Business

Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson invests in new equipment for its fast-growing Paperbox division

Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested more than half a million pounds in state-of-the-art SATE machinery for its UK Paperbox division.

Demand has risen as more and more luxury goods manufacturers seek out UK based packaging suppliers for reliability of delivery and quality of product. Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier meeting sustainability commitments.

The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging and why we are now investing in SATE machinery to create the best packaging in the most sustainable way.”

The new equipment – based at the site in Chesterfield – offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

Robinson UK MD Steve Haley States: “We are all really excited about the recent investments at Paperbox which is aligned to our strategic growth plans. This latest new machine will take us to new levels in terms of production output, machine capabilities and efficiencies to support our customer base.”

The SATE format change over time is reduced, even up to 15 minutes in the case of changes between similar formats, and never more than 1 hour in the case of assembly of kits for special formats or formats completely different from the previous one.

The operational logic and simplicity allow the creation of boxes with large windows without burrs or misalignments. Better management of the gluing process has made it possible to eliminate the annoying problem of “glue gaps”, especially visible in the final part of the sheet, which ruin the final result.

The renewed paper feeding system means the machine can manage sheets with a minimum weight of 70 g/m2 without the need for special measures and the machine can start fully automatically, until the glue is ready on the moving rollers. It is possible to set a schedule for shifts, daily and weekly, in order to find the machine ready upon arrival at the company.

At the end of the work, on a simple command from the operator, the machine takes care of carrying out the washing process in a totally automatic and accurate way.

Internal and external bubbles are completely eliminated during processing, increasing the actual and perceived quality of the final product.

It has the lowest energy consumption in its class, up to 60% less energy requirement compared to competing lines because the S-Line recovers energy when it decelerates. A completely new and innovative approach to save energy and increase efficiency.

The S line machines work a wide variety of different boxes, even punched, with tape or Hot-Melt stitching. Everything has been done to enhance speed and precision, reducing any dead time and machine downtime. In addition to this, the line offers integrated tele-assistance, generating a final report, and a complete processing control that gives maximum choice to the customer.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

Robinson’s paperboard factory in Chesterfield is strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Robinson specialises in custom packaging with technical solutions for hygiene, safety, protection, and convenience. It manufactures injection and blow moulded plastic packaging and rigid paperboard luxury packaging.

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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Derbyshire Tourism Conference highlights ‘positive future’ for the visitor economy

“Despite unprecedented challenges, the future of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire remains positive” – that’s the overriding message from the annual Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference which took place on Thursday 6th October at Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield.

Hosted by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the event welcomed over 120 attendees from across the tourism and hospitality sectors for the first ‘in person’ conference since the pandemic.

It brought together leading industry figures and expert speakers to deliver insights, advice and inspiration covering major topics including the cost-of-living crisis, recruitment challenges, emerging tourism trends and new opportunities for growth.

The keynote speech was delivered by Patricia Yates, CEO of national tourist body VisitBritain/VisitEngland, who visited local businesses including The Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth and Treak Cliff Cavern ahead of the conference to shine a spotlight on the area’s outstanding tourism offer and discuss how the sector can work together to drive economic growth.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: “It’s been fantastic to be in beautiful Derbyshire and the Peak District, visiting tourism businesses and attractions and seeing first-hand the wonderful experiences on offer. It has been invaluable to listen and talk to local businesses about how we can work together to drive economic growth, and to have the opportunity to highlight our work to support the industry’s recovery.

“Tourism is an industry that can deliver growth like no other and it’s been great to see the activity Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is delivering, working with businesses and key stakeholders to attract domestic and overseas visits, driving the visitor economy.”

Opening the conference, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sector’s recovery and its work to secure the long-term future of the industry by increasing overnight stays, extending the traditional tourism season and boosting visitor spend.

In line with its ambition to position the area as a world-class visitor destination, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire announced it will be launching a new marketing campaign later this year – promoting the area’s ‘distinctive and diverse visitor offer’ – together with an innovative new website for www.visitpeakdistrict.com that will help visitors plan and book trips according to accessibility and sustainability requirements.

