact the practice via their website or 01246 232713.

With access to plenty of green space, great educaional facilities and a great community feel, Chesterfield offers an excellent quality of life. Find out more about living in our town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

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Call for businesses to support Chesterfield’s young people in preparing for the world of work

Chesterfield businesses have a unique opportunity to shape their future workforce and drive the local economy forward by offering young people meaningful workplace experiences.

Local employers are being urged to get involved with schools in the area, providing valuable insights and hands-on exposure to the world of work.

Firms have the opportunity to engage with students from secondary schools, SEND Schools and sixth-forms and colleges, playing a direct role in preparing young people for successful careers while also building connections with potential future employees.

Engagement with schools and colleges also helps businesses to strengthen talent pipelines, increase diversity and close skills gaps.

Schools in Chesterfield seeking support for work experience, careers fairs, employer talks, workshops, and mock interviews include:

  • Brookfield Community School
  • Netherthorpe School
  • Outwood Academy Hasland Hall
  • Outwood Academy Newbold
  • Parkside School
  • Springwell Community School
  • St Mary’s Catholic High School
  • Tupton Hall School
  • Whittington Green School
  • Ashgate Croft School
  • Chesterfield College

By working with these schools and colleges, businesses can shape students’ career paths through mentorship and industry insights.

Ian Cooper, Principal at Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, commented: “Direct exposure to hands-on experiences with employers, such as work experience, careers fairs, workshops, and mock interviews, is crucial for inspiring young people and preparing them for the workplace. Bridging the gap between education and business is vital for equipping students with essential skills and ensuring Chesterfield’s local industries and communities continue to thrive.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, added: “Bridging the gap between education and business is essential for Chesterfield’s future workforce. Employers have a crucial role to play in showcasing career opportunities, equipping young people with key skills, and ensuring our local industries thrive. This is more than just a way to give back—it’s a strategic opportunity for our companies to connect with the workforce of tomorrow.”

To find out more and get involved, go to the Destination Chesterfield website: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/#Prepare%20for%20work

Advice is also available from Direct Education Business Partnership, which has created a self-assessment tool that allows businesses to track their progress in engaging with young people, compare to industry peers and gain resources to improve.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, SkillsTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio expands to new office at Tapton Innovation Centre

Chesterfield-based digital innovation company, Oasis Studio has expanded into a new office at Tapton Innovation Centre, marking an exciting milestone following a period of significant growth in 2024.

Specialising in digital property marketing, Oasis Studio has gained recognition for its cutting-edge EyeSiteView platform, which enhances the home-buying experience and accelerates property sales through innovative digital strategies. The company’s expansion reflects its increasing success in the property and construction sectors.

Jade Chinn, Business Development Manager at Oasis Studio, commented on the move: “2024 was a fantastic year for us, especially with the growth of EyeSiteView. We’ve had the privilege of working with more housebuilders, helping them bring new homes to market faster and more effectively. Our expansion into Tapton Innovation Centre is a key step forward, providing us with the space and facilities to continue delivering top-tier digital marketing solutions.”

Oasis Studio has earned multiple industry awards in recognition of its contributions to digital property marketing. In February, the company’s Director, Tony Buck, co-hosted the AI Forum in Chesterfield, where he engaged in discussions about AI’s impact on the property and construction industries.

The decision to relocate to Tapton Innovation Centre was driven by the need for a scalable workspace that encourages collaboration and creativity. “What stands out about Chesterfield is how much the town invests in its businesses,” added Jade Chinn. “It creates real opportunities for networking and collaboration, helping companies connect and grow together. It’s a place where you can truly thrive, supported by a community that values innovation and partnership.”

Jade added: “It’s been a fast-paced start to the year, and we’ve definitely hit the ground running. We are incredibly optimistic about the growth we’re poised to achieve this year and with our new location, we have the flexibility to scale effortlessly as we move forward.”

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the ideal location for growing your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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Paragon expands to new state-of-the-art facility in Chesterfield

Paragon, a leading supplier of advanced cleaning products and solutions, has announced an expansion with the opening of a new facility in Chesterfield.

Strategically located in the heart of the UK, the additional site signifies a major investment in the company’s growth, enhancing its ability to deliver industry-leading products and drive sustainable solutions across the industry.

The spacious warehouse features a 300% increase in pallet storage capacity, to support the company’s growing operations. This sits alongside a modern, high-tech office space for the team as well as a dedicated zone for Paragon Labs, the company’s innovation hub which encompasses product development, online and on-demand training, a cleaning manual builder and comprehensive data platform.

The site has been purpose-built to elevate operational efficiency and provide improved service delivery for customers. In addition, the buildings have achieved an excellent energy performance rating, underscoring Paragon’s commitment to lowering energy consumption and reducing its environmental impact.

Paul Urquhart, Managing Director at Paragon, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Paragon. The Chesterfield location not only underscores our commitment to growth and innovation but also strengthens our position as a trusted partner to customers across the UK.

“We have an ambitious long-term sustainability plan, and this expansion is a key step in delivering it. We estimate that this centrally located distribution hub will reduce CO2e emissions by 50% to 60%, primarily through fewer delivery miles, significantly lowering our carbon footprint. The facility has been designed with sustainability at its core, enabling us to operate more efficiently while expanding our capacity to better support our customers’ needs.”

A key part of this expansion is the appointment of Jorden Clay as Group General Manager. With extensive experience in logistics, implementation and business transformation, Jorden will be responsible for ensuring strategic goals are met, while maintaining continued excellence in customer service, operational efficiency and sustainable practices.

Jorden Clay, Group General Manager at Paragon, said: “I’m thrilled to join Paragon at such an exciting time. This expansion is a testament to the company’s vision and ambition, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to drive growth, enhance our services and increase our operational impact.”

Find out more about the company at: www.paragongroup.co.uk

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the ideal location to grow your business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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Custom Solar works with Pets at Home to improve sustainability at national distribution centre

Chesterfield’s Custom Solar, part of Mitie, has completed the installation of a 1.25MWp rooftop solar PV array at Pets at Home’s new national distribution centre in Staffordshire.

The distribution centre, which opened in early 2024, supplies products to the pet care brand’s 450-plus stores.

The solar array will help the national pet care brand to reduce its carbon emissions by over 221 tonnes a year, the equivalent energy use of 80 homes per year or 210 one-way flights from London to New York.

In doing so, Custom Solar has supported Pets at Home on its path to meeting its ambitious target of reducing scope one, two and three emissions by 42% by 2030 against a 2020 base year and reaching net zero by 2040.

Bringing its broad expertise as one of the UK’s largest commercial solar PV developers, Custom Solar has managed the approximately £1 million contract through the whole process from technical design through to the installation of the solar panels which span the roof of the landmark building for Pets at Home which received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its environmentally focused design.

It also managed the installation of associated grid connections to ensure the reliability of the centre’s power supply.

Gary Sucharewycz, Managing Director, Custom Solar, said: “We’re proud to have helped to accelerate Pets at Home towards its carbon emission reduction targets with this innovative roof-top solar PV array and associated grid connection. As experts in supporting our customers in finding the best green energy solutions to meet their needs, we’re pleased to have supported the development of the building which has received an ‘Excellent’ BREEAM rating for its sustainability credentials.”

Catriona Curtis, Head of Sustainability, Pets at Home, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Mitie on this step towards achieving our sustainability goals. This installation will make an important contribution to the reduction of our operational emissions and we’re looking forward to continuing to work together to create innovative solutions, to help us create a better world for pets and the people who love them.”

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

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Derbyshire to receive cash boost for EV charge points

Derbyshire is set to receive millions of pounds to fund electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the county.

In total, thirteen midlands-based local authorities have secured funding to get more EV chargers onto our streets, receiving £40.8m of Government funding aimed at getting more electric vehicle charge points into areas with limited off-street parking.

A partnership of eight local authorities across the Midlands region, led by Lincolnshire County Council and Worcestershire County Council, have successfully bid for £20.64m of funding.

These two consortiums are the last to be approved for funding after five other local authority partners, being led by Nottinghamshire County Council, secured £20.17m, therefore totalling £40.8m of funding for the partnership overall.

The funding comes from Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, which will help deliver more than 16,000 charge point sockets across the region, with exact numbers determined as part of future contracts. Derbyshire County Council is set to receive just over £6.6 million from the Local Transport Authority LEVI funding.

Almost 31% of Midlands residents do not have access to off-street parking. It is hoped that increasing the number of public on-street charge points will make it easier for those without a driveway to make the switch to an electric vehicle. This will also increase the ease of travel and charging for all EV users in the county.

Two of the Midlands Consortiums tenders are out now with the final consortium to go to procurement Spring 2025, with a five-year delivery aim to install these across the partnership area.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Making charging as seamless and as easy as possible is a crucial to making the switch to electric a success, and rolling out over 16,000 chargers across the Midlands will make driving an EV cheaper and easier, especially for those without a driveway.

“Electric vehicles will power growth, cut emissions and improve lives in the Midlands and beyond, as we continue to deliver our Plan for Change.”

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: “We are delighted that our collaboration with local authorities has resulted in a significant funding boost for electric vehicle infrastructure across the region.

“This is a great step in moving towards a reliable electric vehicle charging infrastructure network across the Midlands, which will become increasingly important as we move closer to the 2035 ban of diesel and petrol vehicles.

“We will continue to work with local authorities to accelerate the roll-out of electric vehicle infrastructure across the Midlands.”

Looking for advice and support on making your business more sustainable? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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