Invest in Chesterfield

New business centre created in Chesterfield town centre following £800,000 investment

A prominent Chesterfield town centre building has been given a new lease of life, and is soon set to become a business centre to meet the needs of contemporary professionals and businesses.

York House, on St. Mary’s Gate will now be known as York House Business Centre following the transformation of the property by Sovereign Assets & Developments.

A significant investment in the region of £800,000 has been made to ensure York House is at the forefront of workspace solutions in Chesterfield.

The development includes a substantial refurbishment to introduce a range of high-quality, serviced self-contained offices, workspaces and a coffee shop.

The company says standout features of York House which led them to invest in the premises include:

  • Prime location in central Chesterfield, offering accessibility and visibility.
  • Flexibility with a variety of office sizes and layouts to cater to different business needs.
  • High-speed internet connectivity to ensure productivity is never hampered.
  • Modern amenities including meeting rooms, communal kitchen area and a coffee shop
  • A sleek finish to every office, designed to inspire creativity and professionalism.

A spokesperson for the developer commented: “At York House Business Centre, we’ve been diligently transforming this iconic building into a modern, functional business centre designed to meet the needs of contemporary professionals and businesses.

“Our vision for York House is to create a space that not only serves as a practical work environment but also fosters a community of innovation and growth for all its members.

“Every corner of York House has been reimagined to offer the perfect blend of heritage charm and modern convenience, with state-of-the-art facilities that businesses need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

“The choice to develop York House into business units was driven by the building’s innate potential and Chesterfield’s growing demand for quality office space. We recognised the opportunity to create something that could truly make a difference for local and incoming businesses.

“York House will play a pivotal role in growing the local economy by attracting diverse businesses and talents to the area. By providing top-notch facilities, we’re helping start-ups, scale-ups, and established companies to operate efficiently, which in turn will generate job opportunities and stimulate economic activity.

“Through York House, we’re excited to contribute to Chesterfield’s growth, helping the town to become an even more desirable place for businesses to set up and flourish.”

The company has also cited several reasons as to why it believes Chesterfield is incredibly attractive to businesses:

  • Strategic location near major cities like Sheffield and Nottingham, while also providing easy access to the Peak District.
  • Excellent transport links, including proximity to the M1 motorway, rail services, and airports.
  • A rich industrial heritage translated into a strong work ethic among the local population.
  • Competitive cost of living and business operation compared to larger cities.
  • Continued investment in local infrastructure, making it a town that’s on the up.

Businesses and professionals who are interested in finding out more about York House Business Centre can do so by visiting Zoopla, or by emailing: Enquiries@sovereignad.co.uk

Find out more about why Chesterfield is the perfect location to start-up or grow your business venture.

York House

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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

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

East Midlands economy shows resilience as regional unemployment remains under 4%

The East Midlands’ unemployment rate has remained at 3.7% for the fourth month running, new figures by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show.

The data, for the period between July and September 2023, means the proportion of working-age people in the region who do not currently have a job but are actively looking for work has been below 4% since the three months to October 2021 – almost two years.

Nationally, the unemployment rate is half a percentage point higher at 4.2%, although the economic inactivity rate for 16 to 64-year-olds – which measures the number of working-age people who have dropped out of the labour market for reasons such as retirement, caring duties, long-term ill health or studying – is 21% for both the UK and East Midlands. This remains above a pre-pandemic trend around the 19% mark.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The fact our region’s unemployment rate has remained at a relatively low level for such a prolonged period is testament to the efforts and resilience of our region’s business community in the face of significant economic challenges.

“Rising economic inactivity has been one of the greatest concerns over the past couple of years as it led to a dwindling labour market, which has restricted capacity – and therefore the ability to grow, raise productivity and bring prices down.

“While this rate remains above pre-Covid levels, it’s pleasing to see this has now come down by about 2% throughout this year, giving firms more room to manoeuvre.

“However, our own research shows there is no room for complacency. Our Quarterly Economic Survey has highlighted a slight growth in the region’s workforce, with 60% of East Midlands businesses adding to headcount in the first quarter of 2023, rising to 62% in Q2 and 63% in Q3.

“Employment prospects look weaker going forward with the proportion of firms expecting to recruit in the coming months falling by a net 8%, amid slowing demand for our region’s businesses products and services from both domestic and international customers.

“Many employers continue to face challenges with filling job vacancies. While 58% of organisations attempted to recruit during Q3, two-thirds (67%) of those experienced problems in finding suitable staff.

“This illustrates how we really need a dedicated Government policy that supports companies to invest in their people, whether that be in upskilling their existing workforce or reskilling prospective employees to fill skills gaps.

“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, investment is one of the ‘four Is’ we urge Government to prioritise – and next week’s Autumn Statement provides a great opportunity to address this.

“We have set out a list of policies we believe will make the required difference, including introducing flexible incentives for businesses that invest in staff training and bringing forward the introduction of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to support retraining and the retainment of an older workforce.

“We must also tailor policies to recognise the diversity of people who are out of work and avoid a one-size-fits-all solution. We would also like to see Government work with businesses to offer support, and share best practice, on what a flexible and inclusive workplace looks like as this is another vital ingredient in enticing people back to work.”

Chesterfield has a quality workforce, and sits between several universities in Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby. Find out more about why our town is an excellent location to base your business. 

Commerce House, East Midlands Chamber

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

Graysons raises a glass to a quarter of a century in Chesterfield

A North Derbyshire legal firm is celebrating 25 years since it opened its first office in Chesterfield.

Glass Yard-based Graysons first moved onto Saltergate in 1998 and went on to help secure millions of pounds worth of compensation for former miners and their families.

Since first being in Chesterfield, the firm has been a sponsor and active supporter of Chesterfield Football Club – something that continues to this day.

In more recent times, Graysons has been a supporter of Ashgate Hospice and has sponsored their Forget Me Not Appeal for the past three years.

The company also moved to new premises at The Glass Yard development on Sheffield Road in 2022, further cementing its presence in the town.

Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said: “We’ve enjoyed our 25 years serving the people of Chesterfield and our recent move to the Glass Yard demonstrates our commitment to the town now and for the future.”

Graysons offers a full range of legal services to the people of Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. Graysons Solicitors specialise in property, family law, lifetime planning, wills, estates and trusts, elderly client services, personal injury and clinical negligence. The firm originally formed in 1925. Visit the company’s website to find out more.

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

The Glass Yard

The Glass Yard is a new mixed use 50,000 sq ft development in Chesterfield, comprising of a mix of office and retail space plus an artisan food and drink hall.

It is located on the former fire station site on Sheffield Road and has created a space where you can work, eat, meet and collaborate.

Find out more about the wide range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield. and discover why our town is perfectly positioned to support the growth of your business.

Hospice launch 2023 Graysons solicitors

 

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Why Chesterfield, Why Now? – Property and Construction firms highlight town’s investment prospects

Chesterfield, with its rich history and vibrant community, is not just a picturesque town with its unique Crooked Spire, but also a thriving hub undergoing a series of multi-million-pound regeneration projects.

Thanks to its strategic location in the centre of England alongside the M1 corridor with proximity to several major cities, Chesterfield has the ingredients that make it an enticing prospect for investors seeking growth and potential.

But don’t just take it from us, take it from the businesses which have invested here and call our town their home!

To coincide with the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, we asked businesses in the town’s Property and Construction Group a simple question – Why Chesterfield, Why Now?

We think the responses below speak for themselves!

‘Tremendous support’

emily smith, holywell hotel by Voeberg

Emily Smith, Property Developer behind the highly anticipated Holywell Hotel by Voeberg said: “Chesterfield caught our attention initially due to its strategic location along the M1 and the opportunities for restoring and converting properties.

“The Council and local services have shown us tremendous support for our projects, which makes it an exciting place to be investing. Chesterfield’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to create something new to meet a growing market demand.

“It’s a town where you feel the warmth of support, and investing here has been a truly positive experience.”

‘Experienced workforce’

roy peters estates

Roy Peters Estates have been active in Chesterfield since the early 1970s and have seen many changes in our Market Town during the last 50 years. The company offers a locally focused letting and management service.

Emma Gallagher, Director, Office Manager and Head of Commercial Operations has seen a marked increase in quality retail and office instructions over the last six months.

She said: “Chesterfield is centrally located and remains a busy market town with a good retail offering and access to an experienced workforce.”

‘Thriving business landscape’

FI Real Estate Management is the company behind the recent £2 million refurbishment at The HQ in Chesterfield.

Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), commented: “We have seen first hand the positive impact that our investment has had on Chesterfield.

“We’re passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work, improving its offering in line with nearby cities and enriching the lives of the local business community.

“Further investment is vital to ensuring the town continues to grow and develop in line with neighbouring cities, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, making Chesterfield a thriving business landscape for all.”

‘Excellent location’

Richard Hinds, hbd

HBD’s successful Markham Vale scheme continues to be developed alongside Derbyshire County Council. The project, off J29a of the M1 has ensured new premises for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs for local people.

Richard Hinds, Senior Development Manager at HBD, said: “Chesterfield is an excellent place to do business, demonstrated by the huge success of our Markham Vale scheme. The development is now home to more than 78 businesses and has created over 2,700 new jobs.

“Chesterfield not only benefits from an excellent location at the heart of the UK transport network, but offers a strong local labour market, supporting companies as they continue to grow.

“HBD is pleased to invest in Chesterfield and look forward to progressing the expansion of Markham Vale, providing more high-quality industrial and logistics space to meet occupier demand.”

‘Extremely welcoming’

Phil Dalton Roofing

Dalton Roofing provides residential and industrial roofing solutions to people and businesses across the area.

Speaking about locating his business in the town, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing said: “I moved my business to Chesterfield in 2018, after running my business from Sheffield for 28 years, as you can imagine, this was a big change for me.

“Not only did I move my business, but I also moved my family to live in Chesterfield and I can honestly say I have never looked back.

“The location is fabulous, being close to the M1 and the Peak district, we feel central to all the areas that we cover.  The business community are extremely welcoming and offer great business support.  Chesterfield is up and coming and full of future potential.”

‘Training for tomorrow’s workforce’

Lime Living Jamie Wajs

Lime Living is an estate agency which recently expanded into new premises at The Glassyard.

Jamie Wajs, owner of Lime Living commented: “Our town is the ideal location, with it being very placed for excellent access to the M1 network, direct train links to London and other nearby major cities.

“We also have Chesterfield College and the University of Derby Campus providing education and training for tomorrow’s workforce. Not only is our town able to train and retain a business’s workforce through exceptional facilities and resources, but it can attract employees too, through the welcoming community living our town offers.

“For me, it is a no brainer for businesses to invest in our town! There is an excellent access to a wide range of local support networks and we also have a wide variety of commercial property. This ranges from land & new build, warehouses & industrial, business parks to Grade A offices, meaning our town provides excellent opportunity, whether it be a new start up, expansion, relocation or modern hybrid working hubs.”

‘A refreshing level of cohesiveness’

Investment Chesterfield Harworth Group

Harworth Group has acquired a 133-acre stalled brownfield site in Staveley, and is now bringing forward exciting plans to deliver 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.

Joanne Neville, Head of Regional Planning at Harworth commented: “We have found all local partners to be engaging and responsive as we work with adjacent landowners to develop this important site.

“We have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of the town, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating a refreshing level of cohesiveness between the public and private sector. Chesterfield is definitely open for business.”

‘Great proximity to major road networks’

Chesterfield Champions - Jason Evans Mascot Management

Mascot Management has worked on several projects in Chesterfield recently, including The Glassyard and 33 new homes in Duckmanton. Jason Evans, Director at Mascot Management said: “I see the quality of life in Chesterfield as an important factor in attracting talent and investors.

Key factors like the lower cost of living, friendly residents and businesses, good access to cultural amenities, and the open countryside of the nearby Peak District make Chesterfield a great place.

“It has established industrial clusters, and business parks that benefit from being in the heart of the country with great proximity to all the major road networks, including the M1 motorway. This makes Chesterfield an attractive place for people to access, live and work”.

‘A great living environment’

Hannah Rutter Redbrik estate agents Chesterfield

Redbrik Estate Agents recently found in a study that Google searches had significantly increased showing interest in Chesterfield homes.

Hannah Rutter, Property Consultant at Redbrik commented: “The proximity to the Peaks make for a great living environment and offers ease of access to the countryside for their employees during their free time.

“Chesterfield is a fantastically efficient commuting hub for their business and staff with Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leeds and Leicester all being within a 90 minute journey. A wonderful town with a great blend of character and modern, from the Crooked Spire to Casa Hotel.”

Want to find out more about how Chesterfield can provide the perfect location for your business base? Head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

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Sustainable heating and cooling provider announces move to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A cutting-edge provider of heating and cooling solutions has made Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre its new home.

Infrared Group Ltd. specialises in offering a range of efficient heating and cooling options, including air source heat pumps and air conditioning systems. The company’s flagship product, the Infrared Heating Panels, stands at the forefront of its commitment to providing innovative solutions for homes and businesses.

With extensive research driving product selection, Infrared Group believes its heating panels represent the ideal heating solution for tomorrow’s world. Products are tailored around the UK Government’s plans to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and phase out the use of gas boilers, with the main aim of future-proofing clients’ homes, businesses, and projects.

Aaron Joseph, Sales Director at Infrared Group commented: “We stock a wide range of top brands for air source heat pumps and air conditioning with products and prices to suit all budgets. With a focus on rapid growth, we are actively seeking nationwide partnerships with developers who share our vision for the future of efficient heating technology.

“We not only provide top-notch installations but also pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service. We’re embarking on a journey to a more efficient and sustainable future in heating and cooling.”

Leaders at the firm say they are ‘thrilled’ to be relocating to Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

Nathan De La Rosa, Industry Specialist at Infrared Group said: “This strategic move stems from our commitment to both efficiency and accessibility.

“Chesterfield offers a prime location in the centre of England, providing excellent transport links to both the north and the south. Moreover, we are passionate about contributing to the development of the Northern Gateway and believe our presence here will help to play a pivotal role in our growth.

“The modern facilities at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre are nothing short of fantastic, aligning perfectly with our vision for the future. Furthermore, our founders and dedicated team of staff hail from the Chesterfield area, and we are deeply committed to putting Chesterfield on the map and contributing to the region’s progress. We have a vehement passion to build local relationships with fellow business owners in Derbyshire as well as nationwide.”

Looking ahead, the company’s aspirations are firmly rooted in building its brand and spreading awareness about the benefits of ultra-efficient infrared heating. Infrared Group’s mission is to collaborate closely with homeowners, businesses, and developers, empowering them to revolutionise their heating solutions.

Aaron Joseph added: “We hold a steadfast belief that as people increasingly recognise the immense advantages of infrared heating, it will become the standard in buildings of the future. Our journey at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre in Chesterfield is not just about business growth; it’s about catalysing a transformation in how we all approach heating and cooling, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient future for all.”

Chesterfield boasts a wide range of modern, well-connected and affordable office spaces available to assist businesses in their growth. Find your perfect office today.

infrared group team photo

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CarMats.co.uk unveils 7,500 sq ft warehouse in Chesterfield

CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, has announced the grand opening of its 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility located on Chesterfield Trading Estate.

This new facility is set to play a pivotal role in the company’s ongoing expansion. The spacious facility grants the business the much-needed capacity to diversify its product offerings and creates job opportunities for local talent.

Ash Young, Founder of CarMats.co.uk, shared his thoughts on their new warehouse, the company’s growth journey, the significance of Chesterfield, and their commitment to local job creation.

He commented: “I launched CarMats.co.uk during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the time, I was also running a digital agency in Sheffield. I set an ambitious goal of achieving £1 million in revenue within the first year. I took the leap to document my progress on social media, and gained lots of followers interested in my journey with this start-up. We actually reached the £1 million mark just nine months after launching and, as of 2023, our revenue has reached £5 million.

“Our new warehouse on Chesterfield Trading Estate is a game-changer for us in terms of expanding our business. It brings our remote team together, enabling a more collaborative work environment. Having stock, order processing, customer support, and marketing all under one roof streamlines our operations. Plus, it provides the much-needed space to stock a wider range of products, which is essential for our growth.”

Speaking on how Chesterfield’s strategic location will benefit his business, Ash added: “Chesterfield is the perfect location for our growth plans. It’s got excellent transport connections across the country, which is essential for our distribution network.

“It also provides cost-effective warehouse space and access to a highly skilled local workforce. As we expand, we plan to create more job opportunities in the local area. We’re looking to add another five roles over the next year, with the first hire planned for November. We’re excited about contributing to local employment.

“Personally, this move is significant for me. It brings our team together in a physical location, which is great for collaboration, but as a Chesterfield resident, it also allows me to balance my work with family life. I still want to be able to do the school run every day!”

Looking to locate your business in an area with superb transport links and affordable premises? Look no further than Chesterfield. Find out more about investment opportunities in the town.

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

car mats chesterfield trading estate

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Sorbus Finance announces move to Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

A Chesterfield finance broker, which supports businesses to get the best deals on vehicles, premises, equipment and cash flow solutions has moved into the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, one of the town’s flagship office developments.

Sorbus Finance was founded in September 2021, and has developed relationships which allows the firm to access a panel of over 70 lenders.

The company’s aim is to support local firms in gaining extra capital and profits to re-invest in their businesses, employees and local communities.

Sorbus Finance is able to support the town’s business community, ranging from start-ups through to some of the largest businesses in the area turning over £10M+.

Speaking on the move to the Enterprise Centre, Director Arran Turner commented: “Having grown up in Chesterfield I have always seen the potential in the town and the commitment that the business community in Chesterfield puts in to continually pushing for a better future.

“We have one of the best locations to conduct business with great links to the rest of the country, and the developments we can see around the town at the moment are a great visual advert for what we can look forward to in the years to come.

Following the success of Sorbus Finance’s first 12 months of business, the firm wanted to find suitable premises which was not only cost-effective and convenient, but also provided a home for for the future.

Arran said: “From the first time I viewed the Enterprise Centre, it was clear that this was right for my business. The modern and spacious offices, the great team that runs the centre and the other businesses located in the building all take great pride in the space, and want to see each other succeed. Alongside this, the location is perfect for us, close to the railway station, coach station, town centre amenities and road links.

“Chesterfield is thriving and stakeholders investing in Chesterfield have a clear vision for its future. Chesterfield is home to a diverse range of business and industries ranging from Manufacturing, Professional Services, Hospitality, Agriculture and so much more!

“The decision to stay in Chesterfield as opposed to moving towards Sheffield or Nottingham was an easy choice for me, I want to be part of the future of this town and everything it is looking to achieve.”

Over the next 12 months, Sorbus Finance aims to grow its team at different skill levels and is now engaging with local education providers. On top of this, the company is committing to Chesterfield in part of its ‘giving back’ programme, and will shortly be looking to find charitable partners it can work alongside, in addition to supporting one-off events.

Further to the financial brokerage, Sorbus Finance has developed an additional brand, The Lease Hub, which specifically helps businesses and private individuals navigate vehicle leasing in an easy-to-use format.

Arran added: “We are already helping local business move towards Electric Vehicles for the first time, grow their fleet of vehicles and ensure that their employees are travelling in cost-effective, safe and reliable transport.”

For more information of the services offered by Sorbus Finance, visit the company’s website. 

More than 80% of the offices available at Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre have now been let, within just over a year of its opening. Find out more about the modern, affordable office space available in Chesterfield.

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

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

Fully booked Chesterfield Investment Summit to showcase town’s huge potential

Destination Chesterfield’s annual Investment Summit is now fully booked, with more than 200 guests expected to attend the event at Casa Hotel on 18 October 2023.

Putting a spotlight on the town’s wide range of ongoing and future regeneration projects, the Summit – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber and Turner & Townsend – will hear from companies which have recently invested in Chesterfield business premises.

Matt Close, from leading automation and engineering firm NeoDyne is confirmed to be speaking at the event. In addition, delegates will hear from Emily Smith, the developer of Holywell Hotel by Voeberg, which will see a grade II listed building in the town centre transformed into boutique short-stay accommodation.

Both businesses will explain how the town’s location, connectivity and business support packages have assisted their growth plans.

Dr Huw Bowen, CEO of Chesterfield Borough Council, will provide an update on several of the town’s regeneration sites, highlighting the opportunities available to potential investors looking to start up or grow their businesses in the area. Huw will also provide details on the exciting work taking place to regenerate Chesterfield Town Centre and the iconic Stephenson Memorial Hall, alongside the £6 million package of improvements planned for Staveley Town Centre, as part of the Staveley Town Deal project.

On top of that, attendees will hear the latest updates on the highly anticipated visitor development, The Gateway @Peak – with Tarah Gear, Head of Marketing at Milligan presenting exciting new plans for the project.

Another topic to be discussed at this year’s event will be new housing, with developments attracting new families to live and work in the area. Gemma Smith, Managing Director of Strata Homes, will update on the company’s latest sustainable projects in the area.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit 2023 is sponsored by East Midlands Chamber and Turner & Townsend. The Chamber’s CEO, Scott Knowles and Nick Jones, Strategic Lead and Director of Project Management at Turner & Townsend will be part of a panel discussing the current economic landscape and business support available for firms in our region.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “We’re excited to be bringing you this year’s Chesterfield Investment Summit, showcasing the huge range of benefits our town has to offer to businesses and developers.

“It’s great to hear that the Casa Hotel will be packed out once again, with guests set to learn more about our superb strategic location, access to a skilled workforce, supportive business community and excellent quality of life.”

Hear more from Chesterfield investors by viewing the ‘Why Chesterfield, Why Now?’ videos, released by Destination Chesterfield as part of the town’s latest inward investment campaign.

Delegates interested in attending the Chesterfield Investment Summit are invited to join the waiting list, as spaces may become available in the run-up to the event. Those who wish to find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield can get in touch with the Destination Chesterfield team here.

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

Huw Bowen, CEO of Chesterfield Borough Council on stage at Chesterfield Investment Summit 2022

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Government announces £20 million boost for Chesterfield

Chesterfield is set to benefit from £20 million over the next 10 years, as part of further government levelling up investment being provided to 55 towns across the UK.

Under the new approach, local people will be put in charge, and given the tools to change their town’s long-term future. They will:

  • Receive a ten-year endowment-style fund to be spent on local people’s priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety.
  • Set up a Town Board to bring together community leaders, employers and local authorities to deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation.

The funding follows a £25 million investment awarded to Chesterfield by the government’s levelling-up fund to revitalise Chesterfield town centre and the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “This is good news for Chesterfield, which builds on our success in securing Levelling Up Fund funding for the restoration of Stephenson Memorial Hall and for revitalising our historic market grounds and high streets.

“The announcement also reflects the positive work that we have been engaged in over the past 12 months with the Government’s High Streets Task Force.

“Our aspiration is to strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres. Whilst we await the detail, the availability of additional funding and powers to make it easier for residents and visitors to visit Chesterfield town centre, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to make our town centre more attractive and accessible are to be welcomed.

“As the Government’s lead delivery partner, we will also be able to draw on our experience of bringing community leaders, businesspeople and representatives of other local bodies together to establish a new Towns Board, which would mirror that which the council has already established to oversee delivery of the £25.2m Staveley Town Deal.

“We must and will take advantage of all such opportunities. We want our town centres to be competitive, sustainable, safe, and dynamic places that create new openings for local people and support employment and housing growth, and from which visitors can explore the borough and surrounding areas.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “This extra funding for our high streets is extremely welcome, and will help to continue the ongoing work already taking place to regenerate our town centre.

“In Chesterfield, we’re already looking forward to several major improvements in the next few years, including a revitalised market, a refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall and improvements to the connections between key points of interest across the heart of the town.

“Whilst celebrating the magnificent history and heritage of our town centre, we must also be aware that high streets must constantly adapt to changes to ensure their relevance today, and in the future.

“Destination Chesterfield is committed to working alongside partners and businesses in championing our town as an excellent location to work, live, visit and invest.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s promising to see a renewed focus on driving forward towns, which are inhabited by a large portion of our population and have a significant role to play in a successful and thriving economy.

“The changing face of towns, much like in cities, has created challenges in how we ensure they are fit for purpose as places for living, working and spending leisure time.

“A Long-Term Plan for Towns therefore feels like a vision our country has lacked for a long time in order to deliver on their economic potential.

“Local decision-making by those who know the area is crucial to this and gives us the best opportunity to create good jobs for local people, breathe new life into neglected places and unlock wider economic growth that benefits everyone.”

Located in the centre of the UK and sat on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Chesterfield is a great strategic location for your business. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Market at Christmas

 

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East Midlands businesses tell Chamber what they want from next Government ahead of party conferences

Long-term strategies for energy and industry are top of the wishlist for the region’s businesses ahead of the next General Election, according to a new study by East Midlands Chamber.

Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G connectivity, greater investment in road and rail infrastructure projects, and better incentives for upskilling and reskilling people followed closely behind as priorities.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire asked businesses to provide views on 20 policy asks in its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, with the development of a long-term energy strategy for the UK ranking as being the most important.

Results were compiled to establish a list of top priorities for businesses, which has been published ahead of the upcoming Labour and Conservative party conferences in October.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “With a General Election drawing closer on the horizon, it’s hugely important for the voice of businesses to be heard by the next Government in order to drive sustainable economic growth that delivers jobs and prosperity.

“After many years of policy flip-flopping, economic shocks and the resulting uncertainty this has created for businesses, long-term planning appears to be front and centre of minds.

“A long-term energy strategy is understandably top of the list given the huge rise in utilities costs for firms and households over the past two years combined with the opportunities business see to deliver future solutions in this space. It’s closely followed by a comprehensive industrial strategy that finally addresses the UK’s perennial productivity problem – which is crucial to growing output, creating jobs and bringing down inflation.

“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, launched in Westminster last year, we highlighted the importance of infrastructure – that is, both digital and transport – as one of ‘four Is’ to spearheading growth.

“Businesses are telling us they want to see real improvements across broadband and 5G connectivity, which are both crucial to 21st century working, while investing in our roads and rail is crucial to their future success – an important consideration at a time Government is deliberating over the future of HS2 and our region continues to be bottom of the pile for public transport investment.

“We have also spoken in our manifesto about ‘getting the basics right’ and ‘growing our competitiveness the right way’, and both these themes are reflected in our survey as firms tell us they want the broken business rates to be made fit for purpose and better incentives to support the net zero agenda.”

Policy priorities for East Midlands businesses

The responses on policy priorities were gathered by East Midlands Chamber in August and September 2023 as part of its Quarterly Economic Survey, in which 296 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part.

They were presented with a list of 20 policy asks of Government and asked to score them based on importance to their organisation, providing additional comments as to why. The top 10 priority areas, in order, were:

  • The development of a long-term Energy Strategy for the UK
  • The development of a long-term Industrial Strategy for the UK
  • Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband
  • Greater investment in local infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • More flexible/generous incentives for investment in staff development/reskilling (including application of Apprenticeship Levy)
  • Greater investment in major infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • Speeding up the rollout of 5G technology
  • Comprehensive reform of the business rates system
  • Greater investment in integrated public transport networks
  • More flexible/generous incentives for developments associated with the green agenda.

Perfectly located in the centre of the UK with excellent connectivity to several major cities, find out why Chesterfield is a great location for your next business base.

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

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

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