chesterfield business news

Growth for Chesterfield packaging firm as more brands move to sustainable options

Chesterfield packaging manufacturer, Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier to meet sustainability commitments.

The UK based supplier has seen more brands over the last year move their supply chain locally to meet environmental and supply chain pressures. The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “Brands are demanding for more locally sourced packaging; in parallel consumer expectations are rising as they become more environmentally savvy. We are seeing a reduction in paperboard being procured from Asia and a higher demand from the UK market. This will have a significant benefit to reduce environmental impact while supporting UK businesses and making the supply chain stronger and more flexible.”

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

A long-standing customer, Holdsworth Chocolates, sees great value in partnering with Robinson. David Sharples, Managing Director said:

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson’s paperboard factory is in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK, strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Dr Roberts continues: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging.”

Robinson 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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Bridge Help strengthens team with another new appointment

Tracey Vaughan is the latest appointment to Bridge Help’s Business Development Team.

Following her appointment, Chesterfield-based bridging loan provider, Bridge Help now boasts an all-female business development team, bucking the trend in the male-dominated financial services industry.

Tracey, who hails from the company’s base in Chesterfield, brings more than 20 years of sales experience to the role. Within the role, she will be offering guidance and support to help manage broker and lender relationships across England and Wales.

The company has continued to grow since its inception in 2017, filling a gap in the market for bespoke bridging loan products for complex deals.  Her appointment follows a successful first half of 2022 and comes hot on the heels of the appointment of Tina Panayi in April.

Tracey commented on her new role: “I just knew this is what I was looking for. It’s an inviting, helpful and professional team providing a bespoke service. There’s a strong focus on relationships and a really good team spirit – I wanted to be a part of it and grow with them.

“The whole team is lovely and I’m excited to see what the future holds and just can’t wait to get going, I think we’re going to be a great fit.”

Tracey joins from phs Group where she was a Field Account Manager. She brings extensive experience in relationship development to her new role at Bridge Help.

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help commented on Tracey’s arrival: “We’re thrilled to welcome Tracey to the team – she’s local and really understands the importance of building relationships, which is what we’re all about at Bridge Help. With her strong sales background and extensive range of experience, I’m sure it’s going to be a great fit for all involved.”

Outside work, Tracey enjoys spending time with her family and taking her French Bulldog, Bonnie, out for walks.

To arrange a meeting with Tracey or to speak to a Business Development Manager at Bridge Help, contact the friendly team today on 033 3303 4681.

Bridge Help 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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Superior Wellness listed as one of Britain’s Fastest-Growing Businesses

Superior Wellness ranks 18th on the Growth 100: an annual list that reveals Britain’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country where the founder or founders are still involved.

Superior Wellness leads the market as the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.

On 22 June 2022, the FEBE Annual Growth 100 list was released highlighting the fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country.

Superior Wellness has been in a fortunate position to experience a monumental level of growth during the pandemic. The company noticed an incline in demand for hot tubs and other wellness related products during the pandemic which spearheaded the growth.

In 2021 Superior Wellness moved into its brand-new headquarters in Chesterfield and has also recently opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities. The team headcount has also doubled to almost 70.

It now works with a global partner network of over 200 hot tub retailers across 16 countries. In 2021 alone, 72 partners were onboarded to the Superior Wellness network and 32 of these were international accounts.

Superior Wellness is now focusing on its growth across the United States of America having recruited two dedicated sales managers based in America.

FEBE reports that: “There are 4.2m private companies in the UK. Just 1% or 45,000 of these are considered ‘high growth’ and Superior Wellness is now included in the Growth 100 list.”

Rob Carlin, Managing Director, said: “We were so proud when we heard the news that Superior Wellness had made it onto Growth 100 list. We ranked 18th in Britain for the fastest-growing companies privately owned businesses.

“This is such an incredible achievement for us as a company and a real accolade to the team and their hard work.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all the Superior Wellness team and our partner network for making this possible.”

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.

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Ambitious civic plans for Derbyshire set out by University

A Civic University Agreement, developed by the University of Derby, has been launched in partnership with 15 other organisations from across the city and county.

The Agreement, created following extensive consultation, clearly articulates the long-term civic ambitions of the University, and how it intends to work with these 15 signatories to drive forward the local recovery and regeneration of Derby and Derbyshire, helping to channel aspirations, support local communities, share knowledge and enhance the area’s overall offer and vibrancy.

It focuses on five core goals, designed to make a positive impact on the people, communities, organisations and businesses within Derby and Derbyshire:

  • Secure our future
  • Drive ambition and positive change
  • Make a positive environmental impact
  • Support health and wellbeing
  • Invest in culture as a driver for change

During the event, each goal was brought to life through a civic showcase, highlighting the breadth of projects and initiatives underway. These included presentations on:

  • Apprenticeships and skills – the positive impact University of Derby civil engineering apprentices are having on Greenhatch group, a Geospatial surveys firm
  • Raising aspirations – how a Year 12 student from the Bemrose School is now considering applying to Oxbridge thanks to her involvement in the Derby Scholars Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby, Corpus Christi College at the University of Oxford and Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge
  • Green travel – DerbyGo, a green mobility app being developed as part of a partnership between the University, Derby City Council and Kinto, Toyota’s mobility brand
  • ‘SHEDding light on long-Covid’ – a collaboration between scientific and artistic researchers at the University that will see the University’s S.H.E.D tour the country to explore the challenges affecting people suffering from long-Covid
  • Retro Feva 80’s – a DerbyCAN commissioned music jukebox show inspired by Top of the Pop’s 80’s featuring a community cast of local performers.

Commenting on its launch, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby has always been civic – educating, innovating, creating, making, and inspiring, but this is the first time we have explicitly set out our civic intentions and articulated the overall impact made by the University and its staff and students.

“Through our Civic University Agreement, we are making a clear statement of intent as to how we will approach our civic role moving forward. However, the ambitions we have set out need support from others if we are to achieve them and I am overwhelmed by the positive response from the organisations we approached to be signatories and who will be alongside us on this important journey.”

The development of Civic University Agreements was a key recommendation in a report published in 2019 by the Civic University Commission set up by the UPP Foundation and chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake.

The report sets out how universities like Derby have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support the places where they are based to solve some of their most pressing and major problems. These issues range from helping local businesses adapt to technological change, to boosting the health of local people, improving education for school pupils and adult learners, and training and developing new civic leaders in every field from politics to the arts.

The report aims to help universities build on the excellent work that many of them are already carrying out in these areas, working alongside councils, employers, cultural institutions, schools and further education colleges.

The signatories of the Civic University Agreement are:

University of Derby, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, East Midlands Chamber,  Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Derbyshire County Council, DHU Healthcare, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust,  Derby City Council,  Derby Cathedral,  Derby’s Cultural Education Partnership, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and High Peak Borough Council.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “This Civic University Agreement demonstrates the leading role in transforming place, stimulating economic growth and providing skills for the future that the University of Derby will take to contribute to the long-term economic prosperity aspirations that exist in Derby and Derbyshire.

“This agreement and its resulting future activities, initiatives and programmes will have a significant positive impact on society by supporting the aspirations of all our local communities in the city and the county and retain our future business leaders right here.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Civic University Agreement is a clear sign that partners remain committed to improving social mobility and driving forward innovation and the economic prosperity of our city and county. We are proud members of the Derby Opportunity Area Board, a key part of the civic agenda, and the leadership shown by Professor Kathryn Mitchell and the support from the University of Derby team has been fundamental to improving the life-chances of many young people within our communities.”

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “Amplifying the voices of communities has never been so important. The opportunities that Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership with the University of Derby, has created for students to enhance their studies has been incredible and impactful. We are thrilled and excited to support the Civic University Agreement”

University of Derby, D2N2 LEP, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Voluntary Action 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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Chatsworth opens new dining experience in North Derbyshire

Chatsworth has announced the opening of a new daytime dining offer, located at the Peak Shopping Village in Derbyshire.

An original oak table from the Victorian kitchen at Chatsworth takes centre stage in the contemporary daytime dining offer opening in the village of Rowsley, on the edge of the Peak District.

Located within the retail and leisure offering at Peak Village, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates quality, seasonal dishes sourced from the estate and a community of farmers, producers and makers from across the Derbyshire Dales.

With a bespoke interior featuring hundreds of items from the stores and kitchens at Chatsworth, the new food and retail concept provides a relaxed and welcoming place to enjoy delicious, fresh food selected daily from the estate’s farms and gardens.

The launch menu showcases the best of local produce from Chatsworth Gin cured salmon with capers and sherry vinegar shallots, to marinated estate beef with roasted cherry tomato and herb couscous, and Chatsworth lamb cutlets with fig, goats cheese and spinach salad. Deli plates offer a choice of flatbreads baked fresh in the bread oven or a seasonal baked tart and fresh salads while popular children’s dishes will be updated regularly.

The majority of the food is made on site, while the freshly baked pastries and dessert items will be created under the watchful eye of Chatsworth’s experienced pastry chef in the stables kitchen by the house.

Alongside the dining experience, a thoughtfully curated retail offer of more than 300 items of quality food, drink, kitchen and homewares is available.

Working closely with retail consultant Lady Burlington and the Chatsworth team, Sheffield based design agencies Whitehead Commercial and 93 have created an interior that effortlessly blends heritage artefacts with a modern and fresh approach.

Lady Burlington said: “We were inspired by the old kitchen at Chatsworth, and have brought a variety of pots, pans and artefacts from Chatsworth to the restaurant. Sustainability and authenticity have been central to this project; we have reused and repurposed items including chairs, doors and panelling, with many of the tables made from reclaimed flooring from the estate.

“Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates local produce, suppliers and makers, and we hope it will become a place for people to spend time together and enjoy great food, before exploring the many new shops opening at Peak Village.

“The Peak District has a wealth of wonderful produce and passionate, talented craftspeople, and we look forward to doing our part to support these businesses; from established names like David Mellor, who has provided stoneware and cutlery, to our candle maker in Barlow and young talents like potter Joe Heath working on the Chatsworth Estate.”

With indoor and outdoor seating, the Chatsworth Kitchen can seat 130 people, and is open from 9.30am – 5.00pm daily, seven days a week. The new venture has also seen the creation of several full-time jobs, as well as casual short-term work and opportunities for career progression for existing employees.

Chatsworth’s Head of Catering, Chris Bailey-Jones, said: “Food is at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate and therefore it should be no surprise that at Chatsworth Kitchen, estate reared and grown produce is celebrated in every dish.
“The menu looks to build on emerging food trends while never losing sight of the importance of local, seasonal and sustainable food that showcases Chatsworth, Derbyshire and indeed the wider country.

“The restaurant will give a distinctly Chatsworth twist to great service, being informal, fun and even a little quirky. All of this is helped along with a carefully crafted drinks list, looking to shine a light on local providers in a setting that is perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends or a family get together.”

With centuries of heritage in growing, harvesting, cooking and making, Chatsworth Kitchen builds on the estate’s past with an outlook to the future, supporting local producers, with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainability.

Chatsworth Kitchen is part of a long-term investment and development plan for Peak Village, which was purchased in 2021 by The Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Devonshire family at nearby Chatsworth. Aiming to offer something different from traditional high streets and shopping centres, and welcoming local businesses and national brands, Peak Village is on track to become one of Derbyshire’s leading retail and leisure destinations.

Chatsworth 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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ProAktive Insurance launches fundraising appeal for Ashgate Hospice

A local insurance company is raising funds and awareness for Ashgate Hospice, to help the local charity to continue providing vital palliative care to people in our area.

Senior Account Handler at ProAktive Insurance, Claire Thompson has launched the campaign to show her gratitude to the staff currently providing care for her father at the hospice.

To help with her fundraising efforts, Claire and the rest of the ProAktive team will be taking on the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge’ on Sunday, 21st August 2022. The team is aiming to complete the 25-mile trek in under 12 hours.

The company is looking to raise at least £1,000 for the charity, with more than half of that total raised already on their JustGiving page.

Claire commented: “I have chosen to support Ashgate Hospice as this charity is very close to my heart, I have promised my Dad, Steve Waddoups that I will raise money for them to say thank you for the amazing palliative care that they are providing for him, and for the support they are providing for my family and families like ours throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“I will be forever grateful for the care and support of every single one of the nurses, doctors and volunteers allowing my Dad to live out his final weeks in a safe, comfortable caring environment, helping him to keep his dignity and for nothing ever being too much trouble.

“As a business I feel it is vital to support the community and local people here in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, without the support charities like Ashgate Hospice may not exist.”

To find out more about the fundraising challenge and to donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/proaktive1

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

Claire Thompson, of ProAktive Insurance with family

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£100,000 funding awarded to supercharge sustainable travel around Derbyshire

An online platform that will encourage EV usage and car sharing in Derbyshire has been awarded £100,000 funding from Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect, it has been announced.

Independent research consultancy Cenex, in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, has been announced as the winner of Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition, receiving £100,000 of funding to develop its proposal for an online Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and car sharing platform.

Once developed, the online platform will allow EV users across Derbyshire to ‘rent out’ their private charge points, giving motorists access to more chargers to power up their vehicles. The platform will also promote car sharing by providing opportunities for people to rent out their cars when they’re not using them, meaning that residents without their own private vehicle can get around more easily.

The project will encourage sustainable travel and open up opportunities for EV ownership to groups who may not have benefitted from access to local charging points before, particularly households without off-street parking.

The online platform will initially be targeted towards residents and local businesses, with hopes to expand to tourists in time.

Cenex and Derbyshire County Council will now use the prize money of £100,000 to further develop, test and trial the platform. Following the trial phase, should it be successful, it can then seek funding from either public or private sector sources for its widespread rollout.

Midlands Connect’s future of rural mobility competition received submissions from businesses which were asked to present new ideas that could help solve the social, environmental, and economic issues caused by poor connectivity in rural areas.

The winner was announced today at Midlands Connect’s Rural Mobility Conference in Melton Mowbray. The conference included panels from competition winners and runners up, as well as the Department for Transport, senior politicians and transport experts.

Midlands Connect CEO Maria Machancoses said: “Poor transport connectivity can be a challenge for rural communities, with residents often experiencing worse access to amenities and services such as schools, workplaces or hospitals. Our rural mobility competition was created to address these challenges and create innovative solutions that would enhance transport connectivity in isolated communities.

“It’s great to see how many people have come together to challenge poorer connectivity at our conference today, particularly those from the Department for Transport, senior leaders and decision makers.

“All our finalists for the rural mobility competition produced innovative solutions to tackle rural mobility – picking one winner was very challenging. We would like to congratulate our competition winner Cenex and look forward to seeing the idea developed in further detail.

“Although there could only be one winner, we will be sharing all information and experience with our partners so that they can set up similar pilot schemes if they wish to do so.”

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex, added: “Our digital mobility hub has the potential to change the way Derbyshire residents think about transport. By giving people access to information on services such as car sharing, we can improve transport connectivity and reduce harmful carbon emissions from road transport.

“It also gives residents the chance to make some extra money through renting out their own vehicle – at a time when the cost of living is ever-increasing.

“This platform has the power to accelerate the transition to EVs by opening up access to more charging points locally, especially for people without a driveway who may otherwise find charging difficult.

“We are delighted to be announced as the winners of Midlands Connect’s rural mobility competition and are excited to develop the idea further with Derbyshire County Council.”

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, also commented: “We welcome the support given by Midlands Connect in tackling rural connectivity, something that many counties across the Midlands are challenged with.

“Lower population density often leads to patchy public transport in rural areas and for people without access to a car, this can lead to isolation. The platform proposed by Cenex has the potential to change our residents’ lives – particularly those who do not have their own vehicle or share with other members of their household, as well as those considering switching to an electric vehicle.

“Whether it’s a student going to college, an elderly person attending a medical appointment or someone just trying to get to work – this platform has the potential to do so much for Derbyshire residents and we are thankful for the opportunity given to us by Midlands Connect. We’re looking forward to developing the platform even further with Cenex until it is ready for roll-out”.

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Chesterfield’s White Rose Beauty Colleges collaborates with local fitness firm

A Chesterfield health and beauty training provider has been working alongside a fellow Derbyshire-based company to provide CPD Accredited Training.

White Rose Beauty Colleges is teaming up with the personal trainers at Bakewell company Eley Fitness, giving staff and introductory course into Zone Therapy, Body Massage, Nutrition and Aromatherapy which will support their continuous Professional Development. The team will have completed their course within the space of just six weeks.

Eley Fitness has been helping their members fitness and well-being for 7 years and first started with husband-and-wife team Ed and Torie Eley. They are a family run Personal Training and group class Studio based in Bakewell near the Monsal Trail.

Ed and Torie Commented ‘We believe strongly in working with local businesses as we all support each other and it’s been a tough couple of years for all of us, with small businesses being hit the hardest of all.”

“We are extremely excited to begin the CPD Health and Wellbeing Course with White Rose Beauty College Chesterfield as they have been so friendly and informative from the beginning.  What we will learn from this Course will only offer our members more in terms of knowledge and skills from body massage to reflexology and we can’t wait to add these to our services at Eley Fitness”.

Jules Slack, Corporate Ambassador for White Rose Beauty Colleges went on to explain: “We plan to continue to work in collaboration with Eley Fitness by offering their staff additional training in Sports Massage.”

“Team Chesterfield can provide bespoke training tailored to meet the needs of the individual businesses in Derbyshire and the surrounding community, providing individuals the opportunity to upskill or enhance their current skills.”

For more information on fully funded CPD Bespoke Training Courses, email jules.slack@whiterosebeautycolleges.co.uk or Tel: 07928467941.

White Rose Beauty Colleges supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

White Rose Beauty College 873x466

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BRM Solicitors advises on £83 million apartment development

Regional law firm BRM, which has a base in Chesterfield has advised on acquisition, pre-let, and development funding for an £83m apartment development in East London.

Reinforcing its position as one of the largest real estate teams in the region, this deal takes the total value of BRM’s Real Estate development deals over the last three years to over £300 million.

In this recent deal Head of Real Estate Adrian Sheehan and the specialist team of Sarah Rowland (Construction) and Chris Hey (Real Estate) advised R Blue Regen HQ Limited on a brownfield industrial site for apartment development. The firm’s support included site identification, through acquisition, pre-let, and development funding. BRM continue to advise in the £83 million development as construction commences.

Adrian Sheehan said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on, bringing this site from identification and acquisition, to pre-let, development funding and construction.

“I was ably supported by the BRM Real Estate and Construction teams in advising our client, settling all necessary documentation and our dealings with the Fund and Tenant in general.

“This forms one of the multiple sites that we have advised on for local and national developers that are in construction and others which are coming toward fruition.

“Having already completed a high number of deals in the previous 12 months, the team headed by Sheehan is predicting another strong year for the Real Estate team.

“We haven’t seen a drop in transactions, the market has remained confident, the firm’s regional and national client development portfolio has grown significantly in the past 3 years, and we are now acting on potential developments of increasing size and value”

The property team at BRM advises on all aspects of property management and transactions, including portfolio management, finance, and development with specialisms in hospitality, commercial and residential developments.

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

BRM Solicitors Adrian Sheehan Chesterfield Champion

 

 

 

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Pomegranate Theatre set to close for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to temporarily close its doors later this month in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

The theatre will close on Sunday 26 June before planned refurbishment works start on Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A series of community led events have been arranged ahead of the temporary closure.  These performances include, An Afternoon of Song and Dance organised by the Chesterfield Theatre Friends on 19 June and local ladies choir, the Honey Belles, on Saturday 25 June. The Heights Ballet & Theatre School will present Peter Pan on Sunday 26 June before the curtains close ahead of the renovation project.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is a landmark in our town and our ambitious plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town.

“Colleagues have been working to carefully move all of the treasured items from the Museum into secure storage. Now this is nearing completion, we are now in a position to close the Pomegranate Theatre and move many of our shows into the Winding Wheel while the transformation of the building is carried out.”

Residents and visitors to the borough will still be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre as lots of popular shows will be moving across to the Winding Wheel during the refurbishment, including the annual pantomime which you can purchase tickets for on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will enable visitors, staff and artists with mobility difficulties to access all parts of the building including the circle seating area and upper museum floors.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

The project is projected to cost around £17.5 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through the Governments Levelling Up fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help maintain Chesterfield as a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Find out more about the proposals for the Stephenson Memorial Hall on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield/stephenson-memorial-hall-development

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Success for undergraduates completing placement at Mitchells Chartered Accountants

A pair of undergraduates are set to take up permanent roles at Chesterfield’s Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, following a successful placement year working with the firm.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers have long been an Apprenticeship Ambassador, helping to promote Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town and raising awareness of apprenticeships and their benefits to strengthen the workforce of the local economy.

Some years ago, Mitchells put in place various strategies to ensure the development of a staff pipeline. Bringing in talented and dedicated people through apprenticeships and yearlong undergraduate placements is a vital element to their sustainable model for the future.

From the moment their training begins, everyone is assigned a mentor who monitors and supports their professional and personal development. They offer a comprehensive, fully supervised, structured training programme which is supported and closely monitored by a leading firm of external tutors. Training consists of a combination of courses at the tutors’ offices, private study and regular tests, as well as on-the-job training. Paid study leave is granted and course and examination fees are paid.

Alongside this, they have the support of Mitchells’ partners and senior staff, all ready and willing to offer guidance and advice at every stage of their journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser. The openness and friendly nature of all the staff makes it easy to speak up and ask for assistance whenever needed.

Melissa Grafton (pictured right) and Hannah Longton (pictured below) are undergraduates in Accounting and Finance. Melissa studying at University of Lincoln and Hannah studying at Sheffield Hallam University. They have both just completed their year’s placement at Mitchells.  This is what they had to say about their experience:

“Applying for a placement is a very daunting thought, after being in full time education for the past 20 years, the idea of writing up a CV and applying felt very overwhelming but this couldn’t have been put more at ease when we applied to Mitchells. The application process at Mitchells gave us both a great idea of what it would be like to work here with having an interview with both our line manager and a partner at the firm. This showed us how hands on our superiors are with new workers and what our work environment would be like.

“From the moment we started working at Mitchells we were given the space and jobs to help us develop as people both academically and personally. Some of the many personal skills we have developed include confidence, communication, and time management. Working in a corporate environment has greatly improved our time management skills as we have had to ensure we complete jobs on time in order of importance. We both believe our confidence and communication have developed hand in hand as Mitchells have always provided an environment to ask for help off colleagues and superiors to ensure that we are learning and developing on each job and never struggling.

“From spending the year at Mitchells, we can see exactly how transferrable the skills we have gained are to our final year at University. At University it can sometimes be hard to comprehend how theory is used in practise, but from working in different sectors and different clients. We have expanded our commercial awareness and our ability to retain and relate our knowledge. We have both felt our Excel skills have been greatly enhanced from being able to work on special and innovative projects within Mitchells.

“We have not only gained in skills and experience but have also gained an inclusive social work team. Every month our colleagues have made effort to include us and feel welcomed into the workspace by having monthly events such as escape rooms, and meals out. This has helped settle and ease our worries of joining the world of full-time employment. It has also helped us develop good working relationships.

“We couldn’t recommend completing a placement year at Mitchells enough, we have even had the lucky offer of being invited back. Which we have gladly accepted as we know that the Mitchells working environment will give us all the support as we study and work towards our ACA qualification to become a Chartered Accountant.”

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells said: “Throughout the year that both Melissa and Hannah have spent with us, they have consistently exceeded all expectations. The whole team at Mitchells wishes them all the best in the final year of their degrees and look forward to welcoming them back in 2023 as permanent colleagues.”

Dan Plumley, Principal Lecturer and Recruitment Lead for the department of Finance, Accounting and Business Systems at Sheffield Hallam University commented “Mitchells provide an excellent placement scheme for Sheffield Hallam Students and the fact that they then go on to secure full time work with Mitchells after they graduate is testament to the impression they make whilst on placement. This is exactly what placement years are all about for both the students and the employers as it gives them a chance of guaranteeing employment before they have even finished studying with us. We are delighted to work with Mitchells to offer students such great opportunities and experience and are always on the lookout for other local employers that would like to do the same.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers 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, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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