Business

Derbyshire County Cricket Club win Sports Industry Award

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has been presented with the Data and Business Impact Award at this year’s Sports Industry Awards.

The club was nominated for its data-driven approach to marketing the Vitality Blast local derby against Notts Outlaws, which achieved a club-record attendance in 2019 and a first sell-out in the fixture since 2013.

Derbyshire partnered with data agency Performalytics in 2017 and has since developed its strategy make an efficient and targeted use of its data to maximise marketing spend and drive engagement with its Vitality Blast audiences.

Coupled with positive results on the field, the club has seen record crowds attend Twenty20 matches at The IncoraTM County Ground, most notably the 2019 sold-out clash with Notts Outlaws in July.

The club focused its attention on the rivalry and formulated the Local Rivals Collide campaign, teaming-up with the Outlaws for a series of player challenges from which to build compelling communication in the build-up to the fixture.

Using this to underpin both direct and digital campaigns, as well as an approach to engage away supporters, the club recorded an over 40% increase in the number of advanced tickets sold for the fixture, ultimately creating the first sold-out occasion between the sides at Derby in six seasons.

In a strong field of nominees, Derbyshire were chosen as winners ahead of The European Tour, Formula 1, NFL Game Pass Europe, StatsBomb and The R&A.

The award, which was announced by Paralympic great Tanni Grey-Thompson on Thursday 3 September on the Sports Industry Awards website, is further recognition for the club’s success after winning the ECB Business of Cricket Award for the Blast It Communication Campaign in February.

Media & Marketing Manager, Tom Skinner, said: “Since partnering with Performalytics, we have put far greater emphasis on our data approach and have seen positive engagement with supporters and an increase in crowds.

“To be recognised with such a prestigious award, up against high-profile nominees, is a great reward for the hard work which goes on behind the scenes at the club and for our loyal supporter-base. We are continually grateful to Performalytics for their commitment and new ideas which help us to keep developing.

“Next year will prove a new challenge and we will need to continue learning and adapting how we use our data, but all involved with the club hope to be in a position to welcome crowds back to The Incora County Ground for more sold-out nights of Vitality Blast cricket.”

James Dickens, Managing Director of Performalytics, said: “Being shortlisted was a great achievement in itself, but winning such a prestigious industry award is truly fantastic.

“It’s a true testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes. Credit must go to the Derbyshire team who have such an appetite to test new strategies with complete confidence in the impact they can, and have, made to the business within this campaign.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Cashless parking coming to Chesterfield

Paying for parking in Chesterfield has just got easier as Chesterfield Borough Council partners with PayByPhone, the global leader in mobile parking payments, to offer drivers the option of cashless parking when visiting the town centre.

Cashless parking payments will be introduced to all of the council’s pay and display car parks from 7 September 2020 and will mean motorists no longer have to search for the right change.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The new car-parking system will offer you a quick and convenient way to paying for your parking. You’ll no longer need to queue at the ticket machine, and you’ll be able to pay from the comfort of your car.

“Over recent months, we have been encouraged to make cashless payments where possible to help reduce the spread of Covid-19, and we think that this new way of paying will help to do this.

“This new system will help to ensure that we continue to play our part to stop the spread of the virus, as well as offering more flexibility for people who are visiting our town centre and supporting our local businesses.”

PayByPhone will be available in the following car parks: Holywell Cross, Durrant Road, Devonshire Street, Theatre Lane, Spa Lane, St Mary’s Gate, Station Road, Queen’s Park Annexe, Queen’s Park North, Queen’s Park South, Coach Station, Derbyshire Times and Albion Road.

Drivers will be able to pay for parking on their phones through the PayByPhone app which is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, meaning that they can pay for parking from the comfort of their car. The app is quick and easy to install and use. It also gives drivers the added benefit of extending their parking sessions remotely.

Adam Dolphin, Sales Director for PayByPhone UK, said: “We are very excited to launch PayByPhone in Chesterfield and we encourage everyone to download the PayByPhone app so they are ready to take advantage of this new service.

“With one in 10 adults in the UK now choosing to lead a largely cashless life, and seven in 10 using contactless payments, the shift away from using notes and coins is not only the smart and safe choice, but also one that should be relatively easy for most.”

Frequent visitors can also purchase parking at a reduced rate on a weekly, monthly or annual basis through the PayByPhone app.

Motorists can continue to pay by cash if they prefer by visiting the pay and display machines as usual. The scratch card parking will also continue to be valid and visitors can continue to purchase these from the Visitor Information Centre.

More information on car parking in Chesterfield and how to use the app can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/pay-for-parking-by-phone

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Heathcotes Group appoints Regional Manager for supported living

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Tim Elliott as Regional Manager for its supported living services.

Heathcotes Group is one of the UK’s most experienced providers of specialist care for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.

Tim joined Heathcotes’ supported living management team in February 2019 and has played an important part in the regional development of the company’s supported living for service users who no longer require full-time residential care.

Highly experienced in working with adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs, Tim has also managed supported living and community support services in previous positions at The Wilf Ward Family Trust and the Avalon Group.

In his new role, Tim will oversee operations in support of four general managers across five services in in Yorkshire and Humberside. The accommodation enables individuals to make a progressive step down from a hospital or residential setting to a self-contained environment that benefits from the availability of support 24/7.

Tim said: “I will be working with the general managers to maintain the quality of our existing services to the highest standard. Earlier this year, we completed our largest supported living development, offering eight new apartments in Leeds which have been widely praised by care professionals, families and commissioning groups. It has become a very successful model of care provision and I will be working with Heathcotes’ Director of Business Development, Natalia Lysiuk, to expand our unique supported living portfolio across the organisation.”

“Heathcotes’ supported living services are a separate model of care to our core residential services, but together they form part of a full care pathway, from full-time care to semi-independent living. Our support packages are tailor-made for each service user, focusing on encouraging and empowering them to recognise their self-identity and develop their independence.  We support individuals who have progressed through their care pathway, but we also support individuals who require a single-person service due to their complexity and inability to live with others.”

With expertise in providing living environments that closely resemble typical family homes, Heathcotes Group currently has 72 services nationwide. The company offers a wide range of specialist support for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, personality disorders, physical disabilities, Prader-Willi Syndrome, sensory impairments, speech difficulties and severe epilepsy.

Heathcotes Group 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

Local residents asked to share views on Staveley’s future

Residents are being invited to have their say on the future of Staveley through an online consultation organised by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The feedback will contribute to the development of a new vision for Staveley that will be used to support the Staveley Town Deal.

The Staveley Town Deal is aiming to secure up to £25m of funding to help build a stronger economy for Staveley. This consultation will be used to support a new ‘place vision’ for Staveley; Chesterfield Borough Council want to know what makes the Staveley area special, how you feel about the area, and how you would might like to see it develop in the future. The consultation is open until Tuesday 15 September.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s vital that local residents and businesses have their say on the future of Staveley. We need to work together to ensure that we are delivering the projects that matter most to the people of Staveley.”

Ivan Fomin (pictured), who is chairman of the Staveley Town Deal Board and Managing Director of local business MSE Hiller, said: “It is a great chance for local people to be involved in deciding how this funding should be used. A key measure of the success of the project will be the level of local benefits that can be achieved for the local community.”

The Town Deal will allow Staveley the opportunity to build on the foundation of previous regeneration activity. For example, the council previously worked with Staveley Town Council on the refurbishment of Staveley Hall which was funded by Heritage Lottery and European Regional Development Fund. This has enabled the renovation of the listed building and the creation of managed workspaces and a community café.

There are also plans for the development of the Chesterfield Staveley Regeneration Route and work is progressing on the remediation of the Hartington site.

The new ‘place vision’ will be used to support the Town Investment Plan which the council aims to submit to Government in the Autumn. It has already submitted a bid for accelerated funding to help kickstart several projects that will have an immediate impact.

A total of five projects were put forward for consideration from this accelerator funding including new CCTV equipment for the town centre, sports pitch development at Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and new play equipment for King George V Playing Field.

A Staveley Town Deal board has been established and this will help oversee and guide projects that deliver the most value for residents of Staveley. The board is composed of elected members from Chesterfield Borough Council, Staveley Town Council and Derbyshire County Council, both local members of parliament, representatives from local charitable organisations, Derbyshire Police, education leaders and representatives of the local business community.

The Town Deal Board is also appealing for project ideas to be submitted to be considered for inclusion of the bid. Some projects have already been identified, but more are welcome.

