Author: Dom Stevens

New Stand Sponsor for Spireites

14th September 2016

Chesterfield Football Club are delighted to announce a deal with a leading local van sales company that will see the West Stand at the Proact Stadium named The Van Yard Stand.

The deal with The Van Yard sees them become a significant partner for the club and they have signed a deal to the end of the 2017/18 season.

The company have recently moved to new premises in Arkwright Town to cope with their increasing trade and linking up with the Spireites will help to enhance their brand awareness.

Chris Allsop, Managing Director of The Van Yard, said:-

“It is a great privilege to agree this sponsorship deal with the football club. We have streamlined our business and moved to new premises this year and the next step is for us to strengthen our commercial exposure in the area. Working with Chesterfield FC will allow us to do this and I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”

Richard Nichols, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Chesterfield FC, said:-

“It is fantastic to have an enthusiastic and proactive company like The Van Yard associate their business with us here at Chesterfield Football Club.

“Chris has been a pleasure to deal with and we are both genuinely excited about developing a positive and strong relationship over the next two years. They are a local company who already work closely with the RAC, which demonstrates their lofty ambitions and that matches what we want to achieve here.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Sensational Seb Storms to Silverstone

14th September 2016

Chesterfield race ace Seb Perez soars into Silverstone this coming weekend for the penultimate rounds of the Simpson Race Products Ginetta Junior Championship.

The 16 year old Ginetta race car driver travels to the Northamptonshire circuit after a sensational weekend just down the road at Rockingham three weeks ago; where Perez was “hard at it” testing the circuit, taking two days of hard work to get to grips with the car and circuit.

The two days testing had its ups and downs for Seb and his team JHR Developments, on the first Ginetta test day Perez was just outside the top five test times but by later during the day the cars performance was lacking and so was his testing positions. On looking into this closer the team found the car was having engine issues.

Work was carried out on the car ready for the second test day only to find the engine was not strong and still having problems finishing twelfth overall on the day. During free practice two the car managed one lap before retiring into the garage with technical problems,

On investigating further his team did an engine change due to continuing engine issues.

Saturday morning saw qualifying and Perez going out with a new engine after some fantastic work done by JHR Development to get the car race ready.

With the newly fitted engine Perez was “batting in the dark” not knowing how the engine was going to perform with a team keen to see how it progressed.

After a 15 minute qualifying session Perez missed out on a top five place finishing in 6th position with a time of 1.38.945 and hitting speeds of up to 85 mph, Perez commented “having a new engine fitted I was unsure how the car would perform, JHR Developments have worked wonders to get the car ready to race”.

Race one saw a battle commence from the lights going out between Perez and rookie team mate Sebastian Prialux both fighting for fourth place with a close battle for third between them both and Stuart Middleton and Perez taking the chequered flag, finally finishing in 5th position.

Saturday evening, race two saw freak weather conditions comprising of a storm and twister ripping across the circuit tearing down some teams hospitality suite awnings and leaving a trail of destruction around the circuit.

Perez sat in his car in the holding area for around 50 minutes, gale force winds rocking the car vigorously from side to side, only to be told that the race had been cancelled due to the severe conditions.

Sunday morning saw the start of the rescheduled race two and Perez 5th on the grid along side rookie racer Harry King.

A couple of laps into the race saw Perez move into third position and for the rest of the duration of the race he had a constant battle with Stuart Middleton fighting for second place, however Middleton managed to hold his lead over Perez who finished taking a podium position in third place.

Final race of the weekend after lunch saw Perez completing the 8 laps race in 15 minutes starting on the second row with a front row of rookie drivers, Tom Wood and Harry King.

The first lap saw him move up into second place, however on lap four Lewis Brown passed him taking second spot. Perez fought hard to regain second place but unfortunately missed out, finishing on the podium again taking third place.

After the race Perez commented:-

“An eventful weekend threw at us engine changes, freak weather and some of my best racing this season.

“I am looking forward to Silverstone, last year’s visit did not go to plan however this year sees a stronger position for us”.

Perez identifies that he cannot win the championship however he is fighting to win places and a top five finish after the last race at Brands Hatch.

Perez leaves Rockingham in 9th position in the championship with 250 points after a sensational weekend. His team still are in 3rd position in the Team Championship with 800 points

You can follow Seb and all the action on Sunday on ITV 4 where his races are televised live alongside the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Editorial by Paul Horton / Images by Paul Horton Motorsport Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield

University set to update Chesterfield’s skill base

13th September 2016

Employers who want to update their staff’s skills or individuals aiming to get ahead in their careers can find out what the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus has to offer on October 27 at a Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening.

From 4pm-7pm, University lecturers will be at the Campus in the former St Helena’s grammar school on Sheffield Road to outline the range of business, engineering, IT and health care courses on offer.

Professor Margaret Bruce, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, explained the benefits of part-time study: “Our flexible approach to teaching and learning enables you to fit studying around your other commitments.

“That means you can gain a professional qualification whilst working, to help further your career, broadening your skills and knowledge in a flexible way, without it affecting your lifestyle.”

Courses available through part-time study in Chesterfield are:

■ HND Business and Management

■ BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering

■ FdSc Information Technology

■ Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care

The Campus, due to open next month, has had a multi-million pound conversion which has been sympathetic to the listed St Helena’s building, conserving as many of its historic features as possible. Booking is essential: visit derby.ac.uk/open days

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chesterfield based PCT Healthcare grows

13th September 2016

Chesterfield based PCT Healthcare, has acquired the six well-established pharmacies of K.M. Brennan

The first Brennans pharmacy opened in Beaumont Leys in 1980, the company has since grown from a single site to operating six pharmacies in the greater Leicestershire and Derbyshire area focused on community-based pharmacy services.

Chesterfield headquartered PCT Healthcare is the third largest independent pharmacy chain in the UK. Having earlier in the year completed the acquisition of WR Evans (Chemist), the enlarged group employs over 1,400 people and operates under the Peak Pharmacy, Tims and Parker, Manor Pharmacy and Cox and Robinson brands.

Peter Cattee, PCT Healthcare Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The transfer of Kevin Brennan’s business into Peak Pharmacy is an ideal opportunity for us to develop the business out of our traditional Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire base towards our branches further south.

“Kevin has built up a tremendous business by his hard work and application and we shall be following in his footsteps by continuing to concentrate on personal service, staff training and development and family culture – all supported by our strong operational background.

“Pharmacy continues to be integral to the needs of the NHS and in many regards looks like a practical solution to some of its current problems. PCT Healthcare is well-placed to deliver services in this environment.”

Posted in Business

Free Brexit helpline launched for East Midlands businesses

13th September 2016

Responding to continued uncertainty in the business community, East Midlands Chamber has partnered with law firm Eversheds to offer a free legal helpline to businesses that have queries on how different aspects of Brexit might impact their activity.

Areas that will be covered by the helpline include:

Employment issues
Commercial contracts
Intellectual Property
Funding arrangements
Business structures
Real estate
Other operating issues

Chamber members calling the lo-call rate number (0333 456 0480) will be offered one hour’s free over-the-phone advice by an expert from the Eversheds legal team.

The hotline will be managed by the Chamber, which will arrange for an expert from the Eversheds legal team to speak to callers.

Chris Hobson, the Chamber’s Director of Policy, said:-

“It is now 12 weeks since the landmark referendum result for the UK to leave the European Union, and companies remain confused about what will happen as we go through the Brexit process.

“While the full implications will only become clear once formal negotiations begin, there is work that businesses can start doing now in terms of the considerations they should be making with regards to those areas that we know are likely to be affected in some way, or where uncertainty is already having an impact.

“With over half of our members employing someone from a country in the wider EU, the main issue at the moment seems to be managing questions over what the status of these workers will be post-Brexit.

“But our members have also expressed concerns over intellectual property rights, continued funding for projects currently funded by EU money and the possibility of levies being laid against imports and exports.

“Working with Eversheds, we have set up the hotline so that our members can talk to legal experts to ensure that, even if they can’t at this stage have all the answers, they can at least ensure they’re asking the right questions to put themselves in the best possible position to overcome the uncertainty and realise the opportunities that Brexit will bring.”

James Fry, Partner at Eversheds said:-

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Chamber to help its members navigate through the uncertainty of Brexit.

“At Eversheds we are committed to giving clear, straightforward and objective advice on what exit from the EU may mean for businesses in the East Midlands. The issues are not the same for every business and we will ensure that our legal advice is tailored to specific needs.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Another deal done on Markham Vale

13th September 2016

Property developer Priority Space has exchanged contracts to acquire a prime 1.6 acre site at Markham Vale in Derbyshire.

The developer, which has exchanged contracts on the site in a joint venture with Hunt Group, will now seek planning permission for some 25,000 sq. ft. of high specification warehouse/industrial accommodation set over 12 units ranging from 1,200 – 3,050 sq ft, which will be available for purchase.

This will be the latest development at the popular Markham Vale, a 200 acre prime business and distribution park with Enterprise Zone status, located off junction 29a of the M1 motorway, and will provide much needed business space for SMEs in the region. The site has recently attracted occupiers such as Great Bear, Andrew Page, Inspirepac, Ready Egg, Meter Provida and Gould Alloys amongst others.

Innes England’s Derby office and Fernie Greaves in Sheffield have been jointly appointed to market the scheme which, subject to planning, is expected to start on site in November this year.

Associate director at Innes England, Stuart Waite commented: “We are delighted to be working alongside Fernie Greaves on this Priority Space scheme. Markham Vale is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier logistics locations and a flagship scheme for the region which has attracted considerable investment since its inception….we are convinced these units will be received well by the market”

Lee Buchanan, Director at Priority Space, said “After the success of Kiln Park Priority Space are looking forward to delivering their second commercial scheme. We believe the location at Markham Vale to be key in securing fully occupancy of the site. We hope to emulate Kiln Park and secure sales on the entire scheme before completion of the development

Shaun Hunt, Chief Executive at Hunt Group Ltd added, “Following a successful JV project between H.G. Holdings and Priority Space near Leeds we are pleased to be embarking upon this new development project using the same well proven team. The Markham Vale regeneration site is perfectly placed on this busy M1 corridor with many large operators having already established their businesses here. Our flexible, modern and most aesthetically pleasing units are likely to appeal to the more discerning business owner occupiers and investors”

It has also been announced that Britcon (UK) Ltd will be appointed as Main Contractor.

Posted in Business, Development

Chesterfield business begins shipboard testing for USCG Approval

13th September 2016

Chesterfield based business Cathelco have announced that their Evolution ballast water treatment (BWT) system has begun shipboard testing for U.S. Coast Guard Type Approval.

The system has been installed on the Svendborg Strait a 1085 TEU container ship owned by Carsten Rehder of Hamburg.

Julian Glogowski, Technical Director at Carsten Rehder, said:-

“From the start of this project to the final completion we appreciate the care and attention to detail from Cathelco, leading to a smooth, trouble free installation.

“We are very pleased with the outcome and look forward to continuing our relationship with Cathelco”

Peter Smith, Sales Director of Cathelco, said:-

“The system on the Svendborg Strait was installed a day ahead of schedule within a very confined area, demonstrating the flexibility of the equipment.”

The installation of the Evolution system was undertaken within 8 days at the Norderwerft yard in Hamburg. Commissioning and crew training was carried out on the ship’s first voyage.

Stewart Richard Ayre, Senior Project Manager at MPC Münchmeyer Petersen who oversaw the smooth running of the installation, said:-

“We are proud to be partners with Cathelco as the demand for BWT systems accelerates”

The Evolution system will supersede the original Cathelco BWT system which was launched in 2014 and already has IMO Approval and AMS certification. Prior installations include systems for ships ranging from ro-ro carriers to offshore supply vessels.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Consultation on future use of old sports centre site

12th September 2016

Councillors recently granted planning permission to demolish the old building, in Boythorpe Road, which closed when the new £11.25 million Queen’s Park Sports Centre opened in January.

A range of different possible future uses for the site have been considered and tested against four criteria. From these, the council’s preferred option is to have 3G all-weather multi-sport pitches on the site with a surface that can be used for football, hockey, rugby and athletics training and recreational use.

Chesterfield Borough Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on the preferred option – but also seeking alternative suggestions that meet the criteria the council is using to decide what the future use of the site should be.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The former sports centre sits next to the grade two star listed Queen’s Park so it is important that what goes there is in keeping with that heritage site and the strict planning rules that come with it.

“In an era of council budget cuts whatever goes on the site also needs to generate an income rather than cost tax payers more money.”

The borough currently has fewer 3G all-weather sports pitches than is recommended for a population of its size and the use would be in keeping with the sport and leisure heritage of the site.

Councillor Serjeant added: “While this is our preferred option at this stage no decisions have been taken. So as well as getting views on that option we also want to hear from anyone who has other great ideas and can show us how they would meet the criteria we are working to.”

The consultation runs from today (Monday 12 September) to Friday 21 October and can be found online, along with further information and a map of the site, at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/qpscsurvey

Paper copies are also available from the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Boythorpe Road; the Healthy Living Centre in Barlow Road, Staveley; and our customer service centre in New Square.

Drop-in consultation sessions will also be held on:

Monday 26 September in Morrisons, Chatsworth Road from 10am to 7pm
Thursday 6 October at Chesterfield Market Place from 10am to 3pm

There will also be a session held at Chesterfield College freshers’ fair to get the views of students.

All options have been tested against four principles that the site use should:

Generate income and not cost council taxpayers any extra money
Support Council Plan objectives to improve the quality of life for local people, support a thriving borough, and deliver value for money
Complement Queen’s Park, with its grade two star heritage listing, and other facilities in the town centre and borough
Be well-used throughout the year and provide added value for the community

The council has considered various options against these criteria and has provisionally ruled them out for the following reasons:

Indoor leisure provision e.g. ice rink/roller skating/soft play – operators of these facilities usually want ‘shed’ buildings and they would not be appropriate from a planning perspective. The council also doesn’t believe these uses would be financially viable without the council subsidising running costs.
Cultural use e.g. for exhibitions, artist studios, events – this use could complement the park but usually requires significant subsidies to operate.
Outdoor leisure provision eg high ropes, climbing, water features – while this type of use would add to the facilities offered at Queen’s Park, it is not felt financially viable without the council subsidising running costs.
To add an extension to the existing park – this would add to the cost of maintaining and improving the park and put pressure on already tight budgets.
Shopping – given planning policies this is not felt a suitable location.
Housing – while there is a need to increase town centre housing the council does not feel this is an appropriate use for the site.
Car parking – as there are car parks either side of the site, and spare capacity in other car parks, there is not felt to be demand for more in this location.
Restaurant/pub use – the council does not feel this use would complement the park and there are other locations that would be more appropriate
Selling the land – the council would have would have far less control on ensuring the use is appropriate to the park’s heritage setting.

Although these options have been provisional ruled out the council is happy to hear alternative views from individuals, businesses or sports groups who can show how they would be viable.

A decision on a future use is expected to be made by early 2017, once the consultation responses have been analysed and considered.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Sheffield City Region takes next step towards historic devolution deal

12th September 2016

This week the Sheffield City Region will submit the results of its consultation to the Secretary of State following a decision from the Combined Authority on Monday 12th September 2016.

This marks the next step in the Sheffield City Region’s devolution journey. Following the submission of the consultation summary it is now for the Secretary of State to progress with statutory Orders.

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said: “The Sheffield City Region is committed to the substantial devolution of powers and funding including £1.3bn of investment through the Devolution Agreement. Today we have agreed to submit our consultation responses to the Secretary of State, which marks the next step on our devolution journey.

“The elected mayor is not yet a done deal. We are seeking clarity from Government on whether this is still needed as there are still significant concerns around the mayoral model amongst a number of city region authorities. We won’t make the final decision to go ahead unless we are absolutely sure that this is best possible outcome for our residents and that there are no other options open to us. Any decision on the mayor and any election timetable is therefore subject to these considerations.

“Our consultation results show that local residents and businesses are supportive of devolving additional powers to the Sheffield City Region and formalising Bassetlaw and Chesterfield as constituent members. This is another step on our devolution journey which puts Sheffield City Region in the driving seat.”

The Sheffield City Region expects to enter into dialogue with officials from Government about the content of the draft Orders which set out additional powers and functions which the Combined Authority is seeking and the governance changes needed to operate a Mayoral Combined Authority. This will include extending the boundaries of the Authority and to amend the Mayoral Election Order so that the election on 4 May 2017 includes residents from Bassetlaw and Chesterfield.

The consultation results show the following:

• The majority of residents, businesses and civic institutions who responded to the consultation supported the general principle of devolution and the proposals set out in the Scheme document
• In general, those who supported the proposals believed that the proposals would facilitate growth and improve the exercise of statutory functions
• However, support was not universal or unanimous and the consultation did raise issues and matters that the Secretary of State should have regard to when considering the nature and extent of future orders
• The consultation raised a number of alternatives and/or variations to the proposals in the Scheme.

Posted in About Chesterfield

New partnership heralds a new age for accounting and independent financial advice

12th September 2016

Two Chesterfield businesses, Start Financial Planning and Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, have joined forces to bring a fresh approach to financial planning for owner managed businesses in north east Derbyshire.

The collaborative working arrangement between the two businesses follows an increase in SMEs in the area now looking to grow following the pre-referendum uncertainty at the beginning of the year.

The low interest rates and grants now available has prompted businesses to turn to Mitchells for practical advice and help on accessing grants and finance, while Start Financial Planning is assisting business owners in protecting the future of the company and their personal finance ahead of potential Brexit uncertainty.

Michael Heath, director of Start Financial Planning, explained:-

“Historically financial advisers and accountants have worked independently of each other which is not necessarily in the best interests of business owners, particularly in the current economic climate.

“It made absolute sense to agree a collaborative working arrangement with Mitchells. By doing so we have created a one-stop-shop for owner managed businesses, offering practical advice in tax, accounting and investments, helping protect the financial future of the business for both the owner and employees.”

Richard Trueman, Managing Partner at Mitchells, added:-

“We’re delighted to have Start Financial Planning on board. Mitchells’ prides itself on both our practical accounting and business advice services, and the agreement with Start is a practical extension of this in response to client demand.

“Start shares our passion for helping SMEs achieve their growth potential and through our working partnership with Start, we are now able to offer our clients a better, seamless service when managing their business turnover and personal wealth.”

Later in the year, Start hopes to agree a further collaborative working agreement with a leading legal services firm in the area in order to deliver a fully comprehensive cradle to grave financial planning service for individuals and businesses in the area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New head of Academy recruitment for Spireites

12th September 2016

Kevan Wildes has been named as the new head of recruitment for the Chesterfield academy.

Wildes has a wealth of experience in youth football. The 52-year-old was Derby County’s Yorkshire regional scout last season and prior to that he spent four-and-a-half-years overseeing Newcastle United’s recruitment in Yorkshire. He also had a spell as Sheffield United’s Under-12 coach.

Wildes, who is the head of lower school and teaches PE at Newfield School in Sheffield, is delighted to have been handed a key role with the Spireites. He said:-

“I’ve been looking to get into this sort of role for a while and I want to help take the academy forward.

“My remit is to feed players into the youth team who will hopefully get into the first team. We need more home-grown players.”

Academy manager, Mark Smith, said:-

“I am pleased to have been able to appoint Kevan, who I think will prove to be a valuable addition to the academy staff. I have known him for a number of years and he has recommended players to me in the past.”

Posted in About Chesterfield