Development

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

Chancellor gives support to millions of self-employed individuals

26th March 2020

Rishi Sunak has announced a new scheme to support the UK’s self-employed affected by the coronavirus outbreak:

direct cash grant of 80% of their profits, up to £2,500 per month
latest announcement in an unprecedented package of government support to protect businesses and individuals

Millions of self-employed individuals will receive direct cash grants though a ground-breaking UK-wide scheme to help them during the coronavirus outbreak, the Chancellor announced today.

In the latest step to protect individuals and businesses, Rishi Sunak has set out plans that will see the self-employed receive up to £2,500 per month in grants for at least 3 months.

Millions of people across the UK could benefit from the new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, with those eligible receiving a cash grant worth 80% of their average monthly trading profit over the last three years. This covers 95% of people who receive the majority of their income from self-employment.

This brings parity with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, announced by the Chancellor last week, where the Government committed to pay up to £2,500 each month in wages of employed workers who are furloughed during the outbreak.

Cleaners, plumbers, electricians, musicians, hairdressers and many other self-employed people who are eligible for the new scheme will be able to apply directly to HMRC for the taxable grant, using a simple online form, with the cash being paid directly into people’s bank account.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “Self-employed people are a crucial part of the UK’s workforce who’ve understandably been looking for reassurance and support during this national emergency.”

“The package for the self-employed I’ve outlined today is one of the most generous in the world that has been announced so far. It targets support to those who need help most, offering the self-employed the same level of support as those in work.”

“Together with support packages for businesses and for workers, I am confident we now have the measures in place to ensure we can get through this emergency together.”

The scheme will be open to those with a trading profit of less than £50,000 in 2018-19 or an average trading profit of less than £50,000 from 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

To qualify, more than half of their income in these periods must come from self-employment.

To minimise fraud, only those who are already in self-employment and meet the above conditions will be eligible to apply. HMRC will identify eligible taxpayers and contact them directly with guidance on how to apply.

The income support scheme, which is being designed by HMRC from scratch, will cover the three months to May. Grants will be paid in a single lump sum instalment covering all 3 months, and will start to be paid at the beginning of June.

Individuals should not contact HMRC now. HMRC will use existing information to check potential eligibility and invite applications once the scheme is operational.

Those who pay themselves a salary and dividends through their own company are not covered by the scheme but will be covered for their salary by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme if they are operating PAYE schemes.

The scheme has been designed after extensive engagement with stakeholders including the TUC, the Federation of Small Businesses and IPSE – The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.

Self-employed individuals are already benefitting from a series of measures announced by the Chancellor to boost household incomes and will be able to access these while the new scheme is being rolled out.

These include a strengthening of the welfare safety-net with a £7 billion boost to Universal Credit, income tax and VAT deferrals, £1 billion more support for renters and access to three-month mortgage holidays.

Notes

further information and details of the scheme will be shared shortly by HMRC
HMRC will use the average trading profits from tax returns in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 to determine the size of the grant
this scheme also applies to members of partnerships
before grant payments are made, the self-employed will still be able to access other available government support for those affected by coronavirus including more generous universal credit and business continuity loans where they have a business bank account

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

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

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-based Whittam Cox Architects secure planning for Hove neighbourhood regeneration

21st March 2020

Planning permission has been granted by Brighton and Hove City Council for a new landmark build to rent neighbourhood, designed by Chesterfield-based company Whittam Cox Architects.

For client Moda Living and their funders Apache Capital Partners, this new residential project will provide 564 new high-quality homes designed for rent that Moda will own and operate as part of their long-term plans for this site. The apartments range from studios to three-bed and are spread across six buildings ranging from 2 to 13 storeys in height. Design proposals seek to establish the role of the Hove Station Quarter and create a destination that will benefit both the existing community and future residents.

Paul Rogers, Director at Whittam Cox Architects said, “We’re delighted that planning has been granted for this exciting new development which will enhance the character of the area and create a bespoke inter-generational village. The scheme brings together a new emerging multi building BTR typology which has a diverse architectural language that draws on the rich urban texture of Hove, whilst creating a distinct identity and sense of place.”

Tony Brooks, Managing Director at MODA added, “Whittam Cox Architects have played a critical and instrumental role in designing this complex scheme with us. They understand the Moda approach exceptionally well. This scheme is one of our first developments in the South East and also a new model whereby a Build to Rent neighbourhood with different buildings and streets/landscaping will be delivered as an integrated community.”

As part of the plans, a further 265 care community apartments will be developed by Mayfield Villages, a specialist retirement care village developer and operator and will include dedicated amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant and village hall.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development

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

Derbyshire County Cricket Club achieve record surplus in 2019

17th March 2020

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has recorded a club-record surplus of £402,000 for the financial year ending December 2019.

The figure, which is the highest posted by the club in its history, was driven by higher ECB receipts; prize money from the Vitality Blast; an increase in ticket revenue; and improved cost management.

The club’s run to Finals Day in the Vitality Blast led to an additional £57,000, while record Twenty20 crowds and the Aston Lark Tourist Fixture against Australia generated a £91,000 increase in ticket revenue compared to 2018, with Membership revenue also increasing by £20,000.

Chairman, Ian Morgan OBE, said: “As we expected, last year’s financial loss proved to be a one-off due in the main to unforeseen circumstances, and I am pleased to report that the club returned to profitability in 2019 and achieved a surplus after operations and before tax of £402,000.

“A new County Partnership Agreement (CPA) with the ECB for all First Class Counties includes new funding streams on the back of the media rights deal. For Derbyshire this means that we can now progress our plans to develop and improve the infrastructure at The Pattonair County Ground, by increasing our seating capacity, installing a new scoreboard, installing new toilets and enhancing our bars and concessions amongst other ground developments.

“A great number of factors have led to this positive position at the end of the financial year and I would like to thank our Members, supporters and 1870 Business Club partners, and our Principal Partner, Pattonair, for their ongoing support.

“I continue to be proud and appreciative of the positive, friendly and helpful attitude of everyone at Derbyshire County Cricket Club. While we know there is room to continue increasing our commercial revenue, I remain optimistic about the coming seasons as we continue to strive for success on and off-the-field.”

Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, added: “Our aims for the year were to enhance our customer experience, maintain and grow our commercial revenues, reduce our cost base and increase profitability in order to maintain our spending on cricket. I’m pleased to say we’ve been able to do that and we’re now in a position to plan for long-term sustainability and to be debt free by the end of the term of the new media rights agreement.

“Commercial growth and the tightening up of margins have been major factors in this surplus, however like many clubs we are acutely aware of the reliance on ECB funding. Whilst we continue to grow our cricket revenues and interest in the game across the county, it is important to keep diversifying our business model in order to develop new revenue opportunities away from cricket.

“We have a number of exciting events in 2020, including a Michael Bublè concert in July and our major fireworks night in November. It’s opportunities such as these which allow us to continue investing in cricket and hopefully contributing to success on the field and more occasions such as Finals Day last summer.”

Click here to find out more about the BRM Solicitors Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

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