Business

Our Chesterfield Champions reflect on a year of achievements

26th December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on another year of progress and achievement.

Chesterfield continues to be recognised as a great place to live, named one of the happiest places to live in the East Midlands by The Guardian and the Rightmove Happy at Home Index. It has also been recognised as one of the greenest towns in the UK, with over 95% of homes having access to private or nearby outdoor space.  Thanks to its excellent schools, our strong community spirit and access to nature, it also consistently ranks among the best places to raise a family.

Throughout the year, progress has continued on the transformation of Chesterfield and Staveley town centres, the extension of the Chesterfield Canal, and the preparation of development platforms for the first phase at PEAK Resort.

We spoke to our network of Chesterfield Champions who have shared their businesses’ biggest successes from the past twelve months.

Andrew Byrne, Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group

“Starting work on our employment scheme at Markham Vale (NOVA) with our joint venture partner HBD has to be the highlight of the year for Devonshire Property Group. This scheme will see over 700,000 sq ft of high-quality employment space delivered at Markham Vale employing in the region of 700-800 people. We’re due to complete the initial ground works early in 2026 and will accelerate our marketing campaigns to attract occupiers and investors in the New Year.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield

“This year has been transformational for Chesterfield. We’ve moved beyond planning into delivery on the ground — bringing regeneration projects to life — and we’re already seeing the benefits for our residents and businesses. Major milestones have been achieved, including the revitalisation of Chesterfield’s main market square – breathing new energy into the heart of our town. Key initiatives, such as the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle, have begun, positioning Chesterfield at the forefront of future rail innovation. Together with the Chesterfield Town Board, we’ve set clear investment priorities to further boost long-term prosperity for the town.

Other examples of this real-life impact include our ongoing commitment to providing decent homes for local people, with new homes in Staveley ready to welcome families; and we’re strengthening our communities through the provision of funding for grassroots and community groups – supporting them to continue their vital work.

Overall, this has been a year of achievement, momentum, and pride – working together with our strong local networks – to make Chesterfield a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.”

Julie Richards OBE, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Principal of Chesterfield College

“Supporting over 6,000 students and apprentices to learn, grow and take their next steps has undoubtedly been our proudest achievement. As a college group, we’ve also continued to strengthen partnerships with hundreds of employers across the region, ensuring our curriculum genuinely reflects industry needs and future workforce demand.”

Paul Flitter, Founder and Director, New Oak Estates

“We are delighted to have been identified as one of the top estate agents in the UK for the second year running. We feature in the Best Estate Agent Guide 2025 – the most comprehensive review of UK agencies.””

Kriston Harvey, Director, Rodgers Leask

“As someone who has called Chesterfield home for over 40 years, I am particularly proud of our involvement with Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project and seeing the recently completed Market Square re-open. This vibrant update to the town centre’s public realm blends repurposed cobbles with new feature paving, subtly honouring the market’s heritage through a carefully chosen material palette.”

Natalie Burkinshaw, Founder, CRUSH

“We won a series of awards, including the Transform Awards Europe and German Design Awards for our rebrand of Ziemann Holvrieka, as well as being personally shortlisted and winning two women’s business awards.”

Laura Jo, Owner, Adorn Jewellers

“We’re thrilled to have celebrated a milestone: 15 years of business in the heart of the town centre. The high street has certainly changed during that time. We’re hopeful that the growth of town centre living, combined with footfall driven by social media and online discovery, will ensure we continue to thrive here in Middle Shambles for many years to come.”

Neil Beaumont, Sales Director, Custom Solar

“Since our acquisition by MITIE two years ago, we’ve tripled our workforce and continued to grow. Our focus has been on delivering high-quality installations, meeting our clients’ carbon reduction goals, and maintaining the company’s ambitious growth trajectory.”

Heather Hearn-Poole, SEO Manager, FWD Motion

“Over the past year, we’ve grown and developed our pool of talent in both SEO and Channel Marketing to ensure that we continue to be at the leading edge of digital marketing.”

Anna Meer, Director, DLP Planning

“Quite recently, we have become an employee-owned trust. We have noticed a real difference across all our offices, in terms of the drive and commitment that everyone has in sharing how the company grows.”

Dawn Brown, Owner, Rose Cottage, DogLand

“We’re thrilled about the progress we’ve made towards opening a second DogLand site at Woolley Moor. After the serious floods in 2023, our Rose Cottage facility was severely damaged and required many repairs and TLC. But thanks to our hardworking team and supportive community, we were able to come back bigger and better than ever.”

Claudia Risorto, Apprentice Solicitor, Banner Jones Solicitors

“One of our proudest achievements at Banner Jones Solicitors has been securing a place in the Legal 500 rankings. Additionally, we rank 1^st in Chesterfield for the volume of property transactions we handle.”

Katie Snodden, Head of Sales, Bridge Help

“This past year has been record-breaking for Bridge Help, with the highest number of enquiries to date. Increased investor support allowed us to launch exciting new products and grow our team with two new hires as we continue to scale.”

For more information on Chesterfield Champions, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/destination-chesterfield/champions/Chesterfield Champions

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

People of Chesterfield show support for Ashgate Hospice

23rd December 2025

The people of North Derbyshire have shown incredible generosity and support for Ashgate Hospice in recent months, coming together to raise vital funds and honour loved ones. Despite the hospice facing a significant funding shortfall, community events have highlighted the strength and compassion of the local area.

Annual Ball raises over £100,000

Ashgate Hospice’s annual black-tie Ball, held for the first time at the Best Western Plus Mosborough Hall Hotel in Sheffield on Friday 14 November 2025, raised £108,818 to support patients living with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The event welcomed 180 guests who enjoyed a four-course dinner and learned more about the hospice’s impact in the region. Guests also took part in a lively auction, with items including a signed Jude Bellingham shirt from the Euro 2024 final, a tour of the Silverstone Aramco Formula One building, and a luxury stay at Swinney Wood Log Cabins in Belper.

Anna Jinks, partnerships development officer, said:

“This is without doubt one of the most challenging periods in Ashgate Hospice’s history, and that makes the generosity shown at the Annual Ball even more humbling.

To see so many people come together, give so generously and help raise such an incredible amount means so much for the hospice and everyone who relies on our services.

The funds raised will make a real, tangible difference to patients and the people important to them when they need us most, and we cannot thank our supporters enough for standing with us at such a critical time.”

Light up a Life brings community together in remembrance

Just weeks later, on Sunday 7 December 2025, hundreds of people took part in Ashgate Hospice’s annual Light up a Life event, sponsored by Harold Lilleker & Sons Ltd, raising more than £55,000. Around 500 supporters walked the 1.6-mile lantern-lit procession through Old Brampton, while another 150 attended the remembrance ceremony in the hospice gardens.

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Light up a Life this year. After what has been a challenging period for our hospice, seeing so many people stand side by side in remembrance meant more than we can say.

“For many, this time of year can be incredibly hard. Coming together in this way – to pause, to remember and to honour someone important – is a powerful reminder of the strength within our community.”

The evening featured music from Sheffield’s Cancer Choir, vocalist Alex Eastwood, and thoughtful readings, led by Ashgate’s Spiritual Care Practitioner, Tim Wheeler.

Even after the event, supporters can still dedicate a star in Ashgate’s virtual night sky in memory of someone special, with all donations helping to fund the hospice’s specialist end-of-life and palliative care services. With NHS funding covering only half of the care costs, community support remains essential to ensure Ashgate can continue to provide its vital services.

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home

New era announced for Penny Engineering

21st December 2025

Penny Engineering is marking a major milestone by transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This change secures the company’s long-term independence and preserves the values that have guided its success for generations.

The decision reflects the Penny family’s long-standing belief that the business should benefit its employees rather than external shareholders.

Managing Director Tim Penny highlighted the motivation behind the shift, stating:
“Our commitment has always been to the long-term stability of this business and the people who work within it. By transitioning to employee ownership, we are decisively guaranteeing that Penny Engineering’s success, survival and future for the next 100 years will be determined by our team, free from the volatility of external shareholder demands.”

Chairman Robin Penny emphasised the family’s custodianship ethos, adding:
“We were brought up by our dad to believe that we were custodians of the business, not owners. He believed that only people working in the business should benefit from it. This transition brings that principle to life, ensuring that the team who work within Penny, the ones who drive our success, are the ultimate beneficiaries.”

The company has long maintained strong staff retention, with many senior leaders developing their careers within the organisation. Employee ownership builds on this foundation by reinforcing job security and strengthening employee influence across all levels of the business.

The newly established Trustee Board will lead the EOT. Chaired by Robin Penny, it includes employee representatives Jocelyn Cole (General Manager, Goods Lifts) and Sam Dobson (General Manager, Sidetracker), independent trustee David Ball and Finance Director Ashley Holmes. The Board will also form an employee council, giving staff a direct voice on welfare and community matters.

