Development

More support to help Derbyshire businesses prosper

14th August 2019

Support for local businesses was at the centre of discussions when Derbyshire County Council met with rural businesses in Ashford in the Water.

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, visited Ashford Business Units to discuss how the county council could offer local firms more support and guidance to help them grow.

Local produce distributor SaucedHere.co.uk, Peak Ales microbrewery and Peak Venues, which specialises in holiday accommodation catering for large groups, praised the support currently offered by the county council and Derbyshire Economic Partnership but the group highlighted that work needs to be ongoing to raise the profile of Derbyshire and the need for larger properties for very small businesses to expand into.

Luke Osborne, Founder of SaucedHere.co.uk said: “It was a pleasure to have been visited by Tony. He took a genuine interest in our work and how it boosts the income of the 40 Derbyshire and Peak District farmers, food and drink producers and businesses we collaborate with. The support from the council has been very encouraging.”

“Our key need going forward is to spread the word about the products listed on our site and continue to grow our customer base.”

“Derbyshire and the Peak District is an unsung food capital of the UK and SaucedHere.co.uk makes it easier for customers to buy local rather than automatically reaching for a national supermarket chain. Anything the council can do to help promote local produce and how to obtain it is gratefully received.”

Councillor King said: “Driving economic growth is a vital part of our ambitious plans for the future because it’s good for business and benefits us all.”

“We know we need to think and do things differently to provide the 21st century services local people want and need – that’s what our ‘Enterprising Council’ approach is all about. So it was great to hear from businesses first-hand about what they think we can do to help them prosper.”

“Our proposals for a Festival of Derbyshire are geared towards raising the profile of our great county so it was good to hear that this is the kind of activity that local businesses such as those in the tourism and food and drink sector want us to drive forward.”

“It’s also worth reminding local people to ‘shop local’ too. Derbyshire has a lot to offer whether it’s in food and drink, tourism or manufacturing and for every £1 spent locally it generates £1.76 for the local economy.”

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board which is supported by the county council, has developed a campaign to encourage more visits to the area by highlighting the county’s gastronomy offer.

Local brewers, producers, farmers, eateries and creators within the local food and drink industry are being showcased over the next 12 months as part of the ‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ campaign.

Work has also started to raise the profile of the county among the business community and encourage more companies to invest in the area with the launch of a new service called “Invest in Derbyshire”.

The service has been designed to support the county’s ambition to be a destination of choice for investors and businesses and it will:

Raise the profile of Derbyshire globally to secure investment and create new jobs, acting as a shop window for why Derbyshire should be a destination of choice for investors
Make it easy for investors to choose Derbyshire by providing a one-stop shop offering quality business support tailored to individual businesses’ needs ranging from help and support to choose the right site in Derbyshire to providing information on workforce skills and assisting with recruitment as well as offering guidance on financial incentives
Use market intelligence to target businesses in growth sectors to attract them to Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council are also enhancing the level of business support on offer across the county by recruiting our first dedicated business advisor. The new member of staff will support local businesses working alongside and in partnership with advisors at the D2N2 Growth Hub.

Find out more about investing in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King (second in from the left) talks business support with Rob Evans from Peak Ales Microbrewery (left), Luke Osborne from SaucedHere.co.uk (centre) next to Justin Heslop from Peak Venues and Derbyshire County Council Business Development Manager, Amanda Brown.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane installs stunning backdrop of the Derbyshire Dales

9th August 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has transformed St. James Square with a breathtaking backdrop image, which depicts an iconic vista in the Derbyshire Dales.

Vicar Lane is inviting shoppers to identify the beauty spot pictured for the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher in their social media competition. Customers wishing to participate should head to the Vicar Lane Facebook page to find out more.

Visitors to Chesterfield are encouraged to visit the Centre this summer to enjoy a variety of floral installations and the grass cows that have moo-ved in for the summer period. All of which offer perfect Instagram-worthy photo opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate our close proximity to the Peak District with this stunning installation and the chance for our customers to win a little treat on us!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Supporting Chesterfield’s growth

8th August 2019

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

August is upon us and we’re well into the summer holidays. If you’re looking to explore what our town has to offer you and your family, then this is the time to do it!

We have more festivals and events in and around the town centre than ever before. The shortlist for the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards has also been released, offering a great starting point for the very best places to eat and drink.

It’s a great way to kickstart the summer holidays with the kids. What better way to entice them off their screens than with the promise of a tasty treat followed by a day of learning, disguised as fun and intrigue?

There’s a multitude of events going on in the area – from canal cruises, treasure hunts and miniature train rides to hands on history at Bolsover Castle, science roadshows and the Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival. There is something to suit every taste (pun intended!).

As the events calendar has grown year on year, so has Chesterfield’s fortunes. I am delighted that we can, once again, turn the spotlight on the town in the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit. This year the theme is supporting communities through regeneration.

The increased footfall in the town centre and attendance at the many events is evidence that Chesterfield’s regeneration is successful.

More than £1bn of developments are on site and more are on the way. 2019 is the year that we are seeing spades in the ground on a number of much anticipated sites, like Northern Gateway, Elder Way and Chesterfield Waterside. All these sites are, in turn, creating employment opportunities.

There are now more jobs at Markham Vale that when it was a colliery. A record number of 2,236 people are currently employed at Markham Vale; that’s 200 more people than were employed at the former colliery site in its 1980s heyday. Proof that Chesterfield’s regeneration strategy is working.

And we have more success stories to look forward to. Avant Homes is to begin building 173 homes at Waterside later this year after receiving detailed planning permission. Pronto Industrial Paints Ltd have also acquired a new site that will treble their existing space.

Whether you’re a resident or business, it’s important that we come together as a community to support the town’s growth in order to safeguard our future success. Together we really do make a difference.

If you’re interested in the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield and finding out about how you can support it and get involved, then register here to attend the Chesterfield Investment Summit which takes place on 11 September at Casa Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

D2N2 businesses to benefit from £16.74m skills training fund

8th August 2019

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP area are urged to take advantage of a £16.74m skills training fund to upskill their workforce.

The training is delivered as part of a programme called Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW), which Serco’s Employment, Skills & Enterprise business is managing across the D2N2 region. Under the 28-month programme which launched in April, Serco will work in partnership with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to provide skills development that focuses on upskilling employees in key priority sectors as identified in the LEP’s strategic economic plan;

Transport Equipment Manufacturing
Life Sciences
Food & Drink Manufacturing
Visitor Economy
Low Carbon
Transport & Logistics
Creative & Digital Industries
Construction

Through SSW, eligible businesses can benefit from funded training, tailored to their specific needs. Training is flexible and businesses can select full qualifications or mix and match individual units that are directly relevant to their work. Previous SSW programme participants have benefited from increased employee confidence, motivation and productivity and improved employee loyalty and retention.

Business participants will each benefit from a bespoke Training Needs Analysis that identifies requirements for upskilling or skills gaps in their workforce. Training for participant businesses could cover subjects such as IT and digital skills, leadership and management or more vocationally relevant courses.

The SSW programme in D2N2 also offers support and training for individuals at risk of redundancy or those who have been made redundant within the last three months.

To deliver the programme, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, Serco has partnered with expert training organisations to offer local businesses recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses, aiming to enhance employees’ skills and increase the competitiveness of the businesses.

Rob Matts, Head of Skills Support for the Workforce at Serco, said: “I am delighted that Serco has been selected by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to manage the SSW programme in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in partnership with the LEP. We have already supported more than 20,000 learners through our SSW delivery across England with more than 7000 businesses benefitting from this important service.”

“I would urge businesses or, individuals that may be facing redundancy, to get in touch with our team and take advantage of the funded training on offer. We look forward to enabling many more businesses to take advantage of SSW training to upskill their staff and grow their businesses.”

Chris Pook, D2N2 Growth Hub Project Manager said: “Nurturing skills within the workforce is essential to help businesses thrive. Companies that we speak to often require advice and support for them to access the right skills for their business and this programme will provide meaningful training which will help support business growth and productivity improvements in the local economy. We look forward to working closely with Serco on this opportunity.”

Businesses can contact Serco on skillssupport@serco.com or click here for more details and to find out if they are eligible for funded training through Skills Support for the Workforce.

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

Derbyshire building boom prompts further recruitment for DBCP

8th August 2019

Derbyshire’s building boom has prompted Chesterfield Champion Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) to further strengthen its team of building control surveyors.

Experienced building control surveyor Sarah Pearce and trainee building control surveyor Christian Ellis have joined DBCP.

Based out of the company’s Derby office, Sarah and Christian will be covering Derby and South Derbyshire working with builders, architects and property owners in the area.

Christian’s appointment addresses the construction industry’s concerns around a shortage of building control surveyors which could threaten the current growth rate of the UK construction sector. Christian is one of two graduate trainees and a building control apprentice employed by DBCP as it seeks to invest in its workforce at all levels.

Welcoming Sarah and Christian to DBCP, Managing Director Neil Johnson said: “Innovations in building technology and a government pledge to build a million new homes by 2020 all add to the future demands for building control expertise. This is why, as a business, we have really focussed on recruitment in recent months to further add to the resources, skills and experience of the team. We offer a strong service throughout Derbyshire, one that is matched to the current construction boom regionally and nationally.”

Christian, from Wirksworth, has recently completed a Biology degree at the University of Lincoln. He joins the company as a trainee where he will combine work and study over the next two years to complete a Level 4 Diploma in HNC Construction and the Built Environment.

He explained: “I’ve been around building all my life; I even grew up on a construction site and knew it was what I wanted to do when I left university. Although biology and building control seem very difference there are a number of transferable skills to take from my university course to this role.”

In his spare time, Christian likes to play and watch a number of sports and enjoys going to the gym with his friends.

Sarah, from Fleckney, in Leicestershire, has more than 15 years’ experience in building control and joins from Oadby and Wigston Council. She commented: “The move to DBCP has given me the opportunity to focus on my role and provide a great building control service. There is so much behind the scenes support at DBCP which makes it a great environment to work in.”

Outside work, Sarah enjoys cycling and runs her own cycling group on Saturday mornings. She is soon to complete RideLondon, a 100-mile bike ride to raise funds for Action Aid – a charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.

DBCP is the recommended building control service provider in Derbyshire and is responsible for ensuring that all new construction, conversions, alterations and extensions are built to a minimum standard and meet certain health, safety and welfare standards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

UKATA re-elects chair for second term

7th August 2019

In an unprecedented move, Chesterfield Champion UKATA has elected Graham O’Mahony as its Chair for a second term. Graham will be the only Chair to hold the position for two consecutive terms in the Association’s 10+ years’ history.

Graham is supported in his role by Stuart Miller, who was also re-elected as Deputy Chair at the AGM held on 4 July 2019.

In his position of Chair, Graham will continue to lead the 10-strong Board of Directors, who provide strategic direction and governance to the Association.

Combining this volunteer position alongside his role of Managing Director of ATL Safety Limited, Graham has worked in the construction industry for more than 26 years, delivering asbestos training for nearly 20 years. A pioneer in the field of asbestos training and standards, Graham was an asbestos surveyor and delivered training in asbestos handling prior to the introduction of comprehensive asbestos regulations.

Graham has been instrumental in the development of UKATA since its formation in 2008 and its subsequent growth to become the largest not for profit asbestos training providers association in the UK. As an active board member, Graham has developed a number of UKATA’s industry-leading courses, including the popular Duty to Manage course.

Commenting on his re-appointment, Graham said: “My decision to stand for re-election stemmed from the fact that I feel I have so much more to give to UKATA which will benefit all members. I am delighted to be re-elected to the position of Chair. Together with my fellow board members we are committed to taking UKATA from strength to strength.”

Welcoming Graham’s re-appointment, UKATA Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans, pictured with some of the UKATA team below, added: “Graham’s extensive knowledge of the industry has been key in the development of UKATA. Together we both acknowledge that UKATA can make further impact on improving the industry’s understanding of the dangers of asbestos and we shall be taking a number of exciting developments forward in 2019 and beyond in order to make a very real difference in helping reduce the risks surrounding asbestos.”

UKATA is a leading authority on asbestos training. UKATA approved training is accessible throughout the UK. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Barrow Hill Roundhouse to restore railway gem

7th August 2019

Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield will bring an historic steam locomotive back to life after purchasing the 1880s gem.

The trading arm of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society has agreed to buy the Class 1F Half Cab No 41708 from the 1708 Locomotive Preservation Trust for an undisclosed sum.

The locomotive, which has been on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield for the last 15 years, will be refurbished and returned to steam, 10 years after the first attempt by the charity to acquire the locomotive with the backing of the National Railway Museum at York.

The Half Cab spent the majority of its working life at the Roundhouse and Staveley Works, where it was allocated for shunting duties, between 1947 and 1965. It returned to Barrow Hill in July 1998 to star in the Roundhouse’s public reopening following the successful campaign to save the unique building from demolition. The locomotive made several further visits between 1998 and 2002 before returning to its home shed on a permanent basis in 2004.

Mervyn Allcock, Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society spokesperson said: “We have now finalised the deal and are looking forward to bringing the 139-year-old engine out of the shed and back into use with funds we have already set aside and with a fundraising campaign which will be launched in 2020, the 150^th anniversary of the opening of the Roundhouse.”

“The restoration and rebuild project will start with a detailed examination of the locomotive in order to understand exactly what needs to be done to bring it back into steam. We are very grateful for the support and advice given to us by Wake Smith which has enabled us to secure the locomotive’s future as an intrinsic part of the Barrow Hill story.”

The Class 1F locomotive was designed by Samuel Johnson, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Midland Railway from 1873 to 1903. Used for hauling freight, shunting and some branch line passenger use, 185 of the class were built in Derby. This particular locomotive was built in 1880, numbered 1418. It was rebuilt about 20 years later and re-numbered 1708.

It underwent another change of identity to 41708 when the locomotive passed into the ownership of British Railways in 1948. By the time it arrived at Barrow Hill in 1947, only 72 of the original 185 locomotives remained in service. By 1961 there were 11 class members and the last five, including 41708, were withdrawn in September 1965. The class only lasted as long as this because the Midland Railway had signed a contract for 100 years in 1866 to provide shunting engines to Staveley Works.

41708 is the only Class 1F to have been preserved. It is also one of only two locomotives which worked at Barrow Hill which have been preserved. The other Barrow Hill survivor is a diesel shunting engine, Class 10 D4092, which is also based at the Roundhouse.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue.

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

Shorts advises on sale of JW Hutchinson Funeral Service

6th August 2019

Shorts has acted as lead financial advisors to Alison and Anthony Corbett on the sale of Funeral Directors, JW Hutchinson to A.W Lymn The Family Funeral Service.

JW Hutchinson was established in 1904, and over four generations have served the region’s communities. It was an important consideration to find a buyer with similar values, when the owners decided to sell.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continuing success of the business under new ownership.”

Anthony and Alison Corbett said “We were extremely happy that when we made the decision to sell J W Hutchinson we were able to agree a sale with another family owned funeral directors, AW Lymn The Family Funeral Service. The families have known each other for generations so we know the company and its clients are in safe hands. We were supported through this from the start by both Shorts and our solicitor, with their help and advice making what could have been a stressful time into a smooth and successful sale.”

Matthew Lymn Rose added “A.W.Lymn The Family Funeral Service are thrilled to have been able to acquire J. W. Hutchinson Funeral Service in Rainworth. As another family business, having served the people of Rainworth for generations, we felt the fit between the two businesses was excellent. In the first ten months we have had a complete refurbishment of the premises, the two full time staff members Wendy and David continue to work in the business based at the Rainworth Office, and both have enrolled onto the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Directing course to enhance their qualifications, and the fleet have been updated with a Rolls-Royce ceremonial fleet in keeping with the original vehicles operated by the family firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

3rd August 2019

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Avant Homes searching for local expertise to help deliver 173 new homes in Chesterfield

31st July 2019

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes Central is searching for local contractors and tradespeople from around the region to help it deliver 173 homes on its exciting new development.

The developer is holding a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event from 10am-3pm on Friday 9 August at Chesterfield Borough Council, Town Hall , Rose Hill in Chesterfield, where interested businesses will be able to meet key decision makers and find out how they can tender to be involved in the construction of its Waterside Quarter development.

Initial earthworks are already underway on the £36m Waterside Quarter development, which is a key part of the £340m Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme on the edge of Chesterfield town centre.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “We want to support Chesterfield businesses and create jobs for local people in the construction of our developments in the town. There are a wide range of opportunities for skilled tradespeople to help us build 173 homes and I’d encourage all local businesses to join us at this event and learn more about how they can tender for the numerous jobs available.”

Opportunities at Waterside Quarter include brickwork, scaffolding, roof tiling, windows, joinery, electrical installation, plumbing and heating, wall insulation, loft insulation, plastering, painting and decorating, wall tiling, mastic and sealants, cleaning, fencing, landscaping and more.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the council’s key priorities is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“This is an exciting project that will see 173 new homes built in the borough, so I would encourage any local business with an interest in being a part of this project to attend the Meet the Buyer event to find out what opportunities may be available for their workforce.

“In addition to the Meet the Buyer event, Avant Homes will also be hoping to employ apprentices on site to further support skills development in the town.”

Avant Homes Central is located at Holmewood Business Park on Chesterfield Road. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Poster – Meet the Buyer Event – Avant Homes Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New car park to open to the public

29th July 2019

A new multi-storey car park has been developed in the heart of Chesterfield and will be open and ready to be used by residents and visitors to the town tomorrow (30 July 2019).

The Saltergate car park is owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council and is located on Saltergate close to local shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

With 526 spaces, the new car park is open 24 hours and has wider spaces than the previous car park it replaces.

It also has six electric vehicle charging points initially installed but there will be the capacity for an additional 10 as required if demand increases (16 in total).

There are also 32 disabled spaces and 15 parent and child spaces available.

Access to the new multi storey car park is controlled by barriers at both the entrance and exits, with drivers collecting a ticket on their way in to the car park. This ticket will then be needed to come through the pedestrian entrances.

The car park is un-manned but has CCTV running throughout and an attendant can be contacted by pressing the call button on the payment machine if users lose their ticket for example.

Works on the car park have been carried out in a timely fashion and on budget, with this development being part of the Northern Gateway development which includes the privately-led Elder Way scheme, home to the new Premier Inn hotel, the Council’s new enterprise centre and street improvements to Elder Way and Knifesmithgate.

Councillor (Cllr) Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “I am delighted that the car park is now open and ready for people to use. This secure car park is open 24 hours a day, all year round so I am sure it will serve shoppers, those staying at the new Premier Inn hotel on Elder Way and commuters.”

“Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to serving and supporting communities by investing in new facilities such as this to make the town a great place to live and visit. It’s a priority to make Chesterfield a thriving borough. This is the latest regeneration project that is helping to develop the town centre and I’m confident it will be well-used for years to come.”

“With the number of electric vehicles on our roads rising, we made it a priority to have six charging points available at Saltergate, with this number rising to 16 depending on the demand”.

The Northern Gateway Scheme has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development