Business

Chesterfield Champions reflect on 2021 and look ahead to the new year

As we enter the festive season and the new year, Chesterfield Champions have been sharing their successes and reflecting on the challenges and progress made throughout 2021.

If you love Chesterfield and would like to chat about becoming a Champion, find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/

Find out what local businesses and organisations had to say below, as we head into 2022.

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust

“It’s weird to think nothing happened for the first four or five months of the year, but we adapted wonderfully.  This resulted in our trip boats and our Information Centre & Shop both being really busy; and more than 1,000 seats booked on our Chesterfield Santa Special cruises.

“The restrictions have made people explore their own town more and discover how great it is, including the canal where towpath use has gone up hugely. We are now looking forward to the final Government approval of the Staveley Town Deal next spring, receiving the money and starting detailed planning of the restoration of our beautiful canal. We are also working out our carbon footprint as a first step towards becoming a carbon net-zero organisation.”

Amy Revell, We Are Spaces

“I have been super impressed with how resilient and positive the Chesterfield business community is. Everyone is supporting one another and are super ambitious for the future. Chesterfield has performed strongly against all the national statistics in relation to unemployment and job creation, especially for under 25s, which is fantastic news.

“I am hoping the risk and consequences of COVID reduces as we move into 2022. It’s been a tough few years for many, but I know we will continue to be resilient, push innovation and draw new investment into our fantastic town of Chesterfield!”

Howard Freeman, Shorts Chartered Accountants

“2021 was yet another challenging year for the region’s businesses, with many continuing to show resilience and diversification. I’m proud of the way our region has pulled together and facilitated new opportunities, with many businesses going from strength to strength. We’re looking forward to 2022 when we hope to see even more of a return to the normality, that we all recognise.”

Nick Hogan, Chesterfield Escape Rooms

“After opening on 17th May 2021, we have had over 5000 players through our doors, and this has given me the confidence to expand the business and create a fourth room.  I am really excited about the new Chesterfield Games Quarter which will service all of the gaming needs of the town.”

Fiaz Sadiq, ActionCoach

“We’ve celebrated a number of successes in 2021, not least doubling our team members and clients. I have been really impressed with the resilience of the Chesterfield community and it wanting to help each other. I hope in 2022 that there is more financial support for local business and supporting wellbeing in the community.”

Joe Cattee, Director, Peak Pharmacy

“The challenges we’ve faced this last year have been extraordinary. We’ve had to adapt our pharmacies, depots and offices to ensure that they are as Covid compliant as possible, whilst juggling staff shortages due to positive tests results. Despite this we have managed to administer nearly 50,000 Covid jabs to date, as well as provide 48,000 flu vaccinations.

“Our staff have been fantastic during this whole process. Looking to 2022, we are looking to really invest in the area next year, relocating our sites into one depot. This will support our ambition to be as sustainable as possible and being as carbon neutral as possible over the next decade.”

Richard Fowler, Technical Sales and Account Manager, Ra Information Systems

“Having worked alongside our customers for over two decades we have seen technology play a pivotal role in enabling business success and continuity. We have worked closely with our customers throughout 2021, supporting them to adjust to changing demands. We were delighted that our proactive approach to product development was recognised when we won the Flexible Space Association award in Technology Innovation 2021.”

Chris Sellars, Managing Director, Bridge Help

“2021 saw Bridge Help undergo a rebrand, a recruitment drive and a move to larger premises which we have already outgrown. It’s been a year of sustained growth which is showing no signs of slowing down and which means we’ll shortly be moving to larger offices. It’s not just at Bridge Help where I see growth.

“Chesterfield has always had a resilient business community and I continue to be impressed at how businesses have adapted and evolved to both survive and thrive throughout Covid and Brexit. Bridge Help is very proud to be part of the community. The team and I are looking forward to working closely with more local businesses, sports clubs and charities in 2022. Exciting times are ahead.”

Tom Swallow, Development Manager, Bolsterstone Group PLC

“2021 has been a formative year for Chesterfield Waterside. Works continues apace on the Waterside Quarter with Avant Homes with excellent sales progress. Construction of the office block also continues to progress and we are now close to completion. Despite the challenges of Covid, I have been particularly impressed by the resilience of the contractors at Waterside and the continued progress of other exciting schemes across the borough.

“The amount of progress we are now seeing is testament to the investment confidence in the town, Chesterfield Borough Council and their forward-thinking vision. Our office at Waterside, One Waterside Place, will welcome its first tenants next year – that is an office party I am very much looking forward to!

Anna Melton, Director, In the Works PR

Anna Melton - In The Works PR

“The end of year COVID restrictions, while a disappointment, must not overshadow the successes of the town and its businesses. I am very fortunate to work with a number of businesses and projects in the town and I have been so impressed how, uncomplainingly, they have adapted quickly to the ever-changing COVID landscape throughout 2021.

“Their resilience, can-do attitude and forward-thinking makes me very proud to be part of the business community in Chesterfield and I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for 2022.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for everyone in our community, but I am deeply proud of the spirit and resilience that has shone through from Chesterfield people and businesses – pulling together to help one another.

“While the pandemic is not over yet, 2022 brings hope and our borough has a bright future. Our ambitious investment and regeneration projects mean we’re in a strong place to recover from the impact of the pandemic at a faster rate than many other towns. We will continue to work closely with the community to make sure Chesterfield remains a thriving borough.”

Peter Swallow, Chair, Destination Chesterfield

“2021 has been a year of change and adaptation which has seen the town’s drive, commitment and community spirit come to the fore. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient and forward thinking.

“New developments have come out of the ground and plans are in place for a further £1billion of developments across the borough. This will bring employment and opportunity to local people, not just in 2022 but far beyond that. Exciting times are ahead for Chesterfield – it is a town, and community, which I am proud to be part of.”

Hannah Bowdler, Junction Arts

“Junction Arts’ main aim for 2021 has been to bring our communities back together again. It has been a year of returning to face-to-face workshops and support within our communities helping people to feel confident and give them something to look forward to. A highlight has been bringing back one of our largest annual events back to the Chesterfield Canal: The Tapton Lock Festival.  And this year was our busiest yet! We were so proud this festival enabled people to reclaim the canal as a space to use and enjoy together at a local event.”

Sarah Temperton, Chief Executive, NLT Training Services

 

“What a year it has been. Like all training providers we have juggled the ever-changing COVID regulations to ensure people can access the training they need to do their jobs properly and safely. It has also opened our eyes to a gap in training provision; older people in particular who find themselves out of work. Looking to 2022, NLT is drawing on its charitable roots and will be working with a number of grass roots charities and groups in the area to ensure that free training is available to help people get work-ready. The team and I are very excited by the prospect.”

Charlotte Watson, Interior Designer, SDE Group

“As always, SDE Group have continued to look at ways in which we can expand. Our latest highlight is the launch of SDE Electrical where we have responded to the continued growth in the electric vehicles market and introduced our EV Charging service. Our 3D Design team have grown due to the increase in demand for 3D design and visualisations, welcoming university graduates to develop their career within interior and industrial design. We are looking forward to another successful year in 2022!”

Rebecca Priest, JP Fire Safety

“As we come to the end of what was meant to be a more positive year, we count ourselves thankful that we have continued to see consistent growth. With an increased workforce and the lease signed on new offices on Beresford Way, 2022 looks set to be another successful year for JP Fire Safety Solutions. By continuing to adapt and develop different ways of working we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2022.”

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group

“The sheer determination and willingness of so many local people and organisations to support our students and apprentices to achieve has impressed me this year. I am forever grateful to teaching and support staff of the college for the work they do every day. I must also thank employers for creating so many work experience opportunities this year.

“We have excellent partnerships with employers who are as committed as we are to ensure they have a workforce for the future. I am looking forward to developing even stronger partnerships with employers and exploring more innovative ways to help businesses and individuals bounce back from the effects of the pandemic or take advantage of new opportunities it might have created.”

James Pogson, Director, Northern Tea Merchants

Northern Tea Merchants

“I think we all thought 2021 was going to be a breeze compared to 2020 but in many ways it’s been harder, with even greater uncertainties… Having said that 2021 has still seen huge strides being made by Northern Tea Merchants in our sustainability journey and is something we are really proud of.

“I am delighted to share that ALL our teabags are now made with fully biodegradable teabag paper, and we are working hard on our journey to become carbon neutral and as part of this, we are now planting a tree for every web order placed. We have exciting plans for 2022 which we know many of our tea and coffee devotees are going to really love.”

Theresa Goldsmith, Owner, The Goldsmith Clinic

 

“Another year amidst a global pandemic has been a whirlwind for sure! As a close contact business and a registered nurse practitioner, my main aim is to keep our patients safe and well and we have certainly been kept on our toes with the ever-changing COVID regulations. However, we have managed to grow exponentially in 2021 introducing ground-breaking treatments to The Goldsmith Clinic.

“We are finishing the year on a high by adding another two treatment rooms and taking on a full-time beauty therapist that will appeal to a new customer base for us. The entire team are very much looking forward to 2022 and sharing our passion for skin health with the good people of Chesterfield.”

Neil Johnson, Managing Director, DBCP

“It has been so encouraging to see development projects progressing in 2021 despite COVID restrictions, not only in Chesterfield but throughout Derbyshire bringing real benefits to the local economy. The team at DBCP has been phenomenally busy all year prompting the creation of a number of new jobs.

“And there are no signs of slowing down in 2022, which is a direct reflection of the town’s resilience and can-do approach. Planning for the future demands of DBCP, building control and the town, next year will see us recruit two degree apprentices. The prospect of developing the career of school leavers here in the town is something the team and I are very much looking forward to. Chesterfield really is a town of opportunity.”

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director, Edwards Employment Solutions

“2021 has been another colossal year for many industries and people and, it seems, is not going to end quietly. Despite the pandemic, we have experienced two busy and successful years, helping many key worker industries to find the staff they need. We are also ending the year on a high, having just recruited three new team members – an apprentice and two people via the Kickstart scheme.

“We are committed to giving them the help and support they need to really enjoy and succeed in the industry during the programmes, but more than that, helping them to progress here at Edwards. We are really looking forward to 2022 and helping many more local businesses and people find the staff and jobs they need.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Hot Tub Award Success for Superior Wellness

Chesterfield based Superior Wellness were successful in winning four awards at the prestigious UK Pool and Spa awards, held on 13 December 2021 in Birmingham.

The first accolade was for International Team of the Year – the team has doubled in size in the last 12 months and between them can speak six different languages. International sales account for 13% of total sales vs 3% the prior year highlighting the sheer success and growth. The team are focusing on further expansion in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The After Sales and Logistics team have also created new roles to support international customers including a French speaking customer service advisor.

The second award was for Best Marketing Initiative – awarded for the Channel 5 documentary ‘Hot Tub Brits – More Bubbles Please!’ which featured Superior Wellness. The marketing team also received a Gold Award for the Superior Wellness rebrand, the 10-year anniversary campaign and the partnership with Fibromyalgia Action UK. Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “The team have transformed the marketing during the last 12 months and continue to take it to the next level. I am very proud of what we have achieved so far and excited about 2022.”

The third award was for Spa Supplier of the Year; over the past year the partner network has grown to over 200 partners. Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “It has been an incredible year for our business and industry as a whole and we are delighted that our efforts and dedication has been recognised with this award win. A huge thank to all our partners and suppliers for their continued support.”

And last but certainly not least the evening ended with Rob Carlin, Managing Director winning the prestigious Special Achievement Award. The award marked the 10-year anniversary of Superior Wellness.

Rob Carlin said: “It has been an incredibly special year for Superior Wellness, which is why the Special Achievement Award is so fitting in this particular year. We moved into our new 130,000 sq ft head office and warehouse in March. The move coincided with the ten-year anniversary on 28 April; which was a huge milestone for the whole team.

“It is a great honour for us all to end the year with the award success, the team have been working hard all year and it’s great to see that all of their hard work has been recognised. I am extremely proud of the whole team.”

Superior Wellness also received a Gold Award for the following categories:
• UK Team of the Year
• Spa Product of the Year – Thermals Spas Hydro hot tub
• Spa Product of the Year – Platinum Spas Onyx 2021 hot tub
• Energy Efficiency Eco Award – Platinum Premium Shield
• Energy Efficiency Eco Award – Superior Wellness Head Office
• Above Ground Hot Tub Project of the Year – the Bowen Home Project

Showcasing the best examples of spa and home wellness design from across the country, the UK Pool & Spa Awards celebrated it eleventh anniversary with featured projects and products.

Winners across 30 categories were announced during the prestigious awards.

The entrants were awarded gold, silver or bronze standard in the competition covering both home and public pool and spa facilities in a contest that attracted on-line votes and votes from judges, before being scrutinised by an independent jury.

More information on the awards, including a full list of winners, can be found at www.ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

The awards ceremony took place on Monday 13 December at the Vox, Resorts World, Birmingham.

Superior Wellness 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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Plastic Free Festival to return for 2022

Chesterfield’s Plastic Free Festival, which debuted this year, has announced that it will be returning for 2022.

The festival will take place on Sunday 12th June, 10am-4pm on New Square marketplace and will feature special guests, Pride of Britain winners Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic, who have given numerous TED talks, picked up countless pieces of litter, and influenced businesses, schools and thousands of young people around the world.

Amy and Ella said: “Festivals are often associated with single use plastic but it’s great to see the Chesterfield’s Plastic Free festival leading the way. We are looking forward to speaking there and supporting the festival’s great work.”

The festival aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music and poetry performances. No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with attendees encouraged to bring their own bottles, cups and containers.

Applications are now open for businesses, community groups, performers and food and drink providers to have a presence at the festival, whilst businesses are being asked to consider sponsoring the event.

One business who has already stepped forward to sponsor, is Superior Wellness, winner of the Sustainability Award at the Love Chesterfield awards.

Sarah Elphick, Head of Marketing said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Plastic Free Festival in Chesterfield next year.  Sustainability is high on our agenda at Superior Wellness. Receiving the Sustainability Award demonstrates our commitment.”

Greg Hewitt, Chair of the Plastic Free Festival Organising Group, said: “We are really excited to bring back the Plastic Free Festival for 2022. This year’s event was a big success, despite the venue and date being moved, along with rain most of the day, many people turned out to discover local businesses reducing their single-use plastics, whilst enjoying superb musical performances.”

“We have more time to plan the event now to make it a really fantastic family fun day out, however in order for us to do this we require the funds to do so. Please consider supporting this superb event aimed at helping the Chesterfield community to reduce single-use plastics.”

Businesses wishing to sponsor or get involved with the festival should get in touch at theplasticfreefestival@gmail.com.

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

More than 100 new jobs on the way at Markham Vale

Sustainable packaging firm Smurfit Kappa and home furnishings company Gallery Direct are the latest businesses to get keys to new premises at Derbyshire County Council’s and HBD’s flagship regeneration site, Markham Vale.

Founded in 1934, international paper-based packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa is set to create up to 20 new jobs with their expansion to another unit on the site where they have been based for 6 years.The eco-friendly company sources almost all their raw materials from their own paper mills and their products are 100% renewable and produced sustainably helping customers reduce their environmental footprint.The firm’s new base will be used for warehouse and distribution across the UK.

Mark Hawkins, General Manager at Smurfit Kappa said: “We moved into a new state of the art purpose-built site back in 2015 as one of the first occupants on the Markham Vale development.

“Since then the site has grown to a turnover of over £40 million and recruited over 65 people locally, due to the growth of the site and Smurfit Kappa’s own expansion in the UK we now require a purpose built distribution centre which the new building gives us, being perfectly located next to junction 29A of the M1.

“This new venture will create further jobs for the area and give people a great career opportunity working within Smurfit Kappa.”

Craig Handley, Customer Service and Logistics Director at Smurfit Kappa said: “With over 12,500 pallet spaces, the new Markham Vale North distribution facility will complement our existing production units in both Markham Vale and Chesterfield offering both excellent just in time customer deliveries.

“The unit is positioned ideally near the motorway access allowing the distribution of goods for our customers in the far north and south. We are undertaking an employment drive from within the local community for warehouse FLT drivers who will be using state of the art new VNA trucks.”

Established in 1973, family-run business, Gallery Direct is a leading British based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of furniture, home decor and accessories.

The company’s new northern base is set to create up to 90 new jobs and will be used for packing, warehousing, and a distribution hub with space to expand further for a new state-of-the-art showroom.

Peter Delaney, managing director at The Gallery Direct Group said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have secured this prestigious facility in an amazing northern location. The fact is that this new property, combined with our southern warehouse and head office, improves further our distribution and operational capacity.

“We will be able to serve 96% of our clients’ requirements with one day delivery times, utilising our own home distribution fleet.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Gallery Direct to Markham Vale and see the expansion of Smurfit Kappa.

“Our central location makes Markham Vale an ideal distribution base for companies looking to cut their mileage and reduce their carbon footprint as well as meet needs of their clients more quickly.

“Smurfit Kappa’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns with our own ambitions for attracting cleaner, greener growth.

“And we’re pleased that we’ve been able to come up with the goods for Gallery Direct which will soon be serving customers in the north of the country from Derbyshire instead of down south.

“The fact that between them they bring 110 new jobs is excellent news for the local economy too.”

Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments said:  “The rapid take-up of the Orion units is testament to the quality of the buildings developed and Markham Vale’s well-established reputation as premium business location.

“As a longstanding development partner of Derbyshire County Council, HBD are delighted to have delivered the units and we look forward to developing future ‘best in class’ accommodation for businesses and employees to thrive at Markham Vale.”

Both companies will be based in units owned by private sector property developers, Aver Property Partnership Limited, a joint venture between Ergo and NFU Mutual.

Leigh Burnett, asset manager, Ergo Real Estate said:  “Smurfit Kappa joins National Lighting who took occupation of Orion One in August and it is fantastic to have 2 such high calibre tenants taking these units. The Orion development is now fully let within 6 months of practical completion and is testament to the quality specification of the buildings and strategic location.”

Find out more about investing in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

NHS recruitment event to take place in Chesterfield in the new year

A recruitment event is set to take place in the new year, showcasing the opportunities available within the NHS across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Healthcare is a specialist provider of children’s, learning disability, substance misuse and mental health services – across community, inpatient and other settings. The Trust is actively looking to recruit Band 5 and 6 registered mental health and learning disability nurses, as well as occupational therapists.

To assist with this a series of recruitment events around the county are being planned, with the first one taking place from 10.00am-3.00pm on 15 January in Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium. There will be staff available to chat to about working for the Trust and the opportunities that are available. To make the recruitment process more effective and efficient, applications will be handled on the day, with interviews and conditional offers being made at the same time.

The Trust employs more than 2,800 staff providing services from several community and inpatient settings across the whole of Derbyshire. Across the county and the city, it serves a combined population of approximately one million people.  The Trust is looking for enthusiastic, talented and compassionate qualified staff to provide quality children’s, mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services to the people of Derbyshire.

The Trust is positive about making a difference to the people who use its services and we can offer a great career. It is also growing – with lots of local investment in services and new services being developed, offering lots of opportunities to colleagues.  There are also some innovative progression schemes, such as a Band 5 to Band 6 progression scheme for inpatient nurses.

The first in a series of recruitment events will take place on Saturday 15 January at the Technique Stadium in Chesterfield, focusing on opportunities in our acute and community mental health teams for nursing and occupational therapy colleagues.

If you are interest in attending the event, which will run from 10.00am – 3.00pm, you can register your interest by contacting the team at: DCHST.peopleresourceteam@nhs.net

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West Studios marks landmark anniversary for tenant Junction Arts with Christmas giving tree

This year, to celebrate West Studios tenant and charity, Junction Arts 45th Anniversary, West Studios are hosting their first Christmas Giving Tree celebrating the work they have done across North East Derbyshire, Bolsover district and Chesterfield.

Junction Arts is a community arts charity embedded within communities facing social barriers such as poverty, poor mental health and isolation. They work across the community in care homes, schools, youth clubs and directly with families offering opportunities to be creative, learn new skills and create lasting and supportive friendships. Best known for their events Tapton Lock Festival and Bolsover Lantern Parade, the charity is also hosting Chesterfield’s first lantern parade on the 19th December.

West Studios is supporting Junction Arts campaign to raise £3000 this Christmas to go towards new projects and events to celebrate what matters most to communities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Joby Parsons, Events & Sales Coordinator, West Studios said: “Junction Arts are a fantastic organisation that uses the arts to bring communities together and help our most isolated and vulnerable. Their values align closely with those of West Studios which is why our community believes it’s so important to give them support, especially at Christmas when those isolated and vulnerable individuals are at more risk.”

Hannah Bowdler, Relationship Fundraiser at Junction Arts commented: “Through the generous support of individuals, local businesses and our incredible volunteers, Junction Arts has been able to carry our aim of bringing our communities back together safely and confidently in 2021! The support of the West Studios Giving Tree signifies our plans to continue vital creative activities which empower lives and create strong and supportive friendships within our communities.”

To support Junction Arts, West Studios is welcoming people to visit the Gallery Shop reception to see the tree, donate and find out more about the charity.  You can also donate directly through Junction Arts online giving page:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/18702#!/DonationDetails

Donations will support local creative workshops giving isolated and vulnerable older people the chance to reconnect with their community; help the charity to create events that give young families the space and time to make magical memories together; and offer opportunities for young people to learn new skills, building their confidence to reach new heights.

West Studios and Junction Arts support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Print Digital Media invests in huge new printer

Chesterfield-based printing company, Print Digital Media has made a significant investment, with the firm investing in equipment which will enable it to print 400,000 sheets per day.

The new printing machine has several impressive features, including an innovative UV curing system which provides instant dry product and delivers shorter turnaround times. The new printer is also better for the environment and safer to use; it does not discharge ozone, does not use powder, is virtually odourless and uses 30% less electricity.

For over 40 years Print Digital Media has used knowledge and expertise, providing a bespoke range of products. The company specialises in brochures, catalogues, corporate stationery, packaging and event programmes. It prints roughly 20,000 football programmes every week for clubs across the UK, and closer to home it provides the pre-match programmes for Chesterfield FC & Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Check out a video of the new printer in action on the company’s Linkedin page:

Company Director, Richard Musgrove said: “Machines with this capacity don’t come cheap and it was a scary moment placing the order but there are so many benefits and as we recently extended our range into small box packaging, it gives us the capacity to double current volumes.

“With a commitment to total customer satisfaction, we are able to offer clients a wide variety of sustainable products, quickly and economically, through our comprehensive range of printing equipment and finishing options, partnered with a skilled and dedicated team.

“Unlike the online retail printers, we hold your hand through projects, complicated or not, delivering the perfect print project, from design concept right through to the finished item. We assist, so you portray the right image and help make the desired outcome a reality. Providing print samples and mock-ups, so you can touch and feel the finished article, before committing to print.”

To find out more about how Print Digital Media can help you with professional printing services, contact the team on 01246 454525 or email hello@printdigitalmedia.co.uk. More information is also available on the company’s website.

Print Digital Media supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Heathcotes opens new supported living in Chesterfield

Care provider, Heathcotes Group, has opened a new provision of independent supported living properties in Chesterfield for adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

The company’s Brendon House service features four self-contained apartments for individuals who are stepping down from a hospital or full-time residential care setting to improve their independent living skills.

Each property offers spacious accommodation with its own lounge, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. The two-storey building includes two apartments and communal space on each floor as well as separate space for an on-site team of around 10 support workers providing 24-hour care support when needed.

Heathcotes’ Director of Business Development, Natalia Lysiuk, said: “The opening of Brendon House is another step in the expansion of our enhanced supported living services, which we have developed to complement our full-time residential care provision. We have worked closely with Derbyshire County Council on this development, which has been a real success.

“For the people we support, the type of accommodation we offer at Brendon House represents the next stage in the care pathway towards full independence. It is also suitable for individuals who require a single-person service due to their complexity and inability to live with others.

“Brendon House follows our successful model for independent supported living, providing a homely environment which encourages and facilitates the development of daily living skills. The setting also naturally fosters a sense of community and social inclusion amongst residents, progressing hand-in-hand with their increasing independence.

“Our on-site team is available to assist whenever required and each resident has a designated support worker for ongoing support. Having established a range of supported living provision in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, we are now looking to significantly increase this type of service and accommodation in the East Midlands.”

With a head office in Chesterfield, Heathcotes Group has over 74 residential and supported living services nationwide. The company provides a range of specialist services supporting individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, Personality Disorder, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy.

Heathcotes Group supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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D2N2 LEP launches new Low Carbon Growth Fund

Small and medium-sized businesses, public sector organisations, and community groups developing low carbon projects across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire are being urged to apply for investment through the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s new Low Carbon Growth Fund.

The ground-breaking fund will invest £6.5 million in low carbon capital projects. They will create a pipeline of investable propositions that can be match funded to help our region meet high carbon dioxide output challenges and unclean industrial practices.

Through the funding, the D2N2 LEP aims to support a wide range of innovative low carbon projects from across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Successful projects must identify new and innovative ideas, and must be able to clearly demonstrate current or future carbon reduction, including carbon sequestration.

Projects awarded funding will be encouraged to support local supply chains, helping to create new jobs and must be able to start delivery in the 2022/23 financial year. Funding will be capped at £1.5 million of D2N2 funding per project to enable the pot to invest in numerous key strategic investments.

The fund will support national and regional policy, including HM Government’s “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener” and the “The Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.” Both set out ambitious targets for carbon reduction and incentivise investment in the public and private sector into green and carbon saving projects.

Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “The recent COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow highlighted the urgent need to take action now. The launch of our Low Carbon Growth Fund signals our region’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and support the growth of our green economy.

“Investing in low carbon capital projects will support the delivery of our Recovery and Growth Strategy and our strategic aim of delivering the UK’s largest carbon turnaround.”

Timelines

  • Expression of interest documentation publicised, and consultation process opened – 1st December 2021
  • Consultation for project sponsors to be closed – 12th January 2022
  • Submission deadline for all bids – 28th January 2022
  • Scoring process finalised – 11th February 2022
  • Projects informed of outcomes – 14th February 2022

An overview of the funding can be found here: Low Carbon Growth Fund | D2N2 (d2n2lep.org)

Should any potential project sponsor have a query about the call or any details relevant to this funding round then please contact Tom Goshawk at Tom.goshawk@d2n2lep.org or 07528398317. All questions and queries regarding this funding round must be made before the 12th of January 2022.

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Brand new virtual reality games centre opens in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s visitor offer has received another boost just in time for Christmas, with the opening of a new virtual reality gaming centre.

The fully immersive attraction, Chesterfield VR is the latest addition to the Chesterfield Games Quarter, which is building on the success of the recently-opened Chesterfield Escape Rooms and long-standing favourite, Geeks HQ.

The new Chesterfield VR attraction will be situated alongside the existing Games Quarter businesses in Soresby Street, and will include:

  • 4 state-of-the-art VR gaming stations, utilising HTC Vive Pro headsets and controllers
  • Wide selection of titles available to play each month (approximately 20) , such as Job Simulator, Pistol Whip, Richie’s Plank Experience, Superhot VR, Blade & Sorcery, and many more.
  • Multiplayer gaming available on selected titles: Rhythmatic, Loco Dojo, Synth Riders, Cloudlands VR Minigolf, and many more…
  • Two VR escape rooms, playable with upto 4 players: Racket: NX and FailSpace
  • Shootout and Race nights hosted on Wednesday and Friday nights respectively
  • Private hire available for birthday and Christmas parties, corporate events, socials, etc.

Players will not be restricted to playing one title per visit, they are able to play as many as they wish, in 30 or 60 minute timeslots. Games will also be changed around each month, refreshing the lesser-used titles. The centre will keep followers updated on the regular changes on its social media and email updates.

Manager of Chesterfield VR and Chesterfield Escape Rooms, Nick Hogan commented: “With having over 5000 players through our doors in the first 6 months of business, it gave the management team and I the confidence to invest further in the local economy.

“The vision was always to create a gaming quarter for all different types of gaming needs young and old. We are so excited to open the doors and welcome in the public and who knows, if the public continue to invest their time in the Games Quarter, there might me one or two further things in the pipeline!

“We focused on two things when creating the escape rooms, the playability of the game and customer service. Feedback has been so positive that we have gone into the top 10 UK Escape Rooms as ranked by Trip Advisor and are the only newly established Escape Room in the top 10.”

Bookings are available via the website (www.chesterfieldvr.co.uk), in-store or over the phone: 01246 60 70 02

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Energy Summit finds huge opportunity for East Midlands to develop new supply chains in low-carbon economy

The Midlands should seek to become a hotbed for emerging supply chains in the low-carbon economy, while end users must be front and centre of our new energy systems.

These were two of the key findings at the Midlands Energy Summit, held by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with the University of Nottingham earlier this week.

Reflecting on the outcomes of COP26 and wider trends in the energy industry, including continuing price increases, it featured keynote speeches and discussions involving companies such as Siemens Energy, Cavendish Nuclear and Consultus International Group.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “What is becoming increasingly apparent is the huge scale of the challenge we face globally, and how a shift in mindset is required now to address this because we need to travel further, faster.

“Rather than this being a daunting prospect though, there are equally significant opportunities at a localised level, particularly in supply chains. The East Midlands, with our energy-intensive manufacturing heritage and world-leading universities, is already at the cutting edge of many future technologies that will guide the energy transition. We now want SMEs to understand that they have a key role to play in the emerging supply chains being built in our region.

“Beyond supply chains, new industries will grow in the space between existing ones. We need to be ready to take advantage of this, while also recognising that taking a user-centric approach is key to bringing people along with us on this journey – viewing our energy consumers as part of the solution, rather than a barrier to change.”

The Midlands Energy Summit, held online on Tuesday (30 November), featured a keynote speech from University of Nottingham vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West. She explained how its Energy Institute is addressing three key societal challenges – energy generation and management, transport and mobility, and communities and the built environment – via a series of sustainable energy research projects.

She said: “Energy is absolutely vital for our survival but our existing energy systems present an existential threat.

“In COP26, we saw a lot about the interconnections between energy and climate change. The transition to net zero relies on a deep thinking for our energy system – not just the technologies we use but our expectations and behaviours.”

There were also presentations about the Midlands Engine’s Ten Point Plan for Green Growth in the Midlands Engine and its work in developing hydrogen technologies, as well as a talk by Cavendish Nuclear’s Michael Dunnett on the growing importance of small modular reactors in making nuclear energy supplies more flexible for industry.

Steve Atkins, head of global trades at Leicester-based energy consultancy Consultus International Group, explained about how a cold winter could cause another spike in gas prices due to relatively low resources, while more investment in zero-carbon energy infrastructure was key to unlocking subsidy-free renewables in the future.

Stephen Scrimshaw, vice-president of Siemens Energy UK & Ireland, focused on how Britain should adopt a “twin track approach” to developing blue and green hydrogen – and, just as importantly, the infrastructure behind it – as part of its net zero strategy.

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