Made in Chesterfield

Heathcotes appoints Group Managing Director

12th December 2019

Chesterfield care provider, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Brendan Kelly as Group Managing Director to provide nationwide strategic leadership.

Brendan was a Regional Director with a national charity prior to joining Heathcotes Group in 2009 as Regional Director for Heathcotes Northern. In his new role, Brendan will now oversee all regions with key responsibilities for the operational aspects of the organisation, including quality and compliance, learning and development and employee relations. Brendan has over 20 years’ experience in Health and Social care, primarily in adult mental health and learning disabilities, as well as a wealth of expertise in delivering, managing and developing services including crisis services, supported living and carer education.

David Harrison, CEO at Heathcotes Group, said: “It is fitting that, having reached his tenth anniversary with the company, Brendan is stepping up to this new role – he has been at the heart of Heathcotes’ success over the past decade. Brendan is someone who understands how the culture of an organisation is vital to the delivery of high quality care and he has led that culture at Heathcotes, making us one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist care providers. We now employ over 2,200 staff as a trusted partner to over 50 local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups. I know that Heathcotes’ continued success will be driven by Brendan’s strategic vision and passion for the work we do.”

Brendan said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to this position, with some exciting times ahead for Heathcotes. The company’s ethos remains the same as it was when I joined ten years ago – a commitment to providing a better quality of life and greater opportunities for some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

He added: “We have achieved a great deal in recent years, including the development of a unique model of residential therapy for people with personality disorders, an award-winning apprenticeship programme which has become a benchmark for recruitment in the care sector and the successful introduction of a new independent supported living provision to complement our full-time residential care services. Heathcotes has the potential to achieve much more in the coming years and I’m looking forward to being part of that.”

At the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa in February, Brendan spoke to delegates about the importance of embedding apprenticeship and skills initiatives into workforce development strategies to facilitate business growth. In March, Heathcotes Group joined the town’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, helping to increase local apprenticeship participation.

Heathcotes Group currently provides 72 specialist residential services supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, specialist children’s services, and a pioneering service model for people with personality disorders.

Click here to find out more about the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference 2020.

Click here to find out more about becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador.

Heathcotes Group joined the town’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Network following the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills conference, where Brendan Kelly was a key note speaker.

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

Successful business innovation project receives £1.8m funding boost

10th December 2019

A successful project set up to support businesses across the region to innovate through collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, has received £1.8m in further funding.

The Sheffield Innovation Programme was set up in 2016 to support SMEs from across the region to access academic expertise, facilities and resources at both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield to stimulate innovation to deliver new products and services.

The programme is jointly funded by both universities, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). The new phase of the project also includes the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, and enables the project to continue for a further 3 years until 2022.

The programme is free for businesses to use and since it began, more than 200 academics from both universities have worked with more than 300 companies from across the region. This has helped businesses in the region to engage in more than £1.2million worth of collaborative projects through Innovate UK programmes.

Professor Roger Eccleston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re delighted the project has received further funding which highlights the impact it is having for businesses in the region and the wider economy.”

“Many of the collaborations have resulted in lasting professional relationships and, more importantly, market success for the businesses we’ve worked with, contributing to the economic growth of the region as a whole.”

“Thanks to input from our academics and their research, a number of businesses have been able to find solutions to real-life business problems and bring new products to market.”

As part of the programme, the universities have provided businesses with academic support for projects, workshop-based innovation guidance, student interns and their world-class facilities.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-President for Research at the University of Sheffield, said: “We’re delighted that this successful programme, which has such a profound impact on businesses and economic growth in our region, will continue for another three years.”

“This scheme is a fantastic way for regional businesses to access our world-leading facilities and academic expertise to drive innovation and find solutions to the challenges they face.”

“At the University of Sheffield, we have a deeply ingrained connection to our region and a sense of pride in our civic values. Contributing to the growth and regeneration of the Sheffield City Region is a key part of our founding mission and ongoing strategy today.”

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s inspiring to see our region once again leading the way with cutting-edge university and industry collaborations. I’m proud that the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is able to support this important programme, with more than £200,000 in match funding and an active role in selecting two new specialist innovation advisors to work on the project.”

“Collaborations between our two leading universities and our innovative and forward-thinking businesses leads to exciting new developments and enables companies to bring new products to the market, further strengthening the economy and boosting supply-chains.”

Working closely with the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and other key partners, Sheffield Innovation Programme provides research and innovation to support regional businesses whilst attracting new inward investment.

