Made in Chesterfield

Local female entrepreneur chosen as science Community Leader

13th December 2018

Local entrepreneur Ann Fomukong-Boden has been chosen by the British Science Association (BSA) to become one of its new Community Leaders.

Ann is a STEM Ambassador, Electronic Engineer and Director of Chesterfield-based Kakou Technologies. Ann is one of twelve individuals from across the UK chosen to take part in the programme. The aim of the Community Leaders programme is to harness the passion and ideas of the individuals, enabling them to deliver sustained public science engagement throughout the year.

Since 1994, the BSA has organised British Science Week, an annual grass-roots celebration of science and engineering that runs over 10 days every March.

For the past three years Ann has organised Science Week events in collaboration with Brampton Brewery, Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Monkey Park Community Cafe, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Pavements Shopping Centre.

Ann said: “I’m very proud to be chosen by the BSA as one of their first Community Leaders. Many people find it hard to engage with or relate to the sciences; it is still seen by many as a difficult subject that is not useful later in life. However, we all use and rely on the sciences every day, for example, using our mobile phones, cooking, applying make-up or going to the pub.”

“Working with local organisations, I’m hoping to build a network which can share and promote each other’s STEM related activities and events.”

In the New Year, Kakou will start offering a mixture of creative arts and technology-based workshops designed for people looking to learn or discover new skills. The first workshop will be a Raspberry Pi session for total beginners (parents, teachers and hobbyists) held at Chesterfield Library in January 2019. More information can be found here.

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

Local charity gains award for apprenticeship programme

12th December 2018

Derwent Rural Counselling Services has truly embraced its apprenticeship programme and it’s that dedication to the programme that has earned it the title of Learning Unlimited’s Employer of the Month for November.

Derwent Rural Counselling Services provides counselling services across Derbyshire and the Peak District, which now has several offices at locations including Chesterfield, Alfreton and Bakewell. The trust works with individuals suffering from common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long term conditions.

Receiving the award, Chief Executive Officer, Janette Smeeton, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised as Employer of the Month. Recruiting people with the right skills had been proving difficult for us in the past but our apprentices have really become a big part of our team.”

“With apprenticeships, we have been able to help new staff grow, learn new skills and gain valuable experience. They’ve each become valuable members of our team and we want to see them take on extra responsibility as time goes on.”

When Rosie Allison joined Derbyshire’s Derwent Rural Counselling Services as an apprentice, little did she imagine that she would be recruiting apprentices herself just a few years later.

Rosie’s has risen through the ranks and within five years she has gone from Apprentice to Deputy Operations Manager. Rosie now manages the office and is helping others to follow in her footsteps.

She explained: “When I was welcomed to Derwent Rural Counselling Service five years ago as an apprentice, I did not realise I would have had as much help, support and encouragement to be where I am, doing what I’m doing today. My apprenticeship helped me with the knowledge and skill set I needed to progress and support the organisation.”

“I hope I’m able to continue that level of support for others, and mentor the newer apprentices well and encourage them to grow. It is great to see them become more confident in the workplace and develop. The organisation has grown and achieved so much over the past five years and I’m so pleased I have been a part of it.”

Chloe Milner, 22, joined the team three years ago as a Business Apprentice and now after completing her apprenticeship has progressed to Data Protection Practitioner with the team. Meanwhile, the organisation’s most recent Business Administration Assistant, Ruby Russell, 28, has just celebrated her first anniversary with the organisation. “I’m really enjoying it here,” she said. “It’s a varied and interesting role and I very much feel part of the team. It’s got a lovely atmosphere.”

David Higham, Commercial Director at Chesterfield-based Learning Unlimited, presented the award and said: “It is clear that Derwent Rural Counselling Services have a real commitment to their apprenticeship programme. They are a good example of why apprenticeships work so well. Organisations that succeed are those that grow their own talent and ensure that their businesses are in safe hands for the future.”

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

New Vice Principal joins the Chesterfield College team

12th December 2018

Anna Jackson recently joined the Chesterfield College management team as Vice Principal for Learning, Skills and Innovation. She is working alongside Directors at the college to develop academic and technical provision and to drive forward the college’s quality and improvement plan.

Anna brings a wealth of education experience and a track record of curriculum improvement and working in partnership with local industry to develop the skills needed.

Following a career in industry, Anna joined the education sector around 15 years ago. Her first role in further education was in Leicester, where she initially worked as a lecturer but she quickly joined the management team.

Anna left her role as Head of Faculty for Business, ICT, Technology, Engineering and Construction at Birmingham Metropolitan College to join Chesterfield College. During her time in Birmingham she worked on key projects such as setting up the region’s Rail Academy working with stakeholders such as the National College of High Speed Rail.

Anna said: “I know from my short time in this job that this is a college which puts learning at the heart of what it does and I am looking forward to being part of that. A huge part of my role is to work with the team to improve performance and progress of learners and to develop Chesterfield College’s offer to ensure we are providing quality further education for students and employers.”

“I am keen to work with schools, employers and the Local Enterprise Partnerships to ensure that we are developing study programmes with progression and the local economy in mind. We will be working hard to raise learner aspirations and ensure they move on to positive destinations.”

Anna will play a key part in growing the college’s engineering and advanced manufacturing provision and a number of other projects to meet the needs of the region.

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

Two more additions to Markham Vale

11th December 2018

Two more businesses have selected Markham Vale as their preferred location and are now up and running in Waterloo Court on Markham Lane.

Integrity Devices Ltd, operating out of Unit 7, is a privately owned healthcare company who supply speciality medical devices in niche areas of the health industry. The company has gained plaudits for its commercial agility, offering high quality products at highly competitive prices.

The other new company at Waterloo Court is Barmy Army Ltd. Founded on the 94/95 cricket tour of Australia, the company have been supporting the England cricket team for well over 20 years both at home and abroad. They are now recognised as some of the greatest supporters in cricket and continue to help bring cricket to the masses, provide tickets and organise tours to support the team wherever they are playing.

This news follows yesterday’s announcement that a further three deals have been completed in the last two months at the Wilson Business Park, also at Markham Vale.

Markham Vale is a 200 acre business park with direct access to the M1 motorway via a dedicated junction, 29A. This prime development site offers build-to-suit units from 10,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. for industrial, warehouse, hotel or office builds.

Since acquiring the site ten years ago, more than 1,600 jobs have been created with 1.8 million sq. ft. of developed business space and another 100,000 sq. ft. available for further development.

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

Productivity increases at local factory thanks to LED lighting

11th December 2018

Productivity has increased at a Dronfield factory because its new LED lighting has helped re-energise its workforce.

Elkem in Dronfield found that the mood of the manufacturing staff in the factory changed when it switched from standard low bay to modern LED because they are now working in a bright environment.

The changeover was supplied by Chesterfield company Recon Electrical, who are specialists in low carbon energy.

Russ Gratton (right), Director of Recon Electrical, said: “The benefits of LED are clear, it saves energy and, consequently, money but it can also make staff more efficient.”

“Developers are also working on humancentric lighting – with panels which change from cooler bright light during the day to dimmer, warmer light in the evening. ”

“Cool white light makes the brain think it is the middle of the day so personal energy increases but for those who work late at night, lights can automatically dim down so staff who go home late will find their brains will be wanting to go to sleep straight away instead of being wide awake.”

Mr Gratton added: “We know that LED helps businesses in terms of cost because we transferred the lighting in our own warehouse and it had paid for its own installation in just over 18 months. Thereafter, there is a straightforward benefit in terms of up to 90 per cent reduction in lighting energy bills.”

Ian Goodwin, Maintenance Manager at Elkem Dronfield Limited, said: “We have had our lighting in our factory changed from HQI 400 Watt low bays to LED 200 Watt fittings with daylight dimming. This has made a dramatic effect on the feel of the building, the mood of the staff and productivity.”

In addition, the previous running costs were nearly £3,500 per year but, with the new LED fittings, the bill is down to £795.

Recon Electrical is moving fast with developments in energy efficiency thanks partly to support from the Low Carbon Business Network – a project hosted by the University of Derby and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr Gratton said: “It has helped us become more engaged with other companies – and work with other potential suppliers.”

“We are now working a lot with electric vehicle charging and run training courses for those companies who want to look at installation of EV charge points. We work with GRE Energy Training which offers an accredited course for electric vehicle charging. This will be a massive growth area over the coming years.”

“The Holy Grail is generating power and being able to store it, convert it and use it. But who knows what the next five years will bring. We just want to make sure we are at the forefront of innovation.”

Dr Fred Paterson, the University of Derby’s project lead for the Low Carbon Business Network, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to link such a go-ahead company as Recon Electrical with others in the field.”

“They are another example of a small Derbyshire company which is pushing the boundaries to help businesses become more energy-efficient to the benefit of their staff and the bottom line.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Further sales announced at Markham Vale’s Wilson Business Park

10th December 2018

Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has completed a further three deals in the last two months at Wilson Business Park, the flagship business park which forms part of the wider Markham Vale regeneration area.

GB Bespoke Joinery has purchased a 2,300 sq ft unit on the site which will form its new HQ, where it will manufacture joinery products for its nationwide contract projects.

Lee Gent, from GB Bespoke Joinery said: “The quality of the units at Wilson Business Park is outstanding, and the surrounding transport links mean excellent access to the surrounding cities, and beyond. We are looking forward to moving into our unit and continuing to grow our business.”

LTEK Systems, who manufacture control systems, has purchased Unit 11, totalling 1,250 sq ft, and motorcycle expedition company Globebusters have also secured a unit of the same size. A further unit has been purchased by a private investor and subsequently let to Switch Electrical Supplies.

The latest occupants to the scheme join the wider Markham Vale site, alongside businesses including Direct Track Solutions, Shotblast Solutions, Magpie Beauty & Catering Projects – negotiated by CPP earlier this year.

With three further units under offer, this leaves just two units available, of 2,200 & 3,050 sq ft. Priority Space is also building a further 15,000 sq ft standalone unit on nearby Greaves Close, which is close to completion and being offered for sale by CPP.

Stuart Waite, Partner at CPP commented: “We are delighted to have completed further sales, and additional lettings, on the park, demonstrating a resilient demand for small industrial units, especially those that are available to buy.”

“The site is now well-established as ideal premises for any business looking for accommodation in the region – and boasts an exceptional location and key transport links. We’d encourage anyone who is interested in space at Wilson Park to contact us directly.”

Markham Vale benefits from its own M1 motorway junction, Junction 29a, and is just five miles east of Chesterfield and approximately 20 miles from Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

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

Chesterfield business featured in Parliamentary Review on manufacturing

28th November 2018

A Chesterfield manufacturer has been featured in this year’s Parliamentary Review on government policy involving the manufacturing and services sector.

United Cast Bar (UCB), Europe’s largest manufacturer of continuously cast iron bar, is one of only 16 companies from the metals, materials and fabrication sector to be included in the annual review.

With a foreword written by the Prime Minister Theresa May, the review has been sent to more than 500,000 leading business executives, policy makers and other relevant individuals. The Review also features messages from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett. For more information, please click here.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar (UK) explained: “Being included in the Parliamentary Review is a great opportunity to put UCB’s name in front of both key politicians and industry representatives.”

“Brexit has created an uncertain climate for the sector in which UCB operates, but I am positive about the future. I personally see it as an opportunity for the company. We manufacture great products in this country and there has been a shift, both at home and abroad, towards buying British. UK demand for our product is increasing and I am confident that the final agreement with the EU will have few or no barriers for trade.”

Formed in February 1998, United Cast Bar is the result of the merger of three of Europe’s most prestigious continuous cast iron bar foundries and their associated stockist and service centres. The UK foundry and worldwide headquarters are based in Chesterfield and it is from here that approximately 90% of production is exported.

United Car Bar employs more than 100 people at its site on Spital Lane. James added: “Chesterfield has served us well in the 20 years we have been based in the town. There is an excellent supply of skilled employees in and around Chesterfield and we are keen to attract more through our apprenticeship programme and links with local schools.”

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing manufacturing and engineering careers to their attention; getting young people interested in the sector is a great first step.”

As part of the drive to recruit more young people to the company, United Cast Bar is a founding member of Destination Chesterfield’s Made in Chesterfield initiative and the supporting Chesterfield Manufacturers Forum.

The year-long campaign looks to inspire the next generation, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

As part of the 2018 Made in Chesterfield campaign, UCB will be supporting the drive to get young people interested in careers in the manufacturing sector by hosting school visits to the foundry over the next 12 months.

To arrange a visit to United Cast Bar for your school as part of Made in Chesterfield, please contact Charlie Kay at Derbyshire Education Business Partnership on 01246 212535.

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

International flame protection firm set to open new base at Markham Vale

27th November 2018

Protec International is set to open a new site and create 20 new jobs at the flagship regeneration site Markham Vale.

Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said: “Markham Vale offers the ideal location for our business, particularly given the high quality currently available on the market.”

“The initial phase will create up to 20 new jobs and plans for the second phase could add a further 20-25 across manufacturing and warehousing disciplines. The site provides the full package and we look forward to moving in next year.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country. Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Protec International to Markham Vale.”

“They’ll be a fantastic addition to the site’s growing family of businesses and it’s great to hear that the firm are looking to create up to 20 new jobs for local people too.”

“Markham’s excellent location continues to attract a range of small, medium and large businesses that can be local, national and international and we’re really pleased it continues to move from strength to strength.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base is set to be completed towards the end of 2019 and will be designed and built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on Markham Vale North. Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“Demand has remained robust at Markham Vale, led largely by its unrivalled transport links and proven success as a top-flight industrial location.”

“We’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove an excellent location for Protec International, supporting its continued growth while creating valuable new jobs.”

Businesses interested in acquiring premises at the site should contact the Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey on tel: 01629 535417.

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

Chesterfield business relaunches as a dedicated commercial training provider

27th November 2018

Continuing its 50-year history in the Chesterfield business community, NLT Training Services has successfully relaunched as a dedicated commercial training provider.

Recognising the need to multi-skill people within the workplace to better enable companies to manage skill shortages, NLT has developed a range of commercial training courses.

Specialising in training for the manufacturing and engineering-related training, NLT now also offers bespoke packages, specifically created to match the training needs of businesses.

Supporting the refocus of the business, NLT has also launched a new, more user-friendly website which includes an online booking system for its range of health and safety course. A new, centralised telephone number has also been introduced to make getting in touch with NLT even easier.

The new training offering has been welcomed by businesses operating in the sector.

According to research from the Open University, three in five firms say that the skills shortage in the UK has worsened in the last year. More than half (53%) expect recruitment problems to deepen in the next year as we leave the EU.

91% of employers surveyed revealed that a lack of available talent was affecting their business. Upskilling and cross-training existing workforce has been identified as a solution to the immediate skills shortage.

The company’s re-focus follows the move to cease operating as an apprenticeship training provider. Keen to build on 50 years’ experience working with businesses throughout the region, the company refocused its efforts earlier this year to concentrate on its commercial training offering.

NLT continues to be led by Chief Executive Sarah Temperton, who said: “This is a time of transformation for NLT. Although early days we are have a strong team and are building our commercial training offering to reflect the ever-diversifying needs of businesses.”

“We also want to give something back to businesses, so we are looking at developing a bursary to help more people enter the industry in order to address the skills problem.”

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

Local businesses celebrated at Derbyshire Times Business Awards

23rd November 2018

Celebrating their 30th year of caring for north-Derbyshire patients with life-limiting illnesses, Ashgate Hospicecare were named Business of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

The awards were held at Chesterfield College and hosted by Dronfield entrepreneur Jessica Cunningham, star of TV show The Apprentice.

It is the 10th year that the Derbyshire Times has held their Business Awards, recognising the very best of the area’s commerce, trade and industry. Outstanding firms and the businessmen and women that run them were honoured in 14 different categories.

Derbyshire Times Editor Phil Bramley said: “The awards night was a great celebration of some of the outstanding business we have in our local community.”

“It was especially moving to see the standing ovation which Jillian Thomas received as she collected her Lifetime Achievement award and as she spoke powerfully about how being caught up in the Boxing Day Tsunami while on holiday in Thailand changed her life forever.”

“The judges had no hesitation in naming Ashgate Hospicecare as our overall Business of the Year 2018 and there can surely be no more deserving recipient.”

“It was especially fitting that they received the award in the year they mark 30 years of providing vital end-of-life care to people across north Derbyshire.”

The winners were:

The Innovation Award

Winner: Auto Windscreen

Highly commended: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust, MOTUS Women Entrepreneurs Network.

People Development Award

Winner: A-Rock Construction

Community Contribution Award

Winner: Less Than Zero Barbers

Highly commended: Chameleon School of Construction

Customer Service Award

Winner: S44 Travel

Highly commended: Less Than Zero Barbers, Pinewood Properties

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Jenna- Leigh Bates of Recruit 2 You Ltd

Highly commended: Declan Pike of Palamatic, Deborah Downes of Van Dyk by Wildes

Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: Itsy Bitsy Boutique

Lifestyle and Leisure Award

Winner: Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Highly commended: Morley Hayes

New Business of the Year

Winner: Revilo Images

Highly commended: Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd, White Peak Distillery

Professional Services

Winner: Shorts

Highly Commended: Pinewood Properties

Small Business of the Year

Winner: Emerald Accountancy Services Ltd

Highly commended: Inspire Design and Development, Paperclip, Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd.

The Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Winner: BG Engineering

Charity of the Year award

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare

Mitchells Anniversary Award

Winner: Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd

Business Person of the Year award

Winner: Rupert Armitage of Auto Windscreens

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Jillian Thomas of Future Life Wealth Management

2018 Business of the Year

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018: Winners and runners-up join together for a group photograph at the end of the awards ceremony.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Education and business sectors join forces to launch 12-month Made in Chesterfield campaign

22nd November 2018

A year-long campaign, which is sponsored by University of Derby, has been launched in Chesterfield to get more young people interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Established in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has traditionally been a month-long festival held during November. To mark its fifth year, the campaign has now been aligned with the National Curriculum and will run throughout the next 12 months.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the Made in Chesterfield campaign brings together businesses and employers in the sector with schools and education providers.

This year, the campaign is supported by key employers in the local STEM sector, including Chesterfield Police, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar, Kingfield Electronics, Aztec Oils, Penny Hydraulics and Trans-Tronic, who are all opening their doors to teachers and pupils who are keen to know more about careers and jobs on offer.

Since establishing Made in Chesterfield, the campaign has resulted in over 2,500 young people from schools spending time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses. School visits to businesses operating within the STEM sector are being organised by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership.

Chesterfield College has also credited the initiative with helping to make a difference to the awareness of careers linked to STEM subjects. The number of students studying STEM subjects at the College has increased from 265 last year to 440 in 2018.

Launched at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the move to a 12-month campaign follows news that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo is considering investing in a £9 million innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Speaking at the launch Dr Peter Dewhurst, Commercial Director, University of Derby, said: “Since opening the University’s Campus at St Helena’s in October 2016, the University has worked hard to support the town with us enrolling over 400 new learners and engaging with 12 local businesses to deliver Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. However, we are keen to do more to support the community and local businesses in achieving their potential and one way we are looking to achieve this is through our support for the Made in Chesterfield campaign.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Talgo’s recent interest in Chesterfield has further put the spotlight on the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector. Our central location, engineering heritage and knowledge base makes us particularly attractive to companies operating within the STEM sector.”

“It’s a very exciting time for Chesterfield. We have the core ingredients to make the area a national hub of excellence for manufacturing and engineering. Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield which bring together education and business are so important in helping the town attract further investment to increase both job numbers and opportunities for everyone.”

Clare Talati, Director of Derbyshire Education Business Partnership said: “We have seen this initiative grow each year and we actively encourage all schools to get involved; bringing the world of work to life for learners is at the core of what we aim to deliver and the commitment made by local businesses is fantastic and not to be missed.”

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 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, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting