Development

East Midlands businesses tell Chamber what they want from next Government ahead of party conferences

Long-term strategies for energy and industry are top of the wishlist for the region’s businesses ahead of the next General Election, according to a new study by East Midlands Chamber.

Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G connectivity, greater investment in road and rail infrastructure projects, and better incentives for upskilling and reskilling people followed closely behind as priorities.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire asked businesses to provide views on 20 policy asks in its latest Quarterly Economic Survey, with the development of a long-term energy strategy for the UK ranking as being the most important.

Results were compiled to establish a list of top priorities for businesses, which has been published ahead of the upcoming Labour and Conservative party conferences in October.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “With a General Election drawing closer on the horizon, it’s hugely important for the voice of businesses to be heard by the next Government in order to drive sustainable economic growth that delivers jobs and prosperity.

“After many years of policy flip-flopping, economic shocks and the resulting uncertainty this has created for businesses, long-term planning appears to be front and centre of minds.

“A long-term energy strategy is understandably top of the list given the huge rise in utilities costs for firms and households over the past two years combined with the opportunities business see to deliver future solutions in this space. It’s closely followed by a comprehensive industrial strategy that finally addresses the UK’s perennial productivity problem – which is crucial to growing output, creating jobs and bringing down inflation.

“In our regional economic blueprint, A Centre of Trading Excellence: A Business Manifesto for Growth in the East Midlands and Beyond, launched in Westminster last year, we highlighted the importance of infrastructure – that is, both digital and transport – as one of ‘four Is’ to spearheading growth.

“Businesses are telling us they want to see real improvements across broadband and 5G connectivity, which are both crucial to 21st century working, while investing in our roads and rail is crucial to their future success – an important consideration at a time Government is deliberating over the future of HS2 and our region continues to be bottom of the pile for public transport investment.

“We have also spoken in our manifesto about ‘getting the basics right’ and ‘growing our competitiveness the right way’, and both these themes are reflected in our survey as firms tell us they want the broken business rates to be made fit for purpose and better incentives to support the net zero agenda.”

Policy priorities for East Midlands businesses

The responses on policy priorities were gathered by East Midlands Chamber in August and September 2023 as part of its Quarterly Economic Survey, in which 296 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part.

They were presented with a list of 20 policy asks of Government and asked to score them based on importance to their organisation, providing additional comments as to why. The top 10 priority areas, in order, were:

  • The development of a long-term Energy Strategy for the UK
  • The development of a long-term Industrial Strategy for the UK
  • Speeding up the rollout of full-fibre broadband
  • Greater investment in local infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • More flexible/generous incentives for investment in staff development/reskilling (including application of Apprenticeship Levy)
  • Greater investment in major infrastructure projects (road, rail)
  • Speeding up the rollout of 5G technology
  • Comprehensive reform of the business rates system
  • Greater investment in integrated public transport networks
  • More flexible/generous incentives for developments associated with the green agenda.

Perfectly located in the centre of the UK with excellent connectivity to several major cities, find out why Chesterfield is a great location for your next business base.

East Midlands Chamber supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chris Hobson, East Midlands Chamber

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy and Insight, East Midlands Chamber

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New £1 million car dealership to open in Chesterfield

Bristol Street Motors is investing over £1 million in a brand-new MG dealership in Chesterfield.

This marks Bristol Street Motors’ third MG dealership, with existing locations in Carlisle and Beaconsfield. It is the fourth MG dealership for the brand’s wider group, which has had Macklin Motors Edinburgh MG operating since early last year.

Bristol Street Motors says its Chesterfield MG centre is set to be a ‘game-changer’ in the Chesterfield automotive landscape, offering a comprehensive range of new MG vehicles and exceptional aftersales service.

The dealership’s location, based on Chatsworth Road, has operated as a Vauxhall franchise since 2007. The aftersales facilities have been repositioned to a separate area on the premises, which has enabled the historic service bays to be repurposed into a spacious seven-car MG showroom, showcasing the brand’s innovative and dynamic line-up.

The establishment of Bristol Street Motors Chesterfield MG has created local employment, as the dealership is actively recruiting for three newly-created roles. The brand’s investment demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the local economy and underlines its role as a catalyst for growth within the area.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Bristol Street Motors, commented on the significant investment, saying: “We have witnessed MG’s remarkable success over the last few years, and we are excited to bring this brand’s excellence to Chesterfield.

“Our decision to invest in this new dealership underscores our confidence in both the MG brand and the vibrant economy of Chesterfield. As MG garners awards and recognition, we are proud to be part of its journey.”

MG, a prominent name in the automotive industry, has won an impressive 26 awards in the last three years alone, a testament to its commitment to innovation and quality.

The brand’s noteworthy achievements extend to its market presence, achieving the second-highest market share growth in the first half of 2023, capturing a 1.59% slice of European registrations.

Chesterfield is excellently located, sitting on the doorstep of the Peak District National Park, with superb connections to several major UK cities. Find out more about the range of investment opportunities available in the town.

Vertu_Chesterfield_Team

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Plans for the regeneration of Staveley town centre released as additional funding confirmed

Revised proposals for the multi-million-pound regeneration of Staveley town centre have been released by Chesterfield Borough Council, following Government approval to allocate additional funding to the project.

The six-million-pound Staveley 21 project has been in development over the last year following publication of the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021.

The proposals – which are funded through the Staveley Town Deal – were shared at a meeting of Staveley Town Council on Tuesday night.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We know everyone has been keen to see the council’s proposals for Staveley town centre and I’m delighted that we are now able to share these. As a package the proposals seek to enhance the town centre – opening it up for new uses that will encourage more people to visit whilst also supporting existing retailers, market traders and high street businesses.”

A range of visuals have been prepared to bring the proposals to life with a particular focus on the new pavilion building and how the marketplace will look and could be used by different audiences.

Staveley Pavilion Building artist impression

The new pavilion building sits between the Staveley Miners Welfare building and Staveley High Street. Of modern design but one that is also reflective of Staveley’s heritage, the building will form a striking new focal point in the heart of the town centre. Several uses for the building are currently being considered including as a potential site for Derbyshire County Council’s relocation of Staveley library and also for retail, leisure, and business start-up uses.

As an enlarged public open space, the marketplace will be designed as a flexible environment to support existing uses such as Staveley Town Council’s regular markets but also as a setting that can be used to host a wide range of new events to encourage more people to visit the town centre.

Tiered outdoor seating will be introduced to support outdoor theatre and open-air cinema screenings, and play equipment installed to help make the marketplace more attractive to families.

New paving, lighting, street furniture and planting will help create an enhanced atmosphere and visitor experience at any time of day or night whilst new signage will help connect the town centre with Staveley’s other visitor attractions including the Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

Staveley town centre regeneration artist impression

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, continued: “Town centres across the country are changing and our proposals reflect this need to adapt. We have already secured a main contractor to deliver the project and our aim is to achieve planning permission in Spring 2024. In line with the Government’s requirements, we plan to be on site in Autumn 2024 and for all of the construction work to have been completed by the end of 2025.

“Ahead of this, we are committed to carrying out extensive engagement on the proposals to ensure that we capture the views of all stakeholders and make appropriate adjustments ahead of submitting the necessary planning application.”

“We’re also still seeking applications for the shop front grant scheme which we launched in February. A total sum of £600k is available to support shop owners and landlords to make improvements to their premises.”

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “The delivery of the Staveley 21 project is a big first step towards realising the Staveley Town Centre Vision Masterplan which received strong public support in November 2021. It’s exciting to see Chesterfield Borough Council move the project forward move into this next phase, which reflects the Staveley Town Deal Board’s vision and ambition for Staveley town centre. These are significant proposals which will ensure Staveley town centre is a place where local people and visitors will want to spend time whilst also supporting local businesses to grow not only now but in the future.”

Updates about the Staveley 21 project, details about drop-in sessions for residents and businesses, and information on the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme will be available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-21

Find out more about the Staveley Town Deal.

Chesterfield is perfectly located, with excellent transport links to enable your business to grow. To find out more about available opportunities in the area, go to our Invest in Chesterfield page.

Staveley town centre regeneration plans from above artist impression

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Two new mental health support services open in Chesterfield

A charity has partnered with the NHS to open two new crisis support services in Chesterfield, providing support for those with mental health concerns.

The first of the two services to open is the crisis house in Chesterfield, which opened on 18 September, and the safe haven in Chesterfield which will open its doors on 26 October, both run by charity – P3.

The new crisis house will provide 24/7 residential support for those referred by NHS mental health professionals at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, while the safe haven will offer out-of-hours support on a self-referral basis every day of the week between 4.30pm to 12am for anyone who is struggling and needs a friendly face to talk to, including during the festive period.

P3, the social inclusion charity, work with people to change their lives for the better, providing a variety of services all across the UK, that aim to give everyone the chance to be part of the community they live in and feel connected.

The crisis house, safe haven and urgent crisis drop in service are part of a wider programme of partnership activity led by NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Joined Up Care Derbyshire which aims to improve outcomes for people and reduce the need for people to attend hospital Emergency Departments when they are experiencing immediate mental health needs.

Other elements of the programme that are already established include the 24/7 Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service, the crisis house and safe haven in Derby as well as the mental health street triage service across Derbyshire.

Jenny Appleby, Head of Adult Mental Health Commissioning at NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, said: “This is a fantastic new addition to our local offer for people with immediate mental health needs.

“We are so pleased that this is up and running and it really responds to what local people have told us they need. It is the result of collaboration between community and voluntary sector and statutory organisations, working together with local people.”

Fiona White, Area Service Manager at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that these local services are open to the people of North Derbyshire. These services will be a great addition to our crisis and helpline services.”

Ann-Marie Humphries, Operations Manager at P3 Derbyshire, is pleased to announce the launch of these new services. Ann-Marie said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to support people living in Derbyshire to access the right support for their mental health at the right time.

“We have seen the success of the Safe Haven in Derby and hope the Chesterfield service achieves the same positive outcomes, benefitting people in the area.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing distress or anxiety, or feeling that you cannot cope, please contact Derbyshire Mental Health Helpline and Support Service on 0800 028 0077 for support over the phone.

For more information on the crisis support drop-ins as well as job opportunities for the service please visit the Derbyshire Mind website.

mental health support centre chesterfield

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Chesterfield gastro pub awarded 3 AA rosettes

A pub in the picturesque village of Holymoorside, on the outskirts of Chesterfield has won 3 coveted AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards.

The Bulls Head was crowned with the accolade at a glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman.

The prestigious awards span 15 categories, and is one of the industry’s most highly anticipated events, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.

The Bulls Head is set on the edge of the Peak District National Park and has a widespread reputation for fine dining. Their overall aim is to provide a high-quality dining experience using produce that is fresh, seasonal and locally sourced.

The Bulls Head has roots dating back to 1881 and great care has been taken during recent renovation of the rooms to preserve the building’s original features, such as stone walls and wooden beams

Mark Aisthorpe, patron, aged 31, who shot to fame in 2022 after appearing on hit BBC show Great British Menu, said: “I would like to thank the AA for this award and we fully respect the trust that has been placed upon us. This prestigious award is a supreme accolade for The Bulls Head. I am so proud of what the Bulls Head stands for and the magnificent efforts of each and every member of the team.”

Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media said: “Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK. We introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and are honoured to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.”

Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening – with award-winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce.

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Revamp for popular stretch of Chesterfield Canal towpath

A 3-mile stretch of Chesterfield Canal towpath is set to undergo key maintenance work, providing a revamp for the popular route.

Resurfacing work will take place between Brimington Road, near Tapton and Works Road, Hollingwood, along with work to widen the path in places.

The work, which is expected to take 2-3 months, is to keep the towpath fit for purpose for cyclists, walkers and other canal visitors.

The public footpath along the route will be closed on occasion but only when necessary to maintain the safety of the public and of the workforce.

Derbyshire County Council says all efforts will be made to keep the towpath accessible and any closures should last no more than a few days. There will be signs on the route to indicate when it is closed and announcements on the Chesterfield Canal page of Derbyshire County Council’s website and the Tapton Lock Facebook page

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick said: “This towpath is a well-used route for off-road commuting and leisure and that it’s important to keep the path well-maintained to encourage more walking and cycling as well as to retain the area’s appeal for visitors.

“We will carry out the work with the least disruption possible to users and keep people informed as it progresses.”

Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route 67 and the Trans Pennine Trail are both routed along the towpath which is an important part of our cycle network.

The work has been part funded by £108,000 from Chesterfield Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy. This levy is paid by developers towards infrastructure. A further £145,000 for the work has been allocated from central government to our Highways Capital Maintenance Programme for Cycleways.

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for climate change, planning and environment, said: “The Chesterfield Canal is a key attraction in our borough and it is fantastic that we have secured funding for these improvements through our Community Infrastructure Levy.

“This levy is charged on certain new developments in Chesterfield and is used to improve infrastructure including roads, parks and primary schools for the benefit of the local community.

“I look forward to the towpath works being completed to help our residents and visitors explore our historic canal.”

canal walking festival 873

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Construction progressing on major cold store expansion for Magnavale

Magnavale, one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage, has announced that its development currently taking place at its Chesterfield cold storage facility has made significant progress, and is on track to be completed in late 2024.

Since breaking ground in February 2023, construction of Magnavale’s Chesterfield cold storage expansion has progressed smoothly. As of August 2023, the company reports that the steel framework is now complete, and the installation of insulated wall and roof panels is also nearing completion.

A Magnavale spokesperson said: “Over the month of September, the construction crew will be finishing the roof membrane and intumescent painting of the new steelwork. Concurrently, work will commence on the small plant rooms and internal services including electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, and other systems.

“On completion, the expansion will add a significant 25,000 pallet positions to the cold stores’ existing capacity of 44,000, bringing the total pallet capacity of the facility to 69,000, making it one of the largest cold stores in the area.

“This expansion will not only accommodate the increasing volumes of Magnavale’s existing customers but also open doors to new customers wanting to utilise Magnavale’s temperature-controlled facilities and value-added services.
The facility features one of the most comprehensive portfolios of value-added services, encompassing, blast freezing, microwave up-tempering and contract packing.

“Coupled with its strategic location, just off the M1, Magnavale Chesterfield is extremely desirable for food manufacturers that wish to cut unnecessary cost, risk, and complexity from their cold chain.”

Well served by the M1 and the Midland Mainline, Chesterfield is within one hour’s drive of four major airports and London is under two hours by rail. Find out more about why the town is perfectly located to base your business.

Magnavale supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

magnavale cold store expansion

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Investors praise Chesterfield’s location and lifestyle in new campaign

A series of short films celebrating small and medium-sized companies investing in Chesterfield during 2023 have been premiered online by Destination Chesterfield, the organisation responsible for promoting Derbyshire’s largest town as a place to invest, work, live and visit.

The Why Chesterfield, Why Now? films, which are being published and promoted across a range of online and social media channels, including YouTube and the Destination Chesterfield website, seek to inspire more businesses to locate in Chesterfield and attract investors to the Chesterfield Investment Summit, which will take place in October.

They feature four companies – ChargedEV, Rosewood Wealth Management, NeoDyne and Voeberg Hospitality – that have already created more than 100 jobs in Chesterfield and are expected to invest over £5.6 million in the town’s facilities over the next ten years.

All four business leaders featured in the films cited Chesterfield’s central location and transport connections as significant benefits of being located in the town. They also mentioned lifestyle, access to talent and a supportive investment environment as reasons to base businesses in Chesterfield.

Chesterfield will hold its eighth annual investment summit on 18 October 2023, which will outline the town’s growth strategy, detail new investment opportunities, and provide an update on development activities. More than 200 delegates, including domestic and commercial property investors and business leaders from the UK, are expected to attend the event, which is sponsored by East Midlands Chamber and Turner & Townsend.

Data shared in Chesterfield’s growth strategy, published in April 2023, show the town’s business population grew by more than a fifth (21 per cent) in the last decade and created 2,000 new jobs. Chesterfield aims to attract 400 more businesses and a further 2,000 jobs by 2030.

Matt Close, UK Business Lead at NeoDyne, an Irish industrial automation and electrical engineering company that opened its first UK office at Spire Walk in August, said: “There’s a huge benefit to be able to go and see our manufacturing customers and their processes. Getting to them easily and quickly is why we’ve opened the UK office, and Chesterfield is close to many areas that undertake manufacturing in the UK. There are good transport links from airports, public transport and the road network, a history of engineering excellence in the area, and several local universities we’re partnering with and have recruited from.”

Emily Smith, Director of Voeberg, the property investment company developing The Holywell Hotel in Chesterfield town centre, comments: “We moved from Scotland almost two years ago looking for a new investment area for our residential and commercial projects. Chesterfield was one of the first places we looked at because of the location, and it stood out because of the demand in the area. Chesterfield gave us that kind of local feeling that you don’t get in big cities and the ability to bring something new to the area. Going through this project, we’ve worked closely with the council, which has been massively supportive.”

Mark Pymm, Founder and Managing Director at ChargedEV, an electric vehicle chargepoint installation specialist which relocated to The HQ in March, comments: “We’re already one of the leading installers of EV charging points in the UK, and we expect to maintain that position. We needed new premises that allowed us to grow and scale our customer operations and office-based functions, and this building was prime for that. We chose to maintain a team in Chesterfield because of its transport links and central location, which offer easy access nationwide, and because of the diverse and talented range of people we can get here.”

Donna Robertson, Director of Rosewood Wealth Management, an independent financial advice company relocating to One Waterside Place, part of Chesterfield Waterside, comments: “Chesterfield has a great community feel, people do want to help each other out. It is exciting to be part of that and to be able to grow the business and give back to the community. It was great to get in when Chesterfield Waterside was just starting to take off, and be here from the start, knowing how amazing this development is going to be.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, comments: “Entrepreneurs and SMEs are vital for economic growth and Chesterfield provides this section of the business community with everything they need to thrive. Businesses in Chesterfield enjoy a strategic location in the centre of the UK, offering access to great talent, great transport links and a great quality of life. Chesterfield is investing in the facilities and homes required to deliver sustained growth, support local startups and scaleups, and attract great people and businesses from elsewhere looking for a compelling alternative to big cities.”

Destination Chesterfield has received £180,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It follows a successful funding bid by Chesterfield Borough Council, to secure £2.69 million worth of funding for local projects.

The HQ Chesterfield Charged EV

 

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Approval granted for Staveley Waterside regeneration project

Approval has been granted for the Staveley Waterside project, which will revitalise the Staveley Canal Basin site.

£2.664 million has been earmarked from the Staveley Town Deal fund, to enable Derbyshire County Council to construct a 2-storey building, offering flexible space for new and existing small businesses, some retail use, and a food and beverage opportunity, with indoor and outdoor dining space, along with an access road, and mooring space.

A total of 11 units are planned within the centre, each equipped with kitchen and restroom facilities, while a new 40-metre footpath is planned along Hall Lane.

The project aims to encourage more visitors to use the canal and will also create space for around ten new businesses. Proposals were unanimously approved recently by councillors at Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee.

Councillor Tony King, cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’ve put together proposals for an exciting new development, which will help to bring jobs to the area and boost the visitor economy.

“Derbyshire County Council has been working alongside partners over a number of years to improve the Staveley Basin area and the Staveley Town Deal has given us a great opportunity to turn our ideas into reality, using our expertise from Markham Vale to create high-quality business accommodation as well as a visitor destination that people from near and far can enjoy.”

The Staveley Town Deal is a £25 million fund, which will bring forward multiple employment sites, and bring higher-level skilled jobs to the area.

As part of the Staveley Town Deal, Chesterfield Canal Trust is working on the restoration of the canal by extending it from the existing limit at Eckington Road. As well as improving outdoor space and creating new leisure infrastructure, it is expected that the restoration project will lead to a 20% increase in visitors to the Staveley area boosting the amount of money spent in the local economy.

Find out more about the range of benefits associated with locating your organisation in Chesterfield.

staveley waterside

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Sustainability Summit encourages green growth across the East Midlands

East Midlands Chamber has praised the ‘shining examples of success’ of green growth in our regional business community at its latest Sustainability Summit.

The event explored how to unlock the green growth for SMEs and the wider East Midlands economy – across themes including leadership, innovation, international trade and best practice.

It took place against a backdrop in which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the Government will water down net zero policies, including delaying a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel cars and phasing out gas boilers.

Speakers at the Sustainability Summit said “flip-flopping” over net zero commitments from Westminster created huge uncertainty that undermined long-term investments and would ultimately harm the UK’s quest to become a global leader in the green economy.

About 200 people representing organisations from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire gathered for the event, held in partnership with the University of Derby, Mazars, Thompson Tree Services and Epson.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and insight Chris Hobson said: “We heard at our Sustainability Summit about some of the great things that businesses are doing in pursuing green growth and the very tangible rewards they are reaping with innovation and financial growth.

“These are the shining examples of success we can glean from embracing net zero, which means viewing it as not just a challenge but a golden opportunity.

“Yet while our national leaders correctly talk up the research and development strengths of our businesses and ambitions to be a global leader in developing low-carbon goods and services, there is a huge disconnect between this messaging and Government policy – as evidenced by the Prime Minister’s ill-judged shifting of the goalposts on our country’s net zero commitments.

“We saw first-hand the impact policy flip-flopping has on business decision-making during the chaotic political landscape of 2022, which quashed business confidence and thus investment. The lack of certainty about the future direction of our economy will unfortunately have a similar impact at a time when we should be encouraging transformational long-term investment.

“Having net zero targets is one thing, but to get us there we require a roadmap that will be led by business innovation. The vacillating from our political leaders instead undermines our ability to make real progress in this space and we instead find ourselves stuck in limbo when it comes to the most significant economic opportunity of our lifetime.”

Findings from the Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands research conducted by the Chamber and University of Derby were discussed by report author Dr Polina Baranova, associate professor of strategy and sustainability.

It showed the proportion of East Midlands businesses that have made any income from environmentally-friendly goods and services dropped from 45% in 2022 to 36% in 2023, decarbonisation investment varies significantly according to business size and sector, and a widening gap in business support and information.

Dr Baranova said this illustrated not only the impact of the cost-of-doing business crisis but the “fragility” of the current policy landscape, with green growth yet to be a firmly embedded business philosophy.

Other highlights at the Sustainability Summit included:

  • East Midlands Chamber president Stuart Dawkins discussed how sustainability is at the heart of businesses’ responsibility to support their communities and future generations
  • Professor Chris Bushell, pro vice-chancellor and head of sustainability at the University of Derby, outlined how the institution is taking a lead in the net zero agenda via its research, innovation, thought leadership and knowledge capital
  • Ian Meikle, director of clean growth at Innovate UK, explained how Britain can create jobs and sustainable economic growth by developing its own low-carbon products and services, but this required stable policy and regulation, innovation in business models and supply chains, and a step-change in access to capital
  • Chris Fuggle, global head of sustainability services at audit, tax and advisory services firm Mazars, provided practical strategies to upskill leadership teams on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda and embedding sustainability at board level
  • Charlie de la Haye, communications manager at Epson UK, gave an insight into how the global printing manufacturer had pivoted its business model to deliver green goods and services while demonstrating how it could deliver cost-saving benefits to customers.

Chris Hobson speaking at the East Midlands Chamber sustainability summit

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Work starts on new North Wingfield housing project

Work is now underway on the building of 70 new homes in North Wingfield.

The properties, a mix of two, three and four bed houses, and 2 bed bungalows will all be managed by Rykneld Homes on behalf of North East Derbyshire District Council.

Niall Clark, Director of Property Services and Development, at Rykneld Homes, said: “These 70 homes are a big step towards meeting our target to deliver 400 new homes over the next four years.

“These high-quality properties will provide much needed homes for local families.

“We look forward to them becoming available.”

Councillor Nigel Barker, leader of North East Derbyshire District Council added: “We are committed to building and providing more social housing and this development is only the beginning.

“The houses previously on this site were only built to last 30 years, the homes that will be built here now will be high quality homes for local families to live in for decades to come.

“This site will provide much needed housing for our residents and help develop our communities.”

A number of old properties were demolished in preparation for the new development which will consist of 48 homes for affordable rent made up of a mix of 2, 3 and 4 bed houses and 2 bed bungalows and 22 for open market sale made up of a mix of 2 and 3 bed houses.

A ground cutting ceremony on Monday marked the start of building work on the site, off Whiteleas Avenue, by contractor Countryside Partnerships.

Rykneld Homes has worked directly with Countryside Partnerships to develop the proposals thanks to the involvement of Efficiency North’s EN:Procure Framework, a not-for-profit consortium serving the construction procurement needs of the social housing landlord community.

Countryside Partnerships will also provide six apprenticeship places over the course of the build.

Andy Reynolds, regional MD at Countryside Partnerships said: “We’re delighted to be working with Rykneld Homes and North East Derbyshire District Council again to deliver this significant mixed tenure development in North Wingfield. The range of dwellings and various tenures will offer the widest possible choice of affordable homes built to the highest standards.

“Today we marked the start of this exciting scheme as we broke ground with our development partners and look forward to seeing the project come to life over the next couple of years.”

Works are expected to be complete by summer 2025.

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire offers a fantastic quality of life to its residents. Learn more about Living in Chesterfield. 

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