About Chesterfield

HGV repair and maintenance specialist moves to Markham Vale

11th December 2019

Transcare 28 Ltd are the latest company to select Markham Vale as a place to meet their growing business needs.

The company provide HGV repair and maintenance solutions throughout the Midlands and into South Yorkshire. They offer a full range of onsite and workshop based maintenance services for all commercial vehicle operators. This includes trucks, trailers, light commercial vehicles and PSVs.

As well as a comprehensive range of routine maintenance, inspection and repair services, the company also provide specialist diagnostics, HGV, Trailer and PSV MOTs and tachograph calibration installation and repair.

Managing Director, Darren Parkin says “We’re very excited at being part of the Markham Vale community and look forward to the completion of our new depot.”

The new Markham Vale depot will bring their services closer to a growing list of customers based in the area and will boast a large workshop with drive-through bays, MOT test lane, tachograph calibration equipment and vehicle wash facilities.

Click here to find out more about Markham Vale.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Pioneering Empty Property Scheme extended for North Derbsyhire

11th December 2019

A pioneering scheme set to bring dozens of empty homes across North East Derbyshire back into use, has been extended.

In January 2019, North East Derbyshire District Council became the first council in the country to take part in the Empty Property Scheme in partnership with energy company E.ON. The council was approached by E.ON, due to their commitment in tackling empty properties.

Originally set to pilot for one year, the scheme has now been extended for a further 12 months, due its success in reducing the number of empty properties in the District.

Cllr Richard Welton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The scheme is an excellent example of how the public and private sector can work together, at a time when it is vital for local authorities to maximise their income, to continue to provide essential public services.”

“NEDDC is taking the lead in developing innovative solutions to empty properties which are a blight on the local community. These homes also provide much needed housing for our residents.”

Since the scheme launched, 25 long term empty properties have been – or are in the process of – being brought back into use.

There are approximately 400 empty properties in the District at any one time and at a time where there is a shortage of housing, the Council is keen to help owners bring them back into use.

Nigel Dewbery, Director of Energy Efficiency at E.ON, said: “We’re really pleased to have extended the scheme for another twelve months and to be able to continue to work together with North East Derbyshire District Council to tackle the problem of empty properties.”

Services offered as part of the scheme include:

Free one-to-one support and advice.
A free property survey carried out by a professional from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Property cleaning and clearance.
Probate services.
Free EPC (Energy Performance Certificate).
Flexible payment terms with no interest or charges.
Fully project managed renovation.
Discounted estate and letting agent rates.

The initiative has received widespread praise from a number of organisations, including other local authorities and the Empty Homes Network, who invited the Council and E.ON to talk at their National Empty Property Conference about the scheme.

If you own an empty property and would like to see if you are eligible to benefit from the scheme, please contact Thomas Evans on 01246 231111 or email Thomas.evans@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home

Successful weekend for Seb Perez with Ford Word Rally Team

11th December 2019

Chesterfield’s own Porsche Carrera Cup GB racer, Seb Perez, swapped race circuit to forest rack when he tackled the rugged Grizledale Stages Rally in the Lake District.

The 20-year-old Chesterfield racer finished fourth overall in the Ford World Rally Team M Sport Ford Fiesta R5 Mk2 on its debut gravel rally in the UK and was a test of what it will do on future World Rally Championship events.

Perez proved his versatility in the brand-new machine developed by renown rally driver Malcolm Wilson’s M Sport team at their base in Cockermouth, alongside Perez was co-driver Alex Lee

With only one days testing under his belt in the rally supercar Perez proved competitive throughout the rally, finishing in the top-five overall for stages one, two, and three.

Unfortunately, Seb suffered two punctures in the final two stages, but battled on costing him time, in the Franklin & Sons-livered Fiesta, finishing a very respectable fourth overall on his debut in the car.

Rallying and Motorsport is not new to the family, Perez junior started competing in the Kick Energy Junior 1000 Rally Championship at the wheel of a Nissan Micra rally car back in 2013 before moving to circuit racing a year later progressing through the ranks from a successful Ginetta Junior into Ginetta GT4 and GT5 cars.

His last two seasons have taken him into the prestige Porsche Carrera Cup GB that saw him take the Pro Am title in 2018 and finish this season in 5^th place in the Pro driver classification.

Dad Steve Perez, Chairman of Chesterfield based drinks brand development business Global Brands Ltd and owner of Amigos Tequila Flavoured Beer and Kick Energy Drink Brands and has rallied M Sport Ford’s for a number of years that saw him become four times British National Rally Champion and 2014 BTRDA Gold Star Rally Champion too.

Only a few weeks ago the Multi-talented Perez junior capped his busy Porsche year of competition as he claimed a class victory and seventh overall in the Rally Dijious Bo in Mallorca in his Amigos-liveried 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.

After Grizedale, Seb Perez commented: “There was a lot to learn from the day. The test before was very helpful but you gain the most experience at the event itself, so while the test was helpful, I learned so much from the rally itself.”

“Grizedale is tight and twisty, all over crests, so it is one of the most technical rallies in the country, but that is perfect as it gives you that chance to learn every aspect of the car. The handling of the nimble R5 compared to a WRC car was in our favour.”

“We were getting faster through each stage, and we were on what felt like would have been an incredible final stage, but had a puncture and had to trundle through around seven miles which killed us. We had a puncture on the stage before too, but that was a shorter one which didn’t affect us as much.”

“Prior to that though I was building confidence in the car and myself. On an event like that which was wet, horrible, and slippery, it would have been easy to go too hard too soon, get stick in a ditch, and be done for the day, so it was about going faster and faster. It was a shame we couldn’t improve our pace on the final stage, but that is rallying and the way it goes sometimes.”

Seb added: “It was an incredible experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great little event, and I have to say a big thank you to M-Sport for giving me the opportunity and Alex for co-driving with me.”

Perez will be back in action in the New Year in very different circumstances as he returns to Mallorca for two rallies in his 1974 Porsche 911 Carrera RS.

Editorial by Paul Horton / Images by Paul Lawrence

Posted in About Chesterfield

Successful business innovation project receives £1.8m funding boost

10th December 2019

A successful project set up to support businesses across the region to innovate through collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, has received £1.8m in further funding.

The Sheffield Innovation Programme was set up in 2016 to support SMEs from across the region to access academic expertise, facilities and resources at both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield to stimulate innovation to deliver new products and services.

The programme is jointly funded by both universities, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). The new phase of the project also includes the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, and enables the project to continue for a further 3 years until 2022.

The programme is free for businesses to use and since it began, more than 200 academics from both universities have worked with more than 300 companies from across the region. This has helped businesses in the region to engage in more than £1.2million worth of collaborative projects through Innovate UK programmes.

Professor Roger Eccleston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re delighted the project has received further funding which highlights the impact it is having for businesses in the region and the wider economy.”

“Many of the collaborations have resulted in lasting professional relationships and, more importantly, market success for the businesses we’ve worked with, contributing to the economic growth of the region as a whole.”

“Thanks to input from our academics and their research, a number of businesses have been able to find solutions to real-life business problems and bring new products to market.”

As part of the programme, the universities have provided businesses with academic support for projects, workshop-based innovation guidance, student interns and their world-class facilities.

Professor Dave Petley, Vice-President for Research at the University of Sheffield, said: “We’re delighted that this successful programme, which has such a profound impact on businesses and economic growth in our region, will continue for another three years.”

“This scheme is a fantastic way for regional businesses to access our world-leading facilities and academic expertise to drive innovation and find solutions to the challenges they face.”

“At the University of Sheffield, we have a deeply ingrained connection to our region and a sense of pride in our civic values. Contributing to the growth and regeneration of the Sheffield City Region is a key part of our founding mission and ongoing strategy today.”

James Muir, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s inspiring to see our region once again leading the way with cutting-edge university and industry collaborations. I’m proud that the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is able to support this important programme, with more than £200,000 in match funding and an active role in selecting two new specialist innovation advisors to work on the project.”

“Collaborations between our two leading universities and our innovative and forward-thinking businesses leads to exciting new developments and enables companies to bring new products to the market, further strengthening the economy and boosting supply-chains.”

Working closely with the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and other key partners, Sheffield Innovation Programme provides research and innovation to support regional businesses whilst attracting new inward investment.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Centre will open on Christmas day to support LGBT+ community

9th December 2019

Derbyshire LGBT+ is opening its doors for the first time this Christmas Day between 12 noon and 4pm, for members of the LGBT+ community that are feeling lonely or have challenges around housing.

LGBT+ young people in particular are more likely to find themselves homeless, having likely experienced family rejection, abuse or violence. This information is supported by a recent online poll of 2,109 people by YouGov on behalf of the LGBT+ youth homelessness charity akt (formerly know as the Albert Kennedy Trust), where results show that a quarter of adults in the UK would not feel proud to have an LGBT+ child.

Whilst homelessness is more prevalent in amongst LGBT+ youth, older LGBT+ people are more vulnerable to loneliness at this time of year as they are more likely to be single, live alone, and have lower levels of contact with relatives.

Chief Executive of Derbyshire LGBT+, Ian Robson has been working within the charitable sector for fifteen years: “Members of the LGBT+ community – particularly older and younger people are significantly more isolated over the winter months, with darker nights and colder weather, which can leave people feeling lower than usual. Christmas can add to the feeling of loneliness and there are things that people can do for any of their friends and neighbours to reduce the impact. A simple greetings card through the letter box is a nice gesture, however if someone is feeling more hospitable adding an extra seat at the dinner table goes an awful long way.”

“This year we are reaching out by opening our Chesterfield centre to anyone from the LGBT+ community whether they are in need of some company or are facing challenges around housing. We have volunteers on hand to give people a warm welcome, and we will be able to provide food and drink, and hopefully have some fun. We have limited availability, so we do ask that people get in touch by email, telephone or by dropping in to the centre before the 19^th December.”

Martin Carter, Chair of Derby Pride, said: “We have been working with Derbyshire LGBT+ for many years and the services they provided are needed now, more than ever. Offering this kind of support to the LGBT+ community at what can be a challenging time of year is a reflection of the ongoing support they provide to the community.”

For further information about Christmas Day and any other services you can contact Derbyshire LGBT+ at info@derbyshirelgbt.org.uk or 01332 207 704.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas

Celebrating 2019 as a year of progress for Chesterfield

9th December 2019

My last blog of this year and of the decade! As the end of 2019 moves ever nearer, I think it’s important that we look back at the progress we’ve made as a town this year, as well as looking ahead to the future we’re creating.

Chesterfield has truly had a transformational year and decade. Developments in the area have made huge progress, with some passing major milestones and others being completed, like the successful opening of both the Premier Inn in the former Co-Op building and the new Saltergate Car Park which together have spearheaded the Northern Gateway development.

The plans for Northern Gateway include an enterprise centre for start-up and medium sized businesses on the site of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park.

The former site of the old Queens Park Sports Centre has also been revitalised with the addition of some much needed 3G pitches which are hugely popular with the many grassroots football teams in the area.

As well as construction, it’s been a big year for retail both nationally and in Chesterfield. Although the high street economy as a whole is under threat from the internet it doesn’t have to be the case. I believe that the high street and online can work together and be equally successful in their own space. ALTERIS, the new owners of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, have proven this.

They are using Facebook to engage with shoppers and drive the redevelopment of the Vicar Lane area. They have asked shoppers what ‘offer’ they want and are responding accordingly and reaping the rewards via the resulting increased footfall. Pop-up shops, free classes, movie screenings and more at Vicar Lane have helped to bring people into the town centre helping Chesterfield’s high street performance remain above the national average.

We can all play a part in Chesterfield’s future retail success– Vote with your feet by shopping local; it really does make a difference.

The launch of the big screen at Vicar Lane Shopping Centre took place on Friday 6th December.

The public / private sector partnerships in Chesterfield are as strong as ever. Its effect is felt in every area of the borough from major developments like Markham Vale and Chesterfield Waterside through to spectacular events like the Christmas lights switch on and regular themed markets.

This collaboration is key to Chesterfield, and its people and businesses continuing to thrive. It also gives us an excellent excuse to celebrate our success with the annual Retail Awards and Food & Drink Awards. More importantly for me, these events recognise young talent – and having met the young chefs, Chesterfield College students and apprentices at this year’s Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, I can confirm that the town has a wealth of it.

I feel confident as we go into 2020 and a new decade that Chesterfield’s future is bright and is in safe hands.

Best wishes for the New Year!

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

CT strengthens executive team with Commercial Director appointment

6th December 2019

Rob Longden has been promoted to Commercial Director at CT to support the company’s drive for further growth and success.

After joining CT over two years ago, Rob previously held the post of Head of Operations and has led an operational transformation to drive greater efficiencies within the service desk, providing significant benefits to both customers and the team. This, coupled with more than 25 years of operational leadership and significant experience within the Managed Services area made Rob a very natural choice to take a key role in the business and become CT’s Commercial Director.

Rob said, “I was delighted to accept the promotion and be part of a company that has such a unique approach to helping organisations achieve their business goals. I am looking forward to the challenge of the new role and using skills I have adopted throughout my career to build great teams and grow the business.”

Ian Snow, MD at CT, Said “Rob’s new appointment is a great step forwards for the business as we strengthen the board and continue to invest in our growing business. Rob has an impressive wealth of experience and enthusiasm and an ability to grow and build outstanding teams of people. Rob will now be leading both the operational and account management teams to enable coherent working from customer management through to service delivery.”

Under his new title, Rob’s key objective will be to ensure that the commercial models throughout the business deliver a growth strategy in line with the strategic business plan.

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

Hasland to receive community contributions alongside new housing development

5th December 2019

Work is currently under way at a new housing development in Hasland, which will bring more than £600,000 of educational and health community contributions to the area.

Persimmon Homes Nottingham is creating a new community in Hasland as it builds 160 new homes off Mansfield Road.

Both Hady Primary School and Hasland Hall Community School are set to benefit from Section 106 contributions agreed during the planning process for the site, which will help create a further 37 pupil places across the two schools.

The NHS North Derbyshire CCG will receive £60,000 to support Hasland Medical Centre and Avenue and Hasland Partnership.

Persimmon’s Alderman Park development will feature two, three, four and five-bedroom homes and the company is working to open its showhome in January 2020.

Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Nottingham, Neil Follows, said: “We see our Alderman Park development as an extension of the thriving Hasland community.”

“This is the first time we have built in the area, so we are looking forward to introducing visitors to our range of homes.”

“We are already seeing many customers getting ahead of the game and securing their new home off-plan,” added Neil.

“Buying this way is ideal because you can secure your preferred property and location within the development.”

Located to the south-east of Chesterfield town centre, Alderman Park is near to all amenities and attractions required for everyday life as well as being close to beautiful countryside. Along with these benefits, comes convenient transport links by road, bus and rail.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Vicar Lane wins national award for digital innovation

5th December 2019

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, last night (4th December), won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards.

The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has beat big names in the retail sector to the award including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of their approach to technology and customers.

The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.

The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.

The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.

David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”

Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.

Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.

The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.

The shopping centre continues to be re-imagined and a new big screen and public square officially open in Chesterfield on Friday 6th December.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Former councillors honoured for their service

4th December 2019

Three former councillors, John Burrows, Ray Russell and Steve Brunt, have been honoured for the service they have given to the borough of Chesterfield.

Former council leaders John Burrows and Ray Russell and former cabinet member Steve Brunt received the honour at an extraordinary council meeting held at the Town Hall on Monday 18 November.

Former councillor John Burrows served as council leader between 2001 and 2003 and again between 2011 and 2017. Former councillor Ray Russell served as council leader between 2003 and 2011. Both John Burrows and Ray Russel served on the Destination Chesterfield Board.

Former councillor Steve Brunt served as mayor in 2016 and as cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy from 2017 to 2019.

Honorary alderman status is the second-highest honour the council can bestow after the freedom of the borough and has previously only been granted on 13 occasions.

At the ceremony, each was presented with a scroll and commemorative badge and signed the roll of honorary aldermen. Their names have also been added to the board displayed outside the Council Chamber in the Town Hall.

The role carries no responsibilities but recognises the service each of these men have given in their communities and means they will be invited to attend certain council meetings and events as honoured guests.

(L to R) Ray Russell, Steve Brunt and John Burrows receive their Honorary Alderman certificates during a ceremony held at the town hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Banner Jones demonstrates commitment to staff with dedicated Performance and Wellbeing Coach

4th December 2019

Banner Jones Solicitors has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its growing team with the appointment of a Performance and Wellbeing Coach.

Working closely with the firm’s HR department, experienced counsellor and psychotherapist Katie Newton is the latest in a string of senior personnel to join the award-winning law firm where she will provide tailored one-to-one sessions to staff across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Lisa Gill, Human Resources Manager at Banner Jones, said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is the upmost of importance, and Kate’s appointment is indicative of our ongoing commitment to this.”

“As the business continues to grow and expand, we are determined not to lose sight of the needs of those individuals who make our success a reality.”

“We pride ourselves on our open-door policy and are as committed as ever to putting our staff, as well as our customers, at the heart of every decision we make and in doing so provide a positive workspace for everyone.”

Katie Newton said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Banner Jones team and working alongside the HR team to ensure that the staff have as much support with regards their own health and wellbeing, as they do their professional development.

“My focus will very much be on contributing to, and bolstering, what is already a productive and happy workplace by ensuring that everyone has a voice in the way that the business operates – from its policies on working hours and flexible working, as well as devising wider, dedicated Health and Wellbeing Programmes across the firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home