Made in Chesterfield

Workpays’ Big Assembly 2023 event set to inspire the next generation

A major skills event hosted by Chesterfield training provider, Workpays, is returning to Derbyshire on National Apprenticeship Week 2023.

The Big Assembly is an award-winning, annual broadcast that provides apprenticeship advice to schools, parents, students, and employers. Last year’s broadcast was watched live and on demand by 100,000 people.

Today, Workpays is proud to announce The Big Assembly will be broadcast live at the National Stone Centre, a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Tens of thousands of people have signed up already and, if you haven’t yet, you can too at www.bigassembly.org.

Alex Glasner, MD, Workpays, said: “The aim of the Big Assembly is simple: inspire the next generation of apprentices. For many school leavers, the broadcast is a starting point to discover what their next steps are after graduation – whether it be employment or further education. The Big Assembly is the jewel in the crown of National Apprenticeship Week.

“With more and more people tuning in each year, we are excited to partner with the stunning National Stone Centre in Derbyshire, which supports many different types of apprenticeships.

“This year’s Big Assembly will be the BIGGEST one ever.”

Sarah Fry, Head of Membership and Marketing, Institute of Quarrying said: “The National Stone Centre is the home of the Institute of Quarrying, a membership organisation which serves the on-going training and development needs of the skilled workforces of the mineral products industry. We are delighted to be hosting the Big Assembly.”

Emily Noble, Future Careers Manager, Minerals Matter said: “Minerals Matter is working across the mineral products sector and with educators to demonstrate the sustainable and diverse, exciting career opportunities that exist for young people. Having the Big Assembly at the National Stone Centre, in partnership with the D2N2 Careers Hub, enables us to further showcase this great sector and how young people can shape their world within it.”

The 2023 Big Assembly is being broadcast live from the National Stone Centre near Matlock, Derbyshire, on the 7th February at 11:10 am.

This year’s live event will include careers advice from companies big and small and from people who work in lots of different sectors, including media, construction, cars, finance, and our panel has some well-known names.

The 2023 Big Assembly is free and can be watched online. Simply sign up in advance: www.BigAssembly.org

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

The Big Assembly

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2023 Made in Chesterfield festival inspires girls to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing

Girls have been inspired to consider a career in engineering and manufacturing thanks to this year’s Made in Chesterfield festival, co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP).

Maddy, a Year 9 pupil from Whittington Green School who visited performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic in Wingerworth, said: “I would definitely consider a future career in STEM. There’s a stigma about STEM being just for boys but actually more women should give it a go; they can do it. It’s not just for boys.”

Maddy was one of more than 150 male and female students from secondary schools throughout Chesterfield that took part in workplace visits to companies operating in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector during the four-week festival.

The visits, which were organised by Direct Education Business Partnership, were designed to introduce secondary school students to the varied STEM careers available in the local economy.

Sonya Martin, Out of School Tuition Tutor at Whittington Green Secondary School, praised the campaign, saying: “We’ve had quite a few female students say they didn’t realise engineering was open to them and that, actually, the work would be a lot of fun. Having the chance to bring them around different workplaces, especially Scooby Clinic, has been really good for them because we very rarely get to know what goes on in our local environment.”

Scooby Clinic was one of a number of businesses that welcomed students into the workplace during the festival. MSE Hiller, Weightron Bilanciai, United Cast Bar, Superior Wellness, Atlantic Pumps, Robinson PLC and Aztec Oils also opened their doors to students.

Aztec Oils, which is based in Bolsover and is one of the UK’s leading specialists in high-performance lubricant manufacture and distribution, welcomed students from Springwell Community College.

Scooby Clinic Made in Chesterfield

During the visit Year 9 pupil Lara commented; “Being here today has made me reconsider my GCSE options. It’s shown me that STEM is more than science and there are lots of jobs and so many opportunities out there.”

Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group, explained: “It is so positive to see the impact of raising aspirations in STEM subjects with girls across the region thanks to initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. This is the latest in a long line of positive actions to breakdown any perceived barriers for young women who enter a career in STEM. Year on year we are delighted to see more and more young, driven women studying programmes and apprenticeships at Chesterfield College in STEM industries. These students consistently inform us that when talking to school age girls about getting into a STEM related career they should ‘just go for it!’ Whilst they admitted they felt daunted when first entering the industry, that apprehension quickly subsided when they realised how supported and valued they were by their classmates or work colleagues.”

According to a report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, only 27% of the UK’s STEM workforce is female compared to 52% of the wider workforce.

Made in Chesterfield, which is sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, is now in its eighth year. The annual festival is playing a key role in addressing the technical skills shortage amongst local businesses.

Research by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills found that 43 per cent of national STEM vacancies are hard to fill due to a shortage of skilled and experienced applicants.

Ivan Fomin Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough said: “I am delighted at the impact the Made in Chesterfield festival has made with students, schools and businesses this year. Seeing so many mixed groups of students undertaking visits to STEM workplaces in Chesterfield is incredibly encouraging. Ensuring that our workplaces are diverse is critical to tackling skills shortages in the sector both locally and nationally.”

Clare Talati, Chief Executive of DEBP added: “DEBP are delighted to work in partnership on the initiative; at a time with increased pressures for schools and employers, the feedback demonstrates just how important workplace visits are in enabling young people to understand more about the amazing opportunities available locally.”

Since its 2014 launch, Made in Chesterfield has introduced over 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available operating in the STEM sector within local businesses.

Whittington Green Made in Chesterfield Scooby Clinic Visit

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Optimism over ‘green shoots of recovery’ in 2023, says East Midlands Chamber study

The East Midlands economy has suffered a series of knocks throughout the year, with cost pressures hitting businesses hard – but there are hopes for a more optimistic outlook in 2023.

This is the verdict of East Midlands Chamber after its latest research, which showed a decline in customer demand for products and services, investment intentions and recruitment prospects – yet a slight upturn in business confidence for the year ahead.

As part of its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business and gauges the health of the region’s economy, the Chamber produces a State of the Economy Index to provide an “at a glance” picture showing the direction of travel for the local economy based on aggregated indicators.

It has trended downwards every quarter since the start of the year to reach its lowest level since the end of 2020 – a period of local Covid-19 restrictions and the beginning of a second national lockdown – but underlying data in the Q4 2022 survey offers room for optimism.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “2022 has been a difficult year economically, with a series of events negatively impacting activity and sentiment – some out of our control and others self-inflicted.

“Domestic demand and international activity has softened slightly as the year has gone on, with cashflow deteriorating and investment intentions down.

“Recruitment difficulties have been the perennial issue, with this final set of data suggesting a drop-off in businesses seeking to grow their workforce.

“However, within that data lies a multitude of experiences, not all negative, and some signs for positivity as we enter 2023.

“Although business confidence – which affects tangible decisions like investment – has dropped significantly from where it was at the start of the year amid the war in Ukraine, political stability and policy flip-flops, there has been a small rise in optimism over profitability and turnover prospects during the final quarter of the year due to a more consistent approach to policy.

“While the gradual slowdown in demand has created capacity within the economy – opening the pressure valve on prices that has been one of the inflationary drivers – there are also signs that other drivers of inflation are starting to soften.”

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2022 for the East Midlands*, which was conducted between 7 November and 1 December 2022, included:

  • UK sales stagnated between the third and fourth quarters of the year, with UK advanced orders down by 9%
  • Overseas sales were up by 5% quarter on quarter but advanced orders decreased by 2%
  • The proportion of businesses that added to their headcount in the past three months fell by 8% compared to the previous quarter, while there was a similar decline in firms expecting to recruit new staff in the next three months
  • A net 57% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for energy, interest rates, people, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 62% and 58% in the previous two quarters
  • A net 17% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, marking a 3% rise in the proportion of companies affected
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions continue to trend downwards – falling by 6% quarter-on-quarter for plant and machinery, and 8% for training
  • After nosediving in recent months, business confidence in the prospects of profitability improvements rose 10% compared to the previous quarter, although optimism over improved turnover was down by 1%.

Chris added: “To turn these green shoots into real economic growth in 2023, it is essential that policymakers work with businesses to support them in their growth aspirations.

“Our Business Manifesto for Growth, launched at Westminster in November, provides a blueprint for this.

“While there is no one silver bullet, an immediate action Government could take is to better incentivise business investment in equipment and training, reducing inflationary pressures by both creating further capacity and softening the impact of high staff costs.

“Policy and geopolitical events aside, the biggest thing businesses will be hoping for in 2023 is a bit of calmness and consistency from those taking decisions on the direction of the UK economy – along with meaningful engagement with those businesses that will ultimately deliver the growth to ensure any recession is not just shallow, but short.”

The results will be discussed at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Review on Friday (16 December), held in partnership with the University of Leicester, Geldards and emh group at Memorial House, in Coalville.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said there was support available for businesses affected by the economic climate.

He added: “We are proud of our long heritage providing research-informed knowledge exchange to businesses in the East Midlands and beyond through degrees, management development courses such as Help to Grow: Management, business support services, internships, placements, consultancy, knowledge transfer partnerships and contract research.

“Our academics thrive on solving business problems with world-changing research and innovative solutions providing real-world impact.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q4 2022, click here.

East Midlands Chamber 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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NIBE officially opens newly refurbished Chesterfield training academy

A newly refurbished training centre for heat pump installers has opened its doors in Chesterfield.

The grand reopening of NIBE Energy Systems Ltd’s flagship Heat Pump Training Academy in Chesterfield took place on Friday December 9th, after the closure of the site for refurbishment.

NIBE’s UK employees along with Phil Hurley, UK Managing Director, and Stefan Nordenfors, Sales Director EMEA, were joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield Tony Rogers and his wife Mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling of the newly refurbished centre.

NIBE’s state of the art technology and innovative products were showcased at the event – including the award-winning S2125 Air Source Heat Pump, which uses a natural refrigerant for a low environmental impact. Visitors also viewed NIBE’s ground-breaking and award-winning PV-T panel, which transform ground source heat pumps into multi source heat pumps as well as other low carbon home heating products and controls.

The reopening event provided a chance to gain insight into the low-carbon training opportunities available with NIBE as the industry gears up for the growing demand for heat pump systems across the country. The much-needed improvements will further help installers deliver the government’s net zero targets. To meet these targets, the UK will need over 50,000 installers by 2030 delivering 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.

The Chesterfield Training Academy is vital for supporting the heat pump installer base, providing comprehensive installation and commissioning and service and maintenance courses, alongside the industry leading NIBE Pro training. This RQF Level 3 Award in Heat Pump Technology provides training and requirements for MCS, is recognised by NAPIT and is LCL Awards approved. The Ofqual regulated course forms part of the support provided on the NIBE Pro installer partnership scheme.

Partnerships between NIBE, colleges and other training centres have also been formed to boost access to training across the country for installers. These centres, alongside the Chesterfield site, are at the forefront of levelling up installers to possess the in-demand skills needed to install heat pumps into new and existing homes in the coming years.

Phil Hurley, Managing Director, at NIBE Energy Systems, said: “We’re really excited to reopen this flagship NIBE Training Academy and were delighted to welcome attendees on Friday. We’ve been working hard to ensure the facility gives the best possible learning for installers so they can effectively and confidently install heat pumps right here in Chesterfield and across the UK.

“At NIBE we’ve started to address the gaps in industry training for heat pumps, through courses such as our MCS & NAPIT recognised NIBE Pro installer training. All our courses have a hands-on learning approach, facilitated by our new Academy’s working displays. We are looking forward to working with new and existing installers throughout their heat pump journey.”

NIBE 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 CBE+ invests £2m in Europe’s first robotic automated Electroless Nickel Plating line

Engineering supply chain provider CBE+ is installing the first 6+1 robotic Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP) line in the UK and Europe at its 70,000sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Representing a £2 million investment, the automated plating line will allow the company to undertake a range of innovative projects at its Chesterfield base, including the processing of small, precision-engineered components in high volumes and the ability to deliver high-quality parts at a consistently high standard.

The automated line from Sidasa Engineering will also facilitate a highly repeatable surface treatment process, reducing the time taken to complete and send large orders to customers and significantly increasing CBE+’s Electroless Nickel production capacity.

Chief Executive Officer, Marie Cooper, said, “This is a significant investment for CBE+ and one that will bring many benefits to the business and our customers. The new plating line reduces the scope for human error by automating dosing control and deposition monitoring and measuring. This results in a consistently high-quality finish on the products we process.

“Automating these tasks means we can redeploy skilled employees to projects that require higher levels of expertise. As well as freeing up time from the plating line, we are also automating parts of the jigging process in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). This will enable the team to use their skills and expertise on projects that will interest and challenge them, as well as helping to drive the business forward.”

This investment continues CBE+’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, the new nickel-plating line will be linked with the newly commissioned effluent water treatment plant and combined heat and power (CHP) system. The CHP system captures heat generated as a by-product of electrical power generation which is then used to provide heat energy for the surface treatment processes. The effluent plant filters and neutralises all waste chemistry on-site and allows for environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

Mark Lawson, Managing Director said, “The Effluent and CHP investments are both critical steps made to Ensure CBE+ are reducing our Environmental footprint.”

The new ENP line will be delivered in December. The line will be commissioned from February and fully operational in March 2023.

CBE+ 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 manufacturer works with chocolatier to produce festive range for John Lewis

Robinson, a Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has teamed up with Holdsworth Chocolates to create a Christmas confectionery range for John Lewis.

The bespoke festive range includes a selection of 100% recyclable rigid boxes, sleeves and treat bags printed in a six-colour design and foil blocked on gold.

Robinson produced the 200g and 400g box and lid on a recently acquired rigid box line. The new equipment – SATE machinery – is based at the site in Chesterfield and offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

Jon Walker, New Business Development Manager at Robinson said: “Producing high quality, creative, engaging packaging for brands and retailers at an affordable price is key. Being an independent company means that we can be flexible to the needs of Holdsworth. We turned around production from design to delivery in just 3-4 weeks.”

David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates said: “Whenever we produce packaging, including for special celebrations such as Christmas, we aim to make sure all the materials we use are sustainable and can be recycled.

“Sustainable packaging is a collective goal for both Robinson and Holdsworth. Our brand was developed on a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, using the finest of everything, that’s why it is so important that we invest in high quality sustainable packaging that reflects our values too.

“The packaging has been printed using six colours and is completed with foil blocking; the perfect finishing touch to add a stunning and luxurious feel to the design. As the Christmas packaging was only needed in limited quantity, Robinson provided a small bespoke run for Holdsworth’s needs, making them the perfect packaging partner.

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson 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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Training provider appointed for Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed as the training provider for the new Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The innovative Construction Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce that the college and university will be working together to support this project. As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, ensuring that everyone in Staveley can start, stay, and grow in the town.

“I look forward to working with them and our partners the Devonshire Group to progress the development of the Hub and start welcoming learners in Autumn 2023.”

A site has already been identified for the Construction Skills Hub in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which will be bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. This will allow trainees to develop their skills on a live housing site, and in time there will also be opportunities to gain experience on other Staveley Town Deal construction projects.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director for Devonshire Group, said: “When I first saw the concept of a Construction Skills Hub and was asked if we could help deliver one for Chesterfield, my resounding response was yes, and I know just where.

“Devonshire Group are deeply committed to offering opportunities for learning and skills development, and to making a real difference to the lives and employment prospects of those in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to assist the Council in providing a home for the Skills Hub. Supporting the next generation of people who will help create our built environment is something to be truly proud of.”

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

Gavin Varley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction at The Chesterfield College Group, explains: “We make a commitment to our students to not only provide them with the skills and qualifications they need, they are just the start, but with the work experience and industry knowledge that gives them the clarity of how and where to progress their career for years to come. We’re delighted to be a partner of this project as it comprehensively addresses this wider student experience, we commit to providing for all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the training provider, alongside Chesterfield College, for the new Construction Skills Hub, which will provide real-world learning opportunities to thousands of people looking to embark on a career in the construction industry or develop their skills so they can progress onto new roles.

“The Hub will enhance the existing construction training offer by providing the opportunity for local learners to develop their skills in a live on-site centre. Our ambition is for this to be ground-breaking, delivering a model that builds on the innovative approach of other such centres, and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Chesterfield College as well as working with prominent private sector companies on this exciting project.

“As a Civic University, we are committed to supporting the city and county’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, improving the life chances of people, developing a pipeline of talent that choose to live and work in the area, and addressing the skills gap through our involvement in initiatives such as the Construction Skills Hub.”

Working on a live construction site will not only allow learners to develop the skills they need, but it will also provide practical experience and help provide a link to construction companies where they could find permanent roles.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2 million of investment through the Town Deal with the aim to create a town where everyone can start, stay and grow. This investment will support eleven different projects across the town and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future by improving transport links, creating new housing, providing skills for local people, enhancing community facilities, and regenerating the town centre.

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

property and construction

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East Midlands Chamber launches Business Manifesto for Growth to develop region as a ‘Centre of Trading Excellence’

“Back the East Midlands to back the UK” is the opportunity being put to politicians today (Thursday 24 November) by East Midlands Chamber as it launches a blueprint for economic growth in this region and beyond.

Delegates from the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, along with local businesses and MPs, visited Parliament to unveil the 12-page document, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond.

It includes “The Big Opportunity” to further develop the East Midlands as a “Centre of Trading Excellence”, which reflects the region’s key assets in its industrial heritage, leading-edge universities, central location, and the country’s largest pure freight airport.

The Chamber, which represents more than 4,000 businesses, also calls on policymakers to “get the basics right” by outlining what businesses need now to succeed and take advantage of emerging opportunities via a series of key policy asks, covering people, taxation and regulation, and connectivity.

It then urges Government to “grow our competitiveness the right way” by doubling down efforts on net zero and the wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We’ve long spoken about our region being a place that’s great for making things, moving things and innovating in how we do this.

“These strengths really came to the fore during the pandemic and shone a spotlight on our region being a Centre of Trading Excellence, which is about businesses wanting to trade more, trade differently, trade with new partners, and trade in a way that is cleaner and more effective.

“The former Bank of England governor Mark Carney once remarked on how the East Midlands is a bellwether of the UK’s economic health, as we proportionately have more manufacturing businesses and jobs than other regions but we’re not overly reliant on any single sector.

“In many ways, we are a microcosm of the national economy outside London, so our message to Government is if you want a blueprint for what a successful economy looks like, then the key components exist in the East Midlands.

“Creating a policy environment that helps businesses here to succeed can be replicated elsewhere, which ultimately spurs more trade that boosts the national economy, creates more jobs and improves people’s life outcomes. This is why we call on the Government to back the East Midlands to back the UK.”

By responding to a string of policy asks, the Chamber says Government can “establish a formula that will help to deliver on key goals to level up, reboot the economy and boost post-Brexit growth in global trade”. The manifesto covers three key pillars:

  1. The Big Opportunity: Develop the East Midlands as a Centre of Trading Excellence by focusing on the ‘four Is’:
    1. Incentivise longer-term private sector investment at more generous levels
    2. Support greater levels of innovation through enhanced R&D packages and easier links into universities
    3. Improve infrastructure by raising the current level of public investment in the region to parity with the national average
    4. Cut red tape and reduce barriers to international trade, increasing incentives for those looking to grow their international presence or enter new markets for the first time
  2. Getting the basics right: Provide the levers to drive growth via the cultivation of a wider business ecosystem geared around supporting success, which should:
    1. Focus on incentives to invest in people
    2. Support certainty for businesses by developing a long-term approach to business taxation and regulation
    3. Ensure businesses and communities are digitally and physically connected locally and with the wider world
  3. Growing our competitiveness the right way: Now is not the time to go back on the commitments we have made as a country to sustainability and the net zero agenda. The Chamber, whose research shows ESG is rising up the agenda for businesses, says long-term planning allows businesses to grow sustainably and create opportunities for the UK to be world leaders in the products and processes that will drive global growth for decades to come.

A previous Business Manifesto for Growth published by East Midlands Chamber in 2018, titled Delivering A Great Future, called for a dedicated delivery vehicle to create a zone of ultra-high growth in logistics and advanced manufacturing hinged around East Midlands Airport and a linked free trade zone.

This set the wheels in motion for what would eventually lead to the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Development Company being established.

A Centre of Trading Excellence aims to maximise the impact of these initiatives while reinforcing the typical barriers to doing business and reiterating the importance of Britain fully committing to net zero.

After its launch at a special Westminster event – which featured speeches from Nottingham North MP Alex Norris and Broxtowe MP Darren Henry – the document will be used by the Chamber in policy discussions with MPs and Government officials to illustrate priorities of the region and its businesses.

The manifesto has received support from key businesses. East Midlands Airport’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “East Midlands Airport is an engine of growth in its own right. Its role as an international gateway gives businesses in this region a competitive advantage when trading globally. As such, EMA has been the catalyst for much investment across the region in recent years.

“I’m delighted the Chamber is building on the gains already made and will help make the case to Government for increased recognition of the importance of our region and everything we have to offer the UK economy.”

David Williams chairman at East Midlands-based law firm Geldards, added: “The East Midlands region is renowned as an outstanding growth hub both for start-up businesses and established firms alike.

“As well as benefiting from transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the innovative development programme of regenerating brownfield sites is transforming our cities and wider region into a world-class arena to conduct business. It’s time for MPs to take note and recognise we are a region to be reckoned with.”

To read A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto

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

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

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Apprenticeship Careers Made In Chesterfield

Almost every object that we use has been manufactured, engineered, or constructed in some way. Chesterfield is home to several companies, both large and small, which manufacture products right here in our town.

When you think about manufacturing, engineering, or construction you instantly think of engineers, machines, and process lines. However, there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes to ensure the business and products are successful.

Learn from current Chesterfield apprentices about the diverse range of jobs available within the sectors.

Engineering

Engineering is an important process of a manufacturing business; it involves science and maths to convert raw materials into a finished product, whilst emphasising cost-efficiency and maximum productivity.

Jakub Kuchta is a Level 4 Engineering and Manufacturing apprentice at Penny Hydraulics Ltd, a local business specialising in manufacturing lifting equipment.

Jakub Kuchta

He explained: “I decided to pursue an apprenticeship in engineering as I was fascinated with how parts are made and how they transition from a piece of material to a finished product. I also like thinking on my feet and problem solving which I face daily due to the nature of the job.

I have benefited from the apprenticeship programme as it has taught me the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to perform the job to a high standard and how to carry those over into a professional environment. I would recommend the apprenticeship programme due to its balance of practical and theoretical work, which helps students transition from school into a professional working environment.”

Business Administration

Business administration involves managing an organisation’s resources, time, and people. It is an important aspect of a manufacturing business, to ensure everything runs effectively, efficiently, and profitably.

Meet Kiera Robinson, Business Administrator at Railview Ltd. Based at Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Railview Ltd specialise in visualising subterranean and subsurface assets for the railways, construction, and utility industries.

Kiera Robinson apprentice town

Kiera was already working in the engineering sector as an Administrative Assistant when she discovered the apprenticeship route would help her to upskill and progress her career.

She said: “I didn’t know that apprenticeships were suitable for myself, aged 31, already been to college and university, and I have a family of my own. I decided to have a change of career, and I discovered that apprenticeships were not only for school leavers under the age of 18, but it was suitable for me too. It was the perfect way for me to progress, earn money, support my family, and gain a qualification that would help me in the future.”

Having now completed her Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, Kiera has been promoted to Business Administrator and has started the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) course through the University of Derby.

Learn more about Kiera’s journey as an apprentice here…

Marketing  

Marketing plays a key role in any business, especially those in manufacturing and engineering, which deliver a product to customers. Having an online presence, whether it be via a website or social media, is crucial for winning, satisfying, and retaining customers.

Karis Green is the Marketing Coordinator at Penny Hydraulics. She is currently working towards her Level 4 Marketing Executive apprenticeship through skills provider, DBC Training.

Karis Green 873x466

Karis said: “I decided to do this apprenticeship due to wanting to progress further within my Marketing journey. Having a Level 3 qualification already, the next natural step was to progress to Level 4. Due to this being an ever-growing industry, it was important for me to be able to gain increased knowledge and skillsets to be able to perform to my best within the role.

Personally speaking, choosing an apprenticeship to get into this sector made perfect sense. There’s the automatic benefit of avoiding costly university fees, as well as learning whilst earning on the job. I believe practical experience is necessary whilst learning, which is what an apprenticeship offers.”

Property and Construction

Property and construction is one of the fastest growing sectors in Chesterfield with 2,750 individuals currently employed locally. This number is only expected to increase with the many active housing and development sites in Chesterfield.

William Davis Homes are responsible for building the Skylarks development at Dunston. Construction apprentices, bricklayer Kieran Moulds and joiners Joshua Ford and Dominic Heardman, were recognised earlier this year by MP, Toby Perkins for their work. 

The trio completed their apprenticeships with the house builder at the development in Dunston. All three live in Chesterfield, attended Chesterfield College, and have continued to work at Skylarks in their chosen trades.

Read more on this story here…

Have you been inspired by the apprentices mentioned above? You can search for the latest apprenticeship vacancies in and around Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/

Made in Chesterfield is a celebration of the manufacturing, engineering, science, technology, property, and construction industries and careers in the town. The campaign looks to inspire the next generation to the industry, with businesses, schools, and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Made in Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield returns to connect manufacturing and engineering businesses with next generation of employees

The annual Made in Chesterfield festival, which aims to get more local young people interested in careers in businesses operating in the town’s engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses has returned for the eighth consecutive year.

Co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, the 2022 Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at Chesterfield College.

Speaking at the event, Reece Berry (20), Software Engineer Apprentice at Weightron Bilanciai and a former pupil of St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “Young people need to be aware of apprenticeship opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing sector. They offer brilliant careers for young people.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real, live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

“Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with the training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.”

During the four-week festival, which runs until Friday 2 December, young people from Chesterfield’s secondary schools will be introduced to the varied science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers available in local businesses through a number of workplace visits and events.

Performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic, engineering business MSE Hiller and manufacturer United Cast Bar are amongst a number of businesses who are inviting young people to their workplaces during the campaign.

The annual festival is playing a key role in helping address the technical skills shortage amongst businesses locally. According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43 per cent of STEM vacancies nationally are hard to fill, mainly because of a shortage of applicants with the required skills and experience.

Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has introduced more than 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available within local businesses operating in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on being part of the annual initiative: “It’s fantastic for us to be able to showcase our industry and business to young people and encourage them to consider a career path that may not have been on their mind beforehand. We have been involved with Made in Chesterfield since the campaign began and it has helped us attract young people into the business in both apprenticeship roles and work experience placements.

“Each year, Made in Chesterfield makes a real difference to local businesses, education providers and young people. I am delighted to see it return once again.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group explains, “It’s vitally important we continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. We are proud to play our part in the growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally. The increasing development of STEM in Chesterfield is something we have mirrored in our curriculum with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Partnering with initiatives such as Made in Chesterfield and working with local employers and schools, our core focus is to provide a clear, aspirational pathway for the next generation of local workforce be that through full time study, apprenticeships, T-Levels or higher education. Our mission of inspiring futures and changing lives is brought into clear focus through working with Made in Chesterfield and we are delighted to once again host this year’s launch event.”

Made in Chesterfield is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and with support from Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

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

“Having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area”

Destination Chesterfield Chair Peter Swallow has penned his views on the success of the recent Love Chesterfield Awards and looks ahead to the innovative MADE in Chesterfield campaign, which helps engage young people with manufacturing, engineering, property and construction businesses. 

As chair of Destination Chesterfield, I was honoured to attend of the Love Chesterfield Awards recently. As I looked around the packed room at the Winding Wheel, I felt very proud to be part of the town.

I saw passion, enthusiasm and dedication from the owners, employees, family and friends of the 34 businesses represented there on the night. All the businesses were independently owned and many of them operate on the high street. Through these businesses and the investment being made in the town, I am confident we are creating a town centre that will meet the needs of not only shoppers and visitors but the businesses that are based there.

The town centre of the future is one that delivers an experience, a product or service that you can’t get online or from an out-of-town retail park or shopping centre. Independents are critical to this vision. It is not only their products and services that people visit them for, but also their warm welcome, knowledge and customer service.

The town has a long and proud tradition of independent businesses that starts with our market – described by Cllr Kate Sarvent at the awards as ‘the beating heart of Chesterfield’. It may have its origins in the 13th century, but the market is as important to our future as it is to our past, proven by Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious plans to develop the spaces within the market.

Internet shopping has been a large factor in this as have our increasingly busy lives. However, Chesterfield has all the raw ingredients to create a thriving town centre of the future – a multi-functional social centre. They are about enjoyment, creativity, learning, socialising, culture, health and wellbeing and democratic engagement – a ‘21st century agora’ where people engage in the life of their locality. Independent businesses are key to this, as are event spaces and town centre living.

Through annual campaigns like Love Chesterfield and the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector celebration – Made in Chesterfield, which takes place this month, we aim not only to celebrate the sectors but also raise awareness of the plethora of careers and opportunity available in them to young people. They are the future skilled workers of these sectors and key to the businesses already here thriving but, having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area. Likewise, we must also ensure we create the environment that young people want to live and grow their career. Investment is happening throughout the borough to ensure this.

£26million alone is being spent enhancing the town centre. Work has begun on improvements to the Market Place, New Square, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square and Burlington Street.

Together with the major refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall on Corporation Street and the reimaging of the market and market squares we will have a town centre that delivers on every level and, importantly, for everybody. Young people in particular I hope, will see a future for themselves on the high street as both shoppers, visitors and entrepreneurs.

The £26million project is aptly named Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’. Looking around the room at the Love Chesterfield Awards – seeing both the winners and finalists, I can say with confidence that Chesterfield’s town centre has a very strong heartbeat already.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,