Author: Dom Stevens

University of Derby becomes first in the country to sign up to Student Success Framework

The University of Derby has signed a memorandum of understanding with Advance HE, making it the first higher education institution in the country to commit to embedding the agency’s best practice framework into all its programmes.

By adopting the Student Success Framework, the University will create a more consistent and integrated approach to curriculum design, as well as enhancing its digital offering. The University will adopt seven principles which will put students at the heart of the learning experience, including supporting student attainment, developing their skills as independent learners, connecting across disciplines and enabling them to become ‘game changers’.

During her visit, Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns met Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and her Executive Team, as well as other senior colleagues and students.

Professor Malcolm Todd, the University’s Provost (Academic) said: “Today’s signing reinforces the University of Derby’s role in being a force for positive impact, positioning us at the forefront of the sector.”

“Our aim is to embed the Advance HE Student Success Framework Series across the University, to support the broader aspects of learning and teaching in a more integrated and innovative manner. It aligns with our own Strategic Framework, which is designed to ensure our students graduate with the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes to enable them to fulfil their ambitions and make a positive contribution to the world.”

The signing reflects the University’s commitment to providing a high quality learning and teaching experience for its students, which this year has seen it:

The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University had risen to 88%. In the same survey, student satisfaction at the University overall had risen to 86%, above the national average.

This was reflected in the University’s success in the Times and Sunday Times league table, which saw it rise from 55th last year to 40th this year for student experience.

These achievements followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold ranking from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20% of all providers in the UK.

Professor Mitchell said: “We are delighted to formalise this relationship between the University of Derby and Advance HE. Our commitment to high quality learning and teaching is paramount to our students and staff alike. We look forward to working closely together to deliver on our commitment to an outstanding student experience.”

Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE, added: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Derby. Our Student Success Framework aims to help HEIs deliver practical solutions to improving teaching and enhancing learning. Working with the University of Derby is an important opportunity to foster collaboration so that we can share and learn from best practice.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Manufacturing

Redbrik Half targets further growth after official launch

Organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon are targeting further growth after announcing that entries have opened into the 2019 edition, with an Early Bird price available until January.

Event directors, charity partners and sponsors gathered at Chesterfield’s Market Hall to launch the 2019 event following its huge expansion in 2018, when around 1,500 people signed up to take part – an increase from 800 the previous year.

Entry until 31 January is priced at £22, with the regular price of £28 applying after that date. Runners can also enter the Five Mile Run which takes place at the same time for just £18.

Organisers have set sights on a 2,000-runner total for the 2019 event, with more than 200 people having already signed up following the success of last month’s Half Marathon.

Leading estate agency Redbrik will be 2019 title sponsor for year three of its five-year partnership deal, and Ashgate Hospicecare will once again be the events main charity partner with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice also an event charity partner.

John Timms, Event Director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, said: “We were really pleased with this year’s event. The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is an amazing group of people coming together to make something special happen in the town of Chesterfield.”

“Without all our partners, the event would not happen. The growth that we saw from last year to this year was incredible – let’s hope we can keep doing that, that’s the challenge that we’re setting ourselves.”

“Let’s keep building – we want to get to 3,000, even 4,000 runners, and through our partners I think we’re able to do that. The people of Chesterfield have been amazing in supporting the event – it’s so important to have their support. With their support, anything is possible.”

Mark Ross, Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Redbrik, said: “Being involved in the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon is fantastic for us as a business. It gives us the opportunity to give back to the town and help further enhance the wellbeing culture which everybody is looking to promote.”

“We’re huge advocates of Chesterfield, we want to promote what’s here and it’s a brilliant place to live and work. To have an event which is expanding, as the Half Marathon has done, is so crucial for the area.”

“It’s also a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for brilliant local causes such as Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, charities which do so much for people across the region.”

For more information on the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon or to sign up click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champion shortlisted for national service provider award

Chesterfield Champion Central Technology has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Best Small Enterprise Managed Service Provider’ at the Service Desk Institute’s IT Service & Support Awards 2019.

Central Technology is an IT and communications solutions provider founded in 2002 by Richard Thompson and Christopher Barr, both from Chesterfield. It has since grown to become one of the region’s leading providers of IT and communication solutions, supporting over 300 customers and employing over 45 highly qualified staff. In 2018, the business moved to new, fully refurbished premises following major growth and success.

Representatives from the Service Desk team will now present to a panel of Service Desk Institute judges with the goal of becoming a finalist for the national awards ceremony in March 2019. The ceremony will welcome over 600 people from across the world to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the brilliant teams and people working in the IT service and support industry.

Ryan Greveson, Digital Marketing Executive at Central Technology, says the company is proud of what they have achieved: “To be recognised by this worldwide organisation is a real accolade for our fantastic service desk team and the rest of the company. Over the past couple of years, we have worked hard to reach a level of maturity where we can offer world class services and consultancy to ensure all of our customers have a seamless customer experience that derives real business value.”

“The entire team here at Central Technology tenaciously adopts best practice and frameworks including ITIL & ISO; these combined with SDI frameworks will ensure we continue to offer the best future technology and services.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Bright future for industrial site despite missing out on Talgo train factory

Chesterfield has narrowly missed out in a bid to bring a new train factory to the town that would have created thousands of jobs.

Spanish train manufacturer Talgo today (Wednesday 14 November) announced it has selected Longannet, in Fife, as the location for its new factory ahead of the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill.

Chesterfield Borough Council had been working for months with a range of public and business sector partners to bring the factory to the area, which would have created 1,000 jobs directly, with another 4,000 in the supply chain.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “While we are hugely disappointed that the bid hasn’t been successful Talgo was really impressed with Chesterfield and the bid that was put together.

“Because of this they have said that they are keen to work with the area to potentially bring an innovation centre to Barrow Hill, recognising the strengths we have in terms of skills, education, research and technology.

“I’m also hopeful that the highly skilled businesses in the local area that already supply and support the rail sector can win contracts with Talgo as it enters the UK market.

“We’ll work further with Talgo to find out more detail about their aspirations for an innovation centre and what this may mean for the borough.”

Chesterfield beat off competition from around 30 sites to get to the last two of the Talgo shortlisting process.

Councillor Gilby added: “We’ve worked with 14 partners, including the landowners, universities and companies working in the rail sector, to bring all the area’s expertise and experience to the table when preparing this bid and that is a real strength that we can offer other potential investors.

“The site is already being remediated so it will be ready for other development opportunities. Although we have been unsuccessful on this bid we hope that other manufacturers will see the potential of the site and other opportunities to create jobs in the area will come from it.

“Indeed we have already had interest from other manufacturers off the back of the Talgo bid. Like Talgo, they recognise that the site has great potential for manufacturing because it is in a central location with 23 million people within two hours travel, has excellent road and rail connectivity, ready access to a good supply chain of businesses, with research and innovation facilities nearby and a skilled local workforce.”

The Talgo decision will not impact on Chesterfield Borough Council’s existing plans to redevelop the former Staveley Works site area, working with landowners and Derbyshire County Council.

Councillor Gilby said: “This includes the plans for 1,000 homes, a new £50 million link road, a primary school and opportunities for other companies to base themselves in this area. It is a project that will be good for local people and good for local business.”

Sir John Peace, chairman of Midlands Engine and Midlands Connect said: “I am disappointed with the decision but will continue to support Chesterfield with its ambitious plans to regenerate the area around Staveley.

“The Midlands remains a leader in transport innovation in general and the next generation of rail development in particular, and the arrival of HS2 will be a catalyst for growth both for Chesterfield and the Midlands as a whole.”

Carlos de Palacio – President of Talgo  said “As part of Talgo’s commitment to the UK-wide supply chain, our preferred second facility – in Chesterfield – will act as a catalyst.

I want to pay tribute to ‘Team Chesterfield’ – led by Chesterfield’s Chief Executive, Huw Bowen. The team has proved that some of the most unexpected locations can win through, if they provide a compelling case and have inspirational leadership.

We are developing this aspect of our strategy, and continue to consult with potential partners. We will make a further announcement, once discussions have concluded.”

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Spireites raise funds for Royal British Legion

Over £3,000 has been handed over to the Royal British Legion, thanks to the generosity of Chesterfield supporters.

A total of £2,807.40 was raised from the sale of Chesterfield FC poppy badges while a bucket collection at Saturday’s game against Billericay Town generated £562.57.

Chesterfield Director & Company Secretary Ashley Carson said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who made a donation, either by purchasing a badge or putting some money in a collection bucket.”

“We are delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion in this way and we will definitely be talking to them about repeating this fundraising initiative next year.”

The Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families all year round. They also campaign to improve their lives, organise the Poppy Appeal and remember the fallen.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Primary school admissions now open

Applications for children who were born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015 are now open and will close at midnight on Tuesday 15 January 2019.

Councillor Alex Dale, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Young People said: “The time has come for parents to apply for their child’s infant, junior or primary school places for September next year.”

“Choosing the right school is an important decision in a child’s life so we’re urging parents to consider all of their options early on and apply before the deadline on Tuesday 15 January.”

“If you miss the deadline you are less likely to get a place for your child at your preferred school and that could mean you having to travel further or your child not getting in to the same school as their friends.”

Applying online is quicker and allows parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. Anyone who applies online will receive an email to confirm their application has been received.

When completing the application form, parents will be asked to list, in order of preference, the three schools they would most like their child to go to. Although parents have a legal right to express preferences they have no automatic right to a place at any particular school.

Parents can still choose to complete a paper form. All applications must be returned to the address shown on the form by the closing date.

Applications submitted to Derbyshire County Council after the deadline will not be considered until places have been allocated to those children whose parents did return their form on time.

Councillor Dale added: “It’s quick and easy to apply – especially online and we’re here to help you throughout the application process.”

Any parents who are a refused a place for their child have a right of appeal to an independent panel.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Get into the festive mood at Chesterfield Christmas lights event

Residents and visitors can experience the magic of Chesterfield Borough Council’s annual Christmas lights switch-on event on Sunday 18 November.

The event begins from noon with fairground rides and an indoor and outdoor market with stalls offering the opportunity to buy Christmas presents for loved ones. Chesterfield Market Café will also be open within Chesterfield Market Hall.

Youngsters can meet Paddington Bear will in Rykneld Square outside Chesterfield Visitor Information Centre at noon to 12.30pm, 1pm to 1.30pm, 2pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 3.30pm.

Santa will also be in residence in Chesterfield Market Hall, on the mezzanine level overlooking the Market Café. Children can meet Santa from 11am to 3.30pm. A visit to Santa will cost £4.50 and each child will receive a present.

The Christmas lights stage show will get underway at 3.30pm with Peak FM providing entertainment.

As well as local acts, stars from Cinderella, this year’s pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre will perform on stage with the switch-on taking place by Chesterfield’s mayor, pantomime stars and Paddington at 4.45pm.

For more information about Sunday’s event click here.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “Our annual Christmas lights switch-on is a great event for all the family to enjoy with the opportunity to meet Paddington Bear and Santa.”

“We provide the event as part of our commitment to supporting the local economy and as well as the market and Market Hall, many of our town centre shops, cafés and restaurants will also be open on the day.”

Chesterfield borough residents can use their free parking pass to park for free at the following council-run car parks:

  • Albion Road
  • Derbyshire Times
  • Devonshire Street
  • Durrant Road
  • Hollis Lane (excluding on-street bays)
  • Holywell Cross (the ‘Donut’)
  • Queens Park (North and South)
  • Spa Lane
  • Station Road
  • St Mary’s Gate
  • Theatre Lane

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

Inspirational speaker to visit Chesterfield as part of a series of free public lectures

Simon Wheatcroft, storyteller, technologist and adventurer, is the next inspirational speaker to visit Chesterfield as part of Chesterfield College’s Sparks Series of free public lectures. The lectures are designed to inspire people on a range of topics.

The lecture, which will be held at Chesterfield Library Theatre at 2pm on Wednesday 14 November, will highlight how he made the impossible, possible and achieved some truly remarkable things.

Simon lost his sight at the age of 17 but didn’t want that to define what he was capable of achieving for the rest of his life. By cleverly making use of technology, Simon learned not only to navigate everyday life, but also to run outdoors with only a smartphone app and his remaining senses as a guide. Seven months later, he ran his first ever race – an incredible 100 miles long. Since then, he has gone on to compete in ultra-marathons in the Namibian desert.

He now works with leading technology companies, such as IBM and Google, to assist them to develop products which help others to go further than they ever imagined. He has spoken at a range of conferences and events delivering talks on diversity, inclusion and technology drawing on his own achievements, pushing boundaries and motivating others to reimagine what is possible.

Simon Wheatcroft said: “Inspiring people to keep pushing to break physical and mental barriers is really important to me so it is a wonderful that I can be part of the Sparks Series. I know there will be people in the audience who could be the next generation of technology experts or sports scientists. I hope I can give them an insight into how much their passion for a subject and the way that they apply their studies could have such a positive impact on people in the future.”

Tickets for the Sparks Series are free but booking is essential to secure a place. Places can be booked here or by calling 01246 500500.

The third and final lecture in the Sparks Series, Moments That Changed the World, is to be held at Chesterfield College on 12 December 2019 at 4pm when Roma Agrawal a structural engineer who builds BIG and is making it her mission to excite future generations about the importance of engineering. More information can be found here.

Akala on The Power of Education

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Visiting

Free conference to help Peak businesses tap the full potential of the ‘Purple Pound’

Time is fast running out for visitor economy businesses and services to book free places at a one-day conference featuring local and national experts in accessible tourism – now worth an annual £12 billion to the English economy.

The second Derbyshire Access Exchange will be held at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield on Wednesday November 21 to help the area’s business people and service providers make the most of the so-called ‘purple pound’.

Co-ordinated by Access for All UK, the consultancy arm of Accessible Derbyshire and supported by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the main aim is to create an even more accessible destination by:

  • Sharing best practice and top tips from national experts
  • Learning about accessibility projects across the Peak District and Derbyshire
  • Browsing and sampling products to improve accessibility
  • Finding out how accessibility can boost profits
  • Promoting and sharing accessibility projects, plans and marketing techniques
  • Meeting Accessible Derbyshire, the local charity that can help with funding
  • Improving confidence in welcoming people with access needs
  • Collaborating, creating new partnerships and celebrating success
  • Planning future action to improve accessibility

Key speakers will include Ross Calladine, Head of Business Support at national tourist board VisitEngland; Trizia Wells, Inclusion Manager at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum; Dan Smith, Head of Creative Design at Motionspot, offering insights into dementia-friendly design and Felicity and David Brown, owners of Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington, who will share their advice and expertise on how to create accessible holiday accommodation.

The event will be held from 9.30am to 4.30pm, and a complimentary two-course lunch and refreshments are included. During the afternoon, there will be a series of workshop sessions, during which delegates will have the chance to experience the wide range of accessible facilities and services that are on the market.

“National research by VisitBritain reveals that one in five people in the UK have an impairment that might affect where they choose to stay and visit, and that domestic and international visitors spend more than £3.5 billion on overnight tourism trips in England each year,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“It also reveals that visitors from this market are more likely to take longer trips, are generally very loyal to destinations that meet their needs, and also that an extra £117 million a year could be generated from additional business if accessibility were improved.”

“So not only is improving accessibility important to improve people’s overall experience, it’s obviously very good for business. We’re very pleased to support this event, which we hope will further enhance the Peak District and Derbyshire’s excellent reputation in this fast expanding field.”

Gillian Scotford, of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire, added: “This is a brilliant opportunity for local businesses and services to learn more about how they can better appreciate and meet the needs of the 13 million people with disabilities in the UK – ranging from hearing, vision and mobility impairment to autism, learning difficulties and dementia.”

“Last year’s event got things off to a great start. We are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is able to support it for a second time, and also to offer extra funding this year to enable us to offer four training days plus free audits, training and support to 30 small businesses in nine market towns. Their practical and financial commitment to helping to make life easier for people with disabilities is much appreciated.”

“We hope as many people as possible will sign up for what promises to be an enjoyable, interesting and very positive day, and will then take advantage of the follow-up training and support that will be available in the New Year.”

Tickets for Derbyshire Access Exchange can now be booked here.

Gillian Scotford (left) and Jane Cooper of Access for All UK and Accessible Derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield remembers the fallen 100 years on

Chesterfield residents have the opportunity to pause and remember those who have died in battle on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The annual service of remembrance on Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 11 November, will take place at 2.30pm at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, the ‘Crooked Spire’. Everyone is welcome to attend but residents are advised to be seated by 2pm as the church becomes very full.

The service will remember all those killed in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.

The service will be followed by a parade from the church, through Burlington Street, High Street, Glumangate onto Rose Hill allowing those taking part to see the poppy displays in the town centre.

Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade which will include Chesterfield’s Mayor, Mayoress and other local dignitaries.

Members of the public are also welcome to attend the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial from approximately 3.30pm with the poppy cascade featuring 16,000 poppies donated by people from across the world as a backdrop.

To mark the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the First World War, the Chesterfield branch of the Old Contemptibles will lay a wreath directly after the Lord-Lieutenant, who lays a wreath on behalf of the Queen.

Find more information on the service and parade here.

Councillor Steve Brunt, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The remembrance services are a culmination of months of activity to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.”

“Everyone is welcome to attend and mark the sacrifice made by people in the war and subsequent conflicts.”

People can also attend an eleventh hour service at the Crooked Spire church on Sunday 11 November at 11am – the time of the 100th anniversary of the armistice.

Staveley Town Council will hold an event in Staveley at 11am on Sunday 11 November at the war memorial. More information here.

Brimington Parish Council will hold a parade and service in Brimington at 3pm.

Chesterfield Museum will also open on the day from 10am to 3pm to allow visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the First World War at ‘The Trench Experience’ exhibition. There will also be a talk on the Sherwood Foresters from Chesterfield who lost their lives in the First World War.

To see more information on events in the borough to mark the anniversary, click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Countdown to first National Apprenticeship Awards

Apprentices and employers from across the country will join together on 22 November for Learning Unlimited’s very first ever National Apprenticeship Awards.

The evening of glitz and glamour at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield sets out to celebrate national apprenticeships and recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment made by organisations over the past year.

The shortlist has been completed and the celebration is now just weeks away. Winners will be announced during the ceremony, which is being compered by TV personality and journalist, Helen Fospero.

Invitations have been issued and places are filling fast but there are some remaining tickets still available for the extravaganza that includes a drink on arrival and three course meal along with music and dancing until 1am.

Mark Bennington, Managing Director at Learning Unlimited, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing everyone together for an evening of celebration. It will be the perfect opportunity to recognise the amazing achievements made by apprentices and businesses.”

“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year with colleagues and also network with other businesses.”

Awards will include Intermediate Apprentice of the Year, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Higher Apprentice of the Year to recognise those apprentices who have demonstrated an outstanding approach to their development. There will also be a special Dedication to Apprenticeship Award for the apprentice who has gone above and beyond their role as an apprentice.

Employers have also been shortlisted across six categories of awards that are designed to recognise companies who have shown a commitment to developing their workforce through apprenticeships. There are also two further categories of awards for individuals who have provided outstanding support to apprentices in the workplace.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield