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New store for motorcycle and truck accessories opens at The Glass Yard

A store selling goods for motorcyclists and truckers has opened in one of Chesterfield’s newest retail developments, The Glass Yard. 

The Glass Yard SpeedShop has been opened by local company Securit GB Ltd; which was created by husband and wife team, Phil and Caroline Churm. The company has previously been based in Staveley and on Foxwood Road in Chesterfield.

The business has had to adapt several times since being founded in 2004, as a result of factors such as the 2008 recession and Brexit.

However, the company saw a sharp rise in online sales for its MotoWear brand during the Covid-19 pandemic. MotoWear provides unique motorcycle and trucker merchandise, with 75% of the product lines designed and printed in-house. The rest of the lines are manufactured in the UK.

During the pandemic, Securit GB Ltd also took the opportunity of grant and loan support  for the business, enabling the couple to invest in new print machines and time to design & create new exciting lines. This enabled the firm to return to events with an exciting new range.

Caroline explained how the company wanted to take the next step by having a physical retail presence at The Glass Yard:

“We want to open a destination for people to visit in person. It’s a unique open-plan shop, with the motorcycle, truck accessories, and merchandise, with additional space available for the design and print side of the business. We are also able to create one-off merchandise for presents and companies.”

The shop will be offering a ‘click and collect service for its online products too, and will be hosting events for bikers, starting on 2nd October 2022.

Caroline added: “The Glass Yard is an amazingly fresh & modern place to work and trade. As soon as we visited the place we knew we wanted to open a shop.

“We have always been located in Chesterfield, we love the people and Phil grew up in the area, the council has always been proactive towards small businesses and we have a lot of support in the area from family and friends.

“We hope that The Glass Yard SpeedShop will increase our sales and give the customer a different experience other than online. People want to stay local and shop locally. Since we have been open people are happy to visit and use a local company.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s great range of independent retailers at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Chesterfield’s Dawson Radford Solicitors announces new directors

Chesterfield Commercial, Business and Employment law firm Dawson Radford Solicitors have announced the joint appointment of Joe Phelan, Head of Property and Liam Kenealy, Head of Employment as directors of the firm from 12/08/2022.

As Directors, Joe and Liam will help drive the business forward and continue its growth strategy alongside managing director Jo and into its next phase of development.

Joanna Dawson founded Dawson Radford just over 5 years ago and the business has gone from strength to strength. A growing workforce signalled a relocation from a home office to commercial office premises and then an expansion into adjoining space to accommodate a new employment law department, new members of the team and the increasing number of clients.

On the decision to take this next step Jo says: “As a self confessed control freak, the thought of letting anyone help manage the business isn’t one I’ve particularly relished. But, as the firm continues to grow even I have to acknowledge that I can’t do everything, and in some cases, people can do things better than me! Thankfully, that has been the case when finding Joe and Liam, and as the business continues to move forward and grow I cannot think of two better people to help me with that challenge.”

Joe Phelan is a consultant solicitor specialising in property law and has worked for some of the largest firms in the North East. Joe has acted for clients ranging from individuals and SME’s to NHS Foundation Trusts and large Plc’s.

Joe comments: “It is a great pleasure to have been appointed as a director at Dawson Radford.  The firm is a fantastic place to work and the team is first class.  I am very much looking forward to continuing to develop our property offering and, most importantly, continue to ensure that our clients receive top quality, efficient and pragmatic advice.”

Liam Keneally has over 17 years’ experience as a solicitor specialising in employment law and has acted for both individuals and businesses throughout his career on a full range of employment issues, from simple wages claims to Tribunal claims involving multiple forms of discrimination.

Speaking about his new role in the company Liam added: “I’m delighted to become a director here at Dawson Radford. I joined the firm 10-11 months ago based on the plans Jo had for the firm and having seen first-hand just how good a job she has done to grow the firm to where it is over the last 5 years, I’m looking forward to building on that and continuing our growth and progression. It’s great to have Joe Phelan on board too given his experience, knowledge and contacts which will only help us continue to grow our Commercial Property department.”

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

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Chesterfield’s top sustainable businesses set to be named in annual awards

Four Chesterfield businesses are in the running to be named as the winner of the Sustainability Award in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management.

Astra Designs UK, Bridge Help, Northern Tea Merchants and Robinsons PLC have all been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award which is sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The Sustainability Award was introduced to the Love Chesterfield Awards and recognises organisations that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable business practices and are working towards becoming carbon neutral.

The four finalists not only measure and report their progress but have also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability during the past five years.

Donna Swift-Moore, Designer and Company Director at Astra Designs explained: “With the fashion industry being the second worst industry for polluting water from dyeing textiles and over a third of all clothing being sent to landfill, it is vital for us to create fashion that has the least impact possible.

Donna Swift-Moore, Astra Designs

“I’m absolutely over the moon that our company has been recognised as a finalist for the Sustainability Award. Our entire business is built around creating sustainable fashion and accessories, so being acknowledged for this is truly amazing.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “At the start of this year, we were delighted to become carbon neutral. To be recognised by the Love Chesterfield Awards for the work we’ve done in achieving this is fantastic. Sustainability is incredibly important to us; it is something the whole team is passionate about.”

Chris Sellars, Bridge Help

James Pogson, Director at Northern Tea Merchants said: “We put a great deal of time and focus into understanding the impact of the work we do. From the food miles right down to the packaging, we’re always striving to make the operation as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We’ve made some significant positive steps over the last five years and it’s wonderful to get this recognition.”

James Pogson, Northern Tea Merchants

Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson PLC commented: “Sustainability is at the core of what we do as a business here at Robinson and we are working on a wide range of initiatives to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as enhance the experience of our employees and local communities in which we operate.

“We are delighted to be selected as a finalist for the sustainability award; the team at our Rigid Box site in Chesterfield is proud that our products are not only 100% recyclable and made from 95% recycled materials, but also promote consumers to reuse the beautiful presentation and gift boxes in the home.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO of Robinson PLC

Chesterfield Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since committed to the Council and borough becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Sustainability Award. We all need to work together to tackle the climate crisis and reduce our emissions. It’s important that we celebrate and learn from those businesses that are leading the way and changing their business practices to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented on the importance of recognising sustainability: “Having forward-thinking businesses and individuals is something that Chesterfield prides itself on and the four businesses shortlisted for the Sustainability Award are no exception, helping the town achieve its ambitions of becoming carbon neutral.”

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair

The Sustainability Award is one of 15 categories in the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The winners of all the categories will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at The Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

See the full list of 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards finalists here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/finalists/

As well as Entire FM – Complete Facilities Management and Chesterfield Borough Council, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Accountants, BusinessWise Accounting and Tax, DBC Training, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Elder Way, Great2, Hoods Florist, JP Fire Safety Solutions, Minuteman Press Chesterfield, MSE Hiller, Peak Pharmacy, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Spirecross Ltd and Sutton McGrath Hartley.

Peter Swallow added: “After the uncertainty of the last two years, the Destination Chesterfield team is working to ensure the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards is the best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors.”

There are a limited number of sponsorship packages available. If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Woodall Homes to expand footprint with £10 million funding boost

A North Derbyshire housebuilder has secured a £10m funding package from Lloyds Bank to help ramp up activity and capitalise on the growing demand for new homes.

Family-run Woodall Homes, headquartered in Barlborough near Chesterfield, delivers high-quality homes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire. It has recently developed new properties in nearby Mansfield, Tansley and Bolsover.

Founded in 2011, Woodall will use the funding from Lloyds Bank to increase its number of active sites, expand its footprint across the region and maintain high-quality development across its portfolio.

The homes that Woodall delivers range from two-bed to large family homes and have a strong emphasis on premium-quality finishes. With each property tailored to its location, they are designed to complement local surroundings and are built with sustainability embedded in the construction process.

The firm’s turnover has grown by 25% over the last three years, with Woodall completing 60 homes in the last financial year. Woodall is now aiming to break the 100-home mark this year, with a view to completing 250 homes a year within the next five years. To bolster this growth, the business is looking to recruit five additional staff over the next year.

In December 2020, Woodall received a £4.25m investment from BGF. This created a step change in the aspirations of the group to accelerate acquisition of land in prime locations, and to increase development activity and building output. Finding the right banking partner to support future growth aspirations was the next natural step in the group’s evolution.

Experienced non-executive chairman Derek Mapp has also recently joined Woodall’s Board as it seeks to scale and drive quality. Mapp currently holds the same role at outsourcing group Mitie and has also held chair positions at the East Midlands Development Agency and Sport England.

Ian Grundy, CFO at Woodall Homes, said: “As the demand for housing continues to increase, we want to ensure that Woodall Homes is in the best position it can be to deliver the premium homes that the Midlands and South Yorkshire need.

“We’re doing this by adding fresh talent to our team, and also by working with experienced banking partners such as Lloyds Bank. Their know-how and understanding in this area meant that they immediately bought into our building ethos and ambition to drive quality. The funding from Lloyds Bank opens many new doors in terms of development for the business and I am excited to see where this will allow us to take the company in the future.”

Jeremy Prentice, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Woodall Homes is an excellent example of a business that’s investing smartly and capitalising on demand. Housing is always high on communities’ agendas, and there’s huge demand from families looking for green space following the pandemic.

“Investing in growth, where possible, is a strong way of mitigating current inflationary challenges. We’re committed to helping firms like Woodall target growth and achieving their ambitions, and we’re excited to be by the businesses side as they target this.”

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

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Less Than Zero Barbers to support Chesterfield parents with free ‘back to school’ haircuts

Chesterfield barbers, Less Than Zero based on Soresby Street has been busy providing support for residents across Chesterfield, with the team giving free haircuts to boys ahead of the new school year.

The barbers, which has won multiple awards, is working to engage the local community and give back to families who are feeling the pinch due to the current cost-of-living. The business is working alongside local charity, Gussie’s Kitchen to book appointments for those in need.

School-age boys in the town are able to book a free appointment at the barbershop on Soresby Street, on a Thursday and Friday morning between 9am – 10am ahead of the school year.

Each appointment will last 30 minutes and can accommodate 12 people per session. While benefitting local families, the initiative will also enable apprentices at Less Than Zero to gain vital experience and training.

Find out more about Less Than Zero being recognised as one of the top 50 SME apprentice employers in the country at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/07/chesterfields-less-than-zero-included-in-englands-top-50-sme-apprentice-employers/ 

Less Than Zero owner and founder, Martin Wallis-Keyworth commented: “We are always seeking ways to support different members of the community in Chesterfield and felt this would help parents of school boys just that little bit more before they head back into the school year again soon.

“As we don’t usually open until 10am anyway, offering these sessions utilises the skills of the team and gives more training to our apprentices and also brings more footfall into the town centre too.”

Those interested in booking an appointment are being encouraged to book early. The appointments take place at 7 Soresby Street, Chesterfield, S40 1JW. To book, simply visit the Gussie’s Kitchen facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gussiessuperkitchen/ and choose your day and time.

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

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Eligible Chesterfield homeowners to receive green funding boost

Eligible homeowners in Chesterfield could benefit from support to make fully funded energy efficient improvements to their properties – and reduce their bills.

Chesterfield Borough Council has teamed up with Marches Energy Agency, and E.ON Energy Solutions to help residents make energy improvements to their properties, after successfully securing funding from the Government’s Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery scheme.

Through the scheme, a number of people in Chesterfield will be contacted directly by Marches Energy Agency, inviting them to apply for fully funded energy efficient improvements. The improvements will include External Wall Insulation or Solar Panels. A small number of grants may also be available for loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and room in roof insulation.

Households who are believed to be eligible will be contacted directly by Marches Energy Agency, inviting them to apply. To be eligible, the following criteria needs to be met:

  • You are an owner-occupier
  • Your home has an Energy Performance Certificate of D, E, F or G.

You can check your EPC online using www.epcregister.com. We can get you a free EPC if you haven’t got one.

AND

  • You receive a means-tested benefit OR your combined annual household income is under £30,000 (gross)

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We understand that it’s a difficult time for many people as the cost of living continues to rise, in particular energy charges. With funding secured through the Green Homes Grants scheme, we can support homeowners in making improvements to their home to help to increase the warmth and comfort of their homes, whilst also reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.

“This scheme will play a key part in our work to help tackle the ongoing issue of fuel poverty in Chesterfield, and it will also help to support our ambition of creating a carbon neutral Borough by 2050. In Chesterfield almost 60% of annual greenhouse gas emissions are from buildings, by ensuring buildings are more energy efficient this will lead to a significant reduction in emissions.”

Further information on the scheme can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/private-property/green-homes-grant

Due to limited funding, the grants are not open to the wider public at the moment, however if you have any questions or would like any advice on how to make energy efficient improvements to your property, you can contact the Marches Energy Agency local team (Warmer Derby and Derbyshire) by calling 08006771332 and selecting option two, or by emailing wdd@mea.org.uk

Manor Drive, Brimington

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SDE Group to offer customers a ‘zero-carbon pathway’ with new business unit

Chesterfield’s SDE Group is set to provide customers with advice and solutions on cutting their costs and carbon footprint.

SDE Energy Solutions will be able to offer customers (domestic & commercial) a suite of services from Solar, Battery, Wind & Heat solutions for home or estate management at work place locations.

The company has made significant investment into this new business unit by recruiting industry experts & the relevant accreditations to operate in the market place.

Jonathan Bennett, Managing Director at SDE Group commented: “At SDE Group, we are always looking for ways to keep up with current trends and increase our sustainability efforts. Our business strategy for the last 12 months – ‘A Pathway to Become Carbon Neutral’ – has been to offer renewable energy to other companies to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.

“Given the increasingly high energy costs, we feel extremely fortunate to be able to offer businesses a solution that will not only have a huge impact on their internal costs, but also environmental factors too. This is complimented by our EV Solutions business – SDE Electrical which helps support the reduction in high energy costs for consumer and workplace. This allows SDE Group to provide a complete end-to-end solution for renewable and creating ways to reduce costs for customers.

Jonathan also explained how the company is leading by example on reducing its carbon emissions: “Using renewable energy provides a reliable power source whilst helping reduce many environmental implications we are currently facing. In order for us to become a more sustainable company, we have recently invested in Solar Panels at our head office which provides us with an opportunity to cut energy bills which will affect us for years to come.

“Providing services such as wind turbines also contribute to fewer global warming emissions as well as improving your community image by showcasing your efforts to become a more sustainable company. Investing in renewable technologies will also help businesses to improve on their public relations in becoming more environmentally friendly, which could be the difference between them been chose over competitors.”

To find out more about SDE Energy Solutions, go to: info@sde-group.co.uk or call 01246 827722.

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

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New Burning Man Sculptures at Chatsworth ahead of October Burn Event

More than 500 schoolchildren have worked alongside the artists at Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man at Chatsworth to create and build three huge new interactive sculptures as part of the UK exhibition.

These latest additions to Radical Horizons make a total of twelve works spread across a site more than a mile long and half a mile wide and set in 1000 acres of free-to-access parkland surrounding the house at the Derbyshire estate.

Radical Horizons: The Art of Burning Man runs until 1 October when it will close with the ceremonial burning of the new sculpture Relevé to symbolise the ‘letting go’ of the exhibition. The ceremony follows tradition set by the global Burning Man event in Nevada.

A nine-metre high structure built primarily in wood by the artist Rebekah Waites with hundreds of children from local schools, Relevé was inspired by Derbyshire folklore that says a bronze age stone circle near Chatsworth was formed from the remains of nine ladies turned into stone for dancing on the Sabbath.

Relevé not only pays homage to the nine ladies, but also celebrates the rebellious spirit of dance, music and art. By challenging the folklore behind this archaeological site, Relevé attempts to rewrite the story and release the women from their eternal stillness. Nine twisted structures made of wood and intricately decorated with a rope and string laced facade, dance around one another.

Relevé – Photo taken by Chatsworth House Trust

Over the past few months, schoolchildren and young people from Derbyshire and Sheffield have collected materials and helped build the three new sculptures, mirroring the process in Nevada that sees teams of volunteers gathering in the desert to create new artworks. Burning Man is an arts and cultural event that usually takes place annually in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, USA.

Alongside Relevé, schoolchildren have worked on-site at Chatsworth with US artists, Shrine, Dana Albany, Heather Henderson, Flash Hopkins, and Kathy Richardson to create and build Coralee and Elysian Towers.

Relevé by Rebekah Waites with Watercliffe Community Primary, Sheffield, 240 children; St Anne’s Primary, Baslow, 17; Stanton in Peak Primary, 42; Rowsley Primary, 29: Relevé was inspired by the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a Bronze Age archaeological site at Stanton Moore near Chatsworth and this sculpture will burn at the end of the exhibition as a celebratory finale.

Coralee by Dana Albany, Heather Henderson, Flash Hopkins, Kathy Richardson with Spire Junior School (Chesterfield): The sculpture takes the form of a mermaid – inspired by the folklore of the Mermaid’s Pool, situated just below Kinder Scout in the Dark Peak – and has been built of everyday metal and glass donated by Chatsworth, its staff and the local community. Look closely to spot spoons, bolts, keys, chandeliers and bicycle chains.

Coralee – Image taken by Chatsworth House Trust; Image Top Right, Duke Of Devonshire with The Flybary by Christina Sporrong – Image taken by Chatsworth House Trust

Elysian Towers by Shrine (also known as Brent Allen Spears) with Derbyshire Virtual School: Shrine has worked with young adults from Derbyshire Virtual School to create Elysian Towers. The artwork is made from ‘rubbish’ and found objects sourced locally by the participants themselves, using recycled glass donated by Ardagh Glass and plastic bottles stacked into towers, celebrating the joy of the unknown and making a monument dedicated to making the not-precious precious.

Elysian Towers by Shrine – Image by Chatsworth House Trust

These new participatory builds between the artists and local children and young people were organised by Chatsworth’s in-house Learning and Engagement team. Focusing on curriculum linked, hands-on, arts engagement sessions its work is designed to enhance visual literacy and develop technical and creative skills, while outdoor learning sessions include multisensory activities to help develop environmental understanding.

Kerry Fernandez, Arts and Engagement Manager: “This has been a wonderful experience for many children and young people who had never visited Chatsworth before. They have been given a rare opportunity to engage with contemporary art and artists, while learning new skills and techniques. We hope it will draw them into a lifelong engagement with the arts which can open their eyes to seeing things in new ways.”

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

 

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BRM Completes Over 800 Plot Sales In 12 Months Exceeding £100 Million

Strengthening its position as one of the strongest property firms in our region, BRM Solicitors plot sales team had an incredible close to July having completed over 800 plot sales in the previous 12 months.

The BRM Solicitors plot sales team was specifically recruited in June 2019, in advance of large-scale instructions from several regional developers, based on staffing for success and business modelling to ensure that client needs were met from the outset and not in reaction, as is often the case. This has continued as developers have increased instructions.

In total, 846 homes were sold during the period, an increase of 38% compared to the previous year, with the average selling price increasing to £156,000.

This culminated in an incredible close to 30th June, with the team completing over 127 property completions in one day.

Sales across the regions on that day saw the department complete on properties as far away as Cumbria, average values of around £153,000, total value exceeding £19 Million, with the final completion taking place at 11.30 pm.

Having already had a busy first half of 2022, the team, headed by BRM Director Stuart Taphouse, is predicting more of the same.

BRM Head of Real Estate Adrian Sheehan said: “The success comes on the back of the hard work and organisation of the plot sales team and we are looking forward to more completions in the coming months. The figures speak for themselves, but the positive feedback from our clients is particularly gratifying.”

The property team at BRM advises on all aspects of property management and transactions, including portfolio management, finance, and development with specialisms in hospitality, retail and shopping centres, and commercial and residential developments.

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

BRM Solicitors Adrian Sheehan Chesterfield Champion

Adrian Sheehan, Head of Real Estate, BRM Solicitors

 

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Chesterfield Community provides diamond anniversary to remember for local couple

A Chesterfield Care Home and the wider community came together recently, in order to provide a diamond anniversary to remember for  local couple.

Valerie and Harry Holloway celebrated their 60th anniversary on 11 August 2022, with help from Crown Care Group’s Belvedere House Care Home, local councillors and residents.

The idea to treat the coupe to a big celebration came about a few days before the anniversary, when County Councillor Lisa Blakemore introduced Valerie to Belvedere House and County Councillor Jenny Flood took the initiative to accompany her to a pamper day.

This was a significant change as Valerie had not left the house to socialise or participate in activities for quite some time.

With so much collective support and care, the team at Belvedere House worked meticulously over several days to make sure that the Holloway family would have a wonderful time. A special meal accompanied by champagne, flowers, and a beautiful anniversary card marked the celebration and warmly complimented the day.

Claire Adsetts, Customer Relations Manager at Crown Care Group said: “We are so humbled and overjoyed to be able to play a part in such a significant event, to share responsibility within our community. We would like to thank our county councillors for their great work and trust in us.”

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Belvedere House Home Manager, said: “our ethos is to raise awareness about good practice in Care and set an example by providing the best service to the elderly in our care home. In turn, we are rewarded by the satisfaction and pride expressed by our residents. We achieve this by continuously collaborating with the fantastic Chesterfield community on projects that can make a difference.”

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

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Big jump in number of East Midlands businesses selling green products, new research shows

The proportion of East Midlands businesses now selling green goods and services has almost trebled over the past seven years, according to new research by East Midlands Chamber and Derby Business School at the University of Derby.

In 2015, 16% of companies in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire derived turnover from supplying environmentally-friendly goods – such as energy efficiency, waste recovery and eco-food and drink products – but this increased to 45% in 2022 as more firms identified opportunities in the UK’s race to net zero.

However, the Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2022 study, a unique piece of research of the regional growth trends over the past seven years, found that 35% of businesses still aren’t engaged with green growth – with reasons cited including gaps in information, skills and access to finance.

The Chamber launched a Sustainable East Midlands initiative in 2020 that aims to educate firms about the importance of embracing low-carbon business practices in order to cut costs, win new contracts, and recruit and retain the best talent – while also signposting to funding opportunities.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “The net zero agenda presents a big challenge to businesses but there is also a raft of opportunities for those eager to tackle it head-on by creating the products and services that will help steer the energy transition.

“Amid the current cost of doing business crisis, a move towards sustainable products and services could unlock the long-term efficiency gains that offset rising prices while creating a sustainable East Midlands economy.

“While it’s great to see more engagement among SMEs, there remains a significant gap between large and small firms, and it’s slightly concerning to see the number of organisations accessing business support has dropped in recent times.

“We need our decision-makers to develop policy mechanisms that are better aligned with regional business interests and specific sector needs in order to intensify engagement, while companies also need financial support to reskill and upskill our existing workforce. This will enable us to continue with the great progress we’ve already made in this generation’s most important issue.”

Other key findings from the research, which was based on responses from 372 organisations in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottingham to the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey in February 2022, included:

• There is a rising trend of diversification into green markets, with a four-fold increase (7.5% to 28.5%) in businesses reporting that between 1% and 19% of their turnover derives from green goods and services between 2015 and 2022
• The proportion of businesses considering green growth as part of their business strategies has more than doubled over the past four years from 9.7% in 2018 to 21.5% in 2022
• More than 80% of large businesses are actively pursuing green growth opportunities, compared with 61% of medium, 56% of small and 36% of micro-sized companies
• Only 17% of firms surveyed said the current policy landscape allows them to fully engage with green growth
• A third (33%) did not feel well-informed about the support available for green growth, although this was a drop from 42% in 2021
• The largest demands for skills development are in the areas of energy and resource efficiency, renewables and access to green finance

Report lead Dr Polina Baranova, a senior lecturer in strategic management, said: “It’s been positive to see such a positive trajectory in the proportion of firms entering the green goods and services markets, with SMEs becoming more active in green growth.

“Regionally, as the opportunities for green growth are becoming more pronounced, there is a need for a holistic approach to supporting pro-environmental businesses.”

Dr Fred Paterson, university lead for sustainable business and clean growth, added: “This growth is particularly encouraging in the context of the post-Covid economic recovery as it suggests there has been something of a ‘reset’ in how leaders are developing strategies to grow their business.”

Dr Baranova will discuss findings from the research at East Midlands Chamber’s Sustainability Summit on Thursday 22 September at the University of Derby Enterprise Centre. Find out more about the event here. 

 

 

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