chesterfeld news

Deadline approaching for businesses to register for latest cohort of RISE graduate scheme

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to find out more about the latest cohort of RISE, a scheme matching SMEs with a pool of talented graduates.

Businesses have until 16th June to sign up to the RISE 6 scheme, which enables them to access people with the correct skillset in order to help their business grow.

RISE has been effective in helping SMEs overcome the barriers faced in graduate recruitment and equipping them with the tools and know-how to become successful graduate employers.

Since 2013 RISE has supported more than 400 regionally based SMEs successfully recruit over 500 graduates. Many of those businesses have gone on to report increases in turnover, productivity, innovation and growth as a result. The enhanced RISE project now provides even
more comprehensive business support and business benefits.

RISE is delivered in partnership by Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Council. The project is receiving up to £684,132 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

RISE typically runs three campaigns every year. The key dates for the next campaign are:

  • 16th June 2021 Deadline to access support and be part of this campaign
  • 21st June – 11th July National RISE advertising campaign, including your role
  • 25th August Your graduate will attend a one-day graduate induction
  • October/November RISE 3-month business support meeting
  • January/February RISE 6-month business support meeting

Simon Thompson, Head of Student and Graduate Employability at Sheffield Hallam University said:  “Sheffield Hallam students get real-world experience throughout their degree and are able to bring fresh energy, new perspectives and specialist skills that can really support the growth of local businesses.

“RISE is widely revered for its expertise in bringing together talented local graduates and successful local SMEs to create a unique regional offer that delivers real impact and supports growth in the region.”

To find out more about the scheme, go to www.risescr.co.uk.

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Vicar Lane and its independent businesses support local work experience programme

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is once again proud to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), to develop a work experience programme, this time with the support of the centre’s independent retailers.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, will see five learners from Shirebrook and Clay Cross working in independent shops, as well as the Centre Management office, at Vicar Lane.

The aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between education and the real world of work, with the learners receiving meaningful interactions with employers.

Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms are all getting involved in the programme.

The work experience programme is scheduled to start in May, with the learners working one day per week across ten weeks. The learners are currently studying a Customer Service qualification, and will be assessed whilst on their placements at the shopping centre.

Vicar Lane’s partnership with DACES began in 2019, and continues to grow, with Shaun Brown also planned to take part in the learners’ upcoming mock interviews, to help them overcome the nerves and build confidence.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “It is such a privilege to once again be working with a team of young people from the Chesterfield community. Previous initiatives produced some really positive results, and we’re really looking forward to having the learners as part of the Vicar Lane team over the next couple of months.

“A big thank you goes out to our wonderful indies, Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms for supporting this programme.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s diverse high street and retail scene over on our shopping page.

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

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D2 Business Starter Programme set to continue into 2021

A pioneering project aimed at helping people across Derby and Derbyshire to start their own business will continue throughout 2021 to support workers affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The D2 Business Starter Programme was launched in January 2017 to help people move into self-employment and develop their ideas into commercially viable businesses.

Through a series of themed workshops and one-to-one support from expert advisers, the programme aims to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills they need to get up and running.

The programme is funded by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council and delivered by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), the region’s leading business organisation.

So far, it has supported more than 1,000 people and helped to create more than 190 new businesses and 220 new jobs. More than 10,000 hours of free support have been provided to those taking part.

Due to the success of the scheme, it has been extended into 2021 and an online taster session, to give would-be entrepreneurs the opportunity to find out more, takes place between 4pm and 5pm on 27 January.

Paul Stuart, the Chamber’s head of enterprise, said: “The D2 Business Starter Programme has been a huge success since launching in 2017 and has helped many people across Derby and Derbyshire to take the leap into self-employment and start their own businesses.

“We’re delighted to be able to continue to offer this free support throughout 2021, to help even more people follow their dreams and make their business ideas a reality.”

What does the D2 Starter Programme involve?

An individual, tailored package of support is offered to each person taking part in the programme. It includes one-to-one mentor support and a series of workshops, led by experienced professionals and designed to complement the mentoring sessions.

Workshops include subjects such as an introduction to self-employment, marketing, business planning, book-keeping and social media.

The next workshop programme kicks off on 3 February.

There are no costs for those taking part. The only eligibility criteria are that people wishing to access the programme’s free support have a Derby or Derbyshire postcode and the desire to start a business.

Derby-based CRZyBest, a maker of eco-friendly bespoke jewellery, gifts and accessories, was one of the first businesses supported by the programme.

Its founder, Claire Zwozny-Bestwick, enrolled on the programme to learn more about the fundamentals of starting a business, finance, sales and marketing, along with setting short and long-term objectives and developing and refining a business plan.

Over the past year, she has moved the business full-time into a purpose-built workshop in her garden, as well as investing time in developing her website and social media presence in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and   diversifying her product offering to suit a more online audience.

Claire said: “The support I received was really useful in giving me the confidence and the skills to follow my dream of setting up in business.

“It also provided a vital support network and has enabled me to keep accessing advice and support to continue to grow the business.

“The past year has been all about adapting what I do to what’s been happening in the world, so I’ve had the time to learn some new skills and focus on improving my website and online presence.”

Business founded by furloughed employee receives support from D2 Starter Programme

Coffee lover Matthew Hilton-Webb, meanwhile, founded his business, The Cloth Filter Co, while on furlough from his job in nature conservation in the High Peak, last summer.

He manufactures and sells handmade coffee filters online and enrolled on the programme in September. His business took off after a major coffee roastery in London placed a bulk order for his products and started recommending them on social media.

Matthew said: “The programme gave me a good grounding in the basics of running my own business and helped fill in some gaps in knowledge.

“I love coffee and tried making my own cloth filters after seeing a few videos online about the difference compared to paper ones.

“I had a lot of time on my hands because of the pandemic, but quickly realised there was a gap in the UK for the products I make, so what started as a hobby quickly became a full-time business.”

Businesses wanting to find out more and register for the online taster session can do so at www.pushthebuttontoday.com.

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Award for Redbrik’s Chesterfield Lettings Team

Redbrik’s Chesterfield Lettings team have won the British Property Awards Letting Agent of the Year for Chesterfield.

Lettings Manager, Abigail Wilks, commented: “The award is very well deserved and is a credit to our fantastic team at Chesterfield Lettings.

“The team consistently show outstanding customer service in everything they do. I was thrilled this was highlighted throughout the extensive British Property Awards judging period, which included mystery shops assessing customer service, knowledge and helpfulness.”

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with the opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding customer service levels are rewarded with an accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

Robert McLean, from The British Property Awards, added: “If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time.”

REDBRIK is one of Chesterfield’s leading independent sales and lettings agents. Founded in January 2013 by directors and experienced agents, Mark Ross and Julie Bulheller, REDBRIK is built on an ethos of honesty, unrivalled customer service and innovative marketing.

Since opening their first branch, REDBRIK has enjoyed continual success, expanding into two Sheffield offices at Crystal Peaks and Millhouses, and a substantially larger office in Chesterfield to accommodate company growth.

Going from strength to strength, the company started out with two directors in one small office, and now employ more than 40 members of staff and provide services across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and Sheffield.

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

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Whittam Cox Architects appointed on Brent Cross Town project

Argent Related has appointed Whittam Cox Architects on the first phase of their 180-acre regeneration Masterplan in London.

Brent Cross Town will be a new park town for London and is set to be net carbon zero by 2030. Surrounded by 50-acres of parks and playing fields, the area will feature 6,700 new homes, workspace for over 25,000 people pedestrian-friendly streets, local shops, restaurants, schools and student accommodation.

Whittam Cox Architects will lead the technical implementation as Executive Architects for two plots initially, working in collaboration with several other high-profile architecture practices and interior designers.

In this initial phase of construction, a mix of tenures for ownership and rent will be incorporated, along with complimentary commercial, amenity and leisure spaces.

Nick Riley, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects commented, “Our appointment on Brent Cross Town reflects our experience in high-quality urban residential projects. This appointment with Argent Related is a significant instruction for us. The vision is bold and ambitious, and Argent Related’s commitment to the environmental agenda is commendable”.

Tom Goodall, Head of Residential for Argent Related said, “We have developed a relationship with Whittam Cox Architects on the back of their track-record and experience. We believe their technical and commercial strength, as well their understanding of modern methods of construction, will help ensure we deliver exceptional quality buildings and homes”.

Brent Cross Town is the neighbourhood at the heart of the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme. It is a joint venture between Argent Related and Barnet Council to develop a large-scale mixed-use development including new homes, retail and office space, as well as improved schools and greenspaces in the area.

Early work started on site in early 2020 and construction is also underway on the new Brent Cross West station which will be completed by the end of 2022. Building on the strengths of this diverse part of the city, Brent Cross Town will draw inspiration from the best of London’s long-established neighbourhoods with all their complexity and character.

At its heart, will be a focus on sport, play, health and well-being. The new neighbourhood will provide 6,700 homes, state-of-the-art workspace for over 25,000 people, and pedestrian friendly streets and squares with local shops and restaurants that will complement the offer at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The community will be supported by first-class public transport infrastructure, a new and improved network of walking and cycle routes and a series of new parks and other amenities.

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

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