Development

Showcasing the strengths of Sheffield City Region

18th October 2016

Business bosses and local authority leaders from Sheffield City Region – SCR – are travelling this week to MIPIM UK, the UK’s largest property event. They will showcase the area and its investment strengths to thousands of influential developers and investors.

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chair of the SCR’s Local Enterprise Board, said:-

“This is a region that knows how to do business, and fast.

“We’ve seen a phenomenal increase in traffic through Doncaster Sheffield Airport thanks to ‘pump priming’ funding put into the M18 link road by the SCR. More than 1,000 jobs have been created by international firms investing across the region in the last year, giving us a huge vote of confidence.

“And we know exactly how we will ensure projects can get up and running without delay as we’ve mapped it all in our ‘Integrated Infrastructure Plan’. We’ll be launching the plan at MIPIM.

“Doing business in the Sheffield City Region is very easy thanks to our dynamic private and public sector partnership. We also offer a bedrock of stability thanks to the £1.3billion devolution deal we negotiated. This guarantees investment for the next 30 years, and means decisions for the Sheffield City Region are made here and not in Westminster.

“We have significant assets ready for investment, a straightforward approach to planning and infrastructure, and committed support for skills, training and business growth. Our Integrated Infrastructure Plan sets ambitious targets on job creation and attracting businesses to the region. We remain firmly committed to this and that is why our offer to investors is so strong.”

Key opportunities which will be showcased this week include:

Peak Resort Development – Peak is a £400 million leisure, health, sport and education resort on the edge of the glorious Peak District National Park and is set to become one of the UK’s flagship tourist attractions.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport – has passenger flights to over 30 destinations worldwide including direct flights to Paris and Berlin, a catchment of almost 5million people, and a strong freight offering. Design and build options are on offer for both hangars and industrial units and there is already planning consent for over 2,000,000 sq ft of commercial development

Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Chair of Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said:-

“Doncaster Sheffield Airport is helping us build a truly competitive centre of excellence in Sheffield City Region. It is a key part of our strategic plan to grow the economy and create more and better jobs for local people.

“Businesses and residents across Sheffield City Region are proud of our fast-growing airport and are embracing the opportunity to get to their destinations more conveniently and more quickly than ever before thanks to the new link road. As our airport continues to grow, more people are travelling to more destinations and are spreading the word about our super-connected region. This makes Sheffield City Region an even greater place for living.”

The Sheffield City Region delegation will be hosting a programme of events to discuss investment opportunities and the support the Region offers in detail.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Plans approved for £2m Coalite development

17th October 2016

Plans to build houses and create jobs at the former Coalite site have taken a step forward now Derbyshire County Council approved £2m to help plug a funding gap.

Funding to redevelop the 140 acre site of the former Coalite coking works, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire district and partly in Bolsover district, was agreed at a meeting of Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Members

Derbyshire County Council has applied for a further £5.8m for the project from D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which is a private sector-led partnership promoting economic growth in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. D2N2 is due to consider the application at a meeting to be held later this year.

The site has remained derelict since Coalite closed down more than 12 years ago and funding is needed to help kick-start its long-awaited regeneration.

Derbyshire County County Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:

“It’s been a long-held ambition of all three councils to clean up the site and put it to good use and I’m pleased we’ve been able to work together alongside D2N2 and developers Bolsover Land Ltd to drive this project forward.

“The site has massive potential to help regenerate the area by boosting the local economy and creating much-needed jobs for local people. And we’ll be offering the experience and expertise we have built in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale which is now home to 40 local, national and international businesses and has created 938 jobs so far with many more in the pipeline.”

Bolsover Land Limited, a joint venture between redevelopment specialists Marcol and St Francis Group, acquired the site in 2012. Outline planning permission was granted on the site last year for employment use. This will create up to 1,500 jobs and consent for 660 houses, a potential new school, community facilities as given earlier this year.

Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:

“This is excellent news and will be music to our local communities ears. The former Coalite site has long been a blight on our landscape, but this funding will not only clean it up, but will breathe new life into the area, bringing with it much needed jobs and residential development.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:

“This project is huge − but we have experience in undertaking projects of this size as we are currently regenerating the former Avenue Coking Works in Wingerworth.

“We have been working with our partners for years to get this site cleaned up and this announcement shows that our plans are not just a pipe dream, but will become reality and help clean up this eyesore.

“We know you can’t do these things on your own, so the importance of partnership working is fundamental in making this scheme become a reality.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, said:

“The Coalite site has great potential, to drive the north Derbyshire and wider economy, which is why we have been working with local partners on gaining significant funding for it from our current £192m Local Growth Fund allocation.”

Work to clear up a number of contaminants on the land is being carried out by Bolsover Land Limited with our help.

Nigel Lax, Development Director for Bolsover Land Limited, added:

“From the outset we’ve had a shared vision with the community to clean up and regenerate the site. The grant funding marks a key milestone and is a fantastic boost to delivering the site’s regeneration.

“With the help of D2N2, Derbyshire County Council, Bolsover Council and North East Derbyshire Council we are confident this will become a benchmark for how the public and private sector can work together to transform a large and challenging industrial site to create hundreds of new homes and jobs.”

Posted in Business, Development

Craft store enjoys successful launch in Chesterfield

3rd October 2016

Global craft brand, Crafter’s Companion, welcomed thousands of visitors to the launch of its second UK store over its opening weekend.

Visitors from all over the country attended the launch of the store, at Dobbies Garden Centre and Shopping Village in Chesterfield.

The store was officially opened by the company’s founder and craft TV shopping star Sara Davies MBE on Friday. The new Crafter’s Companion outlet has been designed to attract more people into craft and provide a community hub where customers can explore the latest tools and products.

Throughout the weekend, visitors were able to enjoy a number of demonstrations led by several craft celebrities. These included TV shopping stars Debbie Shore and Sheena Douglass, who travelled to the region to run sessions and celebrate the launch.

Sara Davies MBE, Founder of Crafter’s Companion, said:-

“Opening a store in Chesterfield was a big step for us so soon after we launched our first store in the North East, so it’s great to see the launch weekend go so incredibly well.

“Dobbies Garden Centre and Shopping Village has such a great reputation and the feedback we have received so far from everyone visiting our new store has been brilliant. We can’t thank all of our customers enough for their continued support.

“We’ve put so much hard work into making the store a success, so it’s been great to see people from the local community and beyond the region enjoying themselves and really getting involved with the activities.”

The new store, which is the result of a £250k investment by the multi award-winning Crafter’s Companion, includes a central hub for workshops and group sessions, dedicated demonstration areas and themed shopping sections.

The store will be open to the public Monday – Saturday from 9am-6pm and on Sunday from 10.30am-4.30pm.

There will also be regular workshops available for booking.

The outlet joins several other brands at Dobbies Garden Centre in Chesterfield, such as Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Holland and Barrett, Lakeland, Pets at Home and Cotton Traders. The extensive garden centre also houses a farm shop, food hall and a restaurant.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield selected for Healthy High Streets programme

21st September 2016

Chesterfield’s shopping and retail sector is continuing to do well; however, it has secured the help it needs to become outstanding.

The town has been announced as one of the final 33 areas to be supported by Business in the Community’s Health High Streets programme. Over the next three years, the programme aims to increase footfall, reduce the number of vacant shops and create jobs in Chesterfield.

A total of 100 high streets are now supported by the programme, including the major cities of Sheffield, Leicester and Nottingham. Healthy High Streets is backed by more than 40 high street names, including Boots, EE, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Santander and Wilko, who are committed to using the leadership expertise, skills and resources of their business to help UK high streets achieve their full potential.

A steering group made up of Chesterfield Borough Council, Marks and Spencer, Wilko, Boots, Greggs, Santander, Vicar Lane, the Pavements Shopping Centre and Destination Chesterfield, has been set up to deliver the objectives of Healthy High Streets, which include:

Boosting footfall in shopping areas
Reducing shop vacancies
Returning pride to the high street
Creating jobs

The group has already begun a promotional campaign promoting the reduced £3 for three hours parking rate available in Chesterfield Borough Council-run long stay car parks, as well as the free parking for Chesterfield borough residents available before 10am and after 3pm on weekdays and all day on Sundays and bank holidays.

Welcoming the news, Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, said:-

“High streets up and down the country face challenges due to the impact of internet shopping, so it is important that we constantly look at new ways of reinvigorating our shopping areas in Chesterfield.

“By working with the Business in the Community advisor and bringing in corporate partners from shop chains we are able to share national experience and expertise alongside local knowledge.

“One of the areas the steering group is looking at is about improving and adding to our town centre events calendar. It has already been decided that we will hold a pumpkin hunt event in the last week of October and that we will strengthen our Christmas offer by working in a more co-ordinated way with the big high street chains on initiatives such as the Santa’s grotto in the Market Hall.”

Vic Risorto, Destination Chesterfield Board Member responsible for the town centre added:-

“As a town centre business owner myself I am delighted that Chesterfield has been selected as a Healthy High Streets town.

“Destination Chesterfield looks forward to partnering with the high street stores, independent retailers and Chesterfield Borough Council to bring forward initiatives to stimulate footfall.

“This can only help us attract more investment, creating jobs and a thriving town centre which everyone will benefit from.”

To find out more about the Healthy High Streets programme, please visit http://www.bitc.org.uk/programmes/healthy-high-streets.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Peak tourism economy’s £1.49 million cash boost

14th September 2016

Long-term prospects for the Peak District and Derbyshire’s visitor economy look even brighter thanks to confirmation of a £1.49 million grant to boost business quality, profitability and performance.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, is celebrating news that its bid for cash from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to fund a comprehensive three-year business support programme has been successful.

The tourist board will work closely with Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority to develop the cycling market and the Peak District brand, promote Derbyshire products, support market towns and help businesses to boost their competitiveness.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will concentrate on developing the Peak District brand through ‘Inspired by the Peak District’, involving food and drink producers, creative industries, attractions and service and activity providers.

Working with Business Peak District, it will focus on promotional, marketing and on-line activity and an annual events programme.

The tourist board will also bring in tourism experts and specialist advisers to deliver a wide-ranging programme of business support focusing on international visitors, accessibility, marketing, business to business networking, workshops promoting the Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) and one-to-one advice and development.

Derbyshire County Council will focus on supporting market towns to swell and share visitor numbers, realise their full potential and boost their vibrancy. It will also promote Derbyshire products, with a particular emphasis on food and drink, to improve the quality of local services for visitors and encourage them to spend locally.

The Peak District National Park Authority, together with Derbyshire Dales District Council, will develop the growing, high-spending cycling market through the Pedal Peak Business Initiative. This will include grants to improve cycle facilities, a cycle friendly toolkit to help businesses understand the market, networking events, developing routes and marketing materials and creating and delivering Peak District Cyclist Welcome accreditation.

Around 400 businesses and their supply chains are set to benefit from the programme, which will be launched over the next few months and will run until the end of March 2019.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:-

“This is very exciting news for tourism businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“Working closely with our partners over the next three years, we will be able to drive up their quality and profitability, develop the Peak District and Derbyshire brand and support start-up businesses though initiatives specifically geared to create more jobs in the visitor economy sector, and bring long-term benefits to the local and regional economy.”

Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor, said:-

“Derbyshire has many obvious charms but there’s much more to our county than rolling hills and beautiful countryside.

“Our market towns play a vital role in welcoming visitors to the county as well as providing jobs and services for local people and we look forward to helping to promote all they have to offer visitors.

“Our ‘Made in Derbyshire’ campaign showcased the people, products and places that make our county great and we’ll work with local businesses to help build on these successes in the future.”

Sarah Fowler, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park, said:-

“This is further confirmation that the Peak District is a great place to visit and do business. Our reputation as a cycling destination continues to grow and this grant will help us help local businesses to make the most of every opportunity though the Pedal Peak District Business Initiative.”

Jim Harrison, Chair of Business Peak District, said:-

“As well as the many benefits the project will offer tourism businesses, promoting the ‘Inspired by the Peak District’ logo will help any organisation that uses it to boost both their profile and that of the area. The more all businesses work together, the stronger our voice will be.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

University set to update Chesterfield’s skill base

13th September 2016

Employers who want to update their staff’s skills or individuals aiming to get ahead in their careers can find out what the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus has to offer on October 27 at a Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening.

From 4pm-7pm, University lecturers will be at the Campus in the former St Helena’s grammar school on Sheffield Road to outline the range of business, engineering, IT and health care courses on offer.

Professor Margaret Bruce, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, explained the benefits of part-time study: “Our flexible approach to teaching and learning enables you to fit studying around your other commitments.

“That means you can gain a professional qualification whilst working, to help further your career, broadening your skills and knowledge in a flexible way, without it affecting your lifestyle.”

Courses available through part-time study in Chesterfield are:

■ HND Business and Management

■ BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering

■ FdSc Information Technology

■ Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care

The Campus, due to open next month, has had a multi-million pound conversion which has been sympathetic to the listed St Helena’s building, conserving as many of its historic features as possible. Booking is essential: visit derby.ac.uk/open days

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Another deal done on Markham Vale

13th September 2016

Property developer Priority Space has exchanged contracts to acquire a prime 1.6 acre site at Markham Vale in Derbyshire.

The developer, which has exchanged contracts on the site in a joint venture with Hunt Group, will now seek planning permission for some 25,000 sq. ft. of high specification warehouse/industrial accommodation set over 12 units ranging from 1,200 – 3,050 sq ft, which will be available for purchase.

This will be the latest development at the popular Markham Vale, a 200 acre prime business and distribution park with Enterprise Zone status, located off junction 29a of the M1 motorway, and will provide much needed business space for SMEs in the region. The site has recently attracted occupiers such as Great Bear, Andrew Page, Inspirepac, Ready Egg, Meter Provida and Gould Alloys amongst others.

Innes England’s Derby office and Fernie Greaves in Sheffield have been jointly appointed to market the scheme which, subject to planning, is expected to start on site in November this year.

Associate director at Innes England, Stuart Waite commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside Fernie Greaves on this Priority Space scheme. Markham Vale is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier logistics locations and a flagship scheme for the region which has attracted considerable investment since its inception….we are convinced these units will be received well by the market”

Lee Buchanan, Director at Priority Space, said “After the success of Kiln Park Priority Space are looking forward to delivering their second commercial scheme. We believe the location at Markham Vale to be key in securing fully occupancy of the site. We hope to emulate Kiln Park and secure sales on the entire scheme before completion of the development

Shaun Hunt, Chief Executive at Hunt Group Ltd added, “Following a successful JV project between H.G. Holdings and Priority Space near Leeds we are pleased to be embarking upon this new development project using the same well proven team. The Markham Vale regeneration site is perfectly placed on this busy M1 corridor with many large operators having already established their businesses here. Our flexible, modern and most aesthetically pleasing units are likely to appeal to the more discerning business owner occupiers and investors”

It has also been announced that Britcon (UK) Ltd will be appointed as Main Contractor.

Posted in Business, Development

New partnership heralds a new age for accounting and independent financial advice

12th September 2016

Two Chesterfield businesses, Start Financial Planning and Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, have joined forces to bring a fresh approach to financial planning for owner managed businesses in north east Derbyshire.

The collaborative working arrangement between the two businesses follows an increase in SMEs in the area now looking to grow following the pre-referendum uncertainty at the beginning of the year.

The low interest rates and grants now available has prompted businesses to turn to Mitchells for practical advice and help on accessing grants and finance, while Start Financial Planning is assisting business owners in protecting the future of the company and their personal finance ahead of potential Brexit uncertainty.

Michael Heath, director of Start Financial Planning, explained:-

“Historically financial advisers and accountants have worked independently of each other which is not necessarily in the best interests of business owners, particularly in the current economic climate.

“It made absolute sense to agree a collaborative working arrangement with Mitchells. By doing so we have created a one-stop-shop for owner managed businesses, offering practical advice in tax, accounting and investments, helping protect the financial future of the business for both the owner and employees.”

Richard Trueman, Managing Partner at Mitchells, added:-

“We’re delighted to have Start Financial Planning on board. Mitchells’ prides itself on both our practical accounting and business advice services, and the agreement with Start is a practical extension of this in response to client demand.

“Start shares our passion for helping SMEs achieve their growth potential and through our working partnership with Start, we are now able to offer our clients a better, seamless service when managing their business turnover and personal wealth.”

Later in the year, Start hopes to agree a further collaborative working agreement with a leading legal services firm in the area in order to deliver a fully comprehensive cradle to grave financial planning service for individuals and businesses in the area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Station Link Opens in Chesterfield

7th September 2016

A week of events kicks off on 14 September, to celebrate the official opening of a new walking and cycling link to Chesterfield station.

School children, adults with disabilities, representatives from Chesterfield College, East Midlands Trains, local employers, Derbyshire County Council members and officers, national charity Sustrans and local walking and cycling groups will all join a ribbon cutting ceremony at the station on Friday 16th September.

The route, built by Derbyshire County Council with a government grant administered by Sustrans, provides an important missing link in the local cycle network. Residents and visitors can now walk or cycle safely off-road to the station all the way from Somersall via Queens Park.

Representatives from Derbyshire County Council and Chesterfield Cycle Campain (CCC) can be found at the railway station on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th September, promoting the route, handing out free Chesterfield Cycle maps and promoting the County Rider adult cycle training initiative.

The launch coincides with Cycle to Work Day, an annual national event which encourages everyone to cycle to work. Other events to celebrate the launch include an official ribbon cutting by Cllr Dean Collins, lead member for transport at Derbyshire County Council, to formally open the route on Friday 16th September and a Chesterfield Cycle in Style ride on Saturday 17th September. The Cycle in Style event, organised by Chesterfield Cycle Campaign, leaves Nonnas on Chatsworth Road at 10.30am for a short ride along the new station link and back through town to finish at the Vintage Tea Rooms. A prize will also be awarded to the best dressed rider

Matt Easter, Regional Director for Sustrans who administered a 1 million government grant to build the route said:-

“This is a fantastic project which will be a great asset to Chesterfield, providing a safe, healthy and pleasant alternative route to the station for residents and visitors and helping to relieve traffic congestion. Sustrans are delighted to have been involved in the project which was catalysed by a local Chesterfield volunteer.”

Chris Allen, Chair of the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign, who have produced 5,000 colour cycle maps to coincide with the opening of the route said:-

“We welcome the opening of the new link and hope it encourages more train commuters to think about walking or cycling to the station. There are many local employers along the route that can take advantage of a fast, free transport alternative that benefits their health.

“Studies have shown that each additional hour spent in a car per day is associated with an increase in the likelihood of obesity. Public health experts have suggested the NHS could save up to 6 billion a year by 2025 through increased levels of spending on cycle provision.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure

Gardens & Gourmet poised to boost visitors to Peak and Derbyshire

5th September 2016

Key overseas markets in Europe and the USA are set to be targeted as the Peak District and Derbyshire celebrates news that it is one of several tourist boards to win a share in a £40 million push to promote England to the world.

Tourism bosses at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are delighted to be among five leading destinations to successfully bid for £240,000 from a first-year pot of £6.5 million in national tourist board VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund (DEF).

The tourist board will work in close collaboration with colleagues at Visit Kent, Marketing Cheshire, Visit Essex and Visit Herts to develop a Gardens & Gourmet project showcasing each area’s outstanding gardens and first class culinary offer.

The first-year DEF funding will be complemented by a total of £85,000 in in-kind contributions and match funding from the five destination teams.

It will focus on both established markets such as Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands and the USA, as well as potential staying visitors from the UK, as part of VisitEngland’s strategy to ensure that England stays at the cutting edge of the competitive global tourism industry.

The main aim will be to create bookable packages for international tourists that will not only admit them to attractions, but will also feature insider tips, local recommendations and interactive media to give them a compelling and high-quality experience of the English countryside.

As well as playing a prominent role in the national offer, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire will develop its own cluster of gardens and gourmet experiences, building on existing partnerships to involve leading attractions, places to stay and eat and personal recommendations and fresh perspectives from local ambassadors.

Research will be carried out from now until the end of March 2017, with a view to launching the packages next spring, in advance of the new RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2017, which will be staged from June 7 to 11.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:-

“This is great news for the area during VisitEngland’s Year of the English Garden, and also as we look forward to the launch of the first-ever RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, which will be the focal point for much of our activity,

“Like the other destinations involved, the Peak District and Derbyshire has an extremely strong gardens and food and drink offer, and this will give us the opportunity to develop strategies to market it more effectively and bring in more staying visitors from both the UK and around the world.

“We’ll also be incorporating one of our unique selling points – the ancient custom of Well Dressing, exclusive to the area – as an added bonus, and look forward to working with a range of partners to capitalise on both our individual and shared assets in an increasingly competitive global industry.”

The project is one of seven unveiled at the start of the three-year DEF campaign by VisitEngland to capitalise on England’s wide ranging assets – everything from golf and long distance walks to seafood and a self-guided activity app.

Competition for cash was fierce. Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said:-

“We had an exceptionally high number of submissions, far outweighing the allocated funding available. Following a rigorous applications process we are delighted to work closely with those excellent winners on building world-class bookable tourism products showcasing the best of England to international and domestic visitors.

“The destinations in this successful project feature outstanding gardens and local food and drink offers, which will give visitors a new, high-quality sensory experience of rural England.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

Businesses invited to free business funding workshop

5th September 2016

With pre-referendum uncertainty over and interest rates at an all-time low, businesses in the area in are being encouraged to forge ahead now with their growth and investment plans.

Businesses looking to access finance and grants can get all the information they need at a free half day workshop – Funding for Business, which is being delivered by Sheffield City Region’s Growth Hub.

Only a limited number of places are available at the workshop, which is taking place at Dunston Innovation Centre on Wednsday 14th September from 10am – 1pm.

Organised in association with Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project, the workshop aims to preparing businesses for the post Brexit world of funding.

The European Regional Development Fund-funded workshop will also provide a one-stop-shop for advice and signposting on funding choices open to business, including lending and grants and guidance for making actual applications.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield said: “The timing of this free workshop couldn’t be better. Many firms held off with their investment and growth plans in the first half of the year due to the uncertainty around Brexit. Now the decision has been made, businesses are forging ahead with their plans and eager to get information on funding streams and grants available to them.”

For more information about the free Funding for Business workshop, or to book one of the remaining places, visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/free-business-workshop-funding-for-business/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development