Business

National milestone as BHP is listed in Sunday Times Top 100

6th March 2019

The region’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, BHP, has been named in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list.

Now in its 19^th year, the hard-fought and nationally-celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement.

BHP has more than 300 staff, including 31 partners. Over the last 10 years the business has increased turnover from £8m to over £22m.

Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, said: “This is an extremely proud moment for the team at BHP. This is one of the best-known and most prestigious employee engagement rankings in the UK and recognises those companies which truly value and care for employees.”

“At BHP, we very much understand that it’s our people who make us we who we are. We celebrate our employees as individuals and support and encourage them to reach their true potential. It is this approach that has seen the company grow and thrive over the last 150 years. BHP is a ‘people business’ through and through. That said we want to be an even better firm and strive to carry on making improvements. We will be using the feedback from the survey to focus our people strategy for the coming year.”

The Sunday Times Top 100 ranks Britain’s best companies to work for based on several criteria around staff satisfaction. A robust workforce survey includes 70 statements about staff wellbeing, pay and benefits, personal growth, their team, and company leadership. This results in each company receiving a Best Companies Index (BCI) score, and potential accreditation ranging from ‘Ones to Watch’ right through to ‘3 Star’ status.

Founder and CEO of Best Companies Ltd, the UK’s workplace engagement specialist, Jonathan Austin, said: “I would like to congratulate BHP on their achievement and being named as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work for. Best Companies have been producing the Accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. We are proud that organisations like BHP focus on their employees and have been rewarded with an engaged workforce who tell us that they’re a best company to work for.”

Representatives from BHP accepted the award at a ceremony held in London on 21 February.

BHP remains in the top 35 accountancy firms in the UK and was also recently recognised with the Community Award at the Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. The firm has five offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Cleckheaton, Leeds, and York.

For more information about BHP click here.

Photo caption: Nick Rodrigues, The Sunday Times, Lisa Leighton and Louise Allen, BHP

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

UKATA shortlisted for two Safety & Health Excellence Awards

6th March 2019

The UK Asbestos Training Association’s (UKATA) Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans, has been named as one of the health and safety industry’s rising stars.

Recognising an individual who has made a significant contribution to the implementation or enhancement of health, safety or wellbeing standards within their organisation, Craig has been shortlisted for the prestigious Rising Star award in the 2019 Safety & Health Excellence Awards.

Late last year Craig was promoted to the newly created role of COO, recognising his commitment to helping implement and maintain high standards of asbestos training for all UKATA members, which currently numbers around 200 member organisations throughout the UK.

Commenting at the time of his appointment, UKATA Chair Graham O’Mahony explained: “Craig shares UKATA’s drive and focus to maintain and improve the industry’s understanding of the dangers of asbestos and reduce the risks surrounding the material.”

“He is a highly respected member of the team and his extensive knowledge of the industry as well as his strategic planning skills will be key in the future development of the association.”

In addition to Craig’s nomination, UKATA has also been shortlisted in the Campaign of the Year category in the annual awards for its Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign.

Since its launch in 2016, the successful campaign has seen over 4,000 hours of asbestos awareness training donated by UKATA members to those who need it most.

The campaign was awarded a Certificate of Commendation at the 2018 Safety & Health Excellence Awards. This year, the UKATA team hope to take the winning title at the awards following a relaunch of the Train Safe campaign last year which saw it partner with Jobcentre Plus, part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Through Jobcentre Plus, UKATA’s Train Safe campaign provides complimentary asbestos awareness training to people who are unemployed, NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training) or looking to change career.

Delighted to receive two nominations in the awards, Craig commented: “The UKATA team and I are thrilled to have been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Safety & Health Excellence Awards. It recognises our combined commitment to deliver high quality asbestos safety training and help reduce the number of people suffering from diseases caused by asbestos exposure.”

This year the 2019 Safety & Health Excellence Awards, which are organised in conjunction with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), will take place on 10 April 2019 at the prestigious VOX at Resorts World, NEC Birmingham.

Hosted by comedian Sean Lock, the awards are expected to attract more than 400 guests from the safety, health, fire and security sectors.

Craig added: “It will be a fantastic evening and we’d like to wish everybody involved good luck. It’s great to be a part of such an important industry and to see the work companies do in this sector recognised.”

UKATA is a leading authority on asbestos training. To find out more click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Lets Celebrate Chesterfield

5th March 2019

March is most certainly a month of celebration for Chesterfield. Local and national events and acknowledgements come together to create an opportunity to showcase how we excel as a town.

The annual Celebrate Chesterfield event returns to the Winding Wheel on 20 March, with around 300 delegates set to attend and join us in not only celebrating the recent successes of our town but also looking to the future and ensuring that we have the best plans in place to continue the investment and success for future generations.

More than £1 billion of investment is currently taking place in Chesterfield. With huge investment underway in the town and massive infrastructure and development on its way (such as HS2’s arrival due in 2033), it’s imperative that we have a skilled workforce to support this. That is why apprenticeships are key to Chesterfield’s economy.

As a town we really excel with Apprenticeships – continually creating them, supporting and raising awareness of them and as usual we’re one step ahead of other towns. For example, we were the first town to establish our Apprentice Town initiative two years ago in order to keep apprenticeships in the spotlight with young people, schools and employers.

You can expect to hear a lot about apprenticeships in March however as nationally they will be celebrated from 4 – 8 March as part of the National Apprenticeship Week.

It’s important that apprenticeships are not just given cursory consideration once a year. If you’re a parent of a child, talk to them about the value of apprenticeships at the same time as you may talk about university, A Levels and college.

Last month we were able to strengthen links between education providers, local businesses and school leavers at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference. One thing that came through loud and clear at the conference is that employers are looking for school leavers, and there are job and career opportunities ready and waiting for them now.

Let’s create a bright future for our young people right here in Chesterfield so that the town can continue to thrive as a destination, a place to do business, build a career and, importantly, call home.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield

Offering opportunities for local apprentices

5th March 2019

This National Apprenticeship Week, Chesterfield residents are benefitting from apprentice opportunities thanks to Chesterfield Borough Council’s involvement in the Apprentice Town initiative.

National Apprenticeship week runs from 4 to 8 March and celebrates the work carried out by apprentices of all ages. In 2017/18 1,120 apprenticeships were delivered in the borough.

One development which is benefitting from local apprentices is The Skylarks development on Dunston Lane building two to five bedroom family homes in 15 different designs. The developer, William Davis Homes, has employed four local people as apprentices.

Apprentice Kieran Moulds said: “The benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you actually get to do more practical work than theory – you do theory at college but I prefer to do more practical.”

Gary Long, Apprentice Manager at William Davis Homes added: “From day one, all of our apprentices have shown tremendous application, from interview to present day.”

“They give 120 per cent both on-site and off-site; their work ethic is second-to-none.”

As a partner in the Apprentice Town initiative, the council is committed to offering and promoting apprenticeship opportunities for local people of all ages.

Councillor Terry Gilby, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We think apprenticeships are really important; it gives a lot of people a chance to find employment.”

“Apprenticeships are not just for young people – it doesn’t matter what your age is you can take up an apprenticeship and learn new skills.”

Apprenticeship opportunities available at the council and with other local employers are listed on Chesterfield Borough Council’s website.

There are lots of opportunities available – not only for manual work such as building and construction but also in a variety of roles including business, administration, marketing, healthcare, working with animals and beauty.

Visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/apprenticeship-vacancies to see the current vacancies.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Young people blazing a trail for apprenticeships in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

4th March 2019

Apprenticeships are being put under the spotlight nationally from 4 – 8 March 2019, during the 12^th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2019).

Co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service, NAW is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider community.

Apprenticeships are key to Chesterfield’s growing economy, so much so the town became the first to declare itself an Apprentice Town.

Led by Chesterfield Borough Council the Apprentice Town initiative aims to raise awareness of apprenticeships and promote cooperative working across the education, business and learning community.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “One of the council’s top priorities is improving the quality of life for local people and ensuring our residents have good employment and training opportunities is key to that. This is why we worked with our partners to establish Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town in 2017.”

In Chesterfield there are currently more than 50 apprenticeship vacancies in a wide range of sectors, including project management, animal care, IT, hospitality, childcare and auto care, being advertised by employers in the town.

In 2017 alone, 1120 apprenticeship starts were delivered. Almost half of the apprenticeships delivered were at Level 3 or above, including 100 Higher Level Apprenticeships. Initial figures for the first quarter of 2018/19 show an 14% increase in apprenticeship starts compared to the same quarter in 2017/18.

With more than 14,000 young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire set to leave school over the next five years, apprenticeships are at the top of the agenda for many businesses who are keen to attract the next generation.

Blaze a Trail’ is the theme for this year’s NAW. There are thousands of young people already using apprenticeships right now to blaze a trail in their careers in businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Here are just some of them:

Name: Jack Charlesworth

Age: 22

Employer: Capgemini

Apprenticeship: Degree Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management

Jack’s advice: “If there’s something you want to do for a career, have a look and see if there’s an apprenticeship that could be linked to that career. No matter how weird or wacky it is, you might be able to find an apprenticeship that can help you get onto the right route.”

