chesterfield business news

SDE Group agrees landmark deal to acquire Car Charge Go

A Chesterfield company has grown further into the electric vehicle market, by agreeing on a deal to acquire Plymouth-based Car Charge Go Ltd.

SDE Group has seen extensive growth over the past 12 months within the EV space, specifically focusing on the Commercial EV market with many national contracts secured.

These include the maintenance & installation of EV chargers across the electrical highway covering over 200 motorway service stations from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.

The acquisition of Car Charge Go creates the pathway for a complete ‘end to end solution’ for Commercial and Domestic customers, presenting a one stop for all EV requirements.

Car Charge Go Ltd, was founded in 2021 by Kate Searl with the sole purpose to provide to domestic customers & company employees with a step-by-step guide from purchase of charger to installation. The firm has seen rapid growth since launching 12 months ago with national contracts with key brands such as Ocean BMW & Mini, along with securing deals with over 50 car dealership/leasing providers and national companies supporting their employees with the transition to EV.

Kate Searl, Operations Director of Car Charge Go said, “We are delighted to be part of the SDE family. The company has a strong heritage of retaining long standing customers with how they operate and manage customers, this ethos supports our wider growth plans to become a key provider within the domestic EV market that is already a competitive marketplace.”

The deal provides both SDE Electrical & Car Charge Go customers with the technical and back off support to help with all requirements as customer make the transition to EV – whether they are domestic or commercial customers.

Car Charge Go will now trade under SDE Electrical with Kate and her team becoming part of the wider group that will support & underpin SDE Group’s growth plans within this sector.

Jonathan Bennett, Group Managing Director at SDE Group said: “This is an exciting time for our company with all parts of our business seeing high levels of growth, especially our electrical sector. The acquisition of Car Charge Go is fantastic news for all our customers and SDE, along with supporting our long-term growth plans. Kate and her team will provide the technical support and solutions to all our customers that is required in this ever-evolving sector.”

SDE 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, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

New physiotherapy clinic opens at The Glassyard

A leading provider of physiotherapy treatment has moved to The Glass Yard development in Chesterfield, offering a better equipped and more spacious location to treat patients.

White House Clinic shares this new venture with longstanding partner One Health, a team of specialist surgeons and healthcare managers working together to provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment for patients.

This partnership provides an unrivalled offering to patients, allowing them to receive a comprehensive service of treatments funded by the NHS, with patients able to choose One Health as a service provider through the E-referral System (Choose & Book), as well as through private appointments.

The Glass Yard is a practical, as well as strategic choice of location for White House Clinic, close to its previous location at Chesterfield FC’s Technique Stadium but with even more convenience for parking and space for additional facilities.

As part of a major development in Chesterfield, The Glass Yard gives patients an enjoyable, attractive experience during their treatment with plenty of disabled parking.

James Walker, Service Development Director and Senior Physiotherapist at White House Clinic commented: “We’re thrilled to be making a move to The Glass Yard, where we can keep offering our patients the exceptional treatments they deserve, in comfort and a relaxed setting. Working with our partners at One Health, we’re ready to give Chesterfield an even better service.”

Jessica Sellars, Director of Operations & Service Development at One Health said: “What a great time to work at One Health. We’ve always enjoyed working closely with our partners at White House Clinic, and our move to The Glass Yard will cement that relationship even further. The real winners are, of course, our patients — with an upgraded experience for their consultations and treatments, and better opportunities to get the services they need.”

The Covid-19 pandemic meant the White House Clinic had to offer physiotherapy appointments by video link and telephone, with just emergency appointments taking place in person. Despite the impact of lockdowns, the White House Clinic thrived and is now investing in new locations and upgrading to larger facilities such as The Glass Yard.

With ten successful and established White House Clinic locations across Derbyshire, Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and the impressive Glass Yard facility will enable it to expand its services, provide jobs in the local area, and welcome more patients for treatment.

 

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

Popular Chesterfield Vegan Market to become a monthly event

It has been revealed that the new Chesterfield Vegan Market will feature as a regular monthly event, following its huge success since launching in the historic heart of the town centre.

At the first event in May, the Vegan Market attracted more than 30 stalls, providing a huge variety for customers; ranging from chocolate treats, vegan cheese, award winning gluten free pies, a local animal rescue centre, handmade items, zero waste goods and even TV star vegan caterers.

One of the stallholders, ‘Huns’ were recently on the BBC’s ‘Britain’s Top Takeaway’ with their chicken style burgers. Hot food caterers were plentiful with a great range including crepes, curries, bangers & mash, Ethiopian food, burgers and pizzas.

Following the launch event in May, the Vegan Market has continued to go from strength-to-strength with another successful outing in early July. The popularity of the market has ensured the event will return on the first Saturday of each month from September through to the end of 2022.

Chesterfield Vegan Market organiser Sam Brundish, of Rainbow Monkey Events commented: “It was great to bring this event back to Chesterfield in early July and, by popular demand, this will be a monthly event on the first Saturday from September through to the end of the year!

“We are absolutely delighted to be bringing something quite unique to Chesterfield town centre. We would urge customers to come and support their local market traders – we welcomed The Refill Fairy, Cup and Saucer Teas and Flower Girl Plants – all of whom are regulars at Chesterfield market. Customers will also get to see traders from elsewhere in the Midlands who only bring their varied foods and products to Chesterfield Vegan Market.

“One tip we would say is arrive early to avoid disappointment – stallholders quickly sell out of gluten free pies, cheesecakes, bliss balls, sausage rolls and cheese!”

Find out more about Chesterfield Vegan Market at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-vegan-market/

Specialist markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

Chesterfield Town Centre provides an enjoyable shopping experience for all customers, with a great range of national brands and quirky independents. 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. Find out more about shopping in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/

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

Chesterfield’s Fox & Goose launches new range of conferencing facilities

An historic Derbyshire hostelry and meeting place with stunning views of Chesterfield has expanded it’s offering, with a range of conferencing and business facilities now available to book.

Fox & Goose has launched ‘Work and Play’ on Pudding Pie Hill, offering a first-class conference venue for local businesses to impress clients in one of the most picturesque locations in our area.

The new package includes a choice of meeting and conference rooms including:

  • The Priory Boardroom – a private space for up to 10 people.
  • The orangery – Featuring great views of the Derbyshire countryside for up to 40 people.
  • Abbey Suite – Large events space for up to 100 people.

All packages are available for half-day and full-day delegates and can include buffet lunches, 2-3course dinners, evening dinners and wine flights.

Craig Lynch, owner of The Fox and Gosse commented: “The Fox & Goose on Pudding Pie Hill is one of Derbyshire’s oldest hostelries dating back all the way back to 1392. The monks of Beauchief Abbey and Chander Hill used to meet there in the 14th Century, which gave the place its name.”

“Its significant redevelopment over the past decade has seen it transformed into a gastro-pub and leading Wedding and celebration venue with private rooms and extensive outdoor areas to suit any occasion.

“After the change in work patterns post-covid, the venue is now branching out offering its unique setting and facilities to the business community for meetings, conferences, social gatherings or even individual work stations.

“With stunning views over Chesterfield, ample free parking, three rooms of various sizes all with natural light, air conditioning, super-fast fibre broadband and full audio-visual facilities, everyone can have the office they dreamed of.”

With easy access from both the UK and farther afield and its splendid location on the edge of the Peak District, while still being close to major cities, means that Chesterfield can offer a multitude of opportunities to mix both business and pleasure. Find out more about the town’s range of conference venues at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/conferences/

The Fox & Goose Inn 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 , , , , , ,

More than 200 local businesses now included in Chesterfield’s Unhampered map

People across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being encouraged to get their hands on the first release of the Unhampered map of Independent Businesses.

Unhampered is a new online directory of Chesterfield’s independent businesses, set up by Chesterfield’s independent businesses, supported by Chesterfield’s independent businesses – and driven by a passion for Chesterfield to thrive.

It features over 200 shops, restaurants, pubs, food suppliers, local service providers, events, blog pages and so much more, all in one place www.unhampered-chesterfield.co.uk, putting Chesterfield independents, literally on the map.

The project comprises of a community of independents working together for Chesterfield, and the first physical deliverable is a paper map showing the locations of 80 independent businesses in the town centre and along Chatsworth Road.

The maps are slightly smaller than A3 and fold down to fit nicely in a handbag or pocket. They’ve been distributed to several local businesses, the tourist information centre, plus hotels and accommodation venues so visitors can find some of our best businesses, with a little help from Unhampered.

Phase 1 (the website) was developed by local businesses; Defeye Creative, S40 Local and S41 Local magazines and Phase 2 (the map) is now available thanks to funding from Unhampered Founder Members; Adorn, Bottle & Thyme, Ginspired, Ingmans, Libby’s, Odyssey Restaurant, Pizza Pi, Tallbird Records, The Café at Libby’s, Vanishing Point Records and Vintage Tea Rooms.

Any businesses in Chesterfield who want to get involved with Unhampered can do so by contacting Paul Chapman at S40 Local magazine – paul@s40local.co.uk

Andy Ingman from Ingman’s Cobblers, Footwear & Clothing of Burlington Street is a Founder Member. He commented: “we were really impressed by what the Unhampered team delivered over lockdown to support Chesterfield’s independent businesses for free, and we’re now happy to help them take the next steps to build the site and promote our town”.

“We’re excited to have the latest phase of Unhampered off the ground,” says Paul Chapman from Unhampered and S40 Local magazine. “We have so much to offer and have a real passion for supporting small independent businesses, it’s these guys that are keeping the town centre alive. We are totally independent from any external funding and are massively thankful to the founder members who have come on board to date.”

Unhampered is offering a limited number of Founder Members packs at £396 for two years membership, which includes extra benefits for those taking up the offer and helping provide set-up funding.

The Unhampered socials have seen increased followers on Facebook and Instagram pages, with the team committed to keeping followers up to date with what is happening across Chesterfield’s business community.

Defeye Creative and S40 Local 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, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Pride 2022: How your business can celebrate our LGBTQ+ community

Chesterfield is set to gather in celebration later this month, as one of the biggest Pride festivals across the region returns to the town.

The celebration of our LGBTQ+ Community will see thousands of people in attendance, to raise awareness of diversity and inclusivity in all walks of life.

As we approach the event, we’ve been finding out how your business can help to support and celebrate staff, clients and customers who identify as LGBTQ+; and how this can have a positive effect on your business in terms of raising profile and enabling further growth.

Ed Fordham is a Chesterfield Borough Councillor and Derbyshire County Councillor, he was the first LGBT+ person in Britain to get engaged to his same sex partner with the passing of the equal marriage laws in 2013.

Sharing his experiences of living and working in Chesterfield, Ed has penned the following blog post to encourage more businesses in implementing a clear and definitive diversity and inclusion policy…

It’s really quite simple: business that understand, embrace and celebrate diversity in their values are more successful. This applies to all aspects of diversity and inclusion, but in this blog post I am exploring the issues for Chesterfield businesses and the LGBT+ communities.

Derbyshire is, I think the only county in England that has two LGBT+ centres – one in Derby and one in Chesterfield. Indeed Derbyshire LGBT+ is a long standing and successful charity serving the community all year round and in good times and in bad. This year we are celebrating 50 years since the first Pride March in the U.K. In London in 1972. Here in Chesterfield our Pride Festival is in year 8. Pride is a celebration, a festival and a party, but crucially it is also a protest, a vigil, a march and a gathering of the community in numbers. It’s safety in numbers for the LGBT+ communities.

Across Chesterfield many companies employ people who self identify as LGBT+ but for each and every one of those staff members they often have an internal dilemma about how well known and public they are about their security.  I forget the number of times that I have had to correct people over my own identity. Indeed, I still get assumptions that my wedding ring signals that I have a wife rather than a husband.

Chesterfield Pride will see 6,000 people gathering in Stand Road on Sunday 24th July and the net spend, the investment and the purchase of food and drink alone will be significant for local traders and businesses.  In the run-up to Pride spend on fashion, clothing, hairdressers, shoes and more besides is significant in the Borough.

Further, it is known and understood that businesses of the 1950’s that were dominated solely by male managers and men only boards were unrepresentative and staid.  Accordingly it is now accepted that business and companies that know their workforce, embrace their identity and ensure they are included, listened to and enabled are more effective.  In addition they are more fleet of foot in a shifting economy, and in a world where companies want to be seen and noticed companies that celebrate Pride, empower their staff and reflect the modern world.

The best employers understand their employees, know that they should feel welcome, respected and represented at work. Inclusion in decision, plans and strategy drives better individuals, business and organisational outcomes.  And by celebrating Chesterfield Pride in way that us visible and staff led means that staff are able to bring their whole selves to work. All of the evidence shows that when LGBT+ employees feel free to be themselves , everybody benefits.  It is further accepted that employee inclusion is picked up by customers and support and commerce increase in line with awareness.

There are national scheme for large employees by Stonewall, but we are fortunate in having such a strong and vibrant Derbyshire LGBT+.as they provide Rainbow Accreditation for companies locally.  There are three entry levels: Rainbow Allies, Rainbow Connection and Ranbow Partnership. The level depends on your size of business and the associated costs are pegged accordingly.

Please, do what you can for Pride this year in your business, company and shop window, but for the future and long term, contact Derbyshire LGBT+ today and register for Rainbow Accreditation.  Contact John Yates-Harold johny@derbyshirelgbt.org.uk

LGBTQ+ Leaders in Chesterfield 

Chesterfield Pride Sponsor

Chesterfield Borough Council

Chesterfield Borough Council has been announced as headline sponsors with Chesterfield Pride for the 2nd year in a row, continuing its support of the annual celebration.

Cllr Sharon Blank, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for governance, said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring Chesterfield Pride again this year and to continue this great partnership. It is a fantastic event for our borough and our sponsorship sends a clear message that we stand together as one community to celebrate our diversity with pride.”

The Council also has a clear policy and strategy to welcome equality and diversity in the borough, recognising that both equal treatment and positive action are necessary to counteract discrimination.

Activities to ensure the strategy is implemented includes The Equality and Diversity Forum; a group of representatives from statutory partners, community groups and local individuals with an interest and/or expertise in equality and diversity. The Forum members work together to share ideas, best practice and to raise awareness in the community of equality and diversity.

Find out more about Chesterfield Borough Council’s Equality and Diversity strategy here. For more information about the Equality and Diversity Forum please email policyteam@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Tom Harrison, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator said: “At Chesterfield Royal Hospital we are proud supporters of Pride, and once again delighted to be taking part.

“We understand the value of bringing your whole self to work and support these values as a Trust. Several of our colleagues have completed the Stonewall role model programme and are in the process of setting up a staff network to support this learning. We are listening to both colleagues and patients – our listening exercise at Pride three years ago saw us develop training to support our gender diverse staff and patients through e-learning – we revisited last year at Pride and received positive feedback from those who had engaged with us. We are currently listening to views on gender inclusive language and are looking to introduce single occupancy unisex toilets at minimal cost. 

“We are proud of the work which our Royal Cultural Community does to promote and support our BAME and international colleagues – alongside our Be Yourself group. We offer a rainbow badge scheme helping colleagues to commit to being an ally and offer rainbow lanyards to colleagues so that our commitment is visible in all areas of the Trust. We will be flying the LBGT+ flag outside our Main Entrance with pride.”

To find out more about diversity and inclusion at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, go to: https://www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk/work-us/information-candidates/diverse-workforce

 

joe 1 Chesterfield Pride

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Peak Indicators donates 19 laptops to Chesterfield College

Peak Indicators has recently donated 19 laptops to Chesterfield College, so that they can be used by people who need them the most.

The laptops were no longer needed at Peak so it was decided to donate them as part of the company’s “Giving Something Back Scheme”.

Students on the IT Network Infrastructure Technician course at Chesterfield College are going to take the laptops, perform another reset and wipe them, before installing a new operating system.

Once the laptops have gone through the resetting process, the college will work with charities in the local area to distribute the laptops to families and groups that need them the most. The recipients will often be people who don’t have access to a computer or laptop.

The donation also provides the opportunity to develop the skills of the college’s students and helps Peak Indicators to contribute and support the local community. It has also prevented waste going to landfill.

Kenneth Neilson, Managing Director of Peak Indicators said: “I am delighted that we can recycle our laptops in such a way that they will make a huge difference to those that need them most in the local community once reprovisioned by the students at Chesterfield College.”

Piers Ching of Chesterfield College commented: “I wanted to say again many many thanks for your donation, it’s contributions like this that are genuinely life changing for families and individuals”.

Peak Indicators is a visionary Data Services, Data Science & Advanced Analytics consultancy based in Chesterfield. The company brings together a diverse and passionate team with best-in-breed technologies and methods to deliver innovative solutions that drive transformational results.

The firm believes data can be a force for good; helping people make better decisions and helping companies grow.

Peak Indicators 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, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Vicar Lane to show sporting action live on the big screen throughout the summer

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre in the heart of Chesterfield is inviting visitors to enjoy some of the big sporting action live on the big screen this summer.

The Centre has launched Summer in the Square, providing shoppers to take a break, sit back and relax amid a busy day shopping and view the day’s big sporting events, along with a range of other fun activities.

Visitors will be able to pull up a Vicar Lane deck chair on the outdoor lawn in St James’ Square and watch Wimbledon broadcast live until 10th July. The Commonwealth Games will then be shown live from Birmingham from 28th July – 8th August.

Shoppers and visitors are also being encouraged to bring family along and take advantage of the giant games around the square for everyone to get involved with.

There games include giant chess, connect 4, table tennis and more. All the games are available to play for free, and booking isn’t required.

Vicar Lane Summer in the Square

Sarah Bowler from Vicar Lane said: “After the success of our Jubilee weekend where we saw so many people using the area to relax and play games – we are delighted that we can extend our outdoor space for the warmer weather and invite people back to catch all of the sporting events that run through until early August. It certainly feels like a summer to remember this year and we are delighted to be part of that for our visitors and their families”.

The Shopping Centre is home to a plethora of well-known national brands and retailers, along with a great range of popular and unique independent shops and cafes. Find out more about the centre at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/chesterfield-town-centre/vicar-lane-shopping-centre/

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.

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

Popular Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival set to return this September

A popular Walking festival in which participants get to explore some of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s most stunning scenery is returning in September 2022.

The fourth Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival will run from 10th to 18th September, with 40 walks on offer varying from a couple of miles, to the full 46 miles of the canal over three consecutive days.

Event organiser, Chesterfield Canal Trust once again believes it to be the largest canal-focused walking festival in the country, with more walks and walkers than any other.

The canal towpath is officially designated the Cuckoo Way and it runs from Chesterfield to the River Trent, through Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire. There are walks taking place at various locations along its full length.

The Trust’s Cuckoo Way officer, David Blackburn said: “We look forward to seeing old friends again and hope to welcome many newcomers too. We believe that our 46 mile long canal has parts that are as attractive as any in the country. Do take the opportunity to join a walk in an area with which you are not familiar, and you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised.”

This extensive programme covers many popular areas – though perhaps using one or two different paths to previous years.

Some walks will take you through lovely countryside, others have special interest such as architecture and steam trains; one includes a visit to a football stadium. Most of the walks end near a café or a pub, and most are easily accessible by public transport.

No Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival would be complete without the very popular Boats & Boots that combine a walk with a ride on one of the Trust’s trip boats.

The Trust is very grateful to the walk leaders and those who assist them, representing many different groups and organisations, for devising checking and leading the walks. It extends especial thanks to its sponsors – Harworth Group, Canal & River Trust, Derbyshire Grants Programme, Eckington Parish Council and West Stockwith Parish Council.

Anyone wanting to participate in a walk must book in advance, either online or by ringing 01246 477569. All events taking place as part of the festival are free except those that involve a boat trip. More information can be found on the Chesterfield Canal Trust Website at: https://chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/

Chesterfield Canal Trust 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, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

East Midlands Chamber responds to Prime Minister’s resignation

A statement from East Midlands Chamber; the organisation which represents businesses in our region, is appealing to Westminster to ensure there is a ‘clear path forward’ for firms in our area.

The Chamber’s Chief Executive, Scott Knowles was responding to today’s news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his resignation from the role. Mr. Johnson has confirmed he will step down in the autumn.

Scott commented: “One of the main purposes of Government should be to provide a stable environment for businesses to thrive – enabling them to create the jobs and life opportunities that underpin a successful country.

“But the paralysis of the past few days, with whole departments being effectively rudderless, heaps further uncertainty on firms at a time when they are already trying to navigate stormy waters.

“The insular focus within Westminster is diverting attention away from the everyday business of Government, in which the mission of creating economic prosperity in regions such as the East Midlands should be high on the priority list.

“We need to know what the plans are for levelling up and tackling the very real cost of doing business crisis, which is hampering firms’ ability to breathe life into an ailing economy.

“Big policy agendas are in a state of stasis. What’s important now is to have a clear path forward so that businesses can have confidence the big issues are going to be tackled.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s successful ‘Levelling-up’ funding bid, which includes major plans to revitalise the historic Town Centre here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/revitalising-heart-of-chesterfield/

East Midlands Chamber – Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire 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, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Schools urged to get involved with Made in Chesterfield 2022

Schools and training providers can now book free workplace tours, with engineering, manufacturing, property, and construction businesses as part of Made in Chesterfield 2022.

The annual campaign, which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield is taking place between 7 November – 2 December later this year. It is designed to expose pupils to the vast array of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers available in businesses across the town. The visits can also support schools in their efforts to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Open to Year 6 – 13 students, a diverse line-up of businesses have already signed up to deliver tours of their sites, including United Cast Bar, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, SCR, Superior Wellness and Trans-Tronic.

Praising the workplace tours, Nick McGowan, Assistant Headteacher at Whittington Green School, which visited Woodhead Construction as part of Made in Chesterfield 2021, said: “We’ve been teaching construction in the school for the last 15 years and one thing we have always struggled with is access to site, so the visit was absolutely brilliant. It opened the students’ horizons to the jobs and opportunities within the construction sector.”

Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils, which has been involved in the Made in Chesterfield campaign for several years added: “We fully support the Made in Chesterfield initiative, helping young people develop skills and interests to broaden their career opportunities. We gladly facilitate school visits for those interested in chemistry and manufacturing, giving insight into process, the varying job roles and the key skills required for each.

“We’ve had great engagement from students so far who seem interested and genuinely inspired by what they see at Aztec Oils. I personally think it’s an important scheme and I know it would have been of great value to me when I was at school”

Carol Claydon, Head of HR at Superior Wellness also commented on their involvement with the campaign: “We are delighted to be involved, once again, with the workplace tours organised as part of Made in Chesterfield. The campaign is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation and hopefully showcase the different sectors and opportunities that are available within the local area.”

All Made in Chesterfield school visits are organised by Direct Education Business Partnership, an organisation which specialises in supporting the aspirational decision making of young people to shape their future helping them to fulfil their potential.

As well as the workplace tours, during Made in Chesterfield schools can access a range of careers videos and tours of Chesterfield businesses to allow young people to experience the tours, activities and careers information they would receive in person, virtually. Alongside this, young people can access the MyFuture Virtual Careers Exhibition, where they can meet local employers, learn about exciting employment opportunities and much more.

Already, Made in Chesterfield school visits and activities have introduced more than 3500 pupils to careers in the sector since the campaign was launched in 2015. Chesterfield College has also reported an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “These Made in Chesterfield tours provide a fantastic opportunity for both students and teachers to learn about potential careers at local businesses. Inspiring the next generation of workers and helping them to understand employability skills is crucial to ensure the town continues to grow and thrive.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group which sponsors the campaign said: “Our commitment to the next generation of local workforce is to inspire them and equip them with the skills and experience that sets them up for a successful career in industry. A large part of that relies on the involvement of local employers to provide vital opportunities such as industry placements, work experience, site visits, guest lectures and apprenticeships to help a young person experience an industry.”

In addition to the Chesterfield College Group, Made in Chesterfield is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest. The organisation of Made in Chesterfield is financially supported by the D2N2 Derbyshire North Careers Hub as part of their regional Open Doors programme.

Schools wishing to arrange a workplace visit should contact Direct Education Business Partnership on 01246 212535 or email madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org. Or, if you’re a local manufacturing, engineering, property or construction business that would like to find out more about Made in Chesterfield, please visit here and register for a drop-in session organised by Destination Chesterfield: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-chesterfield-business-drop-in-session-tickets-366705314467

 

 

 

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

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