Uncategorised

Elliot Mather Appoints New LLP Member of Family Department in Chesterfield

Full service law firm Elliot Mather LLP has announced the appointment of a new LLP Member – Ben Lawson – who has joined the company’s Family Law department based at its Head office in Chesterfield.

Ben is a highly experienced Family Solicitor having worked in the legal profession for many years. During his career, he has worked in offices across Derbyshire, whilst also assisting clients across both Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Ben joins an already exceptional Family Law team at Elliot Mather and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the department. He assists clients with all issues arising from relationship breakdowns, having particular interest in: complex financial matters, child arrangements, nuptial agreements, and high net worth divorces.

Commenting on his recent appointment as Solicitor and LLP Member at Elliot Mather, Ben said: “I am incredibly excited at being given the opportunity to join Elliot Mather as an LLP Member in the Family Department.  The firm has strong roots in Chesterfield and across the East Midlands, with a reputation for quality legal advice and putting client’s first. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Family Department, to assist those experiencing relationship breakdowns.”

Julie Skill, Head of the Family Department and LLP Member said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such talented and dedicated staff working within our Family department, and the arrival of Ben will only strengthen this team. I am very much looking forward to working with Ben .I wish him the best for his future with us at Elliot Mather.”

Elliot Mather is dedicated to ensuring clients receive expert and tailored legal advice. The recent recruitment of Ben demonstrates the desire to deliver an outstanding service from highly knowledgeable legal professionals. The Family Law department now comprises of 11 fee earners able to assist an increased number of clients based locally, regionally, and even nationally.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Weekly mental health café launched in Chesterfield town centre

A mental health support café has launched in Chesterfield to to help provide local people with wellbeing advice.

The weekly event takes place at Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s recently-opened venue, The Hub @ Low Pavement. Sessions take place each Wednesday from 10:30am -12:30pm.

It is hosted in partnership between DVA and the Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service, who are able to provide advice, guidance, and support on all aspects of people’s mental health.

Sessions are free to access, no referral is needed, and the café is open to anyone. The new initiative is facilitated by a mental health recovery worker, other healthcare professionals, and volunteers with lived experience of mental health concerns.

Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service supports people who are having difficulties with their mental health across the whole spectrum of mental illnesses. The organisation offers targeted goal-focused support, developing peer support and volunteer opportunities across Derbyshire, and also peer support groups where there is a need.

It also aims to reconnect people with their local community by offering access to targeted one-to-one staff support, telephone support and community groups, and is open to anyone over the age of 18 living in Derbyshire who is experiencing mental ill health.

The Hub @ Low Pavement is a space dedicated to bringing together local community and voluntary organisations. Based at 61-63 Low Pavement in Chesterfield town centre, the Hub opened in September 2021.

It is an inclusive, welcoming and friendly place for members of the public and for volunteer-led community groups.  The Hub aims to promote better social connectedness, and improved mental health and wellbeing.

Members of the public can use the hub to:

  • Find out information about the voluntary and community sector in the local area
  • Meet and talk with others
  • Take part in organised activities
  • Learn new skills which will help them feel more connected

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

The Hub @ Low Pavement

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield College to highlight the importance of apprenticeships at upcoming event

During National Apprenticeship Week (7-11 February) Chesterfield College is inviting people to find out how an apprenticeship can build their future career.

The college is holding an Apprenticeship Careers Fair on Wednesday 9 February, open to the public from 4pm until 6pm at their Infirmary Road campus. The event will give people the chance to explore the benefits of apprenticeships and the range of opportunities available.

A host of local employers who value the role that apprentices play in their workforce will also be at the event. They are keen to meet their future workforce and illustrate how apprenticeships provide a great way to develop skills and a career.

The Chesterfield College Group supports over 3,500 apprentices a year, working with hundreds of employers across a range of industries from care to construction and engineering to education.  Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn and train for a specific job, earn a wage and get hands-on experience.

With plenty of exciting vacancies to choose from, the apprenticeship team from the college will be on hand at the event to offer guidance about the range of options available. They will also offer support throughout the application process.

Leah Shortt, Head of Student & Apprentice Services at Chesterfield College said: “I look forward to welcoming anyone who wants to find out more about apprenticeships to our Apprenticeship Careers Fair. The employers who are joining us are passionate about developing people through apprenticeships. This event gives people a perfect opportunity to chat to them and our experienced apprenticeship team.

“Whether you are a school leaver or you want to explore how apprenticeships can help you start or change your career, this event is for you. Anyone over the age of 16 and living in England can do an apprenticeship. There’s no upper age limit. All you need is a keen interest to build your future.”

Find out more about apprenticeships at Chesterfield College visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/apprenticeships/.

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

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

SEO CoPilot celebrates 10 years of success

A Chesterfield business which specialises in Search Engine Optimisation, Web Design and Social Media campaigns is set to celebrate 10 years of helping other firms increase traffic to their website, and boost the amount of sales and enquiries they receive.

SEO CoPilot will be marking the occasion by creating special artwork for the firm’s social media platforms and website, along with thanking clients for putting their trust in the company over the years. The team now comprises of eight digital experts.

SEO CoPilot director Guy Tomlinson, said: “We have had to develop our processes over the years, not only due to the pandemic (which has affected the way most businesses operate to some extent), but also in light of technological advancements, new software, and our expanding range of services. Our ability to adapt to the changing industry has resulted in us receiving over 200 5 star online reviews from happy clients.”

“Our team at SEO CoPilot are constantly monitoring the ever changing world of SEO – we always stick to the Google guidelines and only practice SEO techniques that are organic and that work long term, we never cut corners to achieve unrealistic results quickly.

“Our sole focus is to get our client’s phones ringing and bring in more business for them, so we will always do right by our clients. Over the last 10 years, SEO techniques and what Google is looking for has changed hugely, which is why it is important that we constantly keep up to date with this, and find techniques that bring results.”

Guy also explained why Chesterfield was the ideal place to locate the business: “We love doing business in Chesterfield – not only do we have the best clients, but it’s great to see how much the area is progressing over time. The development of The Glass Yard in Chesterfield is one thing in particular that has impressed me recently, it’s coming along so well and is going to be a huge asset to the town and small businesses once it is completed.”

Over the next 10 years, the company intents carry on expanding its skill set and knowledge as a team to continue delivering a 5 star service to clients.

Guy added: “We are not looking to become a huge company as we have such a great team already and love to give a personal service to our clients, however we would be looking to add a few more skilled people to the team when it’s the right time to do so.”

Find out more about locating your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Avant Homes announces plans for 141-home development in Holmewood

Leading housebuilder Avant Homes has purchased a nine-acre parcel of land in Holmewood, Chesterfield where it will deliver a £30m development of 141 design-led homes.

Located on Chesterfield Road southeast of the town centre, Avant Homes secured planning approval for the site from North Derbyshire District Council in December 2021.

Initial groundworks are due to commence in January with the first homes set to be launched for sale in early 2022 and the showhomes following shortly after in May 2022. The first residents are expected to move into their new homes in summer 2022 and, in total, the approximate build length of the development will be three and a half years creating up to 120 jobs in sales and constriction.

Named Alma Place, the development is set to include a mixture of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom properties across 14 of Avant Homes’ contemporary apartment and house designs. The homes will range from a one-bedroom apartment to a five-bedroom detached house.

Of the 141 homes, 10 apartments will be designated to affordable housing. In addition to providing high-quality new-build homes, Avant Homes will commit a community contribution of £306,000 to local education.

Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The regional operation currently has 11 developments under construction stretching from Worksop to Wollaton and has its head office in Holmewood just a short distance from the new site.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “As a Holmewood-based business, we are very pleased to be playing a role in providing much-needed housing for local buyers close to our headquarters.

“We’re always searching for excellent opportunities to build new homes that will benefit from an attractive location, and not only will Alma Place help to deliver our strategic growth plans for the region, but also appeal to a wide range of buyers.”

Alma Place is situated just four miles from Chesterfield town centre, while on the doorstep of the Williamthorpe Nature Reseerve, Alma Place is also well connected to major towns and cities around Chesterfield including Mansfield and Sheffield.

For more information on Avant Homes Central, visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Plans revealed for 600 new homes and major regeneration in Staveley

A developer has announced major plans to regenerate Staveley, with 600 homes set to be built on a brownfield site in the area.

Harworth Group plc, a leading regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has announced the freehold acquisition of a 133-acre strategic land site in Staveley, Derbyshire, capable of delivering 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.

The brownfield site is located off Works Road, close to the A619 to the west of Staveley, and in an area known as the Staveley & Rother Valley Corridor. This area has been identified by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Local Plan as a Strategic Site allocated to deliver 1,500 new dwellings and employment opportunities, alongside a HS2 maintenance depot, primary school and energy generation opportunities. The site is also located along the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route (“CSRR”), a proposed single carriageway road connecting Chesterfield to the M1, which is planned for completion in 2025.

Harworth will work collaboratively with Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, adjacent landowners and other local groups to bring forward a comprehensive delivery plan for residential development along the CSRR. As part of this, Harworth will leverage its placemaking skills to transform the 133-acre land parcel, delivering 600 homes, including a mixed tenure product, alongside new green open spaces, a retail hub and other amenities in the vicinity. Harworth will also manage the closure of the landfill currently located on site, reclaiming the land for new habitat creation as well as the retention of ecology areas to ensure biodiversity net gain.

The site benefits from its proximity to Staveley, which last year was awarded funding by the UK Government’s Towns Fund programme to regenerate Staveley town centre, construct a new railway station and deliver additional employment land. Harworth will work with the Staveley Town Deal Board to ensure that the development complements and enhances these wider regeneration plans.

Submission of an outline planning application for the development is expected in 2023, to coincide with proposed timescales for the commencement of the CSSR.

Andrew Blackshaw, Chief Operating Officer at Harworth, commented: “Staveley is one of a number of recent acquisitions by Harworth as part of our strategy to grow our strategic land portfolio. We look forward to working with local authorities, landowners and other local groups to unlock the significant potential of this brownfield site.”

Andy Roberts, Acquisition Manager for Yorkshire & Central at Harworth, added: “Our freehold acquisition of Staveley presents an opportunity to take a leading role in delivering regeneration in the Staveley Corridor, building relationships with local stakeholders and using Harworth’s unique skillset to deliver new homes and amenities for the community.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Workpays set to host ‘The Big Assembly’ during National Apprenticeship Week

Workpays’ annual event ‘The Big Assembly’ is set to return again this year, with the broadcast set to inform thousands of young people about the benefits of apprenticeships.

Last year the event was watched live and on-demand by over 60,000 people, with schools, parents, students and employers receiving information and advice about possible next steps in their careers.

This time around, The Big Assembly is teaming up with Pret A Manger, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

It is produced by Chesterfield-based Workpays in partnership with GetMyFirstJob, ASK & Amazing Apprenticeships.

Alex Glasner, MD at Workpays, said: “The aim of the Big Assembly is simple: inspire the next generation of apprentices. For many school leavers, the broadcast is a starting point to discover what their next steps are after graduation – whether it be employment or further education. The Big Assembly is the jewel in the crown of National Apprenticeship Week!

“With more and more people tuning in each year, we wanted to make the 2022 Big Assembly the BIGGEST one yet, so we’re broadcasting it live from an employer – something that we’ve never done before! ”

The 2022 Big Assembly broadcast is being hosted at Pret A Manger and will be available to watch at bigassembly.org from the 8 February 2022.

It will feature a panel made up of employers, current apprentices, former apprentices, and a representative from the Disabled Apprentice Network.

David Carter, UK People Director of Pret said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting The Big Assembly broadcast this year as we partner with Workpays to hire and inspire the next generation of apprentices.

The Big Assembly is an amazing way to reach thousands and we’re excited to have representation on the panel sharing our apprentices’ success stories and showcasing what ‘a day in the life of an apprentice’ is really like. We can’t wait to help build the future and hope we help those wanting to become an apprentice.”

As well as Q&As and myth busting, there will also be segments showcasing the apprenticeship programmes at Pret, Bakkavor, Disability Rights UK, the Co-operative Bank & Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

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

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

Chesterfield’s Bridge Help goes carbon neutral

Chesterfield-based Bridge Help has started 2022 as a carbon neutral organisation, offsetting the entire carbon footprint of its workforce – from their flights and car journeys to lunches and energy usage both at work and home.

In just two months the commercial bridging finance company has directly funded the planting of 508 trees across Madagascar, Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique as well as achieving a reduction in 34.44 tonnes of CO2.

Becoming carbon neutral has been made possible by Ecologi – an organisation which helps companies and individuals fund impactful climate solutions, plant trees, analyse carbon footprint, become climate positive, achieve carbon neutrality and much more.

Every member of the Bridge Help team has been registered with Ecologi and carbon credits aligned according to their lifestyle.

By signing up to Ecologi, the Bridge Help team is directly funding high-impact climate solutions and supporting the town’s ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Companies and organisations that have signed up to Ecologi to date have, together, funded the planting of an amazing 31,450,527 trees reducing 1,239,380 tonnes of CO2 to date in a drive to bring greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to net zero by 2050.

With its team members, brokers and borrowers based throughout England and Wales, the company was an early adopter of Zoom video conferencing technology in order to minimising travel. A number of staff members also drive electric cars.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented: “Prior to signing up to Ecologi, we made small steps in becoming a carbon neutral business however this has now been accelerated. What myself and the team particularly like about Ecologi, is that we are all offsetting our personal carbon output 24/7 whether we are working or not. It is something the whole team is passionate about and we’ll be taking further steps throughout 2022 and beyond to reduce our impact on the environment.

He added: “We’re a growing business and it’s important to us all that our impact on the environment does not also increase. As we welcome new members to the team, they’ll also be automatically be signed up to Ecologi.”

Despite the economic slowdown due to the pandemic, the highest ever atmospheric CO2 concentration (419 parts per million) was recorded in June 2021. With seven of the warmest years on record all occurring since 2014, the issue of climate change is increasingly pressing.

To find out more about Ecologi and how you can get involved, visit ecologi.com.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield creative community encouraged to apply for local awards

Businesses and groups in the creative and digital sectors across Chesterfield and Derbyshire are being urged to get their nominations in for the Mainframe Awards 2022.

The ceremony, now in its fifth year was created to highlight the digital and creative community across the whole Derby and Derbyshire region.

People can nominate themselves, their colleagues or friend and their communities and it’s free to get involved.

Mainframe have tried to make the Awards as accessible as possible with ten open categories to choose from allowing anyone from the broad spectrum of creative industries to take part.

The categories are:

  • Make & Trade
  • Putting Derby & Derbyshire on the Map
  • Best Digital/Creative Upscaler
  • Emerging Digital Creative Star (under 25)
  • Creativity for Good
  • Best Digital/Creative Start Up
  • Digital Disruptor
  • Mainframe Unsung Hero
  • Best Local Network
  • Digital/Creative Ambassador of the Year

You can enter up to two categories giving you the best chance to show the judges your skills and achievements.

Each year Mainframe brings together an amazing group of people who are excelling in their own fields to judge the Mainframe Awards and 2022 is no exception.

The judging lineup will include

  • Nicki Capewell, Founder of Pedddle & Tresstle – Make & Trade
  • Paul Simpson, CEO at Derby City Council – Putting Derby & Derbyshire on the Map
  • Andrew Liddell, Development & Partnerships Manager at Creative UK – Best Digital/Creative Upscaler
  • Phil Basi, Programme Leader Media Production & Principal Lecturer TV Production at the University of Derby – Emerging Digital/Creative Star (under 25)
  • Kerry Andrews, Executive Director at the Level Centre – Creativity for Good
  • Rajita Shah, Relationship Manager – Creative Media (Midlands), Art’s Council England & Owner, Miraj Films – Best Digital/Creative Start Up
  • Chris Hotham & Keith Cox, Directors at Bloc Digital – Digital Disruptor
  • Daniel Poole, Head of Development at Derby Theatre – Mainframe Unsung Hero
  • Stephen Goddard & Chevalier Philip Brooks-Stephenson, KL, Co-Founders at KuKu Connect – Best Local Network

There have been forty winners to date, and they’ve all felt the value of being taking part.

Previous winner, Kamran Hussain commented: “It was a great honour and opportunity to be involved and linked with lots of creative people and businesses around the Derby and Derbyshire area, and show our appreciation to the great talent and businesses we have in our local area. Being nominated for the award was a privilege alone and hopefully, more people can be involved next year and get the recognition they deserve.”

Jen Sumner said: “Creativity and Culture play a vital role in making positive change and supporting wellbeing on a personal, community and global level. The last year has highlighted this even more and creatives have committed to supporting and connecting with communities, despite funding challenges and insecurity about what lies ahead. So many companies and artists are worthy of a Creativity for Good award which makes winning feel even more meaningful to us.”

The deadline for the Mainframe Awards 2022 is Monday 31st January. If you would like to submit a nomination, go to: https://info.mainframederby.co.uk/mainframe-awards-2022

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

NLT launches scheme to provide free training to people in North Derbyshire facing unemployment

A Chesterfield training organisation has pledged to help more unemployed people in North Derbyshire find work.

NLT Training Services has launched a brand-new initiative – Impact 22 – that will provide funded support to local groups and charities that help people facing unemployment.

Through the new initiative, the charitable arm of NLT Training Services will provide its 12-week programme of work-ready training – Step Into Employment free of charge. The programme will be available to all individuals referred to NLT through groups and charities that support unemployed people.

Funding for the 12-week Step Into Employment programme has been made available following the sale of a property.

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive of NLT Training Services explained: “Not many people know that NLT is also a charity as well as a training provider and we are now in a fortunate position to have surplus funds following a property sale. This has enabled us to launch Impact 22.

“We now want to work with as many community groups as possible to deliver our Step Into Employment programme to those who need it most in the area.”

Community groups and charities in North and North East Derbyshire that would like to access the free training programme, are now being invited to get in touch with NLT.

As part of the 12-week programme, which is delivered at NLT’s Station Road offices in Brimington, attendees will have access to IT equipment, free internet access and advice on CV creation and interview techniques from an employment specialist. There is also the opportunity to undertake work experience placements to enable attendees to further boost their skills and confidence of attendees.

NLT typically delivers construction and engineering training, working with companies throughout the East Midlands.

Sarah added: “There are many job opportunities available right now, not least in the local engineering and construction sector, which could be lifechanging for some people. The Step Into Employment programme will give people the skills and confidence to take up those opportunities.”

If you’re a community group or charity working to support unemployed people and would like to find out more about getting involved with NLT’s Step Into Employment programme, please contact Janice Parker on 07947 550 571 or email janice.parker@nlt-training.co.uk.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has published his latest blog focusing on the importance of skills and job creation in the town.

2022 certainly kicked off in style (pun intended) with a trip to Chelsea for Chesterfield FC in the FA Cup.

In what was the ultimate David and Goliath match, Chesterfield FC’s players battled bravely to the end and did themselves proud. However, we must not overlook the fans- Thousands of Spireites travelled to Stamford Bridge and their conduct, friendliness, and optimism made them the ultimate ambassadors for the town. I could not have been more proud of Chesterfield on this historic day.

The conduct of players and fans helped raised the profile of our town in a very positive way, not just nationally but internationally with goodwill messages being received from as far afield as Africa and Russia.

At the 80th minute it would have been easier for the players to sit back and prevent more goals. Not our players, they battled on to score a precious goal against the reigning European champions, sending the fans back home with a smile on their face.

Doesn’t this mirror Chesterfield’s response to the pandemic?

Two years, the town could have bunkered down and ridden out the pandemic. Instead, we chose to forge ahead with existing plans and came up with innovative solutions to ensure Chesterfield continued to grow and develop in the face of adversity.

During the pandemic, Chesterfield has attracted more than £30million in government funding to help revitalise the town centre and regenerate Staveley. Most importantly jobs and opportunities will be created for thousands of young people in the borough.

The last two years have been extremely challenging for students and employers, and it has never been more important to work together to ensure Chesterfield has the skills to grow and recover from those challenges.

We’re committed to creating jobs for local people, which is why, with more than 16,000 students in North Derbyshire set to gain their GCSE and A level qualifications in the next five years, it’s important that they are work ready and know about the opportunities – like apprenticeships – available to them when they leave education.

The annual Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference, which this year fell during National Apprenticeship Week – plays a big role in this.

Organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub, it continues to strengthen links between education providers and local businesses. Apprenticeships, alongside university and college all take equal billing at the conference, recognising the importance each of them plays in ensuring the town has a skilled workforce.

However, let’s not wait for a conference and awareness week to highlight the importance and value of apprenticeships. Make sure young people around you are aware of apprenticeships and the value they bring to their personal and professional development and the town’s prosperity.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that Chesterfield is future-proofed. Having a skilled workforce is key to ensure our town continues to thrive for generations to come.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,