Made in Chesterfield

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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

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

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

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 , , , , ,

Chesterfield firms support major regional skills event

Several Chesterfield Businesses are supporting a major event, which is aimed at inspiring the next generation to consider the fascinating range of careers in STEAM subjects.

Organisers of North Star Science School, The Work-wise Foundation, has over 650 pupils aged 12-14 years, registered for the event, which is now in its third year and is supported by Professor Brian Cox who will open the event virtually and give an inspiring talk about the wonders of the universe.

The event is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Brian Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, with the aim of making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering. It is presented in partnership with Well North Enterprises, a social enterprise business led by Lord Mawson.

The event in November is free to attend and open to Year 8 and 9 pupils from schools across the region.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation explains: “We have had a fantastic response from South Yorkshire schools and businesses to the North Star Science event. We are now really excited about bringing science technology engineering, arts and maths to life for young people, who are set to have an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience!”

The North Star student experience includes ‘hands-on’ interactive workshops which explore the different STEAM sectors in detail and the opportunity to meet employers and inspiring role models from science and industry.

The event will see a broad range of speakers from a variety of organisations and businesses presenting to young people on exciting innovations and within their industry, the opportunities available and their own career stories. From apprentices through to company directors, the audience will be given a real insight into the world of work and the opportunities the region has to offer. These include:

– Professor Brian Cox CBE, Professor of Particular Physics at the University of Manchester

– Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, Executive Chair at Well North Enterprises

– Alex Gardner, Managing Director at Smile Business Support

-Peter Droegmoeller, Director of Innovation at AMETEK Land

-Ava Jones. Head of Marketing at AESSeal PLC

-Maisie Caudwell, Machinist Apprentice at AESSeal PLC

-Charlie-Amber Tattersall, Foundry Patternmaker at Weir Minerals

-Rosie McQuillan, Machinist at Weir Minerals

-Marie Cooper, Chief Executive Officer at CBE+

-Katie Andrews, Marketing Executive at CBE+

-Dr Simon Goodwill, Head of Sports Engineering at Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre

-Daisy Mulingani, Assistant Geologist at Ibstock PLC

-Emilia Wright, Process Improvement Engineering Apprentice at Ibstock PLC

-Isabella Walsh, Manufacturing Management Trainee at Ibstock PLC

Some of the businesses have also been working with local schools over recent months to co-create and deliver some of the workshops on the day:

– AESSeal working in partnership with Wickersley School & Sports College

–Barratt Developments PLC working in partnership with Brinsworth Academy

–CBE+ working in partnership with Newfield Secondary School

–Forged Solutions Group working in partnership with Don Valley Oasis Academy

–Ibstock PLC working in partnership with Wales High School

–UK Atomic Energy Authority working in partnership with Sheffield Park Academy

For the first time, the event will see an exciting celebratory evening event taking place which encourages businesses, educators, parents/guardians and some of those students participating to come together to celebrate the achievements of the North Star programme and help join the dots to better support young people.

Professor Brian Cox CBE, Britain’s leading physicist and science communicator and Co-Founder of Science Summer School, says: “My congratulations to North Star Science School for this third annual STEAM celebration. I am delighted students from across South Yorkshire will come together and discover that developing their interest in science can also help them to achieve an exciting career and fulfilling life. My thanks to their teachers too for all their hard work in support of this aim. We need scientists and engineers more than ever in these challenging times to help make a brighter future for everyone”.

Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, co-founder of Science Summer School says: “Professor Cox and I started this project in an east London secondary school in 2012 and it is now running in various locations around the country including here in South Yorkshire very successfully. We all know that knowledge is power but how best to utilise that power? Our practical aim is to help connect the career pipeline between young people and the myriad of training and work opportunities across education, health and business available within local communities. We believe this is the best way to create an enthusiastic workforce equipped with the right skills to help drive the UK forward which, in turn, makes this a better place for all to live”.

North Star 2022 is made possible through support and funding provided by local businesses and authorities. This year’s sponsors include: AESSeal, Ametek Land, AMRC, Barratt Developments PLC, CBE+, Forged Solutions Group, Gulliver’s Valley, Harworth Group, Ibstock Plc, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, UK Atomic Energy Authority, United Cast Bar (in collaboration with Cast Metals Federation).

For more details about the event visit https://northstarscienceschool.co.uk/events/north-star-2022/

The Work-Wise Foundation, CBE+, Harworth Group and United Cast Bar support 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 Royal Hospital wins major regional award for work with apprentices

The hard work and dedication of apprentices from the East Midlands, their employers and mentors have been celebrated at a special ceremony; with Chesterfield Royal Hospital winning one of the top awards at the event.

150 people attended the Regional Finals of the National Apprenticeship Awards in Leicester. They are one of nine regional awards across the country, with the winners from each shortlisted for the National Apprenticeship Awards finals which will take place in London on 30th November.

The awards give both individuals and businesses the chance to showcase the many benefits of apprenticeships: These include the opportunity to gain skills for life, earn while you learn and boost your employability.

Angela Borman, Chair of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, co-hosted the ceremony. She said: “It was amazing to celebrate the talented apprentices, as well as their employers and mentors here in the East Midlands.

“Having worked in the delivery of apprenticeships for the whole of my career, I passionately believe they are a great opportunity. These awards showcase how they can help people thrive.

“We’ve got some amazing employers who work hard to ensure that the delivery of apprenticeships here in the East Midlands is first class. I am proud to be working with them to continue this success.”

The awards are also an opportunity to promote the work of the East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network – a group of local employers and apprentices who champion the awareness of apprenticeships.

The free-to-join network allows employers to learn from each other and have input into Government thinking and policy on the skills agenda.

The winners are:

Small Employer of the Year – Dental 22

Large Employer of the Year – Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Macro Employer of the Year – Travis Perkins PLC

Recruitment Excellence – Nottingham City Homes

Rising Star of the Year – Niall Hutton – Capwell Grange Care Home

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year – Julia Jones – John Lewis Partnership

Advanced Apprentice of the Year – Ali Amin – Shawpak (Riverside Medical Group)

Higher or Degree Apprentice of the Year – Evie Marsden – Kier Construction

Apprentice Champion – Kimmy Kimani Hobbs – Milton Keynes College

Find out more about the range of apprenticeships in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Mitchells Accountants partners with Chesterfield College to provide apprenticeship opportunities

A Chesterfield Accountancy and business advice firm has grown its team by taking on several apprentices, having worked with Chesterfield College to provide employment opportunities for local people.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers are one of Chesterfield’s longest standing firms and has been at the heart of its business community for 150 years, as well as a long serving member of Chesterfield Champions.

Mitchells have also long been an Apprenticeship Ambassador, helping to promote Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town and raising awareness of apprenticeships and their benefits to strengthen the workforce of the local economy.

Mitchells recognises that university isn’t the only option available to those leaving school, which is why the firm offers apprenticeships for young people who wish to undertake the AAT qualification – the internationally recognised qualification based on real-world accounting knowledge.

Examples of recent success stories for Mitchells apprentices include the following:

  • Mitchells’ apprentice, Dominic Day has successfully finished his ICAEW exams and associated work this year to become a qualified member of the Institute.
  • Two ICAEW apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Brandon Wazirali, have passed advanced level exams and are in the final stages of also becoming fully qualified Institute members.
  • Julie Clayton has progressed to the final exam in her ACCA apprenticeship and received glowing praise from their training provider for their dedication to both the training and the apprenticeship requirements.
  • Apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Olivia Powell were both put forward by Mitchells for recognition in the Apprentice of the Year category at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards. The applications showed how well thought of these individuals, along with their fellow apprentices, are by the firm and also the care taken to ensure they continue to develop and flourish.

From the moment their training begins, apprentices are assigned a mentor who monitors and supports their professional and personal development.  As well as becoming a full-time employee at Mitchells, with a salary and other associated benefits, they pay for their AAT apprentices to attend Chesterfield College on a day release basis to study.

Further industry specific qualifications are completed by apprentices including ATT, ACCA, ICAEW and CIOT on a similar basis using internationally recognised training providers.

Having used other training providers in the past, they now only use Chesterfield College for their AAT qualifications because the college is employer led and prepares students for their careers and helps develop ambitious students prepare for work and life.

Mitchells currently employs 5 AAT apprentices who all study at Chesterfield College. Associate Partner, Laura Pain said: “We strongly believe in attracting candidates leaving college and sixth form to help them get started at the ground level.” She went onto highlight two apprentices in the Business Services Team, which she heads up.

“Olivia Powell joined us at just 17 years old and has thrived over the past three years to the point where she is confident and comfortable dealing with the rest of the team, her clients and HMRC. Jessica Wright first joined Mitchells as a university placement student and returned to learn more. Jess achieved a Distinction at Level 2 AAT with an overall qualification percentage score of 96%.”

Olivia Powell and fellow AAT apprentices, Jasmine Pollard and Chloe Jones commented on why they chose the apprenticeship route: “Apprenticeships are a great way of gaining your qualifications whilst working along-side meaning you can put theory into practise and practise into theory. It is also means no commitment of university and allows you to get a head start into the world of work as you can begin your career as young as 16.”

They also commented: “Chesterfield College is a training provider that allows you to work with other apprentices who are working towards the same qualifications as yourself. This not only supports us but allows us to have an insight into all the aspects of accounting, whether this is in industry or practise as you are working with people from a diverse range of job roles. Chesterfield College is extremely local to Mitchells and you are given a day release each week in order to attend the lessons. The lessons are in person allowing you to engage more and ask for any help or resources if needed. Printers and laptops are also available to use on campus which can be used after teaching hours. College tutors are also accessible via email and on teams whenever you need them showing they are very willing to contribute towards your success during AAT.”

Henry Taylor-Toone, Vice Principal Finance and Corporate Services at Chesterfield College said the following: “We’re very proud that Mitchells, a very well known and established Chesterfield business, has chosen Chesterfield College as their training provider. Chesterfield College is employer focused and our partnership with Mitchells demonstrates exactly what we can provide to local businesses – top quality education, delivered locally, helping apprentices, students and adults succeed in their chosen field. Apprentices from Mitchells are also a delight to teach which is always a bonus!”

David Waining, the firms Qualified Person Responsible for Training (QPRT) said “We have been very proud to work with all our apprentices. The joint provision between the training providers and ourselves provides the trainees with valuable experience of the practical work to apply the technical knowledge they have picked up in the classroom. We have had numerous success stories at all levels of the apprenticeship scheme and have looked to expand the number of apprenticeships we are offering across the firm because of these successes. We see this as a vital resource to grow our workforce.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Chesterfield College support 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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Major investment for Chesterfield metals supplier to support growth

A Chesterfield business has secured a £1million investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme.

The funding for International Energy Products follows a £500,000 MEIF loan in November last year, which helped the company with a range of business growth activities including marketing, IT, new jobs and a move to bigger premises.

The most recent loan will be used for further staff hires, equipment purchase, and maintaining stock levels to support new contracts.

International Energy Products is a metal stockholder and processor of speciality alloys servicing the oil, gas and renewable energy industries as well as aerospace, marine and defence sectors.

The company was set up in 2017 by Emma Beresford who spent the next two years establishing a robust supply model before full trading commenced in 2020. This has placed the company ahead of the curve in a market where an already challenging supply environment has been worsened by the war in Ukraine.

International Energy Products Founder and Managing Director, Emma Beresford, said: “Having just reached the point of trading when the pandemic hit, our growth plans inevitably slowed but we are now ready to scale up in line with the recovery of our customer base.

“As a new business that doesn’t have the trading history needed for bank funding, the MEIF loan will help us with the cashflow and capacity needed to take on new, large contracts and we are thankful to FSE for investing in our future growth.”

Ann Marie McFadyen, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “We would like to thank Sanjay Vallabh from Vallabh Associates for introducing us to International Energy Products. Emma is a forward-thinking MD who knows her market well and has been appointed Export Champion for the Department for International Trade for the second year running.

“Her innovative approach has allowed her to minimise risk and future-proof against supply chain issues and pricing. Years of hard work have paid off with this small business now years ahead of its competitors and we are thrilled to be supporting Emma and her team at this crucial point in their growth journey.”

Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager, UK Network at the British Business Bank, added: “The previous round of MEIF funding for International Energy Products supported its initial growth and created new jobs in the region, while this second funding round will continue to support these activities. With more Midlands businesses moving past post-pandemic recovery and into the growth stage, we encourage more companies to consider MEIF funding to support their development.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The D2N2 area is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and remains the heartland on manufacturing in the UK. It’s businesses like IEP that underpin our amazing manufacturers, so it’s great to see them being supported. They supply to many businesses who are crucial to us being able to transition to a net-zero future, so the impact of their growth will be felt in businesses across the region.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank.

The FSE Group, MEIF Debt Finance Fund provides loans between £100,000 and £1.5 million to help growing SMEs across the region. For more information visit: www.thefsegroup.com/fund/midlands-engine-investment-fund-debt-finance or contact Ann Marie McFadyen.

To find out more about the wide range of benefits Chesterfield has to offer your business, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

www.francesmilburnphotography.co.uk

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Recruitment Event returns to Chesterfield Market

People searching for work in Chesterfield are being invited to a recruitment event, where they can meet employers and find out more about local job vacancies and training schemes that lead to employment.

The recruitment event is on Wednesday 12 October between 10am and 12pm in Chesterfield market place.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our previous events have helped a lot of people secure new careers in Chesterfield. This event is really important because it helps connect job seekers and employers, allowing them to informally meet one another and discuss available roles prior to an application. This event is here to help you find your next job and I hope lots of people will come and find out more about the opportunities available to them in Chesterfield.”

Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “After the success of the last three recruitment events held in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, we are very excited to be running a fourth on Wednesday 12 October.

“For this event, as well as giving Chesterfield Residents the opportunity to speak to local employers and find sustainable employment, we are also running a Health & Wellbeing event in the Market Hall Assembly Rooms. This event will offer specialised support for residents with health conditions, as well as providing advice for the current cost of living crisis.”

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including, hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.

As well as job opportunities there will also be several apprenticeship providers who are currently recruiting for new apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to earn while you learn and can help people at any stage in life. Search for apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield

Derbyshire Careers Service will also be attending the event to promote training courses but also advise job seekers on how they can get support with their CV and interview techniques.

Market Recruitment event

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