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More new openings at Vicar Lane as centre reaches over 90% occupancy

As it heads into the all-important festive period, Vicar Lane will have over 90% occupancy rate in time for Christmas, with five new openings at the scheme this year.

The centre team’s new leasing strategy has involved targeting local independent businesses to re-enliven the previously struggling street, Steeplegate, as an independent quarter. This has led to three new independents acquiring space at the scheme this year.

Two tenants have moved from Market Hall in Chesterfield to the centre to expand into bigger units. For sustainable toy shop, The Little Ark, this has resulted in a 200-480% increase in sales week-on-week. For Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit, their opening day saw 300 visitors come to the store and it has been positive ever since with a large increase in visitors to the shop compared to their shop in Market Hall.

Coffee shop, Coffee #1 officially opened on Thursday 30th November in the prominent unit by Vicar Lane’s event space on St James Square. They serve a range of hot drinks, coffees and pastries, which has proven very popular with the local community.

Two clothing stores also opened at the scheme. Vintage clothing store, Y Not Vintage opened in June and designer clothing store, Brand Runner opened on 2nd December.

These recent openings will see over 90% of units filled by the end of 2023. This includes two units which have been utilised for Vicar Lane’s Christmas campaign. One unit has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland Christmas Grotto and another has become Santa’s Elf Workshop where an Elf Training Academy and festive crafts take place.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager said “I am delighted in the interest in Vicar Lane, both from visitors and potential occupiers. We have really focussed our efforts on welcoming independents to the scheme this year as well as supporting our current tenants. The management team aim to provide a great experience for everyone here so it’s fantastic to see the hard work and changes have paid off.”

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield.

Looking to start-up or grow your business? Find out why Chesterfield is the perfect base to help you achieve your ambitions.

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

coffee #1 shop vicar lane

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield estate agent shortlisted for another national award

The team at Redbrik Estate Agents is celebrating national recognition at the prestigious EA Masters in London.

The North Derbyshire and Sheffield-based firm was once again listed as exceptional in the Best Estate Agent Guide, taking home the Gold award for its sales and lettings service for the seventh year. At the ceremony, its trademarked SecureMove service, designed to minimise fall-throughs and speed up sales for buyers and sellers, also earned the firm a place on the shortlist for the Innovation Award.

Redbrik‘s national commendation has been complemented by a flurry of accolades over the past few months including a regional win. At The Negotiator Awards in London, Redbrik’s letting department received Highly Commended status in the competitive Property Management Department of the Year category.

Closer to home, the team was crowned Property & Construction Company of the Year at the inaugural unLTD Business Awards. Judged by some of the region’s most accomplished business leaders, this award acknowledges the company’s achievements and contributions within the property industry in South Yorkshire.

Mark Ross, Managing Director at Redbrik, said: “We have continuously aimed to set the standard for excellence in the property sector, and our win at the unLTD Business Awards, alongside our recognitions at The Negotiator Awards and EA Masters, are a well-deserved acknowledgement of the team’s ongoing dedication and hard work.

“This year, the implementation of SecureMove™ has been a game-changer, redefining our sales service and elevating the experience for movers by improving the efficiency and security of moving home. It is fantastic to receive recognition for the work we are doing to improve the home moving process and the industry as a whole.

“We can’t wait to build on our success in 2024 and continue to provide the best possible support for those considering a move.”

Redbrik Estate Agents support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Redbrik Estate Agent team holding certificates at national award

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Chesterfield manufacturers support town’s young people despite Storm Babet disruption

Several Chesterfield firms have supported young people to gain insights into careers in manufacturing and engineering, despite some firms experiencing business interruption caused by Storm Babet.

During the Made in Chesterfield campaign which ran throughout November, school pupils in the town gained access to some of the area’s leading companies, to explore what a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) could look like for them.

Despite the storms in October which saw floods in many parts of Chesterfield, firms still gave up their time and resources to offer tours of their premises where possible.

United Cast Bar paid visits to several local schools, showcasing their commitment to supporting young people and informing them of the careers available. The company gave presentations on the range of exciting careers available in manufacturing and engineering, as well as explaining the importance of cast iron production to support other sectors around the world.

Hosted by Destination Chesterfield in association with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the purpose of Made in Chesterfield is to help close skills gaps in the town’s manufacturing and engineering sectors, with just under 4,000 people set to be working in those key industries across the Chesterfield borough by 2030.

Several firms joined United Cast Bar to support the campaign, including Hogg Norton, Penny Hydraulics, MSE Hiller, Dalton Roofing, and Weightron Bilanciai.

James Brand, Managing Director (Foundries) at United Cast Bar Group, said: “Our organisation has supported Made in Chesterfield since 2014, and despite facing some disruption to our business activity back in October, we were determined to continue our commitment to this vital campaign. Young people are the future of our business and for Chesterfield’s diverse manufacturing sector. Therefore, it is essential to support them by showcasing the wide range of career opportunities we can offer.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member commented: “Made in Chesterfield continues to inspire the next generation of skilled individuals across our area. Not only does it support businesses in helping them build a talented workforce, but it also highlights to young people the clear pathways available to them. We know that businesses continue to face challenges around recruitment, which is why schemes such as Made in Chesterfield are vital to ensure our key sectors of manufacturing, engineering and construction continue to thrive in the future.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College said: “Having sponsored Made in Chesterfield for several years, we have seen the real impact the initiative has had on people’s lives. Once again, we were proud to support this campaign in inspiring young people to consider a rewarding career in Chesterfield’s growing manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “Made in Chesterfield makes an important contribution to the CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) offer across the area; providing context for learners of the world of work, showcasing local opportunities, and enabling employers to meet potential future employees.”

Thanks to partners, Made in Chesterfield has now completed activities to engage students for a tenth year, one of several campaigns designed to raise the profile of living and working in Chesterfield.

The Destination Chesterfield Partnership has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

Engineer with protective gear at work at Weightron

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield voted happiest place to live in East Midlands

Chesterfield has been ranked as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove in its 2023 Happy at Home index.

Each year, the firm asks thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live. This year’s study was completed by over 26,000 residents.

Contributors said Chesterfield gives them a sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green space and nature is also important to residents, with those living in a rural area near a national park, or an area of outstanding natural beauty more likely to feel happy where they live.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, said: “It comes as no surprise that Chesterfield has been ranked as the happiest place to live in the East Midlands.

“My wife and I chose to base our family here thirteen years ago because of all the town has to offer. It is an affordable place to live, with green spaces and good schools, close to the Peak District National Park, and its central location allows us to travel to the rest of our family across the country easily. These strengths have only increased as our children have grown up in Chesterfield.”

Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates, commented: “Chesterfield enjoys a warm community feel, historic charm and a range of fantastic local amenities, making it a great choice for people without the added cost of living in a major city.

“The town also boasts fantastic transport links, with the added benefit of having the glorious Peak District National Park on its doorstep. All of these things make it a unique location to build a happy and healthy lifestyle.”

Daniel Elliott, Managing Director at Wilkins Vardy added:

“Chesterfield has always been a popular place to buy property, with a beautiful historic town centre and Chatsworth so close. When compared to the national average, property prices are extremely competitive and we are looking forward to a busy 2024 now that the market and mortgage rates seem to have settled.”

A popular town for families to live in, Chesterfield was also named the happiest place to live in the East Midlands by Rightmove in 2021.

Roy Peters Estates and Wilkins Vardy support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Family walking at Queen's Park, surrounded by wild flowers

Queen’s Park, Chesterfield town centre

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Regional unemployment rate remains among lowest in the UK

The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has remained at 3.7% for the fifth month running, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.

It puts the region near the top of the list for having a low proportion of over-16s out of work and significantly below the UK average of 4.2%.

The data, for the period between August and October 2023, means the region’s unemployment rate has now been under 4% for the past two years, having last been above the threshold in the three months to October 2021.

The economic inactivity rate for 16 to 64-year-olds – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – remained at 20.9% for the East Midlands for the third consecutive month, above a pre-pandemic trend around the 19% mark.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The fact our region’s unemployment rate has remained at a relatively low level for such a prolonged period is testament to the efforts and resilience of our region’s business community in the face of significant economic challenges.

“Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past couple of years as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down.

“While this rate remains above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by about 2% throughout this year, giving firms more room to manoeuvre.

“However, our own research shows there is no room for complacency. Our Quarterly Economic Survey shows a net 7% of businesses have increased their workforce during the final three months of 2023, compared to a net 15% in the previous quarter – an indication of the tough trading challenges that persist. Over the next three months, a net 17% expect their workforce to expand in size, so prospects may improve.

“Many employers continue to face challenges with filling job vacancies. More than half (55%) of organisations attempted to recruit during Q4, and more than seven in 10 (72%) of these experienced problems in finding suitable staff. There are particular shortages to fill skilled manual and technical roles, as well as professional and managerial positions.”

East Midlands Chamber published its regional economic blueprint, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, in November last year, urging Government to focus on the “four Is” of investment, innovation, infrastructure and international trade.

It set out a list of policies to encourage businesses to invest in their people, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce.

Scott added: “We really need a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps.

“We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”

To read the Chamber’s Business Manifesto for Growth, A Centre of Trading Excellence, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto.

 

Scott Knowles

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

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

Chesterfield’s Addooco celebrates 15th anniversary with award win

A Chesterfield IT company is celebrating, after winning a coveted award at the same time as marking 15 years of continued success.

Addooco began with humble beginnings in a small office at Chesterfield’s Dunston Innovation Centre with predominantly local clients, before a move in 2016 to state-of-the-art offices on Dunston Technology Park.

Now with global reach and a new best-of-breed data centre, featuring the latest in cutting-edge technology, Addooco celebrated its 15th Anniversary in 2023.

To cap off an excellent year, Addooco were recently named Technology Supplier of the Year at the Taxi Summit & All Industry Awards.

The Addooco team attended a lavish evening held at The Troxy in London, celebrating the achievements of leading industry fleets and suppliers and attended by nearly 500 business leaders.

On receiving their prestigious Award, Richard Walters, Addooco’s Managing Director, commented: “I am super proud to be celebrating 15 years in business and Addooco being named Technology Supplier of the Year is the icing on the cake.”

Richard added: “We have a great team who work tirelessly and around the clock, who understand our clients and the industries they operate in. Being recognised for our efforts, hard work and progress with this Award feels amazing”.

Addooco IT provides a comprehensive range of managed IT, Cloud, Telecommunications & Support services to progressive organisations across the UK.

The company is a proud Chesterfield-based business, owned by local people and with a team who virtually all live in the town, many of whom have graduated through the company’s successful apprentice scheme.

Addooco supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Invest in Chesterfield – the perfect location for your business

North Derbyshire is cost-effective, well-connected and full of potential.

Invest in Chesterfield and you will join businesses from world-leading manufacturers to multinational communication companies.  Enterprises of every kind already benefit from our positive approach, supportive community, superb travel links and excellent strategic location.

addooco award win 2023

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

Chesterfield Borough Council agrees new partnership with University of Derby

Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby have signed a new strategic partnership agreement to establish a closer working relationship and recognise shared ambitions between the two organisations.

The agreement was officially signed by Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, at a ceremony in Chesterfield Town Hall on Monday 11 December.

The strategic partnership agreement sets out three joint ambitions:

  • To establish Chesterfield as a University town – delivering higher level skills and education for our people and employers.
  • To work jointly with business partners, education providers and the public sector to deliver world leading research that drives innovation, provide world class facilities to meet the needs of our community and establish a platform to help our entrepreneurs reach their potential.
  • To use our combined assets, within community partnership across Chesterfield, to raise people’s aspirations through delivering effective core skills, careers information, support and advice.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to have signed this agreement with the University of Derby, on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council. This agreement sets out our joint ambition to establish Chesterfield as a University town. Strengthening higher level skills and education across the borough will bring with it further opportunities for residents, businesses, and support for wider economic growth.

“Working with our partners across the borough we are also ambitious to establish opportunities for world leading research and world class facilities to drive innovation and bring inspirational opportunities for our communities and entrepreneurs, helping everyone to reach their potential.

“I look forward to working closely with the University of Derby over the coming years to help achieve our ambitions of being a thriving borough and improving the quality of life of local people.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “As Derbyshire’s only university we take our role working with communities and organisations very seriously, and this Strategic Partnership Agreement underlines our commitment to driving ambition and positive change.

“I am looking forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership as we work together to support skills development and improve outcomes for the people and businesses of Chesterfield and the surrounding area.”

The strategic partnership agreement also sets out a series of high level outcomes to which both organisations are committed over the next three years, focusing on the themes of:

  • Health and wellbeing, community, skills and resilience
  • Innovation and research
  • Experiential learning and curriculum design
  • Brand profile and awareness
  • Assets and investment

To achieve these ambitions and outcomes a delivery plan is being developed which focusses on the assets of the University and within Chesterfield borough. It will also identify the resources both organisations can contribute to achieving the ambitions laid out in the partnership agreement.

University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Representatives from the University of Derby and Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Record breaking year for Superior Wellness at UK Pool & Spa Awards

Superior Wellness is celebrating after receiving multiple awards at this year’s UK Pool & Spa Awards.

Founded in 2010, the UK Pool & Spa Awards is a competition that is open to all companies involved in the delivery of water leisure, regardless of trade association affiliation. The UK Pool & Spa Awards has earned itself a reputation as one of the water leisure industry’s most valuable marketing tools.

Competition categories cover wet leisure manufacturers, pool and spa wholesalers, retailers, leisure operators across residential and commercial swimming pools, hot tub and swim spas, wellness and other accessories.

Chesterfield based Superior Wellness were successful in winning five awards at the prestigious event held on 7 December 2023 in Birmingham.

Superior Wellness scooped the following awards:

  • Hot Tub and Swim Spa Trade Supplier of the Year
  • Spa Product of the Year – Chill Tubs
  • Team of the Year – Superior Wellness
  • Marketing Initiative of the Year – Chill Tubs featuring on ITV’s This Morning
  • Energy Efficiency ECO Award – Thermals RX

The first award success of the evening was for Marketing Initiative of the Year for the appearance on ITV’s This Morning with Chill Tubs.  Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “It was a great experience to be featured on This Morning and showcase Chill Tubs. This generated lots of PR coverage from the opportunity which increased brand awareness of Chill Tubs.

Following this Chill Tubs also won the accolade of Spa Product of the Year, which has enjoyed huge success since the launch.  Gareth Ward, Sales Director, at Superior Wellness said: “Our Chill Tubs containers are selling before they arrive into the UK and we have more constantly on the way to meet the demand.  We have also launched two new models which will be available in 2024.  The launch has been a huge success and I am looking forward to its continued success next year.”

The Superior Wellness team were also awarded Team of the Year for their response to Storm Babet in October 2023.  The flood video was shared on the evening with the room falling silent whilst they watched in amazement at how the team responded with a clean-up operation starting the next morning to ensure they were operating as usual on the Monday morning.

The pinnacle of the evening was the accolade of Hot Tub and Swim Spa Trade Supplier of the Year.  Managing Director, Rob Carlin has been a driving force with his exemplary leadership and innovative vision and has propelled Superior Wellness to become one of the leading hot tub companies in the world.  This would not have achieved without the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Superior Wellness.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director said: “It is a great honour for us all to end the year with the award success, the team have been working hard all year and it’s great to see that all of their hard work has been recognised. I am extremely proud of the whole team.”

Superior Wellness also received a Gold Standard Award for the following categories:

  • Energy Efficiency/Eco Award – Mr Silence, Aquark Heat Pumps
  • Spa Product of the Year – Palma Hot Tub, Platinum Spas
  • Marketing Initiative of the Year – Location Shoots

And a Silver Standard Award for the following categories:

  • Spa Product of the Year – Derwent Hot Tub, AquaSolus
  • Energy Efficiency/Eco Award – Platinum Spas Deluxe range

This was Superior Wellness’ most successful year yet in terms of numbers of awards at the UK Pool and Spa Awards.

Showcasing the very best examples of pool and spa design from across the country, entrants were awarded bronze, silver or gold standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted thousands of on-line votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.

Winners across over 30 categories were announced during the presentation at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 7 December.

More information on the awards, including a full list of winners, can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Superior Wellness UK Pool and Spa Awards

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

New brain injury rehabilitation centre to open in North Derbyshire

A new purpose-built centre has opened in North Derbyshire to support people with recovery from brain injuries.

Located in Clowne, Linnet Mews will be pivotal in providing active, community-based rehabilitation to individuals in the area.

Opened by national provider, Voyage Care, the centre will now undertake some limited accessibility improvements to the home to meet the needs of those with brain injuries before opening in Spring 2024. This includes the addition of a passenger lift and expanding communal spaces to provide more space for socialising and therapy activities.

Spread across two floors, Linnet Mews features both en-suite bedrooms and self-contained apartments on the ground floor, providing a transition pathway as people progress towards greater independence. On the first floor, there’s a dedicated therapy quarter comprising of a consultation room and fully equipped gym, reflecting the vital role of therapy interventions in promoting effective brain injury rehabilitation outcomes.

When asked about the decision to introduce a dedicated therapy area, Operations Director Vicki Bennett said: “Having a therapy quarter in our new development is crucial for promoting tailored rehabilitation pathways. It provides people with brain injuries convenient access to their therapy treatments and fosters a supportive environment for their sessions – which is vital for engagement in rehabilitation. This integration will also promote active rehabilitation, which instils independence and achieves amazing outcomes for people with brain injuries.”

Specialising in slow stream rehabilitation, Linnet Mews supplements Voyage Care’s brain injury services in North Derbyshire that offer longer-term placements for those requiring ongoing or permanent support – enhancing the pathway of specialist, brain injury support in the Midlands.

With a firm focus on developing daily living skills and regaining independence, the slow stream rehabilitation approach enables people to actively participate in their local community. Conveniently located at the heart of the Clowne community, the location of this new home offers the perfect place for people to put their skills into practice.

This new brain injury rehabilitation service will also create several rewarding jobs, further strengthening community ties and demonstrating the sector-leading provider’s commitment to enhancing local opportunities in communities across the UK.

Andrew Pedley, Partner in the Real Estate team at Blacks Solicitors: “The Real Estate team and I have really enjoyed working closely with James Mcdonnell and the team at Voyage Care to secure the purchase of a property in Clowne, near Chesterfield for the purpose of renovating and running a new specialist rehabilitation centre.  I’m looking forward to seeing how the new space will support Voyage Care in providing active and community-based support.”

Linnet Mews opening Clowne

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Boots Opticians store in Chesterfield receives exciting new makeover

Boots Opticians has unveiled an exciting new look for its Chesterfield store, after undergoing a contemporary refurbishment to update and modernise the facility.

This latest revamp is part of a wider investment programme in Boots Opticians stores across the country to improve and refresh the store environment for both customers and team members.

Chesterfield customers that wish to check their eye health with an eye test, find a new pair of glasses or sunglasses or try contact lenses, can now enjoy an enhanced in store experience. With new upgraded technology and a revamped open plan and modern design, it is easier than ever for customers to browse and try the many frame styles and shapes on offer, including designer brands such as Mulberry, Versace, and Ray-Ban, as well as sustainable ranges and stylish own brand frames.

