Business

Chesterfield Investment Summit 2019 hears how localised social media could be key to revitalising town’s high street

13th September 2019

With up to 74% of high street retailers not having an active social media presence, Polly Barnfield OBE, a member of the government’s High Street Task Force has urged Chesterfield’s shops and market traders to adopt social media and use it to deliver both improved footfall and sales on demand.

Speaking at the sell-out 2019 Chesterfield Investment Summit, Ms Barnfield, who has been named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology, believes events and localised social media activity could be the key to revitalising and growing Chesterfield’s high street.

She said: “Social media is a resource that any business can use, and retailers should use this opportunity to engage with and understand their customers.”

“Social media is fundamentally changing the rules of doing business. It’s not a question of a business being online or offline anymore – they must be both. There has been a huge shift in human behaviour over the last 15 years driven by social media. For the first time ever, people now spend more time on their mobile phone than watching TV.”

However, she urged retailers not to just to focus on selling themselves on social media. “Engagement with the community around you is key. You can’t just sell your own product on social media if you want to be successful,” urged Ms Barnfield.

She advised: “Retailers should post on social media every day and talk to their audience not just about what is happening in their business but around them.”

Highlighting the power of social media on retail at the Investment Summit, it was revealed that ALTERIS, owner of the town’s Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, has successfully used the online platform Maybe* over the last six months to increase footfall by 29%.

ALTERIS bought Vicar Lane Shopping Centre out of administration earlier this year promising to create ‘a new town centre retail model for the post e-commerce world’.

Ms Barnfield was one of several speakers presenting at the annual Investment Summit which was held at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel.

Addressing future investment and development opportunities in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, the event was organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby.

Speaking at the event Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, also revealed that the town had welcomed 330 business start-ups in the last 12 months.

He commented: “For Chesterfield to grow and survive it needs to be a place where people feel they can do business and do it successfully. This means ensuring we make the most of our competitive advantages in order to attract investment as well as optimise our current development opportunities including HS2, Chesterfield Waterside, Northern Gateway and Peak Resort. Our competitive advantages underpin our recently published Growth Strategy.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, highlighted the town’s successful public-private sector partnership approach to investment, commenting: “Chesterfield is a town of opportunity and we have the partners and collaboration in place to drive forward our ambitions to not only deliver our current development plans but also attract further investment and continue to grow.”

More than 200 people attended the 2019 Chesterfield Annual Summit. In addition to Polly Barnfield OBE and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Mark Warrilow, Skills Stakeholder Manager – Phase 2 (Skills Employment and Education) at HS2 Ltd; Peter Storey, Head of Markham Vale at Derbyshire Country Council; Mark Jones, Head of Technical at Kier Living; Cllr Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Derbyshire County Council and David Higham, Commercial Director at Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group.

To keep up-to-date with investments and developments in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

East Midlands Chamber announces Derbyshire Business of the Year

10th September 2019

A specialist in the creation and re-use of digital information has won the East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) Derbyshire Business of the Year Award 2019.

Established in 2000, Derby-based Bloc Digital is split into four complementary disciplines of modelling, animation, development and web.

As a leader in the use of digital technology in industry, it produces innovative, immersive, digital solutions – Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), web and mobile – for many companies globally.

Receiving the award from Mazars, the headline sponsor of the Chamber’s Business Awards 2019, Bloc Digital Director Keith Cox said: “We entered the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards to gain recognition for what our team is doing.”

“We are so busy day to day that it is amazing to stop and see that people appreciate and acknowledge what we do. We are absolutely delighted to win this award.”

To qualify as a contender for the supreme accolade of Business of the Year, Bloc Digital had already won the Business Improvement through Technology award earlier in the evening.

The company was one of 13 to win an award on the night, as the Chamber celebrated the strength and successes of businesses across Derby and Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Champions the Chesterfield College Group were also among the winners, receiving the Education and Business Partnership Award. Chesterfield-based education initiative Made in Chesterfield was a runner up in the same category.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and sponsored by University of Derby. It is designed to bring together businesses, schools and training providers to showcase STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers to future school leavers.

Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group and also Chesterfield Champions, sponsored the Apprentice of the Year category and fellow Chesterfield Champions The Accountancy Recruitment Group were finalists in the Excellence In Customer Service category.

Chamber President Kevin Harris said: “One of the main privileges of being Chamber President is being able to address and celebrate the crème de la crème of our region’s businesses at the Business Awards.”

“Taking part in the Chamber’s Business Awards, the only local awards to offer winners the chance to go on to compete on a regional and national stage at the British Chambers of Commerce Awards, encourages an organisation to look closely at what they do best.”

“Making it through to the final is cause for celebration in itself and whether you get that far or walk off with the ultimate crown, you should shout about that success and proclaim to the world that yours is one of the best businesses out there.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Fruit and vegetable changes on Chesterfield market

9th September 2019

Fruit and vegetables on Chesterfield market will soon be sold by one local business rather than two, following the confirmation of an amalgamation.

Ayres and Ibbotsons are two local traders who have served residents and visitors in Chesterfield for more than 80 years, but Ayres are soon to stop serving following discussions with both Chesterfield Borough Council and Ibbotsons.

Ibbotsons are going to take over the current Ayres stand on the market as the two businesses amalgamate.

From 9 September, Ibbotsons will be trading six days per week on the market on a larger stall.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Although it is always sad to see a trader disappear from Chesterfield market, and particularly one that has traded for so many years, I am pleased that Ayres and Ibbotsons have worked with the council to come up with the best solution for all involved.”

Nick Ibbotson, owner of Ibbotson’s fruit and veg stall, explained: “This is a very proud occasion for us as a local business. We will continue to stand six days per week and will now have a permanent stall opposite Marks & Spencer in Chesterfield.

“We are going to be continuing the longevity of our business standing on the market by having a bigger stall and having a new and improved offer for our customers. We will be stocking some extra lines and are looking forward to what the future holds.”

David Mills from Ayres said: “Ayres see this as a positive move going forward, consolidating both businesses onto one pitch. We are excited about the move and are looking forward to developing the business with Ibbotsons. We both feel this will strengthen the business and ensure continuity going forward which will benefit our customers, staff and the town centre as a whole.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Staveley to benefit from £3.6 billion Towns Fund

6th September 2019

Staveley and Clay Cross are 2 of the 100 places invited to develop proposals for a new generation of multi-million-pound Town Deals which have today (6 September 2019) been announced by Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP.

The towns eligible for support from the £3.6 billion Towns Fund include places with proud industrial and economic heritage but have not always benefitted from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas.

Communities, businesses and local leaders will now join forces to draw up ambitious plans to transform their town’s economic growth prospects with a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture.

A total of 42 places across the Northern Powerhouse and 33 places in the Midlands Engine are among the 100 pioneers of new Town Deals as part of the government’s commitment to level up all regions by boosting productivity, skills and living standards.

Local Government Secretary, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, said:

“Ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country, not just those in London or our biggest cities, is at the heart of the mission of this government.

We want to level-up our great towns, raising living standards and ensuring they can thrive with transformative investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.

I will now work with local people from the 100 communities announced today to agree proposals to invest up to £25 million in each place. I hope these deals will provide the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal ensuring each town can look to the future with a new optimism.”

The government will soon publish a prospectus to guide towns through the process and set eligibility criteria for funding.

Once approved, new Town Deals will improve connectivity, provide vital social and cultural infrastructure and boost growth – with communities having a say on how the money is spent.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Derby shortlisted for University of the Year Award

5th September 2019

Chesterfield Champion, The University of Derby has been shortlisted for the sector’s most prestigious accolade – the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year Award 2019.

The THE Awards are widely acknowledged as the ‘Oscars of the higher education sector’ and recognise outstanding work and exceptional performance across 23 award categories, with the University of the Year Award being the most sought after.

Derby has been shortlisted in two other categories. Firstly, the Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year category, which recognises the innovative use of digital technology to improve any function at a university. In addition, Sian Burgess, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, has been nominated for the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year Award, designed to honour academics whose imagination and passion has transformed a course and inspired students.

Speaking about the triple shortlisting, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University of Derby has been shortlisted for University of the Year Award. To be a finalist for such a well-respected and revered award is recognition of the great work our staff, students and stakeholders are undertaking to deliver a powerful regional university that addresses the needs of our students, region and beyond.

“I am extremely proud that the University has been shortlisted for Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year and would like to congratulate Sian on the tremendous achievement of being shortlisted for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year Award.

“As a TEF Gold university, the culture of teaching excellence plays a crucial role in enhancing and enriching our academic delivery, nurturing productive links between teaching, research and professional practice. We support, encourage and incentivise innovative teaching and assessment and we are committed to assuring that our pedagogic approach is transformational using research-informed Digital Learning methodology for our curriculum development.”

In the shortlisted award entry for University of the Year, Derby highlighted its growing reputation as a leading institution for social mobility, demonstrated by HEPI Fair Access Table ranking (2nd in the country), and its highest overall national league table position (26th – Guardian University Guide 2020).

The application emphasised Derby’s drive to address the grand challenge of the Industrial strategy and in particular, the regional skills gap with trailblazing programmes, such as the nursing associate, which provides a well-qualified workforce for our NHS and offers opportunities to many in the region to enter nursing. Derby is one of the first pilot sites with the largest single-University group of trainee nursing associates in the country.

Derby’s embedded practice of offering real world experiences has resulted in a 16% increase in graduate employability and 95% of its graduates are employed or in further study within six months of completing their studies, many within the region.

The University’s nomination for Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year stems from its holistic approach to establish future-fit curricula through an embedded and systematic digital pedagogy.

Sian Burgess, Senior Lecturer was nominated by one of the University of Derby’s graduates based upon her passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to her discipline of Occupational Therapy. This commitment has ensured that every student has the best possible academic and clinical experience. In the award submission, the nominator focused on the opportunities Sian creates for her students, the research she facilitates and her dedication to motivating and nurturing students.

Sian is highly regarded within the organisation, especially in promoting student voice and has been instrumental in launching the University’s Cohort Integration Project, which pairs second and third year students with first year students so they can share knowledge and experiences.

THE editor John Gill said: “The THE Awards hold a place in the hearts of many in UK higher education and have now been a fixture in the its calendar for well over a decade. This year we decided to incorporate the complementary strengths of our THE Leadership and Management Awards, so that the range of categories better reflects the reality of how universities operate today, and the interwoven nature of so much of what they do. This will be the biggest celebration of higher education that we have ever hosted.

“I am delighted to say that the ‘Oscars of higher education’ go from strength to strength. With 23 categories this year, we’re also showcasing more exceptional stories than ever before, and it’s a real honour for us to shine a spotlight on all those who have made it as far as these shortlists – their stories deserve much wider circulation.”

The winners of the 15^th annual Times Higher Education Awards will be revealed on Thursday 28 November 2019 at a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Find out more about the awards here.

New £6.9 million University Campus brings history and future together in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Avenue School Challenge to expand

5th September 2019

Chesterfield Champions Placing Futures have been a key partner in a successful project that promotes career opportunities in the construction sector.

The Avenue School Challenge, which aims to help students find out more about the world of construction and improve their science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) skills, was set up by North East Derbyshire District Council and partners in autumn 2018.

However, thanks to the success of the pilot project, the council has now pledged to continue with the initiative for the next ten years.

Cllr Martin Thacker MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to help students find apprenticeships and work experience through this pioneering project.

“I’m also pleased we have been able to expand the scheme, so it can be of benefit to even more young people eager to carve out a career in construction.”

Pupils from Tupton Hall School and Parkside Community School took part in the pilot project, which included taking part in various ice-breaking and construction activities at North Derbyshire District Council’s Wingerworth offices, as well as site visits, talks in school from industry professionals and a visit to Chesterfield College to create video CVs.

At the end of the scheme, the students then attended a special presentation evening, where they were presented with certificates and a CREST qualification – a widely recognised national award within the construction sector – for all their hard work.

In addition, four pupils were given apprenticeships and three students had work experience placements with Kier Living, who are building the first phase of houses on the Avenue site in Wingerworth and have been involved with the project from the start.

Four schools will now be involved in the Avenue School Challenge, when it is re-launched on 23 September 2019.

Kier Living will be talking at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on the 11th September

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Tourism sector in the Peak District and Derbyshire is worth £2.3 billion

5th September 2019

Latest figures reveal the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism sector is now worth £2.3 billion to the local economy, with 42 million people visiting the area in 2018 and supporting over 30,000 jobs – marking another year of significant growth and a remarkable 7.4% increase on the previous year.

New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals significant yet sustainable growth across the area’s tourism industry.

In line with the tourist board’s long-term strategy to increase overnight stays and visitor spend, the area saw a 13.5% increase in overnight stays in 2018 with an extra 504,000 bed nights across the region. Meanwhile day visitor levels were maintained with a moderate 1.3% increase on last year.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “This is fantastic news for the visitor economy in the Peak District and Derbyshire. The significant rise in tourism’s overall value signals that our long-term policy to run innovative marketing campaigns that showcase the area as a great place to stay is really paying off.

“We know that these are testing times with the uncertainty around Brexit, however, our recent business survey suggests that confidence is high with 68% of respondents experiencing an increase in bookings during 2019.

The rise in overnight stays has contributed to the significant increase in the overall value of the sector, with overnight visitor spend increasing by 19%, contributing to a total spend of £823 million during 2018.

The sector continues to support and sustain a significant amount of jobs across the area, with the number increasing by 5.2% and breaking the 30,000 mark for the first time.

James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage and Tourism Board, said: “This significant increase in the value of tourism is fantastic news. Derbyshire is a wonderful destination, proved by the fact that people are voting with their feet.

“It is very encouraging to see the growth in overnight stays, which proves that more visitors are choosing to stay for longer than a day. This has led to an increase in visitor spend in the area, which is great news for local businesses and clearly demonstrates the importance of the tourism industry to the local economy.”

As well as highlighting the value of the tourism industry to the local economy, the latest figures also support the area’s bid to become a national Tourism Action Zone. Following the announcement of the Tourism Sector Deal in June, it was revealed that the Government is looking to create a number of Tourism Action Zones, which would offer opportunities to secure funding and support for selected areas to boost their visitor economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield manufacturing business expands

4th September 2019

Oxdale Products Limited, a Chesterfield machine manufacturing company is expanding through the purchase of a new Industrial Unit.

The development will house a growing laser cutting and profiling operation and provide 14 new jobs within the community over a 30-month period.

Oxdale Products is a family-run business founded in 2008 that supplies a range of high-quality agriculture and forestry machinery for both commercial and domestic use. The company currently have 62 products which are all manufactured in Chesterfield.

Chris Butcher, Director at Oxdale Products Limited, said, “I’m delighted that Oxdale Products Limited will be expanding its business, thanks to loans from Unity Trust Bank. This development will enlarge our product range and employee base, as well as increase competition within the marketplace.”

Find out more about available commercial property and investing in Chesterfield.

Posted in Business, Development

Chamber reacts to Government’s HS2 delay announcement

4th September 2019

Reacting to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps’ announcement that final completion of the northern section of the high-speed rail network would likely be delayed from 2033 to 2035 at the earliest, Scott Knowles, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, said:

“The news of potential delays to HS2, specifically Phase 2b which will have the greatest effect on us here in the East Midlands, needs to be placed in context with the bigger picture.

“HS2 is a huge, transformational infrastructure project which has the enormous potential to benefit our region, and the country, for generations to come. While we want HS2 to be operational as soon as possible, the key focus is that we get it right.

“What is of greater concern is that we put to bed the ‘will it or won’t it happen’ speculation so that we can focus on getting HS2 built – regardless of whether it comes to fruition in 2033, 2035 or later.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebalance our country’s economy and demonstrate both internally and to the outside world that we are a world class country in which to do business, supported by world class infrastructure.

“What is certain is that when people look back on a fully-functioning HS2 in the years to come, the core discussion will centre on the contribution it has made to this country, not the fact that completion was delayed by a few years.”

Chesterfield is set to benefit from an HS2 Station and an infrastructure maintenance depot in the borough, bringing opportunities for the town from creating new jobs to improving skills and from developing new homes and attracting new business investment as well as improving transport infrastructure, rail connectivity and journey times.

HS2 will complement existing rail services and open up regeneration opportunities, enhancing Chesterfield’s role as both a destination and a gateway to surrounding areas, including the Peak District National Park.

The prospect of a HS2 connection at Chesterfield Station is already driving major regeneration of the town centre and adjacent industrial areas. The potential benefits of HS2 for the Chesterfield area include:

Better connectivity for the 1 million plus people already living within 30 minutes of the station;
4,740 new homes and 10,220 new jobs;
£270m net additional GVA; and 176 ha of brownfield land brought back into use.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

‘Eat, Drink, Explore’ Campaign celebrates food and drink in the Peak District

3rd September 2019

Fantastic food and drink is placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer in Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s exciting new campaign, launched by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth Country Fair.

Celebrating the area’s diverse food and drink scene and the passionate people behind the products, the video features 20 local businesses and includes well-known faces from the food and drink industry, together with ambassadors for the area.

Additionally, Marketing Peak District & District has launched a fabulous food and drink guide providing visitors with inspiration and information on eating and drinking in the area.

Championing everything from exceptional eateries to unique delicacies such as Bakewell Pudding, the guide seeks to inspire visitors to sample local produce, explore more and uncover fascinating stories about the Peak District and Derbyshire’s passionate producers.

Click here to access the digital version of the Eat, Drink, Explore guide. which includes Richard Alsop from Chesterfield Champion’s Edge Events talking about his favorite food places in Chesterfield.

The brochure will be available free of charge at food and drink businesses, boutique accommodation providers and cultural hotspots across the area and in surrounding cities.

The ‘Eat, Drink, Explore Peak District & Derbyshire’ campaign will target food-lovers both locally, nationally and internationally, showcasing the area’s year-round culinary offering in a bid to drive overnight stays and extend the tourist season.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch this exciting new campaign promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination.

“From fine dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant to unique local delicacies, brilliant behind-the-scenes tours and fascinating foraging experiences, the Peak District and Derbyshire can cater for all tastes.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “As the most enthusiastic advocates of Derbyshire, we are delighted that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire are championing the exceptional wealth of culinary talent that the region has on offer.

“We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful pubs, talented chefs, lots of loyal local farmers, suppliers and producers for our restaurants and award-winning Farm Shop on the Chatsworth Estate – we are thrilled to be able to share these with an even wider audience.”

In October, Destination Chesterfield will announce the latest winners of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards showcasing more of the wonderful businesses in the Peak District.

Find out more about the best places to eat and drink and the amazing food producers in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Christmas, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

100 day plan for new Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

3rd September 2019

This week Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust welcomed its new Chief Executive Angie Smithson.

Angie joins the Trust after five years as Deputy Chief Executive/Chief Operating Officer (COO) based in Liverpool. She has more than 30 years of NHS experience, starting her career in nursing and midwifery in 1986, before moving into a range of leadership positions. Since 2017 she has combined her COO role with the responsibilities of Integration Director, leading a complex and challenging merger to combine Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with the Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Angie said “I’m really looking forward to working with everyone and consider it a real privilege to have this opportunity.”

“When I applied for the post I visited the hospital a couple of times, as a bit of a ‘mystery shopper’, to get a feel for it and to have a look around. Over the last two or three months I’ve had the chance to visit again, to meet some of my new colleagues and to find out more about the Trust and its services. On every occasion I’ve been warmly welcomed by incredibly friendly people and I’m grateful to everyone I’ve met so far for making me feel ‘at home’.

“I’m keen to meet many more people as soon as I can, to find out what it’s like for them to work for the Trust – whether their role is in our hospital, out at one of our community bases, at Royal Primary Care; they’re part of our DSFS subsidiary, or our army of volunteers.”

To support this approach Angie has embarked on a one hundred day plan, which already includes more than 60 opportunities to meet staff – at events, ward and department visits and conversation sessions. Every member of #TeamCRH has an opportunity to get involved and have their say – as a way of getting to know more about their new Chief Executive and so that she can find out more about the organisation.

“From my visits so far it’s clear that staff and local people are all incredibly proud of the Trust’s services, its values and principles and achievements and accomplishments, says Angie.

“It is also somewhere that is striving for continued improvement and encourages staff to lead changes that make a positive difference, use their creativity and bring their ideas to life. I am equally passionate about all of these elements to give patients exceptional care and a first-class experience.”

On behalf of the Board of Directors the Trust’s Chair, Dr Helen Phillips welcomed Angie to her new role:

“We are really pleased Angie has joined us. It’s a great time for the Trust. Along with the challenges shared by the NHS, there are some exciting opportunities ahead, with the NHS Long-Term Plan at the heart of it all.

“I am certain that Angie will lead and direct the Trust in our continued ambition to achieve ‘outstanding’ both for the care we give to all our patients and for the workplace we provide to all our staff. I would like to welcome Angie into the Chesterfield Royal ‘family’ and all of us on the Board are delighted to have the opportunity to work with her to take the Trust on to its next successful step.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business