Business

Whittam Cox retains place in UK’s top 50 architects list

Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox Architects has secured a place in the Top 50 UK Architects and Top 150 UK Consultants rankings for the seventh consecutive year.

Over 300 firms took part in the annual consultant survey by leading industry publication ‘Building Magazine’. The publication has ranked the practice as 80 out of all the firms who made the top 150, which includes Architects, Surveyors, Project Managers, and Engineers.

The firm has also secured a spot at number 40 in the UK’s Top Architects, reinforcing the fact that Whittam Cox Architects is one of UK’s largest practices, servicing clients and projects nationwide.

Whilst the report raises concerns about key issues such as the impact of Brexit, Ukraine and recruitment and what this could mean for the industry, the company remains positive as it continues to work with high profile clients on significant urban residential schemes, particularly Build-to-Rent projects across the UK as well as continued growth with retail frameworks and in the logistics sector.

Commenting on the milestone Board Director Nick Riley said: “We are delighted to be recognised again by Building for the seventh consecutive year; we see this as an endorsement of our employees’ commitment to delivering tangible value and the very best outcomes for our clients.

Looking ahead we know we can’t be complacent; it’s essential we remain progressive by being ambitious, agile and responsive through continued times of political and market uncertainty.”

Whittam Cox Architects is also involved with Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group, which brings together businesses working across the sector in our town.

Board Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs the group, working alongside Destination Chesterfield to host networking events, forums and drive forward further investment in the area.

Whittam Cox Architects supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Whittam Cox Architect of the Year

 

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Councils update on proposed devolution deal for East Midlands

Four councils across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are due to decide whether to formally agree that a public consultation about the devolution deal proposal for the East Midlands should go ahead.

Nottingham City Council is the first to discuss the deal at its Full Council meeting on Monday 31 October 2022, followed by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council on 2 November 2022 and Nottinghamshire County Council on 4 November 2022.

The leaders of each of the 4 councils signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August 2022, after the government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14 billion. Since August, the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal, which includes more information about how devolution would work in our area.

These proposals will be discussed for formal agreement at key council meetings and if approved, a full consultation would follow – giving residents, businesses and other organisations the chance to have their say on the plans for a devolution deal, which would see a new regional mayor and new type of combined authority created for the area from 2024.

The deal would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.

The 4 leaders, Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said in a joint statement:

“Formal agreement by each council to go ahead with a consultation is the next step towards securing a devolution deal. It is about us getting a better deal for our area and getting a fairer share for both counties and cities. It would mean more funding for our region, and the opportunity to have more meaningful decisions made here, near the people they affect, rather than in London, so they can be better tailored to local needs.

“We don’t want to miss out on the advantages that devolution would bring, which other parts of the country have already benefited from. We’ve seen how devolution has given other areas more influence, a bigger presence, and helped them make the most of their strengths.

“We want to make the most of every opportunity, and of every penny, that this deal would bring in. It could make a real difference to people’s lives. More and better jobs, more investment, economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, an improved greener and more sustainable environment. These are the things we all want to see, as we work together for a better future for the East Midlands.

“We often haven’t had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, and this is a big chance to turn that around and help us live up to our potential as a region.”

 

If the devolution deal goes ahead, it would create the first of a new type of combined authority, which requires new legislation from central government. As well as the £1.14 billion, it would include an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land and control over a range of budgets, like the adult education budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.

The devolution deal on the table is a level 3 deal, which offers the most local powers and funding. It would mean a new elected regional mayor, like those which already exist in other areas, who would represent both cities and counties. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area a bigger voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.

The deal means that a future mayor and combined authority could:

  • work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, like areas for wildlife and green verges
  • build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities
  • set up and co-ordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes
  • work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (with district and borough council consent)
  • enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities
  • work with national government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility and support for young people
  • take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services

The 4 councils sent initial proposals to negotiate a combined devolution deal in March, after being named as pathfinder areas by the government in February and then being invited to apply for a devolution deal.

The councils have been working with the government to develop details of the deal, alongside discussions with district and borough councils, businesses and other stakeholders.

If the devolution deal is formally approved, the government would pass legislation bringing a new mayoral county combined authority for the east midlands into existence. The first election for a regional mayor for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham would be in May 2024.

The regional mayor would lead the new combined authority, which would also include representatives from local councils, with decision making powers and resources moving from London to the East Midlands. Local businesses would also have a voice, as well as other organisations.

The devolution deal would not mean scrapping or merging local councils, which would all continue to exist as they do now and would still be responsible for most public services in the area. The mayor and combined authority would instead focus on wider issues like transport, regeneration, and employment across both cities and counties.

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Popular book seller moves to new store in Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall

The owner of Chesterfield’s Brockwell Books says he is ‘excited’ to have opened a shop in Chesterfield’s historic Market Hall.

For the last five years Brockwell Books has operated on the historic open-air market on a Thursday and a Saturday. Now, with the new shop unit, the popular book store is open on Chesterfield’s market days: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Speaking about the change from market stall to Market Hall, Ed Fordham said: “This step is driven first and foremost by a desire to get our book stock inside and undercover during the winter months. This motivation is at the heart of the new shop unit, but it also means we have a much larger stock, space for customers to browse and the benefits of the warm and the dry.”

Ed added: “This also means that once again Chesterfield has its own secondhand bookshop, something that every self-respecting and ambitious Town should have. We have been very touched by the support and affection people have shown as we have set the shop up and we look forward to seeing folks over the coming weeks and months.”

“We are tucked inside The Market Hall in the heart of Chesterfield.  The range of books is at best eclectic, unlikely and obscure – but also fits the themes of history, politics, geography, poetry, literature, numismatics, topography, fashion, nature, photography and much, much more besides. Indeed, we would even go so far as to say we can’t predict what we might get in stock next.

“The books are complemented by a range of maps, poetry & literature texts and quality excess books priced very reasonably for all budgets.  In addition, we have a number of pieces of pottery, porcelain, paper & card ephemera, ironwork and antiques.

“This builds up into what we think is a fun and interesting experience for you, our customers. For this project to work, we need you to contribute your ongoing shopping loyalty – but we wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you.

“If you are passing, please do come and say hello, and if you haven’t been – come and hunt us down. We will try to not disappoint.”

Brockwell Books is open on Chesterfield’s market days of Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ed has not ruled out a return to the open-air market after the winter months, but for now is concentrating on making the shop a success.  Find the shop on Facebook at Brockwell Books of Chesterfield.

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Chesterfield’s Custom Solar wins national award for innovative project

Custom Solar has recently been awarded ‘Commercial Solar Project of the Year’ at this year’s Solar and Storage LIVE, for its innovative work at Portsmouth International Ports.

The Solar PV Project, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council involved designing and developing a Solar PV carport canopy system, a 1.2Mw battery storage solution and a 600kWp rooftop solar system.

This project was unique due to challenges faced at foundation and surveying. Operations teams encountered a plague burial site on the planned locations for the carport canopies. After archeologists surveyed the site, the team were instructed to widen the site and ensure that the structures were less than 1m deep. Considering this, the foundations had to be redesigned completely by Customs design engineers to revert to a concrete pad foundation of 3m x 3m per post fixing.

This makes the 2,660 solar panel installation a landmark moment, worthy of its award, as it is one of the first carport canopies to sit at 5 meters high with only 1-meter depth for fixings. Portsmouth International Ports are also the first UK port to have solar canopies, which will contribute to generating 35% of the site’s power.

Custom Solar’s CEO, Gary Sucharewycz, Said: “We are delighted to have won the award for Commercial Solar and Storage project of the year. To have been recognised at the main industry awards for such a prestige project that the team have developed from concept, is a great reward for everyone involved.

“We have worked with a fantastic client in Portsmouth City Council to have successfully delivered the project through many challenges. We see this as a great case study for how solar and storage can be deployed in major operational environments, with solar car port canopy’s set to play a big role in clients generating their own power and assisting their Net zero ambitions to be realised.”

Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Kimberly Barrett, said: “It is the council’s priority to support clean growth. I’m delighted that we’ve met our target to begin generating clean energy at the port by the end of 2022, and when fully operational, it will reduce annual emissions by 239 tonnes at this busy site. We’re committed to take positive action to tackle climate change, and this cut in emissions will boost our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions across the city to net-zero by 2030″.

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK. The firm’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on our creativity, our expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety.

The company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k enjoys another successful year

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k has been hailed a great success by organisers, event partners and participants after more than 1000 runners took part in the event on Sunday 16 October.

Robert Byers was the first to cross the 10k finish line with a time of 32:56, with Hayley Gill the first female to finish in a time of 37:45 both setting new course records.

The oldest participant in the event was John Menary aged 78, and Jayden Peace was the youngest at 15 years old.

Max Taylor was the winner of the City Taxi’s Fun Run, which took place within the boundaries of Queen’s Park in tandem with the main event.

Around 12 organisations also took part in the first Pronto Paints Wellbeing Challenge, a team entry into the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K’s events.

The event also helped raise thousands for good causes across the region, with circa £30,000 pledged for charities including main charity partners – Redbrik Foundation, Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice and North Anston-based Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, along with many other charities selected by the runners from across the region.

Following the event, John Timms, Event Director of the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k said: “It’s been fantastic to see another successful Redbrik Chesterfield 10k.

“When we launched the event in 2020, we wanted a fantastic experience for participants that benefited the local community as well as to generate much-needed funds for our partner charities. Seeing the number of people who turned out to cheer on the runners all around the race route was amazing to see and makes such a difference to the participants.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped ensure that the event came together, including our event partners, sponsors and each and every runner on the day.

“In particular we would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteer marshals who gave up their free time on a Sunday morning to keep everything running smoothly, from assisting the runners and helping the general public.

“I also want to thank anyone who was affected by the road disruptions across Chesterfield for their understanding throughout the day.

“The money raised by this event will help good causes like the Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and other charities to continue their fantastic work in the local community.”

David Cooper, Trustee of headline sponsor the Redbrik Foundation and a participant in the 10k said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Chesterfield 10k team, giving something back to Chesterfield who have always been supportive of our estate agency Redbrik, now approaching its 10th year in business.

“Seeing the number of spectators lining the streets of the town centre was wonderful, it really showed how much support the people of Chesterfield have to give.
“You can’t ask for a more picturesque running route, starting and ending in beautiful Queens Park and seeing the town at its best, with everyone in the community cheering you on.

“Events such as the Chesterfield 10k help to showcase the town on a large scale, with huge numbers of people coming from all parts of the country to support, contribute or take part. Bring on 2023!”

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Award-winning Chesterfield entrepreneur to unveil new ‘Business Lounge,’ aiming to boost business growth

Business growth and support company, Great2, is hosting a launch event on Tuesday 15th November 2022, 4-6pm to unveil a new Business Lounge at their coworking space Great2Work in Chesterfield.

The new lounge at Hayfield House (on Devonshire Street, off Holywell Street) is thought to be the first of its kind in the area.

The event will hear speakers including Dom Stevens of Destination Chesterfield introducing the space, Beverley Beck (a member of the coworking space and supporter of the business) and Andy Ball CEO of Great2 who will explain the ethos behind Great2 and why he is so passionate about helping local businesses to grow.

There will also be time to network with local businesspeople over free drinks and nibbles. There will be a raffle with prizes including a month of free hot-desking at the coworking space, a free business lounge membership for a month, a bottle of Prosecco plus other great prizes. Great2Work’s Front of House, Hannah Finney, will also be conducting tours of the building including the coworking space, training rooms and meeting rooms so that attendees can see how we are encouraging businesses into the town.

The Business Lounge was developed to attract freelancers, micro and small businesses to the town centre. Giving them a comfortable place to go for informal meetings with colleagues or clients and a place to work from in between meetings. With a monthly membership, you can come and go as you please (no need to book). WiFi is included and there’s an ‘honesty box’ for refreshments.

Andy Ball, CEO of Great2 commented: “My vision for Great2 is to become the ‘go-to’ partner for local businesses who want to grow sustainably and make a difference. Our new business lounge is a first for Chesterfield and our aim is to give local businesspeople a professional, flexible and comfortable place to work from – keeping businesses in the town and using town centre facilities. The business lounge alongside our coworking space and business support services allows Great2 to provide a full suite of tools to help local businesses grow.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “I look forward to updating on the regeneration of Chesterfield at the Great2Work Open House Event.  Great 2 are one of many independent companies that have decided to Invest in Chesterfield over the past couple of years and make the town their home.”

If you’d like to come along to the event please email marketing@great2.co.uk

Find out more about Great2Work here

To find out more about the range of great office spaces available across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Great2 supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Champions provide support to the local community

Several businesses and organisations in Chesterfield are doing their bit to support the community.

A number of initiatives and fundraising efforts have been launched to support charities and local residents. Find out more in our roundup below:

Chesterfield Football Club launches ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’

Feed Chesterfield Together has been launched by the Community Trust as a joint venture with Chesterfield Locality Children’s Partnership (LCP). The aim of the campaign is to support local food provisions within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Community manager Jayne Bacon outlined the new initiative, explaining: “It’s about helping local families through what’s going to be a difficult winter.

“Feed Chesterfield Together will raise funds to support existing food provisions such as food banks and distribution units to help and support vulnerable families in the town.

“We want to provide our support and help to feed the most vulnerable this winter as it’s going to be a tough time for everyone.

“We’re delighted with how things have gone so far. We began with a bucket collection at the last home match, raising £250 to begin with, which is a great start.”

David Mills, chair of the LCP, is proud that Chesterfield Schools and pupils have come together to support this crucial initiative. He said: “Schools have provided a platform for children and young people to support the most vulnerable families in Chesterfield.

“This demonstrates the tremendous positive contribution children and young people can make to their local community in a very challenging time.”

Jayne spoke about the importance of the Trust being involved with these sorts of projects.

“It’s absolutely vital for us,” she said. ”We are a community facility, and we want to be here for the people of Chesterfield when they most need help and support.

“It’s essential that we provide support to the most vulnerable in Chesterfield and help them in any way we can.”

Jayne also revealed that a warm space in the HUB will be made available for families over the winter. She said: “We will be opening the HUB from 5pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, where the heating will be on and we will provide books, magazines and board games.

“It’s a space for people to stay warm and safe. Some of the Feed Chesterfield Together funds will be allocated to offering food and drinks in the warm HUB via Chester’s Den cafe.

“We want people who use the warm HUB to feel welcome, have fun, stay warm and have food available too. It’s vital for us to provide these opportunities and we really want to provide a safe space for families to make use of.

“It’s important that we open our doors. We are a community facility, and we want to open that up for people to use. We’re hopeful this will help a number of families.”

A GoFundMe page has been set-up for people who would like to make a donation to help the project. To access this, please visit www.gofundme.com and search for ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’.

Paperclip takes part in ‘Wear it Pink’ day

Paperclip has been ‘Wearing it Pink’ to raise monies for the charity, Breast Cancer Now. The ‘official’ day is Friday (21 October).

Each team member made a donation and Paperclip agreed to match the funds raised.  1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime

Find out more on the ‘Wear it Pink’ website.

