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Custom Solar support local authority on their journey to Net Zero

Chesterfield headquartered Custom Solar have completed a solar project with Bassetlaw District Council.

Bassetlaw District Council chose Custom Solar to undertake a number of projects which has enabled the use of renewable solar energy at its Carlton Forest Depot in Worksop and will contribute to its ambition to improve the environmental credentials of the local area.

Custom Solar has equipped the Council building with a solar system that is able to produce 53,844kWh of renewable energy and reduce CO2 emissions by 14.5 tonnes each year. The effects of the project equate to having 146 solar panels installed.

The site will also receive 5 electric vehicle charging points that take power from the solar installation and will allow the Council to begin the electrification of its vehicles.

Cllr Jo White, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Bassetlaw District Council said: “Custom Solar have been first-rate partners, installing PV panels on our depot buildings at Carlton Forest, Worksop. Improvements to the Carlton Forest site are a key element of our decarbonisation journey and these works will see a reduction of carbon emissions from this site by over 16%.”

“Throughout the whole installation process Custom Solar were supportive and attentive, never accepting second best and working consistently hard to ensure precision and accuracy. The work will be completed with the installation of electric vehicle charging points which will initiate the electrification of the Council fleet.”

Gary Sucharewycz, CEO of Custom Solar said: “We are thrilled to have completed the solar PV and electric vehicle charge station project for Bassetlaw Council at their Carlton Forest site. Our expert in-house design team created a system that utilises integrated technologies to enhance the loading capabilities of the system. Custom Solar is proud to work with local councils and authorities to assist in their aspirations for Net Zero”.

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

Solar Panels - Custom Solar

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

North Derbyshire solicitors launch new service

Dawson Radford Solicitors are excited to announce that we can now offer a new annual employment retainer service, DR-HR. Providing employment law & HR support for a fixed-fee, we can support businesses by ensuring that they are meeting their legal obligations at an agreed, affordable price. Saving you valuable time and work whilst being cost effective.

The relationship with employees is one of the most important for all businesses, and the law that relates to this relationship is constantly evolving. Making mistakes can prove very costly. It is crucial therefore that you keep up to date with developments and ensure that you have the correct documents and policies in place.

Our service includes ensuring that those essential employment documents are up to date and compliant; ongoing support that isn’t subject to monthly or annual time limits, preparation of any letters or documents needed to support an issue, training on a pre-agreed area of employment law, as well as discounts on the other legal services Dawson Radford offer.

Head of Employment Liam Kenealy says: “Employment law changes at such a pace that unless you are 100% focused on the area, there is no way you can keep up. It is important therefore that business owners have someone they can rely on to ensure they are, and remain, compliant in terms of their employment paperwork and processes. That is exactly what DRHR is designed for. We make sure that the employment & HR element of your business is taken care of, allowing you to focus on everything else.”

For further information on our DR-HR service, please call us on 01246 932 100 or drop us an email at hello@dawsonradford.co.uk

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

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire appoints business advisers to boost visitor economy

The area’s official destination management organisation, which is based in Chesterfield, has appointed three business advisers to support the recovery and growth of visitor economy businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

Alison Duckworth, Caroline Sanger-Davies and John Roberts have been appointed by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) to help deliver support to local tourism and hospitality businesses through the East Midlands Accelerator project.

The project has received £5.27 million from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund and is being delivered in designated areas across the East Midlands, including in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak.

Led by East Midlands Chamber in partnership with, amongst others, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the University of Derby and The Food and Drink Forum, the project aims to breathe new life into local communities as part of the Government’s commitment to ‘levelling up the nation’ and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

With extensive experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, MPDD’s advisers will provide one-to-one support to help visitor economy businesses access funding, training and specialist advice through the Derbyshire stand of the East Midlands Accelerator project.

Through the project, businesses in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales can apply for specialist consultancy and training support through growth vouchers of up to £2,000. Flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 (at an 80% intervention rate) is also available to help businesses invest in green solutions and digital technology, as well as providing access to wage subsidies.

Businesses can access support to reduce their carbon footprint (such as funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points); receive help on how to improve their online presence (such as the implementation of an online booking system); and secure one-to-one mentoring to encourage business growth.

A series of fully-funded workshops to support recovery, increase skills and improve business resilience is also set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The East Midlands Accelerator project runs until the end of June 2022 and businesses are urged to act quickly to make the most of this unique opportunity.

More information on the support available for businesses can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/community-renewal-fund

Posted in Featured, Home

Elliot Mather Appoints New Designated LLP Member of Corporate Department

Elliot Mather continue to demonstrate their growth and success as they announce the recent appointment of Nick Elliot as a Designated LLP Member. Nick will be heading up the corporate services for the entire firm with plans to expand the team, providing clients with access to an extensive range of business services.

Nick is a highly experienced Corporate Solicitor having qualified in 2008 and has worked at Elliot Mather for 7 years. His knowledge and expertise covers a broad range of corporate and commercial matters, along with a strong background in commercial property, and Landlord and Tenant work.

Commenting on his recent appointment as Designated LLP Member, Nick said: “During my time at Elliot Mather I have seen the firm grow from strength to strength and the firm now has thriving offices across the East Midlands in Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield and Mansfield. I am delighted to become a Designated Member at the firm and I am excited about the further expansion of the Corporate Department and developing its growing reputation for providing a dependable and personable service to all our business clients”.

During his career at Elliot Mather, Nick has acted for a wide range of corporate clients and has had regular involvement in the negotiation of commercial contracts, as well as dealing with multimillion pounds share sales and acquisitions.

Nick is dedicated to delivering an expert and tailored service to clients, having the ability to provide assistance locally, regionally and even nationally. He assists clients with a comprehensive range of commercial and corporate transactions, having particular interest in: Share Acquisitions and Disposals, Management Buyouts, Shareholder and Partnership Agreements, Incorporations, Business Terms and Conditions and Asset Sales and Purchases.

Julie Page, Managing Partner and LLP Member said: “We are thrilled with Nick’s appointment as a Designated LLP Member. In his time with us Nick has been instrumental in the evolution of our commercial reputation and we are excited to see the continuation of this as Nick commits his future to Elliot Mather LLP.

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

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Chesterfield FC Academy Female Football and Education Programme Launched

A new Female Football and Education Programme has been launched by the Chesterfield FC Junior & Youth Academy, in partnership with Outwood Academy Newbold and Loughborough College.

Post-16 students will have the chance to extend their knowledge through various courses: BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport, A-levels, and Higher National Diploma in Sport.

Youngsters will have access to excellent facilities, enabling them to train, play and progress as players and people, as they look to improve their understanding on and off the pitch.

With a chance to learn from the very best, coached by UEFA and FA-qualified staff, training will enhance skills, fitness, strength and conditioning.

There will be progression routes into women’s football and international links with clubs for player development loans, together with university pathways and US soccer scholarships with leading sports universities.

Chief executive John Croot said: “This programme shows our commitment to the development of women’s football in Chesterfield, providing excellent opportunities for those involved.

“Players will represent Chesterfield FC in the well-established National Football Youth League, competing against the likes of Everton, Burnley, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and AFC Sunderland.”

There will be an engagement day for Y11s on Thursday, April 14 at Staveley MWFC and the Technique  Stadium. To book a place, please email academy@spireitestrust.org.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Hospital Charity Makes £1m for Health and Wellbeing Hub

The ‘A Night Under the Rainbow’ evening event, hosted at Chatsworth House by The Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity, heralded the announcement that they are halfway there – raising £1m to date!

Business and community leaders from across the region were invited to the prestigious event, co-hosted and funded by the Duke of Devonshire to raise support and donations for the purpose-built Health and Wellbeing Hub at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT.

The £2m appeal for the Health and Wellbeing Hub is the Charity’s most ambitious appeal in its history. The speakers for the event included the Duke of Devonshire, Beverley Webster OBE, Chair of the Charity Development Board as well as heartfelt pleas from two Critical Care Matrons, Maxine Hardy and Natalie Cooper-Hatch – both talked about the personal impact of the pandemic and how the Hub will be vital for supporting colleagues in to the future.

Alongside the grandeur and splendour, as well as Webster the Duck – the 8-foot charity mascot – the star of the show was local women, Nicola Mounsley, who was a nurse at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS FT and sadly lost her husband, Ian (51), to the illness in March 2021.

Atul Patel, Chair of the Chesterfield Royal Charity, who also spoke on the evening, said: “It’s fantastic news that we are now halfway to our goal. To raise £1m is such a mark of success for us and after last night, I’m confident that we can reach for our goal and have the Hub built and open in Spring 2023.

“I’d like to thank everybody who joined us on the evening in the Painted Hall. The message was clear, we need to provide these facilities to ‘care for the carers’ and I’m confident that those who attended will be able to provide the vital funds to really leave a legacy at the hospital for our 4,500 workforce to truly benefit from.”

One of the first of its kind, the Hub plans to offer all working at the hospital from porters to radiologists, physiotherapists to cooks, financial accountants to receptionists, a real haven to actively look after their health and wellbeing – supporting them to care for the people of Chesterfield.

The Hub would include counselling rooms and complimentary therapies as well as talking therapies and areas for group and individual reflections after traumatic incidents, like those seen during the pandemic. There is a proposed gym and multi-use games area too.

Donations can be made through the Trust website or Chesterfield Royal Hospital Charity – JustGiving.

Ken Godber, Charity Director, added: “We want to ensure that everybody at the hospital will benefit from the Hub and we need everybody in the community to be involved – this isn’t just about businesses or community groups coming to Chatsworth. We now need everybody to get behind us and held raise the vital funds to make this a reality going forward.”

The Health and Wellbeing Hub has a number of high-profile partners: NHS Charities Together committed £250,000 and Westfield Health further contributed £250,000 – both of whom were speakers on the night through Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHSCT and Steve Purdham, Chair of Westfield Health.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

A ‘mixed picture’ for East Midlands economy Chamber survey finds

Sky-high inflation, energy price hikes and the war in Ukraine are creating “new unknowns” for businesses and creating a mixed picture for the East Midlands economy, new research reveals.

East Midlands Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which gauges the health of the region’s economy, reported improvements across most indicators in Q1 2022 compared to the final quarter of last year when there was a drop in business confidence due to the Omicron surge.

Despite this, growth remains weak and there are warning signs for what may lie ahead as cashflow dropped into negative territory for the first time in more than a year and investment intentions are restrained.

Chris Hobson, director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The latest QES presents a mixed picture for our region’s economy, as the wave of optimism that encountered the lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions has been diluted somewhat by other factors that are weighing down on businesses’ ability to trade effectively.

“After spending much of 2021 trying to figure out two major ‘unknowns’ – the impact of both the pandemic and the UK leaving the EU – it had felt at the start of this year that we were now equipped to plan for and deal with these.

“Unfortunately, just as we were getting into the swing of 2022, new unknowns have arrived in the form of the terrible events in Ukraine, which has thrown a spanner in the works when it comes to understanding where inflationary pressures and energy prices will top out – not to mention the supply chain disruption this causes across Europe, which is felt in the East Midlands.”

More than 350 businesses across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire took part in the Q1 2022 survey between 14 February and 9 March.

Key findings from the survey for the East Midlands* included:

  • No movement in UK sales between Q4 2021 and Q1 2022, with a net 27% of businesses reporting these increased in both periods, although there was an 8% rise in advanced orders between the quarters
  • Overseas sales and orders were up by 7% and 10% respectively
  • A net 20% of businesses increased their workforce in Q1 and a net 36% expect to do so in the next three months, representing a 3% and 1% growth respectively on the previous quarter’s findings
  • More than six in 10 (63%) of businesses attempted to recruit but, of this cohort, four in five (80%) encountered problems with filling vacancies
  • 30% of firms reported cashflow fell, compared to it improving for 27% – marking the first time it has fallen into negative territory for more than a year
  • Two-thirds (66%) of businesses expect prices to rise in the next three months, a 4% increase on the previous quarter
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions in machinery are down by 2% compared to the end of last year, while there is only a 1% increase in intentions for investing in training between the two quarters
  • Despite this, there was a 4% improvement in the proportion of businesses expecting turnover to increase (a net 62% of Q1 2022 respondents believe it will, versus a net 58% in Q4 2021) and a 3% rise for profitability (a net 31% of organisations now believe it will improve)

Chris said the figures were “encouraging” at first glance but, with many QES indicators relative to what has come before, must be viewed in comparison to a weak final quarter in 2021. At the time, there was uncertainty around the Omicron variant and inflation began to creep up.

The biggest concerns for businesses right now are declining access to cash and margins being squeezed by galloping inflation, the survey found.

“Net cashflow movement is down into negative territory again, suggesting the squeeze is coming on once more with inflationary pressures from all directions,” Chris said.

“Price increases are up on already almost sky-high levels and investment in machinery is down, limiting one of the tools that businesses have to respond to increases in demand and the need to introduce efficiencies.

“We have a heated economy in which demand is still high, but 37% of our region’s businesses are at full capacity and struggling to meet this because they can’t recruit enough staff or don’t have the confidence to invest. Ultimately, our economy isn’t able to grow as fast as it needs to.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q1 2022, click here.

Posted in Business, Featured, Home

Chesterfield’s Pantomime moves to the Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield’s annual pantomime will take centre stage at the Winding Wheel Theatre this year, while the Pomegranate Theatre undergoes a multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Discounted early bird tickets are now on sale for the performance of Sleeping Beauty, which will be presented by Paul Holman Associates from Tuesday 6 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The pantomime is a Christmas tradition for many families in Chesterfield and it’s great that it’ll be back this year and that we can accommodate it in the Winding Wheel Theatre.

“Whilst the Pomegranate is closed for refurbishment, we’ll be making full use of the facilities at the Winding Wheel Theatre and ensuring that everyone can still enjoy a wide variety of fantastic performances and events.

“It’s a great opportunity to book at a reduced rate now and secure your tickets ahead of the Christmas rush later in the year.”

Paul Holman said: “We are delighted to have been selected one again to produce the pantomime for Chesterfield Theatres. Having produced the pantomime at the Pomegranate Theatre since 2012, we are really looking forward to presenting a pantomime in the Winding Wheel Theatre for the first time.”

The Pomegranate Theatre is set to close later this summer for works to begin on the multimillion-pound refurbishment project.

The work to Stephenson Memorial Hall, which is also home to Chesterfield Museum, will create a bespoke visitor attraction in the heart of Chesterfield – bringing together an extended Pomegranate Theatre, a reconfigured and modern museum, alongside new gallery space, a café bar, education and community facilities.

The Sleeping Beauty Pantomime is a fantastical tale full of fairies, bravery and enchantment. Featuring all of the best-loved panto shenanigans live on stage – with an abundance of laughter, dance and music along with dazzling scenery and costumes, spectacular special effects and plenty of audience interaction. This perfect Christmas treat with a star cast to be announced is for the entire family to enjoy!

There will be accessible performances including sign language, audio description and relaxed sessions. There will also be a touch tour of the set which partially sighted or blind customers will be able to book.

Discounted early bird tickets for the Pantomime are now on sale from at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/panto or by calling the box office on 01246 345 222.

Discover more about what is happening in Chesterfield.

Sleeping Beauty Pantomime

Posted in About Chesterfield, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Council leaders set to gather for milestone meeting

Council leaders from across the county will gather for the first meeting of the Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee – a milestone for the partnership which will enable local authorities to work more closely on key issues affecting local people.

Hosted by Chesterfield Borough Council, the meeting will take place on Monday 4 April and will lay the foundations for the formal governance arrangements and programme of work for the partnership.

It is a key step forward for Vision Derbyshire, which is a collaboration of local authorities across Derbyshire and is designed to deliver priority projects which have a positive impact on people’s lives and achieve greater council efficiency.