Prior to joining Capgemini, Jack completed his A Levels in IT, Business Studies and Economics. The fact a degree apprenticeship eliminates university fees and gave him the opportunity to earn while he learned, meant Jack decided that it was time to get working.

He commented on his decision: “I’d learnt so much already at school but not put anything into practice. I really didn’t want to go on to university to take on a load more skills and have nowhere to apply them, so an apprenticeship was definitely the right route for me.

“When I first joined Capgemini and it was all completely fresh to me. I received the support I needed to really kickstart my career. Since then, I have gained experience in being a project manager and feel like I am seen as a normal part of the workforce. I’d love to progress with the company and gain more responsibilities going forward.”

Name: Joshua Bown

Age: 17

Employer: Learning Unlimited, Chesterfield College

Apprenticeship: Level 2 Business Administration

Joshua’s advice: “Look forwards and work your way backwards to see if an apprenticeship aligns with what you want to do.”

Before starting his apprenticeship at Chesterfield College, Josh was studying Travel and Tourism full-time at college. However, he was ready to get hands on and start to apply the skills he’d learned, so turned to an apprenticeship.

He said: “It’s been a huge positive change in my life moving onto an apprenticeship. Not only am I still learning, but the work experience is benefitting me massively and the wage I’m earning has allowed me to become a lot more independent.”

Josh has really enjoyed being part of a team and working with people and hopes that he can pursue that area of his apprenticeship going forward: “I’ve found my passion in interacting with people, whether that be a colleague or with people enquiring about apprenticeships at the college, and that’s definitely something I want to be incorporated in my job for the foreseeable future.”

Name: Maddie Cornwell

Age: 19

Employer: JP Ward & Associates

Apprenticeship: Level 3 Dental Nurse

Maddie’s advice: “Once you’ve found what you want to do, you should apply to as many places as possible. That way, you’re going to give yourself the best opportunity to find the right apprenticeship for you.”

Maddie previously completed her A Levels in Health and Social Care, Psychology and Business Studies, but she always knew that university wasn’t for her. After encouragement and support from her mum to apply for apprenticeships, she found one at JP Ward & Associates as an Apprentice Dental Nurse.

Maddie, who currently spends most of her days assisting in surgery, said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far and I definitely prefer the practical learning environment to the one I experienced during my A Levels. It reinforces what I’m learning when I’m able to actually put it into practice on a day-to-day basis.

“I’ve always been interested in working in the medical sector, so I’m really excited to see where this apprenticeship will lead in the future.”

Name: Liam Richardson

Age: 22

Employer: Chesterfield Borough Council

Apprenticeship: Apprentice Bricklayer

Liam’s advice: “Never give up. You could apply for 20 apprenticeships and they could all say no, but there could be that one apprenticeship out there that is waiting for someone to come and take that opportunity.”

Prior to starting his bricklaying apprenticeship with Chesterfield Borough Council, Liam worked in a number of sectors including driving and retail. When he was 22 years old, keen to start a career that gave him long-term prospects, Liam entered into an apprenticeship.

He commented: “I’ve done a bit of everything such as driving and working in retail, but I really wanted something that I could potentially look at doing for the rest of my life. With me being a bit older I didn’t know if it was too late for me to do an apprenticeship, but I’ve been able to drop back into learning, getting qualifications whilst still earning a wage.”

Liam has used an apprenticeship to change careers. The accompanying wage has enabled him to retain his independence. He hopes to progress through his apprenticeships and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, discover more here https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/ )

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Redbrik acquire property management company

4th March 2019

Leading regional estate agency Redbrik have strengthened their lettings proposition with the acquisition of Noble Hardy Property Management.

Redbrik has purchased the assets of the Chesterfield-based property management company and will take over managing the company’s portfolio with immediate effect.

Peter Lee, Lettings Director at Redbrik, said: “This acquisition is fantastic news for Redbrik as we look to expand our lettings service further.”

“We were attracted to the business as it had a very similar ethos to Redbrik in terms of delivering outstanding customer service and striving for 100 per cent occupancy. The company has been run very well by Wilson Spencer, aided by Sam Cauldwell and Joshua Whittaker, and we have inherited a great business with no debt or arrears. It is a really nice fit for the Redbrik brand and a great opportunity to expand our lettings offer in Chesterfield.”

“We are continually looking at ways to attract new landlords so we can work with them and help to maximise their assets. We have an extensive database of tenants waiting for properties and are always eager to add new properties to the market.”

Abigail Wilks, Redbrik’s Chesterfield Lettings Manager, added: “This is an exciting time for the business, and we are looking forward to welcoming the Noble Hardy’s Tenants and Landlords to Redbrik.”

“Providing unrivalled levels of customer service is at the heart of everything we do, and we offer a personal, consistent service with one Lettings Negotiator dealing with properties from beginning to end.”

“Our expert Lettings team provide Tenants and Landlords with a concierge-style service, which is entirely tailored to each individual. We understand what Landlords are looking for in a Tenant and go the extra mile to ensure they find the perfect match.”

When looking so sell Noble Hardy Property Management, Owner Wilson Spencer identified Redbrik as his preferred buyer for the business he started over fifteen years ago. He commented: “I have built a real bond with my clients and my primary focus when I knew I was selling was to choose an agency that would look after and take care of my landlords and tenants. I have known Redbrik’s co-founders Julie Bulheller and Mark Ross for many years, and when I knew they were interested, they were my number one choice.”

For more information, visit www.redbrik.co.uk

Posted in Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development

700 new homes planned for Chesterfield’s Staveley Works site

27th February 2019

A planning application has been submitted to build up to 700 new homes as part of a vibrant new community at Staveley in what is one of the biggest regeneration projects in the Chesterfield area.

As well as new two, three and four-bed housing, redevelopment of the 100-acre brownfield site, known as Staveley Works, will include a primary school, a marina on the Chesterfield canal, retail and community facilities, a cycle and footpath network, and new wildlife habitats.

Formerly an iron and steel works, the site will benefit from more than £100m of investment, which will link the communities of Brimington, Hollingwood, Staveley and Barrow Hill. The first homes are expected to be available in around five years time while redevelopment is scheduled to last around ten years in total. During the building and infrastructure work, the development is expected to create around 200 construction jobs. The completed development is expected to support around 800 jobs in the commercial, leisure and education sectors.

The plans have been submitted to Chesterfield Borough Council by Chatsworth Settlement Trustees, part of the Chatsworth estate, which has owned the land since the 17th Century.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director: “Since closing as an industrial site, Chatsworth has been keen to put something back into the community by redeveloping Staveley Works in an attractive and creative way that provides modern housing, community facilities and jobs for people in the area.

“We held a public consultation in December and got a very positive reaction to our plans. We believe we’ve put forward imaginative ideas to redevelop the site. We can’t wait to get started.”

The planning application is the latest stage in a regeneration process that links with the overall aims of Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council to deliver new investment and infrastructure into the area.

The once-bustling Staveley Works site has been derelict for several years when its 200-year history of industrial development, including mining and iron and steel making, came to a close.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Plans submitted for offices at Chesterfield Waterside

27th February 2019

Chesterfield’s premier regeneration scheme, Chesterfield Waterside is set to take significant step forward in 2019.

A Reserved Matters planning application has been submitted for the construction of a six storey office building in the Basin Square neighbourhood of the £340million development, in line with the planning permission granted in May 2017.

Subject to planning approval, construction of the office accommodation will begin later this year and will be the first building to be constructed in phase 1 of Basin Square.

In addition to the office accommodation, Basin Square also has outline consent for residential apartments, a hotel and multi-storey car park, all sited around a public realm area and newly constructed canal basin.

The building will deliver circa 35,000 sq ft of much needed high quality, Grade ‘A’ office space to Chesterfield, and is the first step in creating a new business district for the town. The developers are in already engaged in commercial negotiations with occupiers for the majority of the space contained within the new building.

The office planning application follows hot on the heels of an application in January by Avant Homes to construct 177 homes in The Park neighbourhood of the 16-hectare site.

Recognised as being one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, Chesterfield Waterside is being led by Chesterfield-based Bolsterstone Group Plc working in conjunction with Arnold Laver Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

As a result of Waterside and Chesterfield Borough Council receiving a £2.7million Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF) grant in 2016, extensive site remediation works have been completed to facilitate the delivery of the phase 1 Basin Square construction works.

Peter Swallow, managing director of the Bolsterstone Group Plc, commented: “The submission of the planning application at Basin Square is another major milestone for the development and will deliver the first spade in the ground for this new neighbourhood.

“I am delighted at the progress Chesterfield Waterside is making in 2019. There is great interest in Phase 1 of Basin Square from both investors and occupiers, which has been brought about by the enabling works and granting of consent for the heights and massing of the buildings. It is an exciting time in the development’s timeline.”

Welcoming the news, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “I am pleased that the Waterside development is progressing and the planning application for the office accommodation has now be made.

“The decision on the development will be made by my fellow councillors on the council’s planning committee in the coming months.”

Chesterfield residents have shown their support for the site. A survey last year found it is the development local people are most looking forward to seeing complete.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development

Specsavers store in Chesterfield backs Comic Relief with sale of funny frames

26th February 2019

Specsavers is once again supporting Comic Relief and the store in Chesterfield is getting in on the act by selling funny frames which are sure to raise a smile.

It is the third Red Nose Day that Specsavers has supported the charity by launching the frames in store, with this year’s red glasses jester theme in keeping with the charity’s comic ethos. Since 2015, Specsavers stores have raised £848,000 and have pledged to raise £250,000 this year in their quest to break the £1 million mark.

This will be done through the sale of the Comic Relief frames which cost just £2, with 100% of the proceeds going to the charity. They will be available to buy in stores and, for the first time, the Comic Relief website.

Vicki Bainbridge, Retail Director at Specsavers Chesterfield says: ‘Our glasses this year are fantastic and we hope everyone gets into the fundraising spirit by picking up a pair in store and help us smash our £1 million fundraising mark. We are really proud to support Comic Relief and all the good causes they fund.’

Catherine Cottrell, fundraising and partnerships executive director at Comic Relief, adds: ‘We’re so pleased Specsavers is continuing to support us for the third year. It’s great to see people having fun wearing their Comic Relief specs to help us raise much needed funds on Red Nose Day and we’re thrilled to now be offering these on our online shop too.’

Frames are available in your local Specsavers store in Chesterfield now ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday 15 March. Customers who would like to recycle the glasses after Red Nose Day will be able to return them to their local store and they will be sent onto a specialist recycling company.

For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk or www.comicrelief.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Retail Awards

Royal Hospital Staff Survey Shows Improvement

26th February 2019

Figures released by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust show that it is moving towards its aim of being one of the country’s top 20 NHS Organisations to work.

Results from the 2018 national staff survey (published today, February 26 2019) show that it’s making real progress towards that aim – with marked improvements across the survey’s ten ratings of staff experience. The trust employs 4,000 staff making it one of North Derbyshire’s largest employers.

The trust has one of the highest response rates in the country for an acute hospital – at 71% – more members of staff than ever before (2751) have had their say about what it feels like for them to be part of the NHS, working at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, community based services and Royal Primary Care GP surgeries.

Simon Morritt, Chief Executive says: “We’re really delighted at such visible progress. It’s a real step-change and it’s down to a new approach over the last two years that’s creating a culture where we all share the same positive values, beliefs, behaviours and ambitions. “Providing high-quality, safe and patient-centred care has to be at the heart of what we do and with a rating of GOOD from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) we’re well on our way to become outstanding in that respect.

However, it’s equally important to give the same attention to detail to our people. Taking care of their health and wellbeing, providing them with career development, education and training opportunities, putting them in charge of leading change and improvement, making sure their working environment is safe and that they are supported through compassionate leadership.”

Mr Morritt added, “By giving people the opportunity to get involved, by supporting our staff and enabling them to take the lead we’re creating an even better place to work.

Over the next few months the trust will be focusing on delivering ambitions set out in its People Strategy and Quality Strategy, both of which contain a host of plans designed to improve areas including work-life balance, leadership, education and training and patient care, safety and experience.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business

Local people urged to back the call for sprinklers in new-build developments

26th February 2019

Derbyshire Building Control Partnership (DBCP) is urging people throughout Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to back the London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) call for a change in the law, which would see sprinklers fitted in more new-build residential developments.

The call follows the Grenfell Tower disaster in June 2017, where a fire at the London tower block led to the death of 72 people.

LFB wants all purpose-built residential blocks to have sprinklers installed, irrespective of height. Currently, in England, sprinklers are only a legal requirement in new residential blocks taller than 30 metres.

Worryingly, England is behind Wales where sprinkler legislation is concerned. In Wales, sprinklers have been required in all new houses and flats since 1 January 2017 under Wales, Part B (Fire Safety) – New Building Regulation 37A (1) (c).

The Government is currently consulting on building regulations that include a crucial section on sprinklers.

DBCP, which is the recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, is now joining LFB by emailing MPs across Derbyshire to urge them to change the law on sprinklers to make people and buildings in England safer.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP commented: “I fully support this move and would urge any developer to install sprinklers as a matter of course rather than waiting for a change in law. They are not as ugly as they used to be and can be made to look very discrete these days.

“Sprinklers should be installed in all flats and apartments no matter what the cost – you can’t put a price on people being safe in their own home.”

To support the call for all new build development to include sprinkler systems, simply email your MP and tell them you want sprinklers to be mandatory in:

all buildings housing vulnerable residents like care homes
all purpose-built blocks of flats over six storeys
all homes where vulnerable people live.

You can find the email address of your local MP at www.writetothem.com

Posted in Business