Development

Chesterfield company chosen to install £7m solar project at Port of Hull

ABP is to invest almost £7m at the Port of Hull to install the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar project, with the help of leading commercial solar installer and Chesterfield-based company, Custom Solar Ltd.

The solar system designed and installed by Custom Solar, will cover ABP warehouses and the engineering workshops on the Port of Hull. The solar panels will save 2,600 tonnes of CO2 per annum, equating to the energy needs of 1,600 average UK homes.

Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “This solar installation is another vital step toward making our energy supply even more sustainable and even greener.”

“It will make more use of the hybridised port equipment we have invested in to carry out port operations.”

“I’m excited to see where this green energy revolution can take us as a port operator, as we look to decarbonise further our own operations and, in turn, those of our customers and the wider supply chain.”

Once completed, the 6.5 MW solar scheme at the Port of Hull will more than double the Humber Ports’ renewable energy generation, increasing it to over 12 MW, which will supply almost 29 per cent of the ports’ energy requirement. The entire installation is set to be online and producing clean power by July 2020.

Gary Sucharewycz, Development Director at Custom Solar, said: “In order for this project to be sanctioned, an incredible amount of work has taken place, working with ABP and the DNO Northern Powergrid.”

“It has been a fantastic achievement by all involved and has ensured this project was able to progress to fruition.”

With this new installation up and running, 17 of ABP’s 21 ports will have renewable energy projects in operation, generating clean power for the company. In 2018, 12.2 per cent of all the electricity ABP used was generated by onsite renewable projects and more projects came online in 2019.

Managing Director at Custom Solar, Matthew Brailsford, said: “We are delighted to be installing another iconic solar project on the Humber for Associated British Ports.”

“It has taken the Custom Solar team over two years to plan the project alongside the ABP engineering team due to the sheer scale and complexity of the project.”

“We are extremely proud to be installing the UK’s largest rooftop solar system and we very much look forward to unveiling the completed system in 2020 once all aspects have been safely installed and commissioned.”

The company previously scooped the impressive title of Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year at the Solar Power Portal Awards.

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

North Derbyshire Careers Hub launched by D2N2

Over one hundred people attended the launch of the North Derbyshire Careers Hub on 14 January. The hub is an initiative between D2N2 and the Careers and Enterprise Company designed to improve the life chances of the region’s young people.

At the launch, hosted at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, guests learned first-hand how the ambitions of the Hub will shape the future of young people. Attendees were encouraged to think about the skills that will be needed in the future workplace and new careers available in a rapidly changing landscape.

The North Derbyshire Careers Hub is made up of 21 schools and colleges working together to transform careers education for young people across the region. Careers Hub will maximise the quality and impact of careers support for young people across the north of the county.

Led by D2N2 with £80,000 in financial support from the Careers & Enterprise Company; the Careers Hub works collaboratively with universities, training providers, employers, Enterprise Advisers, and careers professionals alongside lead school Shirebrook Academy to deliver the Gatsby Benchmarks and improve careers outcomes for young people.

In addition, the hub also offers a central fund for employer engagement activities and training for a ‘Careers Leader’ in each school.

Amongst the speakers at the launch event were D2N2 Head of People & Skills Rachel Quinn, Abdul Bathin from the Careers & Enterprise Company, and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield.

Local students also helped support the event with compare duties performed by Head boy of Tibshelf school, Max Derbyshire and refreshments provided by pupils from Stubbin Wood Special School.

Chloe Pearce, 14, from Outwood Academy Newbold said: “The event has been really interesting, especially seeing what goes on in careers behind the scenes and it’s been great getting students involved in the whole experience.”

D2N2 Careers Hub lead Dan Heffernan said of the launch: “I’m delighted to be managing this project on behalf of D2N2. This launch event showed the real appetite for change across North Derbyshire, and the team and I look forward to working closely with all our partners in the coming months.

“The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will play a key role in the long-term success of our region’s economy, building on the success of our existing Enterprise Advisor Network, and the strong partnerships between schools, colleges, and businesses.”

“We want to ensure young people get timely and relevant careers advice and meaningful encounters with the world of work. This will help lead to improved employment opportunities and subsequent economic growth.”

