Author: CrushDesign

Derbyshire firm supported to grow

A Derbyshire-based jewellery label manufacturer, which supplies major jewellery buying groups worldwide, has secured funding for new machinery. This was made possible thanks to the Growth Accelerator Programme and support from Chesterfield-based asset finance broker, Balanced Funding Solutions.

The firm now has a bespoke labelling converter which has contributed to an increase in efficiency, with production times cut by 60%.  Finance has also enabled the company to employ an additional member of staff.

Caren Colabella of Magpie said “We are a family business with 5 employees.  We have recently moved to larger premises and plan to increase both UK and export sales and achieve the number one position with 60% market share by 2017.

“One of the biggest obstacles we faced was keeping up with production deadlines due to machinery down time, break downs and inefficiencies and we desperately needed additional bespoke machinery to cope with increased orders and demand.”

Commenting on the process John Pemberton of Balanced Funding Solutionssaid “ This is the type of problem that we encounter on a regular basis where small companies are not receiving the backing of their own bank and then do not know where to turn to help grow their business.

“We have secured a panel of lenders that have an appetite to lend to the SME market and are looking to fill this void with £12.7 billion of funds released to small businesses in 2013.

The list assets that we can fund is extensive and so if any local business is struggling then please get make contact with us and we will see what options are available”

Details of the Growth Accelerator Programme can be found online here.

Source:Balanced Funding Solutions

Posted in Business

Free digital workshops to keep the town’s high street thriving

With 10% of all retail sales being online, having an internet presence has been identified as the key to keeping Chesterfield high street thriving. To help the town’s independent retailers get internet savvy, Destination Chesterfield is running a free Digital High Street course.

The free course is open to any retail, leisure, hospitality, and tourism businesses based in the borough of Chesterfield.

The National Skills Academy, with the Association of Town and City Managers have developed the course to assist small businesses to develop a multi-channel marketing approach and to meet customer’s expectations in the digital age.

It comprises three four hour modules covering key areas of online marketing including, understanding customer and digital marketing, developing business online and using social media to grow business.

With 60% of shoppers admitting to ‘showrooming’, browsing in store then buying online later on, (SmartFocus), consumers’ virtual and physical purchasing habits are merging. And retailers having an online and high street presence is seen as critical to Chesterfield retaining its position as a top shopping destination.

Destination Chesterfield Manager, Dominic Stevens said: “The internet is something retailers cannot ignore. Research has shown that two thirds of shoppers are more likely to purchase something if they were sent an email or text with a discount code.  This course will give Chesterfield’s retailers the skills, know-how and tools to help them compete in the online and physical marketplace and I’m delighted that we can offer it free of charge.”

The Digital High Street course is being delivered by the Source in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council

It will take place at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield, and will run across three half day sessions which will include light refreshments and a light lunch. To receive the course for free, businesses must attend all modules. Dates for the Digital High Street course are as follows:

Module one: Understanding your customer and digital marketing – Thursday 23rd October

Module two: Developing your business online – Thursday 30th October

Module three: Grow your business through social media – Thursday 6th November

For further information or to make a course booking, please contact Tom Lindop at The Source Academy by emailing:Tom.Lindop@thesourceacademy.co.uk or calling: 07711595339

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield Market Hall contractor scoops prestigious award

Midlands-based contactor G F Tomlinson is celebrating after being recognised for its work on the recently refurbished Chesterfield Market Hall.

The firm won Regeneration & Restoration Project of the Year at the 2014 Insider East Midlands Property Dinner which took place in Nottingham on Wednesday 24th September.

Andy Sewards, Director at G F Tomlinson said: “We’re really pleased to have won – this award reflects the amazing work that our team carries out every single day. We are dedicated to enriching the Midlands community with sustainable and community driven projects.”

Work at Chesterfield Market Hall involved redeveloping the iconic building to restore it to its former glory. The £3.6 million scheme at the Grade II listed building required a contractor that was able to retain the integrity of the iconic building and keep the building at the heart of the town centre. As a local Derbyshire contractor, GF Tomlinson was committed to the project and worked closely with Chesterfield Borough Council to ensure that the result met the community’s expectations.

The market hall is an historic building which is of huge significance to the local community, dating back to 1857.  G F Tomlinson’s work saw the building updated to bring it in line with the times while also maintaining its Grade Two features.

 

Source:D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Posted in About Chesterfield

Three Chesterfield businesses win regional awards

Three Chesterfield-based companies have been recognised in a prestigious awards scheme.

The national Chamber Awards, now in their 11th year, are a highlight of the business calendar, showcasing the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story.

Casa Hotel, Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Northern Lights all came top in their respective categories.

  • Young Person in Business Award – Mark Thurman, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
  • Best Use of Technology to Improve Business Performance – Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
  • Achievement in International Business – Northern Lights, Chesterfield, Derbyshire

These three local businesses, along with six others, will now go forward to represent the East Midlands region in the national finals, which take place in London in November. The full list of winners can be seen here.

Chamber Chief Executive George Cowcher said: “Congratulations to all of the winners from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, who will go on to represent the Chamber – and the region – at the BCC’s national awards in November. It’s fantastic to see members of this Chamber achieve a clean sweep of awards for the whole region.

“The fact that all of the regional winners come from two of our three counties really demonstrates the strength of the business community here and reflects the role key role these businesses play in helping drive the UK’s economy forward.”

BCC President Nora Senior said: “These businesses play a crucial role in creating a balanced and prosperous economy and one that is admired on the global stage.

“They are hungry for growth, constantly seeking new opportunities in local and global economies, creating new products for market, and sharing best practice with their peers.

“The Chamber Awards are the perfect platform to showcase and celebrate the amazing work of firms across the country.”

Source:Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Bespoke distribution centre being built at Markham Vale

A Chesterfield-based metal distributor which ships stock around the world is marking its 30th anniversary by relocating to Markham Vale to benefit from better transport links.

Established in 1984, Gould Alloys is expected to move from its current base on Carwood Industrial Park and be up-and-running at new purpose-built premises located at Markham Vale just off Junction 29A of the M1 by Easter next year.

The site will provide direct access to the motorway for the firm which distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical and scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Jane Bradshaw, Managing Director at Gould Alloys said,

“We needed to relocate to assist better utilisation of space but were keen to remain in the local area so that we could retain all existing staff.  We also needed a site that was away from residential areas due to the volume of deliveries. Markham Vale ticked all the right boxes offering essential access to the motorway network and an opportunity to design and build to our exact specification. No other location in the area was able to facilitate our needs so precisely.”

Work started this week to build the 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre which will include office space and feature solar panels and energy efficient heating.

Councillor Joan Dixon, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, said:

“This is another great development for Markham and for a local business moving from strength to strength.

“We’re committed to building a strong Derbyshire economy that creates jobs, grows businesses and provides a future for our young people, and Markham Vale will continue to play a key role in that.”

Gould Alloys’ new premises was designed by our private sector developer Henry Boot Ltd which is also building the unit.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s Regional Manager, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Gould Alloys to Markham Vale. The news follows a number of successful deals for the development including Ready Egg, Euro Garages and expansion for Holdsworth Foods in the last 12 months and other new interest is particularly strong. The recent announcement of the ‘Enterprise Zone grant’ will lead to other new accommodation/developments being constructed, commencing on site later this year.”

“We have invested £77 million to reclaim the former mining area at Markham, between Chesterfield and Bolsover, with the long term aim of creating 5,000 jobs.

Working with development partner Henry Boot Developments Limited, we have helped to attract 28 businesses to the site to date and create 565 jobs. A further 300 jobs have already been announced with the construction of new buildings underway.

In January, the Government announced Markham Vale was to receive £14.2 million to turn the former Seymour Colliery site into prime economic land with the potential to create more than 2,000 more jobs in the area. Henry Boot are adding to the fund − secured following a bid drawn-up by the county council and submitted through the Sheffield City Region’s Enterprise Zone − with a £12.5m contribution.

An additional £7.56 million to build a link road to the new site is also being invested by the county council and local transport boards for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) and Sheffield City Region (SCR).

Source:Derbyshire County Council

Posted in Business

Improving Chesterfield’s railway station link

An eight-week project has begun to improve a key gateway into Chesterfield – from Malkin Street at Chesterfield Railway Station through to Corporation Street in the town centre.

The work is being carried out by landscape architects TEP in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and incorporates a ‘rain garden’ which operates by diverting drainage from the road into a planted filter bed instead of going direct into the sewers.

The system will slow down the release of water into the formal drainage system but also improve its quality. This will help control the flow of water at source rather than it causing flooding in other parts of Chesterfield.

The works are next to North Midland House, the town’s first railway station and, to pay homage to its heritage, the pavement will feature replica railway tickets displaying the locations people could have travelled to in the early days of Chesterfield’s railways.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on Malkin Street for four weeks and Chesterfield Borough Council is working with the highways authority to keep disruption to a minimum.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration, said: “The approach from Chesterfield Railway Station is a key route into the town centre and is, indeed, the first view many people have when they visit Chesterfield.

“This location was chosen by residents at a public consultation last year and will be both practical and attractive.”

The project has been funded by the European Regional Development fund. The funding could only be used to make improvements to town centre gateways and could not be used on any other council service.

Residents identified the location as an area needing investment during public consultation events held online and in person at the Pavements Shopping Centre during January 2013.

 

Photograph: An artist’s impression comparing the plans for the site with the view when the North Midland Station was open in the mid 19th century.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield firm to expand thanks to £50k grant

A Chesterfield firm is set to boost its workforce thanks to funding from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Corrugated Case Company has secured a £50,000 grant from D2N2’s Unlocking Investment for Growth programme, which is backed by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

It will form part of a £205,000 project to purchase new machinery, allowing the company to produce new work and enter different markets.

Staff numbers will rise by five full-time employees to 38 at the Danesmoor site, where they design, manufacture and merchant corrugated packaging, point-of-sale displays and related packaging material and services.

Three new machines have been purchased with the last of them to be installed in late Nov to create cost-effective types of packs they cannot currently produce whilst a new waste ink cleaning system will allow them to work in a much more environmentally friendly manner.

Mark Wilcockson, M.D. of The Corrugated Case Company, said: “This tranche of investment represents stage three of our three-year investment programme which started back in 2012 and will culminate with a large scale extension to our Danesmoor premises during 2015. I’m very pleased to say that throughout the period all sales and profit forecasts have been met which gives us great confidence going forward.”

David Ralph, Chief Executive of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said: “This grant was deemed essential to their plans and the jobs created will be in a high priority area of the region.”

D2N2 secured £5m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, topped up further by the European Regional Development Fund, to help businesses grow through its Unlocking Investment for Growth (UI4G) programme.

Since launching in 2013, the programme has approved £3.2 million in grant funding which will create more than 300 jobs.  Further applications that are at an advanced stage are requesting in excess of £1.6m and expect to create an additional 200 jobs.

But it is a time-bound opportunity, with capital projects having to be completed by March 2015.

The programme will provide a grant in support of capital investment projects with a minimum overall project value of £200,000.  In exceptional circumstances up to £500,000 of grant funding is available for projects that can demonstrate real potential to create new jobs.

For more information, go to www.d2n2lep.org/UI4G, or call 01332 826366 or email UI4G@embltd.co.uk.

Source:D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Posted in Business, Development

Chesterfield restaurant makes 2015 Good Food Guide

Chesterfield’s authentic italian restaurant, Calabria has been recognised in the Good Food Guide 2015.

The restaurant will feature in a new ‘Local Gem’ category in the guide, which highlights local eateries that deliver perfect food and overall experience. Entries to the Good Food Guide are based entirely on anonymous expert inspections and reader recommendations.

The guide, published by Waitrose, is the UK’s bestselling and most respected restaurant guide. It has been running since 1951 featuring some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including those owned by Heston Blumenthal, Gordon Ramsay and Michel Roux Jr.

Based on Glumangate, Chesterfield, Calabria Cucina Italiana & Caffè Bar is a well-loved eatery throughout Derbyshire and no stranger to accolades. As well as being shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, the popular eatery is ranked first in restaurants in Chesterfield on Trip Advisor and was voted Best International Restaurant 2014 at the Derbyshire Food & Drink Awards’.  The team also scooped three awards in the 2013 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards – Best Customer Service, Chef of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year 2013.

Calabria was also the first restaurant in Derbyshire to receive the Marchio D’Ospitalitá Italiana Seal of Quality, which recognises its commitment to a truly authentic taste of Italy (through the use of authentic quality ingredients) and accurate representation of the country’s distinctive gastronomic culture.

Calabria’s owner, Vittorio Risorto said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this internationally famous guide. It is credit to the whole team that we have been selected. Their customer service, attention to detail and the good quality authentic Italian eating experience they deliver each and every day have earned us the accolades that have achieved national recognition for Calabria in the guide.”

Vittorio also gives his time as a board member to the town’s marketing campaign, Destination Chesterfield, where he has responsibility for the retail sector.

He added: “This isn’t just fabulous news for Calabria, but also great news for our town where there are a growing number of quality places to eat and drink.”

Wherever possible, Calabria uses authentic ingredients in its food, many direct from the Risorto family’s roots in Calabria, the southern region of Italy. Such is the popularity of these ingredients that earlier this year the delicatessen delicibo was opened, located at the new Market Hall in Chesterfield and on-line at www.delicibo.com.

Photo caption: Calabria owner Vittorio Risorto (front) with members of the team, proudly displays 2015 Good Food Guide logo which he is now entitled to display in the restaurant following its inclusion in the internationally famous guide.

Source:Calabria via In the Works PR

Posted in Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Lots of local water on the way for Chesterfield Marathon

Derbyshire-based Buxton Water, which was also the official water supplier of the 2014 London Marathon, will supply more than 14,000 bottles of natural mineral water for the Chesterfield Marathon on September 14.

The water will be distributed across 9 service stations which will be spread across the course, with stations also at the half and full marathon finish lines.

Mike Hyman, founder of Kids ‘n’ Cancer and the Chesterfield Marathon, said: “We’re delighted that Buxton Water have come on board and become the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon’s water supplier.

“The Marathon is set to be one of the biggest participant events in the town for more than 30 years, so it’s wonderful to see a company with local heritage showing their support.

“It is massively important for the safety of the runners that they keep well hydrated. It not only helps maintain physical fitness and endurance performance, but also helps maintain concentration and alertness – all of which are critical when running a marathon.”

More than 1,500 people have already signed-up to take part in the Chesterfield and Derbyshire Marathon, which starts and finishes at Queen’s Park in the town centre.

Registration is still open for the Chesterfield Marathon Fun Run.  To sign-up visit www.chesterfieldmarathon.co.uk.

Photo caption: Kids ‘n’ Cancer founder Mike Hyman with the water bottles which will be supplied on the day of the Chesterfield Marathon.

Source:Chesterfield Marathon

Posted in About Chesterfield

First event announced for Made in Chesterfield Week

Businesses are being invited to attend Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium this November for a free breakfast seminar on the future of manufacturing.

Hosted by Shorts Chartered Accountants, NatWest and Banner Jones Solicitors, the event takes place on Thursday 13th November from 8.00am and will bring together key speakers from the industry, including David Grey MBE, Group Managing Director of the OSL Group, a manufacturing group with branches throughout the UK.

A number of students interested in a career in the sector have also been invited to attend.

Places are free of charge, but space is limited and early booking is recommended. Email bookings@shorts.uk.com now for more information.

This seminar is the first to be promoted as part of Made in Chesterfield week; a series of events taking place between 10 – 14 November.

Coordinated by Destination Chesterfield, the festival is designed to raise the profile of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s thriving manufacturing sector and associated industries, and to make young people aware of the employment opportunities available, as well as the number of varied and exciting roles.

So far 10 Chesterfield companies have signed up to run activities for schools, including hosting factory tours for teachers and students, presenting in schools, and running masterclasses and competitions. Destination Chesterfield is currently working with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership to match up schools from the area with businesses.

The activities are designed to embrace the modern face of the town’s thriving manufacturing sector as well as looking at the manufacturing practices of a bygone age.

Two of the companies that have signed up, Magnifica Technologies Ltd and Kingfield Electronics, are hosting a competition for schools via the social media network Twitter. Using software built by bespoke technology specialists Magnifica, a Quadcopter (drone) will be controlled using data collected from Twitter at Kingfield Electronics’ new manufacturing facility on Sheepbridge Industrial Estate.

From the modern face of the sector to embracing Chesterfield’s manufacturing heritage, StraightCurves Crafts will be working with children to recreate Victorian clay tiles using traditional design methods as well as teaching weaving.

Local camping brand FieldCandy will also be challenging students to come up with unique artwork for a new designer tent.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “Chesterfield has a thriving manufacturing sector which has survived for generations and is an important part of the town’s future. Made in Chesterfield Week is designed to showcase this sector and the companies and jobs within it to young people and show them that an exciting and worthwhile career is ready and waiting for them on their doorstep.

“Companies in the sector are telling us they have jobs and apprenticeships ready and waiting to be filled. This is an excellent opportunity for every school involved to make young people aware of a career that they may not have considered and for companies to potentially secure future talent for their organisation.”

There are still opportunities for Chesterfield businesses to get involved in Made in Chesterfield week – either to run a manufacturing seminar or workshop or to work with schools to promote the opportunities that are available in the town and celebrate everything that is made in Chesterfield.

If you’d like to take part please contact dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk for more information.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Manufacturing

Final three announced for Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year

Teresa Lambarelli is hoping to retain her Food Producer of the Year title for a second year running after being selected as one of the three finalists shortlisted for the prestigious award at the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Fellow finalists include Liza Bakes Ltd and Brampton Brewery.

This prestigious title recognises local food producers, growers and manufacturers within 10 miles of Chesterfield.

The shortlisted businesses were selected from hundreds of nominations received by Destination Chesterfield, organiser of the awards in association with Chesterfield College, also headline sponsor of the awards for the second year running.

The winner of the Food Producer of the Year category is just one of 17 which will be announced by celebrity Chef Ainsley Harriott at a glittering awards ceremony being held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building on Wednesday 29 October.

The shortlisted three were selected from six at a tasting event held on 20th August at Hollingwood Hub, the home of the Canal Trust Partnership in Chesterfield.  Also in the running for the award were Highfield House Farmand Meringue Bakery.

The competiton required each of the businesses to present three variations of their products to a panel of local judges, including Chesterfield Championsand sponsors of the event, NatWest. They were awarded marks out of 10 for both presentation and taste.  Business plans from each business will also be assessed by Destination Chesterfield and will contribute to the final scores.

Mick Littlewood, Relationship Manager at NatWest, said, “We are pleased that so many local businesses are producing such high quality produce and we are delighted to support the Food Producer of the Year award as part of our continued support of local businesses and entrepreneurs. We hope that this fantastic opportunity is going to be used as a stepping stone for each of the six businesses that were shortlisted and no matter what happens, we wish each and every one them the very best of luck.”

Dom Stevens, Manager of Destination Chesterfield said: “What should have been an enjoyable evening sampling some excellent, locally-produced food and drink, was a trial for everyone concerned and trying to decide a winner will be an incredibly difficult task.

“It was a very strong field and the judges had a very difficult decision. Each finalist was passionate about their products and took great pride in them. They were also equally passionate about their role as food and drink producers in Chesterfield and how they are actively helping the town receive the recognition it deserves for its thriving food sector.

Teresa Lambarelli said: “Winning last year was an absolutely fantastic, but I’m very nervous about this year, the competition is just so good!”

Chris Radford, Managing Director and Head Brewer of Brampton Brewerysaid: “The fact that we were nominated by our customers is enough of a recognition for us.  To win the award would be phenomenal, but it’s not the be all and end all. To be up against a great range of local producers, that are a testament to Chesterfield themselves, is a prize in itself. I’m so proud to be part of something that recognises the great talent the town really does have.”

Chatsworth Road-based Liza Bakes Ltd distributes its produce all over the country but prides itself in using local goods. Its cakes and puddings have already won awards such as their Orange Polenta Cake which won the Great Taste award in 2013. Louise Milroy, Managing Director of Liza Bakes Ltd said: “We were delighted when we found out we’d been nominated, to be up against such great local food producers is a privilege, honour, and a real tribute to our team and what they create every week.

“We’re strong believers in local produce ourselves, all of our products and ingredients come from local producers like Brampton Brewery and Eyres Fruit and Veg, so we’re proud to be part of a local award that appreciates and recognises authentic, local products to raise the profile of all of Chesterfield.”

This year there are more opportunities for food and drink establishments to win in the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards with the introduction of two new categories – International Restaurant of the Year and the Family Friendly Award.

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones, Franke Sissons andIn the Works PR.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities still remain. If any businesses are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2014 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards they should contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk.

Source:Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield