Author: Dom Stevens

Community Trust’s New Corporate Plan Published

A new Corporate Plan for Chesterfield FC Community Trust has been published setting out the organisation’s vision for the next five years.

The 20-page publication outlines the five key areas covered by the Trust: Education, Health & Wellbeing, Activities, Heritage and Facilities.

Mike Goodwin, chairman of the Community Trust, explained the important role played by the organisation in the community. He said:-

“The Trust uses the brand of Chesterfield Football Club to market projects connected to football and wider sports but equally importantly to drive programmes not usually associated with football to the wider community.

“I think we are just touching on what the Trust can bring to the wider community and hope this plan shows how far we can develop the potential that made me want to be a part of this significant undertaking.”

Trust CEO John Croot explained the process of putting the plan together. “After meetings were held with our trustees and senior staff, we sent the plan out for consultation with our partners, to find out what people want from us and what they hope we can deliver as a charity,” he said.

“We are proud of the growth of the organisation, which is recognised around the town and employs around 50 people. The staff are supported by a board of trustees who bring a range of skills and who have played a significant role in formulating the new Corporate Plan.”

Anyone who wishes to obtain a copy of the Corporate Plan can do so by calling in at the HUB at the Proact Stadium. A video showcasing the Trust’s activities can also be viewed via the Chesterfield FC YouTube channel.

Corporate Plan for Chesterfield FC Community Trust

Posted in About Chesterfield

Promotion for high-flying sales manager at Redbrik

Leading regional estate agent Redbrik has promoted one of their high-flying sales managers.

Ross Bateman, 27, from Dronfield, will take on his new role as valuer after more than eight years in the industry and two with Redbrik.

As a valuer, Ross will give expert advice to homeowners on how to achieve the best price for their property and will formulate bespoke marketing strategies for every home.

Ross said:-

“I am delighted to have achieved this promotion – it’s everything I’ve been working towards since I started in the industry. The standards at Redbrik are higher than anywhere else I have worked or come across, so it is a real sense of achievement to have earned this position.

“Being a valuer is quite different to my previous role as a Sales Manager, but I’m able to bring all my skills and experience to the position. I am enjoying all the diverse aspects the job brings and looking forward to developing further.”

Mark Ross, director at Redbrik, said: “Ross is a dedicated and hardworking member of the Redbrik family, so it is with great pleasure that we have been able to offer him the position of Valuer.

“He epitomises our ethos and has been training for this role since he joined Redbrik. I am certain he will be incredibly successful and help our homeowners achieve the best price for their homes.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Banner Jones raises £1,870 through Free Wills Month

Chesterfield and Mansfield-based solicitors, Banner Jones, has raised £1870 to support the work of John Eastwood Hospice, following participation in the John Eastwood Hospice Free Wills Month late last year.

The multi-award-winning law firm, which offers tailored no-nonsense legal advice across Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire, offered members of the public the opportunity to have their will written, or updated, free of charge, in return for a donation to the charity.

John Eastwood Hospice, an independent registered charity which provides palliative care to patients across Nottinghamshire, relies on the generosity of the local community and a team of volunteers to provide a range of vital services offered free of charge to those with a life-limiting illness.

Sarah Nadin, Head of the Private Client Department at Banner Jones said:

“We’re delighted with the success of the Free Wills Month. Several clients that we worked with also chose to include a legacy in their new will with part of their estate due to be donated to John Eastwood Hospice in the coming years as a result.

“It’s also been a fantastic opportunity to help and guide people through the process of writing a will, many of whom had not had one before. A will is such an important document – both in terms of ensuring that your wishes are carried out and making the process of dealing with your estate easier for your family and friends – and it’s therefore great that our latest charity campaign not only benefited such a wonderful cause, but also helped those who so generously donated.”

Helen Gregory, A Trustee from John Eastwood Hospice adds:-

“As the demand for our services grows, so does the need for funding which is why the support that local businesses provide through campaigns such as this is absolutely crucial.

“We have a long standing relationship with Banner Jones and are so grateful that they continue to support our work with their impressive fundraising efforts – it makes an incredible difference to the lives of so many, both the people that we care for and those closest to them.”

Banner Jones free wills month

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Celebrating inspirational women in Chesterfield

Residents can celebrate inspirational women in Chesterfield at an event organised by the Chesterfield Equality and Diversity Forum to mark International Women’s Day.

The event, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, takes place at the Town Hall, Rose Hill, Chesterfield, on Thursday 8 March from 9.30am.

Motivational speaker, Beverley Burton will lead equipped2succeed sessions which enable people to develop the thinking and behaviours to continuously improve, achieve, overcome challenges as well as maintain balance in life and wellbeing.

An art therapy taster drop-in session will be provided by The Elm Foundation, a local charity which offers a range of services to support those affected by Domestic Abuse.

From 11am, there will be series of short talks from local inspirational women in Chesterfield including: Sally Goodwin, chief executive of SV2, an organisation which supports victims of sexual violence; Julie Richards, principal and chief executive of Chesterfield College; Councillor Tricia Gilby, the first female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Beverley Burton, founder of equipped2succeed.

This will be followed by a question and answer session with these speakers.

The event is open until 1pm and lunch is provided by Gussie’s Kitchen, a community volunteer led social eating project where every week dedicated volunteers cook a fresh, healthy low cost meal for the community at St. Augustine’s Church.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said:-

“I am proud to be the first female leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and I am pleased to be hosting this event at the Town Hall to mark International Women’s Day.

“The event is a great opportunity to celebrate inspirational women from different background and is open to all – both men and women. I would encourage everyone to attend.”

To mark International Women’s Day, the Town Hall will also be illuminated purple in the evening.

inspirational women in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield

NAPIT pull out all the stops to raise over £11,500 for Ashgate Hospicecare

Ashgate Hospicecare is thrilled to announce that NAPIT have raised over £11,500 through their various fundraising initiatives in 2017.

Employees from NAPIT, a Government approved membership scheme operator in the building and fabric sectors, took part in the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge, sponsored the Hospice’s Open Air Cinema in August and hosted their annual summer BBQ with all proceeds going to the Hospice. The money raised will help to ensure that patients with a life-limiting illness and their families across North Derbyshire get the care and support they require.

Mike Andrews, Chief Executive of NAPIT Group, said:-

“It was heart-warming to see all the hard work NAPIT staff put in throughout the year, they volunteered their time and collected an enormous amount for Ashgate Hospicecare’s charity shops too, we were very pleased with the overall amount we raised.”

Ali Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“We are thrilled to be partnered with NAPIT, it is great to see the staff so engaged and pulling together for hospice care. The money raised will make a real difference to the lives of our patients, thank you so much NAPIT.

“Ashgate Hospicecare is only able to provide excellent care to our patients and their families because of the generosity of our community, including our committed business supporters like NAPIT.”

Ashgate Napit Charity

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Growth Hubs unite for joint business support event in Chesterfield

 

Shedding light on how both Growth Hubs can help businesses in the area will be the goal at the ‘Best of Both Hubs’ event on 8 March in Chesterfield.

Business experts from South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have united for a joint event to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) access support, grow, and thrive.

D2N2 Growth Hub and Sheffield City Region Growth Hub are working together to stage the event which takes place from 8am to 2.30pm on Thursday 8 March, at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield. It is specifically aimed at Small and medium-sized enterprises based in Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bolsover or Bassetlaw.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the free event will offer businesses an insight into the support available to help them achieve success. Growth Hubs can advise on a wide variety of opportunities, including support from the region’s Universities to develop new products and improve productivity, coaching and mentoring schemes to assist with scaling up, funding and investment streams for business growth, assistance to reach new markets and customers in the UK and overseas and recruitment, retention and skills programmes.

David Grimes, Head of the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, said: “Our Growth Hub works collaboratively with regional and national support programmes, as well as local authorities and private sector businesses, to ensure consistent access to specialist, high-quality advice.

“This event is an ideal opportunity for businesses to meet us, find out more about what we do, and take that first step towards getting the best possible support to grow their business.”

Chris Pook, D2N2 Growth Hub Manager, said: “There’s a double hit of support for businesses in our overlap area and this conference is an opportunity to come and hear first-hand about what’s on offer and to highlight the benefits that businesses receive from the close partnership working we have with Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.”

Delegates will also hear from one of the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) on the current threats to businesses and how they can protect systems, staff and customers from cyber crime.

A spokesperson from the NCSC said: “Cyber security can feel daunting for a small business, so we’re tailoring guidance, like our Small Business Guide, to help them thrive online.

“Protecting against malware, backing up data and avoiding phishing attacks should be as second nature to a small firm as cashing up or locking the doors at night.

“Whether you own a bakery, a building firm or you sell products online, our advice will help all business owners avoid threats that can cost time, money and reputation.”

Other features from the conference will include:

  • A choice of workshops that address today’s business challenges including skills, scaling up, reaching new markets and improving competitiveness
  • A real example from Mike Lloyd, Director at CEM Solutions on how working across both Growth Hubs can benefit your business, and
  • Opportunities to meet with Growth Hub advisers, make new connections with other local businesses and enjoy a networking lunch.

Workshop speakers will include:

  • Richard Kirkland of D2N2 LEP on Employment and Skills for Growth, covering how to recruit the right staff and developing employees’ skills for improved productivity and growth.
  • Darren Buxton of Sheffield City Region Growth Hub and Lynn Oxborrow of Nottingham Trent University on scaling-up your business and help available to achieve full potential.
  • Sharon McCarthy of the Department for International Trade on Exporting for Growth and how a team of local experts is available to help with those first crucial steps into overseas markets.
  • Antony Davies, Innovation expert at Marmotte Consulting and board member of Sheffield City Region Innovation Centre of Expertise, along with Angela Tooley, Head of Enscite, University of Derby, on Growth through Innovation and how local universities can help firms improve productivity to drive innovation, growth and competitiveness.

This is a free event so businesses are urged to book early to be guaranteed a place.  Only small and medium-sized enterprises based in Derbyshire Dales, Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire, Bolsover or Bassetlaw are eligible to take part.

For full details and booking please visit the website.

Best of Both Hubs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New research shows CSR on the rise in the East Midlands

New research launched this week shows six-out-of-ten businesses in the East Midlands have engaged in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity in the past year, with 40% of them looking to increase their involvement in the coming year.

The survey, carried out by the East Midlands Chamber*, involved 276 businesses. It found that, of those that undertook some form of CSR, the overwhelming drive behind it was a desire to ‘give something back’ to the local community, with 79% citing this as a primary reason.

Six-out-of-ten firms said they were driven by a desire to build stronger links with the local community and four-out-of-ten said they had a personal connection to the cause they were supporting.

However, others saw CSR as being a key tool in helping to support their continued business development and staff engagement. Forty-five per cent said that CSR helped them to build a stronger corporate profile and 38% said it helped with staff development.

The full findings of the research will be revealed at a regional summit being staged today by East Midlands Chamber, supported by Strategic Partner Ryley Wealth Management.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said: “At a time when traditional sources of funding and support continue to dry up for the charity sector, these findings underline the central role the private sector can play in supporting local communities.

“It’s really interesting to better understand the different drivers behind why businesses engage in CSR. While the majority view it as being ‘the right thing to do’, a significant number also see it as being a key part of their own business strategies.

“At a time when over 40% of UK adults already volunteer in some way, enabling staff to have the opportunity to engage in good causes will seem like a no-brainer for most businesses.”

The survey also explored the reasons why businesses don’t engage in CSR activity, with 60% of those not currently engaging saying they don’t have enough time or are too busy and 13% saying they’re unsure how to.

Chris added: “There’s definitely more work to be done to demonstrate the positive impact CSR can have on both businesses and charities alike, alongside the most effective ways of making the biggest impact, and this is what the conference is all about – bringing together charities and the private sector to understand what works well, where there are opportunities to do more and what role the Chamber and others can play to facilitate this happening.”

The Conference is being supported by Ryley Wealth Management. Founder and Chief Executive, David Ryley said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the Chamber on this activity. CSR is something that I hold dear to my heart and it’s great to be able to bring together businesses and charities to share their experiences of what works best.

“The ultimate aim is to improve the amount and quality of engagement taking place across the East Midlands and Ryley Wealth is pleased to be able to do its bit to help in that.”

improved infrastructure

Posted in Business

£1m up for grabs for Sheffield City Region rural businesses

£1million is up for grabs in the Sheffield City Region (SCR) for businesses in rural industries to grow and boost the local economy.

Food processors, rural businesses that want to develop, and tourism infrastructure are all eligible to apply for the Growth Fund grants from the Rural Development Programme for England of £35,000 up to £500,000 – but must get an ‘Expression of Interest’ in by 31st May.

And today businesses were urged to put forward their ideas by the City Region.

Priority projects for the SCR in the food processing sector include ideas for exporting, new techniques and processes, increasing productivity, and creating the equivalent of one full-time job for each £25,000 of grant.

In the business development area, it is also looking for ideas that allow farming ventures to diversify into non-agricultural activities, create new services and / or make new products.

And for tourism infrastructure grants the SCR will prioritise capital investments which create year-round work instead of seasonal jobs, create opportunities for the young and unemployed, bring more visitors to the area, create or develop infrastructure for outdoor activities, and create new or upgrade visitor accommodation.

The grants, which businesses have to put a proportion toward, are applied for on the website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-growth-programme. The website carries clearly written information on applying including the type of grant available, who is eligible, and the Expression of Interest application form.

It says: “The main aim of the grant is to create jobs and growth in the rural economy. Tell us how your project will help do this. Sell us your idea. Explain really clearly what your project does and how it will benefit the economy.

“You have to show that there is real demand for what you want to do, or you’re unlikely to get a grant.”

Neil MacDonald, Chair of the SCR’s Business Growth Board, added: “Enterprise has always been at the heart of what we do in the City Region. For businesses that decide to apply, this funding could be invaluable in helping them grow.”

David Grimes, Head of the SCR’s business growth team, at the Growth Hub said today: “We have hundreds of exciting small rural businesses in this region, and they have lots of talent and fresh ideas. I really would urge any business owner out there to think about applying for a grant if you have an innovation or product that will create growth opportunities.

Posted in Business

Sports centre is the place to talk fostering

Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield will be the venue next week for people to find out how they can help transform a child’s life by becoming a foster carer.

Derbyshire County Council are holding a Talk Fostering event at the sports centre on Tuesday 27 February 2018 between 5pm and 7pm.

Anyone who believes they could offer a child a loving home is urged to go along to find out more.

No appointment is needed and expert advice will be available from current carers, as well as from our fostering team.

Cabinet Member for Young People Councillor Alex Dale said:

“We urgently need to find homes and foster families for children in our care.

“Foster carers can be from all walks of life and backgrounds. We need long-term and short-term foster homes, ranging from single-night emergency stays to placements which can last for several years.”

Foster carers need to be over 21 and can be single, married, straight, gay or transgender, from any ethnic origin, working or not, renting or homeowners.

Carers receive weekly fostering payments with additional allowances and get full training and support. Among the benefits foster carers receive are free leisure passes for the whole family.

Councillor Dale added

“If you are interested to find out more about what fostering involves, the children who need foster homes and the on-going support we offer to carers then our Talk Fostering event at Queen’s Park Sports Centre is a great place to start.

“You’ll be able to talk to our specialist staff as well as meet some of our current foster carers to find out why they foster and what it means to take on this hugely important role in a child’s life.”

Queen’s Park Sports Centre is located at Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield, S40 2ND

Visitors can bring their family and free parking and refreshments are available.

There are other upcoming opportunities to Talk Fostering in Chesterfield at the former Yeomans store at the Pavements Shopping Centre between 1pm and 4pm on Thursday 1 March 2018 and at Chesterfield FC’s Proact Stadium between 5pm and 7pm on Thursday 15 March 2018.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Apprenticeships Work for UKATA on the run up to #NAW2018

On the run up to  the 11th National Apprenticeship Week (#NAW2018) on 5-9 March, Chesterfield Champions, The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is celebrating the success of the scheme, as proof of this year’s theme of ‘Apprenticeships Work’

Chesterfield was named as the UK’s first official ‘Apprentice Town’ back in April 2017 and UKATA has supported the initiative from the start, recruiting several apprentices over the years to work in UKATA’s Markham Vale Headquarters. UKATA’s commitment to apprenticeships has a long history, with former Social Media apprentice Sasha Brailsford who started back in 2015, now promoted to Team Leader, overseeing the next generation of apprentices in the workplace.

“UKATA’s experience of apprenticeships has been overwhelmingly positive,” said UKATA General Manager Craig Evans. “We are proud of our involvement and would encourage other businesses to follow in our footsteps. A skilled workforce is essential and taking on apprentices is a great way to develop that, while providing a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop essential, practical skills on the job.”

In the wake of Sasha’s success, UKATA has three new apprentices; Max Floyde; Saffron Spencer and Leonie Hibberd, who started in October and November as Membership Assistants. All have begun their membership training and are showing tremendous aptitude when learning about the processes involved. As a former Derbyshire Times Business Person of the Year, Craig is keen to see SME’s in the region given the support and funding they need to develop, but also argues ahead of NAW2018 that those businesses that can, should back apprenticeships.

“What excites me is the potential here in Chesterfield for success and apprenticeships can form a big part of that,” added Craig. “Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 project are still on track and there is still time for this to bring in new business and investment to the region. Our apprentices have excelled over the years and UKATA would not have continued taking on apprentices if the Association was not getting something positive out of it too,” added Craig. “There are some talented young people in Chesterfield who just need businesses willing to give them the opportunity to prove it.”

UKATA

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Cathelco wins series of orders for new cruise and commercial vessels

Chesterfield based Cathelco has won orders to supply equipment for a number of cruise and commercial vessels which are being built in European and Far East yards in the months ahead.

Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems will be supplied for a total of five cruise vessels which are being built by Fincantieri in Italy.

One of the systems will be installed on the latest Princess Cruise vessel which is being purpose-built for the Chinese market with the capacity to accommodate 3,600 guests. The 143,000 grt ship, scheduled for delivery in 2019, will be identical to the Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess.

The Cathelco ICCP system, consisting of an arrangement of hull mounted anodes and reference electrodes wired to a thyristor control panel, will protect the wetted surface of the hull against corrosion. In operation, the reference electrodes measure the electrical potential at the hull/seawater ‘interface’ and send a signal to the control panel which automatically raises or lowers the output to the anodes. In this way, the hull receives the optimum level of corrosion protection at all times.

Cathelco are also supplying ICCP systems for two 135,500 grt cruise ships which Fincantieri are building for Costa Asia and P&O Cruises Australia.  The hulls of both vessels will be protected against corrosion with 200 amp forward systems and 400 amp stern systems.

Viking Ocean Cruises already have Cathelco ICCP systems installed on six of their latest ships ordered from Fincantieri. They have now ordered a further two vessels from the Italian builder which will be installed with ICCP equipment. The sister ships, scheduled for delivery in 2021 and 2022 will be of the same design as the current vessels with the capacity to accommodate 930 guests in 465 cabins.

In the commercial sector, Cathelco are supplying two types of systems for six 82,000 dwt bulk carriers which are to be built for Oldendorff Carriers by the Hantong Heavy Industries shipyard in China.

Each of the vessels will be installed with marine growth prevention systems (MGPS) to protect seawater pipework against biofouling and ICCP systems to safeguard the hulls against corrosion.

The MGPS systems consist of copper and aluminium anodes which are fitted in the seachests and wired to a control panel. In operation the copper anodes produce ions which flow through the pipework system and create an environment where the larvae of barnacles and mussels do not settle or grow. At the same time, ions from the aluminium anodes create an anti-corrosive layer on the internal surfaces of pipes.

Cathelco MGPS and ICCP systems will also be installed on four 38,800 dwt chemical tankers which are being built by HHI for Carl Buttner of Bremen for delivery between July 2018 and September 2019

Meanwhile, Brittany Ferries’ newest cruise ferry is to be built at the Flensburger yard in Germany. The vessel, named Honfleur, will be installed with a Cathelco ICCP system to protect the hull against corrosion. It will operate on the company’s busiest route from Portsmouth to Caen and is planned to enter service in spring 2019.

Cathelco win series of orders for new cruise and commercial vessels

Posted in Business