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£1.3m Revamp of Chesterfield’s The HQ office building

Asset and property company FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) is undertaking a significant refurbishment programme at Chesterfield’s The HQ office building, formerly known as Rowland Hill House.

FIREM’s refurbishment works – totalling an investment of more than £1.3m – comprise an extensive refurbishment of the office accommodation to include a Grade A specification of raised floors and air conditioning.

Keen to enhance the offering for employees choosing a greener commute, FIREM has also installed new showers and cycle facilities, to cater to those who cycle to work. The HQ workers will also enjoy a brand-new entrance and reception area with communal meeting rooms.

Formerly home to the Royal Mail, The HQ comprises an imposing four storey office building totalling 44,000 sq. ft. The floor plates total 11,000 sq ft and are the largest available within the town and wider region. With a pre-let already agreed for the 3rd floor, the building can now accommodate requirements ranging from 5,000 – 33,000 sq ft.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management commented: “We are delighted with the works that are progressing at the newly revamped The HQ. This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the building and the interest being generated attests to the strength of the location and the quality of accommodation we have been able to offer.”

Peter Whiteley of Commercial Letting Agents Knight Frank added: “We are delighted that works have commenced at The HQ. This is a superb opportunity for office based businesses to secure flexible, efficient and modern space, finished to the highest standards in an accessible location, close to Chesterfield town centre. The HQ can deliver a variety of suite options on new leases and we have already received strong interest in the available accommodation.”

The offices also benefit from 150 on site car spaces as well as cycle storage. HQ is located within a 10 minute walk of Chesterfield Town Centre on Boythorpe Road, just off the A61/A617 roundabout, and is within a forty minute drive of Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Chesterfield railway station is located on the Midland Main Line, providing services across the UK.

Click here to find out about locating your business in The HQ

Click here to find available commercial properties in the Chesterfield area

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Young people to have their say about how they influence county council decisions

Children and young people are set to be asked for their views on the best way for Derbyshire County Council to involve and consult with them on decisions that they make.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet is to consider a proposal at its meeting on Thursday 16 January 2020 to carry out a consultation about changing the Derbyshire Youth Council (DYC) for more representative arrangements to increase the number of young people taking part in local democracy.

The DYC was set up in 2002 and has 36 members aged 11 to 19 voted into office by children and young people through the ‘Big Vote’ process every two years.

As well as hosting the DYC we also support a variety of other opportunities to encourage youth democracy including Locality Youth Forums, the Children in Care Council, School Councils, the Care Leavers’ Council and countywide locality youth forums.

An independent review of these groups carried out in 2018 identified that they were all valued by young people, but that a significant proportion of available staff time and resources was devoted to the DYC which in comparison only benefited a relatively small number of young people.

The Cabinet will consider a recommendation to carry out ‘The Big Consultation’ on a proposal for the DYC to be disbanded and replaced with a strategic network developed around the current School Council and other structures.

If Cabinet agrees to approve the consultation it would run for 12 weeks from Friday 24 January 2020 to Friday 17 April 2020 and gather views from:

  • children and young people
  • schools
  • voluntary organisations
  • youth service providers
  • councillors
  • children’s services managers and staff

Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People, said: “We are committed to involving young people in our decision-making processes for a variety of reasons including the opportunities for them to learn about democracy and to help us plan services and make the best use of our resources by listening to what they have to say.”

“Young people have told us that the DYC is a great way to discuss relevant issues and make a difference, but they also raised concerns that it was not always representative and only allowed for a small number of young people to be involved and benefit from the experience.”

“That’s why we’re asking Cabinet to consider approving a consultation around a proposal which would focus resources on supporting opportunities young people think would enable and encourage more of them to get involved in local democracy and influence our decision-making process.”

Representatives from the DYC and some schools took part in an initial consultation to help shape the consultation options. The feedback was that it was ‘great to be part of the DYC’ but it was only available for a few young people and funding should be used to enable more young people to be involved in council decisions and that existing groups could be developed using technology to improve communication and connections between them.

 

And the issues young people were most interested in included:

  • the council’s long-term plans and how it is meeting its environmental responsibilities
  • how budgets are spent
  • the quality of schools and services
  • equality and diversity

Current DYC members were due to end their two-year term in office in March 2020 but that would be extended for a further year while proposals for possible future arrangements were considered.

Derbyshire county council are committed to involving young people in local democracy and decision-making and this is supported by legislation including the Children Act 1989, the Education Act 2002 and the Health and Social Care Act 2001.

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

University of Derby Business School awarded Small Business Charter status

The University of Derby’s Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its high standard of support for SMEs and the local economy.

The award from Chartered Association of Business Schools is also recognition of the work Derby Business School does in developing entrepreneurial skills in students.

The Small Business Charter (SBC) award is a national kitemark awarded by small businesses to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting student enterprise, small businesses and the local economy. There are 34 business schools across the UK that hold the award.

Among the key features which earned Derby Business School its accreditation was its offer of internships and placements as part of its career and employability service.

The Derby Internship Programme, funded by the ERDF, engaged more than 1,400 students between 2016-2019, with over half of the small businesses involved giving students a part time or full-time role after the internship.

The association noted Derby’s superb teaching facilities and its community business links. Banks Mill innovation and digital studios are fully occupied by students, graduates and creative entrepreneurs, while the business school’s base at the University’s Kedleston Road site provides “a visual presence at the heart of the city”.

The University’s Careers and Employability Service was hailed as an “excellent hub of activity” which creates a fantastic environment for networking opportunities for both students and SMEs.

Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “The confirmation of our Small Business Charter accreditation is fantastic news. There are more than 25,000 small businesses in Derby and Derbyshire, which is 88 per cent of all businesses in the city and county.”

“To show that our business school, with the full support of the whole University, has Small Business Charter status sends a clear message to the SME community that we are here to support them in their growth, to promote their activity as a vital part of our local and national economy, and to drive their sustainability. We recognise that at the heart of our University we have a body of students that are their future talent.”

Anne Kiem, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “We congratulate Derby Business School on achieving the Small Business Charter award. Their commitment to offering a diversity of services to local businesses is impressive, and their team does excellent work to bring together business, enterprising students and other stakeholders across the East Midlands region. Their work in supporting student employability locally further speaks to this business-orientated mindset.”

The business school’s strong connections with stakeholders in Derby, have resulted in high quality events and workshops in the local area, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship in the region, some of which include FSB, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), CBI, Princess Trust, D2N2 LEP, Erewash Partnership, and Destination Chesterfield.

Click here to find out more about the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus. 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Expansion for Markham Vale business

An existing Markham Vale business, based in Waterloo Court, has grown since their initial investment and have acquired a second unit in Wilson Business Park.

Already well established at the site, the addition of the new unit enables Catering Projects to continue growing their business. The company design, supply and install high quality bespoke commercial kitchens and bars. Their works can be seen nationwide for big brand names such as the likes of Nandos, Wagamama’s, Wahaca and German Doner Kebab.

The continued business growth also means a growing workforce; the company have recently brought an apprentice administration assistant into the business from Chesterfield College and taken on a further three full time employees in the commercial team.

In addition to the above companies, other businesses based at Wilson Business Park include; Direct Track Solutions Ltd, GB Bespoke Joinery Ltd, Drill Store UK Ltd, Gradewell Ltd, Magpie Beauty Ltd, Switch Electrical Supplies Ltd, GlobeBusters, LTEK Systems and Shotblast Solutions Ltd.

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Derbyshire County Cricket Club apppoints Head of Talent Pathway

Daryn Smit has been appointed Derbyshire County Cricket Club‘s new Head of Talent Pathway, with the aim of enhancing the number of local home-grown players progressing into the first team.

The 35-year-old will oversee players developing within the Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with The University of Derby, working closely with the Derbyshire Cricket Board and local clubs.

Smit will now transition into his off-field role, bringing his 16-year playing career to an end after making his last appearance for the club at Finals Day.

He already has experience working with developing players, having captained the Second XI side which saw Fynn Hudson-Prentice break through in 2019.

Head of Cricket, Dave Houghton said: “Daryn is a tremendous young coach and he has shown great leadership qualities throughout his work with the Second XI.”

“With this appointment, there will be more emphasis on the Academy and the long-term goal of developing local players to play professional cricket for Derbyshire.”

Smit added: “My goal was always to go into coaching and this is a brilliant opportunity for me, at this stage in my career. To finish playing now to take this role is a small sacrifice to make.”

“I have had a long and enjoyable playing career, the club have been brilliant to me, so this is a chance for me to give back to them and the youngsters that are coming through our pathway.”

Smit will now be tasked with increasing the number of Academy graduates playing professional cricket for Derbyshire and, potentially, England.

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

BHP announces record month for client wins

The region’s leading accountancy firm, BHP, has announced a record month after winning 10 new clients worth nearly £500,000 in total.

The client wins, which include prestigious companies from the timber and flooring markets as well as the professional services and charitable sectors, are a reflection of the firm’s recent national recognition for the quality of its audit work.

Joint Managing Partner, Lisa Leighton, said: “We have seen a solid increase in demand for our services across the year but significantly in this last month.

“While we’ve been up against national firms, new clients have fed back that BHP’s approach and ethos have shone through and we’re particularly pleased to note a couple of private equity backed companies highlighting our rigorous audit approach as a decisive factor.”

In November 2019, BHP – which has offices in Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, Chesterfield, and York – scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards (below).

The award – run in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – recognises BHP’s market-leading use of data analytics in audit.

Lisa explains: “We continue to push forward with initiatives to further add value in our audits and lead with technology.

“It’s important to us that we don’t grow for growth’s sake and we continue to devote time to building those relationships we’ve already got – this has always been fundamental at BHP.

“If you focus on what clients need and continue to provide a great service then this will show through.”

In 2019, BHP was recognised by the Sunday Times in their 100 Best Companies to Work For list – now in its 19th year, the hard-fought and nationally-celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

BHP was also awarded Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Best Employer of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, while its Professional Services team were recognised by the Derbyshire Times Business Awards.

With more than 300 staff, over the last 10 years BHP has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.

Click here to find out more about BHP.

In 2019, BHP scooped Audit Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Call for companies to enter contest for ERDF-funded student placement

Local SME businesses can make a great start to the New Year by winning European funding and academic know-how to boost productivity and development.

The Productivity through Innovation (PtI) Scheme, funded through the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by the University of Derby in collaboration with Nottingham and Nottingham Trent universities, is open to all small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area.

Up to nine companies will receive funding support to each take on a university graduate with the skills and knowledge to tackle a specific business project, such as product development and system design.

Academic support and access to university facilities, technology and other essential resources will also be made available to the businesses.

Successful completion of the 12-month Knowledge Exchange for Innovation placements, which must be part-sponsored by the successful SMEs to cover the cost of the students’ stipend – their basic salary – and travel expenses, will result in a full Industrial MPhil studentship for each of the graduates.

Sophie Beer, the University of Derby’s ERDF Project Manager, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for SMEs across the region to bring in new skills and knowledge, along with a fresh perspective to find solutions to a particular challenge or opportunity which could help transform their business.”

“This isn’t limited to any particular sector or market. It really is down to companies who would benefit from academic support and resources to work with us to clearly identify their needs and to find the expertise which will help them to achieve a specific business objective.”

The deadline to enter the scheme is 31 January 2020. Guidance notes and application forms are available by emailing Sophie at s.beer@derby.ac.uk.

Applications are particularly sought from, but not limited to, companies operating in the following sectors:

  • Rail
  • Life sciences and healthcare
  • Digital, software and cloud-based technology
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Smart Cities
  • Transport Equipment Manufacturing
  • Education

For more information please email Rob James, Corporate Communications Officer, r.james@derby.ac.uk or call 01332 591043.

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

Successful year for Markham Vale

This year sees exciting developments on the horizon for Markham Vale after celebrating a very successful 2019.

On Markham Vale North, two companies, Sterigenics and Protec International moved in to their brand new buildings. At the same time as those two buildings were erected, the construction team completed the construction of the Seymour Link Road creating new accesses. Several of the new business on Markham Vale North have expansion plans.

On Markham Vale East, Priority Space and the Hunt Group completed the construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. factory and office unit on Greaves Close. In addition, there are a whole host of new companies that have moved in to the developer’s adjoining Wilson Business Park – including LTEK Systems, Globebusters and GB Joinery. Waterloo Court has also seen a flux of new occupiers – during the year Victor Marine Ltd, RB1 Ltd and Derbyshire Distillery moved to the site. Construction of another new industrial building is underway for Transcare 28 Ltd.

On the western side of the M1, an exciting and new development was started and completed all within the year. Developed by HBD, the brand new MV55 building is now available for immediate occupation.

2019 also saw further Walking Together figures installed as part of the Markham Mining Memorial – there are now 62 figures installed out of the 106 planned – and plans are already afoot to install more figures at two separate ceremonies during 2020. The achievements of the team behind the Walking Together and Story Mine website were also officially recognised with three awards.

Discussions are progressing with three further businesses that are considering Markham Vale as the place for their future business needs.

Click here to find out more about locating your business in Markham Vale.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Secrets, surprises and stories at Chatsworth this winter

In a new series of winter talks, the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and others from the great Chatsworth Estate are set to reveal some of the secrets of its success.

Sixteen generations of the Cavendish family have built Chatsworth into the thriving, modern estate it is today. Viewers of the recent Channel 4 programme ‘Christmas at Chatsworth House’ will have seen some of the vital work done behind the scenes by the housekeeping, collections and garden teams who conserve the past and safeguard for the future.

In its long and celebrated history, Chatsworth has played host to an extraordinary cast of characters from Mary Queen of Scots to Elizabeth II, John F Kennedy to the Mitford sisters, and Charles Dickens to Evelyn Waugh but these talks also look at the unsung heroes who, for centuries, have kept the great estate running in good order.

All talks are taking place in the Hartington room. While the house, garden and farmyard are closed for the winter (reopening on 21 March 2020) the stables shop and restaurant are open daily from 10.30am to 4.00pm, while the farmyard and playground are also open during half-term, 15-23 February 2020. Free parking is available at Chatsworth during this time and at the nearby Calton Lees car park.

Secrets & surprises: Behind the scenes tours: Selected dates from 20 January 2020–12 March 2020

Explore behind the scenes this winter while the house is normally closed to visitors as it undergoes its annual ‘deep clean’. These guided tours are exclusively available to guests booking a ‘Secrets and Surprises’ accommodation package.

A year in the life of a Chatsworth seamstress: 21 January and 27 February

What does a seamstress at Chatsworth do all day? With miles of fabric to care for, Marie, an expert seamstress on the textiles team, will take you through a ‘typical’ year, highlighting some of the projects she has been involved with over the last five years, from conservation to Christmas, and much more.

Life Stories: An exhibition preview: 7 February 2020

This year’s main exhibition is ‘Life Stories’, which brings to life real people associated with Chatsworth through portraits and objects from the Devonshire Collections.

Connecting with nature: 21 February 2020

What does it mean to connect with nature? Explore the relationships between art and the natural world and why Chatsworth is the ideal setting to do so.

Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth: 28 February 2020

An illustrated talk by Steve Porter, Chatsworth’s Head of Gardens and Landscape, will explore the fascinating history of Joseph Paxton at Chatsworth and the mark he made on the garden including the Great Conservatory.

Garden development: past, present and future: 6 March 2020

Steve Porter, Head of Gardens and Landscape, will give an illustrated talk about its history and present developments, from RHS Chelsea in 2015 to Arcadia in 2019/20 and everything in-between.

Contemporary Chatsworth: 13 March 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire reflect on the contributions to the Devonshire Collections, house and garden from 16 generations of the Cavendish family.

Dressed to impress: 2 April 2020 and 23 June 2020

Join Marie, an expert seamstress from the textiles team, for an insight into how the Devonshires and their servants were ‘dressed to impress’.

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

Physical activity game Beat the Street is coming to Chesterfield

An innovative game that has already helped more than one million people get active is coming to Chesterfield from Wednesday 26 February to Wednesday 8 April.

Beat the Street is a free, interactive game that encourages people of all ages to leave the car at home and see how far they can walk, cycle, scoot or run during the six-week game.

The game is open to anyone of any age and there are prizes for the teams and individuals who travel the furthest.

Beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes will be placed on lampposts across the borough.

Prior to the game, primary school pupils will be provided with fobs while parents and teachers will receive a card from the school so they can accompany children.

The wider community can pick up a contactless card from a distribution point.

Players then walk or cycle between the 120 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – tapping the fobs or cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.

Chesterfield residents are also encouraged to enter workplaces, community groups and sports groups into the game.

The game was devised by GP Dr William Bird MBE in 2010 to get communities active and to make physical activity accessible to everyone.

So far, the game has been played all over the UK including East London, Leicester and Liverpool as well as Norway, New York and beyond.

Beat the Street Chesterfield is funded as part of a £3.3 million National Lottery funding grant from Sport England; it is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by Intelligent Health.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt (right), Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Chesterfield and can’t wait to see how far everyone is able to walk, run, cycle and scoot during the challenge.”

“The idea of the game is to encourage people to get more active and then to continue these new healthy lifestyle habits beyond the end of the game.”

“The feedback from players in other towns who have experienced Beat the Street is often that people find it quite addictive and are not only doing great things for their health, getting out as a family and finding new places close by that they’ve not visited before.”

“It’s also a great way of saving money on fuel, helping reduce congestion and also air quality.”

“It’s open to everyone, so please keep an eye out for more information including where you can pick up a free card.”

More information is available at www.beatthestreet.me/chesterfield and on social media @ChesterfieldBTS.

Chesterfield derbyshire World Mental Health Day 2019

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Banner Jones Solicitors partners with Chesterfield rugby club

In celebration of its centenary anniversary this year, Chesterfield Panthers RUFC has purchased new 1919 replica shirts for its mini teams, thanks to sponsorship assistance from Chesterfield Champions Banner Jones Solicitors.

Based on Dunston Road, the club provides facilities for 18 teams, ranging in ages from 2-18 – including two dedicated female teams – each of which practice at the site twice a week.

The minis, which consists of seven teams who compete regularly against clubs across the Midlands region in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, debuted their new striking red-and-white striped shirts at their most recent games against Derby.

Being a non-for-profit organisation, the sponsorship from Banner Jones Solicitors will allow the club to invest its funds elsewhere supporting the day to day running of the club.

President of Chesterfield Panthers RUFC, Maria Allford, commented: “We are constantly looking to develop our facilities at Dunston Road to better support our players and the wider community and it is sponsorships like this which allow us to continue in this work.”

“Thank you, Banner Jones, our players are delighted with their new shirts, and we hope this is the start of a long partnership.”

Ann-Marie Lowe, Marketing Manager at Banner Jones added: “As a firm we are big supporters of grassroots sport and we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to sponsor the new shirts. The core values of rugby are very close to our own and as such we will continue to support the club as best we can.”

“As Panthers is one of the largest rugby clubs in the local area, we think it is important that these facilities continue to strive, and we have everything crossed for another successful 100 years ahead!”

Click here to find out more about Banner Jones Solicitors.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure