chesterfield business news

GBS Apprenticeships expands into new Chesterfield town centre offices

Chesterfield-based training provider GBS Apprenticeships has expanded its operations, by moving into a new premises at Chesterfield’s Markham House.

GBS provides a wide range of training programmes, with courses ranging from one-day tailored solutions to employer-led apprenticeship programmes that support businesses in sustainable growth.

The company was previously situated in Chesterfield’s Market Hall, however the move to Markham House comes after a period of significant growth over the last few years.

Chesterfield MP and Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships & Skills, Toby Perkins was in attendance at the event.

Declaring the new GBS office officially open, he said: “It’s really important that there is a huge investment in the next generation so it is fantastic to have worked with GBS Apprenticeships over the last year or so. I’ve actually got an apprentice from GBS working in my office too.

“I think it really is important that we make sure all businesses know we can invest in the next generation coming through, and that there is funding there to support businesses who want to take an apprentice on.”

Steven Guard, CEO at GBS Apprentices commented: “We now have three really good-sized training rooms and can accommodate a lot more people in the centre. It is really ideal having the job centre nearby and other services around us to make a difference locally providing a quality education to young adults and older apprentices too.

“What we want to do with this centre is make it a resource for Chesterfield. Not only is it a great centre for us to deliver our training, we want it to be a facility for other partnerships and initiatives in Chesterfield to use as a venue to further the initiatives that are going on here.

“We’re aiming to be a digital centre and really start to be able to equip people with those vital digital skills that can get them on those career paths. We want to be that go-to place where people can come. We’ll never stop speaking to people and giving advice to people. We need to have that community of providers to make the best of what we have here in Chesterfield.”

GBS Apprentices support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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

Citizens Advice Chesterfield appoints youngest ever trustee

Phoebe Sellars (22) has been appointed as the youngest ever trustee of Citizens Advice Chesterfield.

Phoebe, who hails from Chesterfield and is a Business Development Manager at Chesterfield-based bridging finance company Bridge Help, will be officially voted in as a trustee of the charity later this month.

Welcoming her to the volunteer role, Linda Moore, Chair of Citizens Advice Chesterfield said: “Phoebe’s enthusiasm and energy is contagious and, as a charity, we need people like her to help raise awareness of our cause and appeal to a broader audience. Quite often people don’t realise that we are a charity and as such, we do need to raise funds. We are delighted to welcome her on board.”

As a trustee, Phoebe will help create, shape and deliver a strategy that supports the aims and principles of Citizens Advice Chesterfield which is to provide help to those who are in need in the local area.

Phoebe is no stranger to charity work. Last year she was responsible for organising Bridge Help’s Christmas collection for Chesterfield Food Bank. It resulted in more than £1500 of much- needed food and toiletries being donated by the local business community.

Delighted to take up the role of trustee, Phoebe said: “This is a real honour for me. 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.

“I’m really eager to take on this new challenge in my life. The pandemic has hit many young people hard and as a young person, who has been very fortunate to have had the opportunities in life that I have had, I really want to give something back. Becoming a trustee with Citizens Advice Chesterfield is an excellent way for me to do this.”

Chesterfield Citizens Advice, which is based at Broad Pavement, helps people who live within the borough of Chesterfield, by providing support with debt and money advice, financial skills, fuel poverty, welfare benefits and advice at GP and community settings. It is part of the national Citizens Advice network which through independent charities offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

The national Citizens Advice charity was established in 1939 to meet the needs of a civilian population during war time. Since then, the network of independent charities has become a vital service to many people with problems and in need of good quality independent advice. During the pandemic, the charity faced unprecedented challenges with the demand for their services rapidly increasing. In their busiest week, their website alone had 2.4 million views.

To access advice and support from Chesterfield Citizens Advice, please contact 0808 278 7843.

Citizens Advice Chesterfield and Bridge Help support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Juniper Training scoops accolade at The Inspire Awards 2021

Juniper Training has added another award to its collection, after the company’s Building Futures Roofing training programme, run jointly with SPV Group won the Most Inspiring Training Programme at The Inspire Awards 2021.

The event, which took place virtually on Thursday 8th July Celebrated Diversity & Inclusion in UK Construction, Engineering & Housing.

The two companies became partners back in 2019 designing a programme to offer young people the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in the roofing industry with progression onto a Level 2 Roofer Apprenticeship and sustained employment with local roofing companies.

The judges praised the programme, saying it was “Truly inspiring, a practical determined approach to overcoming barriers and generating value all round,” and “A great example of collaboration in the industry.”

Samantha Broomhall, Head of Business Development at Juniper Training, said: “Well done to the staff, students, employers and partners who work incredibly hard day in, day out to make this provision a success – ultimately changing the lives of young people.”

The 30 week training programme offers young people a Level 1 certificate in construction, upskilling in maths and English if needed and necessary training such as asbestos awareness and working at height.

They also learn the various disciplines in roofing and sit the CSCS test prior to being taken on as an apprentice with one of the many roofing contractors Juniper is currently working with. These include SPV Group, Rydale Roofing, RS Miller, Dudley MBC, Rio Asphalt, Stoneleigh Services and Central Roofing.

Lisa Jenkins commented: “”We’re really looking forward to expanding our provision of this training activity in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, and we’re currently interested in hearing from any roofing contractors that might be interested in partering with us.”

“If you are a roofing employer and would be interested in partnering with us to offer this opportunity for young people to get on to the roofing ladder, contact lisa.jenkins@junipertraining.co.uk or call 07923 209239.”

Juniper Training supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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

Financial support offered for Derbyshire residents to retrain for alternative energy sector

A unique opportunity to retrain in the field of alternative energy has opened up in Chesterfield and Derbyshire with the launch of the County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Scheme.

The local authority has set aside a £100,000 fund offering grants of up to £1,500 to help Derbyshire residents learn new skills in the alternative energy industry.

It’s part of the wider Green Entrepreneurs Programme which is funded by the council and run in partnership with the University of Derby to help support green economic recovery across Derbyshire.

The leader of Derbyshire County Council, Barry Lewis added: “We’ve had a positive response to the Green Entrepreneurs Fund so far from businesses looking for financial support to help turn game changing proposals to help tackle climate change into reality.

“As well as helping to reduce Derbyshire’s carbon emissions in the future, by helping these projects get off the ground we’re bringing wider benefits to local communities and local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing.

“We’re looking forward to announcing the successful applicants soon for funding announced so far, as well as opening up applications for our new Scholarship Fund which will help to skill-up the alternative energy workforce of tomorrow.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “It is vital that we all play our part in helping the UK to achieve its net zero targets and the appetite within Derbyshire to meet this challenge head-on is hugely encouraging.

“It is not just about providing financial support, however, but enabling people to develop their skillset to deliver the change we need.

“As a university, empowering people with the knowledge and ability to have a positive impact on our economy and society is central to our purpose. We therefore welcome the launch of the Scholarship Scheme, which will help employees within our SME sector to make important contributions to carbon reduction and equip them with highly-valued skills.”

Find out more information about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria at: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/business/green-entrepreneurs-fund/green-entrepreneurs-fund.aspx

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

Monkey Park takes advantage of government Kickstart Scheme

Chesterfield Community group, Monkey Park CIC has bolstered its services by taking on two young and enthusiastic staff members via the government’s Kickstart scheme.

The initiative provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding.

One of the new team members, Ruben has worked in hospitality for a number of years and wanted to try something different. He has been working in the café and around the hub, helping out with a variety of tasks and projects.

The group also took on Jordan, who has worked as a volunteer at the group’s Bike Workshop for several years. As part of his Kickstart role, he continues to work in the Bike Workshop, and has also been involved with other activities and duties around Monkey park, acquiring some valuable employment skills.

Monkey Park’s marketing coordinator, Sally Tunstall said: “The Kickstart scheme has enabled Monkey Park to work with two enthusiastic young people, who bring new ideas and perspective to their roles. We have the pleasure of watching them develop their skills, and knowing that we are helping them with the first steps of their career. Kickstart has also given his extra manpower at a particularly challenging time, as we come out of covid restrictions and try to get the organisation back to normal operations.

“Jordan was already part of Monkey Parkas a volunteer, and so has settled easily into his employee role really well. We have taken him slightly out of his comfort zone by setting him new challenges and intruding him to new areas of working. He has coped well with this and we can see his confidence growing.”

“Reuben has settled really well into the Monkey Park team, bringing some great new ideas and a brilliant sense of humour. He has been given a variety of projects and tasks, which is widening his skills set and again building his confidence. He has explained that the Kickstart scheme appealed to him because young people can work with the Job Centre to find roles that interest them and fit their skills and personality.”

Find out more about Kickstart and how it can benefit your business at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

The organisation is also on the lookout for a number of voluntary directors who are looking to give something back to the local community. The roles include: Finance Director, Social Impact director, Community Fundraiser and Community engagement/development.

These are permanent voluntary roles, working alongside Monkey Park’s existing voluntary directors and dedicated team of staff & volunteers. For more details or to register your interest, email Michelle at manager@monkeypark.org.uk or call 07410987734.

Monkey Park supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Derbyshire Institute of Sport helps to produce nine athletes for Tokyo Olympics

A total of nine athletes, who have previously been supported by Derbyshire Institute of Sport, have now booked their places to Tokyo this summer.

Jess Turner sealed her place at the Olympics after winning Gold at the Muller British Championships in the 400m hurdles. She had previously achieved the Olympic qualifying time more than once this year, so when she won at the weekend with a stadium record time of 54.83 she automatically qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

Jess said: “My dream since I was a little girl has come true!”

Para-badminton champion Jack Shephard will make history as one of the first two badminton athletes to ever represent Team GB in the Paralympics.

DIS performance consultant and former national badminton coach Andy Wood explained: “Para-badminton is being included for the first time at Tokyo 2020 and it has always been Jack’s aim to represent his country and win Gold. I am delighted for him that he has this opportunity.”

Andy has led national badminton teams through five Olympic cycles.

Chesterfield’s Liam Pitchford will compete at his third Olympics at the age of just 27. He competed in the table tennis team events at both the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. In 2016, he helped Team GB to reach the quarter-finals where they were defeated by the Chinese team who ultimately took Gold. Liam also competed in the singles in Rio, reaching the last 32.

Six other former DIS athletes had previously been announced as Olympians. They are swimmers Jacob Whittle, Molly Renshaw, Sarah Vasey and Abbie Wood and marathon runners Jessica Piasecki and Ben Connor.

DIS managing director Chloe Maudsley said: “The good news just keeps coming for athletes who worked with us. Our aim when we set up DIS after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was to increase the number of Derbyshire-based world-class athletes. We hit our initial target of creating and supporting 20 world-class athletes by 2020 and that success has now been crowned by the nine athletes going to Tokyo this summer. We can’t wait to cheer them on.

“I’d also like to thank the businesses who sponsor DIS and its athletes through our Thrive Programme. Their support makes it possible for us to help talented athletes become world champions.”

To find out more, ring Chloe on 07974 231564 or email her at info@derbyshireis.co.uk

DIS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield Champions welcome the lifting of Covid restrictions

Chesterfield Champions have welcomed the lifting of Covid restrictions, although some with a note of caution, following Monday’s announcement that, subject to a final review of the data, legal restrictions will end on Monday 19 July.

The lifting of the remaining lockdown restrictions is expected to further boost the local economy. Most recently East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2021, State of the Economy Index showed its highest score since Q3 2018. The score has replaced hopes for a steady recovery post pandemic to big growth expectations for the region.

Cllr Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Like town centres up and down the country, it’s been an incredibly difficult time for our businesses – as well as the wider community. But Chesterfield is a resilient place and we have some truly inspiring independent businesses. By continuing to work really closely together, and with our partners like East Midlands Chamber and Destination Chesterfield, we’re confident in our town’s ability to bounce back from the impact of the pandemic.”

Cllr Kate Sarvent

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield added: “It’s been a long hard road for many Chesterfield Champions, but light is finally at the end of the tunnel. What we have seen during this time is what a tightly knit, resilient and supportive business community there is in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire and I am very much looking forward to seeing people within it face-to-face at our events going forward.”

Dom Stevens

Destination Chesterfield is hosting its first in-person event in 16 months on Wednesday 7 July, when it hosts the judging for the Food Producer of the Year award at Casa Hotel for the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards.

Venues, including hotels, theatres and training providers, have particularly welcomed the lifting of restrictions which will enable them to return to full capacity 16 months after the pandemic started.

John Croot, Chief Executive at Chesterfield FC is looking forward to the team’s ground once again being full. He said: “We are delighted to hear that the restrictions will be lifted. People have been waiting for this news for so long.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Technique Stadium. We have a number of events in our hospitality lounges over the next few months and it will be great to see the rooms full again.”

John Croot, Photographer Gray Hughes

Lotty Hawkins, Assistant Manager at Matlock Farm Park echoed John saying: “We‘re looking forward to seeing the children’s delight when they first go the play centre – it’s going to be lovely having the building filled with children’s voices again.”

Lotty Hawkins

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles commented: “While the hospitality industry is enjoying a great summer bounce back, it has still been severely held back by capacity limits that have also affected the leisure and events industries.

“So there will now be a lot of excitement in the countdown to 19 July, when we sincerely hope the Government will indeed go ahead with stage four of its roadmap to reopening our economy and lift almost all the remaining restrictions.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

Fiaz Sadiq, Managing Director for ActionCOACH Chesterfield: “It’s great to hear from the Prime Minister that the easing of restrictions will be lifted from Monday 19 July, it’s a very positive and welcomed decision that we feel everyone was hoping for! Particularly, small independent businesses, as we’ve seen first-hand the devastating effects that this pandemic has caused, and the real struggle for so many!”

Fiaz Sadiq

Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is amongst the raft of businesses that have been impacted by the restrictions. Dawn Brown, owner of Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care explained: “The lifting of the restrictions will enable me now to hold an open day to showcase our services to new and old clients.  We look after people’s fur babies and not being able to show them around has limited the number of new clients sending their dogs to us.  Luckily our reputation has been enough for most clients to send their pooch without looking around but it will be great when we can organise viewings again.”

Suppliers and service providers to the hospitality sector are equally excited to see the lifting of restrictions. John Smith, Director at Accountancy Recruitment Group, said: “Our market has been very busy throughout the pandemic but the changes from the 19 July should, in particular, see a positive bounce-back for our clients across hospitality and leisure sectors.”

Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of bridge finance company Bridge Help agreed saying: “I believe we will see increased investment in commercial property, particularly in the hospitality sector, across the country and locally which is great news for the town.”

Chris Sellars

While the lifting of restrictions has generally been welcomed, a number of businesses, particularly those in the healthcare, beauty and retail sectors in the town centre, have advised caution and requested that customers continue to wear masks if they feel unwell.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth- Owner, Less than Zero Barbers said: “We think it’s now appropriate for people to get back to their day to day lives without compulsory restrictions or mask wearing. It will be good practise though, when people are unwell, to wear a mask wherever possible to limit any risk to themselves and others.”

Martin Wallis-Keyworth

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic and a registered nurse agreed saying: “Throughout covid restrictions we have all practiced very safely and will maintain the high level of cleanliness to help prevent any risk of virus transmission – Covid or otherwise.  I hope that people will continue to use their judgement and if they have any sign of any infection, they take the necessary precautions.”

The Goldsmith Clinic

Stuart Chambers, part of the management team at Pavements Shopping Centre: “I hope that people will realise they have responsibility towards others as well as themselves. I will continue with the mask and hand sanitising because it makes sense.”

Lotty added: “I think that most people will still exercise some caution as Covid-19 clearly remains a big issue. However, our visitors have always exercised personal responsibility and we hope that courtesy for others will continue. The advantage of visiting Matlock Farm Park is that we provide such a large outdoor area where people can maintain distance from others.”

Despite some nervousness remaining about Covid, many businesses who have adopted homeworking during the pandemic are looking forward to a return to the workplace for both staff and customers.

Scott Knowles added: “Dropping homeworking guidance for office-based businesses is another important step in our return to normality. While we expect the future of work to be a hybrid between the office and home where this is possible for some, the majority of businesses we represent have told us the office will remain a key part of their organisations – especially for younger employees who benefit from working alongside more senior colleagues and have perhaps felt more socially isolated during the pandemic.”

Lisa Stones, Director, Mortgage 1st said: “The one thing we are looking forward to the most is being able to get together as a team. We have advisers all over the county and have missed spending time together both for business and pleasure. We have a party planned later this month for the whole team so we can celebrate and raise a glass to everyone’s hard work and dedication over the last year and a half.”

Lisa Stones

Kerry Bentley, Managing Director at DBC Training added: “Our delivery centres re-opened to learners in March with appropriate social distancing and covid-secure measures in place, however, many of our learners have continued to engage in online and remote learning. As restrictions are lifted, we hope to see an increase in public confidence in attending classroom-based learning and we are looking forward to welcoming more people into our Chesterfield delivery centre.”

Kerry Bentley

Despite some trepidation about restrictions being eased, businesses are optimistic for what the future holds for both them and the town.

Fiaz Sadiq added: “Now that restrictions are lifting, owners can really start to work on the plans they had for the future of their business, which will in turn will help with the regrowth of this thriving and beautiful little market town, and we can’t wait to see how it bounces back.”

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers said: “We’re looking forward to weddings going ahead. Many of our wedding ring customers have had to postpone their celebrations and are excited to celebrate with friends and family later this year. Coupled with the lockdown proposals, it’s set to be a great year for weddings and we’re so looking forward to meeting more couples and creating their dream wedding rings.

“Lockdown hasn’t dulled our sparkle and now we’re looking forward to shining brightly with our lovely family, friends and customers in Chesterfield.”

Adorn Jewellers

Adorn Jewellers

Cllr Sarvent added: “The borough as a whole is benefitting from a £1bn growth programme which is bringing forward new jobs and opportunities for local people. Likewise, our town centre is not standing still. We’re investing in significant town centre developments and improvements including the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, work on Elder Way and plans to revitalise the market.

“Enquiries from businesses wanting to start, grow or relocate in Chesterfield are on the rise, and early indications show that the number of people shopping in Chesterfield town centre is heading in the right direction, moving back towards pre-Covid levels.

“Since the start of the pandemic we’ve paid out over £48.5m worth of Government grants – a lifeline to our businesses. We’re fully behind our town centre and high streets and continue to have a range of support packages in place to help them get back on their feet, as we move beyond Covid-19 restrictions.

“The council has funded the new Digital High Street project which is helping businesses branch out online, our Love Chesterfield campaign is encouraging people to shop local and has a range of free marketing resources for our independents to use. We also have a dedicated town centre engagement officer who provides advice and support. In addition, this summer we’ve launched a new-look events programme, including our popular specialist markets and at our fantastic arts and leisure venues, all of which are encouraging people back into our town centre, safely.”

There are more than 180 Chesterfield Champions, a network of businesses, charities, schools and training providers who are driving the development of the local economy, shaping its future and showcasing all that is good about the area.

To become a member of the Chesterfield Champions scheme, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/sign-up/

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

Chesterfield Borough Council secures the future of The Pavements Shopping Centre

Chesterfield Borough Council has completed the purchase of The Pavements Shopping Centre – a move which ensures the council can lead and control the future development of this key town centre site.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “The Pavements Shopping Centre is an important part of Chesterfield’s town centre offer. It is home to be a mix of national brand and independent retailers and still attracts good footfall for a shopping centre of its age.

“By bringing the freehold and leasehold interests together, the council will be able to better control the future direction of the shopping centre, shape the Southern Gateway to Chesterfield town centre and ensure alignment with our other ambitious plans to put the beat back into the heart of our town.

“It’s a chance for the council and its partners to re-imagine and re-purpose the current shopping centre and, in time, create a landmark mixed-use regeneration scheme.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has always owned the land (the freehold) on which The Pavements is built and also manages and operates the shopping centre on a day to day basis, but the leasehold has been held until now by a successor company to the CIN Pension Fund which originally built The Pavements back in the early 1980s.

Before moving forward with the purchase, the council sought specialist advice from independent property investment advisors, who concluded that the proposal to consolidate the freehold and leasehold interests under the council’s exclusive control was financially prudent in the current economic climate.

Councillor Gilby added: “This purchase will not only help ensure The Pavements Shopping Centre is a key part of our long-term strategy for re-vitalising the town centre, it also protects the council’s financial position.”

Retailers and shoppers will not notice any immediate changes in the day to day management and operation of the Pavements Shopping Centre. Any emerging plans for the future direction of the shopping centre will be communicated to retailers in the first instance and when better defined will also be subject to wider public consultation.

 

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

UK’s largest Chambers of Commerce urge Prime Minister to confirm full project delivery of HS2

HS2 is about “much more than a new railway” and should be viewed as a catalyst for levelling up, according to chief executives at the four largest Chambers of Commerce along the route – as they urged the Prime Minister to deliver the project in full.

Scott Knowles at East Midlands Chamber, Henrietta Brealey at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Clive Memmott OBE at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and Sandy Needham DL at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce – whose organisations represent more than 14,000 businesses combined – claimed the high-speed rail project “remains fundamentally misunderstood” as only a transport investment.

In a joint letter to Boris Johnson, they said HS2 would bring strong economic growth to each of their areas and called for the “speedy confirmation” of its delivery in full and as planned.

A final sign-off on how and when the project will be delivered has been delayed on several occasions and is now expected in the Autumn.

In the letter, the Chambers of Commerce leaders say: “We believe that HS2 remains fundamentally misunderstood.

“In many quarters, it is still viewed as being purely a rail investment project sitting within the Department for Transport.

“The various reviews done to date – and in which we have wholeheartedly participated – have approached it almost universally as being solely about transport investment, judging it through this singular lens with regards to cost/benefit analysis.

“Such an understanding of HS2 is hopelessly flawed. While even with this narrow focus the project still more than stands up to scrutiny given capacity constraints, connection shortfalls and the need to upgrade transport to green, clean alternatives, we cannot emphasise enough how HS2 is about much, much more than a new railway.”

The letter points out how each of the regions where HS2 will pass through have developed local plans for growth that have centred around the opportunities it will bring.

Not only do they consider the immediate vicinity of the stations, but also further afield through enhanced local connectivity, “often in areas that have faced chronic underinvestment over a number of years”.

“This growth is about new business investment, house building, place regeneration, high-skilled job creation, innovation, green technologies and more,” the leaders add.

“Indeed, we are already seeing these plans start to come to fruition across Birmingham, where the certainty of the first phase of HS2 has already spurred private sector investment and development.

“Without the development of HS2 as promised, these plans will be critically undermined, and any delivery that does happen will certainly not be of the magnitude aspired to.”

Rather than just being viewed as a transport project, the four chief executives believe it should be regarded as a “levelling up game changer” and an opportunity to rebalance the UK’s economy.

While much of the conversation around the project since its launch a decade ago has focused on cutting journey times to London, they argue it goes much further.

They add: “It is a comprehensive transformation programme that will change the way as a country we approach innovation, environmental commitments, skills development, modern methods of construction and more – not to mention our broader understanding of the ways in which we live, learn and work.

“Ultimately this is about the most ambitious investment made by this country in living memory and its returns will be realised across multiple facets of our economy for generations to come.”

Although the Prime Minister has previously provided assurances that HS2 would be delivered in full, other ministers and Government officials have more recently suggested this may not happen.

The Chambers of Commerce leaders round off the letter by reiterating their belief that “anything other than the full development of the new HS2 line on the scale and scope intended will fall short of what is needed”.

They add: “We believe that any such decision would, in time, come to be viewed as a significant missed opportunity for the UK to demonstrate itself as the ambitious, future-thinking, world-leading country we know ourselves to be.

“In the immediate term, it would send the wrong signal to investors at home and abroad as the economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic.

“Beyond this, it would stunt our possibilities for future development, hamstringing our longer-term growth ambitions.”

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

Chesterfield school pupils create artwork for highly anticipated Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

Pupils at a Chesterfield school have created an artwork for display in the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre that celebrates the history of the site.

The year five and six pupils from Abercrombie Primary School visited the site on Monday (5 July) where they presented their artwork to representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council, Robert Woodhead Ltd and Whittam Cox Architects.

Whilst visiting the site the pupils also got to learn more about how the building has been constructed and the different types of jobs involved in the process.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It was fantastic to receive this artwork for our new enterprise centre and it will be proudly displayed in one of the meeting rooms. I want to thank all the children for their incredible effort in creating this piece of art.

“This project has also been a positive opportunity for the young people to learn more about construction industry and introduce them to the possibility of a future career in this sector. I hope they all had an enjoyable visit and learned more about the building.”

As part of the council’s planning permission the development is subject to a Local Labour Clause which has created 135 local jobs, three apprenticeships and generated over £1.7m of contracts across the local supply chain. It also commits the contractor to supporting skills development and both Robert Woodhead Group and Whittam Cox Architects have engaged in this through initiatives such as My Future, Women in Construction Mentoring Programme, virtual workplace tours and this project.

Matt Bust, of contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd said: “We are so pleased to have been able to work with Abercrombie Primary School. I would like to thank the students for their creative efforts to produce such a great piece of artwork. I am looking forward to seeing it in the new Enterprise Centre.”

Andy Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects and Chair of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Forum commented: “It is wonderful to be engaged on such projects where corporate and social responsibility goes beyond words and is evidenced through our actions. Now more than ever our industry needs to work harder together to support developing an accessible platform for the next generation and when you see the quality of work produced by Abercrombie Primary School why would you not want to capture that talent!

“The Chesterfield Construction and Property Group was established with a clear purpose to support our local community, through collaboration and engagement, and if anyone from the sector would like to get involved, please do get in touch.”

The pupils were asked to create the artwork by Chesterfield Borough Council, Robert Woodhead Ltd and Whittam Cox Architects earlier this year. They were given some information about the history of the site to help inspire them to create this work. It will be displayed in one of the meeting rooms in the new centre.

The new Enterprise Centre will include 32 high quality office suites in a range of sizes (26 to 120 square metres) and state of the art meeting facilities. It will have 24/7 access, an IT fibre connection which offers maximum speed multi bandwidth capability, Wi-Fi and air conditioning throughout. With its town centre location, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is easily accessible by car, train, bus and cycle users.

Together these features will ensure it appeals to any company looking to become established in Chesterfield.

The project builds on the success of the council’s Dunston and Tapton Innovation Centres which for many years have offered excellent support and accommodation to innovative and growing businesses.

The centre is well connected in a town centre location and is classed as ‘grade A’ office accommodation – a mark of the highest quality. Prospective tenants can find out more on the Enterprise Centre webpage, by emailing economic.development@chesterfield.gov.uk, or by calling 01246 345255.

For property and construction professionals who wish to find out more about getting involved with the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, please email PropertyGroup@chesterfield.co.uk or visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/

 

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

Chesterfield’s Heathcotes Group to create 150 new jobs across the region

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a recruitment drive in the Midlands to support the expansion of its care services at various locations across region.

With plans to increase its care provision in the next 12 months, the company is seeking around 150 support workers for residential services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

Heathcotes is offering permanent roles in Chesterfield, Derby, Mansfield, New Mills, Newark, Nottingham, Northampton, and Wellingborough. No care sector experience is necessary as new staff will be benefit from comprehensive training.

Heathcotes recruitment business partner, Emily Frost, said:

“The past year has put an immense strain on providers of social care, but Heathcotes are very proud of the response from our frontline teams – they have been incredibly impressive in rising to the challenge. We are gradually emerging from the pandemic with a renewed sense of positivity and we have resumed plans to expand.

“Attracting talented, dedicated people to our organisation is a vital part of those plans. Safety remains the primary concern in our sector, and Heathcotes continue to follow enhanced safety procedures, including testing three times a week, comprehensive PPE provision and robust risk assessment. Combined with the roll-out of the vaccination programme, these measures ensure that our colleagues can continue to do their vital work as safely as possible in a low-risk environment.”

Heathcotes has experienced a sharp rise in applications over the past 12 months. The company believes the surge in candidates has been driven by increasing job insecurity and changing perceptions of social care as a profession.

Emily said: “I think the impact of covid has given everyone a greater appreciation of the work we do in social care. That has inspired a new intake to our workforce, keen to make a difference in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We are also welcoming many applications from people working in severely affected sectors such as retail and hospitality.

“In social care, we can offer job security and the opportunity for long-term career progression – in these uncertain times, that is enormously valuable. Heathcotes fund all training and invest in the professional development of our colleagues – in the work we do, the most important starting qualification is a caring, compassionate nature and a desire to have a lasting positive impact on people’s lives.”

Heathcotes Group’s range of specialist services supports individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, Personality Disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy. With a head office in Chesterfield, the company offers full-time residential care services alongside supported living which enables service users to develop their independence in self-contained accommodation backed by 24-hour care support when needed.

Heathcotes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Emily Frost, Heathcotes Group

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