chesterfield business news

Insurance and risk management company expands to new Chesterfield office

PIB, an insurance brokerage and risk management company has announced the opening of a new branch in Chesterfield.

The new site is designed to enhance the company’s service delivery and support in the midlands.

Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub for the firm, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.

The facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive programmes for colleagues and the businesses supported by PIB. The company’s training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to clients’ requirements.

PIB has highlighted Chesterfield’s strategic location as a key strength of the new premises. The team says it will benefit from our town’s robust travel network, with the branch offering easy access for clients and employees alike. Proximity to major motorways, public transport links, and ample parking ensures that reaching the branch is convenient, whether for a business meeting or a training session.

The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand PIB’s footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, the business says it is better positioned to meet the needs of clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens ties with the community.

Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, commented, “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.”

Ryan Wilkes, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “We’re delighted to see PIB investing in Chesterfield. Our town is a great place to support the growth of businesses thanks to its strategic location, affordability, and supportive business community.

“With excellent transport links and a skilled workforce, Chesterfield offers a perfect blend of opportunity and growth potential. It is particularly pleasing to see business confidence in Chesterfield reflected by further evidence of companies looking to expand and relocate here.”

Want to find out more about what Chesterfield can offer your business? Find out more about the benefits of investing in Chesterfield here.

Chesterfield Office PIB

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms to launch sequel to popular Rob the Bank game

Town centre visitor attraction, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to launch a new game, which follows on from one of its most popular experiences.

Those familiar with the Rob the Bank game will get the chance to continue the adventure, with Rob the Bank 2 set to launch later this summer.

To build the exciting new game, the attraction has worked alongside fellow Chesterfield Champion business, FWD Motion to sustainably design the new room.

Chesterfield Escape Rooms chose FWD Motion to help eliminate single-use plastics and implement an effective upcycling initiative across their organisation.

Nick Hogan, Owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms, explained: “As a small business it can be difficult to build effective sustainable strategies, but when we decided to create a new set of escape rooms, we placed sustainability at the forefront of our thought process. We didn’t want to simply rip and replace – it was a case of considering what we could recycle, and most importantly, upcycle.”

Nick Hogan Chesterfield Escape Rooms

In search of an alternative solution to business-as-usual, Hogan approached FWD Motion. He commented: “We have had a working relationship with FWD for over 3 years, and in a recent account meeting we heard about their ability to print directly to MDF fire-rated board – which is the material we use for all our structural game build work. Realising we could print over and upcycle our old boards completely transformed our design process, and we quickly got to work with FWD’s creative team to produce the visual effects we needed. We’re delighted with the results!”

FWD Motion’s recent investment in a new sustainable printer enables them to print directly to board. Unlike solvent-based inks, its UV ink technology eliminates the need for vinyl and laminates – reducing single-use plastic consumption and ensuring a longer lifespan for their vibrant print solutions.

“Printing directly to board is a massive step forward for many businesses like Chesterfield Escape Rooms, who regularly rely on bespoke designs and installations to keep their experience up to date,” said David Whiteley, Director of FWD Motion. “By using our new sustainable printing technology, Chesterfield Escape Rooms managed to save approximately 66 metres of vinyl and 66 metres of laminate – and it doesn’t stop there. Now, when their rooms next need updating, we can take the same boards and print over them again and again.”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion are keen to continue working together and are already discussing joint projects for the future.

Whiteley concluded: “We are incredibly pleased to have supported Nick and the team at Chesterfield Escape Rooms over recent years and are now even happier to help them achieve their sustainability goals. By reprinting and reusing the same MDF boards and wall graphics, we can help them prevent unnecessary waste in landfills and drive a more environmentally responsible future.”

Speaking in more detail about what people can expect from Rob the Bank 2, Nick Hogan added: “This is a change of business model for us because this game will be able to support up to 12 players rather than six. This new game will require a minimum of four players.

“You’ve got to keep things as fresh as they possibly can, but there are huge amounts of work undertaken to change an Escape Room. This particular build will take around three months, but we will continue to keep things fresh in the coming years. We’ve had in excess of 30,000 players since opening three years ago, but I can say to all players that this new game will be bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

Booking will soon be available for the new game on the Chesterfield Escape Rooms website: https://www.chesterfieldescaperooms.co.uk/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Escape Room 873x466

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

Chesterfield business leaders encouraged to apply for regional awards

A regional awards ceremony will celebrate businesses across the East Midlands, and companies in Chesterfield are being encouraged to share their successes.

The East Midlands Business Master Awards 2024 will bring together business leaders and executives from across the East Midlands, the 2024 finalists alongside former winners for the celebration. The event is being organised by regional business media organisation, The Business Desk.

The deadline for entries is Friday 5th July, with the ceremony set to take place at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham on October 3rd.

Firms can nominate themselves across more than a dozen categories, including:

  • Start-up
  • Disruptor
  • Sustainability
  • International Trade
  • Investment
  • Community Impact
  • Employer of the Year
  • Professional Services – Regional
  • Professional Services – National
  • Property Business
  • Hospitality & Leisure
  • Creative & Media
  • Family Business
  • Small Business (up to 50 employees)
  • Medium Business (51-250 employees)
  • Large Business (251+ employees)
  • Outstanding Collaboration
  • Fast Growth Business
  • Ambassador

Sam Metcalf, Midlands editor of TheBusinessDesk.com, said: “The 2024 East Midlands Business Masters will bring together business leaders and executives from across the East Midlands, finalists alongside former winners, our key partners and of course many of our online audience to celebrate business triumphs and successes.

“The Business Masters Awards attracts the most successful and inspirational companies. Independently judged, it is a real celebration of business excellence.

“This is your chance to show why your team should join our prestigious list of past winners at this, the sixth edition of the Masters.”

Find out more about the ceremony and nominate your business at: https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/events/east-midlands-business-masters-2024

Chesterfield is the perfect location to base your business

Centrally located in the UK Chesterfield is superbly connected, has an abundance of new business premises and room to grow. Well served by the M1 and the Midland Mainline Chesterfield is within one hour’s drive of four major airports and London is under two hours by rail.

Our businesses also benefit from being within easy reach of major cities, such as Sheffield, Nottingham, Derby, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.

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

Two individuals having a meeting at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in Chesterfield

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Educators and employers address regional skills challenges

Challenges in recruitment and skills across our region’s businesses have been recently highlighted at East Midlands Chamber’s annual People and Skills summit.

The event brought together 200 delegates from the business community and education sector, and hosted a series of talks, keynote speakers and workshops.

The summit was centred around the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 – which outlines a set of policy asks for the next government to consider.

Speakers at the summit included: Professor Baback Yazdani, Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School; Kate Lee, Talent & Resourcing Manager, Samworth Brothers; Emma Kwiatkowski, Director, Hays; Craig Brothers, Vice President, East Midlands Chamber; Laura Shepherd, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Loughborough College and Dr Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, Skills and Employment Support Ltd.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “Reforming skills is an essential ingredient to economic growth and all the research we conduct with businesses in the East Midlands – like our latest Quarterly Economic Survey where 66% of respondents in the region reported difficulties recruiting staff – has underlined the need to address the issue. The East Midlands People and Skills summit is one of the ways the Chamber can get right into the heart of the issues faced by businesses, breaking them down and finding solutions to overcome each hurdle.

“Candidate needs are evolving, while factors like technology advance just as quickly. Businesses need to ready themselves for emerging technology like AI and what that might mean for the skills candidates might need in the future. Workplaces need to be attractive to new recruits and be open minded to finding ways to match their needs with those of prospective employees. That can mean consideration of things like having a strong Corporate and Social Responsibility policy, offering employees the opportunity to engage with communities and charities, for example.

“If we can pinpoint the sticking blocks in skills, recruitment and retention, we can fix them and that’s why it’s so important that businesses and educators engage with each other, to solve staffing issues both now and in the future.”

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to find out more about upskilling their workforce by contacting Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service.

More information about the service can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Delegates stood on stage at the Chamber people and skills summit 2024

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Women in engineering celebrated across Chesterfield

Women working in our town’s manufacturing and engineering sector will be celebrated on Sunday 23rd June, as part of International Women in Engineering Day.

The day aims to raise awareness of careers in the sector for women, with 2021 figures showing that just 16.5% of engineers in the UK are female.

With many businesses in Chesterfield working to reduce skills gaps in their workforces, attracting a diverse range of skilled people is a key priority for the future.

Nick Catt, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Managing Director of Weightron Bilanciai commented: “Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day is not just about recognising the remarkable achievements of women engineers worldwide, but also about inspiring future generations to break barriers, innovate without limits, and reshape the world with their ingenuity and passion.

“I would strongly recommend that young women and girls across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to look into what a rewarding career in our sector can offer. By encouraging more women to work in engineering, we are able to futureproof our businesses and help them to thrive for future generations.”

Women are contributing towards the success of many manufacturing and engineering businesses across Chesterfield. Find out more in our showcase below:

NIBE Energy Systems

Woman stood next to industrial machinery wearing yellow shirt

Phoebe Maxfield – NIBE Energy Systems

NIBE is working to create the energy systems of the future right here in Chesterfield. The company boasts a dedicated training centre in our town to train up heat pump installers. Heat pumps provide homes with heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water to create a perfect indoor climate with minimal impact on nature

Phoebe Maxfield works in the technical department at NIBE in Chesterfield, and shared her experiences.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

I have always been a very hands on person, taking things apart and putting them back together to figure out the “Why?” of how things work. It was also about breaking the mould.

Why do you love working in the sector?

You can never know everything, there is always something to learn. Working with a team with the experience that NIBE Technical has means that every day is a school day.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

My advice would be to go for it. Experience isn’t always necessary with tools and software. If you have a desire to learn and can find a training provider or employer who is willing to support you, there is an opportunity for everyone.

NeoDyne

neodyne women in engineering

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu (L), Megan McLoughlin (R) – NeoDyne

NeoDyne delivers leading-edge system integration, digital manufacturing and electrical engineering solutions & services to the life science, food & beverage, data centre and energy sectors.

Aiswaryalakshmi Sudheendrababu works as an MES developer creating software for NeoDyne, while Megan McLoughlin is an automation engineer for the company.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Megan: Growing up I always enjoyed maths and science in school, in particular the problem solving and practical aspects. When considering different careers I found that engineering provided a way for me to apply these skills whilst getting to work in a team environment.

Aiswaryalakshmi: I have a strong interest in STEM courses and enjoy problem-solving, so I decided to pursue a career in engineering. I saw fantastic job options in the field, was motivated to dispel prejudices by role models, and felt inspired by them. My choice was also heavily influenced by the opportunity to truly influence society and the growing acceptance of diversity.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Megan: No two days are the same! As an engineer I get to work on projects from a variety of different sectors including energy, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical, and develop skills using a range of new exciting technologies.

Aiswaryalakshmi: As a MES developer at NeoDyne UK, I enjoy working in the manufacturing industry because it gives me the opportunity to close the gap between operations and IT and immediately enhance the effectiveness and quality of production. Observing the direct results of my work on the shop floor makes me happy, and I relish the challenge of using technology to optimize procedures. I like working in varied teams to promote creativity and address practical issues. I stay interested because of the lively, practical atmosphere. Furthermore, NeoDyne UK is an excellent environment to advance professionally and make a significant contribution due to its supportive culture and dedication to quality.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Megan: Engineering is such a great career as everyday is a learning day, you get to network with so many different people, work in a team, and often travel to different projects in the UK and abroad!

Aiswaryalakshmi: Open the doors to countless prospects in the manufacturing sector! Your creativity, tenacity, and resourcefulness are the engines that drive breakthrough discoveries and game-changing fixes. As you set out to redefine what is possible, follow your curiosity. Take on challenges as chances to show off your abilities and make an impact on the world. The manufacturing industry has a promising future awaiting your bravery and tenacity. Join us in building an infinitely inventive future !

MSE Hiller

Ros and Rebeckah MSE

Ros Fomin (L) and Rebekah Linacre (R) MSE Hiller

MSE Hiller supplies and rents centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water, food and other industries throughout the UK.

Rebekah Linacre is the company’s Commercial Manager, and covers the H&S aspect of MSE. Ros is a Technical Sales Engineer, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Ros: I was interested in solving problems and designing from a young age, and I was fortunate to have family and teachers who actively encouraged me to pursue a career in Engineering – in hindsight it wasn’t until I was older that I was exposed to the (ridiculous!) idea it couldn’t be for women, by which time it was too late!

Beckie: After leaving university, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. So I didn’t narrow down my options. I focused on finding a career that remained interesting and provided constant learning opportunities. This led to skills in managing health and safety, which forms a foundation to then work on a wide range of projects, adapting my skills and experience in different settings. Engineering opens so many doors.

Why do you love working in the sector?

Ros: For us, in Wastewater, the sector is so varied, with every project and customer being totally unique. I’ve seen behind the scenes at food factories, been to stunning remote sites in Scotland, and recently visited suppliers in Italy, so I’d say the constantly changing work and experiences is something I love about the sector.

Beckie: I am especially interested in supporting the development of infrastructure that affects us all on a daily basis, without even realising. No day is the same and you can specialise in topics or jobs that you may never knew even existed.

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Ros: Engineering has a breadth of options within it, so don’t be put off by what you might have in mind as “Engineering” – if you’re interested in why things work, figuring out a tricky solution, or love making ideas into a reality, then a career in Engineering could be for you.

Beckie: I think the most important thing is to find something you enjoy or that uses skills that you are keen to develop. Engineering is multi faceted, so there are many different options to pursue, that you may not traditionally think of;- research, visit engineering businesses and determine if the options available align with what you are interested in.  In a world moving towards greater gender balance and equality, don’t consider gender as being something that inhibits you from pursuing working in a sector that entices you.

Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett - Pinelog Ltd.

Clare Bennett is a joiner at Pinelog Ltd, a manufacturer of bespoke timber lodges based in Chesterfield.

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

Clare joined the company six years ago after discovering a love for joinery while helping a friend build a shepherd’s hut. Joining Pinelog was significant career change for Clare. Previously she was employed as a classroom assistant.

Since joining Pinelog, Clare has been trained in all aspects of the manufacturing process from timber frame construction and cladding to spray painting and internal fit out.

Why do you love working in the sector?

“I really like the fact the job is physical, and that I am constantly moving, Because the lodges are bespoke, every day is different. It’s fantastic to see a finished lodge and know that I have played a role in creating it.”

What would you say to encourage more women and girls to work in engineering?

Clare has two teenage daughters and is using her experience to guide their future careers. She added: “Through my own experience in manufacturing, I have encouraged my daughters to get training in a trade.”

Looking to kickstart your career in engineering? Find out about the range of apprenticeships available in the sector here.

Businesses looking to diversify and upskill their workforce are encouraged to contact the Chesterfield Borough Council skills brokerage team to discuss their needs. Find out more about the service here.

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Chesterfield Champions to get involved in Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk

Businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions are set to join thousands of people to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice this weekend.

The Sparkle Night Walk takes place each summer and sees people walking the 10km course through Chesterfield dressed in pink t-shirts and bunny ears.

The event helps to raise vital funds for the hospice, which provides end-of-life care for patients and support for their families.

Charlotte Butterworth, Events and Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to all of the amazing businesses across North Derbyshire who will be taking part in our Sparkle Night Walk this year.

“The teams signing up and raising sponsorship for us will help fund care for the families who will need us now and in the future.

“We’ve had almost 3,000 people register for the event so far which is just incredible. We can’t wait to see so many of our supporters sparkling together on the big night.

“Let’s come together and do something amazing to raise funds towards vital palliative and end of life care in our region!”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “It is great to see Chesterfield’s community coming together once again to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice.

“The work carried out by the hospice’s dedicated team to support people and families across our area is so important, therefore it is brilliant to see the community supporting this fantastic event.

“I would like to wish everyone taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk all the best on the night. I’m sure it will be another superb evening for our town.”

Find out more about some of the businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire walking at this year’s event:

Banner Jones Solicitors

Four women stood outside office wearing pink shirts

Banner Jones is once again supporting Ashgate Hospice by participating in this year’s Sparkle Walk.

With a dedicated team of 16 participants, this is the fourth year that the law firm has participated in the event, having raised an impressive £1,500 in 2023, and around £1,000 in 2022.

Banner Jones Marketing Manager, Lynne Pope, said: “We are excited to be taking part in the Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Walk for the fourth year. It’s a charity close to our hearts.

“Having visited the hospice, I saw the quality of service and care provided to those who need it the most. We are proud to be raising money for this vital local service, to help it continue supporting the local community in such an important way.”

Further information about the Banner Jones team’s fundraising efforts can be found here.

NIBE

Group of people holding up signs and wearing pink t shirts

A member of the NIBE team is taking part in the walk, in memory of a colleague and friend who used to work for the company.

Alan Sanders said: “I will walk in memory of my good friend and work colleague Sven Ove, who passed just over a year ago.

Ashgate cared for him and others I know in their time of need, and it’s terrible to think that others in need may not be accommodated due to lack of funding. Please if you knew Svein, consider helping this vital service.”

Find out more on the team’s fundraising page here.

Graysons Solicitors

Sparkle Walk team - Graysons

Laura Cowan, head of Graysons’ private client team, said : “Everyone at Graysons Solicitors is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for the Sparkle Walk to support Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield once more.

“Our team deeply values the opportunity to contribute to such a vital community cause. Last year’s event left a lasting impression on us all, and we are keen to create even more wonderful memories this year while raising crucial funds for the hospice.”

Donate to the team’s JustGiving page here.

Peak Pharmacy

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 Tom Hodgson Photographyby

Sparkle Night Walk 2023 by Tom Hodgson Photography

A team from Chesterfield’s Peak Pharmacy is set to take on the 10km course this Saturday.

Gillian Watters, P.A to the company’s Directors said: “Here at Peak Pharmacy, we wanted to focus our fundraising efforts on a local charity and chose to support Ashgate Hospice.  Being our local hospice care facility, many of us have personal experience of Ashgate caring for family and friends.

“The Ashgate fundraising team have done an excellent job helping collate our team registration details making it an easy team event for us to arrange.  We are very much looking forward to a fun evening with colleagues whilst raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Sponsor the team on it’s GoFundMe page.

Handelsbanken

handelsbanken ashgate fundraising team

Over the course of 2024, members of staff at Handelsbanken in Chesterfield will be undertaking a variety of activities to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice to support the incredible work they do.

In March, the team spent the day helping clear the woodland area in the hospice grounds for further redevelopment in the future to benefit the families using the hospice.

Throughout April, Handelsbanken Chesterfield collected new and pre-loved items for distribution to the hospice’s outlets in the local area.

Now, the team will be embarking on the 10km course to raise funds for Ashgate, and has already gone over a fabulous £4,500.

Donate to the team’s fundraising page here.

We Are Spaces

amy revell wearespaces

Chesterfield’s We Are Spaces will also be taking part in the walk. Find out more and donate to the team’s fundraising page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/wearespaces

 

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Chesterfield College Principal awarded OBE for services to further education

The Principal of Chesterfield College and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Julie Richards has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.

Julie Richards has served on the Destination Chesterfield board since she was appointed CEO and Principal of Chesterfield College in 2017.

Upon hearing the news of Julie’s recognition for her services to further education, Chair of the Chesterfield College Group Corporation, Beej Kaczmarczyk said: “This is a tremendous accolade for both Julie and the college, and an acknowledgement of her dedication and contribution to Further Education and our college.”

Reacting to her new title, Julie commented: “I am delighted to receive the OBE in recognition of the incredible impact the Further Education sector has for so many people across the UK, whilst very often it is the forgotten but vital element of our education system.

“First and foremost it is received on behalf of the incredible people I have the privilege to work with every day at Chesterfield College, who work tirelessly to inspire the future and change the lives for so many young people and adults in our community and who inspire me every day.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “I’d like to personally wish Julie a huge congratulations on receiving this OBE. Since taking up the role as Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College, Julie’s insight into the education sector has played a key role in shaping the strategic promotion of Chesterfield as a member of the Destination Chesterfield board.

“Her passion and determination to support our town’s young people and provide them with rewarding careers is always evident, and it’s great to see her being recognised with such a prestigious honour.”

The Chesterfield College Group 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, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Hat-trick of major industry awards for Mortgage 1st

Chesterfield based mortgage broker, Mortgage 1st has won some of the most competitive categories in three nationally recognised industry events.

The business was established in 2008, but has since grown into a company with over 50 employees based at its head office just off junction 30 of the M1 motorway.

In the space of just 17 days, Mortgage 1st picked up awards at three financial and mortgage sector awards ceremonies:

• Mortgage Strategy Awards – Best Mortgage Broker
• Financial Reporter Awards – Broker Firm of the Year
• Legal & General Mortgage Club Awards – Best Broker Firm for Overall Quality

Managing Director, Jon Stones: “This remarkable level of success is true testament to the skillset, culture and commitment of our amazing team at Mortgage 1st. To be recognised as the best mortgage broker firm in the UK across three separate awards events signals that we are very close to achieving exactly what we set out to 16 years ago.

“Being trusted to provide first class advice comes with huge responsibility, we aim to provide this as seamlessly as possible whilst keeping the customer at the heart of every improvement we make as a brand.

“We are still in a state of shock to be completely honest but thrilled that the judges and the readers of industry publications have recognised our achievements over the last 12 months. Winning these awards leaves us feeling immensely proud but also fuels our ambitions to enhance our offering even further.”

Centrally located in the UK with superb access to major cities via the M1, Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your business. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield here.

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.

Three men in suits and one woman in black dress cheering on stage

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D2N2 LEP incorporated into the new East Midlands Combined Authority

Work to boost inclusive growth across the region has taken an important step forward this week following the incorporation of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) into the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The move sees around 20 LEP staff joining the EMCCA to support the work to improve the lives of everyone living and working in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and Derby and Derbyshire, through delivering improvements in transport, housing, skills and adult education and net zero.

Local enterprise partnerships were established across the country in 2010 with responsibilities for local economic development in their region. Now, as part of the devolution deal agreed with government that established EMCCA, the LEP’s board agreed that its functions would be incorporated into the EMCCA to deliver a unified approach to tackling the region’s challenges.

Mark Rogers, interim Chief Executive of EMCCA said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome LEP staff to the EMCCA. It’s an important step forward in growing organisational capacity and supporting our devolution journey that’s seen powers move from Westminster to the East Midlands where we can make the right decisions for the people we serve.

“The move means the expertise, knowledge and experience that supports business growth, investment opportunities and partnership working is in one place where we can make a real difference to our region.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 LEP said: “I’m delighted that the LEP team is joining the Combined County Authority. We’re extremely proud of the work we’ve done over the last 13 years, but joining EMCCA means that across a whole range of issues we can do more, even bigger, even better things that support our region.”

The D2N2 Board, which provides strategic leadership for the LEP, will be in place until the end of this year.

Looking for support for your business? Find out more about the initiatives available to organisations in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Will-Morlidge-D2N2-LEP

Will Morelidge, D2N2 LEP 

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Have your say and help shape the future of Chesterfield

Residents, businesses, community groups and organisations in Chesterfield are being asked to have their say on how they think almost £20m worth of investment should be spent to help improve the town over the next 10 years.

A new and independent board, called the Chesterfield Town Board, is driving forward this investment and wants to hear people’s views to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas for the future of Chesterfield.

People can put forward their views as part of an online survey – which will be open until noon on Monday 24 June – and a series of engagement sessions are also being held with local community groups and organisations.

Dominic Staniforth, Chair of the Chesterfield Town Board, said: “Listening to local people and understanding how residents, businesses and community representatives think this money should be best invested is at the heart of our plans.

“This means our investment proposals will be developed by local people for local people: bringing together residents, business, and community leaders to devise and agree a shared vision for the future.

“It’s really important that we hear from as many people as possible, to understand local issues and priorities as well as ideas that people may have for the future of Chesterfield.”

The short survey asks people to answer a series of brief questions, seeking their views on how the funding should be spent on projects which fit into three key themes:

  • Safety and security – this could include projects which help to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, for example.
  • High streets, heritage and regeneration – this could include projects which would enhance the town, making the place more attractive and accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
  • Transport and connectivity – this could include projects which support improved access to the town centre, including work to support greener modes of travel, as well as public transport options.

People’s views will be used to help shape the development of a long-term vision statement and three-year investment plan setting out how and where the money will be spent.

Dominic added: “Chesterfield is a great town full of wonderful people and organisations that share a common purpose to make it even better – a place to live, work, invest and study – so please do spare a few minutes to complete our short survey and be part of our shared ambitions for the town.”

Local business leader Dominic Staniforth was appointed as Chair of the Board. He sits alongside representatives from other local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and the public sector, including representation from Chesterfield Borough Council.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Chesterfieldonlinesurvey

For more information about Chesterfield Town Board visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/chesterfield-town-board

Birdseye view of Chesterfield market place with stalls and people

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Solar panel interest soars in Chesterfield as residents and businesses choose sustainability

Chesterfield has been named as one of the top 10 towns in the UK for interest in solar panels.

The number of residents showing interest in the products through internet searches is well above national levels, with an average of 3,860 monthly searches.

The research was compiled by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), which examined the numbers to find out which places in the UK have seen the highest growth in interest in solar panels.

Across the UK, the average number of residents seeking to learn about solar panels sits at 2.8%, but in Chesterfield the monthly figure sits at 4.3% – the ninth best figure in the country.

Energy Saving Expert Hannah Holway at FMB, stresses how valuable solar panels can be to the average homeowner: “While the UK might not have many long, sunny days, that’s no reason not to install solar panels on your home.

“According to our own research, for the typical UK home, the cost of a solar panel system without will be around £7,000 and can amount to an average annual saving of almost £1,100. That means that in seven years, consumers will have paid their investment back in the savings made on energy.

“Not only that, the full 30-year lifespan of those panels will net approximately £33,000 in savings, or £26,000 after the initial investment is subtracted.

“It’s no surprise that many places in the UK are showing increased interest in solar panels!”

It isn’t just homeowners showing interest in Solar Panels. Many businesses in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have recently made the switch to improve their sustainability credentials.

Claire Wilks, Business Operations Manager at FWD Motion said: “Solar panels power our facilities, with plans for further expansion. This approach underscores our dedication to reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability.”

Ally Snee, Key Account Manager for SDE Group said: “We recently installed solar panels on our offices which has allowed us to remove gas from the building.”

Gareth Paradise, Health & Safety and Facilities Manager at Global Brands Ltd said: “We’ve recently invested in solar panels to take the bulk of our power demands. We constantly monitor power use and look to install devices and practices to reduce consumption.”

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

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