Business

New bridge approved for Chesterfield Waterside

The building of a new bridge at the Chesterfield Waterside development has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council. Once built the bridge will allow access to the ‘ The Park’ area of the development.

The Park is Chesterfield Waterside’s main housing area and represents phase one of the project. Construction of up to 170 two, three and four-bedroom homes within The Park is expected to get underway in 2019.

The first 19 homes within The Park neighbourhood have already been completed and fully occupied since February 2015.  They offer contemporary, sustainable housing in a parkland setting along the canalside and Brimington Road.

Peter Swallow, Managing Director of Bolsterstone Group Plc, the company leading the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside project. said: “I am delighted that Chesterfield Borough Council has granted permission to create a new access bridge and road to what will become The Park neighbourhood within the Chesterfield Waterside development. This represents yet another important milestone for the project, and we are now in a position to progress proposals to develop new homes in The Park area of the site next year.”

Chesterfield Waterside is an innovative and sustainable £320 million scheme and is currently the 47th largest regeneration project in the UK.  The development has risen from the remains of the old Trebor factory and is a major mixed-use regeneration programme to the immediate north of the town centre. The site straddling the River Rother and Chesterfield Canal and alongside the A61 will provide a thriving and successful new part of the town centre.

Find out more about the Chesterfield Waterside development

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New Grant Fund available for Chesterfield businesses

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses can now apply for grants towards capital and revenue projects.

The Derbyshire Business Support Grant Scheme offers funding from between £2,000 and £50,000, which are available towards Capital or Revenue projects with the aim of supporting businesses to, expand, evolve or relocate, helping to create increased investment, growth and job creation.

Sole Traders, Partnerships, Limited companies and Social Enterprises who are liable or will be liable to pay business rates as part of the grant funded project are able to apply. A maximum of 50% of the total eligible project costs will be available and funding will awarded to support improved productivity, technology, systems, supply chain and skills development within businesses.

Chesterfield businesses wanting to find out more about the funding can attend a drop in session organised by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Innovation Support Project on the 15th November at The University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus from 9.30 – 12.30. This drop in session will allow businesses to have an initial discussion about the possibilities of funding to help their enterprises achieve the step change they are seeking.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said ” It is great to see this new support available for businesses across Derbyshire.  We encourage Chesterfield businesses to attend the drop in session to find out more about how they can use this funding to support the growth of their business.”

The fund opened for applications in September 2018 and will run until the 31st March 2020.

Find out about this and other funding opportunities for businesses

Find out more about the drop in event for businesses

Weightron

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

New pub to open in Chesterfield

The newest addition to Chesterfield’s food and drink scene will open in November.

Formerly known as The White Swan, The Pig and Pump will be a traditional pub serving a large range of real ales, traditional ciders, a craft offering and home cooked locally sourced food. The venue also plans to showcase live bands from around the country every Saturday night.

Multi site owners Tom O’Neill and Kate Simpson secured the venue in October and are currently in the process of a full refurbishment. Once open the venue will create 20 new jobs.

General Managers Ash & Danielle Sheppard said “We are excited to push the venue to the next level and bring our experience and passion for real ale, quality food & live music to make the Pig & Pump a huge success!”

The grand opening takes place on the weekend of the 23rd and 24th November with live music from the Jake Henry Trio on the Friday and Andy Bennett, formally of Ocean Colour Scene on the Saturday.

This news follows the annual Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards being announced last week. The awards which were in their 6th year celebrate the flourishing food an drink scene in the town. Check out this years winners at www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Pig and Pump

Posted in Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield in final two locations for potential Talgo Factory

Chesterfield has today been named as one of two locations still in the running for a new UK factory planned by Spanish train manufacturer Talgo.

If the borough’s bid is successful the former Hartington Colliery site, between Staveley and Barrow Hill, would become home to a factory which would create 1,000 high quality jobs.

The manufacturing site would also create an estimated 4,000 jobs in the supply chain for the region, as well as apprenticeship, training and educational opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Today’s announcement by Talgo means we are getting ever closer to achieving this once in a generation opportunity for the people of Chesterfield.

“A new factory on this scale would provide a massive boost to our economy particularly in terms of job opportunities for local people.

“Talgo’s commitment to a ‘true manufacturing’ approach would also generate openings for local businesses to supply components as part of the supply chain, which would help create more jobs and increase the positive impact on our economy.

“Chesterfield Borough Council will now set about working with its partners to submit further information to Talgo over the next week and we will continue to make the strongest possible case for Talgo’s UK factory to be located in Chesterfield borough.”

Chesterfield’s bid highlights:

• That remediation work is already underway to prepare the former Hartington Colliery site for development

• Chesterfield’s location at the heart of both the existing rail network and the planned phase 2B of the HS2 rail network, which will see Chesterfield have an HS2 station and also an HS2 line maintenance depot at Staveley

• Chesterfield’s excellent transport connectivity, with over 23 million people living within two hours’ drive, and four major airports and four sea ports within 90 minutes travel time

• That an investment would create further regeneration and development opportunities related to HS2, as well as support the existing Staveley Works corridor development plans for 1,000 new homes, a new primary school and £50 million access road

• The ability to offer Talgo access to the area’s world class rail supply chain and a highly skilled workforce

• The strength of partnership working in the area involving the landowners, Derbyshire County Council, the universities of Derby and Newcastle, Chesterfield College, Barrow Hill Engine Shed and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

Carlos de Palacio – President of Talgo, said:
‘The establishment of a manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of Talgo’s future strategy.

“Talgo’s aim is to establish true manufacturing – rather than assembling from parts made elsewhere. This means that we will draw from materials and expertise across the UK.

“This keeps more money in the UK economy, and creates more skilled long-term jobs.

“Talgo also wants to develop a UK testing centre, and acceptance ability, to ensure a smooth and faultless introduction of new trains into service. We are excited about the opportunity that Wales has taken for testing – for the benefit of the UK – and we want to work with the Wales team on some aspects of this.

“Although there can only be one factory site, we have established lasting relationships with all of the countries, regions and areas that we have visited. We are now developing those relationships, to ensure that – irrespective of the factory location – Talgo provides great opportunities across the UK.

“Talgo is renowned for innovation. We want to encourage innovation, drawing on skills from all parts of the UK. We will shortly make a further announcement regarding our plans.”

If successful, building work would start in July 2020, ready for the train factory to open in December 2021.

A new £9 million innovation and training centre is also planned to be built at Barrow Hill Engine Shed for Talgo to use and showcase its technologies.

Talgo train factory bid could create thousands of jobs

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Top restaurant revealed at Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards

Less than two years after opening, Bottle and Thyme has been named as Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the town’s 2018 Food and Drink Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Based on Knifesmithgate in Chesterfield town centre, Bottle and Thyme was one of 13 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories.

Now in its sixth year, the awards ceremony recognises the very best in the town’s growing food and drink sector. Once again held at Chesterfield College’s Heart Space building, the awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity chef, Lesley Waters, who explained: “I was delighted to host the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

“There is a real passion amongst food and drink businesses in the area for using locally sourced produce. As well as supporting local business, it’s about using fresh ingredients and creating great food. I firmly believe the best food is made with passion and there is plenty of that in Chesterfield.”

Since opening in December 2016, Bottle and Thyme has made a big impression on the town’s food and drink scene. Last year, it took home the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Customer Service, in the 2017 Food and Drink Awards.

Hannah Grainger, Owner of Bottle and Thyme said: “It feels incredible to win Chesterfield’s Restaurant of the Year. We were so happy to win the two awards last year and, this year, we are ecstatic to win this – it means so much. We try to use as many local suppliers as we can and always try and make our menu seasonal to change it up; keeping things exciting.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Once again the awards have been a tremendous success and reflection of a thriving sector in Chesterfield. The awards – in terms of nominations, businesses and guests, increase year on year, and 2018 was no exception. They epitomise everything that is great about the Chesterfield hospitality scene – great food, drink and partnerships between both the business community and education sector.”

This year, the awards saw the introduction of two new categories – Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year, recognising the contribution that apprenticeships make to the hospitality industry.

Corey Elliott, an apprentice chef at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant was named as the Apprentice of the Year, while Stephenson’s Tea and Coffee House was named as the Apprentice Employer of the Year. Stephenson’s’ owners, Claire and Sam Wood had cause for double celebration on the night after being named as the Café/Tea Room of the Year.

Chatsworth Road-based Junction Bar was also a double winner on the night scooping the awards for Pub/Bar of the Year and Best Customer Service.

More than 250 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. Held in association with The Chesterfield College Group, the awards are also a hands-on learning experience for the College’s hospitality students, who prepared and served a two-course menu at the event.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of The Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted that the role of apprenticeships in the industry was celebrated for the first time this year, alongside the achievements of the Young Chef of the Year finalists.

“We are training the next generation of catering and hospitality experts both in our classrooms and working with employers through apprenticeships, so it is fantastic to be able to inspire them by helping to showcase successful businesses in the sector.

“I am very proud of our catering and hospitality staff and students who have worked hard to prepare and serve an amazing meal for guests, which highlights the quality of their work and their professional approach.”

Lesley Waters added: “Having worked in education myself as a former Head Tutor of Leith’s School of Food & Wine and now owning my own cookery school, it is very exciting to see Chesterfield College and its budding chefs of the future so actively involved with the town’s foremost food and drink event.”

To see all of the winners of the 2018 Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Supporters of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards include Apprentice Town, Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Building Control Partnership, Derbyshire Times, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), FEAST (The Food and Drink Forum) Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Juxta-Post Media, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), MSE Hiller, Owen Taylor & Sons, Peak FM, Reflections, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Reflections, Steve Faulkner and Winster Foods.

bottle and thyme

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Graduation ceremony celebrates the success of Chesterfield College Group students and higher apprentices

Graduating students and higher apprentices celebrated their academic success on Friday after successfully passing their university-level studies with the Chesterfield College Group. A special ceremony at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield saw over 100 graduates come together to recognise their achievements with family and friends.

Graduates received their university-level qualifications in subjects ranging from business and construction through to computer game design, engineering, education, health and social care and sports.

Matthew White (left), from Chesterfield, graduated with a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching last week and is now studying to gain his full honours degree at college. He told us:

“I really like the familiarity of studying at college. I know the tutors and get on great with them. We work in small groups and get lots of one-to-one time with our tutors, which is arguably the best thing about studying for a degree at college. The students and the tutors have a great relationship; it’s like being part of one big sports team.”

Juggling work and study paid off for Higher Apprentice, Danielle Jones (right), from Chesterfield, who gained a Level 4 Business Administration and is now using her knowledge to help college students to follow their dreams too. After completing her apprenticeship at Chesterfield College, she is now Work Experience Co-ordinator at the College and in her new role in Student Futures she helps students find work experience opportunities to help them kick start their own goals.

She said: “My training has been invaluable as I learned work specific skills in business and management as well as key skills such as communications. It was challenging at times to study while working but it was well worth the hard work. I’ve now got a job that I love thanks to the skills I’ve learned and I’m progressing my career.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group congratulated the graduates at the ceremony. She said;

“The Chesterfield College Group exists to maximise the potential of every single individual and to work in the heart of our community, inspiring futures and changing lives. We are incredibly proud of what our graduates have achieved and we hope that it will enable them to grow and prosper as they move forward. I know that their achievements are a starting point for greater things to come.”

Chesterfield College works alongside a range of local university partners to deliver university-level courses, including Sheffield Hallam University, University of Derby and Staffordshire University. This gives people from across North East Derbyshire and the surrounding areas who want to work towards higher education qualifications access to quality and affordable provision on their doorstep.

The Quality Assurance Agency, who safeguard standards and improve the quality of UK higher education, recently awarded Chesterfield College the highest grade possible following an inspection which has allowed them to develop a dedicated University Centre.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Local businesses urged to help shape D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan

Free public events will be staged by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, to consult with businesses and other organisations on how they think the LEP area’s economy should develop in the next decade up to 2030.

