Business

Arvato supports local young people through digital skills training partnership

5th December 2018

Arvato’s team in Chesterfield has backed a training initiative designed to equip young people in the region with digital skills.

As part of Arvato’s sponsorship of the Digital Advantage project, which took place at DCAS Chesterfield, they have supported twelve 16-18-year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to improve their employability and digital skills. The best performing students have been offered work placements at leading companies across the region.

Digital Advantage is a pop-up digital agency, run by The White Room who provide training and apprenticeships for companies working in or with digital media. The agency captures the energy of the digital revolution that is sweeping around the world to bring industry trainers, work experience and digital skills into colleges or schools.

They were supported by industry leaders who guided them in the development of a prototype digital business, website and video pitch to a panel of experts. The various tasks support the students to deepen their understanding of digital businesses and learn how to successfully break into the industry.

Arvato has previously sponsored the scheme in Sefton, offering work placements to two young people taking part in the initiative to help kick-start their careers.

Damon Bruce, Head of Operations at Chesterfield, Arvato UK & Ireland, said: “Creating opportunities for young people in our local area is really important to us, helping them unlock digital talent and developing skills that will be crucial to the success of businesses up and down the UK. The Digital Advantage scheme is a fantastic initiative that helps the participants to develop their creative and digital knowledge and translate this into a work environment.”

“After the success of the scheme in Sefton we’re excited to see the results of the Chesterfield project. We’ll be following the project closely as we look out for the next generation of talent in the digital world.”

For more information on the Digital Advantage programme please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

East Midlands Chamber named Chamber of the Year at BCC Awards

4th December 2018

East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has secured one of the most significant and highly-sought accolades in business.

In a night of celebration at the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, held in London, it was East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) that won the overall Chamber of the Year title, sponsored by Quest.

Now in its 15th year, the national Chamber Business Awards is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The Chamber was also joined on the night by four member companies – Dalycom, Shirebrook Academy, Tidyco and trentbarton – which had gone on to enjoy regional success following their respective achievements at the Chamber’s Business Awards across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

It has been a busy and productive 2018 for the Chamber which, as the leading business support organisation in the region, continues to dedicate itself to providing its members with a comprehensive and ever-evolving suite of products, services and information to help businesses succeed and thrive.

Reflecting on the award, Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) has shown impressive growth and retention in recent years. The strategic work and engagement of the Chamber with local stakeholders embodies the mission of Chambers of Commerce everywhere.”

“Its efforts to engage with other Chambers and improve member offerings is a testament to its dedication. Congratulations to the entire East Midlands team, truly worthy recipients of this award.”

Steve Charles, Head of Business Partnerships at award sponsor Quest, said: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), deserved winners of this prestigious award.”

“It is a great example of how a Chamber can make a significant contribution to the national network while also taking a leading and influential role in its own business community. It has developed a first-class service to members, which is witnessed by its continued growth. Well done to all the team.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), added: “To win Chamber of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a great endorsement of the extensive activity we deliver to our members across the region.”

“This acknowledgment is testament to the dedication and hard work shown by all the staff at the Chamber, who made this award possible by continuing to work tirelessly and passionately on behalf of our members to fulfil our overall objective – to enhance East Midlands businesses.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Staff survey by Peak Pharmacy shows teams feel empowered and motivated

4th December 2018

The latest staff survey completed by Peak Pharmacy has shown promising levels of engagement within its Pharmacy teams. Peak Pharmacy is a local, independent pharmacy chain owned by PCT Healthcare.

Having grown from one pharmacy in Chesterfield to now owning and managing over 120 pharmacies in the UK, PCT Healthcare now employs over 1,400 people, with Peak Pharmacy currently employing over 150 people across North East Derbyshire.

The survey of the Peak Pharmacy staff was used to identify where staff were performing well, and where management teams needed to listen to individuals to improve working environments.

The results have shown that a promising 93% of all staff surveyed wanted to give their best at work, whilst 88% of those surveyed felt that their roles positively affected people’s lives. The findings also revealed that 80% of those surveyed felt valued as individuals, which supports Peak Pharmacy’s family culture of empowering their staff and treating them as a priority.

Gill Watters believes that the firm is a strong role model within the town: “As an employee, I find PCT Healthcare has strong company values tied to strong family values, with employers who understand the need for work / life balance.”

“As an individual, I feel valued and that my opinion matters which is very important. All job roles are crucial to the success of the business and this is noted and regularly passed on to staff through meetings, newsletters and social gatherings.”

Director Joe Cattee stated: “In the current high street climate, and the ever growing pressures on the NHS, I’m proud that so many of our staff feel they are treated as individuals within the company, and they’ve identified that our patients & customers are benefiting from their roles. Community pharmacy is currently a changing environment, and we must now endeavour to use the recent findings to improve the conditions and ethos of our staff within the business, and continue to lead the way in supporting the local communities of Derbyshire.”

“I look forward to carrying out the survey again next year, and improving on this year’s results.”

Peak Pharmacy on Ashgate Road is one of the many Peak Pharmacy stores throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Peak FM launches Give a Child a Smile campaign

4th December 2018

Peak FM has launched its Give a Child a Smile campaign, during which it is collecting new and unwrapped toys and gifts for underprivileged children across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Sam Fielding, Station Director at Peak FM said: “We are grateful that once again Peak FM can help to make a difference in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. Give a Child a Smile is the name of our Toy Appeal this year and we are relying on the generosity of local people and businesses to help us collect toys for children who may otherwise go without this Christmas. We are asking people to pick up just one extra new and unwrapped toy or gift when doing their Christmas shopping and donate it at one of our official drop off points. We’d love as many people as possible to get involved and donate.”

Toys and gifts are being sought for boys and girls in the following age categories;

0 – 12 months
12 months – 3yrs
3 – 5yrs
6 – 8yrs
9 – 12yrs
12 – 18yrs

Drop off points in Chesterfield are at Tesco Extra, Queens Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley. The final date to drop off donations is the 18th December.

Toys and gifts will be collected from Peak FM by the local charities and organisations and distributed at Christmas. Charities and organisations can also apply here to be considered for toy and gift donations.

For more information click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting

New Chesterfield housing development on sale soon

3rd December 2018

Work has commenced on an exclusive development of 2-, 3- and 4- bedroom bungalows off Newbold Road, which will be released for sale before Christmas.

Redbrik Estate Agents, which has offices in Chesterfield and Sheffield, will take the lead on showcasing new properties designed and built by Woodall Homes.

The Barlborough-based Woodall Homes team has been delivering desirable homes since 2011 and prides itself on providing a high specification to all of its homes.

Woodall Homes Managing Director Dave Wood is looking forward to teaming up with Redbrik. He said: “This is an exciting collaboration for both firms. Redbrik has an excellent reputation for its award-winning marketing, customer service and use of new technologies. These are just a few of the many driving factors behind the partnership.

“We have several new projects in the pipeline and will be working closely together to bring these to market.”

Redbrik Director Mark Ross added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the talented team at Woodall Homes, which is dedicated to delivering modern homes to the region.

“Our New Homes marketing department continues to go from strength to strength, and with a combination of our expertise and Woodall Homes’ high-quality properties, we believe together we can help even more people find their perfect home.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure

New Saltergate car park on schedule

29th November 2018

Saltergate’s new multi-storey car park has been confirmed as on track for its planned opening in late spring 2019.

Owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, the new car park will serve shoppers, commuters and people staying at the new Premier Inn hotel at the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

With 530 spaces, the car park will be open 24 hours and have wider spaces and more disabled spaces than the previous car park, which was demolished earlier this year. It will also have six electric vehicle charging points, with the option to add a further ten.

Access to the car park will be controlled by automated speed gates at vehicle entrance and exits, while people will only be able to come through pedestrian entrances by using their parking ticket. Councillor Terry Gilby, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth, says:-

“It’s good to see the progress that is being made on the new Saltergate car park.

“One of our key priorities is to grow the local economy and this new car park will offer much improved facilities for shoppers and commuters travelling into Chesterfield and I hope will encourage people to come into the town centre.”

As part of the construction process, a temporary road closure will be required on the eastbound side of Saltergate from the junction with Rose Hill East to the Holywell Cross (Donut) roundabout to enable a crane to lift the key car park parts in to place. Traffic will still be able to travel westbound from the roundabout down Saltergate and there will also be access to the businesses along Saltergate.

A road closure order will be in place between 14 January and 28 February, although it is hoped the work can be completed earlier than this if the weather is not bad.

A temporary one way diversion will be in place taking drivers from Saltergate, down Rose Hill East by the side of Chesterfield Town Hall, on to Rose Hill, Knifesmithgate and Cavendish Street before returning to Saltergate.

The new car park is part of the Northern Gateway development which will see the opening of the new Premier Inn Hotel and improvements on Knifesmithgate and Elder Way. A planning application has also been submitted to build an enterprise centre on part of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park. This will offer extra space for start-up and existing small and medium-sized businesses, which is particularly needed as the current innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park are almost running at capacity.

In each of these projects, the council has used local labour clauses meaning that, where possible, local businesses have been in the construction process, and in supplying materials.

In total, the Northern Gateway scheme is due to create around 500 new jobs. For more information visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/.

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

Local Plan to be reviewed by Councillors

29th November 2018

A draft Local Plan which sets out the proposed future housing, industrial, commercial and leisure land use in Chesterfield until 2033 is to be considered by councillors.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet and full council meetings – on 4 and 12 December respectively – will both consider the draft plan with a view to approving it to go out to a six-week public consultation in January 2019.

Once the consultation is completed the plan will then be considered by an independent Government planning inspector at a public planning inquiry later in 2019.

Between now and 2033 the plan proposes:

Setting aside enough land for around 5,250 new homes, with a requirement to build at least 4,374 of those. This is a lower figure than in previous versions of the Local Plan. Most of the sites identified were included in the 2017 draft Local Plan but have been updated following comments made during that consultation process.
Continuing to use the existing Community Infrastructure Levy and ‘Section 106’ planning agreements to provide community facilities, such as schools and GP services, in places where development takes place
That major housing developments have up to 30 per cent affordable housing included within them
Up to 25 per cent of homes on major developments meet the higher ‘accessible and adaptable’ standard in the building regulations, which means they can be altered to suit people with mobility issues
All new homes and commercial developments are required to include electric vehicle charging points
Continued support for the restoration of Chesterfield Canal
Continued protection of the Green Belt, and a group of new ‘green wedges’ and ‘strategic gaps’
Developing 44 hectares (108 acres) of employment land
Providing 7,736 square metres of new retail space

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “The Local Plan is important to local residents and businesses because it is the starting point for assessing the merits of individual planning applications.”

“It will guide development to the most appropriate places, achieving a balance between protecting green spaces and meeting the housing developments we are legally required to deliver, while also providing the jobs and leisure opportunities residents need.”

“Many of the sites within this plan will not be developed for many years but we have to include them to show that we can meet the demand over the medium term. Having a robust plan enables us to then resist planning applications at less appropriate sites.”

“Much of our future housing need will be met from building on large brownfield sites, including at Waterside and the former Staveley Works area. We also have to show a mix of smaller and medium sized housing schemes.”

Most of the proposals within the draft Local Plan build upon the existing document but have been updated to reflect new planning guidance and legislation, as well as the latest statistical information on a range of topics including population size, housing need and requirements for open spaces.

Councillor Gilby added: “The public and businesses will have a full opportunity to give their views, both during the public consultation and at the independent planning inquiry before anything is adopted. We will also hold drop-in information events so that residents can discuss specific issues within their community.”

“We will publicise full details about the consultation and engagement events in January so that everyone knows when and how they can give their views.”

A copy of the draft Local Plan that will be considered by councillors can be seen at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/localplan

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

Chesterfield Champion wins accolade in National Apprenticeship Awards

28th November 2018

Apprentices and employers from across the country joined together on Thursday to celebrate their successes during Learning Unlimited’s very first ever National Apprenticeship Awards.

During a glittering ceremony at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield, awards were presented to businesses and individuals in recognition of their dedication, work and commitment to developing a skilled workforce though apprenticeships.

TV personality and journalist, Helen Fospero, presented the awards to those who had been chosen from the hundreds of nominations received from peers and managers.

The team at Chesterfield-based Heathcotes Group received national recognition when they were awarded the Large Employer of the Year title for demonstrating their commitment to developing apprentices in their company.

Heathcotes’ Managing Director, Brendan Kelly, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for all of the people involved in training and apprenticeships at Heathcotes. Health and social care is currently a very challenging sector and bringing on talented and dedicated people through apprenticeships is vital to achieve a sustainable model for high quality care. Heathcotes and our learning partners, the Chesterfield College Group, have developed a work-based learning programme which has proved to be exceptionally successful in creating employment and developing careers, both locally and nationally. We have achieved almost 600 apprenticeship starts over the past five years, with an 82% increase in apprenticeship starts between 2013/14 and 2017/18.”

Mark Bennington, Vice Principal Commercial Services and Enterprise at the Chesterfield College Group, said: “The Learning Unlimited National Apprenticeship Awards provided us with the opportunity to recognise the value of apprenticeships and the employers who are invested in the apprenticeship model.”

“Each award presented during the evening represented the positive impact on each and every one of those individuals and businesses. We look forward to working with our apprentices and businesses over the coming year and look forward to next year’s Apprenticeship Awards!”

And the rest of the winners were:

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Bumbles Day Nursery

Finalists: Tameside Radio and Briggs of Burton

Investment in Apprentices

Winner: Read Roper Read

Finalists: MVIS, Accrofab and Alphaweld.

Partner of the Year

Winner: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union

Finalists: Slack and Parr, NTAR and Tulip Ltd.

Small Employer of the Year

Winner: Wilson Howe.

Finalists: Sherwood Electronics and DOR Electrical

Medium Employer of the Year

Winner: Graphoidal Developments Ltd

Finalists: Ashgate Hospicecare and Refresco.

Large Employer of the Year

Winner: Heathcotes.

Finalists: Bombardier and Tarmac.

Employer of the Year

Winner: Derbyshire Constabulary

Outstanding Contribution to Delivery

Winner: Stef Monks

Finalists: Jennifer Dyke, Helen Payne, Mark Dixon, Fliss Shaw, Jonathan Price, Martin Thomas, James Lund, Wendy Taylor, and Kate Barker.

Chesterfield College Group’s Principal’s Award

Winner: Stef Monks

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Tillie Woolliscroft (MVIS)

Finalists: Jessie Lambkin (David Mason Design), and Jake Banton (Bombardier).

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Luke Bunting (Bombardier)

Finalists: George Sheldon (MVIS), and Polly Oakes (Fifteen).

Higher Apprentice of the Year –

Winnner: James Bateman (Derbyshire Constabulary).

Finalists: James Marshall (Royal Mail), and Cameron Landa (Bombardier).

Dedication to Apprenticeship –

Winner: Amy Flint (Blackwell Primary School).

Finalists: Liam Quinby (Bombardier), and Sian Jones (Royal Mail)

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Kyle Stewart (DEB Chemicals)

Chesterfield’s Heathcotes Group were awarded the Large Employer of the Year title.

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

Chesterfield business featured in Parliamentary Review on manufacturing

28th November 2018

A Chesterfield manufacturer has been featured in this year’s Parliamentary Review on government policy involving the manufacturing and services sector.

United Cast Bar (UCB), Europe’s largest manufacturer of continuously cast iron bar, is one of only 16 companies from the metals, materials and fabrication sector to be included in the annual review.

With a foreword written by the Prime Minister Theresa May, the review has been sent to more than 500,000 leading business executives, policy makers and other relevant individuals. The Review also features messages from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett. For more information, please click here.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar (UK) explained: “Being included in the Parliamentary Review is a great opportunity to put UCB’s name in front of both key politicians and industry representatives.”

“Brexit has created an uncertain climate for the sector in which UCB operates, but I am positive about the future. I personally see it as an opportunity for the company. We manufacture great products in this country and there has been a shift, both at home and abroad, towards buying British. UK demand for our product is increasing and I am confident that the final agreement with the EU will have few or no barriers for trade.”

Formed in February 1998, United Cast Bar is the result of the merger of three of Europe’s most prestigious continuous cast iron bar foundries and their associated stockist and service centres. The UK foundry and worldwide headquarters are based in Chesterfield and it is from here that approximately 90% of production is exported.

United Car Bar employs more than 100 people at its site on Spital Lane. James added: “Chesterfield has served us well in the 20 years we have been based in the town. There is an excellent supply of skilled employees in and around Chesterfield and we are keen to attract more through our apprenticeship programme and links with local schools.”

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing manufacturing and engineering careers to their attention; getting young people interested in the sector is a great first step.”

As part of the drive to recruit more young people to the company, United Cast Bar is a founding member of Destination Chesterfield’s Made in Chesterfield initiative and the supporting Chesterfield Manufacturers Forum.

The year-long campaign looks to inspire the next generation, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

As part of the 2018 Made in Chesterfield campaign, UCB will be supporting the drive to get young people interested in careers in the manufacturing sector by hosting school visits to the foundry over the next 12 months.

To arrange a visit to United Cast Bar for your school as part of Made in Chesterfield, please contact Charlie Kay at Derbyshire Education Business Partnership on 01246 212535.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

International flame protection firm set to open new base at Markham Vale

27th November 2018

Protec International is set to open a new site and create 20 new jobs at the flagship regeneration site Markham Vale.

Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said: “Markham Vale offers the ideal location for our business, particularly given the high quality currently available on the market.”

“The initial phase will create up to 20 new jobs and plans for the second phase could add a further 20-25 across manufacturing and warehousing disciplines. The site provides the full package and we look forward to moving in next year.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country. Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Protec International to Markham Vale.”

“They’ll be a fantastic addition to the site’s growing family of businesses and it’s great to hear that the firm are looking to create up to 20 new jobs for local people too.”

“Markham’s excellent location continues to attract a range of small, medium and large businesses that can be local, national and international and we’re really pleased it continues to move from strength to strength.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base is set to be completed towards the end of 2019 and will be designed and built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on Markham Vale North. Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“Demand has remained robust at Markham Vale, led largely by its unrivalled transport links and proven success as a top-flight industrial location.”

“We’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove an excellent location for Protec International, supporting its continued growth while creating valuable new jobs.”

Businesses interested in acquiring premises at the site should contact the Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey on tel: 01629 535417.

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

Chesterfield business relaunches as a dedicated commercial training provider

27th November 2018

Continuing its 50-year history in the Chesterfield business community, NLT Training Services has successfully relaunched as a dedicated commercial training provider.

Recognising the need to multi-skill people within the workplace to better enable companies to manage skill shortages, NLT has developed a range of commercial training courses.

Specialising in training for the manufacturing and engineering-related training, NLT now also offers bespoke packages, specifically created to match the training needs of businesses.

Supporting the refocus of the business, NLT has also launched a new, more user-friendly website which includes an online booking system for its range of health and safety course. A new, centralised telephone number has also been introduced to make getting in touch with NLT even easier.

The new training offering has been welcomed by businesses operating in the sector.

According to research from the Open University, three in five firms say that the skills shortage in the UK has worsened in the last year. More than half (53%) expect recruitment problems to deepen in the next year as we leave the EU.

91% of employers surveyed revealed that a lack of available talent was affecting their business. Upskilling and cross-training existing workforce has been identified as a solution to the immediate skills shortage.

The company’s re-focus follows the move to cease operating as an apprenticeship training provider. Keen to build on 50 years’ experience working with businesses throughout the region, the company refocused its efforts earlier this year to concentrate on its commercial training offering.

NLT continues to be led by Chief Executive Sarah Temperton, who said: “This is a time of transformation for NLT. Although early days we are have a strong team and are building our commercial training offering to reflect the ever-diversifying needs of businesses.”

“We also want to give something back to businesses, so we are looking at developing a bursary to help more people enter the industry in order to address the skills problem.”

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