Regeneration across the East Midlands will be put under the spotlight at a major investment and infrastructure forum next month.
The UK’s premier economic development event, the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) is taking place this year from 21-23 May in Leeds.
UKREiiF aims to connect people, places and businesses to drive sustainable and inclusive investment – regenerating towns, cities and driving development – which in turn have a positive impact on communities, economic growth and prosperity.
Representatives from D2N2 LEP will be attending UKREiiF and will lead an interactive panel discussion on 22 May – ‘Focus on the East Midlands: our Time is NOW’.
During the panel session, delegates will hear directly from the new East Midlands Mayor, who will be confirmed once elections have taken place on Thursday 2nd May. Senior leaders from D2N2 LEP, East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Development Company will also outline investment and development opportunities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and explain how devolution is set to transform the East Midlands region.
With access to up to £4 billion funding to invest in skills, transport, homes and regeneration and decarbonisation, the East Midlands devolution deal represents a once in a generation opportunity for our new East Midlands Mayor to use their new powers and new funding to drive growth and prosperity across the region. Panellists will discuss major infrastructure investment propositions coming on stream in our region such as the East Midlands Investment Zone, the STEP Fusion programme and the East Midlands Hydrogen cluster.
Panel discussion on East Midlands Devolution at UKREiiF 2023
Panellists include:
The newly elected East Midlands Mayor*
Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair D2N2 LEP
Nora Senior CBE, Chair, East Midlands Freeport
Sir Chris Haworth, Chair, East Midlands Development Company
*The East Midlands Mayor will be elected on Thursday 2 May and will confirm attendance following the election
The panel will be chaired by independent broadcaster Geeta Pendse
D2N2 LEP Chair, Elizabeth Fagan CBE, said: “During the panel, I’m looking forward to discussing the wealth of investable propositions we have in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, such as the East Midlands Investment Zone, that will focus on advanced manufacturing and green industries. The Investment Zone will complement our region’s low carbon prowess in nuclear and hydrogen, in particular the STEP Fusion programme in North Nottinghamshire and our East Midlands Hydrogen Consortium, our unique inland hydrogen collaboration cluster. The East Midlands is on the cusp of a very exciting future and it’s vital that we seize the momentum that devolution brings to transform our region.”
East Midlands Freeport Chair, Nora Senior CBE, said: “We have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attract and drive investment, innovation, and green growth across the region with two landmark destinations offered by East Midlands Freeport and the new combined authority’s investment zones. This panel will be an excellent showcase for all that the East Midlands has to offer investors who are keen to harness the skills, expertise and manufacturing heritage we have on offer here in the heart of the country.”
The Chair of East Midlands Development Company , Sir Chris Haworth said: “This is a momentous year for the East Midlands. We are looking forward to working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority and Mayor. There are some hugely exciting opportunities in the region which is at the centre of an energy revolution with the emergence of STEP nuclear fusion. Later this year, the closure of Ratcliffe Power Station, which is the last coal fired power station in the UK, marks a significant moment in history and provides a key location for economic growth adjacent to East Midlands Parkway Station.”
Delegates representing Destination Chesterfield will be in attendance at the event, discussing the wide range of investment taking place across the town with fellow attendees.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “UKREiiF is an excellent opportunity to showcase our region, which we know has huge potential for investment and growth.
“Chesterfield has seen a significant amount of major regeneration over the past decade, with several multi-million-pound projects still coming forward.
“We look forward to seeing how devolution in the East Midlands will bring further growth to our town and surrounding areas – improving jobs, skills, infrastructure and quality of life for our people.”
Join the interactive panel session at UKREiiF to discuss how Team East Midlands is working together to unlock our region’s £4bn investment opportunity and create a brighter future for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The panel is free to attend for delegates attending UKREiiF.
Chesterfield businesses are highlighting how they are becoming more sustainable and playing their part in reducing carbon emissions, waste, and pollution.
Earth Day 2024 provides the perfect opportunity to showcase our businesses that are taking responsibility and looking after our corner of the world. Many companies across Chesterfield are implementing eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise impact to the environment.
Several recent developments have indicated the town’s commitment to sustainability, including the recent office spaces at One Waterside Place and the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre. The former achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating, while the latter was rated Excellent.
Last month, Chesterfield Borough Council approved a new annual delivery plan that aims to ensure the council is a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and that the borough is carbon-neutral by 2050. Investing in even more green vehicles, continuing to make council homes more energy efficient and making further progress towards decarbonising key council buildings – including leisure centres and the Town Hall – are among the actions set out in the council’s climate change plan for the coming year.
What’s more, future schemes such as the PEAK Gateway Resort will also be developed with sustainability in mind. PEAK’s masterplan includes a zero carbon carless mobility system offering day passes to visit the national park, and will generate its own energy on-site.
The town’s Property and Construction Group also regularly holds focused discussions on the subject of sustainability, enabling sector leaders to share knowledge and best practice.
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “As consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, Chesterfield businesses are not only meeting regulatory requirements but also seizing competitive advantages by aligning with environmental values. Earth Day serves as a catalyst for businesses to accelerate their efforts in building a more sustainable and resilient future.”
We spoke to several figures from our town’s network of Chesterfield Champions to find out how businesses in the area are playing their part.
Claire Wilks, FWD Motion
At the heart of our business lies an unwavering commitment to sustainability across all our business operations- and we are increasingly finding this principle mirrored in clients’ priorities and decision-making too. We think about how our products sourced, produced delivered and even end-of-life recycling- the whole lifecycle is considered with eco-consciousness in mind. Embracing local suppliers and UK-made products, and we are also now using more environmentally friendly UV link (rather than solvent inks)- and we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint still further. We have taken proactive steps transitioning our entire vehicle fleet to electric, with charging points at our headquarters. And our initiatives include a bee-friendly garden and encouraging a cycle commute with onsite showers. Solar panels power our HQs with plans for further expansion. This approach underscores our mission to promoting environmentally sustainability in all aspects of our mission.
Sophie Pashley, Peak Pharmacy
We currently assemble about 1.5million patient prescription items each month. This means thousands of paper bags. With our new system, bags are made from compostable potato starch immediately decreasing paper use. Our workplace travel plan encourages car sharing, and use of electric vehicles, for delivery vehicles and staff cars. The movement sensor lighting in our building turns lights off when parts of the building are unoccupied. Where possible, waste generated on site is recycled and we continually look for ways to improve this further.
Gareth Paradise, Global Brands
We’ve got a team of staff who are dedicated to continually improving our sustainability. We’ve recently invested in solar panels to take the bulk of our power demands. We constantly monitor power use and look to install devices and practices to reduce consumption. Our cardboard and plastic are all recycled from our warehouse, which amounts to quite a lot each year! Last year we completed our first carbon footprint assessment, setting clear targets to become carbon net zero by 2050.
Bridget Ball, Chesterfield FC
Steps have been taken to reduce the use of electricity around the stadium, where possible. Chesterfield FC Community Trust deliver sessions in schools, outlining the importance of protecting the environment and advising how youngsters and their families can do their bit to become eco-friendly.
Kelly Parks, Banner Jones Solicitors
Legal Firms are historically very paper-heavy but in recent years we have made a real effort to reduce our paper trail, opting for online files and court bundles. This drive has been seen across the whole business and is probably the most significant change in our environmental footprint. We also conduct far more client meetings on the phone and online which saves them a trip to our offices, which means less traffic pollution.
Richard Fowler, RA Information Systems
One of our key priorities is environmentally conscious outsourcing to diminish our carbon footprint. We’ve partnered with ASK4 Data Centre, a facility powered entirely by renewable energy derived from wind, hydro, and solar sources. This strategic collaboration not only aligns with our commitment to sustainability but also provides our clients with tangible evidence of our dedication to eco-friendly practices. In addition to this, we actively participate in recycling electronic waste.
Jon Harris, Minuteman Press Chesterfield
All the papers we use are FSC accredited, meaning they come from sustainable managed forests. All our waste paper and toner cartridges are either recyclable or sent back to be re-used. In our line of business, we believe it is important to educate customers on the process behind the print and try to ensure we are using processes which cause the least damage to our environment and reduce the amount of waste.
Mike Jones, Windowcharm Blinds and Curtains
Sustainability remains a focal point for me. I constantly seek ways to improve by sourcing materials locally whenever feasible, prioritizing UK-based suppliers who manufacture components domestically rather than overseas. Embracing a local workforce and encouraging car-sharing among staff contribute to our sustainability efforts. We responsibly recycle/reuse waste materials and emphasize overhauls and refurbishments over replacements whenever possible.
Rob Carlin, Superior Wellness
With innovation being one of our brand values, every time we innovate we think about the environment. We have installed solar panels on the roof of the warehouse, have electric forklifts and sourcing sustainable materials for our production facility. We also have a couple of charging points for vehicles and over the next few years this number will increase.
Peter Botham, Shed Grounds Maintenance
Sustainability is at the heart of our approach at Shed, and we are proud to have achieved ISO 14001 certification, a testament to our environmental responsibility. We’ve been proudly paper-free since 2019, reducing unnecessary waste and resource consumption. We’re also making strides in our vehicle fleet by adopting electric vans and company cars.
Jenna Frudd, Wilmott Dixon
The built environment generates 40% of annual global CO2 emissions, so we want to make sure we’re making a difference where it counts. This applies to our own business’ sustainability goals as well as helping our customers on their own sustainability journeys. We have a 2020-2030 sustainability strategy named Now or Never that includes ambitious targets. Two of these targets are to become a net-zero carbon business, as well as ensuring all new buildings and major refurbishments we deliver for our customers achieve net zero operational carbon by the end of the decade.
Scott Fullaway, Stepnell
“At complete construction partner Stepnell, we are committed to using a local supply chain wherever possible to support a sustainable local low carbon economy. Our dedicated energy and renewables team, Step Energy, provides bespoke solutions to help our clients save energy and reduce their carbon output throughout the project lifecycle. By developing and delivering commercially appropriate renewable energy strategies, we can help clients meet their energy requirements and contribute to a low carbon built environment.”
Curtis Newsome, Eden Tyres and Servicing
We make sure that all our tyres are sent to a recycling centre, where they can be made into astroturf, riding areas or re-used in construction materials. Eden have also made the switch to electric vehicles for the management team & have been working to install EV charges in the branches. A bike to work scheme has recently been introduced & we’ve got a workshop full of tools to keep our bikes in top condition. We also make sure our oil is disposed of properly.
William Thomas, MSE Hiller
“Here are a few improvements we have put in place at MSE to help make our business as sustainable as possible. We have a rainwater recovery system installed. The rainwater is stored in underground tanks where it is filtered and circulated throughout the workshop for further use on various applications such as our high-pressure wash bay. All our overhead lighting in the workshop has now been converted to energy efficient LED units. These units have built in motion sensors that turn off the LED’s when they are not required. We have also utilised our roof space by installing solar panels. These panels have proven to be incredibly efficient, halving our annual energy costs. In fact, the panels harvest so much energy that, in addition to our other energy recovery systems, it puts power back into the grid.”
The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
This World Creativity and Innovation Day, we’re celebrating the amazing talent and achievement of businesses based here in Chesterfield.
From new systems to improve efficiency or sustainability, to harnessing the power of AI – our businesses are constantly looking for new ways to gain a competitive and creative edge.
World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated globally on April 21 to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem-solving for sustainable development. The United Nations founded this day to highlight the role of culture, creative industries, and initiatives in various sectors to promote creativity and innovation.
Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “We are so proud of the way our businesses contribute to the wider national and global economy, right here in Chesterfield.
“Our town has transformed itself in recent decades, from being known for traditional industries such as mining and mineral extraction, to now becoming a place where advanced manufacturing businesses and exciting creative and digital companies call their home.
“We’re pleased to share with you how many of our businesses are continuing to grow and innovate, giving them a competitive edge and ensuring Chesterfield’s economy continues to evolve and thrive.”
Here are just some of the brilliant successes from Chesterfield and North Derbyshire’s creative and innovative organisations which we have seen over the last few months.
Noonah reveals cutting-edge AI photo booth
Noonah, a Chesterfield company with expertise in event technology, has announced the launch of a state-of-the-art AI Photo Booth for immersive brand experiences.
The firm says its latest innovation guarantees an exceptional event journey, with high-quality outputs, generated with unmatched resolution and artistic flair. It promises to elevate every captured moment, with rapid output generation within seconds, meaning attendees can instantly see their AI-enhanced photos in real time.
Safety and customisation take centre stage, as the booth is fully brandable and offers robust moderation tools, ensuring a secure and tailored experience. Noonah’s commitment to inclusivity is evident with ethnicity consideration, promoting diverse and representative outputs.
In addition, Noonah’s in-house tech team is continually introducing new modes, making the AI Photo Booth future-proof for any event or brand activation. Built for versatility, ease of setup, portability, and onsite technical support makes it ideal for pop-ups, conferences, and diverse event settings.
The new technology can include features such as:
AI Themer Mode, which seamlessly transforms your audience into avatars of your chosen theme, whether it’s a dynamic brand campaign, a blockbuster film release, or a seasonal setting.
AI Headshots Mode, providing versatile headshots which can serve as event media, perfect for ID badges, office lanyards, and professional platforms like LinkedIn.
AI TimeMachine Mode, allowing users to experience historical milestones, future landscapes, or age transformations.
AI Stylize Mode, transforming ordinary snapshots into pieces of art, each embodying a unique and visually striking style. Whether it’s the charm of anime, the fun of cartoons, the bold strokes of comics, or even the elegance of renowned art styles.
AI Destination Mode, which can allow attendees to picture themselves amid the lush greenery of a jungle, the tranquil shores of a beach, the bustling energy of New York’s Times Square, or even the majestic grandeur of the pyramids.
“This new AI Photo Booth redefines how brands connect with their audiences at events,” said Hannah Mott, Marketing Manager at Noonah. “It’s not just a booth; it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences.”
Custom Solar launches new robot to clean and maintain solar panels
A new robot has been created by Custom Solar, providing an inventive new solution to maintain solar panels.
The SolarCleano F1 has been designed to meet all needs in cleaning all types of solar installations, ensuring panels can work as effectively as possible and supporting the production of renewable and sustainable energy.
The robot can be dismounted into 4 parts for easy transportation. Highly mobile, it can be easily carried and operated by one person. The assembly and disassembly of the robot can be completed within 3 minutes.
A Custom Solar spokesperson commented: “As a company that has seen continuous growth over the last few years, adapting and evolving to new technologies comes as a standard. Here at Custom Solar, we wouldn’t be able to offer our clients the fantastic, pioneering projects that we can, without the support of advanced technologies such as our cleaning robot.
“Alongside our use of advanced tech, we have internal engineering and construction capability to design, develop, engineer and deliver multi technology services. These include, solar rooftop and car port solutions, civil engineering, LED lighting, HV and LV electrical infrastructure, EV solutions and BESS. The ability to deliver all the above showcases how far ahead we are in our industry, as Solar has been primarily a sub-contracted workforce.
“It is so important that we continue innovating and evolving with technology as this is what keeps us as the UK’s leading commercial Solar PV Developers.”
CarMats.co.uk innovates at new Chesterfield HQ to meet rising demand
CarMats.co.uk, a business specialising in UK-manufactured tailored car mats to fit every make and model, recently announced the opening of its 7,500 sq ft warehouse facility located on Chesterfield Trading Estate.
Since then, the organisation has been able to scale up its production and growth rapidly. Ash Young, Managing Director of CarMats.co.uk explained how the organsiation has adapted to capitalise on the demand it has experienced.
He said: “If we hadn’t done things differently, we wouldn’t have seen the growth that we have. When we set up the business we were aiming for 100 orders per day, but because we changed the way we marketed the products, we are now shipping around 150,000 orders per year and we’re going to turn over about £7.5m this year.
“We’ve managed to hire a really skilled team in Chesterfield and the transport links mean it’s easy for us to get out to couriers easily.”
Trio of Chesterfield businesses join forces in sustainable collaboration
Three businesses, all based in Chesterfield have entered a collaborative network to assist their customers with sustainability and efficiency.
LB Electrical Contractors, Choice Utility and Infrared group have entered into a collective commitment to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, after firms recognised the complimentary nature of each others’ strengths.
Choice’s proficiency in business energy, Infrared Group’s groundbreaking infrared heating panels, and LB Electrical’s expertise in solar panel and battery storage installation enable them to join forces, creating a comprehensive solution that not only enhances user experiences but also fosters innovation and efficiency.
In terms of supporting business in the area, the collaboration intends to provide a holistic approach. It seeks drive economic growth in the town, promote technological advancement, and create a positive impact on the community.
Dan Molloy, Director, Choice Utility said: “We are really excited about this collaboration as it allows us to focus our efforts locally to advise a large array of different businesses in all elements of their energy costs.
“We are committed to helping businesses reduce their costs in all aspects, we have always been able to help enhance energy pricing for all our customers and advise in energy reduction measures but now we have a fantastic opportunity to work together formally with both LB Electrical & Infrared Group, giving us the confidence that our clients are receiving the very best service.”
Lee Burgess, Director, LB Electrical Contractors Ltd. added: “LB Electrical are thrilled to be part of the exciting collaboration with Choice and Infrared. This partnership brings together the expertise of Choice in providing flexible solutions and the cutting-edge technology of Infrared, and we couldn’t be more pleased to contribute our electrical expertise to this innovative initiative.
“By integrating our services, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in optimizing energy costs and promoting sustainability. Together, we aim to implement energy-efficient solutions that not only reduce operational expenses but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly business environment.
Weightron Bilanciai showcases digital weighing system to improve accuracy and efficiency
Weightron Bilanciai. Bridge Way, Chesterfield
Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has launched a new product, which will support businesses in improving their accuracy, efficiency and compliance.
The company has unveiled WinWeigh 5, a dedicated, user-friendly cloud based weighing package, which gives unrivalled versatility and flexibility, opening up new dimensions in the management of weighing data.
WinWeigh5 revolutionises the way businesses manage their weighbridge and weighing operations by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. This powerful software is designed to streamline weighbridge processes, reduce manual errors, and improve overall productivity for businesses of all sizes.
Companies can seamlessly integrate WinWeigh5 with their existing systems, such as accounting software, ERP solutions, and more. Users can automate data entry, invoicing, and reporting to save time and reduce errors.
The software enables businesses to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards with built-in reporting tools, by generating accurate reports for regulatory authorities, audits, and internal analysis.
WinWeigh 5 also has the ability to weigh lorry loads without the need for drivers to leave their cabs. The software controls integrated ANPR cameras, traffic lights, traffic barriers and driver-operated terminals. These touch screen terminals, fitted with RFID card readers, guide drivers through the weighing process, without the need for them to leave their cabs.
“We are excited to introduce WinWeigh5 to the market,” said Nick Catt, CEO of Weightron Bilanciai. “We believe this software will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighbridge data management and weighing processes for our customers. With its cloud-based architecture, robust features, and user-friendly design, WinWeigh5 sets a new standard for weighbridge automation and management.”
Peak Pharmacy improves efficiency by investing in new technology
Chesterfield-based Peak Pharmacy has invested in new, innovative equipment to speed up its processes, along with improving accuracy and capacity.
The organisation recently moved to a new headquarters at the Horizon 29 development near Chesterfield and is now investing in an Austrian system provided by Knapp to improve the way it dispenses medications for customers.
Managing Director, Joe Cattee explained: “Knapp partners with a number of organisations within the country already and supports with the ability to pick products by using fully automated and manual picking zones for speed and convenience.
“The attraction to work with this provider was that they have designed a system that enables us to dispense patients’ medication at our site. This takes this workload out of community pharmacy and creates capacity within our pharmacy network for our teams to support patients in different ways.
“The machine is significantly more accurate than human dispensing, and the speed in which we can dispense medication means that we can do approximately half of all the prescriptions we do on a monthly basis through our Hub. Clearly, there will be some requirements to support and educate both our pharmacy teams and patients, but it enables us to revolutionise what we do under extremely challenging conditions.”
The new technology is helping Peak Pharmacy to revolutionise how it operates, enabling the business to continue thriving during a challenging economic climate.
Joe added: “By investing in automation at our Hub, we reduce the stress and pressure on our pharmacy teams, ensuring a better level of patient care is provided. The launch of the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme on 31st January 2024, enabling community pharmacy to treat seven common health conditions without visiting a GP, shows the direction of travel that community pharmacy needs to undertake.
“By removing dispensing volume across our estate, and assembling centrally, we can ensure a more accurate and timely service of medication provision, whilst also having capacity to engage in more NHS and private services to support patient wellbeing. In short, if we don’t adapt then we will not remain a viable business. Community pharmacy plays a huge part in supporting the country, but the financial reimbursement for what we do means that the costs of running our business now outweigh the revenue we receive for the services we provide.”
Global Brands collaborates to provide sustainable drinks solution for Red Engine bars
Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.
The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.
Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.
Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21st century.
The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.
Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.
James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.
“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.
“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”
Highlight Crafts showcases design and print technology
Headed up by life-long crafter Stephanie Weightman and husband Karl, Highlight Crafts designs and produces products for a range of crafts including papercraft, fabric, mixed media, flower making, painting, digital crafting and so much more from their offices based in Clay Cross, Chesterfield. Customers can buy these products through their own website or through shopping channel Create & Craft.
The team at Highlight Crafts is aiming to be as sustainable as possible in their creation of new products. All paper products are printed by local printers which helps other local businesses in the area. All fabric is designed and printed in house on the companies printers, with much of this being printed to order, to cut out waste. They also have three large laser cutters enabling them to produce their own stencils cutting out unnecessary extra deliveries and packaging needs. The company has also recently just switched to paper packaging for their paper crafting dies helping to reduce the amount of plastic across all their packaging.
In August 2023 Highlight Crafts opened the Highlight Crafts Academy where they threw open the doors of their purpose built academy building to invite members of the public to come and join in the creative fun. With 4 classrooms that can hold up to 10 people each, the Academy was launched to as a place for customers who love to craft to come and learn new techniques, refine their skills, meet other friendly crafters and have fun doing what they love while being taught by some of the best in the business.
The Academy also runs 6 craft festivals a year. These are 10-day events where they run 4 classes per day as taster classes for local people. In between the day courses and festivals the Academy is open every Thursday afternoon for the weekly craft club for anyone wanting to come along and join in for a few hours. This is a great way to bring crafters in the community together who can bring their own projects or use materials provided by the Academy.
For anyone wanting to come and get creative with Highlight Crafts please head to www.highlightcrafts.com to find out more.
New AI technology created by Oasis Studio for the property sector
The EyeSiteView team, based at Chesterfield’s Oasis Studio has launched new AI-powered technology platform aimed at creating an immersive property exploration suite for businesses.
The new technology, named Vantage, will assist property and construction sector organisations in providing a better experience for customers, with a new interactive sales centre solution.
It offers an interactive property exploration solution to partners looking to enhance their customer experience for the modern buyer, and most importantly improve the buyer’s ability to reserve new-build plots off-plan.
Installed into Sales Centres in the form of a Touchscreen or a tablet, Vantage is equipped with the latest 3D interactive property marketing content such as interactive site plans, configurators and virtual tours.
Tony Buck, Associate Director at Oasis Studio commented: “Innovation is very much at the core of everything we do here. We are no strangers to AI, we have been learning and leveraging practices within our workflow for some time.
“For us to now find a valuable use and confidently implement the technology within one of our products is a huge milestone for us and our partners. With the pace of advancements we’ve seen with AI alone in the last year, I would encourage all businesses, especially SME’s to explore the capabilities of AI.
“For us, it has not only enhanced and increased our internal efficiency, but it is now playing a big role in the products and services we can offer our clients.”
Platinum Spas recognised by leading hot tub and swim spa magazines
Superior Wellness, Broombank Park, Chesterfield
Superior Wellness, A Chesterfield-based manufacturer and distributor of hot tub and swim spas has announced that its flagship brand, Platinum Spas, has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? 2024 hot tub and swim spa manufacturer for the sixth year in a row.
Platinum Spas is an innovative hot tub and swim spa brand creating premium quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing. With a focus on innovation and the latest technology, the range boasts premium features to provide the ultimate hot tub and swim spa experience.
WhatSpa? magazine celebrates its 19th anniversary this year and it has helped over 1 million UK homeowners to buy their dream hot tub since its launch in 2005. WhatSwimSpa? magazine followed in the footsteps of its sister publication and has been helping UK swim spa buyers in their vital research since 2013.
Rob Carlin, Superior Wellness Managing Director said “I am delighted that Platinum Spas has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Approved Manufacturer once again.
“The WhatSpa? magazine and website are a very important tool for the end customer to use when finding their perfect hot tub. It is also great for our partner network to proudly say they are selling an approved and leading hot tub and swim spa brand.”
RA Information Systems shows innovation to enhance customer experience
Richard Fowler, RA Information Systems
The team at RA Information Systems in Chesterfield is reflecting on how it has innovated in recent months to improve the user experience of its software, and also to improve sustainability efforts by helping to raise awareness of trees across various UK communities.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Recently, we’ve added new features for our Clarity Visitor system, empowering our users to streamline their processes even further. In addition to seamlessly handling check-ins, we’ve integrated the system with visitor label and pass printing, enhancing the way our customers manage their visitors. With compatible printers, visit passes and labels can now be generated swiftly and on-demand, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
“Last year we also contributed to some of the UK councils to introduce Community Tree Portals. Developed by our dedicated Ezytreev team, this innovative platform harmonises technology, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. With ezyPortal, we’re not just raising awareness – we’re transforming the way people perceive trees, positioning them as accessible environmental assets for all to appreciate.”
The businesses featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Chesterfield Borough Council has appointed Link Golf UK as its preferred bidder in its search for a new operator to run Tapton Park Golf Course.
Since 2009 Sheffield City Trust has fulfilled the role under a lease agreement with the council, however the Trust will cease to operate later this year and the council has been seeking a new operator to take over the running of the courses and clubhouse.
Link Golf UK – formerly known as Love Golf – was selected as the preferred bidder following a marketing exercise which prioritised finding a suitably qualified operator with the financial ability to being fresh investment to the courses and clubhouse and a proven track record of increasing golf participation and delivering a range of community outreach activities.
Approval for the council to now enter into detailed negotiations was given by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 16 April. Subject to these proving successful, it is hoped Link Golf UK will officially take on the golf course lease from this summer.
Councillor Jonathan Davies, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Tapton Park Golf Course is an important facility with fantastic potential in beautiful parkland.
“In seeking a new operator to look after the courses and clubhouse, we set out several long-term objectives with the intention of retaining it as a pay-and-play course that is open to all.
“Link Golf UK has proven expertise and experience of operating municipal golf courses. It has funding to invest in Tapton’s courses and clubhouse to maintain them to a high standard. It also offers a strong community outreach programme – and a commitment to work closely with the resident members’ club, which I know the members have welcomed.
“We will now begin detailed negotiations to finalise the terms of the lease. If and when Link Golf UK is formally appointed, we will work with it to announce the change-over date and address any issues that may affect customers. We anticipate that this will happen this summer.”
Tapton Park Golf Course features a full 18-hole course, 9-hole course, 6-hole pitch and putt course, a practice area, driving range, outbuildings, and a clubhouse. The course is built on parkland which was formerly part of the Tapton House estate.
In a joint statement, Andrew Terry and Joe Jackson, Directors of Link Golf UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to breathe new life into Tapton Park Golf Course, including the driving range and clubhouse.
“Recognising its rich legacy we’re committed to maintaining its accessibility as a family-friendly venue. Our vision is to transform Tapton Park into a dynamic hub for family engagement, offering a range of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels. By incorporating the latest technology into the driving range and enhancing the overall experience, we aim to create a vibrant atmosphere where families can come together and enjoy quality time.
“Leveraging our proven track record in revitalising golf facilities, we’re confident in our ability to invest and innovate at Tapton Park. We look forward to working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council and the resident members club to ensure a bright and prosperous future for this beloved community asset.”
John Pearson, Chair of Tapton Park Golf Club, said: “Based on our initial discussions with Link Golf UK I am very optimistic for the future of Tapton Park Golf Club. We are really looking forward to working with Andrew and Joe to preserve and enhance the existing golf facilities for the benefit of the club’s members, local residents and visitors.”
A panel of Chesterfield business leaders has highlighted the ongoing collaboration and togetherness of the town’s organisations as a major contributor to our local economy.
Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times at the Celebrate Local Round Table event, members of the town’s community of Chesterfield Champions spoke about how they see fellow businesses in the town as partners and colleagues, rather than rivals.
Businesses agreed that collaboration among local businesses in Chesterfield is a necessity for driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity. By building a vibrant community, enhancing knowledge and resilience, nurturing talent, and attracting investment, collaborative efforts lay the foundation for a thriving economy that benefits everyone in the town.
Drawing on her experience of owning a business in Chesterfield, Mel Archbould, of Cloud-Busting, a business dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses scale up and grow, commented:
“People just get on. It’s not ego-driven and people just get on with their business and build up those networks. It’s about creating an ecosystem and making sure it evolves and moves. We are all doing different things, but that symbiotic relationship is vital, in terms of how we feed off each other and work together. Collaboration between different industries, such as the public sector, private sector, education, healthcare, and voluntary organisations feed into giving our town its identity. We all need each other.”
Crucially, collaboration enables local businesses to tap into new markets and opportunities. By forming strategic partnerships and alliances, firms in our town can amplify their reach and visibility, helping to raise further regional and national awareness of Chesterfield’s offer to businesses, visitors and people searching for jobs and homes.
The round table discussion heard how companies in the town’s legal and financial sectors often refer clients to each other, in order to ensure local people and businesses are given the best specialist advice and care possible.
Ryan Wilkes, Senior Manager of Owner Managed Business, Shorts Chartered Accountants said: “We refer to lots of other places too. For any CVs that are not quite suited to us, we refer to smaller businesses in the town. We also do a lot of work with local solicitors, and we also do a lot of work alongside Mitchells Chartered Accountants who people on the outside would see as a competitor. When I look at the accounts of clients, you’d be surprised to see how many businesses in our town are linked. Everybody knows everybody.”
Moreover, collaborative efforts can enhance the overall attractiveness of Chesterfield as a destination for investment and entrepreneurship. This, in turn, can attract new businesses, spur job creation, and stimulate economic activity. In 2023, statistics showed that there were 580 more businesses operating in Chesterfield compared to figures measured 10 years previously. In addition, Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy sets out ambitions to increase the number of businesses by another 12% by 2030, equating to another 400 businesses.
Paul Chapman, owner and editor of S40 Local Magazine, commented: I get to see lots of different businesses, ranging from small to large, and I have been blown away by the businesses I’ve found. I’m fortunate to have met some fantastic people who put their life and soul into what they’re doing. Love goes into what they do. We know that it has been hard times for many, but we all keep going. Through the magazine, it is my job to be positive, and as local business owners, we should try to lead by example by spending our money locally with an independent business.
“I bought my bike from a business in Sheepbridge. Our milkman gets his milk from fields in Tideswell. I regularly visit the local butcher, market stalls, and other local shops. For my wife’s 50th birthday party, everything was sourced within a couple of miles of Chesterfield. I think it is so important to think about where we get our products and services from.”
Furthermore, collaboration fosters resilience in the face of recent economic challenges being faced by businesses across the UK. Whether it’s navigating rising costs, adapting to new ways of working brought about by advances in technology, or helping to protect fellow businesses from falling victim to crime, a community of organisations that stands united is better equipped to handle any arising issues, making them more resilient.
Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers, based in The Shambles in Chesterfield Town Centre, added: “As independent businesses in the town, we have a WhatsApp group which is a good way to keep in touch and support each other. It could be for a product launch, or if someone is looking for staff, we can send them some CVs across. If you are a one-person business, it can be quite lonely, so it is good to keep in touch. We find the community very supportive from a small business point of view.
“Also from a crime prevention standpoint, town centre businesses are working well together to create that community and make them aware of any potential threats or issues. Shopping locally with independent businesses helps to build our community as well as our economy. It means that more people looking out for each other and keeping in touch with them, which is a positive thing all round.”
In a landscape where independent organisations must find new ways to compete with global conglomerates, fostering a strong network of local enterprises becomes a major strategic advantage for Chesterfield businesses. By supporting one another, sharing best practices, and collectively advocating for common interests, our small businesses aim to continue working together, to fortify Chesterfield’s economic prosperity.
Anne Batty, Managing Director of Paperclip, a telephone answering service provider based in Dronfield commented: “It feels natural to refer people and pass on information. For example, if you have had a good experience with an SEO provider, it is just natural to want to provide them with more business. If everybody is using local businesses, hopefully, those connections will only get stronger. When I started my business, it was important to have good people around you who knew where to go and what to look for. I’m sure I speak for all of us around the table when I say that I would be willing to help a new business with the knowledge that I’ve gained to be able to support them.”
If you own a business locally, find out more about becoming part of our network of Chesterfield Champions, and join a community of organisations committed to raising the profile of the town.
We are so proud of our local area; from the wonderful people who live and work here to the historic charm and architecture of our town centre and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.
This April, I wanted to highlight some of the achievements of our communities, as well as encouraging everyone in our town to keep working together to make Chesterfield a brilliant place to live and work.
Picturesque parks
Our tremendous open spaces, such as Queen’s Park, Holmebrook Valley Park and the Chesterfield Canal continue to win awards for their unique natural landscapes, which of course is helped by the dedicated teams of people whose continuing hard work helps to maintain these areas for us all to enjoy. It’s great to see that further tree planting is taking place at a few parks across Chesterfield too; keep your eyes on the Chesterfield website for further updates!
Proximity to the Peak District
If you travel just 10 minutes or so out of town, you’re transported to the breathtaking beauty of the world-famous Peak District National Park – perfect for a weekend stroll or even an activity that gets the heart racing a bit more such as rock climbing, caving, or cycling.
It was fantastic to hear that our town has been named the best in the UK for access to green spaces. The average distance to the nearest park, public garden or playing field is less than 300 metres, and 95% of our town’s homes and flats have private outdoor space. Again, this is something we should be so proud of, and one of many reasons why people love living here.
Building our communities
Given this backdrop it is no surprise that we are seeing a rapid increase in the number of people looking to move here. Just last year, local estate agent Redbrik reported an almost 200% increase in online searches for properties in Chesterfield, with more people keen to benefit from the fantastic quality of life our town offers.
Bearing this in mind, let’s celebrate Earth Day 2024 this April by continuing to look after our small corner of the planet, and making sure we are showing plenty of love for our beautiful town and county.
There is no doubt in my mind that we all play our part in keeping Chesterfield a beautiful place to live. From helping to keep our town clean and tidy, to telling those who don’t know about our town how much you enjoy living here!
It could be as simple as mentioning a family walk you enjoyed, or even an outdoor event you loved. You could even share a photo or two of your experiences on social media using #LoveChesterfield and tagging in one of the Chesterfield UK channels. The more we show Chesterfield in a positive light, the more attractive the town becomes to others, which can only be a good thing for our high streets and our communities.
Businesses in Chesterfield are being encouraged to explore ways in which they can grow, as part of ambitious plans to improve the town’s economy and create higher-value jobs for residents.
They also identified that if all organisations in the town currently categorised as ‘low growth’ experienced just a 1% uplift, it would significantly boost the local economy.
Helping businesses to grow and ensuring people have the right skills are key objectives of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Growth Strategy (2023-2027). To support this, delegates at Celebrate Chesterfield heard from businesses which are innovating and overcoming challenges to boost growth.
Mike Isherwood, Managing Director of event headline sponsor, System Q explained how his business has evolved and adapted to become a supplier to major organisations, including the Ministry of Defence: “We are committed to providing our customers with the most innovative and advanced technology, ensuring their safety and security at all times.
“Our company is proud to be a part of the thriving high-tech community in Chesterfield, a town known for its innovation and progress. Despite the common belief that the best firms and talent are found in larger cities, this quaint town is home to a wealth of undiscovered talent.”
Ash Young, Managing Director of CarMats.co.uk recently relocated his business to the town.
He said: “If we hadn’t done things differently, we wouldn’t have seen the growth that we have. When we set up the business we were aiming for 100 orders per day, but because we changed the way we marketed the products, we are now shipping around 150,000 orders per year and we’re going to turn over about £7.5m this year.
“We’ve managed to hire a really skilled team in Chesterfield and the transport links mean it’s easy for us to get out to couriers easily.”
Amy Revell, of We Are Spaces Ltd recently expanded her business into larger office space at the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, having initially moved into the development last year.
She said: “We currently turn over around £7m and have 15 employees, and we are rapidly growing. Chesterfield has played a big part in our growth – we have a lovely office space here which we managed to grow from one of the smaller suites into a larger one. We’ve managed to recruit really good people in the area, and we are strategically placed really well. Being so central has allowed us to grow all of our core services nationally.”
At the conference, Destination Chesterfield also launched its ambitious new strategy and plan, which outlines the partnership’s aims to attract further inward investment, support businesses to grow and encourage more people to visit the town.
Peter Swallow, Destination Chesterfield Chair, commented: “This plan reflects our town’s ambition, and where we collectively see the biggest growth opportunities. Recent research has identified 26% of revenues from tourism, inward investment and talent growth are shaped by people’s perception of a town or city. Meaning our collective work to promote the town are vital to achieving the towns growth aspirations.
“Since 2010, Destination Chesterfield has worked alongside Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield Champions to promote the area as a contemporary destination to invest, work, live and visit, and our public-private partnership continues to play a central role in the town’s success. We must continue working together to raise the profile of Chesterfield to realise its significant potential.”
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council added: “Celebrate is always a fantastic event that showcases the very best that our borough has to offer. It was great to be able to meet with businesses to talk about how the council can support them to grow, but also to hear from them directly and discover what else we can do to drive growth and investment.
“I was also pleased to see a strong reception the new Destination Chesterfield strategy and plan – this aligns closely with our own growth strategy and together we can help grow our local economy, attract more investment and deliver benefits for both businesses and our residents.”
The 2024 Celebrate Chesterfield Business Conference was also sponsored by Markham Vale and the University of Derby. The event also saw almost 40 businesses exhibiting across the East Midlands Chamber Business Support Zone and the Invest in Chesterfield Zone.
Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, Ivan Fomin has provided an extensive update on the progress of several projects taking place as part of the £25m town deal, which will make a major impact on the future prosperity of the town for its residents and communities.
Strong progress is being made on the transformation of Staveley, with several projects being brought forward thanks to the £25m Town Deal Fund.
In January 2020 we held the first Staveley Town Deal Board and I had the honour of being elected as Chair of that Board responsible for the governance and oversight of the bidding process and subsequent delivery of the Towns Fund money allocated to us. We have already achieved plenty of progress over the last few years, and I’m excited by what is to come in 2024.
We were lucky enough to be granted in excess of the initial £25m as we had put forward 11 strong cases for projects within the greater Staveley area. We have delivered five ‘accelerator’ projects including juniors pitch drainage at Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club (SWMFC), town centre CCTV enhancement, improvements to King George V Park, design and enabling works for the DRIIVe project and the new performance canopy at Springwell Community College.
For the projects themselves, we have seen good progress but sometimes frustratingly they are hampered by uncontrollable events such as land acquisition and of course cost inflation.
Hartington Industrial Park has particularly suffered from the delay in land release by third parties, but this has moved forward, such that access to the site will be secured as will the route of the new mains incoming power supply.
Chesterfield Canal Trust continues to be a shining example of project management and is well on the way to commencing work on site. You may also have seen in the media that they have secured a large donation of the clay needed to construct the puddle bank on the eastern side of the proposed new route. The re-routing of utility services is bringing some challenges, but they are confident these can be resolved. A contractor has also been secured for a new bridge over the canal for cyclists and pedestrians, linking the Trans Pennine Trail and the Arkwright Trail.
Staveley Waterside which covers the onward development of the canal basin has passed planning approval. The development will bring flexible space for small businesses, alongside generating opportunities for retail and food & beverage outlets.
The new DRIIVe rail innovation centre at Barrow Hill is a scheme of national significance and has now received planning permission. This unique project will provide workshop and classroom space to support specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for rail-related businesses – bolstering Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector.
The Barrow Hill Memorial Hall has such historical importance it is wonderful to see the plans for resurrecting this building. The project is managed by a community trust, and they have employed a new project manager to oversee the next stages of the renovation. Once complete the new facility will provide a bar and café, health facilities, function room, and sports hall. It will provide a much-needed centre for the community to come together.
Staying in Barrow Hill you may recall the announcement in October that the Barrow Hill line would be given the go ahead. It is important to note that this is subject to the scheme going through a government business case review, but we are pleased that there is every chance this line and the associated railway station will now come forward. As a Board we have allocated funding to enhance the new station, but meanwhile are pressing on with the delivery of the surrounding works such as pedestrian crossings, lighting, Wi-Fi and bus information systems. We await the outcome of the business case reviews.
A major concern of the Board is how the people of Staveley are going to access the new jobs which are being created. Even despite the success of the industrial investment in Markham Vale there is still no suitable bus service from Staveley. The Wheels to Work scheme proposes to help with this by introducing a number of travel related options to enhance mobility, and the first e-bikes and e-mopeds have now been made available to users.
The Construction Skills Hub is an exciting initiative where the training will take place alongside a live building site. This has been designed to be a mobile scheme, and the first site has been established at the new Devonshire Group development at Mastin Moor. It is hoped in future that the installation will then be moved to new sites along the proposed relief route from Staveley to Chesterfield.
Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club continue to show massive commitment to the Staveley Town Deal, having obtained planning permission for their new training academy for BTEC sports skills development. Construction tenders came in higher than expected and this has led to a revised plan to refurbish an existing building to welcome the first cohort of students in addition to new buildings.
Image supplied by Staveley Miners Welfare F.C. – Designed by Verteks Associates Ltd
These inflationary pressures in the construction sector have also influenced what will be possible to deliver on the Staveley 21 – a significant regeneration and revitalisation project in Staveley town centre. It is based around the masterplan developed in 2021 and includes improvements to the marketplace, a new lighting scheme, additional tree planting, a better connections to the canal and enhancement to the public realm. Shop front grants are available to local retailers to make exterior improvements to their business premises.
One casualty in 2023 was the loss of the Staveley Hall project. This project was to add a function room extension to the Grade 2 listed hall, but in the end it became apparent that it was unlikely to be able to satisfy planning conditions, and the project was reluctantly dropped. This meant that the funding allocated to that project was available to be used by other existing projects which could demonstrate the additional benefits from having the extra funding.
As a Board we were keen not to just put all the allocation into the Staveley 21 town centre scheme (which could no doubt have used all the £25 million of funding!), but rather to see what additional benefits could be found from the other nine projects too. We continue to work with all projects to ensure we can maximise the benefits and develop the programme on that basis.
One of the early considerations we had as a Board was the importance of communication with the residents and businesses in Staveley as to the progress of the programme, and we invited our Board member, Head Teacher from Springwell Community College, to chair a sub-group responsible for communication and engagement. While it is clear you can never have enough information being circulated, the group has been successful in liaising with local groups and attending events.
This has also allowed us to work closely with school pupils in the area to explain to them the work that is being done on the various projects, and to try to give them some vision for their future in Staveley.
In addition to the Government’s agenda for the Town Deal Board, we were also keen to find additional ways in which we could have a positive influence and add long term value to the work that was being done in the area. Our Board member, local GP and Divisional director from the Royal Primary Care Trust was able to help us understand the health metrics locally and also raised the issue of lack of cooking skills being taught to young people these days in schools.
The Town Deal Programme Manager, supported by Chesterfield College, have pushed forward with an initiative called Staveley To Eat Well (STEW), whereby a number of local school pupils spend time with catering students at the college to learn how to produce some simple but healthy meals.
Just before Christmas last year, I was invited to visit Staveley Junior School to have a look at the Christmas cards and decorations they had made. It was an opportunity for me to discuss with the Head Teacher the challenges the school faces, and we hope to be able to connect the school to local businesses who can help not only with funding, but also on developing the links with the world of work and careers.
We have a busy year of delivery ahead of us and I have encouraged projects to display hoardings and sign boards so that the residents can see more detail of what is going on at the various sites around the area. I hope that by this time next year we are seeing some real changes to the look of the wider town’s built environment and amenities.
This Town Deal is a once in a generation opportunity for us all, and I hope you are encouraged by the hard work and commitment that is going into delivering these projects.
Chesterfield housebuilder, Woodall Homes has secured a resolution to grant permission at Bolsover District’s Planning Committee this week for one of the firm’s biggest developments to date.
The development lies on the countryside edge of Bolsover and will comprise 161 energy-efficient properties, with a mixture of one to five-bedroom homes, including bungalows.
Accessed by a new tree-lined link road connecting Shuttlewood Road and Oxcroft Lane, the scheme will feature broad swathes of attractive, accessible open spaces, with multifunctional green infrastructure, landscape corridors, wildlife-friendly habitats and a local play area for community use, along with pedestrian and cycle connections linking to Bolsover’s amenities.
Darren Abbott, Planning Director at Woodall Homes said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured a successful resolution to grant full planning permission for our new site in Bolsover. This will be one of our largest developments and will make a significant contribution to achieving our targeted growth as a business in the coming years. It will cater for a wide range of needs within the area, providing accommodation perfect for couples, families and buyers who are ready to downsize.”
Committed to their sustainability pledge, Woodall Homes strives to deliver excellent developments which nurture safe and inviting communities and their previous work within the area at Scarsdale Green is an outstanding example of how these communities are built.
For more information about Woodall Homes and their work within Derbyshire, visit: https://woodallhomes.co.uk/
Woodall Homes supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Around £117 million is to be invested into council homes across Chesterfield over the next four years – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s continued commitment to creating affordable, decent homes for people across the borough.
The Housing Capital Programme sets out the investment priorities for the next financial year, which will see the council spend £30.1 million on improving and increasing the housing supply in the borough.
The capital programme also details the council’s longer-term plans through to March 2028 to ensure that the council can continue to meet the decent homes standard, further improve the energy efficiency of its houses, and provide quality, affordable and accessible homes for local people.
Modernisation and refurbishment of the council’s existing homes remains a key priority in the council’s programme and will see the continuation of kitchen improvements and roofing upgrades, whilst there will also be improvements to footpaths, fencing and gates to help improve the look and feel of neighbourhoods.
In addition to refurbishing the existing housing stock, the council is committed to building almost 100 new council properties by 2028 to increase the number of affordable homes available in the area. Work to create 22 new build properties at Middlecroft and Westwood Avenue is now well underway, and additional sites have also been identified for new build projects.
In line with the council’s climate strategy, the work set out in the capital programme will also make a significant step towards improving the energy efficiency of its homes, for example replacing boilers and windows with more efficient options – allowing Chesterfield to become a low carbon, resilient and sustainable borough. This will not only help to reduce carbon emissions but will also help to reduce energy bills for tenants.
A further investment will also be made to help tackle damp and mould in homes. A recent survey has shown that the number of homes experiencing issues with damp and mould has almost halved but the council remains committed to tackling these issues.
Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our aim, as always, is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer and ensure we can provide affordable high-quality homes. A stock condition survey carried out in 2022 identified that the quality of our council homes has improved from the previous survey that took place in 2017. This shows our investments have been made in the right areas, but we know there is more that we can do to ensure we can achieve and maintain a 100% decent homes standard.
“Our newly approved capital programme set out our strong commitment to achieving this and improving our homes to ensure they meet the needs of the people of Chesterfield, as well as actively contributing to the climate change agenda by ensuring all homes are energy efficient.
“Like local authorities across the country, the council is facing unprecedented financial challenges but our priority is to make sure under-pressure budgets are spent on the essential services that local people rely on, including the provision of quality and affordable homes for the people of Chesterfield.”
The Chesterfield Canal Trust has appointed O’Brien Contractors Ltd. to construct and install a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists over the soon-to-be restored route of the canal at Staveley.
The new 38 metre long bridge will take the Trans Pennine Trail across the canal to meet the Arkwright Trail. Later the canal itself will be restored including a new bridge for farm vehicles and a new lock. There will also be a freshly landscaped relaxation area including picnic benches and information boards. This will be carefully planted to encourage wildlife.
O’Brien’s will start on site in April and major groundworks will start in May. The bridge will be installed in the summer and there will be a formal opening ceremony in September. You will be able to follow the progress of the works as they happen by going to the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s website.
Tony Mitchell, Director, O’Brien Contractors Ltd, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by The Chesterfield Canal Trust to provide the new canal bridge at Staveley. This prestigious project will be a huge benefit to pedestrians and cyclists all over the region and the restoration of this historic route will benefit the community for many years to come. We look forward to working with the Trust and their team over the course of this exciting project.”
Chesterfield Canal Trust Development Manager, George Rogers, said “This is a big milestone for the Chesterfield Canal Trust, and we are delighted to appoint O’Brien Contractors to deliver this statement structure over the canal. Installing this bridge will open up the route for future restoration in multiple ways and I am looking forward to seeing it progress over the summer”.
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s taken a huge amount of work by the team at the Chesterfield Canal Trust to get to this point and I want to thank them for their efforts and congratulate them on reaching this important milestone. The expansion of the canal is an important project for the town deal – it will help make the town a more attractive place to visit and provide residents with new outdoor facilities to explore. I look forward to seeing the bridge completed as this will unlock the next stages of this project.”
The Trust currently has an appeal to raise £50,000 to go towards the cost of the gates for the new Keith Ayling Lock, named after a former Chair of the Trust.
Chesterfield Canal Trust 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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