D2N2 is the private sector-led Local Enterprise Partnership of business, local authorities, skills and training providers, and community and voluntary organisations which promotes economic growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

It manages over £500million in resources to invest in its business growth, capital projects, infrastructure, employment promotion and other services. Programmes are guided by its long term, Strategic Economic Plan (or SEP); which is now being refreshed and updated to meet the LEP area’s changing economic needs. A copy of the new, draft plan can be viewed here.

Free D2N2 LEP consultation events will take place at the Proact Stadium, Chesterfield, on:

  • Wednesday November 7th – 1.15pm to 3.15pm.
  • Thursday November 15th – 9.30am to 12.30pm

All events will feature a presentation on the Strategic Economic Plan proposals and an open discussion, for the audience to join in. There will also be information on D2N2’s wider work promoting economic growth in the area.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is an important opportunity for individual businesses to directly help influence the direction of the D2N2 LEP area’s economy, for years to come. These events will look at issues such as the key sectors, new industries, infrastructure, skills gaps, technological advances, employment needs and many other things we should be focusing on.”

“I would urge any business or organisation with a stake in the D2N2 LEP area’s future economic growth to attend, and give us their views. We very much look forward to hearing what they have to say.”

For more information and to book your place please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Chesterfield accountants focus on new services to mark 150 years

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers, located in Saltergate, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a brand new look and unveiling a blueprint for future progression – which will see them focus on providing a business growth and funding advisory service. The Chesterfield Champion marked a milestone anniversary by pledging to “refresh, future-proof and flourish”.

The company, which employs more than 40 staff with over 600 years of combined industry experience, is hoping its innovative approach to 21st century accountancy will ensure it continues to prosper for the next 150 years.

Andrew McDaid, a Mitchells partner, said: “Our philosophy is to always stay ahead of the game We don’t want to ever stand still, we want to keep on pushing. Celebrating our 150 year anniversary is not simply a chance to look back fondly on what’s gone, it’s an opportunity to refresh, future-proof and flourish.”

“We are a firm that is built with technology very much at its core and we recognise that in the ever-evolving business landscape, our industry has changed. Companies expect more from their accountants, which is why we do so much more than number crunching.”

“The next phase of our development will see us specialising in helping businesses grow, assisting firms of all sizes to overcome big challenges so they can move to the next level of growth, allowing us to provide real value and insight.”

Mitchells provides clients with a dedicated team of accountants, business advisers and tax specialists who take responsibility for the day-to-day needs of a business, tracking performance and cash flow and providing proactive advice, analysis and direction.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

A double-double for Chesterfield company Valve & Process Solutions

Chesterfield-based company Valve & Process Solutions celebrated two milestones this month: doubling their annual turnover and doubling their space by taking on a new building.

The firm, which provides flow control products to the process industry and was founded in 2005, has taken on an additional 1900 sq foot warehouse next to its existing building, increasing its footprint two-fold. This follows the announcement made by Founder and Managing Director Steve Pearson, stating that the business’ annual turnover has doubled in the last twelve months from £1.5m to £3m, driven by an increase in exports to meet worldwide demand.

Steve commented: “Three years ago, when we moved into our existing unit, our business employed 4 people and now we have a team of ten.”

“And in the past 18 months we’ve moved from doing no international business whatsoever to doing business in 28 countries. It’s a huge testament to our engineers’ knowledge and experience in real-world solutions: customers come to us for advice and to solve challenges.”

“We’re thrilled to announce our doubling in turnover and expansion into additional space to enable VPS to further grow and continue to meet UK and international demand.”

Valve & Process Solutions supplies individual products, and builds ready-to-use, combination solutions for customers’ specifications. VPS is a supporter of The 2018 Year of Engineering – a national campaign to inspire the next generation of engineers and widen the pool of young people who join the profession.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

University and Chatsworth open up opportunities with new partnership agreement

The University of Derby, Chatsworth House Trust and the Devonshire Educational Trust are to work together to generate new opportunities for students, and to benefit visitors to Chatsworth and local communities across the county.

A strategic partnership agreement has been signed by University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor and son of the Duke of Devonshire.

The agreement paves the way for students to take up a variety of work and volunteer placements at the stately home, to stage events there and deliver agreed activities.

Professor Mitchell said: “This agreement is an important and exciting development for the University of Derby, and builds upon the very positive relationship we have had with Chatsworth over many years now.”

“As the county’s only university we aim to make a positive impact on people’s lives. We want to open doors to opportunities and experiences for our students and our local communities.!

“We also want our students to become game-changers in their chosen areas of study and career, and this partnership will help to raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential to succeed.”

The agreement identifies opportunities for students to work, volunteer and study at the world-renowned visitor attraction in a range of roles, developing their skills in a busy working environment, such as the kitchens of the Chatsworth restaurants. Students will also undertake business development projects; applying their skills and knowledge to challenges and opportunities. The potential to connect learning and Chatsworth is immense, including business, humanities, hospitality, tourism, engineering and the environment. Students will be able to take up work placements and internships of up to 12 months, or carry out industry-led studies and projects at Chatsworth.

The University will also collaborate with Chatsworth and the Devonshire Educational Trust on marketing and promotion campaigns, funding bids, a plan which identifies the region’s learning and employment requirements, and to work more closely with deprived communities in the county.

University Provost (Academic), Professor Malcolm Todd, said: “As a TEF Gold university we want to offer the best possible educational experience for our students, with the aim of ensuring that, when they complete their course, they have the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.”

“Many of our students will now have the chance to develop those skills by working alongside the expert Chatsworth team, contributing to the day-to-day operation of a very successful business with a world-renowned brand.”

“Working in partnership, the University of Derby and Chatsworth will provide an academic experience which is unique in the UK.”

Lord Burlington said: “As Chancellor of the University of Derby I have seen first-hand what incredible energy the University puts in to delivering value for its students, and at Chatsworth we are proud to be formally recognised as a suitable partner in this objective.”

“Through activities that also include the Devonshire Educational Trust, the three organisations have exciting plans to improve learning and employment opportunities right across the region and I hope that this Strategic Partnership Agreement will have a positive impact for years to come, not only for students but for visitors and local communities too.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, and Lord Burlington, University Chancellor, signing the agreement at Chatsworth House. Credit: Chatsworth House Trust

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Derbyshire showcased to Chinese delegates

Derbyshire’s tourism links with China have been strengthened further with a formal agreement signed by Derbyshire County Council Leader Barry Lewis and delegates from Anhui Province.

The agreement to work together to boost tourism, improve visitor experience and further develop links between the two areas was signed during a tourism conference held at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield.

It follows a visit to China in November 2017 when our officials met Li Guoying, Governor of East China’s Anhui province to agree to work more closely on shared interests.

Environmental, economic, education and healthcare were also discussed during the visit which included a tour to our Markham Vale flagship regeneration site and state-of-the-art Meadow View Community Care Centre in Darley Dale.

From sampling a famous Bakewell Pudding to exploring Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House – visitors got a taste of what Derbyshire has to offer. The Chinese delegation included representatives from the country’s tourist and business industries.

Councillor Lewis said:”This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with Chinese delegates to further strengthen links between the two areas and showcase what Derbyshire has to offer and learn about Anhui Province.”

“It has been great to share the delights of the Peak District and Derbyshire with the delegation as tourism is an important part of our local economy. The population of the province is about 60 million people, a growing number of whom love to travel so we hope to welcome many more visitors in the future.”

The visit was hosted by Anhui Province with support from Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council. It was a chance for the delegation to promote the beautiful places to visit in China outside the usual tourist hotspots.

Tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by 6% to £2.15 billion.

Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3%, while the number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5% at 28,630.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis (right) helps show Mr Yang Guangrong, Vice-Governor, Anhui Provincial Government and visitors around Chatsworth House in Derbyshire.

Derbyshire chinese delegates anhui

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

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