John Yarham, Interim Chief Executive of the Careers & Enterprise Company said: “This is brilliant news for young people in the county. The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will mean more and more young people get the opportunity to meet all and interact with a huge range of employers.

“These opportunities will help inspire young people, inform them about the different paths open to them, and prepare them for the world of work.”

The North Derbyshire Careers Hub is part of a wider network of hubs set up across the country by LEPs and supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company.

Hubs have garnered support from the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) and more than 100 ‘cornerstone employers’ across the country who have committed to driving and championing connections to the world of work; including Airbus, KPMG, Anglian Water and GCHQ.

The Careers Hubs are based on a pilot scheme by the Gatsby Foundation (which is behind the Gatsby Benchmarks, an internationally recognised ‘checklist’ of what schools and colleges need to do to provide the best careers advice) and the North-East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), run from 2015 to 2017.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Proposals for new cycle routes in Derbyshire approved

Proposals to implement a key cycle network throughout Derbyshire have been approved by Derbyshire County Council cabinet members.

The Derbyshire Cycle Plan launched in early 2016 set out aspirations to create the most connected and integrated county for cycling in the country.

In 2017, the Cabinet agreed to the development of a key cycle network for the county identifying the most important routes for commuting, leisure and tourism which included both established and new routes.

Now a revised network of routes has been approved following a 12-week public consultation period which gave Derbyshire residents the opportunity to have their say on the proposals offering amendments and recommendations.

Please click below links to view the PDF documents (opens in new window).

Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, Simon Spencer, said: “These plans show our ambition to cement Derbyshire as a world class cycling destination for everyone.”

“The council has recently pledged to tackle climate change with our carbon reduction manifesto which includes supporting and promoting the development of low carbon travel and more environmentally friendly modes of transport.”

“Establishing a key cycle network will make a significant contribution to this pledge offering quality routes for low carbon travel which are safe and enjoyable to use for both residents and visitors to the county.”

There are 127 sections of the network that have been prioritised for investment which have been grouped in short, medium and long term categories.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Markham Vale partner rebrands

Henry Boot Developments Ltd, Derbyshire County Council’s private sector partner at Markham Vale, has a new brand.

The company has overhauled its identity and will now be called HBD. This marks the first time it has done so in its 40-year history, after the firm boosted its pipeline from £1bn to £1.6bn in 2019. Whilst the company have a new brand and logo they still have the same driving ambition to create places with purpose. HBD will still remain an important part of parent company Henry Boot.

Managing Director of HBD, Ed Hutchinson, said: “I’m really excited about where we could get to. We’ve got some major schemes on the books now.”

“We are not distancing ourselves from Henry Boot,” Mr Hutchinson added.

“The rebrand is in order to reposition ourselves and make us look more current. Our people are first class. We will always be modest as a company, but perhaps we are guilty of being too understated.”

Following on from the rebrand, HBD has announced a number of senior promotions across its business which forms part of a wider strategy to deliver ambitious growth targets and continue to attract top talent.

Adam Brady, Vivienne Clements and Hamer Boot all become Executive Directors, focusing on city centre regeneration projects, partnerships and strategic employment sites, and investment & funding respectively. Their new roles will see them working across HBD’s seven offices.

Directors Julian Painter, John Cullen and Adrian Schofield all become Senior Directors, while Anthony Clitheroe and Harry Bunbury have been promoted to Director. Tom Wheldon becomes Director and Head of Yorkshire and North East, Justin Sheldon to Director and Head of Midlands, Dean Thompson to Director and Head of North West, and Matt Belshaw becomes Director and Head of Scotland. Nigel Munro becomes Project Director.

Along with individual promotions, the developer has created a new Executive Board that will comprise Ed Hutchinson, plus Executive Directors Hamer Boot, Adam Brady, Vivienne Clements, and Commercial Finance Manager, Wayne Wearing.

Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director of HBD, said: “We have announced a series of senior promotions across the UK, which is reflective of the talent and expertise within our business. Our new management structure allows us to continue attracting top talent, while maximising expertise throughout the regions as we deliver an ambitious growth strategy.”

Click here to find out more about Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Work to begin on Chesterfield’s new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

Work is set to begin on the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed local contractor Robert Woodhead Ltd to build the new development for businesses, with work to begin in Spring 2020.

This appointment follows an extensive procurement process undertaken by Chesterfield Borough Council in which Robert Woodhead Ltd has proved successful amidst a highly competitive field of design and build contractors.  The good response by the construction market to this opportunity indicates there is a high level of interest for schemes in Chesterfield.

The new building will provide 32 high-quality offices in a range of sizes (26 to 120 square metres) over three floors.  It offers a shared reception and lobby area, meeting rooms, first floor break out area, bicycle store, shower and changing facilities, air conditioning throughout, lift access, internal bin store, kitchenettes on the first and second floor for use by occupants, individually metered power supplies, access control to all office doors, CCTV coverage to internal communal areas and external area.  IT fibre connection into building with maximum speed multi bandwith and Wifi is provided throughout.

Businesses moving in to the new facility will benefit from its central location, being in easy access to the town centre, Chesterfield train station, local buses and there being car parking nearby, and will benefit from having access to business support.

The development is estimated to take 12 months to build, so will be open for business in early 2021. Those interested in occupying one of the spaces should use the contact details below to discuss options available.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “The new centre will allow those based there to have access to in-house support services to encourage and nurture start-up and early stage businesses in a wide variety of industry sectors.

“The contractor appointed is based in the East Midlands, and as with all our contractors we will work with them in the support of the local labour clause promoting the use of a local supply chain and the employment of local people.

“The council declared a climate emergency in Chesterfield last year so being environmentally friendly in our forthcoming building projects is essential.

“This building has been deliberately designed to reduce its demand for energy and related carbon emissions.  Through this design we are looking to achieve a 39.11% reduction in carbon omissions and 41.28% reduction in annual energy consumption when compared with a standard building.

“The combination of building fabric design and efficient building energy management systems will help us to achieve these targets.  To demonstrate the sustainability credentials of this building we aim to achieve a BREEAM – New Construction Rating of Excellent.

“The location of the building in the town centre also ensures it benefits from proximity to a range of public transport services.  The building will provide shower and changing facilities for those occupants who cycle or travel to work on foot.  A building travel plan will also help promote more environmentally sustainable forms of transport to those using the building.

“The new centre will be the third managed workspace in the council’s portfolio, and we are seeking to build on the success of our well let Tapton and Dunston Innovation Centres.”

Leo Woodhead, Business Development Director at Woodhead Group, said: “Woodhead Group is delighted to be taking part in this exciting opportunity collaborating with Chesterfield Borough Council.”

“Our partnership will allow Woodhead Group to grow and develop our business within the local community.”

The centre will be developed on the same area that the archaeological dig took place last year, with hoarding going up around the site over the next few weeks.  It has benefited from grant funding support from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre call either Claire Cunningham or Hannah Ramsdale on 01246 345255 or email hannah.ramsdale@chesterfield.gov.uk or claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk .

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Two new additions for Markham Vale

Following the completion of new deals at Wilson Business Park on Harper Way, two new companies have recently moved to Markham Vale.

QCR Recycling Equipment have moved in to Unit 5 along with their sister company Mypower Ltd. QCR supply balers and compactors which help businesses reduce waste costs, increase recycling rates and lower their carbon footprint.

After 20 years of waste equipment across the UK, QCR has vast experience with a huge range of waste materials and how to reduce costs. Their customers are so varied, spanning pubs and Michelin starred restaurants to the biggest retailers and manufacturers in the UK.

Sister company, Mypower, are award-winning designers and installers of commercial solar PV systems that help businesses of all sizes reduce their impact on climate change, whilst reducing their electricity costs.

This follows the recent announcement that Catering Projects, based in Waterloo Court, have acquired a second unit across the road in Wilson Business Park, as well as hiring four new staff members, including an Administration Assistant apprentice from Chesterfield College.

Discussions are progressing with three further businesses that are considering Markham Vale as the place for their future business needs.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Click here to learn more about finding commercial property in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

£1.3m Revamp of Chesterfield’s The HQ office building

Asset and property company FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) is undertaking a significant refurbishment programme at Chesterfield’s The HQ office building, formerly known as Rowland Hill House.

FIREM’s refurbishment works – totalling an investment of more than £1.3m – comprise an extensive refurbishment of the office accommodation to include a Grade A specification of raised floors and air conditioning.

Keen to enhance the offering for employees choosing a greener commute, FIREM has also installed new showers and cycle facilities, to cater to those who cycle to work. The HQ workers will also enjoy a brand-new entrance and reception area with communal meeting rooms.

Formerly home to the Royal Mail, The HQ comprises an imposing four storey office building totalling 44,000 sq. ft. The floor plates total 11,000 sq ft and are the largest available within the town and wider region. With a pre-let already agreed for the 3rd floor, the building can now accommodate requirements ranging from 5,000 – 33,000 sq ft.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management commented: “We are delighted with the works that are progressing at the newly revamped The HQ. This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the building and the interest being generated attests to the strength of the location and the quality of accommodation we have been able to offer.”

Peter Whiteley of Commercial Letting Agents Knight Frank added: “We are delighted that works have commenced at The HQ. This is a superb opportunity for office based businesses to secure flexible, efficient and modern space, finished to the highest standards in an accessible location, close to Chesterfield town centre. The HQ can deliver a variety of suite options on new leases and we have already received strong interest in the available accommodation.”

The offices also benefit from 150 on site car spaces as well as cycle storage. HQ is located within a 10 minute walk of Chesterfield Town Centre on Boythorpe Road, just off the A61/A617 roundabout, and is within a forty minute drive of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Chesterfield railway station is located on the Midland Main Line, providing services across the UK.

Click here to find out about locating your business in The HQ

Click here to find available commercial properties in the Chesterfield area

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Young people to have their say about how they influence county council decisions

Children and young people are set to be asked for their views on the best way for Derbyshire County Council to involve and consult with them on decisions that they make.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet is to consider a proposal at its meeting on Thursday 16 January 2020 to carry out a consultation about changing the Derbyshire Youth Council (DYC) for more representative arrangements to increase the number of young people taking part in local democracy.

The DYC was set up in 2002 and has 36 members aged 11 to 19 voted into office by children and young people through the ‘Big Vote’ process every two years.

As well as hosting the DYC we also support a variety of other opportunities to encourage youth democracy including Locality Youth Forums, the Children in Care Council, School Councils, the Care Leavers’ Council and countywide locality youth forums.

An independent review of these groups carried out in 2018 identified that they were all valued by young people, but that a significant proportion of available staff time and resources was devoted to the DYC which in comparison only benefited a relatively small number of young people.

The Cabinet will consider a recommendation to carry out ‘The Big Consultation’ on a proposal for the DYC to be disbanded and replaced with a strategic network developed around the current School Council and other structures.

If Cabinet agrees to approve the consultation it would run for 12 weeks from Friday 24 January 2020 to Friday 17 April 2020 and gather views from:

  • children and young people
  • schools
  • voluntary organisations
  • youth service providers
  • councillors
  • children’s services managers and staff

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “We are committed to involving young people in our decision-making processes for a variety of reasons including the opportunities for them to learn about democracy and to help us plan services and make the best use of our resources by listening to what they have to say.”

“Young people have told us that the DYC is a great way to discuss relevant issues and make a difference, but they also raised concerns that it was not always representative and only allowed for a small number of young people to be involved and benefit from the experience.”

“That’s why we’re asking Cabinet to consider approving a consultation around a proposal which would focus resources on supporting opportunities young people think would enable and encourage more of them to get involved in local democracy and influence our decision-making process.”

Representatives from the DYC and some schools took part in an initial consultation to help shape the consultation options. The feedback was that it was ‘great to be part of the DYC’ but it was only available for a few young people and funding should be used to enable more young people to be involved in council decisions and that existing groups could be developed using technology to improve communication and connections between them.

 

And the issues young people were most interested in included:

  • the council’s long-term plans and how it is meeting its environmental responsibilities
  • how budgets are spent
  • the quality of schools and services
  • equality and diversity

Current DYC members were due to end their two-year term in office in March 2020 but that would be extended for a further year while proposals for possible future arrangements were considered.

