chesterfield business news

Chesterfield businesses urged to raise awareness of apprenticeships with local school visits

Firms in Chesterfield are urged to get involved in an initiative which aims to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in the area.

D2N2 Careers Hub and The Early Talent Consultancy are calling on local employers in Chesterfield to join the ‘Get In 2 Apprenticeships’ initiative. This collaborative effort aims to engage year 9 students at schools across the region, with students gaining valuable advice from the employers.

Participating employers will conduct on-site sessions in schools, lasting up to 3 hours, and businesses will also have a chance to showcase their apprenticeship programmes and tap into future talent, as well as inspiring the next generation of our workforce.

To be eligible, employers will have an established apprenticeship programme within the D2N2 region and be able to support with the delivery of the sessions.

Helen Eleftheriou, spokesperson for the Early Talent Consultancy commented: “Apprenticeships are available in over 600 occupations in a wide range of industries ranging from entry level at 16 years old up to and including degree level. Over 90% of apprentices stay with their employer once qualified and many work their way up in the organisation.

“It’s an opportunity for employers to promote their apprenticeship programmes and tap into future talent. They’ll be able to share insights into their industry to students who may not be aware. Inspire the future workforce and boost their community impact.

“By investing in young people, businesses are nurturing a pool of talent with the skills their business needs now and in the future. Young people also bring a fresh perspective to a business as they see the world in a different way, bringing creative solutions and insights. Young people are typically more accustomed to emerging trends and technologies.

“Their familiarity with the digital landscape is invaluable in ensuring businesses are at the forefront of the ever changing digital world. Finally, investing in young people isn’t just about business, it’s about contributing to a business’s local community.”

Dates confirmed for businesses to visit schools in Chesterfield:

  • Wednesday, 24th April
  • Monday, 29th April
  • Monday, 20th May
  • Tuesday, 2nd July

Any employers who are interested in taking part should contact helen@theearlytalentconsultancy.com or hubs@d2n2lep.org or read more about it here.

College student skills training apprenticeships

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

Full steam ahead for rail training and innovation centre at Barrow Hill

Planning permission has been granted for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) – a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

The new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for rail-related businesses – bolstering Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector.

Estimated build costs for the centre stand at around £4 million, with funding provided through the Staveley Town Deal.

Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic that our plans for DRIIVe have now been approved – the centre offers the opportunity to drive growth in the rail sector and help our residents access high-quality jobs. The development of DRIIVe is part of our Skills Action Plan that aims to help everyone benefit from economic growth but it also contributes of the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal in ensuring that the town is a place where people can ‘Start, Stay and Grow’.”

Mervyn Allcock, general manager at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, said: “Getting approval for these plans has been a long journey but will help establish Barrow Hill as the home of the rail industry and ensure we can continue to preserve our local rail heritage. I look forward to finalising the plans and making a start on site.”

DRIIVe will include classroom and workshop training areas, specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

The centre will support a network of specialist training providers – offering rail-related education from level two through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses which will have access to the very latest research and innovation.

DRIIVe will create around 20 full time jobs and by year five it aims to support around 270 trainees, supporting local people to access highly skilled careers in the rail industry.

Mark Robinson, Professor of Rail Systems Engineering and Director of New Rail, said: “Newcastle University and Barrow Hill realised that there was a current and growing need for a railway research and innovation centre that specialised in rail freight. DRIIVe is the ideal one-stop solution providing purpose-built spaces for rail research and development activities and a broad base of rail related training. Ideally placed within the rail industry, DRIIVe will be a focus for rail freight innovation providing test equipment and facilities for engineers, the supply industry and associated commercial space for rail related businesses.”

Funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to make a bid to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.

As well as DRIIVe, the funding is being used to support ten projects in the area that aim to ensure the town is a place where people can ‘Start, Stay and Grow.’

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “This is a huge step for DRIIVe and for the Staveley Town Deal – seeing projects move through the planning process brings us closer to getting started on site and delivering the benefits of these projects for the residents of Staveley. I look forward to seeing DRIIVe develop further and meeting the residents and businesses who will benefit from the completed development.”

Early development and design costs were funded through the Staveley Town Deal Accelerator Fund.

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal and the projects being funded through it, including DRIIVe, by visiting:  www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Driive artists impression

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

Chesterfield firms to find out more about East Midlands devolution plans at town’s largest annual business conference

Organisations in Chesterfield are invited to hear from the first mayoral candidates in the running for the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The EMCCA will bring forward £1.14 billion of investment for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby City and Nottingham City over the next 30 years, unlocking economic growth and jobs, as well as significant funding and devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment, and economic development.

Ahead of the mayoral election, which is set to take place on Thursday, 2 May 2024, businesses will have the chance to hear from Conservative candidate Ben Bradley, Labour’s Claire Ward, Green-Party’s Frank Adlington-Stringer and Independent Matthew Relf at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference taking place this March.

In a conversation chaired by Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire), candidates will outline their plans to boost our region’s economic growth, establish new relationships and broaden the pipeline for inward investment.

Now in its thirteenth year, Celebrate Chesterfield, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and in association with System Q, has become a key date in the town’s events calendar, attracting more than 250 delegates each year.

In 2024, the event will highlight the big impact that small innovations have on the town’s economic growth, focusing on investment, regeneration, and entrepreneurial successes.

celebrate Chesterfield 2023 - delegates view presentation at the winding wheel

Delegates will also hear about the new Destination Chesterfield plan, which outlines partnership activities to further raise the profile of the town as a destination to invest, work, live and visit.

Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “We are very excited to be hosting mayoral candidates at the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference, and finding out more about their ambitions for the region. Our town has major plans for regeneration over the coming years, and our businesses are hopeful that the extra funding will provide a welcome boost by attracting further investment to Chesterfield.

“At our Chesterfield Champions event in January, we heard about some of the regeneration projects that could be supported by the EMCCA. We heard how the East Midlands Investment Zone will focus on advanced manufacturing and green industries, expected to support the creation of £383 million of private investment and help to create 4,200 jobs regionally. We also heard how funding is set to increase each year until 2026/2027.

“I would also encourage the business community to come along to find out how Destination Chesterfield plans to further collaborate with partners and businesses in the future, to continue supporting economic growth and regeneration across the borough.”

Mike Isherwood, Managing Director at System Q, commented: “We are proud to be the headline sponsor of Celebrate Chesterfield, a prestigious event that holds great significance to us. Chesterfield has been our cherished home for three decades. Our town boasts a thriving business and technology sector, which we believe deserves recognition and admiration. We think it’s a priority to showcase and celebrate the strengths of Chesterfield and we are honoured to support our community.

“As we continue to expand, we are seeking partners and talented individuals to join our team. Celebrate Chesterfield is a fantastic platform for local businesses to establish valuable partnerships, secure investments, and recruit top talent to drive our growth even further.”

As well as being in association with System Q, Celebrate Chesterfield is also supported by the University of Derby and Markham Vale.

This year, the event will also host the Celebrate Chesterfield Business Expo, featuring the East Midlands Chamber Business Support Zone and the Investment Zone (currently open for sponsorship). At 70% full already, businesses are encouraged to reserve a spot quickly to avoid missing out.

Delegates wishing to attend Celebrate Chesterfield can book their free place at the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/celebrate/

Celebrate Chesterfield business expo

 

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

New menu including ‘doggy dishes’ launched by Chesterfield town centre café

A brand-new menu offering something for everyone, including vegans and even furry friends has been launched at Qoozies in Chesterfield town centre.

Qoozies, based at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in the heart of the town, is starting the new year with brand new management, which has seen the introduction of their fully revamped all-day breakfast, lunch, pancake and vegan menus.

The refreshed menu includes everything from modern brunch classics and indulgently loaded pancake burritos, to warm salad bowls, toasted sandwiches and unique Qoozie Burgers, which offer a variety of fillings sandwiched between two housemade spinach fritters.

Qoozies prides itself on preparing many of its favourites from scratch, including classic pancakes, irresistible sweet potato hash browns and unique fritters. All bread and pastries are now supplied directly from the local 4 Eyes Bakery, with Qoozies also stocking loaves of the Staveley-based bakery for customers to purchase in store.

