The first business has taken up residence at the University of Derby’s new Innovation Centre, a hub of six high-specification units based in Chesterfield, designed to support manufacturing and medical engineering companies in the area.

Kakou Technologies, run by husband and wife team Ann Fomukong-Boden and Mark Boden, design and manufacture products that aim to identify and remove barriers that exclude people with disabilities from accessing mainstream participation in music and the creative arts.

Their products include features that are accessible without the need for special adaptations, and the company also provides full product design and R&D engineering consultancy to other companies and individuals, both locally and internationally.

The company had been based at their home in Chesterfield before moving to the Innovation Centre, which allows small businesses to incubate new ideas, increase their growth and develop new products by creating a stimulating environment for innovation, learning and problem-solving. A workshop facility offers support for design prototyping and materials analysis and testing, with a focus on sustainability.

Managing Director Ann said:-

“As a business we believe in collaboration, so were impressed by the opportunities the Innovation Centre provides to be part of a like-minded community and are excited to see who will move in next. We are delighted with the support provided by the Centre and by commercial manager Laura Williams. She advised us on the funding and networking opportunities available to us, which have really helped our business move to the next level.

“Our aim at Kakou is to be more efficient, low-energy and sustainable, using recyclable materials wherever possible. We have been able to link in with research teams from the University’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering to investigate the environmental impact of our products and look into working with new materials.”

The Innovation Centre is part of the University of Derby’s wider commitment to working collaboratively with businesses, sharing expertise with innovation and sustainability in mind.

It is one of three tailored business support hubs which match small businesses with opportunities to access space, expertise, advice, funding, facilities and talent to help them grow. New businesses can pay stepped rental charges and get a range of business support services to set them on their way.

For more information click here or to register your interest in the Chesterfield business units, email chesterfield@derby.ac.uk or call 0800 001 55 00.

The University of Derby has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of two new Pro Vice-Chancellor Deans.

Dr Warren Manning, who recently spoke at the Made in Chesterfield launch at Barrow Hill Roundhouse,  has joined the College of Engineering and Technology from De Montfort University where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean for the Faculty of Business and Law.

Professor Keith McLay has been appointed to the College of Arts, Humanities and Education at the University following nearly four years as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at Canterbury Christ Church University.

In their new roles, Dr Manning and Professor McLay will be leading the University’s ambitious plans for the Colleges, responding to the needs of the government’s industrial strategy by forging close links with industry and helping to boost regional growth.

Dr Manning said:-

“My vision is to bring the College to industry, and industry to the College. I want to continue to grow our strong ethos of getting students learning on site and this year we launch three new apprenticeships in Aerospace, Civil Engineering and Cyber Security.

“Our desire to work with local businesses through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is also clear. We are currently working with Bombardier on a project to address the future of rail in Derby, and we start an ERDF funded project with several local SME’s this year to provide technical support to transport engineering and manufacturing businesses.”

Professor McLay explained:-

“I see my role as one of creating context, environment and opportunity for colleagues and students to flourish and embody professional and personal pride as the University.

“The College will enhance its excellence in delivering engaging, innovative and applied degree programmes, underpinned by active research agendas. Our aim is to give students the opportunity of work based, experiential learning and industry links, so they possess the skill-set, and crucially the experience, to be demonstrably employer-ready.

“To this end, the College will be firmly located within, and working in partnership with, the local cultural, artistic and educational communities, and from these local collaborations and relationships will open up the global and international experience for students.”

Graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Salford University and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Leeds University, Dr Manning has previously led departments in Engineering and Sustainable Development.

His appointment will be beneficial for Chesterfield in terms of driving forward the Made in Chesterfield scheme, a festival that celebrates the manufacturing industry in the town.

A doctoral graduate from the Scottish Centre for War Studies at the University of Glasgow, Professor McLay also brings with him his experience as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History, and Head of the Department of History & Archaeology, at the University of Chester.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:-

“Dr Warren Manning and Professor Keith McLay have specialist expertise in engineering and humanities respectively. Their knowledge and understanding of applied teaching and learning will be instrumental in supporting and enhancing the local and regional economy. They are both excellent leaders who bring very distinct skills to their roles, and their commitment to driving innovation and transformation will make a significant impact on our students, the University and wider business community.”

Pupils from schools throughout North Derbyshire have taken their first steps to a potential career in engineering at Brimington-based NLT Training Services.

The engineering training provider hosted groups of Year 10 and 11 students at its workshops recently as part of the annual Made in Chesterfield festival organised by Destination Chesterfield.

As part of a packed schools programme, Year 10 and 11 students from Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School spent time at NLT Training Services in Brimington getting hands-on designing and producing metal poppies, using the cutting and welding tools.

The month-long celebration of engineering and manufacturing is held each year and is designed to showcase the sector to young people, making them aware of the employment and training possibilities and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Attending the event, Liam Anstey-Ainsworth, a Year 10 student at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe, explained:-

“I already knew I wanted to go into a trade when I leave school. I prefer being hands-on to being in a classroom. I enjoyed being at NLT and, making. It’s opened my eyes to what’s available when I leave school, especially apprenticeships and the different trades that are available.”

Ronan Moorhouse, a Year 11 student added:-

“I’ve already applied to do travel and tourism at college, but NLT was really fun. It was practical and different to anything I’d done before. Metalwork was new to me, and it was great to create something we could take away. It was good to learn more about Apprenticeships too, I know now I’d definitely look at a degree level apprenticeship if they’re available in the right sector.”

Reece Jepson, a Year 10 pupil, said:-

“I was already interested in engineering before coming to NLT, so it was really cool to do plasma cutting and welding. The actual production of something is really rewarding. I think the most interesting thing about engineering is that you’re always learning new things, staying on top of technology. I knew a bit about apprenticeships before coming here but didn’t know we had an engineering apprenticeship specialist in Chesterfield, so that’s perfect for me.”

Praising the event, Mrs Jane Tattersall – a teacher at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School who accompanied the students commented:-

“We’ve seen the pupils’ confidence grow in just one day. They got to see working materials, and take part in some fun, interesting practical work. This shows them career opportunities that most of them hadn’t considered before. We’ve talked about Apprenticeships too, which I think is very important.”

Around 20 businesses, training providers and visitor attractions within the sector have come together to offer a packed programme of events to nearly 350 Year 6 to 13 school children during Made in Chesterfield.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the month-long festival in November is designed to show young people and their teachers the modern face of manufacturing and engineering and the many careers and job roles on offer within the sector locally.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, more manufacturing and engineering businesses, training providers and visitor attractions are involved in this year’s Made in Chesterfield than ever before. As well as NLT, modern-day gift maker Urban Flamingo, Paul Mossman Pottery, Brampton Brewery, Penny Hydraulics, Techman Engineering and MSE Hiller were amongst more than 20 businesses and training providers that have provided tours, talks and competitions during Made in Chesterfield to nearly 350 Year 6 to 13 school children.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented:-

“Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “Made in Chesterfield is playing a key role in sparking young people’s interest with the sector and ultimately helping local business secure contracts in the future.

“Hands-on opportunities such as taster days at NLT give students the chance to see the many and varied job roles there are within engineering and manufacturing and how important they are to the future success of our town.”.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2017’s school events, tours and workshops, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/ or contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207 207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

Penny Hydraulics’ recent £2million facelift was unveiled to technology students from Shirebrook Academy recently as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival.

In a bid to recruit future engineers to the Clowne-based manufacturer of lifting equipment, the doors to the company’s recently extended site were opened to 30 year 11 students from the school.

Robin Penny, the Managing Director and Owner of Penny Hydraulics who led the students’ tour of the site, explained:-

“Apprentices are the future of our industry. Employers such as myself rely on celebrations such as Made in Chesterfield to encourage young people to take an interest in the sector.”

“Too many students see university as the only route to success. It is events like Made in Chesterfield that allow us to educate young people about the brilliant alternatives to A levels.”

Since founding the company in 1978, Penny Hydraulics has grown significantly. It originally manufactured pit props for the local mining industry but has since diversified, now manufacturing cranes, goods lifts and lifting equipment for the nuclear decommissioning industry. The company now exports to 23 different countries worldwide and employs 85 people.

Shirebrook Academy student Annalise Cooper, who took part in tour, commented:-

“I’d always had my heart set on law, but then I started going to open days and saw all of the facilities now available, especially at West Notts. and Penny Hydraulics.

“I study resistant materials at school and really love both the theory and practical side of the lesson.

“Today has opened my mind. I have seen all the things that can be done here, and the different roles people have. I am now definitely considering a career in engineering.”

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the month-long Made in Chesterfield festival in November is designed to show young people and their teachers the modern face of manufacturing and engineering and the many careers and job roles on offer within the sector locally.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, more manufacturing and engineering businesses, training providers and visitor attractions are involved in this year’s Made in Chesterfield than ever before. As well as Penny Hydraulics, modern-day gift maker Urban Flamingo, Paul Mossman Pottery, Brampton Brewery, NLT, Techman Engineering and MSE Hiller were amongst more than 20 businesses and training providers that have provided tours, talks and competitions during Made in Chesterfield to nearly 350 Year 6 to 13 school children.

Robin Penny added:-

“We do a lot of things with local schools and universities as we want to attract people to work for our business. Recruiting the next generation of engineers to Penny Hydraulics is very important to us and we’ve been addressing recruitment issues for the last five years working closely with NLT and AMRC.”