About Chesterfield

Great Bear Distribution get the keys to new base at Markham

28th July 2016

Great Bear Distribution is the latest and largest business to get keys to new premises at the regions flagship regeneration site leading the way for up to 400 new jobs.

The firm’s new 480,000 square feet distribution centre has taken eight months to build and is made up of enough concrete to fill 11 average size houses and enough steel to stretch 1,000 metres above Mount Everest.

Now work to kit out the inside of the building will begin and the official opening at the site located off junction 29A of the M1 motorway is expected to be in December this year.

Established in 1994, the Chester-based firm operates in 30 locations nationwide providing warehousing and distribution for clients such as PZ Cussons, BMW, and Unilever.

Glenn Lindfield, CEO of Great Bear Distribution, said:

“We are extremely pleased with how quickly Henry Boot Developments and Bowmer & Kirkland have been able to deliver our new 480,000 square feet distribution facility at Markham Vale.

“The bespoke unit will add a significant amount of additional capacity to the Great Bear network and with the immediate access to the UK motorway system, Markham Vale will provide us with an advantage to servicing our clients up and down the country.”

Heage-based construction firm Bowmer & Kirkland was awarded a £16.2m contract to oversee the project by Henry Boot Developments.

Councillor Anne Western, Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget at the Derbyshire County Council, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Great Bear Distribution to Markham’s growing network of businesses and pleased they chose the site for their expansion which is set to create up to 400 new jobs.

“Markham provides great opportunities for small, medium and large businesses to expand or relocate so please get in touch to find out what’s available for your company.”

Existing occupiers at Markham Vale include Meter Provida, inspirepac, Gould Alloys, AW Repair Group, MSE Hiller, Squadron Medical, Industrial Ancillaries, Andrew Page, Holdsworth Foods and Ready Egg Products.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“We are extremely pleased to announce the completion of our largest unit on Markham Vale.

“This unit will become Great Bear’s flagship distribution centre in the UK and will act as a vital hub within the company’s portfolio.

“Markham Vale has become a well-established and successful development. It is a central UK distribution hub and Great Bear are an excellent addition to its occupiers.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Business must be the focus of Brexit talks

28th July 2016

Brexit negotiations must focus on getting the best possible deal for UK business, according to bosses.

In the five weeks since the historic vote, East Midlands Chamber and British Chambers of Commerce have canvassed opinions from company owners, directors and managers about what they want to see from Britain’s exit strategy.

The principles that businesses say must guide the negotiations can be broken down into five headings:

Trade

Businesses want to be consulted throughout the process to ensure the interests of smaller firms get the same recognition as the multinationals and to ensure the final agreement is bespoke to UK needs.
Business leaders want Government to make sure it works with non-EU countries to ensure transitional arrangements exist for immediately after the UK’s exit and that they are clearly communicated.
They also want a revitalised and expanded trade mission programme, with generous Government support, to boost exporter confidence and build links with key partners.

Labour

Businesses want immediate clarification on the post-exit residency rights of workers from other EU countries, clarity on the rules governing recruitment from other EU countries during exit negotiations and beyond and a future immigration policy that will allow businesses to continue to recruit from the EU with minimal bureaucracy, cost or barriers.

EU Funding

Maintaining UK access to the European Investment Bank is described as critical for major infrastructure and utilities projects, business maintain.
They also want immediate Treasury guarantees for all projects currently in hand but co-funded by the EU to 2020.

Regulation

EU regulation continues to be a bugbear of business but leaders have said they are keen to keep in place, at least in the short-term post-exit, any rules and regulation in which they have already invested time and money.
They are also calling for possible full incorporation into UK law of EU regulations – up to an agreed date – to avoid a piecemeal repeal which could lead to mass uncertainty.

Taxation and Custom

Business wants a clear transition period for complex indirect tax issues and say, for stability, it would be better to retain existing arrangements in the short-term and that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs must remain engaged in all EU-level policy discussions until the UK leaves the EU.
Businesses also want assurances that any changes to customs and border procedures will receive “top ministerial attention” with a particular focus on the potential impact on firms and consumers.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It is essential that, whatever the timetable, Government consults closely with business throughout the exit process to ensure that confidence is maintained at all times and UK plc is not compromised by its withdrawal from the EU.

“East Midlands Chamber is ready to work with British Chambers of Commerce and Government, to ensure the fullest possible consultation and to make sure the voice of business is not just heard but also leads on all matters during exit negotiations. Together, we can shape a great future for British business.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Entries are now open for the 2016 Business Awards

27th July 2016

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards return to Chesterfield this November 10. Nominations are now being taken for the awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce.

Entries can be submitted for any business within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. The awards span across a range of categories from Small Business of the Year to Customer Service Award, Retailer of the Year to the most sought after 2016 Business of the Year Award

Winners from last years awards include Custom Solar, Spire Recruitment, Banner Jones, Franke Sissons and Northern Tea Merchants who were crowned 2015 Business of the Year.

The high profile awards, sponsored by a range of Chesterfield business including BHP Chartered Accountants, The University of Derby, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Learning Unlimited and Mitchells Chartered Accountants, offer organisations a platform to celebrate their success whilst providing an opportunity raise their profile and enhance their reputation.

More information and entry forms can be found by clicking here. Final entries must be made by September 12 and those shortlisted will be announced on October 27.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Mayor launches Ride to Rio

27th July 2016

Chesterfield’s mayor, Councillor Steve Brunt, has launched the Ride to Rio initiative at Chesterfield Borough Council’s sports centres.

Users of Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley can take part in the virtual charity journey of 5,820 miles from Chesterfield to Rio costing £2 per person.

Entrants will be given a log diary to add their distance each time they visit and this can be cycling (spinning), running, swimming or simply walking. They will also be entered into a prize draw.

All proceeds will be donated to the mayor’s charities; the Macmillan Cancer Support Appeal for the new Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Accessible Derbyshire.

The new £8.9 million Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre will transform cancer services for people across North Derbyshire. The new centre is planned to be open at Chesterfield Royal Hospital by Autumn 2016.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre will combine the current outpatient chemotherapy and day unit services in one purpose-built centre The new chemotherapy suites will have the space and equipment to treat 25 people at one time, a marked improvement on the current oversubscribed capacity of 8.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Chesterfield manufacturer opens new factory

25th July 2016

Chesterfield manufacturer Krantech Holdings Ltd recently opened their new £2.1 million factory. The new building complements the company’s existing medium/heavy fabrication workshop.

Krantech employs 50 people and they were awarded a Regional Growth Fund grant from Sheffield City Region of £300K for the 10,000 square foot new CNC factory based at Colliery Close in Staveley, Chesterfield.

Formally opening the event, Mel Myronko CEO spoke of how the development will open up opportunities in new markets as well as supporting their existing in-house machining requirements.

Mel said “It’s been hard work and one of the largest financial commitments of my whole working life, but I’m ecstatic to finally see the hard work and persistence pays off”.

Martin Wright, Director of Supply Chain at OneSubsea who formally opened the facility said “It is truly an honour to open Krantech’s new CNC facility which will clearly enhance their capabilities and support our ongoing relationship.

Year 9 and 10 students from The Bolsover School attended the opening to learn about manufacturing. Mrs Crossley from The Bolsover School said “It is a great opportunity for the students to learn more about the world of work and in particular engineering.”

Guests that attended the the official opening, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a tour of the new facility.

Images: Andrew Lyons Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Museum explores animals in Chesterfield’s past

25th July 2016

Visitors to Chesterfield Museum can find out more about animals with links to Chesterfield with a new exhibition that has recently opened.

The exhibition, named Chesterfield Menagerie, runs at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council attraction until Saturday 1 October.

A wide variety of objects ar eon display, including a horse’s head cast at Staveley Works, animal themed pottery made in Brampton and the royal coat of arms that was on display in the former Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court.

There are also a range of photographs, including elephants marching down Chatsworth Road when the circus came to town.

For younger visitors, there are activities including guess the animal sound in the sound wall or follow the animal paw print trail.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre and Visitor Economy, said:-

“Many of us love animals but we would be surprised how many of them have links to Chesterfield’s past.

“This exhibition is a fun way for young and old to learn how animals have featured in the borough’s history.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield

Celebrate sporting successes in Chesterfield through local awards

25th July 2016

Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Sport are appealing to athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers in Chesterfield to enter the Active Chesterfield Sports Awards this month.

Entries for the awards close on Monday August 1 – so those interested are urged to get their nominations in now. The awards also feed through to the Derby Telegraph Sports Awards – the countywide awards.

The Active Chesterfield Awards have 23 categories which range from Sportsman and Sportswoman to Club and Junior Team of the Year. Winners will be announced at the awards evening at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on September 29.

Isobel Ashley, who won Sportswoman of the Year at the 2015 Active Chesterfield Awards, said:-

“It’s nice to get the recognition, as people see the hard work that goes into training. Winning my award was a really proud moment.”

Posted in About Chesterfield

Bringing empty homes back into use

21st July 2016

Plans to bring empty homes back into use in Chesterfield have been adopted by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The council’s cabinet has approved the Private Sector Empty Homes Strategy 2016-2020, which outlines how the council aims to bring empty properties back into use.

There are currently 490 empty properties in Chesterfield with approximately 1,500 applications currently on the council’s housing waiting list.

Bringing these homes back into use will give opportunities for people currently on the waiting list to buy or rent their own homes.

It will also allow the council to receive funding from the Government through the New Homes Bonus and receive Council Tax income when the properties are occupied.

The council would always prefer to work informally with property owners to bring empty homes back into use; however, where these negotiations prove unsuccessful, the new strategy means the council can now consider measures such as compulsory purchase or enforced sale of the property in order to return the property back to use.

These interventions will only be considered where all other intervention has proved unsuccessful.

Councillor Tom Murphy, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said:-

“Empty homes are bad news for neighbours who often have to put up with vandalism and anti-social behaviour and can see value of their own property decrease.

“Leaving properties empty can also see a significant reduction in funds for the council, which can be used to improve the services we offer to our residents so it makes sense for everyone that we put plans in place to tackle the problem and bring these homes back into use.”

The new strategy takes into account changes in the housing market in Chesterfield over recent years.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

The Great British Sewing Bee comes to StraightCurves

19th July 2016

In August, Tracey Symonds, a semi-finalist in The Great British Sewing Bee 2016, will officially join the team at StraightCurves as a sewing tutor. The business delivers arts and crafts education to all ages at their premises in Saltergate and can’t wait to welcome the new addition to their team.

Tracey’s first course starts on August 8 and covers making pyjamas, with her first workshop running later in the summer making pattern weights. Tracey says:-

“Although I prefer using long flower pins on cotton fabric, for slippery and tricky fabrics, pattern weights are a must!”

Due to the increasing demand for more tutors, another new addition, Sara Laverick, has been added to the team. Sara, who used to teach at Chesterfield College, started teaching at StraightCurves in early 2016; her courses are proving very popular in both dressmaking and pattern cutting.

The business also recently celebrated their third birthday and a third Chesterfield Retail Award – it ‘seams’ three is the magic number for StraightCurves in 2016.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Shorts appoint Corporate Finance Director

19th July 2016

Shorts Chartered Accountants are this month delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Ames as the most recent member of their Corporate Finance team. Adam joins as Corporate Finance Director with many years’ experience working at a senior level in both industry and with a large independent accountancy firm.

Adam joins at a successful time for the department following the completion of four transactions in the last quarter. The most recent of these acting as lead advisors on the multi million pound disposal of Diamond Dispersions Limited to the $7 Billion turnover Lubrizol Corporation. The sale to a Berkshire Hathaway owned company, the investment vehicle of the world’s third richest man, Warren Buffet, representing another significant step in the continuing development of the Shorts Corporate Finance team.

Welcoming Adam, Partner Andy Ryder commented:-

“Adam brings experience through all market conditions which we feel will be invaluable in providing advice that you can trust in these less certain times. Adam has experience across all types of corporate finance projects and also in acting as a reliable sounding board for businesses on an ongoing basis as they monitor ongoing performance and consider significant strategic decisions.”

Adam added:-

“I am delighted to be joining Shorts and look forward to supporting the continuing growth of the firm and assisting clients across both the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire regions. Shorts is a highly regarded independent practice who are clearly focused on meeting all aspects of their clients’ needs. I am looking forward to being instrumental in the future development of the firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

‘Come and try’ Special Olympics event set for Chesterfield

19th July 2016

Special Olympics Derbyshire is hosting a ‘come and try’ event at Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield for people with learning disabilities.

The event on Sunday July 31 welcomes participants, along with their families, friends and carers, to have a go at basketball, boccia, golf and football – all for free.

Information will be on hand so that people can find out where and when they can play a range of different sports in their local area, as well as opportunities further afield in Derbyshire.

The Special Olympics movement is worldwide and provides people with learning disabilities the opportunity to train on a regular basis and compete at a county, regional, national and even international level.

Special Olympics athlete, Matthew Dalley, from Alvaston, is encouraging others to take part in the event:-

“I would like to see more people giving it a go. It is a great opportunity to see what Special Olympics is all about and we are excited to see you there.

“I have represented Special Olympics East Midlands Equestrian for two of the Special Olympics Great Britain National Games; I won two golds and a silver Medal in 2013, which is one of my greatest achievements.”

Jacob Meaton, Special Olympics Derbyshire Basketball coach, is also looking forward to the event. He said:-

“It is the perfect opportunity for anyone to come and try a number of sports and find out about opportunities to play, officiate, coach, volunteer, or support Special Olympic Sport.”

During the summer of 2017, Special Olympics Great Britain are holding the National Games in nearby Sheffield, at which athletes from across the country, including Derbyshire, will compete in the largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Posted in About Chesterfield