Local community groups are being urged to apply for one of Derbyshire County Council’s £500 Action Grants to support their activities as the deadline for current applications approaches.The £1.5m Action Grants scheme was launched in May and the deadline for the next round of applications is this Sunday (September 30).
In just 4 months Action Grants totalling more than £210,000 have been awarded to 113 community groups, clubs, charities and other non-profit organisations across Derbyshire. Successful applicants were able to show they promoted one or more of the four Action Grant themes – youth activity, community action, sport and physical activity or community safety – or a combination.
There are 2,000 small grants of up to £500, a number of grants worth up to £5,000 and for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote 2 or more of our Action Grant themes there are potential grants of £10,000.
Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “There are many groups across Derbyshire who do amazing work to provide opportunities for residents in their communities and we want to support them.”
“An Action Grant could be just the helping hand they need to do even more to provide lasting benefits for people across Derbyshire.”
“The application form is simple and easy to complete and there’s still time to apply for this round of £500 grants.”
The current round is for grants of up to £500. If applicants miss this week’s deadline the next one is 31 December 2018. The Action Grants scheme will run until 31 May 2020.
The University of Derby is the 13th best university in the UK for teaching quality, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 league table.
The table, to be published this weekend, will show that the University has climbed from 22nd to joint 13th in the country for its teaching quality.
University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, said: “The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranking is a very important assessment of a university’s progress across a range of measures. To be ranked joint 13th in the country for teaching quality is a fantastic achievement, and further reinforces our commitment to delivering teaching and learning excellence at Derby.
“Our teaching strategy encourages our academic teaching staff to be innovative in their approach to teaching and to be flexible enough to support the learning needs of individual students. We aim to help every student fulfil their potential and prepare them for their future career or further study.”
This league table position is the latest in a long line of achievements for the University of Derby, which this year has seen it:
Ranked as one of the UK’s top 30 universities overall in The Guardian’s University Guide for 2019 – it’s highest ever overall position
Named among the world’s top 250 modern universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University rankings
Presented with the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs)
The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University of Derby had risen to 88%. In the same survey, assessment and feedback had moved up to 79% satisfaction, with student satisfaction at the University overall rising to 86%, above the national average.
In August, University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) Academic Manager Paula Shaw received a National Teaching Fellowship – the most prestigious individual award in higher education – in recognition of her outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession.
And Dr Ian Turner, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at the University, was shortlisted in the ‘Most Innovative Teacher of the Year’ category for the 14th annual Times Higher Education Awards 2018. The award ceremony takes place in November.
Those successes followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20 per cent of all providers in the UK.
This year’s Times and Sunday Times league table also puts student experience at the University of Derby at number 40, up from 55th last year. Overall, the University was ranked 75th, up from 81st in last year’s table – its highest ever overall ranking in the Times and Sunday Times league table.
Professor Mitchell added: “The importance of the student experience of Derby is inextricably linked to outcomes, and we have worked hard with our student body to ensure that they have a greater voice in the way the university is run, as well as investing in new accommodation and facilities.
“Our vision is for Derby to be recognised as an inclusive university, providing the knowledge, experience and support that give our students the skills and confidence to achieve what they are capable of.”
Read more about the University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus, St Helena, by clicking here.
One of the region’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, has welcomed 21 trainees into the company this month.
BHP, which has offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds and York, has appointed 12 graduates, four year-long placements and five trainees.
The new starters have been appointed across the Audit and Assurance, Tax, Corporate Finance, Healthcare and Financial Planning departments.
Lisa Leighton, who joined BHP as a graduate in the Audit team and is now a Partner at the firm, said: “We’re very excited to welcome this latest intake of trainees who bring with them fresh ideas and talent. I know first-hand what it’s like joining as a graduate and the opportunities it offers to grow and develop your career. We very much look forward to supporting these new starters to flourish in their roles.”
This is also the first time a graduate has been appointed to the Financial Planning team which has witnessed exceptional growth over the last 18 months.
Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, said: “We firmly believe in training and retaining future talent as much as possible and these appointments are a testament to the exceptional growth of the business.”
“We’re very proud of our apprenticeship and placement programmes which strike a good balance between work, study and training, while equipping young people for the future of work.”
Nadeem Alam, a graduate in the Audit and Assurance department, said: “I chose to work at BHP because I could see that it has such a warm and welcoming environment.
“Starting a new job can make you feel very nervous but everyone has been very welcoming in my first few weeks which made it easy to settle in.”
“In the future, I would like to achieve my potential and I believe this is possible at BHP because they encourage internal progression which is crucial for your development. After speaking to people here I know I made the correct decision to join this ambitious firm.”
BHP has more than 350 staff, including 31 partners. Over the last 10 years the business has increased turnover from £8m to more than £20m.
For more information about BHP visit their Chesterfield Champion page here.
Bolsover Flowers is bringing new floral fancy to the area whilst giving back to the armed forces, with the opening of its new store.
Having launched two months ago, Bolsover Flowers is the realised dream of Marie Carline, who brings her 25 years of experience and floral passion to the local community.
Marie started working with blooms as a trainee florist in Letchworth aged just 19, then built her experience all across the country as she moved around with her husband, who was in the Royal Air Force. It’s this link to the forces that inspired the design of her store, paying homage to those who have fought for their country with fitting poppy artwork adorning the walls. Marie’s support doesn’t stop there, however, giving back to the armed forces by donating a proportion of profits to the benevolent fund.
Going on to gain Interflora and E-Florist experience, Marie then completed the Interflora examination backed by years of honing her craft, before setting out on her own with Bolsover Flowers.
It’s not solely about the blooms for Marie, however – flowers mark some of the most important moments in peoples’ lives and she becomes more of a friend to her customers than just the florist. From happy occasions such as weddings and births, to the more sad moments such as deaths and funerals, Marie recognises the individual needs of her customers to provide a truly personal experience, closing the store or extending her opening times to give privacy when required, with a box of tissues always at the ready. Whatever the request, Marie is happy to deliver. From favourite hobbies to nicknames, Marie utilises her artistic flair to create something special to commemorate a loved one, or can provide long lasting silk flowers for a graveside tribute.
With her flowers coming fresh from the great quality Pride Flowers in Derby, with whom Marie has worked with for over 20 years, plus a weekly delivery from Holland and plants and flower supplies coming from the local Sheffield markets, Marie takes pride in the quality of her flowers. From Willy Wonka-esque rainbow roses to classic white lilies, Marie can make up a bouquet in front of her customers to suit their personal taste. She also stocks a range of gifts from floral filled watering cans to spiky cactus pots and delivers throughout Chesterfield and further afield throughout the UK.
Marie comments: “Floristry is my passion and all I’ve ever wanted to do – I’m actually quite taken aback that I’m finally realising my dream of owning my own florist! The feedback from my customers has been incredible and I can’t wait to create more floral masterpieces for both existing and new customers as I go from strength to strength whilst giving back to the armed forces.”
It has been revealed that converting just 5% of Chesterfield’s day visitors into overnight stays would transform the town’s visitor economy.
Speaking at the annual Chesterfield Investment Summit, keynote speaker James Berresford, Chair of the Derbyshire Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Board, added: “Chesterfield has its foot on the ladder of being world class and is on track to transform its visitor economy. It must focus on creating the distinctive, unique and special.”
At the sell-out event, which was held at Casa Hotel, it was revealed that last year Chesterfield attracted 3.7 million visitors who brought £175 million to the economy, representing a 50% uplift in tourism spend compared to 2009. (Read more about the growth in tourism in Chesterfield)
Mr Berresford praised the town’s ambitions saying: “Tourists today want experiences. We need to focus on the unique and distinctive things we have like the market and the Crooked Spire to stand out from the crowd. They are a wonderful local experience reflecting the character of the town.”
Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, added: “It is very much a time of growth for the town and borough. However, as a council we remain committed to the premise that the growth we generate must be inclusive and that local people must benefit in terms of jobs and business opportunities.”
As part of Chesterfield’s drive to increase the visitor economy, more than 2,500 beds will be added to the Borough’s accommodation offering over the next 36 months. The 92-bed Premier Inn Hotel on Elder Way will open in January 2019 and further beds will be delivered at Chesterfield Waterside and Peak Resort.
Construction of a ‘core four’ phase one of Peak Resort will begin next year on the Birchall Estate. Phase One is scheduled to open at the end of 2020. Phase One will be centered around the Gateway Complex which will provide serviced connectivity and equipment for tourists to engage in all sorts of activities in the surrounding communities and National Park.
The Birchall Estate has planning approvals for up to 2000 hotel rooms and 250 chalets. The hotels will be delivered in phases and in a range of formats from 5 star to hostel accommodation. The aim is to deliver the quality and scope of accommodation and hospitality similar to that of a ski resort, sitting at the heart of the country alongside the Peak District National Park.
Delegates heard that climate change, travel security, changing habits and Brexit have all been key factors in the realisation of Peak Resort. Combined, they are driving more people to holiday in the UK.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: “Young people need to raise their aspirations and skill up ahead of HS2 arriving in Chesterfield and the opening of Peak Resort to ensure that they and the town makes the most of the opportunities that these schemes will bring.”
More than 200 people attended to learn more on the latest investment opportunities in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. In addition to James Berresford, Rupert Carr and Huw Bowen, delegates also heard from Adam Hearld of Jomast Developments, which is transforming the former Co-op building and Frank Horsley, Head of Economic Regeneration at Derbyshire County Council.
New figures showing a record number of visitors to Chesterfield are providing a £175 million boost to the borough’s economy were announced this morning at the Chesterfield Investment Summit.
The industry figures show that in 2017, Chesterfield received 3.7 million visitors, an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2016. This compares with an average 1.3 per cent increase across the rest of Derbyshire.
The year also saw tourism contribute £175.21 million to the Chesterfield economy, a 6.9 per cent increase on 2016.
As a result, the visitor economy sector also supported 2,165 full-time equivalent jobs in Chesterfield, an increase of 4.8 per cent on 2016. This compares with a 2.5 per cent increase across Derbyshire.
Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “With the Peak District National Park on our doorstep, Chesterfield has long been a convenient place to visit but the fact we see so many people returning to visit us, shows we have a lot to offer in our own right.
“With attractions such as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the traditional open-air market, two theatres offering major shows and plays, Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House and Barrow Hill Roundhouse, it’s no wonder people choose to visit Chesterfield.
“This is great news for our local economy and we will continue to organise regular events to encourage people to visit the borough and, while they are here, take advantage of the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars we have on offer here.
“I think it is easy to take what you have on your doorstep for granted but when I talk to visitors they are always very complimentary about Chesterfield and what it has to offer. These latest figures back that up and show how important tourism is to our economy.”
Chesterfield Borough Council organises regular events to attract visitors to the borough, such as the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket which brings in cricket fans from across the country. The next event is the 1940s market which takes place in the traditional open-air market place on Thursday 1 November.
The RISE initiative is looking for more local companies to take advantage of its free graduate recruitment programme.
RISE helps connect the region’s network of innovative and exciting businesses to graduates with energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas. It aims to help SMEs based in Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire and the Derbyshire Dales to find the best graduate talent for their business.
As part of the service RISE will write or assist with the advert, advertise a graduate role across the UK and put candidates through a variety of recruitment tasks. Companies also have access to line manager training, interview guidance and tool kits.
To date, the RISE initiative has helped over 300 businesses to fill over 400 graduate vacancies, from Manufacturing to Marketing. A recent survey of RISE businesses showed that businesses benefit in many ways by taking on a graduate and believe that hiring a graduate helped their business grow.
“RISE worked really well for us. We wouldn’t have had the resources to interview the number of initial applicants ourselves.” Riverside Automation
A spokesperson from Sheffield Sustainable Kitchens said: “The RISE scheme was a breath of fresh air and I learnt a lot about recruitment. All the information was there if we needed it, but wasn’t forced on us if we didn’t.”
There is no cost to use RISE except the graduate’s salary and employers NI. Plus, businesses signing up to the scheme for the first time will receive a £1000 subsidy.
The deadline to sign up to the scheme is 25th September so get in touch with Gabi Binnie (gabi@gradconsult.co.uk) to discuss advertising a vacancy.
Custom Solar Ltd, a renewable energy company based in Chesterfield, has been shortlisted in two categories at the The Solar Power Portal Awards which takes place in October.
Custom Solar specialises in solar photovoltaic systems and works nationally to design, install and maintain high quality solar systems for businesses, homes and the education sector.
They have recently completed one of the UK’s largest installations, and the largest rooftop installation in the UK, to be completed over recent years. The project was delivered for The Associated British Ports and included over 20,000 solar panels being installed across various operational buildings within the port, in addition to major upgrade works to support the electrical connection.
The project has been shortlisted for the “Commercial Rooftop Solar Installation of the Year” award and Custom Solar is also a finalist in the “National Solar Contractor of the Year” category. The winners will be announced at the The Solar Power Portal Awards ceremony which will be held on 17 October at the Hilton Metropole NEC, Birmingham.
Matt Brailsford, Managing Director at Custom Solar Ltd said: “We look forward to what should be a fantastic event in addition to some very well deserved recognition for all of the team at Custom Solar.”
Matt is from Chesterfield and was keen to keep their head office based locally:
“Chesterfield is one of the friendliest places in the world which makes working and living here a pleasure. Chesterfield is perfectly situated regarding transport links for a nationwide network of clients, and the business community, especially the Chesterfield Champions, are very supportive of each other and Chesterfield.”
Derbyshire County Council organise the free Derbyshire Skills Festival event with Derby City Council and it’s aimed at students aged 13 to 19, particularly those in year 11 who are considering their options after school. The event is the county’s largest careers event.
This year it’s coming to the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield on Wednesday 26 September 2018. There will also be two dates at Pride Park in Derby.
More than 50 employers, colleges, training providers and voluntary organisations will be at the events, offering the support and guidance needed to help make future career choices – all under 1 roof. There’ll be ‘have-a-go’ activities for young people to test their skills and get first-hand experience of engineering, media, hair and beauty and much more.
Councillor Alex Dale, Cabinet Member for Young People at Derbyshire County Council said:
“We’re really excited for this year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to come along and find out about lots of different careers and take part in some fun activities too.”
“If you know someone aged 13 to 19 please encourage them to pop along – last year more than 10,000 people attended over 3 great days.”
There’ll also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training.
One of Chesterfield’s award-winning eateries, The Lilypad, opened a new branch at Chesterfield College last week in time for the start of the new term.
The café, Lilypad at the Arches, is run by the same team who operate The Lilypad in Chesterfield town centre and is part of the new facilities now on offer at the college’s University-Centre at the Infirmary Road campus. Students studying on a range of courses from professional qualifications to Access to Higher Education and Full Honours Degrees will be able to take advantage of the new service when they return to college.
Open from 8am until 3.30pm and offering a selection of breakfast choices, salads, sandwiches, cakes and drinks in a relaxed space, Lilypad at the Arches is a great addition to the food and drink choices available across the college.
The Lilypad Café and Restaurant were winners of The Best Newcomer of the Year in 2016 and The Café and Tea Room of the Year in 2017 at the annual Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards.
Emily Chapman, Manager of the The Lilypad Café and Restaurant said;
“It is really exciting that we are able to expand into the college. Although the menu here is slightly different to what we offer in the town centre, it is developed with the same quality and approach. We have designed the menu and the space we serve the food from to provide staff and students with a chance to recharge their batteries and fuel their brains in between lectures.”
Councillor Angelique Foster, Cabinet Member for Council Services at Derbyshire County Council, welcomed 23 young people who are doing apprenticeships in customer services, ICT, electrical, pipe fitting, civil engineering and transport planning.
During September and October 2018 more than 80 young people will start their apprenticeships with the Derbyshire County Council.
Councillor Foster said: “Creating opportunities for young people is a key aim for the council and I’m delighted that I was able to meet with some of our new starters.
“These apprentices will join 140 who started with the council since May 2017.
“Apprenticeships are a great way for a young person to get a start on the career ladder and I’m delighted that we have been able to create so many opportunities.”
In 2017, Chesterfield was the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town, demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.
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