chesterfield business news

Chesterfield’s brand-new M&S store opens at Ravenside Retail Park

Local people have been supported to secure jobs at the new Marks and Spencer store in Chesterfield, as part of a partnership project with Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located in Ravenside Retail Park, the store is designed with customers and local families at heart with a fresh, market-style Foodhall and a spacious Clothing, Home and Beauty Department, and over 400 car parking spaces.

At 46,000 sqft. the new store marks a big investment for M&S in Chesterfield, with over 100 new recruits joining the current team to welcome customers through the doors.

On the store’s official opening day, (Wednesday, 30th November) the M&S Chesterfield team gathered at the store entrance at 10am with Store Manager, Matt Corker, who was joined by guest of honor, Percy Pig, to cut the ribbon and declare the store officially open.

The opening day was also marked with a live broadcast from North Derbyshire Radio, who hosted the Breakfast and Daytime shows from the shop floor – interviewing colleagues and customers and getting a first-look at all the exciting new features.

Soaking up the opening day celebrations, Store Manager Matt Corker, who has worked at M&S for over 25 years, is exceptionally proud of the new store and his amazing team of of over 200 colleagues.

Matt said: “We’re thrilled to open our brand-new store in Chesterfield today. The last few weeks have been spent putting the finishing touches to our new store and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in the team who has worked so hard to make sure everything is ready for our big opening day.”

“The store is an exciting investment in the future of M&S in Chesterfield and I can’t wait for our customers to explore all the new features that the store has to offer. As well as bringing our existing M&S Chesterfield team across to the new store, we’re proud to introduce over 100 new recruits to M&S Chesterfield, who can’t wait to meet everyone. With an amazing new, fresh-market feel Foodhall and a Clothing, Home & Beauty department which is the perfect place to shop your M&S favourites, we really do have the best of M&S here in Chesterfield for everyone to enjoy!”

While acknowledging that it’s disappointing to lose the household name from its central location on the high street – Chesterfield Borough Council has welcomed the firm’s commitment to its future in the borough.

Local people were supported to apply for roles at the new store at a recent recruitment event led by the council.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The opening of this new Marks and Spencer store at Ravenside Retail Park represents a significant investment in our borough.

“Whilst we understand that the move is disappointing for our high street, the company’s decision to remain within our town demonstrates the confidence that this national retailer has in Chesterfield’s future.

“It has also created more than 100 new jobs, and we’ve been working closely with the company to support local people to benefit from these new employment opportunities.”

The council does not own the building which has now been vacated by Marks and Spencer, but is continuing to work with the landlord to explore alternative uses for this key town centre building,

Councillor Sarvent added: “While we have no direct control over the former Marks and Spencer building, we will do all we can to explore and support positive new uses for this central site in our town centre.

“We’re also making significant investments in this area to ensure we can create a modern, vibrant visitor destination which builds confidence in the town – including our ambitious ‘Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’ town centre regeneration plans which are moving forward after we secured nearly £20m from the Government’s levelling up fund.”

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

Community Chesterfield and the University of Derby celebrate Partnership award

Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield team has been applauded for its growing partnership project with the University of Derby.

The Voluntary Sector Awards were launched in 2014 to recognise the outstanding work carried out by the voluntary sector in our area. The event brings people together from across the Third Sector to celebrate the huge triumphs that have been made across Derbyshire in the last year.

Community Chesterfield was launched in 2019, as a collaboration between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby, the project has not only endured the global pandemic but smashed expectations and gone further than initially hoped, connecting students, university lecturers, and community groups across the county to work with and support each other in a true partnership.

Bev Crighton, from the University of Derby reflects: “[Community Chesterfield] is one of the most productive and successful projects I have seen in 11 years…. this one has really helped Chesterfield and the communities.”

A partnership started with the desire to uncover and nurture new relationships and opportunities, to pave the way for collaborations and innovation between the University and grassroots community and volunteer groups.

The project has presented training, research, and shared learning with the university, as well as local volunteers, and charities, putting students, teachers, professionals, and the community together in real-life situations allowing them to share their experiences and stories, to forge lasting connections, and emboldening them to champion community involvement, and the crucial importance of working collaboratively with the third sector in the classroom, in their careers, and in their futures.

Megan, a Student Nurse on Placement commented: “I have had the opportunity to spend time with different charities and their events whilst on placement, which has broadened my knowledge even more. I have also found that it has positively allowed me to expand my knowledge in the field I’m studying by discussing the role with a variety of different people and helping them to understand different professions within the health care setting.”

As the organisation looks to what else Community Chesterfield will achieve, so does the scope of the partnership, growing beyond its beginnings in health and social care and opening to the entire University, as well as looking for new opportunities in businesses across the county hoping to help shape how they interact with, and contribute to the community and voluntary sector.

Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Community Chesterfield Award win

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Training provider appointed for Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed as the training provider for the new Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The innovative Construction Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce that the college and university will be working together to support this project. As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, ensuring that everyone in Staveley can start, stay, and grow in the town.

“I look forward to working with them and our partners the Devonshire Group to progress the development of the Hub and start welcoming learners in Autumn 2023.”

A site has already been identified for the Construction Skills Hub in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which will be bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. This will allow trainees to develop their skills on a live housing site, and in time there will also be opportunities to gain experience on other Staveley Town Deal construction projects.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director for Devonshire Group, said: “When I first saw the concept of a Construction Skills Hub and was asked if we could help deliver one for Chesterfield, my resounding response was yes, and I know just where.

“Devonshire Group are deeply committed to offering opportunities for learning and skills development, and to making a real difference to the lives and employment prospects of those in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to assist the Council in providing a home for the Skills Hub. Supporting the next generation of people who will help create our built environment is something to be truly proud of.”

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

Gavin Varley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction at The Chesterfield College Group, explains: “We make a commitment to our students to not only provide them with the skills and qualifications they need, they are just the start, but with the work experience and industry knowledge that gives them the clarity of how and where to progress their career for years to come. We’re delighted to be a partner of this project as it comprehensively addresses this wider student experience, we commit to providing for all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the training provider, alongside Chesterfield College, for the new Construction Skills Hub, which will provide real-world learning opportunities to thousands of people looking to embark on a career in the construction industry or develop their skills so they can progress onto new roles.

“The Hub will enhance the existing construction training offer by providing the opportunity for local learners to develop their skills in a live on-site centre. Our ambition is for this to be ground-breaking, delivering a model that builds on the innovative approach of other such centres, and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Chesterfield College as well as working with prominent private sector companies on this exciting project.

“As a Civic University, we are committed to supporting the city and county’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, improving the life chances of people, developing a pipeline of talent that choose to live and work in the area, and addressing the skills gap through our involvement in initiatives such as the Construction Skills Hub.”

Working on a live construction site will not only allow learners to develop the skills they need, but it will also provide practical experience and help provide a link to construction companies where they could find permanent roles.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2 million of investment through the Town Deal with the aim to create a town where everyone can start, stay and grow. This investment will support eleven different projects across the town and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future by improving transport links, creating new housing, providing skills for local people, enhancing community facilities, and regenerating the town centre.

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

property and construction

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

Santa’s post office and grotto now open at Vicar Lane

Families can now enjoy a free, interactive experience at Santa’s Workshop at Vicar Lane shopping centre, where little ones can meet the elves before writing their letter to Santa.

Children and adults can share the moment together as their wish list gets posted in the magical post box and travels right before their eyes, to the North Pole.

Families wishing to head further into the Grotto, can then take an enchanted trip through a winter wonderland. At the end of the winding pathway, they will be greeted by Santa in his cosy grotto, surrounded by all of the toys for the good girls and boys.

Tickets to visit Santa’s Grotto are £8.50 each and every child will receive a gift, an ‘official good list’ certificate and reindeer food.

Due to its previous success, Vicar Lane also offer an Autism Friendly Santa Experience (on selected dates and times) which support children with autism and sensory conditions to enjoy all of the Christmas magic in a more calming and relaxed environment. These sessions must be booked in advance. For more information on how to book, visit Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

Don’t miss out on a very special appearance from Snowy the Polar bear, on Saturday 3rd December. For one day only you can get up close with Snowy as he roams around the centre.

In addition, there is a whole host of fun in the run up to the big day.

For something creative, Vicar Lane is hosting a number of Workshops in conjunction with Thanks a Bunch, The Works & Junction Arts. Gather with friends and family for a something local and festive to do this season.

Find out more information, go to https://www.vicarlaneshoppingcentre.co.uk/whats_on/

On Saturday 17th December, The Aurora Choir will be around the St James Square area between 11am and 1pm singing Christmas carols to help make last minute shopping more delightful. The Aurora Choir will be raising money for Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager at Vicar Lane says: ‘’We’re delighted to bring back our Grotto and Workshop Experience for the local community and their families this year. There’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the events and with Chesterfield’s Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on the same weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out with family and friends and begin the Christmas preparations, with plenty of time to enjoy the fun!’’

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.

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Devonshire Property Group commences construction on major industrial site in Staveley

Six much-needed industrial and warehouse units totalling 22,613 sq ft are being built in North Derbyshire to meet market demand.

Devonshire Property Group has started work on Hartington Business Park, off Farndale Road in Staveley, which will comprise three terraces of brand new, high specification, modern industrial and warehouse units ready to let for the start of 2023.

The development will offer six units across three terraces with units available from 2,429 sq ft to 4,856 sq ft. Alternatively, units could be combined to create single units up to 8,044 sq ft, offering ultimate flexibility and catering for occupier needs. The units are being marketed by the Sheffield office of Knight Frank and Commercial Property Partners (CPP).

Harry Orwin-Allen in Knight Frank Sheffield’s industrial team said: “There is a distinct lack of supply for good quality industrial spaces under 10,000 sq ft. This speculative development delivered by Devonshire Property Group will prove attractive to occupiers seeking high quality accommodation in the region.

“The units are currently under construction and will be ready for occupation in Q1 2023.”

Max Pickering of CPP added: “With the supply of good quality, smaller industrial buildings expected to remain low, Hartington Business Park will address some of the apparent supply imbalance with good quality units that cater for a range of occupier requirements.”

Key features of the units will include modern steel portal frames, steel profile cladding, concrete floor, secure concrete yard areas, ground level loading door, EV Charging points, three phase power supply and fibre broadband.

Hartington Business Park is located on the northern edge of Staveley, which is around five miles northeast of Chesterfield. The site benefits from access to the motorway network via J30 and J29A of the M1, both around three miles away from the development.

For further information contact Harry Orwin-Allen at Knight Frank on 0114 272 9750 or email harry.orwin-allen@knightfrank.com or call Max Pickering at CPP on 0114 273 8857.

Find out more about the range of developments taking place in Staveley at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

Devonshire Group 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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Chesterfield Royal installs State-of-the-Art £1.5m MRI Scanner

A state-of-the-art £1.5m brand new MRI scanner has been installed at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – expecting to help diagnose more than 16,000 patients a year.

An MRI scanner– or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner – uses magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce three dimensional detailed images of most areas of the body without the use of radiation. It is used to diagnose and monitor treatments in both adults and children.

The Trust has two MRIs on site with this new Siemens Magnetom Sola 1.5 T replacing an 11-year-old machine, which was removed in September.

The installation was carried out by a 50 tonne crane and took seven hours with the cryogenics and superconductor – needed to operate the machinery – being connected to the power supply and configured. The new machine will become operational from 23 December – just in time for Christmas.

The new MRI will have a life span of between 10-15 years and weighs just over 4 tonnes – the equivalent of a hippopotamus or about three cars. It will operate 12.5 hours a day, seven days a week – with scans lasting between 10-60 minutes. All scans are prioritised with urgent cases often receiving the results on the same day.

Kevin Sargen, Medical Director at the Trust commented: “This is great news for the people of Chesterfield and shows that as a Trust we are investing in modern care and facilities – this being alongside the £27m Urgent and Emergency Care Development and the £2m Paediatric Assessment Unit.”

An MRI is typically used to diagnose a variety of pathologies including stroke, tumours, vascular anomalies and many musculo-skeletal problems.

Rebecca Ward, MRICT lead at the Trust, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing in such an advanced piece of equipment into the hospital. The new technology will offer far greater quality and speed over our previous scanner. We know that it will improve our performance and mean we diagnose more people as well as providing a better experience for patients.”

Kevin Sargen, added: “I’d take this opportunity to flag that people need to access the right care by contacting their GP, 111 or pharmacies before coming to our Emergency Department – allowing us to ensure we can prioritise more serious conditions and those requiring access to diagnostics such as this new MRI.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital 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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City Taxis wins Taxi Summit award for the second year

Local taxi company City Taxis has been chosen as the winners of the Outstanding Contribution Award at this year’s Taxi Summit Awards.

Held at the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral, the awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of leading industry fleet and suppliers, providing the chance to recognise the hard work put in by all that drive the taxi industry forward.

The award was presented to City Taxis as a ‘thank you’ for their commitment within our communities, including the launch of their City Charity Incubator which has supported The Archer Project over the last year, and their Thank You NHS Gala Ball which raised over £140,000 for Sheffield Hospitals Charity in the summer.

Amy Tingle, Business Director of City Taxis, said: “We are all very proud of what we have achieved as a team, particularly over this last year.

“As part of our City Charity strategy for 2022, we committed to supporting a charity in each of our Operating areas, which saw us getting involved in everything from volunteering at foodbanks to star-studded gala balls to internal collections for local charity shops.

“The journey has been extremely rewarding so far and we are overwhelmed to have received such a prestigious award, that recognises our dedication to our communities.”

Gareth Aston, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “It was an honour to present our dear friends at City Taxis with this well-deserved award.

“They do amazing work across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, transforming the lives of thousands of people across the region.”

To read more about City Taxis’ contribution to the community, visit their website here: https://citytaxis.com/charity/

For more information on the City Taxis Thank You NHS Gala Ball, click here: https://citytaxis.com/thank-you-nhs-gala-ball/

City Taxis 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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BHP becomes first tenant at flagship One Waterside Place in Chesterfield

Leading North Derbyshire and Yorkshire accountancy firm BHP has moved into Chesterfield’s most sought-after address at One Waterside Place.

BHP is the building’s first tenant and takes one floor in the six-storey building, relocating from its current site on Saltergate in Chesterfield town centre, which they occupied for more than 30 years.

The new office will be home to more than 70 BHP employees across its Personal and Corporate Tax, Healthcare, Audit and Accounts, and Payroll teams.

The ‘Grade A’ 5,550 sq ft office space boasts state-of-the-art office facilities, breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café/bar area, modern kitchen, LED lighting, air conditioning and cycle parking.

BHP Partner Dominic Staniforth said: “We’re delighted to have officially moved into our brand-new office here at One Waterside Place. It’s been exciting to welcome the team in to experience the facilities first-hand.

“We’ve loved being part of the Chesterfield community for the past 30 years and the move demonstrates our commitment to the local economy and employment market, while providing us with a fantastic base for our firm to grow.

“One Waterside Place is superbly located and offers our people a great place to work, with an array of restaurants, cafés and shops on the doorstep. We look forward to being in our new home for many years to come.”

Lisa Leighton, BHP’s Joint Managing Partner, said: “Chesterfield has always been an important location for us. We’ve had a base in the town since 1991 and have built up a fantastic reputation in the area.

“The new office is an excellent space that provides first-class facilities for our team. I know I can speak on behalf of my Chesterfield colleagues when I say that we’re proud to be the first tenants in such a prestigious building and we look forward to our bright future at One Waterside Place.”

As well as nearby motorway links, One Waterside Place is desirably located next to Chesterfield’s mainline train station, with services reaching London St Pancras in under two hours.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome BHP to our new Grade A office accommodation in the heart of Chesterfield. Their investment is a ringing endorsement of our town and will help ensure there are great jobs for our residents. I want to wish them the best for their future,”

One Waterside Place is owned by Chesterfield Borough Council. The building’s property developer was Bolsterstone Group Plc and BHP’s office space was kitted out by Absolute Commercial Interiors Ltd.

BHP 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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How Chesterfield’s business community is supporting local people this Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, businesses and charitable organisations are doing their bit to help out across our area this festive season.

From toy appeals, donations to local foodbanks and support for local charities, the town is coming together in a number of ways to support those in need.

Find out how you can get involved with some of the great charity and community initiatives below, and don’t forget to find out more about the great range of festive events, activities and shopping guides at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/christmas/

Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal at Chesterfield FC

Chester’s Christmas Toy Appeal is now underway at Chesterfield Football Club. Any new, unwrapped toys, for children aged 0-18 years, are welcome.

Sponsored by Brett Martin, the initiative provides toys at Christmas for children’s charities and families who have experienced hardship.

To make a donation to the appeal, please call in at the Technique Stadium – main reception or the HUB – from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The following business have also agreed to be a drop-off point for the appeal:

  • Ideal Flooring – behind Morrisons on Chatsworth Road.
  • World Choice Holidays inside Tesco.
  • Chester’s Den.
  • Rosewood Wealth Management Ltd, 388 Brimington Road, Chesterfield, S41 OTF.

Applications are now being invited from charities and families for toys donated to the appeal. Find out more here. 

Bridge Help’s foodbank appeal

Amid the cost-of-living crisis, Bridge Help is urging local businesses to dig deep and donate to its annual Christmas collection for Chesterfield Foodbank.

Launched in 2020, Bridge Help’s annual fundraising appeal has enabled the commercial finance company to donate more than £5,500 of food and toiletries to Chesterfield Foodbank.

Bridge Help is inviting people to donate either money or non-perishable food and toiletries. All monetary donations will be used to buy much-needed items and donated to Chesterfield Foodbank.

The annual appeal is organised by Phoebe Sellars, who is a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help as well as a trustee of Chesterfield Citizens Advice in her spare time.

Phoebe said: “As a volunteer for Chesterfield Citizens Advice I am hearing first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people in the community. Some of the stories are heartbreaking. Rather than sit and wait until December we decided to bring our appeal forward. This will hopefully enable us to collect as much as possible and make a very real difference to local people who will be forced to use this vital service over winter.”

Donations to the Bridge Help Chesterfield Foodbank Appeal can be made until Friday 16 December.

You can drop off donations at Bridge Help’s offices on Old Brick Works Lane, off Sheffield Road. Just simply call ahead to arrange a drop off time. If you would like to make a donation, please call Phoebe on 0333 303 4681.

City Taxis supports Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal

City Taxis is supporting the biggest Christmas gift appeal in the UK, Cash for Kids Mission Christmas!

Mission Christmas aims to make Christmas Day different for children and young people living in poverty across the UK.

Christmas is a luxury that some families cannot afford, but by collecting and distributing gifts and cash donations, Mission Christmas can make sure that disadvantaged children have something to open on Christmas morning.

The charity identifies children and provides support through community organisations, social workers, schools, and the emergency services to ensure that help is given to those who need it most at this crucial time of year.

City Taxis, City Grab, and City Connect are proud to be supporting such a fantastic campaign, particularly with the current cost of living crisis affecting many families and their ability to enjoy a stress-free Christmas.

Gifts can be dropped off at the locations listed below:

Chesterfield

  • Pizza Pi – Vicar Lane Shopping Centre (City Grab outlet)
  • City Chesterfield Office – Holywell Street (City Grab outlet)

Paul Gosney, Business Development Director of City Taxis, said: “Having supported Cash for Kids Mission Christmas campaign in previous years, we are so pleased we are able to be involved again, particularly during these difficult times.

“The Mission Christmas campaign is not just about giving gifts – it’s about supporting our communities, spreading the love, and taking care of each other.

“The Cash for Kids team do a fantastic job of putting smiles on children’s faces every Christmas, year on year, so let’s all come together and help make this happen for 2022!”

Volunteer for one of Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice’s bucket collections

Fancy spreading some Christmas cheer at a bucket-collection? The fundraising team at Bluebell Wood have the perfect opportunity for you. Across November and December the charity has multiple opportunities where you would be lending a helping hand, in stores local to you, in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, helping hundreds of families from across Chesterfield, North Derbyshire and beyond at the hospice and in their homes each year.

Isobel Wells, Regional Fundraiser for Chesterfield and Derbyshire said: “With only fifteen per cent of its funding coming from government sources Bluebell Wood is reliant on its fantastic supporters, without you the charity couldn’t reach as many people who need is as possible”

If you would like to know more, please contact Isobel.wells@bluebellwood.org

Junction Arts hosts ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge’

Between 12 noon on Tuesday 29th November – 12 noon on Tuesday 6th December, Junction Arts is attempting to raise £2000 in online donations. Donations made through the charity’s Big Give page will be doubled enabling it to providemore engaging opportunities for young people across Chesterfield, Bolsover district and NE Derbyshire.

For more details go to: https://junctionarts.org/the-big-give-2022/

Junction Arts also has charity Christmas cards for sale. Working with artist Ella Bramwell-Hopkins and the Arty Ladies group in Creswell, the design has been based upon stories and artwork created during a session reminiscing previous Christmases. Cards can be bought through Etsy. Find out more.

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Our annual Christmas campaign is Community Christmas because that’s exactly where the money goes, back to supporting the neighbours, friends and families of those who are giving.

“Through our projects, we promote the importance of people coming together creating supportive and caring communities. This is also promoted through fundraising for us through fun activities which create funny memories and great moments to share with others.”

Local businesses sponsor a snowflake for The Childrens Hospital Charity

The Children’s Hospital Charity’s much-loved display, established in 2004, brings people together with a shared goal to build a better future for the staff, patients and the families at Sheffield Children’s.

In return for pledging to raise funds, each sponsor sees their snowflake sparkle on one of our sites, with an attached name tag recognising their contribution for all to see.

The snowflake appeal has now raised more than £1m for Sheffield Children’s Hospital since its inception. The money raised will support the fundraising for a new on-site helipad and a redeveloped Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s.

As well as the Homes-by-Holmes building on Saltergate in Chesterfield (pictured above), snowflakes supporting Sheffield Children’s can also be found on the hospital and various locations across North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Chloë Brunton-Dunn, Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity said: “It has been brilliant to see our snowflakes light up Chesterfield for the second year this Christmas, and we’re so grateful to James Holmes for his continued, amazing support of Sheffield Children’s.

“We’d like to say thank you to every individual, family, business, community group, school, street and suburb that has come together to support our snowflake appeal. We’d also like to say a special thank you to Elev8 Access Platforms Ltd for all their help installing the snowflakes on the Homes-by-Holmes building in Chesterfield.

“The money raised will help Sheffield Children’s where it is needed most, including by building a new on-site helipad. We’re now over two thirds of the way to our target and we hope construction can start in the new year, so the snowflakes will leave a life-saving legacy long after Christmas.”

Rosewood Wealth Management supports Action for Children with family hampers

At Rosewood Wealth, the team is this year supporting Action for Children, a not-for-profit charity, by collecting donations that will build hampers for families that are financially struggling.

These hampers will help provide food for the festive period so families can enjoy Christmas and celebrate without the worry of putting food on the table.

If you can help, please drop any donations to Rosewood’s offices at 388 Brimington Road, Chesterfield , S41 0TF before Monday the 6th of December.

Recycle your Christmas Tree with Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood

If you’ve got a real Christmas tree but don’t want the hassle of trying to dispose of it after the festive season, why not donate to a local charity and get their team of volunteers to collect it for you?

Both Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice and Ashgate Hospice are running the initiative in January 2023, but you can register your collection now on their websites!

Ashgate Hospice: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/treecycle/

Bluebell Wood: https://www.bluebellwood.org/recycle-your-christmas-tree

Poignant lantern-lit procession to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice

Hundreds of families are set to celebrate their loved ones at a poignant sell-out lantern-lit procession and remembrance ceremony in December – and others are being invited join in from home.

Ashgate Hospice’s new-look Light Up a Life event has launched and the charity is giving the community a way to remember their loved ones during what can be a difficult time for many.
The 1.2-mile procession, which takes place on Sunday 4th December, will see 350 supporters light up the streets of Chesterfield with special lanterns personalised in tribute to family and friends.

It will bring walkers to the hospice’s site at Old Brampton, where they will be joined by a further 200 supporters coming just to the ceremony.

Whilst the event is now full, Ashgate is encouraging people to support the hospice’s appeal by donating for a unique lantern to personalise and keep at home.

The unique remembrance service will be led by local celebrant Jonathan Reeve and will feature gentle live music from local singer Ariarna Joy, in the beautifully-lit gardens from 6pm.

Supporters of the hospice’s Light Up a Life event will receive a lantern in the post which can be personalised with a photo of their loved one and a special message in return for a suggested £20 donation. They will also be sent an electric light to place inside their lantern.

Click here and find out more about how to register for Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life event this winter.

Fortem Solutions Supports Local Foodbank

Fortem’s Chesterfield team recently posted on social media how the company is supporting residents in need by linking up with Chesterfield foodbank!

Sparky Ink Studio produces charity Christmas cards

The team at Chesterfield’s Sparky Ink Studio has been busy getting into the festive spirit, by hosting a charity Christmas card competition!

Mortgage 1st collects donations for Chesterfield Foodbank

Staff at Mortgage 1st have this year decided to forgo their secret Santa in order to provide essential food and items for Chesterfield foodbank:

 

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All the above organisations 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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SMH Group completes merger with BCL Accountants

Leeds based accountancy practice, BCL Accountants Limited, have merged into the SMH Group, allowing the firm to offer an increased level of service to its clients backed by the strength of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire based group.

The merger took place on 1st November 2022, with the firm continuing to operate from their office on Pavilion Business Park in Leeds.

The new company, called SMH BCL Accountants Limited, sees existing Managing Director, Chris Nunn start a phased retirement over the next three years, with current co-Director, Stacey Pocklington stepping up into the Partner role. James Hartley and Jonathon Dickens, who lead all operations within the SMH group also join as Directors

The SMH Group offer a full range of business and personal financial services, including accountancy, financial advice, commercial finance, wills & probate, and mortgage advice, to businesses and individuals across region.

Chris Nunn, Managing Director of BCL Accountants Ltd comments: “Having joined BCL Accountants Limited in 1993, and becoming Managing Director in 2002, it is the right time to start phasing in my retirement. We’re delighted to join forces with the SMH Group, a regional firm that has a similar ethos and client focus to ourselves. They’re the perfect fit to ensure we can take BCL Accountants to the next level.

“It is very much business as usual for us – all the current staff will still be on hand, but we now have the resources of a larger firm to ensure we can offer the best all round service for all our clients’ business, personal and family financial requirements.

“Myself, and fellow Director at BCL Accountants Limited, Stacey Pocklington will be continuing, so will be on hand to ensure there is consistency for our clients going forward.

“SMH Group have the expertise to continue 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 BCL Accountants and allows us to expand the SMH Group into a new area in Leeds, which has been a long-term objective of ours.

“Our thanks go to CMP Legal and Mason Thomas Law, who advised on all the legal aspects of the deal.

“We would like to offer a warm welcome to Chris, Stacey and all staff and clients into the SMH family.”

BCL Accountants specialise in providing accountancy services to a range of businesses, in particular the licensed trade, engineering and building trades. The addition of BCL Accountants Limited into the SMH Group is the sixth merger to take place since 2018, and the second in quick succession with Matlock based Malcom J Harris Ltd joining the group in September 2022.

SMH Group 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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East Midlands Chamber launches Business Manifesto for Growth to develop region as a ‘Centre of Trading Excellence’

“Back the East Midlands to back the UK” is the opportunity being put to politicians today (Thursday 24 November) by East Midlands Chamber as it launches a blueprint for economic growth in this region and beyond.

Delegates from the chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, along with local businesses and MPs, visited Parliament to unveil the 12-page document, titled A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond.

It includes “The Big Opportunity” to further develop the East Midlands as a “Centre of Trading Excellence”, which reflects the region’s key assets in its industrial heritage, leading-edge universities, central location, and the country’s largest pure freight airport.

The Chamber, which represents more than 4,000 businesses, also calls on policymakers to “get the basics right” by outlining what businesses need now to succeed and take advantage of emerging opportunities via a series of key policy asks, covering people, taxation and regulation, and connectivity.

It then urges Government to “grow our competitiveness the right way” by doubling down efforts on net zero and the wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We’ve long spoken about our region being a place that’s great for making things, moving things and innovating in how we do this.

“These strengths really came to the fore during the pandemic and shone a spotlight on our region being a Centre of Trading Excellence, which is about businesses wanting to trade more, trade differently, trade with new partners, and trade in a way that is cleaner and more effective.

“The former Bank of England governor Mark Carney once remarked on how the East Midlands is a bellwether of the UK’s economic health, as we proportionately have more manufacturing businesses and jobs than other regions but we’re not overly reliant on any single sector.

“In many ways, we are a microcosm of the national economy outside London, so our message to Government is if you want a blueprint for what a successful economy looks like, then the key components exist in the East Midlands.

“Creating a policy environment that helps businesses here to succeed can be replicated elsewhere, which ultimately spurs more trade that boosts the national economy, creates more jobs and improves people’s life outcomes. This is why we call on the Government to back the East Midlands to back the UK.”

By responding to a string of policy asks, the Chamber says Government can “establish a formula that will help to deliver on key goals to level up, reboot the economy and boost post-Brexit growth in global trade”. The manifesto covers three key pillars:

  1. The Big Opportunity: Develop the East Midlands as a Centre of Trading Excellence by focusing on the ‘four Is’:
    1. Incentivise longer-term private sector investment at more generous levels
    2. Support greater levels of innovation through enhanced R&D packages and easier links into universities
    3. Improve infrastructure by raising the current level of public investment in the region to parity with the national average
    4. Cut red tape and reduce barriers to international trade, increasing incentives for those looking to grow their international presence or enter new markets for the first time
  2. Getting the basics right: Provide the levers to drive growth via the cultivation of a wider business ecosystem geared around supporting success, which should:
    1. Focus on incentives to invest in people
    2. Support certainty for businesses by developing a long-term approach to business taxation and regulation
    3. Ensure businesses and communities are digitally and physically connected locally and with the wider world
  3. Growing our competitiveness the right way: Now is not the time to go back on the commitments we have made as a country to sustainability and the net zero agenda. The Chamber, whose research shows ESG is rising up the agenda for businesses, says long-term planning allows businesses to grow sustainably and create opportunities for the UK to be world leaders in the products and processes that will drive global growth for decades to come.

A previous Business Manifesto for Growth published by East Midlands Chamber in 2018, titled Delivering A Great Future, called for a dedicated delivery vehicle to create a zone of ultra-high growth in logistics and advanced manufacturing hinged around East Midlands Airport and a linked free trade zone.

This set the wheels in motion for what would eventually lead to the East Midlands Freeport and East Midlands Development Company being established.

A Centre of Trading Excellence aims to maximise the impact of these initiatives while reinforcing the typical barriers to doing business and reiterating the importance of Britain fully committing to net zero.

After its launch at a special Westminster event – which featured speeches from Nottingham North MP Alex Norris and Broxtowe MP Darren Henry – the document will be used by the Chamber in policy discussions with MPs and Government officials to illustrate priorities of the region and its businesses.

The manifesto has received support from key businesses. East Midlands Airport’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “East Midlands Airport is an engine of growth in its own right. Its role as an international gateway gives businesses in this region a competitive advantage when trading globally. As such, EMA has been the catalyst for much investment across the region in recent years.

“I’m delighted the Chamber is building on the gains already made and will help make the case to Government for increased recognition of the importance of our region and everything we have to offer the UK economy.”

David Williams chairman at East Midlands-based law firm Geldards, added: “The East Midlands region is renowned as an outstanding growth hub both for start-up businesses and established firms alike.

“As well as benefiting from transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the innovative development programme of regenerating brownfield sites is transforming our cities and wider region into a world-class arena to conduct business. It’s time for MPs to take note and recognise we are a region to be reckoned with.”

To read A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/manifesto

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

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

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