Destination Chesterfield

New contract secured by Polar Windows

31st March 2020

Chesterfield company, Polar Windows, has secured a £124,000 contract to manufacture, supply and install over 400 windows and doors for a housing development at Long Duckmanton near Chesterfield.

The windows and doors on this contract are to be manufactured using their latest window and door profile on the market “Optima” all of which will be manufactured to the standard of Pas 24.

Known as The Pastures, the site in Duckmanton includes 33 new build homes including two, three- and four-bedroom houses and three-bedroom bungalows.

Adrian Bradley, Senior Contracts Manager at Polar Windows said “It is great to have started a new relationship with another established Local Developer and we are hoping to continue the partnership on to future developments.”

Based in Chesterfield for over 30 years, Polar Windows is a family run business that has always put their customers at the heart of everything they do. First Established in 1989 by Managing Director Alan Crowe, Polar Windows now Employs over 25 full time staff and is proud to be the only window manufacturer in Chesterfield. Over the years they have built up an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and experience within their industry and have developed into Chesterfield’s largest manufacturer and installer of UPVC windows, doors, conservatories and glazed extensions.

Click here to find out more about Polar Windows

Chesterfield Royal Charity appeals to residents to help ‘Protect Your NHS’

30th March 2020

The Charity that aims to ‘gift outstanding’ care and wellbeing support to patients and staff of Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Royal Primary Care is asking local people to get behind its appeal to ‘Protect Your NHS’.

The Chesterfield Royal Charity (1052913) is looking for donations that will make a real difference at an unprecedented time of challenge. Like the rest of the NHS, the hospital and its primary care services are under pressure as part of the UK’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The aim of the ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal is two-fold and all donations will be used to:

Gift health and wellbeing experiences to staff
Gift enhanced care and facilities to patients

Ken Godber, the Chesterfield Royal Charity’s Director comments: “Right now it’s more important than ever to look after the people that could be looking after you and your family – either now or in the next few weeks and months. And it’s equally important to give a helping hand to people in hospital at a time when visiting is suspended for all but the most essential reasons.”

“We have never experienced such demand for NHS care and treatment. Our ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal is about protecting hardworking staff and vulnerable patients. The money you give will help to provide essential care packages, mental health and wellbeing support for all staff. If they are able to stay well, they’ll be able to stay at work to look after those who need anything from over the phone medical advice to critical care on a ward. It will also enhance patient care and experience. With visitors not able to come in, our Charity can help to make sure loved ones have everything they need to make their hospital stay a positive experience – even in these tricky times.”

With people across North Derbyshire communities already showing support for the hospital – the Charity’s ‘Protect Your NHS’ appeal looks set for success.

You can donate NOW through Just Giving – and any amount will be appreciated www.justgiving.com/chesterfield-royalhospital.

If you would like to link up with the Charity please call 01246 513367 or email CRHFT.Fundraising@nhs.net.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Redeployment Triage Service launched for employees affected by Coronavirus Redundancies

30th March 2020

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is working with partners to create a triage service to help those made jobless as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, back into employment.

Whilst the Government has created the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, designed to help businesses retain their staff during the current outbreak by paying 80% of an employee’s salary, there are redundancies currently being made by businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

This is occurring whilst simultaneously large gaps in the labour market are appearing in sectors vital to the ongoing fight against Coronavirus.

The Redeployment Triage Service, to be administered by Futures who are the National Careers Service provider for the East Midlands, will match those recently made redundant with new work in sectors experiencing a surge in employment demand such as food retail, care, and distribution.

The service will also engage with employers needing to make redundancies to ensure a smooth transition for employees into new work.

The Triage is the result of contributions from multiple partners including the Department of Work & Pensions, Local Authorities and others.

D2N2 Head of People & Skills Rachel Quinn said, “Traditionally responses to redundancy situations have been coordinated by the Department for Work & Pensions. However, they are currently experiencing unprecedented volumes of new customer registrations and are diverting their staffing resources to claims processing and payments.

“In negotiation with our partners, we have identified capacity within the National Careers Service to provide a valuable rapid response triage service which will match redundancy situations to redeployment where possible and create additional support through employment services where further employability or skills help is required.”

Peter Brammall CEO of The Futures Group said: “Futures has longstanding expertise in helping employers to manage their workforce requirements through our National Careers Service programmes, advising and guiding people through redeployment and into new jobs.”

“We’re pleased to be part of a strong rapid response partnership with D2N2, DWP, and Local Authority colleagues which will pay dividends over the coming weeks in helping to maximise employment opportunities for our residents and employers.”

As part of its role, the Redeployment Triage Service is also looking to make contact with any business currently in need of labour as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Check out our business support page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield

Heathcotes launches recruitment drive

27th March 2020

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a nationwide recruitment drive to assist its frontline teams in meeting the challenge of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.

With many sectors in lockdown and staff shortages likely as COVID-19 forces many people into isolation, the company is seeking around 200 Support Workers for residential care services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Heathcotes is now offering temporary and permanent positions at various locations in Northern England, the Midlands and London. No care sector experience is necessary as new staff will be benefit from comprehensive training.

Heathcotes Head of Recruitment, Colin Ramwell, said: “All of the UK’s frontline services will be feeling the strain in the coming months and providers of social care will be under immense pressure. Our work will be more important than ever in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Many people will be concerned about employment security and many jobs have already been lost, but we want them to know that Heathcotes need kind, compassionate staff to help us make a difference at services nationwide. As essential key workers, our staff can continue to work whilst their children continue to attend school.

“We are able to offer flexible contracts for people who may need a short-term source of income before returning their previous role in sectors such hospitality, retail and leisure, but we always welcome applicants who are interested in starting a long-term career in care. We fund all training and invest in the professional development of our staff.”

To address safety issues posed by Coronavirus, Heathcotes has implemented enhanced risk assessments and infection control protocols for staff and service users throughout its 72 services. The company has been continuously monitoring official advice, responding accordingly and communicating the latest updates and government guidelines to all staff. Non-essential visitors to services have been told to delay their visit until further notice whilst essential visitors have been asked to carry out a simple risk assessment on themselves prior to visiting, and to observe enhanced infection control protocols before and during their visit.

Click here to find out more about Heathcotes Group

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

Chesterfield Borough Council update on grants and business rate relief process

26th March 2020

In response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government has confirmed a number of financial measures to help support businesses.

Chesterfield Borough Council is currently following the Government guidance to identify local businesses that may be eligible to access business grants and business rate relief. The council will be contacting these businesses directly.

The financial support measures outlined by central Government include:

Small business grants of up to £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief, rural rate relief or tapered relief
100% business rate relief has been extended to all retail, hospitality and leisure properties (such as cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres, gyms and hotels) for the whole of 2020/21
Grant funding of up to £25,000 will also be available to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property where the rateable value is between £15,000 and £51,000.
Business rate relief for nurseries – 100% relief will be paid to all premises occupied by providers on Ofsted’s Early Years Register and wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which are subject to business rates in the year 2020/21

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We understand this will be a worrying time for business owners of all sizes and it is important that we do what we can to support them during this difficult time.

“We expect to receive the funding for the business grants from Government in early April. As soon as we get this, we will be able to issue the grants to help support our local businesses.

“In the meantime, and to help speed up the process of making payments to those eligible, we will be contacting those businesses directly and asking them to provide us with further information to enable us to make the payment. More information about the process is available on our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information.

“Given the current demands on our Customer Contact Centre, we would request that all contact relating to this matter is via email. Please check our website first, and if you need more information, please email us at revenues.billing@chesterfield.gov.uk. A member of our team will then respond to you as soon as possible.”

Further information on the eligibility criteria for business grant and business rates can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Check out our business support page for the latest guidance

Supporting local initiatives from Chesterfield Business during Coronavirus Outbreak

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home

Heathcotes to introduce new Intensive Support Team for care services

25th March 2020

Chesterfield-based Heathcotes Group is introducing an innovation in care provision, with the development of an Intensive Support Team (IST) providing a dedicated clinical resource across the organisation’s 72 residential services for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

The new multidisciplinary IST will include a consultant clinical psychologist, three assistant psychologists, a specialist occupational therapist, a specialist mental health nurse and three Positive Behaviour Support practitioners. Headed by Heathcotes’ Head of psychology and clinical director, Dr Peter Burbidge, the team will operate group-wide to provide expert clinical input and reinforce compliance with the Restraint Reduction Network (RNN) Training Standards, a sector-wide programme to reduce restrictive practices which will be implemented via commissioning requirements and Care Quality Commission inspection frameworks from April 2020.

Heathcotes’ director of business development, Natalia Lysiuk, said: “This is an exciting initiative based on some excellent work by a project team from our Senior Leadership Team; Dr Peter Burbidge, Tracy Johnson and myself. The IST will put Heathcotes at the forefront of specialist providers in the UK and will enable us to significantly enhance the resource available to our services, assisting the work they do to improve the lives of the people we support. The team will take on a wide-ranging remit, but one of its most vital functions is the professional support it provides when a high level of specialist expertise and clinical input are critical. This would include the admission of an emergency placement or a very complex individual, a service user going through a crisis, a placement at risk of breaking down and the need for a functional assessment or Positive Behaviour Support plan.

“Being a specialist provider brings with it some additional responsibilities, which we take very seriously. That’s why we have introduced the IST – having it readily available within the organisation will be an extremely valuable resource for our Service Managers, our service users and our wider stakeholders.”

Dr Peter Burbidge said: “The IST will provide training, consultation, supervision, functional analysis and interventions for services that need specialist input or multi-disciplinary work. It will also provide brief therapeutic interventions where appropriate. We hope that, by developing the IST, we will be able to support services to provide placements for more complex clients, and to provide additional support when people are in crisis As a clinical team, we plan to work alongside the local community, mental health and learning disability teams, where they are involved or are commissioned, and to provide more concentrated input where we are not able to access support from local services.”

Dr Peter Burbidge is already working in a supportive role across Heathcotes services, with a team of two Assistance Psychologists and a Specialist Occupational Therapist in place. They currently deliver specialist training, consultation and supervision to services with complex clients alongside direct one-to-one therapy with complex clients. Heathcotes is currently working on recruitment for the other roles within the IST, and the development of referral guidelines, policies and procedures to support the team.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Meet the Buyer Event Cancelled: But local companies can still benefit from Northern Gateway development

24th March 2020

Local companies are being invited to get in touch with Chesterfield Borough Council to find out how to tender for work connected to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield.

The safety of residents, businesses and staff has been considered carefully following the latest government guidance relating to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and the Meet the Buyer event that was due to take place at the Town Hall on Friday 27^th March has been cancelled.

However, the construction of the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre on part of the Holywell Cross car park is still scheduled to commence in April and main contractors Robert Woodhead Limited remain very keen to speak to local companies to form part of their supply chain on this project and other local projects in their pipeline.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, as the planning authority, includes Local Labour Clauses within planning approvals for developments of this kind to ensure developers use local suppliers, have apprenticeships and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies, main contractors Robert Woodhead Limited are offering a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project. Opportunities include:

Brickwork
Plastering
Screeds
Joinery and kitchen fitting
Floor finishes
Fencing
Landscaping
Painting and decorating
Wall tiling
Mastic and sealants
Cleaners
Roof Tiling
Local Labour Recruitment Agencies

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, training, business and skills opportunities.”

“Robert Woodhead Limited has worked closely with the council to ensure that our Borough benefits as much as possible from the opportunities that building this new Enterprise Centre will bring.”

“Whilst it is disappointing that the event is not going ahead as planned, I am pleased that staff have worked hard to ensure a virtual alternative is in place. I would encourage all local businesses that deliver the trades and services specified to follow the link to our website below where businesses and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces. It is now more important than ever that we do all we can to support local businesses and this is an example of where we can make a difference.”

Dan Cove, Project Manager, Robert Woodhead Ltd said: “It is with regret that the meet the buyer event has been cancelled but we will undertake to respond to all enquiries remotely. As soon as we can, will look to reschedule the event but in the meantime, we would urge local businesses to get in touch through the website to express interest in the subcontractor opportunities we have available on the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre project.”

If you would like to express an intertest in any of the opportunities listed with Robert please click here or contact Emily Williams via email on emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

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

Coronavirus – Business support to launch from today

23rd March 2020

Businesses will be able to access government support from today (Monday 23 March) to keep operating in the face of the global economic emergency brought on by coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will provide government-backed loans of up to £5 million to small and medium businesses.

The Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility will provide a quick and cost-effective way to raise working capital for those large firms who need it.
A business information campaign has launched to ensure that businesses are aware of support available.

Businesses will be able to access government support from today (Monday 23 March) to keep operating in the face of the global economic emergency brought on by coronavirus. Details of two new loan schemes are being confirmed and an information campaign launched so that businesses know how to get help.

More than £330 billion of loans and guarantees to help firms continue operating will be available for applications from the two schemes launching today – as the government delivers on its commitment to do everything it can to support business and manage cashflows during this difficult time.

For small and medium sized businesses, the new Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is now available for applications. This scheme will help any viable business with a turnover of up to £45m to access government-backed finance of up to £5 million. Interest payments and any lender-levied fees for businesses will be covered by the Government for an initial period of up to twelve months.

The government will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each facility to give lenders further confidence in continuing to provide finance to SMEs. The scheme is available through more than 40 accredited lenders, which are listed on the British Business Bank website.

The Bank of England’s new lending facility for larger firms – the Covid Corporate Financing Facility – will also be open for applications to participate from this morning. By purchasing short-term corporate debt – known as commercial paper – the scheme provides a quick and cost-effective way to raise working capital for companies who are fundamentally strong but are experiencing severe disruption to cashflows, helping businesses across a range of sectors to pay wages and suppliers. The scheme is open to firms that can demonstrate that they were in sound financial health prior to the impact of Coronavirus. Companies who wish to use the scheme do not need to have issued commercial paper before.

A government information campaign has also launched today to ensure businesses are aware of the support available to them and how to access it. In addition to a new central website, the campaign will use media channels including radio, social media and television to reach businesses eligible for help.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “We are working round the clock to do whatever it takes to protect our people and businesses. That means that we are not only taking unprecedented action but doing so at unprecedented speed, because we know that businesses and their employees need help now.”

Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, said: “We know that businesses are in urgent need of access to funding during these unprecedented times. The Business Interruption Scheme will make it easier for banks to lend and businesses to borrow. This will ensure that credit keeps flowing to where it is needed, when it is needed.”

Bank of England Governor, Andrew Bailey, said: “The Bank of England has taken a number of steps in recent weeks to support the UK economy through the economic shock caused by covid-19. On Monday a new lending scheme, the Covid Corporate Financing Facility, will open to help businesses manage through this period of uncertainty. Combined with steps taken by the Government, this will help companies through this difficult time and support the needs of the people of this country.”

This builds on the Chancellor’s announcement on Friday of further support for firms and employees, meaning that businesses should have the access to the funds they need during this difficult period. Further measures will be announced to ensure larger and medium sized businesses will be able to access the credit they need.

Links to the information provided here and more can be found on the Destination Chesterfield Coronavirus Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Derbyshire Emergency Relief Fund for businesses now in place

23rd March 2020

UPDATE 25/03/20: Applications are currently closed on a temporary basis – “We are currently processing the applications received so far as quickly as possible and prioritising self-employed applicants to ensure they are the first to receive payments.” Read more here.

Following the announcement of an initial £1m allocation, complementing the Government’s coronavirus funding packages, the Derbyshire County Council Emergency Relief Fund for the county’s smallest businesses is now in place.

Businesses with nine or fewer employees and sole traders will now be able to apply online for up to £500 in emergency support to help to cover the initial hardships that companies might have as a result of the pandemic.Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Derbyshire’s smallest businesses, particularly in certain sectors, will already be feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The support available from the Emergency Relief Fund won’t solve those problems but might help those who face an immediate issue as a result of lost income.””The Fund is easy to apply for and one-off payments will be made quickly for successful applicants. Alongside this direct financial help we are pulling together a wider package of support in place to help companies access the millions of pounds that the Government has made available for businesses and more details are available at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/businessgrants.”

The Emergency Relief Fund criteria and application form are available online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/businessgrants . Businesses will need to be registered in Derbyshire, be able to evidence a loss of income as a direct result of the coronavirus outbreak and fulfil the other criteria laid out online in order to apply. The Fund will be open until the 17^th April 2020 and has a limited number of grants available.

The Government has already announced a wide range of measures to support businesses across the country including a business rate holiday and a range of grants. Details of this support is awaited and the Emergency Relief Fund is intended to help businesses whilst the national support is put in to place.

Businesses and residents can find Derbyshire-specific support during the coronavirus outbreak.

Click here to view our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield technology company release free educational platform to support teachers through the Coronavirus outbreak

18th March 2020

Seymour & Lerhn, an eLearning company based in Chesterfield, have released their primary school education service for free until the 15th May, to help support primary school teachers across the UK during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Seymour & Lerhn offer a library interactive virtual tours, lesson plans and resource sheets for primary schools, to make learning immersive and educational. The virtual tours are accessible online, and aim to keep children immersed in education instead of being put off by potential home distractions.

The service has been released for free so teachers can begin to prepare for school closures, as the resources and virtual tours can assist teachers to set work for students to do from home. This is so education can continue, despite disruption of the Coronavirus.

All teachers have to do is make an account on www.seymourlerhn.com, and they will have access to every single teaching resource, lesson plan and virtual tour. From there, teachers can set tasks using the pre-made work sheets for students to complete by incorporating the activity as part of the virtual tours.

This work can be set using any home-school communication service, or by simply printing the worksheets to be sent home.

Seymour & Lerhn Head Honcho, Charlie Power (below), said: “We believe that releasing our platform for free could help primary school teachers to make life a little easier when it came to setting work for pupils to do at home. As the educational sector, we all need to band together to support schools during this challenging time, and we’ll pull through this like we always do.”

Primary school teacher, Sophie Maunders, said: “Seymour & Lerhn offer a fantastic platform to transport all children to a new world with the click of a finger. Their virtual reality programmes offer opportunities and experiences to children that they may not have otherwise had, all within the confines of their classroom or home. Definitely not one to miss.”

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

Destination Chesterfield and Coronavirus

17th March 2020

As all business and organisations are, Destination Chesterfield is getting to grips with the challenges posed by the Coronavirus.

We are following Government advice on reducing contact and social distancing wherever possible in order to protect our team, Chesterfield Champions and the wider community

Whilst our office at East Midlands Chamber remains open, our team will be adopting a policy of working at home wherever possible, but will continue to be available by phone, email or video messaging.

The majority of our activity will continue uninterrupted, or we will move to new models of deliver via technology.

We will continue to promote the town and the business community of Chesterfield.

Our events programme will continued to be reviewed alongside Government advice and we will keep you up to date on this as events come closer and if they can’t go ahead in person we will aim to deliver the content in alternative ways.

If you are involved with specific campaigns and activity, we will be in touch about details for these and how we move them forward shortly.

Destination Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Champions network has an important role to play during this time supporting each other and the wider community.

It is at times like these we need to ensure businesses have access to accurate guidance and support, we continue to celebrate the many businesses that we have in the town, the people that work here and the efforts they are going to support people, as well as continuing to celebrate the town and North Derbyshire.

Some initial activity from Destination Chesterfield in response to the coronavirus outbreak, alongside our normal activity includes:

Offering business support and guidance

We have created a business support page for Coronavirus at

https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/coronavirus/

Promoting businesses and Chesterfield

We want to create an online directory of service for those in the local community that need support. It could be restaurants that offer home delivery. Retailers who will home deliver. Service providers that can offer something different to face to face to face support. We will then promote this through our channels to support the local community but also the businesses of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Please send information if you have products or services you would like to offer to info@chesterfield.co.uk

As people isolate more, it will become more important to hear about the positive stories that will be happening across our businesses and communities so please do remember to keep sharing positive information with us. You can send information to info@chesterfield.co.uk

and we will consider for our website, email and social media activity.

Online community

Whilst we cannot network in person at the moment we have relaunched the Chesterfield Linked in Group – so please do join that and chat, support and discuss ideas. We will be using this as a testing board for our response and to share support we can offer you.

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4710631/

Public Information

You will see more public based support information being delivered through our marketing channels to support the area.

Posted in Blog, Destination Chesterfield