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New series of summer business events launched by Chesterfield’s Great2Work

Chesterfield’s Great2Work has launched a new series of summer networking and wellbeing events to help support its community of co-working members.

The company, which supports local entrepreneurs and growing small businesses across Derbyshire is giving members the opportunity to attend ‘Stretch and Stroll’ and ‘The Summer Social,’ enabling attendees to network in a relaxed and informal setting.

Stretch and Stroll consists of a wellbeing walk lasting around 45 minutes, led by a walking guide. The event is a chance for colleagues to enjoy a chat while getting out of the office for some fresh air.

The Summer Social will be an end-of-the-week wind down taking place on Friday afternoons throughout July and August. Great2Work say ‘like Club Topicana, drinks are free’ for members who attend the event.

Lynne Pope, Social Media and Content Specialist at Great2 commented: “At Great2 we understand the importance of social engagement and its mental wellbeing benefits. Our Community events are the perfect excuse to get all our members into the coworking office for the day which means they can catch up with colleagues and friends as well as meet new members.

“We have a variety of different events to improve physical and mental wellbeing including yoga, walking and lunches. We are a people-driven business and if our people are not in a good place then it will have an adverse affect on the business so we do everything we can to promote health and wellbeing.

“Our community events are a perfect opportunity to find out about other member businesses and to tell them about you and your business. For our small businesses who use the flexible office space, it is a wonderful opportunity to network with other like-minded people. But it is not all about business, our members are friendly and welcoming and friendships are also made.

“We encourage conversation as a business tool but also to build personal relationships, share experiences and to get advice on all things from the best places to get lunch and fun places to visit with kids to great nightlife hotspots.

“As a company, our values include “Thriving Together” and “Collectively Conscious”. We desire to make conscious choices to improve the lives and communities of the people around us. We have built Great2 to support small business success in the local area.

“We do this by providing a flexible coworking office space that provides small businesses with a place to work from and by providing support services to support their growth. We know that businesses work better together which is why we encourage networking through our community events and why we attend the Chesterfield Champions events.

To find out more about the latest series of events taking place at Great2, go to: https://www.great2work.co.uk/blog/new-summer-events or contact: enquires@great2.co.uk

There is a great range of workspace opportunities in Chesterfield ready for you and your business. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Great2Work supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Whittam Cox Architects named in AJ100 2022

Whittam Cox Architects has once again been named one of the UK’s top architectural practices in the annual AJ100.

The annual survey, which is produced by leading industry publication Architects Journal, is designed to provide a definitive record of the UK’s largest Architectural practices and recognises achievements made by these top practices each year. This year, as the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary, Whittam Cox Architects has been ranked 96th, reinforcing its position as one of the largest Architects practices based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire region.

Nick Riley, Board Director at the practice commented, “Being listed in the AJ100 again is a credit to every individual in our practice. We consider ourselves to be an ambitious and progressive practice; always striving to advance the best service and best outcomes on projects. Being recognised in the industry for the work we do is really important to us.”

The practice is currently working on a wide range of diverse projects nationwide, including;

  • Brent Cross Town with Related Argent as Executive Architects on the first phases of a 180-acre Residential and Commercial masterplan
  • The Forum, a new digital and technology campus in Gloucester for our client Reef Group.
  • A new student village masterplan with Balfour Beatty Investments for Royal Holloway University of London
  • Extensive framework projects for our major retail clients, Asda, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer.
  • The AJ listing this year, also coincides with the practice recently winning an AJ Retrofit award for our Park Hill project in Sheffield.

Closer to home, Whittam Cox has worked alongside Chesterfield Borough Council to develop the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, which is set to provide modern office space for start-up and medium sized businesses. The centre is expected to open in July.

The company also plays a pivotal role in the Chesterfield Property & Construction Group, with Board Director Andy Dabbs (pictured below) chairing the group.

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

Andy Dabbs

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

Chesterfield’s BRM Solicitors Advises on key distribution agreement

Law firm BRM have advised Versalift United Kingdom Limited on a distribution agreement for Ruthmann.

The acquisition brings together Versalift and Ruthmann, two complimentary manufacturers with award-winning platform designs and world-class facilities.

Versalift United Kingdom Limited is the market-leading vehicle-mounted platform manufacturer that will exclusively distribute Ruthmann truck-mounted platforms from 1st April 2022 in the UK and Republic of Ireland, following the acquisition of Ruthmann by Time Manufacturing company in 2021.

Corporate Director, Trevor Bird acted as legal advisor to Versalift United Kingdom Limited, working closely with Andy Bray Versalift MD on the distribution agreement for Ruthmann STEIGER® and Ecoline ranges of products for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Trevor commented: “Versalift is a long-standing client, and I am delighted to have advised Andy and the team in bringing these fantastic new products to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. I am looking forward to supporting Versalift on its future growth plans.”

Andy Bray commented: “This is an important strategic acquisition for Time Manufacturing and it will benefit our current client and future client base, Trevor was instrumental in guiding me and the team through the process and his care and attention is second to none.”

BRM Solicitors is one of the leading providers of commercial and private client legal services in the area. Many of the firm’s partners and staff were born in Chesterfield or nearby.

The team believes its success and appeal is largely due to its mix of staff with city law firm experience and lifelong Chesterfield residents and its practice ethos is to deliver a city-style service to clients without forgetting our market town location and economy.

Find out more about some of the great local businesses in Chesterfield’s legal sector here.

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

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Growth for Chesterfield packaging firm as more brands move to sustainable options

Chesterfield packaging manufacturer, Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier to meet sustainability commitments.

The UK based supplier has seen more brands over the last year move their supply chain locally to meet environmental and supply chain pressures. The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “Brands are demanding for more locally sourced packaging; in parallel consumer expectations are rising as they become more environmentally savvy. We are seeing a reduction in paperboard being procured from Asia and a higher demand from the UK market. This will have a significant benefit to reduce environmental impact while supporting UK businesses and making the supply chain stronger and more flexible.”

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

A long-standing customer, Holdsworth Chocolates, sees great value in partnering with Robinson. David Sharples, Managing Director said:

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson’s paperboard factory is in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK, strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Dr Roberts continues: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging.”

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

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Bridge Help strengthens team with another new appointment

Tracey Vaughan is the latest appointment to Bridge Help’s Business Development Team.

Following her appointment, Chesterfield-based bridging loan provider, Bridge Help now boasts an all-female business development team, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry.

Tracey, who hails from the company’s base in Chesterfield, brings more than 20 years of sales experience to the role. Within the role, she will be offering guidance and support to help manage broker and lender relationships across England and Wales.

The company has continued to grow since its inception in 2017, filling a gap in the market for bespoke bridging loan products for complex deals.  Her appointment follows a successful first half of 2022 and comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Tina Panayi in April.

Tracey commented on her new role: “I just knew this is what I was looking for. It’s an inviting, helpful and professional team providing a bespoke service. There’s a strong focus on relationships and a really good team spirit – I wanted to be a part of it and grow with them.

“The whole team is lovely and I’m excited to see what the future holds and just can’t wait to get going, I think we’re going to be a great fit.”

Tracey joins from phs Group where she was a Field Account Manager. She brings extensive experience in relationship development to her new role at Bridge Help.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented on Tracey’s arrival: “We’re thrilled to welcome Tracey to the team – she’s local and really understands the importance of building relationships, which is what we’re all about at Bridge Help. With her strong sales background and extensive range of experience, I’m sure it’s going to be a great fit for all involved.”

Outside work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her family and taking her French Bulldog, Bonnie, out for walks.

To arrange a meeting with Tracey or to speak to a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help, contact the friendly team today on 033 3303 4681.

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.

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Superior Wellness listed as one of Britain’s Fastest-Growing Businesses

Superior Wellness ranks 18th on the Growth 100: an annual list that reveals Britain’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country where the founder or founders are still involved.

Superior Wellness leads the market as the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.

On 22 June 2022, the FEBE Annual Growth 100 list was released highlighting the fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country.

Superior Wellness has been in a fortunate position to experience a monumental level of growth during the pandemic. The company noticed an incline in demand for hot tubs and other wellness related products during the pandemic which spearheaded the growth.

In 2021 Superior Wellness moved into its brand-new headquarters in Chesterfield and has also recently opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities. The team headcount has also doubled to almost 70.

It now works with a global partner network of over 200 hot tub retailers across 16 countries. In 2021 alone, 72 partners were onboarded to the Superior Wellness network and 32 of these were international accounts.

Superior Wellness is now focusing on its growth across the United States of America having recruited two dedicated sales managers based in America.

FEBE reports that: “There are 4.2m private companies in the UK. Just 1% or 45,000 of these are considered ‘high growth’ and Superior Wellness is now included in the Growth 100 list.”

Rob Carlin, Managing Director, said: “We were so proud when we heard the news that Superior Wellness had made it onto Growth 100 list. We ranked 18th in Britain for the fastest-growing companies privately owned businesses.

“This is such an incredible achievement for us as a company and a real accolade to the team and their hard work.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all the Superior Wellness team and our partner network for making this possible.”

Superior Wellness 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, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

£570 million regeneration programme currently taking place across Derbyshire

It has been revealed that more than £570 million worth of regeneration is currently taking place across Derbyshire, with a large proportion taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The figure was revealed recently by Derbyshire County Council as cabinet members were updated on the progress of various regeneration projects happening in our county.

More than 50 major projects are included in the programme, initiated either by the County Council, by the government or by district or borough councils.

Project currently underway in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include:

Hollis Lane Link Road phase 1 (£10.8 million)

Construction of new road into Chesterfield Station as part of the Chesterfield Station Master Plan. A planning application has been submitted and if approved the project will be funded jointly through government’s Local Growth Fund (£3.8 million) and £7 million from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

Find out more

Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (£125 million)

Reclamation works and construction of a 3.7 mile road connecting Chesterfield with Staveley, opening up land for jobs and housing. Outline business case for funding due to be submitted to government at the end of summer 2022 requesting £106 million to help fund the project with a further £19 million expected to be contributed by local public and private sector partners.

Find out more

Staveley Town Deal Investment Plan (£25 million)

Being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council and funded by the government’s Town Deal. Derbyshire County Council is involved in 3 projects as part of the plan: new commercial/retail/leisure facilities at Staveley Basin and town centre improvements including support for the Wheels to Work scheme, plus work towards the potential reopening of the Barrow Hill rail line.

Find out more

Connecting Chesterfield (£20 million)

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading this project to improve the town centre using Levelling Up funding from government with support from Derbyshrie County Council.

Find out more

Cabinet Member for Infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Carolyn Renwick, said: “This regeneration programme demonstrates good growth in Derbyshire with major regeneration projects across the county to support job creation and keep Derbyshire moving.

“These projects follow the successful completion of a £13 million county council-led scheme to build a new road linking Woodville and Swadlincote, cutting congestion and unlocking employment land.

“We’re proud to be a driving force for regeneration and levelling up in Derbyshire and welcome much-needed investment from government to improve our county’s economic prospects.”

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration projects taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Details of Chesterfield’s rapid regeneration will also be outlined at the upcoming Chesterfield Investment Summit this September. Find out more and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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

Ambitious civic plans for Derbyshire set out by University

A Civic University Agreement, developed by the University of Derby, has been launched in partnership with 15 other organisations from across the city and county.

The Agreement, created following extensive consultation, clearly articulates the long-term civic ambitions of the University, and how it intends to work with these 15 signatories to drive forward the local recovery and regeneration of Derby and Derbyshire, helping to channel aspirations, support local communities, share knowledge and enhance the area’s overall offer and vibrancy.

It focuses on five core goals, designed to make a positive impact on the people, communities, organisations and businesses within Derby and Derbyshire:

  • Secure our future
  • Drive ambition and positive change
  • Make a positive environmental impact
  • Support health and wellbeing
  • Invest in culture as a driver for change

During the event, each goal was brought to life through a civic showcase, highlighting the breadth of projects and initiatives underway. These included presentations on:

  • Apprenticeships and skills – the positive impact University of Derby civil engineering apprentices are having on Greenhatch group, a Geospatial surveys firm
  • Raising aspirations – how a Year 12 student from the Bemrose School is now considering applying to Oxbridge thanks to her involvement in the Derby Scholars Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby, Corpus Christi College at the University of Oxford and Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge
  • Green travel – DerbyGo, a green mobility app being developed as part of a partnership between the University, Derby City Council and Kinto, Toyota’s mobility brand
  • ‘SHEDding light on long-Covid’ – a collaboration between scientific and artistic researchers at the University that will see the University’s S.H.E.D tour the country to explore the challenges affecting people suffering from long-Covid
  • Retro Feva 80’s – a DerbyCAN commissioned music jukebox show inspired by Top of the Pop’s 80’s featuring a community cast of local performers.

Commenting on its launch, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby has always been civic – educating, innovating, creating, making, and inspiring, but this is the first time we have explicitly set out our civic intentions and articulated the overall impact made by the University and its staff and students.

“Through our Civic University Agreement, we are making a clear statement of intent as to how we will approach our civic role moving forward. However, the ambitions we have set out need support from others if we are to achieve them and I am overwhelmed by the positive response from the organisations we approached to be signatories and who will be alongside us on this important journey.”

The development of Civic University Agreements was a key recommendation in a report published in 2019 by the Civic University Commission set up by the UPP Foundation and chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake.

The report sets out how universities like Derby have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support the places where they are based to solve some of their most pressing and major problems. These issues range from helping local businesses adapt to technological change, to boosting the health of local people, improving education for school pupils and adult learners, and training and developing new civic leaders in every field from politics to the arts.

The report aims to help universities build on the excellent work that many of them are already carrying out in these areas, working alongside councils, employers, cultural institutions, schools and further education colleges.

The signatories of the Civic University Agreement are:

University of Derby, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, East Midlands Chamber,  Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Derbyshire County Council, DHU Healthcare, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust,  Derby City Council,  Derby Cathedral,  Derby’s Cultural Education Partnership, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and High Peak Borough Council.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “This Civic University Agreement demonstrates the leading role in transforming place, stimulating economic growth and providing skills for the future that the University of Derby will take to contribute to the long-term economic prosperity aspirations that exist in Derby and Derbyshire.

“This agreement and its resulting future activities, initiatives and programmes will have a significant positive impact on society by supporting the aspirations of all our local communities in the city and the county and retain our future business leaders right here.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Civic University Agreement is a clear sign that partners remain committed to improving social mobility and driving forward innovation and the economic prosperity of our city and county. We are proud members of the Derby Opportunity Area Board, a key part of the civic agenda, and the leadership shown by Professor Kathryn Mitchell and the support from the University of Derby team has been fundamental to improving the life-chances of many young people within our communities.”

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “Amplifying the voices of communities has never been so important. The opportunities that Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership with the University of Derby, has created for students to enhance their studies has been incredible and impactful. We are thrilled and excited to support the Civic University Agreement”

University of Derby, D2N2 LEP, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Voluntary Action support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Visitors and families to enjoy medieval fun day in Chesterfield town centre

Visitors to Chesterfield town centre will be able to have fun family day out themed around the Middle Ages, as the Medieval Fun Day returns.

The popular town centre event organised by Chesterfield Borough Council will return on Tuesday 26 July from 10am to 5pm. There will be lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy including a fun fair, stalls in the market and medieval re-enactors.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day is a really popular event and always draws large crowds to the town centre. It’s fantastic that we can finally bring this event back this year, it’s a fun day out for the whole family and a great opportunity to learn about our town’s medieval past.”

The popular Thomas Stanley Retinue reenactors group will be setting up their encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire. You’ll be able to find out more about life as a knight in the medieval period and they will be arming the knight, re-enacting skirmishes and marching through the town to the Market Place in full costume.

The dragon that battled with a Knight in the town centre in 2019 will be making a comeback and entertaining audiences in the Market Place.

A Medieval Surgeon will be on Burlington Street to give you all the details about grisly medieval medicine including common diseases, surgical procedures such as trepanning and amputation – he’ll even be bringing along his own leeches.

The Medieval Maniax will bring their hilarious show to Chesterfield, filled with mind-boggling tricks contortions and laugh-out-loud jokes.

For a charge Tower Tours will be available at the Crooked Spire. There will also be a Hunt the Sprite trail where families can search the Church for Sprites, which are a supernatural creature from Medieval folklore.

Members of the council’s museum team will be on Burlington Street and you will be able to learn more about Medieval life, dress up in medieval costume and create some medieval crafts.

The day also features appearances from walkabout characters including the Damsels in Distress, Goblins and other Medieval characters.

There will also be prizes available for the best dressed trader. Stalls can be booked by traders, charities and community groups on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markettrading

The Medieval Fun Day was last held in July 2019, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.

Full details of the event, including timings, will be available on the Visit Chesterfield website: www.visitchesterfield.info/medieval

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

ProAktive Insurance launches fundraising appeal for Ashgate Hospice

A local insurance company is raising funds and awareness for Ashgate Hospice, to help the local charity to continue providing vital palliative care to people in our area.

Senior Account Handler at ProAktive Insurance, Claire Thompson has launched the campaign to show her gratitude to the staff currently providing care for her father at the hospice.

To help with her fundraising efforts, Claire and the rest of the ProAktive team will be taking on the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge’ on Sunday, 21st August 2022. The team is aiming to complete the 25-mile trek in under 12 hours.

The company is looking to raise at least £1,000 for the charity, with more than half of that total raised already on their JustGiving page.

Claire commented: “I have chosen to support Ashgate Hospice as this charity is very close to my heart, I have promised my Dad, Steve Waddoups that I will raise money for them to say thank you for the amazing palliative care that they are providing for him, and for the support they are providing for my family and families like ours throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“I will be forever grateful for the care and support of every single one of the nurses, doctors and volunteers allowing my Dad to live out his final weeks in a safe, comfortable caring environment, helping him to keep his dignity and for nothing ever being too much trouble.

“As a business I feel it is vital to support the community and local people here in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, without the support charities like Ashgate Hospice may not exist.”

To find out more about the fundraising challenge and to donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/proaktive1

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

Claire Thompson, of ProAktive Insurance with family

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

£100,000 funding awarded to supercharge sustainable travel around Derbyshire

An online platform that will encourage EV usage and car sharing in Derbyshire has been awarded £100,000 funding from Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect, it has been announced.

Independent research consultancy Cenex, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, has been announced as the winner of Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition, receiving £100,000 of funding to develop its proposal for an online Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and car sharing platform.

Once developed, the online platform will allow EV users across Derbyshire to ‘rent out’ their private charge points, giving motorists access to more chargers to power up their vehicles. The platform will also promote car sharing by providing opportunities for people to rent out their cars when they’re not using them, meaning that residents without their own private vehicle can get around more easily.

The project will encourage sustainable travel and open up opportunities for EV ownership to groups who may not have benefitted from access to local charging points before, particularly households without off-street parking.

The online platform will initially be targeted towards residents and local businesses, with hopes to expand to tourists in time.

Cenex and Derbyshire County Council will now use the prize money of £100,000 to further develop, test and trial the platform. Following the trial phase, should it be successful, it can then seek funding from either public or private sector sources for its widespread rollout.

Midlands Connect’s future of rural mobility competition received submissions from businesses which were asked to present new ideas that could help solve the social, environmental, and economic issues caused by poor connectivity in rural areas.

The winner was announced today at Midlands Connect’s Rural Mobility Conference in Melton Mowbray. The conference included panels from competition winners and runners up, as well as the Department for Transport, senior politicians and transport experts.

Midlands Connect CEO Maria Machancoses said: “Poor transport connectivity can be a challenge for rural communities, with residents often experiencing worse access to amenities and services such as schools, workplaces or hospitals. Our rural mobility competition was created to address these challenges and create innovative solutions that would enhance transport connectivity in isolated communities.

“It’s great to see how many people have come together to challenge poorer connectivity at our conference today, particularly those from the Department for Transport, senior leaders and decision makers.

“All our finalists for the rural mobility competition produced innovative solutions to tackle rural mobility – picking one winner was very challenging. We would like to congratulate our competition winner Cenex and look forward to seeing the idea developed in further detail.

“Although there could only be one winner, we will be sharing all information and experience with our partners so that they can set up similar pilot schemes if they wish to do so.”

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, added: “Our digital mobility hub has the potential to change the way Derbyshire residents think about transport. By giving people access to information on services such as car sharing, we can improve transport connectivity and reduce harmful carbon emissions from road transport.

“It also gives residents the chance to make some extra money through renting out their own vehicle – at a time when the cost of living is ever-increasing.

“This platform has the power to accelerate the transition to EVs by opening up access to more charging points locally, especially for people without a driveway who may otherwise find charging difficult.

“We are delighted to be announced as the winners of Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition and are excited to develop the idea further with Derbyshire County Council.”

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, also commented: “We welcome the support given by Midlands Connect in tackling rural connectivity, something that many counties across the Midlands are challenged with.

“Lower population density often leads to patchy public transport in rural areas and for people without access to a car, this can lead to isolation. The platform proposed by Cenex has the potential to change our residents’ lives – particularly those who do not have their own vehicle or share with other members of their household, as well as those considering switching to an electric vehicle.

“Whether it’s a student going to college, an elderly person attending a medical appointment or someone just trying to get to work – this platform has the potential to do so much for Derbyshire residents and we are thankful for the opportunity given to us by Midlands Connect. We’re looking forward to developing the platform even further with Cenex until it is ready for roll-out”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

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