Development

1.4m sq ft North Derbyshire warehouse development launched

29th April 2020

A 1.4m sq ft Horizon29 warehouse and logistics development has been launched in North Derbyshire.

The scheme at the former Coalite works, just off junction 29a of the M1 and part-funded by D2N2, is being developed in two phases and is targeted at occupiers looking to take advantage of the first class location and labour supply.

The project benefited from a £5.8m injection of funds by D2N2 from its Local Growth Fund allocation. The local growth fund is a funding programme that enables D2N2 to invest in projects that benefit the regional economy.

The developers have completed extensive ground works and infrastructure upgrades on this strategic brownfield site and are shortly to start works to improve the local highway network and service upgrades to enable the delivery of development plots in early 2021.

The first phase of Horizon29 was recently granted detailed planning consent for 824,000 sq. ft in five units ranging from 73,000 sq. ft to 310,000 sq. ft. Planning applications are pending on a second phase of 574,000 sq. ft in three units ranging from 113,000 sq. ft to 250,000 sq. ft.

Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive of D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said:“I’m pleased to see the first phase of the Horizon29 development progressing well.”

“As thoughts turn to how our region recovers from the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, projects like Horizon29 will be key in supporting our regional economy recovering and creating jobs for our people and communities.”

Gareth Williams, Development Director of St Francis Group, an expert in brownfield development and regeneration, said: “Horizon29 is one of the East Midlands’ newest and most refined industrial developments.

“The project will meet the very best standards expected by today’s occupiers, with bespoke buildings built to meet any specific requirements. The units will sit in a prime logistics environment just minutes from the M1 motorway, making it one of the UK’s most prominent new industrial and logistics parks.”

Nigel Lax, Development Director of iSec said: “As well as stimulating significant local job opportunities, we also expect the scheme to stimulate fresh inward investment in the area, giving a significant boost to the local economy and at 1.4 million sq ft in total, the scheme will play a national role in the ever-expanding logistics market, based on rapidly increasing demand from e-commerce.

“Horizon29 will be opening for business and available to logistics and manufacturing companies looking to return to some degree of normality in the not too distant future and capitalises on an outstanding location close to Chesterfield, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Funding announced for HS2 site in Chesterfield

28th April 2020

D2N2 has approved funding of £2.4m for Chesterfield Borough Council to invest in HS2 infrastructure.

The investment from D2N2 will go towards the development of the Chesterfield railway station area in order to capitalise on the economic benefits that HS2 will bring to the town.

This funding will be particularly beneficial to the area’s future as the local economy recovers from the effects of COVID-19.

D2N2 will be funding the development through its Local Growth Fund allocation, a funding programme that enables D2N2 to invest in projects that benefit the regional economy.

The funding announcement recognises the transformative opportunity that HS2 will bring to Chesterfield and the northern Derbyshire area, which will contribute to the achievement of the East Midlands HS2 Growth Strategy.

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading a partnership which includes Derbyshire County Council, Network Rail, HS2 Limited and East Midlands Railway to bring forward development at key sites in and around Chesterfield railway station.

Previous studies suggest that around £25 billion of the £74 billion growth in the region could come into Chesterfield and northern Derbyshire if anticipated investment decisions are made.

The funding will enable a step-change in developing and delivering Chesterfield Borough Council’s emerging HS2 Station Masterplan, which aims to bring disused sites back into use and maximise inward investment and growth for leisure, businesses and visitors.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan said: “HS2 will have a transformational effect, not just on Chesterfield but the whole of our region for generations to come.”

“HS2 will greatly aid our efforts in upskilling our residents to meet the demands of a changing labour market as well as helping us achieve our goal of a carbon-free tomorrow for the region.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The development of the station Master Plan is a significant project for Chesterfield and northern Derbyshire’s economy.”

“Our approach to HS2 has been to seek and develop benefits that will help local people find skilled and well-paid jobs and create a station and a destination to inspire future generations.”

“HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the fortunes of the borough with the prospect of 10,200 new jobs, 4,700 new homes and an annual uplift of £270 million in expenditure on local goods and services.”

The news comes in the wake of the Government announcement that confirmed the proposed HS2 line will be built in its entirety, with lines beyond Birmingham through the midlands and the north.

Find out more about the plans for HS2 in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Chesterfield Borough Council offers support for commercial tenants

27th April 2020

Chesterfield Borough Council has agreed a package of support for its commercial tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council, which is a landlord to over 400 commercial tenants, is eager to work with them to help them to get through this difficult period and have put the a the following measures in place for those who need support:

Voluntary / charity sector tenants – Rent charged during the period of 1 April to 30 June 2020 will be waived.
Retail, food, leisure and other large businesses forced to be closed down – Businesses who have been forced to close will automatically have the option to defer rental payments for the period of 1 April to 30 June 2020. The sum deferred will be recovered as part of the rental payments made over the following 18 months.
Other office and industrial businesses – All other businesses can apply to the council for their rental payments to be similarly deferred for the period of 1 April to 30 June 2020. Each application will be assessed on its individual merits, taking into account the type of business and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its ability to continue to trade. If agreed, the sum deferred will be recovered as part of the rental payments made over the following 18 months.

The council will be contacting all tenants directly and details of how to apply to defer your rental payments can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time for many Chesterfield businesses, and we are working hard to ensure that they get the support they need.

“Rebuilding the local economy following the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority for Chesterfield Borough Council. We want to support our local businesses as much as we can to try and ensure their future viability and sustain the large numbers of jobs that they provide for local people.”

For information on business support during the Coronavirus Outbreak visit the Destination Chesterfield Business Support page

Find out how to support local businesses during the Coronavirus Outbreak.

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

Chesterfield technology company launches Virtual Graduate Fair to support students and universities

24th April 2020

Inspired to find a solution for graduates and students affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Chesterfield technology company Oasis Studio have developed the ‘Virtual Graduate Fair’, allowing students to showcase their skills online to visitors around the world.

The online system allows students to display videos, images, and documents within their own custom CGI exhibition stands, all of which can be viewed by potential employers at the click of a button.

Up and down the country, the coronavirus pandemic has forced cancellations and postponements of everything from exams to graduation ceremonies. As a result, students are missing out on one key element of graduation – an end of year show and the opportunity for students to showcase three years of hard work to friends and family, the community, and most importantly, potential employers. A recent report found over 60% of students now have reduced confidence in their post-graduation job prospects.

The event also allows universities to promote the high standard of work created within their halls and allow their graduates to stand out from the crowd as they prepare to leave education and enter the competitive world of work.

Paul Deakin, Director of Oasis Studio, explains: “Competing for your first job after leaving university is difficult at the best of times. The Virtual Graduate Fair allows universities to continue offering the typical end of year shows and graduate fairs which have been threatened this year by COVID-19”.

Paul added: “We hope more universities will see the value in helping their graduates to promote themselves to a much wider audience – and add a bit of an extra boost to their career prospects!”

Oasis Studio is currently in talks with a number of universities, with graduates of creative degrees expected to be among the first to trial the platform.

Click here to find out more about Oasis Studio

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

Work to begin on Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

24th April 2020

Work is set to begin on the new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre next week (27 April), to ensure the site is available for local businesses to move in to at the earliest possible opportunity and benefit the local economy.

Chesterfield Borough Council’s contractor, Robert Woodhead Ltd, will take control of the site and begin groundworks on part of the Holywell Cross (Donut) Car Park in Chesterfield town centre as preparation for the construction of the new Enterprise Centre.

Developing a thriving borough continues to be a priority for the Council and that includes supporting the business community during the COVID 19 outbreak and into recovery. Robert Woodhead Ltd have completed assessments ahead of the work beginning and have confirmed they will follow strict COVID 19 social distancing guidelines to ensure the safety of employees and the public.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “We appreciate there may be concerns around any construction activity starting in the town centre right now, given we remain at a key stage of the national response to the COVID 19 outbreak.

“The contractor will be working to the latest Construction Site Operating Procedures published by the Construction Leadership Council in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

“With these essential works progressing safely we hope to minimise any delay to the start of the main build and ultimately its completion. This major construction project will also help contribute to Chesterfield’s post COVID 19 recovery with the council’s requirement for Robert Woodhead Ltd to source local labour, supplies and equipment.

“The project will result in high quality, flexible, office space being made available on easy-in and easy-out letting terms to businesses just starting out or looking to grow their company here in Chesterfield.”

Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director at Robert Woodhead Ltd, said: “Over the last few weeks, we have been working with our industry peers, government and industry bodies to understand how the government guidelines and CLC Site Operating Procedures can be implemented on construction sites.

“We have developed stringent operating procedures, risk and method statements to enable us to start on site to deliver this exciting project in collaboration with Chesterfield Borough Council.”

Groundworks are likely to take around eight weeks to complete, running from the end of April onwards. Whilst these works are taking place the building design will be finalised, supplies of materials ordered and sub-contractors hired. These activities will put the project in a good position to proceed to full construction later on in the year.

The new Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre will accommodate a range of businesses within 32 office suites. It will also offer access to outstanding shared facilities and local business support services.

The new centre is an important addition to Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property portfolio and will hopefully be a key component in Chesterfield’s post COVID 19 recovery.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre project has benefited from grant funding support from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre email either claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk or hannah.ramsdale@chesterfield.gov.uk.

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

Chesterfield Borough Council reaches over £15 million paid in business support grants

22nd April 2020

Under the Government’s business grants scheme, Chesterfield Borough Council has paid more than £15.7 million to over 1,300 Chesterfield businesses in order to support them through the COVID-19 outbreak.

The business rates team are working hard to process applications as fast as possible, including working in the evening and at weekends.

Chesterfield Borough Council have stated that a number of eligible businesses still need to provide information before they are able to pay the business support grant. If you are eligible for a grant and you have not yet completed the application form, please apply as soon as possible, so the council can process the grant and make payment to you.

You can download the application form here (opens in new tab).

The council has also produced a new FAQs sheet about the business support grants, which aims to highlight which businesses are eligible and what the funding can be used for. Currently the following grants are in place to support businesses:

a small business grant of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief
grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property where the rateable value is between £15,000 and £51,000

You can find more information on the council’s website here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Click here to see the Detsination Chesterfield 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, Made in Chesterfield

151 new houses to be built next to Chesterfield’s Walton Hospital

17th April 2020

A deal to build 151 houses at a site adjacent to Chesterfield’s Walton Hospital, 62% of which will be affordable housing, has been secured by Vistry Partnerships.

Vistry Partnerships has exchanged contracts with Homes England on a portfolio of six developments that will provide more than 570 new homes across England, of which more than 400 will be affordable homes.

Vistry Partnerships has been working closely with Homes England to agree a flexible and pragmatic approach for these sites to ensure that housing delivery continues in spite of the impact of Covid-19.

Chief Executive of Vistry Partnerships, Stephen Teagle, said:“It’s a challenging time for the housebuilding and construction industry, so I am delighted that we have secured these six new housing sites. We have developed a successful partnership with Homes England and are already providing many hundreds of homes together; these new developments will add to that partnership, providing hundreds of affordable homes.

“Thanks to our agile business model and a collaborative approach with Homes England to accelerate delivery, we have been able to identify solutions which will enable us to progress as soon as possible. We know that the demand for affordable, quality homes remains high and we are very well placed to get these underway as soon as we can.”

Preparatory work, including the progression of planning applications for the sites in collaboration with Homes England, will commence immediately by Vistry Partnerships employees who are working from home in compliance with the Government’s current health and safety guidance.

Work on the project is expected to start in early 2021.

Images credit: Vistry Homes / Vistry Partnerships

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

D2N2 appeals to businesses for Personal Protective Equipment

6th April 2020

D2N2 is putting its support behind the PPE4NHS campaign and is asking businesses across the region to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the fight against Coronavirus.

In addition to widely reported shortages of PPE within the NHS, the Care and Charity sectors are also finding it difficult to source adequate items of PPE in order to safeguard vulnerable members of society.

Amongst the items in demand are:

Any fluid-resistant surgical masks including although not exclusively FFP2 or FFP3 (the rating is marked on each mask)
Nitrile gloves
Visors or goggles
Disposable aprons or overalls
Sanitising Gel
Overshoes

D2N2 Chief Executive Sajeeda Rose said: “We fully understand the efforts government are making to ensure PPE is available for all who need it, but we equally recognise the challenge they face in reaching beyond the NHS into other parts of the care system that are vital to shielding our most vulnerable citizens and preventing further strain on the front line by keeping people safe.”

“It may be that there are protective items sitting in storage cupboards that can be put to good use to support our social care workers, care workers and other front-line employees.”

“If businesses are able to offer up this stock in our fight against this virus, please get in touch.”

PPE4NHS

The campaign for PPE donations is the brainchild of Martin Rigley MBE, Chair of Discover Ashfield, and a D2N2 Enterprise Adviser with Portland Training College in Mansfield. Rigley has also been Managing Director of Sutton-in-Ashfield based, Lindhurst Engineering for the past 25 years.

Rigley said: “Having worked in engineering and manufacturing for nearly 40 years, I know there will now be cupboards and storerooms in manufacturing, engineering, construction and science-based businesses, full of brand-new PPE.”

“Our Health and Care workers desperately need this PPE and, as a business community, we have a duty to get it to them, if possible, without putting people at risk.”

Originally set up to cover the Mansfield and Ashfield area, the scheme is now being rolled out region-wide with the support of D2N2.

PPE Donations

Businesses interested in donating should visit the D2N2 PPE4NHS webpage.

To make the donation process as quick as possible, emails should include PPE supply details including quantity and postcode, plus a contact name and phone number. Businesses will be asked some questions about the type of support that can be provided and will be contacted as soon as possible if the support is needed.

Businesses can also interact with the scheme on Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin via the @PPE4NHS accounts.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield manufacturer offers factory, staff and resources in response to national COVID-19 effort

1st April 2020

A Chesterfield manufacturer is offering its factory, people and resources to the national effort to fight the killer virus.

The company, Blachford UK, which manufactures vehicle soundproofing materials for clients in both the UK and Europe, including JCB and CASE, employs more than 100 people at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield.

Production at the factory has ceased in response to the global pandemic. However, appeals from the government to manufacturers to assist with the UK effort has prompted Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK to offer the services of the company’s factory and staff.

He said: “We have a large production facility and a skilled workforce, including engineers, machinists and designers, that can all be utilised to manufacture goods and equipment that are critical to the NHS.

“If there are any companies out there, particularly those making PPE for NHS workers, we have staff and equipment at Blachford and we’d all like to help.”

The company has set up a dedicated email address during the crisis, to ensure that requests for help are answered immediately.

Jason added: “The company view is that we are all in this together and our staff want to help wherever they can to help the nation get fit and well and back to business. Blachford is a family and I am immensely proud of every member of staff for their support, not only for the company but the national effort to fight Coronavirus.”

Jason praised the government’s response to a national shutdown, saying: “The national shutdown I believe puts UK manufacturers in a strong position to recover business faster than many other countries. There is no doubt that UK manufacturing will face financial hardship over the coming months but, due to the nation’s collective shutdown, I believe the sector will recover and be in an excellent position in a couple of years.”

Companies involved in producing essential supplies during the COVID-19 and would like to talk to Blachford should email NHSsupport@blachforduk.com

Jason Lippitt – MD of Blachford UK

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

Coronavirus outbreak: Support for Chesterfield businesses

31st March 2020

In response to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Chesterfield Borough Council is actively implementing a number of Government backed financial measures to help support local businesses.

The council has already identified local businesses that may be eligible to access small business grants and business rate relief and has contacted these businesses directly.

However, not all businesses will be eligible for the small business grants and business rate relief schemes. Chesterfield Borough Council therefore want to ensure that these Chesterfield-based businesses are aware of other support schemes and advice which may be available to them during this challenging time.

Further information and links to Government schemes is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/coronavirus-information-hub/businesses-information

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth, said: “Chesterfield Borough Council and our partner agencies are working hard to ensure that Chesterfield businesses can access the very best support and advice during these difficult times. I would urge all local businesses to keep up to date via our website and take the opportunity to discuss any specific concerns they might have with the council’s staff or those of our partner agencies”.

The council has a business advisor who is available to talk through and offer advice to any Chesterfield based business as part of our D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hub scheme. You can contact the business advisor or staff of the council’s Economic Development team via economicdevelopment@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Businesses can also get support and advice from a number of partner agencies including East Midlands Chamber, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Derbyshire County Council and Destination Chesterfield. Contact information and links to relevant websites are available on the Chesterfield Borough Council website via the link above.

Click here to read the Destination Chesterfield Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Support Page

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