chesterfield news

Triple Award Success for Superior Wellness

After a challenging but rewarding 2020 the team at Chesterfield based Superior Wellness were successful in winning three awards at a prestigious event held virtually on 10 December 2020.

The first accolade was for UK Team of the Year – the team has doubled in size in the last 12 months to cope with the demand and to strive towards their future growth plans.

The culture and people are of upmost importance at Superior Wellness which is why people love working there. The team really went the extra mile in 2020; helping partners draft Covid guidelines and contactless delivery guides plus delivering hot tubs for them to enable them to keep staff on furlough during this challenging time.

The second award was for Best Marketing Initiative – this was for Notion, their online platform with training and development for partners, technical team and delivery drivers plus training for the company’s online CRM system.

It is a comprehensive online platform with a library of manuals and videos to help Superior Wellness’ teams and partners – this was vital in 2020 due to social distancing and not being able to undertake training face to face.

And finally Nic Walker was awarded Spa Technician of the Year. Nic started at the age of 16 in the hot tub industry working for then Superior Spas.

Five years later he is now the head technician and looks after 90 dealers across the UK. He is described as ‘reliable, loyal and a popular team member – always with a smile on his face.’

Superior Wellness also received a Gold Award in the Best Marketing Initiative category for the Superior Spas website which launched in August 2020 and a Silver Award for the Platinum Spas Barcelona hot tub in Product of the Year.

Rob Carlin, Managing Director at Superior Wellness said: “It is a great honour for us all to end the year with the award success, the team have been working hard all year and it’s great to see that all of their hard work has been recognised. I am extremely proud.”

Showcasing the best examples of spa and home wellness design from across the country, the UK Pool & Spa Awards celebrated it tenth anniversary with featured projects and products.

Investment in back garden hot tubs and swim spas has soared by an estimated 75% across the domestic water leisure sector in 2020 as home owners, unable to holiday during the global pandemic, instead opt to invest in wellness on their own doorsteps.

Winners across 30 categories were announced during a virtual presentation that, due to Covid-19 limitations, replaced the traditional face-to-face business networking and gala dinner format.

The 196 entrants were awarded gold, silver or bronze standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted over 2,000 online votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.

More information on the awards, including a full list of winners, can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

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Recognition for Woodhead Group’s commercial Manager

As a challenging 2020 drew to a close, Michael Broadhurst, Commercial Manager at Robert Woodhead Ltd, was the pin point of positivity and encouragement for the future. A major achievement for Michael was receiving the G4C Future Leader Award at the East Midlands Constructing Excellence Awards in December.

Michael first joined the company as part of his Degree at Sheffield Hallam in Building Surveying. The sandwich course he embarked on enabled him to build on his skills as a Trainee Project Co-ordinator on a 1 year placement.

Michael impressed so much during his placement that the company offered him the chance to continue his degree part time whilst continuing employment. He was part of a number of award winning projects such as the Cross Street Eco Town development whist completing his degree, graduating with a 1st Class Honours.

Michael has adopted the businesses values of Robert Woodhead ltd; Collaboration, Respect, Courage and Integrity, which are major elements to flourishing within his role.

He said: “It’s the team work approach, living and breathing our values and the collaboration between one another which ends in great results. The company invested in me that I am hugely grateful for and that’s a testament to them and the belief in their employees.

“The hard work by all is prominent throughout the company. Coaching and mentoring one another gives others the confidence for progression. Everyone joins together to allow collaborative progression and growth as a whole.”

His clear work ethic portrayed throughout his role enabled Michael, when he was 26 years old, to scoop the Young Achiever Award back in 2016 at the Constructing Excellence Awards.

Since this achievement Michael has received outstanding mentoring and support from Chris Tutin and Alistair Taylor, both Associate Directors of Robert Woodhead Limited.

Chris commented on Michael’s progression and determination to succeed within his role: “I have had the privilege of working alongside Michael for a number of years. As a Project Co-Ordinator he showed an immense amount of promise. I am glad to say that through his own hard work that promise has seen him develop into a substantially competent QS and more recently a deserved Commercial Manager.

“I am proud to call Michael a colleague and friend and am so pleased that his dedication has been recognised with this award. As the title suggests, I expect Michael to become a Future Leader within our industry one day.”

Michael believes the key to adopting and pursuing the correct skills to become a leader all branches from collaboration. The “honesty and trust” which is developed between colleagues is a vital piece in the jigsaw to becoming a confident and respected leader.

Shanice Wallace, Quantity Surveyor at Robert Woodhead Ltd commented on the mentoring she received from Michael over the years: “Michael is a great mentor, he allows the learning process to flow naturally and is always there to provide support when needed. His expertise has definitely been invaluable in my journey to becoming a Quantity Surveyor.”

A small piece of advice from Michael for others starting their journey in the industry was: “You can’t be a successful leader, if you don’t have a successful team working collaboratively. Go that extra mile and take the time to continually develop yourself and encourage others around you to flourish.”

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

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MPs praise Chesterfield College for its work in developing skills for the future

The Minister for Apprenticeship and Skills, Gillian Keegan MP, visited Chesterfield College virtually last week (Thursday, 28th January).

During the visit, she praised leaders of the college for the work they are undertaking and confirmed that the strategic direction of the organisation meets the ambitions of the Government’s vision for further education, and the role colleges will play in future skills development across the UK.

Local MPs, Toby Perkins, Lee Rowley and Mark Fletcher attended the visit, and pledged their support for the college and the vital role it plays in the development of local communities.

They also praised the college for the work it had undertaken before and during the pandemic.

The visitors explored how the college supports employers, students and apprentices whilst also discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the further education sector.

Topics for discussion included how the college is addressing local skills needs, creatively developing the curriculum, adapting to meet financial constraints, and responding to meet the needs of students and apprentices in lockdown.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group explained: “Our vision is to be recognised as an outstanding college by the communities we serve. We equip our students and apprentices with the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need for success in both their career and personal life.

“The college aims to be the first choice for education and skills in our local area, equipping individuals and employers with the skills they need both now and in the future, supporting our economy to grow and prosper.

“We are making significant progress in realising our vision and the proposals set out in the recently announced FE White Paper places the college in a very favourable position to address the ambitions of Government.

“However, to support the growth and development of people through further education we need parity of funding with schools and support to ensure both young people and adults can access the skills they need for a bright and prosperous future.”

Gillian Keegan MP said: “It was great to be able to virtually visit Chesterfield College to hear how they are supporting learners to build the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.

“I really enjoyed speaking to students Jack and Georgie, who have so much enthusiasm for their studies, and have continued to work hard during the lockdown to develop their skills and knowledge.”

The Minister met a student and an apprentice during the visit and asked about their experiences of learning with the college. Beauty Therapy student, Georgie McGregor and Electrical Installation Apprentice, Jack Harris who is completing his apprenticeship at the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, explained how the college is helping them to realise their ambitions.

The Minister asked them how lockdown was affecting their learning and what opportunities had arisen. She also asked about careers advice and the importance of supporting young people into the most appropriate study options.

Georgie told the Minister: “The college has a great programme to advise students of our careers options. We are provided with advice and guidance relating to the different routes open to us when we go out to the big wide world. Employers take part on our online learning which helps us to understand how to apply our skills in industry.”

“We are currently focusing on theory as part of the Level 3 course, by working online with live lessons delivered by our tutors. Getting the theory done means as soon as we can get back in the classroom we can use the knowledge we are gaining now to support us as we develop our practical skills.”

Jack explained how he spent his time during furlough getting ahead in his studies and completing 10 practice papers for his exam. His hard work paid off and he achieved a pass of 98%.

He told the Minister how the college has supported him as he has progressed through the levels of study and how hard he is working to fulfil his ambition to become Head Electrician at the Chatsworth Estate.

The Minister praised Jack and Georgie for their attitude and using their time wisely in lockdown.

She wished them well in their studies and promised to return to visit in person as soon as she is able, asking if Georgie would do her make-up when she comes to see the facilities and more of the initiatives she had heard about during her virtual visit.

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Chesterfield Mayor praises vaccination roll out after receiving first dose

Chesterfield’s Mayor has praised the local Covid-19 vaccination roll out after receiving her first dose last week, and is now urging residents to take the call and get vaccinated too.

Councillor Glenys Falconer received her first vaccination at the Chesterfield Borough Council-owned Winding Wheel Theatre on Friday 22 January after she was called up as part of the roll-out of the jab across Derbyshire.

Chesterfield’s iconic Winding Wheel Theatre and the Wheatbridge Surgery were the latest Covid-19 vaccination sites to open in the town earlier this month.

Councillor Falconer said: “I’m really impressed with the way vaccines are being rolled out here in Chesterfield. The vaccination site at the Winding Wheel Theatre is really well organised and the whole process was quick and straightforward.

“I’m really grateful to the NHS staff and volunteers who are working hard to deliver the vaccine to our residents.

“I was contacted directly by my GP to make an appointment. People will be contacted directly when they are in line for the jab, and I would encourage everyone to take this up and help us to ensure that we can protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Vaccinations are all by appointment only and patients should not contact their GP about a vaccination unless asked to do so.

People should not attend a vaccination centre without an appointment.

For more information visit joinedupcarederbyshire.co.uk/covid-19-information-and-advice

Meanwhile, Chesterfield Champions, PCT Healthcare and Casa Hotel have worked together to get a vaccination centre up and running at the hotel site, with jabs starting to take place from next week (1st Feb.)

You can read more about the initiative here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2021/01/chesterfield-champions-work-together-in-offering-support-to-local-vaccine-rollout/

Destination Chesterfield is continuing to provide local businesses with the latest support and advice throughout the current Covid-19 lockdown. For the latest updates, head over to our Coronavirus business support page: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/coronavirus/

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Derbyshire Institute of Sport supports the coaching community

Sports coaches can now join a monthly webinar to learn from world-class coaches and experts who have worked with Olympians and Paralympians.

The new programme is being launched by the Derbyshire Institute of Sport (DIS) and is open to anyone who coaches local teams or individuals in any sport.

Managing director of the DIS, Chloe Maudsley, said: “Great coaches are the reason that athletes and sports players become champions. That’s why we have launched this new programme to share our knowledge with sports coaches so that they feel supported in their work to develop young athletes to achieve their dreams.”

Collectively, the DIS team has decades of experience of working with word-class athletes and professional sports stars.

Webinars will take place at 8pm on the third Wednesday evening of each month throughout 2021. The first webinar is on Wednesday Feb 17 when the speaker will be clinical dietitian and sports and exercise nutritionist Nicky Gilbert.

For many years, Nicky supported players at Nottingham Forest Football Club and has also worked extensively with high-performance athletes and coaches in a wide variety of Olympic and non-Olympic sports. The title of her webinar will be ‘Essential facts about nutrition for developing athletes’.

Chloe said: “Through this programme, coaches will be connected with other coaches and have the opportunity to learn and discuss key topic areas. They will also have the chance to get to know the team at DIS – including former Commonwealth Games athlete Laura Wake, performance psychologist Dr Phil Clarke and physiotherapist David Sprot.”

There will also be a chance to apply to join an exclusive Champion Coaches Forum which will be led by Andy Wood, co-founder of the DIS. Andy led national badminton teams through five Olympic cycles – three for Great Britain, one for Bulgaria and one for Australia. This exciting new forum is due to be launched this summer.

The webinars will cost just £10 per session on a pay-as-you-go basis with no commitment or membership fee required. To book your place, email info@derbyshireis.co.uk or ring 07974 231 564.

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

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Kickstart scheme creates almost 900 new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds

Businesses have been urged by East Midlands Chamber to use gateway providers to create work placements in the Kickstart scheme – after it helped to create hundreds of roles for young people in the region.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire has so far helped to facilitate 887 new roles across the three counties. All these have been approved by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which will provide a £1,500 grant to employers for each six-month placement created for a 16 to 24-year-old.

Further applications have been submitted for another 900 roles as part of the organisation’s role as a gateway provider, which has so far been required for businesses with fewer than 30 vacancies.

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) deputy chief executive and Kickstart lead Diane Beresford said: “Using a gateway provider removes the headache of trying to understand the Kickstart application process and ensures businesses receive the full support they need when submitting an application, as well as filling the vacancy with help in tasks such as writing job adverts.

“The Chamber has pledged to work with employers and the young people they hire during the placement to identify any suitable progression opportunities, while we are also able to manage and deliver the mandatory employability support programmes on their behalf with additional sector-based workshops.