Qoozies additionally offers a huge range of drink options, freshly prepared and using fresh ingredients. Their menu ranges from vitamin-packed smoothies and creamy milkshakes, to hot chocolates and freshly pressed juices – all with vegan options available across the board.

Customers of a furrier variety are also catered for, with the addition of Qoozies’ new doggy dishes. The first-of-its-kind menu at Qoozies offers scrambled eggs, pup pancakes, roast chicken dinners and pooch-friendly ice cream, each served in a dog bowl to suit a more canine appetite.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’Qoozies’ new menu is going to be a treat for visitors at Vicar Lane. We’re delighted to welcome the new management team to the centre and wish them every success”.

Kate Capuano, Part-Owner at Qoozies says: “We are so excited to have launched our new menu at Qoozies. We’ve added so much more choice for all tastes, with a focus on flavour and delicious ingredients. All the feedback we’ve received so far has been fantastic – we look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to try our new dishes!”

Situated on Steeplegate at Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, Qoozies is open Monday – Saturday 9am-4pm. For more details about what else is on offer at Vicar Lane please visit vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield and plan your day out here.

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

Qoozies new dishes

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

The Batch House welcomes three new food outlets

Three new food outlets are now open at The Batch House, refreshing the range of dining options on offer to customers.

The Batch House is an artisan food & drink hall, which opened at The Glass Yard on Sheffield Road, Chesterfield in 2022.

Visitors will now have the chance to indulge in Indian street food and Greek Cuisine, alongside a new Bakery offer at the venue.

Bringing a taste of India to The Batch House is Ruby & Chaat, a traditional Indian street food outlet. The menu includes biryani, loaded masala fries and samosas.

Khalid Wani, owner of Ruby & Chaat said: “We’ve been looking at this place for quite some time, so we’re really happy to be here and it has been a good response in the first week.

“I come from Sheffield, where we have a few good food courts, and I think this one in Chesterfield can be equally as good as those, if not better.

“In India, wherever you go there is street food. We import our spices from India so our customers are getting the highest quality, and we feel that makes a big difference. We also deliver via online platforms such as Just Eat, Uber Eats and Deliveroo.”

ruby and chaat stall

Taking up another stall at the food hall is Greek Gods’ Cuisine, serving up classics such as gyros, souvlaki, halloumi and more. Customers can eat in at the Batch House and can also order via Deliveroo.

Efi Vasilaki and Spyros Cheilakis have set up the unit, and are excited by the opportunity. Efi commented: “It’s an exciting time, and we are looking forward to all the opportunities and challenges that come with it. Starting a new restaurant requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. 

“The Batch House is a food hall that has been attracting high footfall due to its impressive line-up of vendors and is gaining popularity due to its ability to offer a wide variety of food options under one roof. We are very into these concepts, and we feel very lucky to be part of this amazing team.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the people of Chesterfield authentic Greek Food, and hope that everyone will  enjoy their experience with us. We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment and a menu that features a variety of delicious options to suit your tastes.”

greek gods cuisine team

Bakery at the Batch has also opened at the venue, taking over from the previous trader, 4 Eyes Bakery.

Dani Key, who has taken over the running of the bakery commented: “I am very very excited to open the bakery as in the short space we’ve been open, three weeks, it’s done really well. This is just based off of listening to what our customers want and giving it to them.

“The whole place has seen a huge change since Christmas with the new vendors opening so I’m also excited to see what the batch house can achieve as a whole.

“When you come to us at bakery at the batch, expect friendly faces, a lovely warm space and nice fresh hearty food made with love. We’re genuine people who love our jobs and we will always go out of our way to make anyone’s visit a great one.”

bakery at the batch

With a wide range of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, you’re spoilt for choice when eating out in Chesterfield. Find out more about dining out in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

New Chesterfield homecare company announces plans to create up to 50 new jobs

A new family-run homecare company in Chesterfield has announced plans to create up to 50 new jobs over the next 12 months, after receiving regulatory approval to begin providing its services to people in the area.

Caremark Chesterfield and Bolsover will provide highly personalised care services for older and disabled adults living in their own homes. The services cover everything from specialist support for people with physical disabilities and end-of-life care, through to simple tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, and companionship.

After recently receiving its licence from the Care Quality Commission, the company which has its head office in Dunston Road, Chesterfield, is now in the process of recruiting the staff who will deliver this care.

Caremark Chesterfield and Bolsover has been set up by husband-and-wife team Obafemi and Aramide Odele.

Managing Director Aramide was working in the care sector in America before coming to the UK and she will be supported by Obafemi and their experienced Care Manager Ben Secker.

Aramide says: “More people than ever before are now choosing to retain their independence by remaining in their own homes and receiving the day-to-day support which will enable them to do this safely.

“Derbyshire has an ageing population, and this is set to increase by 65% between now and 2035. In Chesterfield alone, there has been an increase of over 15% in people aged 65 years and over in just ten years.

“There is therefore a growing need for high-quality home care support services in Chesterfield & Bolsover, and that is why we have established our company.”

Caremark is a national franchised business which was set up almost 20 years ago and now has over 100 franchise offices across the UK and Ireland.

Aramide and Obafemi will be able to draw on the support of the national Caremark network and are confident customers and carers will be attracted by the strong brand and its reputation for delivering excellent standards of care.

They have set a target of attracting up to 50 carers over the next 12 months to enable them to meet the expected demand for their services.

Aramide added: “We are excited about what the future holds and are looking to build a strong team of carers to support our growth.”

To find out more visit: https://www.caremark.co.uk/locations/chesterfield-bolsover/

Find out more about why Chesterfield is a perfect location to base your business. 

Caremark growth plans

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Trio of Chesterfield businesses join forces in sustainable collaboration

Three businesses, all based in Chesterfield have entered a collaborative network to assist their customers with sustainability and efficiency.

LB Electrical Contractors, Choice Utility and Infrared group have entered into a collective commitment to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, after firms recognised the complimentary nature of each others’ strengths.

Choice’s proficiency in business energy, Infrared Group’s groundbreaking infrared heating panels, and LB Electrical’s expertise in solar panel and battery storage installation enable them to join forces, creating a comprehensive solution that not only enhances user experiences but also fosters innovation and efficiency.

In terms of supporting business in the area, the collaboration intends to provide a holistic approach. It seeks drive economic growth in the town, promote technological advancement, and create a positive impact on the community.

Nathan De La Rosa and Aaron Joseph, Co-Founders of Infared Group commented: “We are excited to announce our collaborative effort with Choice Utility and LB Electrical. This partnership symbolises a unified commitment towards boosting energy efficiency for local businesses.

“Our collaboration brings together Infrared Group’s innovative infrared heating panels, which offer significant energy savings (up to 60%), Choice Utility’s expertise in business energy, and LB Electricals’ skill in solar panel and battery storage installation. Together, we provide a comprehensive energy solution that aims to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.

This partnership is a testament to our collective dedication to environmental responsibility. We are eager to witness the positive effects of our collaborative efforts on the local business community and the environment.”

Dan Molloy, Director, Choice Utility said: “We are really excited about this collaboration as it allows us to focus our efforts locally to advise a large array of different businesses in all elements of their energy costs.

“We are committed to helping businesses reduce their costs in all aspects, we have always been able to help enhance energy pricing for all our customers and advise in energy reduction measures but now we have a fantastic opportunity to work together formally with both LB Electrical & Infrared Group, giving us the confidence that our clients are receiving the very best service.”

Lee Burgess, Director, LB Electrical Contractors Ltd. added: “LB Electrical are thrilled to be part of the exciting collaboration with Choice and Infrared. This partnership brings together the expertise of Choice in providing flexible solutions and the cutting-edge technology of Infrared, and we couldn’t be more pleased to contribute our electrical expertise to this innovative initiative.

“By integrating our services, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in optimizing energy costs and promoting sustainability. Together, we aim to implement energy-efficient solutions that not only reduce operational expenses but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business environment.

“LB Electrical is committed to leveraging our electrical knowledge to enhance the collaborative efforts, ensuring that businesses not only have the freedom to make smart choices but also access the latest technologies for efficient energy management. It’s a privilege to be part of a collaboration that aligns with our commitment to promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the business and Domestic communities.”

“As we embark on this innovative collaboration, we are genuinely thrilled to extend our expertise to the community of Chesterfield. We are excited about the prospect of working together to support local business, reduce energy costs, and foster sustainability. Our commitment to innovation and efficiency aligns seamlessly with the values of Chesterfield, and we anticipate positive outcomes that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region.

“The collaboration represents not just a partnership but a shared vision for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. We look forward to building lasting connections, making a meaningful impact, and are eager to see the positive transformations that will emerge from this exciting venture in Chesterfield.”

LB Electrical Contractors and Choice Utility support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

LB Electrical, Choice Utility, Infared Group collaboration

 

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

Young people and parents encouraged to find out more about careers in healthcare

Young people and their parents or carers are being invited a session where they can learn more about careers in the health and social care sector.

The second Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event will include a question-and-answer panel session and the chance to speak with representatives from Chesterfield Royal Hospital and NHS Joined Up Care Careers about the range of roles in the sector and the different ways to access these careers, including through apprenticeships.

The free event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, the D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays. It is designed to allow parents, carers, and young people to speak to experts in the sector about the training and career options available to young people after completing school.

Young apprentice ambassadors will also be attending to share their experiences and explain why they chose to pursue an apprenticeship.

The event will be held in the Heartspace area in Chesterfield College on Thursday 15 February from 6pm to 7.30pm. Free refreshments and hot food will be available to attendees.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our first event in Staveley was a great success with more than 50 people coming to find out more about career pathways in the construction industry. These events are a great way of learning about the range of careers available and seek to help young people, parents and carers to understand more about how apprenticeships work.

“This next event will focus on the valuable roles available in the health and care sector, and we’re welcoming experts from the sector, as well as those who have been through an apprenticeship, to speak directly about their experiences after leaving school – providing the information, advice and support that young people need to make an informed decision about their future.

“If you are interested in attending this event please book on as soon as possible as spaces are limited.”

Laura Wilkins, Operational Careers Hub Lead at D2N2, said: ““Building on the Construction event held in November at Staveley Miners Welfare FC, we are now looking forward to showcasing another priority sector for Chesterfield – Health and Social Care. We are excited to welcome parents, carers, young people and other members of the community to Chesterfield College to understand the routes into this sector. This will be a great opportunity to hear from people working within Health and Social Care, including young people on an apprenticeship pathway.”

Tina Patel, from the ASK programme/Workpays, said: after the successful event in November, this event will also provide information and guidance on how to look for the opportunities available in Health and Social Care. We have an ASK ambassador who can help to search for local vacancies and application support. I am looking forward to meeting you all at the event and to support parents and young people to look at all the opportunities available and to answer any questions.”

A third Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event is scheduled to be held in Spring 2024 and will focus on careers in the manufacturing sector.

To book a free place for the health and social care session please visit the Eventbrite listing.

Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, Workpays, D2N2 Careers Hub and Chesterfield Royal Hospital support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

White student nurse practicing using a stethoscope on a dummy in hospital bed

University of Derby, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield

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

Mortgage 1st expands offer with launch of new lending brand

Mortgage 1st, a brokerage based in North Derbyshire has announced the official launch of a specialist lending brand to keep up with unpredictable market conditions.

Specialist 1st will be an appointed representative of Connect for Intermediaries (Subject to FCA approval) and will have access to their extensive lender panel.

The new brand is designed to advise directly on complex buy-to-let, adverse credit, second charge lending, commercial purchases, development finance and bridging finance and will see the appointment of an experienced specialist adviser as well as a number of Mortgage 1st advisers becoming dual authorised under the new brand.

Jon Stones, managing director of Mortgage 1st, said: “We always planned to establish a specialist arm under Mortgage 1st & after closely following market trends and conditions, this became a very sensible move to make as we enter 2024.

“As a company we are determined to keep moving forward, enhancing our service and overall offering to Mortgage 1st customers whilst providing our advisers the opportunity to enhance their own skillsets. Advisers need a comprehensive suite of lending solutions to keep up with the ever changing market and customer demand and this move will enable us to help far more clients directly.

“Connect have an excellent reputation within this sector, extensive lender panel and have been wonderful to deal with as we begin building Specialist 1st. Their close relationship with Stonebridge also made them the ideal choice for us & we are excited to be working closely with Liz, Kevin and the entire team at Connect.”

Kevin Thomson, Sales Director of Connect for Intermediaries added: “ We are delighted to be working with Specialist 1st as they embark on their diversification into the specialist mortgage markets. We look forward to supporting the whole team at Specialist 1st and being with them every step of the way so they can achieve their growth ambitions.”

Specialist 1st will be headed up by Mortgage 1st’s Head of Partnerships Paul Lewis.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Jon Stones, Mortgage 1st

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

D2N2 LEP secures funding for next wave of Skills Bootcamps provision

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured almost £5 million to broaden its successful Skills Bootcamps offer.

The organisation has a successful track record of delivering Department for Education funded Skills Bootcamps, which have been developed by the Government as part of the Skills for Life programme.

Following successful applications in four previous waves of Skills Bootcamps, D2N2 LEP has now been allocated further funding as part of the fifth wave of Skills Bootcamps allocations.

The funding of £4,967,950 represents an increase of almost £1.5 million on the previous allocation in Wave 4 (£3.5 million).

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over. They give people the opportunity to build up valuable sector-specific skills based on local employer demand and provide a direct path to a job on completion.

With this funding boost, D2N2 LEP indends to broaden the range of sectors that its Skills Bootcamps support. For example, for the first time, Skills Bootcamps in leadership and management will be offered for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The organisation will also work with providers to offer a wider range of Skills Bootcamps programmes in priority areas of digital, construction, engineering and green skills (construction and electric vehicles).

As the lead partner, D2N2 LEP will be working with Derbyshire County Council to open the procurement window to allow providers to apply for delivery contracts for Wave 5 Skills Bootcamps programmes. D2N2 LEP will make an announcement as soon as this window opens, expected to be later this Spring.

Employment and Skills Manager at D2N2 LEP, Richard Kirkland, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve succeeded in our application to be a Wave 5 Skills Bootcamps provider, following our successful track record of delivering Skills Bootcamps in all four of the previous waves. It’s fantastic that through the increase in funding we’ve secured, we’ll be broadening our offer to include new programmes, such as leadership and management for small and medium sized businesses.

“This is really positive news as I look back on my 40 year career in education and skills and prepare to retire; it’s such a proud moment for me. I would like to thank all my colleagues, all our providers and partners for their support over the years and I wish all the Skills Bootcamps learners all the very best in their future careers.”

Richard will leave D2N2 LEP at the end of this month to commence his well-earned retirement, following his 40 year career in education and skills.

Businesses across Chesterfield are encouraged to find out more about the skills support available to help them grow their organisations, by attending the Employability and Skills Conference on Thursday, 8th February.

Find out more about D2N2 LEP’s Skills Bootcamps programme

MTM_manufacturing

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

SMH Group grows with latest merger

Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisors, Howard Matthews Partnership, have merged into the SMH Group, allowing the established firm to offer even more financial services to its clients backed by the strength of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire-based group.

The SMH Group, which has a base in Chesterfield and sponsors Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium, boasts a comprehensive suite of additional business and personal financial services, spanning accountancy, financial guidance, commercial finance, wills & probate, and mortgage advice, serving businesses and individuals across the region.

Howard Matthews, Senior Partner at Howard Matthews Partnership comments: “Our alignment with the SMH Group, sharing similar values and client-centricity, promises an exciting future for everyone. They’re the perfect fit to ensure we can take Howard Matthews Partnership to the next level.

“SMH Group have the expertise to deliver the highest quality service to our clients, as well as introducing their full-service offering meaning they can access all their financial requirements under one roof. I am confident the merger will be of benefit to all our clients and staff alike.”

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at the SMH Group adds: “This latest merger into the SMH Group is an excellent opportunity for both firms – it provides long term security and more added value services for clients of Howard Matthews Partnership and allows us to bring the SMH Group into a new area in Harrogate, as we continue to expand into North and West Yorkshire.

“Our thanks go to Anna Catee at CMP Legal and Philip Jordan of Taylor & Emmet LLP, who advised on all the legal aspects of the deal.

“We would like to offer a warm welcome to all staff and clients of Howard Matthews Partnership into the SMH family.

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

howard-matthews-SMH Merger 873

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

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