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal and share your views here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/staveley-town-deal/get-involved-in-the-staveley-town-deal

You can also make suggestions for projects here: https://mytown.communities.gov.uk/town/staveley-derbyshire/

Staveley Hall

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing

Greatest Hits Radio goes live in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with applications now open for ‘Back to Work’

Peak FM has been rebranded as Greatest Hits North Derbyshire, part of the largest commercial radio network in the UK.

The station has also launched local content campaigns today, celebrating the voices and music of North Derbyshire and promoting local job opportunities.

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire. will bring feature upbeat classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and will be delivered by well-known broadcasters including Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Paul Gambaccini and Pat Sharp.

News bulletins will carry locally gathered stories, local traffic bulletins and local information to reflect the interests of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. For local advertisers, the move will provide significant scale and a broader range of advertising opportunities. 

Applications have also opened for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire’s ‘Back to Work’ campaign, providing free advertising of local job opportunities to North Derbyshire’s employers and job-seekers.   

Local employers are encouraged to submit vacancies for inclusion, allowing them to reach a wide audience of local job-seekers free of charge.  Job vacancy bulletins will be broadcast four times a day to local audiences and will be promoted on the Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire website.  

 Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire will kick off with a Top 500 countdown of the country’s most popular songs, ahead of new local content programmes to run over the autumn:  

  • ‘Cities of Sound’ – A weekly documentary series celebrating the musical heritage of towns, cities and regions across the UK, including North Derbyshire

The station has been launched alongside a major marketing campaign across TV, print media, radio and digital and social platforms. Central to the campaign is the idea of ‘music bringing good times’ to our lives. It will feature some of Greatest Hits Radio’s favourite artists, including David Bowie, Tina Turner, Madonna, Queen and Bob Marley. 

Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director, Hits Radio Brand Network, comments, “We are excited about the role for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire in giving local communities and listeners in North Derbyshire the music, content and local connections we know they value highly, as well as a platform for a future of digital listening.  We are committed to retaining our local relationships and look forward to engaging closely with local listeners and businesses as we launch our airtime initiative.”

Chesterfield council houses homes building Brampton

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local MP praises innovative Derbyshire manufacturer

Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher has praised a Chesterfield manufacturer for its resilience and hard work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.

Mr Fletcher, who is campaigning to bring more jobs to Bolsover, made his comments while visiting Blachford UK, which designs and manufacturers acoustic insulation products for industrial vehicles.

Since resuming production post lockdown, the company has created more than 20 brand new full-time roles at its Holmewood site thanks to a booming order book.

Commenting on the visit to the company, Mr Fletcher said: “It was fantastic to visit such an innovative and brilliant manufacturer based in the heart of Bolsover and a real pleasure to meet so many of their team and to understand how passionate they are about their work. Blachford pride themselves on the quality of their products which makes them global leaders in their industry. To have them here is a source of pride to our communities and our constituency.”

Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK, commented: “I am delighted that Mr Fletcher was able to find time in his busy schedule to visit us. We were really keen to show him first-hand that it is not all doom and gloom in the UK right now. There are challenges, but I believe we should face these head on and with positivity. Our parent company fully supports us and sees its UK arm as being central to delivering solutions across Europe.”

Blachford UK is part of the global Blachford group, benefitting from an extensive supply chain and distribution options. Formerly TMAT, Blachford Acoustics Group acquired the Holmewood-based business in 2014 from former owner and current Managing Director Jason Lippitt.

The acquisition of the business enabled Blachford to provide common, coordinated solutions in both North America and Europe. The business was rebranded to Blachford UK in 2017.

Serving Bolsover since 2019, Conservative MP Mr Fletcher is for unlocking the untapped economic potential of Britain, particularly in the Midlands and the North; a desire Mr Lippitt also shares.

Jason added: “We have a strong business here in Derbyshire. Our expertise and products are world-leading and in demand. There are many other companies like Blachford who are doing well, however we just hear the disaster stories right now. We need to move forward, celebrate success and send the message to Europe and the world that Britain’s manufacturing sector is in business and doing well and will continue to do well regardless of Brexit or the pandemic.”

Since July 2020, the company has increased its workforce by 20 per cent. People interested in working at Blachford, should email recruitment@blachforduk.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Manufacturing

Elliot Mather raises thousands for Ashgate Hospicecare

Elliot Mather Solicitors has raised a total of £14,000 for Chesterfield charity, Ashgate Hospicecare.

The impressive fundraising figure is the result of a year of company raffles, as well as many team members taking part in the Sparkle Night Walk and local events such as the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.  The money will help Ashgate Hospicecare to offer a vital range of therapy and support services on site for patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as family members.

Alan Grant, Chief Operating Officer at Elliot Mather Solicitors said: “As a company, we believe that it is important to give back to the local community. Our Chesterfield office has been supporting Ashgate Hospicecare for several years and we find it amazing how their events bring people together in solidarity.”

“We are thrilled to have raised such an amazing amount of money for such a worthy cause and it is because of the dedication of our team that we have been able to do this.”

“Although the coronavirus pandemic has affected many fundraising events, this will not affect their determination to continue fundraising. They are looking forward to what the next 12 months will bring for them!”

Elliot Mather Solicitors and Ashgate Hospicecare support 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Growth for Chesterfield e-commerce firm leads to doubling warehouse space

A growing Chesterfield e-commerce firm is more than doubling its warehouse operation to 102,000 sq ft in an expansion move to a prime industrial site at Markham Vale.

Xbite, which ships products around the globe, has taken a multi year lease on a warehouse at Markham Vale J29a M1, as part of ambitious expansion plans for the growing company which was set up in a back bedroom 16 years ago.

Xbite was started at home in 2004 by Nick and Keely Whitehead retailing video games online. In 2012, it built its own premises in Barlborough and reached a £23m turnover.

The firm, which currently has a £42m turnover, will move immediately to the 102,000 sq ft warehouse, reconfiguring its current 45,000 sq ft base at Barlborough into an office for its 130 employees.

Xbite has taken on 24 staff in the last three months, and expects to recruit another 50 staff by Christmas and expand its executive team. It operates brands including 365 Games, Roov.co.uk, Maison & White, Pukkr and Shop4.

Nick Whitehead, Managing Director at Xbite, said: “We have outgrown our much loved 45,000 sq ft unit at Barlborough and needed a warehouse that had the space and setup required to deliver our current and future objectives.”

“Markham Vale will enable us to deliver a better work environment for all our warehouse operatives, not only will we have the space needed to deliver better performance, there is enough space to ensure that social distancing is easier for everyone to adhere to, which we expect to be around for a while yet.”

“The increase in online shopping plus our diversification from computer games and DVDs into home and gardenware has seen unprecedented growth for us. Our homeware website Roov.co.uk is where our future growth will come from, enabling this expansion of premises and creating jobs.”

Rebecca Schofield, Head of the Yorkshire industrial team at Knight Frank and sole agent on Markham Vale, said: “This warehouse is ideal for a business that needs to hold and move products quickly across the country as its location at Junction 29a of the M1 allows easily access to South Yorkshire, the East Midlands with direct connectivity to the M1, and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.”

Markham Vale has proved a huge success with existing occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

For further information on Markham Vale click here.

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

‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’ exhibition looking for contributions

Chesterfield Museum is currently working with a number of local organisations in order to put together an exhibition that conveys different experiences of ‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’.

The Museum team are appealing to the local community to get in touch with stories, memories, images and items that express their experiences during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers hope that by working with local people, community groups and organisations, residents can come together to share memories of lockdown and isolation.

They are also keen to include the stories of key workers who have kept Chesterfield and the UK going during this unprecedented crisis.

There are three main areas of the upcoming exhibition which the team are seeking submissions for:

Photographs

  • Images that you’ve taken on your mobile or with your camera during this time or anything that you feel is an image of ‘Lockdown in Chesterfield’ (signs, queues, empty parks or streets)
  • Images of what has helped you cope with Lockdown (nature, your garden, cooking, reading, screenshots of chats with friends and family online).

Items & Keepsakes

  • Artworks, pictures, paintings, models, textiles – any projects that you’ve embraced and focused on. For example, all the rainbows created.
  • Items and objects that will always remind you of this time / period such as home-made mask, walking shoes, toilet roll, bottle of hand gel

Stories and Thoughts

  • Your thoughts about the past six months and ‘Lockdown’ expressed through diary extracts, blogs, poems, letters, emails.
  • Anecdotes & little stories of some of the things you’ve experienced.

If you would like to contribute to this exhibition please contact the Museum Collections Team via museum.collections@chesterfield.gov.uk or rachel.fannen@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Designer Contracts shortlisted for National Business Award

Designer Contracts, a nationwide flooring company based in Chesterfield, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Lloyds Bank Business Awards.

The company has been shortlisted for the bank’s ‘Mid-Market Business of the Year Award’ with the winner being announced in November.

Peter Kelsey, MD of Designer Contracts, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be in the line-up for Mid-Market Business of the Year! We’re up against some tough competition, but to be recognised in such a well-known, high profile event, in what has undoubtably been a challenging year for many, is a credit to our business and its people.

“In the midst of the pandemic, we’ve had a number of success stories and were able to complete our planned move to a larger head office in Chesterfield – almost four times the size of our previous premises. We’ve also welcomed a number of new customers and continued to service our existing clients – thanks to our huge stockholding – which has been a blessing to many!

“We’re looking forward to the next stage of the awards process – which will include a Zoom interview with members of the judging panel in early September, before finding out our fate at the awards ceremony in November!”

Designer Contracts continues to enjoy significant and consistent growth and is on track to deliver an £80 million turnover as part of its five-year plan. It posted a 23 per cent growth at its previous end of year figures for the year to October 31 2019, boosting turnover from £38 million to £46.7 million.

Designer Contracts operates across 15 regional outlets throughout the UK and is now fully compliant with the UK government guidelines on managing the risk of Covid 19 – and has been certified as a ‘Covid Safe’ employer.

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

Designer Contracts New HQ Coney Green landscape

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home

Virtual careers fair launched for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched today (20 August).

The launch has been timed to coincide with the release of the GCSE exam results, and whatever the outcomes, this platform is aimed at helping school leavers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire make important decisions about their future amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, the My Future platform aims to provide free careers information to Year 11 and 13 young people.

The virtual careers fair platform aims to give young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire access to the widest range of high-quality careers advice, employment support, skills and educational programmes, by showcasing up to 100 businesses, education and training providers across 10 zones.

Using innovative 360expo software, the My Future platform has been developed in partnership with Chesterfield-based Oasis Studio. It has been created in just a few weeks in order to provide support for young people facing uncertainty in their future as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the launch, the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub has worked with careers leaders from 21 schools and colleges across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, to reach out to all Year 11 and Year 13 school leavers encouraging them to access the My Future platform.

To encourage young people to visit the platform, the North Derbyshire Careers Hub is also giving away an iPad to one of the first visitors to the site who finds the golden spire which will be hidden within one of the virtual stands.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Whether you’re finishing GCSEs, A-Levels or college courses, what you have achieved this year is remarkable, especially given the extra challenges you have faced due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Whatever your results are, you should be especially proud of yourself.”

“Now is the time to start thinking about the future and what that next step is, and the My Futures platform is the perfect way to get started.”

“My Future has led to a truly innovative digital platform that provides access to a wide range of careers advice, employment support, apprenticeships, skills and training programmes, all under one virtual roof. I hope that My Future will help young people to build the career and future that they want, so that we can continue to build a thriving borough together.”

James Brand, D2N2 LEP board member and Managing Director of United Cast Bar, a Chesterfield-based business which is featured in the engineering and manufacturing zone on the platform, said: “My Future is a fantastic platform which we were delighted to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to reach out to young people during these challenging times. The platform will offer real support and guidance to school leavers who have been unable to access the careers information they would normally have had to help them make informed decisions about their future.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “Everyone has worked tremendously hard to get the platform up and running. We have been overwhelmed by the support and involvement of businesses and training providers to make My Future happen and support local school leavers during this challenging time.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality and relevant transitions support.  My Future will ensure that we continue to inspire our future workforce, give them advice on their future career prospects, and showcase the types of next steps that are available.

“On behalf of D2N2 LEP I want to thank all of the organisations that have contributed to this project so far, all of whom are helping to transform the skills and employability agenda across North Derbyshire.”

There are around 100 virtual exhibition pods active on the platform across 10 zones, including careers and transition, regeneration, enterprise and employment support, digital and technology, engineering and manufacturing, financial and professional services, health, community and public service, property and construction, logistics and distribution and tourism, hospitality and retail.

Young people can take control of their future by visiting My Future and learning about the many opportunities available to them at www.myfuture.org.uk from Thursday 20 August. The mobile app can also be downloaded here.

My Future Virtual Careers Platform

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home