Development

Insurance and risk management company expands to new Chesterfield office

26th June 2024

PIB, an insurance brokerage and risk management company has announced the opening of a new branch in Chesterfield.

The new site is designed to enhance the company’s service delivery and support in the midlands.

Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub for the firm, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.

The facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive programmes for colleagues and the businesses supported by PIB. The company’s training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to clients’ requirements.

PIB has highlighted Chesterfield’s strategic location as a key strength of the new premises. The team says it will benefit from our town’s robust travel network, with the branch offering easy access for clients and employees alike. Proximity to major motorways, public transport links, and ample parking ensures that reaching the branch is convenient, whether for a business meeting or a training session.

The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand PIB’s footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, the business says it is better positioned to meet the needs of clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens ties with the community.

Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, commented, “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “We’re delighted to see PIB investing in Chesterfield. Our town is a great place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location, affordability, and supportive business community.

“With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential. It is particularly pleasing to see business confidence in Chesterfield reflected by further evidence of companies looking to expand and relocate here.”

Want to find out more about what Chesterfield can offer your business? Find out more about the benefits of investing in Chesterfield here.

Record number of walkers take on Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

24th June 2024

A record-breaking number of walkers lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospice’s annual Sparkle Night Walk event.

More than 3,400 supporters stepped out for the return of the charity’s biggest fundraiser, sponsored by NOCN Group, on Saturday 22^nd June.

Walkers have already helped raise £220,000 to help fund end of life care in North Derbyshire, and the charity said it hopes to see the figure rise even more by the sponsorship deadline at the end of July.

Find out more about some of the Chesterfield Champion organisations which took part in the event.

The 10km walk began and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group stadium, with people setting off at 10pm and live entertainment kicking off the party at 7pm.

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice said: “Once again everyone at the hospice has been absolutely blown away by the amount of people who turned out for our Sparkle Night Walk.

“The event was our most popular ever and we’re so grateful to all the walkers who came out to support the hospice.

“Our incredible staff and volunteers have been working so hard for months to put on an amazing event for the people of North Derbyshire, I’m so glad it was such a success.

“The amount of money we’re expected to receive in donations will go such a long way towards being there for the patients and families who need us most.”

“We hope to see everyone back again next year donning their sparkles, pink tutus and bunny ears – you can grab your super early bird ticket now for just £8!”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 11^th August, with the walk set to take place on 28^th June 2025.

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk, go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk

If you’re looking for more events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/summer/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in Ashgate hospice, Chesterfield community news, chesterfield events, chesterfield news, sparkle night walk, Summer in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Champions: Further growth across town’s business network

21st June 2024

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to share their successes.

Over the past month, firms have announced new hires, launched innovative networking events and supported major acquisitions.

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “It is very pleasing to see further success across our town. The more our businesses grow, the more robust and resilient our economy becomes.

“I would like to congratulate all Chesterfield Champions on their recent growth, and we wish further success in the future.”

Banner Jones Advises Peak Sensors on Recent Acquisition by SDI Group plc

Banner Jones, in collaboration with Mitchells Accountants, successfully advised Peak Sensors Holdings on its recent sale to SDI Group plc. The acquisition, completed late last year, is valued at approximately £2.4 million.

SDI Group plc, quoted on AIM, specialises in the design and manufacture of scientific and technology products for digital imaging and sensing and control applications. This acquisition expands its portfolio and capabilities.

Peak Sensors, a leading UK manufacturer based in Chesterfield, produces standard and bespoke temperature sensors, including thermocouples and resistance thermometers, servicing various industries such as glass, ceramics, incinerators (including energy from waste), cement and ovens.

With a 5,300 sq ft leasehold facility and 14 employees, Peak Sensors reported revenues of £2.1 million for the year ending March 31, 2023.

Further to the acquisition Roshan Aucklah, CEO of Peak Sensors since 2017, will continue to lead the business under SDI Group ownership. Peter Smith, one of the founders, will remain as a consultant. Peak Sensors will now be part of SDI Group’s Sensors and Controls division.

Andrew Fielder, Solicitor and Head of Business Legal Services at Banner Jones, commented: “It was a real pleasure to support Peak Sensors in an acquisition deal that will enhance and drive the company’s success. We are also pleased to have worked again with Mitchells Accountants to support another local Chesterfield business.”

Speaking to press last year following the deal Ken Ford, Chairman of SDI, remarked: “The acquisition of Peak Sensors is a strategic step in our Group growth, demonstrating opportunities to acquire businesses with high-quality products and export growth potential. We expect the acquisition to be earnings-enhancing in the first full year of ownership. We are delighted to welcome Roshan Aucklah, Peter Smith, and their staff to the SDI Group.”

BSP Consulting appoints two new associate directors

East Midlands civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has made internal promotions to create two new associate directors.

Civil engineer Carol Ell has been with the company 20 years next month.

Finance manager James Payne joined BSP from school in August 2001 and has held a variety of roles within the business.

BSP MD Carl Hilton said: “Both Carol and James have proven themselves to be very committed to BSP Consulting, with almost 43 years of service between them. They bring an energy and enthusiasm to the company which very much contributes to our success.

“I am pleased to announce that they have both earned a well-deserved promotion to associate director and congratulate them on their new appointments.”

BSP Consulting was founded 25 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering companies in the East Midlands.

An award-winning firm that operates across the UK, BSP offers civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering. The company works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage.

For more information about BSP Consulting visit www.bsp-consulting.co.uk

Collaboration leads to new networking event for Chesterfield property firms

A new networking event taking place monthly has been launched at Casa Hotel, giving property and construction companies further opportunity to collaborate.

Property Net Gain Club has been set up by two members of the town’s business community, Emily Smith and Mike Jones.

Emily is currently working on the Holywell Hotel development in Chesterfield Town Centre, while Mike has experience working for several businesses in the property sector locally.

Mike commented: “We’re really excited to bring people together that share a common interest in property and Chesterfield. Both topics are a passion of mine – so the idea to create an informal and sociable network is really exciting.”

Emily added: “It’s great to see people coming to our event from other locations to find out more about the town. Being able to compliment the great work and effort that Destination Chesterfield put into the sector, we saw an opportunity to use our networks to share the good news and initiatives about the town even further.”

Find out more about the events at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chesterfield-property-networking-by-net-gain-club-tickets-810203188547

BHP continues growth with new appointment and Commercial Finance offer

BHP, one of the leading independent accountancy firms in the North, is continuing its growth with the appointment of Dan Summerfield to head up its new Commercial Finance service.

With recent data highlighting that access to funding is becoming more challenging for SMEs, the firm’s new offering will help clients identify and secure the right finance product for their needs, while ensuring they have access to competitive terms.

Dan Summerfield, a Yorkshire financier, joins BHP from Panacea Investment Group in Leeds and has held senior roles in the banking and finance sector over his 30-year career. Dan will oversee all aspects of commercial finance and the firm’s Professional Banking and Finance team, ensuring his wealth of experience can support clients across BHP’s five offices.

Hamish Morrison, Joint CEO at BHP, said: “As trusted advisors, we’re committed to not only delivering a high-quality service to our clients but also expanding our offer to meet the challenges our clients may be experiencing. This new service is evidence of that approach, and we believe it will ensure our clients and their businesses can thrive, despite potential headwinds.”

Dan Summerfield added: “I’m pleased to be joining BHP as it continues to grow. Together with the other partners, I’m looking forward to expanding this service to ensure we can support our clients.

“The finance market has been a volatile space over the last few years, adding to the challenges many businesses have had to face. With the marketplace expected to continue to change as a result of economic uncertainty, it’s crucial that businesses have access to expert advice. Bringing together my experience with the other expertise within BHP, we can offer integrated advisory services that empower our clients.”

Dan is the latest hire for BHP, which has recently announced the appointment of Mark Stanton to Partner in its Digital Finance team, made several new promotions and created new heads of service positions.

BHP Joint CEO Lisa Leighton said: “The last year has been a transformational period for our business as we’ve continued to grow organically, by supporting our clients to do the same. Having been recognised repeatedly over the last 12 months by independent assessor Great Place to Work® UK in a number of categories, we’re pleased to not only be able to attract the best talent in the region, but also to find new talent through our graduate and non-graduate training schemes.

“As we continue to invest in our services and our people, we’re really looking forward to what’s to come for BHP and our clients.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield business community, Chesterfield business growth, Chesterfield growth, Chesterfield innovation, Chesterfield new hires, chesterfield news, Love Chesterfield

Educators and employers address regional skills challenges

21st June 2024

Challenges in recruitment and skills across our region’s businesses have been recently highlighted at East Midlands Chamber’s annual People and Skills summit.

The event brought together 200 delegates from the business community and education sector, and hosted a series of talks, keynote speakers and workshops.

The summit was centred around the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 – which outlines a set of policy asks for the next government to consider.

Speakers at the summit included: Professor Baback Yazdani, Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School; Kate Lee, Talent & Resourcing Manager, Samworth Brothers; Emma Kwiatkowski, Director, Hays; Craig Brothers, Vice President, East Midlands Chamber; Laura Shepherd, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Loughborough College and Dr Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, Skills and Employment Support Ltd.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “Reforming skills is an essential ingredient to economic growth and all the research we conduct with businesses in the East Midlands – like our latest Quarterly Economic Survey where 66% of respondents in the region reported difficulties recruiting staff – has underlined the need to address the issue. The East Midlands People and Skills summit is one of the ways the Chamber can get right into the heart of the issues faced by businesses, breaking them down and finding solutions to overcome each hurdle.

“Candidate needs are evolving, while factors like technology advance just as quickly. Businesses need to ready themselves for emerging technology like AI and what that might mean for the skills candidates might need in the future. Workplaces need to be attractive to new recruits and be open minded to finding ways to match their needs with those of prospective employees. That can mean consideration of things like having a strong Corporate and Social Responsibility policy, offering employees the opportunity to engage with communities and charities, for example.

“If we can pinpoint the sticking blocks in skills, recruitment and retention, we can fix them and that’s why it’s so important that businesses and educators engage with each other, to solve staffing issues both now and in the future.”

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to find out more about upskilling their workforce by contacting Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service.

More information about the service can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in Chesterfield business nes, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, east midlands chamber, Love Chesterfield

Women in engineering celebrated across Chesterfield

20th June 2024

Women working in our town’s manufacturing and engineering sector will be celebrated on Sunday 23rd June, as part of International Women in Engineering Day.

The day aims to raise awareness of careers in the sector for women, with 2021 figures showing that just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are female.

With many businesses in Chesterfield working to reduce skills gaps in their workforces, attracting a diverse range of skilled people is a key priority for the future.

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai commented: “Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day is not just about recognising the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide, but also about inspiring future generations to break barriers, innovate without limits, and reshape the world with their ingenuity and passion.

“I would strongly recommend that young women and girls across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to look into what a rewarding career in our sector can offer. By encouraging more women to work in engineering, we are able to futureproof our businesses and help them to thrive for future generations.”

Women are contributing towards the success of many manufacturing and engineering businesses across Chesterfield. Find out more in our showcase below:

NIBE Energy Systems

Woman stood next to industrial machinery wearing yellow shirt

Phoebe Maxfield – NIBE Energy Systems

NIBE is working to create the energy systems of the future right here in Chesterfield. The company boasts a dedicated training centre in our town to train up heat pump installers. Heat pumps provide homes with heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water to create a perfect indoor climate with minimal impact on nature

Phoebe Maxfield works in the technical department at NIBE in Chesterfield, and shared her experiences.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

I have always been a very hands on person, taking things apart and putting them back together to figure out the “Why?” of how things work. It was also about breaking the mould.

Why do you love working in the sector?

You can never know everything, there is always something to learn. Working with a team with the experience that NIBE Technical has means that every day is a school day.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

My advice would be to go for it. Experience isn’t always necessary with tools and software. If you have a desire to learn and can find a training provider or employer who is willing to support you, there is an opportunity for everyone.

NeoDyne

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu (L), Megan McLoughlin (R) – NeoDyne

NeoDyne delivers leading-edge system integration, digital manufacturing and electrical engineering solutions & services to the life science, food & beverage, data centre and energy sectors.

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu works as an MES developer creating software for NeoDyne, while Megan McLoughlin is an automation engineer for the company.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Megan: Growing up I always enjoyed maths and science in school, in particular the problem solving and practical aspects. When considering different careers I found that engineering provided a way for me to apply these skills whilst getting to work in a team environment.

Aiswaryalakshmi: I have a strong interest in STEM courses and enjoy problem-solving, so I decided to pursue a career in engineering. I saw fantastic job options in the field, was motivated to dispel prejudices by role models, and felt inspired by them. My choice was also heavily influenced by the opportunity to truly influence society and the growing acceptance of diversity.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Megan: No two days are the same! As an engineer I get to work on projects from a variety of different sectors including energy, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical, and develop skills using a range of new exciting technologies.

Aiswaryalakshmi: As a MES developer at NeoDyne UK, I enjoy working in the manufacturing industry because it gives me the opportunity to close the gap between operations and IT and immediately enhance the effectiveness and quality of production. Observing the direct results of my work on the shop floor makes me happy, and I relish the challenge of using technology to optimize procedures. I like working in varied teams to promote creativity and address practical issues. I stay interested because of the lively, practical atmosphere. Furthermore, NeoDyne UK is an excellent environment to advance professionally and make a significant contribution due to its supportive culture and dedication to quality.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Megan: Engineering is such a great career as everyday is a learning day, you get to network with so many different people, work in a team, and often travel to different projects in the UK and abroad!

Aiswaryalakshmi: Open the doors to countless prospects in the manufacturing sector! Your creativity, tenacity, and resourcefulness are the engines that drive breakthrough discoveries and game-changing fixes. As you set out to redefine what is possible, follow your curiosity. Take on challenges as chances to show off your abilities and make an impact on the world. The manufacturing industry has a promising future awaiting your bravery and tenacity. Join us in building an infinitely inventive future !

MSE Hiller

Ros Fomin (L) and Rebekah Linacre (R) MSE Hiller

MSE Hiller supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK.

Rebekah Linacre is the company’s Commercial Manager, and covers the H&S aspect of MSE. Ros is a Technical Sales Engineer, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Ros: I was interested in solving problems and designing from a young age, and I was fortunate to have family and teachers who actively encouraged me to pursue a career in Engineering – in hindsight it wasn’t until I was older that I was exposed to the (ridiculous!) idea it couldn’t be for women, by which time it was too late!

Beckie: After leaving university, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. So I didn’t narrow down my options. I focused on finding a career that remained interesting and provided constant learning opportunities. This led to skills in managing health and safety, which forms a foundation to then work on a wide range of projects, adapting my skills and experience in different settings. Engineering opens so many doors.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Ros: For us, in Wastewater, the sector is so varied, with every project and customer being totally unique. I’ve seen behind the scenes at food factories, been to stunning remote sites in Scotland, and recently visited suppliers in Italy, so I’d say the constantly changing work and experiences is something I love about the sector.

Beckie: I am especially interested in supporting the development of infrastructure that affects us all on a daily basis, without even realising. No day is the same and you can specialise in topics or jobs that you may never knew even existed.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Ros: Engineering has a breadth of options within it, so don’t be put off by what you might have in mind as “Engineering” – if you’re interested in why things work, figuring out a tricky solution, or love making ideas into a reality, then a career in Engineering could be for you.

Beckie: I think the most important thing is to find something you enjoy or that uses skills that you are keen to develop. Engineering is multi faceted, so there are many different options to pursue, that you may not traditionally think of;- research, visit engineering businesses and determine if the options available align with what you are interested in. In a world moving towards greater gender balance and equality, don’t consider gender as being something that inhibits you from pursuing working in a sector that entices you.

Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett is a joiner at Pinelog Ltd, a manufacturer of bespoke timber lodges based in Chesterfield.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Clare joined the company six years ago after discovering a love for joinery while helping a friend build a shepherd’s hut. Joining Pinelog was significant career change for Clare. Previously she was employed as a classroom assistant.

Since joining Pinelog, Clare has been trained in all aspects of the manufacturing process from timber frame construction and cladding to spray painting and internal fit out.

Why do you love working in the sector?

“I really like the fact the job is physical, and that I am constantly moving, Because the lodges are bespoke, every day is different. It’s fantastic to see a finished lodge and know that I have played a role in creating it.”

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Clare has two teenage daughters and is using her experience to guide their future careers. She added: “Through my own experience in manufacturing, I have encouraged my daughters to get training in a trade.”

Looking to kickstart your career in engineering? Find out about the range of apprenticeships available in the sector here.

Businesses looking to diversify and upskill their workforce are encouraged to contact the Chesterfield Borough Council skills brokerage team to discuss their needs. Find out more about the service here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, International Women in Engineering Day, Love Chesterfield, Women in Engineering Day

Next major phase of town centre regeneration work set to start in July

12th June 2024

The next phase of the regeneration of Chesterfield town centre is set to start in July – with experienced contractor, Thomas Bow, now appointed to take the project forward.

The multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project includes a range of improvement works to transform the look, feel and flow of the town’s key public spaces. The works are due to start on 1 July and will take eighteen months to complete.

The project will begin in Market Square, where improvements will create a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting, before moving on to New Square, where works will be carried out to create an attractive flexible space to support both traditional and speciality markets and a wider range of uses. The final phase will involve improvement works to Rykneld Square.

New layout for Chesterfield Market with contemporary stalls, heritage colours, Market Hall in the background, town pump a feature

Market Square Chesterfield – artist’s impression

Separately, GF Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We’re pleased to confirm Thomas Bow as our contractor and look forward to the project gathering pace over the coming weeks – with work due to start next month. The town centre will remain open for business, although inevitably the work will cause some short-term disruption and we thank people in advance for their patience.

“We have a detailed plan to support our market traders and town centre businesses throughout the improvement works, and we’ll also be making sure we keep members of the public up to date by sharing information as the work progresses.

“We’d encourage people to sign up to our regular monthly email newsletter via our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise – and also keep an eye on the council’s social media channels for the latest updates.”

Thomas Bow is an experienced civil engineering contractor having worked on major public realm regeneration projects in cities across the midlands, including Lincoln, Nottingham and Leicester. They will be operating a site office from Low Pavement and from where members of the public will be able to view the plans and find out more about how the project is progressing.

John Allen, Construction Director from Thomas Bow, said: “We are delighted to secure this important scheme with Chesterfield Borough Council. As a local contractor with significant experience in successful public realm delivery across the midlands, our teams are very much looking forward to embarking on this project in the coming months.”

Residents are also asked to note that, due to the timing of the improvement works, Chesterfield’s Medieval Market will not take place this year. The council is working with the local charities which usually fund-raise at the July event to provide alternative opportunities for them to take market stalls on speciality market days.

The next Peddler Market will go ahead as planned on 19 and 20 July – within its self-contained location on New Square, which won’t be affected by the works until later in the year.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, we have had to take the difficult decision to cancel the Medieval Market this year, as key areas of the main market square will be undergoing improvement works.

“However, there are many more great family-friendly events taking place across the summer period and, in the longer term, the improvement works will create more space and flexibility for a range of town centre events and celebrations.

“We’ll also be launching a new public art project. It will include an artist in residency, art trails and an exhibition in the town centre, with the aim of encouraging people to visit and support local businesses whilst the regeneration project proceeds.”

You can find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and sign up for email newsletter updates by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Summer, Visiting

D2N2 LEP incorporated into the new East Midlands Combined Authority

11th June 2024

Work to boost inclusive growth across the region has taken an important step forward this week following the incorporation of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The move sees around 20 LEP staff joining the EMCCA to support the work to improve the lives of everyone living and working in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Derby and Derbyshire, through delivering improvements in transport, housing, skills and adult education and net zero.

Local enterprise partnerships were established across the country in 2010 with responsibilities for local economic development in their region. Now, as part of the devolution deal agreed with government that established EMCCA, the LEP’s board agreed that its functions would be incorporated into the EMCCA to deliver a unified approach to tackling the region’s challenges.

Mark Rogers, interim Chief Executive of EMCCA said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome LEP staff to the EMCCA. It’s an important step forward in growing organisational capacity and supporting our devolution journey that’s seen powers move from Westminster to the East Midlands where we can make the right decisions for the people we serve.

“The move means the expertise, knowledge and experience that supports business growth, investment opportunities and partnership working is in one place where we can make a real difference to our region.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP said: “I’m delighted that the LEP team is joining the Combined County Authority. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the last 13 years, but joining EMCCA means that across a whole range of issues we can do more, even bigger, even better things that support our region.”

The D2N2 Board, which provides strategic leadership for the LEP, will be in place until the end of this year.

Looking for support for your business? Find out more about the initiatives available to organisations in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Will Morelidge, D2N2 LEP

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterifleld business support, d2n2 lep, East Midlands Combined Authority

Have your say and help shape the future of Chesterfield

7th June 2024

Residents, businesses, community groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being asked to have their say on how they think almost £20m worth of investment should be spent to help improve the town over the next 10 years.

A new and independent board, called the Chesterfield Town Board, is driving forward this investment and wants to hear people’s views to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas for the future of Chesterfield.

People can put forward their views as part of an online survey – which will be open until noon on Monday 24 June – and a series of engagement sessions are also being held with local community groups and organisations.

Dominic Staniforth, Chair of the Chesterfield Town Board, said: “Listening to local people and understanding how residents, businesses and community representatives think this money should be best invested is at the heart of our plans.

“This means our investment proposals will be developed by local people for local people: bringing together residents, business, and community leaders to devise and agree a shared vision for the future.

“It’s really important that we hear from as many people as possible, to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas that people may have for the future of Chesterfield.”

The short survey asks people to answer a series of brief questions, seeking their views on how the funding should be spent on projects which fit into three key themes:

Safety and security – this could include projects which help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, for example.
High streets, heritage and regeneration – this could include projects which would enhance the town, making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
Transport and connectivity – this could include projects which support improved access to the town centre, including work to support greener modes of travel, as well as public transport options.

People’s views will be used to help shape the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan setting out how and where the money will be spent.

Dominic added: “Chesterfield is a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – so please do spare a few minutes to complete our short survey and be part of our shared ambitions for the town.”

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth was appointed as Chair of the Board. He sits alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Chesterfieldonlinesurvey

For more information about Chesterfield Town Board visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/chesterfield-town-board

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, Chesterfield improvements, Chesterfield investment, chesterfield news, Chesterfield town, Chesterfield Town Board, chesterfield town centre, Love Chesterfield

Solar panel interest soars in Chesterfield as residents and businesses choose sustainability

6th June 2024

Chesterfield has been named as one of the top 10 towns in the UK for interest in solar panels.

The number of residents showing interest in the products through internet searches is well above national levels, with an average of 3,860 monthly searches.

The research was compiled by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which examined the numbers to find out which places in the UK have seen the highest growth in interest in solar panels.

Across the UK, the average number of residents seeking to learn about solar panels sits at 2.8%, but in Chesterfield the monthly figure sits at 4.3% – the ninth best figure in the country.

Energy Saving Expert Hannah Holway at FMB, stresses how valuable solar panels can be to the average homeowner: “While the UK might not have many long, sunny days, that’s no reason not to install solar panels on your home.

“According to our own research, for the typical UK home, the cost of a solar panel system without will be around £7,000 and can amount to an average annual saving of almost £1,100. That means that in seven years, consumers will have paid their investment back in the savings made on energy.

“Not only that, the full 30-year lifespan of those panels will net approximately £33,000 in savings, or £26,000 after the initial investment is subtracted.

“It’s no surprise that many places in the UK are showing increased interest in solar panels!”

It isn’t just homeowners showing interest in Solar Panels. Many businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have recently made the switch to improve their sustainability credentials.

Claire Wilks, Business Operations Manager at FWD Motion said: “Solar panels power our facilities, with plans for further expansion. This approach underscores our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability.”

Ally Snee, Key Account Manager for SDE Group said: “We recently installed solar panels on our offices which has allowed us to remove gas from the building.”

Gareth Paradise, Health & Safety and Facilities Manager at Global Brands Ltd said: “We’ve recently invested in solar panels to take the bulk of our power demands. We constantly monitor power use and look to install devices and practices to reduce consumption.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Chesterfield sustainability, Love Chesterfield, Solar Panels Chesterfield

Impressive growth for Vines Legal results in move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

5th June 2024

A niche law firm has announced a move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, following impressive growth in the town.

Vines Legal specialises exclusively in family law, and has been operating since 2009, originally moving into its first Chesterfield premises in 2012. Since then the team has grown organically, resulting in a move to one of the town’s flagship office developments.

Commenting on the move, Catherine Wenborn, Managing Director at Vines Legal said: “We have found moving our premises to Chesterfield a very positive experience.

“The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre ticks all the boxes for this business. We wanted modern, professional office space in the centre of Chesterfield. The Enterprise Centre allows opportunities for the team to expand in the future and provides great opportunities to network with other local businesses who are tenants here.

“Chesterfield is a great place to live and work. It has great transport links to all parts of the country and the business and economic growth within the town is very positive.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “We’re delighted to see Vines Legal growing and investing in Chesterfield, culminating in their move to the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“The success of the centre has been there for all to see, with dozens of thriving organisations now operating from it.

“Our town is an excellent place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location and supportive business community. With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential.”

Is your organisation looking for quality, affordable office space in a vibrant community of businesses? Get in touch today to find out about the range of spaces available in Chesterfield.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield borough council, chesterfield business news, chesterfield news, Invest in Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield, Vines Legal

World Environment Day – Chesterfield Champions showcase sustainability initiatives

4th June 2024

World Environment Day 2024 (June 5th 2024) is just around the corner, and businesses across Chesterfield are marking the date by highlighting their latest green initiatives.

Whether they are cutting emissions or reducing waste, our network of Chesterfield Champions are working together to support the town’s ambitions of becoming net-zero by 2050.

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Director at Weightron Bilanciai commented: “Embracing sustainability isn’t just a responsibility for businesses, it’s an opportunity to showcase our town’s innovation. By integrating eco-friendly practices, we not only protect our environment but also enhance our communities.

“I’m pleased to see so many businesses in Chesterfield displaying sustainable success. It’s vital that public and private sector organisations continue to work towards net-zero across our town, which will help Chesterfield become an even better place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Want to find out how your business can be more sustainable? Get in touch with the Chesterfield Accelerator team by clicking here, or book onto the upcoming Carbon Literacy for SMEs Webinar.

Find out more below about how businesses in the town are going green to secure a more prosperous future for our community.

Bridget Bircumshaw – Teaching & Learning Quality Lead – Green Skills at Chesterfield College Group

In partnership with stakeholders, our students, staff, and apprentices are climate change ambassadors for the college and wider community. Our annual sustainability fair champions awareness through student-led, co-created, community projects, promoting sustainable materials, resources, and technologies.

These initiatives support carbon-footprint reduction, respect for the environment and green-skill behaviours needed in industry to protect our planet. Their voices drive our ambitious, flexible and innovative curriculum, #BeingLoudlyBrilliant empowering eco-leaders of the future.

Laura Jo Owen – ‘Queen of Joy and Sparkle’ at Adorn Jewellers Chesterfield

Adorn are committed to finding new ways to become more sustainable. Most recently, a sustainability focus has led us to promote our ‘circular packaging’.

Each piece of our jewellery is lovingly gift wrapped in our famous ‘little green bag’. Now our lovely customers can make each bag even more wonderful by returning it to be used again. The bag can be used as gift wrap again or in our displays.

Mark Johnson – Print Manager at FWD Motion

From solar panels, electric vehicles, pure water filters, biodegradable materials, and our very own nature garden, FWD Motion offers a greener agency solution for clients looking for eco-friendly, sustainable marketing services. We are especially excited about our new printer, which enables us to repurpose old signage and merchandise to prevent them from going to landfill.

Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for laminates, reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for our vibrant print solutions.

Stephanie Weightman – Creative Director at Highlight Crafts

At Highlight Crafts we’re always looking for ways to be more sustainable. One of our recent changes has been the update of our packaging.

The original packaging included sealed plastic cello bags and while we always encouraged customers to reuse these bags, switching to paper envelope packaging ensures that the product is packaged safely, and ensures that when the customer is finished with the packaging, this can be recycled naturally.

Jane Cooper – Partner and the Head of Personal Injury at Graysons Solicitors

We take sustainability very seriously at Graysons. We are now very paper lite with a view to becoming paperless in the PI department – with other departments following suit.

We use electronic signature software to cut down on printing documents in all areas and we encourage conferences by remote means to reduce our carbon footprint. We recently moved to the more energy efficient Glass Yard premises.

Ross Chester – Sales & Marketing at The Embroidery Shed

At The Embroidery Shed, our efforts to be more sustainable are focused around minimising wastage in our manufacturing processes; We re-use our backing material offcuts where possible as well as adopt a zero-stock method, only holding stock for customer’s orders.

We also have an ECO Range with clothing made from sustainably sourced materials, such as organic cotton and recycled cotton and polyester.

Natalie Burkinshaw – Founder and Creative Director at Crush Design & Creative Marketing

Operating within an industry that has a long history of print-based solutions, we were early adopters of digital alternatives, ensuring our clients have sustainable options for their projects.

We’ve also made significant changes to our office set-up in the past two years, building an energy efficient studio which runs off a solar energy source, investing in electric vehicles along with ensuring our suppliers meet our sustainable goals for the future.

Abbi Holland – Head Receptionist at The Body Health Centre

Here at The Body Health Centre, we’re passionate about sustainability, and doing our bit to help the environment.

As much as possible, we purchase our consumable and everyday items locally to reduce our impact and support other local business.

We use environmentally friendly cleaning products and have our waste collected weekly from a local recycling firm, I even take our shredded paper home to add to my garden compost bin!

Dan Hobday – Technical Sales Engineer at Addooco IT

Addooco IT is committed to sustainability by achieving Carbon Neutral status and obtaining PAS 2060 Certification.

We implement eco-friendly practices, optimize energy use, and offset emissions to minimize our environmental impact. Our focus includes reducing waste, enhancing operational efficiency, and using renewable energy sources, demonstrating our dedication to a greener future while meeting rigorous sustainability standards.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in chesterfield champions, chesterfield news, Chesterfield sustainability, World Environment Day