Chesterfield manufacturing

Growth continues for Superior Wellness with acquisition of European hot tub manufacturer

Chesterfield-based Superior Wellness, the world’s fastest-growing manufacturer and distributor of hot tubs and wellness products, has acquired the ongoing trading business of Portcril, a well-established and respected Portuguese hot tub company.

This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Superior Wellness’s ambitious growth strategy, further solidifying its position as a global leader in the wellness industry.

With a robust network of over 500 partners worldwide, Superior Wellness is the parent brand of some of the most loved and best-selling hot tub, ice bath, and sauna brands, including Platinum Spas, AquaSolus, HEKLA, and Chill Tubs. The addition of Portcril to the Superior Wellness family is a testament to the company’s commitment to expanding its international footprint and delivering high-quality wellness products to customers across the globe.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Portcril into the Superior Wellness family,” said Rob Carlin, Managing Director of Superior Wellness. “Portcril has a strong legacy in the hot tub industry, and we look forward to working closely with José and Diogo, from the founding family and current Executive Directors of Portcril, to build on their success. This acquisition not only strengthens our product portfolio but also allows us to continue delivering exceptional products and services to our customers, with the addition of a European production facility and operating base to our global network of manufacturing and operational facilities.”

Gareth Ward, Global Sales Director of Superior Wellness, shared his excitement about the new European facility: “I’m thrilled to announce the acquisition of Portcril, the renowned European hot tub manufacturer! After spending time at their facility and working closely with their team over the past few months, I’m incredibly excited about this significant milestone for Superior Wellness. This acquisition represents a major achievement for all involved and marks a huge step forward for our company.”

Portcril, known for its innovation and dedication to quality hot tub manufacturing, has been a staple in the European hot tub market for decades. As part of this acquisition, all 44 employees of Portcril will retain their full-time employment and have their continuing employment rights honoured. They have been warmly welcomed into the Superior Wellness team. Portcril will continue to fulfil all current orders, ensuring a seamless transition for existing customers, and will endeavour to honour historical customer warranties using Superior Wellness systems and support.

José and Diogo Teixeira, the Executive Directors of Portcril, expressed their enthusiasm for the future: “Joining forces with Superior Wellness is an exceptional next step for us. We are confident that this partnership will allow Portcril to thrive for many more decades, and we are excited to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking company.”

As Superior Wellness continues to push the boundaries of innovation in the wellness industry, the acquisition of Portcril represents a bold step forward in its mission to become the global leader in hot tubs, saunas, and cold therapy products. Customers can expect the same high standards of excellence and service that have become synonymous with all Superior Wellness brands.

Chesterfield offers a perfectly located hub in the centre of England for manufacturing and engineering companies. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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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New initiative to boost skills in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector

A new programme aims to help businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sector upskill their staff and bring new people into the sector.

Manufacturing Futures is a new STEM skills programme that will help increase capacity to support more work-based learning programmes including T-levels, apprenticeships, work experience and internships to ensure there is a future pipeline of talent to work in the sector.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the programme will lead to the creation of new classroom facilities at local business United Cast Bar and will provide mentoring to around 30 people already employed in the sector.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “Chesterfield has a proud tradition of engineering and manufacturing, but we need to ensure this sector can continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our residents. I’m pleased that we have been able to fund this programme as it will help people advance their careers and support our residents to take up roles in this sector in the future.

“Working in partnership with businesses and education providers is key to ensuring this programme is effective and provides the support the sector needs.”

Chesterfield College has been appointed to deliver the training elements included within the programme.

James Lund, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Business Growth at Chesterfield College Group, said: “Chesterfield College are really excited to be involved in the delivery of this project in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum and United Cast Bar UK Limited. This will be a real catalyst to increasing the engagement with young people in the local area, to support the future staffing needs of the manufacturing sector. It will create a positive legacy that can be built on for many years to come.”

The programme has been introduced following discussions with the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and as well as technical training it will include practical sessions with local employers.

James Brand, Managing Director (Foundries) at United Cast Bar and Chair of the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum, said: “We are really excited to be able to put this facility in place. It will give us the perfect location to provide upskilling to both our workforce and other businesses in the Manufacturing community.

“The space will also provide a place of learning for T Level and apprenticeship qualifications, allowing UCB to work even more closely with the College and local schools is fantastic.”

The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of several skills programmes to receive funding which will help ensure local residents can advance their career and that the local economy can grow.

This is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Weightron weighbridge manufacturing - sparks flying as employee welds metal

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Chesterfield celebrates town’s innovation and skills this National Manufacturing Day

As National Manufacturing Day 2024 (26 September) shines a spotlight on the industry nationally, Chesterfield’s manufacturers have spoken about why they love working in the sector, and how they’re navigating current challenges.

Manufacturing represents 8% of all employment in the town, significantly higher than the national average of 4.5%. While the sector has faced challenges such as rising energy costs, the impact of Brexit, and the lingering effects of a global pandemic, the sector continues to show resilience and plays a vital role in the town’s economic landscape.

Chesterfield’s manufacturing heritage dates back several decades, with the former Staveley Works, Dema Glass and Bryan Donkin factories previously dominating the town’s landscape. Now, thanks to collaborations leading to widespread regeneration across Chesterfield, the sector has welcomed many new businesses to our area, showcasing the pivotal role manufacturing and engineering still plays in the town’s economy.

Products now manufactured in Chesterfield include bespoke holiday lodges, industrial centrifuges and weighbridges, cast iron bars and sustainable packaging solutions just to name a few. But as the sector adapts to change, delegates at a recent Round Table discussion hosted by Destination Chesterfield in conjunction with the Derbyshire Times, discussed the current landscape.

Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council, acknowledged the evolving nature of manufacturing in Chesterfield: “We’ve seen a decline in the number of jobs in the sector over the last decade, but at the same time we’ve seen an increase in the number of businesses. The lower numbers of people in employment are thought to be as a result of automation and new technologies. We are still seeing strength in manufacturing locally, and it continues to be a really important sector for us.”

Chesterfield’s manufacturing industry has adapted to these changes by embracing new technologies and focusing on creating a positive working environment. Craig Morrison, Operations Director at Pinelog Ltd, a premium holiday lodge producer, emphasised the satisfaction derived from manufacturing: “It’s been massively rewarding but hugely challenging. I can’t imagine not producing. I just love being able to stand back and say ‘Yeah, I’ve created that.’”

While automation and technology play crucial roles, the human element remains indispensable. Alan Britland, Workshop and Service Manager at MSE Hiller shares his passion for the industry. “I’ve lived in some great places and met some brilliant people along the way. I’ve enjoyed every second of it, but it’s true that you never switch off from it. It has been really rewarding for me and I would tell anybody to go into engineering.”

David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Paints, highlights the practical benefits of careers in manufacturing. “One of the big draws is that you get a reliable income and reliable hours. It’s a well-paid, honest profession where you have satisfaction in what you’re doing. It’s a robust working environment but one where you’ll also make genuine friends.”

Business director in suit speaks with employee in overalls at manufacturing business

Diversity remains a focal point for the industry, with ongoing efforts to improve representation. Ian Bates, Policy and Representation Manager at East Midlands Chamber, underscored a critical issue: “A lot of women are interested in maths, science, and STEM, but it seems to be knocked out of them as they get to A-levels. We need to ensure that these students see practical roles in the sector as viable career options.”

Emily Williams adds: “Chesterfield Borough Council has previously worked with the Chesterfield Property and Construction group to deliver a ‘women in mentoring’ programme, and as part of that, we engaged with the Derbyshire BAME forum. Feedback indicated that marketing materials did not reflect diverse role models. There is opportunity to address these perceptions and make manufacturing more inclusive.”

The importance of visible role models is echoed by Craig Morrison. “If more women and girls are seeing female engineers, suddenly it becomes possible to them. 20 or 30 years ago, that wouldn’t have been advertised and it wouldn’t have been visible. As a sector, we’ve started sowing seeds on that front.”

David Beckford’s experience reflects a broader European challenge: “You see the senior leaders of manufacturing companies across Europe, and only a few are female. It’s a family-owned business culture, which has its own dynamics. We’re half-owned by a female founder. So, it’s always been in my DNA working in a female-led business.”

