DBCP

Champions celebrate new hires, awards and major deals

Businesses in our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to celebrate growth and success.

Our latest roundup includes new hires for Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP and Oasis Studio.

Elsewhere, Shorts has played a vital role in advising on a major business acquisition, and a Chesterfield-based apprentice has scooped a prestigious award.

Read the latest successes from our Champions below:

Banner Jones Expands Residential Property Department with Three Key Appointments

banner jones new appointments

Banner Jones, a leading regional law firm, has significantly strengthened its Residential Property department with the addition of three new hires. This expansion supports the firm’s ongoing efforts to enhance its service offering amidst a growing demand for residential property services.

The team welcomes Sarah Khatib, an experienced solicitor with over 16 years of expertise, who joins as a Director. Sarah will be based in the Chesterfield office, where she will work closely with Richard Joy and Kate Skelton to support the management and development of the residential property teams.

Her extensive knowledge will play a key role in advancing the firm’s service delivery and operational processes in the firm’s  key localities of Derbyshire, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

In addition to Sarah’s appointment, Banner Jones has also brought on board Dana King, a paralegal, and Roberta Griffin-Pygott, an experienced Conveyancer and Legal Executive, to the Residential Property department in Sheffield.

Both bring substantial experience and expertise that will further elevate the firm’s ability to meet client needs.

This strategic expansion follows a period of sustained demand for the firm’s residential property services. Over the past year alone, the Residential Property team has successfully handled more than 3000 new residential property matters. The new appointments are a direct response to increased demand in the property markets locally, ensuring that Banner Jones can continue to provide exceptional service to its growing client base.

Richard Joy, Head of Residential Property at Banner Jones, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sarah, Dana, and Roberta to our teams in Chesterfield and Sheffield.

“Their combined experience will be instrumental in helping us continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of our clients. I am confident that their expertise will contribute significantly to the expansion of our services.”

Commenting on her new role, Sarah Khatib said, “I am excited to join Banner Jones at such a pivotal time. The firm’s reputation for delivering excellent client service is well-known, and I look forward to working with the team to continue providing high-quality residential property services. The growing demand for our expertise presents an exciting opportunity to further develop the department, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.”

Banner Jones operates from offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Dronfield and Mansfield, serving clients across the region and the rest of England and Wales. They manage a range of property transactions including buying, selling, transfer of equity, re-mortgage, right to buy, help to buy and equity release.

Chesterfield apprentice named as Newcomer of the Year in LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2024

DBCP Charlotte Gladwin

A Chesterfield building control apprentice has been named as the industry’s Newcomer of the Year in the LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2024.

Charlotte Gladwin (22), a Level 4 apprentice with DBCP, started her five-year Building Control surveying Degree Apprenticeship last year after making the transition from retail management.

The LABC award recognises Charlotte’s exceptional proactivity, dedication, and customer-focused approach.

She said: “I am delighted to win the award at this early stage in my career. The opportunities provided by the team at DBCP are so exciting. I’m really enjoying being out on site and being part of a process that creates positive change in the local landscapes for our communities.”

Prior to joining DBCP, Charlotte was pet shop store manager for three years. Keen to move out of retail and, with an interest in construction and the outdoors, she identified Building Control as the ideal profession in which to build a career.

Explaining why she made the move into building control, she said: “I really enjoyed studying Geography, Psychology and Business at A-Level and, together with my love of the outdoors, I felt that a career in building control aligned with my future ambitions.”

DBCP’s Building Control Manager, David Pratt praised Charlotte’s dedication to her apprenticeship saying: “Charlotte quickly demonstrated her ability to support building inspectors by anticipating their needs, preparing for site visits, and actively contributing to inspections. Her attention to detail and eagerness to learn have made her a valuable asset to the team. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her work, both on-site and in her college studies, where she consistently aims for distinction.”

In addition to Charlotte, David Pratt was also recognised in the prestigious awards when he clinched the Public Service Superstar Award.

With a career in building control spanning more than three decades, LABC judges praised David ‘unwavering dedication to professional development and his commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning within DBCP’, adding that ‘his leadership by example, from passing Level 6 courses with distinction to providing invaluable guidance on officer validations, has helped to set the high standards at DBCP.’

His forward-thinking approach, which saw the introduction of the company’s successful Apprenticeship scheme, and the development of a training partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), has been instrumental in transforming the company.

Further success for DBCP at the annual industry awards came when Oak Grange Primary School in Derby was named as the Best Public or Community Building.

DBCP, worked alongside Lungfish Architects and Morgan Sindall to deliver the multi-million-pound school in 2023. Collaboration between DBCP, the architects, and contractors ensured the school’s design met aesthetic and functional goals, making it a valuable addition to Derby’s educational resources. The school was also delivered on budget despite rising material costs and also saving 10 tonnes of CO2 during construction.

David, commented: “I am honoured to have won the award but equally delighted to see Charlotte, and DBCP’s projects recognised. It is a tremendous achievement for everyone.

“All the wins reflect our combined commitment to excellence in building control and our dedication to supporting high-quality, sustainable construction projects throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.”

David, Charlotte and Oak Grange Primary School were amongst 12 winners at the awards in August. The annual awards celebrate significant achievements within the construction industry, rewarding excellent buildings, outstanding companies, as well as partnerships and individuals that go the extra mile.

All the winners from LABC East Midlands Building Excellence Awards 2024 will now go forward to the national LABC Building Excellence Awards grand final which take place in London on Friday, 24 January 2025.

BHP appoints new CIO as it looks to harness disruptive technology

BHP Melanie pictured with CEO

BHP, one of the North’s leading accountancy firms, has appointed Melanie Foster as its first Chief Information Officer (CIO), as the firm looks to harness the power of technology to support its clients’ objectives.

Melanie, who has held a number of senior technology positions within the financial services sector, brings with her almost two decades of experience in technology innovation and integration.

In her new role, she will work alongside the wider team to develop and progress the company’s data and technology strategy, keeping it at the forefront of new tools and advancements, including AI, to support both internal processes and client services.

Commenting on her appointment, Melanie said: “I’m pleased to be joining BHP as the business continues to thrive and deliver results for its clients across the North. I was attracted to the organisation due to their culture and values and ever since my first engagement with the Leadership Team have been impressed by their commitment to living those values.  With the huge technological advancements over the last 5 years, including AI, I believe we can make transformative changes to our colleagues efficiency and hence the level of value provided to our clients.”

“I look forward to working with Hamish, Lisa and the Leadership Team to look at how BHP can best leverage these for the benefit of businesses across the UK.”

Lisa Leighton, joint CEO of BHP added: “At BHP we are committed to offering our clients tailored, trusted and transformative services and one way in which we do that is through embracing technology. Appointing BHP’s first CIO demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future and staying at the forefront of the industry, which must continuously reflect and integrate technological advancements.”

“I’m excited to see how Melanie and the team further develop our technology and AI strategies as we look to embrace developments which will be used as an enabler to our talented teams of specialists.”

Shorts advise on major business acquisition

DTS Warehouse

Chesterfield accountancy practice, Shorts, has acted as advisor on a large business sale, as Dinnington-based company Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.

Dinnington based company Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG. Corporate Finance advice was provided to DTS by Andy Ryder and Adam Ames of Shorts, together with legal advice from Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts said: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie. It has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction, and we look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.“

Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.

The acquisition of DTS last month supplements Schwihag’s manufacturing facilities in Doncaster; Leipzig, Germany and Grandview Missouri, USA, alongside its additional regional offices in Valencia, Spain and New Delhi, India.  The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is seen as a strategic addition to Schwihag’s UK portfolio, increasing the range of products and services offered to the market.

New team member a ‘wonderful addition’ for Oasis Studio

Olivia Dale Oasis Studio

Oasis Studio has expanded its team, welcoming Olivia Dale to the company.

Olivia is currently studying her Master’s Degree in Architecture at Sheffield Hallam University. She has joined the Oasis Studio EyeSiteView team for her internship and has already been contributing significantly to the firm’s live projects.

Olivia commented: “I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to intern at Oasis Studio. It’s been an incredible experience working on live projects for EyeSiteView alongside a talented team who have provided invaluable support and guidance. Throughout my time here, I’ve developed and honed skills that will not only enhance my professional journey but also contribute significantly to my Master’s studies.”

Jade Chinn, Marketing Lead at Oasis Studio said: “Olivia has been a wonderful addition to our studio. In just the short time she has been with us Olivia has already been making great contributions to our live projects for our house builder clients, it’s great to have her on our team.”

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Champions show support for Chesterfield community with latest initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield continue to get involved in supporting the local community with a range of initiatives to support people across the area.

Ann Fomukong-Boden, Destination Chesterfield Board Member commented: “Chesterfield Champions are proud to support our vibrant community, and it is great to see businesses playing their part to help others through a wide range of initiatives.

“Our town is a great place to work and live, and one of the main things that makes Chesterfield unique is the closeness of its community.

“It is great to see Champions continuing this trend by supporting local people and charities, alongside raising the profile of our area.”

Find out more about how our organisations are working to improve the lives of our residents and strengthen ties with our charities, voluntary organisations and wider community in our latest roundup below.

Spire Radio relaunches ‘Chesterfield Chat’ show to celebrate the town

Spire Radio Jordan and Eva

Spire Radio has announced the relaunch of its community centred local show, Chesterfield Chat. The program returns now hosted by Jordan Hartshorne and produced by Eva Charkiewicz who are both passionate about celebrating the heart and soul of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Chat provides a platform for local businesses, community groups, charities, and artists to connect with listeners and share their stories.

The relaunched show promises to build on this tradition while offering a fresh perspective and engaging format. Listeners can also expect lively discussions on local news and upcoming events that matter most to the people of Chesterfield.

Each week, Chesterfield Chat will feature a dynamic mix of guests, including:

  • Local business owners discussing their latest ventures and experiences of trading in Chesterfield.
  • Representatives from community groups and charities sharing their important work and fundraising efforts.
  • Local artists, musicians, and performers showcasing their talents, with some liver performances.
  • A roundup of the mustn’t-miss events around Chesterfield in the week ahead.

Spire Radio welcomes all members of the community to tune in to Chesterfield Chat every Tuesday evening at 6pm. Listen live on spire-radio.com, on the TuneIn Apps for iPhone, Android and Smart TV or Ask Alexa to Play Spire Radio from TuneIn.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a charity worker, or simply a resident who loves your town, Chesterfield Chat is a platform for your voice to be heard. For more information about Chesterfield Chat or if you’d like to feature on the show, email eva@spire-radio.com or message the station on Instagram.

DBCP to sponsor popular Chesterfield Children’s Festival

Chesterfield Childrens Festival promotional photo - three people holding up banner

DBCP is sponsoring this year’s Chesterfield Children’s Festival –a free family event organised by local charity Junction Arts.

The Junction Arts event is funded by Arts Council England and was launched in 2023, attracting over 8,000 visitors.  The two-day festival celebrates the joy of childhood, imagination and play and features free cultural activities and entertainment for children of all ages to enjoy.

This year, the event will be held on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of July in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.  New acts for 2024 include an immersive live movie set experience, an interactive family catwalk show, virtual reality swings, an aerial workshop for babies and family life drawing!   There’ll also be art workshops, circus skills, storytelling, live music, face painting, theatre, and dance.

Chesterfield-based DBCP, which is the recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, Is the headline sponsor at the event, donating £4,000 to the charity.  The extra funds will go towards an arts commission that will see musicians and storytellers work with local young people to create a new piece of music that will be performed at the festival.

Junction Arts Coordinator Jemma Burton said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to DBCP and welcome them as sponsors of this year’s Children’s Festival.  Junction Arts is a charity, we rely on corporate donations and sponsorship to ensure that our events and festivals are free and accessible to as many people as possible, this generous support from DBCP helps us to widen our reach and allows the festival to have much more impact in the community.”

Looking forward to the event David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager, said: “We are delighted to sponsor Chesterfield Children’s Festival this year. Many of the DBCP team and their families live in and around the area, so for us to be involved with this fantastic event in our community gives us all a real feeling of pride.”

For more information about the Chesterfield Children’s Festival visit: junctionarts.org.

Popular TV and comedy star launches new series of Ashgate Hospice grief podcast

ED BYRNE image stood against a wall smiling

Image by Roslyn Gaunt

Television and comedy star Ed Byrne recently appeared in the newest series of Ashgate Hospice’s podcast, which explores frank and honest conversations about life, death and grief.

Ed, known for appearing on panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and his stand-up comedy, was interviewed for the first episode of The Life and Death Podcast.

It comes amidst the world tour of his show Tragedy Plus Time, inspired by the bereavement he faced following the death of his younger brother.

Ed sat down with podcast host Stephen Rumford ahead of his show in Buxton to discuss his career, his brother’s life and the success of the critically acclaimed show.

The first episode of the fifth series, featuring Ed, launched on 6th May as part of Dying Matters Awareness Week.

Episodes featuring other death and grief experts and commentators will go live every fortnight.

Stephen Rumford, host of The Life and Death Podcast and Senior Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice, said: “I don’t think we could have imagined that when we started back in 2020, we’d go on to launch five series of the podcast.

“This time, we’ve expanded our range topics and guests, and our six latest guests are a wonderful addition to the growing resource that the podcast represents.

“From a candid conversation with Ed Byrne to an insightful discussion with TikTok’s ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’, we have a wide range of guests offering differing expertise. You’re sure to learn something new with each episode.

“We hope the podcast provides a useful resource to anyone who is bereaved and people who might be curious about the subject.

“I hope all of our listeners enjoy the considered opinions of our guests as they share their unique experiences with us.”

In the podcast seasons so far, Stephen speaks with writers, doctors and people who have experienced end of life care to discuss their unique relationships, hospice life, and how death affects the living.

In the latest series, Dr. Katie Lawlor, an animal bereavement expert and pet loss psychologist based in San Francisco, California, joins as one of the guests.

She was training to be a clinical psychologist before she realised there was very little, if any, support networks for people suffering following the death of a pet.

Others include Dr Julie McFadden, known to millions on social media as ‘Hospice Nurse Julie’; she cares for palliative and end of life patients and uses TikTok to address some of death’s biggest misconceptions.

The Natural Death Centre’s Josefine Speyer, author of Modern Loss, Rebeca Soffer, and renowned philosopher Simon Critchley will also feature in the new season.

Episodes will be released on Mondays every fortnight from 6th May! You can listen to episodes from all five series of The Life and Death Podcast online or by searching for ‘Ashgate Hospice’ on all streaming platforms.

Veezu supports Cash for Kids charity

eezu supports Cash for Kids’ Holiday Hunger appeal - group of people holding large cheque

Veezu, a private hire operator covering Chesterfield and South Yorkshire, has donated £500 to the local arm of Cash for Kids in support of Cash for Kids Day on 2 May.

The donation was made through Funded by Veezu, an initiative in which local charities and sports teams can apply for funding and grants, set up to improve the communities in which Veezu operates.

Cash for Kids supports children and young people affected by poverty, abuse, neglect, life-limiting illness, and those with additional needs. Based across 22 areas in the UK, Cash for Kids is a grant giving charity that helps community groups, charitable organisations, schools and individual cases. The latest figures from the End Child Poverty Coalition show that 1 in 3 local children are living in poverty and, in some areas, it is as high as 36%.

2 May marked Cash for Kids Day, where organisations came together to raise as much as possible for the cause, with a particular focus on combating holiday hunger to make sure all children have access to a hot meal during the holidays.

Veezu has donated £500 from its regional areas of Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Portsmouth, bringing the total donation to £3000. According to statistics given by Cash for Kids, it’s predicted that £3000 will help 60 children in need.

Lisa Sullivan, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids North, West and South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, said: “We are so grateful to Veezu for supporting us across the UK in six regions for Cash for Kids Day. For the passengers of Veezu, they can feel confident in their choice, as they will be helping disadvantaged children access activities and food during the school holidays. For many children it will be their only daily meal. The generosity of companies like Veezu, as well as donations from the general public, help us help children that need it the most.”

Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Cash for Kids once again. All children deserve access to a hot meal, whether it’s the holidays or not, and we are glad to donate what we can and make a difference to children living in poverty.”

BusinessWise Accountancy & Tax welcomes Brookfield School pupil for work experience

oliver businesswise work experience

A Chesterfield business has continued its commitment towards supporting our young people with careers, by hosting a pupil for a week of work experience.

BusinessWise Accountancy and Tax welcomed Oliver to their organisation for a week of hands-on learning about what a career in Chesterfield’s financial sector would look like.

Looking for skills support in Chesterfield for your business? Go to our Skills and Training page to find out more.

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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Inspirational work continues in Chesterfield’s business community

Inspirational work continues to take place amongst Chesterfield’s businesses to support good causes and community initiatives in the town.

Our latest roundup of feel-good stories includes a celebration of inspirational women in the town, support for a cheerleading group to fulfill their ambitions of taking part in a world championships, a heartfelt charity challenge taking place at the upcoming Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k race, and young Chesterfield footballers being given the skills to save lives.

Read more in our latest roundup from our Chesterfield Champions below:

Chesterfield Football Club plays host to inspirational Women’s Day event

Banner Jones International Women's Day event

More than 60 businesswomen from across South Sheffield and Derbyshire came together last week at Chesterfield Football Club to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

The inspirational event was hosted by MMB Magazine and sponsored by regional law firm Banner Jones, with the proceedings led by event host Natalie Jackson who is a former lawyer and Director at See Sporty Be Sporty.

Natalie is actively encouraging girls to participate in sports, creating partnerships helping businesses to support local young people working with the Outward Bound Trust.

The first speaker at the event, which took place on February 29th, was World Thai Boxing Champion and UK Boxing Champion Rachael Mackenzie who shared her journey to success. And what a journey it was!

The inspirational evening consisted of networking opportunities, and a chance to celebrate the achievements of women in the local community. Half of the funds raised were also donated to support Chesterfield FC Women, supporting their journey in securing funds for pitch hire, referees, kit, training, and other essential needs.

A number of other inspirational women were invited to share their experiences, including top female football referee Georgia Ball, founder of Colleague Box Natalie Bamford, the first female shareholding management board member of Banner Jones, Katie Ash, and Business Expansion and Inward Investment Specialist Nicolle Ndiweni.

Katie Ash, panel speaker and event sponsor commented: “We were delighted to sponsor this event focussed on celebrating the achievements of women and inspiring the next generation of women in business.

“Women have been forcing change and we are seeing the fruits of their labour but there is still a way to go. This event got us thinking about inclusivity, what it means and how we can put it at the centre of everything we do. It was also great to see such a big turnout for the event and I am looking forward to supporting the coming events this year to build stronger relationships within our local community of women in business”.

Andrea Parkinson, Chesterfield FC Women 1st Team Manager, also attended the event. They held a very successful raffle with funds raised going towards securing referees for the remaining matches of the season.

As this event has been so popular and there is a clear demand for more Women’s networking in Chesterfield, Abbie at MMB Magazine is planning future events.

The first MMB Private Lunch Club Derbyshire will be held in Chesterfield town centre on the 14th May 2024, 12pm-2pm in Café No10’s new private dining area upstairs. Look out for more information but email abbie@mmbmagazine.co.uk if you are interested in attending.

DBCP help make Trailblazer Allstars’ World Cheerleading Championship dreams a reality

Trailblazer Allstars with DBCP banner

A cheerleading squad is off to the US in April to compete in the Allstar World Cheerleading Championships – the Olympics of the cheerleading world – thanks to a bit of help from DBCP, the Chesterfield-based building control services provider.

DBCP has made a generous £1000 donation to the Trailblazer Allstars to help towards their trip of a lifetime to Orlando in Florida where the championships are taking place.

The donation will be used alongside additional fundraising by the team, to purchase training kit, uniforms, flights and accommodation, entry fees and performance music at the international competition.

DBCP has a special connection to The Trailblazer Allstars; a member of its technical team is the squad’s ‘flyer’. By day, Jade Sheppard can be found processing building control applications, but in the evening and at weekends, she is the athlete who is lifted and thrown into the air during a stunt or appears at the top of a pyramid during performances.

In addition to DBCP’s donation, the squad have fundraised tirelessly for the trip over the last 12 months, after learning they had been invited to compete in the Cheerleading World Championships which are held every year.

Jade said: “We’re so grateful to DBCP and everyone else who has donated to help get us to the Cheerleading Worlds. It has made a huge difference. As a team we don’t receive any funding to help us get there so heavily rely on fundraising. All donations are helping make our dreams to showcase our skills on a huge stage a reality.”

Currently ninth best in the world, the Trailblazer Allstars are one of only three teams from the UK competing in the 2024 world championship held at Disney World. Jade and 19 of her fellow cheerleaders, together with coaches and helpers, will head to the US at the end of April where they will spend a week training before competing over two days.

David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager said: “We are all very proud of Jade and her team’s achievements and are delighted to support them in getting to the Cheerleading Worlds. Jade’s full of energy in the office at DBCP! If the team take this energy to the competition, we have no doubt that they will be bringing back a medal for the U.K. in April.”

At the Cheerleading World Championships, the Trailblazer Allstars will compete in the highest division (Level 7). This is the third time they’ve competed in Florida. During the 2022 competition they finished ninth out of more than 20 teams. This year the team is hoping to hit a new high following the creation of a non-tumble category.

The new category is designed specifically for teams that have limited training facilities and are unable to incorporate floor gymnastic displays in their routines. Jade added: “With the introduction of the non-tumble category, Trailblazer Allstars have a real chance against the US teams at the World Championship.”

If you would like to donate to the Trailblazer Allstars’ cheerleading world championships dream, you can do so via their JustGiving page.

‘Wonderful’ care volunteer’s friend received at Ashgate Hospice inspires her to take on Chesterfield 10K

Helen Hadley Ashgate Hospice running the Chestefield 10k

The close friend of a woman who received “wonderful” Ashgate Hospice care is running the Chesterfield 10K in her memory.

Helen Hadley started volunteering at the hospice’s reception in Old Brampton, Chesterfield, after her friend Margaret Umney died in March last year, aged just 44.

She will be one of hundreds of runners taking to the streets on Sunday 24 March for the event, sponsored by the Redbrik Foundation.

Helen, 45, from New Whittington, hopes to raise as much as she can for the charity, which cared for Margaret at home, allowing her to fulfil her wish of dying at home with her family by her side.

The route will start and finish in Queen’s Park and will see runners embark on a journey around the heart of Chesterfield, heading past landmarks including the town’s famous Crooked Spire.

Runners of all abilities – as well as volunteers – are being urged to sign up for the event.

Helen said: “When I ran the Chesterfield 10K a couple of years ago, Margaret was one of my biggest supporters; she was always sending me positive messages.

“It only seemed fitting to run the event this year in her memory. The hospice did such a wonderful job of caring for Margaret; the team at Ashgate ensured she was able to be at home with her husband Dan, and children Ellie, Shannon and Lewis.

“Being able to raise funds towards the charity’s care is definitely a big added bonus for me.”

Ashgate Hospice has once again been announced as one of the Chesterfield 10K’s charity partners, and participants are being encouraged to sign up and fundraise to help fund the charity’s vital end of life services.

Taking part will help people like Margaret, from New Whittington, who was diagnosed with breast cancer five years before she died.

She spent years undergoing intense treatment until she was told nothing more could be done.

Helen added: “The hospice is a place that so many of us are all too familiar with and has played a part in ours or someone that we know’s life.

“Volunteering there, I get to witness first hand, the amazing work that the team do. They receive less than 40% of their funding from the government, so every single pound makes an enormous difference.”

Other participants include David Hudson, from Wingerworth, who will have his parents, Brian and Elizabeth, on his mind whilst taking on the event, after they died in 2002, just four months apart. He hopes to raise £500 towards the hospice’s care in their memory.

“My father passed away after being diagnosed with bowel cancer,” said David. “I love hearing people’s stories about how they have coped with cancer and this has inspired me to raise money for Ashgate Hospice.

“It’s an amazing charity that does amazing things for sick people, including those who have cancer. I think my parents would love the work does Ashgate for people in the community if they were still with us.”

Entry into the 2024 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K costs £25 per person. Participants can also choose to purchase a t-shirt for an additional £10.

Volunteers are also needed at the event to help with marshalling and with bag collection – anyone who is able to help is asked to complete this form or contact Ashgate Hospice’s events team.

If you have any questions about this event, please email Ashgate Hospice’s events team at events@ashgatehospice.org.uk.

Young Spireites learn life saving first-aid skills

csals Chesterfield FC First aid training

Players from Chesterfield FC Junior & Youth Academy took part in a first aid session provided by CSALS, a charity dedicated to ensuring more people are equipped with vital life-saving knowledge.

CSALS’ lead trainer, John Hutchinson, showed the youngsters how to perform CPR and other first aid skills.

The session was delivered in the HUB at the SMH Group Stadium and funded by Auto Windscreens as part of their support for CSALS via the charity’s 999 Appeal.

Shaun Atton, Business Development Director from Auto Windscreens, said: “We’ve been based in Chesterfield since being founded in 1971 and take our responsibilities to the community around us very seriously.

“We’re proud to support CSALS’ life-saving work and its most recent training session at Chesterfield FC, for which we’ve been a sponsor since 2022.

“We also make CSALS courses available to all our colleagues and their families, as we believe it’s important as many people as possible can provide assistance in an emergency.”

Debra Johnson, CSALS’ community facilitator, said: “We were delighted to see the aspiring young footballers learning skills that could help them save a life. I would like to thank Auto Windscreens for providing the funding to enable the session to go ahead.”

Chesterfield FC, CSALS, Ashgate Hospice, Banner Jones Solicitors, Redbrik and DBCP 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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National Careers Week: How Chesterfield apprentices are unlocking business growth in Chesterfield

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to futureproof their workforces by finding out more about the far-reaching benefits of taking on apprentices in the town.

Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employment. In Chesterfield, this holds particularly true, as businesses stand to gain several benefits by taking on apprentices.

Ahead of National Careers Week 2024 (4-9 March), a panel of apprentices building their careers in the town have outlined these advantages, from fostering a skilled workforce for the future, to enhancing company culture and driving innovation.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, apprentices in the town spoke of the numerous ways in which they are contributing to their organisations. In an era defined by advancing technology and evolving industry demands, the need for skilled workers has never been more pronounced. By taking on apprentices, businesses in Chesterfield have been able to address this need by nurturing fresh talent and providing them with invaluable hands-on experience.

Lucy Jones, Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice with DBCP commented: “Apprentices have different backgrounds, ideas and viewpoints which can help to combat challenges which may arise in the business.

Lucy Jones - DBCP

Lucy Jones – DBCP

“They bring a different mindset to everyone else. You get to mould that person for your business and work with them to be a better version of themselves, with a range of skills from time management to dealing with clients. Apprentices are taking their learning and applying it to your business straight away.”

Moreover, businesses have the opportunity to tailor apprenticeship programs to align with their specific needs and objectives, ensuring that apprentices receive training that directly translates into tangible contributions to the company.

By investing in the development of apprentices, businesses not only secure a pipeline of skilled workers but also cultivate a culture of learning and growth within their organisation. This commitment to employee development not only benefits the individual apprentice but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the business and Chesterfield’s economy.

Chanelle Wallace, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice at MD Hair said: “Being based at the salon gives me a great opportunity to learn everyone else’s techniques and soak up all their experience. I’m then able to use that to find my style and ways of doing things, which I think helps to strengthen and grow the team. If you work with more experienced people, you’re going to learn those key social skills, which for my area of work is so important.”

Woman in a salon drying another woman's hair

Chanelle Wallace, MD Hair, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice

Apprenticeships are crucial in driving innovation by injecting fresh perspectives and new ideas into the workplace. As digital technologies continue to reshape industries, businesses in Chesterfield can leverage apprenticeships to harness emerging talent and foster a culture of innovation.

Isaac Marbridge, Level 7 ACCA Chartered Accountant Apprentice at BHP commented: “If a business has the flexibility to work with an apprentice, I’d recommend it. I have quarterly meetings with my manager, and we discuss my progress. I get to regularly put forward skills which I want to get trained up on, which I’m then able to go and pursue. That could be something unique that nobody else has done. This means I can then bring fresh knowledge into the business, which overall will help the organisation.

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference.

“Businesses will gain a lot by getting a different perspective. My industry, accountancy, is transforming and we must keep up with new technologies. Younger people coming through as apprentices and trainees will be better placed to get trained and help to drive the business forward. We’ve had talks about AI and how that is set to impact our sector, and we’ve got younger people already looking at how we can use it to our advantage.”

Furthermore, apprenticeships provide businesses with the opportunity to future-proof their workforce by equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, adapting to shifting market trends, or navigating regulatory changes, apprenticeships empower businesses in Chesterfield to stay agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Moreover, apprenticeships provide existing employees with the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of talent, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in their roles. This mentorship not only enhances the professional development of apprentices but also cultivates strong bonds between team members, leading to greater cohesion and productivity.

DBCP’s Lucy Jones added: “Most of the inspectors in our organisation are from an older generation. I think that it is important that we get trainees and apprentices into that role to keep it going and ensure the future of our industry. The job comes with a lot of responsibility, so it’s vital we give people that hands-on experience as soon as we can.”

In Chesterfield, businesses stand to gain a wealth of benefits by embracing apprenticeships as a cornerstone of their workforce development strategy. To assist businesses in ensuring they have the workforce required to meet the demands of the future, Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a skills brokerage service, which can signpost firms to the support they require.

Max Denton, Skills Delivery Assistant at Chesterfield Borough Council is currently working towards a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. He commented: “The role I carry out aligns with one of the five objectives in the council’s growth strategy, which is ensuring that people in our borough have the right skills to progress in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Three men stood having a conversation

Max Denton, Chesterfield Borough Council, Level 4 Project Manager Associate

“I believe that there is a lot of opportunity in Chesterfield at the moment. It is a pleasure to see the amount of development taking place here. It will certainly lead to more employment opportunities in the town. The focus of our growth strategy is to create higher-value jobs and growth, and I would encourage businesses to get in touch with us to see how we can support them.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and skills support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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Chesterfield Champions: Firms announce new partnerships, recruitment, fundraising initiatives and events

Firms in the town’s network of Chesterfield Champions continue to announce further progress, and help to raise the profile of the town through various initiatives.

Our latest news roundup from businesses and other organisations across Chesterfield sees a new film festival being launched for young people, a collaboration between Chesterfield FC and a local taxi provider, a new apprentice being recruited by a property and construction firm in the town, and two major charitable donations.

Read the latest stories and updates below:

Veezu kicks off Chesterfield FC partnership

Chesterfield FC X Veezu

Leading Chesterfield private hire provider Veezu, formerly named City Taxis, has partnered with Chesterfield FC for their upcoming season.

Entering their seventh year as first-team travel kit sponsors, only this time under the Veezu brand, the partnership will see Veezu become the club’s official ride partner, ensuring fans can travel to and from home games easily and safely.

“Whilst the rebrand has been a prominent change for us at City Taxis, our ethos and passion for supporting our local community continues under the Veezu brand,” said Sacha Skinner, Regional Marketing Manager at Veezu.

“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Chesterfield FC again and to see Veezu on the training kits, in what has been a fantastic start to the 2023/24 season!”

Chief Executive, John Croot said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Veezu and I would like to thank them for their support.

“We are confident that our strong presence and wide reach will help establish the brand in the area.”

Sparky Ink Studio celebrates 7th anniversary with new film festival

sparky ink film festival

Chesterfield’s Sparky Ink Studio, which provides creative experiences and projects for young people is celebrating seven years of success.

The studio will host a film festival, which is a VIP event for the Students, their Families and acquaintances of the Studio over the last 7 years. The festival will be showcasing all the hard work from its talented students and team, dating right back to 2016 when Sparky Ink Studio first opened, as well as some recent documentary clips.

The festival opens at 11am on Saturday 18th November, when the Studio will be returning to its roots at West Studios.  The team will be using the purpose-built theatre and hope to fill all 140 seats there.

Jane-marie Wright , Founder and Creative Director commented: “Since 2018, we have been collecting unseen films, animations and clips from our students and we are so glad we can finally dust off some of our old classics to premiere.

“Our students and Team are very important to the Studio and the work we do and as we are now at the ripe age of 7 we wanted to celebrate this in the best possible way.

“Our little Studio is always trying to give something back to the Autism and SEN community and our students are amazing and deserve to have a special day where they can see how their film looks on the Big Screen. In addition, we think we might be the first ever Film Festival of this kind in Chesterfield and are looking to team up to offer regular Film Festivals of this kind in the future.

“We hope this in turn will motivate more people with Autism, ADHD and other Special Needs to pursue a creative career in this wonderful industry. It is also important that more people know we are here.  We often have people tell us they didn’t know we existed so we want to celebrate that the Studio is here and we want more people to come along to our events, workshops and sessions.”

Find out more about Sparky Ink Studio, along with its events and workshops at: www.sparkyink.co.uk  or on Facebook @sparkyinkstudio.

New apprentice joins DBCP following career change

Charlotte Gladwin DBCP

Charlotte Gladwin has said goodbye to retail management and has embarked on a brand-new career in building control thanks to an apprenticeship.

Previously working as a store manager at a pet shop for three years, Charlotte (21) now joins DBCP as a Level 4 Building Control Surveyor apprentice.

As an apprentice Charlotte will undertake practical on-the-job learning at construction sites throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, working alongside DBCP’s team of experienced and knowledgeable Building Control Inspectors.

During her five-year apprenticeship, she will also combine her practical training with completing industry-recognised exams, which will ultimately see her qualify as a Building Control Surveyor.

As a qualified Building Control Surveyor, Charlotte will have responsibility for completing site inspections independently and ensuring buildings are safe, energy efficient and adhere to building control standards.

A former pupil of Wales High School in Rotherham, Charlotte entered retail following her A’ Levels. Keen to move out of retail and, with an interest in construction and the outdoors, she identified Building Control as the ideal profession in which to build a career.

She explained: “I really enjoyed studying Geography, Psychology and Business at A-Level and, together with my love of the outdoors, I felt that a career in building control aligned with my future ambitions.  At DBCP I’ll be part of the process that creates positive change in the local landscapes for our communities.

“Being in the position to check that building work is correct and architectural drawings have been followed is a significant responsibility. I’m really excited by the fact that at the end of my training, assignments and intense exams, I’ll be carrying out these tasks and be trusted to do so.”

DBCP’s long-running apprenticeship programme is helping the business attract local young people who want to progress their careers within the field of building control. The company currently employs seven apprentices who are at different stages of their training, including degree level.

“The opportunities provided by the team at DBCP are so exciting. I really enjoying being out on site and I’ve already found the team so supportive,” she added.

Delighted to welcome Charlotte to the team, David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP, said: “Building Control Surveyors are in high demand. We look forward to sharing our industry knowledge and best-practice with Charlotte as she embarks upon her five-year training. I know from personal experience that building control offers a long and varied career. I am certainly never bored!”

If you’re interested in a future apprenticeship with DBCP, get in touch by emailing david.pratt@dbcp.co.uk.

Sponsored Queen’s Park swim raises more than £7,000

Swimming instructors and pupils with representatives from the charities

A sponsored swim at Queen’s Parks Sports Centre has raised £7,543 which will be shared between two charities.

Around 120 children who take part in swimming lessons at Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre took part in the sponsored swim in October which was raising money for Parkinsons UK and Ashgate Hospice.

Every child in the swimming programme was invited and they all set their own target distances for the swim. In just 12 hours the swimming instructors swam around 42 miles which is the same distance as swimming across the English Channel to France and back to England

The money will be shared between Parkinsons UK and Ashgate Hospice, the hospice was selected in memory of beloved swimming teacher Rachel Pye who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “I want to thank everyone who organised and participated in the sponsored swim, they raised an incredible amount of money that will be going to some very worthwhile causes.”

Redbrik Foundation helps Cavendish Cancer Care provide essential services with generous cash boost

Redbrik Foundation Cavendish Cancer Care

Cavendish Cancer Care will now be able to provide essential therapy for children and young people in need of support, thanks to a generous cash boost from the Redbrik Foundation.

Each month, the Foundation selects one charity from the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire area to receive a donation to help them continue their contribution to the community.

In light of receiving October’s grant, Cavendish Cancer Care can now offer art therapy, play therapy and counselling to young people whose lives have been affected by the illness.

Hannah Williams, Fundraiser at Cavendish Cancer Care, said: “A cancer diagnosis within the family can have a huge impact on children, which is why it is so important they can turn to Cavendish, as a safe space to relax and understand their emotions.

“Katie, whose eight-year-old son was supported by our Children and Young People’s Service when his dad had leukaemia, told us the support and care her son received made a difference to her entire family, with unconditional care, attention and kindness that have helped him work through his anxieties. It is families like Katie’s where this gift from the Redbrik Foundation will make such a difference.”

Every month a different member of the Redbrik team is set to nominate a cause close to their heart, helping them give something back to the local community.

This month, Property Consultant Jacob Bailey named Cavendish Cancer Care as his charity of choice. He said: “I am constantly inspired by the amazing work they do and the support they offer to local families and individuals who are facing some of the most challenging times of their lives. It is an honour to be able to help them continue their fantastic work.”

Since it was established in 2020, the Redbrik Foundation has donated tens of thousands to local charitable causes, including Ashgate Hospice, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Whirlow Hall Farm, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Paces, St Luke’s Hospice, Fairplay and Pathways of Chesterfield.

If your charity is interested in support from the Redbrik Foundation, contact Director David Cooper by email at david.cooper@redbrik.co.uk.

Veezu, Chesterfield FC, Redbrik, Chesterfield Borough Council, DBCP, Sparky Ink Studio, and Ashgate Hospice 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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DBCP confirmed as sponsor for this weekend’s Eat in the Park festival

DBCP, the leading provider of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, has been announced as one of the sponsors of Chesterfield’s inaugural Eat In The Park festival.

The exciting family-family food, drink and live music festival, which is already successfully established in Buxton, is coming to Queen’s Park in Chesterfield this weekend (5 – 6 August 2023.)

Thousands of people across Derbyshire are expected to attend the two-day festival which will showcase an array of local traders serving up food and drinks from around the world, as well as top tribute bands and magicians providing entertainment for all the family.

As part of the sponsorship, DBCP banners will be displayed throughout the festival. With many of the team based remotely, DBCP’s 30-strong team of building control surveyors and technical staff will also be using the event as an opportunity to get together.

Jake and George of Eat in the Park said “We are delighted to bring Eat in the Park to Chesterfield this year. To enable us to do this successfully we need to partner with brilliant local organisations and DBCP is certainly one of those. We are excited to showcase their sponsorship at the event and cannot wait to welcome the team to Queen’s Park on 5th and  6th August.”

David Pratt Building Control Manager explained: “DBCP has been a part of Chesterfield’s business community since 2015 and we see our sponsorship of Eat in the Park as an excellent opportunity to both support the town and showcase who we are and what we do to property owners and residents throughout the area.

“DBCP is not just here for our communities in times of emergency, when buildings are compromised, we are to provide advice and support to help ensure properties meet the legal requirements of Building Regulations and are safe, secure and energy efficient for all users.”

Most recently DBCP has overseen building control for Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s new £24million A&E department. The department has been labelled “a jewel in Chesterfield’s crown.” The new building is the hospital’s largest development in almost 40 years and can accommodate 115,000 patients per year.

John Taylor, Senior Building Control Surveyor at DBCP who issued the Building Control certificate for the completed A&E building in April this year praised its high standard of construction saying: “I am very impressed at what has been achieved at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. It is a building everyone can be proud of.”

DBCP is the amalgamation of eight Local Authority Building Control services across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, including Amber Valley Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, High Peak Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

David added: “The team and I are looking forward to attending Eat In The Park. It will be a fantastic event for Chesterfield.”

The two-day festival is a ticketed event with under 5s free. Tickets can be purchased at www.eatinthepark.uk/visitor-information

Find out more about the fantastic range of events and activities taking place across Chesterfield this summer on our Summer in Chesterfield page.

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

Eat in the Park Main Stage

Eat in the Park Main Stage

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Chesterfield organisations strengthen their teams with new appointments

Several Chesterfield businesses and organisations have announced new additions to their teams recently, which builds upon the wealth of existing talent across the town.

DBCP

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership bolstered its ranks recently, taking on two new team members.

Barry Thomas joins DBCP’s team of Building Control Surveyors to assist with the growing demand for building control services for projects in Derby City Centre, while Tracey Mansell has joined the company’s technical support team based in Dunston Innovation Centre.

Barry joins from Thurrock Council where he was a building control surveyor. It was in this role that he completed a degree in Building Control at Wolverhampton University as well as achieving full Chartership status with the industry’s leading bodies CABE and CIOB.

He commented: “It’s a very exciting time for me professionally. Derby is a great city and there is so much happening there with residential and commercial developments of all sizes. It’s great to be involved with key projects through my role with DBCP.”

Barry will be supported in his role by DBCP’s technical support team which has been joined by Tracey. In her new role, Tracey will provide frontline support to builders, architects and property owners, and DBCP’s team of building control surveyors operating throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

Tracey commented: “I have always had a keen interest in architecture, building and design and a dedication to delivering excellent customer service so when this role came up, I seized the opportunity.”

Avant Homes

Chesterfield-based Avant Homes has strengthened the team in its Central region with the appointment of a regional planning manager.

Katy Falls has more than 12 years’ experience in the planning industry and began her career in local authority planning before moving into housebuilding in 2015.

As regional planning manager, Katy will be responsible for moving potential sites through the planning process while establishing strong relationships with local authorities.

Commenting on her appointment, Katy said: “As a planner, my favourite part of the job is successfully obtaining planning permission and seeing developments come to life. It is exciting to play a role in delivering new homes for our customers, and to contribute towards creating communities where people want to live.

“I have always favoured the residential side of planning, so I am looking forward to taking the next step in my career with a company which has such impressive and ambitious growth plans.”

Avant Homes Central currently has nine live developments ranging from Chesterfield to Mansfield with many more due to start as the business continues to implement its growth plans.

Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes Group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK.

Speaking about Katy’s appointment, Avant Homes Central managing director, Chris Coley, said: “With Katy’s experience in planning within local authorities and housebuilding in the Midlands, it’s an exciting time for the business to be welcoming her to the planning team.

“As the planning manager for the region, Katy will be pivotal in working closely with local council’s to secure planning consent for our new sites and drive our Central operation towards expansion success.”

Katy Falls planning manager Avant Homes

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce the appointment of a new highly respected and experienced Chief Operating Officer.

Michelle Veitch, who is currently Chief Operating Officer at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), will take up the post at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in March next year.

Michelle started her career in the NHS via the NHS General Management Graduate Training Scheme and since then has undertaken a number of senior operational roles at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

As Chief Operating Officer, Michelle will lead our vision to provide exceptional care by exceptional people by working collaboratively and with compassion across the organisation and outside of it – driving results, performance and quality.

Michelle said: “I’m incredibly excited for the new role and challenge of working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RDaSH and having worked here for over two years, I have made some fantastic friends and was proud to work alongside many talented and committed colleagues.

“Chesterfield has an excellent reputation for patient care and quality services, and I look forward to bringing the lessons I have learnt from my career to support Chesterfield and its community. I look forward to working with colleagues across Derbyshire.”

Milestone Financial Planning

Milestone Financial Planning recently announced it had strengthened its team with the appointment of Financial Advisor, Samantha Halifax.

Samantha commented: “I’ve been working in financial services for over 8 years, in a variety of roles, including as a mortgage advisor and private banker. It’s great to be reunited with Michael, Peter, Mark and Jo again and to meet the rest of the team.”

DBCP, Avant Homes, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Milestone Financial Planning 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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DBCP strengthens technical support team with new appointment

DBCP has further strengthened its technical support team with the appointment of Natalie Hague.

Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in customer service to the role, Natalie joins DBCP from Dunston Innovation Centre in Chesterfield, where the building control company is based. Natalie’s new role with DBCP means she now just works two floors above where she was based with her former employer.

Margaret Pratt, Business Operations Manager at DBCP who heads up the technical support team, was impressed by the friendly and warm welcome she received each day from Natalie so had no hesitation in offering her the new role.

Natalie jumped at the chance to work in a completely new industry with the opportunity to gain new qualifications. She commented: “I was moving house and noticed the address on the building control documents was DBCP, which is based in Dunston Innovation Centre. I went upstairs to see if the guys at DBCP could help and, since then, I’ve just been really intrigued by the industry.

“I’m going to be doing my LABC qualification soon to give me a wider understanding of building control and that should really help me on a daily basis. It’s a career change and an exciting new challenge but there are lots of transferrable skills from my previous roles – there’s a strong focus on customer service and I’m familiar with a lot of the IT software too.”

On a day-to-day basis, Natalie will be handling data inputting, answering the phone and booking building inspections for builders and property owners.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP is delighted with the appointment: “We’re thrilled to welcome Natalie to the team, our technical support team is the core of the business and offering great customer service is what we’re all about. We’re always looking to grow the team, creating jobs for local people and investing in our staff.”

Outside work, Natalie has a young family and enjoys spending time with her five-year-old daughter Nicole. She also loves international travel, visiting America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius and the Caribbean.

If you’re planning any construction projects and would like to discuss how DBCP can support you, please contact our friendly team of experts for advice and information on 0333 880 2000 or visit dbcp.co.uk. Or, if you’re looking for a career in building control, we have vacancies for a Senior Building Control Surveyor and Customer Services Administrator. Please visit dbcp.co.uk/careers to find out more.

DBCP 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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DBCP provides advice to local homeowners and tenants following increase in energy prices

With energy prices on the rise, people are turning off their heating to save money. However, it could end up costing them more long term.

Derbyshire’s building control services provider, DBCP, is urging people to try and keep their heating on and not block ventilation in their homes, as they risk causing damp and mould problems which are damaging not only to the fabric of a building but also pose a health hazard.

Building Regulations require all new buildings and alterations to existing buildings to include damp proof courses where walls and floors are in contact with the earth. However, damp proof courses do not protect the building from internal moisture build up caused by condensation which can damage plaster and paint, as well as lead to window frame decay.

A family of four generates around 280 full buckets of moisture on average per year through everyday activities such as cooking, showering, drying clothes and even breathing. In new build homes, the problem is worse as up to 8,000 litres of water (about 800 full buckets) may be included in mixtures and materials and will take up to two years to evaporate.

If excess moisture cannot escape, then it can also become a health hazard. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.

According to the NHS website, inhaling or touching mould spores can cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, a skin rash and even asthma attacks. Babies, elderly people and those with respiratory and skin problems or weakened immune system are among those affected the most.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP explained: “To conserve heat as we try to manage our energy bills, people can be tempted to block all draughts, like covering an air vent, in an attempt to make their homes warm. However, it’s important to ensure that air is able to circulate in order to maintain a good moisture balance. If there isn’t a good moisture balance in then it will cause damp and mould problems in your home.”

To ensure you have a moisture-balanced home, David recommends five simple steps:

  1. Open a window – when moisture generation is higher than usual, (e.g. when showering or cooking) increase ventilation by simply opening a window or turning on an extractor fan.
  2. Keep gutters clean – ensure there are no rainwater or plumbing leaks which could cause damp.
  3. Dry laundry outside – drying laundry inside typically increases interior humidity by 30% on laundry day and 15% overall. Even in freezing temperatures, your clothes will dry eventually.
  4. Take cooler showers – lowering the temperature of your shower by just a few degrees, won’t add as much steam to the air, which helps with humidity levels.
  5. Heat your home – although energy prices are continuing to rise, avoiding damp and mould issues will save you more money long term.

David added “Dampness and mould in properties has always been an issue and it’s partly due to the cold climate we have here in the UK. Fortunately, there are many low cost and free solutions we can put in place to tackle the problem and ensure we all maintain a healthy, moisture-balanced home. However, if you are worried about moisture build-up, damp, mould or any other issue with your property, seek advice from a property maintenance of construction professional.”

DBCP is the leading provider of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. It was formed following a collaboration of  eight established Local Authority Building Control Services from: Derby City Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

This collaboration has created the most effective and efficient service to deliver building control requirements throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

If you’re worried about potential structural damage caused to your home by damp, get in touch with DBCP’s team for advice, by calling 0333 880 2000 or via the website – dbcp.co.uk.

DBCP 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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DBCP makes apprenticeship appointment in technical support team

Former Tibshelf Secondary School pupil, Christian Peat (17) is the latest addition to DBCP’s technical support team.

Christian joins the leading supplier of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice.

Having studied Construction and the Built Environment at school, Christian was familiar with building regulations and health and safety which sparked his interest in joining the sector.

Based at DBCP’s Chesterfield office, Christian is now working alongside the technical support team managing inspection requests for the company’s 26-strong team of building control surveyors.

He said: “It’s a really varied role with DBCP which is great. My dad is a quantity surveyor and my mum also used to work in planning, so I have experience through them of those fields. Working in building control is adding to my skillset and helping help me identify what I would like to follow as a career once I finish my apprenticeship.”

Welcoming Christian to the company David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager said: “I am delighted that Christian has chosen to begin his career journey with DBCP. It is important that companies in the building control sector invest in the training and skills of young people to avoid a future skills shortage.

“Looking ahead to the future, we have started our recruitment process now for two Building Control degree apprentices. It’s vitally important we have trained and qualified building control surveyors for current and future construction and renovation projects across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.”

If you are considering a degree apprenticeship in Building Control ahead of leaving school next year and would like to know more, get in touch with DBCP’s Building Control Manager David Pratt, on 0333 880 2000 or email info@dbcp.co.uk

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting our Apprentice Town page.

DBCP 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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New appointment brings three decades of industry experience to DBCP

DBCP has further strengthened its team of building control surveyors at its Derby office with the appointment of Richard Buxton.

Experienced building surveyor Richard, who boasts more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, will be based at DBCP’s Friar Gate office in the city centre.

He joins from Erewash Borough Council where he was a Building Control Officer covering the Erewash, Broxtowe and Mansfield areas. As part of the DBCP team of Building Control Surveyors, Richard will now work with builders, architects and property owners in Derby city centre and throughout South Derbyshire.

Richard commented: “DBCP offers me a brilliant opportunity to expand my skills and experience, with city-based and larger commercial projects. I’m excited for the brand-new challenge ahead in Derby.”

Richard’s role will include providing plan checks, site inspections and advice and support to clients and contractors for commercial and residential developments in the region. He will also be on call for requests to assess dangerous structures.

Prior to joining the building control sector six years ago, Richard worked within construction, however decided to retrain and completed a Building Surveying degree at Sheffield Hallam University. He is continuing his ongoing professional development with the University of Wolverhampton where he is studying a Building Control Surveying Degree Apprenticeship.

The Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Building Control Surveying was introduced in 2019. The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) and LABC created the now nationally recognised and approved Building Control Apprenticeship Standard.

He added: I’ve been in the construction industry for 32 years and working in building control for the last six years. This has given me an excellent appreciation and understanding of projects from both a developer and regulatory position. My skills and experience enables me to contribute to DBCP’s commitment to working with clients to achieve the best outcome on projects.”

For expert building control advice and guidance, please get in touch with the DBCP team at www.dbcp.co.uk or call 0333 880 2000.

DBCP 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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