Development

Chesterfield chosen as home for new bridging finance company

Following his departure from Banner Jones Solicitors in 2020, Chesterfield solicitor Chris Sellars has announced his new venture and it is to be based in the town.

In a bold move Chris has left the world of law to concentrate fully on his new business Bridge Help, a bridging finance company which provides short term loans for commercial property deals.

Established in late 2018 by Chris and business partners Andrew Parker and Sam Wood, the company is successfully filling a gap in the finance marketplace by providing short-term loans for property deals where High Street banks will not.

The company has grown month-on-month prompting Chris to make the decision last year to leave the legal profession after nearly 30 years and focus on developing Bridge Help further.

Bridge Help provides loans from £150,000 to £10 million and has ambitions to lend £100 million per year both direct to individuals and through a broker network.

Already it has provided finance for developments throughout the UK, including Sheffield, Dover, Dundee, York, Hornsea and Norfolk. Bridge Help is fast becoming known as one of the best and most competitive commercial lenders on the market.

Chris commented: “Leaving Banner Jones was an incredibly difficult decision to make but Bridge Help represents an exciting new chapter in both my professional and personal life. For 12 months the business was a side venture however, the level of demand from clients in that time has shown me the true potential of Bridge Help.

“Together with the team I have recruited, I have the opportunity to once again develop a company into a leading name in its field. I am very much looking forward to the challenge.”

The company is based in offices on Hady Hill in Chesterfield and already 12, three of which are field based covering the UK. Plans are already in place for further recruitment in 2020.

He added: “I remain committed to my home town of Chesterfield. The town is an excellent central base for servicing projects we are financing throughout the UK.”

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Preparations in place for progress in Chesterfield during 2020

There is an undercurrent of excitement in Chesterfield. The progress the town made in 2019 means we cannot escape the positivity we feel for 2020.

Forget Brexit and the General Election outcomes, I am proud to say the town has forged ahead with its plans regardless of the political uncertainty of recent years. And it shows.

This year we will see even more projects come out of the ground – Northern Gateway’s new innovation centre, and the office block and family housing being delivered at Chesterfield Waterside being just a few examples.

Chesterfield Borough Council has granted reserved matters approval for the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the seven-storey office building at Chesterfield Waterside.

These developments send a clear message to local, national and even international investors and occupiers – Chesterfield is open for business regardless of the political uncertainties.

While many towns and cities chose to bunker down during the last recession, and even in the current climate of political uncertainty, Chesterfield purposefully chose to forge ahead with its plans, looking forward for ways to achieve growth for the town, rather than back.

That positivity is evident in all that has been achieved, and the plans we have for the town going forward in 2020 and beyond.

Did you know that more people are now employed in the businesses at Markham Vale than in its hey day as a colliery?

The brand new 55,000 sq. ft. industrial building at Markham Vale, MV55,  is now available for immediate occupation.

Having successful major regeneration sites like Markham Vale and a council that is open to doing business, means that Chesterfield is now invited to sit at the same table as major cities. I’ve even heard Chesterfield referred to as a small city in investment circles.

We may not be a city, or even want to be one, but what we share with our larger counterparts is a vision to be a centre of success for residents, businesses and investors. There are no small town attitudes where the future of Chesterfield is concerned, there is only room for positivity.

Create Change Chesterfield

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield: A review of the year

While 2019 has been another year of political uncertainty, one thing that has remained consistent is Chesterfield’s progress.

Destination Chesterfield and its many Champions forged ahead with their plans, providing a solid platform for further growth and development in 2020.

2019 was the year that major developments started to come out of the ground, resulting in jobs and exciting new venues being created in the town centre.

The new Premier Inn hotel opened in April 2019 on the first and second floors of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, forming part of the Northern Gateway development. It created 37 new jobs and is currently achieving an occupancy rate of around 90% at weekends and an impressive 60% during the week – helping the town increase its number of overnight stays and footfall.

Increasing footfall was high on the agenda for Chesterfield town centre in 2019 with retailers, the council and Destination Chesterfield coming together to collectively promote the town, helping attract visitors and new businesses to high streets throughout the borough.

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre received national recognition for its contribution to increasing footfall in the town centre in December when it won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards  which recognise and celebrate the best examples of innovative retail property technology.

Vicar Lane and its owner Alterx have worked with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brand

2019 was also the year that jobs at created Markham Vale exceeded those employed there when the site operated as a colliery. 2019 was the year that Chesterfield welcomed Spanish train manufacturer Talgo following the opening of its UK head office at Barrow Hill.

And the town isn’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2020. More jobs are set to be created at Elder Way in 2020 as the basement and ground floor of the former Co-op are transformed into restaurant, bars and a gym by the developer Jomast.

Further buildings are also set to come out of the ground at Northern Gateway and Chesterfield Waterside, while planning approval was granted in late 2019 for the David Lloyd Adrenalin World at Peak Resort in Unstone.

Exciting times are ahead for visitors, residents and businesses.

Destination Chesterfield’s Champions were asked to reflect on 2019; what were their highs and memorable moments, and also asked to look ahead to what they believe 2020 holds in store for them and the town.

Name: Lee Ashley

Job Title: Director

Company: Spire Recruitment Ltd

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“I have been impressed with how all the plans for our town have come together and have actually happened, it is great to see so many businesses doing well and playing an active part in making Chesterfield a prosperous area. The amount of construction work in the region is great, all the new additions to our town are brilliant and give people reasons to visit the town centre. The fact so many new companies have chosen Chesterfield as their home is positive as well – the economy in Chesterfield is very stable and long may that continue!”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“Spire Recruitment is approaching its sixth Birthday and we are looking to expand our team. We hope by growing, it will give us even more opportunities to show local companies what we are all about. 2020 is a year we are really looking forward to and we wish everyone else a Happy New Year.”

Name: Craig Evans

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“Apprenticeships are an important route to further education. They allow young people to have a real job with training, earn while they learn, develop their skillsets and understand their full potential. UKATA currently employs five apprentices and three former apprentices and, as a former apprentice myself, I understand first-hand the very real benefits apprenticeships provide both to the business and the individual.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“UKATA is supporting the British Lung Foundation in 2020, to raise awareness, fund research and support victims of asbestos related diseases. For over 30 years, BLF has been the only charity in Britain solely based on researching lung diseases. They help people of all ages suffering from a variety of conditions including asbestos related cancer – mesothelioma. 10,000 people are newly diagnosed with a lung disease each week in the UK, over 5,000 die each year due to asbestos related diseases.”

Name: Zhanna Troshina

Job Title: Sales and Marketing Executive

Company: RA Information Systems

What excited you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Chesterfield has experienced a huge expansion of the businesses operating in workspace industry over the last five years and has an abundance of new business premises, modern office, innovation and multi-use accommodation. The industry growth is predicted to continue with flexible workspaces becoming increasingly required. Rapid urbanisation may increase workspace business rates and reduce availability in cities, which will result in Chesterfield being considered as a convenient and ideal location. These positive trends show a prodigious opportunity for the town’s future.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“RA Information Systems has substantial experience working with workspace providers such as Business and Incubation Centres and Science Parks. The industry growth represents a good opportunity for us to continue delivering projects comprehensive of services such as IT infrastructure, shared internet connectivity, VoIP telephony, data security, industry specific software and tech support. We look forward to offering technology solutions enabling further growth of this evolving industry.”

