Author: Tara Underhill

Coalite redevelopment moves a step closer

14th March 2016

Plans to redevelop the former Coalite site could soon become a reality now measures to bring it back into use are gathering pace.

The 140 acre site, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire District and partly in Bolsover District, has already been granted planning permission for employment use by Bolsover District Council.

A further application for up to 660 houses, a school and a neighbourhood centre is due to be considered by North East Derbyshire District Council in the coming weeks.

And now Derbyshire County Council has given the project a further boost by agreeing to look at potential funding to help kick start the long-awaited regeneration of the site which has remained derelict since the Coalite coking works closed down more than 12 years ago.

If planning permission is granted for the ambitious plans drawn-up by Bolsover Land Ltd, a joint venture between Marcol and St Francis Group, work will first be needed to clear up a number of contaminants on the land − and we’ve offered to help.

Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:

“The Coalite site has been an eye sore for many years since the plant closed down but it has massive potential to help regenerate the area.

“We’re using our experience and expertise in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale to support Bolsover District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and developers Bolsover Land Ltd in their proposals to develop Coalite for jobs and housing.

“We all want to see the site properly cleaned-up and we’re taking bold steps and exploring funding options to help pave the way for redevelopment.”

Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:

“The regeneration of Coalite has been a long-standing priority for the council and the people of Bolsover and we welcome the involvement of the county council to help make this development a reality.”

Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:

“We’ve been working closely with all the partners concerned to make sure the whole of the Coalite site is redeveloped. We’re determined to see high quality jobs and houses on the site and this commitment from the county council to work in partnership with us to clean up the land is a major step in the right direction.”

Derbyshire County Council is due to meet with Bolsover Land Ltd over the coming weeks to discuss funding options.

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

Play on the Proact pitch

11th March 2016

Businesses, local football clubs and individuals are being given the opportunity to play on the pitch at Chesterfield Football Club.

The Spireites are now taking bookings to give fans the chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

From corporate events and inter-company matches with colleagues, to charity events, or even a game between friends who fancy an upgrade on a public park, the Proact Stadium will be available on the following dates:

May 17 – 7pm kick-off
May 18 – 7pm kick-off
May 19 – 7pm kick-off
May 24 – 7pm kick-off

One of the first businesses to take part will be the Proact themselves, based in Chesterfield, following their participation last year.

Each organisation that books will get the chance of a 90-minute, 11-a-side game, including full use of the stadium’s playing facilities, from the dressing room to the players’ tunnel.

A match co-ordinator and referee will be provided by the club and entry to the Proact Stadium will be free for spectators, with each business that signs up given two complimentary footballs to use during the game – and keep as a souvenir.

The cost to ‘Play at the Proact’ is just £1,750 per time slot. Playing slots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a maximum of 16 players per squad, and a non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to confirm the booking. The full balance is due 30 days before the game.

To book, please contact Janice Kew on 01246 269300 (ext 4153) or email janicekew@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

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

Harry Ramsden’s comes to Chesterfield

11th March 2016

World-famous fish and chip restaurant, Harry Ramsden’s is preparing to open in a Chesterfield pub next week.

Making an entrance into the licensed trade sector, the iconic British brand will launch at the Wingerworth on Derby Road on Tuesday 15 March.

Harry Ramsden’s at the Wingerworth will feature an updated interior design popular with families, at the same time as retaining the pub’s local identity and remaining true to its own heritage.

Joe Teixeira, CEO of Harry Ramsden’s comments:-

“We relish this opportunity to enter into a new market and the great location, surroundings and reputation enjoyed by the Wingerworth Pub and Kitchen make Chesterfield the ideal place from which to unveil our newest model and further extend the modern day face of Harry’s to a new generation of customers.”

This latest opening comes as a result of its partnership with Punch Taverns and the Harry Ramsden’s team will manage of all aspects of the outlet’s day to day operation serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Businesses invited to share in success of young entrepreneurs at the Winding Wheel

11th March 2016

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to show their support for local students at the Area Final of the Young Enterprise Company Competition.

Taking place on Tuesday 22nd March at the Winding Wheel, the event will celebrate the achievements of pupils from schools and colleges across North Derbyshire; all of whom have been running their own company over the past academic year, with support from local business advisers and teachers.

Finalists will compete for a number of awards during the evening – from Best Presentation to Overall Winning Company, as well as the opportunity to represent North Derbyshire at the County Final – taking place at The Roundhouse, Derby College on 25 April 2016.

Given the task of presenting for four minutes on their company achievements and experiences, each team will be assessed by an independent panel of judges including representatives from 2 local businesses – BRM Solicitors and North South Training. The range of products and services designed and created by finalists will also be on display.

Sharing his enthusiasm for the event, Steve Taylor, Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board said:-

“Our young people reveal so much potential and capability through the Young Enterprise Company Programme and so it’s fantastic that we are able to recognise this at the annual Area Final.

“The active involvement of volunteers from business and the local community is fundamental to Young Enterprise’s mission to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. It is our volunteers’ enthusiasm, knowledge and real life experiences that enrich the learning for students, bringing to life the world of work and preparing them for an enterprising future. I hope that lots of local businesses will join us at the Winding Wheel on 22nd March.”

The Young Enterprise Area Final begins at 6.30pm on Tuesday 22nd March with a complimentary drinks reception and an opportunity to look around the trade stands and talk with the competitors about their experience.

To confirm your attendance please email Steve Taylor – Chair of the Young Enterprise North Derbyshire Area Board at steve@startfp.co.uk

(Image shows the winners of the 2015 Young Enterprise Company Competition Area Final – students from Tupton Hall School who created a successful nappy cake business called Tantrum Baby Products)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Gill Lewis highly commended at Enterprising Women Awards

10th March 2016

Gill Lewis, Company Secretary at The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) in Chesterfield has received the accolade of ‘Highly Commended’ in The Female Employee of The Year category at the Enterprising Women Awards 2016.

Facilitated by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicester, Nottinghamshire) the ceremony at Shearsby Bath, Leicestershire hosted by ITV presenter Emma Jesson, was a celebration of the most talented women in business across the three counties. UKATA were one of only three companies to be shortlisted from the Chesterfield area.

The award recognises Gill’s commitment and passion in supporting UKATA. Gill said: “I was shocked to find out I had been nominated for this award, but to receive the honour is extremely flattering.”

Gill was joined by General Manager, Craig Evans at the Award Ceremony in Leicester, Craig commented: “Such a fantastic event, where unsung heroes were recognised for their achievements. Gill deserved to be in the finals, and I am very proud of her success”.

UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) actively promotes asbestos awareness, to include the dangers of working with the substance and health threats associated.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Expanding team at Handelsbanken Chesterfield

10th March 2016

Handelsbanken Chesterfield has appointed a new member of staff in response to increasing demand for its local relationship banking services.

Nicola Rodgers joins the fast-growing relationship bank, with 17 years of banking experience. Nicola will be involved in the operational side of the branch, supporting and serving existing customers, as well as welcoming new customers to Handelsbanken’s bespoke approach to local banking.

Nicola’s recent banking experience has been in credit documentation – skills that will be put to full use in Handelsbanken’s decentralised branch model. Branches are responsible for making all day-to-day banking decisions based solely on their customers’ requirements, free from product and lending targets or bonus incentives.

Nicola commented: “I am delighted to have joined Handelsbanken Chesterfield. What attracted me to Handelsbanken was its focus on close personal relationships with its customers, its reputation for high levels of service and its traditional values. I have joined a team of experienced bankers who have the power to make decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch.”

To coincide with Nicola’s appointment, Claire Leach has also moved into the role of individual banking manager in the Chesterfield Branch she helped establish in 2012. Her new appointment supports the demand for Handelsbanken’s individual banking services in and around Chesterfield.

Claire commented: “We offer our customers a bespoke banking and mortgage service, provided to them by experienced and CeMAP qualified bankers. I am delighted to be given this opportunity to support the growth of our business in Chesterfield.”

Phil Walker, Branch Manager, added: “I am very pleased to welcome Nicola to the Chesterfield branch team. Her appointment has given Claire the opportunity to undertake her first account manager role, and means that we can continue to meet the growing needs of both our existing and new customers in and around Chesterfield, whilst maintaining the high level of service for which we are renowned.”

(Image shows Handelsbanken Chesterfield team L-R: Nicola Rogers,Fraser Kirkman, Phil Walker, Claire Leach, Andy North, Cheryl Scothorne)

Posted in Business

Spireites quartet joins Jeff Stelling on charity walk

10th March 2016

A Spireites quartet will join Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling on a walk in aid of Prostate Cancer UK later this month.

Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner, media chief Nick Johnson, Kevin Fitzgerald (head of commercial & marketing) and former player Bob Newton will walk with Jeff from Rotherham United’s New York Stadium to the Proact Stadium on Thursday, March 24.

Jeff, who hosts the popular Soccer Saturday show, will walk from Hartlepool United to Wembley between March 21-30.

Clocking in at more than 250 miles, Jeff’s Men United March will see the 60-year-old check in on 31 football clubs.

Jeff said: “I deal in statistics – but the ones we are dealing with here are shocking. One man dies every hour from this disease, that’s six in the course of Soccer Saturday every week. One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and for black men the odds are even worse at one in four.

“Within the next ten years Prostate Cancer UK believes they will find the answers to make this disease something men and their loved ones no longer fear. I’ve met the scientists who pledge to do this and I can see how dedicated they are. But do to this we need to raise vital funds – and I need everyone to support me and all the men affected by prostate cancer by visiting menunitedmarch.org and pledging their support.”

To make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/Chesterfield-FC

(Image courtesy of Tina Jenner)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Securing the best devolution deal for Chesterfield and Derbyshire

4th March 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council has voted to apply to join a devolution deal with Sheffield City Region that could bring millions of pounds and hundreds of job opportunities to Chesterfield and Derbyshire.

The devolution deal will see powers and funding held by ministers and civil servants in London – on issues such as housing, skills and training, business support and transport – transferred down to a local level.

At a special council meeting held on Thursday 3rd March, councillors confirmed that entering a deal will mean absolutely no changes to Chesterfield’s geographical boundaries with the town remaining firmly part of Derbyshire. Those councillors will also continue to control the running of all the services Chesterfield Borough Council is currently responsible for.

The additional devolved powers will be managed by a combined authority, which is made up of a group of councils, which will be led by an elected mayor. Chesterfield is applying for an equal seat at the table of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority alongside Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster councils. This builds on the strong relationships that have already delivered significant investment in Chesterfield from the Sheffield City Region.

The decision by Chesterfield’s councillors starts a process that will include a full period of public consultation – likely to be in late spring or early summer – ahead of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government making a decision, anticipated to be in the autumn.

Councillor John Burrows, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m Chesterfield born and bred. If you cut me open I would have Chesterfield written on one side and Derbyshire on the other.

“So from day one I have been very clear that this is not about us moving anywhere as some people have claimed. Chesterfield is a Derbyshire town and will always be a Derbyshire town. Changing that has never been on the agenda and it never will be.

“This decision has been about what is going to be best for our economy and will most benefit our residents and businesses.

“It’s about creating jobs opportunities for young people who tell me they are desperately struggling to find work. It is about supporting the Chesterfield businesses who tell me that they want to expand but need staff with the right skills to do so.

“And it’s about giving our town an equal say at a table where £900 million is being handed out over the next 30 years.”

Three other Derbyshire councils – Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales district councils – are applying to join the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority as non-constituent members.

They have also decided to be full members of a similar North Midlands Combined Authority formed of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils, Derby City, Derbyshire County Council and around half of the Derbyshire district and borough councils.

Chesterfield Borough Council has also decided to apply to become a non-constituent member of the North Midlands Combined Authority.

This partnership is currently negotiating with government for a devolution deal that would also see powers come down from Government to be managed by a combined authority led by an elected mayor.

Councillor Burrows added: “I am in the unique position of being the only council leader to have been involved in negotiating devolution deals for both the North Midlands and Sheffield City Region areas.

“I’ve read every document on the subject and sat in the meetings here and in London. So I’ve heard every argument for and against both devolution deals and in all that time I’ve been looking for what is best for Chesterfield and Chesterfield alone.

“After hearing all the issues at the debate I came to a clear conclusion that this deal is in the best interests of Chesterfield. That view was shared overwhelmingly by councillors of all the three political parties represented on the council, who decided this is the deal we should put out to public consultation.

“What is on offer is so great that it would be reckless and gambling on the town’s future to walk away and not seek any devolution powers.”

Residents can view the report which has all the details considered by councillors at the meeting by visiting www.chesterfield.gov.uk and clicking on the devolution button at the bottom of the page. Paper copies can be seen at Chesterfield Town Hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Still time for Derbyshire businesses to join free Healthy Workplaces scheme

2nd March 2016

More Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to sign up for a free health and wellbeing support programme which is tailored to the needs of each individual organisation.

Since it launched in July, Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire has worked with more than 40 local businesses, which together employ over 30,000 people, to help employees to get fitter, healthier and happier.

The Healthy Workplace teams offers one-to-one help and support in areas including:

Assessing an organisation’s current situation and highlighting key areas for change
Supporting health and wellbeing in the workplace
Putting in place long term solutions for preventing ill health
Developing strategies and action plans for making improvements
Providing information on local services
Providing advice and support on mental health and wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity, stop smoking support and alcohol and substance misuse
Offering training opportunities

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dave Allen said:

“Making sure that employees are healthy and happy is an important function of any business.

“The Healthy Workplaces programme offers innovative solutions for employers who want to create a healthy and engaged workforce and also signposts onto other health and wellbeing projects such as the Heart of Derbyshire healthy eating options scheme.

“We would encourage anyone who has a business in Derbyshire to get in touch and see how our team can help.”

Chesterfield Royal Hospital is just one of the organisations working with the Healthy Workplaces team.

Sarah Cooper, HR Advisor at the hospital, said:

“We’ve worked closely with the Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire team to create a healthy and more engaged workforce.

“The team supported us to enable staff to access local weight management services and develop our range of physical activity sessions.

“In addition they have provided guidance to enable us to obtain the Gold Standard for the Heart of Derbyshire award so we can all benefit from a range of healthy meal options in our canteen – Café @ the Royal.”

Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire is free to join for all businesses within Derbyshire County Council boundaries (excluding Derby City).

Find out more about Healthy Workplaces Derbyshire at www.derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Further growth for Handelsbanken

2nd March 2016

Handelsbanken in Chesterfield has reported an encouraging start to the year following another year of growth for branches across the UK.

Thanks to the loyalty of its local branch customers, the 144-year-old bank has revealed an 11 per cent rise in lending to British customers (in quarter 4 2015 compared to quarter 2014). Over this period, UK business lending increased 8 per cent, to £10.36 billion, while lending to personal banking customers rose 17 per cent, to £5.09 billion. UK customer deposits increased 13 per cent over the same period, to £8.69 billion.

Run by a team of 6 experienced local bankers, Handelsbanken Chesterfield is one of 206 British branches, stretching from Inverness to Truro, Colwyn Bay to Canterbury. Handelsbanken puts this continuing growth, including 19 new branches announced in 2015, down to a clear, long-term focus on customer satisfaction, prudent banking and cost efficiency. This local, customer-led approach has seen the bank rated top for satisfaction and loyalty for the last seven years, in an independent annual survey of British banks’ personal and business customers. The focus was also recognised in the government-backed Business Banking Insight survey, published last month, where Handelsbanken received the highest customer ratings across all sizes of SME designated by the survey.

Phil Walker, manager of Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch commented: “It’s been another successful year for Handelsbanken and that has been replicated here in Chesterfield. New individual and corporate customers continue to join us, often on recommendation from our existing customers, who appreciate the personal banking relationship they have with their local branch.”

Anders Bouvin, Handelsbanken’s UK Chief Executive, comments: “We know that having a local presence in the communities we serve is important to our customers. They value a personal relationship based on trust and responsibility, being able to talk to a decision-maker who knows their circumstances, which is a vital part of our traditional banking model. We aim to complement, rather than replace this, with our digital services.”

Businesses and individuals can contact Handelsbanken’s Chesterfield branch by calling 01246 231750 or by visiting the branch office at Spire Walk, Chesterfield.

Posted in Business

Green space in Brampton set to be transformed

29th February 2016

Residents in Brampton will soon enjoy an enhanced green space at Chester St Park thanks to a share of a £1.5m funding pot received from central Government.

Social enterprise Monkey Park – Brampton’s new cafe, artisan bakery, bicycle workshop and co-working space – has been awarded a £14,000 grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government ‘Pocket Parks’ programme to improve the green space opposite the centre.

Chester St Park is one of more than 80 unloved and neglected urban spaces across the country which will be transformed into green oases for everyone to use.

Working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council, the team at Monkey Park will use their funding to build a new riverside walkway with benches and a new entrance to the park, allowing people to walk along the Holme Brook and enjoy the natural green space threading through the heart of the community.

The project will support volunteers in their efforts to improve the river by providing flower bulbs and trees for planting, and will also fund an art and nature event which takes place in May.

Looking towards the future, the grant will also enable a sustainability plan to be produced, helping to ensure the park continues to improve over time.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “The news that Monkey Park has received Government funding to create a pocket park is great for local residents.

“This will allow them have more access to nature, to take part in a wider range of activities in the park as well as make improvements to improve the look and feel of the park.”

The team at Monkey Park will work in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to deliver the work before the end of March 2016.

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