chesterfield news

Local businesses grow into new spaces at Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

Two Chesterfield-based companies have expanded into larger offices at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre – after growing their businesses over the last year.

We Are Spaces, a commercial interior design and property solution company, and Integrated Interest, a sales and marketing technology company, have expanded into larger office spaces in the centre.

Owned by Chesterfield Borough Council, the flagship office development opened in July 2022 and with the expansion of these businesses is now 85% let.

Amy Revell, co-founder and director of We Are Spaces, said: “The Enterprise Centre is a wonderful space for us to call our home. “The Grade A space and service we receive from the team here really Is great value for money. We are incredibly settled and have a great relationship with the other businesses and staff, so we didn’t want to lose this, when needing to increase the size of our office to meet the new needs of our team”.

amy revell wearespaces

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

“The Enterprise Centre has made the process so easy for us to move into a bigger suite without incurring big moving costs and disruption. We always knew that when we first based ourselves here, it provided us with lots of flexibility to grow efficiently and we are doing just that.

“It’s a pleasure to have our offices within the enterprise centre and we are investing a huge amount to create an amazing fit out for our clients and staff to enjoy for many more years to come.”

Steven Brough, director of Integrated Interest, said: “When we first started looking for office space the Enterprise Centre was at the top of the list straight away, with it being in such a prominent location. It is perfectly placed for access by car, bus or train, and with access to Chesterfield town centre and Queen’s Park, there is everything you need on the doorstep. With it being such a new building, everything is modern and creates the feel I wanted for a technology company.”

The Enterprise Chesterfield model aims to provide space for new and small businesses, where they can access a range of support that will help them to grow.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to see local businesses growing, employing more of our residents, and expanding their presence in the Enterprise Centre.

“Our investment in the development formed a key part of our economic recovery plan following the pandemic – the growth of these businesses and the high occupancy rate of the centre shows how the building has helped our borough’s economy to bounce back and has created new employment opportunities for our residents.

“As well as growing the local economy, our enterprise centres also provide a small income for the council. This income helps ensure we can support businesses to grow whilst still providing the essential services our residents rely on.

“We knew our Enterprise Chesterfield model would be successful because we’ve seen businesses based at our other centres grow significantly and expand their presence in our borough, but it is great to see this working as planned in our newest centre less than two years since opening.”

Female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council in red jacket on Town Hall balcony

Cllr Tricia Gilby

Chesterfield Borough Council also owns Dunston Innovation Centre and Tapton Innovation Centre, both of which are also over 85% let.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is Chesterfield’s flagship centre and includes 32 office suites in a range of sizes, which all include individual security and high-tech features which allow businesses to adapt to modern ways of working.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the building, with built in energy efficient systems that help businesses keep costs down whilst also reducing their carbon footprint.

The centre also includes a breakout room where businesses can network and build relationships so that they can work together more efficiently.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre was part funded through a grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Investment Fund, with additional funding provided by Chesterfield Borough Council.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre contact the Enterprise Chesterfield team by calling 01246 903 900 or emailing enterprise@chesterfield.gov.uk

Find Your Perfect Office in Chesterfield.

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

 

2 male and 2 female business people speaking at table at Chesterfield Enterprise Centre

Northern Gateway Chesterfield Enterprise Centre

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First and second phases of Horizon 29 development now complete

Phase 1A and 1B of industrial and distribution hub, Horizon 29, in Bolsover, North Derbyshire are now finished.

Horizon 29 is a new landmark distribution development located one mile from Junction 29A of the M1, and once fully complete, it will span 1,150,256 sq. ft and have a total of eight warehouses, delivered over three phases by McLaren Construction (Midlands and North).

Phase 1A comprises two single-storey distribution warehouses (units 1 and 2) and sustainable features including solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points. The units have been constructed to a BREEAM Rating of ‘Excellent,’ with an EPC ‘A’ Rating.

Phase 1B, involved the construction of units 4 and 5, alongside all subsequent mechanical and electrical works, office fit-outs and external works to ongoing conference laboratory car parks.

The contractor also delivered earthworks, CMC and VSC piling, concrete foundations, steel framing, lift shaft and stair installations, nets for roofing works and office elevation cladding.

Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “We are delighted that works for both Phase 1A and 1B are finally complete.

Horizon 29 Bolsover

“Once all phases are finished, Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre for the region, and an ideal hub for quality tenants looking for direct and easy access to the M1 north and south.

“We were pleased to be working alongside BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties for the second phase of this landmark scheme.”

Dick Smallman, Equation Properties, said: “Despite a challenging site and weather, we are very impressed with the superb quality of the units and works that McLaren Construction has delivered to date.

“The speed with which they’ve carried out particular elements of the work, the seamless design which blends into the countryside and the innovative techniques used have been fantastic.”

McLaren Construction serves both the public and private sectors in core areas including commercial offices, residential, education, retail, distribution and logistics, hotels, and leisure.

Find out more about why Chesterfeld and North Derbyshire is the perfect location to base your growing business. 

Horizon 29 Bolsover

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Chesterfield artist opens new Hasland studio featuring spectacular local designs

An artist and illustrator, known for his vibrant designs showcasing many of Chesterfield’s prominent landmarks has opened a new studio.

Matt Cockayne’s new store is now open, based at The Green in Hasland. The new studio provides a workspace for Matt, alongside an art and gift shop stocking prints, mugs, framed art, cards, cushions and more.

All of Matt’s art is hand drawn, and going forward will all be created in Hasland either at his home studio or at his premises at The Green.

The artist and designer explained how pleased he was to get the shop up and running: “The last six weeks have been a bit of a slog for me, doing a bit of a renovation work on the building, but I’ve cracked on with it and I’m really pleased.”

Matt explained the reasons behind his decision to invest in a new studio in Hasland: “I’ve lived in Chesterfield for nearly thirteen years now, and moved to Hasland during lockdown.

Matt Cockayne art prints of spire and market hall

I just love it here. I live two minutes away from work so I don’t have to drive, I can walk to work for my commute. Where it’s situated on the crossroads in Hasland is ideal in terms of footfall. Another reason why I wanted the property is that I just like the Victorian look and layout of it. I’ve got my studio in the back of my shop, so I can produce work and sell it from the same place. I want to add something alternative and exciting to the town and Hasland.

“Geographically Chesterfield is a great place to live as it’s in the centre of the county and on the doorstep to the Peak District which I love, I’m an outdoor person and take a lot of inspiration from my surroundings.

Matt also explained why he’s excited to be growing his business and reputation as an artist: “The thing I love about being an artist is having my own freedom to create art, being an independent artist is important as I can draw what I want to draw, rather than being told what I should draw.

“Being local is always nice, as when people say they have my art in their homes it’s humbling to know my creativity has bought some pleasure into someone else’s life.

“I’m big on supporting local business. I use all the shops in Hasland, so hopefully people will follow my ethos and visit me in my shop too. Having a vibrant High Street such as Hasland’s, is just great for the community.”

Find out more about Matt’s latest projects and designs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattCockayneArt/

Matt Cockayne art spire designs cushions

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Pioneering habitat bank to support biodiversity opens in Chesterfield

A wildlife project near Chesterfield has become the first in Derbyshire to be secured by new legislation to support biodiversity.

Wild Whittington has just become the first habitat bank in the county with a Section 106 agreement with the local planning authority, Chesterfield Borough Council.

Located 5km north of Chesterfield town centre, the Wild Whittington habitat bank allows developers and planning authorities to source off-site Biodiversity Net Gain units to support development schemes and local nature. The site is owned by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and managed by Wild Solutions, the trust’s in-house ecological consultancy and ecosystem services provider. Wild Solutions will be bringing forward further sites across the county in the weeks ahead.

Following a delay to the original deadline in November 2023, Biodiversity Net Gain has now become mandatory. In order to gain planning permission, developers will be required by law to deliver a minimum of 10% net gain in biodiversity with newly created or enhanced habitats secured for at least 30 years, on all new developments.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been protecting and restoring local nature, and helping people access nature-rich spaces on their doorstep, for over 60 years. The organisation believes developers and Local Authorities can use BNG to benefit nature and local communities, but the right approach is essential to achieving this.

Through a process called habitat banking, the Trust is taking a nature led approach to BNG by creating high quality and resilient habitats, delivered in the best place for nature, before the loss occurs.

These new spaces for nature are accessible for the public to enjoy and will provide additional ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, flood risk management and water quality improvements. Wild Solutions can call on 100 expert staff in Derbyshire, making us the most effective and experienced partner for BNG in the county.

The sites will be managed in perpetuity for nature, under the stewardship of Derbyshire’s leading conservation charity and all the profits generated through the Wild Solutions consultancy will be reinvested to secure the best outcomes for nature and have a greater impact for wildlife.

Matt Buckler is Director of Natural Solutions at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and oversees the Trust’s commercial consultancy, Wild Solutions. He says:

“This legislation has brought much needed focus to nature-based solutions and how they can help meet environmental and climate emergencies. BNG becoming mandatory is great news for nature and offers a significant opportunity for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to leverage its expertise to support this new approach, while remaining true to its charitable status and strategic goals.

“Like all nature based solutions, it has to be done right to have the true impact and that is where the passion, experience, skills and dedication of the Trust are essential. We understand the challenges BNG will raise for developers, landowners, LPAs and other stakeholders, and we are well placed to support them with the bespoke, well-rounded solutions they need now, whilst making more space for nature and helping its recovery.”

For more information visit https://www.wildsolutionsdwt.co.uk/ecosystem-service-provision

To discuss your current or future biodiversity objectives, contact Phil Fermor (pfermor@derbyshirewt.co.uk) on 07894 747144

Wild Whittington

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Craft and makers market coming to Chesterfield

A new pop-up market will bring a selection of crafters and makers to Chesterfield each month this year.

Little Hummingbird Events are partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council to bring their unique offering to Chesterfield on one Saturday each month from 10am to 4pm starting on 9 March.

The Independent Makers and Crafters Market will include seasonal food offerings, handmade gifts and much more – hosting it alongside the town’s regular Saturday market will encourage more people to visit and support both market traders and local retailers.

Nicola Hudson, owner of Little Hummingbird Events, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Chesterfield Borough Council on this exciting new monthly project.

“As a small company ourselves our passion is helping to support small independent businesses. It is this ethos which drives us to help them reach new and regular audiences so that their own business models grow.

“What most people don’t realise is, the bulk of business in the UK is in fact small business. If ever there was a time to support small independents, it is now.”

Little Hummingbird Events have previously worked in Chesterfield, hosting a Maker’s Market in summer 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We’re excited to welcome Little Hummingbird Events and their fantastic traders back to the town centre.

“The aim is to enhance the market offering bringing new people into the town centre and encouraging them to support existing businesses as well as the new traders. I hope a lot of people will come along and support the new traders coming to Chesterfield.”

Markets are planned on the main market for each month throughout 2024, for a full list of dates head over to our events page.

Find out more about shopping in Chesterfield, home to a range of unique independent shops and well-known national retailers.

town centre chesterfield market hall

Image courtesy of Derbyshire Economic Partnership

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Nuzest joins the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K as a new partner

Leading nutrition supplement company, Nuzest, has joined the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K 2024 as a new partner.

Nuzest will also be the title partner for the new Chesterfield 5K challenge, which is set to take place on Saturday 23rd March helping to create the Chesterfield Running Festival over the weekend of the town’s 10K race.

Nuzest believes good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy and happy life and recognises the benefits of a more plant-based diet for both personal health and the environment. Through developing the cleanest and most beneficial products possible Nuzest aims to make a material and positive difference to people’s lives.

Adrian Beckett, Nuzest Europe CEO says, “We are extremely excited to be announcing the Nuzest 5K Challenge and becoming a partner with the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K. Our company is dedicated to promoting health and wellness, especially at community level where we are based here in Chesterfield, it is an honour to support and enable the launch of the new 5K event.

“The opportunity to be involved in such an event is truly exciting for us. It gives us a platform to showcase our dedication to health and wellness while also supporting a fantastic event that encourages people to get active. We are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will make for everyone involved.”

The new 5K will form part of the Chesterfield 10K Running Festival weekend and will allow all runners to take part in the event which will take place within Queens Park on Saturday 23rd March.
Adrian added “We are really excited to be sharing some of our products with all of the runners and their families but in particular to launch the Nuzest Runner and Family Zone which operate across both the Saturday and Sunday. People will have the opportunity to spin the Nuzest wheel and win prizes.”

John Timms, Event Director, said “It’s a pleasure to welcome Nuzest as a new partner for our upcoming race.

“Their dedication to nutritional support and overall health aligns perfectly with our event’s objectives. With a larger community now established among our partners, we can’t wait for our upcoming weekend of events.

“We are also delighted to announce that they will be the title partner of our 5K Challenge which will be taking place on the 23rd March and is open to 10K participants and their families.”

To sign up for the upcoming race visit: www.chesterfield10K.com.

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

Nuzest New Partner for Chesterfield 10K

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Roy Peters Estates scoops prestigious gold award for letting agents in Chesterfield

Roy Peters Estates has won the prestigious gold award for agents in Chesterfield from the British Property Lettings Awards.

The letting agent has scooped the accolade for the third time, with judges stating the team performed outstandingly throughout the extended judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

The firm has now been shortlisted for a number of national awards, which will be announced in the near future.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service they provide against local, regional and national competition.

Agents who go the extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with the accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to the local marketplace.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates said “We are delighted to have been presented with the British Property Letting Award for Chesterfield for the third time.

“This Gold Award for Chesterfield recognises customer service over a prolonged period of time, in a number of areas and is a credit to my colleagues here in the office. We have always been based in Chesterfield Town Centre and appreciate the trust clients put in us to look after their properties in Chesterfield, South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

“We have a great team at Roy Peters Estates; from our Founder Roy, to George our first apprentice, who has just achieved his Level Two in Housing and Property Management, gaining three distinctions in his final assessments.

“Roy Peters Estates offer residential and commercial property management, professional commercial services and block/project management and we will look after you in this ever-changing environment.”

Roy Peters Estates supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. The firm is part of the town’s collaborative Property and Construction Group, which promotes development, regeneration, skills and sustainability in Chesterfield.

roy peters estates

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Chesterfield firms urged to access skills support to grow town’s economy

Businesses across Chesterfield have been told they must act today to futureproof their businesses and the town’s economy, by ensuring their staff are receiving the relevant training and skills.

The Chesterfield Employability and Skills Conference (Thursday, 8th February 2024) was hosted in partnership by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.

The event at the Winding Wheel Theatre in the heart of the town, introduced a new wave of support for firms in the area, signposting businesses to relevant schemes which will help them to upskill and reskill their staff. Attendees at the event were given the chance to meet with representatives from the following organisations:

  • Chesterfield Borough Council, Skills Brokerage Service
  • Chesterfield College
  • Derbyshire BAME Forum
  • Direct Education Business Partnership
  • University of Derby
  • D2N2 Careers Hub/ D2N2 LEP
  • Derbyshire County Council/ National Careers Service
  • North East Derbyshire District Council
  • Department for Work and Pensions
  • Auto Windscreens, owned by Markerstudy Group
  • East Midlands Railway

The call for businesses to access this support comes as firms in some of the town’s key sectors say they are finding difficulties in filling vacancies with suitable skilled people.

The latest East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey showed that more than 70% of businesses in the region are struggling to fill vacancies, with skilled manual or technical roles proving the most challenging. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, digital and health & social care are just some of the sectors which Chesterfield Borough Council aims to support with workforce growth.

To address those challenges, Chesterfield’s new skills brokerage gives businesses in the borough the opportunity to gain free, impartial, bespoke advice to support them to access funding, alongside connecting companies to training and development opportunities.

The full range of services offered includes:

  • Access a range of fully funded courses to upskill the workforce, ranging from basic skills and business fundamentals to leadership and management, green and digital skills.
  • Accessing a variety of funding streams.
  • Support to employ Apprentices, including how to access apprenticeship funding and information around the apprenticeship levy.
  • Recruitment and retention advice.
  • Succession planning.
  • Advice and continued support.

Michael Timmins, Director at AECOM and Chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership said: “It was fantastic to see so many businesses in attendance at the Employability and Skills Conference. We know that firms across our area are concerned about the future of their workforces, so it is extremely important that we continue to highlight the support that is out there. I would urge businesses of all sizes to make the most of the assistance available. We must all work together to secure the future growth of Chesterfield and ensure that our workforce has the right skills and abilities to meet future challenges.”

Michael Timmins speaking at 2024 employability and skills conference

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership said: “We work closely with a wide range of partners to help local people develop the skills that businesses need both now and, in the future, which in turn will help ensure everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“Our Skills Brokerage service aims to help businesses access the funding and the information they need to deliver skills development programmes for their employees, but this is just one of the initiatives we have launched that aim to help businesses based in our borough to grow. If you are running a business in Chesterfield, please contact our team directly to find out more about the support available to you.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby speaking at 2024 skills and employability conference

For more information about this service or to arrange a meeting contact Chris McKechnie, Skills Brokerage Business Advisor by calling 07583416749 or emailing Chris.McKechnie@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

skills conference 2024

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

Chesterfield’s rising stars spearhead campaign to promote local apprenticeships

Young people building their careers in Chesterfield have spoken of the benefits that apprenticeships have in paving the way for a prosperous future.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, the town’s rising stars expressed their satisfaction at not following the ‘traditional’ University route and gaining valuable workplace experience alongside their studies.

Abigail Dodd, Level 3 Apprentice Business Administrator at Rosewood Wealth Management, commented: “I don’t think I would have learned anywhere near as much at University or College, compared to the skills I have developed during my apprenticeship.

“The skills which I’ve learned on the job are incomparable to anything that you could learn in a classroom. Getting the hands-on experience, such as greeting and communicating with clients is unlike anything you could learn in traditional education.”

Woman sitting at a computer with the Rosewood logo behind her

Abi Dodd, Rosewood Wealth Management

There are currently more than 2,500 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield. Participants were keen to highlight the key advantages of opting for an apprenticeship in the town.

Tom Zerboni, Level 2 Junior Estate Agent at Lime Living, believes his apprenticeship has given him the chance to showcase a high level of responsibility and maturity: “I’m already going out and showing people around properties. Working with a smaller company, I’m getting broad experience in terms of getting to grips with all aspects of the business and being able to help my colleagues.”

Man on the phone sitting in front of a computer

Tom Zerboni, Lime Living, Level 2 Junior Estate Agent

A common theme was how apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, whilst enabling participants to gain high-level qualifications.

Ewan Walker, Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at MSE Hiller, said: “There is textbook learning, but also things that you can pick up ‘on the job.’ There could be something in class which you may not have much knowledge of, but as an apprentice, you’ve done it in the field, so you get a much better understanding.

“I’ve been able to go through the whole company and learn so many different things. For example, welding, centrifuge balance, fitting and site work. I recently got to visit Walkers Crisps in a customer-facing capacity.”

Ewan Walker MSE Hiller 873x466

Milena Vasileva, Level 7 Architecture Apprentice at Whittam Cox Architects, commented: “There are seven people taking part in an apprenticeship at our company.

“Alongside studying at University, I’ve also been able to develop skills such as time management, working under pressure, working at a fast pace, prioritising workload and decision-making. You wouldn’t be able to develop those skills as quickly if you weren’t working in the industry alongside your studies.”

Woman in peach shirt smiling and sitting at desk

Milena Vasileva, Whittam Cox, Level 7 Architecture Apprentice

Chesterfield’s apprentices contribute to the local economy by addressing the skills gap. As apprentices become skilled professionals, they meet the demands of the local job market, fortifying Chesterfield’s industries and supporting economic growth.

Gracie Stevenson, Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice at Peak Pharmacy, explained what attracted her to the town as an ideal location to launch her career: “Usually the big opportunities are in cities, and I hadn’t considered that there were potential opportunities on my doorstep as well.

“The business I work for recently moved to the new Horizon development near Markham Vale, which has brought all aspects of the organisation together, so to be part of that transition has been a fantastic learning experience. In the big cities, there is lots of competition, but Chesterfield is up and coming, and the route to get into an apprenticeship is probably a lot easier.”

Woman sitting at a computer with a notepad open

Gracie Stevenson, Peak Pharmacy

MSE Hiller’s Ewan Walker agrees that the town’s location and transport links is providing more investment and job opportunities, adding: “We’re a company which deals with organisations up and down the country, so being next to the M1 is a great base for us to get to wherever we need to be.”Further development coming up at Markham Vale will bring in more opportunities and jobs to Chesterfield, which will hopefully bring more apprenticeships too.”

Financial independence is an advantage of apprenticeships. Instead of accumulating student debt, apprentices in Chesterfield earn a wage while learning. Some roles currently being advertised in the town offer wages above £20,000 per year.

This dual benefit ensures that young individuals can support themselves financially from the outset of their career journey. What’s more, apprentices have the opportunity to work their way up the career ladder, and into higher-level and more highly paid roles in the future.

Rosewood’s Abigail Dodd continued: “The apprentices of today are going to be the leaders, teachers, and directors of tomorrow. In the financial advice industry, there is a stereotype that the majority of higher-level professionals working in it are older gentlemen.

“However, at my company, the two directors are women and are considered young for the industry. Our team of seven are all women too. With all the development taking place in Chesterfield, we need to make sure we have got the people to sustain those higher roles.

“Therefore, I think that it is crucial to have more young people taking on an apprenticeship, to get that knowledge and carry on the legacy that other people have had.”

Participants were eager to point out that being an apprentice in 2024 comes with a high level of responsibility from the outset. Whittam Cox’s Milena Vasileva told the panel: “There’s a huge point of interest around competency in our industry and showing visible proof of it.

“Relevant experience is certainly part of that, so being able to prove that as an apprentice, you’ve worked on several projects at a time will add to your competency levels.”

Want to find out more about the apprenticeship roles available locally? Head over to https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield/ to discover more.

apprentice round table participants

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Chesterfield Businesses celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024

Several Chesterfield businesses have celebrated National Apprenticeship Week 2024 with new recruits, high achievement and support for local apprentices in our town.

National Apprenticeship Week ( February 5-11) shines a spotlight on the incredible benefits of apprenticeships both for people looking to build a rewarding career and businesses looking to bolster their skilled workforce.

Find out more about how the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions have been supporting apprenticeships in recent weeks and months.

Roy Peters Estates’ George Glazebrook achieves distinction on Level 2 apprenticeship

RS and George

George Glazebrook, who has been undertaking a Level 2 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship with Chesterfield’s Roy Peters Estates, has acheived the highest grade possible on his Level 2 course.

George commented: “I love working for Roy Peters Estates in Chesterfield, being in the industry at a young age is great as I’m always learning and gaining new skills. Surrounding myself with people who have lots of experience and knowledge within the industry is also extremely important to me as I would have not have these same opportunities within a class room.

I have just completed level 2 apprenticeship and was delighted that I achieved a distinction grade across all three elements of the examination, which was extremely rewarding as I had put a lot of hard work into the apprenticeship overall”.

Richard Sherwood, Director at Roy Peters Estates, added: “Everyone here at Roy Peters is delighted that George has passed his Level Two Qualification in Housing and Property Management. George has become a real asset to our business and I understand that he plans to move forward to Level Three which will give us another qualified member of our team.

“This, and the maths qualification he achieved during his apprenticeship will give George an excellent start to his business career. It is encouraging that Roy Peters Estates have received a number of positive reviews about George and I have had personal feedback from valued clients as to how well he represents our organisation.

“Roy Peters Estates have also just won the British Property Letting Award for Chesterfield and I’m sure George played his part, along with the rest of the team, in achieving this award.”

Windowcharm Blinds & Curtain Services announces new content creator apprentice

Chesterfield’s Windowcharm Blinds and Curtain Services has added another apprentice to its growing team.

Romario Clarke is the third apprentice to join the company, and will be working alongside fellow apprentices Katie Wheatley and Matt Willis.

Mike Jones, Head of Customer Relations at Windowcharm commented: “Our experienced professionals from three departments will provide them with on-the-job training, mentorship, and support.

“Romario, Katie, and Matt have introduced new and innovative ideas to our business, which has been established since 1975.

“We are eager to guide them during the early years of their careers and see how their contributions will improve our productivity and performance.”

Romario said: “While only joining recently, I’ve already felt as if I have a very supportive team around me. Doing a content creation apprenticeship at Windowcharm, I already feel like an important member of the team as I’ve been trusted to spearhead the content creation for Windowcharm.”

CMP Legal’s Amelia Bacon to undertake solicitor qualifying apprenticeship

CMP Amelia

Amelia Bacon, who has worked for Chesterfield’s CMP Legal for just over two years as a Paralegal in the firm’s corporate team, is set to take the next step in her career by taking on an apprenticeship to secure her SQE Qualifications.

The SQE is two exam papers set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Therefore, Amelia will be studying for her SQE while undertaking her apprenticeship, gaining the necessary qualifying work which she also needs to be able to qualify as a solicitor.

Amelia’s SQE course will be taught by the training provider with a series of online workshops, lectures and assessments as well as one to one support from a personal tutor. CMP Legal will be supervising her work experience and ensuring that she’s exposed to a wide variety of work to ensure that when she passes her SQE, she’ll be able to apply to the SRA to be admitted as a solicitor, straight away.

Amelia said: “I’m thrilled to be starting my solicitor qualifying apprenticeship and I’m very grateful that CMP Legal are supporting my career ambitions. I can’t wait to get started on the course in March.

Stacey Pocock, Solicitor and Executive Director at CMP Legal added: “The introduction of the SQE is a relatively new concept in the legal profession and so to be able to support Amelia with an apprenticeship is something that we were very keen to do. Employing an apprentice is an excellent way for us to grow our business but equally, it’s a positive way for our valued team members to achieve their career ambitions.”

CCM Change Consultancy collaborates with Rosewood Wealth Management to develop apprentices

Two young women sitting at laptops in an office with a view out the window

Abi Dodd and Demi Walker, Rosewood Wealth Management, Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentices

Chesterfield’s CCM Change Consultancy is currently working alongside two apprentices at Rosewood Wealth Management, to further develop their skills.

The two Chesterfield Champions have worked together, with CCM assisting the finance company’s rising stars Abigiail Dodd and Demi Walker, with assimilation into the workplace and development of fundamental tools. This work is providing a solid foundation for the apprentices to take on technical industry knowledge.

CCM Change Consultancy owner, Nick Gorman said: “Some of our current work is around – Plan & Prepare, Complete v Finish, Right First Time, Internal customer, Flow.

“Working with apprentices is one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring. Abigail and Demi are an absolute pleasure to work with and the future for them looks bright.”

The businesses 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.

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Chatsworth Farm Shop unveils fresh look to showcase local produce

Chatsworth Farm Shop welcomes customers back through its doors this week following a refurbishment designed to celebrate local suppliers, estate-reared food and locally farmed produce.

The award-winning farm shop, established by Duchess Deborah in 1977 and serving the Derbyshire community ever since, has become a much-loved destination for the best regional food and drink, with the majority of its products produced or prepared on the Chatsworth Estate, or sourced from suppliers within a 30-mile radius.

The refurbishment has improved display areas for the farm shop’s renowned fresh produce and butchery (including a new dry aging fridge for Chatsworth Estate beef), and increased shelf space for local producers.

Created with a focus on sustainability, the design honours the traditions of the area by repurposing existing farm shop fixtures and making use of functional and heritage items from Chatsworth House and estate farms.

A Farm Shop & Deli Retailer and Farm Shop of the Year award winner, the farm shop will be introducing a refreshed range of Chatsworth branded products, including teas, juices, jams, estate-sourced honey and the much-loved Bakewell Tart, alongside a range of locally crafted giftware.

An extended selection of local cheeses has also been launched, produced by Derbyshire-based Hartington Creamery which has connections to Chatsworth dating back to 1870.

Chatsworth farm shop refurb products on shelves

Robert Gosling, Hartington Creamery part-owner, said: “It is 150 years since the 6th Duke of Devonshire built the first dairy in Hartington, and we are pleased that we are working together again creating innovative products which reflect our shared heritage and culture.”

Lady Burlington said: “Our focus for the farm shop has always been on supplying the best possible produce for our local community. We want to ensure that our products celebrate the wealth of talented producers on our doorstep and maintain the high quality the farm shop has become known for.

“Being able to showcase not just what we produce across the estate but also the breadth of quality products available from talented suppliers across Derbyshire, is one of the many reasons we have such loyal customers.”

Elsewhere on the estate, the Stables shop at Chatsworth is also undergoing an exciting redesign to enhance the clothing department, with new brands including Turner & Sons socks and White Leaf Jewellery joining the other carefully selected ranges of accessories, homewares, toiletries and books for all ages.

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

Planning a visit to Chatsworth and the Peak District? Chesterfield is the perfect base to explore Derbyshire. Brilliantly located with superb road, rail and air links, the town is famous for its 800 year-old open air market and the unique and unusual ‘Crooked Spire‘ Church.

Find out more about visiting Chesterfield here.

Chatsworth Farm Shop cakes and bakes selection

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