Business

Chesterfield unemployment figure falls

17th July 2018

The percentage of people out of work in the Chesterfield has fallen according to figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Figures for those claiming job seekers in Chesterfield was down with 1,645 claimants recorded down from 1,675 the previous month.

The number of people in work in the East Midlands between March and May 2018 was higher than for the same period last year and two years ago, according to figures released this morning.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed there were 2,285,777 people in work in the region, 30,421 higher than for the same three months in 2017 and 19,977 more than in 2016.

Compared with the same period in 2016, there were 6,245 fewer people unemployed in the East Midlands between March and May 2018 at 100,287.

Unemployment, however, was 10,625 higher in the period this year than it was last year and 1,256 up compared with three months between December and February.

The ONS also reported that unemployment for the region, which was on a par with the national average at 4.2%, was 1,256 higher between March and May this year than was recorded for the December to February period.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“For a long time, the East Midlands has enjoyed fairly robust employment, usually bettering national average figures when it comes to job creation and the percentage of people out of work.

“While it’s too early to suggest trends or talk about economic slumps, the gap between the region and the national picture has been closing in recent months.

“There can be little doubt that Brexit is playing its part in these figures. The clock is ticking and business has yet to receive any useful information from the UK Government or Brussels about what our trading relationship with the EU will be after March next year.

“The lack of guidance is leading to uncertainty, which is bound to manifest itself as we get closer to the deadline, so I think it’s quite reasonable to expect businesses to hold off on investment and recruitment.

“That said, 67% of the firms that completed our second Quarterly Economic Survey of 2018 said they wanted to recruit but many were struggling to find suitably skilled or qualified staff, which suggests there is still an underlying business confidence.

“What is important now is that our Government does not cause that confidence to wan and delivers a Brexit for business instead of constantly bickering about it.”

Other figures released by the ONS this morning show that the claimant count has fallen across the whole of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, down 1,015 to 35,545 in June 2018 compared with the previous month.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Entries are now open for the 2018 Derbyshire Times Business Awards

11th July 2018

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards return to Chesterfield this November 15 for their 10th year. Nominations are now being taken for the awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce.

Entries can be submitted for any business within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. The awards span across a range of categories from Small Business of the Year to Customer Service Award, Retailer of the Year to the most sought after 2018 Business of the Year Award.

Phil Bramley, Editor of the Derbyshire Times, comments:

“Businesses are the lifeblood of our community, they provide the jobs we need so we can do the things we love – raising families, putting down roots and growing communities.

“The Derbyshire Times business awards are a chance to shine a glowing spotlight on the fantastic work local businesses do day in, day out – highlighting their innovation, their dedication, their talent.

“They are a way of honouring the cream of north Derbyshire’s commerce and industry, raising the profile of companies, celebrating achievement and recognising the sheer hard work that their staff put in to make them what they are today.

“We really want to make the awards a true celebration of the brilliant businesses in our community – so please make sure you get involved and put forward your achievements so they get the full recognition they deserve.”

Winners from last years awards include Casa Hotel, and Paul Beeson from Shorts Chartered Accountants.

The high profile awards, sponsored by a range of Chesterfield business including Banner Jones Solicitors, The University of Derby, Shorts Chartered Accountants, BHP Chartered Accountants, Learning Unlimited and Mitchells Chartered Accountants, offer organisations a platform to celebrate their success whilst providing an opportunity raise their profile and enhance their reputation.

More information and entry forms can be found by clicking here. Final entries must be made by September 20.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Apprentice vacancies available at new Chesterfield development

11th July 2018

Four aspiring tradespeople could soon commence their construction careers as triple HBF 5 star housebuilder, William Davis Homes announces vacancies at its Skylarks development in Chesterfield.

Young people aged 16 and over from Chesterfield and the neighbouring area are encouraged to apply for the trade apprenticeships currently available with William Davis Homes. In partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield College, the company is offering placements for an apprentice bricklayer, joiner, electrician and painter/decorator to work on its Skylarks development on the northern edge of the Derbyshire market town.

Gary Long, Apprentice Manager at William Davis Homes, commented:-

“We’re pleased to announce we’re seeking four new recruits specifically from the Chesterfield area as part of our commitment to offering local labour opportunities. This is a significant chance for young people to make a tangible difference to their community, while at the same time developing a life-long career path. Our apprentice scheme has been running for more than 50 years and has won many awards, so aspiring apprentices can be assured of first-class training.”

Applications for the William Davis Homes apprenticeships will be open until Friday 20^th July and can be accessed by contacting the Learning Unlimited Team at Chesterfield College on 0345 850 1055 or via the Find an Apprenticeship service (www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) . Successful apprentices will be mentored on site at Skylarks by William Davis Homes’ directly employed apprentice masters and complete their academic training at Chesterfield College to achieve a minimum NVQ Level 3.

Cllr Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said:-

“It is really important to us that local residents benefit from the jobs and training opportunities created by developments taking place within the borough. That is why we launched the Apprentice Town initiative which aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and encourage the education, business and learning sectors to work with us to deliver more apprenticeship opportunities for local people.

“So we are really pleased that William Davis is offering apprenticeships to people who are interested in having a career in the construction industry. The skills they learn will set them up for good quality careers.”

David Higham, Commercial Director at Learning Unlimited, part of the Chesterfield College Group, added:-

“The apprenticeship opportunities on offer from William Davis Homes give local people a fantastic way to develop a career in construction. It’s clear the company has a huge commitment to investing in people and growing them through training and it’s this approach which really benefits apprentices and employers. We’re proud to be working in partnership with them through the Apprenticeship Town initiative and look forward to recruiting and working with the new apprentices.”

William Davis Homes has been actively working with Chesterfield Borough Council to support local labour initiatives for almost a year; speaking at conferences, conventions, a meet the buyer event and in schools; acting as an enterprise advisor at Outwood Academy; and awarding contracts to local suppliers where possible. Its Skylarks development was opened last month (June 2018) to offer house hunters a superb choice of two to five bedroom homes.

Chesterfield is 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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development

Devonshire Group appoints new Chief Executive to drive expansion

9th July 2018

Stephen Vickers has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Devonshire Group of companies, which represent the interests of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and their family, and the Chatsworth House Trust, including the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire and Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.

Following the forthcoming retirement of current CEO Richard Reynolds, Stephen Vickers will assume overall responsibility for the Devonshire Group in January 2019. His role will include the development of a long-term strategy for the group, delivery on several major initiatives planned for the next few years, and responsibility to expand its interests through investment, acquisitions, joint ventures and partnerships.

The Devonshire Group is a growing and profitable business employing approximately 1200 staff (650 full time equivalent). Its estates in Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Sussex are spread over 65,000 acres and include commercial, residential and agricultural properties. The group includes visitor attractions at Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey as well as associated shops and restaurants; a pipeline of mostly residential property opportunities totalling some 2000 homes; hotels in Derbyshire and Yorkshire; and a major art collection, mainly based at Chatsworth.

The Duke of Devonshire: “I am delighted that Stephen Vickers has accepted our offer to become Devonshire Group CEO. His success at Buckminster, following his successful career at The Buccleuch Estates provides just the skills and experience that we are looking for.

“Over the last 12 years Richard Reynolds and his team have transformed the Devonshire Group into a business-driven organisation imbued with our values of decency, inclusiveness and constant improvement.

“Stephen’s management ability will fit very well with our team and his personal values align closely with our own core values. In these uncertain times it is comforting to know that the Devonshire Group is in the best possible hands.”

Stephen Vickers is currently Managing Director of Buckminster, a privately owned property holding spanning the Leicestershire/Lincolnshire border and comprised of significant residential, agricultural and commercial property portfolios, where he has been responsible for leading the business and delivery of an ambitious strategy of consolidation and diversification. Much of his earlier career was in estate management and corporate strategy for the Duke of Buccleuch.

Married to Caroline, he has three young sons and spends his free time with his family or pursuing his interests in property renovation, country sports and touch rugby.

The Devonshire Group has also appointed its Chief Financial Officer Andrew Lavery as Chief Executive of the Chatsworth House Trust with effect from 1 August 2018.

Posted in Business

Luxury accommodation opens in Chesterfield town centre

4th July 2018

The owners of award-winning Stephensons Tea and Coffee House have expanded their portfolio to include three brand-new, luxury bed and breakfast suites.

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast celebrated its official opening on Tuesday 3rd July with the cutting of a ribbon by the Mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Stuart Brittain and a networking event with Chesterfield Champions.

Situated in the centre of Chesterfield, the accommodation offers high quality, large rooms, with one boasting amazing views of the Crooked Spire.

Breakfast is served at the newly-refurbished Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which is on the first floor of the same building (as well as offering room service as required).

Owners, Claire and Sam Wood (a Mum and son team) are excited for their new business venture. Claire said:-

“We are delighted to have opened our luxury, town-centre accommodation and are looking forward to welcoming guests.

“It’s great to be able to build on the success of Stephensons Tea and Coffee House, which has won Café of the Year twice in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards and now enjoys brand new premises just a floor below the original café.

“Whether visiting Chesterfield for business or pleasure, exploring the Peak District or visiting one of our many local attractions, Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is perfect for your stay.”

Stephenson’s Bed and Breakfast is located at 11 Stephenson’s Place with bookings available both online or by telephone.

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

Inspiring Markham Vale business honoured

3rd July 2018

A company which has a branch at Markham Vale has been named as one of 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.

AW Repair Group, which repairs more than 220 vehicles a week for household name motor insurers, opened its fourth branch on Waterloo Court three years ago and this summer will open its eighth operation in Derby.

The business has now been named in a prestigious directory, compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group, listing the top 1,000 businesses considered to be the most inspiring, dynamic and fastest growing companies.

Andrew Walsh, proud Managing Director at AW Repair Group, said:-

“This has come as a complete surprise. We did not enter a competition or put ourselves forward. The company has been selected by some of the most highly respected financial establishments. It is an absolute honour to be recognised as an inspiring company.”

In the foreword to the glossy directory Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Theresa May, writes:-

“All businesses, especially smaller ones, are inspiring: taking the spark of an innovative idea and shaping it into a life –changing reality. New technology and new thinking brings better jobs for more people. The 1,000 innovative companies recognised in this report are at the forefront of doing just that.”

The CEO of London Stock Exchange Nikhil Rathi explained the 5th annual publication:-

“Our goal in producing the report is to highlight, to as wide an audience as possible, the importance of fast-growing businesses to the future of the UK economy. We believe these companies have enormous potential for innovation, growth and job creation.”

Established in 1998, AW Repair Group has since grown to become one of the country’s top 15 accident repair groups with eight centres covering the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. The company, which employs more than 160 people, has its headquarters in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and holds prestigious manufacturer approvals such as BMW, Audi, LandRover, Volkswagen and Mini.

The Markham Vale site contributes around £2m per annum to the group’s turnover.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Chesterfield Champions announced as finalists for Business Awards

2nd July 2018

Three Chesterfield Champion organisations were announced as finalists in the East Midlands Chamber Business Awards at the Chambers President’s Summer Reception last week.

Chesterfield Champion Chesterfield College was announced as a finalist in the Education and Business Partnership Award and The Accountancy Recruitment Group and Pinewood Properties were both announced as finalists in the Excellence in Customer Service category.

The Chamber’s awards are the only ones locally to offer winners a chance to compete in regional and national heats of the British Chambers of Commerce Awards.

Introducing the announcements, Chamber Chief Executive and Destination Chesterfield board member, Scott Knowles said:-

“It always gives me great pleasure to celebrate business success. It’s something that we should be shouting about from the rooftops.

“To make sure we are ready to meet all the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead, organisations must stay sharp and focused. One way of doing that is by competing for business awards such as ours – the only regional awards judged by your peers and offering the possibility of taking your success on to the national stage of the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards later in the year.

“Competing for business awards forces organisations to look closely at what they do, how they do it and how they can sharpen their focus by setting aside those parts of their daily activities that do not contribute to their longer-term aspirations or essential operations.”

Winners of specific awards and the overall Business of the Year award winner for each county will automatically go through to the regional heats of the British Chambers of Commerce awards and could go on to represent the region at the BCC national awards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

New development at Markham Vale as Priority Space continue to Invest in Chesterfield

2nd July 2018

Developers Priority Space and H.G. Holdings have acquired a further plot at Markham Vale and announced plans to deliver a high quality and well specified industrial unit totalling approximately 15,000 sq ft, which will be available for sale or lease.

With planning permission now granted, a start on site is anticipated during August, 2018. The building will be available for occupation from the start of 2019.

This latest single and self-contained unit follows the delivery of phase 1; a 26,000 sq ft multi-unit scheme, known as Wilson Business Park, which has seen five of its units sold, and a further two presently under offer, secured by leading national consultancy Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP). Occupiers on the estate include Direct Track Solutions, Catering Projects, Magpie Beauty, and Shotblast Solutions. Another unit has been purchased by a private investor who is in advanced negotiations with and as yet unnamed tenant.

Stuart Waite, a Partner at sole agents Commercial Property Partners (CPP), commented:-

“We are delighted to be able to offer this latest building to the market, there is very little stock of a similar size and specification in the region. We believe there is latent demand, and are expecting strong levels of interest.

“The building will provide high quality, self-contained warehousing space with office content and would be the perfect HQ premises for any business looking for accommodation in this part of the region, with fantastic links to J29a of the M1”.

Lee Buchanan at Priority Space commented:-

“We have invested heavily in the business park with the initial delivery of Phase 1. With sales progressing nicely, we have made the decision along with our development partners at H.G. Holdings to build out a 15,000 sq. ft. detached unit to cater for a larger operator requiring self-contained facilities.

“The estate is now well established with excellent occupier amenities, and we’d encourage interested parties to register an interest with us or our appointment agents, CPP, in order to discuss their requirements further”

Markham Vale benefits from its own dedicated M1 motorway junction, Junction 29a – just 5 miles east of Chesterfield and approximately 20 miles from Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby. Markham Vale is a 200-acre employment led scheme being delivered by Henry Boot in partnership with Derbyshire County Council.

From a perfect location, to quality workforce and a vibrant business community – Chesterfield is not your typical market town – and there are many reasons as to why businesses are deciding to Invest in Chesterfield. There is currently over £1 billion of regeneration projects in progress and many more opportunities on the way.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

Chamber welcomes new flexibility in Apprenticeships Levy

28th June 2018

The Government has announced that large employers can now share their Apprenticeship Levy funds among multiple companies in their supply chains.

Previously they could nominate only one company to receive help from the levy, a 0.5% tax payable by firms with payroll of over £3m a year. Nominated firms could receive up to ten per cent of the levy value.

Introduced in May 2017, the levy was intended to increase the number of apprenticeship starts to three million by 2020 but has led, instead, to a decline.

Ian Bates, Sector Forums Manager at East Midlands Chamber, who’s role includes working with employers and academia and running the Chamber’s annual Skills and Employability Summit, said:-

“We welcome this improved flexibility, it will go some way to widen opportunities for improving the availability of skilled workers, however more wide scale transformation is needed to make the system fit for purpose

“The levy didn’t achieve what the Government intended. Our own research has shown that most large employers did not expect to recover what they were paying out under the levy and many smaller employers don’t fully understand it or won’t use it at all.

“Allowing large employers to share the levy among multiple companies in their supply chain will, hopefully, result in those smaller companies being able to upskill their workers and to recruit new apprentices, thereby securing skilled workers for the future.”

“We have recently seen the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), publish a ten-point-plan, to reform the Apprenticeship Levy system, which clearly sets out the asks for Government and for business.”

Since the levy was introduced, Government has twice previously shown flexibility in how it can be used, by allowing levy-payers to include a single supplier and allowing the fund to pay for upskilling existing workers.

The latest adjustment allows the levy-paying firm to nominate any number of suppliers to receive the ten per cent benefit.

Find out more about hiring an apprentice and the Apprentice Levy here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Planning permission granted to convert Grade II listed building in to apartments

26th June 2018

Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee has given conditional planning permission for conversion of the former Chesterfield Magistrates Court to apartments.

The development will include 14 one bedroom and 18 two bedroom apartments.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said “It is great that a new use has been found for this historically important building. More people living in the town centre will support the retailers, restaurants and bars based here.”

Knightsbridge Court is a grade II listed modernist building built in 1963 which was designed by architect Joe Allen.

The building was vacated as a Court House in the late 1990s and was used for offices in the early 2000’s. The building has since lain vacant for some years.

Find out more about developments in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Chesterfield Champion facilitate £1.15m deal for luxury B&B

25th June 2018

Luxury Derbyshire-based B&B, Robin Hood Farm is to undergo a major transformation; with the businesses new owners investing £25,000 in carrying out renovation plans that will increase its capacity and facilities.

Bought by husband and wife duo Chris and Caroline Fairest in March of 2018 for £1.15M in a deal facilitated by Banner Jones Solicitors, the deluxe venue – which dates back to the 18^th century, and is a popular retreat amongst walkers – was awarded the ‘Travellers Choice’ award by Trip Advisor in both 2016 and 2017 and the “Certificate of Excellence” in 2018.

Spanning more than two and a half acres of natural hillside landscaped gardens, and close to the picturesque village of Baslow, the site can currently accommodate 10 guests in its three double en-suite bedrooms and two-bedroomed self-catering holiday cottage.

Renovation plans will see capacity increase to 14 following the addition of two double bedrooms, and also see the couple invest in further landscape gardening to accommodate wedding parties.

Chris said:-

“My wife and I moved to the Baslow area around four years ago and have been looking for a B&B to support our retirement ever since.

“The Robin Hood Farm B&B offers such a fantastic location for dog walkers, ramblers and couples looking for a relaxing retreat, and we are delighted to be beginning our next business journey together.

“Our expansion plans are ambitious, but we are looking to increase our capacity to accommodate the surge in demand from couples looking to tie the knot in the area, and people looking to explore the beautiful countryside and sightseeing surrounding Baslow.”

Cathy Thomas, Director and Property Specialist at Banner Jones said:-

“The opportunity to acquire a home and lifestyle, with the added bonus of an established business in this attractive Derbyshire setting was not lost on Chris and Caroline, and I wish them the very best for the future and with their expansion plans.”

Commenting on the purchase, Chris said: “I cannot thank Cathy enough – her service was efficient and professional, and her support throughout this period has been invaluable as we turn our dream into a thriving reality.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development