Author: Tara Underhill

Unemployment falls again in East Midlands

20th January 2016

The number of people out of work in the East Midlands fell by a further 8,000 in the three months to November 2015, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.

They showed that between September and November last year, there were 100,000 people registered as unemployed across the region, compared to 108,000 in the three months to August, meaning the region’s unemployment rate has fallen from 4.7% to 4.4%.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, fell by 615 to 29,375 in December, meaning that there were 7,845 fewer JSA claimants in December 2015 than there were a year previously.

In Chesterfield the number of people claiming the benefit in December 2015 fell to 882, which is 503 lower than the figure reported in the same month in 2014 and remains below the national average (1.3% compared to 1.5%).

East Midlands Chamber has welcomed the figures, but warned that the economy faces several challenges in the year ahead which could affect the pace of job creation across the region.

Its Chief Executive, Scott Knowles, said: “Another set of positive employment figures for December shows once again that throughout 2015 the East Midlands was at the front of the pack when it came to creating jobs.

“However, while the strength of the labour market remains an important driver of economic growth, and the economy is continuing to expand, there are several challenges ahead which could impact employment prospects in 2016.

“Several underlying issues will play out in the months ahead, such as the wider impact of interest rate rises in the United States, the developing arguments – and potential vote – on the In/Out EU referendum and the deterioration of recovery in the health of some of the world’s largest economies.

“We also have uncertainties around things like changes to apprenticeships funding, the introduction of a new national living wage and the continued roll out of auto enrolment and we can’t yet fully appreciate what impact these might have on business.

“Overall, today’s figures demonstrate that our flexible and vibrant labour market remains a source of strength for the economy, but more must be done to support the businesses that fuel the Midlands Engine and, in turn, UK plc.

“Business policy needs to reduce barriers to growth and provide the right support and environment to facilitate job creation, particularly in the production sectors, which is where the East Midlands’ real strength lies.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local employer offers extra holiday for Challenge Derbyshire

19th January 2016

As 2016 is a leap year, employers are set to benefit from an extra day of work from employees on Monday 29^th February at no extra cost. In light of this, businesses are being challenged to offer an extra day of holiday in exchange for employees making a donation to three local charities.

Part of the new #ChallengeDerbyshire campaign, run by Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust, it is hoped this latest challenge will raise much needed funds to support patients with life-limiting illnesses across North Derbyshire.

Markovitz on Whittington Moor in Chesterfield is the first business to sign up to offer staff an extra day of holiday in return for them making a donation to the three charities. Chief Executive, Rob Turner said:-

“Our staff work hard every year so when #ChallengeDerbyshire asked us to offer them a days holiday in exchange for a donation, I couldn’t say no. Our staff are paid monthly so we won’t be paying them any more in February with it being a leap year so it doesn’t actually cost us anything.

“We have asked staff to donate 50% of a day’s salary and they can take their extra day’s holiday at any time throughout the year. We hope this will raise a lot of money for these three local charities who really need our support.”

One employee, Gemma Wray, was quick to take part. She said: “When I heard from my manager that Markovitz were offering this I thought ‘What an absolutely brilliant idea!’

“The extra day will benefit me and three truly amazing charities. Company employees pay half of what they would normally earn in a day to Challenge Derbyshire and receive an extra days holiday from the company in return. The company get their extra day of trading and everyone’s a winner, especially the charities!

“From personal experience I know Blythe House, one of the three charities that make up Challenge Derbyshire, offer amazing and well needed support to not only the people affected by a terminal illness but their family members too. I don’t know where we would be without them!”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust have collaboratively met the needs of local patients through their variety of services for many years. Mary Atkinson, who was diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome 5 years ago, is just one of the many patients that receive care and support from all three charities. Her husband and full time carer, Bob, shares his story on the help they’ve both received from the local charities.

Bob says, “For a while I felt like everything was closing in on me. I was finding it really difficult to cope and there were concerns about my health in terms of depression. But the support I received from all three charities really helped me deal with everything – they’ve really helped both of us. It’s much better that I can look after Mary in our own home because that’s what we would both prefer, her here with me. I wouldn’t have been able to look after Mary without the support of these organisations. Because of them, we can continue living our normal lives.”

Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hopsice and Helen’s Trust joined together last December to form #ChallengeDerbyshire. Supporters can also join in by choosing their own challenge by videoing themselves pledging to complete a challenge to raise money for three local charities and using the hashtag #ChallengeDerbyshire when posting to Facebook and Twitter.

If you are an employer and would like to get involved in the leap year challenge please email challengederbyshire@gmail.com or visit www.challengederbyshire.org.uk for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Cricket Derbyshire seeks charity partners

19th January 2016

Local charities can now apply to be one of Cricket Derbyshire’s official charity partners for 2016.

Three partners will be selected to work closely with the club as well as with the Derbyshire Cricket Board and the Cricket Derbyshire Foundation throughout the year to support the charity’s fundraising efforts and to increase recognition for its cause.

Derbyshire will also promote all three charities through their channels of communication, as well as donating signed cricket memorabilia for fundraising events.

The selection process will focus on association with Derbyshire, project delivery within the county, previous partnership work and the opportunity for Cricket Derbyshire to make a real difference.

Commercial Director, Ryan Duckett said: “We have worked with chosen charities for the past three years and we hope to develop similar successful partnerships in 2016.

“This is a great opportunity for us to use our profile and network to enhance the incredible charity work that is already being done across the county.

“As well as providing exclusive support for our three charity partners – in terms of player appearances, hosting events and fundraising activities – we have also donated almost £20,000 worth of tickets and merchandise to support good causes across the county.”

Charities can be local or national but must be active in the county of Derbyshire. Applications should aim to demonstrate a relevance to cricket in Derbyshire and a positive impact on the local community.

Any registered charity interested in becoming an official partner should email with an expression of interest to info@derbyshireccc.com or write to the Official Charity Partner panel at

Cricket Derbyshire
The 3aaa County Ground
Nottingham Road
Derby
DE21 6DA

The deadline for applications is Friday 19^th February 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure

Franke Sissons donates to Nenna Kind

13th January 2016

Chesterfield firm Franke Sissons has once again shown its generosity by making a £500 donation to local cancer charity, Nenna Kind. The charity is close to the company’s heart having received regular donations from Franke over the last few years.

Located in the heart of the town on the 3^rd floor of Dents Chambers, Nenna Kind offers support and provides services for cancer sufferers and their families which other statutory bodies in the area don’t make available. Last year, with the support from local organisations, the charity were able to fund a minibus which operates twice daily service to Weston Park hospital, enabling patients and their families to attend appointments which they may have previously found too stressful to attend.

Barbara Wallace from Nenna Kind commented: “The donations we receive from local companies are essential for continuing the work we do here and we can’t thank Franke Sissons enough for continuing to support us over the last few years.”

Image: Barbara Wallace and Ann Smith from Nenna Kind receiving cheque from Dale Hardy (Franke Sissons)

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Top local leaders make final call for devolution deal feedback

13th January 2016

Sheffield City Region’s top political and business figures are calling on residents and businesses to have their say on a proposed deal which will mean greater power and funding for the local area.

There are now only a few days left to take part in the Sheffield City Region proposed devolution deal consultation which closes on Friday 15th January.

The proposed deal, which will mean £900m of additional funding and more power to make important economic decisions locally, has been welcomed by a number of local business leaders from across the Sheffield City Region. In October 2015, local politicians and business leaders secured the in-principle deal with the Chancellor George Osborne to transfer national powers and control over funding from national Government departments to the Sheffield City Region – as well as securing a massive £900 million additional cash boost over the next thirty years to deliver major regeneration, infrastructure and business growth schemes.

Peter Swallow, chair of Destination Chesterfield, the town’s business marketing campaign, said: “I would urge all local businesses to take part in the consultation.

“Chesterfield’s position within the Sheffield City Region means we do a lot of business with neighbouring towns and cities in the region. Devolution will give the town a seat at a more influential ‘local’ table not to mention more control over our own financial affairs.

“It could also help bring potential funding to the area further boosting our ambitious plans for growth and development in the area over the next 10 years.”

Sir Nigel Knowles, Chairman of Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said:

“I believe that it is important that local businesses and residents take part in this consultation and help make our proposed deal a reality. The proposed deal has the potential to accelerate local business growth and create more and higher paid jobs in the area. By transferring powers and funding from Government, this deal will give local leaders, who better understand what is needed to grow our economy, the powers needed to maximise local business growth.”

Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority said:-

“Our in-principle deal with Government is focused on being able to grow businesses faster and create more and better jobs opportunities for local people. These are issues that people really care about and so I encourage residents and businesses to make time to respond to the consultation before it closes at the end of the week.”

Local Leaders will be negotiating details of the proposed deal over the coming months but they are now consulting on the proposed deal so that they have the views of the people in the City Region before they finalise any deal. Local Leaders recognise that further work needs to continue to clarify issues in relation to the Mayor in any majority vote (to ensure the right checks and balances are in place) and potential amendments to achieving their preferred geography for the region (to seek maximum flexibility for all types of authorities to be part of combined authorities).

The deal needs to be formally approved by each of the local councils within the Sheffield City Region and is also dependent upon the Government delivering on the promises it has made in this and previous deals, and the city region agreeing to the creation of a directly-elected Mayor.

The deal covers a range of themes including transport, skills, creating new jobs, inward investment and support to help local businesses export as well as committing to working with Government on new ways to incentivise local growth.

For more information and to take part in the consultation visit www.sheffieldcityregiondevolution.org.uk. Residents and businesses can have their say by taking part in the online consultation before Friday 15 January.

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

Up to £2m available for business growth

11th January 2016

Up to £2million in funding could be loaned to businesses looking to grow and create more jobs, as part of an opportunity launched today by the local enterprise partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, D2N2.

D2N2 – a private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, community organisations and others which promotes economic growth locally – is now inviting applications to its Growing Places Fund (GPF).

GPF enables businesses and public sector organisations (for example, local authorities) to apply for loans to kick-start stalled capital developments or expansion plans, which will directly grow the economy.

The next round of loans to individual companies or organisations will be between £200,000 and a maximum of £2 million, and must be to finance capital (building) to help further businesses.

Funded projects must be located within D2N2’s area; covered by the administrative boundaries of Derby City, Derbyshire County, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County councils.

Funding is limited and preference will be given to projects which deliver on D2N2’s priorities and key areas of economic focus.

David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We have already seen a great deal of success with the Growing Places Fund, providing more than £16m to help small and larger businesses access the missing finance they need to grow and create additional jobs.

“Factors we will be looking at when making a decision on the GPF applications we receive will be the economic impact of the project and how quickly investments can be repaid, so we can support other schemes.”

Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Friday February 26.

More information on the Growing Places Fund and guidance on how to apply for this funding can be found on the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership website now at www.d2n2lep.org/GPF

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Digital autopsy technology wows Chesterfield College students

7th January 2016

A former student of Chesterfield College has returned to demonstrate an incredible piece of technology designed to carry out a digital autopsy. The equipment avoids the need for an invasive post mortem and helps to gather vital evidence to help seal convictions in criminal investigations.

Roger Stevenson-Revill, now the IT and Systems Manager at Malaysian based iGene, the company behind the cutting edge technology, grew up in Matlock and studied for a BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies at Chesterfield College more than 20 years ago. He went on to earn a BTEC HND and BSc in Computer Science at Derby University before starting his working life in ICT in the education, commerce and healthcare sectors.

A packed lecture hall, full of digital experts of the future, was fascinated to hear about Roger’s role in developing the technology that had been used to create a system which uses advanced X-ray hardware coupled with the latest 3D imaging to create an intricate exterior and interior image to investigate a range of issues, from cause of death to bullet trajectories.

Sheffield is home to one of only three facilities in the UK offering the digital autopsy service at the moment, but to satisfy growing demand there are 12 more facilities planned by the end of 2017.

Roger told students about his career path and what skills he feels they will need to make their mark in the industry. He said:

“It was a pleasure meeting the current cohort of digital technologies students who clearly have a passion for the subject. It’s great to show them where a career in ICT can take them. Although I went to university I actually had a really bad time at school so Chesterfield College was a welcome alternative and I never looked back from there.

“Coming back here, I’ve seen an incredible difference in the place. It has fantastic facilities for anyone looking to get the vital technical skills that the industry needs. Chesterfield College seems to be keen to develop the other skills that students will need to make them employable too such as compassion, professionalism, customer service skills and excellent time management.”

James Thomson, Digital Technologies Career Pathway Leader said:

“It’s our job to give people the skills they need but we also need to inspire them to use what they have learnt. When ex-students come and share their experiences of life after college it leaves the students with something to aim for. Roger has really made our students think about where they might be in 20 years. What a fantastic opportunity to show people where their skills can take them and what an impact on society digital technologies can make.”

Photo: Roger Stevenson-Revill returns to Chesterfield College to demonstrate Digital Autopsy technology to students.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield

Cathelco wins trio of orders for projects worldwide

5th January 2016

Cathelco in Chesterfield has received three orders to supply its specialist hull corrosion protection systems to Brazil, Japan and Singapore.

To protect against vessel corrosion, the business will supply Brazil with an impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system which will safeguard FPSO Cidade de Campos dos Goyatacazes over an operational life of 20 years.

The vessel will be installed with the latest control panels which provide comprehensive data about performance. This simplifies monitoring for the crew and enables data to be downloaded to a USB stick and sent to Cathelco for detailed analysis.

Cathelco will also supply a protection system for the FPSO Catcher which is being built by the IHI Corporation’s yard at Aichi, Japan.

After the integration of the topside modules and completion in Singapore, the floating system will be deployed in Premier Oil’s Catcher field in the North Sea. It will be capable of processing up to 60,000 barrels of crude per day and have a storage capacity of 650,000 barrels.

A third order for specialist corrosion protection has come from Sembcorp Marine’s Jurong yard in Singapore where a shuttle tanker is to be converted into FPSO Libra.

Scheduled for completion in 2016, the system will have the capacity to produce 50,000 barrels of oil and 4 million cubic metres of natural gas, per day.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Devolution details published for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

5th January 2016

The benefits of devolution for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have been revealed in detail, as the region’s draft deal is published for the first time today.

The deal document, which sets out the final negotiating position of the council and business leaders behind the bid, was sent to Chancellor George Osborne and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark just before Christmas.

It was accompanied by a strong message to ministers that “now is the time to do the deal”.

The agreement, as it stands, has been developed following months of negotiations. The majority of the deal has broad agreement, with only a small number of issues now requiring final discussion and sign off.

The deal sets out ten key benefits devolution would deliver for the residents and businesses of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire:

55,000 new private sector jobs
77,000 extra homes
An Investment Fund over 30 years to provide infrastructure such as roads and bridges
Adult skills provision that better meets the needs of businesses
A joint transport fund to spend on key transport improvements
A better co-ordinated public transport system with ‘Oyster’ style smart ticketing
More responsive and co-ordinated business support for growth
The creation of substantially more apprenticeship opportunities
More people entering employment through better targeted local programmes
Journey times to London of less than 90 minutes by train

19 councils across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire together with business leaders from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, which covers the two counties, are seeking to create a single Combined Authority for the region by March 2016 − the first of its kind featuring district, borough, city and county councils.

The Combined Authority and a new mayor, elected by the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, would be granted powers and resources currently held in London and gain responsibility for delivering a raft of new measures to boost economic growth, create jobs, build new homes and improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said:

“We can’t stress enough the size of the prize on offer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and the benefits devolution would bring for local people. So we’ve taken the decision to publish the draft agreement so people can get a better understanding of what it will mean for the area.

“Following a request from Government, we have renamed our bid as North Midlands, which more accurately reflects the geographical area covered and will be able to align with the same name for the Combined Authority.

“We’ve been working with the Government to finalise a deal for some time now and discussions have been extremely positive. Both sides are clearly committed to an agreement and there’s no reason to delay any further.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Monkey Park Works welcomes first tenants

5th January 2016

A new shared work space for digital start-ups and social enterprises has opened in Chesterfield.

Based on Chester Street in Brampton, the first tenants at Monkey Park Works include specialist technology PR agency, Roaring Mouse, digital innovation and design consultancy, Systems Makers and cycle training company, Wheely Fun Wheels.

The facility currently offers shared office space for up to 16 people and is set to expand to accommodate up to 50 micro-businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs once the second phase of building work is completed in the Spring.

Developed on the site of a former tile warehouse, Monkey Park started trading in October 2015 and is home to a thriving cafe, community bakery and bicycle workshop.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, cash brought in by Monkey Park will be reinvested to support local community projects. The team will also work with local residents and businesses to create a plan for enhancing the local area and boosting its economy.

Simon Redding, co-founder and director of Monkey Park, comments: “Digital and social entrepreneurs in Chesterfield have been crying out for the kind of flexible and affordable co-working space we are now offering at Monkey Park Works. We hope to foster the kind of start-ups and social enterprises that will go on to create new employment opportunities and help contribute to Brampton’s community-led economic renaissance.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield workers challenged to get active

4th January 2016

Businesses in Chesterfield are being urged to help revolutionise the lunch break by encouraging their workforce to get active – and reap the business benefits as a result.

A new eight-week Derbyshire Workplace Challenge launches today and businesses are invited to sign up and encourage staff to step away from their desks at lunchtime and take time out to take part in sport or physical activity.

Organisers say that by encouraging employees to get active on their lunch break businesses could save one sick day per employee per year – equating to an average saving of £10,225 for a business with 100 staff.

The Derbyshire Workplace Challenge is an online activity log challenge which allows colleagues to track how much sport and activity they are doing, and work together to earn activity points and work their way up the online leaderboard.

Anyone can sign up to the challenge and it is completely free for individuals and workplaces to join.

Rachael Dyer, Sport Development Officer at Derbyshire Sport, which runs the Workplace Challenge in Derbyshire, said that businesses which encouraged staff to get active could reap the rewards of a healthier and happier workforce.

She said: “Busy workloads can mean that employees sometimes feel under pressure to work through lunch, and time is often cited as a barrier to participation in sport and physical activity. But this can mean that many workers often spend eight or nine hours sat at a desk, and during winter the lack of daylight hours often provides many workers with a ready-made excuse to avoid exercising outside of work hours.

“We are inviting employers to think differently and offer their employees the opportunity for a flexible lunch break so they can participate in sport and physical activity – and come back to work feeling re-energized.”

Across England workers take on average 5.31 sick days per year. However NHS research has shown that those who are physically active are 20% less likely to take a sick day and, if they do, they are 27% more likely to return to work more quickly.

Based on the average earnings for Derbyshire, by saving one sick day per year per employee, Derbyshire businesses could collectively save £50,692,994 per year.

A number of prizes will be on offer throughout the challenge, both to teams and individuals. This includes four free places in the 2016 Derby 10k Business Team Challenge, which will be awarded to the workplace at the top of the leaderboard at the end of the eight-week challenge. In addition, anyone who successfully completes and logs 150 minutes of activity each week for the first four weeks of the challenge will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets to the NBL Team Derby home game on Monday 8th February.

For more information and to take part visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/derbyshire

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure