chesterfield business news

Made in Chesterfield returns to connect manufacturing and engineering businesses with next generation of employees

The annual Made in Chesterfield festival, which aims to get more local young people interested in careers in businesses operating in the town’s engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses has returned for the eighth consecutive year.

Co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, the 2022 Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at Chesterfield College.

Speaking at the event, Reece Berry (20), Software Engineer Apprentice at Weightron Bilanciai and a former pupil of St Mary’s Catholic High School, said: “Young people need to be aware of apprenticeship opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing sector. They offer brilliant careers for young people.

“I chose to go down the apprenticeship route as I was passionate about IT and software development. I had the option to go to university, but I wanted to work in a real, live environment to gain a mixture of skills that would benefit me in multiple ways.

“Weightron Bilanciai is providing me with the training, support and skills I require to undertake the challenge of becoming a highly skilled software engineer and developer, this has given me the chance to explore and learn areas of IT I never knew about.”

During the four-week festival, which runs until Friday 2 December, young people from Chesterfield’s secondary schools will be introduced to the varied science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers available in local businesses through a number of workplace visits and events.

Performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic, engineering business MSE Hiller and manufacturer United Cast Bar are amongst a number of businesses who are inviting young people to their workplaces during the campaign.

The annual festival is playing a key role in helping address the technical skills shortage amongst businesses locally. According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43 per cent of STEM vacancies nationally are hard to fill, mainly because of a shortage of applicants with the required skills and experience.

Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has introduced more than 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available within local businesses operating in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on being part of the annual initiative: “It’s fantastic for us to be able to showcase our industry and business to young people and encourage them to consider a career path that may not have been on their mind beforehand. We have been involved with Made in Chesterfield since the campaign began and it has helped us attract young people into the business in both apprenticeship roles and work experience placements.

“Each year, Made in Chesterfield makes a real difference to local businesses, education providers and young people. I am delighted to see it return once again.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group explains, “It’s vitally important we continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. We are proud to play our part in the growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally. The increasing development of STEM in Chesterfield is something we have mirrored in our curriculum with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Partnering with initiatives such as Made in Chesterfield and working with local employers and schools, our core focus is to provide a clear, aspirational pathway for the next generation of local workforce be that through full time study, apprenticeships, T-Levels or higher education. Our mission of inspiring futures and changing lives is brought into clear focus through working with Made in Chesterfield and we are delighted to once again host this year’s launch event.”

Made in Chesterfield is delivered in association with the Chesterfield College Group and with support from Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

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

Junction Arts receives funding for a further 3 years

Arts Council England is continuing to support Junction Arts through the National Portfolio programme, ensuring the organisation can continue its work in the community for the next three years.

The funding totals £757,293 for the period 2023 – 2026. This is an uplift in funding for the next three years which will support Junction Arts ambitious plans to develop new work with more communities in Bolsover, Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire.

The uplift in funding is a reflection of Arts Council England’s commitment to boost spending in arts, museums and libraries in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low.

Junction Arts Managing Director, Paul Steele, said: “We are very excited and incredibly grateful to receive this funding. The uplift will enable us to deliver with more communities in North Derbyshire ensuring that more people take part in creativity and experience high-quality culture in areas that are currently underserved by investment.

“In particular it will enable us to work with more young people and offer more opportunities to get involved in creativity. We believe passionately in the positive impact the arts can have on people and places and have witnessed first hand how the arts can improve well-being and inspire positive change.

“These areas deserve to benefit from these impacts in just the same way as our neighbours in the larger cities and this investment goes some way towards increasing these opportunities for local people.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy great art and culture on their doorsteps and Junction Arts provides arts events, festivals and activities for rural communities across the East Midlands.

“We’re delighted to be increasing our investment over the next three years and it will be great to see them inspire more people – no matter what their background – to enjoy arts and culture.”

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps.

“We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

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

Junction Arts at the Tapton Lock Festival

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

Council acquires additional affordable homes to let to local families

Chesterfield Borough Council has completed the acquisition of 12 new build properties – further increasing its supply of modern and affordable homes for local families in the borough.

The new housing development located at Harehill Mews in Grangewood, is the latest acquisition of properties for local people and will see 12 two-bedroom houses added to the council’s housing stock.

The properties have been purchased by the council from local housebuilders, ERICA Developments Ltd. and will be made available to rent to families on the housing register.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are fully committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across the borough and meeting the housing needs of local people – now and in the future. We are pleased that the acquisition of these properties is now complete, as they will provide affordable, modern and accessible homes for our families.

“It’s important that any homes we build or purchase take into account environmental issues and are energy efficient for our tenants. Living in a warm and energy efficient home is not only better for our planet, but it will also reduce costs to run the property, offering affordable warmth to our tenants.”

The properties were officially handed over to the council on 29 September 2022, all 12 have been allocated and tenants are now moving in to their new homes.

Whether it’s a town or village experience, contemporary or traditional housing, buying or renting, living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable and offers something for everyone.

With friendly and welcoming communities it’s a safe place to live and bring up a family. Surrounded by stunning countryside but with lots to offer in the town there’s plenty to see and do.

Find out more about living and working in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

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

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness reports strong growth in America

Chesterfield hot tub supplier Superior Wellness has continued to focus on growth throughout the year, with the US being the company’s main priority.

The sales team have signed up 19 new US partners during 2022, only 18 months after entering the country.

The strong team based in the US consists of sales managers, Chris Hawley, and Rocky Holt, who has recently joined Superior Wellness. They are supported by the sales and logistics team based at the Chesterfield head office.

Trade shows have been a huge focus for Superior Wellness over in the US. The team had a strong presence at the recent Aqua Live show in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they met up with potential future partners and offered product demonstrations. The next trade show based in the US is the International PSP Expo in Vegas, on 15 November, where the brand new AquaSolus range is being launched for the first time. This is a great opportunity for potential partners to get a first look at this range and ask any learn more.

US Partners who sign up to work with Superior Wellness receive a wide range of benefits, including,

  • Dedicated American Account Managers
  • Competitive pricing with a great product range
  • 3 US based warehouses in Fontana, California and Savannah, North Carolina – meaning partners can order stock as they sell and don’t need to get a full container or truck load
  • Access to the parts hub in the US with a 24-hour response rate
  • Dedicated US support line to help with technical queries and after sales
  • Support from in-house expertise in sales, marketing, operations and logistics
  • Access to the Superior Wellness bespoke built CRM system, you will have access to view the status of your orders, be able to download marketing materials and place orders
  • A variety of training days designed to improve your technical knowledge of the products ranges, as well as sales training and an annual conference.

Sales Director Gareth Ward said: “Superior Wellness have been in the US market for just under two years, in this time we have added over 20 new partners to our ever-growing partner network. Our goal is by the end of 2024 to have over 100 partners in the US, to help achieve our goals we have created 4 new models which are perfect for the US market.

“We have invested heavily in our marketing and our trade show attendances to showcase our amazing product to the US market. We want to replicate the USP’s we have in the UK and European market that has led to our huge growth by offerings unrivalled after sales support and quality products. To do this we have opened warehouse facilities on the east coast and the west coast to best serve the partners we have on board and the new partners we are onboarding.

“With our warehouse locations this makes our product much more accessible for partners as they do not have to pay huge road freight charges from one coast to the other. Our two Regional Sales Managers have a wealth of experience in the industry, and we are using their expertise to bring further improvements to our US growth strategy. As we continue to grow our aim is to open a Superior Wellness HQ in the US, where we can hold, training days, partner conferences and much more.”

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

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

“Having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area”

Destination Chesterfield Chair Peter Swallow has penned his views on the success of the recent Love Chesterfield Awards and looks ahead to the innovative MADE in Chesterfield campaign, which helps engage young people with manufacturing, engineering, property and construction businesses. 

As chair of Destination Chesterfield, I was honoured to attend of the Love Chesterfield Awards recently. As I looked around the packed room at the Winding Wheel, I felt very proud to be part of the town.

I saw passion, enthusiasm and dedication from the owners, employees, family and friends of the 34 businesses represented there on the night. All the businesses were independently owned and many of them operate on the high street. Through these businesses and the investment being made in the town, I am confident we are creating a town centre that will meet the needs of not only shoppers and visitors but the businesses that are based there.

The town centre of the future is one that delivers an experience, a product or service that you can’t get online or from an out-of-town retail park or shopping centre. Independents are critical to this vision. It is not only their products and services that people visit them for, but also their warm welcome, knowledge and customer service.

The town has a long and proud tradition of independent businesses that starts with our market – described by Cllr Kate Sarvent at the awards as ‘the beating heart of Chesterfield’. It may have its origins in the 13th century, but the market is as important to our future as it is to our past, proven by Chesterfield Borough Council’s ambitious plans to develop the spaces within the market.

Internet shopping has been a large factor in this as have our increasingly busy lives. However, Chesterfield has all the raw ingredients to create a thriving town centre of the future – a multi-functional social centre. They are about enjoyment, creativity, learning, socialising, culture, health and wellbeing and democratic engagement – a ‘21st century agora’ where people engage in the life of their locality. Independent businesses are key to this, as are event spaces and town centre living.

Through annual campaigns like Love Chesterfield and the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector celebration – Made in Chesterfield, which takes place this month, we aim not only to celebrate the sectors but also raise awareness of the plethora of careers and opportunity available in them to young people. They are the future skilled workers of these sectors and key to the businesses already here thriving but, having a ready and skilled workforce will help us attract new investment to the area. Likewise, we must also ensure we create the environment that young people want to live and grow their career. Investment is happening throughout the borough to ensure this.

£26million alone is being spent enhancing the town centre. Work has begun on improvements to the Market Place, New Square, Corporation Street, Rykneld Square and Burlington Street.

Together with the major refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall on Corporation Street and the reimaging of the market and market squares we will have a town centre that delivers on every level and, importantly, for everybody. Young people in particular I hope, will see a future for themselves on the high street as both shoppers, visitors and entrepreneurs.

The £26million project is aptly named Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield’. Looking around the room at the Love Chesterfield Awards – seeing both the winners and finalists, I can say with confidence that Chesterfield’s town centre has a very strong heartbeat already.

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

Partnership to drive Chatsworth’s next fifteen years

Chatsworth has started a collaborative dialogue on its future with the Peak District’s leading stakeholders including councils, statutory authorities, charities, trade bodies, neighbours and businesses in order to share knowledge, understanding and opinion as it develops a ‘Whole Estate Plan’ that will shape the next fifteen years and beyond.

By sharing its vision and direction of travel for the years ahead, Chatsworth is aiming to build better understanding and common goals with stakeholders to benefit the landscape and environment, jobs and enterprise, local communities and visitors to the region.

Earlier this week (Monday 7 November), more than 50 representatives from Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, local Parish Councils, Historic England, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, National Trust and many others met with Stephen Vickers, CEO of Devonshire Group and Chatsworth’s senior team at Cavendish Hall in Edensor, where they were invited to become involved in the Whole Estate Plan.

The Whole Estate Plan is due for publication in Summer 2023, and Chatsworth will share progress at regular intervals, welcoming further input from stakeholders.

Whole Estate Plans are not a new concept; they represent good practice in holistic planning across environmental, social and economic themes. The use of Whole Estate Plans to enable and support partnership working between Estates and National Park Authorities was successfully introduced in the South Downs National Park in 2016.

Lord Burlington, Chairman of the Chatsworth Settlement Trust: “We understand and take very seriously the responsibility that custodianship and management of such a precious asset as Chatsworth brings.

“We take great care to balance the needs of conservation, access, enjoyment, education, community and economy. At the same time, we value other voices and encourage stakeholders and partners to share their knowledge, ideas and opinions within a conversation that we believe will make development of the plan more effective, by building and enhancing common goals for the benefit of our shared future.”

The Whole Estate Plan covers the core of the Chatsworth Estate, which includes Chatsworth House, garden, parkland, and Stand Wood – all under the management of the Chatsworth House Trust charity – as well as farms, woods, moorland and other interests between Baslow and Beeley, plus Peak Village in Rowsley.

Representatives of the organisations present welcomed the opportunity to engage with Chatsworth over the Whole Estate Plan and are supportive of the process.

Andrew McCloy, Chair of Peak District National Park Authority: “The Peak District National Park Authority is pleased to be involved in the early stages of the development of a Chatsworth Estate Plan along with other stakeholders, and we welcome the commitment to partnership working and strategic planning from the Estate.”

Steve Capes, Director of Regeneration and Policy, Derbyshire Dales District Council: “As Chatsworth begin the development of their Estate Plan for the future, the District Council is looking forward to being part of the process to input and inform its development over the coming months and years.”

Representatives from the following organisations attended the meeting: Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Forestry Commission, Historic England, Natural England, Accessible UK, Business Peak District, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, East Midlands Chamber, Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, National Farmers Union, University of Derby, Beeley Parish, Duke’s Barn, Historic Landscape Management, Severn Trent Water, Tissington Hall.

Chatsworth 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Affordable occasion wear shop in Chesterfield opens in time for Christmas

A luxurious but reasonably priced ladies occasion wear shop will open its doors in Chesterfield this week.

Dressed 4u will be based at 6-8 Station Road in Whittington Moor and will be open to the public for the first time on Wednesday 9th November 2022 at 11am.

Stocking prom and ball gowns, mother of the bride outfits, hats, shoes, bags, jewellery and more, customers will be amazed by the variety and choice on display at the new shop.

Dressed 4u was opened in 2019 by Julie Bell and was previously located on a nearby industrial estate.  Julie loves an excuse to dress to impress and has an eye for a glamorous bargain.  She aims to give her customers the best experience to find exactly what they want at a price they can afford, which is ideal in the current financial climate.

Julie commented: “Due to the ongoing success of Dressed 4u, we felt it was the right time to move to the high street where we can be seen and easily reached.  We give a friendly personal service, offering free styling advice to find your perfect outfit – you don’t get that with online shopping!”

The new shop has ground floor access in a newly decorated bright and modern space, large fitting rooms, and free parking outside.  Off the peg dresses, unique outfits and accessories are of abundance and all at prices that ‘won’t be beaten.’

Opening times will be 11am-3pm Tuesday to Friday.  Appointments can be made outside of these times, where the store will endeavour to open exclusively for you at a time to suit, this includes weekends and evenings.

To find out more, contact Julie at info@dressed4u.com or phone 07455 252727.  You can also find the shop on Facebook.

The great thing about shopping in Chesterfield is the range of independent shops and suppliers. You can always pick up something special and different, whether you’re looking for a special gift for a loved one or something special for your home.

There’s a wide range of independent shops, restaurants and coffee shops to explore across the town. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Taco Bell set to open its doors in Chesterfield

The world-famous Mexican-inspired restaurant brand Taco Bell will soon be welcoming customers to its new restaurant in Chesterfield.

Taking up the unit on Alma Leisure Park which used to house Chiquito, the new outlet will be open from Monday 14th November 2022. The launch will mark the brand’s 113th UK restaurant opening.

Customers will be able to order in advance via the Taco Bell app, website or third-party delivery platform or use the digital kiosks in-store to takeaway.

Local Chesterfield residents are invited to say ‘hola’ to Taco Bell on the opening day, with the restaurant set to give away free tacos all day.

Renowned for its craveable, customisable and quick-service Mexican-inspired classics; Taco Bell has been serving tasty tacos, bursting burritos, yummy nachos and its famous quesadillas to hungry UK fans since November 2010. The Chesterfield restaurant will be the brand’s first store in the area.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring Taco Bell to Chesterfield,” said Lucy Dee, Head of Marketing at Taco Bell UK. “The community has been crying out for Taco Bell and we’re very pleased to be able to deliver; creating local jobs despite challenging circumstances. We look forward to feeding residents from Monday onwards.”

Taco Bell Chesterfield is situated at Unit 6B Alma Leisure Park, Derby Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 2EZ and is open from 11am until late, 7 days a week. It joins Cineworld, Nuffield Health, McDonalds, Nando’s and Frankie & Benny’s on the lineup of businesses based there.

Did you know Chesterfield is also home to many great independent restaurants? For some great tips on where to head for your meal out, check out our blog on 50 Food and Drink businesses in the town.

The local food and drink industry has also been celebrated at the Love Chesterfield Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield.  Nominated by the public and tested by mystery shoppers, all winners and finalists were congratulated at a glittering black tie dinner held at the Winding Wheel Theatre last month. Check out the winners here.

#iseeataco brand campaign – PR crunchy taco images

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

Chesterfield organisations strengthen their teams with new appointments

Several Chesterfield businesses and organisations have announced new additions to their teams recently, which builds upon the wealth of existing talent across the town.

DBCP

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership bolstered its ranks recently, taking on two new team members.

Barry Thomas joins DBCP’s team of Building Control Surveyors to assist with the growing demand for building control services for projects in Derby City Centre, while Tracey Mansell has joined the company’s technical support team based in Dunston Innovation Centre.

Barry joins from Thurrock Council where he was a building control surveyor. It was in this role that he completed a degree in Building Control at Wolverhampton University as well as achieving full Chartership status with the industry’s leading bodies CABE and CIOB.

He commented: “It’s a very exciting time for me professionally. Derby is a great city and there is so much happening there with residential and commercial developments of all sizes. It’s great to be involved with key projects through my role with DBCP.”

Barry will be supported in his role by DBCP’s technical support team which has been joined by Tracey. In her new role, Tracey will provide frontline support to builders, architects and property owners, and DBCP’s team of building control surveyors operating throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Tracey commented: “I have always had a keen interest in architecture, building and design and a dedication to delivering excellent customer service so when this role came up, I seized the opportunity.”

Avant Homes

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes has strengthened the team in its Central region with the appointment of a regional planning manager.

Katy Falls has more than 12 years’ experience in the planning industry and began her career in local authority planning before moving into housebuilding in 2015.

As regional planning manager, Katy will be responsible for moving potential sites through the planning process while establishing strong relationships with local authorities.

Commenting on her appointment, Katy said: “As a planner, my favourite part of the job is successfully obtaining planning permission and seeing developments come to life. It is exciting to play a role in delivering new homes for our customers, and to contribute towards creating communities where people want to live.

“I have always favoured the residential side of planning, so I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career with a company which has such impressive and ambitious growth plans.”

Avant Homes Central currently has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes Group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK.

Speaking about Katy’s appointment, Avant Homes Central managing director, Chris Coley, said: “With Katy’s experience in planning within local authorities and housebuilding in the Midlands, it’s an exciting time for the business to be welcoming her to the planning team.

“As the planning manager for the region, Katy will be pivotal in working closely with local council’s to secure planning consent for our new sites and drive our Central operation towards expansion success.”

Katy Falls planning manager Avant Homes

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce the appointment of a new highly respected and experienced Chief Operating Officer.

Michelle Veitch, who is currently Chief Operating Officer at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), will take up the post at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in March next year.

Michelle started her career in the NHS via the NHS General Management Graduate Training Scheme and since then has undertaken a number of senior operational roles at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michelle will lead our vision to provide exceptional care by exceptional people by working collaboratively and with compassion across the organisation and outside of it – driving results, performance and quality.

Michelle said: “I’m incredibly excited for the new role and challenge of working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RDaSH and having worked here for over two years, I have made some fantastic friends and was proud to work alongside many talented and committed colleagues.

“Chesterfield has an excellent reputation for patient care and quality services, and I look forward to bringing the lessons I have learnt from my career to support Chesterfield and its community. I look forward to working with colleagues across Derbyshire.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Milestone Financial Planning recently announced it had strengthened its team with the appointment of Financial Advisor, Samantha Halifax.

Samantha commented: “I’ve been working in financial services for over 8 years, in a variety of roles, including as a mortgage advisor and private banker. It’s great to be reunited with Michael, Peter, Mark and Jo again and to meet the rest of the team.”

DBCP, Avant Homes, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Milestone Financial Planning support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Chesterfield firms support major regional skills event

Several Chesterfield Businesses are supporting a major event, which is aimed at inspiring the next generation to consider the fascinating range of careers in STEAM subjects.

Organisers of North Star Science School, The Work-wise Foundation, has over 650 pupils aged 12-14 years, registered for the event, which is now in its third year and is supported by Professor Brian Cox who will open the event virtually and give an inspiring talk about the wonders of the universe.

The event is part of the Science Summer School national initiative co-founded in 2012 by Professor Brian Cox CBE and Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, with the aim of making the UK the best place in the world to do science and engineering. It is presented in partnership with Well North Enterprises, a social enterprise business led by Lord Mawson.

The event in November is free to attend and open to Year 8 and 9 pupils from schools across the region.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation explains: “We have had a fantastic response from South Yorkshire schools and businesses to the North Star Science event. We are now really excited about bringing science technology engineering, arts and maths to life for young people, who are set to have an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience!”

The North Star student experience includes ‘hands-on’ interactive workshops which explore the different STEAM sectors in detail and the opportunity to meet employers and inspiring role models from science and industry.

The event will see a broad range of speakers from a variety of organisations and businesses presenting to young people on exciting innovations and within their industry, the opportunities available and their own career stories. From apprentices through to company directors, the audience will be given a real insight into the world of work and the opportunities the region has to offer. These include:

– Professor Brian Cox CBE, Professor of Particular Physics at the University of Manchester

– Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, Executive Chair at Well North Enterprises

– Alex Gardner, Managing Director at Smile Business Support

-Peter Droegmoeller, Director of Innovation at AMETEK Land

-Ava Jones. Head of Marketing at AESSeal PLC

-Maisie Caudwell, Machinist Apprentice at AESSeal PLC

-Charlie-Amber Tattersall, Foundry Patternmaker at Weir Minerals

-Rosie McQuillan, Machinist at Weir Minerals

-Marie Cooper, Chief Executive Officer at CBE+

-Katie Andrews, Marketing Executive at CBE+

-Dr Simon Goodwill, Head of Sports Engineering at Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre

-Daisy Mulingani, Assistant Geologist at Ibstock PLC

-Emilia Wright, Process Improvement Engineering Apprentice at Ibstock PLC

-Isabella Walsh, Manufacturing Management Trainee at Ibstock PLC

Some of the businesses have also been working with local schools over recent months to co-create and deliver some of the workshops on the day:

– AESSeal working in partnership with Wickersley School & Sports College

–Barratt Developments PLC working in partnership with Brinsworth Academy

–CBE+ working in partnership with Newfield Secondary School

–Forged Solutions Group working in partnership with Don Valley Oasis Academy

–Ibstock PLC working in partnership with Wales High School

–UK Atomic Energy Authority working in partnership with Sheffield Park Academy

For the first time, the event will see an exciting celebratory evening event taking place which encourages businesses, educators, parents/guardians and some of those students participating to come together to celebrate the achievements of the North Star programme and help join the dots to better support young people.

Professor Brian Cox CBE, Britain’s leading physicist and science communicator and Co-Founder of Science Summer School, says: “My congratulations to North Star Science School for this third annual STEAM celebration. I am delighted students from across South Yorkshire will come together and discover that developing their interest in science can also help them to achieve an exciting career and fulfilling life. My thanks to their teachers too for all their hard work in support of this aim. We need scientists and engineers more than ever in these challenging times to help make a brighter future for everyone”.

Lord Andrew Mawson OBE, co-founder of Science Summer School says: “Professor Cox and I started this project in an east London secondary school in 2012 and it is now running in various locations around the country including here in South Yorkshire very successfully. We all know that knowledge is power but how best to utilise that power? Our practical aim is to help connect the career pipeline between young people and the myriad of training and work opportunities across education, health and business available within local communities. We believe this is the best way to create an enthusiastic workforce equipped with the right skills to help drive the UK forward which, in turn, makes this a better place for all to live”.

North Star 2022 is made possible through support and funding provided by local businesses and authorities. This year’s sponsors include: AESSeal, Ametek Land, AMRC, Barratt Developments PLC, CBE+, Forged Solutions Group, Gulliver’s Valley, Harworth Group, Ibstock Plc, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Sheffield City Council, UK Atomic Energy Authority, United Cast Bar (in collaboration with Cast Metals Federation).

For more details about the event visit https://northstarscienceschool.co.uk/events/north-star-2022/

The Work-Wise Foundation, CBE+, Harworth Group and United Cast Bar 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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New game to arrive at Chesterfield Escape Rooms

A brand-new game is set to be launched at the popular Chesterfield Escape Rooms, with the attraction confirming it will be open to customers later this month.

The family-friendly ‘Sausage Surprise’ game will feature the Escape Rooms’ brightest set yet, taking participants to a picturesque seaside setting.

With a Punch and Judy theme to the game, players will go through a variety of huts in search of hidden sausages, after the naughty crocodile eats them all!

Nick Hogan, Manager at Chesterfield Escape Rooms said: “We have now had five different games played out of the rooms, and there is very much demand for more.

“The town’s response has been phenomenal towards the Escape Rooms so adding to the room portfolio makes sense. Watch this space too, as more games such as ‘The Eerie Motel’, ‘The Big Hangover’ and ‘An hour to Kill’ will be in construction shortly.”

Since opening in 2020, Chesterfield Escape Rooms has shot its way up the rankings on Tripadvisor, even reaching the number one spot for escape rooms across the UK.

Nick said: “To get to the top of the TripAdvisor charts was a very proud moment for me and the team who have worked very hard over the last 12 months. There are over 800 Escape Room businesses in the UK so to have THE number one based on user feedback of our service is a great achievement.”

“We’ve done a few things with the community, such as setting up time limited discount codes for districts in Chesterfield. We also ran a 6-week schools’ competition during the summer holidays, and we even closed for the day to the public earlier in the year and ran free games for Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice.”

To find out more about some of the great places to visit around Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/

Chesterfield Escape Rooms 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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