The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has marked a successful 2016 by being nominated for two awards in the upcoming Derbyshire Times Business Awards, with the winners to be announced on Thursday 10 November at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield. UKATA has been shortlisted for the Small Business Award, while Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA, has been shortlisted for Business Person of the Year.

The awards mark the culmination of a successful year for Chesterfield Champions UKATA, which has seen the non-profit launch a number of campaigns to help both spread awareness, and combat the risks of asbestos. Some of these highlights have included the recent ‘Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe’ campaign and offering free training services to small businesses.

Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA,  said:-

“Being nominated for the Small Business Award is a great endorsement for everyone here at UKATA.

“On a personal level, I am very proud to have been nominated for Business Person of the Year, and I am honoured to be considered alongside some of the other candidates. Credit must again go to the team, whose support over the last twelve months has proven to be invaluable.”

Attendees at the awards ceremony can look forward to a champagne reception, three course meal, including three bottles of wine per table, followed by the awards ceremony, hosted by Sam Ogrizovic, before proceedings conclude with the opportunity to network with likeminded businesses.

Craig continued:-

“I think it’s great to have an award recognising the valuable contribution that local businesses make to the Chesterfield and Derbyshire area.

“Creating a business-friendly culture is imperative for the area’s long-term prospects, and as a business community, making sure everyone is aware of what we’re doing. There are a lot of really impressive businesses and businesspeople operating in this area, and so to be nominated for these awards is a triumph for me personally and indeed everyone who works at UKATA.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards are one of Chesterfield’s highest profile awards. The awards attract a wide range of entries from across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. But winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this by winning a Derbyshire Times Award.

The number of people in work in the East Midlands has continued to rise, according to figures released this morning.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people in work in the three months to August 2016 rose by 37,275 compared with the three months to May 2016.

There were 28,423 more people in work in August 2016 than for the same period 12 months earlier and 83,326 more in work than two years ago.

The number of people recorded as unemployed rose 2,079 from 106,469 in the three months to May 2016 to 108,549 in August 2016.

But the longer-term trends show continuing falling unemployment. In August 2015 there were 109,411 people registered as out of work and 12 months earlier the figure was 128,483 – a drop of 863 year-on-year and 19,934 over two years.

Across Chesterfield the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance fell 30 to 1,130 in September from 1,160 in August, and by 10 from 1,140 in September 2015.

The employment rate has risen from 60% to 60.8% and the unemployment rate remains at 4.5%.

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

“The employment figures continue to be very positive – employment is up, longer-term unemployment continues to fall and the claimant count has fallen again.

“There have been various reports out since the EU Referendum which suggested that recruitment was falling as a consequence of the vote to leave the EU. Given those reports, we would not have been surprised to have seen a small rise in unemployment this month.

“But the figures released this morning show that business continues to have the confidence to invest in recruitment despite the uncertainties of Brexit.”

Vodka is the single biggest sub-category of premium spirits in the on trade which is growing by a staggering 7.6%, a greater increase than Brandy, Whiskey, and White Rum.  Franklin & Sons, a brand manufactured by Chesterfield firm Global Brands, has focused on being a solid foundation for the best of spirits and is supporting this demand by presenting a full range of natural mixers.

This offering has been bolstered by the introduction of the latest flavour “Original Lemonade”.

This fresh new addition provides a clear and zesty flavour that holds a complex sweetness on the palate, making it delectable as a mixer with vodka and other premium spirits, or as a standalone drink.

Recognisable by its balanced taste and uplifting finish, Original Lemonade contains one of the highest percentages of natural lemon juice on the market, specifically sourced from Argentinian lemons to achieve its impressive citrus hit in a beautifully clear liquid. As with the rest of the Franklin & Sons range it is blended with Staffordshire spring water and natural British sugar, with no artificial colours or flavours and absolutely no preservatives or sweeteners.

Franklin & Sons is passionate about supporting the best of spirits and therefore the entire mixer range has been developed with guidance from Shaker Bar School, designed to meet the exacting standards of today’s mixologists, as well as the expectations of an increasingly discerning consumer.

Franklin & Sons have seen unprecedented success since the launch of their premium tonics and mixers in December 2015. Winning 6 stars in the recent Great Taste Awards has seen the demand continue to soar. The range is now available in 20 International Markets and has secured reputable listings such as; The Great Northern Hotel, Grosvenor House Hotel as well as distribution iconic locations such as in Harrods and Selfridges.

Justin Horsman, Marketing Controller at Global Brands, said:-

“Franklin & Sons is a brand rooted in its Victorian heritage and has a passion for original, great tasting drinks. We strive to use the best quality ingredients, specially procured from around the world in order to deliver a high quality taste. We wanted to create a lemonade that stands out as a great serve alone yet is also brought to life when used as a mixer with premium spirits.”

The Original Lemonade flavour is produced in single serve 200ml recyclable embossed glass bottles along with the rest of the family of flavours.  The high carbonation helps to reinforce the fresh taste and releases the subtle botanical aromas.  The new packaging consists of a powder blue colour to match the award winning range yet to stand out in its own right.

Towards an Active Derbyshire, the new strategy for physical activity and sport in Derbyshire, has been launched by Derbyshire Sport.

The ambition to get 50,000 more people active by 2021 was outlined on Wednesday (October 5) as partners from across sport, health, leisure, education, business and voluntary sectors gathered to pledge their support at Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Prof Kathryn Mitchell, Chair of Derbyshire Sport and University of Derby Vice Chancellor, Andy Reed OBE, Director of Sport Think Tank and Hayley Lever and Ilana Freestone, Directors of Derbyshire Sport, presented the key headlines from the new strategy.

They were united in saying it would require new ways of working to get people who are not currently taking part in physical activity and sport to get active.

Prof Kathryn Mitchell, Chair of Derbyshire Sport and University of Derby Vice Chancellor, said:-

“In Derbyshire we have a greater proportion of inactive people than nationally… nearly 30% of adults are sedentary, and only 56% are active enough to benefit their health. 42% of 15-year-olds are sedentary for more than 10 hours a day.

“A growing number of people are living increasingly inactive lives and for a healthier, happier more prosperous Derbyshire, we have so much more to do.

“Towards an Active Derbyshire seeks to achieve a vision of a physical activity and sport revolution in the county and central to the strategy are calls for a commitment to change.”

In Derbyshire, only 55.9% of the adult population in Derbyshire are meeting Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommended levels of physical activity to benefit their health.

The new strategy will bid to engage 50,000 more people by supporting the inactive to become active, ensuring people are supported and encouraged to engage in sport, and enjoy lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.

It will also strive to address inequalities by focusing on three priority groups – women and girls, people from lower socio-economic groups, and young people aged five to 18.

Throughout the strategy delivery, disabled people will be supported to become engaged in physical activity and sport.

Hayley Lever, Director of Derbyshire Sport, said:-

“We’ve all been working really hard in Derbyshire to engage people in physical activity and sport, but we haven’t achieved what we set out to do and we need to do something differently.

“Over the past year, we have taken time to understand the trends, talk to partners, learn from national and international examples and policy direction, which has helped us collectively arrive at what we believe is a new, more focused vision.”

Following the launch guests had the chance to ‘practice what they preach’ by taking part in Kwik Cricket or a led walk.

Andy Reed, Director of Sport Think Tank, said:-

“It’s really important to bring a range of partners from across Derbyshire together because the success of this community-based strategy is not just down to one person or organisation, but everyone working together.

“We want to get a little bit of fresh thinking into it because the old adage of ‘build it and they will come’ is no longer relevant.

“There are hundreds of people who get the importance of this across Derbyshire and if we all push together in the same direction we can achieve a lot more.”

A Government commitment to honour funding for projects due to receive European Union investment – worth millions of pounds to Derbyshire economy – has been warmly welcomed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

D2N2 – the private sector-led partnership of business, local authorities, education providers, and community and voluntary services – has been allocated € 251million in European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF); to promote economic growth and employment in its area of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire up to 2020.

Following the UK’s June 23 vote to leave the European Union, the Government had agreed to honour funding already earmarked for ESIF projects, if their contracts had been signed off by the time of next month’s Autumn Statement (on November 23).

Now Chancellor Philip Hammond has made a longer commitment; that ESIF projects approved and signed after the Autumn Statement, and which are due to continue beyond the time the UK leaves the EU – currently expected to happen around summer 2019 – will also be honoured by the Government.

ESIF funding includes various EU funding streams, such as:

• European Regional Development Fund
• European Social Fund
• European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Mr Hammond said projects would need to seen as good value for money and in line with UK economic aims, to have their funding honoured.

D2N2’s €251m in ESIF funding is currently supporting projects which help small and medium-sized businesses innovate, be more competitive and reduce their environmental impact; funding also supports a wide range of employment and skills programmes, often helping those in the most deprived areas or with fewer qualifications.

Over the 2014-2020 period of D2N2’s current ESIF funding allocation – one of the largest amounts allocated to any of the UK’s 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships – its targets include:

• supporting 5,000 businesses, particularly in sectors such as information communication technology (ICT), and low carbon and ‘green’ energy;
• helping 400 start-up businesses;
• enabling 15,000 people to find employment;
• helping 8,000 people overcome social exclusion;
• assisting 2,500 business in improving their employees’ skills levels.

Welcoming the Government’s new commitment David Ralph, Chief Executive of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:-

“This clearly shows the Government’s recognition that the ESIF programmes run by D2N2 and its fellow LEPs in the UK are a significant component of its economic strategy.

“Projects submitted for ESIF funding go through a robust assessment by ourselves and the Department for Communities and Local Government, with whom we work. Regular checks will be made throughout the life of the projects, to ensure they meet their promises to make a difference to the local economy and our communities.

“This commitment from Government will mean Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire can benefit fully from millions of pounds allocated to help their economy.”

A quest to find the most successful and inspirational local businesswomen will launch next week.

The hunt is on for nominations for the 2017 East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

And the ‘little black dress’ dinner that will start the hunt for outstanding women in business in the region will also mark 20 years of the annual celebration.

Chamber President Jean Mountain launched the Enterprising Women Awards in 1997 to recognise the achievements of women in business, particularly those juggling careers and home life.

The ‘little black dress’ dinner will be held at The Priest House Hotel, Castle Donington on 12 October and will be hosted by the co-chairs of Enterprising Women, Jean Mountain and Eileen Richards.

The awards will be presented at Colwick Hall Hotel, Nottingham, at a men-invited black-tie, little-black-dress dinner on the evening of Friday 3 March next year to coincide with International Women’s Day.

There are six awards to be won this year: Inspirational Woman of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Business, Enterprising New Businesswoman of the Year, Enterprising Women Team of the Year, Enterprising Woman in the Community and Rising Star.

Entries have to be in by Friday 6 January 2017. Entry is by nomination, but can be self-nominated.

A host of organisations are supporting the awards, including headline sponsor Cambridge and Counties Bank, Qdos, The Money Shop, Derby College, Leicester Tigers and Leicester Racecourse.

Jean Mountain, President of East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“There are some very talented and hard-working businesswomen in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire who make an important contribution to the local economy. All too often, their contribution does not get the recognition it deserves.

“By highlighting their contribution and telling their stories, hopefully we can inspire other women to pursue their business dream, which is why I would urge as many people as possible to send in nominations for this year’s awards.”

Chamber membership is a requirement for nomination. For a nomination application pack email ew@emc-dnl.co.uk or call the Chamber’s events team on 0333 320 0333 and select ‘option 2’ when prompted.

A centuries-old landmark village pub springs back into life tomorrow (Tuesday 4th October) after a £2million makeover.

The Old Pump in Barlow, which had stood forlorn since closing in December 2014, has been transformed into a sophisticated country pub with a host of local real ales and Derbyshire produce on the menu.

Its new lease of life actually harks back to a previous life – the Hackney Lane pub is to be renamed The Peacock At Barlow, the title it was given by landowners the Duke of Rutland when it began life as a busy 18th century coaching inn.

“The Dukes of Rutland were major landowners in this region and gave The Peacock name to all the inns on their patch,” said landlord Roger Salt. “I believe the Rutland coat of arms featured a peacock crest, but why all the pubs were given the same name I don’t know. Maybe the intention was to create one of the earliest forms of pub chains. I’d love to find out more. If there’s a local history buff who knows the answer, there’s a pint in it.”

Roger and wife Rebecca ran pubs in Chesterfield before taking over the Kelstedge Inn on the outskirts of Ashover.

Said Rebecca: “We are thrilled to be at the helm of The Peacock at Barlow. It has to be one of the most stylish pubs around. No expense has been spared, yet great care has been taken to ensure the country character and history has been retained and our finest feature – the magnificent view – is allowed to shine.

“The atmosphere is sophisticated, yet relaxed, a place where people can come for a night out or straight from a long country walk for good ale and a scrumptious meal made from the wealth of quality produce on our doorstep. Local residents have actually helped to create the menu; we asked for their favourite pub dishes and ideas have been flooding in.”

A glass atrium, conservatory and four luxury en-suite guest bedrooms have been created for the October opening. Four more bedrooms will be added shortly in the next phase of development and in the New Year the pub will boast its own on-site brewery, The Derbyshire Brewing Company.

The pub has been redeveloped by local businessmen Derek Mapp and David Bond, who have a strong background in innkeeping and hospitality from their Mansfield Brewery and Tom Cobleigh days. Derek’s son Chris runs the highly-acclaimed pub and restaurant the Tickled Trout in Valley Road, Barlow.