Kids Planet Sheepbridge creates accessible indoor pumpkin patch

Autumn is in full swing at the Kids Planet nurseries, and one nursery in particular has gone above and beyond in its pursuit to provide children with an accessible magical space to experience pumpkin picking.

The Kids Planet Sheepbridge team have created their own indoor pumpkin patch for the children to explore, truly bringing the outside in with hay, pumpkins, leaves, wheelbarrows, wellington boots, and more.

The children of all ages are using the pumpkin patch, and will be doing some pumpkin decorating and sensory activities with the inside of the pumpkins, working in line Kids Planet’s values of inspiring awe and wonder.

Lauren Poundall, Acting Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Sheepbridge, said: “We are thrilled with our indoor pumpkin patch. It was important to us to create this in order to give all children the opportunity to experience Pumpkin Picking, as sometimes these types of places are not easily accessible to all.

“We wanted to build an inspiring environment which would interest and spark children’s communication. Our Families have loved the Pumkin Patch and the children come into nursery asking to go and see the hay and the Pumpkins.”

Ashgate Hospice’s ‘Light up a life’ returns

Ashgate Hospice’s new-look Light Up a Life campaign has launched and the charity is giving the community a way to remember their loved ones during what can be a difficult time for many.

Supporters will receive a lantern in the post which can be personalised with a photo of their loved one and a special message in return for a suggested £20 donation.

They will also be sent an electric light to place inside their lantern and an invitation to join a special procession and remembrance ceremony in Chesterfield on the evening of Sunday 4th December.

The poignant 1.2-mile procession, which will start around 5pm, will bring walkers to the hospice at Old Brampton for a special remembrance ceremony in the beautifully lit gardens from 6pm.

The evening will include a touching reflection from local celebrant Jonathan Reeve, gentle live music and refreshments.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Every year, Ashgate Hospice unites our community to remember our loved ones during this difficult time.

“But this year will be especially poignant as we will finally get to remember together, in-person, for the first time since the pandemic.

“We hope our Light Up a Life event will bring some comfort to families like Ali’s at such an emotional time of year.

“I hope you will join us at this very special remembrance event and help raise vital funds to support many more families when they need urgent care and support.”

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal at https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life or by calling 01246 567250.

Chesterfield Football Club, Paperclip, Kids Planet and Ashgate Hospice support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire

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Council to host pop-up recruitment event this October

Chesterfield Borough Council is hosting a pop-up recruitment event in the Pavements Shopping Centre on Thursday 27 October from 10am to 2pm.

The event will take place in Unit 25 of the Pavements Shopping Centre, previously Wards Shoe Shop, opposite Boots.

Also attending the recruitment event are colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Careers Service at Derbyshire County Council.

People can find out more about current vacancies at the council, and representatives from the Human Resources department will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about working for the organisation.

New vacancies are added to the council’s website every week, so whether residents are looking to take their first steps into the workplace or are looking for a more senior role, they can visit the website to find out more about current opportunities to work at the council.

Councillor Sharon Blank, cabinet member for governance, said: “This is the second pop-up event we have held in the Pavement’s Shopping Centre, and we are encouraging anyone looking for work to drop in to see us during the event times.

“The recruitment event is taking place on the same day as the popular 1940s market, so if you are heading into the town centre, come along to see us and find out what roles are available at the council and ask any questions you have about how to complete application forms, or the level of experience needed for various positions”.

The council has a commitment to support residents to find new job opportunities, and have access to skills, training and apprenticeships, and the council colleagues who are hosting the event will also be able to provide information about what’s on offer.

Those attending can bring their CV along and leave it with the team to be considered for any future vacancies that may be suitable for them.

The council’s website and social media channels are updated regularly with new positions, so anyone looking for work is encouraged to check these sites for the latest opportunities.

This is a drop in event, and no appointment is needed.

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Property & Construction group praises ongoing collaboration across Chesterfield

Members of Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group have praised the ongoing collaboration between private and public sector organisations across the town, which is helping to drive forward several landmark regeneration schemes in the area.

The Chesterfield Investment Summit was delivered to packed room at the Casa Hotel on 28th September 2022. At the summit, the town’s property and construction sector and a handful Chesterfield Champions were invited to a lunch event, which enabled further networking and an opportunity to ask questions to Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, Tricia Gilby and Chief Executive, Huw Bowen.

After the event, Cllr Tricia Gilby commented: “Chesterfield is very resilient and has consistently come out of national crises stronger than it went into them. In the last recession we established Destination Chesterfield, and this has reaped rewards. We also resolved as a council and with all our partners, to come out of the pandemic fighting and as a result a number of developments came out of the ground, including One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre.

“Chesterfield Brough Council and our partners will now work together with inward investors to ensure the next five years are as good as, if not better, than the last five years.”

Read the full round-up of the event here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2022/10/new-investment-sites-set-to-open-up-across-chesterfield/

The event left attendees impressed with the range of potential investment opportunities opening up across the town, along with optimism for the continuation of strong public/private partnership working across the sector to grow the town’s economy.

Jim Lomas, Director at DLP Planning Ltd:

“It was so pleasing to see such a large turnout for the Investment Summit. There is clearly a great deal of investor interest and enthusiasm from both within and outside the local area. Given our previous and current experience of assisting with the planning process, there is a willingness by the Council to help with business development, housing delivery and infrastructure enhancements, all of which will lead to longer term prosperity and hopefully a greener and more sustainable environment.

“Housing developers in particular are currently delivering the mix and range of property types which are meeting demand and addressing needs. It is clear that many adjoining Local Authority areas outside of Chesterfield are failing to deliver their housing needs and consequently the town is meeting not only its own local needs, but also attracting those from the wider area. The positive consequences for Chesterfield are significant, leading to greater spending power in the local economy, enhanced service provision, regeneration of urban areas and creating a vibrant community, something which can only be welcomed.”

Sarah Wills, Associate Director at Nineteen47 Ltd:

“It was great to be in the room for these discussions. I Really enjoyed hearing about priority projects and collaboration across sectors. It was lovely to hear how integral the Council see the private sector in terms of profile and delivery in the Chesterfield Borough, and we are proud to be a continued part of this conversation.”

Kriston Harvey, Director at Rodgers Leask:

“I think one of the biggest highlights would have to be the fact that following on from previous summits, where it has been great to hear about pipeline projects, we are now able to see these projects coming out of the ground and in some cases complete! Both the Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place are fantastic examples of this and can hopefully be part of the catalyst to drive further regeneration and development.

“Having quality office space locally is clearly a benefit to the town also. This will help to retain businesses within Chesterfield and strengthen the local economy. It was also really good to hear that both the University of Derby and Chesterfield College have big plans – investing in the future generation is critical and it is great to see that there will be even more opportunities for people to stay in Chesterfield and develop new skills.”

Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio:

“I always enjoy attending the Chesterfield Investment summit. It was great to see a full house of delegates in attendance, reflective of peoples’ interest in the future of the town. A range of engaging speakers provided a concise summary of all the present and future developments in the pipeline including good conversation around the recently completed office developments at the Waterside and Northern Gateway schemes.  Looking ahead, it appears a number of regeneration projects as part of the Staveley Masterplan are taking shape, adding the plethora of opportunity for local business like ourselves.”

Find out more about ongoing development taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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Growth for Chesterfield IT firm with new Head of Sales & Marketing announced

Addooco, the leading Managed IT, Cloud & Communications provider are excited to announce the recent appointment of Nigel Mallender as Head of Sales & Marketing.

Nigel joins Addooco to assist with their next phase of growth and brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the IT solutions sector.

He commented: “Having worked for my previous employer for nearly 24 years it felt like the right time for a new challenge and change. I took my time to find the right opportunity and business.”

Nigel went on to add: “and it was only through a chance meeting with Paul Walters, Head of Operations, I learned of this position and Addooco’s ambitious plans for the future. I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Team and I’m confident this will prove a great fit for all.”

Nigel hails from Yorkshire but has lived in Chesterfield for 25 years. He is married with a young daughter, works for a charity part time and is Chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

Richard Walters, Addooco’s Managing Director commented on Nigel’s arrival: “We’ve known Nigel for a number of years and are thrilled to welcome him to our Management Team. Nigel is an experienced individual and a people person who appreciates the importance of building relationships and developing a client base. That’s exactly what we were looking for”.

Addooco is based on Dunston Technology Park in Chesterfield and have been delivering cutting edge IT solutions since 2008. To find out more please call 01246 887887 or visit their website – www.addooco.it

Find out more about the benefits of locating and growing your business here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The company supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Mining memorial at Markham Vale reaches completion

A moving tribute to miners who died in 3 disasters at a Derbyshire colliery has been completed 10 years after it was commissioned.

The final 13 life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of the Walking Together Mining Memorial, taking the total number of statues to commemorate those tragically killed at Markham Colliery to 106 – one for each man who died in the disasters.

Originally commissioned in 2012, the figures form a trail which stretches between the village of Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, to Markham Vale, close to where the former pithead of Markham Colliery once stood.

Markham Vale is the council’s flagship regeneration site reclaimed and developed in partnership with HBD (formally known as Henry Boot Developments) to create new jobs and attract investment into the area.

The trail symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent designed the memorial supported by Markham Vale Heritage Group which researched the lives of the miners who were commemorated.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “I feel honoured to have been part of this fantastic project and it’s great to see it finally completed.

“It’s incredibly important that we don’t forget the site’s mining history, the challenging jobs the pit workers had and the sacrifices they made.

“This permanent memorial is a place where the miner’s community spirit can be remembered and where families, friends and future generations can come together to pay tribute.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the project including the local community, the families and friends of the miners who tragically lost their lives and the sponsors who have helped make this project possible.

“I would also like to thank the artist Stephen Broadbent, fabricator at CB Arts, the team at Beam and the Markham Vale Heritage Group for all their fantastic work.”

 

The first disaster commemorated by the memorial was an underground explosion on 21 January 1937 which claimed the lives of 9 men. This was followed by a second explosion a year later in 1938 when 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured.

The final disaster occurred 35 years later when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying miners to the coalface failed, killing 18 miners and seriously injuring 11 others on 30 July, 1973.

The final 13 figures have been dedicated to:

  1. David Bann, 54, Contractor
  2. Alfred Garland, 52, Timber Drawer
  3. Robert Gregson, 36, Contractor
  4. John William Hadley, 31, Contractor
  5. Joseph Hibbard, 51, Timber Drawer
  6. Joseph Lilley, 30, Road Repairer
  7. Felix Linathan, 48, Contractor
  8. Mark Richards, 31, Ripper
  9. Samuel Edward Salt, 41, Deputy
  10. Clarence Silcock, 42, Ripper
  11. Fred Taylor, 53, Contractor
  12. Redvers Baden Whitehead, 37, Shot-firer
  13. Matthew Williams, 36, Contractor

A grant of £17,830 has been awarded by Valencia Communities Fund through the Landfill Communities Fund to support and install 8 out of the 13 remaining figures.

Great Bear Distribution Limited sponsored three figures, while a further grant of £38,950 was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which distributes funding raised by National Lottery players. The further grant will cover the cost of 1 figure and fund several activities, including engagement workshops with the local community, a commemorative publication, heritage walking tours of the site and more.

For more information about the memorial visit The Markham Story Mine website. The Story Mine project is supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and ourselves to unearth and share stories from Markham Colliery.

Anyone interested in joining the volunteers at Markham Vale Heritage Group can email contact@beam.uk.net

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

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