Development

Grade Two Listing for Landmark Sculpture

A decision to grant grade two listed status to a landmark Chesterfield sculpture has been welcomed by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Historic England has decided that the Hepworth sculpture called Rosewall – or Curved Reclining Form – should join 40 other post-war art pieces to be protected.

The sculpture, which is on Future Walk at West Bars, was bought by Chesterfield Borough Council from Royal Mail in 2009 when the artwork was in danger of being sold and moved out of the town.

This was made possible following donations from the Art Fund, Chesterfield Waterside Partnership, Strata Homes, Gladedale (South Yorkshire), David Wilson Homes (North Midlands), Barberry Chesterfield Ltd, Taylor Wimpey plc, and Barratt Homes East Midlands.

Councillor Terry Gilby, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for planning, said: “I have admired this statue since I was a child. It is undoubtedly the most important work of modern public art in the borough, and possibly even in Derbyshire as a whole.

“The fact it has now been listed vindicates the campaign backed by all political parties to keep the sculpture in the town when it was in danger of being sold.

“Through our Per Cent for Art scheme many partners came forward with funding so we were able to ensure it remains something that residents in Chesterfield can enjoy on a daily basis.

“I hope the fact Rosewall is now grade two listed will encourage even more people to visit it.”

Dame Barbara Hepworth’s 2.5 tonne sculpture has been in Chesterfield since being bought in 1963 by the then GPO, now known as Royal Mail. While she made many sculptures Rosewall is one of only four stone carvings Hepworth produced before she died in 1975.

Rosewall forms part of the Chesterfield Art Trail, which showcases public art around the town. Further details can be seen at www.chesterfieldarttrail.co.uk

chesterfield-barbara hepworth statue

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Have Your say for Development Sites

Chesterfield Borough Council is asking landowners, developers and local businesses to put forward sites that might be suitable for development.

This is part of the council’s land availability assessment (LAA) which identifies land appropriate for development and assesses the suitability of the sites.

This will form the basis of the council’s new local plan and help the council decide which sites should be allocated for a range of types of development including housing, employment, retail and traveller sites.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning said: “We are encouraging landowners and developers to send us information on sites which might be suitable for development

“We will then assess those sites and take them forward through the Local Plan process if they are suitable.”

Because a site is considered in the assessment does not mean it will necessarily be considered suitable for development.

Should anyone wish to include a site for consideration, we need to collect as much information possible to ensure an accurate assessment.

Anyone who has a site to be considered for development should complete the form on the council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/laa and email to the strategic planning and key sites team: forward.planning@chesterfield.gov.uk

Great Bear Development Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Reserve your place at Celebrate Chesterfield now!

High demand already for places at breakfast event celebrating Chesterfield’s success and plans for 2016

With £1 billion of regeneration taking place in Chesterfield, the annual Celebrate event, which is taking place on Thursday 17 March, is the hottest ticket in town.

Taking place at the Winding Wheel from 7.30am – 11.00am, already 190 places at the 250 seat event have been reserved.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with The University of Derby, the town’s leaders will update the business community at the event on the progress made with developments, including the £340million Chesterfield Waterside and the £400million Peak scheme.

Later this year The University of Derby will open its new Chesterfield campus at the former St Helena’s Grammar School, where it will offer world class university facilities for Nursing, Business, Computing, Law and Engineering students.

“Expanding our work in Chesterfield with the refurbished campus in such a wonderful building comes in the same year the University celebrates a decade in Buxton’s historic Devonshire Dome,” said Professor Rod –Dubrow-Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University.

“Research commissioned by the University into the economic impact of the Buxton Campus on the local economy revealed that it supported 500 jobs through a total spend of £32 million – and we hope to have a similar impact in Chesterfield.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing director of Bolsterstone which is developing Chesterfield Waterside, will also speak at the event. He said: “Celebrate is an important and popular event for the town’s business community. It is an opportunity to reflect on the success we have had and to hear, first-hand, from decision-makers about forthcoming plans.

“2015 was a significant year for Chesterfield; it was the first in the town’s history that unemployment was lower than the national average. With the current and future developments in the town and inward investment it is attracting, it looks like 2016 will deliver similar successes for the town. It is a very exciting time for Chesterfield.”

The event is free to attend and last year was the largest and fully subscribed Celebrate Chesterfield since the first was held in 2011. This year, the headline sponsor of Celebrate 2016 is joined by fellow sponsors Central Technology and Markham Vale.

Richard Thompson, Sales Director of Central Technology commented: “We are delighted to be one of the sponsors of one of the most significant Chesterfield business events of the year.

“The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to present our well-established business to leading industry heads in Chesterfield and to demonstrate how we are passionate about supporting business in the area though IT support and Telecoms Solutions.”

“Our experienced team and technological knowhow already provides many local businesses with the IT Support and security they need to help grow their business and we hope that through continued collaborative working between local organisations in the region, we can help place Chesterfield and its business strengths on the national map.”

Ben Ward, Director, Henry Boot Developments, said: “We are proud to return as sponsors of this year’s Celebrate Chesterfield event. The event is fantastic in promoting the local area and showcasing the upcoming activity in 2016. Markham Vale is a key economic development for the area; it has created over 700 new jobs since development commenced, which is contributing to the improvements that continue to transform Chesterfield into a destination.”

Book your place

 

Celebrate Chesterfield

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

Top local leaders make final call for devolution deal feedback

Sheffield City Region’s top political and business figures are calling on residents and businesses to have their say on a proposed deal which will mean greater power and funding for the local area.

There are now only a few days left to take part in the Sheffield City Region proposed devolution deal consultation which closes on Friday 15th January.

The proposed deal, which will mean £900m of additional funding and more power to make important economic decisions locally, has been welcomed by a number of local business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region. In October 2015, local politicians and business leaders secured the in-principle deal with the Chancellor George Osborne to transfer national powers and control over funding from national Government departments to the Sheffield City Region – as well as securing a massive £900 million additional cash boost over the next thirty years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes.

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s business marketing campaign, said: “I would urge all local businesses to take part in the consultation.

“Chesterfield’s position within the Sheffield City Region means we do a lot of business with neighbouring towns and cities in the region. Devolution will give the town a seat at a more influential ‘local’ table not to mention more control over our own financial affairs.

“It could also help bring potential funding to the area further boosting our ambitious plans for growth and development in the area over the next 10 years.”

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said:

“I believe that it is important that local businesses and residents take part in this consultation and help make our proposed deal a reality. The proposed deal has the potential to accelerate local business growth and create more and higher paid jobs in the area. By transferring powers and funding from Government, this deal will give local leaders, who better understand what is needed to grow our economy, the powers needed to maximise local business growth.”

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

“Our in-principle deal with Government is focused on being able to grow businesses faster and create more and better jobs opportunities for local people. These are issues that people really care about and so I encourage residents and businesses to make time to respond to the consultation before it closes at the end of the week.”

Local Leaders will be negotiating details of the proposed deal over the coming months but they are now consulting on the proposed deal so that they have the views of the people in the City Region before they finalise any deal. Local Leaders recognise that further work needs to continue to clarify issues in relation to the Mayor in any majority vote (to ensure the right checks and balances are in place) and potential amendments to achieving their preferred geography for the region (to seek maximum flexibility for all types of authorities to be part of combined authorities).

The deal needs to be formally approved by each of the local councils within the Sheffield City Region and is also dependent upon the Government delivering on the promises it has made in this and previous deals, and the city region agreeing to the creation of a directly-elected Mayor. 

The deal covers a range of themes including transport, skills, creating new jobs, inward investment and support to help local businesses export as well as committing to working with Government on new ways to incentivise local growth.

For more information and to take part in the consultation visit www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk. Residents and businesses can have their say by taking part in the online consultation before Friday 15 January.

Growth Sculpture Horns bridge Roundabout

 

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

Up to £2m available for business growth

Up to £2million in funding could be loaned to businesses looking to grow and create more jobs, as part of an opportunity launched today by the local enterprise partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, D2N2.

D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community organisations and others which promotes economic growth locally – is now inviting applications to its Growing Places Fund (GPF).

GPF enables businesses and public sector organisations (for example, local authorities) to apply for loans to kick-start stalled capital developments or expansion plans, which will directly grow the economy.

The next round of loans to individual companies or organisations will be between £200,000 and a maximum of £2 million, and must be to finance capital (building) to help further businesses.

Funded projects must be located within D2N2’s area; covered by the administrative boundaries of Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County councils.

Funding is limited and preference will be given to projects which deliver on D2N2’s priorities and key areas of economic focus.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We have already seen a great deal of success with the Growing Places Fund, providing more than £16m to help small and larger businesses access the missing finance they need to grow and create additional jobs.

“Factors we will be looking at when making a decision on the GPF applications we receive will be the economic impact of the project and how quickly investments can be repaid, so we can support other schemes.”

Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Friday February 26.

More information on the Growing Places Fund and guidance on how to apply for this funding can be found on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership website now at www.d2n2lep.org/GPF

D2N2

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Another business opens at Markham Vale Enterprise Zone

Chesterfield-based smart meter supplier Meter Provida has become the latest business to get the keys to new premises at a Chesterfield regeneration site.

Up to 20 jobs are being created now that the firm’s new 40,000 sq. ft. unit just off junction 29A of the M1 motorway is complete.

Meter Provida supplies gas, water and electric metering products and services for home, commercial and industrial use nationwide for suppliers such as British Gas.

Stephen Burr, Director at Meter Provida Ltd said

“Our company is growing rapidly and now we have our new premises at Markham Vale we can increase our product range and expand our workforce.”We wanted to stay within Derbyshire but be closer to the motorway for better transport links, making Markham the perfect choice for us.

“We are delighted with our new facility and we look forward to our future at the site.”

Meter Provida moved to Markham Vale from Broombank Business Park in Chesterfield.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“I’m pleased Meter Provida have chosen to join the ever-growing business community at Markham, bringing 20 new jobs to the area.”It’s great that Chesterfield-based companies continue to choose Markham Vale to relocate to instead of moving outside Derbyshire.

“A steady stream of enquiries are also coming in for the new offices available in our new Environment Centre and we’d encourage more small businesses that are looking to start-up, relocate or expand to get in touch.”

The firm’s new premises have been designed and built by the county council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s Regional Director, said:

“The Meter Provida unit was one of the fastest units to be completed at Markham Vale.”We have had a huge amount of interest in Markham Vale over the past 12 months with some major announcements such as Great Bear, Gould Alloys, inspirepac, Meter Provida and many others.

“We expect more interest is now likely to follow with our Phase 3, Markham Vale North, now in development and due for completion summer 2016. This will deliver a further 70 acres in addition to the current available eastern and western development plots.”

Meter Provida is the latest in a line of companies to acquire premises on the regeneration site off junction 29A of the M1. Existing occupiers include inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods, Ready Egg Products and Euro Garages.

Markham Vale is one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zone developments.

Markham Vale East

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Coronation Street star to mark opening of Queen’s Park Sports Centre

Chesterfield residents will benefit from a range of sport and physical activities for all ages and abilities when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opens for the first time.

The Chesterfield Borough Council-run centre will open its doors from Tuesday 5 January and will open from 6.30am Monday to Friday and from 8am on Saturday and Sunday

The official opening will take place on Thursday 7 January, ahead of a community open day for residents at the centre on Saturday 9 January that will feature Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle McDonald in the ITV soap.

Kym will lead a fitness class and meet fans from 10am to 1.30pm before having lunch with some competition winners. Residents will also be able to try out a range of different activities, see demonstrations by local sports groups, try out the new facilities for themselves and sign up for memberships of the new centre.

The centre has been made possible by funding of £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a partnership agreement, £2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from England Squash.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “I am proud that we have made this investment in a new state-of-the-art sports centre at a time when many councils are having to make difficult decisions about reducing funding for leisure activities or closing facilities.

“Investment in the health and well-being of residents is a priority for the council because national statistics show the number of people in Chesterfield living healthy and active lifestyles is significantly below the national average.

“Having a brand new town centre sports centre will help us to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take part in sports activities but also to take advantage of the associated facilities, such as the services being provided at the midwifery base.”

Charles Johnston, Sport England’s property director, added: “Having the right sports facilities in the right areas are fundamental in offering more people to take part in sport and leisure activities.

“This is why we have invested National Lottery money in the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre to provide outstanding facilities which will encourage more people to take up sport and ensure they receive a quality experience”

Students of the Chesterfield College Sport and Wellbeing Academy will have use of state of the art training rooms in the centre during the day in term time and will continue to use the sports facilities alongside members of the public as at the previous Queen’s Park Sports Centre.

Stuart Cutforth, Chesterfield College principal said: “We’re delighted that we could invest in this exciting modern health and leisure facility. The partnership approach benefits both local residents and students.

“Our Sport and Wellbeing Academy located in the sports centre means that we can ensure students are able to train in the best facilities. It is wonderful to know that students will be getting this experience in a fully functioning public facility.

“We are training the next generation of sports and leisure experts who will be the ones providing services for local residents in the future.”

The centre will house the only pay and play squash facility in the borough.

Mark Williams, director of participation at England Squash said: “At England Squash, we are really looking forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council to make sure the fantastic new courts are well used.

“It is an exciting time for sport in the town and we are delighted that squash is part of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre”.

Facilities in the new centre include:

  • An eight lane main swimming pool with spectator seating
  • A learner pool with moveable floor and children’s fun water features
  • An eight court sports hall a viewing area and moveable spectator seating for events
  • 80 station gym
  • Activity studio with latest features in active technology
  • Two glass back squash courts with moveable wall for other activity use
  • Three training rooms
  • Freedom climbing for fitness and fun
  • Village changing facilities individual and family cubicles for swimmers and modesty showers
  • Changing facilities for fitness and dry sports or activities
  • Café service, vending machines and social space including healthy eating options
  • Midwifery centre
  • Free car parking for users of the centre with space for more than 150 cars
  • Cycle access, and storage shelter
  • Access to outdoor Games area on Queen’s Park and existing outdoor tennis and bowling facilities.

Care has been taken to make the new centre accessible for all residents including with physical disabilities, including:

  • Lifts for access between floors
  • Assisted changing rooms
  • Group changing
  • Pool access lift
  • Graduated steps to the main pool.

There is a range of membership options available at the new sports centre, visit www.queensparksportscentre.co.uk for more details.

The project also features a piece of public art as part of the council’s Percent for Art scheme.

Jump is a sculpture of a time lapse motion of the human figure jumping. The design, manufactured from copper, represents the beauty of movement and the joy of life itself.

Mick Thacker, the artist responsible said: “The theme and form of the piece is inspired by the human body in motion a simple and poetic form reflecting the power, grace and elegance of movement in a static, sculptural form.

“My wish is for the work to inspire and motivate, to stimulate debate and contemplation and to generate interest from all site users now and into the future”.

The existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Boythorpe Road will be demolished during 2016 once work to decommission the building is complete.

A public consultation will be held to look at long term options for the future of the site that is in keeping with the neighbouring grade two star listed Queen’s Park.

Queen's Park Sports Centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

LEP chairman asks business leaders to have their say on devolution

Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Chairman James Newman has written to local business leaders to encourage them to support the Sheffield City Region proposed Devolution Deal and take part in the online consultation which opened earlier this month.

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region LEP, said: “I’m encouraging local businesses from across the City Region to take this opportunity to go online and show their support for the devolution deal. This deal will enable our local political and business leaders to take decision-making to the next level, making bigger and better local decisions over skills, business growth and infrastructure. Anyone interested in future business growth in our City Region should go online and take part before the consultation closes next month.”

The proposed deal, which will mean £900m of additional funding and more power to make important economic decisions locally, has been welcomed by a number of local business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region. In October 2015, local politicians and business leaders secured the in-principle deal with the Chancellor George Osborne to transfer national powers and control over funding from national Government departments to the Sheffield City Region – as well as securing a massive £900 million additional cash boost over the next thirty years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes.

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s business marketing campaign, said: “I would urge all local businesses to take part in the consultation.

“Chesterfield’s position within the Sheffield City Region means we do a lot of business with neighbouring towns and cities in the region. Devolution will give the town a seat at a more influential ‘local’ table not to mention more control over our own financial affairs.

“It could also help bring potential funding to the area further boosting our ambitious plans for growth and development in the area over the next 10 years.”

Local Leaders will be negotiating details of the deal over the coming months but are now consulting on the proposed deal so that they have the views of the people in the Sheffield City Region before finalising any deal. It is recognised that further work needs to continue to clarify issues in relation to the powers of any elected mayor and any potential statutory amendments needed to achieve our preferred geography for the City Region, which means seeking maximum flexibility for all types of authorities to be part of the Combined Authority.

The deal needs to be formally approved by each of the local Councils within the Sheffield City Region and is also dependent upon the Government delivering on the promises it has made in this and previous deals, and the City Region agreeing to the creation of a directly-elected Mayor.

The consultation will be open until Friday 15 January 2016 and local residents and businesses are being invited to comment on the deal by visiting www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk.

Sheffield City Region

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Work Begins on Latest Markham Vale Development

Work to build the largest premises to date at a Chesterfield regeneration site has now started, paving the way to create 400 new jobs.

Chester-based firm Great Bear Distribution is set to move into its new office and distribution centre at Markham Vale which is located off junction 29A of the M1 motorway in July next year.

Established in 1994, the firm operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, and Unilever.

Glenn Lindfield, Chief Executive of Great Bear Distribution said:

“Markham Vale was a firm choice for our company in terms of location and the potential we saw in the site.

“We’ll be bringing many jobs to Markham and we look forward to working with the local community.

“Location was a big factor when we decided to expand. We operate in 30 locations nationwide so with the site being just off the M1 motorway, it was the perfect location for us and this is a great step forward for our company.”

The premises will be built by Derbyshire County Council’s private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Derbyshire County Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“Great Bear is the site’s biggest deal to date bringing the largest number of jobs in a single development. Creating more jobs at Markham is one of the council’s key priorities.

“It’s been a good year for the site so far − we’ve welcomed inspirepac, AW Repair Group, Meter Provida, Gould Alloys and we’ve got more deals in the pipeline.”

Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“We are pleased that work has now kicked off for this 480,000 sq.ft unit at the Markham Vale East site, and we are expecting the completion of the unit for summer 2016. Following the deal with Great Bear, we have had 686,250 sq.ft of space agreed in the past 12 months, which is excellent and represents massive confidence in the development.

“We now have development plots on the Markham Vale North site available, alongside the last few remaining plots on the East and West sites.”

The regeneration site is one of the UK’s biggest Enterprise Zone Developments. The final phase of which is a further 100 acres currently being prepared for development using a £14.2m Government grant awarded through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone.

Great Bear Markham Vale

Posted in Business, Development

Volunteers needed to help with Macmillan Shining Stars Christmas Appeal

Volunteers are being called on to help fundraise for the very first Shining Stars Christmas Appeal at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers and BRM Solicitors, both based on Saltergate in Chesterfield, have joined forces to back the appeal and have sponsored a huge, real Christmas tree.

The 16ft tree will be displayed outside the front of the entrance of the hospital from Monday 7 – Saturday 19 December, where volunteers will be fundraising for the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support’s Appeal to raise £2.5 million towards the new Cancer Centre which is expected to open in 2016.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is an exciting new development that will mean that people with cancer in North and North East Derbyshire will be able to receive vital treatment, care and support in one purpose-built centre providing joined up services closer to home.

More than 20,000 people are expected to see the spectacular tree at the hospital which will be accompanied by carol singers on some days, mince pies and other festive treats to ensure everyone gets into the Christmas spirit.

Rob Turner, senior fundraising manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield said, “If you’re visiting the hospital why not pop over to the Christmas tree and our marquee to see us? We’ve got all sorts of exciting activities planned over the two weeks including carol singing, chocolate tombola, Christmas cards and mince pies for a donation. You’ll also get the chance to have your picture taken using our star-shaped prop and to write a message in memory of a loved one to remember at Christmas.”

Richard Trueman, managing partner of Mitchells said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Macmillan Shining Stars Christmas Appeal. Cancer affects so many people including a Mitchells’ member of staff. This is a great way for us to show support to our colleague as well as the 1,500 people in North and North East Derbyshire diagnosed with cancer each year.”

Rob Woodhead, director and Head of Wills and Probate at BRM said, “The new Macmillan Centre will bring very welcome advances in the standard of cancer treatment services available to our local community. My colleagues and I are very proud to be able to support a project that will have a positive, tangible impact on the lives of people suffering with cancer, and their families.”

Volunteer event assistants are required Monday – Saturday from 9am – 12.30pm and 12.30pm – 4pm throughout the two week period the tree will be on display. If you’re interested in volunteering, please specify which day(s) and shift(s) you can do and contact Rob Turner on 07545 419 725 or email rturner@macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan Shining Stars Christmas Appeal

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Leisure, Visiting

More positive job figures for Chesterfield

The number of people out of work and claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Chesterfield continues to fall according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.   In October, there were 922 JSA claimants , 60 fewer than in September (980) and 505 fewer than in October 2014 (1485).  The current percentage of people claiming the benefit remains below the national average for a third month (1.4% for Chesterfield compared with 1.6% for the UK and 1.5% for the East Midlands).

The figures across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire continues also to fall,   In October, there were 31,550 JSA claimants across the three counties, 1,490 fewer than in September (33,040) and 9,680 fewer than in October 2014 (41,230).

The number of unemployed people in the East Midlands fell by 7,980 to 103,109 over the three months to the end of September, meaning that the region’s unemployment rate now stands at 4.5%. Over the same period, the number of people in work decreased slightly, by 747, to 2,168,138.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber said: “The employment figures released today are positive and, while taking into account the usual spike in seasonal employment we normally see at this time of year, once again show that the region continues to lead when it comes to creating jobs.

“Although the figures remain robust, there are underlying issues in the economy which still need to be addressed. Chamber members continue to report problems recruiting people with the skills they need, while the region still lags behind the UK average when it comes to productivity.

“It’s important that the jobs being created by East Midlands businesses are sustainable, which means they must be created alongside improvements in productivity.

“To keep the momentum going, we need to continue to invest in the skills and experience of our workforce and focus on attracting and retaining the best talent.”

Chesterfield Town Hall spring

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

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