A renowned Chesterfield industrial paint manufacturer has partnered with the town’s Half Marathon, which is set to take place in October this year.

Chesterfield Champion, Pronto Paints, established in 1989 and based in the Holmewood area of the North Derbyshire town, has agreed a deal to sponsor the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon Wellbeing Challenge, a community and workplace challenge-based activity which is new to the event in 2018.

Priced at £80 for a group entry, the Wellbeing Challenge, which is aimed at community groups and local businesses, includes two entries into each of the Half Marathon’s events – the 1km Fun Run, the Peak FM Five Mile Run and the 13.1-mile Half Marathon.

The Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon has enjoyed a successful rejuvenation following an inaugural revamped event in 2017. More than 800 people entered last year, with organisers hopeful of a four-figure turnout in 2018.

David Beckford, managing director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re very proud to be supporting the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon after a hugely successful event in 2017.

“As a community-focused organisation, supporting mass participation community events is in our company ethos – we’re a family-run, long-established business and wanted to get involved.

“We’ve gone from being a one-man team back in the late 80s to a team of 37 producing three million litres of industrial paint each year – and we look forward to contributing towards the Half Marathon enjoying growth of its own this year.”

John Timms, events director at Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon organisers MLS Contracts, said: “We’re delighted to have the Pronto Paints team on board, they’re a renowned Chesterfield business with community roots so are a natural fit for the Redbrik Chesterfield Half Marathon.

“The revamped Half Marathon was such a huge success in its first year, we’re hoping to build on that in 2018 and really kick on, making this the region’s biggest mass-participation event.”

Find out more about the Chesterfield Half Marathon

Award-winning national gym operator Xercise4Less opened in Chesterfield on Friday, June 15th.

The gym, located on Spire Walk, was opened by local TV personality James Hill, who appeared on The Apprentice and Celebrity Big Brother.

Xericse4Less initial pre-sale membership offering will still be available at £9.99 a month for life until the end of June.

Xercise4Less Chesterfield offers members more than 400 pieces of state-of-the-art gym equipment including running and sled pull tracks and a dedicated combat zone complete with boxing ring and MMA cage. The club will also include a self-contained ladies only gym, large main studio and spin studio that will offer 50 free classes every month such as Les Mills RPM, Combat and Pump, as well as free parking to all members.

Regarded as ‘The Peoples Gym’ Xercise4Less pride themselves on offering members of all ages more gym for less keeping people motivated to achieve their goals and live a healthier lifestyle.

Adam Robinson, General Manager of Xercise4Less Chesterfield, commented:-

“I am really excited and honored to be the manager at Xercise4less Chesterfield, this is also a special time for the brand as this is the 50th gym in the Xercise4Less estate. The town has been crying out for a low cost high quality facility for all to enjoy.

“We would like everyone to come down and see what we have to offer as we have members who have never used a gym before as well as experienced gym users, which is why we are the “people’s gym”

Specsavers has been named as Chesterfield’s favourite store. The Burlington Street branch of the national opticians’ chain was crowned Retailer of the Year at the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards on Wednesday 13 June.

Commenting on the award win, Gareth Webster, Retail Director at Specsavers, said:-

“Winning Retailer of the Year is a proud moment for us all. Word of mouth recommendation is the bedrock of our business and this award embodies that. It means the world to us.

“Even though we’re a chain, each store is invidually owned and we try to personalise our store and service. We pride ourselves on treating customers like our family and this award recognises the personal care and attention we give to them all.”

In addition to scooping the top award, Specsavers was also named as National/Multiple Retailer of the Year at the annual awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield, the award ceremony recognises the very best shops, stores and market stalls in and around Chesterfield. The winners are all nominated by shoppers with the eventual winners being chosen by an independent panel of judges.

The Retailer of the Year title was just one of 15 awards presented to 11 businesses at the fifth annual Retail Awards ceremony, which was hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Ricky and Becky.

Other businesses to celebrate multiple award wins at the fifth annual Chesterfield Retail Awards included Adorn Jewellers. The independent jewellers, which is based in The Shambles, scooped three titles on the night, including the Independent Retailer of the Year award. The company has recently opened a second store in Bakewell, however remains firmly committed to Chesterfield where it has been based since 2010.

Owner of Adorn Jewellers, Laura Jo Owen said:-

“We are thrilled with our hat trick of wins and so proud to be part of the awards. Chesterfield has an amazing retail scene and is a hotbed of independent retailers which we’re privileged to be part of. Since the business opened in 2010 we have been incredibly supported by both the retail community and our wonderful customers.”

As well as established businesses, the Retail Awards also recognised the town’s newest retailers. Ladies clothing boutique Dotique, based on Chatsworth Road, scooped the title of Best Newcomer. The store opened its doors in November last year after taking over and transforming the Johnson’s Hardware Store.

Owner of Dotique, Dorothy Robinson said:-

“I am completely overwhelmed, shocked and grateful to win the award. A year ago I was teaching in a school in Alderley Edge, and now I have had the chance to renovate one of the most fabulous buildings in Chesterfield, open this fantastic shop and be surrounded by the most amazing customers.”

And it wasn’t just businesses recognised for their contribution to Chesterfield’s retail sector; apprentices were too.

Apprentice beatuty therapist Chloe Hall (17) from Duckmanton, who works at The Therapy Lounge in Hasland was named the Retail Apprentice of the Year.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield and Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, added:-

“The 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards has been our best yet and were, once again, an excellent opportunity for us to celebrate the town’s retail sector. All of Chesterfield’s retail businesses, and the people working within them, play an important part in contributing to the local economy.

“I was particularly pleased to see new businesses, like Dotique, picking up awards and also to see Chloe Hall from the Therapy Lounge receive the Apprentice of the Year award, which shows how the Apprentice Town initiative to deliver more apprenticeships in Chesterfield is succeeding.”

In addition to Specsavers, Adorn Jewellers and Dotique, the winning businesses in the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards included:

Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
Specsavers

Excellence in Customer Service – Sponsored by The Pavements Shopping Centre
Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Best New Store
Dotique

National/Multiple Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by the University of Derby
Specsavers

Market Hall Business of the Year
DHC Countrywear

Tom Towndrow, Manager of DHC Countrywear, said: “This is our first time at the Retail Awards so we are delighted to win. We have a lot of customers from Chesterfield and Derbyshire who appreciate the quality of our clothing and footwear.”

Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
Northern Tea Merchants

James Pogson, Director of Northern Tea Merchants said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award for the second year running. We have a great, local, friendly community in Chesterfield that goes out of its way to support you and this award is proof of that.”

Fashion and Footwear Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by In the Works PR
Blanc and Blanc Occasions

Ann-Marie White, Owner of Blanc commented:”We’ve won a retail Award award three times and it’s still an amazing feeling. We have further plans to develop Blanc so watch this space!”

Hair and Beauty Business of the Year
The Therapy Lounge

Carly Smith, Owner of The Therapy Lounge said: “We’re really proud of the team and all that they have achieved to enable us to win this award.”

Jewellery & Accessories Retailer of the Year
Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Home and Gifts Retailer of the Year
H&F

Louise Peel, Director of H&F, commented: “To win the Home and Gifts Retailer of the year award means so much to my husband, myself and the rest of the team. Everyone has worked so hard throughout the year pushing the business forward. We’re thinking of new ideas all the time and we’re looking forward to moving into handmade kitchens.”

Leisure Retailer of the Year (Sports, Hobbies, Crafts or Outdoor) – Sponsored by Peak FM
Geeks Headquarters Ltd

Alberton Naso, Owner of Geeks Headquarters, said: “It feels fantastic to win. We work so hard to offer the best. We strive for perfection in both the products and environment for our customers. It’s cool to be a geek now which is one of the reasons we are on Chesterfield’s high street and continue to do well.”

Market Trader of the Year – Sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce

Nick Ibbotson, Owner of Ibbotson’s Fresh Quality Produce, said: “It feels fantastic to win the award and it’s testament to the best quality of the produce we supply. I love this town; it’s a wonderful place to base a business.”

Independent Retailer of the Year –  Sponsored by Jumble Creative Design
Adorn Jewellers of Chesterfield

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)
Chloe Hall – The Therapy Lounge

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)
Ashgate Hospicecare

Tracie Holocuk, Manager of the Alfreton Ashgate Hospicecare store, said: “I am so proud to win this award. It means an awful lot to the entire Ashgate Hospicecare retail team. Having an apprentice in our business has made a huge difference to us. I would recommend it.”

Further supporters of the 2018 Chesterfield Retail Awards include: Anthony Parsons, Derbyshire Times, eBusiness Works, Hoods Florists, J P Fire Safety and Temple Safety.

Chesterfield Champion BRM, a leading law firm in the region, has just announced they will be servicing clients from a new office in Sheffield.

The newly refurbished 4,500 sq. ft. office will see BRM operating from Sheffield’s prime business district at Steel City House on West Street.  This ambitious move, coupled with the strategic appointment of Alastair Reid, as Commercial Property Director, demonstrates BRM’s investment both in its talented teams and the city of Sheffield, as the firm continues to take a stronger foothold in the region.

Commenting on the start of an exciting new era for BRM, Director Adrian Sheehan said,

‘Alastair has been appointed as Director to drive the new office which will provide a full commercial offering to the business community of Sheffield and build the Commercial Property arm of BRM in Sheffield.  Built on the success and foundations of our thriving Chesterfield HQ, this new office reflects the firm’s ambitions for expansion and future acquisitions.’

Adrian continues,

‘Alastair is an incredibly experienced Commercial Property lawyer having worked for many years for large national and international law firms.  Regarded for his strength across acquisition, development, funding and portfolio work, Alastair’s skills are in high demand and are aligned with the continued growth of BRM.  Both I and the directors at BRM are looking forward to the enthusiasm and progression Alastair will bring to the team.’

On joining the team, Alastair remarks:-

‘I am very excited to be part of such a commercially focussed organisation. I am looking forward to working with Adrian and the team to drive the new Sheffield office to reach its full potential.  Together, we will continue to build long standing relationships with existing clients and develop strong relationships with new clients.  The new Steel City House offices will provide the perfect platform to attract business from clients, both new and old, and importantly legal talent in the local and national market.’

Alastair is joined in Sheffield by new appointments Liz Henwood and James Parden (Commercial Litigation) and Trevor Bird and Damini Sharma (Corporate).

BRM’s vision of its new Sheffield office having a fresh flexible workspace that reflects the quality of its clients, talent of the team and the unrivalled service it offers, has come to fruition.  With the collective help of landlord ‘Steel City House Limited’ and a fit out by ‘Universal Office Products’ they have transformed their Steel City House office back to former glory with a more modern edge.

BRM will be having an official launch later this year where they will be offering clients and partners the chance to visit the offices and raise a glass as they move forwards to exciting times together.

Outstanding students, apprentices and employers were given special recognition at Chesterfield College Group’s annual awards ceremony last week.

The event, held at the Proact Stadium and hosted by Peak FM’s breakfast show presenters Ricky Durkin and Becky Hayes, recognised the personal and academic achievements of students at all stages of their educational journey, as well as employers who are committed to developing the skills of their workforce.

Staff from across the college nominated students, apprentices and employers who have demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment over the academic year across eleven award categories.

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said:

“It is an honour to be able to celebrate the achievements of these amazing students, apprentices and employers. They have been chosen from over 10,000 students and apprentices and around 4,000 employers to receive an award tonight. It really is a testament to the efforts and achievements they have made this year.”

“It is wonderful to see how The Chesterfield College Group has played a part in helping so many people, at different ages and stages of life, to achieve their goals, to experience new opportunities and to progress into work or further study. I wish them all every success and I look forward to seeing how they use their newly developed skills in the future.”

Winner of the Student of the Year award, Kai Undrell, age 17 from Chesterfield, stood out to judges because of the high standard of his work, his attitude and his commitment to gaining work experience. He is tipped to be the next big film director by the tutors on his media course. He said:

“It’s absolutely incredible to be named as the student of the year. I had some real competition with the other nominees so it was a surprise when my name was announced as the winner. The best thing about college so far has been taking part in inspiring projects like the Melodic Caring Project where we can use the skills we are learning to really make a difference to people at the same time as getting brilliant work experience. What an honour to be recognised for taking part in things like that.”

Samantha Hall, age 36 from Clowne was named as the Adult Student of the Year. After some tragic personal circumstances she decided to return to college to retrain as a beauty therapist to help provide a secure future for her three young children. She goes above and beyond in her studies and is on track to receive high grades. She said:

“It feels really good to be awarded for something I have done. I am a bit shocked though because I don’t usually win anything! This is my first year at college and I have learnt so much about myself and beauty therapy. Studying at college has really boosted my confidence and helped me through some of the very hard times I have been through. I’ve got 3 young children at home and I think it’s helped them to see me coming back to college. They tell me they are proud of me and I can’t wait to show them this when I get home.”

The award for the Apprentice of the Year went to Roy Cusworth, age 59 from Doncaster who started a health and social care apprenticeship to help him retrain after being made redundant from a 28-year career of working as a butcher. After putting lots of hard work into gaining his qualification and going the extra mile to pass his English and maths he was promoted to team leader and is now studying for the next level qualification. He said:

“It’s a proud moment and it’s great to have my family here to see me get the award. I’ve had so much support from them, from my tutor and from my employer, Heathcotes. I love my job and it’s given my apprenticeship has given me a new career that really suits me. There were times when I didn’t think I could do it but this goes to show what you can achieve with the right support.”

Old Cestrefeldian’s Trust sponsored an award for a student who has demonstrated tenacity and resilience in pursuit of their studies. Media student, Harry Bracken, age 18 from Dronfield was the lucky recipient of this award and a £200 cheque from the trust.

Other winners at the awards ceremony were:

Inspirational Student – Tina Bull

Employer of the Year – Worcester Bosch

Higher Education Student of the Year – Zachary Spence

Foundation Studies Student of the Year – Daniel Seldon

Most Improved – Victoria Watson

Student Project of the Year – Melodic Caring Project

English and Maths (most improved) – Benjamin Scully

Shorts’ Corporate Finance are delighted to have won three awards at the Insider Dealmakers awards last week.  Having received nominations in several categories, they are thrilled to have taken the following titles of ‘Deal of the Year’, ‘Emerging Dealmaker of the Year’ and ‘National/International Deal of the Year’.

The ‘Deal of the Year’ award was won for the work carried out advising, a long standing client, Pentag Gears Limited, on their sale to BG Engineering Limited

With both David Robinson and Ellie Wilcockson nominated, the ‘Emerging Dealmaker of the Year’ category was highly contended this year.  It was a shame that there could be only one winner, but Shorts’ are delighted to congratulate Ellie in her success in taking the title in recognition of her work in a variety of transactions over the past year.

This ‘National/International Deal of the Year’ award was won for the work carried out advising the sale of Delivered on Time to DHL earlier this year.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts’,  on winning the Awards, commented:-

“We are delighted to have received recognition at this year’s ceremony and winning three out of our seven nominations is a tremendous achievement.   The awards reflect nominations put forward by the region’s deal making community and our representation this year demonstrates the strength and growth of Shorts’ Corporate Finance offering over the last few years.”

“We have seen continually increasing levels of interest and activity within the acquisitions and disposals market this year, despite the general economic uncertainties and are confident that the team will therefore continue to be busy over the coming months.”

In total, nine separate awards were handed out at the black-tie dinner, held at the Mercure St Paul’s Hotel in Sheffield, in front of the region’s top corporate finance accountants, banking professionals and law firms.  The shortlists for each category were drawn up by an independent judging panel, who assessed nominations from the region’s deal making community.

Equal opportunities and improved employability are the aims of a £1.5million funding call, now open in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) area.

Funding is now available to organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire that can manage and distribute grants, to support people in the D2N2 area who have barriers to employment, education and training.

This funding is released as part of the D2N2 Community Programme, run by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). D2N2 is a partnership of businesses, local authorities, skills and training providers and community and voluntary sector organisations. It works to grow the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire economy, with the aim of creating 55,000 new jobs in ten years (2013-2023).

As part of this overall mission, D2N2 has a £197million allocation of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). This is split into the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), designed to help businesses in the D2N2 area grow and improve their competitiveness, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), designed to help rural businesses and communities and the European Social Fund (ESF), designed to help people in the D2N2 area access opportunities and overcome barriers to long-term, sustainable employment.

The £1.5million available as part of this current funding call comes from D2N2’s European Social Fund allocation. D2N2 is looking for organisations across its area that can manage and distribute small grants across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Grants should be made available to providers who work directly with people in communities to build confidence, address barriers to inclusion and move closer to becoming economically ‘active’.

Organisations which are looking to submit a bid as part of this call will need to provide half of their programme’s overall funding amount, which will be matched from the £1.5million now on offer from D2N2’s ESF allocation. The deadline to apply for this funding is August 21, 2018.

Programmes submitted as part of this call should look to help deliver some or all of the following:

• basic skills and English as a second language (ESOL) training,
• support for basic skills in preparation for apprenticeships;
• support for those who need pre-traineeship and pre-Work Programme assistance
• support for skills, including team working, effective communication, problem solving, critical thinking and self-direction;
• money management support and advice and financial literacy programmes in order to address debt issues
• digital and internet literacy courses to aid job searching and progress in work;
• softer skills development, including assertiveness, anger management and motivation

‘The Active Inclusion Community Grants Programme’ is the first part of the D2N2 Community Programme. This aims to promote equal opportunities, improve employability and support communities across the D2N2 area. The main beneficiaries of the D2N2 Community Programme will be those who are unemployed or inactive and require dedicated support to move closer to employment.

Rachel Quinn, D2N2 Careers, Employability & Inclusion Manager, said: “It’s vital that the benefits of employment and economic growth are felt across the whole of the D2N2 area. This is why part of D2N2’s European Social Fund allocation is being offered to support organisations working at very local level in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“In inviting organisations to bid for this funding, D2N2 is looking for providers who can manage a programme with local reach into small organisations helping those who have barriers to accessing long-term, sustainable employment.”

D2N2 will also be hosting a free Technical Assistance workshop, to help organisations bid for funding for this call, on Thursday July 5, from 10.00am to 1.30pm. It will be held at Erewash CVS, Granville Avenue, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire (NG10 4HD) and will include a networking lunch.

This event will give information on the local strategic priorities for the D2N2 ESF programme and is designed to support potential applicants interested in applying to support the delivery of the Active Inclusion Community Grants.