About Chesterfield

Why build a career in Property and Construction?

Are you interested in a practical or professional career? Something that would make the most of your problem-solving skills and your eye for detail? Then why not consider getting into the property and construction sector with an apprenticeship in Chesterfield? With 17,500 extra workers needed in the East Midlands by 2027 and 10 local development sites being monitored across the borough, now is an exciting time to get involved.

But where to start on your job hunt – with so many options to choose from? Careers Made in Chesterfield showcases the wide range of opportunities available through workshops and placements with local businesses.

Man in a fleece which says 'Stepnell'

Careers Made in Chesterfield workshop – Stepnell

Lauren, a trainee preconstruction estimator who works for Henry Boot Construction, was one of the individuals involved – check out her video below:


Lauren, Henry Boot Construction

We spoke to Lauren and three other apprentices across the sector: a joiner, a roofer, and an assistant property manager. They gave us three strong reasons why they love their jobs. Which was exactly what we needed to help answer your question: Why build a career in property and construction?

1. Every day is different

Not only can you choose from a variety of jobs in property and construction, but within each role there is a range of responsibilities to be undertaken. Dale, an apprentice joiner at Stepnell, might find himself erecting stud walls one day and hanging doors the next. Working on different sites means taking on different roles, and each location presents different challenges:

“I like the variety of work with no two sites being the same. I can be working on any of Stepnell’s sites in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire and all of them are very different. I’ve worked on several school sites recently. This has included doing some traditional work on the roof at Anthony Gell School. Usually, roof trusses would be made off-site and brought in but we couldn’t do that there. So, we repaired the timbers on-site.”

Man in hard hat and high vis vest drilling into wooden wall

Dale, Stepnell

Plus, you’ll be working with lots of different people. Whether it’s a new team, residents of an estate or owners of a business premises. This adds further diversity to your role. George is an apprentice in property management at Roy Peters Estates and finds this one of the most enjoyable elements of his job:

“I enjoy meeting new people and growing my knowledge of the industry. No two days are the same. I get to think on my feet and use my initiative to ensure our management clients and tenants get the best service I can offer. Being able to travel to see interesting property and to meet interesting people adds a lot of variety to the work.”

Man in shirt and tie sitting at a computer desk on the phone

George, Roy Peters Estates

2. You’ll always find new challenges

For many of us, doing the same thing every day can get boring. But the pace of jobs in the property and construction sector means plenty of new things to learn. That means you will always be growing and developing your skillset. Lots of apprentices find the practical nature of their roles, as well as the need to be able to use their initiative, helps keep things interesting in their working day. This is important for William, who is Dalton Roofing‘s apprentice roofer:

“I enjoy the roofing maintenance side of my job the most. It is a problem-solving exercise to ensure you get to the bottom of an issue, which is interesting. I also enjoy being active in my work and being hands on. Plus, there are so many different roof types, so each day has new things to tackle.”

Dalton Roofing apprentice

William, Dalton Roofing

This applies to other areas of the industry too. As a trainee preconstruction estimator, Lauren’s job involves planning for projects and thinking about materials, costs and staffing:

“It is a very high paced industry, but I love the different type of work we receive. It keeps me on my toes with all the different projects I’m working on. I enjoy coming to work and learning new things every single day. Having an apprenticeship encourages me to thrive and develop my skills at work and at college. I get site experience and an amazing team in the office to work with, who are supportive and drive me on to do my best.”

Woman sitting at a computer desk

Lauren, Henry Boot

3. Skills for life

You’ve probably heard it said, “Get a trade under your belt, you’ll have skills for life”. The reason this is such a common phrase is because it’s true! By taking on an apprenticeship in property and construction, you’ll not only build a career, but you’ll develop abilities which you can use in your personal life, too.

There’s also good job security within the industry, as the practical skills are useful in lots of ways and to lots of people. Lauren tells us it’s a big part of why she thinks a job in the sector is a good choice for anyone:

“Just do it. It is an industry that will never die. Society will always need properties and construction, there will always be jobs in this industry. There are a wide range of jobs in the industry too, including ones you wouldn’t think of.”

Dale agrees, saying:

“I wanted to have a trade that would stay with me for the rest of my life. There are endless opportunities and, if you are prepared to work hard and learn, you will succeed.”

Still wondering whether a career in property and construction could be for you? There are many reasons to give it a go, and the ones we’ve talked about are just the beginning. Start your journey by checking out the apprenticeships available in Chesterfield today.

Need some support? The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have several platforms that can support careers in construction, along with funding for apprenticeships and work experience. Check out the links below:

Employers can also explore the Into Work grant webpage, which offers financial support to those who offer an initial work experience placement through to employment.

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Chair’s blog: “How do we continue to adapt, change perceptions, and inspire our next generation?”

‘Nothing is made in the UK anymore’: a sweeping statement I’ve heard many times over the years. Yet, 2.5 million people currently work in manufacturing in the UK.

Did you know that in Chesterfield 4,000 people are working in the sector? With industries ranging from food and drink to rail and aerospace, we have a breadth of opportunities for young people.

Projects are moving forward to strengthen our future talent pipeline in the key sectors of manufacturing, engineering, and construction.

The new Construction Skills Hub is now operating in Staveley. This pioneering project will provide 5,000 young people with the chance to learn on a live site. Courses include bench joinery, brickwork, groundworks, and electrical installation to name a few.

In nearby Barrow Hill, The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will include state-of-the-art training facilities for the rail sector. This project is evidence of our town capitalising on the landscape around us, with key rail firms such as Bombardier and Alstom having a strong presence in Derbyshire.

So, how do we continue to adapt, change perceptions, and inspire our next generation?

Since 2014, the innovative Made in Chesterfield project has enabled more than 3,500 school pupils to visit our local manufacturing, engineering, and property businesses to see behind the scenes and discover what a career in these industries might involve.

Businesses offering ‘Made in Chesterfield’ tours this year include Europe’s most prestigious cast iron foundry United Cast Bar, Weightron Bilanciai – an international firm that makes industrial weighbridges, and Superior Wellness, a hot tub manufacturer listed as one of the UK’s top 50 fastest growing businesses.

We are once again excited to promote another cohort of young people engaging with our range of innovative organisations, and I hope it will inspire them to become our next generation of highly skilled individuals.

All too often, I hear stories of children being told that going to university is the only way to ensure they receive high-level qualifications and good jobs. In Chesterfield, we were the first town in the country to proudly declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town,’ as part of efforts to bust those myths.

Apprenticeship and training programs are widely available in Chesterfield, providing individuals with the opportunity to develop specific skills and gain real-world experience. Did you know many of those apprenticeships can also be studied to a degree level? Not to mention the opportunity to earn while you learn.

Would your children benefit from a business tour this November? Or would your business like to open its doors to young people? Please do get in touch with the team at Destination Chesterfield to find out more or visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made.

peter swallow

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow speaks at Celebrate Chesterfield 2023

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Government announces £20 million boost for Chesterfield

Chesterfield is set to benefit from £20 million over the next 10 years, as part of further government levelling up investment being provided to 55 towns across the UK.

Under the new approach, local people will be put in charge, and given the tools to change their town’s long-term future. They will:

  • Receive a ten-year endowment-style fund to be spent on local people’s priorities, like regenerating local high streets and town centres or securing public safety.
  • Set up a Town Board to bring together community leaders, employers and local authorities to deliver the Long-Term Plan for their town and put it to local people for consultation.

The funding follows a £25 million investment awarded to Chesterfield by the government’s levelling-up fund to revitalise Chesterfield town centre and the historic Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, said: “This is good news for Chesterfield, which builds on our success in securing Levelling Up Fund funding for the restoration of Stephenson Memorial Hall and for revitalising our historic market grounds and high streets.

“The announcement also reflects the positive work that we have been engaged in over the past 12 months with the Government’s High Streets Task Force.

“Our aspiration is to strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres. Whilst we await the detail, the availability of additional funding and powers to make it easier for residents and visitors to visit Chesterfield town centre, to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and to make our town centre more attractive and accessible are to be welcomed.

“As the Government’s lead delivery partner, we will also be able to draw on our experience of bringing community leaders, businesspeople and representatives of other local bodies together to establish a new Towns Board, which would mirror that which the council has already established to oversee delivery of the £25.2m Staveley Town Deal.

“We must and will take advantage of all such opportunities. We want our town centres to be competitive, sustainable, safe, and dynamic places that create new openings for local people and support employment and housing growth, and from which visitors can explore the borough and surrounding areas.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “This extra funding for our high streets is extremely welcome, and will help to continue the ongoing work already taking place to regenerate our town centre.

“In Chesterfield, we’re already looking forward to several major improvements in the next few years, including a revitalised market, a refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall and improvements to the connections between key points of interest across the heart of the town.

“Whilst celebrating the magnificent history and heritage of our town centre, we must also be aware that high streets must constantly adapt to changes to ensure their relevance today, and in the future.

“Destination Chesterfield is committed to working alongside partners and businesses in championing our town as an excellent location to work, live, visit and invest.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “It’s promising to see a renewed focus on driving forward towns, which are inhabited by a large portion of our population and have a significant role to play in a successful and thriving economy.

“The changing face of towns, much like in cities, has created challenges in how we ensure they are fit for purpose as places for living, working and spending leisure time.

“A Long-Term Plan for Towns therefore feels like a vision our country has lacked for a long time in order to deliver on their economic potential.

“Local decision-making by those who know the area is crucial to this and gives us the best opportunity to create good jobs for local people, breathe new life into neglected places and unlock wider economic growth that benefits everyone.”

Located in the centre of the UK and sat on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Chesterfield is a great strategic location for your business. Find out more about investment opportunities in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Market at Christmas

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Community and charity efforts highlighted across Chesterfield

People and businesses in Chesterfield continue to show their support for our local communities.

Recently, a Chesterfield firm raised over £7,000 by hosting a charity golf day in the town. In addition, a local manufacturing firm donated life-saving equipment to one of the town’s walking football teams.

Meanwhile, a teenager from North Derbyshire has picked up a national award after raising more than £10,000 for various causes.

Read more about the latest fundraising initiatives below:

SMH Group’s charity golf day raises £7,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association

SMH Group - MNDA - Golf Day

SMH Group, a local firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, has raised over £7,000 for the company’s charity of the year, the South Yorkshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

The money was raised at the firm’s annual charity golf day, which took place at Chesterfield Golf Club in September.

The MNDA is a charity close to many people at the SMH Group, as it supports individuals and families battling the devastating impact of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). With no known cure, the MNDA plays a pivotal role in providing essential care, support, and research funding to improve the lives of those affected by MND.

Ross Jordan, Partner at SMH Group comments: “As a progressive company by nature, we wanted to make this year’s charity golf day bigger and better than ever. After the success of our first two events, we had a big target to aim at and we’re absolutely thrilled to have smashed it, raising more than three times the amount we did last year.

“This was achieved by opening the event up to more sponsors, who we can’t thank enough for their kind donations of tee sponsorship, competition sponsorship, raffle and auction prize donations, as well as all 29 teams who donated to take part – we couldn’t have done this without you!

“We had a lot of keen, and competitive, golfers take part, which made for a very entertaining day with the individual on-course competitions, as well the overall team competition for first, second and third place.”

Spireites Walking Football Club receives a life-saving donation from United Cast Bar

united cast bar defibrillator donation

Local engineering company, United Cast Bar Ltd. have donated two CellAEDs (Defibrillators) to the Senior Spireites Walking Football Club following one of their players suffering a Cardiac Arrest during a recent match.

Thanks to the knowledge and quick action taken by another player, CPR was administered and their closest AED was used to revive the player (Mel) suffering Cardiac Arrest. Mel is now recovering at home following a short hospital stay.

Malc Perks, Chair of the Senior Spireites, says the experience made him realise that the club needed better access to defibrillators (AEDs) for away matches in other locations, and social trips that are attended.

He said: “seeing first hand how vital the AED was in saving Mel’s life made me realise that we needed other units for use at all our events and matches. James from UCB and the CellAED supplier CorMed-DX have been very quick to respond to my request which means that our members will be better protected at future matches and events that the club attends.

“Our experience shows that we were lucky to have someone who knew how to do CPR. To make sure that others can do the same thing in future we are having several of our members enrol on CPR courses in the next few weeks. As a result, I would urge all sporting clubs to make sure that they have access to a defibrillator, know how to use it, and have people in the club who are CPR trained.”

Ashgate Hospice launches ‘Go Pink’ fundraiser

Ashgate Fundraising team

Local charity Ashgate Hospice, which provides patients with end-of-life care is urging people to ‘Go Pink’ to help raise funds and awareness.

The hospice will host its second Go Pink for Ashgate week fundraiser between 9th and 15th October this year.

Families, schools and organisations are encouraged to organise their own pink-themed fundraising event or initiative to help Ashgate raise funds so it can be there for patients and their loved ones.

Seven schools, including Arkwright Primary School, Old Hall Junior School, Walton Holymoorside Primary School and St. Mary’s Catholic High School will be supporting Go Pink for Ashgate by holding non-uniform days and urging pupils to wear pink.

Rachel Broughton, Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “It’s time to get your pink on! Can you wear something pink or hold a pink themed event and show your support in return for a donation to the hospice?

“Why not dress as a pink flamingo or wear pink bunny ears to work – do whatever you wish!

“Please reach out to us if you’d be interested in being involved; your support will help raise the £9 million needed to provide our care each year.”

To find out more about how you join in with the Go Pink for Ashgate week celebrations go to https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/go-pink.

North Derbyshire teenager wins 2023 British Youth Award for fundraising efforts

Hayden Hudson

A teenager from North Derbyshire has been honoured with a prestigious national award after showing selflessness, kindness and commitment for a number of causes.

Hayden Hudson, aged 13 will be one of only 24 people nationally to be presented with the BCyA Medal of Honour, in a special ceremony taking place at The Palace of Westminster on 12 October 2023.

Hayden has raised in excess of £10,000 for multiple charities during the past five years. After learning about how the cancer unit at his local hospital helps people who are unwell and suffering, he decided he wanted to do something to help. Although Hayden has ADHD, ASD and learning difficulties, he decided to physically challenge himself to raise funds for charity.

Each year Hayden undertakes two fundraisers. He selects the charity he would like to help and then thinks of bigger and better ways to raise funds. His fundraisers are usually endurance challenges and require extensive physical effort.

Hayden is passionate about swimming, with aspirations to one day represent Team GB at the Olympics. Many of his fundraising activities are sponsored swims, one of which saw him swim 44 miles over the course of two weeks. He also undertook a triathlon with a bike ride over 18 miles, to raise money for Bluebell Wood, a hospice for children.

During lockdown, when the swimming pools were closed, Hayden embarked on a 100-mile sponsored bike ride, raising much needed funds for the local food bank and Parish church. Hayden continues to challenge himself for the benefit of others in the community.

SMH Group, United Cast Bar and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Football Club opens newly-refurbished training ground

Chesterfield Football Club has officially opened its newly developed training ground in Hasland.

The decision was taken by the board to develop the training ground in order to provide the squad with suitable facilities and attract talent to the club.

After securing the site on a long lease, around £300,000 was spent on a scheme of improvements, including the installation of suitable drainage and irrigation.

The facility has been named the Erwin Training Ground in memory of the late Erwin Miller. Erwin’s son, Karl, is the managing director local business, Motan Colortonic.

Commenting on the decision to sponsor the training ground, Karl said: “I think it’s a great honour and it’s something we wanted to do to remind us and everybody that people need help. My father helped many people. He was a great believer in developing and this is our way of helping the development of the Chesterfield team in the future.”

Chesterfield FC’s Marketing Manager, Bridget Ball said: “The support we receive from the local business community is vital and I would like to thank Karl for his generous support, which is very much appreciated.”

John Croot – Chief Executive at Chesterfield FC said: “Our state-of-the-art facilities are making a real difference to the team and community and would not be possible without some very special companies who continue to support Chesterfield FC in their quest for a better future together.”

Current club sponsors and commercial partners were invited to view the revamped facilities on Monday and the following companies have kindly signed-up to provide sponsorship:

  • Andrew Herring and Co
  • Chesterfield College
  • Dorlec
  • Drillwell
  • Ideal Flooring
  • Leengate Valves
  • LMD Vacuum
  • Penny Hydraulics
  • Print Digital Media
  • White Stores

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Erwin training ground Chesterfield FC

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Chesterfield community groups urged to apply for grant funding

Community groups and voluntary organisations are reminded to check if they are eligible for grant funding from a scheme designed to help boost grassroots projects.

Over £59,900 of funding has already been allocated to organisations across the borough as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund – and applications are still open, giving even more eligible groups the chance to apply.

With grants ranging from £500 to £6,000, the Community Grants Fund scheme aims to support local projects that will help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding can also be used to develop volunteering opportunities, help people prepare to get in to work, and to support organisations to expand their reach into different areas of the borough.

Further information can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The scheme is already helping to fund 16 projects across the borough – ranging from funding new equipment, setting up new community groups, refurbishing community hubs, helping deliver programmes to help develop skills and employability, providing volunteering opportunities, and running workshops to help with mental health issues.

The deadline for community groups and voluntary organisations to submit an application is Friday 27 October.

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is also running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wishing to apply for a grant.

Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Councillor Tricia Gilby, said: “We are really pleased to have secured this funding – it will support the delivery of important projects across the borough. We’ve already been able to provide 16 groups with funding since we launched the scheme earlier this year and are looking forward to watching those projects progress.

“I strongly urge other groups in our community to check if they are eligible and get their application in before the deadline so that we can make sure our communities continue to thrive.

“If you are unsure if you are eligible or would some support and guidence with submitting a bid, you can talk to our team who will be more than happy to help. You can contact them by emailing communitygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk or calling 01246 959657.”

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

town hall drone shot

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Win tickets to the Chesterfield pantomime by completing our survey

Residents and visitors have the opportunity to win two pantomime tickets to see Aladdin at The Winding Wheel Theatre this year, by completing our Love Chesterfield consumer survey.

Both the consumer and business surveys are published on a quarterly basis to allow us to track your thoughts and feedback on what has been happening in and around Chesterfield.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The short surveys will ask you two different sets of questions, depending on if you are a consumer or a business owner.

The consumer survey will ask you to update us on what events or venues you have attended and services you have used recently in our communities.

Chesterfield Town Centre vicar lane high street

The business survey will ask about your performance and any changes you have noticed in the last three months (July 2023-September 2023).

Please spend a few minutes to complete the relevant questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 13 November 2023.

At the end of the consumer questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two free tickets to see Aladdin at The Winding Wheel Theatre which is on stage from 1 December 2023 to 2 January 2024. The winner will be notified by email or phone by 24 November 2023.

Businesses who complete the survey, will have the chance to enter a prize draw to win advertising for your business in the Destination Chesterfield business or leisure e-shot (worth £100).

The Leisure E-shot which is sent to nearly 8,000 contacts on a weekly basis or The Business E-shot which is sent to almost 5,000 contacts on a weekly basis.

A winner will be drawn in Spring 2024. To qualify for the prize draw, you must have filled out the previous surveys in May and July 2023 as well as this survey and the planned one January 2024.

The email the banner ad will feature in will depend on the type of services and products the winning business delivers – the most relevant email will be selected by matching the business end consumer with the email’s audience.

Complete the surveys here:

Business:
https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/5c6siw

Consumer:
https://chesterfieldboroughcouncil.welcomesyourfeedback.net/7tbl3t

Winding Wheel

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Chesterfield Waterside developer takes prestigious regional award

The company behind the multi-million pound Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme has won a prestigious regional award for another project in nearby Sheffield.

Bolsterstone Group PLC, based in our town scooped the Property Deal of The Year accolade at the Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards 2023 (21 September).

It recognises the £150 million of investment which was secured from Legal & General by regeneration specialist Bolsterstone in order to bring forward the first phase of the £300 million West Bar scheme in Sheffield City centre.

Held at New Dock Hall in Leeds, the Insider Yorkshire Property Industry Awards were hosted by world-cup winning former rugby union player Kyran Bracken MBE.

Judges of the awards acknowledged that the ‘West Bar development will be transformative for Sheffield.’

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group PLC and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, collected the award at the black-tie event.

He said: “I am delighted that West Bar has been recognised. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in conjunction with our partners. West Bar is a truly collaborative scheme that will deliver lasting and far-reaching change to Sheffield City centre.”

The Property Deal of The Year award is one of a number of awards that Bolsterstone’s projects have been shortlisted for in 2023.

The large floorplate grade A office – One Waterside Place – at the £360 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme was recently Highly Commended in the Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year category in the 2023 East Midlands Property Awards.

Like West Bar, Chesterfield Waterside is a large-scale regeneration project. It is through its public/private partnership model that Bolsterstone is transforming cities and communities throughout the region, creating new places to live, work and invest.

Co-founded in Chesterfield in 1989 by Peter Swallow and Mike Corker, Bolsterstone has built a significant reputation as a regeneration specialist and is currently leading more than three quarters of a billion pounds of regeneration projects working alongside the public sector – current examples being West Bar, Chesterfield Waterside and New Bolton Woods in Bradford.

In addition to regeneration, Bolsterstone is also renowned for commercial and industrial developments, acquiring new sites and redeveloping existing sites for major names like B&Q, KFC, Aldi, UPS and Costa.

“Whether it’s a private or public partnership, our aim is to create places people want to live, work and invest throughout the UK,” Peter added.

Bolsterstone Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Bolsterstone's Peter and Tom Swallow accepting the Property Deal of the Year Award

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East Midlands businesses tell Chamber what they want from next Government ahead of party conferences

Long-term strategies for energy and industry are top of the wishlist for the region’s businesses ahead of the next General Election, according to a new study by East Midlands Chamber.

Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G connectivity, greater investment in road and rail infrastructure projects, and better incentives for upskilling and reskilling people followed closely behind as priorities.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire asked businesses to provide views on 20 policy asks in its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, with the development of a long-term energy strategy for the UK ranking as being the most important.

Results were compiled to establish a list of top priorities for businesses, which has been published ahead of the upcoming Labour and Conservative party conferences in October.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “With a General Election drawing closer on the horizon, it’s hugely important for the voice of businesses to be heard by the next Government in order to drive sustainable economic growth that delivers jobs and prosperity.

“After many years of policy flip-flopping, economic shocks and the resulting uncertainty this has created for businesses, long-term planning appears to be front and centre of minds.

“A long-term energy strategy is understandably top of the list given the huge rise in utilities costs for firms and households over the past two years combined with the opportunities business see to deliver future solutions in this space. It’s closely followed by a comprehensive industrial strategy that finally addresses the UK’s perennial productivity problem – which is crucial to growing output, creating jobs and bringing down inflation.

“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, launched in Westminster last year, we highlighted the importance of infrastructure – that is, both digital and transport – as one of ‘four Is’ to spearheading growth.

“Businesses are telling us they want to see real improvements across broadband and 5G connectivity, which are both crucial to 21st century working, while investing in our roads and rail is crucial to their future success – an important consideration at a time Government is deliberating over the future of HS2 and our region continues to be bottom of the pile for public transport investment.

“We have also spoken in our manifesto about ‘getting the basics right’ and ‘growing our competitiveness the right way’, and both these themes are reflected in our survey as firms tell us they want the broken business rates to be made fit for purpose and better incentives to support the net zero agenda.”

Policy priorities for East Midlands businesses

The responses on policy priorities were gathered by East Midlands Chamber in August and September 2023 as part of its Quarterly Economic Survey, in which 296 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part.

They were presented with a list of 20 policy asks of Government and asked to score them based on importance to their organisation, providing additional comments as to why. The top 10 priority areas, in order, were:

  • The development of a long-term Energy Strategy for the UK
  • The development of a long-term Industrial Strategy for the UK
  • Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband
  • Greater investment in local infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • More flexible/generous incentives for investment in staff development/reskilling (including application of Apprenticeship Levy)
  • Greater investment in major infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • Speeding up the rollout of 5G technology
  • Comprehensive reform of the business rates system
  • Greater investment in integrated public transport networks
  • More flexible/generous incentives for developments associated with the green agenda.

Perfectly located in the centre of the UK with excellent connectivity to several major cities, find out why Chesterfield is a great location for your next business base.

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

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University of Derby awarded prestigious Gold status for teaching excellence

The University of Derby has been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country.

The university, which has a campus in Chesterfield, was recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

As well as achieving an overall rating of Gold, in the two underpinning ratings of the TEF, Derby was awarded Gold for student experience and Silver for student outcomes.

Derby’s continued success in the TEF, as it was awarded Gold when the Framework first launched in 2017, comes off the back of recent achievements in the National Student Survey 2023, in which the University was ranked in the Top 20 nationally for assessment and feedback, as well as in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, where the University was rated in the Top 20 for teaching quality, and in the Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that we have once again been awarded Gold in the TEF and I am so proud of colleagues at the University of Derby for their hard work and commitment to excellence which has resulted in this fantastic achievement.

“Our students are at the heart of all that we do at the University of Derby, and we are fully focused on ensuring that they receive the highest-quality teaching and learning experience, one that is underpinned by innovation, academic excellence, ground-breaking research and is aligned to industry needs.

“We are proud to have established a strong reputation for learning and teaching over the years, reinforced by this TEF result, and we will continue to drive forward as an ambitious, applied university which focuses on enabling students to achieve the best possible outcomes for their future.”

The TEF ratings reflect the extent to which a provider delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its mix of undergraduate students and across the range of its undergraduate courses and subjects. 228 providers took part in TEF 2023.

Professor Keith McLay, Provost – Learning & Teaching at the University of Derby, said: “Our approach to learning and teaching at Derby is one that is student-focused, tailored and inclusive, to ensure our students get an outstanding experience during their time with us and that they are challenged to fulfil their full potential.

“We have invested significantly in our learning and teaching frameworks and take seriously our role in providing students with not only state-of-the-art facilities, but ensuring they are surrounded by academic rigour, excellence and expertise. We are therefore delighted with this result.”

In 2017, the University of Derby was awarded a Gold rating in the country’s first TEF. The 2023 TEF results last for four years.

To find out more about studying at the University of Derby, visit derby.ac.uk.

Learn more about learning in Chesterfield.

University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Family-friendly fireworks event to return to Chesterfield’s Stand Road Park

Chesterfield Borough Council is again working with Chesterfield Football Club to deliver the family-friendly fireworks event in Stand Road Park.

1866 Sport, Chesterfield FC’s in-house radio station, will deliver the entertainment at this year’s event with Becky Measures hosting on the night. Confirmed acts include the return of the Disney Princesses performing well-known songs. The fireworks theme will be decades, with the display set to popular sing-along songs from the 60s through to present day.

The event takes place on Friday 3 November, the gates will open at 4.30pm and the event ends at 9pm.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is fantastic to be working with Chesterfield Football Club and Becky Measures again to put on this popular family friendly event. We’re excited that some of the popular acts from last year are returning including the meet and greet with the Disney Princesses – come along early to make sure you don’t miss the chance to win Disney on Ice tickets. Please wrap up warm, wear suitable footwear and join in the family fun.”

Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC’s marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council once again. We will be promoting the event via 1866 Sport in the build-up and then delivering some great entertainment on the night. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”

Becky Measures added: “I am so looking forward to hosting what is probably the biggest event in Chesterfield. I had a the pleasure of hosting this event for many years in my Peak FM days and I can’t wait to be back with the community of Chesterfield and my home town. The event at Stand Road has always been the one to look forward to and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Entry to the event is £3 per person but free for children under five. Entry is cash only and please make sure you bring the correct money as change cannot be given.

This is a family friendly event, alcohol, fireworks and sparklers are prohibited items and will be confiscated if found.

Parking for the event will be available at Chesterfield FC’s SMH Group Stadium for a donation of £5 per car, which will help cover the cost of stewards with any excess being given to Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

There is also a bus stop on Sheffield Road which is less than a two-minute walk from the park, find more details about bus services that stop here on the Stagecoach website.

The fireworks extravaganza is one of a series of events organised by Chesterfield Borough Council. Find out more about upcoming events taking place across the town here.

More information about entertainment and safety at the event will be available on the Chesterfield Borough Council website.

Chesterfield Football Club and Chesterfield Borough Council support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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