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

Celebrating 2019 as a year of progress for Chesterfield

9th December 2019

My last blog of this year and of the decade! As the end of 2019 moves ever nearer, I think it’s important that we look back at the progress we’ve made as a town this year, as well as looking ahead to the future we’re creating.

Chesterfield has truly had a transformational year and decade. Developments in the area have made huge progress, with some passing major milestones and others being completed, like the successful opening of both the Premier Inn in the former Co-Op building and the new Saltergate Car Park which together have spearheaded the Northern Gateway development.

The plans for Northern Gateway include an enterprise centre for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

The former site of the old Queens Park Sports Centre has also been revitalised with the addition of some much needed 3G pitches which are hugely popular with the many grassroots football teams in the area.

As well as construction, it’s been a big year for retail both nationally and in Chesterfield. Although the high street economy as a whole is under threat from the internet it doesn’t have to be the case. I believe that the high street and online can work together and be equally successful in their own space. ALTERIS, the new owners of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, have proven this.

They are using Facebook to engage with shoppers and drive the redevelopment of the Vicar Lane area. They have asked shoppers what ‘offer’ they want and are responding accordingly and reaping the rewards via the resulting increased footfall. Pop-up shops, free classes, movie screenings and more at Vicar Lane have helped to bring people into the town centre helping Chesterfield’s high street performance remain above the national average.

We can all play a part in Chesterfield’s future retail success– Vote with your feet by shopping local; it really does make a difference.

The launch of the big screen at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre took place on Friday 6th December.

The public / private sector partnerships in Chesterfield are as strong as ever. Its effect is felt in every area of the borough from major developments like Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside through to spectacular events like the Christmas lights switch on and regular themed markets.

This collaboration is key to Chesterfield, and its people and businesses continuing to thrive. It also gives us an excellent excuse to celebrate our success with the annual Retail Awards and Food & Drink Awards. More importantly for me, these events recognise young talent – and having met the young chefs, Chesterfield College students and apprentices at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, I can confirm that the town has a wealth of it.

I feel confident as we go into 2020 and a new decade that Chesterfield’s future is bright and is in safe hands.

Best wishes for the New Year!

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

SME support launched to STEM sector at Made in Chesterfield

3rd December 2019

The University of Derby has revealed a refreshed package of SME support to ‘strength the capability of businesses in Chesterfield and the surrounding region, with access to research and expertise that can help foster innovation.’

The support was unveiled to businesses at Barrow Hill Roundhouse at the launch of Made in Chesterfield (20 November). It follows the recent announcement that the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has established its new head office in Chesterfield and in 2034 the town will get an HS2 station.

Speaking at the event Professor Warren Manning, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, said: “We want the East Midlands to grow, innovate and improve productivity in order to meet the opportunities that HS2 and the wider rail industry will bring to the region.

“We need 6,000 extra workers in Sheffield City Region (SCR) and D2N2 to deliver HS2 and a key part of that is upskilling existing workers in digital skills.

“The University of Derby is committed to supporting business growth amongst SMEs so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities the rail sector and wider supply chains presents to them.”

Responding to the skills shortage reported by companies operating in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector, the Made in Chesterfield campaign has been established in the borough to bring together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available.

Sponsored by University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership. It is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures and also supported by businesses operating in the sector.

The University of Derby is offering SMEs in the region a range of business support services and people development programmes to help drive operational improvement and growth. The support is delivered through University of Derby with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Launched in 2015 in response to manufacturing and engineering companies in the north Derbyshire town reporting long term recruitment difficulties, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began.

Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training schemes.

Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on the importance of attracting young people to companies operating within Chesterfield’s STEM sector. He said: “With HS2 on the horizon and Talgo’s recent investment in the town, there is a huge opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation.

“Made in Chesterfield is playing an instrumental role in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”

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

Posted in Business, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield manufacturer expands

2nd December 2019

Pronto Industrial Paints in Chesterfield has expanded the size of its Holmewood premises for the second time this year after acquiring an adjoining one-acre site.

A £575,000 funding package from NatWest was used to purchase the land and an empty workshop at its Stainsby Close site, growing it to three acres. Over the next 12 months, the site will be transformed into a training academy, allowing the firm to educate both customers and apprentices on the use of its specialist paints, including compliant coatings, one coat systems and CV systems.

The funding will also support the purchase of new machinery in the main factory to enable Pronto Industrial Paints to increase its production capacity in 2020. The investment will create 10 new jobs, which will increase the size of its staff base to 49 employees.

David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Industrial Paints, said: “We are committed to investing in the future of our business by expanding our premises and machinery assets, but also investing in the future of others by educating customers and apprentices on how to use our paints.

“As we transform our expanded premises into a training centre, we are keen to partner with local colleges and support a recognised apprenticeship scheme for Industrial Applicators that will set young people up for a future career in the industry. With the support of NatWest, we look forward to incorporating our additional acre-site into our current premises and renovating it into a fit-for-purpose academy.”

Founded in 1989, Pronto Industrial Paints is a family-run manufacturer of high technology surface coatings, supplying commercial partners and clients with paints specific to their exact needs. The business has doubled in size over the last 10 years and the aim is to continue this growth and double the size of the business again over the next 10 years.

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

Outwood Academy students launch Made in Chesterfield’s new schools’ programme

2nd December 2019

Students from Outwood Academy Newbold have kicked off the first of a year-long programme of Made in Chesterfield events which are designed to introduce young people to careers in the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries in the town.

Seven A Level Chemistry students from the school visited Aztec Oils in Bolsover to learn about the company, wider industry and career opportunities available. The students had a tour of the manufacturing facility with particular emphasis on the laboratory where Aztec Oils carries out extensive quality control procedures as well as Research and Development into new products.

Aztec Oils is one of a number of companies operating in the town’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector that have signed up to the Made in Chesterfield.

Launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties, Made in Chesterfield has been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began.

As part of the year-long campaign, which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, a number of companies in the sector will be following Aztec Oils; lead and hosting hands-on tours of their sites and going into schools to meet students and give talks.

Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils, commented: We welcome the opportunity to partner with local education establishments to bridge the gap between learning and workplace environments. Aztec Oils is a rapidly growing company and we recognise the real need to encourage youngsters to consider a career in manufacturing. By showcasing the company, we hope to demonstrate what great opportunities there are for well-paid, long term employment with good prospects for career development.”

Kirsty Beggar, a Chemistry teacher at Outwood Academy Newbold who led the trip to Aztec oils commented: “Trips like these really benefit our students. It gives them a chance to see some real-life application of what they learn in their textbook. When they are going through what they’ve learnt and are revising it, they’ll think of this visit to Aztec Oils, what goes on in the labs and what the industry is about.”

All primary and secondary schools throughout North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign and discover the opportunities in the sector available to current and future school leavers. Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training scheme.

Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, highlighted the importance of attracting young people to companies operating within Chesterfield’s STEM sector. He said: “With HS2 on the horizon and Talgo’s recent investment in the town, there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation.

Charlotte Land, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at DEBP, added: “The Made in Chesterfield programme is a brilliant opportunity for young people and teachers to gain an insight into the amazing companies on their doorstep. DEBP work with employers to develop their programme offer and introduce them to local schools.

“The programme is an essential part of our work as a STEM Ambassador Hub to bridge the STEM skills gap through challenging perceptions of engineering and manufacturing by introducing young people to positive role models and work environments.”

Sponsored by University of Derby, the 2019/20 Made in Chesterfield campaign was officially launched at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in November following news that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has established its UK head office at the facility. At the event, plans were also unveiled for an innovation centre which Talgo has plans to build on land at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

In addition to the University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Former Chesterfield magistrates court sold for residential conversion

20th November 2019

The Grade II-listed former magistrates court in Chesterfield has been sold for residential conversion following a deal by Innes England.

ARC Vantage, who specialise in residential conversion and are experienced in refurbishing listed buildings, bought Knightsbridge Court for an undisclosed sum.

Knightsbridge Court is centrally located in the town between Rose Hill and West Bars. Set within 1.1 acres, it has been granted planning permission for 30 apartments over three floors.

Designed by Professor Joseph Stanley Allen, a renowned architect, planner and academic, the property was completed in 1956 and was listed in 1998. It was used as Chesterfield’s Magistrates Court until the court moved to a new building on Tapton Lane.

Chris Wright, Associate Director at Innes England, said: “Knightsbridge Court has been empty for a number of years and had sadly become the target for vandalism and fallen into disrepair.”

“This deal will see the building being brought back into use and bring employment opportunities for local people during the construction.”

“The conversion will not only deliver much-needed housing to Chesterfield but also safeguard the future of this landmark building.”

Adam Cavell, Director at ARC Vantage Limited, said: “This is an exciting project for ARC Vantage. As developers, we are highly motivated in the regeneration and restoration of Listed Buildings and relishing the opportunity to restore this building to its former glory.”

“We also understand the need for high quality, inner city housing stock. It is our aim to deliver premium city living to the market next year.”

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

Tenders invited from local business support specialists

18th November 2019

A procurement opportunity has arisen for a bank of high growth business support specialists to supply 1-2-1 business advice and workshops to businesses and entrepreneurs in the Sheffield City Region (SCR).

Tenderers should have extensive experience and or technical expertise in delivering high growth business support in one of the following disciplines:

Legal, HR and Health and Safety
Finance, IT and Risk Management
Sales and Marketing

ScaleUp 360 brings together a consortium of expert business partners from across the SCR to deliver on a tailored scale-up support programme designed to provide the inspirational advice and support that businesses and entrepreneurs need in order to sustainably scale their ventures and become investment ready.

The consortium comprises East Midlands Chamber; Doncaster Chamber; Barnsley Business Village; and Sheffield Hallam University.

The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The deadline to apply is 4pm on 6th December 2019. Applications can be made here.

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

Winners of Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 announced

15th November 2019

The winners of the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 have been announced, with local company O’Connor & Co Removals named 2019 Business of the Year.

The awards ceremony took place at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel on Thursday 14th November and honoured the very best of trade and commerce in the area, as well as recognising the outstanding contribution of local business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Chesterfield’s Fairplay, a children’s charity that supports children and young people with disabilities and their families, was named Charity of the Year.

The Derbsyhire Times website states: “Our awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. But the winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this by winning a Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Award.”

The headline sponsors for the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards 2019 were Global Brands & Casa Hotels.

A full list of winners can be found below.

Winners

Innovation Award
Winner: Jane-Louise Photography UK
Shortlisted: UK Asbestos Training Association

Community Contribution
Winner: Men-Talk
Shortlisted: Move with Mumma, Bookworms

Customer Service Award
Winner: O’Connor & Co Removals Limited
Shortlisted: Casa Hotel, Dales and Peaks, Morley Hayes

Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Millie Walker – Auto Windscreens/ Markerstudy Group
Shortlisted: Carrie Price – KT Hair Academy for NJUK and Megan Thompson – Van Dyk by Wildes

Independent Retailer of the Year
Winner: Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield
Shortlisted: OhSoBoss, Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes

Leisure and Lifestyle
Winner: Morley Hayes
Shortlisted: Casa Hotel, Matlock Farm Park and Peak Edge Hotel & Red Lion Pub and Restaurant

New Business of the Year
Winner: Edwards Employment Solutions
Shortlisted: Jane – Louise Photography UK, O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd, Timeless Life Casting & Keepsakes

Professional Services Award:
Winner: BHP
Shortlisted: Dales and Peaks, Mortgage 1st, Shorts

Small Business of the Year:
Winner: Dales and Peaks
Shortlisted: Dawson Radford Solicitors, Moss Valley Fine Meats, Recruit 2 You Ltd, The Accountancy Recruitment Group

Excellence in Manufacturing
Winner: Moss Valley Fine Meats
Shortlisted: H D Sharman Limited

Charity of the Year
Winner: Fairplay
Shortlisted: Nenna Kind

Business Person of the Year:
Winner: Peter Botham – Shed Grounds Maintenance Ltd
Shortlisted: Jon Stones – Mortgage 1st and Tom Currey – Dales and Peaks

People Development Award
Winner: Banner Jones

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Robert Banner, Banner Jones

2019 Business of the Year
Winner: O’Connor & Co Removals Ltd

Winners of this years Business Excellence Awards pictured. Picture: NDET-14-11-19-DTBusinessAwards-1

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield College Group students and higher apprentices celebrate graduating with university-level qualifications

14th November 2019

Students and higher apprentices from Chesterfield College celebrated their graduation last week after studying for university-level qualifications. Proud friends, family and employers of almost 100 graduates attended a special ceremony at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

Graduates received their university-level qualifications in a wide range of subjects from computing to criminal justice. Graduates celebrated achieving a range of higher national certificates and diplomas as well as foundation, full and postgraduate degrees in engineering, public services, social care, education, sports and creative media. Those celebrating success with higher level professional qualifications in business, management, accounting and education were also recognised in the ceremony.

Dion Cowen (right), from Chesterfield, graduated with a first class BSc Hons in Sports Coaching was chosen to give the student vote of thanks at the ceremony. She said: “The fact that we have made it here to receive our awards is just a testament to our perseverance and commitment to excellence. It is also thanks to the camaraderie, care and encouragement we received from each other, and from the staff at college, who have helped us to reach this special moment. Massive congratulations to all my fellow graduates.”

Dion is now studying for a post-graduate certificate in education and has a teaching placement working at Chesterfield College. Her end goal is to work in prisons or a similar environment where she can bring her knowledge of sports psychology to make a difference to people.

Higher apprentice, Gavin Glidewell, from Bolsover, graduated with a Diploma in Management and Leadership. He said: “Starting this education programme so long after leaving sixth form felt very daunting, but I have to say the support and encouragement of my line manager and tutor has been fantastic! The impact of studying at university-level has been great. I wanted to continue my career progression, and I really believe completing this diploma has supported my recent promotion within the business.”

It was a double celebration for Ellie Anderton-Brown, who graduated with a HND in Public Services and also found out she was one step closer to starting her dream job. On the same day as her graduation ceremony, Ellie passed a fitness and medical test as part of the process of becoming a Police Constable. She said: “It feels amazing to be graduating today and to know that the hard work I have put into studying, the 500 hours of volunteering I have done with the police force and the applications process to become a police constable has all paid off. I will be going for my uniform fitting next week then I have a 17 week training programme to complete.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group congratulated the graduates at the ceremony. She said; “Today is about celebrating all that you have achieved throughout your time in education. On behalf of the Chesterfield College Group and our partner universities, I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on reaching your own personal goals; your dedication and hard work has finally resulted in today’s incredible achievement. We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with you and, on behalf of the staff at the college; I wish you every success in your future career.”

Chesterfield College works alongside a range of partners to deliver university-level and professional courses, including Sheffield Hallam University, University of Derby and Pearson. This allows people who want to work towards higher education qualifications the opportunity to access an affordable and quality provision on their doorstep.

To find out more about the courses available at the University Centre visit www.chesterfield.ac.uk/university-level/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Dynamic ideas sought for second UK Space Agency programme

8th November 2019

Dynamic ideas from start-up and established high-tech businesses across the UK are being sought for the second Oxford Innovation Space Incubator programme.

Following the success of last year’s first cohort, Oxford Innovation has teamed up with the UK Space Agency to deliver the 2019/2020 programme, open to entries from established businesses and new company founders.

Businesses have until Friday, 15 November to submit ideas which have the ability to solve real-world problems in sectors such as; aerospace, marine, transport, health, gaming and agri-tech, although ideas for any sector are welcome.

Last year, Agrinav was one of five businesses to secure grant funding thanks to the help of the expert team at Oxford Innovation. After securing a £125,000 European Horizon Grant the firm’s variable rate fertilizer spreader, which analyses satellite images to produce a map and calculate the amount of fertilizer required for an area, will be developed following successful trials.

Managing Director of Oxford Innovation, Jo Stevens said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering again with the UK Space Agency to deliver this unique programme which will provide successful applicants with access to world-class research and innovation support.

“We are looking forward to building on the success of last year which saw us secure thousands of pounds worth of funding to help participants deliver their vision for the future and to connect with industry primes such as Ordnance Survey, Airbus and Boeing.”

Funded through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme (NSTP), an impressive package worth thousands of pounds, will be awarded to six companies with the best solutions for real-world problems.

Each of the six winning projects will receive introductions to technical support from universities, research agencies and prime space related businesses. In addition to benefitting from six months free workspace at Oxford Innovation’s BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, in Hampshire, and access to a series of interactive workshops delivered by experts in; PR, commercial agreements, funding and marketing.

Innovate2Succeed is also supporting the programme providing; bespoke coaching, partners, expert matchmaking, investor showcase and networking events with other dynamic space entrepreneurs and innovators.

Charles McCausland, Head of Major Projects and Technology Development at UK Space Agency said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Oxford Innovation as part of our National Space Technology Programme. This will build on the success of the first cohort from the OI Space Incubator to identify, develop and underpin space technology capabilities across the UK.”

Elaine Kearney, Innovation Director at the BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, is the driving force behind the project which will be delivered by Oxford Innovation’s specialist business advisers, and the UK Space Agency’s network of space incubators, universities, and experts.

To find out more about the OI Space Incubator and apply to the 2019/2020 programme visit http://oispace.co.uk/registration to register your business by 15^th November.

The UKSA Entrepreneurial Programme at Fareham Innovation Centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield