Author: Dom Stevens

Roaring Mouse named as Top UK Small Business Adviser

20th February 2018

Chesterfield-based PR firm Roaring Mouse has been recognised as one of the top five small business PR advisers in the UK, as well as one of the UK’s top 50 small business advisers overall.

Roaring Mouse was selected for this award by business organisation Enterprise Nation thanks to its work helping small businesses get a good start in life and boosting their growth potential.

James Taylor, managing director at Roaring Mouse, comments: “We are delighted to be named as one of the UK’s leading small business PR advisers. Roaring Mouse was built from the ground up to help startup and scale-up businesses stand out from the crowd and be seen as outstanding by those they want to do business with. We provide top-notch expertise on flexible and accessible terms, and work with a network of specialists to provide the skills and capabilities small businesses need to boost brand awareness, web traffic and sales.”

Roaring Mouse’s work will be recognised alongside other leading UK advisers at a celebration in London on 12th March, when the overall winners will also be announced. A public vote will determine the overall winner, so please get behind this Chesterfield Champion and vote for Roaring Mouse at https://enterprisenation.typeform.com/to/nG6QMF.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Gist’s new Chesterfield site is open for business

14th February 2018

Gist is excited to announce that its newest distribution centre, Gist Chesterfield, opened for business recently at Markham Vale.

Chesterfield began replacing Gist’s operation in Sheffield in July last year. At 90,000 sq. ft., Chesterfield was purpose-built to support business growth and increase the scope of current Gist operations in the North East and Midlands. The site will offer temperature controlled storage and consolidation, order picking and, as part of Gist’s national transport network, will deliver to UK retailer regional distribution centres 24/7.

The site is strategically located to enable Gist to service its food manufacturer and food retail clients.

Martin Gwynn, Gist Chief Executive, says: “We are always looking to build on our successful customer partnerships and our Chesterfield site is an important new extension to our national food logistics network, allowing us the space to grow our business in this area. This new facility will significantly increase our ability to bring great service to our customers. We look forward to announcing new contract wins in the near future and were pleased to create new job opportunities for the surrounding area.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chamber sponsors five events at Love Business

14th February 2018

Five events at this year’s Love Business Expo are being hosted by East Midlands Chamber*.

They include presentations on apprenticeships, access to finance in a post-Brexit economy, an economic update, using Instagram and Pinterest as marketing tools and getting ready now for the introduction of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) in May.

The Chamber is the main sponsor of Love Business, the biggest business networking and exhibition event in the East Midlands.

Love Business, which is staged by Chamber Patron Quiet Storm, has been an annual event since 2011.

It attracted 1,367 visitors in its first year and has grown steadily each year since, with visitor numbers of more than 3,000 in 2017.

Previously staged at Donington Park, the event is moving this year to Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough.

It takes place on 22 February, starting at 9.30am and will feature exhibitions from many of the region’s top companies in addition to the various workshops and presentations planned.

The Chamber’s events will take place in the Presentation Theatre, which is also being sponsored by the Chamber in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service, Collaborate for Growth, the Leicestershire Digital Growth Programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

At the Chamber-hosted events
• The National Apprenticeship Service will talk about how businesses can benefit from employing apprentices and how to make the most of the changes to the way apprenticeships operate
• David Tindsley, Investment Manager at Maven Capital Partners UK – the organisation managing the Midlands Engine Investment Fund on behalf of the British Business Bank – and Tony Petersen, Export Finance Manager, East Midlands Region at UK Export Finance will talk about accessing finance post-Brexit
• Mark Berrisford-Smith, Head of Economics at HSBC UK Commercial Banking will discuss what the future might hold for East Midlands businesses operating in a constantly-changing economic environment
• Digital marketing and CRM strategist Paul Ince will talk about how firms can use social media such as Instagram and Pinterest as a marketing tool, and
• Digital Growth Programme Consultant, Lee Callender, will offer guidance on how firms can successfully prepare for the changes to data processing with the introduction of GDPR on 25 May.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Since its launch in 2011, Love Business has become an important event in the regional calendar, offering delegates an opportunity to network widely and exhibitors a chance to market themselves to a wide audience.

“The Chamber has sponsored Love Business for many years because we recognise its importance to the regional and wider business community. And in the past we have used the event to stage our Manufacturing & Engineering and Sustainability conferences.

“This year, we are using our involvement to stage presentations to advise businesses about things that are likely to impact them in the very near future or which have already had an impact that they might not be making the most of.”

Steve Megson, Managing Director at Quiet Storm, said: “It’s an exciting new location for this year’s Love Business expo and the 200-seat dedicated speaker theatre will take the event to another level.

“There are lots of new features and there is a real buzz in the air – and although the venue has 2,000 car parking spaces it’ll be running an overflow carpark shuttle to accommodate the number of expected visitors.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

The first food barn in the North has been granted planning permission

13th February 2018

The first food barn in the North has been granted planning permission in
Chesterfield.

The Batch House will feature a mix of bars, restaurants, start-ups, street food traders
and a demo kitchen, as well as offering creative flexible space on the upper atrium
floors.

Common place in many European towns and cities, the concept of a food barn
offering quality artisan food in a casual relaxed environment is only just beginning in
the UK. The Batch house is going to create that atmosphere for Chesterfield and its
surrounding neighbours.

Popping up all over London, food halls offer diners a range of exciting food and
drink all under one roof.

The Batch House is an integral part of Blue Deer’s latest project, The Glass Yard. It’s
going to bring people together who want to create something special, whether that
is food, products, or experiences.

Directly opposite Chesterfield’s Proact football stadium, the barn will form an
imposing centrepiece of the whole project with its eye-catching design, and will be
surrounded by 18 state-of-the-art office buildings.

The whole project has already attracted exciting local businesses, as well artisan
food producers from across the country, all sharing the ethos of: “Whatever you
sell, make or create, make it as good as you can”.

Tim Turner, Blue Deer founder, said: “I’ve visited food destination buildings in lots
of European towns and cities and always have the same thought ‘why don’t we do
something like this back home in Derbyshire’. Now we’re going to.

“The Batch House will bring a European culture and experience to Chesterfield and
its neighbours that is currently springing up all over London.

“We know from the interest we have already received just how much support there
is out there for this project, and now planning permission has been granted we are
in the position to make it happen. Is Chesterfield ready for this? We think so!”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Well dressing tradition celebrated at RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018

13th February 2018

From 6-10 June, the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) newest Show, RHS Chatsworth Flower Show partnered by Wedgwood will return to the magnificent 1,000 acre Chatsworth Estate with exciting new content including a river of 12,000 Cosmos and over 100 varieties of orchid, to satisfy inquisitive minds and fulfil the senses. Moving on from last year’s success, Well Dressing will once again be a main feature in the Community area at the show.

Last year’s entrant Elaine Chapman of Tideswell Welldressers said: ‘The Show was a splendid showcase for the tradition of Welldressing in Derbyshire allowing its artistry to be brought to a wider audience.’

The RHS are calling out to all Well Dressing groups to apply to be part of this exciting new show and asking groups to theme their entries around their own town/village or group they’re representing. This can be in the form of an iconic building, a famous person of note, a slice of social history, folklore or tradition, the choice is yours. Well dressings will be on display for the whole of show week. During which time visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favourite. The winning well dressing will receive an RHS engraved trophy.

Deadline for submissions is Monday 26^th February. Please follow the link: https://rhsforms.formstack.com/forms/cha18_well_dressing_application to apply.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

University of Derby Invest to Grow fund creates 1,000 local jobs

13th February 2018

The University of Derby has supported the creation of more than 1,000 jobs in key growth sectors across the East Midlands since launching its Invest to Grow funding scheme in 2014.

More than a quarter of the new jobs have been created in Derbyshire, including roles in transport equipment manufacturing, life sciences, construction, food and drink manufacturing, logistics, engineering and low carbon sectors.

It is a major milestone for the fund, which through a re-circulating finance scheme, provides a combination of loans and grants to SMEs to support specific projects. These are typically related to businesses growing, developing or improving their products and related services, as well as creating new and sustainable jobs.

Mr Hari Punchihewa, Deputy Chief-Executive and Finance Director of the University, said: “I’m delighted that the scheme managed by the University with an independent panel has reached this impressive milestone.

“The funding from Invest to Grow provides much needed financial support to businesses across the East Midlands and has had a significant economic impact over several key growth sectors. Alongside the ongoing Invest to Grow scheme and the additional support to SMEs from the University, we can expect to see further job creation and growth in the wider business community.”

The University was originally awarded a total of £16.35m in funding by the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) for its Invest to Grow scheme. This is not the end of the scheme however. As this is a re-circulating finance scheme, there is still recycled loan funding to be repaid into the scheme and recirculated to new projects.

Mark Wheddon, Head of Delivery for Invest to Grow at the University of Derby, added: “In addition to job creation, managing the Invest to Grow fund has facilitated enhanced links between businesses and the University. There are several examples of ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange and a general increased awareness of the University’s wider role as an economic anchor institution supporting the region’s businesses.

“The funding has directly enabled many businesses to recruit new staff and bring in new skills or contributed to training and upskilling existing employees, often in relation to new equipment, technology or processes. Many of our funding recipients have also continued to work with the University through employing PhD students to undertake research.”

Homecare Direct Limited, based in Chesterfield, provide services to people who need individual care to organise their own support at home. The company was awarded £160,000 by Invest to Grow to enable them to relocate to new fit for purpose premises and to invest in its IT infrastructure.

Speaking about the impact of the Invest to Grow fund, Roger Adams, Director at Homecare Direct Limited, said: “Support from Invest to Grow not only enabled the business to grow and create new employment, but also led to further collaboration with the University. In 2017 Homecare Direct took on two placement students which proved to be highly successful and beneficial to both the company and the students.”

For more information about the University of Derby’s Invest to Grow Fund, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/investtogrow.

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

Posted in Business, Development

Brewing up a successful career with Ringtons in Chesterfield

12th February 2018

Renowned tea and coffee experts Ringtons is on the search for five new apprentices, including two in Chesterfield, for its traditional doorstep delivery service following the successful introduction of two recruits to its apprenticeship programme.

The family-business is looking for five enthusiastic, passionate and ambitious recruits to join the 110-year-old company under its new Customer Services Apprenticeship Programme.

The Ringtons Chesterfield office operates 20 vans which provide regular deliveries to over 19,000 customers in the area.

The Customer Services Apprentices will be responsible for helping keep the nation in its favourite tea, coffee and biscuits via the company’s traditional doorstep delivery service which caters to over 240,000 customers from 19 sites throughout the UK. Duties of the apprenticeship role include supporting existing vans salespeople, making regular calls to local customers, providing excellent customer service, sales and stock management.

Jon Malton, Brand Director for Ringtons said: “Our new apprenticeship programme is the first we have offered in over 110 years of business and we are pleased to be in a position where we have found two successful new trainees and are able to look for even more. Not only are we attracting enthusiastic, passionate, committed and endearing trainees, but putting our recruits through a Ringtons induction programme which covers all areas of the business gives them a solid background to build their own skills and are essential for their Customer Services Apprenticeships.

Daniel Gray (26) and Connor Keegan (20) are the first recruits to undertake Ringtons’ apprenticeships programme at the company’s biggest sales office in Tyne and Wear. Speaking of the apprenticeship Connor Keegan said: “After a few years working in different jobs I saw the Ringtons apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain a more secure job with a steady income and to join a well-respected family business. I really enjoy working outside, managing my own time, talking to the customers and learning about every element of the business, so this role really suits me and I would recommend it to those looking for all-round customer service experience.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Ringtons Customer Services Apprenticeships via the Government’s ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ website: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/-230858

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Another new business at Markham Vale

12th February 2018

Catering Projects Ltd, has recently taken possession of Unit 2 Waterloo Court at Markham Vale.

Catering Projects is at the cutting edge of the hospitality industry providing innovation throughout the design, build and installation of kitchens and bars. Their client portfolio includes some of the UK’s most successful restaurateurs and entrepreneurs.

The team at Catering Projects Ltd have over 120 years of commercial experience, from Design and Contract Management to Installation and Operations.

Paul Turnbull, the company’s Managing Director explains the company’s reason for investing at Markham Vale.

“Why we chose Markham Vale?, simply, right location close to transport hub and local amenities. Easily accessible for staff members and central location for our clients and supply chain. Our new premises provides the perfect platform for future growth with a large employment pool in the local area”.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Local Training Provider Saved

12th February 2018

The future of training provision for all existing learners at NLT Training Services, has been secured.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has agreed to continue funding training for existing apprentices until the end of their training programme providing employers are happy to continue using NLT.

This decision paves the way for a take-over of NLT by WEBS Training Limited securing not only apprenticeship training provision but also around 20 jobs across NLT’s Chesterfield and Scunthorpe sites.

The announcement follows an Ofsted inspection late last year which saw NLT graded ‘inadequate’, resulting in the ESFA withdrawing funding and which threatened the longstanding training provider with closure.

Commenting on the announcement, Sarah Temperton Chief Executive of NLT Training Services said: “It is fair to say that we are all very relieved. We have been working hard to secure the future of the organisation and this sends out a very positive message to employers, apprentices and staff.

“Our thanks go to our apprentices, employers, the business community and WEBS for the support they have given NLT during this difficult time.”

The takeover by WEBS, a specialist manufacturing training provider based in Nottingham which is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, has saved 21 jobs and secured the future of much-needed engineering apprentice training provision in the area.

Commenting on the takeover, Sammy Jones, Managing Director of WEBS Training, said: “WEBS and NLT have worked together for a number of years, and we are both committed to delivering a unique experience to both learners and employers and developing and delivering outstanding training for industry by industry. The takeover made absolute sense and I am delighted that the EFSA’s decision means we can now press on with our plans to fully integrate NLT. Learners and employers will both benefit from the increased variety and enhanced training provision that we can now offer.”

Sarah added: “WEBS is already working hard with us to drive the quality of training forward. The additional resources that WEBS brings will enable the business improvement changes instigated earlier this year within NLT to be accelerated. It is an exciting time for everyone involved and an opportunity to deliver a greater variety of specialised training.”

WEBS and NLT have worked together for a number of years, with their respective Chief Executives sitting on each other’s board. They are also both Group Training Association (GTA) members, committed to delivering a unique experience to both learners and employers and developing and delivering outstanding training for industry by industry.

WEBS, which was founded by four of Long Eaton’s major manufacturing companies, has been delivering furniture training since 1968. The takeover of NLT’s Scunthorpe and Chesterfield operations will give WEBS a full East Midlands presence and expand the number of apprenticeships offered across all three sites, further helping meet local training demand.

The takeover by the Ofsted Good rated provider, will see NLT rebranded and all of its 200 Level 2 and 3 apprentices transferred ahead of the new academic year in 2018. Currently WEBS has more than 160 apprentices on roll.

NLT is now calling on local employers to use its services. Sarah added: “Any employers looking for apprentice training or to recruit an apprentice, should get in touch with us as soon as possible. WEBS will shortly begin recruiting engineering and business services apprentices in Chesterfield and Scunthorpe and we look forward to supporting learners and businesses long into the future.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Football and Education Programme launched by Chesterfield FC

8th February 2018

Are you looking to continue your studies when you leave school while training and playing football, representing Chesterfield FC? If so, there is an opportunity to study with Chesterfield FC Community Trust in 2018!

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s Football and Education programme is designed for individuals wanting to gain post-16 sports qualifications and play competitive football, alongside studying.

The course has been designed as a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Outwood Academy Newbold to give students with a passion for football, sport and education the opportunity learn and play football at the same time.

Students will develop the necessary skills, qualities and characteristics that are required to work within a professional football club or national governing body and gain transferable skills relevant across the sports industry and beyond.

Delivered in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold, students will study full-time within the sixth form, where a top-class education programme will be assured, with the school’s motto ‘Students First’ at the heart of everything they do.

Alongside their education, students will represent Chesterfield FC, competing in a league against other professional clubs and training on a daily basis with the Trust’s FA/UEFA-qualified coaches. There will be an opportunity to play against other clubs, including Birmingham City, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Derby County and Sunderland!

Students will undertake 14 units of work including coursework and exam assessments over a two-year period. The course is full-time with students required to attend all lessons and complete work on time in order to play in the fixtures and represent Chesterfield FC. Upon completion, the course is equivalent to three A-levels, enabling the students to progress on to university, higher education or a foundation degree with Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

All studies will be based at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the state-of-the-art classrooms that the school has on site. Training sessions will take place at Outwood Academy Newbold, using the grass and astroturf pitches available on site. Home games will be played at Glapwell Stadium, allowing the students to experience playing within a stadium environment and students will have free access to the gym and hydrotherapy pool at the HUB at the Proact Stadium seven days a week, as well as access to a physio.

Upon completion of the course, students will be faced with a range of options, supporting them to have a future within the sports industry. Dependant on final grades, students will be able to go into higher education at university where ideal courses may include a degree in Sports Development, Sports Coaching or PE and School Sport.

Should students wish to stay involved in the professional football club environment, Chesterfield FC Community Trust offer a foundation degree, where students can study for a further two years whilst completing a full-time work placement within the football club.
All students will also be offered the opportunity to undertake their Level 1 coaching qualification which will enable them to apply for paid coaching work with Chesterfield FC Community Trust when they finish the course.

Steve Roberts, principal at Outwood Academy Newbold, expressed his delight at the partnership, saying: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s an opportunity for us to partner with Chesterfield Football Club Community Trust and provide students with an opportunity to do BTEC Level 3 Sports.

“That will actually help students who might want to progress to university and it gives people an opportunity to go out and be involved with football as an industry, behind the scenes roles or maybe progress onto something like sports and exercise science.

“It gives them that opportunity and more importantly it gives them the level of qualification to get on to the next step.

“We sit on top of the hill and we can see the stadium from the school. We are on a journey ourselves at the moment, which we’re delighted with and it is an opportunity to involve ourselves in a partnership which can provide something really valuable for students.”

Trust chief John Croot added: “The Football and Education Programme is something that we have been discussing with Steve and his team for a couple of months now.

“It’s taken us some time to get to this stage but we wanted to make sure that the course we were offering was of top quality, in order to fulfil our duties to the students.

“It will be fantastic to have a squad of players representing the club on a weekly basis as well as studying full-time, which I’m sure will stand them in good stead to go on and have a career in sport if that is what they wish to do.”

To apply, students should download the F&E Application Form, available via www.spireitestrust.org.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Leisure

Investment in customers adds up to Gold Award rating for Chesterfield accountants

6th February 2018

Chesterfield Champion, BHP Chartered Accountants, has achieved the top Gold Award rating from the prestigious Investor in Customers (IIC) accreditation.

BHP increased on its previous score achieved in 2015, when it was one of just 15% of firms in the country to achieve a top rating when first undergoing the rigorous accreditation process.

IIC independently assesses client satisfaction levels for businesses across all industries through the use of anonymous surveys undertaken with clients, employees and other business connections.

The questionnaires looked at a wide range of areas, from how well customer needs are understood and met, to how happy they feel with the service they receive. Other criteria assessed included how easy it is to do business with BHP, how likely a customer is to make a referral, and the quality of the experience and relationship.

Areas that were scored the highest across all offices by clients included the quality of the relationship with BHP and how fairly customers felt they are treated. Excellent communication was also highlighted as particularly strong, and clients described the firm as being friendly, efficient, reliable and highly competent.

John Warner, Managing Partner at BHP, says:-

“It’s vital that our customers feel valued and that they are getting a service that makes a genuine difference to their business and personal goals. Our aim is to ensure that the high standards we are renowned for are maintained and improved upon. To have increased our rating this year with an IIC Gold Award accreditation is a testament to the hard work of each and every one of our 300-strong team.”

BHP was assessed over a five week period with direct and online feedback from clients, staff and senior management as well as additional desk research which was carried out by an IIC assessor.

Tony Barritt, Managing Director of IIC, says:-

“Following the 2015 Investor in Customers assessment, the team at BHP worked hard to put in place the improvements which were identified at the feedback session. Their latest assessment has shown clear evidence of the success of these initiatives with increased scores across all teams, and a consistent and high-level of customer experience in all offices.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business