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Derbyshire recycling centres to open for waste that cannot be stored safely at home

12th May 2020

Derbyshire County Council household waste recycling centres will reopen with restrictions in place from Monday 18 May – but residents are only advised to visit them if they have waste they cannot store safely at home.

The safety of site staff, residents and the wider community is the number one priority and new measures are being introduced at all sites so that users and staff can stick to social distancing rules to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and to help manage traffic. These include a traffic control system based on odd and even number plates and limiting the number of vehicles on site at any one time.To help the centres run smoothly, users are being asked to follow these golden rules:

Only travel to your local recycling centre if it is essential because you can’t continue to store waste safely at home without it causing injury or harm. No other reason for the journey would be considered a legitimate purpose. Please use your kerbside bins and bulky waste services where possible or store until sites are operating as normal.
If your journey is essential then check which day you can access the recycling centres based on your vehicle number plate and please be prepared to queue as social distancing measures mean fewer vehicles will be allowed on site at any one time.
Avoid taking excessive amounts of waste to keep vehicles moving in and out as quickly as possible to help reduce queue times. That means leaving vans and trailers at home for the time being.
Wear protective gloves, appropriate footwear and clothing and only bring what you can safely handle as staff will not be able to help you carry your waste as they normally would.
Keep the number of people on site to a minimum by travelling alone – unless you need another adult from your household to help carry your waste – stay at least 2 metres away from staff and other users and wash your hands when you get home.
Stay at home if you have had coronavirus symptoms in the last 14 days, are self-isolating or at high risk of contracting the virus.

Vehicles will be allowed into recycling centres on certain days depending on whether the last number on their number plate is odd or even. Vehicles with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 as the last number will be allowed in on even numbered dates in the month and those with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be allowed in on odd numbered dates in the month.

Councillor Simon Spencer, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We know that many people want to see our recycling centres reopen and I’d like to thank them all for their patience, but we need everyone to take a sensible approach and only visit our sites if it’s absolutely essential because their waste cannot be stored safely at home.”

“Social distancing measures mean fewer vehicles than usual will be allowed on-site and there will be queues – and if the queues start to obstruct the road network we will have to temporarily close the sites so please avoid our sites in the first few weeks if at all possible.”

“Please continue to use the kerbside waste and recycling services run by your district and borough councils and hang on to any items you would normally take to our sites if you can or try selling them online if there’s still some life left in them.”

“If your visit is essential, please read our safety guidance before you travel and remember to stay in your vehicle while queuing.”

“Our priority is the safety of site staff, residents and the wider community. We’ll be keeping a close eye on traffic and taking steps to limit disruption on roads in surrounding areas but there’s no doubt this will be challenging.”

“Staff will be doing all they can to help things run as smoothly as possible so please treat them with respect. You can help by avoiding busy times and checking traffic information and apps before you travel.”

The recycling centres will be open 7 days a week from 8.30am-6pm in the following locations: Ashbourne, Bolsover, Bretby, Chesterfield, Glossop, Ilkeston, Loscoe, Northwood (Darley Dale) and Waterswallows – near Buxton. They do not accept business or trade waste.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure

Furlough scheme extended until October

12th May 2020

It has been announced the furlough scheme will be extended by a further four months with workers continuing to receive 80% of their current salary.

From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.

The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Our Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has protected millions of jobs and businesses across the UK during the outbreak – and I’ve been clear that I want to avoid a cliff edge and get people back to work in a measured way.

This extension and the changes we are making to the scheme will give flexibility to businesses while protecting the livelihoods of the British people and our future economic prospects.”

New statistics published today revealed the job retention scheme has protected 7.5 million workers and almost 1 million businesses.

The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July and the changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. More specific details and information around its implementation will be made available by the end of this month.

The government will explore ways through which furloughed workers who wish to do additional training or learn new skills are supported during this period. It will also continue to work closely with the Devolved Administrations to ensure the scheme supports people across the Union.

The Chancellor’s decision to extend the scheme, which will continue to apply across all regions and sectors in the UK economy, comes after the government outlined its plan for the next phase of its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The scheme is just one part of the government’s world-leading economic response to coronavirus, including an unprecedented package for the self-employed, loans and guarantees that have so far provided billions of pounds in support, tax deferrals and grants for small businesses.

Today the government is also publishing new statistics that show businesses have benefitted from over £14 billion in loans and guarantees to support their cashflow during the crisis. This includes 268,000 Bounce Back Loans worth £8.3 billion, 36,000 loans worth over £6 billion through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and £359 million through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “Businesses will welcome the further extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme beyond June, which will help eliminate some of the uncertainties that businesses and their employees are still facing.

“The potential to keep the scheme running to October, albeit with employers contributing, will help to aid the transition back to work, while allowing flexibility to bring people back into the workplace on a part-time basis, where it is safe to do so, is also something we’ve been campaigned for.

“The furlough scheme has seen the Government provide an unprecedented level of financial support to workers affected by the pandemic with the objective of protecting jobs and businesses, for which it should be applauded.

“However, such a huge financial commitment is not sustainable over the long-term, which is why the focus now needs to shift more towards safely restarting the economy as quickly as possible so businesses can start the process of building the UK’s economic recovery, which is the best – and most sustainable – way of securing people’s livelihoods.”

Read our Coronavirus Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

New guidance launched by Government to help get Brits safely back to work

12th May 2020

Practical guidelines have been published to make workplaces as safe as possible and give people confidence to go back to work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Documents have been developed in consultation with approximately 250 businesses, unions and industry leaders, as well as devolved administrations.

Up to an extra £14 million has been made available for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for extra call centre employees, inspectors and equipment guidance provides employers with a downloadable notice that businesses should display to show people they have followed the guidance.

New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible. Read the guidance for businesses

This follows the Prime Minister setting out steps to beat the virus and restart the economy, so we can protect jobs, restore people’s livelihoods and fund the country’s vital public services.

The government has consulted approximately 250 stakeholders in preparing the guidance. It has been developed with input from firms, unions, industry bodies and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to develop best practice on the safest ways of working across the economy, providing people with the confidence they need to return to work.

The new guidance covers 8 workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways.

This sets out practical steps for businesses focused on 5 key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical:

1. Work from home, if you can
All reasonable steps should be taken by employers to help people work from home. But for those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close, our message is clear: you should go to work. Staff should speak to their employer about when their workplace will open.

2. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
This guidance operates within current health and safety employment and equalities legislation and employers will need to carry out COVID-19 risk assessments in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website and we expect all businesses with over 50 employees to do so.

3. Maintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possible
Employers should re-design workspaces to maintain 2 metre distances between people by staggering start times, creating one way walk-throughs, opening more entrances and exits, or changing seating layouts in break rooms.

4. Where people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk
Employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.

5. Reinforcing cleaning processes
Workplaces should be cleaned more frequently, paying close attention to high-contact objects like door handles and keyboards. Employers should provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points.

A downloadable notice is included in the documents, which employers should display in their workplaces to show their employees, customers and other visitors to their workplace, that they have followed this guidance.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “This guidance provides a framework to get the UK back to work in a way that is safe for everyone. These are practical steps to enable employers to identify risks that COVID-19 creates and to take pragmatic measures to mitigate them. And as we are able to reopen new sectors of the economy, we will continue our collaborative approach working with a wide range of stakeholders, to provide guidance for additional workplaces.”

Sarah Albon Chief Executive, Health and Safety Executive said “The BEIS guidance issued today sets out practical steps employers can take to enable staff to continue and return to work. We have worked with BEIS to ensure businesses have access to the information they need to put in place measures to help them work safely. This will assist employers in carrying out risk assessments and putting practical measures in place.

At the heart of the return to work is controlling the risk posed by the virus. Ensuring safe working practices are in place will help deliver a safe return to work and support businesses across the country.”

Craig Beaumont, Director of External Affairs and Advocacy at the Federation of Small Businesses commented: “FSB has engaged through this process with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and we appreciate that our points have been taken on board for the UK small business community. Today’s guidance is practical, workable and proportionate for small businesses. It will be a long journey but this guidance will provide the basis for small employers to have the positive conversations needed with their staff. This is the first step to getting the economy back on its feet.”

Carolyn Fairbairn, Director-General of the CBI commented: “Safety is at the heart of business thinking. Unless people feel safe, employees won’t return, customers will stay away and the restart will falter, harming livelihoods and public services. This guidance will help. It gives firms a clearer picture of how to reopen safely and gradually. The guidance builds on the good proactive plans many firms have developed during lockdown. Excellent employee engagement, fast workplace innovation and transparency have helped many companies support livelihoods. It’s right to build on this.

The UK faces months of change and challenge. These guidelines will need to continue to evolve based on insight from the ground.

And employers, employee representatives and relevant enforcement agencies must work together, supporting these plans to build public trust and get our economy back on its feet.”

Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors commented: “This guidance is an important first step. It won’t provide every answer, no guidance can, but directors can use it to inform their risk assessments for operating in this pandemic.

Ultimately, the decision lies with a company’s directors, and they need to feel comfortable they can operate safely. Decisions on re-opening will not be taken lightly. Business leaders want to stand on their own two feet, but most can’t operate at anything like normal capacity at the moment, and making adjustments to protect staff and customers will be a big challenge for many workplaces.

We hope and expect the guidance to evolve over time, but this is a place for employers to start on the long path to getting the economy going again.
The guidance applies to businesses currently open. This also includes guidance for shops which we believe may be in a position to begin a phased reopening at the earliest from the 1 June. Guidance for other sectors that are not currently open will be developed and published ahead of those establishments opening to give those businesses time to plan. The government will also shortly set up taskforces to work with these sectors to develop safe ways for them to open at the earliest point at which it is safe to do so, as well as pilot re-openings to test businesses’ ability to adopt the guidelines.”

As part of the announcement, the government has made available up to an extra £14 million for the HSE, equivalent to an increase of 10% of their budget, for extra call centre employees, inspectors and equipment if needed.

For further business support information please visit our Coronavirus Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

East Midlands Growth Hubs fund business RESTART Programme

12th May 2020

The D2N2 Growth Hub, in combination with its sister organisations across the East Midlands, is funding the RESTART programme designed to help businesses in the East Midlands return to operations.

With COVID-19 hitting businesses hard, many business owners have had to scale back their operations or even cease trading altogether.

During the initial stages of the pandemic, the government’s funding and initiatives have centred around short-term ‘crisis management’ but, as talk turns to restarting the economy, companies will see an end to this ‘crisis funding’ and be expected to resume operations quickly.

Obviously, restarting almost overnight is going to prove a massive challenge for many business owners.

Which is why the D2N2 Growth Hub, the business support network for businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is working with its sister organisations in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to fund the RESTART programme.

The RESTART programme, run by The Export Department, provides a mixture of coaching and ‘hands-on’ support, uniquely tailored to participating businesses as they prepare to resume trading.

The aim of RESTART is to ensure that local businesses not only emerge more resilient from this crisis but are also optimally equipped to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them once the ‘green light’ is given and business can resume.

The programme begins on May 12 with a free to attend webinar explaining what trading through the new normal looks like, what the opportunities are to accrue early revenue, and how employers can prepare to ensure they are protecting their staff by complying with Government guidelines.

The webinar will also signpost attendees to a number of virtual 1-2-1s being held in May for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire businesses who are now looking to successfully restart their operations as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

1-2-1 support will be delivered in a virtual setting with assignments set in between, amounting to a total of 6-8 hours fully funded support per business.

Andrea Collins, Managing Director or The Export Department said: “The programme is serving to re-focus business minds and restore a level of much-needed control.”

“Business owners are able to channel a lot of understandable anxiety and panic into positive, productive planning for successfully resuming business as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted.”

Businesses interested in taking advantage of the RESTART programme should first sign up for the free introductory webinar or express an interest in the 1-2-1 sessions.

Posted in Business, Home

Is your business planning for recovery?

11th May 2020

Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Champions share advice to help your business succeed over the next six months and into recovery.

You’ve helped your team to respond quickly.

You sourced the necessary tools for them to work from home. Now your employees are getting to grips with their online communication tools. And you are all adapting to your new reality.

But are you thinking long term?

In a changing environment, it can be challenging to schedule time for non-urgent, but highly important tasks.

Yet this is key to the success of your business.

“To survive a crisis, you need a battle plan,” advises Emily Coy, SME Business Advisor, Coach and Mentor, Business Doctors.

Emily recommends you decide on a vision. What do you want your business to have achieved in six months’ time? And how do you want it to look during your recovery phase?

And she stresses the importance of setting clear objectives for yourself and your team members. Because you need to plan how you are going to get where you want to be.

“If you have a clear vision and you implement it,” says Emily, “then when things get back to normal, you can be out of the starting blocks much quicker than your competitors.”

Let’s consider the three main areas that Emily believes your vision should focus on.

1.Cash

It is important to seek advice to make sure you have done everything you can to improve your cash position.

You may need to be selective about what you buy over the next six months. It’s important not to have too much cash tied up in the day-to-day costs of your business during this time.

Yet, now may be the perfect time for your business to diversify and adapt.

Several financial support packages have been announced by the Government.

Chesterfield Borough Council is administering grants to rateable businesses, as well as deferrals of rental payments for Council tenants.

The Bounce Back Loans scheme for small businesses is providing loans of up to £50,000.

The World-leading Fund is available for high-growth small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.

As well as supporting with your immediate cash flow, financial support such as this could allow you to invest this in new products or services.

It may also be prudent to invest in IT security, particularly if your company is new to remote working. Microsoft Teams is recommended by Central Technology as a private, secure and seamless solution.

2.Sales

If your aim is to attract more customers or to increase sales over the next six months, you need to start your marketing plan now.

It could be the right time to develop your website or to step up your social media presence like Edge Events Management Ltd.

If you are offering new products or services or working creatively, you can apply to feature on Destination Chesterfield’s new microsite.

And if you are looking to raise your profile further, you can find out more about becoming a Chesterfield Champion. There are currently over 180 organisations supporting the marketing and economic growth of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

3.People

The heart of your organisation is your team.

How many people do you think your business will need – in six months and beyond?

Is your aim to reduce redundancies? Or do you need to recruit ahead of the recovery phase?

Check out some of the Chesterfield recruitment companies that are operating virtually to give your business a competitive edge during the recovery period.

Or you may want to find out about hiring an apprentice.

And think about the skills your team will need.

Now may be a great time for you and your team to access online learning.

You could try some of the free digital webinars run by East Midlands Chamber, D2N2’s free business development courses, fully funded online NCFE qualifications delivered by Essential Site Skills from Retail Operations to Mental Health Awareness or one of the University of Derby’s fully funded online business courses such as Strategic Marketing in a Digital Age.

Stronger together

Whatever challenges you’re facing right now, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Now is not the time to try and manage everything yourself. There’s lots of free information and advice available from Destination Chesterfield, East Midlands Chamber, FSB and D2N2. Or maybe it’s time to ask an expert such as a solicitor, accountant or business coach to help you navigate your way to success.

For more information about Chesterfield Champions, please contact tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk.

For more information about skills and training, please contact Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council: email Emily.Williams@Chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 959717 or Lucie Andrews, Skills Advisor at D2N2 Growth Hub: email lucie.andrews@d2n2growthhub.co.uk or call 07387 141586.

Click here to see Chesterfield business support offers.

Click here to be taken to our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

New report highlights Chesterfield town centre’s potential to recover from coronavirus epidemic

11th May 2020

A new report has claimed that Chesterfield town centre may be more resilient and may recover from the impact of the coronavirus epidemic more quickly than other towns and cities across the UK.

The ‘Impact of Covid-19 on UK town and city centres’ report produced by the Local Data Company claims “More resilient town centres will be those less exposed to the intense challenge leisure occupiers face by the prolonged lockdown.”

Within the report Chesterfield is identified as one of the top 10 towns with the highest percentage of essential retail, which is currently still trading. The local data company suggests this will add strength to the town.

The reports says: “15 of the top 100 town centres have an undersupply of leisure compared to the GB average (25%) with Peterborough, Swindon, Walsall and Chesterfield being the largest of the 15. Out of those 15 with an undersupply of leisure, Peterborough, Chesterfield, Rotherham and Enfield also appear among the top 10 towns with the highest percentage of essential retail which is still able to trade, which will add strength to these towns.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “The findings from the Local Data Report confirms what we have long known – Chesterfield is a resilient, forward-thinking town. We have a good mix of chain and independent shops and traders which has always created interest in the town centre and encouraged people to visit.

“Despite the current lockdown, the town’s shops, stores and market stall owners have adapted and Chesterfield remains open for business – either online or with social distancing measures in place.

“Throughout lockdown Destination Chesterfield has pushed the Shop Local message and this is paying off in this time of crisis. It is encouraging to hear town’s independent shops, stores and market traders that more people are embracing Shop Local and pledging to continue to do so after lockdown ends.”

Read the full local data company report

Find details of Chesterfield Business, which are open in the town centre or continue to offer services and products online.

Read how Chesterfield retailers are faring during the epidemic and how they are optimistic for the future.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Chesterfield accountants prepare checklist to support SMEs to return to work post lockdown

11th May 2020

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers has produced a helpful checklist to help SME businesses in Derbyshire to help them prepare for returning to work in anticipation of an imminent easing of the lockdown restrictions.

With increased obligations and requirements on businesses – from ensuring adherence to social distancing measures through to implications of furloughed staff and possible use of PPE – businesses have additional obligations.

The checklist is a useful reminder of the key things that businesses need to put in place to get their business functioning efficiently, effectively and in accordance with government requirements and guidance.

Commenting on the checklist, Andrew McDaid from Mitchells Chartered Accountants said; “As businesses look to return to work post-lockdown, they have increased obligations and responsibilities – to their staff, their customers and to ensure the viability of their business. We want to help SMEs make the necessary adjustments. The checklist will be a helpful ‘aide memoir’ as it is a handy list of the key things they need to do – from how to look after their people returning to workplaces after working from home or being on furlough; through to how to engage with customers, what their health and safety obligations are and making sure that their business is viable.”

The checklist is practical and is structured around the four pillars of business organisation, namely: operations and technology; finance and resourcing; people; and marketing and communications. There is also section on insurance.

Concluding, Andrew commented; “Businesses have enough to contend with during these tough trading and market conditions. Using this checklist will help them make sure they can efficiently deal with their broad business issues and focus the majority of their time and energy on trading.”

Businesses can obtain a copy of the checklist from their website here

https://www.mitchellsaccountants.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Mitchells-Planning-For-the-Future.pdf

Check out the Destination Chesterfield Coronavirus Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield Museum offers online activities

10th May 2020

Chesterfield Museum has launched a range of free online activities to help educate and entertain you and your family, without having to leave the house.

The museum itself might be closed, but that doesn’t mean the creativity and learning has to stop as the team have put together a programme of activities for the whole family. From craft ideas and experiments you can do at home, to quizzes and poetry, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

For those wanting to find out more about Chesterfield’s past, or if history is on your home-schooling timetable, there’s a variety of online exhibitions available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/museum.

You can learn more about the history of the Crooked Spire, the black and white buildings of Chesterfield and take a look back into the brewing industry of our town. You can also find out more about life down the pit and the extraordinary women of Chesterfield’s past.

Keep an eye on the Chesterfield Museum Facebook page too, as items from the museum will be showcased and you can learn more about the story behind them.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager at Destination Chesterfield said “It is great that this resource has been created by the Chesterfield Museum, so people can access the collections and activity during the Coronavirus Outbreak, another brilliant addition to our Supporting Local website.”

Discover more ideas for things to do at home with the family on the Destination Chesterfield Supporting Local Pages

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Summer, Visiting

Retailers optimistic about future of Chesterfield’s high street

9th May 2020

Chesterfield’s retailers are proving resilient in the face of adversity. While the Covid-19 pandemic has led to many retailers in Chesterfield town centre closing their doors, many remain operational, taking orders by phone, retailing online and offering free delivery to customers.

Some food retailers remain open in the town, including Ibbotsons fruit and veg stall which has been a fixture on the market since 1945. “We have had a lot of lovely feedback and comments of gratitude that we are still working and providing such high quality, fresh produce,” said Nick Ibbotson.

“We have reduced hours as the footfall in the town centre dramatically decreases in the afternoon. Everyone seems to come out in the morning. We have slightly reduced the items offered, selling a little less exotic produce as we do not have the passing trade.”

And while there is no chance of passing trade as people only venture out for essential shopping, Nick says: “There is a pleasant feel as everyone is very patient and friendly.”

Despite current trading conditions, Chesterfield town centre’s independent retailers which are currently closed, are optimistic about their future with some even welcoming the lockdown.

Laura Jo Owen, owner of Adorn Jewellers in Chesterfield Shambles, explained: “We see lockdown as a warning or the ‘ghost of Christmas on high streets yet to come’. With empty highstreets during lockdown people have had a real chance to see what may happen if they choose not to shop on their local high street.

“With many people relying on local businesses through the lockdown period our feedback has been that people are immensely grateful they still have local shops. Rather than a threat to the high street we see lockdown as an opportunity for people to continue shopping locally and to ensure that Chesterfield maintains its excellent mix of independent and multiple retailers.”

Lisa Swift, owner of Shop Indie based in Chesterfield’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, echoed this, saying: “We believe that after the lockdown has ended and people are allowed to move freely that they will have a much better appreciation of local businesses they have been reliant on during lockdown. We are hopeful that they will continue to Shop Local once the restrictions are lifted and this may lead to a rejuvenation of the high street.”

The subsequent appreciation of the high street means that many businesses do not feel the need to offer discounts and reopening offers to entice shoppers back after lockdown. Rather they see themselves offering added value services, such as continuing to provide their products and services remotely in addition to their stores being physically open.

Albert Naso, owner of Geeks Headquarters explained: “Post lockdown I believe that there will still be a significant portion of the population that will still be unable to leave their homes. These people need to feel valued and connected so we will continue to offer delivery and shipping of items to their homes.”

Small businesses in particularly have been able to adapt quickly to the lockdown. The fact that Chesterfield’s town centre is characterised by a number of independent retailers enabled them to be agile in the response to the lockdown.

Many communicated with customers directly via social media and made use of organisations like Destination Chesterfield to promote themselves and raise awareness of how they are continuing to operate.

Supporting the retail community, the town’s marketing campaign Destination Chesterfield launched a new microsite during lockdown specifically designed to help Chesterfield’s independent retailers continue to operate and supply their services and products.

The website – www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal has details of nearly 100 shops, food and drink businesses, training, support and service providers in and around Chesterfield that are continuing to operate by adapting their services to meet the needs of the community.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The mission for Destination Chesterfield has always been to encourage as many people as possible to support the town and celebrate its achievements.

“We’re encouraging everyone to #LoveChesterfield and continue supporting small independent businesses and service providers throughout lockdown. Every trader and service producer plays an important part in the local economy and we all need to work together to can ensure their survival beyond these extremely challenging times.”

Social media and websites have been a powerful tools for businesses to remain connected with customers during lockdown and generating footfall into their stores once they re-open.

Geeks Headquarters has taken its micro-community of gamers online, enabling them to continue enjoying their favourite tabletop games and tournaments as well as keeping each other company.

Laura Jo added: “In the same way as other successful businesses we have kept our conversation with our lovely customers during the lockdown period. Our ‘Friday Night Live’ on Facebook has given our customers the opportunity to win gift cards for our shops which they will be able to come and spend when the restrictions are eased.”

Lisa added: “As a smaller independent business, our bricks and mortar shop may be closed but we are still trading online and have also introduced a local delivery service via our website. Being able to adapt to meet social distancing requirements means that we can continue trading.”

Despite the challenging circumstances that the national high street finds itself operating under right now, Alberto, Laura Jo and Lisa are all optimistic about the future of Chesterfield’s high street, with Shop Indie even looking to expand the business post lockdown. They are also unanimous in their praise of the support they have received from Chesterfield Borough Council and central Government.

“The help provided by the government means that we can look forwards to being able to reopen our shop in Chesterfield in the coming months. Small businesses have been afforded a high level of support during this crisis and are arguably much better placed than larger chains.” explained Lisa.

Alberto added: “Chesterfield Borough Council is working with small, large, new or established businesses to keep the town alive. Everyone is doing all they can to help each other to keep our shopping as local as possible. This is the key to see Chesterfield and possibly the whole country rise again.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are aware that many local businesses and retailers in Chesterfield town centre will have been affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Rebuilding the local economy following the pandemic is a priority for Chesterfield Borough Council and we have therefore implemented a number of financial and support measures to help our local businesses in these challenging times.

“We will continue to support our local businesses and retailers as much as we can to ensure the long-term viability of the town centre as a place to visit, shop and socialise.”

Laura Jo added: “Fortunately Chesterfield has the ‘golden triangle’ of a successful market, independent shops and multiple retailers. We personally believe that it will be a slow and steady return to spending after lockdown ends as we begin to discover our new normal.”

To find out more about the new ‘Supporting Local’ site, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/supportinglocal.

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

University provides X-ray machine and scanner to local hospitals

8th May 2020

The University of Derby has continued to support hospitals in Derbyshire during the coronavirus outbreak by providing x-ray and scanning equipment.

The University has loaned a digital mobile x-ray machine to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which is being used on the assessment wards for taking chest x-rays of patients confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.

A medical ultrasound scanner has also been provided to the Royal Derby Hospital to help the hospital manage the increased demands generated by the pandemic.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “Universities across the country are making contributions to the fight against coronavirus, and at Derby we are continually looking at the resources we have which can support the work being done in our hospitals and other care settings.

“I am very pleased that we were in a position to offer some of our diagnostic imaging resources, which would ordinarily be used by radiography and ultrasound students, to help medical staff assess patients for COVID-19 or to manage the additional pressures placed on their scanning equipment at this time.”

As part of its civic response to the crisis, the University has already provided thousands of items of personal protective equipment for local hospitals, and hundreds of its nursing students have been supporting frontline healthcare staff across the region. A temporary primary care assessment hub is based at its Kedleston Road site in Derby and staff are working with local manufacturers to provide protective visors to be worn by those who are treating coronavirus patients.

Professor Mitchell adds: “It is important to also highlight that in addition to these efforts, many of our students and staff members have made, and continue to make, important individual contributions in their own communities, brilliantly demonstrating how we can all make a difference during these unprecedented times.”

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NHS England and Health Education England commission NHS 111 course from University of Derby

7th May 2020

The University of Derby is providing a free (online) educational and information resource aimed at supporting pharmacists who have been redeployed to NHS 111 services.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increasing pressure on NHS 111 services. As part of the strategy to mitigate this pressure, NHS England and NHS Improvement are redeploying pharmacists from other settings, including community pharmacy and CCGs, into a new ‘NHS 111 COVID-19 CAS’. This service has been set up to manage patients who require a discussion with a clinician following their use of NHS 111.

To support the rapid upskilling of pharmacists supporting the NHS 111 COVID-19 CAS, and in response to positive feedback from IUC pharmacy leads about the University of Derby’s full Integrated Urgent Care Clinical Assessment Service (IUC CAS) pharmacist course, two of the courses’ three modules have been made available online for free.

The course aims to introduce pharmacists to the IUC setting. Pharmacists wishing to further develop their knowledge and skills in this area can also apply for a full training course – as places are currently available.

NHS England and NHS Improvement, in partnership with Health Education England (HEE), first commissioned the University of Derby to develop and deliver an Integrated Urgent Care Clinical Assessment Service (IUC CAS) pharmacist programme 18 months ago.

The programme is aimed at NHS 111 and urgent care pharmacists and commissioned as part of the Pharmacy Integration Fund. The programme’s fifth cohort of pharmacists started on 27 March 2020.

Jill Gould, Lecturer in Post Registration Healthcare at the University of Derby, who has been leading the development of the resource, said: “This is an example of another successful collaboration between the University and Health Education England to facilitate transforming the workforce to deliver this essential 111 service. The online education resource, which was created rapidly in line with sector demands thanks to the online learning expertise within the University, aims to support the continuing development of frontline staff who have been making such a difference during these challenging times.

“As an applied University, this is an excellent model of a timely and relevant online course needed to support the current COVID-19 pandemic.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “As part of civic responsibilities, it is essential that we do all we can to support the brave and dedicated medical teams delivering care to those who have contracted, or who are showing symptoms, of the virus.

“Hundreds of our second and third year nursing and allied healthcare professions students are already supporting staff on the frontline in hospitals across the region, and we have donated thousands of items of PPE kit.

“This online course, which has been developed and made available to redeployed pharmacists for free, is another example of how the University is using the resources, skills and knowledge at our disposal to support the amazing work being done during these challenging times.”

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