chesterfield business news

New apprentice software engineer bolsters the Weightron Bilanciai team

Weightron Bilanciai has announced a further addition to its apprenticeship program with the hiring of new Software Engineer, Reece Berry.

The move follows on from the successful completion of a Graduate Apprenticeship scheme at Sheffield Hallam University of an existing Software Developer.

Reece, 18, said: “Before I joined Weightron I studied A-Levels at St Mary’s Sixth Form in Chesterfield where I did the subjects ICT, English Literature and Drama.

“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 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.

“I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship to those who are searching for a job.”

Instead of taking the ‘traditional’ university route, an apprenticeship enables young people to learn and work whilst receiving an income, and have the determination to progress further.

Reece added: “Weightron Bilanciai have also given me the option to obtain a degree qualification at Sheffield Hallam University whilst working, this would also enable me to have a recognized qualification without the burden of university fees.”

There are many opportunities for young people across Chesterfield to get onto the career ladder via an apprenticeship. The innovative ‘My Future’ platform gives learners the option to:

• Meet local employers and explore apprenticeship opportunities
• Work with training providers to learn about and access courses that are available
• Virtually visit post 16 institutions including colleges and universities
• Learn about the employment opportunities in your town

Chesterfield was also the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy.

Weightron Bilanciai supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Mortgage 1st strengthens Senior Team due to continued success and growth

Throughout the past 18 months, whilst they navigated the challenges the pandemic forced upon them and all other businesses across the country, Mortgage 1st has continued its impressive growth.

The firm says conditions were tough in 2020, with service levels affected whilst lenders, solicitors, estate agents and mortgage brokers were all adjusting to the changes.

However, the determination and hard work of the Mortgage 1st team and the understanding and loyalty from their customers has ensured the company reached the half way point in 2021 with a record set of results.

As the majority of their Mortgage Advisers already worked remotely all over the country they could continue to operate throughout even the restrictive lockdowns. The head office team which includes senior members and the Mortgage Processing Department were having to adapt almost daily, but took all the changes in their stride and their focus firmly remained on their customers and colleagues alike.

Even throughout 2020, Mortgage 1st continued with recruitment plans and the team has grown at a similar rate to previous years. All departments increased with new team members including Administrators, Processors, Mortgage Advisers and an Apprentice Administrator.

With a team of almost 40 it was time to expand the Senior Management Team and Mortgage 1st has announced an internal promotion, along with the appointment of a new senior manager.

Carly Montisci first joined the Mortgage 1st family 5 years ago in 2016 as a mortgage administrator, with no industry experience. With her drive and passion she very quickly established herself as a key member in the team and stepped up to a mortgage processor role and then Head of Processing within her first two years, followed by a third promotion to Senior manager shortly after.

Carly’s new role is Head of Service, which encapsulates her skills and passions perfectly as even from day one her focus has always been on the team and the service their customers receive.

On the 1st of August, John Wileman joined the senior team as Head of Development to work alongside Carly and the Directors Jon & Lisa Stones. John has over 20 years’ industry experience and will be offering support to all their mortgage advisers as well as managing the on-boarding, training and ongoing support for all new advisers who join the team.

Lisa Stones – Operations Director at Mortgage 1st said: “Jon are I, along with the whole team congratulates Carly for her well-deserved promotion and we’re delighted to officially welcome John to the Mortgage 1st family. By strengthening our senior team we are now equipped more than ever before to push forward with our ambitions future growth plans. There are lots happening behind the scenes at Mortgage 1st at the moment so as they say…. Watch this space!”

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Citizens Advice chair of trustees to step down after 12 years of service

The Chair of Chesterfield’s Citizens Advice Bureau has announced she is stepping down from the role next year, after dedicating 12 years of  service to the organisation.

Linda Moore said: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair; I’ve found it challenging, diverse, interesting & rewarding. The team is amazing, but after 12 years it’s time for a new leader with new & refreshing ideas.

“I’m sure I will find a different role in order to continue my support of this vital, local charity.”

Citizens Advice supports people across the town with free, confidential, impartial, independent advice and information for the problems they face and works to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

The Chesterfield group is now looking for someone to  join the board, possibly as vice-chair in readiness to take over at the AGM in November 2022.

They are hoping to find someone who is passionate about making a difference in the local community, excited to support a leading local advice charity, and is a natural leader.

Applications for the voluntary role close on Friday, 22nd October 2021 at 5pm. Anyone interested in taking on the role is asked to get in touch with Julie Astell via email: julie.astell@chesterfieldcab.co.uk for an application pack.

Recently it was announced that Phoebe Sellars who works for fellow Chesterfield Champion, Bridge Help was appointed to the board as the youngest ever trustee at the age of just 22.

Phoebe explained why she decided to join the board: “I live and work in Chesterfield and feel passionately about strengthening the community that I live in, work in and love. Citizens Advice Chesterfield does such good work for so many people in my home town.”

Citizens Advice Chesterfield supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

champion of the week

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Destination Chesterfield Chair to speak at prestigious East Midlands Bricks Awards

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group PLC, has been announced as the guest speaker for this year’s East Midlands Bricks Awards on Thursday 30th September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground in Nottingham.

The East Midlands Bricks Awards is an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the region. The awards are split into 10 categories covering every aspect of the property sector and will celebrate the achievements and standards set by both companies and individuals.

Peter Swallow said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2021. Despite the challenges over the last 18 months the East Midlands construction and property sector has held up well and we have a lot to celebrate.”

This year’s award categories include: Contractor of the Year, Developer of the Year, Commercial Development of the Year, Residential Development of the Year, Sustainable Development of the Year, Deal of the Year, Most Active Agents of the Year, Architects of the Year, Excellence in Design, Responsible Business and of course Overall Winner.

The Bricks also present an ideal networking opportunity, with the leaders of property and construction businesses from across the East Midlands in attendance.

A number of developments are currently taking place in Chesterfield, including the town’s flagship Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Elder Way schemes. To find out more about the regeneration taking place across the town, take a look at our developments page.

Chesterfield is also home to the Property and Construction group,  which brings together business leaders of the region’s property sector and Chesterfield Borough Council to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

If you want to find out more about Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration and investment opportunites, you are now able to secure a free place at the Chesterfield Investment Summit, taking place on Wednesday, 24th November. Find out more.

Bolsterstone Group PLC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Regional unemployment rate remains below UK average for second successive month

Unemployment in the East Midlands has grown slightly – but remains below the national average, according to the latest figures.

The region’s unemployment rate for the period between May and July 2021 was 4.4%, up by 0.1% compared to between April and June, the Office for National Statistics’ latest regional labour market report revealed.

But for the second successive month it was lower than the UK-wide figure, even as this dropped from 4.7% to 4.6% during the same timeframe.

Previously, the region’s jobs market had consistently been hit harder than the rest of the country during almost the entire pandemic – peaking at 5.9% and 0.8% above the national average.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After some concerning numbers at the beginning of this year, the unemployment rate appears to have stabilised as Covid-19 restrictions have been rolled back, with the latest data including the period in which stage four of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown was implemented.

“This has enabled industries that are heavily represented in our region’s economy – including hospitality, retail, and leisure and tourism – to finally reopen fully and prove they have always remained viable if the trading environment allows.

“At the same time, we’ve also seen initiatives like the Kickstart Scheme – in which the Chamber has played a key role as a gateway organisation to facilitate more than 1,000 job placements – contribute to helping young people, who had been disproportionately affected by Covid, find work.

“We expect the region’s jobs market to continue improving, with the latest data from the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q3 2021 showing a net 26%* of East Midlands businesses saying they have increased headcount over the previous three months and a net 41% expecting a rise in employment over the coming three months.”

Acute hiring crisis for businesses slows progress for employment

While the UK’s August payrolls showed another monthly increase of 241,000 to 29.1 million, the headline figure was that job vacancies hit a record high, rising above one million for the first time since they were recorded in 2001.

Scott added: “The slight increase in the unemployment rate for this latest period may be due to the ‘pingdemic’, which meant some businesses struggled to resume trading as normal because staff and customers were forced to self-isolate. The inevitable hit to income may have deterred firms from recruiting until the Government changed quarantine rules in mid-August.

“The record number of vacancies also highlights the acute hiring crisis faced by many businesses right now. Of the 69% of East Midlands firms that attempted to recruit in the third quarter, our QES showed that 73% of those faced problems in finding the right people.

“We have skills shortages across the board that urgently need to be addressed. Many of these are longstanding but as Brexit and Covid have driven a more deep-seated decline in labour supply, they have come to the fore more prominently.

“The end of furlough is unlikely to be a silver bullet to the ongoing shortages and these recruitment difficulties will likely dampen the recovery by limiting businesses’ ability to fulfil orders and meet customer demand.

“More needs to be done to ensure businesses have access to skills when these can’t be recruited locally – including access to rapid and agile training and re-skilling opportunities for adults in the workforce, and a more flexible immigration system that allows firms to access the high and low-skilled workers they need.”

 

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

Peak District and Derbyshire Christmas Market returns for 2021

A popular virtual Christmas market showcasing some of Derbyshire’s best creatives, artisans and producers will return from this November.

Following the success of the first virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market last year, traders will once again be given the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of potential customers.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is inviting stallholders to apply for a place at the virtual market, which aims to support the recovery of local businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of quality gifts available in the area.

The free opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses based in Derby and Derbyshire – ranging from food and drink producers to artists and craftspeople – and is part-funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

The virtual market is also open to members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire who offer vouchers for afternoon teas, meals, short stays, annual passes, workshops and experiences, with a focus on products that make great Christmas presents.

Categories include Accessories & Jewellery; Art, Ceramics & Glass; Experiences & Annual Passes; Local Food & Drink; Homeware & Books; Landscape Calendars & Prints; Short Breaks & Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

Successful applicants will be featured on the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market webpage at visitpeakdistrict.com, where hyperlinks and imagery will lead to the stallholder’s own selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease.

Businesses can apply for a place using the following link: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VPDDXmasMarket21

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 12 October 2021. Successful applicants will be notified via email and the market will go live on Monday 1 November 2021.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, at a time when shopping local is more important than ever, we’re delighted to offer a platform to promote the very best Derbyshire gifts, produce and experiences.

“Over 100 stallholders exhibited at last year’s virtual Christmas Market and we hope this year will be even bigger, giving visitors and residents alike a chance to throw their support behind local businesses following another challenging year of Covid-19 restrictions.

“We have so many talented producers and craftspeople in Derbyshire and we’re encouraging businesses to apply for a place and join us in celebrating the best of what the area has to offer.”

Chesterfield retail, leisure and food & drink businesses are also encouraged to find out more about the benefits of the Chesterfield Digital High Street project, where support and grants are being offered to help firms improve their digital footprint and overall resilience.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Business, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield businesses can access support in recruiting highly-skilled graduates

Businesses looking to benefit from graduate talent, that already employ less than 250 people, can access free, tailored recruitment, talent matching, training and funding support through RISE.

RISE is delivered in partnership with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield and is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Working closely with firms to understand their very specific needs, RISE supports the sourcing, hiring, and the successful transition of graduates into the workplace.  Since RISE launched in 2013, more than 470 businesses in Sheffield City Region have benefited from the free recruitment and wrap-around business support they deliver.

Xbite, an online retailer based in North Derbyshire recently connected with RISE to accelerate their growth plans.

Rikki Stout, Head of HR at Xbite, explains: “We connected with RISE because we wanted to meet, train and develop fresh graduate talent. We understand the value in finding ambitious young people who are hungry for experience and seeking a challenge. RISE has matched us with excellent people straight from university, meaning we can nurture and develop them early on. We are part of their journey and they are part of ours.”

“Meet the candidates that RISE match you with and you’ll understand the calibre of people in their talent pool. It is true that graduates will need time to learn your specific systems, tech and culture, but that is the same with any new appointment. You wouldn’t expect someone to race a F1 car just because they have a driving licence.  If anything, there are some major benefits to businesses that can connect with people in this way, and play a role in developing their skills at the very start of their career.”

RISE is engaging with businesses from now until 13th October 2021, and would encourage businesses to get in touch as soon as possible if they would like help to secure talent.

Find out more at: www.risescr.co.uk 

 

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

Derbyshire Institute of Sport launches programme to instil ‘Olympic know-how’ in local businesses

An organisation which has created more than 20 world-class athletes, including 10 Olympians and Paralympians who competed in Tokyo this year, has launched a new scheme aimed at improving leadership within local businesses.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport is offering to give firms in our area the same performance psychology tools and techniques they use in the elite sports environment to build resilience, motivation and a mindset for success.

Managing Director Chloe Maudsley explained: “Our Business Champions club is a unique 12-month programme designed by our performance psychologist, Dr Phil Clarke, to give you the tools to be the best version of yourself and through that accelerate your business growth. It offers something different from traditional business coaching.”

The second cohort of Business Champions starts in October and only six places are available. This time it is all online, except for a final, face-to-face event in September 2022, making to easier for busy professionals to join sessions from anywhere without time-consuming travel.

Dr Clarke, who has trained elite athletes and FTSE 250 companies, said: “The sessions and tasks in this year-long programme will help you learn how to thrive in high-pressure situations and adjust to rapidly-changing situations in the business environment.”

Craig Harbron, of Bennett Engineering Design Solutions, completed the first Business Champions programme. He said: “It has enhanced my ability to understand new approaches to situations and new ways of thinking. Having these methods and understanding has led to increased motivation, focus points and with the one-to-one support I’ve been able to overcome current challenges.”

Another graduate of the first programme, business owner Sarah Gatford, said: “Working with DIS Business Champions has been a great decision.

“Having been knocked sideways by the pandemic business-wise, being part of this programme and having access to the incredibly knowledgeable and insightful Dr Phil Clarke has supported me in turning things around.

“I’ve had the opportunity to talk things through individually, attend webinars and generally feel that I’m back on my feet with some exciting new challenges ahead.”

During the year, Business Champions will have six educational webinars, 11 group reflection webinars and six one-to-one coached sessions online with Dr Clarke where they can work through specific challenges that they face at work or work on improvements to their reactions, communication and behaviours in different circumstances. There will also be five peer tasks during the year that champions will work on remotely in pairs.

You can read more about the programme at https://www.derbyshireis.co.uk/business-champions-club and request a digital brochure from Chloe Maudsley by emailing info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ringing 07974 231564.

Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, HomeTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

New Chesterfield store can provide portraits of your pooch

A new shop has opened in Chesterfield catering to every need of our canine companions, providing portraits, natural treats and remedies, handmade collars, personalised dog-themed gifts, luxury toys and much more.

Barkworthy Dog Emporium can be found in the Theatre Yard area of Chesterfield Town Centre, after owners Anthony and Carole Foster decided to relocate to the town from Manchester.

Anthony said: “We moved to Chesterfield from Manchester in July this year with the intention of escaping the congestion and overcrowding of city life. We had heard about Chesterfield and its historic roots but were unprepared for how clean and unspoilt it really was.

“It’s fair to say we were captivated by the town immediately, its bustling market and quaint alleys which led us to all sorts of independent local shops. This immediately piqued our interest, for that is exactly what we planned to do. Set up a quirky, emporium style outlet that catered for dog lovers everywhere, focused on natural products and ethically sustainable.”

Anthony says the shop was almost exclusively online, with the new store being the couple’s first bricks-and-mortar venture. Anthony explained that one of the things that drew them to the town was the efforts to drive more visitors into the town as part of the #LoveChesterfield campaign:

“We were heartened to see stilt-walkers in flowing robes, flower displays and colourful entertainment designed to entice shoppers back to the area. We understood this was undoubtedly part of a concerted campaign, and such efforts could only be beneficial for anybody wanting to set up business here.

“It seemed that people liked to shop local, to see and feel the products they were buying and the wealth of small businesses prospering cheek-by-jowl with the usual retail giants bore that out. We spoke to stallholders and small business owners, who naturally bemoaned the tribulations of a difficult year, but were generally satisfied and optimistic for the future. This gave us hope and confidence.

“When we saw the empty shop on Theatre Yard in the Low Pavement area, with its high vaulted windows and niche appeal in a creative little space, it immediately felt as though our vision had found its natural home.”

Following that, Anthony was quickly in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property team, to explore the possibility of moving into the new store.

He explained: “We set about pursuing a lease from the council for this property, which in addition to being perfect for our new venture, serendipitously housed a huge statue of a dog outside!

“Claire and Hannah from the council were incredibly helpful, answering our questions and taking the time to keep us apprised at every stage. Claire even responded to one email inquiry on a Sunday evening, when I imagine most people would much rather be relaxing in front of the TV with a glass of wine!

“Knowing we were dealing with real people who were just as invested as ourselves made all the difference in coming to a decision to choose Chesterfield for our business.”

The store is now open to visitors, and Anthony explained why the store will provide a unique experience for dog-lovers in Chesterfield and beyond:

“Carole is the trustee of a charity which rescues and rehomes unwanted Sled Dogs and Northern breeds, while I am an artist specialising in pastel portraits of wildlife and pets.

“Dedicating part of the shop as a studio and sitting in the window at my easel seemed a good way to attract visitors, while Carole’s contacts with various artisan pet suppliers through her charity work stood us in good stead to bring products and services to the area that are a little different to the standard fayre purveyed through the chain pet stores.

“As well as artisan treats, dog deli style birthday cakes and gift boxes, we have a wealth of handmade items, collars and leads and also personalised mugs, bags, cushions and photo gifts upon which patrons can have their favourite pet pictures imprinted.

“We treat our dogs like family, spoiling and pampering them, always looking for that one gift or treat that makes their tails wag that bit harder. Our overarching ambition for Barkworthy Dog Emporium is to embrace with the community of Chesterfield a shared love of pets and create a local, friendly, accessible port of call for all their dog’s needs.”

You can find out more about locating your business in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/commercial-property-search/

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

Schoolteachers and staff to swap classroom for Sparkle Night Walk in memory of much-loved colleague

More than thirty primary school teachers and staff are taking on Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk together in memory of their friend and colleague who died in the charity’s care.

The 31-strong team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are swapping the classroom for the sparkling streets of Chesterfield on September 25th as they hope to raise money to help fund Ashgate Hospicecare.

They’re taking on the fundraiser in memory of Claire Sivorn, a former Teaching Assistant at the school, who died in Ashgate’s care earlier this year, aged 55.

Claire had planned to marry her partner, Craig, in Edinburgh this month, but when her cancer made her progressively more ill, doctors advised the couple to cancel their special day.

However, Ashgate was able to step in to help arrange the pair’s wedding at an earlier date in April, so they got to tie the knot before Claire died just weeks later.

Her best friend and fellow Teaching Assistant, Becky Jackson, will join 30 others from Mary Swanwick in taking on the 10km route in tribute to Claire, whilst helping fund care for future families who need the hospice’s support.

The 50-year-old, from Woodthorpe, said: “We wanted to say thank you for everything Ashgate did for Claire and her family at the end of her life.

“Not only was the care she received outstanding, but the hospice went above and beyond to arrange her and Craig’s wedding. It was such a special day; something me, Claire’s friends and family will be able to cherish for ever.

“Claire was so caring, selfless and incredibly hard working. She worked for nearly 20 years at Mary Swanwick Primary School and was an incredibly talented artist; her artwork is still proudly on display throughout our school.

“She put everyone before herself, so we wanted to do something special in her memory. We all can’t wait to take part and are hoping to raise some much-needed funds for such a fantastic and worthwhile cause.”

Claire spent six weeks on the Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit before receiving the hospice’s support at home when she died on 6th May with her family by her side. Meanwhile, Craig and her children have received counselling from the charity’s Supportive Care team in recent months.

The team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are among more than a thousand participants to have signed up for the return of Ashgate’s Sparkle Night Walk this September.

Previously, the event, sponsored by Vertu Toyota, has taken place in July, but the charity has pushed back the date this year in light of the ongoing roadmap out of lockdown.

Ashgate hopes the new September date will allow the hospice to hold a socially distanced event while ensuring the safety of its supporters, volunteers and the local community.

Carl Jones, Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “It’s so wonderful to hear Becky and her team from Mary Swanwick Primary School are coming together to take on our Sparkle Night Walk in memory of Claire.

“I’m glad our incredible team was able to be there for Claire and her family at the end of her life; it’s thanks to fantastic fundraisers like Becky and the team from Mary Swanwick that we’re able to be there for the families who need us most.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming back our supporters and seeing some familiar faces, as well as those new supporters taking part for the first time. We hope you’ll consider joining the team from Mary Swanwick Primary School along the route this September!”

Ashgate is encouraging their local community to sign-up to the Sparkle Night Walk and help raise much needed money to fund the specialist end-of-life care they provide.

Like last year, a virtual option will also be offered, for those who would prefer to choose their own route and complete it separately.

The charity is asking those taking part virtually to walk, run, cycle or dance their way through the streets to raise money for charity’s care.

To find out more about Ashgate Hospicecare’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register go to: www.sparklenightwalk.org.uk or call 01246 568801.

Ashgate Hospicecare supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

sparkle night walk

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

Woodhead Group apprentices shine to take company award

The most recent cohort of Technical Apprentices working at Robert Woodhead Ltd are excelling that much so, that they received the firm’s ‘Values Champions Award’ this quarter.

Aaron Wathall and Sam Bartram began their apprenticeship journey in January 2020, during an uncertain time due to Covid-19. They studied for college remotely and adapted to the Covid-19 regulations within the working environment extremely well, showing resilience and determination.

Although, both were able to attend site; Aaron is based at Eastglade, a housing development with Nottingham City Homes for Nottingham City Council and Sam is based at Northgate, a housing development in partnership with Newark & Sherwood Homes.

It was clear that both Aaron and Sam started to build their confidence and skill sets early on, as they impressed both mentors and teachers at college and on site.

Robert Woodhead Ltd.’s Business Support Manager, Matt Bust, who is mentoring both Apprentices commented on their progression so far:

“They have integrated into the business extremely well, right from the beginning. I have received fantastic feedback from both their tutors at college and mentors on site. You can see that they have a clear passion for the construction industry and their skills are continuing to develop as well as their confidence. It is a delight to see our company values shining through their projects and everyday tasks.”

Aaron showed determination and had the confidence to approach his tutor at college asking how he could improve his grades, and if he was able to re-write an essay: “It has been a great experience so far in all areas of the business that I have worked in, and some of the knowledge I have picked up during my apprenticeship has been priceless.”

Sam also demonstrated courage as he would continue to always ask for more help if he was struggling, resulting in his knowledge of the construction industry growing, as well as his confidence: “It is a great opportunity for me as I’m learning every day and I am being supported immensely by Matt, Woodhead’s, and my mentors at college. I am really enjoying my time with the group; every day is different, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me in the company.”

“The knowledge and experience gained from the apprenticeship can help you to decide on your future career, as you will have discovered a passion for a certain sector in the industry.”

Both Aaron and Sam have finished learning about Project Management and Site Management and now will be moving onto their next rotation in Quantity Surveying.

The company recently announced a partnership with Chesterfield College to improve apprenticeship opportunities in the construction sector for future generations. Read about the initiative here.

Robert Woodhead Ltd. supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,