“All this free support means companies can concentrate on what they do best, which is running their business, while giving opportunities for the young people that extends far beyond the initial six-month period.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday (Monday 25 January) that businesses can now also apply direct to DWP for a placement.

Diane said the Chamber remained open to offering gateway services to businesses that want to create a placement as part of the £2bn scheme.

She added: “The Government’s drive to support the creation of new jobs at this challenging time for business is laudable.

“Hundreds of businesses in the East Midlands have already stepped forward to create new opportunities as part of the Kickstart scheme, and we’re proud of the role we’re playing in supporting businesses to secure approval for these placements as an official gateway provider for the scheme.

“It is essential that the Department for Work and Pensions works through current applications in order to support more coming through, and that it continues to encourage small business to work with gateways as an essential support mechanism for businesses to provide a helping hand navigating what can be complex bureaucracy.”

To find out more about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses with the Kickstart scheme, contact education and business partnership manager Pieter Eksteen on 07468 474307 or email pieter.eksteen@emc-dnl.co.uk.

 

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Chesterfield’s Heathcotes opens new supported living in Bradford

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has opened Horton View, a new provision of independent supported living properties in Bradford for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

An existing property in Clayton is being redeveloped in two phases to create a total of 14 self-contained apartments for individuals who are stepping down from a hospital or full-time residential care setting to improve their independent living skills. The service includes a team of around 30 support workers providing 24-hour care support when needed.

Contractor, John Ryan Developments Ltd, has completed Phase 1 which features six self-contained apartments providing single person accommodation alongside laundry facilities and office space. Phase 2 is due for completion soon, providing eight more apartments as well as a communal lounge, laundry facilities, staff break-out space and additional office space. Care professionals, families and commissioning groups are invited to contact Heathcotes to arrange an appointment to view.

Horton View Service Manager, Luke Hoyland said: “Horton View has been designed by Heathcotes’ in-house architectural consultancy, JDS Design. They have done a superb job in creating enhanced provision for our service users and support team. Each apartment offers spacious accommodation with its own lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.

“Horton View follows our established model for independent supported living, providing a homely environment which enables service users to develop their daily living skills. It’s also a form of provision which naturally fosters a sense of community and social inclusion amongst residents, progressing in tandem with their increasing independence.

“Our on-site team is available to assist whenever required and each resident has a designated support worker for ongoing one-to-one support.”

Heathcotes’ Director of Business Development, Natalia Lysiuk, said: “We provide services like Horton View across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire to complement our full-time residential care services, giving our service users the next step in the care pathway towards full independence.

“They are also suitable for individuals who require a single-person service due to their complexity and inability to live with others. We have applied comprehensive safety measures to ensure that appointments to view Horton View are covid-secure, and we have also filmed a virtual tour of Phase 1 which is available to view on our website.”

With a head office in Chesterfield, Heathcotes Group has over 72 residential care services nationwide. The company provides a range of specialist services supporting individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, Personality Disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy.

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

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Supporting Our High Streets – make the local choice

Stay at home and shop local online is the message from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield during this lockdown.

Supporting Our High Streets is the theme of our new campaign this winter. The campaign aims to highlight that many local businesses have an online shop that is open during lockdown and a lot offer delivery as well as click and collect options.

To help residents find the best local buys online, local businesses with an online option have been listed on one convenient webpage at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/shopping-during-lockdown/

The Supporting Our High Streets campaign also includes direct communication with businesses offering training on, Writing for Online and Social Media, as well as signposting training, advice and guidance from other organisations who work with and support businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is so important, especially during this lockdown that we stay at home but that doesn’t mean we can’t shop with many of our favourite local shops. Many are open online and a lot offer delivery.

“We have some fantastic shops and businesses here in Chesterfield and now more than ever they need our support. So, when you think about your shopping don’t forget to make the local choice.

“We have throughout the pandemic provided businesses with advice and guidance; and over the next few months we will continue to signpost businesses to training, advice and guidance that could help them.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Now, more than ever, we must support local. Lockdown has given us a taste of a deserted high street and it is a scenario no-one likes. We can ensure the survival of all local shops, stores and market traders by continuing to buy from them in lockdown and beyond. Together we can make a real difference to Chesterfield’s high street and the many individuals and families it supports.”

You can also find a Dine at Home list on the Destination Chesterfield website at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/

Supporting our high street

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Designer Contracts donates over £100,000 to Ashgate Hospicecare

Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, has donated more than £100,000 to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare.

The company ran an online Christmas prize draw to raise funds for the hospice which has been hit hard by the pandemic and then added a £100,000 donation to the £4,865 raised from the competition. It is the second time Designer Contracts has stepped in to help the hospice which provides care and support for families, patients and carers across North Derbyshire.

In 2019 the company gave £100,000 to help fund the hospice’s ‘Three Bedded Bay Appeal’ which was launched to raise money for renovations to its patient bays.

This year’s Christmas prize draw involved contributors making a donation of £3 to enter, with a chance of winning one of eight prizes, including a flat screen TV, Dyson hoover and iPads.

Designer Contracts md, Peter Kelsey, said: “Charities had a really rough ride in 2020 and we wanted to help in any way we could. The hospice has struggled to raise funds as many of its initiatives were cancelled due to the pandemic so our own company fundraising and donations were money well spent for us.

“Everyone over at Ashgate works tirelessly to ensure the hospice is a peaceful and comfortable place for patients and their families so we really hope that this donation will take a little bit of the worry and pressure off the team.”

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “Thank you to Designer Contracts and to everyone who took part in their Christmas prize draw. We are thrilled and astounded by their continued generosity, particularly at a time when we are losing money due to the closure of our shops and the postponement of our fundraising events.

“Every pound donated will help to make a difference to the lives of families across North Derbyshire who are living with the impacts of a life-limiting illness. Each year we must raise over £7 million to keep delivering our crucial palliative and end-of-life care services.

“That is a huge amount of money to raise and it is only possible because of the support from generous organisations like Designer Contracts.”

Designer Contracts, which was recently named as a finalist in the 2020 Lloyds Bank Business Awards, operates across 15 UK regional facilities. As well as flooring, the company provides curtains and blinds, furniture and lighting, and operates a showhome interior design services division.

Designer Contracts and Ashgate Hospicecare support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Vaccination hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital reaches key milestone

The team running the COVID-19 vaccination hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has plenty to celebrate – reaching a major milestone since they opened the doors.

Matron Gemma Cort gave the first vaccination on Tuesday, December 8 2020 to colleague Ian Hazel, Director of IT and Infrastructure at DSFS. Ian has been shielding throughout the pandemic – as a failed kidney transplant and subsequent haemo-dialysis makes him extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 26th January) it was the turn of Matron Stacey Burton to mark the moment – when she was called upon to deliver the 10,000th ‘jab’ to Amy Chapman from the Community Nursing Team at Alfreton Primary Care.

It means the Royal – one of the first 50 hospital vaccination hubs in the country – has given the Pfizer vaccine to around 4300 of #TeamCRH (over 90%), as well as to colleagues from other local NHS organisations, care and residential homes, and some of its most vulnerable out-patients.

These were priority groups for the first phase of the national vaccination programme, which has now moved progressively out into the community, helping even more people to access the vaccine at a local centre, closer to home.

Commenting on the team’s achievement, Chief Nurse, Krishna Kallianpur said: “I am incredibly proud of them all. They came together at short notice to create a well-organised system, working outside of their ‘normal’ duties to support the vaccination programme.

“It’s been incredible to be involved right from the start. Achieving 10,000 vaccines in just seven weeks is phenomenal and we are looking forward to supporting the next stage in the country’s biggest-ever mass vaccination programme.”

The Royal is to take a step-back for the next few weeks, to enable the community vaccination programme across Derbyshire to become the main point of access. The hub will temporarily suspend its services at the end of this week; and will pick back-up in around four weeks-time, when second doses will need to be administered.

“It will allow staff working out of the vaccination hub to return to their substantive medical, nursing, pharmacy and administrative roles, supporting other areas of the hospital at this critical time.

“This short pause in vaccinating will help the rest of the hospital,” continued Krishna. “Right now we are balancing the demands of caring for over 180 patients with COVID-19, with equally high numbers of the ‘normal’ medical and surgical admissions we see at this time of year.

“Our vaccination team will return to their roles for a while to support areas of greatest need, returning in a few weeks to do it all again when we’ll start to give people the much-awaited second dose. In the meantime we’ll be linking in with our health system partners to ensure that appointments for NHS and social care staff will continue to be prioritised at other centres, including the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield town centre.”

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East Midlands Chamber urges businesses to donate spare laptops to children – and help secure a future workforce

East Midlands Chamber has urged businesses to donate spare IT equipment to homeworking parents who may be unable to afford laptops or tablets for their children.

With schools closed during the third national lockdown, it means many employees must balance work with childcare duties.

But after concerns have been raised that not everyone can afford the necessary equipment for online home schooling, the Chamber says there will be some companies that can step in to offer support – and it may even bring benefits to their business.

Director of resources Lucy Robinson said: “It’s become increasingly clear throughout this pandemic that Covid-19 is only serving to widen gaps between people according to their socioeconomic groups.

“We absolutely must not allow this to also lead to a widening of the education gap as there’s plenty of evidence to show how important a decent education is to setting children up for a good career – enabling them to contribute to the local economy in future.

“There will be many businesses that have spare laptops and other IT equipment lying around offices unused as a result of either temporary or permanent reduction in headcounts. We would encourage companies to help out by either loaning or donating kit to their own employees who fall into this category, or to schools and dedicated charities.

“Such actions can form a key part of CSR activity, which we’ve seen is becoming increasingly vital to employees who want to work for organisations that share their values, while it could also improve productivity as we’re hearing more and more about disruption to business as a result of home-schooling.”

Chamber donates laptops to Chesterfield school

The Chamber will deliver eight laptops, eight computer towers and eight monitors this week to Ashover Primary School, based near the organisation’s Chesterfield head office, following on from a donation of 12 laptops and three towers last year.

The Friends of Ashover Primary School group has helped to wipe the equipment and certify the destruction to maintain the Chamber’s data security compliance.

The school’s headteacher Sue Myhill said: “This gesture has really cheered us up at what is an incredibly challenging time for everyone.”

Some 47 laptops have also been donated to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance charity’s IT recycling service since December 2019.

Lucy added: “During 2020/21, we made significant investment in upgrading a large amount of IT equipment that was either outdated, not fit for its designed purpose or required repair. Rather than send usable equipment to landfill, we decided to repurpose and donate it to good causes.”

Chamber member donates to Derby-based not-for-profit that helps schools access equipment

Heanor-based bus operator trentbarton, which provides services in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, has donated two laptops to Enterprise for Education (E4E).

The group is a not-for-profit public-private sector partnership based within Derby City Council’s education department that aims to mobilise the city’s workforce to help young people prepare for both life beyond school and the world of work.

Jeff Counsell, managing director at trentbarton, said: “Like many businesses, we have been moved by hearing about children unable to do as much remote schoolwork as they need during lockdown.

“Some are struggling to do any and some families with more than one school-age child face added difficulties.

“We are pledging our support by donating laptops for the children of families in our community and we urge any other businesses that can do likewise to join in.”

Arshad Iqbal is programme leader for E4E, which works with Chamber members such as the University of Derby, Rolls-Royce, Freeths and Bowmer + Kirkland to support every secondary school in Derby and a number of primary schools.

He said: “There’s a lot of talk that schools will remain closed beyond the February half-term and yet there’s young people at home who don’t have access to a laptop or broadband – meaning they have a fundamental barrier to education.

“In many cases, there’s two children in a household in different age groups, but one laptop between them – and there’s one school we work with where there’s five children sharing a single laptop.

“This makes it difficult not to just access the normal school provision, but also extra educational resources, such as those offered by the BBC and the employers we work with that are trying to encourage more children to take STEM subjects from a young age.”

Arshad said there’s plenty of research that highlights the correlation between doing well at school and having a successful career, while a 2017 study from the Education and Employers charity found that students who had at least four encounters with employers before leaving school would be 86% less likely to become a so-called “Neet” – not in education, employment or training.

He added: “We’re asking businesses if they would be able to donate an old laptop or, alternatively, sponsor the purchase of a new one, offering one small step towards these young people accessing the education we know is so important to success in later life.”

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