Celebrate Chesterfield

Charities share Chamber’s fundraising efforts

10th December 2018

Three charities have been named as beneficiaries of fundraising efforts by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) in 2019. Chamber President Kevin Harris announced them at the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch on Friday.

They are CHICKS, SkillForce and Twenty Twenty, all three of which work to improve the lives of children and young people.

At next year’s Christmas Lunch, each will receive an equal share of £1,932.31 raised at this year’s event in addition to any other money raised by the Chamber’s efforts throughout the year.

At this year’s Christmas Lunch, the three charities nominated last year – Rhubarb Farm, Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid and Hope Against Cancer – each received a one-third share of £3,615.

The Chamber’s charity activities are managed by the East Midlands Chamber Charitable Fund, which was set up in 2016 and is administered by the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.

Kevin said: “It gave me great pleasure to present three very worthwhile charities with much-needed donations and also to name three more charities to which the Chamber will donate next year.”

“Charities rely on donations for their survival and whether it is a large or small amount I would encourage businesses to take part in events that help to raise money for them.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Visiting

Patients and staff help to create Chesterfield hospital’s new website

6th December 2018

Over the last few months patients and staff from Chesterfield Royal Hospital have contributed to a new and improved website that made its appearance earlier this week.

The site retains its address – www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk – providing a host of up to date information on a range of services based at the hospital and in the community. It’s been designed taking patient and staff feedback into account, to make it easier for users to find what they need quickly, easily and all within the recommended ‘three clicks’ or less.

Head of Communications Sarah Turner-Saint says: “We’re thrilled with the results and have been working very closely with Frank Design to come up with a site that is easy to use and looks clean and modern. Unlike our old site this one now automatically adapts to mobile devices – so anyone logging on via their phone or tablet will see a huge difference. It’s a much more colourful and interactive experience for anyone wanting to find out more about our hospital.”

Sarah added: “This site is for everyone who might be coming into hospital, who wants to comment on their experiences or care and treatment, or who might be interested in working for us – so we need to know it functions well and gives them what they need.”

“We are excited about the new launch of the Chesterfield Royal NHS Trust public facing website” said Jamie Wise, Managing Director Frank Health, “our dedicated team at Frank collaborated closely with the Chesterfield team to deliver a high quality website, beautifully designed and built to an exceptional standard.”

The Trust is welcoming more feedback on how the site now it’s up and running – from how information is accessed, to what’s included on the pages. The new website can be found at: www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

New Saltergate car park on schedule

29th November 2018

Saltergate’s new multi-storey car park has been confirmed as on track for its planned opening in late spring 2019.

Owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, the new car park will serve shoppers, commuters and people staying at the new Premier Inn hotel at the former Co-op department store on Elder Way.

With 530 spaces, the car park will be open 24 hours and have wider spaces and more disabled spaces than the previous car park, which was demolished earlier this year. It will also have six electric vehicle charging points, with the option to add a further ten.

Access to the car park will be controlled by automated speed gates at vehicle entrance and exits, while people will only be able to come through pedestrian entrances by using their parking ticket. Councillor Terry Gilby, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth, says:-

“It’s good to see the progress that is being made on the new Saltergate car park.

“One of our key priorities is to grow the local economy and this new car park will offer much improved facilities for shoppers and commuters travelling into Chesterfield and I hope will encourage people to come into the town centre.”

As part of the construction process, a temporary road closure will be required on the eastbound side of Saltergate from the junction with Rose Hill East to the Holywell Cross (Donut) roundabout to enable a crane to lift the key car park parts in to place. Traffic will still be able to travel westbound from the roundabout down Saltergate and there will also be access to the businesses along Saltergate.

A road closure order will be in place between 14 January and 28 February, although it is hoped the work can be completed earlier than this if the weather is not bad.

A temporary one way diversion will be in place taking drivers from Saltergate, down Rose Hill East by the side of Chesterfield Town Hall, on to Rose Hill, Knifesmithgate and Cavendish Street before returning to Saltergate.

The new car park is part of the Northern Gateway development which will see the opening of the new Premier Inn Hotel and improvements on Knifesmithgate and Elder Way. A planning application has also been submitted to build an enterprise centre on part of Holywell Cross (Donut) car park. This will offer extra space for start-up and existing small and medium-sized businesses, which is particularly needed as the current innovation centres at Dunston and Tapton Park are almost running at capacity.

In each of these projects, the council has used local labour clauses meaning that, where possible, local businesses have been in the construction process, and in supplying materials.

In total, the Northern Gateway scheme is due to create around 500 new jobs. For more information visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/northern-gateway/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Success for Peak District and Derbyshire in British Travel Awards

29th November 2018

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s quest to promote the area as a world-class destination has been given a massive boost following news that it has won bronze in the prestigious annual British Travel Awards.

The Peak District and Derbyshire has scored third place in the Best Holiday County or Region category – beaten only by Northumberland (gold) and Cornwall (silver) – and fending off stiff competition from other key contenders, including Devon, Cumbria and the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.

The news was revealed at a glamorous Gala Awards ceremony in London, attended by more than 800 professionals in the travel industry, last night (Wednesday November 28).

“The British Travel Awards are billed as the largest and most influential poll of consumer opinion on the performance of leisure, travel and tourism providers, so we are delighted that the Peak District and Derbyshire has received such a fantastic accolade,” said Jo Dilley, Managing Director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board.

“This is the first year we have entered, so to perform so well is brilliant news, and a great tribute to our small, but dedicated team, who all work so hard to put the area on the regional, national and international map.”

“We have so much to offer, from stunning, specially-protected landscapes, exhilarating outdoor activities and brilliant attractions to rich history and heritage, quality accommodation and fine, locally-produced food and drink – so it’s wonderful to be recognised and rewarded in this way. Hopefully our world-class destination will achieve even greater things in the 2019 awards.”

BTA chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: “Congratulations to the Peak District and Derbyshire on winning bronze in our Best Holiday County or Region category. The British Travel Awards are the only travel industry accolade voted for exclusively by the consumer, and they recognise all that is great about travel, as experienced by the travelling public. To win one is a true achievement.”

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Barry Lewis, said: “We’re thrilled to hear that the Peak District and Derbyshire has come third out of ten areas for the best UK Holiday County or Region in this year’s British Travel Awards.”

“The area has so much to offer, from fabulous historic buildings to stunning beauty spots, towns and villages and much more. We’re really proud to support the tourism industry, boosting our economy and supporting thousands of jobs.”

“Congratulations to Northumberland, which took the top spot, and thank you to everyone who voted for the Peak District and Derbyshire – hopefully it will encourage more people to come and visit and discover its many delights.”

Launched in 2008, the British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who is the best in the travel industry. The British Travel Awards is an independent organisation, verified by leading global business practitioners Deloitte.

Businesses and organisations under the spotlight each year include holiday companies; travel agencies and holiday planning; cruise lines, airlines and transport; accommodation and hotel brands; holiday add-ons and UK domestic holidays and attractions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champion wins accolade in National Apprenticeship Awards

28th November 2018

Apprentices and employers from across the country joined together on Thursday to celebrate their successes during Learning Unlimited’s very first ever National Apprenticeship Awards.

During a glittering ceremony at Pond’s Forge in Sheffield, awards were presented to businesses and individuals in recognition of their dedication, work and commitment to developing a skilled workforce though apprenticeships.

TV personality and journalist, Helen Fospero, presented the awards to those who had been chosen from the hundreds of nominations received from peers and managers.

The team at Chesterfield-based Heathcotes Group received national recognition when they were awarded the Large Employer of the Year title for demonstrating their commitment to developing apprentices in their company.

Heathcotes’ Managing Director, Brendan Kelly, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for all of the people involved in training and apprenticeships at Heathcotes. Health and social care is currently a very challenging sector and bringing on talented and dedicated people through apprenticeships is vital to achieve a sustainable model for high quality care. Heathcotes and our learning partners, the Chesterfield College Group, have developed a work-based learning programme which has proved to be exceptionally successful in creating employment and developing careers, both locally and nationally. We have achieved almost 600 apprenticeship starts over the past five years, with an 82% increase in apprenticeship starts between 2013/14 and 2017/18.”

Mark Bennington, Vice Principal Commercial Services and Enterprise at the Chesterfield College Group, said: “The Learning Unlimited National Apprenticeship Awards provided us with the opportunity to recognise the value of apprenticeships and the employers who are invested in the apprenticeship model.”

“Each award presented during the evening represented the positive impact on each and every one of those individuals and businesses. We look forward to working with our apprentices and businesses over the coming year and look forward to next year’s Apprenticeship Awards!”

And the rest of the winners were:

Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Bumbles Day Nursery

Finalists: Tameside Radio and Briggs of Burton

Investment in Apprentices

Winner: Read Roper Read

Finalists: MVIS, Accrofab and Alphaweld.

Partner of the Year

Winner: Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union

Finalists: Slack and Parr, NTAR and Tulip Ltd.

Small Employer of the Year

Winner: Wilson Howe.

Finalists: Sherwood Electronics and DOR Electrical

Medium Employer of the Year

Winner: Graphoidal Developments Ltd

Finalists: Ashgate Hospicecare and Refresco.

Large Employer of the Year

Winner: Heathcotes.

Finalists: Bombardier and Tarmac.

Employer of the Year

Winner: Derbyshire Constabulary

Outstanding Contribution to Delivery

Winner: Stef Monks

Finalists: Jennifer Dyke, Helen Payne, Mark Dixon, Fliss Shaw, Jonathan Price, Martin Thomas, James Lund, Wendy Taylor, and Kate Barker.

Chesterfield College Group’s Principal’s Award

Winner: Stef Monks

Intermediate Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Tillie Woolliscroft (MVIS)

Finalists: Jessie Lambkin (David Mason Design), and Jake Banton (Bombardier).

Advanced Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Luke Bunting (Bombardier)

Finalists: George Sheldon (MVIS), and Polly Oakes (Fifteen).

Higher Apprentice of the Year –

Winnner: James Bateman (Derbyshire Constabulary).

Finalists: James Marshall (Royal Mail), and Cameron Landa (Bombardier).

Dedication to Apprenticeship –

Winner: Amy Flint (Blackwell Primary School).

Finalists: Liam Quinby (Bombardier), and Sian Jones (Royal Mail)

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Kyle Stewart (DEB Chemicals)

Chesterfield’s Heathcotes Group were awarded the Large Employer of the Year title.

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

International flame protection firm set to open new base at Markham Vale

27th November 2018

Protec International is set to open a new site and create 20 new jobs at the flagship regeneration site Markham Vale.

Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said: “Markham Vale offers the ideal location for our business, particularly given the high quality currently available on the market.”

“The initial phase will create up to 20 new jobs and plans for the second phase could add a further 20-25 across manufacturing and warehousing disciplines. The site provides the full package and we look forward to moving in next year.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country. Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Protec International to Markham Vale.”

“They’ll be a fantastic addition to the site’s growing family of businesses and it’s great to hear that the firm are looking to create up to 20 new jobs for local people too.”

“Markham’s excellent location continues to attract a range of small, medium and large businesses that can be local, national and international and we’re really pleased it continues to move from strength to strength.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base is set to be completed towards the end of 2019 and will be designed and built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on Markham Vale North. Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“Demand has remained robust at Markham Vale, led largely by its unrivalled transport links and proven success as a top-flight industrial location.”

“We’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove an excellent location for Protec International, supporting its continued growth while creating valuable new jobs.”

Businesses interested in acquiring premises at the site should contact the Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey on tel: 01629 535417.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield business relaunches as a dedicated commercial training provider

27th November 2018

Continuing its 50-year history in the Chesterfield business community, NLT Training Services has successfully relaunched as a dedicated commercial training provider.

Recognising the need to multi-skill people within the workplace to better enable companies to manage skill shortages, NLT has developed a range of commercial training courses.

Specialising in training for the manufacturing and engineering-related training, NLT now also offers bespoke packages, specifically created to match the training needs of businesses.

Supporting the refocus of the business, NLT has also launched a new, more user-friendly website which includes an online booking system for its range of health and safety course. A new, centralised telephone number has also been introduced to make getting in touch with NLT even easier.

The new training offering has been welcomed by businesses operating in the sector.

According to research from the Open University, three in five firms say that the skills shortage in the UK has worsened in the last year. More than half (53%) expect recruitment problems to deepen in the next year as we leave the EU.

91% of employers surveyed revealed that a lack of available talent was affecting their business. Upskilling and cross-training existing workforce has been identified as a solution to the immediate skills shortage.

The company’s re-focus follows the move to cease operating as an apprenticeship training provider. Keen to build on 50 years’ experience working with businesses throughout the region, the company refocused its efforts earlier this year to concentrate on its commercial training offering.

NLT continues to be led by Chief Executive Sarah Temperton, who said: “This is a time of transformation for NLT. Although early days we are have a strong team and are building our commercial training offering to reflect the ever-diversifying needs of businesses.”

“We also want to give something back to businesses, so we are looking at developing a bursary to help more people enter the industry in order to address the skills problem.”

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield businessman receives Honorary Degree from the University of Derby

27th November 2018

Derby’s former Chief Nurse, a world-leading butterfly expert and the chairman of a global drinks company have received Honorary Degrees from the University of Derby at Award Ceremonies last week.

Each year, notable people with a strong connection to the University, the city and the county are chosen to receive an Honorary Degree, in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made to their fields.

Thousands of graduating students, guests and VIPs attended the Ceremonies, which took place on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November, at Derby Arena.

The year’s recipients are:

Kay Fawcett OBE, Honorary Doctor of the University
Steve Perez, Honorary Master of Business Administration
Colin Treadaway-Hoare, Honorary Doctor of the University

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “It is always a pleasure to present Honorary Degrees to those who have played such a significant role in our region, and Kay, Steve and Colin are no exception.”

“Each one of these notable people has made an exceptional contribution in their field. I am delighted to present them with these honorary awards alongside graduating students, and hope they will inspire the next generation to achieve great things in their own chosen fields.”

Steve Perez is chairman of Global Brands, a leading independent drinks business, and owner of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield, as well as being part of Chesterfield Champions. Steve grew up in Chesterfield and founded the Global Beer Company in 1986, initially selling imported beer to local pubs and clubs from the back of a van.

In 1997, he spotted a gap in the market and launched VK, now one of the best-selling vodka-based drinks in the UK. In 2002, Global Brands was the UK’s fourth fastest-growing company and Steve was voted CBI Entrepreneur of the Year. Since then, Steve has expanded into property, farming and hotels. Outside of work, Steve has been a successful rally driver and is a four-time British rally champion.

The University wishes to recognise Steve’s achievements as a local entrepreneur and his impact on the local economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

First licence issued for Chesterfield dog day care centre

26th November 2018

A dog care centre in Chesterfield has become the first to receive a licence under new animal licensing laws following an inspection by Chesterfield Borough Council.

Divine Dog Care run by Julie Spooner, offers a home from home for canines during the day and was praised by the council’s inspector for having high standards of care and hygiene, and having all the required documentation in place.

It has been given a licence for the maximum period of three years.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This is the first inspection of this kind that we have carried out and are pleased to have found that Divine Dog Care is looking after the animals in its care correctly.”

“We are offering support to other local animal businesses to prepare them for the new inspection regime and to ensure that businesses in the Chesterfield borough meet the highest standards.”

“All existing and new applicants need to comply with new rules under the new licensing regime including pet shops, kennels, catteries, home boarding for dogs, day care for dogs, dog breeders, hiring of horses and anyone training or exhibiting animals.”

Under new laws introduced from 1 October this year, businesses will now be risk rated on their welfare standards.

One to five stars can be awarded which will see inspections carried out from one up to three years.

Visit the council website to see the list of all animal licensed businesses in the Chesterfield area.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield Champion receives prestigious award from the Ministry of Defence

26th November 2018

Home Instead Senior Care Chesterfield, an at home care company that provides care to people in their own homes, is honoured to have received a Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award from the Ministry of Defence at a special awards ceremony last week.

The awards evening was held at Beaumanor Hall and the winners were presented with certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff during a special ceremony.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) rewards and recognises UK employers for their support and commitment towards defence. The scheme includes bronze, silver and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Stephanie Metham, owner of Home Instead Chesterfield said: “We at Home Instead Senior Care are delighted to have received the ERS Silver award. Members of the Armed Forces bring great value to the care sector as serving and helping others is part of the core values of the military service.”

“Former service personnel have an affinity to nurture and support others and offer a wealth of knowledge and skills, and we are proud to continue our support of the Ministry of Defence.”

Home Instead Senior Care is one of the UK’s leading at-home care providers. Their service is tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, medication reminders, shopping and errands to personal care. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Fiona Clark and Stephanie Metham from Home Instead being presented with their certificate from Air Commodore Simon Edwards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield

Pantomime stars spread cheer at Gussie’s Kitchen

23rd November 2018

Families who use Gussie’s Kitchen in Chesterfield met a real life Cinderella and Prince Charming this week as stars from the forthcoming Cinderella pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre visited the project.

Children’s TV favourite Naomi Wilkinson, who stars as Cinderella in the production, visited along with X Factor singer Rhydian Roberts who plays Prince Charming.

Both were impressed with the social eating project at Saints Augustine Church on Derby Road, which provides hot, healthy meals to local people weekly and gives the chance for people who may be isolated to meet and chat together.

They spent time speaking to people who use the project and the volunteers who prepare the food each week.

Naomi Wilkinson said: “It’s been really great to visit Gussie’s Kitchen and meet the lovely people who work here and volunteer here offering this delicious food to some people who really need it.”

“There’s a lovely atmosphere in this social space for people who need some companionship and a little bit of extra help.”

Rhydian Roberts added: “There are a lot of children here who are looking forward to the panto. One girl kept jumping up and down, she couldn’t believe Cinderella was in front of her.”

The project has received funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and is supported by local Tesco branches and Saints Augustine Church.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s deputy leader, said: “All the children were excited to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming.”

“They have been so good, having their photos taken with the children and serving the food. We’re really grateful to the pantomime stars.”

Cinderella runs at the Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield, from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 6 January. Click here for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Leisure, Visiting