Updates from Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire also focused on recent successes, including:

  • The value of tourism to the area’s economy – £1.96 billion in 2021, achieving 79% of 2019 levels against a target of 70% (2021 STEAM data)
  • The creation of a Sustainable Tourism Plan, produced in partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority and The National Forest, which aims to position the destination as a beacon for sustainable tourism and active travel
  • The success of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Accessibility Champions programme, which has so far helped over 30 tourism businesses achieve ‘Accessibility Champion’ status
  • The achievements of the European Regional Development Fund supported Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy within Derbyshire project, which has helped over 800 visitor economy business to boost their growth, skills and profitability since 2017
  • Ever-increasing visits to www.visitpeakdistrict.com (2.7 million sessions and 2.1 million users between September 2021 and September 2022) and a combined social media following of more than 200,000
  • Against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, the event covered the challenges facing the area’s visitor economy as well as the support available for local businesses. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), revealed that ‘inflation’ and ‘access to skilled labour’ are currently the biggest concerns for businesses in the region.

Looking to the future, Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, discussed the East Midlands devolution deal which will see Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham come together to pioneer a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority. The deal will see £1.14 billion come to the region over 30 years – creating ‘more and better jobs through greater investment in the area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training and an enhanced greener environment’.

Delegates also heard from Jenny Lowthrop about the vital work of the Peak District National Park Foundation in protecting and safeguarding Britain’s original National Park, which attracts thousands of visits to the area each year; whilst Miles Watkins of the Institute of Quarrying shared their exciting vision to create an internationally significant visitor experience and Centre of Excellence for the quarrying industry at the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth.

Emerging trends – and how tourism businesses can harness them – were a key focus of the conference and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd gave delegates a valuable insight into how best to use short videos on social media platforms such as TikTok to help their businesses stand out from the crowd.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference was funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

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Shorts advises on sale of Staveley-based Hopkinson Waste Group

Chesterfield’s Shorts Chartered Accountants recently teamed up with Actons Solicitors to act as lead advisers and legal representatives to David Hopkinson on the sale of the Hopkinson Waste Group, to Highgate Capital BC Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1986, Staveley based Hopkinson Waste Management has grown into one of the largest privately owned waste management companies in the area. The firm has a modern fleet of GPS-controlled vehicles and skips in a variety of sizes, suitable for all types of commercial or domestic waste. Its materials recovery facility also produces recycled materials from their waste processing operation.

Andy Ryder, Partner at Shorts commented: “We are delighted to have advised David on the completion of this transaction. We have little doubt the business will continue to be successful and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength under ambitious new owners.”

Jules Gaylor, representing Highgate Capital said: “We aim to invest in companies with long term sustainable growth potential. The Hopkinson Waste Group, with its strong ethical values and environmental credentials, is a superb fit for us. David has created a magnificent legacy and we are excited to become custodians and deliver the next chapter.”

David Hopkinson added: “I’m delighted to see the new owner’s plans already taking shape. Their long-term vision will see considerable investment in the business, bringing with it local jobs for local people and the wider environment will also benefit from their ‘zero waste to landfill’ initiatives, making for a bright future for everyone connected with The Hopkinson Waste Group.”

Peter Flowerday, Director of Actons added “ It has been a pleasure to work alongside David and Shorts, together with the buyer and their advisors, in order to complete this transaction within the target timescales”

Landon Bowdler Solicitors and BHP Chartered Accountants also advised.

Shorts and BHP 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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Cash injection to explore upgrades to the A61 South of Chesterfield

£50,000 has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council, to assist in making a business case to the government for work on the A61 corridor, to the south of Chesterfield.

The council is contributing by matching the funding to he proposed work, which takes the pot up to £100,000.

Midlands Connect will provide the funding to research and develop a business case to submit to government and will also supply support to the local authority. This allows the council to explore all options available to improve the corridor, which may include improved access for pedestrians and cyclists or enhanced public transport provision along the route.

Swati Mittal, Strategic Roads Manager at Midlands Connect, said: “We are so pleased to be able to give Derbyshire County Council this funding and to help them make their case to government.

“This scheme is exactly in line with Midlands Connect’s values and objectives for the region, and could benefit from a great variety of improvements, which we look forward to exploring with the council.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, commented: “I hugely welcome this additional funding that has been announced today.

“We remain at a pretty early stage in terms of how to mitigate the long-term challenges on the A61 but the work that we have done locally in recent years is now starting to be recognised more broadly – including through grants such as this – and I hope it will allow us to make progress in the years ahead. Thank you to Midlands Connect for being willing to support this important work.”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We are grateful for the funding from Midlands Connect which will help us to develop future plans for the A61.

“This busy road is important for so many people living between Chesterfield and Clay Cross, and for commuters. The road is likely to get busier as new housing developments and business growth brings more people to the area, so it’s vital we look at what we can do to manage congestion and reduce emissions. This money will enable us to further develop our plans.”

The A61 corridor is a crucial part of the major road network in Derbyshire, connecting the county to Chesterfield and beyond into South Yorkshire. The area for improvement spans from the Horns Bridge roundabout in Chesterfield to the A6175 junction in the centre of Clay Cross.

The road is one of the most congested in the county, with several “pinch points” at key junctions as well as Horns Bridge roundabout. During peak hours, average delays of up to twelve minutes affect travellers along the route in either direction.

New housing developments are being built along the corridor and once completed, their residents will benefit from the improvements. Two key construction sites in the vicinity will deliver up to 2,100 new dwellings.

Improvements to the corridor would support better air quality in the surrounding residential area, which includes housing estates and schools. There are also plans to improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, by looking into drop-kerbs, crossing points, and cycle parking.

The business case will build on the outcome of a public consultation undertaken by the council. The consultation runs from 25 July to 16 October 2022.

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Mitchells Accountants partners with Chesterfield College to provide apprenticeship opportunities

A Chesterfield Accountancy and business advice firm has grown its team by taking on several apprentices, having worked with Chesterfield College to provide employment opportunities for local people.

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers are one of Chesterfield’s longest standing firms and has been at the heart of its business community for 150 years, as well as a long serving member of Chesterfield Champions.

Mitchells have also long been an Apprenticeship Ambassador, helping to promote Chesterfield as an Apprentice Town and raising awareness of apprenticeships and their benefits to strengthen the workforce of the local economy.

Mitchells recognises that university isn’t the only option available to those leaving school, which is why the firm offers apprenticeships for young people who wish to undertake the AAT qualification – the internationally recognised qualification based on real-world accounting knowledge.

Examples of recent success stories for Mitchells apprentices include the following:

  • Mitchells’ apprentice, Dominic Day has successfully finished his ICAEW exams and associated work this year to become a qualified member of the Institute.
  • Two ICAEW apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Brandon Wazirali, have passed advanced level exams and are in the final stages of also becoming fully qualified Institute members.
  • Julie Clayton has progressed to the final exam in her ACCA apprenticeship and received glowing praise from their training provider for their dedication to both the training and the apprenticeship requirements.
  • Apprentices, Sophia Ferretto and Olivia Powell were both put forward by Mitchells for recognition in the Apprentice of the Year category at this year’s Love Chesterfield Awards. The applications showed how well thought of these individuals, along with their fellow apprentices, are by the firm and also the care taken to ensure they continue to develop and flourish.

From the moment their training begins, apprentices are assigned a mentor who monitors and supports their professional and personal development.  As well as becoming a full-time employee at Mitchells, with a salary and other associated benefits, they pay for their AAT apprentices to attend Chesterfield College on a day release basis to study.

Further industry specific qualifications are completed by apprentices including ATT, ACCA, ICAEW and CIOT on a similar basis using internationally recognised training providers.

Having used other training providers in the past, they now only use Chesterfield College for their AAT qualifications because the college is employer led and prepares students for their careers and helps develop ambitious students prepare for work and life.

Mitchells currently employs 5 AAT apprentices who all study at Chesterfield College. Associate Partner, Laura Pain said: “We strongly believe in attracting candidates leaving college and sixth form to help them get started at the ground level.” She went onto highlight two apprentices in the Business Services Team, which she heads up.

“Olivia Powell joined us at just 17 years old and has thrived over the past three years to the point where she is confident and comfortable dealing with the rest of the team, her clients and HMRC. Jessica Wright first joined Mitchells as a university placement student and returned to learn more. Jess achieved a Distinction at Level 2 AAT with an overall qualification percentage score of 96%.”

Olivia Powell and fellow AAT apprentices, Jasmine Pollard and Chloe Jones commented on why they chose the apprenticeship route: “Apprenticeships are a great way of gaining your qualifications whilst working along-side meaning you can put theory into practise and practise into theory. It is also means no commitment of university and allows you to get a head start into the world of work as you can begin your career as young as 16.”

They also commented: “Chesterfield College is a training provider that allows you to work with other apprentices who are working towards the same qualifications as yourself. This not only supports us but allows us to have an insight into all the aspects of accounting, whether this is in industry or practise as you are working with people from a diverse range of job roles. Chesterfield College is extremely local to Mitchells and you are given a day release each week in order to attend the lessons. The lessons are in person allowing you to engage more and ask for any help or resources if needed. Printers and laptops are also available to use on campus which can be used after teaching hours. College tutors are also accessible via email and on teams whenever you need them showing they are very willing to contribute towards your success during AAT.”

Henry Taylor-Toone, Vice Principal Finance and Corporate Services at Chesterfield College said the following: “We’re very proud that Mitchells, a very well known and established Chesterfield business, has chosen Chesterfield College as their training provider. Chesterfield College is employer focused and our partnership with Mitchells demonstrates exactly what we can provide to local businesses – top quality education, delivered locally, helping apprentices, students and adults succeed in their chosen field. Apprentices from Mitchells are also a delight to teach which is always a bonus!”

David Waining, the firms Qualified Person Responsible for Training (QPRT) said “We have been very proud to work with all our apprentices. The joint provision between the training providers and ourselves provides the trainees with valuable experience of the practical work to apply the technical knowledge they have picked up in the classroom. We have had numerous success stories at all levels of the apprenticeship scheme and have looked to expand the number of apprenticeships we are offering across the firm because of these successes. We see this as a vital resource to grow our workforce.”

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers and Chesterfield College support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Late Summer Ball raises thousands for Chesterfield advice charity

An event held at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel has been labelled a huge success, after raising thousands of pounds for Citizens Advice Chesterfield.

The charity supports thousands of residents across the local area, offering free, confidential, impartial, independent advice and information for the problems they face. A dedicated team of local staff and volunteers are based at their drop-in service in Chesterfield town centre and at a number of outreach services, including GP Surgeries.

The service opened in September 1987, with support from Chesterfield Borough Council and has been an asset for the town ever since.

Held last month, the Late Summer Ball raised over £7200 for the charity, thanks to some fantastic support from Chesterfield residents and the local business community.

One hundred guests enjoyed a welcome drink & entertainment from woodwind quartet, “No Strings Attached”, followed by a delicious three course meal, charity auction and dancing.

Chair of Trustees at Citizens Advice Chesterfield, Linda Moore (pictured right) commented: “The evening was a resounding success due to a great planning group, the kindness of local businesses, mostly Chesterfield Champions, donating raffle prizes and auction lots and especially to our generous sponsors: Adorn Jewellers, BridgeHelp, Casa Hotel, Dotique & Vines Legal Solicitors.

“Special thanks go to Dodie & John Rutherford for flowers and photography, to Toby Perkins MP & to our amazing MC and auctioneer Chris Sellars of Bridge Help.

“At a time when our help and advice is needed more than ever before, the proceeds will help fund and develop vital money advice services supporting people of all ages living in Chesterfield and facing unprecedented challenges due to the cost of living crisis.”

Citizens Advice, Bridge Help, Adorn Jewellers, Dotique, Vines Legal Solicitors and Casa Hotel 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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Major investment for Chesterfield metals supplier to support growth

A Chesterfield business has secured a £1million investment from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF), provided by The FSE Group Debt Finance Fund and backed by the Recovery Loan Scheme.

The funding for International Energy Products follows a £500,000 MEIF loan in November last year, which helped the company with a range of business growth activities including marketing, IT, new jobs and a move to bigger premises.

The most recent loan will be used for further staff hires, equipment purchase, and maintaining stock levels to support new contracts.

International Energy Products is a metal stockholder and processor of speciality alloys servicing the oil, gas and renewable energy industries as well as aerospace, marine and defence sectors.

The company was set up in 2017 by Emma Beresford who spent the next two years establishing a robust supply model before full trading commenced in 2020. This has placed the company ahead of the curve in a market where an already challenging supply environment has been worsened by the war in Ukraine.

International Energy Products Founder and Managing Director, Emma Beresford, said: “Having just reached the point of trading when the pandemic hit, our growth plans inevitably slowed but we are now ready to scale up in line with the recovery of our customer base.

“As a new business that doesn’t have the trading history needed for bank funding, the MEIF loan will help us with the cashflow and capacity needed to take on new, large contracts and we are thankful to FSE for investing in our future growth.”

Ann Marie McFadyen, Investment Manager at The FSE Group, commented: “We would like to thank Sanjay Vallabh from Vallabh Associates for introducing us to International Energy Products. Emma is a forward-thinking MD who knows her market well and has been appointed Export Champion for the Department for International Trade for the second year running.

“Her innovative approach has allowed her to minimise risk and future-proof against supply chain issues and pricing. Years of hard work have paid off with this small business now years ahead of its competitors and we are thrilled to be supporting Emma and her team at this crucial point in their growth journey.”

Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager, UK Network at the British Business Bank, added: “The previous round of MEIF funding for International Energy Products supported its initial growth and created new jobs in the region, while this second funding round will continue to support these activities. With more Midlands businesses moving past post-pandemic recovery and into the growth stage, we encourage more companies to consider MEIF funding to support their development.”

Will Morlidge, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, added: “The D2N2 area is the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and remains the heartland on manufacturing in the UK. It’s businesses like IEP that underpin our amazing manufacturers, so it’s great to see them being supported. They supply to many businesses who are crucial to us being able to transition to a net-zero future, so the impact of their growth will be felt in businesses across the region.”

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2022 and the European Investment Bank.

The FSE Group, MEIF Debt Finance Fund provides loans between £100,000 and £1.5 million to help growing SMEs across the region. For more information visit: www.thefsegroup.com/fund/midlands-engine-investment-fund-debt-finance or contact Ann Marie McFadyen.

To find out more about the wide range of benefits Chesterfield has to offer your business, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

www.francesmilburnphotography.co.uk

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Traders invited to book their stalls for the Christmas Lights Switch On  

Makers, crafters, and independent retailers are being invited to book a stall on Chesterfield Market for the day of the festive lights switch on.

The Christmas Lights Switch On event is taking place on Sunday 20 November and traders are welcome to trade from 12pm to 6pm, setting up from 10am.

Regular stall holders, casual traders and local creatives are being invited to sign up now to reserve their place at one of the town’s most popular events. Stall allocation will be on a first come first served basis, with existing Licensed Traders being given allocation priority.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Christmas Lights Switch On is always a fantastic event for all of the family to enjoy. As well as the lights being turned on in Chesterfield town centre, we have another great stage show planned too.

“We expect there to be a high footfall in Chesterfield with members of the public coming into town from both local communities and other areas in Derbyshire too. We are inviting our regular and casual traders, as well as those who have perhaps not traded on our market before to book a stall at this event.”

Stalls are priced at £35 each and can be reserved via the My Chesterfield online platform. A member of the visitor information team will then contact you to take your payment.

Market stalls comprise of either an 8-foot or twelve-foot stall, with 4 boards, enabling trading on either side.

Prospective traders can find out more if needed by contacting: markets@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council will soon be launching the Christmas in Chesterfield campaign for 2022, highlighting fun events, fabulous festive food & drink, and a guide to the best gifts available in the area.

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New investment sites set to open up across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is ready to do business and willing to make sound investments to ensure the local economy achieves its growth ambitions. That was the message at the 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit (28 September).

Speaking at the annual summit organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Our record of investment and delivery, with a whole range of partners, shows that the council is willing to invest and provide support to bring projects forward that will help the borough grow and deliver jobs and opportunities to the people that live here.”

A number of new development sites are now set to be opened up for future commercial, industrial, office and residential investment, adding to the current £2billion growth programme already underway across Chesterfield town centre and the borough.

Hartington Industrial Park, a new 75,000 sqm industrial and warehouse development located on the site of the former Coalite Plant in Staveley, aims to build on the success of Markham Vale. Job numbers created by businesses who are based at Markham Vale are now beyond that of when the site operated as a colliery.

Huw added: “Markham Vale has been a tremendous success with demand for commercial space outstripping supply. Chesterfield’s industrial past has opened up a number of investment sites which have the potential to be as successful as Markham Vale in terms of job opportunities and growth in key areas of the borough.”

Alongside industrial sites, Chesterfield Borough Council has also made significant investment in town centre office accommodation, meeting the post pandemic demand for high quality, flexible workspace.

Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, which opened in July earlier this year, already boasts more than 50% occupancy with 17 of the 32 offices now tenanted. Later this year, Chesterfield will gain Grade A, large footplate offices following the completion of One Waterside Place as part of the £320 million Chesterfield Waterside regeneration scheme. Already tenants have been secured for a number of the floors in the six-storey office block located next to the train station.

Office interiors expert Amy Revell, Co-Founder and Director of We are FM, who spoke at the summit said: “Chesterfield is an exciting place to be right now. Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place have given us Grade ‘A’ office space for people to work in. “These workspaces are comparable to those in bigger cities like Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester which deliver the connectivity for hybrid working for a better work/life balance.”

In addition to One Waterside Place, residential and leisure development sites are also being brought forward in the Chesterfield Waterside with the scheme developers, Bolsterstone Group, in talks with hotel and carpark operators as well as investors in a number of Build to Rent apartments.

Confident that investment in the borough will continue at pace, Councillor Tricia Gilby Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “While the current financial climate is a concern, 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.”

Work has already begun on the town’s ambitious HS2 Station Masterplan which saw the recent demolition of the Chesterfield Hotel, opening up a further development site for investment.

Councillor Gilby added: “Chesterfield’s geographical location and connectivity are key to attracting investment and new residents. Chesterfield is perfectly positioned making major cities very accessible for post Covid working trends, which combine home and office working and we now have a market-leading portfolio of office space to capitalise on this.”

The 2022 Chesterfield Investment Summit was supported by the European Regional Development Fund. The annual free-to-attend event was held at Casa Hotel. It showcased investment activity in the town and was attended by more than 200 people.

To learn more about the investment opportunities in Chesterfield visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The Chesterfield Investment Summit 2022 also saw the launch of the brand-new Invest in Chesterfield Map, which can be viewed online. The map showcases the wide range of investment opportunities available across our town.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Owner of Chesterfield Doggy Day Care business wins prestigious regional award

The owner of Chesterfield’s Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care is celebrating, after winning a coveted accolade at the East Midlands Chamber Enterprising Women Awards.

Dawn Brown walked away with the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the gala dinner, held at Leicester Tigers’ Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium in partnership with Futures Housing Group.

Speaking on the award win, Dawn commented: “I get asked what it’s like to be a woman in business. I describe it as a roller coaster ride with highs and lows, twists and turns and often times when you go so fast you just want to get off but we don’t! We just carry on with pure grit and determination to succeed.”

“People see business owners like swans swanning about doing as they please, but what they don’t see are our  legs going like the clappers underneath to hold it all together, especially women in business. We hold down a family, I have 5 kids and a fiancée so you could say 6 kids!

“At Rose Cottage we look after 50 dogs a day, with a team of 7 people working with me. So this award means so much more to me personally because it’s recognition for all that hard work and dedication that people do not necessarily see.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award from the Chamber and I’m grateful for being a woman in business that has been recognised for all her hard work.”

Enterprising Women Co-Chair, Eileen Perry MBE DL commented: “Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of this year’s Enterprising Women Awards. The gala dinner is always the biggest date in the calendar for the network, which Jean and I look forward to attending every year – and the breadth of female talent across the East Midlands business community just gets stronger.”

Co-Chair Jean Mountain said: “When I co-founded Enterprising Women 25 years ago, the business landscape was very male-dominated. We wanted to change that and create a space for women to network with each other, learn from one another’s experience and gain skills to use in their work, and sometimes personal lives.

“Recognising the achievements of women in business was an important part of that, to give them the confidence to succeed further and thrive in their careers.

“I’m so proud of how far the network has come, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.”

ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson returned to host the black-tie event, which was packed with entertainment provided by singer-songwriter Esmee Esho, comedian Patrick Monahan and Leicester band The Jamlocks.

Enterprising Women Awards 2022 winners

Business Woman of the Year – Sponsored by Futures Housing Group

Emily Smith – Michael Smith Switchgear

Female Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Midlands Engine Investment Fund

Dawn Brown – Rose Cottage Doggy Day Care

Social Commitment Award – Sponsored by She Inspires Global 

Gift Wellness

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Unique Window Systems 

Fraser Stretton Property Group

Female Employee of the Year – Sponsored by Smallman & Son

Karen Miles – trentbarton

Team of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS

TwentyTwenty – Love4Life

Outstanding Contribution to Work in STEM – Sponsored by Pick Everard

De Montfort University

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by EMA Training

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Amanda Daly – The Turnaround CEO

Jessica Barnett – Timms Solicitors

Diversity Champion – Sponsored by Breedon Consulting

Stephen Gould – Everards Brewery

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Paradigm Wills and Sales Solutions

Rosemary Conley CBE DL

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

“When it comes to investment opportunities, the town has everything covered”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield has given his views on regeneration and investment across the town, following the successful Chesterfield Investment Summit 2022.

The content of the ‘Invest In Chesterfield’ event never fails to impress and this year was no exception. Once again, to a packed room, we heard how Chesterfield continues to punch above its weight.

This is a much-used term when it comes to describing our town, but it is accurate. The level of regeneration and new developments happening in Chesterfield right now surpasses most towns and even some cities.

More than £1billion is being invested in projects across Chesterfield, from social and private residential developments and office accommodation to industrial and leisure developments and retail. When it comes to investment opportunities, the town has everything covered, making it in attractive proposition.

However, there is no denying that tough times are upon us. The UK-wide energy crisis and rise in the cost of living has severely impacted families and businesses.

There is talk of recession but let’s not forget, it was during the last recession that the successful Destination Chesterfield campaign was launched in 2010 to market the borough and attract investment, and this has proved very successful.

As the former leader of Chesterfield Borough Council John Burrows said in 2012: “We could have chosen to bunker down and ride out the recession, but we didn’t. We chose to be proactive and forge ahead with our marketing plans.”

Destination Chesterfield has been instrumental in putting the town on the national and international investment map, ensuring that Chesterfield emerged from the recession stronger, with new employers, businesses and projects.

This forward-thinking approach to creating jobs, homes and opportunity for the people who live in Chesterfield very much remains at the heart of council policy today.

Consider more recent history. During the pandemic the Council invested in office accommodation at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre and One Waterside Place, placing the town in an excellent position to benefit from the demand for high quality, modern workspace post Covid.

In addition to numerous private residential developments, during the pandemic work also got underway on ‘the biggest council housing development in the Chesterfield borough since the 1980s.’ The 21 brand new properties at Badger Croft in Loundsley Green represent a fine example of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to increasing the supply of affordable and accessible homes across the town.

When you consider that nearly 90% of local authorities failed to complete a single new-build council home by Q3 of 2021, this is a remarkable feat.

We have seen significant opportunities created by regeneration projects in and around the town centre and at Markham Vale. But there is more to come, a lot more.

Investment in Staveley is set to redevelop and regenerate former industrial areas, bringing with it new homes, jobs, leisure amenities and opportunity.

Recession or no recession, Chesterfield is a borough that won’t stand still. Watch this space.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

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