Business

UKATA re-elects chair for second term

In an unprecedented move, Chesterfield Champion UKATA has elected Graham O’Mahony as its Chair for a second term. Graham will be the only Chair to hold the position for two consecutive terms in the Association’s 10+ years’ history.

Graham is supported in his role by Stuart Miller, who was also re-elected as Deputy Chair at the AGM held on 4 July 2019.

In his position of Chair, Graham will continue to lead the 10-strong Board of Directors, who provide strategic direction and governance to the Association.

Combining this volunteer position alongside his role of Managing Director of ATL Safety Limited, Graham has worked in the construction industry for more than 26 years, delivering asbestos training for nearly 20 years. A pioneer in the field of asbestos training and standards, Graham was an asbestos surveyor and delivered training in asbestos handling prior to the introduction of comprehensive asbestos regulations.

Graham has been instrumental in the development of UKATA since its formation in 2008 and its subsequent growth to become the largest not for profit asbestos training providers association in the UK. As an active board member, Graham has developed a number of UKATA’s industry-leading courses, including the popular Duty to Manage course.

Commenting on his re-appointment, Graham said: “My decision to stand for re-election stemmed from the fact that I feel I have so much more to give to UKATA which will benefit all members. I am delighted to be re-elected to the position of Chair. Together with my fellow board members we are committed to taking UKATA from strength to strength.”

Welcoming Graham’s re-appointment, UKATA Chief Operating Officer Craig Evans, pictured with some of the UKATA team below, added: “Graham’s extensive knowledge of the industry has been key in the development of UKATA. Together we both acknowledge that UKATA can make further impact on improving the industry’s understanding of the dangers of asbestos and we shall be taking a number of exciting developments forward in 2019 and beyond in order to make a very real difference in helping reduce the risks surrounding asbestos.”

UKATA is a leading authority on asbestos training. UKATA approved training is accessible throughout the UK. To find a UKATA approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call the team on 01246 824437.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Mortgage 1st raises over £800 for Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau

7 members of the Mortgage 1st team took part in a charity event on Tuesday 30 July, which saw them abseiling down the side of the Chesterfield Town Hall to raise money for their local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Lisa Stones, HR & Marketing Director at the company said: “As mortgage advisers, Mortgage 1st understands and appreciates more that most the important of giving and receiving good advice and therefore decided to support the Chesterfield Citizens Advice Bureau at their charity abseil event this summer along with around 50 other brave individuals.”

The team raised a total of £837.50, which will all go direct to the charity to enable it to offer a valuable free advisory service to local residents in and around Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Champion, Mortgage 1st is based in Barlborough and provides knowledgeable services across the whole of the UK.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Barrow Hill Roundhouse to restore railway gem

Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield will bring an historic steam locomotive back to life after purchasing the 1880s gem.

The trading arm of Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society has agreed to buy the Class 1F Half Cab No 41708 from the 1708 Locomotive Preservation Trust for an undisclosed sum.

The locomotive, which has been on display at Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield for the last 15 years, will be refurbished and returned to steam, 10 years after the first attempt by the charity to acquire the locomotive with the backing of the National Railway Museum at York.

The Half Cab spent the majority of its working life at the Roundhouse and Staveley Works, where it was allocated for shunting duties, between 1947 and 1965.  It returned to Barrow Hill in July 1998 to star in the Roundhouse’s public reopening following the successful campaign to save the unique building from demolition. The locomotive made several further visits between 1998 and 2002 before returning to its home shed on a permanent basis in 2004.

Mervyn Allcock, Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society spokesperson said: “We have now finalised the deal and are looking forward to bringing the 139-year-old engine out of the shed and back into use with funds we have already set aside and with a fundraising campaign which will be launched in 2020, the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Roundhouse.”

“The restoration and rebuild project will start with a detailed examination of the locomotive in order to understand exactly what needs to be done to bring it back into steam. We are very grateful for the support and advice given to us by Wake Smith which has enabled us to secure the locomotive’s future as an intrinsic part of the Barrow Hill story.”

The Class 1F locomotive was designed by Samuel Johnson, Chief Mechanical Engineer of the Midland Railway from 1873 to 1903. Used for hauling freight, shunting and some branch line passenger use, 185 of the class were built in Derby. This particular locomotive was built in 1880, numbered 1418. It was rebuilt about 20 years later and re-numbered 1708.

It underwent another change of identity to 41708 when the locomotive passed into the ownership of British Railways in 1948. By the time it arrived at Barrow Hill in 1947, only 72 of the original 185 locomotives remained in service. By 1961 there were 11 class members and the last five, including 41708, were withdrawn in September 1965. The class only lasted as long as this because the Midland Railway had signed a contract for 100 years in 1866 to provide shunting engines to Staveley Works.

41708 is the only Class 1F to have been preserved. It is also one of only two locomotives which worked at Barrow Hill which have been preserved. The other Barrow Hill survivor is a diesel shunting engine, Class 10 D4092, which is also based at the Roundhouse.

Barrow Hill Roundhouse is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable. Built in 1870, it was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Shorts advises on sale of JW Hutchinson Funeral Service

Shorts has acted as lead financial advisors to Alison and Anthony Corbett on the sale of Funeral Directors, JW Hutchinson to A.W Lymn The Family Funeral Service.

JW Hutchinson was established in 1904, and over four generations have served the region’s communities. It was an important consideration to find a buyer with similar values, when the owners decided to sell.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “We are delighted to have advised Alison and Anthony on the successful completion of this transaction, and we look forward to seeing the continuing success of the business under new ownership.”

Anthony and Alison Corbett said “We were extremely happy that when we made the decision to sell J W Hutchinson we were able to agree a sale with another family owned funeral directors, AW Lymn The Family Funeral Service. The families have known each other for generations so we know the company and its clients are in safe hands. We were supported through this from the start by both Shorts and our solicitor, with their help and advice making what could have been a stressful time into a smooth and successful sale.”

Matthew Lymn Rose added “A.W.Lymn The Family Funeral Service are thrilled to have been able to acquire J. W. Hutchinson Funeral Service in Rainworth.  As another family business, having served the people of Rainworth for generations, we felt the fit between the two businesses was excellent.  In the first ten months we have had a complete refurbishment of the premises, the two full time staff members Wendy and David continue to work in the business based at the Rainworth Office, and both have enrolled onto the National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Directing course to enhance their qualifications, and the fleet have been updated with a Rolls-Royce ceremonial fleet in keeping with the original vehicles operated by the family firm.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Banner Jones raises over £500 for Citizens Advice Chesterfield in sponsored abseil

A team of legal eagles from law firm Banner Jones has raised over £500 for the Citizens Advice Bureau after abseiling three storeys down the side of Chesterfield Town Hall.

Taking on the challenge in support of the local charity, ten lawyers and support staff from the Legal 500 listed law firm, which operates across South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire, took the plunge on 30 July.

A local charity which offers free advice to the community on a wide range of subjects – including personal debt, benefit entitlements, housing issues, immigration matters, employment issues and family matters – the Citizens Advice Bureau Chesterfield is situated on Broad Pavement in the town centre.

Dawn Mann, Customer Relations Manager at Banner Jones, who took part in the challenge, said: “Chesterfield CAB is an independent charity, and as such it is heavily dependant upon financial support and donations in order to continue to deliver its vital service – ensuring that people in the community have somewhere to turn to when they need help.”

“Needless to say, participating in this particular event was a little bit daunting, but we really enjoyed the challenge, and we are pleased to have raised money for such an important local service.”

“Thank you to all of those who donated.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Apprentices set to be honoured at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Three outstanding apprentices working in the town’s food and drink sector are set to battle it out to claim the prestigious Apprentice of the Year title in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards later this year.  

Denny Pearson (24) from The Bulls Head, Donna McMahon (38) from Van Dyk and Stuart Mcardle (19) from The Tickled Trout are all in the running for the award which is sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).  

All shortlisted apprentices were nominated for the award by their employers. 

The finalists will be recognised alongside over 30 businesses in the annual Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.  

Commenting on being shortlisted, Denny Pearson (below left), a Level 2 Apprentice in Cooking and Food Preparation, said: “It feels great to be recognised for my hard work. It’s taken me by surprise to be honest, but I am really happy to make the final three.” 

Having started as a pot-washer at The Bulls Head based in Holymoorside, Denny decided he wanted to kickstart his cooking career with an apprenticeship at the pub. He is hoping to progress further in the kitchen and, eventually, would like to become Head Chef.  

Donna McMahon (below centre), who has recently completed a Level 3 apprenticeship in Business Administration, is using the apprenticeship route to further develop her career within the growing hospitality and conference venue, Van Dyk.  She added: “I’m super excited to be put forward and shortlisted for this award and I’m really looking forward to the night.  I’m grateful to have the opportunity to develop my skills at Van Dyk with this apprenticeship and look forward to seeing what other qualifications I might be able to complete in the future.” 

As well as working as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director (Marc Wildes), organising his diary and attending meetings with him and on behalf of him, organising travel arrangements, Donna is also facilitating the hotel’s major extension work.  

Delighted also to be shortlisted, Stuart Mcardle (below right), a Level 2 Apprentice Culinary Chef, who works mainly on pizzas, pastries and starters on a day-to-day basis in the Tickled Trout’s kitchen, said: “I’m really shocked to be shortlisted for this award, but it feels great to have my hard work recognised. I’ve always been interested in cooking so I’m happy to be progressing in my career. Hopefully, one day in the future, I can get the role of head chef!” 

Alongside Denny, Donna and Stuart, three businesses have also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year title, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group). The shortlisted businesses include:  

  • Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa 
  • Stephenson’s Tea & Coffee House   
  • The Tickled Trout 

Both the Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards were introduced to the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards in 2017. The awards are designed to recognise and commend the valuable contribution both apprentices and their employers make to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene.  

Celebrity chef, Brian Turner will announce the winners of the prestigious titles at a glittering awards ceremony being held at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 23 October. 

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Apprentices play a crucial role in the food and drink sector’s success. Recognising the hard work of apprentices and the support from apprentice employers is important to us and we’re delighted to be able to do that again at this year’s awards.” 

Other supporters of the awards include Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd), Shorts Chartered Accountants and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. 

For more information about the Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/. 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Pronto Paints celebrates thirty years of continuous coatings service

August 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Pronto Paints trading as a specialist industrial coatings manufacturer.

Terry Harris, the founder, spotted the opportunity for ‘one coat’ finishes and established the business in Chesterfield in 1989. It is part of the Pronto folklore that the very first customer orders were made in a barrel and stirred by hand with a chair leg.

Whilst they maintain a steadfast commitment to personal service, things have evolved significantly from recycling furniture for use on the shop floor.  Notable milestones include becoming a limited company in 1994, relocating to a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft facility in 1998, increasing in size to 81,000 sq. ft across 2 sites in 2019 and three BCF Coatings Care award wins.

“Everything starts and ends with our customers” said David Beckford, Managing Director. “Some of our customers really have been with us from the beginning.”

In that time, they have also invested significant sums in new equipment to improve our processes, allowing us to increase our capacity to 36,000 litres a day.  New products have been launched like ST1Ktop and opened entirely new markets, bringing superior technology and service to customers with exacting standards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Town unites to tackle Climate Emergency

More than 60 people attended Chesterfield’s first Climate Emergency People’s Assembly which took place on Sunday 21st July.

The day-long event gave those attending the opportunity to voice their concerns on climate change and work together to draw up strategies for taking positive steps as individuals and in communities towards a sustainable future.

The event was orchestrated by Clare Gage, a local mum and ceramicist, who through her membership of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) has been supported to bring people together to form a ‘Peoples Assembly’ and put action into the hands of individuals.

A group ranging in age from 8 to 80 came together for the day and included individuals new to community action, as well as members of local campaign groups. The activities were led by Martin Yarnit and Perry Walker from Talkshop, making sure that everyone has a voice in the matters that concern them. The morning session was used to tease out key issues and establish areas of interest. Groups focused on specific issues such as transport, food production, environmental education and holding to account politicians and corporate business, all to encourage people to adopt new practices to help lessen our impact on the planet.

Some attendees agreed to continue meeting to further develop action plans and a follow-up People’s Assembly meeting will be held in September.

Toby Perkins MP and Cllr Amanda Serjeant were in attendance, a reassuring sign for the attendees that local council and central government alike are recognising the concern from local people about the issues.

Clare said afterwards: “As the organiser of the People’s Assembly I found it fantastic to see so many people from our town gather together.”

“We tackled tricky questions about how we could make a difference in the face of the climate emergency. Difficult issues were discussed, and we looked for practical solutions.”

“I am proud of how respectful our community was of one another and pleased to see what progress can be made when we come together as a team. This is just the start. Our town can be a place where people are empowered to create positive change.”

Follow up activity will take place in September with a meeting arranged for 15th September at 11am. Find out more at www.facebook.com/createchangechesterfield

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

CT hire new staff to fill customer demands and drive growth strategy

CT has appointed five new joiners to its team. CT now employs 50 staff and is looking to recruit further across the sales, marketing and service desk teams.

David Parsons has been working in the IT sector for over a decade, most recently in the role of Senior Field Engineer at a respected local MSP. David will be applying his technical knowledge and experience to design solutions for CT’s customers. David provides a wealth of knowledge to help support the account management team and is a great asset to our growing team.

Sarah Bright joins as a Sales Support Administrator. Having worked in sales support for almost 4 years, Sarah’s role is to provide support to the account managers and ensure that the project is finished to a high standard and the customer has received the best service.

Elle Patman, Beth Holmes and Emma Parker join the busy service desk team as Service Desk Engineers.  Beth and Elle have previous experience as a Service Desk Analysts which included taking calls and logging tickets. Emma has worked as Service Desk Analyst and a Duty Team Leader (DTL). All add critical support to the desk ensuring excellent customer service.

Managing Director Ian Snow said: “This is an exciting new chapter of growth which includes constantly innovating and improving the way we deliver our services”.

“Having great people is critical to this success so we’re delighted to have such fantastic new talent join our exceptional team, providing customers with the support and advice needed to help them achieve their goals through the right IT processes and solutions.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Avant Homes searching for local expertise to help deliver 173 new homes in Chesterfield

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes Central is searching for local contractors and tradespeople from around the region to help it deliver 173 homes on its exciting new development.

The developer is holding a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event from 10am-3pm on Friday 9 August at Chesterfield Borough Council, Town Hall , Rose Hill in Chesterfield, where interested businesses will be able to meet key decision makers and find out how they can tender to be involved in the construction of its Waterside Quarter development.

Initial earthworks are already underway on the £36m Waterside Quarter development, which is a key part of the £340m Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme on the edge of Chesterfield town centre.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands, said: “We want to support Chesterfield businesses and create jobs for local people in the construction of our developments in the town. There are a wide range of opportunities for skilled tradespeople to help us build 173 homes and I’d encourage all local businesses to join us at this event and learn more about how they can tender for the numerous jobs available.”

Opportunities at Waterside Quarter include brickwork, scaffolding, roof tiling, windows, joinery, electrical installation, plumbing and heating, wall insulation, loft insulation, plastering, painting and decorating, wall tiling, mastic and sealants, cleaning, fencing, landscaping and more.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the council’s key priorities is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, business and skills and training opportunities.

“This is an exciting project that will see 173 new homes built in the borough, so I would encourage any local business with an interest in being a part of this project to attend the Meet the Buyer event to find out what opportunities may be available for their workforce.

“In addition to the Meet the Buyer event, Avant Homes will also be hoping to employ apprentices on site to further support skills development in the town.”

Avant Homes Central is located at Holmewood Business Park on Chesterfield Road. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Poster – Meet the Buyer Event – Avant Homes Chesterfield

Avant Homes' Waterside Quarter will offer Chesterfield Waterside

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

‘Step Up’ programme a huge success at Vicar Lane

This month, Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield has been working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education (DACES), who work on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, to run an education programme for young adults in Chesterfield.

The programme called ‘Step Up’ is aimed at 16 year olds with no fixed destination for further education, such as a college place or apprenticeship.

Vicar Lane has been working with organisers on an ‘employer challenge’ within the programme, whereby the young people were set the task of developing creative solutions for the utilisation of vacant units within the centre. An initial briefing was held at the centre on 4th July, when the young people visited the centre, explored the empty units, began work on their initial ideas and met with existing retailers to gain insight into life at the centre.

On Wednesday 24th July the young people presented their proposals to organisers and the team at Vicar Lane, with huge success. All presentations given on the day were of an incredibly high standard, with participants having carried out market research and SWOT analysis for them to develop their proposals and reach their conclusions.

Three standout presentations included a proposal for a bespoke made to measure underwear retailer, an American 50s style diner and a vegan café / restaurant / store.

All participants were really excited about undertaking the project and this shone through in the presentation. This also helped with self-confidence, speaking and explaining their ideas to an unfamiliar adult. With this they demonstrated increased self-belief and passion for their ideas.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled at the success of this programme and the positive impact that it’s had on the young people involved. We’re proud to support such worthwhile initiatives in the Chesterfield community that help young people and broaden their prospects and improve their self-belief.”

Each participant was given a £20 River Island gift card by Vicar Lane for taking part.

Following the success of this programme, Vicar Lane has been asked to get involved with another 2 groups, so watch this space for further details.

Vicar Lane Step Up Initiative

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing