Development

Support available to assist Chesterfield manufacturers in utilising digital technology

Businesses in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector are being encouraged to find out more about a scheme aimed at helping them boost their organisations with digital technology.

Made Smarter East Midlands is a support programme which aims to help firms in the sector grow by utilising digital technologies, increasing efficiency, reducing downtime and getting products to market faster.

The project is supporting manufacturers which employ ten or more staff and are based in the D2N2 region (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire), along with Leicestershire or Lincolnshire.

The Made Smarter Programme offers ‘Digital Transformation Road Mapping’ to help companies set out their 3-5 year transformation and cultural change journey. The scheme can provide technical expertise, consultancy and grant funding to help implement the changes detailed in the road map.

Made Smarter East Midlands will support firms in their development, adoption and implementation of emerging technologies, making a real, everyday difference to people across the business, from the boardroom to the factory floor.

World-renowned businesses and the UK government back this programme, and a team of specialist technology experts can provide businesses with personalised advice, identify the right digital tools, and help companies make strategic and everyday improvements to their manufacturing business.

In addition, business leaders can advance their own skills with the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation Programme. Developed with Loughborough University, this programme enhances leadership capabilities and makes the transition to digital technology easier.

D2N2 LEP’s Sector Engagement Manager, Lucie Andrews, said: “I encourage local businesses to apply for the Made Smarter East Midlands support programme. You’ll get a real boost for your manufacturing, help in driving up your productivity and efficiency savings and receive support for your business to work leaner and smarter.”

Applications for the Made Smarter programme are proving very popular, so be sure to express your interest now to avoid disappointment. To find out more and take the first step towards digitising your manufacturing business, register your interest today.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your manufacturing business here in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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Luxury holiday lettings provider becomes latest patron of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

A Peak District-based property management company specialising in luxury holiday lets and venues is the latest business to become an official patron of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

Coverland UK has joined a dedicated network of tourism-related businesses who share Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s core aims to grow the visitor economy and promote the area as a world-class tourism destination.

As a patron, Coverland UK will support Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s ongoing mission to increase visitor spend, extend the tourism season and boost overnight stays, whilst helping to grow the tourism sector in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way.

Coverland UK has expertise in purchasing, developing and managing properties within the Peak District and Derbyshire. Last year, the company expanded its portfolio to include Beyond Venues, a luxury holiday lettings and venues provider.

The Beyond Venues portfolio currently includes the impressive Bleaklow Farm at Hassop, a 15-bedroom venue with panoramic views of the Peak District National Park, meticulously designed interiors and a Grand Barn ideal for special events, celebrations, business meetings and training days.

Beyond Venues also operates several smaller properties, sleeping six to eight guests, including The Carriage House at Ashford-in-the-Water, a picturesque cottage ideal for family holidays and weekends away with friends.

Delivering top-class service throughout the customer journey is at the heart of their business, and many guests return numerous times for both business and pleasure.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, together with Visit Derby, forms the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). Developed and administered by national tourism body VisitEngland, the national portfolio of accredited LVEPs work locally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to grow the local visitor economy.

John Jarman, Property Director at Coverland UK, says: “Beyond Venues loves the Peak District so supporting Visit Peak District & Derbyshire as a patron is a no brainer for us. We think everyone should want to visit the area and we want to ensure the Peak District delivers beyond our guests’ expectations.

“Our beautiful homes are only a small part of what we offer; our local knowledge, amazing team and stunning settings all add together to create a truly unforgettable experience for those that stay with us.

“We are so excited by the growth of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism and hospitality sector in recent years and can’t wait to share Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s knowledge further with our guests.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “It’s excellent to welcome Coverland UK on board as our latest patrons, especially following the exciting addition of the Beyond Venues portfolio last year. Our beautiful landscapes, unique accommodation and warm welcome are what set the Peak District and Derbyshire apart as a destination, and Coverland UK are knowledgeable and experienced advocates for the tourism industry.

“Our patrons are a core network of organisations who want to see the visitor economy grow and prosper for the benefit of everyone. As well as maintaining our strong visitor offer, identifying new opportunities for growth – such as the meetings and incentives market – is fundamentally important to the sector’s future success.

“We look forward to working with Coverland UK and drawing on their expertise to help strengthen the Peak District and Derbyshire’s offer even further.”

Coverland UK joins existing patrons who are also part of Destination Chesterfield’s network of Chesterfield Champions:

Businesses interested in becoming a patron of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire should contact Lisa Woolhouse, Membership & Sales Manager, at lisa.woolhouse@visitpeakdistrict.com.

More information on Coverland UK can be found at www.coverlanduk.com. More information on Beyond Venues can be found at www.beyondvenues.co.uk.

Coverland UK and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

John Jarman, Property Director at Coverland UK, pictured with Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

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Research shows how town centre hotel boosts visitor spending

Research has found that guests staying at Premier Inn Chesterfield Town Centre, which is located in the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, are each spending, on average, £79 a night in the local area.

Whitbread PLC, the UK’s largest hospitality business and owner of Premier Inn, carried out the research. It found that Premier Inn guests typically spend £137 externally on items such as entertainment, with £79/night (56% of the total spending) being spent in the local area within which their chosen Premier Inn is located.

The comprehensive study by Whitbread involved surveying more than 12,600 Premier Inn guests staying in 357 Premier Inn hotels across the UK within 24-hours of check-out.

Alex Flach, UK Development Director in the UK & Ireland for Whitbread, said: “From shopping to sight-seeing, local dining to local drinks, this analysis shows the positive economic impact of Premier Inn hotels on local economies across nations and regions of the UK.

“As a business, we are committed to using our scale and national footprint to make a positive difference to people’s lives and to create long-term value. We are delighted that, for the first time, we can demonstrate clear evidence of the economic impact our hotels have on the communities they serve.”

The Premier Inn Chesterfield Town Centre, which is located on the upper two floors of the former Co-op department store on Elder Way, has proved popular since opening, with nearly 90% of guests rating it as either excellent or very good on TripAdvisor.

The 92-bedroom hotel was opened in 2019 following the transformation of the upper floors of the iconic building by regeneration specialist Jomast. The hotel also benefits from the proximity of a secure car park, Saltergate Multi-Storey, which opened the same year.

Jomast subsequently went on to transform the ground floor of the building into eight large street-level units with contemporary glazed frontages.

There are currently a number of leasing opportunities available at the 21,761 sq ft scheme, from smaller E Class and Sui Generis Bar units of 1,420 sq ft upwards to larger units of up to 4,704 sq ft.

Joint agents for Elder Way, WSB Property Consultants and FHP are now marketing the units at food, drink, entertainment, retail and clinical operators.

Mark Hill, Commercial Property Director of Jomast said: “We have worked with Premier Inn to bring the hotel chain to a number of Jomast’s developments throughout the country. We recognise that having Premier Inn as an anchor tenant is very attractive to tenants of our schemes, and Whitbread’s research into guest spend in the local area supports this.”

Food and drink and entertainment were the top categories of spending for Premier Inn guests followed by non-food shopping and travel.

Whitbread calculates that spending by its guests on food, drinks, entertainment, shopping, and local transportation could be contributing £1.6 billion annually to those catchments that have a Premier Inn. This is equivalent to an average annual benefit of £3.3 million in visitor expenditure for local businesses in each Premier Inn hotel location.

Chesterfield’s businesses are set to benefit from further hotel investment in the town after the Holywell Hotel by Voebeg received the green light from planning officers recently.

Located next to the town’s well-known Holywell Cross or ‘Donut’ roundabout in the heart of Chesterfield, developer of Holywell Hotel, Voeberg, is set to undertake a £1 million refurbishment of the Grade II listed building.

The building will be converted into one two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments for use as short-stay accommodation.

Emily Smith, Property Investor and Mentor at Voeberg commented on the ‘imminent’ Holywell Hotel saying: “It’ll complement other hospitality and retail businesses’ offerings in the town and we’re looking forward to partnering with many local businesses through the development and then the running of the hotel.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are aiming to attract more tourists and visitors over the next four years and there are a number of new hotel developments planned to support this growth. It is useful to understand how guests at hotels support our wider town centre economy and provide a boost for local businesses.”

If you’re a business looking to benefit from the opportunities on offer at Elder Way, contact Alan Pearson at FHP on 07587 133540 or Adam Mobley at WSB Property Consultant on 0113 234 1444, or visit www.elderway.co.uk.

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

Chesterfield Elder Way, Holywell Hotel by Voeberg and Chesterfield Borough Council support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Chesterfield Elder Way

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New product launched by Weightron to help firms cut costs and be more sustainable

Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has launched a new product, which will support businesses in improving their accuracy, efficiency and compliance.

The company has unveiled WinWeigh 5, a dedicated, user-friendly cloud based weighing package, which gives unrivalled versatility and flexibility, opening up new dimensions in the management of weighing data.

WinWeigh5 revolutionises the way businesses manage their weighbridge and weighing operations by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. This powerful software is designed to streamline weighbridge processes, reduce manual errors, and improve overall productivity for businesses of all sizes.

Weightron WinWeigh 5 software

Companies can seamlessly integrate WinWeigh5 with their existing systems, such as accounting software, ERP solutions, and more. Users can automate data entry, invoicing, and reporting to save time and reduce errors.

The software enables businesses to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards with built-in reporting tools, by generating accurate reports for regulatory authorities, audits, and internal analysis.

WinWeigh 5 also has the ability to weigh lorry loads without the need for drivers to leave their cabs. The software controls integrated ANPR cameras, traffic lights, traffic barriers and driver-operated terminals. These touch screen terminals, fitted with RFID card readers, guide drivers through the weighing process, without the need for them to leave their cabs.

Weightron winweigh 5

The WinWeigh technology has already helped to revolutionise major organisations, such as the King George Dock in Hull, Breedon Group and Germinor.

Weightron Bilanciai is a leading provider of software solutions for the logistics, waste and recycling and transportation industry. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the firm develops cutting-edge technologies that streamline operations and drive business success.

“We are excited to introduce WinWeigh5 to the market,” said Nick Catt, CEO of Weightron Bilanciai. “We believe this software will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighbridge data management and weighing processes for our customers. With its cloud-based architecture, robust features, and user-friendly design, WinWeigh5 sets a new standard for weighbridge automation and management.”

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

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Chesterfield’s UKATA Joins Forces with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), a leading association dedicated to improving the quality and standards of asbestos training, has announced a new corporate partnership with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC).

CORC is a highly respected trade association representing the roofing industry in the United Kingdom.

The partnership aims to provide CORC members with information and access to comprehensive asbestos training courses, ensuring that roofing professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and manage asbestos-related risks effectively.

The CORC, founded in 1985, is committed to supporting roofing contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers across the UK while championing excellence and professionalism within the industry. By teaming up with UKATA, the CORC will further strengthen its commitment to the well-being of its members and the wider roofing community.

UKATA, based in Chesterfield, is an industry-recognised association, making it a trusted name in the industry. Through its network of members, UKATA approved training equips individuals and organisations with the expertise needed to work safely and confidently in environments where asbestos may be present.

The collaboration between UKATA and the CORC underscores the shared commitment to promoting safe practices, raising awareness, and reducing the risk of asbestos exposure within the roofing sector.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer at UKATA, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This collaboration represents a step forward in reinforcing asbestos safety practices within the roofing industry. UKATA members provide high-quality asbestos training courses, which will ensure that CORC members have the knowledge and skills to handle asbestos-related risks effectively.”

Gemma Doherty, Insurance Manager at the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, commented: “We are delighted to welcome UKATA as our new corporate partner. Asbestos poses a significant risk within our industry, and it is vital that roofing professionals are adequately trained to protect themselves and others. This partnership will play a crucial role in enhancing safety standards and professional development in the roofing sector.”

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

Craig Evans UKATA web main

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Chesterfield and Derbyshire producers showcased at 40th Chatsworth Country Fair

Some of Derbyshire’s finest makers and producers had the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to thousands of visitors at Chatsworth Country Fair (1-3 September 2023).

Over 50 local artisans were invited to exhibit in the ‘Derbyshire Makers Marquee’, hosted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, at one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor celebrations.

Now in its fourth year, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee aims to support the growth of small, independent artists and producers by helping them to reach new audiences.

Visitors to the marquee had the chance to sample and buy quality items ranging from arts, crafts, jewellery and homeware to photography and fine food and drink – all produced in Derbyshire.

Chesterfield exhibitors included Hogg Norton, an award-winning producer of alcoholic fruit liqueurs, The Original Paper Starlights, whose colourful handmade lanterns decorated the marquee, and Cup & Saucer, an independent tea blender.

Chatsworth celebrated its 40th Country Fair with three action-packed days of entertainment including thrilling grand ring displays, inspirational cookery demonstrations, interactive rural crafts and traditional country pursuits.

Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel was also involved at the event, with their renowned chefs providing cookery demonstrations to the crowd alongside the nation’s top culinary talents.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many artisans and craftspeople embracing the chance to come together to showcase the high quality products made here in Derbyshire.

“As well as being very popular with visitors, thanks to support from Derbyshire County Council, the Derbyshire Makers Marquee also gave independent producers the chance to exhibit at a nationally-renowned, large-scale event – fuelling their growth and helping them to reach new audiences.”

Mike Norton of Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs, based in Chesterfield, said: “Having a stall in the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at such a prestigious event such as Chatsworth Country Fair was such a privilege. Being able to showcase our products to thousands of visitors and potential new customers with our liqueurs that are produced in Derbyshire, with fruit from Derbyshire, literally a few miles from Chatsworth House, gives us brand exposure that we could not achieve on our own.

“Also, being with so many amazing producers from across Derbyshire and the Peak District gave us an opportunity to work with new partners and grow our product offering.”

Hogg Norton – Mike Norton displaying products at Chatsworth Country Fair

Mike Norton displaying Hogg Norton products at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023 – Image by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

William and Laura Burlington said: “Derbyshire is blessed with a wealth of extraordinarily talented artisan makers, artists and craftspeople and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate their skill and creativity with a broad audience through the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at the Chatsworth Country Fair.”

Councillor Simon Spencer, Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “We’re proud to promote small local businesses and value the contribution Derbyshire producers make to the local economy.

“The Derbyshire Makers Marquee provides independent artists and producers with a fantastic platform to display their skills and reach new audiences and I’m pleased we were able to support it.”

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Hogg Norton and Casa Hotel support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Celebrating local producers in the Derbyshire Makers Marquee at Chatsworth Country Fair 2023

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Major progress on new boutique hotel coming to Chesterfield town centre

The development of a new boutique hotel coming soon to Chesterfield has achieved another milestone, having received the green light from planning officers.

Voeberg has taken on the project to develop the Holywell Hotel, next to the town’s well-known Holywell Cross or ‘Donut’ roundabout in the heart of Chesterfield.

The Grade II listed building is set to undergo more than £1 million of refurbishment, sensitively converting it into one two-bedroom and eight one-bedroom apartments for use as short-stay accommodation.

Emily Smith, Property Investor and Mentor at Voeberg commented: “We’re really excited to have the support for the project from the council and all the stakeholders involved in granting planning permission.

“We’re working through some of the final building control requirements, but are expecting to start the renovation imminently. We’re looking forward to enhancing the character of the Grade II listed building while bringing it into a new use.

Once work is completed, the premises will operate as a ‘smart hotel’ with self-check-ins, keyless entry and a digital portal which will provide guests with relevant information about their stay. Work will also take place to repair the buildings, including restoring the sash windows, renovating the doors and conserving all the listed features.

Emily added: “The hotel is going to offer a different accommodation option for Chesterfield’s visitors – whether leisure or business. The location serves the town centre as well as the train station so it’s ideal for people travelling and conducting business in the area.

“It’ll complement other hospitality and retail businesses’ offerings in the town and we’re looking forward to partnering with many local businesses through the development and then the running of the hotel.”

Attendees at the upcoming Chesterfield Investment Summit will be able to hear more about the Holywell Hotel, with Emily being involved as a guest speaker.

She said: “It’s amazing to be asked to be involved in the Investment Summit – it shows the council are supporting smaller developers and business owners alongside some of the larger and established companies investing in Chesterfield. It takes companies of all sizes to support the town’s vision, and each other.”

Get the latest updates on the development of the Holywell Hotel. 

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

Emily and Ryan holywell hotel

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New strategy published to meet skills demand in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

A new localised strategy has been published to ensure people have the skills to meet economic, technological, climate and social challenges in our region.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a UK Government Department for Education (DfE) project designed to place local employers at the heart of a specific region’s skills system.

This means consulting with employers of all sizes and sectors to understand what skills, capabilities, qualifications, and attributes local companies need from their staff to meet growing productivity, tech, environmental and economic issues, and working with training providers to deliver the right range and calibre of courses.

The LSIP for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been led and delivered by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), due to their close but independent connections to local employers, stakeholders and training professionals.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s new skills plan has found that while the area has enormous economic potential in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, tourism, and technology, there are a range of skills and labour vulnerabilities in the counties that could threaten growth and productivity if not addressed.

Work readiness, digital capabilities and navigating Net Zero opportunities were all found to be of concern among employers, while growing occupational gaps in construction, information and communication technologies, engineering and conservation particularly must be closed to maximise opportunities in service industries, infrastructure, energy security and industrial decarbonisation.

The LSIP report outlines the needs of local businesses, especially in light of recent shifts in the workforce such as the impact of Covid lockdowns, remote working and changes to how young people gain exposure to the workplace. Local problems in recruiting skilled tutors in certain sectors has been highlighted as an urgent need to be tackled.

Understanding how the area’s vast size– as well as having several areas of deprivation – create challenges for people accessing education and work factor into the plan. Evolutions in Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the pressures of adapting to climate change also shape the LSIP’s recommendations.

The LSIP has put forward 18 actionable priorities that require local training providers, councils, trade bodies and other regional stakeholders to make changes before June 2025. The plan has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Education The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP.

Local lead for the LSIP and author of the approved report, Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, Development Manager for FSB said: “I’m delighted that Government has granted approval and officially unveiled our strategy aimed at providing the local community with the precise skills required by businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“The LSIP encompasses both a structured methodology and a comprehensive blueprint, focusing on active engagement with employers. This approach ensures a thorough grasp of their critical skill deficiencies, challenges, and prospects, while aligning these requirements with local skills provision. It represents a bold stride towards the future, with the welfare of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses at its core.

“We are instigating reforms tailored to a workforce spanning generations. The task of catering to diverse generational needs and expectations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is undeniably challenging, yet it’s a challenge that we, alongside local training providers and stakeholders are eager to embrace.

“A robust skills foundation in any locality is intimately tied to business efficiency and the well-being of individual employees. The opportunity to play a role in enhancing these vital facets has been truly rewarding. With the official release of the plan, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our local educational institutions, independent training providers, governing bodies, skill development entities, and industry leaders to transform this vision into reality.”

Following approval and publication of the LSIP, the Federation of Small Businesses can now continue to work with these stakeholders – as well as monitor and report progress – over the next two years.

The full LSIP report is available for download now at: https://www.fsb.org.uk/derbyshire-and-nottinghamshire-lsip.html

Find out more about the range of skills and employability initiatives taking place across Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Students learning construction skills at Chesterfield College

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Residents invited to shape Chesterfield Borough Council’s new housing strategy

Residents in Chesterfield are being invited to have their say to help shape a new housing strategy – designed to improve the delivery of housing services across the borough.

Chesterfield Borough Council is consulting with residents and stakeholders to understand what they feel are the main challenges and priorities are for housing as it develops a new Housing Strategy (2023 to 2027).

The housing strategy will be used to outline what the council will do over the next four years to improve the delivery of new homes in the borough, improve the standard of existing homes, and help people find a home that meets their needs.

Residents have until Monday 25 September to complete the online consultation and share their views.

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Housing is a hugely important topic for everyone, so it’s important that we listen to the views of our residents and give them chance to have their say.

“To ensure we are reflecting all views and recognise the diverse range of housing needs, I strongly encourage as many people as possible to complete the online consultation and help us to develop the new housing strategy.

“The housing strategy aims to set the scene to ensure that we have appropriate housing in all areas and across all tenures to meet the housing needs of the people of Chesterfield.”

Residents can take part in the consultation at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing-strategy

Recently rated the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, Chesterfield has a broad range of contemporary and traditional housing. The town is ideally located in the centre of the country, with excellent transport links via road and rail, sat in close proximity to several major UK airports.

According to Rightmove, Chesterfield houses are around £10,000 cheaper on average than properties in Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. Find out more about living in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/living/

Heaton Court houses

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Local leaders meet as East Midlands devolution plans gather pace

Local leaders from a range of sectors came together this month to discuss the progress of East Midlands devolution, as plans to give the region extra powers and funding gather pace and momentum.

The event, held on Friday 18 August, saw Chief Executives at Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council provide updates on key elements of the region’s proposed devolution deal, including transport, skills and adult education, housing, and net-zero.

Stakeholders representing a broad range of interests across the region – including business, universities and colleges, and emergency services – were given the opportunity to put questions to senior officers at the four councils.

The event was held ahead of several major devolution milestones over the coming months. For the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to come into existence, new legislation is required from the government, which is anticipated to be in place before the end of the year.

Detailed devolution proposals would then be sent to the government for approval, meaning that EMCCA could be a reality from spring 2024, with the first ever election for a regional mayor – covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Nottingham – taking place in May 2024.

Emma Alexander, Managing Director at Derbyshire County Council, said: “Devolution would unlock major benefits for our region, including extra powers and funding around a range of issues including housing, transport, skills, adult education and the environment.

“It is vital that we engage with key stakeholders every step of the way in this process, which is why I was delighted to see so many partners and colleagues in attendance at our event.”

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “The East Midlands has historically received the lowest levels of public funding in England. The fact that the East Midlands has consistently delivered GDP growth close to the UK average, from very low levels of investment, is testament to the commitment and ingenuity of the thousands of SMEs that are the backbone of the region’s economy.

“Devolving decision-making powers over how funding is spent to local areas is an important step and a once in a generation opportunity to organise ourselves in a way so that it’s easy for government to provide us with the funding we need to grow our local economy, productivity and wealth.”

Greg Broughton, Sustainable Growth and Place Manager at the Environment Agency (East Midlands), said: “Reflecting on the recent devolution stakeholder event, it was abundantly clear that there is a strong collective enthusiasm and drive to seize the opportunity for devolution to work together, to collaborate in new ways and to make the changes needed to transform the region.

“I was particularly pleased to hear that tackling environmental inequality and climate change is at the heart of the commitment to build a resilient and vibrant future for the people and places of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and I am excited to be part of building this new vision.”

If the plans go ahead, the EMCCA – spanning two counties and cities – would be the first combined county authority in the country, with a new elected regional mayor at the helm, representing around 2.2 million people.

Devolution would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of at least £1.14 billion, spread over a 30-year period.

More funding is expected to become available once the EMCCA is formed – so far, £18 million has been awarded to the area as early investment during devolution negotiations, which is being spent on improving local housing, transport and skills provision.

Thanks to devolution proposals, the East Midlands has been invited to establish an ‘Investment Zone’, which will attract £80 million of support over five years, with tax incentives for businesses to help boost economic growth right across the region.

Mark Rogers, the new Interim Chief Officer for the East Midlands Devolution Programme, was a guest speaker at the event following his recent appointment.

Rogers brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, and also played a pivotal role in the formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority. He will be joined by an interim team as the region’s devolution plans progress.

Find out more about the range of investment opportunities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The Spire viewed from Old Whittington along Whittington Moor

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New EV charging site opens in North Derbyshire

A new charging site for electronic vehicles has been installed at a new site near Chesterfield.

Two rapid charging stations have been installed by InstaVolt at Starbucks, located on The Hill in Glapwell.

This latest addition brings the total of InstaVolt EV charging sites in the Chesterfield area to six, with others being based at McDonald’s West Bars, Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club, KFC at Markham Vale, alongside McDonald’s and Costa Coffee in Barlborough.

With plans to install 10,000 rapid chargers by 2030, InstaVolt currently has more than 1,200 chargers across the country.

There are now more than 780,000 EVs on Britain’s roads. InstaVolt says charging infrastructure is increasing to match demand as more people make the switch to electric vehicles, with 550 rapid chargers installed last month alone.

Adrian Keen, the CEO of InstaVolt, said: “We’re delighted to bring more of our award-winning rapid chargers to Chesterfield, with class-leading reliability of more than 99.9% and installations of two or more chargers at many sites.

“EV drivers can be confident that when they arrive, they’ll find an easy to use charger, with on-site driver amenities, without having to queue.”

He added: “With an extensive, fully nationwide network, EV drivers are never far away from an InstaVolt rapid charger. When embarking on a long journey, just a little bit of route planning in advance using search engines or a dedicated App for charging points like ZapMap or InstaVolt’s own App, makes life easier.

“And while you recharge your EV, recharge yourself: stretch your legs and enjoy a coffee or bite to eat from one of our on-site partners.”

InstaVolt’s chargers are powered using 100% renewable energy, are easy to use and take contactless payment.

Drivers can visit the website, or sign up to the optional InstaVolt App, where they can find their nearest charging station, search for real-time availability across its sites, and pay for their charge – all in one place.

Chesterfield Borough Council recently published its climate stategy, which outlines aims to ensure the Borough achieves net zero by 2050. Read more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/2023/02/new-climate-strategy-agreed-in-chesterfield/

Planning a journey to Chesterfield? Find out more about the town’s excellent transport links here.

Instavolt Chesterfield 873

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