Business

£570 million regeneration programme currently taking place across Derbyshire

It has been revealed that more than £570 million worth of regeneration is currently taking place across Derbyshire, with a large proportion taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

The figure was revealed recently by Derbyshire County Council as cabinet members were updated on the progress of various regeneration projects happening in our county.

More than 50 major projects are included in the programme, initiated either by the County Council, by the government or by district or borough councils.

Project currently underway in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include:

Hollis Lane Link Road phase 1 (£10.8 million)

Construction of new road into Chesterfield Station as part of the Chesterfield Station Master Plan. A planning application has been submitted and if approved the project will be funded jointly through government’s Local Growth Fund (£3.8 million) and £7 million from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.

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Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route (£125 million)

Reclamation works and construction of a 3.7 mile road connecting Chesterfield with Staveley, opening up land for jobs and housing. Outline business case for funding due to be submitted to government at the end of summer 2022 requesting £106 million to help fund the project with a further £19 million expected to be contributed by local public and private sector partners.

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Staveley Town Deal Investment Plan (£25 million)

Being delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council and funded by the government’s Town Deal. Derbyshire County Council is involved in 3 projects as part of the plan: new commercial/retail/leisure facilities at Staveley Basin and town centre improvements including support for the Wheels to Work scheme, plus work towards the potential reopening of the Barrow Hill rail line.

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Connecting Chesterfield (£20 million)

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading this project to improve the town centre using Levelling Up funding from government with support from Derbyshrie County Council.

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Cabinet Member for Infrastructure at Derbyshire County Council, Cllr Carolyn Renwick, said: “This regeneration programme demonstrates good growth in Derbyshire with major regeneration projects across the county to support job creation and keep Derbyshire moving.

“These projects follow the successful completion of a £13 million county council-led scheme to build a new road linking Woodville and Swadlincote, cutting congestion and unlocking employment land.

“We’re proud to be a driving force for regeneration and levelling up in Derbyshire and welcome much-needed investment from government to improve our county’s economic prospects.”

To find out more about the wide range of regeneration projects taking place across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

Details of Chesterfield’s rapid regeneration will also be outlined at the upcoming Chesterfield Investment Summit this September. Find out more and book your place at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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Ambitious civic plans for Derbyshire set out by University

A Civic University Agreement, developed by the University of Derby, has been launched in partnership with 15 other organisations from across the city and county.

The Agreement, created following extensive consultation, clearly articulates the long-term civic ambitions of the University, and how it intends to work with these 15 signatories to drive forward the local recovery and regeneration of Derby and Derbyshire, helping to channel aspirations, support local communities, share knowledge and enhance the area’s overall offer and vibrancy.

It focuses on five core goals, designed to make a positive impact on the people, communities, organisations and businesses within Derby and Derbyshire:

  • Secure our future
  • Drive ambition and positive change
  • Make a positive environmental impact
  • Support health and wellbeing
  • Invest in culture as a driver for change

During the event, each goal was brought to life through a civic showcase, highlighting the breadth of projects and initiatives underway. These included presentations on:

  • Apprenticeships and skills – the positive impact University of Derby civil engineering apprentices are having on Greenhatch group, a Geospatial surveys firm
  • Raising aspirations – how a Year 12 student from the Bemrose School is now considering applying to Oxbridge thanks to her involvement in the Derby Scholars Programme, a partnership between the University of Derby, Corpus Christi College at the University of Oxford and Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge
  • Green travel – DerbyGo, a green mobility app being developed as part of a partnership between the University, Derby City Council and Kinto, Toyota’s mobility brand
  • ‘SHEDding light on long-Covid’ – a collaboration between scientific and artistic researchers at the University that will see the University’s S.H.E.D tour the country to explore the challenges affecting people suffering from long-Covid
  • Retro Feva 80’s – a DerbyCAN commissioned music jukebox show inspired by Top of the Pop’s 80’s featuring a community cast of local performers.

Commenting on its launch, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby has always been civic – educating, innovating, creating, making, and inspiring, but this is the first time we have explicitly set out our civic intentions and articulated the overall impact made by the University and its staff and students.

“Through our Civic University Agreement, we are making a clear statement of intent as to how we will approach our civic role moving forward. However, the ambitions we have set out need support from others if we are to achieve them and I am overwhelmed by the positive response from the organisations we approached to be signatories and who will be alongside us on this important journey.”

The development of Civic University Agreements was a key recommendation in a report published in 2019 by the Civic University Commission set up by the UPP Foundation and chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service, Lord Kerslake.

The report sets out how universities like Derby have the capability, opportunity and responsibility to support the places where they are based to solve some of their most pressing and major problems. These issues range from helping local businesses adapt to technological change, to boosting the health of local people, improving education for school pupils and adult learners, and training and developing new civic leaders in every field from politics to the arts.

The report aims to help universities build on the excellent work that many of them are already carrying out in these areas, working alongside councils, employers, cultural institutions, schools and further education colleges.

The signatories of the Civic University Agreement are:

University of Derby, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, East Midlands Chamber,  Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Voluntary Action, Derbyshire County Council, DHU Healthcare, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust,  Derby City Council,  Derby Cathedral,  Derby’s Cultural Education Partnership, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and High Peak Borough Council.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “This Civic University Agreement demonstrates the leading role in transforming place, stimulating economic growth and providing skills for the future that the University of Derby will take to contribute to the long-term economic prosperity aspirations that exist in Derby and Derbyshire.

“This agreement and its resulting future activities, initiatives and programmes will have a significant positive impact on society by supporting the aspirations of all our local communities in the city and the county and retain our future business leaders right here.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Civic University Agreement is a clear sign that partners remain committed to improving social mobility and driving forward innovation and the economic prosperity of our city and county. We are proud members of the Derby Opportunity Area Board, a key part of the civic agenda, and the leadership shown by Professor Kathryn Mitchell and the support from the University of Derby team has been fundamental to improving the life-chances of many young people within our communities.”

Jacqui Willis, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Voluntary Action, said: “Amplifying the voices of communities has never been so important. The opportunities that Community Chesterfield, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s partnership with the University of Derby, has created for students to enhance their studies has been incredible and impactful. We are thrilled and excited to support the Civic University Agreement”

University of Derby, D2N2 LEP, East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Voluntary Action 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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Chatsworth opens new dining experience in North Derbyshire

Chatsworth has announced the opening of a new daytime dining offer, located at the Peak Shopping Village in Derbyshire.

An original oak table from the Victorian kitchen at Chatsworth takes centre stage in the contemporary daytime dining offer opening in the village of Rowsley, on the edge of the Peak District.

Located within the retail and leisure offering at Peak Village, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates quality, seasonal dishes sourced from the estate and a community of farmers, producers and makers from across the Derbyshire Dales.

With a bespoke interior featuring hundreds of items from the stores and kitchens at Chatsworth, the new food and retail concept provides a relaxed and welcoming place to enjoy delicious, fresh food selected daily from the estate’s farms and gardens.

The launch menu showcases the best of local produce from Chatsworth Gin cured salmon with capers and sherry vinegar shallots, to marinated estate beef with roasted cherry tomato and herb couscous, and Chatsworth lamb cutlets with fig, goats cheese and spinach salad. Deli plates offer a choice of flatbreads baked fresh in the bread oven or a seasonal baked tart and fresh salads while popular children’s dishes will be updated regularly.

The majority of the food is made on site, while the freshly baked pastries and dessert items will be created under the watchful eye of Chatsworth’s experienced pastry chef in the stables kitchen by the house.

Alongside the dining experience, a thoughtfully curated retail offer of more than 300 items of quality food, drink, kitchen and homewares is available.

Working closely with retail consultant Lady Burlington and the Chatsworth team, Sheffield based design agencies Whitehead Commercial and 93 have created an interior that effortlessly blends heritage artefacts with a modern and fresh approach.

Lady Burlington said: “We were inspired by the old kitchen at Chatsworth, and have brought a variety of pots, pans and artefacts from Chatsworth to the restaurant. Sustainability and authenticity have been central to this project; we have reused and repurposed items including chairs, doors and panelling, with many of the tables made from reclaimed flooring from the estate.

“Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates local produce, suppliers and makers, and we hope it will become a place for people to spend time together and enjoy great food, before exploring the many new shops opening at Peak Village.

“The Peak District has a wealth of wonderful produce and passionate, talented craftspeople, and we look forward to doing our part to support these businesses; from established names like David Mellor, who has provided stoneware and cutlery, to our candle maker in Barlow and young talents like potter Joe Heath working on the Chatsworth Estate.”

With indoor and outdoor seating, the Chatsworth Kitchen can seat 130 people, and is open from 9.30am – 5.00pm daily, seven days a week. The new venture has also seen the creation of several full-time jobs, as well as casual short-term work and opportunities for career progression for existing employees.

Chatsworth’s Head of Catering, Chris Bailey-Jones, said: “Food is at the heart of the Chatsworth Estate and therefore it should be no surprise that at Chatsworth Kitchen, estate reared and grown produce is celebrated in every dish.
“The menu looks to build on emerging food trends while never losing sight of the importance of local, seasonal and sustainable food that showcases Chatsworth, Derbyshire and indeed the wider country.

“The restaurant will give a distinctly Chatsworth twist to great service, being informal, fun and even a little quirky. All of this is helped along with a carefully crafted drinks list, looking to shine a light on local providers in a setting that is perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends or a family get together.”

With centuries of heritage in growing, harvesting, cooking and making, Chatsworth Kitchen builds on the estate’s past with an outlook to the future, supporting local producers, with a mindful approach to the environment and sustainability.

Chatsworth Kitchen is part of a long-term investment and development plan for Peak Village, which was purchased in 2021 by The Devonshire Group, the company that represents the interests of the Devonshire family at nearby Chatsworth. Aiming to offer something different from traditional high streets and shopping centres, and welcoming local businesses and national brands, Peak Village is on track to become one of Derbyshire’s leading retail and leisure destinations.

Chatsworth 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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ProAktive Insurance launches fundraising appeal for Ashgate Hospice

A local insurance company is raising funds and awareness for Ashgate Hospice, to help the local charity to continue providing vital palliative care to people in our area.

Senior Account Handler at ProAktive Insurance, Claire Thompson has launched the campaign to show her gratitude to the staff currently providing care for her father at the hospice.

To help with her fundraising efforts, Claire and the rest of the ProAktive team will be taking on the ‘Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge’ on Sunday, 21st August 2022. The team is aiming to complete the 25-mile trek in under 12 hours.

The company is looking to raise at least £1,000 for the charity, with more than half of that total raised already on their JustGiving page.

Claire commented: “I have chosen to support Ashgate Hospice as this charity is very close to my heart, I have promised my Dad, Steve Waddoups that I will raise money for them to say thank you for the amazing palliative care that they are providing for him, and for the support they are providing for my family and families like ours throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“I will be forever grateful for the care and support of every single one of the nurses, doctors and volunteers allowing my Dad to live out his final weeks in a safe, comfortable caring environment, helping him to keep his dignity and for nothing ever being too much trouble.

“As a business I feel it is vital to support the community and local people here in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, without the support charities like Ashgate Hospice may not exist.”

To find out more about the fundraising challenge and to donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/proaktive1

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

Claire Thompson, of ProAktive Insurance with family

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Plans submitted for a range of new leisure facilities in North Wingfield

Residents in North Wingfield could soon benefit from several new leisure facilities, with plans submitted to develop land off Williamthorpe Road.

Local developer, Inspire Design and Development is involved in the proposals, which include a pub, hotel, restaurant, wedding venue and nursery.

The proposal falls as part of one of the company’s existing projects in the area, a large development which already has outline approval for more than 500 houses between North Wingfield and Holmewood.

Inspire Design and Development’s role includes promoting the project, managing the design team and running the planning application. The plans will provide much needed leisure facilities in the area, particularly for local residents.

Calum Reford, Graduate Planner at Inspire Design and Development Ltd. commented: “The proposal seeks to create a bespoke character area to create a local landmark which will be in-keeping with the existing and future built environment.

“The development represents a significant social and economic benefit to the area and will deliver a hospitality offer, alongside supporting the new dwellings currently under construction.

“The proposals will also deliver employment opportunities for local people, providing access to a new career in a unique venue.

“This development can provide a statement building that frames the entrance to help establish a sense of place and provide a facility that the area can be genuinely proud of.”

The company has also stated that the design for the new leisure development is inspired by ‘traditional Derbyshire rural farm buildings’, with ‘a series of pitched roof pavilions and outdoor seating/eating areas with views towards Chesterfield and the Crooked Spire church.

Based in nearby Clay Cross, Inspire Design and Development has extensive experience in the planning, design and delivery of development projects.

Having successfully delivered high quality planning approvals, the firm ensures that each of the projects it undertakes is commercially robust, paving the way for excellent, efficient and exciting places for local people to live, work and play within their community.

The Senior Management team collectively has around 100 years of experience in the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

Inspire Design & Development Ltd. 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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Businesses called on to get involved with Made in Chesterfield 2022

Made in Chesterfield, the campaign designed to bring engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses together with schools and training providers, is returning in November and Destination Chesterfield is urging businesses to get involved.

The annual campaign, which will run from 7 November – 2 December now in its eighth year. It has already introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the wide range of careers available in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

With the skills shortage in the STEM sector becoming an even bigger issue for businesses, Made in Chesterfield 2022 aims to inspire a new generation of employees to join the sector.

Since the campaign’s inception, more than 3,500 young people from schools have spent time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses and Chesterfield College has seen an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects. Now, following its success, the campaign is welcoming businesses in the property and construction sector to take part.

Sponsored by The Chesterfield College Group, Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

The organisation of Made in Chesterfield is financially supported by the D2N2 Derbyshire North Careers Hub as part of their regional Open Doors programme.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “There’s a huge skills gap and an ageing workforce issue within the engineering, manufacturing, property and construction sectors. Made in Chesterfield is helping local businesses take those all-important steps needed to inspire the next generation and build a strong recruitment pipeline for future growth and stability.

“The workplace tours, which are organised as part of Made in Chesterfield, are a fantastic way to introduce your business to young people who are at school and college now, showing them the number of high-quality career opportunities available on their doorstep.”

Julie Richards, Principle and CEO of Chesterfield College Group commented: “’We’re delighted to continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. The growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally is something we have mirrored in our curriculum and facilities with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Our commitment to the next generation of local workforce is to inspire them and equip them with the skills and experience that sets them up for a successful career in industry. A large part of that relies on the involvement of local employers to provide vital opportunities such as industry placements, work experience, site visits, guest lectures and apprenticeships to help a young person experience an industry. As such, we certainly encourage those businesses not already engaged with Made in Chesterfield to get involved and help to generate the next generation of local workforce.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “DEBP looks forward to continuing in our role with Made in Chesterfield. We will be delighted to support businesses in providing fantastic visits for learners; enabling young people to engage with inspirational employers and learn about the amazing employment opportunities on offer locally.”

As well as the workplace tours during Made in Chesterfield, schools can access a range of careers videos and tours of Chesterfield businesses to allow young people to experience the tours, activities and careers information they would receive in person, virtually. Alongside this, young people can access the Myfuture Virtual Careers Exhibition, where they can meet local employers, learn about exciting employment opportunities and much more.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar, commented on the importance of developing the workforce of the future: “With an eye on future workforce needs, regularly inviting school children to the foundry through the Made in Chesterfield initiative plays an important part in our recruitment.

Destination Chesterfield is hosting a Made in Chesterfield business drop-in session for those businesses that wish to learn more about the campaign, with a representative from United Cast Bar attending to discuss their experiences and answer any questions. The session will be taking place at United Cast Bar in Chesterfield and will run from 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Thursday 14 July.

If you’re a local manufacturing, engineering, property or construction business that would like to find out more about Made in Chesterfield, please visit the website and register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-chesterfield-business-drop-in-session-tickets-366705314467

To find out more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contact Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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Chesterfield’s White Rose Beauty Colleges collaborates with local fitness firm

A Chesterfield health and beauty training provider has been working alongside a fellow Derbyshire-based company to provide CPD Accredited Training.

White Rose Beauty Colleges is teaming up with the personal trainers at Bakewell company Eley Fitness, giving staff and introductory course into Zone Therapy, Body Massage, Nutrition and Aromatherapy which will support their continuous Professional Development. The team will have completed their course within the space of just six weeks.

Eley Fitness has been helping their members fitness and well-being for 7 years and first started with husband-and-wife team Ed and Torie Eley. They are a family run Personal Training and group class Studio based in Bakewell near the Monsal Trail.

Ed and Torie Commented ‘We believe strongly in working with local businesses as we all support each other and it’s been a tough couple of years for all of us, with small businesses being hit the hardest of all.”

“We are extremely excited to begin the CPD Health and Wellbeing Course with White Rose Beauty College Chesterfield as they have been so friendly and informative from the beginning.  What we will learn from this Course will only offer our members more in terms of knowledge and skills from body massage to reflexology and we can’t wait to add these to our services at Eley Fitness”.

Jules Slack, Corporate Ambassador for White Rose Beauty Colleges went on to explain: “We plan to continue to work in collaboration with Eley Fitness by offering their staff additional training in Sports Massage.”

“Team Chesterfield can provide bespoke training tailored to meet the needs of the individual businesses in Derbyshire and the surrounding community, providing individuals the opportunity to upskill or enhance their current skills.”

For more information on fully funded CPD Bespoke Training Courses, email jules.slack@whiterosebeautycolleges.co.uk or Tel: 07928467941.

White Rose Beauty Colleges supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

White Rose Beauty College 873x466

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BRM Solicitors advises on £83 million apartment development

Regional law firm BRM, which has a base in Chesterfield has advised on acquisition, pre-let, and development funding for an £83m apartment development in East London.

Reinforcing its position as one of the largest real estate teams in the region, this deal takes the total value of BRM’s Real Estate development deals over the last three years to over £300 million.

In this recent deal Head of Real Estate Adrian Sheehan and the specialist team of Sarah Rowland (Construction) and Chris Hey (Real Estate) advised R Blue Regen HQ Limited on a brownfield industrial site for apartment development. The firm’s support included site identification, through acquisition, pre-let, and development funding. BRM continue to advise in the £83 million development as construction commences.

Adrian Sheehan said: “This has been a fantastic project to work on, bringing this site from identification and acquisition, to pre-let, development funding and construction.

“I was ably supported by the BRM Real Estate and Construction teams in advising our client, settling all necessary documentation and our dealings with the Fund and Tenant in general.

“This forms one of the multiple sites that we have advised on for local and national developers that are in construction and others which are coming toward fruition.

“Having already completed a high number of deals in the previous 12 months, the team headed by Sheehan is predicting another strong year for the Real Estate team.

“We haven’t seen a drop in transactions, the market has remained confident, the firm’s regional and national client development portfolio has grown significantly in the past 3 years, and we are now acting on potential developments of increasing size and value”

The property team at BRM advises on all aspects of property management and transactions, including portfolio management, finance, and development with specialisms in hospitality, commercial and residential developments.

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

BRM Solicitors Adrian Sheehan Chesterfield Champion

 

 

 

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Pomegranate Theatre set to close for multi-million-pound refurbishment of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to temporarily close its doors later this month in preparation for a multi-million-pound renovation project that will create an enhanced and improved customer experience.

The theatre will close on Sunday 26 June before planned refurbishment works start on Stephenson Memorial Hall.

A series of community led events have been arranged ahead of the temporary closure.  These performances include, An Afternoon of Song and Dance organised by the Chesterfield Theatre Friends on 19 June and local ladies choir, the Honey Belles, on Saturday 25 June. The Heights Ballet & Theatre School will present Peter Pan on Sunday 26 June before the curtains close ahead of the renovation project.

Ian Waller, Chesterfield Borough Council’s service director – leisure, culture and community wellbeing, said: “Stephenson Memorial Hall is a landmark in our town and our ambitious plans are set to make it even more memorable and enjoyable – creating a modern visitor experience in the heart of our town.

“Colleagues have been working to carefully move all of the treasured items from the Museum into secure storage. Now this is nearing completion, we are now in a position to close the Pomegranate Theatre and move many of our shows into the Winding Wheel while the transformation of the building is carried out.”

Residents and visitors to the borough will still be able to enjoy a trip to the theatre as lots of popular shows will be moving across to the Winding Wheel during the refurbishment, including the annual pantomime which you can purchase tickets for on the Chesterfield Theatres website: https://chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/

Under the plans the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall will bring together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The work will also protect the Grade 2 listed building and ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.

Creating a more accessible experience is another key aim of the proposals. The plans include three new lifts which will enable visitors, staff and artists with mobility difficulties to access all parts of the building including the circle seating area and upper museum floors.

Also included in the plans are improvements to lighting, heating, and ventilation.

The project is projected to cost around £17.5 million with £11 million of funding being secured via the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project received a further funding boost with £695,000 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme which will be used to install a ventilation system in the Pomegranate Theatre auditorium and create a new Changing Places toilet.

Chesterfield Borough Council has received almost £20 million through the Governments Levelling Up fund, the other £8 million will be used to support and enhance the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

Together this funding will help maintain Chesterfield as a vibrant market town by improving connections across the town centre and enhancing the visitor economy.

Find out more about the proposals for the Stephenson Memorial Hall on the Chesterfield Borough Council website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/revitalising-the-heart-of-chesterfield/stephenson-memorial-hall-development

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Success for undergraduates completing placement at Mitchells Chartered Accountants

A pair of undergraduates are set to take up permanent roles at Chesterfield’s Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, following a successful placement year working with the firm.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers have long been an Apprenticeship Ambassador, helping to promote Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town and raising awareness of apprenticeships and their benefits to strengthen the workforce of the local economy.

Some years ago, Mitchells put in place various strategies to ensure the development of a staff pipeline. Bringing in talented and dedicated people through apprenticeships and yearlong undergraduate placements is a vital element to their sustainable model for the future.

From the moment their training begins, everyone is assigned a mentor who monitors and supports their professional and personal development. They offer a comprehensive, fully supervised, structured training programme which is supported and closely monitored by a leading firm of external tutors. Training consists of a combination of courses at the tutors’ offices, private study and regular tests, as well as on-the-job training. Paid study leave is granted and course and examination fees are paid.

Alongside this, they have the support of Mitchells’ partners and senior staff, all ready and willing to offer guidance and advice at every stage of their journey towards becoming a Chartered Accountant or Chartered Tax Adviser. The openness and friendly nature of all the staff makes it easy to speak up and ask for assistance whenever needed.

Melissa Grafton (pictured right) and Hannah Longton (pictured below) are undergraduates in Accounting and Finance. Melissa studying at University of Lincoln and Hannah studying at Sheffield Hallam University. They have both just completed their year’s placement at Mitchells.  This is what they had to say about their experience:

“Applying for a placement is a very daunting thought, after being in full time education for the past 20 years, the idea of writing up a CV and applying felt very overwhelming but this couldn’t have been put more at ease when we applied to Mitchells. The application process at Mitchells gave us both a great idea of what it would be like to work here with having an interview with both our line manager and a partner at the firm. This showed us how hands on our superiors are with new workers and what our work environment would be like.

“From the moment we started working at Mitchells we were given the space and jobs to help us develop as people both academically and personally. Some of the many personal skills we have developed include confidence, communication, and time management. Working in a corporate environment has greatly improved our time management skills as we have had to ensure we complete jobs on time in order of importance. We both believe our confidence and communication have developed hand in hand as Mitchells have always provided an environment to ask for help off colleagues and superiors to ensure that we are learning and developing on each job and never struggling.

“From spending the year at Mitchells, we can see exactly how transferrable the skills we have gained are to our final year at University. At University it can sometimes be hard to comprehend how theory is used in practise, but from working in different sectors and different clients. We have expanded our commercial awareness and our ability to retain and relate our knowledge. We have both felt our Excel skills have been greatly enhanced from being able to work on special and innovative projects within Mitchells.

“We have not only gained in skills and experience but have also gained an inclusive social work team. Every month our colleagues have made effort to include us and feel welcomed into the workspace by having monthly events such as escape rooms, and meals out. This has helped settle and ease our worries of joining the world of full-time employment. It has also helped us develop good working relationships.

“We couldn’t recommend completing a placement year at Mitchells enough, we have even had the lucky offer of being invited back. Which we have gladly accepted as we know that the Mitchells working environment will give us all the support as we study and work towards our ACA qualification to become a Chartered Accountant.”

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells said: “Throughout the year that both Melissa and Hannah have spent with us, they have consistently exceeded all expectations. The whole team at Mitchells wishes them all the best in the final year of their degrees and look forward to welcoming them back in 2023 as permanent colleagues.”

Dan Plumley, Principal Lecturer and Recruitment Lead for the department of Finance, Accounting and Business Systems at Sheffield Hallam University commented “Mitchells provide an excellent placement scheme for Sheffield Hallam Students and the fact that they then go on to secure full time work with Mitchells after they graduate is testament to the impression they make whilst on placement. This is exactly what placement years are all about for both the students and the employers as it gives them a chance of guaranteeing employment before they have even finished studying with us. We are delighted to work with Mitchells to offer students such great opportunities and experience and are always on the lookout for other local employers that would like to do the same.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers 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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Essential Site Skills retains place on government register of apprenticeship training providers

Chesterfield’s Essential Site Skills has successfully retained a place on the UK Government’s Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP).

Apprenticeships thrive in businesses with strong learning cultures; they provide a fantastic platform for developing employees, enabling organisations and businesses to grow a skilled workforce who can take on responsibility and act with greater independence.

Providing an equal opportunity for employees to participant in apprenticeship programmes will develop key management skills that they can apply directly into real work-related environments, projects, and tasks while they learn, increasing a manager’s ability to delegate work with confidence.

Essential Site Skills believes the future of businesses requires the responsibility to learn and the responsibility to teach. Apprenticeships, provide the principal building blocks for a culture of learning, they develop careers, keeping employees loyal and more engaged in their work.

Giving individuals the opportunity to combining a qualification with their job through a 12–18-month ‘work-study‘ programme, enables employees to grow professionally, earning while they learn. Consequently, organisations and businesses benefit from the valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied from the beginning of all ‘work-study ‘programmes. If you are an employer looking to up-skill your team, the business case for apprenticeships is a compelling one.

Leighton Arnold, Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement Manager at Essential Site Skills commented: “Apprenticeships are an exciting way to work and study at the same time. Learning new skills while earning a salary and getting a qualification at the end of it.

“For years, Essential Site Skills have been delivering apprenticeships, continues learning and professional development, training, and support into all kinds of industries UK wide.

“It has become ESS mission to secure a talent pipeline, via the correct training and education programmes that have been designed to inspire a workforce to choose and or reset their career path.”

Essential Site Skills already works with organisations and businesses nationally. For organisations and businesses looking to find apprenticeship courses for their workforce, Essential Site Skills are recognised as an approved provider by the ESFA.

For further information on apprenticeships courses with ESS, head over to the company’s website: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/apprenticeships

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

Essential Site Skills 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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