Featured

Chesterfield welcomes Windowcharm into new office space in the heart of town

Windowcharm, a third generation family-owned company has revealed exciting details of its expansion into new office space on Whittington Way in Chesterfield.

Having served South Yorkshire and beyond for over 45 years, the team felt that reaching out into Derbyshire would be hugely beneficial to both them and to the area as they spread their expertise in window dressings further throughout the UK.

In 1975 Leonard Warrilow, father of James, the current CEO, began Windowcharm, seeing the need for quality window furnishings in the Rotherham and Sheffield region. Shortly after the company was started, it occupied small premises in Wellgate, Rotherham, and from there the company has evolved.

The company tagline, which has now evolved into a hashtag, dates back nearly as far as the company itself, as Leonard said “every window needs a blind and there is a Windowcharm blind for every window”.

Now in its third generation, Windowcharm Blinds & Curtains has seen excellent growth over the years and 2020 has been no exception! Already well-established partners with the NHS, the company’s products were converted to meet the demands of the pandemic and the team worked with the NHS to provide additional bed spaces and to increase infection control on the frontline.

Sales Director, Arné Warrilow, grandson of founder, Leonard, and actually a resident of Chesterfield, says “As a group, we are excited to be strengthening our position in Chesterfield and the new office will certainly give us further focus and direction to support the town and the development in the area. Our passion and keen interest for the town dates back many years.”

Windowcharm’s impressive timeline of progression through 2020 alone, can be seen on their website, highlighting their innovative support of the healthcare sector. That too, expanded into the other sectors that they work with, including education, construction, residential-developments, leisure, hospitality, retail…

Two excellent achievements of 2020 were the opening of a franchise serving the West Midlands, and partnering with an excellent company who hold distributorship in the South West – carrying window furnishing excellence to other regions of the UK.

Pleased to offer the full ‘concept to completion’ service, the company’s manufacturing plant, based in Sheffield is currently undergoing works that will nearly double its size, resulting in increased efficiencies and improved turnaround for all products. Being basically on the doorstep from Derbyshire will mean delivery times into the area will be excellent.

Find out more about Windowcharm at https://www.windowcharm.co.uk/ or by calling 01246 586 056

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, HomeTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield non-essential retailers gear up for re-opening

With April 12 on the horizon, Chesterfield’s non-essential retailers are gearing up for the reopening of their stores as we enter step two of the easing of lockdown.

While the town’s retailers have shown resilience and adapted in the face of adversity, adapting to lockdown with social media promotion, click and collect and online sales, both essential and non-essential retail business owners and shoppers are looking forward to heading back into physical stores once more. To find out more about shopping in Chesterfield and how you can support local independent businesses, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

Steph Mannion, owner of Steph’s Sustainable Stuff who was named Market Trader of the Year in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, explained: “As an essential trader on Chesterfield market, I’ve stood throughout the latest lockdown. The market hasn’t been the same without my fellow traders and I’m eager to see them back and feel the market buzzing again.

“It’s more important than ever that we all support our independent retailers, whether that be in shops or on the market, to make sure that our lovely town bounces out of covid restrictions and moves forward into a better future.”

Steph's Sustainable Stuff

Looking forward to re-opening Laura Jo, Owner of Adorn Jewellers in The Shambles commented: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming our customers back to Adorn when we can. At the moment, we see our lovely shop as the sleeping beauty and we are hoping that when she awakes, people will enjoy visiting again.

“We are very fortunate in Chesterfield to have a fabulous mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants along with some of the bigger familiar high street names. There is no doubt that the world looks different after the pandemic, however the people of Chesterfield are a wonderful community and I have no doubt that our lovely town will continue to thrive with their support.”

Adorn Jewellers

Luke Shah, Director of Huckleberry Willow agreed with Laura Jo saying: “I believe the best thing about independent businesses is that they are run by individual people, which gives us and the other great independent businesses in Chesterfield more character and personality. We have had regular customers for over 40 years, which I hope means our customers have a great shopping experience at Huckleberry Willow.”

Mr Shah, who was the winner of last year’s Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year category in the Chesterfield High Street Awards, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming our regular, new and old customers back to the shop.”

Huckleberry Willow

Theresa Goldsmith of The Goldsmith Clinic is also looking forward to welcoming clients back. She said: “Clients have missed us as much as we have missed them. As a business specialising in wellbeing and health we have had to close at a time when, arguably, people needed our services the most. Within minutes of Boris Johnson announcing the road map out of lockdown, my inbox was full of people requesting appointments. The diary is already full and we have everything crossed that the roadmap for the 12th April goes to plan.”

Goldsmith Group

Like many businesses, social media has been used extensively by The Goldsmith Clinic to keep customers engaged and informed during lockdown.

Laura Jo explained how Adorn has been using social media to remain connected with its customers during lockdown: “We’ve been keeping in touch with our sparkly community online through our YouTube channel and with our Friday night live each week on Facebook. We’ve been so happy with the love and support that our customers have shown us throughout this difficult time but we’re very much looking forward to seeing them in person again.”

Emily Lord, owner of Fred’s Haberdashery agreed, adding: “We are looking forward to welcoming customers back into the shop again and hope people will continue to make use of all the shops and services in the town centre.”

Emily bought the long-established business last year and moved to new, larger premises in the town centre just weeks before lockdown. Despite the setback, the business continued to trade using the click and collect service and has since added a new service.

She explained: “There has been one significant change for us during lockdown and we are thrilled to be reopening with the addition of Fred’s Frames, a bespoke picture framing service. I would like to thank all of our customers that have used the Click and Collect service and extend my warm wishes to all of the other town centre businesses as they reopen.”

Fred’s Haberdashery is just one of a number of non-essential retailers that added a Click and Collect service to their offering during the pandemic.

To support non-essential retail and hospitality businesses during lockdown, Destination Chesterfield dedicated a full page on its website to supporting businesses in the sectors by listing details of how shopper could access online shopping, click and collect and delivery services.

A new web page has since been launched to Destination Chesterfield’s website supporting the partial reopening of the hospitality sector. The page – https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/03/top-tips-for-outdoor-dining-and-activities-in-chesterfield/ – gives details of business in the sector who are providing outdoor dining and activities from 12 April.

Junction Bar

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re all incredibly excited to welcome shoppers back to the high street and see our town centre thriving once more. Seeing our favourite businesses adapt with online shopping and click and collect services has been inspiring, but shopping in Chesterfield is an experience you just can’t replicate at home.

“We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and support our local high street in what’s such a crucial time for small, local independent businesses – your purchase could make a real difference.”

Neil Johnson, Director – Economic Growth at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our local shops and retailers really need our support at the town centre opens again. Spending a few pounds a week with local businesses will make a massive difference to them. Chesterfield is a fantastic place to shop. We pride ourselves on being a friendly town, with many great independent businesses who are ready to welcome everyone back.”

To find out more about shopping in Chesterfield and how you can support local independent businesses, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/wereback

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Visiting

Visitors encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ in campaign highlighting national trails

From sleeping under the stars near the Pennine Way to following in the footsteps of Romans along Hadrian’s Wall Path, visitors are being encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ on an English walking adventure as part of a new national campaign in preparation for when it’s safe to travel again.

At a time when health, wellbeing and enjoying the great outdoors are a top priority, the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project aims to shine a light on the benefits of taking a short break near seven of England’s long-distance National Trails.

Through a collection of inspirational itineraries hosted on the National Trails website, visitors of all ages and abilities can discover the delights of destination-based walking holidays near the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, North Downs Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path, Norfolk Coast Path, Cleveland Way and Cotswold Way.

Alongside world-class walks and fine food and drink, each itinerary showcases the diverse range of experiences available near each route ranging from wildlife-watching and cycling tours to pottery-making and paddle-boarding.

Highlights include hopping between stately homes and seaside towns on the Norfolk Coast Path; discovering James Herriot heritage and Michelin-star restaurants on the Cleveland Way; taking a two-wheeled tour of ancient Canterbury and the Kent coast on the North Downs Way; and discovering literary legacies and country pubs on the Cotswold Way.

The project is coordinated by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and supported by the Discover England Fund.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “There’s never been a better time to reconnect with the great outdoors and as we all look forward to travelling again, this new collection of itineraries provides a flavour of the year-round adventures that await visitors on a walking holiday in England.

“Exploring some of England’s most beautiful rural and coastal locations, National Trails offer something for everyone and provide the perfect backdrop for a short break. You can take an easy stroll or challenging hike, enjoy the brilliant benefits of walking and uncover unique experiences; from hands-on activities and impressive sites to fabulous food and drink and cosy places to stay.

“Through the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project, we hope visitors will be inspired to take a fresh look at the incredible tourism offer right here on our doorstep and discover the sheer variety of things to see and do on a staycation near our stunning National Trails.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to England to explore our Great Walking Trails once restrictions lift and we can travel again.

“Now in its fifth year the Discover England Fund is all about embedding our fantastic tourism products and reaching new audiences to drive future visitor growth and boost local economies.”

The full collection of itineraries will be available on the National Trails website from early April at nationaltrail.co.uk.

Posted in Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield College gives graduates an insight into a teaching career in further education

Keen to play a role in developing the next generation of talent into further education, Chesterfield College has welcomed a new cohort of eager graduates and undergraduates into the organisation to give them a unique insight into a teaching career as part of the Education and Training Foundation’s programme, Talent to Teach. This is the second year the college has been part of the programme and they are already seeing many positive benefits.

The Talent to Teach programme was mentioned in the recent Skills for Jobs white paper, published by the government, as one important initiative which will be developed to help tackle the growing recruitment problem in the further education sector. The document highlights that half of principals in the UK say recruitment is difficult, so the need to act now is vitally important.

Becoming a provider of Talent to Teach programme was an opportunity for Chesterfield College to nurture talent and build a workforce for the sector. Equally, the team were keen to share their passion for role they play in their community, and the difference they make to their students and apprentices.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business Professional and Service Industries, who manages the Talent to Teach programme at Chesterfield College said:

“Like many other colleges up and down the country, Chesterfield College wants to attract the very best talent to pass on their knowledge and expertise to students and apprentices. The Talent to Teach programme gives us the chance to highlight the benefits of a career in further education. It also helps graduates to understand that their knowledge and skills are in demand in the sector.

“For too long further education has been overlooked by many who might have a desire to teach. It has been fascinating to see the participants on this programme discover the possibilities open to them in colleges and we have seen our staff develop their mentoring skills too.”

During the programme the participants work alongside, and are mentored by, college staff as they take part in a range of activities to give them an insight into the breadth and scope of teaching in further education. They also experience day to day life helping students to succeed.

After mandatory safeguarding training, the participants observe and take part in lessons as well as carry out a micro teach. They also attend ask the expert sessions to learn about a range of other topics from Ofsted to supporting students with special educational needs.

The first intake of students on the programme, who took part before the pandemic, worked in the classroom with groups of students. The new intake has been experiencing teaching online and working with college staff virtually.

The fact that the programme is now being delivered virtually has had hidden benefits, allowing participants from a larger geographical area to access it. This was important because the pandemic meant only a quarter of the colleges who normally take part in the programme were able to offer places this year. Chesterfield College were keen to continue and demonstrate how they had adapted teaching and learning over lockdown.

Feedback from the previous intake of students highlights that 100% of those who took part have a higher level of interest in a teaching career in further education following the programme. The value of taking a hands on approach during the scheme was a huge benefit to the participants who may have been witnessing the world of further education for the first time.

One politics and history graduate on the current Talent to Teach programme, Tyler Yves, commented: “I left school with a handful of GCSEs but studied in FE as a mature student on an access to HE course. I understand the motivations of adult learners who study in FE colleges. There has always been this preconception that you were born to teach but I think so much has changed and I think we need to see how we can transfer skills into teaching as a viable career option. I can see the day to day difference I could make in a young person’s life by being part of FE. After a few sessions on the programme, I already find myself googling PGCE information!”

Sanaa Khalifa, a second year economics student said: “There are so many jobs and careers out there and you don’t know what to do unless you experience it first-hand which is why I wanted to take part in Talent to Teach. Now I am doing it, I do see myself in a teaching career in FE as opposed to working in business. It really has changed my outlook.”

Raina Roberts, Project manager for Talent to Teach at Cognition Education, the organisation running the programme on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation, said:

“It has been an absolute delight having Chesterfield College as a provider with the Talent to Teach in FE programme. Jo Kershaw and the team at the college have been incredible to work with and have put a great deal of passion into delivering the programme. Our partner providers, including Chesterfield College, are passionate about helping us raise the profile of further education and support us in establishing a high-quality pipeline of entrants for the sector.”

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chatsworth to mark reopening with display of medieval masterpieces

Chatsworth has announced a phased reopening that will throw open the gates of its world- famous 105-acre garden, family friendly farmyard & adventure playground and finally, the gilded doors of its magnificent house, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Starting on Monday 29 March, when the ‘stay at home’ rule ends, the garden will be open to visitors, with the farmyard and adventure playground to follow on 13 April and the house on 18 May. Tickets are now on sale and must be booked in advance. Each area of Chatsworth will reopen in line with government guidance on social distancing, household mixing and travel restrictions applicable at the time.

The Duke of Devonshire: “After many months with the house closed and largely empty, the Duchess and I are absolutely thrilled at the prospect of being able to reopen Chatsworth and welcome back all our visitors.

“This last year has been an incredibly difficult time for many people, but it is wonderful to be planning for the lifting of restrictions, and we look forward to seeing people enjoying a visit to the Peak District. I’m particularly excited that we have a pair of medieval masterpieces to reveal to our visitors when the house reopens in May. We have added many thousands of new plants and lots of trees in the garden during the past 12 months, and it now looks as good as I can ever remember.”

Huge new plantings, landscaping and sculpture installations have formed part of the biggest transformation project in the garden for nearly 200 years. Since lockdown began in 2020 work has continued on a 25-acre redevelopment area that includes a remodelled Rock Garden, the Maze borders, the Ravine, the Trout Stream and the Jack Pond.

Following the garden, from 13 April the family friendly farmyard and children’s adventure playground will reopen, as well as the estate’s gift shops and outdoor catering.

Finally, the house will reopen to the public on 18 May, welcoming visitors to its splendid state rooms, a new exhibition called ‘Life Stories’, and two stunning medieval artworks on display in the Sculpture Gallery throughout 2021.

Indoor restaurants will also reopen on 18 May while most other restrictions will be lifted from 21 June.

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Images taken by Chatsworth House Trust

 

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Conference hears how Chesterfield’s resilience has set the town on a path of swift pandemic recovery

Chesterfield’s resilience in the face of adversity has been borne out by figures shared at today’s (31 March) Celebrate Chesterfield event organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco IT.

At the virtual conference it was revealed that SMEs are reporting growth in turnover and staff numbers during the pandemic, while estate agents in the borough are achieving up to 103 per cent on asking price with up to eight buyers per property.

Despite the pandemic, more than £1bn of regeneration projects are currently underway in the borough, including the multi-million pound Chesterfield Waterside, Glass Yard, Northern Gateway and PEAK schemes.

Speaking at the conference Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council praised the sector’s can-do attitude during the pandemic.

He said: “There is a fantastic landscape of development happening in the town in the middle of the pandemic. I think it says everything about Chesterfield in terms of the ambition of the place and the fact we are not going to just bunker down but actually get on and invest in quality developments right across the town and borough.”

Work has also begun on a McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru on the site of a long-derelict former multi-storey car park at West Bars. Sixty-five jobs will be created when the fast-food giant opens at the location later this year.

Most recently, Staveley received £25.2million from the Government’s Town Deal programme. It is being billed as one of the largest economic programmes in the borough in recent history.

Speaking at the conference Ivan Fomin, Chair of Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “We want Staveley to become a place to start, to stay and grow to deliver inclusive growth opportunities for the people of Staveley over the next five years.”

While 1,100 Chesterfield businesses temporarily closed during the latest lockdown, Dr Bowen is optimistic they will re-open and access the support and grants the Council has put in place to enable them to re-start. Nearly £60million in business rates relief and grants has been distributed by Chesterfield Borough Council to businesses during the pandemic.

“Our first priority is to support existing businesses to survive and restart,” added Dr Bowen.

Marketing the town, he said, was critical to the council’s Economic Recovery Plan post pandemic and praised the work of Destination Chesterfield in its work to attract inward investment.

He added: “We want people to relocate and start up in business here, so we are working closely with other Derbyshire councils and the East Midlands Chamber to make available start-up funding to encourage entrepreneurs to the town and borough.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield welcomed Dr Bowen’s comments saying: “Chesterfield has proved time and time again that it is a resilient and strong town which consistently performs well in the face of adversity.

“During the pandemic we have seen major projects start to come out of the ground which is testimony to our forward-thinking council and a key reason why investors from outside the area are keen to do business with us on major projects like PEAK, Waterside and HS2.

“Twelve months ago our annual Celebrate Chesterfield event looked to be anything but a celebration. However, we have attracted investment, jobs have been created and a plan is in place to ensure not only that we recover quickly from the pandemic but that we are stronger because of it. There is much to celebrate now and for the future of Chesterfield.”

In addition to Dr Bowen, speakers at the annual free event also included Andy Dabbs and Jillian Mitchell the Chair and Vice Chair respectively of the newly formed Property and Construction Group, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and was launched at Celebrate Chesterfield 21

The group brings together leaders from the area’s property and construction sectors to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Celebrate Chesterfield 2021 was sponsored by University of Derby, Whittam Cox Architects and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, who joined headline sponsor Addooco IT.

Richard Walters, owner of Chesterfield technology specialist Addooco IT Ltd, commented: “The concept of ‘Celebrating Chesterfield’ really resonates with me as there is such a rich history of innovation here. Having identified early in 2020 how challenging the next 12 months and beyond would likely become we accelerated our investment plans to help minimise the impact of the situation, whilst creating four new job roles to help cope with demand. This ensured ample capacity and performance for our existing clients and those who we’ve welcomed to Addooco over the last year.”

If you were unable to attend the live Celebrate Chesterfield 2021 event, the presentations are available to watch via the online platform until 14 April. For free access to the platform please contact mollie.brown@chesterfield.co.uk.

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

New report sets out the region’s skills strengths and actions to address the skills needs in the wake of Covid-19

A new report from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has highlighted the need for action to make sure everyone has the skills which will allow them to get good jobs, both now and in the future —and how it will also help the region address other issues from climate change to regional inequality.

With just over a year since the UK went into lockdown, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, further exposing the persistent productivity gap and skills lag in the region and with employment losses more pronounced than many parts of the UK.

The rapidly increasing demand for new technological and digital skills – central to the region’s aspiration for low carbon and inclusive growth and essential to remote working and access to upskilling in our rural communities – were already having unsettling consequences for the local economy before the pandemic.

While the impact of Covid-19 has been uneven with the most significant impacts to service, manufacturing, hospitality and retail, there is clear evidence that recent progress across the region in increasing skills and employment levels may be slowed or reversed without the introduction of effective measures at both a national and local level.

The D2N2 LEP, in its capacity as organiser of the regions Skills Advisory Panel (SAP), has brought together employers, skills providers and key local stakeholders to better understand and resolve these skill mismatches at a local level and make recommendations for change.

The D2N2 Local Skills Report will be essential to the regions skills recovery to offset these challenges and ‘building back better’. It will require business leaders, educators, and national and regional governments to come together and collaborate to build more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies. The report is a catalyst for action to help those who have been made redundant or at risk of unemployment and support young people and businesses that have been disproportionately affected.

Government: Provide funding continuity; increase access to reskilling; increase SAPs’ role in skills provision and funding.
Post-16 Skills Providers: Coordinate with our priorities; build collaborative skills pathways; embed digital and low carbon skills in all learning pathways.
Schools: Provide senior support of Careers activity; promote higher technical skills pathways; embed careers inspiration and core digital skills in the curriculum.
Local Authorities: Support our strategy in your areas; continue collaborating with us and each other; facilitate relationships between local employers and schools.
Employers and BROs: Make skills core to recovery and growth planning; engage with the skills system to develop the future workforce; support your workers in retraining, reskilling and upskilling.

Professor Shearer West CBE, Chair of the D2N2 People and Skills Board, said: “This report showcases the work of D2N2 in People and Skills, by providing an overview of our strategy and an assessment of progress to date. As SAP Chair, I feel it is vital to ensure that our growing knowledge of trends and challenges affecting jobs and skills in D2N2 reaches the widest possible audience. This will help us drive necessary change both locally and nationally, as well as providing the leadership and focus for strategic responses with genuine impact. I would like to thank our colleagues at the University of Derby, who partnered with the D2N2 LEP on the development of this report, as well as all the partners in the D2N2 area who have contributed to it.”

Rachel Quinn, Head of People of Skills at D2N2 LEP, said: “This report’s aim is simple, to help improve the chances of our people in securing the jobs and careers to which they aspire, a crucial element in driving up their quality of life, and for our businesses to find the skills they need to grow and compete in an increasingly global economy. Our report set out the local strengths and skills needs and how the SAP proposes its area addresses its key priorities, identifies, and delivers on its priorities.

“The DfE’s recent White Paper set out a number of reforms aimed at putting employers more firmly at the heart of the skills system. As we develop our local response to the White Paper, our SAP and our Local Skills Report will be vital for coordinating the region’s skills response as our economy recovers.”

The full report can be accessed via d2n2lep.org/d2n2-lep-launches-local-skills-report

 

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield’s first Property and Construction Group launched

A pioneering Chesterfield Property and Construction Group has been launched at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held on 31 March 2021.

The new group, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, brings together leaders from the area’s property and construction sectors to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

It is chaired by Andy Dabbs, Architect and Board Director at Chesterfield-based Whittam Cox Architects which is behind the town’s £19.9 million Northern Gateway Development project.

He explained: “Within the new group there’s a diverse range of talent- architects, construction specialists, landowners and developers; a true collective who have joined forces for the good of the town and to benefit everyone living here.

“We’re all passionate about Chesterfield and what it has to offer everyone living and working here. It’s full of potential, it’s perfectly located, and offers a plethora of independent shops and hotels and collectively we shall be flying the flag for the town not only locally but regionally and nationally through our individual networks.”

The new Chesterfield Property and Construction Group is one of a number of sector-specific Destination Chesterfield groups, including the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum, which share a vision to make the town an attractive place to live, work and invest in.

The action-focused Chesterfield Property and Construction Group meets quarterly. The next meeting, which is free to attend, will be held virtually on Wednesday 16 June.

The group has already identified four key themes that will be led by members of the group, specifically the skills agenda, business support, promote investment in Chesterfield and sustainability and wellbeing.

Vice chair, architect and founding director of Markham Vale-based Lomas and Mitchell Architects, Jillian Mitchell will lead the sustainability and wellbeing theme within the group.

She explained “Sustainability is at the heart of our practice. We specialise in designing low energy, healthy and beautiful buildings so I was keen to lead this theme. In doing so it enables me to engage directly with bigger businesses and gain a wider perspective. It also gives me the opportunity to find out what’s happening within other areas and to learn from each other.”

Andy, who has lived in Dronfield all of his life and feels strongly about Chesterfield’s potential, added: “Chesterfield has held its own during the pandemic, with continuous investment and development taking place. The Glass Yard, Chesterfield Waterside and

Peak Resort developments are perfect examples of investors believing in our town and we want to keep driving this forward.”

“The group aims to provide a platform for professionals in the property and construction sector that can be used to help market Chesterfield as an area of interest to a wide range of investors.”

Appealing for the sector to come together and join the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, Jillian added: “It is very much a case of together we are stronger so we hope more organisations and individuals from both the public and private sector will join the group.

“It is an opportunity for us all to pool our varied and extensive expertise, using the collective to support others in helping shape the built environment of Chesterfield both now and for future generations.”

To find out more about become a member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group contact Propertygroup@chesterfield.co.uk or visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/chesterfield-property-and-construction-group

 

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Leading Chesterfield engineering firm Weightron launches innovative industrial waste system

Weightron Bilanciai Ltd has launched a brand-new waste management system for businesses, which will help firms in cutting down on costs and administration workload.

Itemised Waste Management (IWM) Enables companies to input the exact weight and type of waste they produce into a digital log, taking away the headache of having to keep tack of multiple waste sources.

The product provides a life-cycle cost saving by cutting out any disputes, the need for administration and invoicing accurately. Data from the weighing of materials can be displayed as a simple Excel spreadsheet which can then be imported into existing management software systems.

How it Works:

  • Each bin can be tagged, or the user has electronic ID
  • The bin is weighed on a low level platform with a clear visual display.
  • The software is configured to automate invoices, accurately reflecting the waste each tenant produces.
  • Users not recycling correctly can be quickly identified and educated accordingly to further reduce waste costs

The system can be used in a number of industrial settings, including office blocks, schools and universities, tenement buildings, hospitals and airports, hotels and restaurants, factories and manufacturing premises and shopping centres.

It can also handle various types of waste, including paper and cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, food, general mixed waste, contaminated waste, along with medicinal and hazardous waste.

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd. said: “Following the first release of Weightron Waste management solutions some 5 years ago Weightron listened to the market and enhanced the product features, new Web based cloud portals and Apps to give clients full access to their real time live data 24/7.

“The latest IWM solution has the capability to run standalone, connected to the client network for Internet access or connected to the GSM network for Internet access. The real time data can be viewed by the Facility Management company and by the tenants, who have a limited view of their own data and recycling performance. The launching of this new IWM system with the Cloud Portal interface was also complimented by a range of new mobile Apps that allows the user to scan and track the waste bins across sites and easily reallocate bins once they have been processed.

“The benefits to multi-occupancy building, shopping centres, hospitals and manufacturing facilities is the charges for waste generation can be attributed to individual tenants or departments, whilst encouraging the need to improve the localised recycling with the publishing of internal League tables or providing rebates to lease charges for tenants that recycle efficiently.

“Facilities Management companies in a large city such as London present data to their tenants in terms of “Trees Planted” and the “number of London buses removed from roads”. Collection vehicles are no longer arriving to collect half empty compactors or partially full bins as the operators know exactly how much waste has been been generated and into what compactor it has been loaded (Cardboard – General Waste – Plastics).

“The return on investment in within months of installation thanks to the reduction of waste and more importantly the reduction of commingled waste that cannot be recycled easily, this system also provides companies with ISO14001 evidence of the constant effort to improve their environmental impact.”

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Derbyshire tourism businesses invited to apply for international travel trade showcase

Tourism businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are invited to apply for a place at a virtual event aimed at showcasing the best of the destination to travel trade buyers from around the world.

The Peak District & Derbyshire International Travel Trade Showcase, from 26-28 April 2021, will provide the unique opportunity for local attractions, accommodation, activity and experience providers to meet online with national and international tour operators, event organisers and travel buyers.

Businesses are urged to apply for a limited number of fully-funded places at the event, which is being organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire in partnership with Tapir Ltd, with support from the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

Businesses can apply for a place at: https://mpdd-virtual-travel-trade-register-your-interest.eventbrite.co.uk

Applications close at 12 noon on 6 April 2021. Successful businesses will be notified on 9 April 2021.

Each successful business will be provided with their own ‘virtual stand’ at the showcase, displaying photographs, information and contact details as well as downloadable leaflets to promote their business to buyers from around the world.

Prior to the event, travel trade representatives will be invited to register their interest and make virtual ‘face-to-face’ appointments with local businesses to discuss working together.

The event is the first of its kind in the area and follows Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s recent attendance at ExploreGB, VisitBritain’s flagship travel trade event, as part of the tourist board’s plans to welcome international visitors back from 2022.

Inbound tourism was worth more than £28 billion to the UK economy in 2019.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “As the travel industry gradually works towards recovery, our International Travel Trade Showcase will provide a great platform for tourism businesses to promote their outstanding products and services to a global audience.

“As well as helping businesses form valuable connections with national and international buyers, the event will highlight the broad appeal of the Peak District and Derbyshire, ensuring the destination is front of mind for when travel can safely resume again.

“This is a fantastic, fully-funded opportunity thanks to support from our ERDF project and as places are limited, we urge businesses to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Paul Kleian of Tapir Ltd says: “We’re delighted to bring this virtual event to the Peak District and Derbyshire, providing the chance for local businesses and overseas travel trade companies to safely meet across borders and different time zones.

“A similar event held in the Lake District earlier this year attracted over 200 travel trade buyers, proving that the appetite for events like this is strong. Feedback has been extremely positive and many travel trade buyers commented that a destination-focused approach means they get a great feel for the area.

“We look forward to promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire on a global scale and encourage businesses to register their interest for a place today.”

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Whittam Cox appointed on £107 million regeneration scheme in Gloucester

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects have been appointed by Reef Group as Executive Architects on The Forum, an innovative new campus project in Gloucester that is part of the £107 million Kings Quarter regeneration.

The scheme will be a catalyst for an emerging digital and cyber security sector in Gloucestershire.

The 600,000 sq. ft masterplan for The Forum includes more than 125,000 sq. ft of new office space, as well as a shared workspace club and an innovation hub for emerging cyber businesses and incubator businesses.

This will sit alongside a 135-bedroom four-star hotel, a 9,000 sq. ft gym, restaurants, shops, bars and apartments, a multi-storey car park, alongside over one acre of public realm and landscaping work.

Whittam Cox Architects will lead the technical implementation as Executive Architects working in collaboration with Architects Urban R who are leading the concept and planning stages of the project.

David Skelton, Director at Whittam Cox, commented: “We’re delighted to have been appointed by our client Reef Group on such an important scheme for Gloucester. The new digital campus will help transform the City Centre creating a modern sustainable destination for its residents to thrive.”

Esther Croft, Development Director at Reef Group added, “This is set to create one of the UK’s first truly integrated digital societies and will provide the space and the infrastructure to build a seamless link between city centre living and working, in a new social and digital hub.”

Works are due to start on site later this year.

This scheme is the latest in a series of projects Whittam Cox are involved in, including Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. You can find out more about the development here.

Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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