Made in Chesterfield

George Stephenson launches Made in Chesterfield 2015

10th November 2015

Month long manufacturing festival aims to reach thousands of young people

Chesterfield Museum’s very own George Stephenson officially launched Made in Chesterfield 2015 at a special event on Tuesday 3 November.

The month long Made in Chesterfield festival aims to raise awareness of the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector to young people and schools in the hope they will consider a career in it. Last year more than 400 young people were introduced to the sector in just a week and this year organisers Destination Chesterfield are hoping to reach thousands during Made 2015.

As part of the celebrations schools from throughout North East Derbyshire, including Tupton Hall, The Bolsover School, Shirebrook Academy and Parkside School, will be visiting companies and training providers in the sector to gain hands-on experience.

At the launch Councillor Amanda Serjeant, vice chair of Destination Chesterfield and cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Engineering has always played a major part in Chesterfield’s economy and these events show that this heritage is continuing today.

“Engineering companies are also at the forefront of work in the town to create apprentices to give young people high quality job opportunities.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase all they do and raise awareness of the many different types of products being manufactured in the town.”

The museum is also hosting a special Made in Chesterfield Exhibition, celebrating the wide range of amazing and sometimes quirky products being made in Chesterfield both today and bygone days, including George Stephenson’s cucumber straightener.

As well as George Stephenson, Chesterfield is welcoming a number of high profile names from manufacturing and engineering during the festival, including Mantra – AMRC’s travelling showcase for advanced engineering, which pupils from across the county will be visiting at MSE Hiller.

A life size replica of Bloodhound, the vehicle which is Britain’s latest attempt to break the world land speed record, travelling at a speed of 1,000mph, will also be rolling into Chesterfield College for the festival.

The arrival of Bloodhound in Chesterfield has special significance for the town as local industrial weighing specialists Weightron Bilanciai Ltd, has supplied the weighing systems that have been use throughout the build of the project. The company is also supplying a system to measure the weight distribution through the wheels of the car, to allow the balancing of the vehicle.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure, and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only do this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Chesterfield College, Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Placing Futures, NLT Training, UKTI, East Midlands Chamber, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Positive 4 Young People.

To find out more about any of the Made in Chesterfield business events and to register to attend, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield woman recognised as one of top engineering and construction apprentices

27th October 2015

A young woman from Chesterfield has beaten more than 13,000 hopefuls to be named one of the top engineering and construction apprentices in the country.

Casey Allen (17), an engineering apprentice at Foxwood Diesel in Old Whittington, narrowly missed out on being named the overall winner of the prestigious Group Training Association (GTA) England Apprentice of the Year Award.

Casey, who is about to complete level 2 of her apprenticeship and start level 3, was put forward for the award by her apprentice training provider NLT Training Services based in Brimington. She was pipped to the post for overall winner by a level 4 engineering apprentice.

Delighted to win Casey said: “I’ve only been in the industry for about 18 months so to get this award is brilliant. I didn’t expect to be shortlisted let alone the runner up.”

The award was presented by Nick Boles, Minister of State jointly for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education, at a ceremony held at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) in Westminster, London.

Minister for Skills Nick Boles said: “The GTA England awards ceremony highlights the talent, energy and skill apprentices bring to businesses both large and small across the country.

“Apprenticeships play a vital role in building a modern, highly skilled workforce. This is why we are working with organisations like GTA England and its members to deliver 3 million apprentices by 2020.”

Andy Sheppard, CEO of NLT Training Services who was at the award ceremony explained: “Casey’s enthusiasm for engineering is infectious, matched only by her performance both in our training centre and at Foxwood Diesel. She is an outstanding student who ticks every single box and we are delighted that she has been recognised at such a high level. She is a credit to apprentices and the engineering profession.”

Casey is the only female employed on the shop floor at Foxwood Diesel where she is known as ‘The Turbo Queen’ by her colleagues because of her love of stripping down and reconstructing diesel engines. She began working at the company when she was 15 as part of a work experience organised by her school.

Owner of Foxwood Diesel Ken Worsdale, workshop manager Matt Jamson and Casey’s mum also accompanied her to the award ceremony.

Ken Worsdale added: “We’re all very proud of Casey. She did very well to be up against people who are five years into their apprenticeship. She is an asset to Foxwood Diesel. She’s only been here for just over a year but every day she impresses us with her self-motivation and effort she puts into the job.”

Casey added: “Foxwood is a great company to work for. They’re really supporting me. What I’m doing with my employer, combined with the training and qualifications I’m getting at NLT, will give me skills for life.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to gain experience, learn skills and get paid. I plan to get to the highest level I can until I’m fully qualified. Eventually though I would like to combine my skills with teaching and have my own turbo specialist business where I can employ people and teach them like I’ve been taught.”

NLT Training Services is a specialist training and provider of apprentices in welding, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering and is one of only 40 technical training providers recognised by GTA in England.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Museum highly commended in industry awards

23rd October 2015

Chesterfield Museum has been highly commended for its successful events at the recent Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

The popular Chesterfield Borough Council run attraction received the commendation in the inspiration category for its special project ‘What’s on at Chesterfield Museum’.

This campaign has seen a series of special events including using professional reenactors, talks from local organisations, as well as talents from the museum staff for storytelling, Meet George Stephenson and children’s craft workshops.

There are several events coming up over the coming weeks including:

Children’s Craft Workshops on Saturdays 30 October and 27 November with hands on craft activities for children aged three to five years
Storytelling on Saturdays 7 November and 5 December with an opportunity to handle and talk about objects from the museum’s collection
Meet George Stephenson Saturday 21 November 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “I’m very proud that Chesterfield Museum has been highly commended in the Derbyshire Heritage Awards.

“The museum has lots of regular visitors and our staff have also been working hard to attract new ones with a series of interactive special events – we have a full programme of events coming up suitable for families.”

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The current exhibition on display is Made in Chesterfield taking a look at the many items that are made in the borough today with displays from 27 different companies.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Bloodhound and Mantra set to roll into town for Made in Chesterfield

22nd October 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in north east Derbyshire are being called on to support the annual Made in Chesterfield festival, a celebration of the town’s manufacturing sector throughout November organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Museum’s very own George Stephenson will attend the official launch of Made in Chesterfield 2015 to the business community at a special evening event on Tuesday 3 November.

As well as George Stephenson, Chesterfield is welcoming a number of high-profile names from manufacturing and engineering during the festival, including Mantra – AMRC’s travelling showcase for advanced engineering, and Bloodhound, the vehicle which is Britain’s latest attempt to break the world land speed record, travelling at a speed of 1,000mph.

A replica of the vehicle will be at Chesterfield College on Wednesday 18 November as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival and is central to a special drinks reception for Chesterfield Champions.

The arrival of Bloodhound in Chesterfield has special significance for the town as local industrial weighing specialists Weightron Bilanciai Ltd have supplied the weighing systems that have been used throughout the build of the project. The company also supplying a system to measure the weight distribution through the wheels of the car, to allow the balancing of the vehicle.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, vice chair of Destination Chesterfield and cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Engineering has always played a major part in Chesterfield’s economy and these events show that this heritage is continuing today.

“Engineering companies are also at the forefront of work in the town to create apprentices to give young people high quality job opportunities.

“This festival is an opportunity to showcase all they do and raise awareness of the many different types of products being manufactured in the town.”

As well as the launch and Champions’ Bloodhound event, there is a packed programme of business events being held during Made in Chesterfield, including a manufacturing conference, business masterclasses and networking events.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar, NatWest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Chesterfield College, Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Placing Futures, NLT Training, UKTI, East Midlands Chamber, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Positive 4 Young People.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only do this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Ian Harrison, UKTI Regional Director in the East Midlands, said he was delighted to be involved in Made in Chesterfield.

He added: “Our breakfast event Made in Chesterfield – Sold to the World, on 9 November, will include an in-depth look at the exciting opportunities for local companies to trade internationally.

“As part of UKTI’s Export Week programme, we hope the event will show businesses that whatever their size, we can help them take their goods and services worldwide.

“The Chesterfield event is also timed to coincide with the launch of the Government’s new Exporting is GREAT Campaign (www.exportingisgreat.gov.uk), which seeks to inspire 100,000 new exporters.”

To find out more about any of the Made in Chesterfield business events and to register to attend, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

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

Museum celebrates everything Made in Chesterfield

16th October 2015

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can learn about the borough’s manufacturing industry through a new exhibition named ‘Made in Chesterfield’.

Items from at least 27 different Chesterfield companies will be on display including a drill collar from Techman Engineering, pottery, strapping from Damar Webbing and leather items from Claytons.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy said: “Chesterfield has a rich and varied manufacturing history which continues to this day.

“The borough is known for producing specialised and bespoke items, working closely with the customer, and has a reputation for quality.

“This is a great opportunity to see the work which still continues today and I’d encourage families to visit the exhibition and learn together.”

The exhibition runs until Saturday 9th January and will include some ‘hands on’ elements for the museum’s younger visitors, including boxes allowing them to feel and explore different materials.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition is part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield Festival which takes place across the town throughout November.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which coordinates the celebrations said: “Made in Chesterfield is a flagship event for the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector, which is the foundation of our economy and a large contributor to the region,

“However lots of young people don’t know the companies or careers that exist within it. Made in Chesterfield is an important tool in raise awareness of this sector.

“Last year during Made in Chesterfield we introduced more than 400 young people to the sector through a programme of events. This year, we’re running an entire month of school and business events throughout November.

“It is these events, combined with the exhibition at the museum, that will help us reach more people this year and enable the borough’s thriving manufacturing sector to survive and prosper for many more generations.”

More information can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield pottery to appear on BBC 2’s Great British Menu

21st September 2015

The work of award-winning Chesterfield ceramicist Clare Gage will be showcased on BBC 2 next month, when it appears on The Great British Menu displaying the culinary creation of top chef Pip Lacey.

Pip Lacey, head Chef at Murano London, Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant in the Heart of Mayfair, is one of 24 talented chefs who are in competition to cater a banquet which will celebrate the centenary of the Women’s Institute at London’s historic Drapers Hall.

Pip used the plates, cups and saucers from Clare’s range to display her dessert course – ‘a play on scones’ – to Great British Menu judges – Prue Leith, restauranteur Oliver Peyton and award-winning critic Matthew Fort.

Originally from Leicestershire, Pip’s menu is appearing in the Central heat of the competition, where she will go up against two other chefs from the region who have been challenged to produce 21st-century dishes that honour the custodians of first-class home cooking.

The first part of Pip’s four course meal will go before the judges on Monday 28 September, with her dessert course being shown on BBC 2 at 7.30pm on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Clare Gage’s textile inspired ceramics celebrate the British tradition of afternoon tea, so were the perfect accompaniment to Pip Lacey’s very British dessert of scones. Clare Gage’s ceramics are designed and made by Clare herself in Chesterfield. Her work features lace, buttons, patchwork, cross stitch as well as knitted and woven fabric designs. The beautiful range includes cups and saucers, mugs, tableware, vases, jewellery and hanging decorations.

Explaining her decision to choose Clare Gage’s creations to display her menu, Pip Lacey said: “I chose to use Clare’s cups because of the link to the brief: Celebrating the Women’s institute. They are very unique, hand crafted and made by a woman. The Institute is all about learning new crafts and Clare’s style was perfect for the dessert I did – a play on scones. Scones are something that the Women’s Institute would eat at tea breaks when knitting, so the style of Clare’s cups tied in perfectly. Knitting and baking still go together now.

“I know that the crew liked the cups, but I have no idea as to anyone else’s reaction to them or even myself as I’ve not seen any of the show yet.”

Clare added: “It was an honour to have my work selected by Pip. My collection stems from a real affection for the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea, so to have my designs used for a dish that will celebrate the Great British Institution that is the WI seems very fitting.”

The winners of each regional heat will go on to compete in the final where 4 chefs – one for each course, will be selected to cater the banquet. Finals Week and the Banquet show will be aired the week commencing Monday 5 October.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Sculpture chosen for new Chesterfield College building

8th September 2015

A sculpture celebrating the town’s famous railway pioneer, George Stephenson is to be installed outside Chesterfield College’s new construction facility on Infirmary Road.

The winning design comes from Chesterfield College art and design student, Hannah Carter, aged 17, who was one of 6 finalists shortlisted from a total of 28, and will incorporate some of the decorative stones from the old building on the site.

Hannah said:

“I was inspired by the role the railway has played in the town and I wanted to combine that with the role education plays in shaping people’s lives. My design is created from stone and metal railway tracks. It shows how education can take you on different journeys in life.”

“It has been an amazing experience to take part in this competition. I can’t wait to see my designs come to life for everyone to enjoy.”

Luke Chapman, tutor at Chesterfield College said:-

“I am proud of how each of the students has used different inspirations to create their designs. This competition has given them all a fantastic opportunity to see how design is important in the local community. Some of the students want to go on to study architecture when they leave us and being finalists in a competition like this really gives them a head start in being able to apply what they learn in a classroom to the outside world.”

Other finalists included Justine Wright, Charlene Haughton, Lauren Blount and Jordan Thorpe all aged 17 and first year art and design students. The competition was judged by Cllr Terry Gilby from Chesterfield Borough Council, Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College and Mike Thackery, Head of Facilities at Chesterfield College.

The new sculpture is part of the Percent for Art scheme run by Chesterfield Borough Council, which invites developers of schemes costing over £1m to include a work of art as part of their finished project.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Young Chef of the Year tickles taste buds with local recipe book

3rd July 2015

Chesterfield’s Young Chef of the Year 2014, Natasha Hart, has been cooking up interest for ‘Taste’ – a new, mouth-watering, local cook book featuring favourite recipes from top food spots and keen cooks living and working in the town.

Collated by Chesterfield College, ‘Taste’ is designed to raise vital funds for Ashgate Hospicecare and is part of a bigger campaign by the college to raise £30,000 for the hospice’s £1 million Urgent Bed Appeal. Natasha visited the charity this week to help launch the new book as well as offering some tips for making her recipe at home.

Packed full of savoury and sweet delights, the book includes delicious treats like a stuffed chicken recipe from the Chesterfield Football Club Physio, Jamie Hewitt and a chocolate and caramac Roulade from Andrea Loomes, Head Chef at Ashgate Hospicecare.

Local restaurants and food retailers like Calabria and Jacksons the Bakers have shared their favourite recipes too, making the book a must for any self-respecting foodie to have on their cook book shelf!

Mhairi Herring, from Ashgate Hospicecare said “Thanks to all who have contributed to the Taste book and to Chesterfield College for producing it.

“Every penny from the sale of Taste will raise vital funds to allow us to provide care for people with life limiting illnesses. So grab a copy and get cooking.

“The recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try Ainsley Harriott’s sticky toffee pudding. I wonder if the calories won’t count as it is all for charity!”

The books are now on sale for £5 from Ashgate Hospicecare shops, Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Football Club, Calabria, Jacksons the Bakers and Maison Mes Amis.

Natasha Hart was named Chesterfield Young Chef of the Year at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. This year’s Young Chef of the Year will be crowned alongside 12 other winners at a glittering ceremony taking place at Chesterfield College in October.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer, Visiting

Manufacturing companies urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield

10th June 2015

Engineering and manufacturing companies in Chesterfield and north east Derbyshire are being called on to make a difference to the future of young people and get involved with Made in Chesterfield taking place in November later this year.

Festival organiser Destination Chesterfield is now urging companies to put themselves forward and get involved with the school and business events that will be taking place throughout the month.

This year Made in Chesterfield has been extended from a week to a month, providing even more opportunity for the town’s manufacturing and engineering companies to ignite career interest in the sector from young people.

Last year a number of companies took part in the first ever Made in Chesterfield which took place over a week in November. United Cast Bar Ltd, Franke Sissons Ltd, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Corregated Case Company, Kingfield Electronics, FieldCandy, and Magnifica Technologies Ltd, offering tours of their facilities, competitions, events and workshops with schools and students.

Ivan Fomin, managing director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering, said: “The support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield. Manufacturing is the lifeblood of the economy, feeding other sectors such as retail and leisure and its continuing success relies on today’s students considering it for a future career. Made in Chesterfield is designed to open their eyes to this and show them the varied job roles available and also how the sector has changed. However, we can only this of companies come forward and actively get involved.”

Last year Ivan’s company took an active role in Made in Chesterfield Week and invited a number of schools to tour the firm’s Markham Vale £3million purpose-built premises.

If your company would like to get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

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

From canvas to canvas for St Mary’s students’ winning tent design

5th May 2015

Two Year 10 students from St Mary’s School have finally seen their winning tent design brought to life by Staveley-based outdoor products designer FieldCandy.

Students Rhys Rossello (15) and Louis Rafferty (14), both studying Graphics Products at St Mary’s, took part in the tent design competition organised by Destination Chesterfield as part of the Made in Chesterfield festival last year. Made in Chesterfield brought together the town’s thriving manufacturing sector and schools to highlight to career opportunities within it.

The winning design, which features Chesterfield’s crooked spire, the Proact Stadium roof, the train station, Town Hall and Growth Sculpture, was selected by Crush Design and Derbyshire Education Business Project.

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “The judges felt that Rhys and Louis’ design reflected Chesterfield and it was a good modern adaptation for a tent.”

Rhys and Louis worked at Crush Design’s studio on Marsden Street in Chesterfield to transform their design into a format ready for printing on the FieldCandy tent.

Headteacher of St Mary’s Sean McClafferty added: “Both Rhys and Louis are a credit to St Mary’s. They have excelled themselves and I am sure this success will encourage them to consider careers in the area of design as they are both clearly gifted students.”

The design was reproduced on a stunning two-man tent by FieldCandy. John Harris, Director of FieldCandy, said: “We were delighted to be able to participate in Made in Chesterfield. We’re even more thrilled with the wonderful design that Rhys and Louis have produced. It’s translated excellently into a tent and we’re very proud of it.

“Taking part in Made in Chesterfield was a great opportunity for FieldCandy to give something back to the Borough. The Council has been exceptionally supportive of the business and has helped us access grant funding to grow and create jobs here.”

Since launching in 2011 FieldCandy has taken the camping world by storm with its unique eye-catching luxury designs which are all made at the company’s headquarters on Colliery Close in Staveley. The designer tents, which feature offbeat graphics such as leopard print, a block of cheese and floral motifs, have developed a celebrity following and are seen at festivals over the world. Some of the designs have even been showcased at the 54^th Grammy Awards in the US.

FieldCandy and Crush Design were just two of a number of companies that took part in Made in Chesterfield 2014. The manufacturing festival will return later this year in November for a full month of events. It is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and is designed to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and its associated industries to students, raising awareness of the employment opportunities within it as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

To keep up to date with events and developments in Chesterfield, as well as plans for Made in Chesterfield 2015 visit www.chesterfield.co.uk

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

Cathelco Acquires French Firm to Become Leader in Water Treatment Systems

27th April 2015

Cathelco in Chesterfield, the world-leading manufacturer of equipment for ships, has acquired Hydro-Electrique Marine (HEM), the French specialists in desalinators and water treatment systems.

The acquisition will make Cathelco one of the largest producers of ship-board water treatment systems in Europe and the premier supplier to the super yacht industry.

Justin Salisbury, Managing Director of Cathelco Ltd said:-

“The new venture will operate under the name of Cathelco HEM emphasising the strength of two well-known brand names and creating a stronger presence in the water treatment market.”

Cathelco already has experience of the desalinator market having purchased Seafresh Desalinators in 2010, a small company serving the UK market which it transformed into an international exporter of watermakers.

Manufacture of the HEM equipment will continue at the company’s premises near Antibes in the south of France. This will also provide Cathelco with a technical support and stockholding hub in the Mediterranean.

Currently, Cathelco Seafresh desalinators have a maximum output of 35 tonnes per day, whereas the HEM range have outputs of up to 150 tonnes making them suitable for use on large commercial vessels and naval craft.

Justin Salisbury explains:-

“The HEM range greatly increases the scope for desalinator sales and provides a good fit with our existing range.

“It will enable us to provide a complete equipment package for commercial vessels and super yachts which we can support through our combined network of agent/installers.”

Cathelco is now in a position where it can provide treatment systems for virtually all types of seawater used on vessels.

Founded in 1956, Cathelco has grown to be one of the UK’s most dynamic manufacturers of marine equipment through product innovation and diversification and its seawater pipework anti-fouling systems have now been fitted to more than 40,000 vessels around the world.

The company also produces ICCP hull corrosion protection systems for ships and offshore platform applications.

Posted in Business, Made in Chesterfield