MTM Manufacturing

Amidst challenges, the successes of Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector deserve recognition. Matt Close, UK Business Lead at NeoDyne, highlights the importance of finding the right fit for his business when recruiting young talent: “The biggest thing I look for in someone is attitude. They need to have an inquisitive mind. There is no question that diversity will bring benefits to most organisations. It’s quite interesting being able to set up a new office. Because people don’t look around and think that they’re the only female. We took four women on when we opened here in Chesterfield. That’s not something that everyone can do when you’ve already got a workforce and it’s predominantly male.”

The discussion also emphasised the importance of celebrating achievements to raise the profile of the sector. Craig Morrison added: “Sometimes you need to show positives. If you’ve got a good news story, shout about it. Everyone is good at looking at where things went wrong, but what you need to be sharing more of is what went right. I suppose it’s human nature sometimes to focus on the negative. But if we are performing above average, then we should celebrate that.”

David Beckford concurs, underscoring the resilience of UK manufacturers. “I think we see too many negative headlines around our sector. ‘Jobs at risk’ is the headline you’ll see more often than ‘jobs created’. Everyone in the business today has got through all the challenges we’ve had thrown our way in recent years. Resilience has now become a default position, so the fact that you still exist should be celebrated for one thing.”

Chesterfield is the perfect place to work if you’re looking for a new challenge or want to progress in your current career. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/working/

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Manufacturing round table 2024

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Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as businesses celebrate 10 years of innovative scheme

Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renowned Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.

Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.

Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.

Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.

Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.

Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.

Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to Chesterfield’s future. Learn more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield by visiting https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contacting Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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Franklin & Sons Partners with Red Engine to achieve sustainability goals

Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.

The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.

Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.

Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21st century.

The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.

Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.

Dustin Acton, Chief Operating Officer at Red Engine, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, commenting: “We have worked with the team at Franklin & Sons for a couple of years now and we’re impressed with how much they value our partnership, going above and beyond to meet our business needs.

“Franklin & Sons is fully aligned with our morals and values and consistently looks for ways to add value to our business, showing true commitment to nurturing a collaborative relationship.”

James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”

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

Global Branks team packing products in warehouse

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Return of Made in Chesterfield to inspire the next generation of manufacturers and engineers

A campaign which aims to close skills gaps in Chesterfield by providing young people with tours of leading manufacturing, engineering and construction businesses is returning for the tenth time.

Made in Chesterfield has already introduced more than 3,600 young people to the prospect of a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) sectors, with more set to gain valuable insights this November.

The campaign, coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership and sponsored by Chesterfield College, was officially launched at a celebration event alongside the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions yesterday (Wednesday, 8th November).

Figures published in East Midlands Chamber’s Q3 economic survey revealed that 58% of manufacturers across the region which tried to recruit experienced problems in finding suitable staff. At the same time, Chesterfield Borough Council has forecast that 3750 people are expected to be working in the sector across the borough by 2030.

These figures outline the requirement for a strong, skilled pipeline of talented individuals to secure the future growth of these industries across the town.

During Made in Chesterfield, secondary school pupils will gain access to firms such as Weightron Bilanciai – an international firm that makes industrial weighbridges, Superior Wellness, a hot tub manufacturer listed as one of the UK’s top 50 fastest-growing businesses, and Dalton Roofing, a family-run business operating in Chesterfield’s property and construction sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “Made in Chesterfield continues to play an important role in showcasing the wide range of career options available to young people in our town.

“Having hosted several tours at my own business, I’ve seen first-hand how the campaign inspires those thinking about their future options. We know a career in manufacturing can be extremely rewarding, and our sector needs to keep generating a strong pipeline of talented individuals for the future to keep our business and wider economy thriving.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of the Chesterfield College Group commented: “Having sponsored Made in Chesterfield for the past few years I’ve seen the real impact the initiative has. As a stepping stone between student and employer, we are proud to help this campaign inspire young people considering a rewarding career in Chesterfield’s growing manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.

“With work on our new cutting-edge Engineering, Manufacturing and Science Centre due to commence this year and our partnership with the Construction Skills Hub now running in Staveley we’ll continue to equip more local people with the right skills required to build a successful career and help to strengthen the local and regional economy.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “Made in Chesterfield makes an important contribution to the CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance) offer across the area; providing context for learners of the world of work, showcasing local opportunities, and enabling employers to meet potential future employees”.

To find out more about the activity taking place throughout the MADE in Chesterfield programme, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

The Destination Chesterfield Partnership has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

Made in Chesterfield launch

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Support available to assist Chesterfield manufacturers in utilising digital technology

Businesses in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector are being encouraged to find out more about a scheme aimed at helping them boost their organisations with digital technology.

Made Smarter East Midlands is a support programme which aims to help firms in the sector grow by utilising digital technologies, increasing efficiency, reducing downtime and getting products to market faster.

The project is supporting manufacturers which employ ten or more staff and are based in the D2N2 region (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire), along with Leicestershire or Lincolnshire.

The Made Smarter Programme offers ‘Digital Transformation Road Mapping’ to help companies set out their 3-5 year transformation and cultural change journey. The scheme can provide technical expertise, consultancy and grant funding to help implement the changes detailed in the road map.

Made Smarter East Midlands will support firms in their development, adoption and implementation of emerging technologies, making a real, everyday difference to people across the business, from the boardroom to the factory floor.

World-renowned businesses and the UK government back this programme, and a team of specialist technology experts can provide businesses with personalised advice, identify the right digital tools, and help companies make strategic and everyday improvements to their manufacturing business.

In addition, business leaders can advance their own skills with the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation Programme. Developed with Loughborough University, this programme enhances leadership capabilities and makes the transition to digital technology easier.

D2N2 LEP’s Sector Engagement Manager, Lucie Andrews, said: “I encourage local businesses to apply for the Made Smarter East Midlands support programme. You’ll get a real boost for your manufacturing, help in driving up your productivity and efficiency savings and receive support for your business to work leaner and smarter.”

Applications for the Made Smarter programme are proving very popular, so be sure to express your interest now to avoid disappointment. To find out more and take the first step towards digitising your manufacturing business, register your interest today.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your manufacturing business here in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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Robinson creates packaging for Biscuiteers

Chesterfield-based manufacturer Robinson, which specialises in value-added custom packaging, is creating a range of boxes for Biscuiteers.

Biscuiteers Baking Company is a British gifting retailer, specialising in both bespoke and corporate hand-iced biscuits, chocolates, and cakes.

Robinson were approached to supply rigid boxes with a stylish pristine white paper and detailed embossing. The boxes are contemporary looking with a solid black printed finish and gold foil blocking.

The letterbox designs come in both a solid lid version and a window option to highlight the beautifully hand decorated iced biscuits.

biscuiteers

Liliana Bonilla – purchasing manager at Biscuiteers commented: “Robinson Paperbox have helped us with their stockholding facility. This enables us to bulk order so we can achieve better pricing and call off the stock as required to meet our customers’ demand”.

Jon Walker – New business development manager at Robinson Paperbox Packaging commented:” Working with Biscuiteers on existing and new boxes has been very exciting. Our recently installed SATE machine offers both extremely high quality and good rates of efficiencies. The detailed foil blocking design needed to be applied accurately to the lid, and our new machine allows us to do this to an exceptionally high standard due to it having the lowest tolerances.”

Robinson were also recently awarded FSC ® certification (Licence code: FSC-C186000) for its Paperbox division.

FSC certification ensures that all products produced at Paperbox are sustainable. FSC-managed forests help provide clean air and water by restricting hazardous chemicals and following strict harvesting and forestry practices. Their work also helps ensure a diversity of animals, trees and plants as well as providing safe working conditions for everyone involved.

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

Find out more about why Chesterfield is an excellent location to base your manufacturing business: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

Robinsons packaging

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Chesterfield cold storage provider progresses with major expansion

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage, has announced significant progress on the construction of a new extension at its Chesterfield cold storage facility.

The provider of temperature-controlled storage solutions is currently working on numerous projects that aim to reshape the cold storage sector, creating sustainable storage solutions.

Following a recent announcement of the company’s £130m development at Easton, Grantham, and the significant expansion at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield, Magnavale is making significant strides towards its Net Zero goals.

Since breaking ground earlier this year, the project at Magnavale’s Chesterfield facility has reached several important milestones, bringing the UK project closer to the expected completion date of late 2024.

Site excavation on the new facility has been successfully completed, and the concrete foundations have been poured. Over the course of the summer, Magnavale’s team will shift its focus towards the steelwork construction of the cold store.

On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold store’s existing capacity of 40,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 65,000. This will make it one of the largest cold stores in the area.

This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperature-controlled facilities and value-added services.

The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave up-tempering and contract packing. Coupled with its strategic location, just off the M1, Magnavale Chesterfield is extremely desirable for food manufacturers that wish to cut unnecessary cost, risk, and complexity from their cold chain.

Perfectly located in the centre of England and just off the M1 motorway network, Chesterfield is home to a number of leading manufacturing and engineering businesses. Find out more about the benefits of locating your organisation in the town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

magnavale extension - artists impression

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Firms urged to inspire young people to explore careers in manufacturing, engineering, and construction

A campaign to inspire young people into manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers is set to return to Chesterfield this November.

Destination Chesterfield is calling upon local companies to get involved in the successful Made in Chesterfield scheme, which enables school pupils to get an up-close and personal look at what a career in these key sectors can offer.

The annual campaign, which will run during November and December 2023, is now in its ninth year. It aims to help reduce the skills gap in some of the town’s most valuable industries, to ensure local people and businesses can continue to thrive in the future.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield, alongside Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

Through the project, thousands of young people have had the chance to explore the wide range of rewarding careers available in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) sectors. Since the campaign’s inception in 2014, more than 3,500 young people from schools have spent time in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction businesses.

Headline sponsor of the project, Chesterfield College Group has also seen an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM-related subjects since the launch of the campaign.

Julie Richards, CEO of Chesterfield College Group and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, commented: “Having supported Made in Chesterfield consistently over the past few years I’ve seen the real impact the initiative has for the next generation engineering and construction workforce.

“As we position ourselves as a reliable conduit between student and employer to enable the opportunities and inspiration for successful future careers, supporting this initiative is something we feel passionate about.

“With work on our new cutting-edge Engineering, Manufacturing and Science Centre due to commence this year and our involvement with hugely impactful programmes such as the Staveley Construction Skills Hub, Made in Chesterfield further solidifies our commitment to ensuring the young people we serve have access to the very best opportunities in their chosen engineering and/or construction career.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “There is no doubt that we are experiencing a skills gap in manufacturing, caused by an ageing workforce. Therefore, it has never been more important to generate the future pipeline of talent to ensure our local manufacturing and engineering firms can continue to grow.

“Being able to offer these tours and interact with young people on a face-to-face basis provides them with an invaluable insight into the exciting potential and scope for growth that a career in STEM can offer.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth commented: “Made in Chesterfield is a fantastic programme that create an opportunity for businesses to interact with young people and help them to make informed choices about their future.

“We’re proud to support this programme because helping young people find the right path for them guarantees that they can have a great career in our borough but it also helps employers ensure that the future workforce is developing the skills that they will need.

“Together this will help improve the quality of life for residents whilst also creating a thriving local economy with opportunities for everyone.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “DEBP are pleased to be able to continue supporting the Made in Chesterfield initiative; enabling space for employers and young people to come together.

“Made in Chesterfield provides meaningful experiences for learners to increase their awareness of local opportunities, and for employers to showcase their businesses and meet potential future employees”.

To find out more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contact Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

The Destination Chesterfield Partnership has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

Made in Chesterfield - Students visit Aztec Oils

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Superior Wellness listed among UK’s fastest-growing firms for 2nd year running

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness ranks 30th on the FEBE For Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs Growth 100: an annual list that reveals the UK’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses.

Businesses must have sales between £3m and £200m, trading for at least three years and have turned an operating profit in the latest financial year to make it into the top 100.

The Growth 100 celebrates British business at its best – highlighting founders that are driving their companies to deliver significant sales, revenue and profit.

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. This year marks the 2nd in succession that the company has been listed on the FEBE Growth 100 list.

The firm continues to innovate and has recently launched new brands Chill Tubs and Hekla Saunas, which are proving a popular addition to its portfolio of products.

The company’s Chill Tubs brand was recently showcased on ITV’s This Morning, with presenter Matthew Wright taking a plunge in the water, which was cooled to 8.3 degrees.

To be on the list businesses must be UK registered, independent and unquoted, meeting the following criteria:

  • Sales between £3m and £200m
  • Trading for at least three years
  • An operating profit in the latest financial year
  • Founder(s) must still be involved

The Growth 100 annual list shines a light on the finest and fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country, where the founder or founders are still involved. The Growth 100 is run by FEBE, the club built for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.

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 30th 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.

superior wellness exterior

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