As well as NHS and private eye tests, contact lens aftercare and free contact lens fitting and trials, Boots Opticians Chesterfield offers Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) eye scans. These are cutting edge, non-invasive scans that allow the Optician to see what’s going on under the surface of the eye. It takes a couple of minutes and can help to detect underlying conditions, such as glaucoma, before any symptoms occur.

The new look store also has a dedicated and revamped Boots Hearingcare facility, with an expert team of audiologists who can offer free hearing checks and provide advanced solutions for hearing loss.

Amber Hurst, Store Manager at Boots Opticians Chesterfield said: “We are delighted to show off our new refreshed store and can’t wait to welcome the people of Chesterfield, whether they are coming in for an eye test for the first time, upgrading their frames or having a contact lens check. We hope they will love it as much as we do!”

Enjoy a unique shopping experience in Chesterfield and browse a range of independent and nationally recognised retailers. Find out more about visiting Chesterfield.

Do you own a retail business and are looking to expand or relocate? Look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about our town’s ideal location here.

Chesterfield boots opticians revamp

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Businesses urged to find out more about Chesterfield Accelerator support scheme

A range of new business support programmes that aim to provide advice and funding for both established and start-up businesses has been launched in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Borough Council and East Midlands Chamber launched the support projects at an event at Chesterfield Football Club’s SMH Group Stadium on Thursday 7 December.

The Chesterfield Accelerator initiative, which will be run by East Midlands Chamber but funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), includes a dedicated local business advisor, access to a range of courses and workshops on a variety of topics which are free for local businesses to attend.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also launched a new business grant scheme funded through the UKSPF. The grants are open to any business based in Chesterfield and can be used to support initiatives designed to help the business grow.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We are an ambitious borough with our sights firmly set on growing the local economy to create new jobs and improve the quality of life for our residents.

“We recognise the importance of working closely with local businesses to deliver growth. Our business support packages aim to help businesses in any sector and of any size to realise their potential. From providing tailored business advice to business grants and hosting workshops, there is a wide range of support available.

“I encourage any business owner in Chesterfield to look closely at the support we can provide and to get in touch with us as soon as possible to access these business support programmes.”

The Chesterfield Accelerator is one of 16 Accelerator programmes being run by the Chamber across the East Midlands. The programme includes access to a dedicated business advisor who can provide advice on a wide range of issues relevant to businesses.

It also includes access to training workshops designed to support development in areas like digital skills; a subsidy for a 12-week executive leadership programme; support to apply for grant funding; networking sessions; vouchers for specialist consultancy programmes; and energy saving audits.

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber said: “It was standing room only at today’s launch event, such is the interest of local businesses in the new Chesterfield Accelerator project, decarbonisation grants and the business grants on offer from the Council.

“The Chamber and Council have a great track record of partnering on such initiatives, including on the Chesterfield Digital High Street Project which brought much-needed footfall to the town’s high street businesses. We’re now looking forward to reaching a much wider range of sectors to give businesses the skills and resources they need to build in the most robust way for the future.”

As well as the Chesterfield Accelerator, businesses in Chesterfield can access the new grant scheme that could provide 80% of the cost of investments designed to help a business grow or expand. This could include the cost of new equipment – for instance a local café could apply for new machinery that would help expand their menu. These grants are only available for a limited time, and businesses are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Green business grants are also available to help businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.

The new initiatives complement the existing business support offer in Chesterfield which includes a local business advisor who can provide advice and support on a range of relevant issues. These include:

  • An Innovation Support Programme which includes regular workshops designed to give business leaders information around new topics and industry standards.
  • A skills brokerage service which aims to provide local businesses with advice around skills development, including apprenticeships and will signpost them towards relevant training courses.
  • As part of Vision Derbyshire anyone in Chesterfield looking to start their own business can access specialist start-up advice and grant funding to help with the initial costs.
  • Chesterfield Borough Council also runs a dedicated commercial property service.  Through this service landlords can advertise properties for free and business owners looking for premises can receive advice on the types of property currently available.

Find out more about the wide range of business support programmes available in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Accelerator launch

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