Business

Details announced for top careers event – Derbyshire Skills Festival

10th July 2015

The county’s largest careers event – the Derbyshire Skills Festival – will this year take place at Chesterfield College on Tuesday 29th September.

Organised with Derby City Council, the event is aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school. Visitors to the event will be able to talk to employers, training providers and voluntary organisations, as well as having an opportunity to take part in have-a-go sessions to test their skills and give them an idea what different careers might be like.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Last year, more than 11,000 people came along to the festival. Because all young people now need to stay in education or training until they’re 18, it’s really important for them to find out what options are out there.”

The event will open from 3.30pm to 8pm on the day. There will also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) will also be invited.

Organisations interested in having a stand at one or more of the venues should contact Derbyshire County Council for more details on 01629 536545 or email skillsfestival@derbyshire.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Summer

Devolution plans welcomed by local leaders

8th July 2015

The Chancellor has used his Budget speech to announce that the Government is looking to negotiate a further devolution deal with Sheffield City Region.

If an agreement can be reached the deal will include an elected mayor who will work with local leaders to oversee new powers devolved from ministers. The potential deal which is being discussed would see Sheffield City Region granted significant additional powers and the opportunity to take control of its own affairs to support economic growth.

Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Chair of the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, said: “Local leaders in Sheffield City Region have started the conversation with Government on a devolution deal and the possibility for a City Region metro mayor. The Sheffield City Region is central to the success of the “Northern Powerhouse”, at the head of the pack as one of only three areas with a Devolution Deal, alongside Leeds and Manchester.

“We support Government plans to devolve further powers and funding to City Regions because local funding decisions are more effectively made by local Council and business leaders who better understand what our local economy needs to be able to grow. We want to see the economy rebalanced and our productivity rise to strengthen the Northern Powerhouse. However, a deal is not inevitable and any deal for significant changes in governance in Sheffield City Region will only be made if a significant devolution deal is on offer.”

James Newman, Chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “For continued economic and job growth in our City Region we must build and strengthen our existing businesses and attract new businesses to invest. By negotiating a possible deal with Government for more devolution of powers and access to funding streams, the City Region will attract more inward investment, provide more certainty to local economic policy making and local leaders will be better able to plan for the long term.

“Sheffield City Region has a heritage as an industrial powerhouse in its own right and any devolution deal will enable it to play a leading part in both the Northern Powerhouse and a resurgence of manufacturing in the UK.

“This further devolution conversation with Government is a direct result of the success of the City Region in delivering previous deals and the strong public and private sector partnership that has been created and is now being recognised by Government as leading edge.”

If a devolution deal can be agreed, it will focus on accelerating delivery of the Sheffield City Region Growth Plan, which aims to stimulate economic growth and create 70,000 jobs over the next decade.

Posted in Business

Chamber reacts to summer budget

8th July 2015

Commenting on Chancellor George Osborne’s first Budget on a Conservative mandate, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and External Affairs at East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “Before the Budget, the Chamber called on the Chancellor to deliver a package of measures focused more on boosting growth than austerity and what was announced today will, by and large, provide stimulus for the economy while continuing the tough task of eliminating the deficit at a steady pace.

“However, given that the Chancellor was in Derby only last month to state his ambition to make the Midlands an ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK, it was disappointing that he didn’t say anything specific about fuelling that engine. There was a lack of any real action on infrastructure spending – which plays a critical role in generating growth – beyond the proposed road improvement fund, to be paid for by ring-fenced Vehicle Excise Duty.

“While it wasn’t explicitly mentioned, we await further details about two infrastructure initiatives mentioned in the written Budget which will have a real impact here in the East Midlands – the commitment of £5m of additional funding for Midlands Connect, to help develop its vision and strategy for transforming transport connectivity across the region in order to drive economic growth, and the allocation of the extended New Stations Fund to support a local bid for stations on the Robin Hood Line to Edwinstowe and Ollerton, subject to a business case, linking Nottingham city to the north of the county.

“There were, however, several measures announced that will be welcomed by business. Firms across the East Midlands are reliant on the roads for the movement of their goods and people, so a further freeze in Fuel Duty is a good thing.

“The Chamber has long campaigned for more clarity and certainty around Annual Investment Allowances and although we knew it was going to fall from its current level of £500,000, to just £25,000 from 1 January 2016, it was pleasing to see it will now be set at a new long term level of £200,000-a-year. This will provide a significant incentive for businesses to invest in their future and hopefully go some way to addressing the productivity puzzle.

“Reductions to the headline rate of Corporation Tax to 19% in 2017 and 18% by 2020 will be welcomed by business, as will the increase of the NIC employment allowance from £1,500 to £3,000. This could help to offset the expected increases to the National Minimum Wage, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission, which may well have a disproportionate effect on smaller employers already facing financial pressures as they implement pensions auto-enrolment.

“While there is still more specific detail to come, the commitment to set time scales for many of the measures set out in today’s Budget will offer the certainty to support businesses with their planning processes as they look to invest, recruit and grow.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Shorts welcomes another new face to growing team

6th July 2015

Chesterfield Champion Shorts are delighted to welcome Gemma Clare as the most recent member of their rapidly expanding Healthcare team. Gemma, who will divide her time between the firm’s Sheffield and Chesterfield offices, joins as Accounts Senior with in excess of 12 years’ experience, specialising in advising GP practices.

Welcoming Gemma to the firm, Healthcare Director Ceri Lewis commented “Gemma’s appointment is the latest in a series of quality Healthcare recruitments for the firm, shortly after that of Tax Senior Connor Smith earlier this year. Following sustained growth for the firm, both appointments continue our long term strategy of investing in the very best people in order to continue delivering high quality advice and service to our clients.”

“Shorts is committed to helping Healthcare professionals achieve their business and personal objectives in the most tax efficient manner. By increasing our dedicated Healthcare team we are able to ensure they receive specialist accounting, tax planning and advisory services with the assurance of AISMA accredited professionals who have a detailed understanding of the complex issues and challenges facing GPs.”

Posted in Business

Residents choose sculpture for Queen’s Park Sports Centre

1st July 2015

Members of the public have chosen the design of a sculpture to go in the grounds of the new Queen’s Park Sports Centre being built by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Jump, by West Midlands based artist Mick Thacker, is based on the concept of time lapse motion photography and shows the various stages of a person jumping through the air. It received 48 per cent of the 718 votes.

It was chosen ahead of Wave, by Matlock sculptor Stuart Marsh, which received 30 per cent of the vote. The wave sculpture was designed to represent grace, strength and determination.

The other option, Heartbeat, got 22 per cent of the votes. Designed by Nottinghamshire sculptor Michael Johnson the design showed an image of a regular heartbeat to symbolise well-being and exercise.

The winning artist will now make the full size sculpture which will go outside the café area of the new sports centre currently being built on the Queen’s Park Annexe site, off Boythorpe Road, Chesterfield.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, said: “The sculpture will add to the growing collection of public art across the town being delivered through our Per Cent for Art Scheme.

“All the artists were asked to come up with themes that represented the health and fitness agenda that the new sports centre will deliver.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The sculpture will be sited in a prominent location near the café and will help provide a focal point to the grounds.”

The public consultation for the artwork was held during June. Residents were able to vote online or in person at the existing Queen’s Park Sports Centre, the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley, Chesterfield College or the Visitor Information Centre. The consultation was also publicised in the local media, on websites and social media.

Mick Thacker, who will produce the winning sculpture, said: “I am delighted to have won the public vote and very much look forward to making and installing the new work.

“The theme and form of the sculpture perfectly fit the context of a brand new sports centre and my hope is that the work will inspire and inform in equal measure. Jump celebrates the beauty of the human body in motion and the joy of life itself.”

The final scale and finishing details will be worked on over the coming weeks before fabrication of the sculpture begins in September ready for installation during mid-December.

The new Queen’s Park Sports Centre is on schedule to open in early 2016. The £11.25 million project is paid for by £6.725 million from Chesterfield Borough Council, £2.5 million from Chesterfield College, as part of a dual use agreement, £2 million from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund and £25,000 from Squash England.

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

Ashgate Road land earmarked for housing development

29th June 2015

A 1.5 acre site at Ashgate Road is being put up for sale by Chesterfield Borough Council to be turned into a housing development.

The land, which has been designated for houses since the mid-1990s, consists of a large car park and buildings.

The council has a requirement to build 380 new homes each year and currently has a backlog of 800 homes to be built in addition to these.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “The land at Ashgate Road has been identified for housing development for nearly 20 years and was only ever intended to be used as a car park on an interim basis until the land was sold for development.

“We have a range of parking options available around the town with spare capacity to suit regular commuters who want to park near the town centre.

“It will be at least six to nine months before the car park is sold and until that time Ashgate Road will continue to operate as a car park. Users will be given plenty of notice before it is closed and made aware of alternative car parking arrangements.”

The council will use the period before the sale to look at whether it is possible to have a £1 a day car park site in the town centre area.

Monthly parking savers are also available for £20 per month at the West Street or Queen’s Park Annexe car parks, equivalent to £2 each day.

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

Tripadvisor accolade for Chesterfield Museum

29th June 2015

Chesterfield Museum has received a Certificate of Excellence award from online review site, tripadvisor.

Owned and managed by Chesterfield Borough Council, the popular attraction on St Mary’s Gate, was given a certificate of excellence after receiving positive reviews from visitors.

The museum has a loyal fan base with more than 800 adults and children going along to its recent Lego Day event which saw children colouring Lego figurines, decorating Lego biscuits as well as making creations from Lego.

The current Down the Track exhibition, which runs until 18 July and showcases Chesterfield’s railway history, has also proved popular with thousands of people looking it up on social media.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Museum proves to be a popular attraction with visitors old and young and this award is proof of this.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come along, enjoyed themselves and left positive feedback.”

The museum is also encouraging visitors to show why they enjoy coming to the attraction as part of the I Love Museums campaign led by the National Museum Directors’ Council.

People can visit the I Love Museums website at www.ilovemuseums.com where they can say why their local museum means so much to them as well as share photos showing their love of museums.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

(Image shows Councillor Amanda Serjeant, cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.)

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

Become a sports journalist for a day at Proact Stadium

29th June 2015

A pioneering sports media workshop is being held for budding reporters at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium this July.

Aimed at youngsters who are considering a career in the media, the one-day programme will feature sessions on writing and interviewing skills, together with commentary. A mock press conference will also be held, providing those taking part with an opportunity to interview a personality from the club.

Participants will be presented with a certificate of attendance at half-time in a match at the Proact and a DVD featuring their commentary on a goal.

The workshop has been devised by Chesterfield’s head of media & communications, Nick Johnson, who has worked as a journalist/broadcaster for over 20 years. He is the longest-serving reporter on Sky Sports’ popular Soccer Saturday show – covering around 750 matches – and also works on a freelance basis for various other leading media organisations including Reuters and Press Association Sport.

Explaining the thinking behind the initiative, Johnson said: “Having spoken to a number of pupils who have expressed interest in a career in the media, I came up with the idea of a workshop aimed at giving youngsters a better understanding of the skills required to work in the industry.
“I feel very fortunate to have earned a living from doing something I love and I am looking forward to passing on some of my knowledge and experience to others. It will be an intensive programme, with plenty of practical advice provided, so places are strictly limited.”

The Sports Media Workshop takes place at The Hub at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on 30th July. To find out more please email nickjohnson@chesterfield-fc.co.uk.

Posted in Business, Summer, Visiting

Ibbotson’s wins top award at 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

25th June 2015

One of Chesterfield’s oldest businesses, Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, has been crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2015 Retail Awards (24 June 2015), organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Learning Unlimited.

Established in 1945 Ibbotson’s is, this year, celebrating its 70^th year of trading. As well as being a regular sight on the market it has recently diversified into online ordering which has widened its customer base by bringing Chesterfield’s market to those who are unable to come into town or are at work during opening hours.

As well as Retailer of the Year, Ibbotson’s also scooped the title of Market Trader of the Year at the annual awards. Owner Nick Ibbotson said: ““I can’t believe that we have won two awards and it is particularly special to get overall Retailer of the Year Award. It’s amazing to have beaten all the big stores and other independent retailers. We’re just a little fruit and veg stall that’s been in the centre of Chesterfield for more than 70 years. It’s been a long time coming.”

Ibbotson’s was one of 13 winners of a total of 16 awards recognising the very best independent shops, high street stores and market traders in the town. Other multiple award winners include Adorn Jewellers and Debenhams who each triumphed in two categories.

This year’s awards received more than 600 nominations for businesses from the public resulting in 32 finalists, of which 20 were first time finalists. Six businesses returned to defend their crowns from last year’s event including Pelican Cycles, which successfully retained its titles of Leisure Retailer of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year

Held at the Winding Wheel, the sell-out ceremony was hosted by popular Peak FM breakfast show duo James Summers and Becky Measures.

The winners were selected from 36 finalists, competing for the title of the very best in their respective categories.

Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Cabinet Member for the Town Centre and Visitor Economy, Amanda Serjeant, said: “Across Chesterfield we are privileged to have a great range of independent stores in the Shambles and the Yards in the Town Centre, along Chatsworth Road and Whittington Moor as well as our market and popular high street stores. It is this mix of retailers that makes our town so popular and keeps shoppers, both locally and further afield, coming back for more.

“Chesterfield is envied nationally for its retail success. While other town and city centres are struggling, ours is thriving and it’s no wonder seeing the passion, innovation and customer service so many of the town’s retailers are delivering on a daily basis. The Retail Awards recognised and celebrated the efforts and success of retailers across the town.”

Other supporters of the awards included eBusiness Works, Derbyshire Times and Peak FM.

Find out more about the winners of the 2015 Chesterfield Retail Awards

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

Chesterfield claimant count falls again as East Midlands drives the UK Economy

17th June 2015

The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Chesterfield continues to fall.

In May there were 1274 people out of work and claiming the benefit in Chesterfield compared with 1312 in April and 1840 a year ago.

The number of people aged 16-64 in work across the East Midlands for the three months to April 2015 increased by 4,635 to 2,268,398 from 2,263,763 for the same period the previous year.

The number of people unemployed in the region for the same periods dropped from 139,034 to 114,274, a fall of 24,760.

In Derbyshire the number of Jobseekers Allowance claimants fell from 6,870 in April to 6,434 in May, a drop of 436. The year-on-year fall was 3,179.

George Cowcher, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), said: “The latest figures are welcome and prove once again that businesses in the East Midlands continue to power the economy.

“It’s also encouraging to see another period of wages rising above inflation, particularly given that inflation itself has started to rise.

“Boosting productivity is the key to sustaining increased pay. While the employment rate has shown a healthy increase over the past two years, it is not being matched by an increase in productivity.

“While UK growth is likely to remain dependent on the services sector, manufacturing remains a vital sector for innovation and productivity.

“Given this region’s strengths in manufacturing, supporting manufacturers – and in particular, encouraging more firms to explore international markets – should be an area of major focus for the new Government if it is to achieve its ambition to make the Midlands the ‘Engine of Growth’ for the UK’s economy.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Future jobs in pipeline at Markham Vale as Gould Alloys prepares for opening

16th June 2015

Metal distributor Gould Alloys has become the latest business to get the keys to a new premises at Markham Vale.

Gould Alloys will be moving from its current base at Carwood Industrial Park in Chesterfield to a new purpose-built warehouse and distribution centre at the flagship regeneration site to benefit from better transport links located just off Junction 29A of the M1.

Sixty-two existing employees will move to the new 50,000 square feet premises and the company is looking to expand over the next few years bringing more jobs to Markham.

Managing Director at Gould Alloys, Jane Bradshaw said:

“We’re really excited to open our new base at Markham Vale.

“We’re moving to the site to benefit from better transport links and bigger premises with the aim of attracting more business to our company − which could lead to further jobs being created in the future.

“The relocation has future-proofed our business and we’re pleased to be part of Markham’s growing network.”

Work began in September last year to build the premises which includes office space, features solar panels and has energy efficient heating.

The company was established in 1984 and distributes metals to a number of industries including defence, medical, scientific, exploration and production, motor sport and power generation and is a key supplier to the aerospace industry where it delivers ‘first stage’ machining.

Councillor Anne Western, Derbyshire County Council’s leader and cabinet member for strategic policy, economic development and budget, said:

“It’s great that Chesterfield-based companies continue to choose Markham Vale to relocate to instead of moving outside Derbyshire.

“With bigger premises and better transport links, the company aim to attract more businesses which could lead to jobs being created in the future.”

Gould Alloy’s new base was designed and built by private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments.

Ben Ward, Henry Boot’s regional director, added:

“We are delighted that Gould Alloys are moving to Markham Vale.

“The interest generated and current activity here at Markham Vale is exceptional. We have recently welcomed Inspirepac, AW Repair Group, Euro Garages, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg, with existing occupiers including Andrew Page and Industrial Ancillaries.

“In addition, we’re also underway with a new building for Meter Provida which will be ready at the end of 2015.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development