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HS2 to proceed and bring economic benefits to Chesterfield

The Government announced today (11th February) it will proceed with HS2 following recommendations from the independent Oakervee Review.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is great news for Chesterfield. HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity for the town and borough. The new high-speed train line will have a transformative effect on our economy, with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.

“HS2 will afford the one million people that currently live within 30 minutes’ drive of Chesterfield railway station improved rail connectivity to the north and south and establish Chesterfield as the international gateway to the world-famous Peak District national park.

“Chesterfield is ready for HS2. We are currently finalising the HS2 Chesterfield Station Masterplan ahead of a public consultation exercise this summer and have been making the case for the new HS2 line maintenance depot, which will bring hundreds of new high-quality engineering jobs to Staveley, to also be used as a base for construction of the new line.

“I am also delighted that over 800 primary and secondary school children in Chesterfield and north Derbyshire have already had the opportunity to engage in our “HS2 and You” programme. With the billions of pounds of investment now planned for the rail industry there will be plenty of great job opportunities for future generations”.

“There is no limit to the council’s ambition to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and to improve the quality of life for local people. The arrival of HS2 is critical to our future.”

Find out more: HS2 Chesterfield

Today’s announcement comes on the back of Talgo’s recent decision to establish its UK Headquarters at Barrow Hill Roundhouse. The Spanish train manufacturer has also confirmed its commitment to develop a Rail Innovation and Training Centre in Chesterfield.

The Innovation Centre, which is expected to open in 2022, will include a suite of specialist research and development laboratories, commercial office and workshop space, and training facilities that will provide a complete education pathway from school through to university level study. The Innovation Centre will also act as a hub for Talgo to engage with local companies that supply parts to the rail industry.

Talgo launch at Barrow Hill

Related story: Very high-speed rail comes to Chesterfield

Whilst the Government has given the go ahead to the construction of the whole line, the announcement also references an intention to carry out a further review of the second phase of HS2, which includes the eastern leg from Birmingham to Leeds.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, continued: “It is critical that the delivery schedule for HS2 Phase 2b is not delayed further and there must be no downgrading of the line through the East Midlands to reduce costs.

“I will therefore be working closely with East Midlands’ Leaders from both the public and private sectors to ensure that this doesn’t happen. We must provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber*, said: “

The vast potential of HS2 will only be realised if implemented in its entirety. While it is of course essential to keep an eye on costs, failure to deliver the Eastern Leg would undermine the whole project and greatly limit its return on investment; putting businesses here in the region at a distinct disadvantage in the process.”

Responding to news Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace said:

“A further review of HS2 Phase 2b is an opportunity to make sure that HS2 is properly integrated with Midlands Engine Rail, and that other rail improvements are brought forward before the HS2 East Midlands Hub station at Toton is operational.

“It is important, however, that the Phase 2b hybrid Bill receives Royal Assent in this Parliament to provide certainty to investors, businesses and local communities. A review must also commit to constructing Phase 2b from the West Midlands to the East Midlands first, and must not consider downgrading lines north of Birmingham to cut costs. The Midlands must not be short changed with a two-tier HS2 network.

“Midlands Connect will continue to work closely with HS2 Ltd, the Department for Transport, Network Rail and local authorities to develop a plan that maximises the benefits of HS2, including improved HS2 connectivity for Chesterfield and the early delivery of the planned HS2 Infrastructure Maintenance Depot at Staveley.

“The Midlands has a golden opportunity to make the most of the huge benefits HS2 will bring to our communities. It is time to come together to deliver the infrastructure revolution the region desperately needs.”

Chesterfield Railway Station at Night

 

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

Local students find out how apprenticeships can kick start their career

Chesterfield College students and pupils from schools across Derbyshire had the opportunity to meet local and national employers offering exciting apprenticeship opportunities last week.

The Apprenticeship Careers Fair, held at the college during National Apprenticeship Week, brought students and employers from a range of different sectors together.

Students found out more about the type of careers they could start or develop with an apprenticeship and employers promoted the range of apprenticeships they offered in everything from business to healthcare and engineering to the armed forces.

Engineering apprentices, Warren Feast and Aaron Leivers (right), enjoyed speaking to students about the benefits of their apprenticeship with precision engineering company, Nasmyth based in Pinxton. They also highlighted the practicalities of earning and learning.

Warren said: “For me the best way to learn is to be hands on. An apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn in real situations day in day out. Spending time at college and learning on the job gives you the best of both worlds.”

“I never imagined that doing an apprenticeship would give me the knowledge and the confidence to talk to people about aerospace engineering. It’s really good to be able to speak to people about what their interests are and whether an apprenticeship would lead them on the right path.”

Chesterfield-based drinks manufacturer and owners of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, Global Brands, currently have 8 apprentices and they are looking for 3 more apprentices in varying hospitality and business functions.

Andrea Houghton, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager, said: “We’re here today to highlight the opportunities there are to develop a career with us. We offer apprenticeships from level 2 all the way up to level 6. Our apprentices come into a real job doing vital business functions working alongside experienced professionals. They learn how the business works and our goal is to develop and keep that talent.”

Construction students Leon Humphries and Bradley Edge both secured a trial with Dalton Roofing at the Careers Fair.

Leon said: “The event was a great opportunity to find an apprenticeship. I have been trying to find the right one for a while so it was good to be able to speak to Dalton Roofing today. I am looking forward to starting a trial next week and hopefully getting started with my apprenticeship soon after that.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “It is vital to encourage young people to consider apprenticeships as a route to building a successful career. Providing our students and school pupils with the opportunity to meet employers and other apprentices at the careers fair is a fantastic way to highlight the significant benefits an apprenticeship can offer. It was wonderful to see so many employers talking enthusiastically about how they need the talent and skills of our young people in their organisations.”

“I am delighted that we can play a part in helping young people establish a career and help employers develop the workforce they need through apprenticeships.”

To find out more about the huge range of apprenticeships on offer visit www.learningunlimiteduk.com or call the Apprenticeship Hub at Chesterfield College on 0345 8501055.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Visiting

Spireites Sports Club’s half-term return

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s popular Spireites Sports Club will take place during the February half-term break.

Held at St Mary’s Catholic High School from Monday to Friday (9am to 4pm) during the week beginning February 17, the sessions are for children aged 5-11 years. Attendance costs just £15 per day and encourages participants to get active, make new friends and learn new skills.

As well as football, various other sports are played such as cricket, dodgeball, volleyball and basketball, with qualified coaches working on skills related to those specific sports.

A Pan-disability Holiday Club will also be held in the HUB at the Proact Stadium on Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the half-term break for youngsters aged 5-17 years, costing £15 per day.

On Monday, February 17, there will be a Spireites Girls Sports Club at St Mary’s High School for girls aged 7-14 years, which costs £10 to attend.

Nathan Khan, the Trust’s senior sports officer, said: “It’s all about the kids having fun all day.

“We cater for everybody – regardless of ability – and it’s a great experience for them. We have lots of kids who come back because they’ve had such a good time.”

To find out more or to book click here

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

New on-street bins to allow recycling on the go

Residents and visitors are being encouraged to recycle when they are on the go as the council has introduced new on-street bins in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council has installed three new bins in the town centre as part of a trial with more expected across the borough in spring this year if it is a success.

Located outside the Town Hall, at the bottom of Shentall Gardens and outside the Customer Service Centre, the new bins replace single black on street bins, with one side of the bin allowing people to recycle plastic bottles, glass bottles and tin cans while the other side will still be used for general waste.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: said: “In July last year, the council declared a Climate Emergency and following this, we’ve been asking local people to consider their waste, what can be reduced, reused or recycled.

“We’re always looking at ways that we can make it easier for our residents and visitors to make the right choices when it comes to waste, both at home and when out in the borough, and these new bins will make it easier for everyone to recycle when they are in the town centre.

“Recycling is a positive way that we can all make a difference in our communities so we’re urging people working, living or visiting Chesterfield to use the new bins and help us ensure that as much waste as possible is recycled.”

Create Change Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones Solicitors raises £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice

Award winning law firm Banner Jones has raised £1,000 for John Eastwood Hospice through their annual Free Wills Month.

Running for the 4th year in a row, as part of the John Eastwood Hospice Free Wills Month, the team offered members of the public the opportunity to have their will written or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.

The funds raised will help John Eastwood Hospice – an independent registered charity – continue its work in providing vital palliative care services to patients for free to those with life-limiting illnesses. The charity relies on the generosity of the local community and its team of volunteers.

This donation comes amidst of the firm’s next upcoming charity Free Wills Month which is expected to run throughout February in support of Helens Trust, a Derbyshire-based charity which helps terminally ill people spend the rest of their life in their own home.

Katie Woodard, Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones Solicitors commented: “We work closely with John Eastwood Hospice throughout the year and I’m so pleased that the work we do on a daily basis has helped raise money for such a valuable cause.

“We would like to thank all those who have donated and taken the time to let our dedicated team guide them through the Will writing process.”

Martyn Knox, Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice said: “At John Eastwood Hospice we support people with advanced or progressive diseases such as cancer, motor-neurone disease or other long-term conditions to help improve and maximise the quality of the lives of our patients and their families.

“We are always so grateful for Banner Jones’ support and our ongoing relationship with the team.”

Banner Jones Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Dronfield and Nottingham.

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors

Vicky Strong (Paralegal at Banner Jones), Katie Woodward (Wills Team Leader at Banner Jones), Mark Bilton (Executive Director at Banner Jones) and Martyn Knox (Chair of Trustees at John Eastwood Hospice)

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa announce new General Manager

The Ringwood Hall Hotel and Spa are pleased to announce they have appointed a new General Manager.

Tim Cadman has been named as the General Manager following the retirement of Rona Davies after 21 years of service. Tim brings with him a wealth of knowledge, including 19 years of General Manager experience, three years of which were at the Copthorne Hotel in Sheffield.

Tim said “I am delighted to be joining the property which has undergone huge refurbishments in the past two years. I am very excited to be joining Ringwood as they embark on a bright future and overseeing further developments. On behalf of the whole team and I, we would like to wish Rona a very happy retirement”.

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa is a splendid Georgian grade 2 listed Manor House, set in 29 acres of grounds. In 2018, the hotel opened its new Garden Secret Spa featuring a Vitality Pool, Herbal Sauna, Foot Spas, Himalayan Salt Sauna, Blossom Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Showers, Relaxation Lounges, 7 treatment rooms and its own Brassiere.

Click here to find out more about Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Ringwood Hall suite Chesterfield refurbished

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

B&M donates £20,000 to Ashgate Hospicecare

A cash injection from B&M will help transform Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospicecare, saving them vital funds.

The discount retailer has donated £20,000 to Ashgate Hospicecare which will help them continue to transform their ‘cramped and dated’ bay areas into nine beautiful bedrooms for their patients and families.

The hospice unveiled the brand new bedrooms to colleagues from B&M’s Chesterfield branch – and so far, the transformation is amazing.

Work on the three-bedded bay areas began in April this year and thanks to B&M’s donation they will be able to continue their transformation of the bays into nine private bedrooms.

With the donation the charity will be able to buy the essential items and fittings for one of the new bedrooms, enabling the hospice to provide the highest quality specialist care and emotional support for local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Ali Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you so much to B&M for their amazing gift.”

“The new bedrooms will be a safe haven for so many patients and their families and will provide our patients and their loved ones with a spacious, private and homely environment when they need it the most. On behalf of everyone at Ashgate Hospicecare, thank you so much!”

The funds to help the charity were donated from B&M’s Community Fund which supports charities and projects within the communities their stores serve. The discount retailer looks for local causes which will make a real difference to their customers, our environment and to the communities in which our stores are based.

Area Manager, Joe Teague, said: “My team chose Ashgate Hospicecare because we wanted to help them with their journey to transforming the hospice.”

“The care the hospice provides can be a lifeline to local families so it is great that we can help and support local people in need.”

Click here to find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare

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

East Midlands Chamber joins forces with Business Peak District

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has become the accountable body for Business Peak District.

As part of the agreement, Business Peak District and the Chamber will deliver and support year-round key activities throughout the Peak District; strengthening its existing commitment to the area in the process.

Events include – but will not be limited to – business development workshops, seminars, sector-focused events, MP/Council leader breakfast engagement events and a Bank of England Forum; all held with a view to helping individuals and businesses in the region grow and prosper.

The agreement will not be exclusively events-driven however, with both organisations working together to raise the profile – and protect the interests of – the area and its businesses through a joined-up, collaborative approach.

With over 600 members, Business Peak District’s overriding vision is for a Peak District which marries a distinctive, high quality rural environment with an enterprising, growing and sustainable rural economy.

The organisation seeks to act as a single voice for businesses in and around the Peak District, while simultaneously representing the interests of its partner organisations and stakeholders.

Its activity is supported by the Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council; while it works closely with Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire – of which the Chamber is also the accountable body – and Local Enterprise Partnerships.

As the leading business representation organisation in the region, East Midlands Chamber* offers comprehensive support to its 4,300-plus members across the region; ranging from start-ups to multinationals.

Its vision – to enhance East Midlands businesses and communities – offers a clear synergy between the two organisations.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the Chamber, said: “I am delighted to be working in partnership with Business Peak District. The Peak District is not only world-renowned as a destination, it’s also home to some great and diverse businesses which play an important role in the local economy.

“Business Peak District performs an important role in helping ensure the area is represented and I am pleased that the Chamber can now add its weight behind the organisation and provide additional support, resources and expertise to help businesses in the Peak District be even more successful.”

Robin Eyre, Chairman at Business Peak District, added: “There are clear mutual interests between the Chamber and Business Peak District, and I am looking forward to both organisations working together to make a real, tangible difference to the fantastic businesses we have in the area.”

“The Chamber has a great reputation for offering a wide range of services to the businesses that fall within its geography and I am delighted that our members, and the wider business community of the Peak District, will benefit.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

BHP bolsters tax team with private client specialist

Award-winning accountancy firm, BHP, has expanded its tax department with the appointment of Suzy Harris-Milnes as Tax Partner.

Suzy has specialised in private client work for more than 20 years and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the firm, where she will help business owners, wealthy individuals and trusts with their personal tax affairs. She joins BHP after spending 24 years at Grant Thornton.

Offering bespoke advice, Suzy has extensive experience in creating aligned personal and business strategies for private clients.

Chris Humphreys, Head of Tax at BHP, said: “Suzy has spent the majority of her career developing long-lasting relationships with private clients to help shape and structure their personal finances.

“As we continue to grow, we are thrilled that Suzy has chosen to join the business – her experience in private client work will further strengthen the services that we offer.”

Suzy Harris-Milnes, Tax Partner at BHP, commented: “BHP has a long-standing reputation as a strong, independent business with an exciting future ahead. I was attracted to the growing accountancy firm because of its great clients, numerous award wins and recruitment growth over the last few years.

“I am now looking forward to expanding my speciality, building new relationships, training the team internally and highlighting the importance of private client work.”

Last year, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list – in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

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

Celebrating our apprentices in Chesterfield

Sometimes national celebrations are specifically relevant to a local area, and that is the case with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 3 to 7 February.

One could argue that Chesterfield celebrates apprenticeships 52 weeks a year as we were the first, and I believe still remain the only place, to declare itself an Apprentice Town nearly three years ago.

Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success.

There is more than £1billion worth of investment, development and redevelopment taking place in and around the town which, it is estimated, will create will bring the opportunity to access up to 10,000 new jobs. I for one want local people and school leavers to benefit from these jobs, but they can only do this if they have the right skills and are aware of the opportunities available.

what is Apprentice Town

Chesterfield was the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’

The Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference on 26 February will, I hope, further this conversation. The conference brings together business and education leaders to discuss how as a town we can develop our young people in order to improve the employability and skills offering for the future.

Let’s not wait for the conference however. If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend – make sure young people around you are aware of apprenticeships and the value they bring to their personal and professional development and the town’s prosperity.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Look Beyond’. It celebrates the diversity and value that apprenticeships bring to employers, apprentices and communities across England today. From highlighting the breadth of industries and roles available to the talent and energy apprentices bring into the workplace. Let’s all ‘look beyond’ when we’re giving young people post 16 careers advice.

Baasit Siddiqui, star of Gogglebox and expert on Education and Social Mobility, will be the key note speaker at the event.

More than 14,000 students in North Derbyshire are set to gain their GCSE and A Level qualifications in the next five years. As these young people weigh up their futures and decide how best to forge their career path, I believe it’s vital that apprenticeships are presented as viable options alongside University and A Levels, to pupils in schools.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed. Having a skilled workforce is key to ensure our town continues to thrive for generations to come.

“Apprentices and apprenticeships are fundamental to Chesterfield’s ongoing success”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

New Chesterfield events company to bring interesting celebrities to the town

A&P Events, a new events company set up by Spire Recruitment‘s Lee Ashley and his cousin Leigh Priestley, is aiming to bring more celebrities to Chesterfield with their events.

A&P Events wants to give the people of Chesterfield a chance to see their favourite celebrities from the world of music, sport and more, in an up close and personal setting. The events will be held at the Proact Stadium, home to Chesterfield FC. The celebrities will start each event by talking about their life, career and experiences. This will be followed by a question and answer session where the audience will be given the opportunity to ask a direct question to the celebrity. A DJ will also be playing music from start to finish and the bar will be open throughout the event.

Lee said: “I am very excited to be starting this business with my cousin, hopefully if we can make this first booking a success, we can go on to bring further exciting events and people to the town!”

Their launch event, An Evening with Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, will take place on Saturday 23rd May at The Proact Stadium, where guests can enjoy an interview and Q&A with the legendary former England footballer. Meet and Greet packages are also available.

Click here to find out more or to book your tickets.

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