Celebrate Chesterfield

New Chief Executive Officer appointed by D2N2 LEP

A new Chief Executive Officer has been appointed by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.

Sajeeda Rose, who has been Interim CEO at the D2N2 LEP since September (2018), becomes CEO with immediate effect, following a robust recruitment process.

As the LEP’s CEO, Sajeeda leads a small team supporting the D2N2 Board – a private sector-led Partnership of business, local authorities, higher and further education providers, and community and voluntary organisations – in promoting an economic growth plan for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire; using resources of more than £500million in funding, derived from the UK Government and European Union.

Sajeeda joined the D2N2 LEP in November 2017, as Senior Manager for Growth Deals and Capital Programmes, and acted as Interim Deputy CEO before taking on the Interim CEO role in September 2018.

Prior to joining D2N2, Sajeeda was Chief Operating Officer for the Northamptonshire LEP, where she was responsible for strategy development and delivery of all investment programmes by that LEP. She also worked for the former East Midlands Development Agency, supporting the delivery of sub-regional investment programmes.

Sajeeda has a BA (Hons) degree in Politics & Economic History from the University of Leicester. She is married with two children.

Elizabeth Fagan, Chair of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “I am confident that in Sajeeda we have found a CEO who will continue to lead D2N2 in delivering economic growth for all our communities, using the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan (SEP); currently in the final stages of being updated to meet the area’s changing needs up to 2030.

“Sajeeda is taking on the role at a time when the D2N2 LEP has much to do; including the launch of its new SEP, developing a Local Industrial Strategy, delivering current and planned programmes, as well as consultation on and establishing new governance rules for the LEP’s Board Members and staff to make our operations even more publicly accountable. I’m confident that Sajeeda’s leadership will help deliver results for all our stakeholders.”

Sajeeda Rose, CEO for the D2N2 LEP, added: “I am delighted to be appointed as the D2N2 LEP’s new CEO, and to have the opportunity to build on the great work of its Board and staff to date.”

“The LEP has a lot to do in future. We have a new strategic plan to launch to take our economy into the next decade, a Local Industrial Strategy to develop to complement the work being done nationally, increasing access to skills and training, and ensuring we continue to attract private investment to Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. I look forward to the challenge.”

Further information about the work of the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can be found on its website at www.d2n2lep.org/Home

D2N2

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

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa wins 5 wedding accolades including England’s Top Wedding Venue

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa swept the board at the WeddingDates Awards picking up 5 accolades, winning the coveted title of England’s Top Wedding Venue.

The venue has also been announced as winner of East Midlands Top Rated Wedding Venue, winner of Derbyshire’s Top Rated Wedding Venue and winner of Country House Wedding Venue of the Year.

The final award was given to Nicola Williams, Wedding Coordinator at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, for East Midlands Wedding Coordinator of the year.

In a year of notable achievements, Ringwood Hall Hotel has been awarded 4 Star Status by the AA,  Conference Venue of the Year at the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, a Gold Award in the East Midlands in Bloom awards,  a 5 Bubble award for the Garden Secret Spa by the Good Spa Guide and a Bronze Green Tourism award.

Ringwood Hall has seen a transformation over the past two years since new owners purchased the property in 2016 and further plans are already in place to continue the investment into the Grade II listed building.

Rona Davies, General Manager at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa, said “I could not be more thrilled to have received these wedding awards. The whole team work so hard to ensure that every wedding is perfect for our couples.”

“These awards are based on customer feedback and therefore really do hold a special place for us. Winning the Country House Wedding Venue of the Year award, among the others, is just fabulous as the UK is home to so many beautiful properties. We truly feel honoured to be given such recognition.”

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

Local female entrepreneur chosen as science Community Leader

Local entrepreneur Ann Fomukong-Boden has been chosen by the British Science Association (BSA) to become one of its new Community Leaders.

Ann is a STEM Ambassador, Electronic Engineer and Director of Chesterfield-based Kakou Technologies. Ann is one of twelve individuals from across the UK chosen to take part in the programme. The aim of the Community Leaders programme is to harness the passion and ideas of the individuals, enabling them to deliver sustained public science engagement throughout the year.

Since 1994, the BSA has organised British Science Week, an annual grass-roots celebration of science and engineering that runs over 10 days every March.

For the past three years Ann has organised Science Week events in collaboration with Brampton Brewery, Chesterfield Museum and Art Gallery, Monkey Park Community Cafe, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Pavements Shopping Centre.

Ann said: “I’m very proud to be chosen by the BSA as one of their first Community Leaders. Many people find it hard to engage with or relate to the sciences; it is still seen by many as a difficult subject that is not useful later in life. However, we all use and rely on the sciences every day, for example, using our mobile phones, cooking, applying make-up or going to the pub.”

“Working with local organisations, I’m hoping to build a network which can share and promote each other’s STEM related activities and events.”

In the New Year, Kakou will start offering a mixture of creative arts and technology-based workshops designed for people looking to learn or discover new skills. The first workshop will be a Raspberry Pi session for total beginners (parents, teachers and hobbyists) held at Chesterfield Library in January 2019. More information can be found here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

New Vice Principal joins the Chesterfield College team

Anna Jackson recently joined the Chesterfield College management team as Vice Principal for Learning, Skills and Innovation. She is working alongside Directors at the college to develop academic and technical provision and to drive forward the college’s quality and improvement plan.

Anna brings a wealth of education experience and a track record of curriculum improvement and working in partnership with local industry to develop the skills needed.

Following a career in industry, Anna joined the education sector around 15 years ago. Her first role in further education was in Leicester, where she initially worked as a lecturer but she quickly joined the management team.

Anna left her role as Head of Faculty for Business, ICT, Technology, Engineering and Construction at Birmingham Metropolitan College to join Chesterfield College. During her time in Birmingham she worked on key projects such as setting up the region’s Rail Academy working with stakeholders such as the National College of High Speed Rail.

Anna said: “I know from my short time in this job that this is a college which puts learning at the heart of what it does and I am looking forward to being part of that. A huge part of my role is to work with the team to improve performance and progress of learners and to develop Chesterfield College’s offer to ensure we are providing quality further education for students and employers.”

“I am keen to work with schools, employers and the Local Enterprise Partnerships to ensure that we are developing study programmes with progression and the local economy in mind. We will be working hard to raise learner aspirations and ensure they move on to positive destinations.”

Anna will play a key part in growing the college’s engineering and advanced manufacturing provision and a number of other projects to meet the needs of the region.

Chesterfield College open days

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Two more additions to Markham Vale

Two more businesses have selected Markham Vale as their preferred location and are now up and running in Waterloo Court on Markham Lane.

Integrity Devices Ltd, operating out of Unit 7, is a privately owned healthcare company who supply speciality medical devices in niche areas of the health industry. The company has gained plaudits for its commercial agility, offering high quality products at highly competitive prices.

The other new company at Waterloo Court is Barmy Army Ltd. Founded on the 94/95 cricket tour of Australia, the company have been supporting the England cricket team for well over 20 years both at home and abroad. They are now recognised as some of the greatest supporters in cricket and continue to help bring cricket to the masses, provide tickets and organise tours to support the team wherever they are playing.

This news follows yesterday’s announcement that a further three deals have been completed in the last two months at the Wilson Business Park, also at Markham Vale.

Markham Vale is a 200 acre business park with direct access to the M1 motorway via a dedicated junction, 29A. This prime development site offers build-to-suit units from 10,000 to 300,000 sq. ft. for industrial, warehouse, hotel or office builds.

Since acquiring the site ten years ago, more than 1,600 jobs have been created with 1.8 million sq. ft. of developed business space and another 100,000 sq. ft. available for further development.

Markham Vale

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

Further sales announced at Markham Vale’s Wilson Business Park

Commercial Property Partners LLP (CPP) has completed a further three deals in the last two months at Wilson Business Park, the flagship business park which forms part of the wider Markham Vale regeneration area.

GB Bespoke Joinery has purchased a 2,300 sq ft unit on the site which will form its new HQ, where it will manufacture joinery products for its nationwide contract projects.

Lee Gent, from GB Bespoke Joinery said: “The quality of the units at Wilson Business Park is outstanding, and the surrounding transport links mean excellent access to the surrounding cities, and beyond. We are looking forward to moving into our unit and continuing to grow our business.”

LTEK Systems, who manufacture control systems, has purchased Unit 11, totalling 1,250 sq ft, and motorcycle expedition company Globebusters have also secured a unit of the same size. A further unit has been purchased by a private investor and subsequently let to Switch Electrical Supplies.

The latest occupants to the scheme join the wider Markham Vale site, alongside businesses including Direct Track Solutions, Shotblast Solutions, Magpie Beauty & Catering Projects – negotiated by CPP earlier this year.

With three further units under offer, this leaves just two units available, of 2,200 & 3,050 sq ft.  Priority Space is also building a further 15,000 sq ft standalone unit on nearby Greaves Close, which is close to completion and being offered for sale by CPP.

Stuart Waite, Partner at CPP commented: “We are delighted to have completed further sales, and additional lettings, on the park, demonstrating a resilient demand for small industrial units, especially those that are available to buy.”

“The site is now well-established as ideal premises for any business looking for accommodation in the region – and boasts an exceptional location and key transport links. We’d encourage anyone who is interested in space at Wilson Park to contact us directly.”

Markham Vale benefits from its own M1 motorway junction, Junction 29a, and is just five miles east of Chesterfield and approximately 20 miles from Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.

Markham Vale Wilson Business Park CPP

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

Charities share Chamber’s fundraising efforts

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.”

East Midlands Chamber charities

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

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

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

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

New Saltergate car park on schedule

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/.

Northern Gateway - Multistorey Car Park

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

Success for Peak District and Derbyshire in British Travel Awards

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.

Peak District and Derbyshire

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

Chesterfield Champion wins accolade in National Apprenticeship Awards

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