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Leading industry figures to attend Peak District & Derbyshire tourism conference

Tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are invited to attend Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Thursday 5 November 2020.

The fully-funded virtual event will bring together leading industry figures from across Derbyshire and beyond including keynote speakers Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddleston MP and Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent.

Delegates will gain valuable insights from Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council; Brendan Moffett, Director of the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Derby; national tourist body VisitEngland; and Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

As businesses continue to weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the conference will shine a light on the biggest issues impacting tourism, the latest consumer trends and the work being done to secure the industry’s long-term future – with plenty of opportunity for engagement and questions.

Delegates are invited to register for a fully-funded place at the event, which is supported by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

Register for the Peak District & Derbyshire Annual Tourism Conference (10.30-13:00) using the following link: http://ow.ly/4Y8N50BT7if

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re delighted to invite delegates to join us at our Annual Tourism Conference which is supported by our ERDF project. As the industry continues to face some of its biggest-ever challenges, now more than ever it is critical that we all work together to ensure our collective voice is heard.

“In the presence of leading industry experts and key national figures, the conference will provide a great opportunity for businesses to raise the issues that matter to them most, to gain useful insights into local and national trends, and to learn about the critical plans to support the sector’s recovery.”

Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership opens application process for new board members

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has begun recruitment for two new private-sector board members who can help the organisation continue the economic growth of the region.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) play a central role in deciding local economic priorities, driving drive economic growth and creating jobs and D2N2’s central goal is to improve the productivity of the economy of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire through inclusive growth.

To aid the organisation in this remit, D2N2 has begun looking for new board members who can help to shape the economic strategy across the region.

D2N2 Board members represent the LEP’s interests to partners and stakeholders in the private and public sectors and work collaboratively with them to deliver a shared agenda for our economy.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced senior leader or business owner with an outstanding ability to communicate, lead, and influence.
Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 board, said: “We’re keen to hear from business leaders with energy, creativity, and passion to help us shape and deliver our ambitions for the region.

“This is an important time for our region as we drive forward our strategy to rebuild and grow our economy delivering a more prosperous and lower carbon region, creating better skilled and higher value jobs for our future generations.

“We are committed to supporting and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and having a board that truly reflects the communities we serve. We would encourage applicants from all background and experiences to ensure we can deliver on our aim of being a truly diverse board.”

Applications are welcome from across the D2N2 area and from all sectors of the economy to reflect our diverse business community.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9 November 2020.

For more information on the role and application process, please visit the vacancies section on the D2N2 website.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Derbyshire businesses invited to exhibit at virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas market

Derbyshire-based producers, artisans and craftspeople are invited to exhibit and sell their wares at a virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market organised by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market, set to launch in early November, will showcase the fantastic variety of quality products made in the area, providing local businesses with the chance to reach thousands of potential customers in the run up to Christmas.

Prospective stallholders are invited to apply for a virtual place at the Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, which will be hosted at www.visitpeakdistrict.com and is part financially supported by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

The opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses based in Derby and Derbyshire – ranging from food and drink producers to artists, photographers and craftspeople.

It is also open to Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire members who offer vouchers for afternoon teas, meals, short stays, annual passes, workshops and experiences, with a focus on products that make great Christmas presents.

Successful applicants will be featured on an inspirational new Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market webpage, where hyperlinks and imagery will lead to the stallholder’s own selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease.

The market aims to boost businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by driving online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Posted in Business, Christmas, HomeTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield residents must follow stricter local rules from Saturday

Residents in Chesterfield are being urged to follow stricter rules coming into force from Saturday 17 October, in a bid to slow the rise in coronavirus cases.

Speaking in the Commons today, Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock MP, announced that Chesterfield – along with North East Derbyshire and Erewash – will be put into Tier 2 of the government’s Covid alert system – and will be placed on ‘high’ alert from 12.01am on Saturday.

It follows a review of the local situation by Government, in liaison with the Chesterfield Borough Council and neighbouring North East Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire County Council and local MPs.

As well as following the continued guidance to wash hands, stay apart and wear a face covering it means:

  • Different households or support bubbles should not mix indoors – at home, someone else’s home, pubs, restaurants, hotels or other hospitality venues, leisure venues or shops
  • When outdoors people should stick to the rule of six, including children.
  • If going on holiday, this should only be with the people they live with or that are in their support bubble
  • Family and friends can provide informal childcare as part of a childcare bubble – the bubble is limited to two households only so that informal childcare is provided by the same carers each time
  • Only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances
    All businesses, leisure facilities and other places which are allowed to open by law can remain open providing they meet Covid-19 secure guidance
  • Pubs, bars restaurants and other hospitality venues close at 10pm – drive-through services, click and collect and delivery services can continue after 10pm
  • You can take part in sport and physical activity outdoors but organised indoor exercise classes are only permitted if it’s possible to avoid mixing with people you don’t live with or share a support bubble with – there are exceptions for children and people with a disability

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.

“We understand that this is a concerning time for our residents, and our business community. But local infection rates are too high and are rising so it is critical that we act now to help stop the spread.

“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I urge everyone in Chesterfield to make sure they are familiar with the new restrictions, check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”

Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health Dean Wallace, who is leading the county’s response to the outbreak, urged people to follow the tighter ‘lockdown’ rules.

“We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning, although not surprising given Chesterfield and North East are so close to Sheffield, and Erewash borders Nottinghamshire, which are all currently on ‘high’ alert and under extra restrictions. It’s more important than ever that we all work together to beat this.

“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.

“I realise that these extra restrictions for these areas will be frustrating but they are also necessary as we’re seeing a lot of community transmission.

“I cannot emphasise enough that from Saturday people from different households should not be mixing indoors, unless it is with people who are in their ‘bubble’ and they should stick to the ‘rule of 6’ when outside.

“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.”

For more information about local restrictions please visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Redbrik Half Virtual Events offer medal opportunity for region’s runners

Runners will be taking to streets and parks across the region this weekend (16-18 October) as the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon Virtual Events take place, offering entrants the opportunity to claim a medal despite ‘real’ event’s cancellation.

Organisers of the Redbrik Half Virtual Events have invited runners across the region to cover the equivalent distance of a Half Marathon, 10km or five miles before then engaging with the event on social media in order to claim a 2020 Redbrik Half medal, after the in-person event was cancelled earlier this year due to Covid-19.

Entrants into the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon and Five Mile Run who have deferred their entries to the 2021 RedbrikFoundation Chesterfield 10k will receive a medal upon completion of the Virtual Events, as will all those who have entered the 2021 Chesterfield 10k.

Runners can also enter the Virtual Events alone for a one-off fee of £10 by emailing info@chesterfield10k.com.

The event is calling on the local community to come out and support Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, the event partners of the Redbrik Half Marathon. Both charities are due to miss out on huge amounts of funds usually pledged by those running in the Redbrik Half – an event which has raised more than £150,000 for good causes to date.

John Timms, Event Director said: “We’re really looking forward to the Redbrik Half Virtual Events – they represent a great chance for those who have missed out on the 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon experience to still claim a medal.

“It’s a fun but safe way of getting involved with the event, and also a crucial chance to raise funds for brilliant charities such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, both of which have missed out on huge amounts of funding due to the cancellation of events because of the pandemic.

“It won’t quite replace the incredible atmosphere of the Redbrik Half Marathon, but it is our chance to give back to those who supported the event since its inception three years ago, and those who have already pledged their support for the RedbrikFoundation Chesterfield 10k.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director of Redbrik Estate Agents, said: “I noticed how well-received the Virtual London Marathon was recently, particularly when it came to participants still receiving race numbers and medals, so it’s fantastic that the RedbrikHalf Marathon will provide a similar experience despite the ‘real’ event’s cancellation.

“Running an event, albeit virtually, is a brilliant way to generate much-needed funds for great causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, both of which do so much to support the local community.

“We’ve been proud to support the Chesterfield Half Marathon for the last three years and can’t wait to see people take part in this year’s virtual events.”

A key supporter of the Redbrik Half Marathon’s Virtual Events is Chesterfield business Pronto Paints, a leading industrial paint manufacturer.

Pronto Paints Managing Director, David Beckford, said: “With the ‘real’ 2020 Redbrik Half Marathon being called off for obvious reasons, it’s all the more important for local people to get active and stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

“To that aim, this fits with our company ethos of continuing to support the health and wellbeing and physical activity of the community, so we’re really looking forward to seeing people take to the streets across the region and can’t wait to see medals being awarded for all those who take on the Virtual Redbrik Half Marathon.”

Entries are being taken for both the 2020 Redbrik Half Virtual Events and the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k. To enter or for more information, visit: www.redbrik.co.uk/events.

As its name suggests, the Redbrik Foundation will be a new charity partner of the 10k event, alongside Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The Redbrik Foundation is a newly formed charitable trust which will support a number of local organisations each year, primarily seeking to enhance the lives of children and young people, the elderly or vulnerable and those with disabilities.

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

Construction begins on Chesterfield’s Glass Yard development

Work has now started on an exciting new development in Chesterfield, which will feature office space, retail units and an artisan food hall.

The Glass Yard will be situated on Sheffield Road, directly opposite the Technique Stadium and is set to bring 50,000 sq.ft (4,645 sq.m.) of commercial space along with a 163 space customer car park.

It has been designed sustainably and ergonomically by developer Blue Deer Ltd. allowing for an open plan, daylight filled environment. Each office will have a minimalist design and will incorporate the latest IT infrastructure.

The development will also be incorporating The Batch House; serving and selling premium artisan food and drink in a relaxed and sustainable environment.

A range of independent catering kitchens will surround a communal indoor and outdoor seating area with welfare spaces and meeting rooms.


The development has been designed to:

  • Create a safe, friendly atmosphere to work, eat and meet in
  • Dog friendly
  • Focus on quality food and drink served and sold in the nicest possible way
  • No single use plastic

Tim Turner, managing director at Blue Deer Ltd. said: “We’ve decided the town and the country wants to get on. Covid 19 is a real nuisance and could be around for sometime, but if we all behave it will be controlled.

“Chesterfield has many advantages moving forward, a great geographical position, good road network to the North and the Midlands and a very positive Council determined to encourage investment into the town. The town today does lack that little bit of style in places and The Glass Yard is squarely aimed at bringing a new kind of working environment to plug that gap.

“I’m really pleased we are on site, it’s been a challenge during the pandemic but the interest shown already is really encouraging and by the time the development is completed next August we should have a really exciting addition for the town. Hopefully by then, we’ll have some great new tenants and the Country will have tamed this horrid virus, I’m hoping both these things come true!”

Ideally located in Chesterfield, The Glass Yard is situated within two hours of 60% of major English Destinations.

The Glass Yard and Batch House are an enduring testimony to the site’s historical significance and a gesture to the significant part that Chesterfield played in the British glass industry.

Dema Glass once stood directly opposite the new development, and was the country’s largest manufacturer of domestic glassware. Developers at The Glass Yard think this special connection with the town should be remembered.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield celebrates as parks and green spaces win national award

Parks and green spaces across the country are raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

Among them will be Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium in Chesterfield which are raising a Green Flag Award for the 14th time.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium are some of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I’m delighted that we have maintained our Green Flag Awards in these brilliant parks and green spaces. This recognition really means a lot to the team who work so hard to maintain our parks and greens spaces. This year has been a very difficult year for our team because of Covid-19 and the huge increase in the number of residents making use of their local green spaces. I hope that we can continue to provide high quality green spaces for all our residents to enjoy.”

Commenting on Chesterfield’s success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Chesterfield Borough Council has achieved the highest international standards in Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Country Park, Poolsbrook Country Park, Eastwood Park and the gardens at Chesterfield and District Crematorium demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

 Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal in Staveley has also been awarded a Green Flag for the third time. The Hub is the headquarters of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. 

Jim Bower, who leads the volunteer gardeners, said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition. Lots of us work year-round to make Hollingwood Hub an oasis of peace. Awards are very welcome, but our real satisfaction comes from the many members of the public who tell us how much they love coming here.”

 

 

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire residents urged to follow local coronavirus restrictions

Residents in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire are being urged to follow the rules in the face of rising numbers of coronavirus cases.

Areas covered by Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council are currently classed as ‘medium’ risk (or Tier 1) under the Government’s new local Covid alert levels announced on Monday 12 October.

However, this position is currently under review by Government – in liaison with the two local authorities, Derbyshire County Council and local MPs – and a decision to potentially class the two areas as ‘high’ risk (or Tier 2) could be taken at the end of the week.

Residents are now being urged to make sure they continue to follow the basic HANDS, FACE, SPACE advice, stick to the rule of six, wear face coverings where required and follow all other restrictions currently in place under the Government’s ‘medium’ risk alert level to help limit the spread of the virus.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Everyone across the town and borough has pulled together to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities over the past seven months.

“But in spite of these efforts, the number of local coronavirus cases is now a cause for concern. The infection rate is too high, and we must jointly consider what further measures may be needed at this critical time.

“Nobody wants to see stricter lockdown measures brought in locally but the health and safety of our communities, particularly our most vulnerable, must be our priority.

“Each and every one of us has a part to play in controlling the spread of this virus – I’m urging everyone in Chesterfield to check their behaviour and make sure they are doing all they can to protect themselves, their families and the communities in which they live and work.”

Cllr Alex Dale, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “We must make sure we are as vigilant as possible as the infection rate in our district has risen quickly in the last week.

“There is real concern about this sudden rise in cases and I would urge all of our residents to take extra care where they can and to heed the Government’s hands, face, space message – and to wash their hands regularly.

“Please do everything you can to keep the spread of infection under control. By working together, we can contain the spread of this disease and it is this unity and ‘in this together’ spirit which will help keep our loved ones safe.

“You can keep up to date with the fast-moving situation by visiting our website for updates and by following us and our partners on social media. Doing so will help us to act fast and robustly to curb these alarming rises in our district.”

Dean Wallace, Director of Public Health for Derbyshire, said: “We all have a duty to do everything it takes to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus.

“The steep rise in the numbers of cases is deeply concerning and while we don’t wish for tighter restrictions to be imposed in any area of Derbyshire, we won’t hesitate to act if further measures are required to help bring the infection rate under control.

“I know it’s difficult but I’m asking everyone to summon their famous Derbyshire spirit and play their part to keep themselves, their family, friends and colleagues safe.

“I’m really proud of the way Derbyshire communities have supported each other through this epidemic but this isn’t over – we simply can’t afford to take our eye off the ball.”

For more information about local restrictions please visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

Posted in Home, UncategorisedTagged in , ,

Winners of 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards to be revealed

Amid the challenging circumstances of a global pandemic, the seventh annual Chesterfield High Street Awards is set to name the very best shops, market stalls, events, apprentices, projects and businesses in the town.

Street magician Steve Faulkner will host the virtual awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October where 41 finalists will become 15 winners. One of the winners will claim the overall title of Retailer of the Year, sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire).

Although virtual, the awards ceremony will be live with everyone invited to tune in to watch on the night. The event will be streamed from Destination Chesterfield’s website from 7.30pm – 8.30pm.  And everyone registering to watch will receive a 20% discount for Casa Hotel’s new dining at home service.

During the evening guests will also be able to visit a virtual photo booth hosted by Chesterfield Champion, Noonah.  Selfies taken during the event will be brought together in the form of an online mosaic, which will be revealed at the end of the ceremony.

The High Street Awards have never been more relevant. Previously known as the Retail Awards, the Chesterfield High Street Awards recognise the exceptional businesses, people, events and regeneration projects in the town centre, Chatsworth Road, Whittington Moor, Staveley and Hasland that are working together to overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

The businesses, individuals and events shortlisted in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include:

High Street Business of the Year
Chatsworth Travel
Pinewood Properties
Strada Estate Agents

Future High Street Award
Flexible Leasing at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre
Premier Inn, Elder Way
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s Big Screen

Best Town Centre Event
1940s Chesterfield Flea Market
Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival
Chesterfield Motorfest

Best Customer Service
Curious Goods
Crazy about Cakecraft
Tallbird Records

Best New Store
Nana B Baby & Children’s Wear
Shop Indie
The Wool Cabin

National / Multiple Retailer of the Year
Marks and Spencer
Warhammer
Waterstones

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Brampton Brewery
Chesterfield Craft
Love Brewing

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year
Charles Hedley
Dotique
Ingmans

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
Belle Vie
50 Shades of Beauty
One Nine Three Hair and Beauty

Home, Gifts and Leisure Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers
Huckleberry Willow
Quinney’s Pet Supplies

Market Trader of the Year
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce
Simon Harding’s Fruit and Veg
Steph’s Sustainable Stuff

Independent Retailer of the Year
Fred’s Haberdashery
H&F
Little White Dress

Apprentice of the Year
Abi Ashmore, Superior Spas
Grace Blant, Elliot Mather
Molly Bradbury, Arvato

Apprentice Employer of the Year
Superior Spas
Therapy Lounge

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator said: “Although organising the awards has been challenging this year, I am delighted that they are still able to go ahead albeit online. However, it does mean that more people than ever will be able to tune in and share in the success of every individual and business that has been shortlisted.

“Never have high street businesses needed our support more than in the current trading conditions. The ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to them and show all high street businesses our ongoing support.”

The 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards are supported and made possible by a number of sponsors, including Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe* The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

To register to watch the Chesterfield High Street Awards and receive your discount code for Casa Hotel’s dining at home service, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-high-street-awards/.

Chesterfield High Street Awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Giraffe Graphics upscales to new office

Chesterfield print and embroidery company, Giraffe Graphics has expanded into new headquarters.

The new office, which is located at Dunston Place, has allowed the company to increase capacity and take on the print and embroidery industry from a fresh perspective.

From the humble beginnings of a spare-bedroom-business, Giraffe Graphics has seen rapid growth over the last 5 years.

Like many other business owners, Chris and Rebecca Blackwell made the difficult decision to close during the beginning of lockdown. Once the appropriate safety measures were put in place, and it was deemed safe to turn on the embroidery machines once more, Giraffe saw demand soar for workwear, paper print, design, and signage.

This proved timely, as the company had plans for new premises in the pipeline, as co-director Rebecca explained: “We were beginning to reach the limits of what we could achieve as a business within our previous office space, and were eager to expand.

“Naturally at the beginning of March, these aspirations seemed to become a little far-fetched! But thankfully, we have a great bunch of loyal, returning customers and friends who appreciate our services and keep coming back!

“We spent time refining our website, and tried to ensure that despite the difficult circumstances, our clients could still reach us. We’re so grateful to those who have supported us through the years, and we’re excited to see how Giraffe continues to grow in our new HQ!’”

Looking to expand or relocate your business to Chesterfield?  Search commercial property in Chesterfield here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Mentoring scheme launched to support female leaders and managers in the construction sector

A key milestone has been celebrated at the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in Chesterfield. The building’s floor slabs and roof have been carefully poured into place using approximately 925 tonnes of concrete.

The significant step was marked during UK Construction Week, by leaders from the construction company, Robert Woodhead Limited, Chesterfield Borough Council and project architects Whittam Cox. Chesterfield Borough Council will be supporting the scheme which will see female leaders and managers from across the construction industry support young women from Chesterfield.

The partners will come together and deliver an innovative mentoring programme to build on the success of the recently launched online gateway “My Future.” It will provide real life support to help local young women into the construction industry. By linking with the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub and Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Forum, the programme will offer school and college students the opportunity to work with female leaders from across a broad range of disciplines in the construction sector.

The programme is a result of Woodhead’s employment and skills commitments to deliver a lasting legacy and social value whilst on site.

Councilor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Improving the skills and work readiness of people in Chesterfield is our top priority because it will help ensure our ambition to create a thriving borough. We require all new developments to commit to supporting the local economy through both skills development and opportunities for local businesses.

“This programme is a great example of how by working with our partners we can strengthen the links between education and business, which will help ensure that more school leavers are developing the skills they need to enter the workplace. We want to raise aspirations in Chesterfield and show that it is a great place plan your future and build a successful career. Working with young women in sectors where they are underrepresented is key to ensuring our success. Women currently make up around 14% of professional roles within the construction industry, this number can only be set to rise with more and more women choosing construction jobs. Misconceptions about gender specific roles are diminishing with the growing number of women choosing a career in construction.

The council has a strong track record on supporting female leadership, of the nine positions in our senior leadership and corporate management teams four are held by women, we also have an all-female leadership of the council and this further demonstrates the important role women have in the future of Chesterfield.”

The new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is a highly sustainable building that will provide 32 high-quality offices for the town. As the mentoring programme gathers momentum, it is hoped that the young women will also be able to participate in site visits to see the building take shape.

Robert Woodhead ltd, Chesterfield Borough Council and Whitham 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.

(L-R) Kerri Grocock, Teresa Westwood, Duncan McKenzie, Cllr Tricia Gilby and Andy Dabbs.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

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