Business

Mortgage 1st raise £1,648.94 for local charities

7 members of the Mortgage 1st team took part in this year’s Chesterfield Redbrik Half Marathon and Peak FM 5 Mile Run on 20th of October in support of two great local charities, Ashgate Hospicecare & Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Mortgage 1st encouraged their team to sign up earlier this year as part of the Pronto Paints Wellbeing challenge and kindly offered to pay all their entry fees. The majority of those who signed up weren’t already runners but fully committed to the challenge and began their training.

On the day, 6 members of the Mortgage 1st team ran the Peak FM 5 mile and all completed it within an hour or less. The 7th team member Ethan, ran the full half marathon in 2 hours exact.

As a team they raised a whopping £1,648.94 in donations which they have shared equally between the two charities, meaning they will receive just over £820 each.

Lisa Stones, Marketing Director at Mortgage 1st said: “When I asked around the office who wanted to take part I was delighted when 7 of our team said yes. They all did brilliantly with their training and it was great to hear how their health & fitness started to improve as a result.”

“On the day there was a large group for us from Mortgage 1st along with their friends and family all cheering them on, the atmosphere in Queens Park was great and we’re all already talking about next year’s event.”

More than 1,500 people registered for the event’s three elements – the 13.1-mile Half Marathon, Peak FM Five Mile Run and Blachford UK Fun Run – with new course records also set by both the female and male Redbrik Half winners. Read more here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

Peak Pharmacy branch launches 24/7 prescription collection service

Peak Pharmacy, owned by PCT Healthcare, has officially launched its 24/7 automated prescription collection system at its pharmacy at Ashgate Medical Centre in Chesterfield.

At an opening ceremony on Friday 8th November, Oliver Atkinson (right), a Year 6 student at Brockwell Primary School, cut the opening ribbon after pupils entered a competition to name the new machine. Oliver’s winning entry ‘Medi-Tron’ was revealed by Joe Cattee, Director of PCT Healthcare. A sign with the new name will be soon be displayed near the machine. Oliver was joined by Florence Rix (Year 3), Noah Rix (Year 5) and Holly Bradbury (Year 5). The pupils received a small gift for taking part and were the first to try the new machine.

The machine is the first of its type in the area and one of only a few devices in the country that offers 24 hour a day prescription collection for patients with regular repeat prescriptions, giving patients the convenience of being able to collect their medication whenever suits them.

Patients simply need to let the team know they want to use the collection point, then arrange for their doctor to send their prescription directly to the pharmacy. Peak Pharmacy will then dispense the prescription in advance and package securely ready for collection from the collection point. Customers will receive a text message to let them know that their prescription is ready for collection and can be collected whenever they wish – with no more waiting in queue’s or having to arrive within normal trading hours.

Darryl Dethick, Head of Business Development said: “We believe this additional option for collecting prescriptions makes life easier for our customers and shows our continual commitment to ensuring we offer the best possible prescription service in the area. If anyone would like to find out more details then please call our pharmacy on 01246 208647 or pop in and see us at Ashgate Medical Centre.”

The collection point is conveniently located at the Peak Pharmacy on Ashgate Road, which offers ample free parking, and allows pre-dispensed prescriptions to be collected even when the pharmacy isn’t open.

Holly Bradbury (Year 5), Noah Rix (Year 5), Florence Rix (Year 3) and Oliver Atkinson (Year 6) were invited to the opening by Joe Cattee, Director of PCT Healthcare.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Dynamic ideas sought for second UK Space Agency programme

Dynamic ideas from start-up and established high-tech businesses across the UK are being sought for the second Oxford Innovation Space Incubator programme.

Following the success of last year’s first cohort, Oxford Innovation has teamed up with the UK Space Agency to deliver the 2019/2020 programme, open to entries from established businesses and new company founders.

Businesses have until Friday, 15 November to submit ideas which have the ability to solve real-world problems in sectors such as; aerospace, marine, transport, health, gaming and agri-tech, although ideas for any sector are welcome.

Last year, Agrinav was one of five businesses to secure grant funding thanks to the help of the expert team at Oxford Innovation. After securing a £125,000 European Horizon Grant the firm’s variable rate fertilizer spreader, which analyses satellite images to produce a map and calculate the amount of fertilizer required for an area, will be developed following successful trials.

Managing Director of Oxford Innovation, Jo Stevens said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering again with the UK Space Agency to deliver this unique programme which will provide successful applicants with access to world-class research and innovation support.

“We are looking forward to building on the success of last year which saw us secure thousands of pounds worth of funding to help participants deliver their vision for the future and to connect with industry primes such as Ordnance Survey, Airbus and Boeing.”

Funded through the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme (NSTP), an impressive package worth thousands of pounds, will be awarded to six companies with the best solutions for real-world problems.

Each of the six winning projects will receive introductions to technical support from universities, research agencies and prime space related businesses. In addition to benefitting from six months free workspace at Oxford Innovation’s BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, in Hampshire, and access to a series of  interactive workshops delivered by experts in; PR, commercial agreements, funding and marketing.

Innovate2Succeed is also supporting the programme providing; bespoke coaching, partners, expert matchmaking, investor showcase and networking events with other dynamic space entrepreneurs and innovators.

Charles McCausland, Head of Major Projects and Technology Development at UK Space Agency said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Oxford Innovation as part of our National Space Technology Programme. This will build on the success of the first cohort from the OI Space Incubator to identify, develop and underpin space technology capabilities across the UK.”

Elaine Kearney, Innovation Director at the BASE Bordon Innovation Centre, is the driving force behind the project which will be delivered by Oxford Innovation’s specialist business advisers, and the UK Space Agency’s network of space incubators, universities, and experts.

To find out more about the OI Space Incubator and apply to the 2019/2020 programme visit http://oispace.co.uk/registration to register your business by 15th November.

The UKSA Entrepreneurial Programme at Fareham Innovation Centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Celebrating the town’s food and drink scene and relaunching Made in Chesterfield

I have to kick off this month by congratulating everybody that was involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019. I look forward to these sell-out awards every year as it involves a room full of people invested not only in their industry, but in its success in our town.

The black-tie event, held at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre this year, brings the celebration into the heart of the town, where darker evenings are soon to be illuminated by the stunning Christmas lights which are to be switched on on the 17 November.

At the 2019 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards, Chris Mapp, Head Chef and Owner of The Tickled Trout, was awarded the prestigious Chesterfield Food Hero award.

There are few things that bring people together quite like Christmas. It’s all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and put things like family time to one side, but Christmas is a great reason to make time especially around a dinner table.

Chesterfield has a plethora of places to eat and drink that we have never had before. Real ale pubs, gastro pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, French… you name it – Chesterfield’s food and drink scene has it.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and as the town grows, we are able to offer more job roles and career opportunities to young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in our manufacturing and engineering sector.

Once again, we’ll be raising awareness of the breadth of jobs and roles in this sector with the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign in November. The programme brings together schools and businesses in the sector in order to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities in the local area – something increasing in importance with increased local developments, investment and, of course, Brexit.

There’s lots going on in the area, festive and otherwise. Let’s fully embrace the community and Christmas spirit and come together to talk up the town. There are fantastic things happening around us that can be easy to dismiss in our day-to-day lives. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate them as 2019 draws to a close (already!).

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the University of Derby.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Local care company urging public to help combat loneliness

Companionship is key to a healthy life but more needs to be done to reduce loneliness amongst the elderly, according to research carried out by Home Instead Senior Care.

Home Instead Senior Care surveyed more than 2,000 over 65s with 9 in 10 stating that regular companionship would help them to stay mentally and physically healthy for longer.

Despite this, it was revealed that many older people felt lonely with over a quarter of over 65s saying they spent 8 hours alone daily, with almost half (49%) of over 85s facing at least ten hours a day alone.

Now the Chesterfield home care company is urging the public to take action to help older people in the community feel less lonely.

Stephanie & Nigel Metham (below), owners of Home Instead Senior Care Chesterfield, said: “In many cases, it’s simply having a friendly face pop by for a cup of tea and asking if they need assistance with their shopping. So our message is this; visit your grandma, take your parents out for lunch as often as you can, befriend older neighbours and, if you are looking to turn your compassion into a rewarding career, consider becoming a caregiver.”

The survey also revealed that 83% of older people want to live at home so as to not lose their independence and 70% also feel safe in the comfort of their own home.

Stephanie & Nigel continued: “It comes as no surprise to us to find that most people want to live at home for as long as possible. For most of us, our home is our sanctuary throughout our lives. When we get older, we’ve raised our families and earned our rest, we should get to enjoy the comfort of our own space.”

“This is why our care works so well because our caregivers can provide companionship and support as well as encouraging older people to engage and be part of the community.”

The home care company this month launched a television campaign to highlight how care at home works, as well as highlighting the rewarding role of working in care.

Home Instead’s service is personal and tailored to the needs of each individual. It’s a unique proposition that centres around visiting clients for a minimum of one hour at a time and matching them to caregivers who have common interests.

There is a shortage of caregivers in our society at the moment. Home Instead Senior Care recruits people of every age, regardless of employment background; basing hiring decisions on an applicant’s passion for care rather than experience.

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of older people or to find out more about the work of Home Instead Senior Care, call 01246 398824 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure

BHP Corporate Finance expands its international network

BHP Corporate Finance, has taken a major step forward in strengthening its international deal making capabilities by joining forces with specialist global mergers & acquisitions advisory group, Translink Corporate Finance. BHP Corporate Finance is the specialist corporate finance division of BHP LLP.

Translink is one of the world’s largest mid-market corporate finance advisory groups, with a team of more than 600 experts across 30 different countries. Translink specialises in advising private and public companies, private equity firms and entrepreneurs on mergers and acquisitions, fundraisings and IPOs.

BHP Corporate Finance Partner, Don Gray, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be joining Translink as a UK member firm of the network. Cross-border transactions have been a core part of our service offering for a number of years but our alliance with Translink significantly extends our international scale and reach. Whether clients are selling or buying, together with our fellow Translink firms we can offer genuinely seamless integrated global corporate finance advice.”

Hamish Morrison, BHP Corporate Finance and Joint Managing Partner of the wider BHP firm, added: “We spent over two years looking at a variety of International Networks. A number of us have had previous experience of “global networks” within the framework of national partnerships and so we understood some of the limitations and challenges from these types of arrangements. We found Translink to be very different to the vast majority of these. Due to the predefined fee sharing arrangements, all member firms are only focused on one thing, the success of the deal for the client.”

Translink Chairman, Tero Nummenpää, said: “We are very pleased to be welcoming BHP Corporate Finance to the Translink family. Their reputation for providing high quality advice on mid-market transactions fits perfectly with our ethos.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

BRM help overseas developers acquire entire share capital in UK property developers

Law firm BRM Solicitors have advised on a significant multi- jurisdictional deal on behalf of an overseas developer to acquire the entire share capital in a UK property development company, enabling construction of new homes in Manchester.

Trevor Bird (Corporate) and Alastair Reid (Real Estate) of BRM Solicitors acting for an overseas based developer facilitated the purchase of 100% of the share capital of Yew Tree Lane Developments Limited, a development company based in Manchester.

Yew Tree Lane Developments Limited owns a residential development site with a value of between £4m and £5m. The investors now intend to build new starter homes within the next 18 months.

Trevor Bird (right) of BRM commented: “This deal has taken over 12 months to  get over the line and in the end involved 8 different firms of lawyers acting for various parties across different jurisdictions but given the size and complexity of the issues involved that is not surprising. We were delighted to be able to finally complete the deal to enable our client to start their project.”

Stuart Laing commented on behalf of the developer: “We are extremely grateful to Trevor and Alastair for their patience, resilience and commerciality in getting this deal done, in what were very often frustrating circumstances. We are delighted that we can now get on site and start the real work of building houses.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Essential Site Skills team member shortlisted for Rising Star Award

Essential Site Skills (ESS) are delighted to announce that their team member Matt Fletcher has been named as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at The Learning Awards 2020.

The Learning Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding individuals in the world of Learning & Development, organised by The Learning and Performance Institute. Receiving one of these awards is the ultimate accolade for anyone working in the industry.

On the back of his exceptional performance in a business support role, Matt was identified 12 months ago as having the drive, enthusiasm and appetite to develop his career as a trainer. His high performance has gone from strength to strength since then, proving to be an invaluable asset to the ESS team within such a short period of time.

Travelling up and down the country, Matt delivers training in some of the most dangerous areas of the construction industry, exemplifying a trainer who goes the extra mile and puts the learner at the forefront of the learning and development experience. His hard work and endeavour have helped him change lives for the better.

Matt said, “It’s a huge honour to even be nominated in the rising star category for the LPI Learning awards, but to be selected as a finalist and have the opportunity to present to the judging panel gives me a great sense of pride.”

Training and Consultancy Director, Darren O’Neill, spoke on behalf of ESS: “Having performed an incredible job as Training & Consultancy Instructor, it’s been a brilliant year for Matt, and he is fully deserving of the recognition he is receiving.”

“The whole team at ESS are incredibly proud of Matt and wish him all the best in the coming awards ceremony.”

Matt’s nomination is just the latest success for ESS. At the The Learning Awards 2019, ESS were finalists in the Learning Provider of the Year category, with Training and Consultancy Manager, Michael Harcourt, winning the Rising Star Silver Award.

The Learning Awards 2020 will take place on 20th February 2020 from London’s Hilton Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Banner Jones donates £250 to Ashgate Hospice following Half Marathon

Derbyshire-based law firm Banner Jones has donated more than £250 to Ashgate Hospicecare thanks to the fundraising efforts of running trio, Clayton, Lauren and Kareena who swapped their suits for trainers to take part in the year’s Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

According to the event organisers this was its biggest year to date, with more than 1,000 people taking part.

Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospicecare is a registered charity which provides palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses. The organisation provides daytime care as well as running a 21-bed inpatient unit, and relies largely on donations, and the fundraising efforts of those who take part in events such as the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

Clayton Bissett, Will Writer at Banner Jones said: “I am absolutely delighted to have taken part in the half marathon again this year to raise funds for such an amazing local charity. ”

Ashgate Hospice provides such valuable services to the local community and is very close to the hearts of those who live and work in and around Chesterfield.”

“I would like to thank everyone who donated, and for those who supported us.”

Main Image Credit: Paul Horton Photography

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Engaging the community on climate change

A working group set up to tackle climate change in Chesterfield met for the first time last week.

Chesterfield Borough Council agreed to set up the group made up of local volunteers after declaring a climate emergency at a meeting of full council meeting in July (right).

Councillor Amanda Serjeant (below), Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “We were bowled over with the response we received to our request to volunteers to take part in our working group on climate change.”

“There will also be a wider consultative group of people from different backgrounds and experiences that will help inform the actions taken by the council.”

“Individuals included in the working group have interests or experience in this area so this will be very useful in helping us to shape our plans for the future.”

The working group will explore how both the council and borough can work towards becoming carbon neutral.

The working group will develop a fully costed action plan that will be presented to a meeting of full council by March 2020.

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

Derbyshire County Council to cover apprentice training costs for local SMEs

Small and medium-sized businesses across the county could have their apprentice training costs paid for by Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire County Council are using some of their apprentice levy to pay for training for apprenticeships in small and medium-sized businesses.

Apprenticeships can be undertaken by new employees, or existing employees in a wide range of business sectors including manufacturing, creative, service, construction, finance and business, care, retail and many more. There are 100s of different types of apprenticeship at a wide variety of different levels.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “This is a great opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses in the county to boost their level of skills, either by taking on a new apprentice, or training existing employees.”

“We will pay for the training needed, and provide expert help to find the right apprenticeship for your business and employees.”

More information is available from Lucie Andrews, Skills Adviser at the D2N2 Growth Hub, via email lucie.andrews@d2n2growthhub.co.uk or by calling 0333 006 9178.

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

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