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Redbrik Half Marathon donates four-figure sum to charity following Virtual Events

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has donated a four-figure sum to two regional charities after hundreds of runners donated their entry fee difference between the cancelled 2020 Redbrik Half and all-new 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

The donation comes after runners took to the streets from as far afield as Edinburgh to take on the Redbrik Half’s Virtual Events weekend, which took place following the in-person event’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entrants into the cancelled 2020 Redbrik Half who had deferred their entry to the 2021 Chesterfield 10k were offered the opportunity to donate the difference in entry fee between the two events to the Half Marathon’s charity partners, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The majority of entrants took up the option, and as a result, in addition to funds raised by individuals, more than £1,000 was raised by the event itself, which has since been donated to Ashgate and Bluebell Wood.

The Redbrik Half’s Virtual Events saw more than 100 people from across the country run five miles, 10km or a half marathon over the course of the original Half Marathon event weekend, with vital funds raised for charities across the region as a result.

Redbrik Half virtual event runner, Chris Breen, completed not just one, but two virtual half marathons during the original event weekend. He said: “When I heard the Chesterfield Half Marathon was going ahead as a virtual event, I jumped at the chance.

“On the Saturday, I chose my favourite countryside run. I loved it, pushed myself and came in at 1 hour 50 minutes exactly. Imagine my surprise when a friend of mine said he was entering too and wasn’t sure of a local route that would come out at the half marathon distance.

“I got my arm twisted and ran it again the following day with my friend! To say I was tired on the Sunday evening is an understatement, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing these virtual half marathons.

“It’s just what we needed in lockdown – something to aim for – and the icing on the cake is receiving a medal and certificate as a memento. Thanks to the Redbrik Half Marathon team for organising a fantastic event.”

John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Half Marathon and Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much the Redbrik Half Marathon has been able to raise for regional charities despite the ‘real’ event’s cancellation this year.

“Donation of the entry fee difference between the two events may seem a small sum in isolation, but the figure we’ve managed to donate as a result of people’s generosity is testament to what can be achieved as a collective.

“Our attention now turns to the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, an exciting new event for the beautiful town of Chesterfield in aid of some brilliant causes.”

Mark Ross, Managing Director at Chesterfield Half Marathon title sponsor, Redbrik estate agents, said: “We’ve loved playing a key role in the Redbrik Half Marathon’s journey – which is ending on a high with this fantastic donation.

“I’d like to congratulate all those runners who took to their streets individually during the original Redbrik Half event weekend and raised thousands of pounds for some great causes – your efforts are all the more important in an extremely challenging year for charities.

“With less than 12 months to go, we can’t wait for the 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, which has already been extremely well received by the local community.”

Redbrik Chesterfield Half – 20.10.19 – Images provided by Charles Whitton

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Eileen Richards MBE inducted as new East Midlands Chamber president at virtual AGM

A businesswoman who received royal recognition for promoting female entrepreneurship has been inducted as the new president of East Midlands Chamber.

Eileen Richards MBE, founder and managing director of ER Recruitment in Leicester, took over the chains of office from Dawn Edwards at the Chamber’s annual general meeting, which was held virtually for the first time on Friday 11 December.

She is the co-founder of the Chamber’s Enterprising Women network, which will mark its 25th year in 2022.

In her first speech as president, Eileen set out three priorities for the year ahead – to encourage inter-membership relations and trading; support the region’s future business leaders; and lobby hard in Government for investment to aid the East Midlands’ post-Covid economic recovery.

Eileen, who has been a board member for more than three years and was vice-president in 2020, said: “The Chamber plays a huge role in the region and it’s an organisation I’ve worked with pretty much the entire time I have been in business.

“I have experienced first-hand the excellent range of services available to members, and have witnessed the incredible talent and experience we have on our board – not least from Dawn, who has done such a fantastic job in difficult circumstances as president.

“I feel really honoured to become president for 2021 as it’s a fantastic accolade that comes with great responsibility.

“I’ll carry out the role of president like I run my business – the members will be at the heart of everything we do, just like people are in recruitment.

“I might not be able to solve the economic recovery all on my own but I’d like to get some great individuals and businesses together within our membership to make a difference.

“Hopefully, in 12 months’ time, people can see what we’ve achieved.”

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles added: “Eileen is dedicated to supporting the Chamber and its members as they navigate post-pandemic and post-Brexit – two of the greatest challenges to the UK economy happening simultaneously.

“She is already a leading voice in the business community and her role as president of the Chamber will give her the platform to showcase what she is passionate about – the amazing business community we have here in the East Midlands.

“I look forward to working very closely with Eileen in what will prove to be an interesting year for business.”

Dawn Edwards reflects on ‘rollercoaster’ year

In her outgoing speech, Dawn, founder and managing director of Nottinghamshire-based Challenge Consulting, reflected on a “rollercoaster” year in office that has been hugely disrupted by coronavirus and bookended by Brexit.

She spoke about some of the Chamber events she had been able to attend before lockdown, including the Christmas lunch and Celebrating East Midlands Culture and Communities gala.

Dawn also praised the region’s “unwavering support and sense of community” that has remained constant amid all the uncertainty of 2020.

“I am incredibly proud to have been able to represent the business community in the East Midlands, and to have been given a platform and a voice at a time so critical to business,” said Dawn.

“Being a collective business voice and the many lobbying activities that the Chamber engages in have been incredibly powerful – the fruits of which can be seen in some of the decisions and support packages provided by the Government.

“The year ahead will no doubt also be a challenging one. With the Brexit transition period coming to an end and negotiations still ongoing, we must continue to make our collective voice heard.

“The past year has proven how vital it is for us all to work together. Alliances, partnerships and collaborations have been forged in the most unlikely of places, through the most unlikely of circumstances, and present a real opportunity for the future.

“I can now look ahead in the knowledge that I’m handing over the chains to someone who I admire hugely in Eileen, and I know she will bring her own brand of leadership and enthusiasm to the role.”

Scott added: “Dawn’s year as president has arguably been the most challenging for any president in recent years.

“The pandemic and its impact on the business community is well rehearsed by all of us and Dawn has navigated this, supporting the Chamber, our members and the wider business community by holding to Government to account and being the leading voice for businesses at this critical time.

“Her tenacity and support for the SME community has been unfaltering and I want to thank her for her support to me and the wider Chamber team during this time.”

Two new board members and vice-president appointed to East Midlands Chamber

As well as a new president, Lindsey Williams was named vice-president. She has been chief executive of Derbyshire-based Futures Housing Group since 2003 and is a passionate advocate for social housing.

Lindsey is a strategic leader on various boards and is an active member of the Chartered Institute of Housing, playing a key role in helping boost the housing sector’s profile with central Government as part of the National Housing Federation’s Political Positioning Group.

She said: “I’m delighted to be part of East Midlands Chamber and to become our new vice president.

“Building relationships and being part of a community of businesses from across the region is really important to me and to Futures. I look forward to working together closely with members over the next few years.”

Two new board members, Craig Brothers and Neil Williams, were appointed to replace Robert Mayo and Stephen Midgley, who have retired.

Craig is co-founder and managing director of Affari Media, a Nottingham-based creative marketing agency.

The company develops immersive technology solutions, including virtual reality, augmented reality and holography for a global client base.

Craig said: “As a native of the East Midlands, I’m extremely honoured and proud to have been asked to serve as a board member for East Midlands Chamber.

“I look forward to adding to the great work the team at the Chamber has achieved in supporting the membership, notably its award of British Chambers of Commerce Chamber of the Year 2018.

“A real desire I have during my tenure is to enhance the region in nurturing talent, in particular linking my work with Nottingham Trent University’s enterprise advisory board and the Chamber’s Generation Next network.”

Neil has spent more than 30 years in the media and public relations profession, including for GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce.

He is currently a PR manager based in the East Midlands at Amazon, which recently became a strategic partner of the Chamber.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to serve as a board member, and really looking forward to working with an organisation that has done so much for business in the region,” said Neil.

The AGM also included guest speeches from senior representatives of the Business of the Year winners for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire at the recent East Midlands Chamber Business Awards – John Beswick, director of PR Marriott Drilling; James Healey, COO at Air IT; and Nick Parker, managing director of db automation and Premier Bowl Feeders.

More than 100 businesses were celebrated in a presentation that recognised longstanding membership, ranging from 25 to 65 years, and will receive certificates from the Chamber.

Rolls-Royce is the longest serving member, having joined the former Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce on 15 April 1908.

chamber video export

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Uncategorised

Have your say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield residents, business owners and market traders are being invited to share their views and help shape the future of Chesterfield Market.

Chesterfield Borough Council is launching an initial series of surveys to understand what people enjoy about Chesterfield Market, what might encourage them to visit more often, and understand how they think it can be improved. The surveys will be open until Monday 4 January.

It is the first step in the £3.25m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project to revamp the town’s historic outdoor Market Place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Market is the heart and soul of the town. It is absolutely vital to our history, with markets being held here since 1204.

“It’s crucial that we work together with residents, market traders and local businesses to make sure improvements meet their needs, and so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to give us their views.”

Three separate surveys are being carried out at the same time – one will seek the views, ideas and concerns of market traders, whilst another is aimed at local retailers. The third questionnaire will be open to the general public to share their opinions.

Councillor Sarvent added: “This is just the start of what is a very important conversation for our town. The things people tell us now will be used to shape detailed proposals for the improvement work, which will be the focus of a more formal consultation next year.”

Members of the public are being asked to tell the council what attracts them to the market, and their shopping habits when they visit. Businesses and market traders are being asked about customer shopping habits and the facilities that will support their businesses.

The trader and retailer survey focuses on the business impact of the market and customer trends, but also seeks opinions on how certain changes may affect their business.

The surveys only take a few minutes to complete and people can have their say until Monday 4 January by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page. 

The council is working with retail market development company, Quarterbridge, which is overseeing the survey process and will put forward recommendations for improvement based on the results.

As well as looking at the future of the market, the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will also include improvements to the public space between the town centre and the Northern Gateway site.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project has benefitted from £650,000 of funding through the D2N2 Local Growth Fund.

The survey closes on Monday 4 January and can be completed by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield College helps employers access £2 billion of government funding to recruit young people

Chesterfield College is helping employers make the most of government funding to grow their workforce and help young people into employment. The college is now a provider and intermediary of the government’s Kickstart Scheme, helping businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, to get access to their share of £2 billion of funding to provide meaningful 6-month job placements for 16-24-year olds.

The scheme was launched earlier this year as part of a recovery package of measures outlined by the chancellor, Rishi Sunak. It offers employers a means of growing their workforce with a talent pool of people looking for a route into employment.

The WorkSkills team at Chesterfield College is working with employers to apply for funding, liaise with JobCentrePlus, choose the right candidates, and provide any additional training needs alongside the job placements.

Funding available for each job will cover the relevant National Minimum Wage, plus NI contributions and any auto enrolment pension costs for up to 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to benefit from a fully funded new member of staff, but they can also choose to top up and pay above the minimum wage or cover the costs beyond 25 hours per week.

There is also funding available to support young people to develop new skills and to help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job. Free upfront and on-going training, designed to support the new roles created, will be provided by the college to ensure new employees can make the most of their opportunity.

Lee Kirton, WorkSkills Delivery Manager from Chesterfield College said: “This a fantastic opportunity for employers of all sizes to grow their workforce and access a large pool of candidates with potential and ambition, ready for an opportunity to kick start their career. Our expertise of working with employers, young people and JobCentrePlus will give employers the best chance of accessing this pot of funding and benefiting from the Kickstart scheme. We are passionate about working together to create meaningful job placements for young people to develop in.”

For more information about the rules of Kickstart scheme and how to access funding working with Chesterfield College, visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/kickstart-scheme-launches-2-billion-of-funded-roles-now-available-for-employers/

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield here

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

Chesterfield company’s pledge to help get local community finances back on track

A Chesterfield company has opened up a new office in the town as part of its efforts to support clients and the wider community in its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Sovereign Wealth want to help reassure people and local businesses who are concerned about the recent economic uncertainty caused by the virus, or those who have been hit hard financially.

Dominic Fallon, Partner of Sovereign Wealth LLP and founder of the Chesterfield branch said: “We’ve decided to focus our energy on where we feel we can help the most in the local community. At the moment, financial plans that may have seemed secure pre-Covid should be re-evaluated. Financial decisions made before March 2020 were not based on the current economic environment.

“Volatility in equity and financial markets are rightly causing concerns, and it’s important to understand any knock-on effects on pensions or other financial arrangements, and how to protect them.”

When life becomes unpredictable, it’s easy to feel out of control with finances, but it doesn’t have to be like that, says Dominic.

“One way to help yourself through this is to seek the best advice. We are bombarded by information daily about recessions and dips, and often these aren’t the things we need to be worrying about, but we do as they are at the forefront of our minds. One way to stay sane and stop worrying unnecessarily is to seek reliable, dependable advice, and getting to know the whole situation, not just now, but any long-term financial implications. This way, you can make an informed decision.”

“We’ve set up an office in Chesterfield so that we can work Covid securely; we have the correct distance requirements etc. Much safer in the current climate for our clients. But, we can also use Zoom for clients who can’t manage to get to the office.”

But Dominic’s aim to help the community doesn’t stop there. Working with other local businesses, Dominic and his team and working to give something back to the community of Chesterfield this Christmas.

“Everyone has struggled this year, whether it be financially or mentally, and we wanted to give something back. We are working with other local businesses to organise a food collection which will be distributed to local schools to pass on to any families who might struggle without school meals over the holiday period. If you have any food items to donate, please drop them to our office at Sovereign Wealth LLP 3 Old Road, Chesterfield S40 2RE. Give yourself the feel-good factor – there is no better feeling than doing good.”

If you’d like to sign up for Dominic’s top tips to keeping calm through the pandemic, you can email Dominic.Fallon@sjpp.co.uk

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

Refurbishment of older persons housing in Chesterfield shortlisted for three awards

A £3.8m investment to transform and modernise housing schemes for older people in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards.

The project, which has seen the refurbishment of Brocklehurst Court, Glebe Court and Catherine Court has been shortlisted for the ‘Building Project of the Year’, ‘Health, Safety & Wellbeing’ and the ‘Integration & Collaborative Working’ at this year’s awards that will take place virtually on Friday 4 December.

Each of the older persons housing schemes have been refurbished and modernised by Chesterfield Borough Council’s main contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. as part the council’s commitment to investing in its housing stock to ensure that a supply of affordable, modern and attractive homes can be maintained for local residents in every stage of life.

The transformation of the sheltered housing in Chesterfield began in October 2017, when Chesterfield Borough Council appointed Fortem through the Efficiency East Midlands Framework. Brocklehurst Court was the first scheme to undergo a facelift, with the outdated 1970s building of bedsits and small flats converted into 17 comfortable one and two-bedroom flats.
After the success of Brocklehurst Court, Chesterfield Borough Council tasked Fortem with the £1.5m refurbishment of Glebe Court, then the £1.5m overhaul of Catherine Court, where properties refurbished throughout to create both a bright and welcoming living environment for residents.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re delighted that we have been shortlisted for these awards and it is great to be recognised for the work that has been put in by Fortem and the council to help improve housing for older people in our local community.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life for local people and a key part of our housing strategy is to make sure that our homes are of excellent quality and create a modern and desirable environment. The specification and quality of the work on these schemes has drawn attention from other local authorities, with representatives visiting the schemes in order to see how they could transform sheltered housing in their areas.”

James Taylor, Contracts Manager at Fortem who is leading the Chesterfield refurbishment schemes, said: “The refurbishment of the sheltered housing schemes across Chesterfield has been an amazing journey. The transformation of the properties, through collaborative design and on site working between Fortem and Chesterfield Borough Council, have led to a sector leading standard of refurbishment.

“We are proud to work with the Council on schemes which are in the heart of the local community. The works have allowed us to provide a sociable, light, and spacious living environment for the residents, while supporting social initiatives such as Gussies Kitchen and the Cosy Hub, ensuring we leave a legacy in the area which will be felt for many years to come.”

The project to transform and modernise sheltered housing in Chesterfield is in progress, further works are in progress to refurbish Mallard Court and Leander Court and works will then follow on at Aston Court. When complete all the Council’s sheltered housing will have been transformed into high quality affordable homes for our older residents.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield here 

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

Markham Vale North development nears completion as last two units take shape

HBD and Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale North is nearing completion with the steel structures already completed for the final two units being delivered for Aver Property in a £25m deal, a joint venture between Ergo Real Estate and NFU Mutual.

The final two buildings on Markham Vale North – known as Orion – will provide an additional 221,518 sq. ft. and 75,500 sq. and are expected to complete in Q2 2021.

Markham Vale is a partnership between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. A 200-acre business park with direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, it is one of the region’s flagship locations and has been a catalyst for the creation of thousands of new jobs.

The scheme offers bespoke industrial, warehouse, hotel and office builds. Existing occupiers include Great Bear and Bilstein Group.

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, said: “Construction is progressing quickly on the two units, which we expect to complete in Spring – large, high-quality industrial stock remains in short supply in the UK, particularly in strategic locations like this, so interest has been high.

“These last two units complete the North side of the scheme. A further 13-acres remain across Markham Vale East and West, capable of accommodating 220,000 sq. ft.”

Leigh Burnett, Asset Manager for Ergo said: “Aver is delighted to be involved in the development of Orion at Markham Vale North. These are well located, high quality industrial buildings that will perform well in the both the short and long term. Markham Vale is a landmark development which benefits from proven longevity and appeal, it is a great location for distribution and production businesses.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor, Tony King, said: “These two new units will be great additions to Markham Vale and will open up exciting opportunities for new businesses to join the site.

“We’re committed to supporting businesses – now more than ever to help them survive and recover from the downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s really positive to hear that we’ve already had some good interest from companies about the new units and the investment in Markham Vale by Aver Property shows a great level of confidence in the Derbyshire economy and its potential for growth.”

To date, HBD has delivered 2,000,000 sq. ft. of industrial, logistics and warehousing space at Markham Vale in what has been a hugely successful 16-year partnership with Derbyshire County Council.

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

Kakou CIC raise funds for frontline staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital through sales of ‘Pride’ products

A local social enterprise has released a range of bespoke products and designs, with proceeds from sales going to frontline workers at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Kakou is a social enterprise looking to identify and remove barriers that exclude the disabled from accessing mainstream music and creative arts participation.

The group specialises in the design and manufacture innovative products, offering mainstream features that are inclusive and accessible to all, without the need for special adaptation.

It also provides research and development into new ways to provide disabled people with opportunities to participate and collaborate in inclusive environments and hosts workshops suitable for all ages and abilities that stimulate the mind in a vast range of original, creative, practical and engaging ways.

Last year, Kakou CIC were commissioned by the University of Derby to produce a piece of community artwork to be displayed at their Chesterfield Campus.

Now, Kakou are selling prints of the St. Helena canvas, alongside rainbow inspired t-shirts and tote bags, with the proceeds going to #ProtectYourNHS – the charity of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

With the help of the students, teachers and staff of St. Helena, and the festival-goers of Chesterfield Pride 2019, the group created a giant canvas of the St. Helena campus (home of the University’s College of Health and Social Care).

Originally painted in Pride colours, the rainbow has become a symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS workers on the front line.

Director of Kakou, Ann Fomukong-Boden said “during the Covid-19 pandemic many of the nursing and allied healthcare students from St. Helena have taken to the frontline, working in hospitals as part of our NHS and Care Heroes.

“Having produced this amazing piece of art, it felt right as a thank you and acknowledgement of all the work the NHS has done during the pandemic to use it to help raise money for our local NHS charity.”

To shop the collection visit – https://kakou.co.uk/collection/chesterfield-pride/

Kakou CIC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, Visiting

The Chesterfield Elves have arrived in town

The Christmas magic continues in Chesterfield with the launch of the Elf Trail this week, as part of  Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council’s Christmas in Chesterfield campaign.

The cheeky elves have left some clues on how to find them and want you to spot them around the town centre in this special game.

When you find one of the elves you can scan the ‘Elf QR Code’ which gives you access to some very special and secret Elf webpages, which we’ve hidden on the Destination Chesterfield Christmas website.

On the webpages you will find out more about each elf and you’ll see their special letter. Collect all the letters – spell out the secret elf word – and you will be entered into a competition to win an Annual Family Pass for Matlock Farm Park.

You’ll also find discounts and gift guides for shopping locally to support your local high street this Christmas.

The Christmas in Chesterfield campaign is based on the magical story of the Chesterfield Elves and how they saved Christmas. The first part of the Christmas campaign – The Amazing Magical Santa House – opened last weekend and is now completely sold out. Families are reminded if they can no longer make their slot, they can easily cancel by going to their confirmation email and clicking on cancel. This will ensure other families get the chance to see Santa this Christmas.

The story is the perfect Christmas bedtime story and it is now available to download here

You can also download The Cheeky Elf Colouring Book which will keep everyone entertained this Christmas.Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Christmas season has got off to a great start with the fantastic Amazing Magical Santa House which has proved to be very popular, selling out completely and giving families a wonderful start to the Christmas season. The Elf Trail adds to the great Christmas feel across the town centre. It really feels like Christmas in Chesterfield now.

“It is great to see our town centre shops open again with shoppers following Covid safety guidance. It’s just what we need right now – a busy but safe town centre.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “This year’s Christmas campaign really does showcase what an innovative and resilient town Chesterfield is. The Elf Trail offers safe fun for all the family to explore Chesterfield town centre this year. It’s also an ideal excuse to shop local. Santa may not be here in person, but the elves most definitely are, and I hope families will enjoy discovering them as well as the myriad of shops, stores and market stalls that Chesterfield has to offer.”

The elf trail is a contactless experience using mobile phones. When scanning the QR code you don’t need to touch the window just scan it from a distance. Once scanned move away from the window to read about the elf and find the competition clue. Please maintain social distancing if someone else is scanning the QR code of the Elf and wait until they have moved two metres away before scanning.

Full details on everything happening this Christmas, including gift guides and shopping offers for our many unique and independent shops can be found here with further details on council services at Christmas on the Borough Council’s website.

Posted in Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Businesses desperately require answers as Brexit negotiations reach decision point, says East Midlands Chamber.

With the UK and EU yet to agree a trade deal, businesses are being left to “pick up the pieces” as they attempt to plan for 2021 amid huge uncertainty, believes the Chamber.

It comes as the latest analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) showed that with just 24 days to go until the end of the transition period, businesses still have insufficient official information available in 24 critical areas.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Businesses are hooked to the news waiting for a positive update from the negotiations because the current stalemate is undermining their ability to prepare for change on 1 January.

“We know our trading relationship is going to look a lot different and many businesses have been managing their ‘known unknowns’, helped by organisations like the Chamber via our Readiness for Change programme.

“But there’s still many critical areas where they need answers, and they need them now, because they are being left to pick up the pieces while uncertainty rules.

“While it appears we are edging towards a decision either way on whether we will have a deal in time for the end of the transition period, the BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard shows there are too many questions that remain unanswered – despite these issues not actually being impacted on the resolution of the trade negotiations.

“There is therefore no excuse for the UK Government not to do everything in its power to ensure the changes from 1 January will be as seamless as possible.”

BCC’s analysis finds 24 questions remain unanswered

The BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard – long used by both business and government to evaluate the quality of official UK Government guidance – compiles 35 questions most frequently raised by businesses, which apply in both “deal” or “no deal” scenarios.
It has assessed the information available to firms and rated it green (information is sufficient), amber (some information is available) and red (information is wholly inadequate).

The BCC last evaluated the quality of official HM Government guidance to assess whether it provides sufficient, clear and actionable information that businesses can use to prepare for the coming changes in September and has now provided its latest assessment.
Government guidance has only been upgraded to a “green” rating in two areas – duty deferment accounts and the paperwork needed to import under a Generalised System of Preferences programme – since its last update, with 24 of 35 key questions still flashing “amber” or “red”.

Among the unresolved issues are:

• Firms still do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning – which could potentially create unprecedented new administration and costs
• There remains very limited guidance on procedures for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
• Ten-digit tariff codes have still not been published and there is still doubt about the final World Trade Organisation’s most favoured nation (MFN) tariff rates
• There is no information on how UK tariff rate quotas will be administered or how businesses can access them beyond the transition period.

The lack of information with which to plan, and potential deadline fatigue, presents further challenges to firms up and down the UK that have already faced reduced demand, ongoing Government restrictions and sustained cashflow challenges due to the coronavirus crisis.

BCC director-general Adam Marshall said: “Posters and television adverts are no substitute for the clear, detailed and actionable information businesses require to prepare for the end of transition.

“None of the issues businesses are grappling with are new. They have all been raised repeatedly over the past four years, from tariff codes and rules of origin through to the movement of goods from GB to NI.

“The detail and precision of UK Government guidance matters, and will make all the difference as the trading relationship between the UK and EU changes on January 1.

“With the clock ticking down, the Government must do everything in its power to provide businesses with answers as they prepare to navigate a New Year like no other.

“We welcome the fact that UK and EU leaders are still talking, as the overwhelming majority of businesses want the two sides to reach an agreement.

“If a breakthrough happens over the coming hours and days, the two sides must immediately set to work on pragmatic steps to smooth the introduction of the new arrangements from January, including easements for genuine administrative errors, clear procedures at ports, and fast help from customs authorities.”

Easements and temporary waivers needed to help firms adjust
In addition to clarity on the new arrangements in any deal, the BCC said it is crucial the UK and EU member states agree to implement changes in a way that helps businesses to adjust to the new procedures and systems that will come in to force from January 1.
Example UK easements could include:

• A temporary waiver of the £300 fine for hauliers arriving at Channel ports that aren’t border-ready due to genuine errors in the preparation of their documentation
• Flexibility in the requirements for EU companies to be registered in the UK for paperwork purposes
• A mandatory grace period for all companies that have inadvertently shared personal data unlawfully between the UK and the EU (whether with third parties or subsidiaries) without adequate legal authority – unless there has been a substantive breach of data subject rights

On areas such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, the BCC said the Government should be prepared to act unilaterally to maintain the provision of services within the UK while also working with the EU and member states on reciprocal provision.
If no agreement can be reached, the organisation has urged both the UK and EU to take steps to help keep trade flowing in the interests of businesses on both sides.

Brexit business support chesterfield

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Chesterfield businesses urged to back virtual work experience programme

Businesses across North Derbyshire are being invited to support an ambitious work experience programme aimed at providing 600 placements for young people in the area. In this fast changing world, young people need an insight to the world of work to help prepare them for the future and raise their aspirations.

In the current climate, the ability to go and physically visit workplaces has all but disappeared. North Derbyshire Careers Hub and the D2N2 Enterprise Adviser Network has teamed up with the national charity Speakers for Schools to develop a solution – Virtual Work Experience – to ensure that all schools across D2N2 have the chance to provide their students with a virtual work experience opportunity.

Speakers for Schools was founded in 2010 by ITV’s Political Editor Robert Peston with a mission to level the playing field for young people. The charity aims to end educational inequality by giving access to the same networks as the top fee-paying schools in the UK through inspirational talks and broadcasts, employer insight days and work placements, and meaningful discounts and life-preparing opportunities.

Find out more

Interested businesses can find out more about the programme by signing up to a Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) Information Event targeted for Derby and Derbyshire

Businesses will hear more from Speakers for Schools Head of Region (Midlands) Sarah Cleverley, about how simple it is to be involved and offer valuable insights of your businesses to the young people of D2N2 and your future workforce.

The North Derbyshire Careers Hub was launched in January 2020 and has developed an effective partnership between employers and careers leaders in schools and colleges to drive forward careers education.

It is managed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership along with the Careers and Enterprise Company. Dan Heffernan, D2N2 Careers Hub Lead, said:“ We are very excited to be joining up with Speakers for Schools to help young people in our region enjoy a high quality virtual experience of the world of work.

“This project will form one part of our wider virtual offer for schools and colleges across D2N2 – and as we continue to learn and adapt to the ‘new normal’ we are as committed as ever to providing as much support to the regions young people as possible.

“We have made this process as straight forward as possible, and all we ask is that any business that wants to get involved is prepared to take a little time out of their working week to help our young people get experience and knowledge of real world working environments.”

Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer, Speakers for Schools, said: “In an unprecedented year for schools, employers and most importantly, young people, Speakers for Schools is committed to levelling the playing field for school students of all backgrounds.

“This new partnership with D2N2 LEP and The North Derbyshire Careers Hub will enable us to work closely with schools and leading companies across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to provide high quality work placements.”

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