Business

Demand for building control services prompts new DBCP appointment

Chesterfield Champion Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) has further strengthened the delivery of its building control service across the county with the appointment of experienced building control surveyor Natalie Harwood.

Based out of the company’s Derby office, Natalie will be covering Heanor and Ripley working with builders, architects and property owners in the area.

Natalie is one of a number of new appointments made recently by the company across both its offices in Chesterfield and Derby. The new appointments support DBCP’s aims to be the building control service provider of choice in Derbyshire.

She boasts 20 years of building control experience having started her career as a trainee with Nottingham City Council in 1999. Prior to that, Natalie completed a shop fitting apprenticeship.

She commented; “My shop fitting experience gives me an appreciation of the pressures and constraints that the construction industry is currently under. I believe it’s important to take a partnership approach to deliver the best outcome for all concerned. This is at the very core of how DBCP operates and what attracted me to the company.”

Natalie joins DBCP at a time of growth for the company. As it responds to the construction boom in Derbyshire and the increased need for building control services.

Delighted to join the DBCP team, Natalie added: “My job is my passion. I am fascinated with structures and how buildings go together. I consider myself very lucky to call my job my hobby.”

DBCP is the recommended building control service provider in Derbyshire and is responsible for ensuring that all new construction, conversions, alterations and extensions are built to a minimum standard and meet certain health, safety and welfare standards.

To learn more about DBCP and available job opportunities, please visit www.dbcp.co.uk or call 0333 880 2000. 

Posted in Business

Continued jobs growth bodes well for future prosperity

The number of people in work in the East Midlands continues to rise, according to figures released this morning.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 7,715 more people in work in the region in period between March and May 2019 than in the preceding three months.

There were 50,987 more people in work than a year ago and 80,984 more than two years ago.

Due to a rising population in the 16- to 64-years-old age range – the measure used by Government – the number of people out of work increased by 179 between March and May, by 7,480 compared with a year ago and by 16,835 compared with two years earlier.

The unemployment rate for the East Midlands was 4.2%, a 0.1% improvement on the previous month’s figure but consistent with the figure for the previous quarter. The UK figure was 3.8%, with England being 3.9%.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire rose by 1,320 in June compared with May according to the ONS today.

Nationally, the East Midlands had the highest percentage of jobs in the production sector at 14.4%.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at award-winning East Midlands Chamber*, said: “Once again the figures confirm what our own analysis tells us, that East Midlands businesses are creating jobs and wealth despite continuing political machinations and uncertainty about Brexit, which bodes well for the region and the national economy for when stability returns.”

chamber video export

Posted in Business

 Estate agency director joins property industry elite

Redbrik’s Managing Director Mark Ross is joining the estate agency elite after being chosen to be a guest speaker at the property industry’s flagship event.

Mark, a co-founder of Redbrik Estate Agents, is one of three Next Generation business owners selected to be interviewed on stage at the EA Masters 2020, by TV presenter Gabby Logan who is hosting the event.

He will be discussing Redbrik’s innovative and customer-driven focus that has driven their success in front of an audience of more than 1,000 property professionals, at the popular annual leadership and awards, exhibition and awards event.

It comes after Redbrik, which employs more than 50 staff across five offices in Sheffield and Chesterfield, was named in the top three per cent of all estate agencies in the country by the Best Estate Agent Guide 2019.

Last year Redbrik was named the number one estate agency in the region in the Best Estate Agent Guide, which assessed the performance of 25,000 branches across the UK, at the EA Masters Awards. Redbrik will find out in November which award it will add to its growing list of industry accolades by the leading nationwide guide.

Mark Ross, who co-founded the business in 2013, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been chosen by the EA Masters to speak at this prestigious event and share Redbrik’s incredible story.

“It’s recognition for our unique approach to property marketing, which is helping the company achieve significant success in residential sales,  lettings and new homes.

“In just over six years, we feel we have reset the benchmark for property marketing, service and results. The business has grown rapidly, but our original ethos of honesty, integrity and bespoke customer service for every single client still flows through everything we do.”

Host Gabby Logan will be supported on stage at the EA Masters by fellow BBC sports presenter and former rugby star Jonathan Davies and F1 broadcaster, Lucia France.

Josh Phegan, internationally renowned trainer and coach for high-performance real estate agents and agencies and Michael Pallier of Sotheby’s, Sydney, are amongst the other guest speakers.

The EA Masters 2019 will take place at Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, on 10 October 2019.

Mark Ross Redbrik

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Two new businesses open in Markham House

Chesterfield’s Lordsmill Street is reinventing itself as the Harley Street of Derbyshire, following the opening of two new businesses in the former Markham House.

The two-storey building has been transformed into premises for The Goldsmith Clinic and Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy. The businesses are private specialists in non surgical aesthetic treatments, health and wellbeing and were unveiled at a launch event held on Thursday 11 July.

The Goldsmith Clinic and Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy are the first businesses to take up residence in Markham House which was acquired by Chesterfield based property investment company Lodge Farm Estates in September last year. At the time, the deal represented the single largest transaction in Chesterfield for a number of years.

Both businesses have relocated from outside the town centre into their new Lordsmill Street premises following growth in demand for their services.

The premises have undergone a radical facelift following its previous guise as a nightclub. Now unrecognisable, Lucy Shakespeare Personal Training and Sports Therapy which is based on the first floor, features an air conditioned, fully equipped gym which offers one-to-one and group training sessions.

Owner of the business Lucy Shakespeare said: “This is my dream. I am passionate about health and fitness and helping people be the best version of themselves. The Goldsmith Clinic and I share the same strong desire to provide high quality, accessible and friendly service. Having the two businesses side by side means that we can provide a completely holistic approach to health, fitness and wellbeing. It’s a very exciting time for both of us.”

Formerly known as TAG Aesthetics, The Goldsmith Clinic, which is owned by the highly respected registered nurse practitioner and aesthetics specialist Theresa Goldsmith, is based on the second floor of the building and boasts a light and airy reception with three modern treatment rooms and a training room.

Theresa said: “Lucy and I have both created unique spaces in beautiful surroundings. Together we have brought to life a dream we have long had to create the ultimate space for aesthetics, health and wellbeing. It is something we believe that Chesterfield can be truly proud. We represent the very best in industry standards and training in our respective fields and we are delighted to bring our shared vision under one roof at Markham House.”

David Tate, director of Lodge Farm Estates commented: “I am delighted that Lucy and Theresa have brought a bit of Harley Street to Lordsmill Street. They are the first occupiers of this landmark building which is undergoing a significant amount of investment and breathing life and energy back into one of the town’s major gateways. The investment is ongoing as we continue to refurbish 14,000 sq ft and we shortly hope to welcome further occupiers to Markham House.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Summer Blooms at Vicar Lane!

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is set to transform the popular town centre shopping area with a number of stunning floral installations, right across the summer, in celebration of ‘Chesterfield in Bloom’.

From July to September visitors are invited to pose for a selfie with the centre’s fabulous floral phone box – perfect for adding that floral touch to anyone’s Instagram feed.

There will also be a flower cart and the chance to meet the centre’s grassy animals around the centre – all Instagram worthy in their own rights.

Customers are invited to share their photos of the installations with the centre, via social media.

If summer isn’t the time to enjoy a few flowers in your life then we don’t know when is?

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “Chesterfield in Bloom is such a fabulous initiative – a real community effort to make the town more attractive to locals and visitors alike. We’re thrilled to support this with our summer floral theme and hope that everyone enjoys admiring our installations and the photo opportunities that they offer!”

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Pronto Industrial Paints to sponsor Wellbeing Challenge for the second year running

Following the success of last year’s sponsorship, Pronto Paints is pleased to be announced the latest official partner of the 2019 Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, set to take place in October this year.
They will be returning as the sponsor of the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge. In 2018, the Wellbeing Challenge saw more than 15 teams enter as a group into the 13.1-mile Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon, the Peak FM Five Mile Run and 1km Blachford Fun Run.

This year, they are calling on businesses, community groups, schools and families to engage with the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge to promote a healthy lifestyle.

David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Industrial Paints added: “we all know that health and wellbeing is important, both inside and outside working environment.

“We’re passionate about health and wellbeing at Pronto Paints and always promote physical activity to our employees, who encourage each other to be more physically active.
“The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge, and the idea behind it, fits with our company ethos which is why we’re delighted to have returned as a partner of the 2019 event following a fantastic first outing in 2018.”

John Timms, Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Event Director, said: “We’re really pleased to have Pronto Paints back on board for the 2019 Half Marathon.

“The Wellbeing Challenge was a great success last year and we’re looking forward to it growing it this time out. It’s a superb event to enter providing a bit of healthy competition between friends, family and colleagues.”

For more details or to enter the Wellbeing Challenge contact the Redbrik Half Marathon team via the events official website to declare entry into the Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge and receive a discount code for all team member to use.

The discount is available across all three races on the day including the Redbrik Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford Fun Run.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

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

CT achieves platinum status in Veeam Cloud & Service Provider Program

CT has achieved Platinum status in the Veeam® Cloud & Service Provider (VCSP) Program, the highest level for a service provider, indicating its experience and expertise in delivering Veeam-powered Cloud Data Management™ services.

CT has evolved significantly with Veeam over the past 12 months, making the transition from a Gold VCSP partner to Platinum. CT uses Veeam software in its Managed Cloud Platform to enhance its availability services to customers. Availability, data protection and data retention are critical in offering the hybrid cloud services that organisations require.

Chris Barr, Technical Director at CT said: “We’ve been highly focused on helping customers achieve what they need from cloud services, namely cost benefits, operational efficiency and agility of virtualising their IT infrastructure.  This recognition represents truly exceptional value in the world of security, protection and disaster recovery in cloud computing and provides our clients with assurance of our proficiency in this technology and that we are the ideal partner to provide such solutions”.

Mike Tonks, Hosting Manager UK and Ireland, at Veeam stated, “As a Platinum VCSP, CT has closely aligned with Veeam’s business, playing a key role in identifying solution opportunities that help their customers’ hybrid-cloud requirements. CT also offer a managed service to allow customers to focus on their business needs while knowing that their workloads have the required uptime and availability required. Our Availability solutions, combined with CT service delivery and Veeam expertise, put CT as one of our top service providers in the UK.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Eat, drink, shop and play in Chesterfield this Summer

Read the latest blog of Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield.

It’s that time of year when many of us are preparing for the holidays, packing our bags or gazing longingly at planes in the sky. But there is lots going on much closer to home, as Chesterfield also gears up for summer.

The market square in Chesterfield town centre is increasingly playing host to events and festivals. They ae proving hugely successful in drawing shoppers to the town and making a real difference for retailers. I am delighted that we were able to recognise this at the recent Chesterfield Retail Awards which, for the first time, had a Best Town Centre Event category.

If you’re in town and are looking for the best retail spots, then take a look at the finalists and winners of this year’s Retail Awards – all nominated by you. Congratulations to everybody involved – it was another stellar event showcasing our town.

Chesterfield Retail Awards Finalists

Alongside Chesterfield’s retail offering, the town centre also has an abundant food and drink offering. The finalists of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards have just been announced. This celebration of the wonderful eateries we have in town are not restricted to the centre, either. It’s great to see so many businesses firmly established in other thriving areas, such as Chatsworth Road and Sheffield Road.

It’s impossible to be stuck for something to do in Chesterfield this summer. The town has something to cater for every taste – whether it’s food, drink or culture.

When was the last time you visited the museum? It’s free and there are always activities for children during the school holidays. If you’re a walker, then consider the town centre. Did you know there is an art trail?  What about a picnic? Queen’s Park offers the perfect spot. If you’re planning a day out this summer, you don’t have to go far from home and you’ll support local businesses.

As we attract more visitors to the town, it’s great to see that Saltergate multi-storey car park is coming soon. Its design may have divided opinion, but it certainly shows that Chesterfield never stands still and is not afraid to push boundaries.

If you want the town to continue to thrive, then it’s important that we all vote with our feet and spend time here. This summer take the time to discover Chesterfield; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Find out what’s happening in Chesterfield this Summer

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

 

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

National award for local golf course owner

Fame Tate, the owner of Stanedge Golf Club and PGA Professional has picked up a National Award.

Fame won the “Oustanding Achievement” Award at The English Women’s Awards – North.  Inspiring women were awarded at a glamorous event celebrating female successes. It took place in in Manchester’s Mercure Piccadilly Hotel on Monday July 1st 2019.

Fame was nominated in this category for her achievements over the past 6-8 months in taking a huge risk in acquiring Stanedge Golf Club and bringing it back from the edge of closure and extinction.

The Awards honoured the talent and hard work of female professionals and entrepreneurs across the region. It celebrated the achievements of women entrepreneurs, business women, professionals, civil servants, charity workers and others that make the North a great and more equal place to live and work.

CEO Irfan Younis said: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists at the second English Women’s Awards North 2019. We were delighted to host exceptional finalists who make such brilliant role models and are leading a new generation of women and girls to greater success and open doors. We look forward to growing this campaign and are excited to see it evolve over coming years.”

Fame took over Stanedge Golf Club in March 2019 and has totally transformed the place from a run down clubhouse and golf course to a thriving facility which now see over 50 players of all ages and gender coming to the club on Wednesday nights for the clubs 6@6 golf league.

Fame set out a vision to make Stanedge Golf Club an accessible, warm and welcoming place where people of all ages, gender and backgrounds can come enjoy having fun playing the golf course of socially in the Clubhouse.

Fame said “ The resurrection of Stanedge Golf Club has not been easy, it really has been a monumental effort by many people who put many unsociable hours into making the club a place people now want to visit and enjoy being at he club”

“Since we acquired the club in February we have attracted over 80 new members and many visitors in response to our various offers, with different groups getting involved in our coaching and learn to play offers.”

Fame started playing golf at the age of 10 at Tapton Park Golf Club on the pitch and putt course and joined Chesterfield Golf Club not long after. Fame soon developed into a talented young player playing for the Derbyshire Girls Team, the Derbyshire Ladies Team and then at the age of fourteen, playing off scratch, she was selected to represent England.

Fame went on to represent England for a total of nine years and represented Great Britain and Ireland in The Curtis Cup in 2002 and 2004 and in The Vagliano Trophy in 2001 and 2003.

FAME TATE

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

‘Step Up’ Programme Comes to Vicar Lane

Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is 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.

‘Step Up’ is a programme aimed at young people who have completed year 11, being run in the Hunloke Adult Education Centre for 4 weeks this July. The programme is aimed at 16 year olds with no fixed destination for further education, such as college place or apprenticeship.

Vicar Lane is working with organisers on an ‘employer challenge’ within the programme, whereby the young people are set a task within a real-life employment environment. Participants are required to visit the centre to familiarise themselves with the task at hand, meet the team and gather as much information as possible, before going away to work on their ideas. They then have to present their proposed solution back to the employer at the end of the programme.

Vicar Lane has set this year’s participants 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.

Proposals will be reviewed and winning plans selected on 24th July. Their plans will be compared to the centre’s own thoughts to see how they align.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “We’re thrilled to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education on this valuable initiative, supporting young people who are unsure of their next steps in education or employment. We can’t wait to see what solutions they come up with for our challenge.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added, “It was great for the team at Destination Chesterfield to be able to support DACES to find a partner to deliver this project in Chesterfield. We thank Chesterfield Champion Vicar Lane for their support of this initiative.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Manufacturing

Region’s leading estate agency in top 3% nationally

Redbrik has once again been ranked as one of the award-winning agencies – representing the top 3% of agencies in the country – following this year’s assessment for the Best Estate Agent Guide.

Last year Redbrik was named the number one estate agency in the region in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2019, which assessed the performance of 25,000 branches across the UK, at the EA Masters Awards. They will find out in November which award it will add to its growing list of industry accolades by the leading nationwide guide.

The ranking takes into account more than a million properties listed at any point in the last six months, plus more than 1.5 million transactions, 25 million leads, 1.5 billion property views and 50,000 mystery shops. Also, each branch then audited and scored against a unique set of performance and customer service data.

Estate agent branches which display a Best Estate Agent Guide rating are among the best in the country, with the marks providing an essential indication of the quality of each agent.

Redbrik director Mark Ross, who co-founded the business in 2013, said: “This is another incredible achievement for Redbrik. Since we founded the company just over six years ago, we have continually sought to improve and find better solutions for our customers.

“Awards and recognition from the Best Estate Agent Guide are as good as it gets in our industry.

“Recognition such as this cannot be bought; agencies are put through stringent examination that it is a real demonstration of the hard work which goes into continuously ensuring that our customers receive the best service.

“It’s such an exciting time for us as a business as we continue to grow and evolve. We are working with our amazing team, as well as adding the very best new talent, to keep improving and offer more and better quality service lines to our customers.”

Mark Ross, Redbrik Estate Agents

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business