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Largest council housing development in a generation set to welcome new families

Local families are set to move into their new homes after works on the biggest council housing development in the borough since the 1980s are complete.

A £4.1m development has seen 21 brand new properties constructed on the former Brockwell Court site in Loundsley Green – the latest development as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and accessible homes across the town.

The new development, named Badger Croft, comprises of ten two-bedroom houses, six three-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom bungalow – all of which will be let to local families on the council’s housing resister.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re pleased to see that this development is complete and ready to welcome families to their new homes. It’s the biggest council housing development of this generation, so it’s a huge milestone in our efforts to increase the housing supply across the borough.

“Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and these new properties will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for families in our borough.”

In response to the climate emergency that was declared by council leaders in July 2019, the council is committed to ensuring that all its housing stock is as energy efficient as possible.

Councillor Ludlow added: “It’s really important that new developments in the borough take account of environmental issues – contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.

“Living in a warm and energy efficient home is not only better for our planet, it will also reduce costs to run the property, offering affordable warmth to our tenants.”

Each of the new properties has increased levels of insulation throughout and electric vehicle charging points have been installed on properties with driveways to support lower carbon transport options.

Whilst works were ongoing on site, the council’s main contractor, Henry Boot Construction, worked with the local Holmebrook Conservation and Improvement Group to complete additional landscaping works and environmental improvements close to the new development that will help to enhance the wider local community. This included the creation of wildflower meadows and planting that will help boost biodiversity and support pollinators.

Ryan O’Loughlin, Director at Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a local contractor, it has been a pleasure working with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver an exceptional development. Residential is a sector of strategic importance for Henry Boot Construction and this adds to our impressive portfolio of high-quality schemes.”

The council’s Local Plan encourages all schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art to the value of 1% of the total cost of the project, as part of the ‘Percentage for Art’ scheme which the council has operated since 1994.

This has been reflected with the development at Badger Croft where the council approached artists to submit proposals for an art installation that embraced a Badger theme associated with the area. After proposals were submitted, and through vigorous debate, local councillors made the decision to go with Coralie Turpin, who designed a 3.4m tall steel structure and then created a handmade mosaic design incorporating badgers and celebrating nature.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Workpays’ Big Assembly Wins at the 2022 Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards

Big Assembly, a project delivered by Workpays in association with its partners, has won the FE WEEK AELP Annual Apprenticeship Conference 2022 Award for Promoting Apprenticeships ‘Campaign of the Year’ at the award ceremony in Birmingham.

The annual event returned in 2022, with the broadcast informing thousands of young people about the benefits of apprenticeships. The live event enables schools, parents, students and employers to receive  information and advice about possible next steps in their careers.

For the 2022 event, The Big Assembly teamed up with companies such as Pret A Manger, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director at Workpays said: “It’s a real honour to be receive the Promoting Apprenticeship Campaign of the Year Award. Our entire team works hard throughout the year to provide young people with information and real stories about incredible apprenticeships.

“I’m proud that the work we are doing has been recognised with a national award. We will always keep young people and their careers at the centre of what we do.”

Twenty-four awards winners were recognised at the awards including Workpays, revealed at the ceremony in Birmingham as part of the two day conference which is held annually.

There are many great opportunities to become an apprentice across Chesterfield, with more than 2,500 people currently taking part in an apprenticeship in the town.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.

Workpays supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Holdsworth hatch up with Robinson’s sustainable packaging for their luxury Easter chocolates

Chesterfield based manufacturer Robinson have developed sustainable packaging for luxury chocolate manufacturer Holdsworth’s Easter chocolate gifts.

Two limited edition Easter boxes have been produced for Holdsworth’s popping candy egg and Easter bunny treat bag. The packaging has been made from 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard and is widely recyclable. The clear viewing window is produced from recycled UK water bottles adding to the sustainable appeal.

David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates said:

“Whenever we produce packaging, including for special celebrations such as Easter, we aim to make sure all the materials we use are sustainable and can be recycled.”

“Sustainable packaging is a collective goal for both Robinson and Holdsworth. Our brand was developed on a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, using the finest of everything, that’s why it is so important that we invest in high quality sustainable packaging that reflects our values too.”

The packaging has been printed using six colours and is completed with foil blocking; the perfect finishing touch to add a stunning and luxurious feel to the design. As the Easter packaging was only needed in limited quantity, Robinson provided a small bespoke run for Holdsworth’s needs, making them the perfect packaging partner.

Jon Walker, New Product Development Director at Robinson said:

“Producing high quality, creative, engaging packaging for brands and retailers at an affordable price is key. Being an independent company means that we can be flexible to the needs of Holdsworth. We turned around production from design to delivery in just 3-4 weeks.”

If you are interested in purchasing Holdsworth chocolates for Easter you can order online at https://holdsworthchocolates.co.uk/

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Holdsworth Easter Egg

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Custom Solar support local authority on their journey to Net Zero

Chesterfield headquartered Custom Solar have completed a solar project with Bassetlaw District Council.

Bassetlaw District Council chose Custom Solar to undertake a number of projects which has enabled the use of renewable solar energy at its Carlton Forest Depot in Worksop and will contribute to its ambition to improve the environmental credentials of the local area.

Custom Solar has equipped the Council building with a solar system that is able to produce 53,844kWh of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 14.5 tonnes each year. The effects of the project equate to having 146 solar panels installed.

The site will also receive 5 electric vehicle charging points that take power from the solar installation and will allow the Council to begin the electrification of its vehicles.

Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Custom Solar have been first-rate partners, installing PV panels on our depot buildings at Carlton Forest, Worksop. Improvements to the Carlton Forest site are a key element of our decarbonisation journey and these works will see a reduction of carbon emissions from this site by over 16%.”

“Throughout the whole installation process Custom Solar were supportive and attentive, never accepting second best and working consistently hard to ensure precision and accuracy. The work will be completed with the installation of electric vehicle charging points which will initiate the electrification of the Council fleet.”

Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar said: “We are thrilled to have completed the solar PV and electric vehicle charge station project for Bassetlaw Council at their Carlton Forest site. Our expert in-house design team created a system that utilises integrated technologies to enhance the loading capabilities of the system. Custom Solar is proud to work with local councils and authorities to assist in their aspirations for Net Zero”.

Custom Solar supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Solar Panels - Custom Solar

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

North Derbyshire solicitors launch new service

Dawson Radford Solicitors are excited to announce that we can now offer a new annual employment retainer service, DR-HR. Providing employment law & HR support for a fixed-fee, we can support businesses by ensuring that they are meeting their legal obligations at an agreed, affordable price. Saving you valuable time and work whilst being cost effective.

The relationship with employees is one of the most important for all businesses, and the law that relates to this relationship is constantly evolving. Making mistakes can prove very costly. It is crucial therefore that you keep up to date with developments and ensure that you have the correct documents and policies in place.

Our service includes ensuring that those essential employment documents are up to date and compliant; ongoing support that isn’t subject to monthly or annual time limits, preparation of any letters or documents needed to support an issue, training on a pre-agreed area of employment law, as well as discounts on the other legal services Dawson Radford offer.

Head of Employment Liam Kenealy says: “Employment law changes at such a pace that unless you are 100% focused on the area, there is no way you can keep up. It is important therefore that business owners have someone they can rely on to ensure they are, and remain, compliant in terms of their employment paperwork and processes. That is exactly what DRHR is designed for. We make sure that the employment & HR element of your business is taken care of, allowing you to focus on everything else.”

For further information on our DR-HR service, please call us on 01246 932 100 or drop us an email at hello@dawsonradford.co.uk

Dawson Radford supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire appoints business advisers to boost visitor economy

The area’s official destination management organisation, which is based in Chesterfield, has appointed three business advisers to support the recovery and growth of visitor economy businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Alison Duckworth, Caroline Sanger-Davies and John Roberts have been appointed by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) to help deliver support to local tourism and hospitality businesses through the East Midlands Accelerator project.

The project has received £5.27 million from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and is being delivered in designated areas across the East Midlands, including in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

Led by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with, amongst others, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the University of Derby and The Food and Drink Forum, the project aims to breathe new life into local communities as part of the Government’s commitment to ‘levelling up the nation’ and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

With extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, MPDD’s advisers will provide one-to-one support to help visitor economy businesses access funding, training and specialist advice through the Derbyshire stand of the East Midlands Accelerator project.

Through the project, businesses in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales can apply for specialist consultancy and training support through growth vouchers of up to £2,000. Flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 (at an 80% intervention rate) is also available to help businesses invest in green solutions and digital technology, as well as providing access to wage subsidies.

Businesses can access support to reduce their carbon footprint (such as funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points); receive help on how to improve their online presence (such as the implementation of an online booking system); and secure one-to-one mentoring to encourage business growth.

A series of fully-funded workshops to support recovery, increase skills and improve business resilience is also set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The East Midlands Accelerator project runs until the end of June 2022 and businesses are urged to act quickly to make the most of this unique opportunity.

More information on the support available for businesses can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/community-renewal-fund

Posted in Featured, Home

Elliot Mather Appoints New Designated LLP Member of Corporate Department

Elliot Mather continue to demonstrate their growth and success as they announce the recent appointment of Nick Elliot as a Designated LLP Member. Nick will be heading up the corporate services for the entire firm with plans to expand the team, providing clients with access to an extensive range of business services.

Nick is a highly experienced Corporate Solicitor having qualified in 2008 and has worked at Elliot Mather for 7 years. His knowledge and expertise covers a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, along with a strong background in commercial property, and Landlord and Tenant work.

Commenting on his recent appointment as Designated LLP Member, Nick said: “During my time at Elliot Mather I have seen the firm grow from strength to strength and the firm now has thriving offices across the East Midlands in Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield and Mansfield. I am delighted to become a Designated Member at the firm and I am excited about the further expansion of the Corporate Department and developing its growing reputation for providing a dependable and personable service to all our business clients”.

During his career at Elliot Mather, Nick has acted for a wide range of corporate clients and has had regular involvement in the negotiation of commercial contracts, as well as dealing with multimillion pounds share sales and acquisitions.

Nick is dedicated to delivering an expert and tailored service to clients, having the ability to provide assistance locally, regionally and even nationally. He assists clients with a comprehensive range of commercial and corporate transactions, having particular interest in: Share Acquisitions and Disposals, Management Buyouts, Shareholder and Partnership Agreements, Incorporations, Business Terms and Conditions and Asset Sales and Purchases.

Julie Page, Managing Partner and LLP Member said: “We are thrilled with Nick’s appointment as a Designated LLP Member. In his time with us Nick has been instrumental in the evolution of our commercial reputation and we are excited to see the continuation of this as Nick commits his future to Elliot Mather LLP.

Elliot Mather supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Chesterfield FC Academy Female Football and Education Programme Launched

A new Female Football and Education Programme has been launched by the Chesterfield FC Junior & Youth Academy, in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold and Loughborough College.

Post-16 students will have the chance to extend their knowledge through various courses: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, A-levels, and Higher National Diploma in Sport.

Youngsters will have access to excellent facilities, enabling them to train, play and progress as players and people, as they look to improve their understanding on and off the pitch.

With a chance to learn from the very best, coached by UEFA and FA-qualified staff, training will enhance skills, fitness, strength and conditioning.

There will be progression routes into women’s football and international links with clubs for player development loans, together with university pathways and US soccer scholarships with leading sports universities.

Chief executive John Croot said: “This programme shows our commitment to the development of women’s football in Chesterfield, providing excellent opportunities for those involved.

“Players will represent Chesterfield FC in the well-established National Football Youth League, competing against the likes of Everton, Burnley, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and AFC Sunderland.”

There will be an engagement day for Y11s on Thursday, April 14 at Staveley MWFC and the Technique  Stadium. To book a place, please email academy@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

A ‘mixed picture’ for East Midlands economy Chamber survey finds

Sky-high inflation, energy price hikes and the war in Ukraine are creating “new unknowns” for businesses and creating a mixed picture for the East Midlands economy, new research reveals.

East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which gauges the health of the region’s economy, reported improvements across most indicators in Q1 2022 compared to the final quarter of last year when there was a drop in business confidence due to the Omicron surge.

Despite this, growth remains weak and there are warning signs for what may lie ahead as cashflow dropped into negative territory for the first time in more than a year and investment intentions are restrained.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The latest QES presents a mixed picture for our region’s economy, as the wave of optimism that encountered the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions has been diluted somewhat by other factors that are weighing down on businesses’ ability to trade effectively.

“After spending much of 2021 trying to figure out two major ‘unknowns’ – the impact of both the pandemic and the UK leaving the EU – it had felt at the start of this year that we were now equipped to plan for and deal with these.

“Unfortunately, just as we were getting into the swing of 2022, new unknowns have arrived in the form of the terrible events in Ukraine, which has thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to understanding where inflationary pressures and energy prices will top out – not to mention the supply chain disruption this causes across Europe, which is felt in the East Midlands.”

More than 350 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the Q1 2022 survey between 14 February and 9 March.

Key findings from the survey for the East Midlands* included:

  • No movement in UK sales between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022, with a net 27% of businesses reporting these increased in both periods, although there was an 8% rise in advanced orders between the quarters
  • Overseas sales and orders were up by 7% and 10% respectively
  • A net 20% of businesses increased their workforce in Q1 and a net 36% expect to do so in the next three months, representing a 3% and 1% growth respectively on the previous quarter’s findings
  • More than six in 10 (63%) of businesses attempted to recruit but, of this cohort, four in five (80%) encountered problems with filling vacancies
  • 30% of firms reported cashflow fell, compared to it improving for 27% – marking the first time it has fallen into negative territory for more than a year
  • Two-thirds (66%) of businesses expect prices to rise in the next three months, a 4% increase on the previous quarter
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions in machinery are down by 2% compared to the end of last year, while there is only a 1% increase in intentions for investing in training between the two quarters
  • Despite this, there was a 4% improvement in the proportion of businesses expecting turnover to increase (a net 62% of Q1 2022 respondents believe it will, versus a net 58% in Q4 2021) and a 3% rise for profitability (a net 31% of organisations now believe it will improve)

Chris said the figures were “encouraging” at first glance but, with many QES indicators relative to what has come before, must be viewed in comparison to a weak final quarter in 2021. At the time, there was uncertainty around the Omicron variant and inflation began to creep up.

The biggest concerns for businesses right now are declining access to cash and margins being squeezed by galloping inflation, the survey found.

“Net cashflow movement is down into negative territory again, suggesting the squeeze is coming on once more with inflationary pressures from all directions,” Chris said.

“Price increases are up on already almost sky-high levels and investment in machinery is down, limiting one of the tools that businesses have to respond to increases in demand and the need to introduce efficiencies.

“We have a heated economy in which demand is still high, but 37% of our region’s businesses are at full capacity and struggling to meet this because they can’t recruit enough staff or don’t have the confidence to invest. Ultimately, our economy isn’t able to grow as fast as it needs to.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q1 2022, click here.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Chesterfield’s Pantomime moves to the Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield’s annual pantomime will take centre stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre this year, while the Pomegranate Theatre undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Discounted early bird tickets are now on sale for the performance of Sleeping Beauty, which will be presented by Paul Holman Associates from Tuesday 6 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a Christmas tradition for many families in Chesterfield and it’s great that it’ll be back this year and that we can accommodate it in the Winding Wheel Theatre.

“Whilst the Pomegranate is closed for refurbishment, we’ll be making full use of the facilities at the Winding Wheel Theatre and ensuring that everyone can still enjoy a wide variety of fantastic performances and events.

“It’s a great opportunity to book at a reduced rate now and secure your tickets ahead of the Christmas rush later in the year.”

Paul Holman said: “We are delighted to have been selected one again to produce the pantomime for Chesterfield Theatres. Having produced the pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre since 2012, we are really looking forward to presenting a pantomime in the Winding Wheel Theatre for the first time.”

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to close later this summer for works to begin on the multimillion-pound refurbishment project.

The work to Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is also home to Chesterfield Museum, will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield – bringing together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The Sleeping Beauty Pantomime is a fantastical tale full of fairies, bravery and enchantment. Featuring all of the best-loved panto shenanigans live on stage – with an abundance of laughter, dance and music along with dazzling scenery and costumes, spectacular special effects and plenty of audience interaction. This perfect Christmas treat with a star cast to be announced is for the entire family to enjoy!

There will be accessible performances including sign language, audio description and relaxed sessions. There will also be a touch tour of the set which partially sighted or blind customers will be able to book.

Discounted early bird tickets for the Pantomime are now on sale from at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the box office on 01246 345 222.

Discover more about what is happening in Chesterfield.

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

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

Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K Route Revealed

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is back for the second year, taking place on Sunday 16th October 2022.

Organisers from the 10K have confirmed that this year’s event will take place with the same fantastic route as in 2021.

Leading from the start line in Queens Park out onto Dock Walk, and through Chesterfield from Old Road to Ashgate Road passing close by one of its Charity Partners Ashgate Hospicecare.

Runners will then make their way towards the historic town centre before heading down Glumangate, passing Redbrik’s Chesterfield office and the Towns famous Crooked Spire.

The race will conclude back in Queens Park, where family and friends can gather to cheer runners towards the finish line as the race completes one final lap of the park.

The route received lots of praise after its first year in the market town, offering a fast-paced, picturesque route that is accessible to all.

John Timms, Event Director of the Chesterfield 10K, said “After a fantastic event in 2021, we are delighted to be hosting the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K again along the same route.

“We received some fantastic feedback on last year’s race, and we can’t wait to welcome runners to Queens Park to take on the Challenge, whether it’s their first or second time at the event!”

Charity partners for this year’s event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Last year more than 1,300 runners took part, with over £59,000 pledged to charities and good causes across the region.

If you are thinking about taking part this year, you can register for your place on the start line at: https://www.myraceentries.co.uk/RC10K/HomePage.aspx

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,