Name: Jane Manfredi

Job Title: Proprietor

Company: proMUA & Beauty Training

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“At proMUA & Beauty Training we pride ourselves in being a VTCT approved centre offering World Class Qualifications at Level 2 and 3 in Beauty Therapy and Make-up. We are excited to be offering Beauty and Make-up courses for 14-16-year olds in 2020. These will be a Level 1 and will run one day per week after school. This will be a fantastic opportunity for school children to gain a vocational qualification alongside their school studies.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Having my business in the centre of Chesterfield, it’s great to see new developments happening. The Northern Gateway scheme is very exciting and, with projects already completed in the town centre, it’s definitely encouraging new businesses to come to Chesterfield creating job opportunities. It’s good news that the planning for the Chesterfield Enterprise Centre has been passed so I’m looking forward to seeing the development of that in 2020.”

Name: Clare Talati
Job Title: Director
Company: Derbyshire Education Business Partnership

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“In 2019, we achieved the matrix Standard and were Highly Commended in the Careers Provider of the Year category at the Careers Excellence Awards. We were also finalists at the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards for Outstanding Growth. We can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring! We intend to grow our programmes to help ensure learners benefit from, and schools meet, the Gatsby benchmarks. We‘ll also be expanding the work we deliver with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities schools.”

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“We promote careers in all sectors by working with local employers. This helps inform young people about the opportunities available and the skills employers value and look for. Bringing the world of work to life for learners is at the core of what we deliver. Therefore, we are proud to be part of Made in Chesterfield; raising the awareness of careers – in manufacturing, engineering, science and technology – with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began in 2014.”

Name Julie Richards
Job Title: Principal and Chief Executive Officer
Organisation: Chesterfield College

What excited you most about Chesterfield’s future?

“It is exciting to know that Chesterfield College is playing a part in developing a learning culture within our town and we are helping to build a community of learning to support growth and prosperity.

“We support young people and adults to progress into successful careers by giving them the skills and experiences they need. Ensuring local companies have the ability to develop their workforce effectively and are able to meet the need to develop technology skills is a key part of how we support businesses to grow and thrive.”

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“In 2019, we played a part in raising awareness of the need for fair funding for colleges through the national ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign. We want to ensure the Government understands the important role further education plays so we will continue to campaign for fair funding in 2020 and beyond to ensure we can carry on inspiring futures and changing lives for our community.”

Name: Stephen Gordon
Job Title: Executive Director
Company: Banner Jones Solicitors

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“Working in a business sector that is notorious for using lots of paper, we’ve decided that it’s time to be different and are striving to become ‘paper-lite’. We’ve already started the process and, in some departments, we are already working without paper. This not only helps us to reduce our carbon footprint but also produces a better, clearer working environment for our staff. We hope to finish the process in early 2020.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As a business. we take the wellbeing of our staff very seriously and have recently appointed a dedicated Performance & Wellbeing Coach to provide support when needed. To continue with this focus on mental health we have decided to make ‘Mind’ our charity of the year in 2020 and will plan various fundraising initiatives around this. We’ve always been a big supporter of local charities such as Ashgate Hospicecare and they will also remain close to our hearts in 2020.”

Name: Tim Benson
Job Title: Associate   
Company: AECOM

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“Investment in infrastructure will continue to increase over the next 12 months, providing many employment opportunities in transportation, power generation and new housing. In addition to the delivery of new infrastructure is the challenge that the climate emergency puts on the way we use existing infrastructure. These demands require new thinking and new solutions, presenting plenty of opportunities for school leavers to get involved straight away through our apprenticeship programme.

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“On a local level, we are looking to support various local charities next year as part of our commitment to Social Value. All of our employees are given two days every year to give something back to our local communities. We are currently in discussion with Derbyshire Voluntary Action group, Groundwork Towards Work and Young Enterprise East Midlands, and have established relationships with local organisations including Ashgate Hospicecare and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.”

Name: Mark Ross
Job Title: Managing Director  
Organisation: Redbrik Estate Agents

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We are already excited about the opportunities for real growth in 2020 and for Redbrik to become more of an integral part of homeowner’s lives. We have always prided ourselves on our innovation and the ability to solve our customers’ problems, and we plan on doing this next year through the launch of new services to the property sector. There will be fantastic opportunities for people who love customer service, marketing and property to join our expanding team – watch this space!”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As a company, we are focused on supporting charitable causes across the communities we serve. We are very proud to be sponsors of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, enabling over £100,000 to be raised since 2017 for local charities. The event’s charity partners are Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and, this year alone, runners pledged excess of £40,000 for them. In 2020 we would love to get over 2,000 runners on the start line and double the amount we’ve raised so far for the charities.”

Name: Leah Shortt
Job Title: Operations Manager
Company: Learning Unlimited

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We pride ourselves on being able to support businesses to attract new talent through apprenticeship and training programmes. Our newly appointed product development team is looking forward to supporting employers to create dynamic and cutting-edge education and training programmes to meet the needs of industry, whilst addressing local skills shortages.  Our years of experience in education and training puts us in an advantageous position when it comes to working in partnership with business and shaping their future workforce and skills development.

What are the opportunities for school leavers in 2020 to join your sector?

“The range of career routes opened up by the number of apprenticeships available is really exciting. I would encourage any school leaver to look beyond traditional routes into employment and explore the options available to them through apprenticeships. You can achieve university-level qualifications and get vital skills at the same time as earning a wage. Our apprenticeships careers fair on 4 February 2020 at Chesterfield College will showcase the range of opportunities available and give you chance to meet local employers.”

Name: Anna Melton
Job Title: Director  
Company: In the Works PR

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The demand for video content continues to increase and became an integral part of what we offer at In the Works PR 2019. We have invested heavily in editing software as there is certainly going to be lots of opportunities for film where our construction and development clients are concerned and their projects start to take shape in 2020.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“The town leaves 2019 on a high and I am so proud to be part of it. Spades have gone into the ground at major developments this year which is what people have been waiting for. So much happens behind the scenes with commercial developments that often the development can seem like a white elephant because they don’t happen immediately. It’s definitely not the case in Chesterfield. I am hugely optimistic for the town, my business and my team in 2020. It’s definitely going to be a Happy New Year!”

Name: Neil Johnson
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP)

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“With a number of large-scale developments starting to come out of the ground in Chesterfield, construction in the town will take a dramatic leap forward in 2020 and this will present opportunities for Chesterfield’s communities. There are many building projects, big and small, scheduled for 2020 and it’s great to see Chesterfield’s ambition and investment continuing at a good pace. This is really exciting for myself and the DBCP team to be involved with – it will certainly keep us busy in the new year.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The increase in construction projects, not only in Chesterfield but across Derbyshire as a whole, places greater demands on our services. So, I see opportunities for growth with recruitment as a major opportunity for DBCP in 2020. We’ve already got a great team, but we’re on the look-out for good building control professionals. There’s a great career opportunity for them with DBCP in 2020”

Name: Peter Swallow
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Bolsterstone Group Plc

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“A highlight for me has to be the creation of Destination Chesterfield of which I am Chair. It has brought together the business, charity and education sectors to really make a difference in driving forward the town. I don’t know of any other town or city that has achieved this, and should all be proud of what has been achieved. By working together, we really have made a difference and established a solid platform for further investment, jobs and opportunity for Chesterfield over the next decade.”

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Chesterfield Waterside is really starting to come together. This development will make a significant impact on Chesterfield’s future, providing jobs and homes for local people, and 2020 will be a formative year for the development. Avant Homes began construction of 173 homes in 2019 and they will be released for sale in 2020. This is the year we will also see the office accommodation at the Basin Square neighbourhood come out of the ground, representing the first step in delivering the commercial element of the Waterside vision and we are already in advanced talks with occupiers for the office space. The future is bright for both Chesterfield Waterside and the town itself.”

Name: James Pogson
Job Title: Director
Company: Northern Tea Merchants

Has your business made a New Year’s resolution and, if so, what is it?

“Northern Tea Merchants has been working hard throughout 2019 to reduce the amount of plastic used across the company and in particular tea bags, and that will continue going into 2020. We completed our final Biodegradable Tea Bag Paper test on the 30 October this year and have produced over 500,000 biodegradable bags so far. We will continue working hard and carrying any further research necessary to continue to minimise the amount of plastic we use.”

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“We are excited to continue growing the contract packing side of the business next year whilst continuing to supply our high-quality teas, coffees and cocoa to all of our local Chesterfield customers. Our aim is to keep looking after our loyal, existing customers, by supplying the best tea and coffee at great prices, and welcome more and more new customers with open arms.”

Name: Mark Hill
Job Title: Commercial Property Director (Jomast Developments)
Company: Elder Way

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“In 2020 there is a huge opportunity for us to transform the ground floor and basement of the former Co-op on Elder Way. Right now, the space is empty, but in 2020 I am confident we will see new businesses here. The Premier Inn is open and trading well and now is the time to bring restaurants, cafés and bars together at Elder Way and create a brand new leisure quarter in the heart of Chesterfield.”

What has been Chesterfield’s most significant achievement in the last decade?

“Chesterfield Borough Council has done a great job in supporting inward investment over the last decade. It has been open, welcoming and, most importantly, supportive of investors like us. I know this played a big part in attracting Jomast to invest in the former Co-op building on Elder Way. We’re very glad we took the plunge three years ago to invest in Chesterfield and it’s great to be part of the town’s future with such a landmark development.”

Name: Cllr Tricia Gilby
Job Title: Leader
Company: Chesterfield Borough Council

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“Chesterfield Borough Council is one of the town’s biggest businesses, a £110m business employing 900 staff and delivering 50 services. In 2020, we plan to build dozens of new council homes, set the council and Chesterfield on the right path to carbon neutrality, develop our third innovation centre for new start-up businesses and attract more visitors through our expanding festivals and events programme. We also have the opportunity to boost the fortunes of Staveley by sealing a £25m town deal”.

What excites you the most about Chesterfield’s future?

“Our £2.1bn growth programme. 2020 is a big year for Chesterfield Waterside with new homes, a new office block and a new car park set for construction; also, for Peak with David Lloyd due to build their first Adrenaline World. We hope the Government will confirm the funding for a new £90m road to bypass Brimington and fully commit to HS2, which will bring enormous benefits to Chesterfield. These developments will create thousands of new well-paid jobs for local people”.

Name: Dom Stevens
Job Title: Destination Chesterfield Manager
Organisation: Destination Chesterfield

What are the opportunities for your business in 2020?

“The team at Destination Chesterfield are looking forward to relaunching the Chesterfield Retail Awards as the Chesterfield High Street Awards.  The new look awards are the culmination of the feedback from past entrants so we are confident that they will reflect the breadth of businesses and activities, that together bring vitality to our high streets across the borough. We’re very excited by the opportunities the new High Street Awards bring not only to businesses and people that enter them, but also the borough as a whole. We want as many people to be involved as possible.”

Has your business pledged to support a charity in 2020? If so, which one and how will it be supporting it?

“As part of Destination Chesterfield’s 10th year celebrations the team has pledged to undertake at least 10 volunteer days in the Chesterfield community. We recognise that the community, charity and volunteer sectors are such an important part of Chesterfield so it’s great that we will be able to support them throughout 2020.”

Over 180 organisations have become Chesterfield Champions to support the development of our economy, shape our future and showcase all that is good about the town. Joining the scheme is a direct statement of belief from organisations about their commitment to Chesterfield and its successful future.

For information on how you can become a Chesterfield Champion, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Magnolia Barbering to serve alcoholic drinks following recent expansion

Magnolia Barbering, based at Chesterfield Market Hall, are the first barbershop in Chesterfield to serve alcohol on the premises.

The barbershop is now able to offer their customers a selection of draught beers, bottles and cans as well as soft drinks and tea or coffee. The shop has also been extended, taking over the empty retail unit next door to expand their premises.

In 2014, owner Ollie Ward had a vision of bringing a different style of barbershop into Chesterfield town centre. Alongside Andy Lakin, Magnolia Barbering was created and the shop has since gone from strength to strength. Three years ago, PJ Farrand and trainee Dan “Massive” Newman joined the team. Dan is now a fully qualified barber and works full time. Earlier this year Alex Bennett joined the Magnolia Barbering team.

The expansion has also allowed the business to employ three more staff members, KJ Nash, Rossco McKay and Sam Hague, each bringing their unique talents to the team. Now the barbershop boasts an experienced team of 8, all with vast amounts of industry knowledge and a range of skills.

Andy Lakin said: “We would like to welcome clients old and new to Magnolia and are really looking forward to what the future holds.”

Magnolia Barbering can be found on the corner of Chesterfield’s Market Hall, next to the Market Square.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Consultation on proposed rail changes for Chesterfield

The public consultation into East Midlands Railway December 2020 timetable is now open to passengers, businesses, stakeholders and local communities across the East Midlands route.  This includes proposed changes to and from Chesterfield.

December 2020 will see a significant change to EMR services, particularly those travelling to and from London St Pancras International.

Combined, these changes will provide:

  • Up to 30 minutes’ quicker journey times for some EMR Intercity services
  • Up to 13,000 additional standard class seats to and from London St Pancras every week day
  • Earlier morning and later evening services
  • Simpler and more consistent timetable with a more even spread of departure times
  • Improved services for London Luton and East Midlands Airports.

The changes proposed for Chesterfield are:

  • Peak time journey improvements into London of up to 30 minutes
  • Significantly earlier arrivals into London, with the earliest service due to arrive around one hour earlier.
  • Significantly later departures from Chesterfield to London St Pancras International with the final service departing an hour later.
  • Increasing the number of services from London St Pancras International which arrive into Chesterfield before 11.00.  There are currently five and this will increase to seven.
  • An additional evening departure from London St Pancras International to give two trains per hour throughout the evening peak.
  • Later evening departures from London St Pancras International to Chesterfield, with two services planned to run later than the current final departure.
  • Consistent departure times throughout the day, with particular improvement during the morning peak.
  • An overall daily increase in the number of services to/from London St Pancras International
  • Off peak journey times will remain similar to today with the quickest journey just over one hour 45 minutes.

There are further timetable improvements proposed which are a step towards a more substantial improvement for EMR Regional services in December 2021. A further consultation for these changes will take place towards the end of 2020.

The consultation document is split by line of route and includes a separate page for each station on the Midland Main Line. This is intended to help passengers and communities easily understand what the proposals will mean for them and their journeys.

Julian Edwards, Managing Director, East Midlands Railway, said: “Our proposals for the December 2020 timetable would deliver a step change in capacity, improve journey times and introduce a simpler and more consistent timetable.

“Although some of the changes, such as the introduction of electric services between London and Corby, are a requirement of our franchise there is still the opportunity to fine tune and improve our plans.

“We know how important a reliable and punctual railway is for the towns and cities we serve. December 2020 is a vitally important part of our promise to deliver more seats, more services and better journeys for our customers and we look forward to your feedback.”

The consultation runs until midnight on 14th February 2020. The consultation document and survey for responses are available online at www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/december2020

Chesterfield Railway Station at Night

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Corrugated Case Company invest in new equipment to increase productivity

Local manufacturer Corrugated Case Company have invested in new equipment which will allow them to offer a wider range of products, reduce lead time and improve overall quality.

Corrugated Case Company design, develop and manufacture innovative corrugated cardboard packaging solutions and have produced over 15 million boxes this year.

The brand new Topra GD Rotary Flexo Folder Inline Gluing machine is made up of a 2 x 2.8m printer, converter, gluer and palletiser and offers a high quality print, improved machine capacity, high quality finished boxes and an increased range of sizes.

Mark Wilcockson, M.D. of The Corrugated Case Company, said “We are very excited about the installation of our latest investment and the benefits it will bring to our operations here at CCC. It will enable us to broaden our customer base, particularly into the mail order and e-commerce sectors due to the enormous environmental benefits of using corrugated cardboard.”

From Monday 16th December, the process of installing the new machine will begin. Older machines will be removed and work on improvements will continue through until 7th January, when it will be fully installed and raring to go.

Corrugated Case Company hope by installing the equipment over the Christmas period, they will minimise any disruptions to customers during the installation, however their team will keep customers updated throughout the process.

Earlier this year, Corrugated Case Company expanded its distribution warehouse with a new 680-pallet, 13,000 ft space, helping the firm to meet increasing demand and be able to offer next day delivery. These improvements are in addition to the firm’s new easy-to navigate website and several new faces joining the team.

Click here to find out more about the Corrugated Case Company.

Click here to find out more about basing your company in Chesterfield. 

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

Show home opens in Van Dyk village

A festive-themed five-bedroom show home has just opened at Van Dyk Village.

More than 50 people attended an event to mark the launch of the Knightsbridge II show home, enjoying champagne and canapes as they explored the luxury five-bedroom property.

Van Dyk Village is a unique new community being created off the A619 between Chesterfield and Worksop, on the site of a former garden centre.

Jayne Swift, Sales and Marketing Director for Jones Homes, said: “It was great to welcome so many people to Van Dyk Village for the launch of our fabulous Knightsbridge II show home. It’s an extremely luxurious and well-designed property which showcases the very high specification of the homes we are building at this exclusive development. The comments we’ve received from visitors have been overwhelmingly positive.”

“With the festive season now upon us, our interior designers have decorated the show home for Christmas, giving it a warm and welcoming ambience. Our garden room has been decked out with a beautiful Christmas tree complete with presents underneath, creating the scene every family looks forward to waking up to on Christmas morning.”

“As for the development itself, Van Dyk Village seems to have really caught the imagination of the public. It’s an exciting project, years in the planning, which is creating a traditional village with a village green from scratch on this beautiful Derbyshire site.”

“We received more than 1,000 enquiries before the site had even launched. We think that might make it the most popular new housing development in Derbyshire. Given such a high level of interest, I would encourage people to visit Van Dyk Village today and see the show home in all its festive glory.”

The Knightsbridge II show home is a superb double-fronted detached family home with five bedrooms and a detached double garage.

The spacious ground floor has a 20ft living room, with bi-fold doors to the rear garden. There’s a generous separate dining room, while the large contemporary open-plan kitchen and family room lead to a luxury garden room, which also has bi-fold doors to the rear garden. There’s also a convenient utility room, a study and a downstairs cloakroom.

Van Dyk Village will be an intriguing mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes, all from Jones Homes’ very high specification Signature Collection.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home

Global Brands announces warehouse expansion

Global Brands are expanding their current warehouse at their national distribution centre situated in Clay Cross.

The current expansion work sees the first phase of a £7m scheme. The increase in capacity will see the warehouse grow from 120,000 sq. to 158,000 sq. feet, holding over 10,000 pallets. The continued success of VK, Hooch and Franklin & Sons has required the company to increase the size of the distribution centre.

The second phase plans see the company building a state-of-the-art canning line, and Global Brands project manufacturing over 50m cans within the first year, increasing to over 100m units by year two.

Chairman Steve Perez (below) explains, “This is the first phase of our expansion plans, we have had to increase our logistic capability due to the fantastic success of our core brands. Shake Baby Shake and All Shook Up grab and go canned cocktails are now available in most supermarkets and we are exporting to over 30 countries internationally.”

Steve added: “This is really exciting for the area, we will be employing an additional 40 staff on the line and within our distribution centre. Our brands are British made with 99% of the components made in the UK and exported worldwide.”

Over the past year the company has employed an additional 21 people, bringing new jobs to the Clay Cross community.

Click here to find out more about Global Brands.

Click here to find out more about basing your business in Chesterfield.

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Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

55,000 sq ft industrial building now available at Markham Vale

The brand new 55,000 sq. ft. industrial building at Markham Vale, aptly named MV55,  is now available for immediate occupation.

MV55 provides a gross internal warehouse area of 52,500 sq. ft. with a further 2,500 sq. ft. office accommodation at 1st floor level with an option to expand below. With a 10 metre internal height, a 40 metre yard depth, 2 dock level loading doors and 4 level access loading doors, the building provides excellent opportunities for a range of industrial and logistics uses.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre business park with direct access to the M1 motorway via a dedicated junction, J29a. This prime development site offers build-to-suit units from 2,500 up to 300,000 sq. ft. for industrial, warehouse, hotel, office or retail builds.

It has also been announced that HGV repair and maintenance company Transcare 28 Ltd are the latest business to select Markham Vale as a place to meet their growing business needs.

2018 saw 1,600 jobs maintained at the development, along with 164,500 sq. ft. secured of new commercial space for three global businesses; Protec International, Sterigenics and Grangers International.

For a copy of the MV55 brochure or to find out more about relocating to Markham Vale, please click here.

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

HGV repair and maintenance specialist moves to Markham Vale

Transcare 28 Ltd are the latest company to select Markham Vale as a place to meet their growing business needs.

The company provide HGV repair and maintenance solutions throughout the Midlands and into South Yorkshire. They offer a full range of onsite and workshop based maintenance services for all commercial vehicle operators. This includes trucks, trailers, light commercial vehicles and PSVs.

As well as a comprehensive range of routine maintenance, inspection and repair services, the company also provide specialist diagnostics, HGV, Trailer and PSV MOTs and tachograph calibration installation and repair.

Managing Director, Darren Parkin says “We’re very excited at being part of the Markham Vale community and look forward to the completion of our new depot.”

The new Markham Vale depot will bring their services closer to a growing list of customers based in the area and will boast a large workshop with drive-through bays, MOT test lane, tachograph calibration equipment and vehicle wash facilities.

Click here to find out more about Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Pioneering Empty Property Scheme extended for North Derbsyhire

A pioneering scheme set to bring dozens of empty homes across North East Derbyshire back into use, has been extended.

In January 2019, North East Derbyshire District Council became the first council in the country to take part in the Empty Property Scheme in partnership with energy company E.ON. The council was approached by E.ON, due to their commitment in tackling empty properties.

Originally set to pilot for one year, the scheme has now been extended for a further 12 months, due its success in reducing the number of empty properties in the District.

Cllr Richard Welton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The scheme is an excellent example of how the public and private sector can work together, at a time when it is vital for local authorities to maximise their income, to continue to provide essential public services.”

“NEDDC is taking the lead in developing innovative solutions to empty properties which are a blight on the local community. These homes also provide much needed housing for our residents.”

Since the scheme launched, 25 long term empty properties have been – or are in the process of – being brought back into use.

There are approximately 400 empty properties in the District at any one time and at a time where there is a shortage of housing, the Council is keen to help owners bring them back into use.

Nigel Dewbery, Director of Energy Efficiency at E.ON, said: “We’re really pleased to have extended the scheme for another twelve months and to be able to continue to work together with North East Derbyshire District Council to tackle the problem of empty properties.”

Services offered as part of the scheme include:

  • Free one-to-one support and advice.
  • A free property survey carried out by a professional from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
  • Property cleaning and clearance.
  • Probate services.
  • Free EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
  • Flexible payment terms with no interest or charges.
  • Fully project managed renovation.
  • Discounted estate and letting agent rates.

The initiative has received widespread praise from a number of organisations, including other local authorities and the Empty Homes Network, who invited the Council and E.ON to talk at their National Empty Property Conference about the scheme.

If you own an empty property and would like to see if you are eligible to benefit from the scheme, please contact Thomas Evans on 01246 231111 or email Thomas.evans@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home