Development

Chesterfield business leaders urge government to deliver HS2 Eastern Leg in full

The chief executive of East Midlands Chamber says there are “No excuses for the HS2 Eastern Leg not to be built in full,” after the National Infrastructure Commission published recommendations earlier this week.

Responding to the National Infrastructure Commission’s (NIC) Rail Needs Assessment Plan in which it outlines recommendations on the future of HS2, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “HS2 is the single-biggest transport infrastructure project in a generation and represents a huge opportunity for businesses, with the potential to unlock economic benefits of more than £4bn for the East Midlands and part of Yorkshire.

“By connecting the region with a first-class UK and Europe-wide rail network, it will bring enormous opportunities to local firms and make the East Midlands a much more attractive location for inward investment.

“However, these benefits for both the region and country will only be realised once it is delivered in full. That means the Eastern Leg being built exactly as the Government has promised all along, rather than a diluted version of this, and at pace.

“We will have major capacity issues on the Midland Main Line within the next two decades unless something is done to upgrade the rail network, so this needs to be addressed urgently. HS2 would achieve this, while also offering much-needed improvements in connectivity between the region’s towns and cities.

“However, this is so much more than just a railway line. It’s been great to see many parts of the East Midlands come together to commit to a blueprint for the future of the region that will bring economic growth and jobs. We have been very clear on our vision, which is built on the idea that the Toton hub station becomes a destination in its own right – a magnet for inward investment and an industrial hub that unlocks further development opportunities.

“The NIC’s report is therefore very concerning as it doesn’t take any of the regional growth plans into account and we absolutely do not accept its findings.

“Any suggestion that involves stopping HS2 at East Midlands Parkway would not work for the region, and has already been considered and dismissed from a feasibility perspective years ago.

“When the Government makes its decision about which option to include in its Integrated Rail Plan, it will have a clear choice between an exciting vision created by a region that’s focused on long-term growth and prosperity – one that will shape how we want our country to look as we leave the UK-EU transition period – and another that applies rough methodology, offers short-term logic and ultimately doesn’t deliver the same benefits.

“We have a plan that’s ready to go and it’s time the Government delivered on promises it has made so many times over the past 12 months since it firmly committed to the scheme – and in the years that preceded it.

“The East Midlands currently has the lowest transport spend per capita – £245 per head – of any region in the UK, receiving just 51% of the £483 UK average. The region is in desperate need of investment and finally putting any questions to bed on the HS2 Eastern Leg would go some way to proving the Government is serious about delivering on the ‘levelling-up’ agenda – a point on which it has repeatedly banged the drum without any serious proof of what this actually means.

“To do anything else would be a huge mistake, critically undermining the entire project and blowing a huge hole in Government rhetoric.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has responded to the NIC publication. She said: “We are hugely disappointed that of the options presented the National Infrastructure Commission does not recommend delivery of the eastern leg of HS2 in full. This directly conflicts with the Government’s pledge to levelling up in areas like ours. It also seriously undermines local plans for growth in the north and the midlands.

“After decades of underinvestment in strategic rail infrastructure, delivering HS2 is a once in a generation chance to transform connectivity, attract investment, create new jobs, build new homes, boost skills and opportunity and level-up communities across the North, Midlands and beyond. This is even more crucial to our economic future in optimising recovery from the pandemic, which has hit the North and Midlands hard.

“We have been working with our partners across the north and midlands for a number of years, making it clear that the full eastern leg is a critical requirement for Northern Powerhouse Rail as well as investing huge amounts of money in developing growth plans that will help our communities make the most of HS2.

“For Chesterfield, the failure to deliver the eastern leg in full means facing the prospect of reduced connectivity for our communities, as well as damaging the momentum we have built up around our ambitious comprehensive plans for both Staveley and the area around Chesterfield Station.

“In the Staveley area alone, planned growth worth at least £1bn has been catalysed by the planned HS2 maintenance depot. Taking this away would be a huge blow for an area that has had its hopes raised on the back of HS2’s plans and would leave a huge question mark over how we can deliver the ambitious growth plans our communities need and deserve.

“It is vital that the Eastern Leg of HS2 is delivered in full and that delivery starts as soon as possible. This is about more than just rail and trains – it’s about new jobs, new homes and new starts for communities that have been denied these opportunities over many years.

“This is a critical issue for Chesterfield and Staveley. I will not rest in working with council and business leaders along the planned Eastern Leg to hold Government to account and to ensure that the Prime Minister honours his commitment to deliver HS2 East in full. Time is of the essence to re-assert the strength of Chesterfield’s social and economic case ahead of Government’s planned publication of its Integrated Rail Plan.”

 

Dom Stevens, manager of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Chesterfield is already moving forward with significant plans and developments so that the town can maximise the wide range of economic benefits HS2 has to offer.

“The originally proposed spur of the line arriving at Chesterfield Station will improve connectivity, journey times and capacity on our rail network locally and nationally, bringing with it vital investment opportunities.

“We would urge the NIC to rethink its recommendations and take into the account the huge strides our town has already made to regenerate its economy, with HS2 playing a huge role in attracting new people into the area to invest, live and work.”

 

 

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Chesterfield College awarded £500,000 towards centre of excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies.

A new Centre of Excellence focusing on modern construction and digital technologies will be built at Chesterfield College after the scheme was awarded a £500,000 grant from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The investment will support the D2N2 LEP’s vision of greener homes and technology, along with more energy-efficient public building; with construction being one of the most important sectors to the regional economy.

The project is one of ten across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire which has received funding from D2N2’s £44 million share of the government’s £900 million Getting Building Fund.

The programme of investment is being used to improve digital infrastructure; support skills and career opportunities; and the transition to a low carbon economy to drive economic growth following the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The funding award will allow Chesterfield College to create a new centre where local students will be able to learn state-of-the-art techniques such as Building Information Modelling and Virtual and Augmented reality.

The new centre, which will be housed in pre-existing premises owned by the college, will complement the current curriculum being delivered to teach advanced manufacturing and building techniques. It will offer learners the opportunity to develop the skills which employers need to meet current and future demands in their sector.

It’s hoped that these new skills will enhance learners employment and career development opportunities as well as their earning potential. The facility will also support the growing demand from employers for a workforce well versed in new technologies and construction methods..

With funding for the £875,000 facility now secured work will begin on the site ready to accept learner by April 2021.

The Centre of Excellence is just the latest capital investment D2N2 has made in Chesterfield and follows recent investments into the construction of the Hollis Lane Link Road, the station area redevelopment, and the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project totalling £6.85 million.

D2N2 Chair Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “Through the Getting Building Fund, D2N2 is investing in projects that will drive the regeneration of our regional economy, adapt to new opportunities, and create a more resilient economy for everyone.”
“I’m pleased D2N2 has been able to invest in this Centre of Excellence at Chesterfield College. Ensuring our workforce has the skills to take advantage of ever more sophisticated and greener construction methods is an essential part of our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable economy.”

David Malone, Deputy Principal of the Chesterfield College Group said: “This funding will allow us to give local people the chance to develop the skills they need to be competitive in the job market as demands of the construction and engineering sector change.
“The Centre of Excellence will allow us to enhance what we already offer students and apprentices and ensure employers have access to a talent pool of people with the skills they need. We are excited to be able to bring together expertise in digital technology with modern construction in one purpose built facility and we look forward to welcoming the first students through the doors in 2021.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said: “We’re supporting students across the country gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s new and emerging industries.
“That’s why we’re supporting Chesterfield College’s Centre of Excellence with a £500,000 Getting Building Fund investment.

“The innovative new facilities will allow local people to progress to high quality, well paid jobs while also meeting the recruitment demands of the region’s businesses.”

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Festive cheer for foodbank after Specsavers steps in to cover charity’s Christmas costs

The founder of a Chesterfield-based foodbank has thanked her local Specsavers store after the team stepped in to cover the operating costs over Christmas.

Kelly Hall from The Chesterfield Food Hut launched the charity earlier this year in the wake of the pandemic, to provide food parcels for vulnerable people across Chesterfield and surrounding areas.
However, the group was struggling in recent weeks to meet the increased demand over the festive period. With costs spiralling, the Specsavers’ team agreed to donate £2,750 to help cover the charity’s overheads until February 2021.

Specsavers Chesterfield’s store director, Allissa Charlesworth, launched the fundraising campaign this week with her store colleagues after concerns the charity would struggle to meet demand for those unable to make ends meet over Christmas.

The money will be put towards covering costs and providing 250 hot meals per week to the vulnerable as well as the charity’s Christmas appeal to provide disadvantaged local children a present each.

Allissa says: ‘Kelly’s work is nothing short of remarkable and her unfaltering commitment to helping those in need across the area was something we immediately recognised and wanted to play a part in.

‘Budgets are often squeezed over this period at the best of times, but it must be really hard for families this year to cope with a Covid-Christmas.

‘We’re delighted that we can help fund the charity’s great work over the busy Christmas period, and we’ll be holding an in-store food and present donation drive to support the group further.’

Kelly Hall says: ‘2020 has been such a tough year for all of us, which is why I’m really proud to have been able to make a difference through the initiative.

‘The support from Specsavers, along with the other generous donations that we receive from our community, will really help to make sure we can continue this work well into the New Year.’

Specsavers stores throughout England remain open for all eye care and hearing needs in accordance with government guidelines. In line with NHS recommendations, Specsavers colleagues use personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the stores, wear face masks and other PPE during tests, and all testing equipment and frames are thoroughly sanitised before and after each use.

Customers are also asked to request an appointment in advance by phone or online through the Specsavers website to help manage social distancing and minimise time spent in store.

To book an eye test at Specsavers Chesterfield visit specsavers.co.uk or call 01246 222 334

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Funding given to restore stretch of Chesterfield Canal at Renishaw

£50,000 has been awarded to a project aimed at restoring and extending a derelict canal channel in Renishaw. The ‘Rewatering Renishaw’ scheme will transform the stretch into a permanent water space that local people can enjoy.

Approximately 500m of the Chesterfield Canal channel was restored through Renishaw, Derbyshire in 2010, as part of a housing development. However, due to various issues, the stretch proved to be unuseable. It delivered little benefit to the newly created community on the housing estate and the wider Renishaw community.

This project is part of Phase 1 of the Chesterfield Canal Trust’s ambition to restore the canal to full navigation by 2027. This will be the 250th anniversary of the canal’s original opening. The complete Phase 1 works will extend the current limit of navigation from the town of Staveley to the village of Renishaw. They will also include the construction of three new accommodation bridges, four new bridleway bridges, a lock, a railway overbridge, an aqueduct and approximately 5km of new or restored channel.

The entire Phase 1 of the project will take several years to complete. It will require over £4m to be raised. The works at Renishaw (Phase 1a) can be completed much earlier and provide lasting benefits to the community. These will be felt long before either the Phase 1 works are completed, or it forms part of a fully restored waterway. This lasting and standalone benefit from an interim restoration stage is a prime example of the Waterways in Progress philosophy.

The grant, with additional funding from Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire County Council, will allow the trust to undertake the following Phase 1a work:

  • 550m of canal channel re-profiled to navigable standards.
  • 1,050m of canal channel relined using a geosynthetic clay liner.
  • 250m of stone gabions installed in the canal banks and waterproofed by casting a concrete face up to the water level.
  • Clinker Wood side weir restored and a temporary pumping system provided to supply water from the River Rother to the canal.
  • 550m of towpath resurfaced, making it suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. The current path is virtually impassable despite being the official public right of way.
  • A further 915m of towpath resurfaced to provide a circular 2.5km surfaced route incorporating the Trans-Pennine Trail.
  • Eight picnic benches, made from recycled plastic. These will be installed across two locations along with three standard benches in other areas of the scheme. Two of the picnic benches will be suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Installation of signage to encourage users of the Trans-Pennine Trail to explore the canal and the village. Plus the provision of 12 cycle stands to allow cyclists to secure their bikes.
    Additional Works
  • Alongside the above works, the project partners plan to deliver the following additional works to futureproof the canal for navigation:
  • 210m of concrete and masonry wash walling constructed around Black’s Pit corner, in order to protect the banks around this tight turn.
  • 285m of steel piling installed to the south of Barlborough Road Bridge, to provide future visitor moorings.

Trust Secretary Rod Auton said: “This is great news for the Trust and even better news for the residents of Renishaw. The canal looked great when first restored in 2009, but has since become an eyesore. We will now be able to restore and extend it on both sides of Barlborough Road and keep it looking wonderful with a regular water supply. It is even possible that it could be connected to Chesterfield within a couple of years, if the necessary funding can be secured.”

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Have your say on the future of Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield residents, business owners and market traders are being invited to share their views and help shape the future of Chesterfield Market.

Chesterfield Borough Council is launching an initial series of surveys to understand what people enjoy about Chesterfield Market, what might encourage them to visit more often, and understand how they think it can be improved. The surveys will be open until Monday 4 January.

It is the first step in the £3.25m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project to revamp the town’s historic outdoor Market Place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield Market is the heart and soul of the town. It is absolutely vital to our history, with markets being held here since 1204.

“It’s crucial that we work together with residents, market traders and local businesses to make sure improvements meet their needs, and so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to give us their views.”

Three separate surveys are being carried out at the same time – one will seek the views, ideas and concerns of market traders, whilst another is aimed at local retailers. The third questionnaire will be open to the general public to share their opinions.

Councillor Sarvent added: “This is just the start of what is a very important conversation for our town. The things people tell us now will be used to shape detailed proposals for the improvement work, which will be the focus of a more formal consultation next year.”

Members of the public are being asked to tell the council what attracts them to the market, and their shopping habits when they visit. Businesses and market traders are being asked about customer shopping habits and the facilities that will support their businesses.

The trader and retailer survey focuses on the business impact of the market and customer trends, but also seeks opinions on how certain changes may affect their business.

The surveys only take a few minutes to complete and people can have their say until Monday 4 January by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page. 

The council is working with retail market development company, Quarterbridge, which is overseeing the survey process and will put forward recommendations for improvement based on the results.

As well as looking at the future of the market, the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will also include improvements to the public space between the town centre and the Northern Gateway site.

The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project has benefitted from £650,000 of funding through the D2N2 Local Growth Fund.

The survey closes on Monday 4 January and can be completed by visiting the Chesterfield Outdoor Market Questionnaire page.

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Chesterfield College helps employers access £2 billion of government funding to recruit young people

Chesterfield College is helping employers make the most of government funding to grow their workforce and help young people into employment. The college is now a provider and intermediary of the government’s Kickstart Scheme, helping businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, to get access to their share of £2 billion of funding to provide meaningful 6-month job placements for 16-24-year olds.

The scheme was launched earlier this year as part of a recovery package of measures outlined by the chancellor, Rishi Sunak. It offers employers a means of growing their workforce with a talent pool of people looking for a route into employment.

The WorkSkills team at Chesterfield College is working with employers to apply for funding, liaise with JobCentrePlus, choose the right candidates, and provide any additional training needs alongside the job placements.

Funding available for each job will cover the relevant National Minimum Wage, plus NI contributions and any auto enrolment pension costs for up to 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to benefit from a fully funded new member of staff, but they can also choose to top up and pay above the minimum wage or cover the costs beyond 25 hours per week.

There is also funding available to support young people to develop new skills and to help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job. Free upfront and on-going training, designed to support the new roles created, will be provided by the college to ensure new employees can make the most of their opportunity.

Lee Kirton, WorkSkills Delivery Manager from Chesterfield College said: “This a fantastic opportunity for employers of all sizes to grow their workforce and access a large pool of candidates with potential and ambition, ready for an opportunity to kick start their career. Our expertise of working with employers, young people and JobCentrePlus will give employers the best chance of accessing this pot of funding and benefiting from the Kickstart scheme. We are passionate about working together to create meaningful job placements for young people to develop in.”

For more information about the rules of Kickstart scheme and how to access funding working with Chesterfield College, visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/kickstart-scheme-launches-2-billion-of-funded-roles-now-available-for-employers/

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield here

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Chesterfield company’s pledge to help get local community finances back on track

A Chesterfield company has opened up a new office in the town as part of its efforts to support clients and the wider community in its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Sovereign Wealth want to help reassure people and local businesses who are concerned about the recent economic uncertainty caused by the virus, or those who have been hit hard financially.

Dominic Fallon, Partner of Sovereign Wealth LLP and founder of the Chesterfield branch said: “We’ve decided to focus our energy on where we feel we can help the most in the local community. At the moment, financial plans that may have seemed secure pre-Covid should be re-evaluated. Financial decisions made before March 2020 were not based on the current economic environment.

“Volatility in equity and financial markets are rightly causing concerns, and it’s important to understand any knock-on effects on pensions or other financial arrangements, and how to protect them.”

When life becomes unpredictable, it’s easy to feel out of control with finances, but it doesn’t have to be like that, says Dominic.

“One way to help yourself through this is to seek the best advice. We are bombarded by information daily about recessions and dips, and often these aren’t the things we need to be worrying about, but we do as they are at the forefront of our minds. One way to stay sane and stop worrying unnecessarily is to seek reliable, dependable advice, and getting to know the whole situation, not just now, but any long-term financial implications. This way, you can make an informed decision.”

“We’ve set up an office in Chesterfield so that we can work Covid securely; we have the correct distance requirements etc. Much safer in the current climate for our clients. But, we can also use Zoom for clients who can’t manage to get to the office.”

But Dominic’s aim to help the community doesn’t stop there. Working with other local businesses, Dominic and his team and working to give something back to the community of Chesterfield this Christmas.

“Everyone has struggled this year, whether it be financially or mentally, and we wanted to give something back. We are working with other local businesses to organise a food collection which will be distributed to local schools to pass on to any families who might struggle without school meals over the holiday period. If you have any food items to donate, please drop them to our office at Sovereign Wealth LLP 3 Old Road, Chesterfield S40 2RE. Give yourself the feel-good factor – there is no better feeling than doing good.”

If you’d like to sign up for Dominic’s top tips to keeping calm through the pandemic, you can email Dominic.Fallon@sjpp.co.uk

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Refurbishment of older persons housing in Chesterfield shortlisted for three awards

A £3.8m investment to transform and modernise housing schemes for older people in Chesterfield has been shortlisted for three awards at this year’s Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards.

The project, which has seen the refurbishment of Brocklehurst Court, Glebe Court and Catherine Court has been shortlisted for the ‘Building Project of the Year’, ‘Health, Safety & Wellbeing’ and the ‘Integration & Collaborative Working’ at this year’s awards that will take place virtually on Friday 4 December.

Each of the older persons housing schemes have been refurbished and modernised by Chesterfield Borough Council’s main contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. as part the council’s commitment to investing in its housing stock to ensure that a supply of affordable, modern and attractive homes can be maintained for local residents in every stage of life.

The transformation of the sheltered housing in Chesterfield began in October 2017, when Chesterfield Borough Council appointed Fortem through the Efficiency East Midlands Framework. Brocklehurst Court was the first scheme to undergo a facelift, with the outdated 1970s building of bedsits and small flats converted into 17 comfortable one and two-bedroom flats.
After the success of Brocklehurst Court, Chesterfield Borough Council tasked Fortem with the £1.5m refurbishment of Glebe Court, then the £1.5m overhaul of Catherine Court, where properties refurbished throughout to create both a bright and welcoming living environment for residents.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We’re delighted that we have been shortlisted for these awards and it is great to be recognised for the work that has been put in by Fortem and the council to help improve housing for older people in our local community.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life for local people and a key part of our housing strategy is to make sure that our homes are of excellent quality and create a modern and desirable environment. The specification and quality of the work on these schemes has drawn attention from other local authorities, with representatives visiting the schemes in order to see how they could transform sheltered housing in their areas.”

James Taylor, Contracts Manager at Fortem who is leading the Chesterfield refurbishment schemes, said: “The refurbishment of the sheltered housing schemes across Chesterfield has been an amazing journey. The transformation of the properties, through collaborative design and on site working between Fortem and Chesterfield Borough Council, have led to a sector leading standard of refurbishment.

“We are proud to work with the Council on schemes which are in the heart of the local community. The works have allowed us to provide a sociable, light, and spacious living environment for the residents, while supporting social initiatives such as Gussies Kitchen and the Cosy Hub, ensuring we leave a legacy in the area which will be felt for many years to come.”

The project to transform and modernise sheltered housing in Chesterfield is in progress, further works are in progress to refurbish Mallard Court and Leander Court and works will then follow on at Aston Court. When complete all the Council’s sheltered housing will have been transformed into high quality affordable homes for our older residents.

Find out more about living in Chesterfield here 

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Markham Vale North development nears completion as last two units take shape

HBD and Derbyshire County Council’s Markham Vale North is nearing completion with the steel structures already completed for the final two units being delivered for Aver Property in a £25m deal, a joint venture between Ergo Real Estate and NFU Mutual.

The final two buildings on Markham Vale North – known as Orion – will provide an additional 221,518 sq. ft. and 75,500 sq. and are expected to complete in Q2 2021.

Markham Vale is a partnership between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. A 200-acre business park with direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, it is one of the region’s flagship locations and has been a catalyst for the creation of thousands of new jobs.

The scheme offers bespoke industrial, warehouse, hotel and office builds. Existing occupiers include Great Bear and Bilstein Group.

Anthony Clitheroe, Director at HBD, said: “Construction is progressing quickly on the two units, which we expect to complete in Spring – large, high-quality industrial stock remains in short supply in the UK, particularly in strategic locations like this, so interest has been high.

“These last two units complete the North side of the scheme. A further 13-acres remain across Markham Vale East and West, capable of accommodating 220,000 sq. ft.”

Leigh Burnett, Asset Manager for Ergo said: “Aver is delighted to be involved in the development of Orion at Markham Vale North. These are well located, high quality industrial buildings that will perform well in the both the short and long term. Markham Vale is a landmark development which benefits from proven longevity and appeal, it is a great location for distribution and production businesses.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor, Tony King, said: “These two new units will be great additions to Markham Vale and will open up exciting opportunities for new businesses to join the site.

“We’re committed to supporting businesses – now more than ever to help them survive and recover from the downturn brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s really positive to hear that we’ve already had some good interest from companies about the new units and the investment in Markham Vale by Aver Property shows a great level of confidence in the Derbyshire economy and its potential for growth.”

To date, HBD has delivered 2,000,000 sq. ft. of industrial, logistics and warehousing space at Markham Vale in what has been a hugely successful 16-year partnership with Derbyshire County Council.

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Kakou CIC raise funds for frontline staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital through sales of ‘Pride’ products

A local social enterprise has released a range of bespoke products and designs, with proceeds from sales going to frontline workers at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Kakou is a social enterprise looking to identify and remove barriers that exclude the disabled from accessing mainstream music and creative arts participation.

The group specialises in the design and manufacture innovative products, offering mainstream features that are inclusive and accessible to all, without the need for special adaptation.

It also provides research and development into new ways to provide disabled people with opportunities to participate and collaborate in inclusive environments and hosts workshops suitable for all ages and abilities that stimulate the mind in a vast range of original, creative, practical and engaging ways.

Last year, Kakou CIC were commissioned by the University of Derby to produce a piece of community artwork to be displayed at their Chesterfield Campus.

Now, Kakou are selling prints of the St. Helena canvas, alongside rainbow inspired t-shirts and tote bags, with the proceeds going to #ProtectYourNHS – the charity of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

With the help of the students, teachers and staff of St. Helena, and the festival-goers of Chesterfield Pride 2019, the group created a giant canvas of the St. Helena campus (home of the University’s College of Health and Social Care).

Originally painted in Pride colours, the rainbow has become a symbol of support for people wanting to show solidarity with NHS workers on the front line.

Director of Kakou, Ann Fomukong-Boden said “during the Covid-19 pandemic many of the nursing and allied healthcare students from St. Helena have taken to the frontline, working in hospitals as part of our NHS and Care Heroes.

“Having produced this amazing piece of art, it felt right as a thank you and acknowledgement of all the work the NHS has done during the pandemic to use it to help raise money for our local NHS charity.”

To shop the collection visit – https://kakou.co.uk/collection/chesterfield-pride/

Kakou CIC supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Businesses desperately require answers as Brexit negotiations reach decision point, says East Midlands Chamber.

With the UK and EU yet to agree a trade deal, businesses are being left to “pick up the pieces” as they attempt to plan for 2021 amid huge uncertainty, believes the Chamber.

It comes as the latest analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) showed that with just 24 days to go until the end of the transition period, businesses still have insufficient official information available in 24 critical areas.

Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “Businesses are hooked to the news waiting for a positive update from the negotiations because the current stalemate is undermining their ability to prepare for change on 1 January.

“We know our trading relationship is going to look a lot different and many businesses have been managing their ‘known unknowns’, helped by organisations like the Chamber via our Readiness for Change programme.

“But there’s still many critical areas where they need answers, and they need them now, because they are being left to pick up the pieces while uncertainty rules.

“While it appears we are edging towards a decision either way on whether we will have a deal in time for the end of the transition period, the BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard shows there are too many questions that remain unanswered – despite these issues not actually being impacted on the resolution of the trade negotiations.

“There is therefore no excuse for the UK Government not to do everything in its power to ensure the changes from 1 January will be as seamless as possible.”

BCC’s analysis finds 24 questions remain unanswered

The BCC’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard – long used by both business and government to evaluate the quality of official UK Government guidance – compiles 35 questions most frequently raised by businesses, which apply in both “deal” or “no deal” scenarios.
It has assessed the information available to firms and rated it green (information is sufficient), amber (some information is available) and red (information is wholly inadequate).

The BCC last evaluated the quality of official HM Government guidance to assess whether it provides sufficient, clear and actionable information that businesses can use to prepare for the coming changes in September and has now provided its latest assessment.
Government guidance has only been upgraded to a “green” rating in two areas – duty deferment accounts and the paperwork needed to import under a Generalised System of Preferences programme – since its last update, with 24 of 35 key questions still flashing “amber” or “red”.

Among the unresolved issues are:

• Firms still do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning – which could potentially create unprecedented new administration and costs
• There remains very limited guidance on procedures for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
• Ten-digit tariff codes have still not been published and there is still doubt about the final World Trade Organisation’s most favoured nation (MFN) tariff rates
• There is no information on how UK tariff rate quotas will be administered or how businesses can access them beyond the transition period.

The lack of information with which to plan, and potential deadline fatigue, presents further challenges to firms up and down the UK that have already faced reduced demand, ongoing Government restrictions and sustained cashflow challenges due to the coronavirus crisis.

BCC director-general Adam Marshall said: “Posters and television adverts are no substitute for the clear, detailed and actionable information businesses require to prepare for the end of transition.

“None of the issues businesses are grappling with are new. They have all been raised repeatedly over the past four years, from tariff codes and rules of origin through to the movement of goods from GB to NI.

“The detail and precision of UK Government guidance matters, and will make all the difference as the trading relationship between the UK and EU changes on January 1.

“With the clock ticking down, the Government must do everything in its power to provide businesses with answers as they prepare to navigate a New Year like no other.

“We welcome the fact that UK and EU leaders are still talking, as the overwhelming majority of businesses want the two sides to reach an agreement.

“If a breakthrough happens over the coming hours and days, the two sides must immediately set to work on pragmatic steps to smooth the introduction of the new arrangements from January, including easements for genuine administrative errors, clear procedures at ports, and fast help from customs authorities.”

Easements and temporary waivers needed to help firms adjust
In addition to clarity on the new arrangements in any deal, the BCC said it is crucial the UK and EU member states agree to implement changes in a way that helps businesses to adjust to the new procedures and systems that will come in to force from January 1.
Example UK easements could include:

• A temporary waiver of the £300 fine for hauliers arriving at Channel ports that aren’t border-ready due to genuine errors in the preparation of their documentation
• Flexibility in the requirements for EU companies to be registered in the UK for paperwork purposes
• A mandatory grace period for all companies that have inadvertently shared personal data unlawfully between the UK and the EU (whether with third parties or subsidiaries) without adequate legal authority – unless there has been a substantive breach of data subject rights

On areas such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, the BCC said the Government should be prepared to act unilaterally to maintain the provision of services within the UK while also working with the EU and member states on reciprocal provision.
If no agreement can be reached, the organisation has urged both the UK and EU to take steps to help keep trade flowing in the interests of businesses on both sides.

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