The main aims of the Vision Derbyshire Joint Committee are to:

  • Provide collective leadership for Derbyshire
  • Progress shared ambitions for the area
  • Work together to tackle the issues and challenges outlined in the case for change
  • Enable agile, timely and effective decision making

The meeting will also consider the Vision Derbyshire Climate Change Strategy (2022-2025) which sets out what needs to be done to reduce emissions across the county to net zero by 2050, or sooner, and how Derbyshire’s councils will work to achieve this.

There will also be discussion around the recently announced County Deal and the submission of a devolution proposal to Government last week, after Derbyshire and Derby was one of nine areas put forward to receive extra investment and local powers as part of the Government’s levelling up plans.

The location of the meetings will be rotated between the member authorities.  They will be open to the public and meeting agendas, reports and minutes will be available to view, in line with usual local government processes which ensure open and transparent decision making.  Papers are available to access at www.chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

David Robinson promoted to Tax Partner at Shorts

Shorts are delighted to announce the promotion of David Robinson to the position of Tax Partner, with effect from 1 April 2022.

Responding to a decade of sustained growth, David will join Chris Chambers and Scott Burkinshaw in leading the firm’s tax offering and will divide his time working across both the firm’s Sheffield and Chesterfield offices.

An experienced Chartered Tax Adviser with national firm experience, David joined Shorts in 2015 as Senior Tax Manager and was promoted to Director in 2018. The promotion to Partner recognises David’s continued commitment to growing the department and underpins the firm’s continued development and strength.

David will continue to advise his clients on all areas of UK taxation with a particular focus on transactional work, including acquisitions & disposals, corporate reconstructions, and advising international businesses on their expansion into the UK (through the firm’s membership of The Praxity Alliance). Going forward, his role will transition progressively in taking a more active role in the leadership and strategy of the firm.

David said “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be promoted to Tax Partner at Shorts, joining a partnership that has been in existence since 1890.  The promotion is the culmination of years of hard work, and I’m proud to take the next step on my professional journey.  I am very much looking forward to working with existing and future clients, as well as the rest of the partners, to help drive forward the continued success of the firm”.

Chris Chambers, Senior Tax Partner at Shorts, said “Since joining us in 2015, David has played a key part in the growth and success of the business, and this promotion is just reward for his hard work and effort.  He’ll be a fantastic addition to our partner group, and I am confident that with David on board, the firm will continue to go from strength to strength”.

Scott Burkinshaw, Tax Partner at Shorts, added “I am delighted that David has agreed to join us in the Partnership.  We have enjoyed significant growth over the last few years, and this appointment further strengthens our position as we head into the next chapter of our long history.  We reward talent and effort here at Shorts, and we had no hesitation in asking David to join us to continue to drive the business forward”.

Shorts are a nationally recognised award-winning firm with a long-standing heritage of over 130 years.  They can be contacted on info@shorts.uk.com or by calling 0114 2671617 or 01246 559955.

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

Posted in Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K Route Revealed

The Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K is back for the second year, taking place on Sunday 16th October 2022.

Organisers from the 10K have confirmed that this year’s event will take place with the same fantastic route as in 2021.

Leading from the start line in Queens Park out onto Dock Walk, and through Chesterfield from Old Road to Ashgate Road passing close by one of its Charity Partners Ashgate Hospicecare.

Runners will then make their way towards the historic town centre before heading down Glumangate, passing Redbrik’s Chesterfield office and the Towns famous Crooked Spire.

The race will conclude back in Queens Park, where family and friends can gather to cheer runners towards the finish line as the race completes one final lap of the park.

The route received lots of praise after its first year in the market town, offering a fast-paced, picturesque route that is accessible to all.

John Timms, Event Director of the Chesterfield 10K, said “After a fantastic event in 2021, we are delighted to be hosting the Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10K again along the same route.

“We received some fantastic feedback on last year’s race, and we can’t wait to welcome runners to Queens Park to take on the Challenge, whether it’s their first or second time at the event!”

Charity partners for this year’s event are Redbrik Foundation, Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Last year more than 1,300 runners took part, with over £59,000 pledged to charities and good causes across the region.

If you are thinking about taking part this year, you can register for your place on the start line at: https://www.myraceentries.co.uk/RC10K/HomePage.aspx

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,