The company completed the transition at a substantial discount to market value, an intentional decision to ensure the business does not face financial strain.

The directors also extended their thanks to professional advisers Shorts Chartered Accountants and Knights Plc for their support throughout the process.

David Robinson, Tax Partner at Shorts, commented: “ Throughout the past 20 years or so that Shorts has been a trusted adviser to Penny Engineering and its stakeholders, it has been clear that employees are at the heart of the business. We look forward to working with the Directors and Trustees in this exciting new chapter.”

This transition marks a significant step forward for one of our town’s longstanding industrial innovators. Penny Engineering will continue to strengthen the region’s engineering sector for decades to come.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing

HBD sells Markham Vale site to Litton Properties

18th December 2025

HBD, part of Henry Boot, has sold a 2-acre trade park site at Markham Vale to Litton Properties.

Markham Vale is one of HBD’s most successful industrial and logistics schemes. The M1-linked development is a joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. The development has created more than 2,600 jobs and is home to occupiers including Smurfit Kappa and Bilstein.

Litton Property Group will start construction in the first half of 2026. The scheme will deliver over 30,000 sq ft of trade counter and other commercial space. Flexible units from 3,817 sq ft will be available. The site sits opposite the M1 service area.

Based in Bakewell, Litton Property Group specialises in retail, leisure, regeneration and business uses. Its portfolio includes retained developments and strategically acquired sites. The business manages these assets for long-term redevelopment or asset management.

Hamer Boot, Executive Director at HBD, said: “As a well-established I&L scheme and with direct access to the M1, Markham Vale presents an ideal trade park location. This trade counter site is a good fit for Litton Property Group, who will now bring the development forward in 2026.”

Mark Twelves, Managing Director of Litton Property Group, said: “Markham Vale Trade Park will deliver a new benchmark for trade counter, warehouse and light industrial accommodation in Derbyshire. Our purchase and the development of the site sends out a strong signal that Derbyshire is a place that helps business to establish, grow and thrive. With a growing workforce, new housing nearby, and strong regional links, it is perfectly positioned for ambitious businesses.”

HBD is progressing several new developments at Markham Vale. These include Nova, a 732,000 sq ft industrial and logistics scheme. The project is a joint venture with Devonshire Property Group. The BREEAM Excellent development includes two units and could create up to 800 jobs.

Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital, has completed phase one of the ARK scheme. Capital Angling now occupies the first of four units. The team has submitted a planning application for phase two. This will deliver a further 53,000 sq ft ESG-compliant unit.

HBD is one of the UK’s most established property developers. It has a strong track record, solid financial backing and a reputation for delivery. As a result, This has made it a partner of choice for local authorities, investors and developers.

Additionally, with a £1.3 billion development pipeline, HBD operates from six UK offices. It focuses on industrial and logistics, urban development and residential projects.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

New bar brings local beer to Chatsworth Road

17th December 2025

Located on the popular Chatsworth Road, The Outbreak has opened its doors, adding to the area’s growing reputation as a vibrant destination for food, drink and socialising close to our town centre.

The new independent bar, which has been open for five weeks, is owned by the former proprietor of the Real Ale Corner micropub, also located on Chatsworth Road. The bar draws inspiration from Derbyshire’s brewing heritage and a close working relationship with Eyam Brewery.

“I used to own the Real Ale Corner micropub down the other end of Chatsworth Road, and got to know Gervaise at Eyam Brewery through that,” the owner said. “The brewery taps into the plague history of Eyam, with a lot of the beers having plague-themed names. That’s where the name of the bar comes from – The Outbreak tying into the plague theme.”

With a wide selection of both cask and keg options, alongside rotating guest beers and a permanent line of Kasteel Belgian beers. The bar also offers a comprehensive wine list and a selection of spirits.

“There’s also a fantastic wine list and spirits, so something for everyone!” the owner added.

Food plays a key role at The Outbreak, with the kitchen serving freshly made tacos and sides, making it the only venue in Chesterfield specialising in flavourful tacos. This weekend, the bar is also launching a new eating challenge.

“We’re launching an eating challenge this coming weekend – 20 minutes to complete a tray of 12 tacos and a portion of nachos,” the owner said. “Complete it within the time and it’s free, otherwise you pay for it.”

In the run-up to Christmas, The Outbreak plans to open extended hours from Friday 19th to Wednesday 24th, providing an additional option for festive food and drinks in the town.

The venue also features an upstairs space with seating for more than 35 people, which the team hopes will be used by local groups and organisations.

“Our bar has a fantastic upstairs space with seating for 35+,” the owner explained. “It’s a great place to sit and relax, but we also want to make it available to the community for local groups to use. We’re hosting the next local CAMRA meeting on the 8th Jan, for example.”

Looking ahead, The Outbreak is developing a programme of events for 2025, including Meet the Brewer evenings, tasting sessions and a monthly pub quiz.

“Overall, The Outbreak is a great informal space to come for food, local drinks and to socialise!”

For more local independent food and drink venues: www.chesterfield.co.uk/food-and-drink-businesses

Posted in Business, Christmas, Development, Home, Leisure

Christine Durrant to become Council’s next Chief Executive

12th December 2025

Chesterfield Borough Council is set to welcome Christine Durrant as its new Chief Executive when current chief, Huw Bowen, retires next May. The appointment is due to be confirmed at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 December.

Christine currently serves as the council’s Deputy Chief Executive, having been a key member of the senior leadership team since 2019. She brings more than 30 years of local government experience, including 19 years in senior leadership roles, and previously worked at Derby City Council, finishing as Strategic Director for Communities and Place as well as, Deputy Chief Executive.

Her appointment follows a thorough assessment process, including a skills evaluation and a final interview, after which the council’s Member Appointments Panel recommended her for the top role.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted that Christine has been recommended for appointment as Chesterfield Borough Council’s next Chief Executive.

“Christine has already served the council with distinction for the past six years. During this time, she has built an excellent reputation as a leader and manager, for delivering strong public services and for forging effective relationships with the council’s many partners.

“With local government reorganisation just over two years away, Christine is also well placed to lead the council at a time of significant change – carrying forward the respected legacy of our outgoing Chief Executive, Huw Bowen, when he retires in May.”

Christine has over 30 years’ experience in local government, with the last 19 years’ in senior leadership roles. Prior to joining Chesterfield Borough Council, Christine worked for Derby City Council for over 20 years, and in her final years as the city council’s Strategic Director for Communities and Place, and Deputy Chief Executive.

Christine, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to find myself just one step away from being appointed as Chesterfield Borough Council’s next Chief Executive. It will be a privilege and honour to take up the role in May.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the council. It is a great place to work with committed councillors and dedicated staff that are as one in relation to wanting to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of life of local people.

“As well as ensuring that the council continues to deliver for its communities, one of my top priorities will be to work with the Leader of the Council to ensure that the council, its residents and businesses are well placed to benefit from the government’s planned reforms of local government within the area of the county of Derbyshire.”

Christine will take up the role of Chief Executive on 4 May 2026, subject to her appointment being approved by Full Council.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Tesco set to open in former M&S store

10th December 2025

Tesco has been confirmed as the first tenant for the former Marks & Spencer building on High Street in Chesterfield.

Following a significant investment programme by property developer ALB Group in 2–8 High Street, the ground floor has been divided into three retail units, with Tesco securing the central space.

The 5,000 sq ft unit will be transformed into a Tesco Express. The handover is expected at the end of January 2026, with the retailer signing a 15-year lease.

Situated opposite the historic 800-year-old Market Place and adjacent to Primark, the building is one of the most recognisable on our town’s main shopping street.

ALB Group is progressing work to rejuvenate the building ahead of Tesco’s fit-out. Alongside the new supermarket, two additional ground-floor units are being created within the same block, both around 5,000 sq ft. These units are reportedly attracting significant interest from national and regional occupiers, suggesting continued demand for well-located space in our town.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group, said: “This deal is another example of our commitment to breathing new life into key town and city centres across the UK. The former M&S site is in a prime location, and securing Tesco is a huge vote of confidence in Chesterfield’s high street.”

Oliver Marshall of FHP Property Consultants said: “The letting to Tesco adds to the revitalisation of the heart of the town and shows the continued appetite for well-positioned, quality retail space in busy high street locations. This unit is right in the heart of the town, surrounded by other strong retailers, and we’re confident it will perform extremely well.

We also have two further units of c. 5,000 sq ft remaining in the building on the ground floor of the building, facing the Market Place. Whilst we have had some good interest, we are keen to discuss this with any other interested parties”.

Businesses interested in letting the available spaces of the building can contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Chesterfield Canal Trust awarded over £15,000 for environmental and volunteer projects

8th December 2025

Chesterfield Canal Trust has secured more than £15,000 in community grants to fund environmental improvements and expand volunteer opportunities along the canal.

The Trust received £2,531. from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund, following months of public voting by Co-op members. The grant will help drive forward the Rewatering Renishaw project, which aims to restore a stretch of the canal and create a vibrant waterside space complete with new trees, wildflowers, picnic areas and enhanced habitats for local wildlife.

Kath Auton, Trustee said the team had been “incredibly grateful” for the backing from local shoppers.
“Our volunteer Work Party has already started the Rewatering Renishaw project,” she said. “We’re hoping to be recruiting more volunteers from the local community next year.”

Following on from the Co-op award, the Trust learned in late November that it had also been successful in its bid to the National Lottery Community Fund, receiving £12,880 from the Awards for All (Environment) programme. The funding supports community-led projects that tackle climate and nature challenges, while helping local people enjoy and care for green spaces.

The Trust’s project will focus on expanding its volunteer workforce over the next two years, aiming to recruit ten existing volunteers and twenty new ones. Volunteers will work on habitat management both on the water and along the towpath in Derbyshire, supporting nature recovery and improving areas that are open for everyone to enjoy.

The grant will also fund specialist training, including ecological best practice, environmental surveying, and safe use of equipment such as chainsaws and brush cutters. The Trust plans to train trainers who can then pass on their knowledge to the wider volunteer team.

Although the two-year project officially launches in February 2026, planning is already well underway.

The Trust says both grants will play a vital role in protecting and enhancing one of the area’s most cherished natural assets, while giving more local people the chance to get involved in hands-on conservation.

The bid was written by the Trust’s Funding Officer, Ian Sesnan, and Steve Waller, who is a Trustee.

Steve said: “The Chesterfield Canal Trust is very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund. Lots of people ask to help with our work, but proper training and getting the right equipment can be very expensive.

This grant will enable us to really expand our operation so that local people will be able to look after their beautiful canal for the benefit of everyone.”

Posted in Business, Development, Visiting

Chesterfield Champions Mitchells merges with SMH Group

7th December 2025

Mitchells Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has merged with SMH Group, one of the region’s leading professional services firms with offices across Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

The Chesterfield office will continue to operate under the name SMH Mitchells. All existing staff will remain in place, and current fee structures will be maintained to ensure continuity for clients. Day-to-day operations and client relationships are expected to remain largely unchanged.

By joining SMH Group, Mitchells gains access to additional in-house services such as financial planning, wills and probate, commercial finance, and residential mortgages. These services will be available alongside existing accountancy and advisory support, with clients continuing to work with their usual contacts. The merger brings together wider expertise under one group, providing a broader range of professional advice when required.

Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells, comments:
“Joining SMH Group marks the start of an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients. We have always been proud of the strong relationships we have built in Chesterfield, and this merger allows us to protect that legacy while giving us the support and resources to grow. What matters most to us is looking after our people and delivering great service to our clients, and SMH Group shares that same approach. We are confident this is the right move for our firm.”

Jonathon Dickens, CEO at SMH Group, adds:
“Mitchells is a respected firm with a long history in the region, and we are delighted to welcome them into the SMH Group. Their values align closely with ours, and their team brings a strong mix of experience and local insight. Together, we will be able to offer even more to clients and create new opportunities for our people across both firms.”

The transaction was supported by Chesterfield Champion CMP Legal acting for SMH Group, Shakespeare Martineau advising Mitchells, Mason Thomas Law handling the property legal work, and Cortus providing financial due diligence. The firms have thanked everyone involved for their support.

For more information on the services now available, visit www.smh.group/mitchells or contact SMH Mitchells at the Chesterfield office.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

First wave of Accelerator funding boosts Derbyshire businesses

5th December 2025

The Derbyshire Accelerator programme is firmly on track to deliver growth and innovation across the county. The first wave of businesses have successfully secured fully funded expert consultancy support.

Firms across Derby and Derbyshire looking to develop, grow and innovate are benefitting from extensive support available through the Derbyshire Accelerator programme. Delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of the local authorities in Derbyshire, the project runs until 31 March 2026 and has received £722,398 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The one-year extension builds on the initial three-year programme delivered in Amber Valley, Chesterfield, Derby City, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, North East Derbyshire and South Derbyshire.

During the first phase (Autumn 2023 to March 2025), the programme achieved:
• 61 new businesses created
• 259 jobs created
• 276 jobs safeguarded
• 163 businesses introducing new products, technologies or processes
• Significant numbers entering new markets, increasing R&D activity and boosting export capability

Since April 2025, 900 Derbyshire businesses have joined the extended programme. Many have received tailored one-to-one support from a Chamber Business Adviser or attended action-planning workshops covering digital skills, sales and marketing, leadership and management, and workplace problem-solving.

A total of 141 businesses have already accessed Growth Vouchers worth £2,000 each for specialist consultancy or training to adopt new technology or processes. Businesses have also been signposted to the Export and High Growth Accelerator projects where relevant.

Get Loos in Chesterfield is one of the businesses benefiting from better systems and stronger leadership through the Derbyshire Accelerator support programme.

Fast-growing portable toilet provider Get Loos needed support to manage enquiries, improve processes and access finance. A business review led to co-founder Adam Sinnott joining the High Growth Academy and securing a £5,616 grant for a CRM and automation tools, saving around 15 hours a week. A £2,000 Growth Voucher, leadership training and finance workshops have further strengthened the business and safeguarded jobs.

Adam Sinnott said:
“We knew we needed better systems and stronger leadership structures to match the pace of our growth, but finding the right guidance and tools wasn’t always easy… We’re now more structured, more confident and more in control of our growth than ever before.”

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said:

“We are now past the halfway point of the Derbyshire Accelerator programme and I’m thrilled that there has been such a high take-up of support. Businesses are often clear on what they want to achieve but working out how to get there can be the real challenge. By advising them on tapping into expert advice and financial support on a wealth of different subjects, the Accelerator project really is offering the most tailored support – whether that be introducing a CRM to better engage with customers, introducing e-commerce to their website and undertaking research into new overseas markets to boost sales, or equipping business owners and emerging leaders with the skills to get the best out of their teams.

“I would urge businesses to consider where they might benefit from specialist training and consultancy as there is still budget for Growth Voucher support in some districts and fully funded workshops have been scheduled until the end of the programme in March.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Assistant Director for Regeneration and Programmes Steve Lee added:

“The benefits brought to businesses though the Derbyshire Accelerator’s dedicated one-to-one support as well as its engaging workshops delivered to wider audiences have been outstanding. Through the co-ordination meetings between the local authorities supporting Derbyshire Accelerator, I was fortunate to hear many inspirational stories regarding the positive impact that the programme has provided to businesses from a breadth of sectors and locations across the county.

“We are very grateful to the Chamber’s committed Team for their quality provision and recommend that local businesses seize the opportunity to take the next step in their growth, or tackle the challenges they face, with the support that Derbyshire Accelerator can offer.”

For further business support please visit our funding page: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Posted in Business, Development, Home

Ten-year plan launches to boost jobs, skills and wellbeing across East Midlands

4th December 2025

A ten year plan has been launched to help thousands more people across the East Midlands access good jobs, boost earnings, and improve health and wellbeing.

The Get East Midlands Working Plan (2025–35) sets out a vision for inclusive growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, focusing on three priorities:

Training and employment support: Connecting residents to sustainable jobs through targeted skills and health support.
Joined-up delivery: Coordinating action across employment, health and skills partners.
Removing barriers: Tackling challenges such as transport, housing and health access.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, launched the plan, meeting participants who have completed work-training with East Midlands Railway. She said:

“This is about real people, not just statistics. It’s about a mum who wants to return to work but needs childcare, a young person looking for their first chance, or someone recovering from illness who wants to feel confident again. These people deserve public services that are in their corner, and this plan shows what that will look like in practice.”

Developed by the Get East Midlands Working Partnership – including East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), NHS, councils, employers and colleges – the plan builds on EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth strategy to ensure economic progress reaches every community.

Targets for 2035 include:

Raising employment to 80% (around 60,000 more people in work)
Creating and supporting 100,000 local jobs
Tackling barriers such as poor health, low skills and transport challenges
Boosting productivity and pay

Mayor Claire added:

“The East Midlands is a region of potential: potential which will only be unlocked if everyone plays their part. This is the bedrock of inclusive growth: that everyone’s contribution to our society and economy is valued and respected.

“The Government has set us a challenging target to achieve, but it is one we are embracing – because most people are better off in work and we will be a region where more people live that reality.”

The plan will evolve over time, with regular reviews to keep it relevant and focused on improving lives across the region.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home