Development

Businesses encouraged to invest in Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council have launched a new service to raise the profile of the county among the business community and encourage more companies to invest in the area.

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 provide 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

The service was launched on behalf of the Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DEP) at an event today on Friday 24 May 2019, attended by around 150 guests including investors, commercial property agents and local businesses.

Guest speakers at the event held at Holiday Inn, South Normanton, included Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis – speaking about the commitment to unlocking growth and promoting investment – and Managing Director of Toyota Europe Tony Walker, talking about why Toyota invested in Derbyshire and continues to grow its business in the county.

Also in the spotlight was Sally Ambrose from Chatsworth, talking about the estate’s impact on the local economy and how, as a key Derbyshire landowner, it will drive future opportunities to promote development in Derbyshire. And delegates also heard from Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale, explaining what lies ahead for the council’s premier enterprise zone and why it has been so successful at attracting inward investment to date.

Councillor Lewis said: “Driving economic growth and creating more job opportunities for local people is a vital part of our ambitious plans for the future.”

“Derbyshire has so much to offer investors at both a national and global level. Its unique position at the heart of the UK together with excellent transport links and quality of life make our county an attractive place for businesses to locate invest, live, work and stay.”

Chairman of the Derbyshire Enterprise Partnership Richard Horsley added: “With its rich heritage of innovation and a broad range of development opportunities, Derbyshire has one of the strongest economic performances in the country and I am proud to launch the new service today.”

“With a diverse economy ranging from advanced manufacturing through to creative and digital industries, minerals and aggregates and tourism there are many opportunities for businesses and investors alike to thrive.”

The Invest in Derbyshire service is being delivered on behalf of both DEP and Derbyshire County Council, by award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby – a public-private partnership created to raise the profile of Derby and Derbyshire and attract investment.

Click here to find out more about Invest in Derbyshire.

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

Have your say on proposed new road in Chesterfield

Residents are being invited by Derbyshire County Council to have their say about a proposed new road in Chesterfield.

The road, which is currently being referred to as the Hollis Lane link road, is proposed to link Brewery Street via the station with the A632 at Spa Lane, Hady Hill.

It is part of wider plans by Chesterfield Borough Council to regenerate the area around Chesterfield train station for housing and business use and to improve parking. The proposals are part of the work being carried out jointly by the county and borough councils on how to maximise the benefits of the potential HS2 service which is proposed to serve the town.

Read more about the plans for Chesterfield Station.

If the proposals for the new road go ahead, it would improve access to the station from the south and reduce the level of traffic travelling through the town centre.

The road would be built in two phases. Phase one would include widening the junction of Spa Lane and Hollis Lane and upgrading traffic lights at the junction. This would help to manage the additional traffic. New steps and a ramp would be built to provide access for pedestrians from the underpass and a new cycle route would be created alongside the link road to connect with the existing railway station cycle route.

The second phase would extend the link road north towards the station and through to Brewery Street.

Under the proposals, Lordsmill roundabout and Piccadilly junction would also be improved to help traffic flow better along the A632.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“Investing in roads is one of our top priorities for ensuring our local economy can thrive and grow.

“The proposed road will open up opportunities for regeneration around the station as well as providing better access to the station and helping to cut congestion on existing roads in the area.”

A public exhibition will be held at Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1QN on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 May 2019 so local people can find out more and give their views about the proposals.

Staff will be on hand to answer questions from 2pm to 6pm each day.

You can find out more information about the proposed Hollis Lane link road.

Anyone who is unable to make it to the event but would like to have their say can send their comments to Tom Mather, email: tom.mather@derbyshire.gov.uk by 7 June 2019.

All comments received will be taken into account before a planning application for the first phase of the work is submitted to Derbyshire County Council in the next few months.

There will be a further opportunity to comment as part of the planning process when the planning application is submitted.

Chesterfield at night

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Opportunities for local businesses on £22 million housing development

Gleeson Homes have planning permission for 175 two, three and four bedroom homes at Erin Road/The Grove, Poolsbrook.  Preparation is now well underway to enable work to start on site in summer 2019.

Understanding the importance of involving the community before and during the construction of developments, and leaving a legacy once works are complete, Gleeson Homes ensure they give priority of employment to people living within close proximity to each site, using local trades and working closely with subcontractors to help grow the company and share in their success.

Gleeson Homes are inviting local companies to a ‘Subcontractor Open Day’ event to find out how to tender for work connected to the construction of the new development at Poolsbrook.

The event will be held at Poolsbrook Social Welfare, 19 Cottage Close, Chesterfield S43 3LF, from 9am to 3.30pm on Friday 17th May 2019.

Opportunities include:

  • Joiners (labour only)
  • Bricklayers (labour only)
  • Groundworkers (labour and plant)

Subcontractor and materials:

  • Scaffolders
  • External Frames
  • Roof Tilers
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Plastering
  • Wall and Loft Insulation
  • Wall Tiling
  • Painter
  • Cleaner
  • Landscaping

Neil Johnson, Assistant Director Economic Growth for Chesterfield Borough Council said: “This is great news for Chesterfield that will have a positive impact on many local people looking to buy a new home. Preparation is underway and we hope that work will start in summer this year to develop 175 new properties.

“I would  encourage any local companies who are interested in tendering for construction work to come along to the subcontractor open day to find out more about the project.”

Gleeson Homes run a successful Apprenticeship Scheme with future opportunities on the company’s sites and at their Sheffield office, for local young people looking to start a career in the construction industry. They will also be conducting school visits to discuss Health and Safety and career opportunities.

A Gleeson spokesperson said “We’re delighted that we have been given the go ahead for this to develop the site.  I think local people will be pleased to hear that our new homes are extremely affordable, in most cases it’s cheaper to buy than to rent”

Anyone wanting more information about the Subcontractor Open Day can contact Gleeson Homes on marketing@mjgleeson.com or telephone 0114 261 2900.

Meet the buyer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Progress is being made!

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield shares his latest views on the regeneration of Chesterfield.

At the start of 2019, there were various statements made to the effect that this year would be the year that we see progress being made on key developments in Chesterfield. It is now becoming clear that those statements were indeed correct.

The redevelopment of the former Co-op on Elder Way by Jomast Developments has come on in leaps and bounds with the opening of the new Premier Inn hotel officially opened in April.  Further progress will be seen at Northern Gateway in the coming weeks with the opening of the new Saltergate multi-storey car park.

The hotel opening was an encouraging step in the town’s plan to increase overnight stays in Chesterfield by five per cent. More hotel beds will follow at Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort.

To ensure we keep our overnight visitors in the town and that they, in turn, spend their money in the local economy, we must have an attractive offering. This is a proposition we continue to build, and it has independent operators at its core.

Jomast is actively targeting independent food, drink and leisure operators to fill the ground floor and basement of the Co-op, mirroring the plans to attract more independently-owned shops to Vicar Lane Shopping Centre by its new owners ALTERIS.

ICYMI: Independent Operator opens in Vicar Lane

The change in consumer shopping patterns, from ‘bricks and mortar’ to ‘bricks and clicks’ means that when people visit town centres, they no longer want identical, faceless town centres. Town centres today need a variety and mix of shops, restaurants and bars – both chain and independent, as well as events which can engage the whole family.

Recognising the importance of events as a way to draw visitors to the town, I am delighted that this year’s Chesterfield Retail Awards include the brand new category – Best Town Centre Event.

We’ll be announcing the winner of this category and more at next month’s Retail Awards. You may have missed out on voting for your favourite shops, stores and events in the retail awards, but please don’t miss out on showing your support for the Food and Drink Awards. If you have a favourite place to eat, drink then make sure you nominate them. Nominate here….

It’s important that we recognise the contribution the town’s growing food and drink sector is making to the local economy. It’s playing an important role in ensuring our town centre not only survives, but also thrives.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Another New Retailer Opens at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre

Brand new store, Inside Out, opened at Vicar Lane Shopping on Saturday 27th April 2019.

Customers can expect to find a range of home and garden décor, including retro furniture, cushions, novelty signs, pictures and other quirky decorations. The independent retailer has only a handful of stores based locally around the region, each offering a wide range of unique home furnishings.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re really excited to welcome Inside Out to our line-up. It’s a great store to have at Vicar Lane, offering customers somewhere different to find distinctive homeware, alongside the appeal of our high street fashion and ‘pleasure shopping’ offer.”

The shop is in a prime location in the heart of the town’s shopping district, situated next to O2 and opposite Holland & Barrett on Vicar Lane, and offers shoppers a place to find unique furnishings to decorate their home and garden with.

The new store will be open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to 4.00pm on Sundays.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield

Inside Out Vicar Lane

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

UK’s largest tableware supplier in £15m expansion

The UK’s largest wholesale tableware supplier, Utopia Tableware, has moved into a prime 168,000 sq ft unit at Langham Park near Chesterfield as part of a £15m expansion.

Utopia purchased One Langham Park at Temple Normanton consolidating their operations from several properties near to J29 of the M1.  Key to the expansion, which sees Utopia retaining one unit at Holmewood Industrial Park, was the need to relocate nearby, retaining staff, coupled with vital fast-access to the motorway and close proximity to the company’s remaining unit at Holmewood Industrial Park.

Mark Rammell, owner and CEO at Utopia Tableware, said: “This is a great opportunity for Utopia, it allows us to increase capacity and hold more stock throughout our whole hospitality range. Our total number of distributors has grown rapidly during 2018 and we now have over 1,100 sales representatives promoting our products across the world.

“The new warehouse facility has been purpose built to accommodate our Hospitality Division and we have also installed additional office space and a showroom at the new unit.”

Rebecca Schofield, Partner at Knight Frank, said: “The sale of One Langham Park is a milestone for Utopia Tableware as it expands the business from three, mid-sized existing premises to consolidate most of its operations under one roof following substantial market share growth in 2018 and the start of 2019, both in the UK and overseas.

“The unit is just two miles from the company’s remaining depot at Holmewood Industrial Park and provides a high specification facility with 12 metre eaves height, 15 dock-level loading doors and large secure loading yard, key requirements for the business.”

Utopia Tableware is the largest UK based supplier of Glass and Tableware to the Hospitality industry. It has its headquarters and main warehouse and distribution facility in Chesterfield and a showroom in London and the new warehouse allows the company to hold more than 30,000 pallets under one roof.

The company has been operating from Holmewood Industrial Park for 10 years and has appointed Knight Frank to market its two vacant units at the site, following the move to Langham Park.

Rebecca added: “We are now appointed to let Utopia’s two former units, of 55,000 sq ft and 61,000 sq ft, located close to junction 29 of the M1 motorway, south of Chesterfield, which would suit businesses requiring mid-sized industrial or warehousing accommodation with excellent motorway access.

“These units are being made available at a prime time for the market as we continue to see a shortfall of available stock of this quality across South Yorkshire and the East Midlands.’’

Find out more about investing in Chesterfield and search available commercial property in Chesterfield

Utopia

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield Champion specially chosen to feature at Grand Designs Live

Grand Designs Live have contacted Chesterfield Champions GCL Products after discovering their X-Grid ground reinforcement product whilst searching for a recycled ‘hero product’ to use at the event. X-Grid will be used as the main feature of the entrance to the Gardens Hall section.

X-Grid is a permeable ground reinforcement grid, designed and manufactured from 100% recycled plastic waste. It is a weatherproof, rot-proof and UV stable product that will not break down over time. Weighing just over 5kg per square metre, X-Grid is very easy to handle and with its simple slot and peg connecting system a single person can lay up to 100m² per hour. The fast installation also helps save through reduced materials and labour time, which also leads to a reduction in costs. Click here to find out more.

Grand Designs Live is held twice a year, in London and in Birmingham. The aim of the event is to inspire, advise, launch new products and hold special exhibits across six project zones – Build, Gardens, Interior, Kitchens & Bathrooms, Technology and Design Arcade.

Throughout the event are stands and exhibits set up by companies and people who wish to share their ideas, services and products. The vendors will vary from architects, garden designers and food suppliers to tile suppliers, play equipment suppliers and security system installers. There will also be various experts on hand throughout the day to advise on a wide range of topics.

As X-Grid has been chosen to be a hero product by the Grand Designs Live team, GCL Products have been given the opportunity to offer free weekday tickets or weekend tickets at a reduced cost of £8 (instead of £15) to the London event on 4th-12th May. To avail of this offer, use the discount code “GCLGDL” on the website here.

Design image which shows how the Grand Designs Live team are planning to use X-Grid:

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

Generosity of Designer Contracts to help transform lives of Ashgate Hospicecare patients

Ashgate Hospicecare are thrilled to announce that one of their amazing supporters, Designer Contracts, are supporting the Hospice’s Three Bedded Bay Appeal through their amazing gift of £100,000.

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, have once again gone above and beyond to support their local Hospice, helping transform the Hospice’s Three Bedded Bays by sponsoring a bay which will create a homely, welcoming space at the Hospice for patients and their families.

This is not the first time Designer Contracts have made a huge difference to patients at Ashgate Hospicecare. Last year, the Chesterfield based business completely redesigned and rejuvenated the Hospice’s family room, creating a home from home for patients and families of North Derbyshire.
Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We can’t thank Designer Contracts enough for their outstanding generosity and continued support.”

“At Ashgate Hospicecare, we believe every person matters and they matter until the end of their life. The time that patients and their families spend with us will often be the most precious days and nights. However, for many of the people who need to be on our Inpatient Unit, we are no longer able to offer them the privacy and dignity that they deserve and that we would all want for ourselves or for someone we love.”

“Thanks to this amazing gift, we will be able to give our patients and their families a spacious, private and dignified environment when they need it the most. On behalf of everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare, thank you so much!”

Peter Kelsey, Chief Executive at Designer Contracts, said: “Designer Contracts are delighted to be able to continue to give their support to Ashgate Hospicecare and their patients and families.”

“Everyone we have met that’s associated with the Hospice has been so dedicated and caring, everyone does such wonderful work. The refurbishment plans that we have been able to contribute to will make even more of a difference to their patients, so we are so happy to be able to be a part of that.”

Greg and Lauranne share what Ashgate Hospicecare meant to them when Lauranne’s sister, Julie, came to the Hospice. Julie had brain cancer and as she became more poorly, her family cared for her at home. But when Julie’s symptoms became unmanageable for them to cope with, she was admitted to a single bedroom on our Inpatient Unit at the Hospice.

They said: “The Hospice provided us, as a family, with so many precious moments together. We feel incredibly lucky that Julie was able to have her own bedroom. I can’t imagine half of these moments being possible in a bay. We wouldn’t have all fitted around the bed, that’s for sure.”

Want to find out more about how you could support this amazing project and how your support could make a difference to the lives of local people? Just call Ali, Capital Appeals Manager on 01246 567250 or email alison.ward-foster@ashgatehospicecare.org.uk.

Ashgate Hospicescare Bedroom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Newest development at Markham Vale starts on site

Work has started on site at Henry Boot Developments’ newest addition to Markham Vale, a 55,000 sq ft industrial warehouse, ‘MV55’, which is being developed on a speculative basis.

Markham Vale is a 200-acre industrial and logistics development located at Junction 29A of the M1 in Derbyshire, a joint venture between Henry Boot Developments (HBD) and Derbyshire County Council.

One of the region’s most successful industrial locations, Markham Vale is home to the likes of Great Bear, Gist, Ferdinand Bilstein and Sterigenics.

This latest building fronts the M1 and includes flexible office space ranging from 2,500 sq ft – 5,000 sq ft alongside high-quality industrial facilities and 50 on-site parking spaces.

Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Our decision to build our latest unit at Markham Vale on a speculative basis is very much a reflection of the strength of the market and continued demand for high-quality, well located industrial property. There is an acute shortage of good quality industrial space across the Yorkshire and East Midlands markets, particularly for buildings between 20,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft, resulting in a high degree of latent demand for new-build product like MV55.

“We currently have a total of 108,000 sq ft under construction at Markham Vale, with this latest unit scheduled to complete in September along with Protec International’s new purpose-built premises, which started on site last month. Initial conversations have been very positive – businesses are keen to capitalise on its location as well as the high-quality build, which is something occupiers can always count on from HBD.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “This is a great opportunity for another business to join our thriving Markham Vale site.”

“This plot has a lot to offer with great links to the M1 and a skilled workforce, high-quality industrial facilities and flexible office space.”

“We look forward to welcoming even more businesses at the site very soon and for those looking to relocate or expand, we still have opportunities available so please get in touch for more information.”

Plots of up to 15 acres remain available at Markham Vale and can accommodate flexible design and build units up to 300,000 sq ft.

Please click here to find out more about the opportunities available at MV55. Find out more about relocating to Markham Vale and investing in Chesterfield.

Markham Vale MV55

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New look Skills Bank launched

A new look Skills Bank that puts employers from across the Sheffield City Region in charge of their own skills and training has been launched.

Skills Bank, delivered by Calderdale College, is a business led programme developed by the Local Enterprise Partnership and using devolved government funding, matches private sector investment with public funding to help businesses invest in their workforce and improve their productivity. Funding is available to businesses that make a strong case for how the investment will deliver growth.

The service which cuts through red tape and ushers in a new culture of flexible public-sector funding works with businesses to deliver bespoke, tailor made training. It is part of a wide-ranging business support offer available through the Sheffield City Region’s Growth Hub.

Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis, said: “We’re a region that has some fantastic businesses and world class training facilities, including our Further Education Colleges, the National College for High Speed Rail and the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre. The Sheffield City Region Skills Bank is another important part of our work to build a skills system that delivers for businesses, communities and the economy.

Skills Bank is an example of an innovative locally designed solution and shows the benefits of devolving resources to local areas.”

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Businesses tell us that publicly funded training for businesses can be hard to access and that the system is complicated. Skills Bank and our advisors can help businesses cut through this. This is good for the region, good for the profitability of businesses and helps grow the skills of our workforce. So long as a business can show that it helps boost productivity and grow our economy it should be a straightforward transaction. It’s win-win. I’m absolutely delighted that it has gone live.”

Ebrahim Dockrat, Director of Commercial Services and Partnerships at Calderdale College, said: “Skills Bank is a fantastic initiative for Sheffield City Region and we are thrilled to be in a position where we can support local businesses.

“Our focus will be on helping employers develop the skills they need to grow their business and we bring a huge amount of expertise from our many years of working closely with the Education and Skills Funding Agency on major funded training programmes.”

Businesses interested in accessing the Skills Bank can find out more at https://skillsbankscr.co.uk/

If you are an employer or a training provider and would like to find out more about Skills Bank, visit www.scrgrowthhub.co.uk/services/skills/

Apprenticeship Ambassador

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

Capital Funding available for Chesterfield businesses

The D2N2 Capital Growth Fund is a new fund which offers capital grant support to small and medium-sized enterprises investing in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire.

Grant funding of between £1,500 and £10,000, up to a maximum of 30% of eligible project costs is available to businesses.

The fund will cover capital costs – for example machinery, equipment, IT hardware but cannot support vehicle purchases.  The scheme cannot be used for revenue costs such as wages, rent, marketing or general running costs.

Businesses must be already trading and will be required to show how the project will enable employment growth.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great to see that their is grant support available for businesses that are looking to grow.  We would encourage Chesterfield and North Derbyshire based businesses that are planning capital projects to take advantage of this fund.”

Further guidance on the funding is available at https://www.emb-group.co.uk/media/2054/cgf-guidance-notes-programme-overview-v3.pdf

To register your interest in applying for the D2N2 Capital Growth Fund, please e-mail ERDFteam@embltd.co.uk, with the subject: “D2N2 Capital Growth Fund”.

Read about business support in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development