Derbyshire county council are committed to involving young people in local democracy and decision-making and this is supported by legislation including the Children Act 1989, the Education Act 2002 and the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Expansion for Markham Vale business

An existing Markham Vale business, based in Waterloo Court, has grown since their initial investment and have acquired a second unit in Wilson Business Park.

Already well established at the site, the addition of the new unit enables Catering Projects to continue growing their business. The company design, supply and install high quality bespoke commercial kitchens and bars. Their works can be seen nationwide for big brand names such as the likes of Nandos, Wagamama’s, Wahaca and German Doner Kebab.

The continued business growth also means a growing workforce; the company have recently brought an apprentice administration assistant into the business from Chesterfield College and taken on a further three full time employees in the commercial team.

In addition to the above companies, other businesses based at Wilson Business Park include; Direct Track Solutions Ltd, GB Bespoke Joinery Ltd, Drill Store UK Ltd, Gradewell Ltd, Magpie Beauty Ltd, Switch Electrical Supplies Ltd, GlobeBusters, LTEK Systems and Shotblast Solutions Ltd.

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Call for companies to enter contest for ERDF-funded student placement

Local SME businesses can make a great start to the New Year by winning European funding and academic know-how to boost productivity and development.

The Productivity through Innovation (PtI) Scheme, funded through the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of Derby in collaboration with Nottingham and Nottingham Trent universities, is open to all small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area.

Up to nine companies will receive funding support to each take on a university graduate with the skills and knowledge to tackle a specific business project, such as product development and system design.

Academic support and access to university facilities, technology and other essential resources will also be made available to the businesses.

Successful completion of the 12-month Knowledge Exchange for Innovation placements, which must be part-sponsored by the successful SMEs to cover the cost of the students’ stipend – their basic salary – and travel expenses, will result in a full Industrial MPhil studentship for each of the graduates.

Sophie Beer, the University of Derby’s ERDF Project Manager, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for SMEs across the region to bring in new skills and knowledge, along with a fresh perspective to find solutions to a particular challenge or opportunity which could help transform their business.”

“This isn’t limited to any particular sector or market. It really is down to companies who would benefit from academic support and resources to work with us to clearly identify their needs and to find the expertise which will help them to achieve a specific business objective.”

The deadline to enter the scheme is 31 January 2020. Guidance notes and application forms are available by emailing Sophie at s.beer@derby.ac.uk.

Applications are particularly sought from, but not limited to, companies operating in the following sectors:

  • Rail
  • Life sciences and healthcare
  • Digital, software and cloud-based technology
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Smart Cities
  • Transport Equipment Manufacturing
  • Education

For more information please email Rob James, Corporate Communications Officer, r.james@derby.ac.uk or call 01332 591043.

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

Successful year for Markham Vale

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

On Markham Vale North, two companies, Sterigenics and Protec International moved in to their brand new buildings. At the same time as those two buildings were erected, the construction team completed the construction of the Seymour Link Road creating new accesses. Several of the new business on Markham Vale North have expansion plans.

On Markham Vale East, Priority Space and the Hunt Group completed the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. factory and office unit on Greaves Close. In addition, there are a whole host of new companies that have moved in to the developer’s adjoining Wilson Business Park – including LTEK Systems, Globebusters and GB Joinery. Waterloo Court has also seen a flux of new occupiers – during the year Victor Marine Ltd, RB1 Ltd and Derbyshire Distillery moved to the site. Construction of another new industrial building is underway for Transcare 28 Ltd.

On the western side of the M1, an exciting and new development was started and completed all within the year. Developed by HBD, the brand new MV55 building is now available for immediate occupation.

2019 also saw further Walking Together figures installed as part of the Markham Mining Memorial – there are now 62 figures installed out of the 106 planned – and plans are already afoot to install more figures at two separate ceremonies during 2020. The achievements of the team behind the Walking Together and Story Mine website were also officially recognised with three awards.

Discussions are progressing with three further businesses that are considering Markham Vale as the place for their future business needs.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home