Business

Redbrik named one of the best estate agents in the country at Best Estate Agent Guide

Redbrik has been named one of the top estate agents in the country, receiving the Gold Award for both Sales and Lettings in the Best Estate Agent Guide.

Over 15,000 estate agencies are included in the assessment conducted by the Property Academy and supported by the property portal, Rightmove. Very few agents receive the gold award for both Sales and Lettings services, and Redbrik is one of the only agents in our region to achieve this accolade.

The Best Estate Agent Guide is judged by an independent research team, creating and analysing over three billion data points, making it the biggest assessment of any industry.

Each branch of every agent in the UK is scored against a unique set of criteria looking at property marketing, customer service and results – which consumers consider to be among the most important criteria when selecting which agent to sell or let their property.

These are determined following a survey of 30,000 buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. The assessment uses a combination of data analysis, mystery shopping and a website review to identify the best agencies in the country.

Redbrik Managing Director, Mark Ross, said: “These awards follow a rigorous and independent assessment, and we are thrilled to have been recognised as among the best in the country.

“This is our fifth consecutive year being featured in the Best Estate Agent Guide. The guide has accredited us every year since it began, and we could not be prouder of how hard we have worked to receive the Gold Award in both categories this year.”

This year’s Best Estate Agent Guide results were announced on Wednesday 3rd November when 1,500 of the leading estate and letting agents and suppliers from across the UK gathered for the country’s most significant estate agency event, the EA Masters.

Peter Knight, Founder of the Property Academy, added: “We set out to provide the home mover with a reliable resource to help identify the best estate agent in each area, whether someone is looking to sell or let a property. Only the best branches make it into the Best Estate Agent Guide, and only the very best agencies have been recognised with an award.”

Home movers and landlords can search for the estate and letting agents that made the grade in their area by visiting bestestateagentguide.co.uk.

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mark Ross, Redbrik Estate Agents

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Workpays to deliver employability apprenticeship to get more people into work

Skills provider Workpays is looking to boost the employability market by offering a new Level 4 Employability Practitioner Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship, lasting 18-24 months, can be delivered online and face-to-face. Depending on turnover, businesses can receive funding from the government to
cover 95% or 100% of associated costs.

The broad purpose of the apprenticeship is to provide staff with the skills to work with individuals who are distanced furthest from the labour market. Supporting
them to address and overcome obstacles in securing suitable and sustainable employment.

Occupations linked to it include Key Workers, Careers Advisors, Job Coaches, Student Support Workers, Training Advisors and many more.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director at Workpays, said: “We see the new Level 4 Employability Practitioner Apprenticeship as an exciting addition to our already award-winning lineup of apprenticeship programmes.

“Now, more than ever, Workpays is committed to helping people get back into work and this apprenticeship will ensure that employers are equipped with the
right skills to make it happen.”

This apprenticeship will benefit small, medium and large organisations, including local authorities, government bodies, recruitment agencies, training providers,
universities, schools and many more.

Any employer or individual wanting more information on the Employability Practitioner Apprenticeship, or apprenticeships in general, is to contact the Workpays Work-based learning team on apprenticeships@workpays.co.uk

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting our Apprentice Town page.

Workpays helps people to access the skills & training needed to gain employment. The firm also provides Apprenticeship Support & Knowledge to parents, teachers & students and assists employers to develop their workforce through work-based learning and apprenticeships.

The company operates nationally, including an office here in Chesterfield. Workpays also helps to provide skills support from their other offices in Derby, Coventry, Chesterfield, Kettering, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Hinckley, Corby & Market Harborough.

Workpays supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

DBCP makes apprenticeship appointment in technical support team

Former Tibshelf Secondary School pupil, Christian Peat (17) is the latest addition to DBCP’s technical support team.

Christian joins the leading supplier of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands, as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice.

Having studied Construction and the Built Environment at school, Christian was familiar with building regulations and health and safety which sparked his interest in joining the sector.

Based at DBCP’s Chesterfield office, Christian is now working alongside the technical support team managing inspection requests for the company’s 26-strong team of building control surveyors.

He said: “It’s a really varied role with DBCP which is great. My dad is a quantity surveyor and my mum also used to work in planning, so I have experience through them of those fields. Working in building control is adding to my skillset and helping help me identify what I would like to follow as a career once I finish my apprenticeship.”

Welcoming Christian to the company David Pratt, DBCP’s Building Control Manager said: “I am delighted that Christian has chosen to begin his career journey with DBCP. It is important that companies in the building control sector invest in the training and skills of young people to avoid a future skills shortage.

“Looking ahead to the future, we have started our recruitment process now for two Building Control degree apprentices. It’s vitally important we have trained and qualified building control surveyors for current and future construction and renovation projects across Derbyshire and Staffordshire.”

If you are considering a degree apprenticeship in Building Control ahead of leaving school next year and would like to know more, get in touch with DBCP’s Building Control Manager David Pratt, on 0333 880 2000 or email info@dbcp.co.uk

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting our Apprentice Town page.

DBCP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Mortgage 1st goes back to school to teach pupils about finance

Throughout October members of the Mortgage 1st team have delivered ‘Future Financial Planning’ lessons to 6 classes of year 9 students at Shirebrook Academy.

These students are beginning to think about their future careers and the lesson on mortgages and financial implications sits perfectly alongside the other financial and personal development lessons they are having this term about wages, credit, budgeting and savings.

The Mortgage 1st Future Financial Planning lesson was written by Operations Director Lisa Stones and was delivered for the first time last year to over 150 year 9 students.

Lisa said: “When I as at secondary school, I remember a bank visiting and talking to us about opening a bank account, but that was it, there were no lessons about ‘real life’ finances or managing money. Its something I’m very passionate about so during the lockdowns last year I set about writing a lesson.

“With the involvement of our local secondary school we are now in our second year of delivering these lessons after being invited back. Even if just 1 student remembers something I’ve said and it helps them in the future financially then its all been worthwhile!”

The lesson involves discussions around what is a mortgage and average house prices across the UK. It then goes onto calculating the cost of a mortgage using different salaries and deposits. What really brings all the discussions to life is when the classes look at a real house that is for sale currently just down the road from the school.

Mortgage 1st has since been recommended to a number of other local schools and colleges and are excited by the opportunity to be able to deliver the lessons to even more students over the coming years.

If you work within a secondary school, academy or college and are interested in these future financial planning lessons, contact lisa@mortgage1st.co.uk for more information.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Funding boost for Chesterfield venues

Chesterfield Theatres and Chesterfield Museum have received a further funding boost to help support them to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

This funding, received through the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is worth £153,000 which will be shared between Chesterfield Borough Council’s museum and theatres. In total the venues have received £720,000 through this fund over the last 18 months.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s been a challenging time for our venues through the pandemic, and it’s been fantastic to welcome our audiences back as national restrictions eased over the summer.

“Our theatres and museum are such a wonderful facility for our residents to enjoy, and to welcome visitors into the borough and we’re committed to doing all we can to keep them thriving for all to enjoy.

“We’re really pleased that we have been awarded a further grant of £153,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund, which provides a welcome contribution to the running costs of our venues and will support us to continue to deliver our excellent cultural programmes and attractions.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Culture is for everyone and should therefore be accessible to everyone, no matter who they are and where they’re from.

“Through unprecedented government financial support, the Culture Recovery Fund is supporting arts and cultural organisations so they can continue to bring culture to communities the length and breadth of the country, supporting jobs, boosting local economies and inspiring people.”

Over £1.2 billion has already been awarded from the unprecedented Culture Recovery Fund, supporting around 5000 individual organisations and sites across the country ranging from local museums to West End theatres, grassroots music venues to festivals, and organisations in the cultural and heritage supply-chains.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “This continued investment from the Government on an unprecedented scale means our theatres, galleries, music venues, museums and arts centres can carry on playing their part in bringing visitors back to our high streets, helping to drive economic growth, boosting community pride and promoting good health. It’s a massive vote of confidence in the role our cultural organisations play in helping us all to lead happier lives.”

The Grade II-listed theatres, Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre, offer a broad range of events, which includes drama, musicals, dance, comedy, concerts, talks and cinema.

Chesterfield Museum tells the story of Chesterfield, from its beginnings as a Roman fort, the expansion of the Market and the Industrial Revolution, which brought ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson, to town.

The Museum regularly holds a wide range of events for the whole family to enjoy. It also holds regular special exhibitions that explore different areas of history.

The Culture Recovery Fund is administered by Arts Council England.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

“A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.”

Destination Chesterfield Chair, Peter Swallow has provided his thoughts ahead of a busy and exciting festive period ahead in Chesterfield 

Christmas this year will look and feel a bit different for us all now that Covid restrictions have been fully lifted.

Once again, we can enjoy and experience the Christmas atmosphere in Chesterfield’s plethora of shops, market stalls, pubs, bars, cafés and restaurants.

While times are testing for the hospitality sector nationally, with many businesses reporting staff shortages it is extremely pleasing to see the fresh shoots of new restaurants in and around the town centre.

Three new restaurants have already opened in time for Christmas – Blaze in Stephenson’s Place, Gingerz on Chatsworth Road and Vegged on Sheffield Road, and more eateries are in the pipeline for 2022.

As well as new places to eat and drink, we’ve also seen new names join Chesterfield’s high street this year, including The Bee Orchid, The Lucky Magpie Salvage and Chesterfield Escape Rooms. I expect more new names to join Chesterfield’s plethora of independents soon following Vicar Lane Shopping Centre’s plans for a brand-new initiative to support start-up and small independent retailers with the ‘Vicar Lane Pop Up Shop’.

We really will be spoilt for choice in the nomination stage at next year’s Love Chesterfield Awards.

The lifting of restrictions has also meant the return of in-person events to the town centre, like the Christmas Light Switch On, the Crooked Spire’s Festival of Christmas Trees, the Santa cruise on the canal and the pantomime, to name but a few. They have all been missed.

While 2020 was challenging it also provided us with a valuable opportunity to do things differently and sometimes better. Like the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House which offers children the unique opportunity to talk to the Big Man himself via the ‘Santa Zoomer’.

The concept was conceived during the pandemic and was such a hit that it is returning this year. To ensure as many young people as possible can enjoy the experience it is particularly pleasing to see that ‘relaxed sessions’ have been added to the Amazing Magical Chesterfield Santa House for children with learning disabilities and other sensory disorders.

A truly inclusive Christmas awaits everyone in Chesterfield this year.

2021, like 2020, has been a year of change and adaptation. As we continue to navigate through one of the most testing periods in recent history we have shown, once again that Chesterfield is resilient, forward thinking and the place to be. It’s my kind of town… and not just for Christmas!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield leaders react to government HS2 announcement

Leaders in Chesterfield have reacted to the government’s announcement earlier today, around HS2 and the Integrated Rail Plan.

To find out full details around what was announced, go to:

https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/integrated-rail-plan-for-the-north-and-the-midlands

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said “It is deeply disappointing that the government has failed to deliver on its promises to commit to the Eastern Leg of HS2 in full – Chesterfield borough presents a prime example of a place ripe for investment and development off the back of HS2. Instead, the ambitions of our children and young people are yet again set to be held back by the government’s under-investment in the infrastructure needed to enable them to build their careers and lives.

“We have long called on the government to keep their promises and deliver the Eastern leg in full, and without delay. Today’s announcement hits hard our plans for up to a billion pounds worth of investment in Staveley alone, including new skills and jobs for local people. By backtracking on their promises, the government has taken a once in a lifetime opportunity away from our communities and undermined the hard work and commitment that the council and its partners have put in over many years.

“Pushing it into the long grass creates prolonged uncertainty and destroys some of the hopes we had for a brighter future.

“Rather than look to Chesterfield and Staveley, we fear businesses will now prioritise their investment to areas where the government has committed to invest in HS2. With the HS2 maintenance depot in Staveley now in doubt, our well-developed plans to use this to re-ignite much needed growth and regeneration for Staveley will suffer. Whilst we will do all we can to ensure this continues, the same levels of investment and development will not be achieved by just connecting HS2 to the existing Midland Main Line.

“The announcement today claims to set up our rail network for success for the next hundred years, that is not the case in our part of the world as it will cram even more trains on to an already crowded Victorian network. HS2 promised 21st century connectivity and capacity, but the people of Chesterfield are not deemed important enough to experience those benefits.

“The gap in the new high speed network means funnelling even more trains along lines already very busy with freight and passenger services.

“The uncertainty and delays we have already experienced are also now set to continue, with land safeguarded for HS2 remaining unavailable for development until the government makes a firm decision. I therefore call on the government to conclude its deliberations as quickly as possible to minimise the blight for affected communities and take the brakes off our ambitious growth plans.

“We welcome the electrification of the Midland Main Line, but the government has already announced this project multiple times, failing each time to set a firm timetable for delivery in our area. If the government truly want to level up investment and improve connectivity here, they must firm up this commitment with funding and set deadlines to ensure the project will be delivered.

“We will continue to strongly make the case for “HS2 All the Way”. In only investing in “HS2 half the way”, it is my view that the government has missed out on a golden opportunity to level up the country through equity of investment in HS2 in the East Midlands and North”.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council

Commenting on the Government’s publication of the Integrated Rail Plan and its ramifications for the HS2 Eastern Leg, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Today’s announcement comes as a bitter blow to communities in the East Midlands that have spent such a long time planning for the arrival of HS2, only to now be faced with a reneging on clear commitments repeatedly made by our country’s leaders.

“From a practical perspective, we miss out on the majority of the transformational economic benefits that underpinned the HS2 case for the region. This would have included significantly enhanced connectivity both locally and with other major cities, increased capacity to help us deliver more frequent and reliable local services, as well as the significant wider investment opportunities that come with businesses basing themselves at such a well-connected location.

“It was also about creating economic prosperity in places such as Chesterfield and Staveley, where economic regeneration planning has hinged around the delivery of HS2.

“But it’s not just a case of what we could have had. Investment begets investment and the fact that the Western Leg has been given the green light places the East Midlands at a massive disadvantage. It risks further widening the

“Of course, the proposed improvements within the Integrated Rail Plan, along with the long-needed electrification of the Midland Main Line, are positive developments. But these were always a part of our wider vision for HS2 in the East Midlands and electrification was promised many years ago – and has itself been the subject of multiple Government flip-flops over the past decade.

“As the Prime Minister himself has said, it should not be an either/or situation. We need these developments alongside HS2 to achieve the full benefits for the region.

“Because make no mistake, this is a job half done. This has always been so much more than just a transport investment for the communities of the East Midlands and no matter how this is now spun, our joint vision that encompassed economic, environmental and societal benefits has been massively descoped.

“At a time when the Prime Minister is shouting from the rooftops about levelling up and saying no place will be left behind, this is a slap in the face to a region that already receives the lowest level of public expenditure on transport and economic affairs in the UK.

“It also demonstrates massive disingenuity towards the climate change agenda despite the rhetoric surrounding COP26 earlier this month – our railways are at breaking point, and only through the additional capacity of HS2 would we be able to encourage people and freight off the roads in quantities meaningful enough to make a difference.

“The decision not to build the Eastern Leg as originally planned undermines not only the benefits of the entire project but also trust in Government.

“It now rests on Westminster to explain in proper, technical detail exactly what it plans to deliver, as well as how and when, in order to prevent the East Midlands from being structurally disadvantaged for generations to come.

“For our own region, it’s never been more crucial for our political and business leaders to come together and prepare a collective response for how we move forward.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Charity announces move into former Chesterfield register office

Derwent Rural Counselling Service, which supports people with mental health problems across Derbyshire, has invested in new premises in Chesterfield.

DRCS has bought the old Register Office in Chesterfield as part of ambitious growth plans for the charity which currently operates a team of 60 freelance and employed staff working from home and out of seven centres across the county.

Grand plans for the Beetwell Street premises include office space, consulting rooms, meeting rooms and relaxation space to help cope with an increased demand for DRCS services in the area plus other tenanted options.

Janette Smeeton, chief executive at DRCS said: “We have seen rapid growth and success in the last few years and expanded our services now treating people from the Amber Valley, Erewash, Chesterfield, Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne, Derby, Swadlincote and the Peak District. Adding to our property portfolio in Chesterfield makes sense as were using rented meeting rooms in the town.

“One main aim for DRCS has been to create a local service for everyone in Derbyshire to make sure everybody can get the service they need, close to home.

“The new Chesterfield building offers the biggest property challenge to date with three floors to renovate, but will help us provide as many treatment appointments as possible for the local community. We have not yet begun renovations but hope these will start as soon as possible.”

Mark Serby, chair of trustees for the Bakewell-headquartered charity said: “This is an exciting project and another step in implementing the board’s strategy for growth.

“Now is the right time to invest in the future. Covid has changed how we do things and proved there is not only appetite, but there’s a need. By investing in the purchase and renovation of the property we will be in a position to scale active services and have capacity to introduce potential new ones to meet changing needs and have a real meaningful impact.”

Over the last 30 years, DRCS has become the largest voluntary sector provider of counselling services in the region offering help to individuals, via self referral or via a GP, with common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress and long term conditions through counselling, CBT, guided self-help, and other forms of talking therapy.

Over the last eight years, DRCS has been in partnership with Derbyshire Healthcare Foundation Trust to improve access to psychological therapies throughout Derbyshire achieving above national recovery rates and shorter waiting times.

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

Banner Jones Solicitors retains ‘Leading Firm’ status in the UK Legal 500

Chesterfield-based Banner Jones’ Family Law and Personal Injury teams have retained their Tier 2 ranking in this year’s Legal 500 for the 9th year in a row.

The annual publication, which assesses the strengths of law firms across the world, is acknowledgement of the continued great work of Banner Jones over the last 12 months, and the quality of the services they provide.

A full-service firm which covers all aspects of family law, Banner Jones’ award-winning family law department consists of two specialist teams; a family law team and a care proceedings team.

Known for its customer service led approach, the firm represents a range of private clients including individuals eligible for legal aid through to high-value business owners.

As part of this year’s Legal 500 ranking, work highlights included the management of a complex care proceedings matter involving identification of a parent outside jurisdiction, as well as acting in a financial remedy case worth £1.5m.

The firm’s formidable personal injury team, which is led by Simon Wright, and which has particular expertise in serious injury and abuse claims, has also retained its Tier 2 ranking,

Work highlights cited by the Legal 500 included acting for a client who sustained a serious injury at work to secure a £1.6m settlement, as well as representing a client in a historical sexual abuse case in order to secure both costs and damages totalling £110k.

Commenting on the rankings Banner Jones’ Chief Executive, Simon Wright, said: “This is fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication of both our East Midlands-based family law and personal injury teams.

“Despite the challenges faced over the past year or so, our colleagues have continued to put the needs of clients at the heart of all that they do, and that determination has been reflected in the cases overseen, and those that they have settled.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of those who support our legal teams, and this accolade is also received in recognition of those who contribute to the day-to-day running and continued success of the business.”

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Banner Jones Solicitors

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

COP26 Roundup: How Chesterfield businesses are working towards a greener future

Many Chesterfield businesses, organisations and developments are working hard to build a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future for the town.

The big climate summit which took place in Glasgow recently, COP26 provided a big reminder to everyone of the need to become greener and reduce our carbon emissions.

Chesterfield Champion, Emma Knight-Strong of specialist sustainability coaching firm, Green Arch Consulting attended the summit, and has provided us with a round-up of all the big talking points from the event:

4 areas of interest, 1 big message

  • Governments – the US and China are now collaborating to work on climate change! While there are concerns about the speed with which governments are moving this announcement (plus a lot of others) is an indicator that the political world is taking climate change seriously.
  • Finance – investors with trillions of dollars are announcing more and more commitments to sustainable and green investments. This is driven by a range of factors including:

– Risk: investors are seeing the impacts of climate change in their portfolios and…

– Standards and regulation: for example COP26 has seen the launch of the International Sustainability Standards Board, which will ultimately require the entire accounting profession to develop their skills in this area.

  • Business – is under increasing pressure to report information and to manage their supply chains. In the UK, large corporates will be legally required to report climate information from April 2022. Importantly, this will impact their entire supply chain as suppliers will need to help their customers collect and report data. Equally, some organisations may find themselves struggling to win new customers (or keep existing customers) if they fail to step up.
  • Communication, engagement and public opinion – is changing rapidly, leading to a huge shift in how people see the climate crisis. This, of course, has an impact on politics, finance and business. A couple of examples are:
  1. The UK Broadcasting associations have committed to embedding climate content in their programmes – helping to spread messaging around climate and carbon.
  2. Education is focusing more on climate and sustainability, helping our younger generations to understand more about their options and about the climate crisis – so when your kids start talking about it you should probably listen – the chances are they know more about it than you do!
  3. Activism is now firmly on the agenda – whether it’s marching on the streets or people actively working to ‘green’ their jobs or companies, people are working together to drive change. 100,000 people marched in Glasgow on 6th November to call attention to the huge public interest in creating a positive outcome for the climate.

How big is the challenge?

The fact that almost every aspect of society is paying attention to this now indicates that this is a major challenge but if you need more proof: scientists, nations, indigenous communities and many others have provided overwhelming evidence that our world is warming. The problem with this is that a warming world is leading to increased extreme weather events, sea level rise and loss of biodiversity.

That, in turn, leads to changes in agricultural productivity, threatens towns, cities and businesses, and even influences things like where some diseases are found. Ultimately, it risks lives and livelihoods across the globe. No business sector, country or even town will be immune to this, albeit some will suffer the effects faster, and more severely, than others.

The message COP26 is the 26th annual conference which seeks to address some of these issues. The announcements and noise surrounding this conference can be overwhelming and it is almost impossible to keep track of everything that has happened. Instead, look above it all and see the overarching message: This issue is not going away. We have a feedback loop of investors influencing business who influence government, who are all influenced by communication (you can rearrange those words into almost any combination, and it will still be true).

That means that at some point, if it hasn’t already, your organisation will be impacted by one or more of these areas. In fact, you may already have been indirectly impacted but just haven’t realised the cause.

Where to start

So how can organisations get on top of this? A good place to start is to understand your carbon footprint. It is by no means the only issue related to climate change and sustainability, but it’s a good foundation for understanding how your organisation operates beyond the financials.

The good news is that there is a LOT of help out there – some of it free, some of it not.

Do an internet search for ‘calculate the carbon footprint of my business’ and see what comes up.

If you already know your carbon footprint then the next step is to think seriously about cutting it by at least 50% by 2030. How will you achieve this? What investment will be needed? How can you plan this into your business year to spread the cost? Equally, how might this help your business, for example will you be in a position to win more customers?

Sustainability success stories in Chesterfield

anzacs chesterfield

Here are just a few great examples of how the Chesterfield community is helping to reduce carbon emissions in our town, including businesses, organisations and local developers.

Custom Solar

Custom Solar is a renewable energy company specialising in solar PV. The business works nationally to design, install and maintain high quality solar systems for businesses, homes and the education sector.

Find out more about a huge solar installation carried out by the company at the Port of Southampion, fitting the Horizon Cruise Terminal with 2,000 solar modules!

Superior Wellness

Superior Wellness won the Sustainability Award, sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council at the town’s annual Love Chesterfield Awards  organised by Destination Chesterfield.

In their award-winning submission Superior Wellness demonstrated that they measure and report their progress, as well as demonstrating that that have committed to sustainability during the past five years.

Mark Needham, Head of Operations said: “Within the last few months, we have reviewed our waste strategy, purchased electric forklift trucks, installed solar panels and have electric charging points.

“This is just the start as we seek to become more sustainable as a business.  Our ten-year vision is to become carbon neutral.”

Don’t Do a Dodo

Don’t Do A Dodo Ltd is a Chesterfield business that aims to help local people ‘go green’ easily and at low cost. It does this by enabling the community to club together to buy green products like solar panels and smart thermostats, securing valuable discounts for householders, whilst reducing their energy bills and their carbon emissions.

Director Nigel Timperley said: “Don’t Do A Dodo is a community business. As well as helping local people group-buy low carbon products like solar panels and renewable energy, we use local suppliers to install things, creating jobs and opportunity in the town’s emerging green
economy. So the town gets greener and local businesses prosper.”

The Gateway @Peak

The exciting Gateway @PEAK development on the northern edge of Chesterfield has been showcasing its sustainability credentials at the East Midlands COP26 Regional Roadshow, as part of its strategic partnership with the University of Derby.

Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties have formed a working group with the University of Derby to bring the latest applied thinking in sustainable tourism, circular economies, data collection and monitoring, geosciences and biodiversity planning to the project.

At the heart of the development is a Zero Carbon transport hub. Hydrogen powered vehicles will connect to a travel network that has the potential to remove over 500,000 car journeys from the park each year, drastically reducing carbon emissions and improving the visitor experience for everyone.

Robinson Plc

Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson, which specialises in packaging launched its ambitious sustainability pledge earlier this year.

The pledge by Robinson outlines a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says this the blueprint for Robinson’s future-fit business. She says: “We have a role to contribute to sustainability and regenerative growth, which we view as key drivers with great opportunities for our business and the industry.

Chesterfield FC’s Planet Super League success

Chesterfield Football Club may be flying high on the pitch in the National League at the moment, but the club also topped the table earlier this year in a sustainability league table which involved supporters and the local community.

The unique football tournament ‘Planet Super League’ saw fans score goals for their club by completing planet-protecting activities like having a meat-free meal, using the car less and even taking cold showers.

Chesterfield FC fans put in an incredible effort over the 11-week tournament, racking up 33 points and beating 23 other clubs to the title. Fans have a perfect record for the season, winning all 11 matches including victories against West Bromwich Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and MK Dons.

Chesterfield Property & Construction Group

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield campaign provided plenty of cause for celebration once again this year, with the announcement of the town’s Property & Construction Group being launched.

The new group brings together leaders from the area’s property and construction sectors to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Delegates attending the Chesterfield Investment Summit 2021 will be updated on the progress of the group over the last few months.

SDE Group

Chesterfield-based SDE Group is pushing forward with ambitions to be greener and reduce the carbon footprint of the UK, with the installation of multiple rapid charging points for electronic vehicles.

The company has set out a long-term goal of having a better impact on the environment, with the growth of electric charging stations being something the firm is very passionate about.

Ian Buckton, Contracts Director at SDE Group said: “SDE have been looking at the carbon footprint of the business for the last few years, so when we were approached by our clients to work alongside Gridserve on the renewable energy scheme, it is something that excited us as this falls into our business plan.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s The Gateway @PEAK development showcased at COP26 regional roadshow

Milligan’s forthcoming development on the Peak District National Park boundary, the Gateway @PEAK has been showcasing its sustainability credentials at the East Midlands COP26 Regional Roadshow, as part of its strategic partnership with the University of Derby.

Milligan and landowner Birchall Properties have formed a working group with the University of Derby to bring the latest applied thinking in sustainable tourism, circular economies, data collection and monitoring, geosciences and biodiversity planning to the project.

The Gateway @PEAK is a great example of the Net Zero Carbon developments being discussed at COP26 in Glasgow.

At the heart of the development is a Zero Carbon transport hub. Hydrogen powered vehicles will connect to a travel network that has the potential to remove over 500,000 car journeys from the park each year, drastically reducing carbon emissions and improving the visitor experience for everyone.

The travel network will also open access to thousands of park attractions, spreading the economic visitor benefit and relieving destinations that become overwhelmed during peak seasons. Planning permission for 2,800 car parking spaces and 5,000 overnight beds has already been granted to the Gateway at PEAK which is situated on 300 acres of fully reclaimed land.

The COP26 East Midlands Roadshow took place on the 11th November 2021, during the international summit in Glasgow. In the virtual conference, delegates were able to browse other projects from the region and learn more about the Gateway’s ambition to create a blueprint for the sustainable delivery of mixed-use ‘smart’ campuses.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Prof Chris Bussell, said “The University will help the Gateway @PEAK project team define sustainable tourism, bringing innovation to this landmark project for the region, and for the UK’s National Parks.

“Our research and experience in building digital twins and data sciences will give the project a credible data strategy, which is critical to it delivering its sustainability goals. The collaboration offers university students an exciting, local project which is breaking new ground, and the project itself access to the latest thinking and research.”

Find out more about The Gateway @Peak and the Wider Peak Gateway, Resort, Campus development at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,