Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, last night (4th December), won the gold award in the Re:wired category at the prestigious REVO Gold Awards.
The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has beat big names in the retail sector to the award including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of their approach to technology and customers.
The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.
The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.
The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.
David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”
Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.
Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.
The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.
Three former councillors, John Burrows, Ray Russell and Steve Brunt, have been honoured for the service they have given to the borough of Chesterfield.
Former council leaders John Burrows and Ray Russell and former cabinet member Steve Brunt received the honour at an extraordinary council meeting held at the Town Hall on Monday 18 November.
Former councillor John Burrows served as council leader between 2001 and 2003 and again between 2011 and 2017. Former councillor Ray Russell served as council leader between 2003 and 2011. Both John Burrows and Ray Russel served on the Destination Chesterfield Board.
Former councillor Steve Brunt served as mayor in 2016 and as cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy from 2017 to 2019.
Honorary alderman status is the second-highest honour the council can bestow after the freedom of the borough and has previously only been granted on 13 occasions.
At the ceremony, each was presented with a scroll and commemorative badge and signed the roll of honorary aldermen. Their names have also been added to the board displayed outside the Council Chamber in the Town Hall.
The role carries no responsibilities but recognises the service each of these men have given in their communities and means they will be invited to attend certain council meetings and events as honoured guests.
(L to R) Ray Russell, Steve Brunt and John Burrows receive their Honorary Alderman certificates during a ceremony held at the town hall.
Banner Jones Solicitors has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its growing team with the appointment of a Performance and Wellbeing Coach.
Working closely with the firm’s HR department, experienced counsellor and psychotherapist Katie Newton is the latest in a string of senior personnel to join the award-winning law firm where she will provide tailored one-to-one sessions to staff across Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Lisa Gill, Human Resources Manager at Banner Jones, said: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is the upmost of importance, and Kate’s appointment is indicative of our ongoing commitment to this.”
“As the business continues to grow and expand, we are determined not to lose sight of the needs of those individuals who make our success a reality.”
“We pride ourselves on our open-door policy and are as committed as ever to putting our staff, as well as our customers, at the heart of every decision we make and in doing so provide a positive workspace for everyone.”
Katie Newton said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Banner Jones team and working alongside the HR team to ensure that the staff have as much support with regards their own health and wellbeing, as they do their professional development.
“My focus will very much be on contributing to, and bolstering, what is already a productive and happy workplace by ensuring that everyone has a voice in the way that the business operates – from its policies on working hours and flexible working, as well as devising wider, dedicated Health and Wellbeing Programmes across the firm.”
Construction company Fortem are assisting Ashgate Croft School in transforming their ‘Pod’ classroom (below) into a new post-16 learning environment and common room area.
The new common room will include a kitchen area which will allow a group of pupils to prepare simple meals and lunches independently, in order to help their transition to life after school.
As part of the refurbishment, Fortem are assisting with electricity and heating systems to meet the needs of the students. New external doors, windows and flooring will be installed, with a new door leading to a fenced garden, creating a safe outdoor place for the pupils.
Richard Windle, Teacher at Ashgate Croft Primary School, said: “As a school we are always evolving to improve our provision and outcomes for our fantastic students. Over the last few years in the current economic climate, this has proved to be very challenging.”
He added: “The work pledged by Fortem to refurbish our common room will increase opportunities and improve the life skills of our students for years to come, this will truly change the learning environment and be a legacy in our school for generations.”
Fortem Solutions Limited deliver a range of planned, preventative and responsive care to property, which includes maintaining 120,000 homes across the UK. Fortem are committed to supporting the local community and work on many projects across the borough at any one time.
The current classroom will be transformed into a new common room area by Fortem
The University of Derby has revealed a refreshed package of SME support to ‘strength the capability of businesses in Chesterfield and the surrounding region, with access to research and expertise that can help foster innovation.’
The support was unveiled to businesses at Barrow Hill Roundhouse at the launch of Made in Chesterfield (20 November). It follows the recent announcement that the Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has established its new head office in Chesterfield and in 2034 the town will get an HS2 station.
Speaking at the event Professor Warren Manning, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, said: “We want the East Midlands to grow, innovate and improve productivity in order to meet the opportunities that HS2 and the wider rail industry will bring to the region.
“We need 6,000 extra workers in Sheffield City Region (SCR) and D2N2 to deliver HS2 and a key part of that is upskilling existing workers in digital skills.
“The University of Derby is committed to supporting business growth amongst SMEs so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities the rail sector and wider supply chains presents to them.”
Responding to the skills shortage reported by companies operating in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector, the Made in Chesterfield campaign has been established in the borough to bring together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available.
Sponsored by University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership. It is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures and also supported by businesses operating in the sector.
The University of Derby is offering SMEs in the region a range of business support services and people development programmes to help drive operational improvement and growth. The support is delivered through University of Derby with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Launched in 2015 in response to manufacturing and engineering companies in the north Derbyshire town reporting long term recruitment difficulties, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began.
Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training schemes.
Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, commented on the importance of attracting young people to companies operating within Chesterfield’s STEM sector. He said: “With HS2 on the horizon and Talgo’s recent investment in the town, there is a huge opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation.
“Made in Chesterfield is playing an instrumental role in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s prestigious REVO Gold Awards.
Vicar Lane has been acknowledged in the Re:wired category for their innovative use of digital technology which enables the shopping centre to better understand the preferences and behaviours of customers.
The Re:wired award recognises and celebrates the best examples of innovative retail property technology. Vicar Lane has been shortlisted along with big names in the retail sector including Westfield and Savills, highlighting the industry-leading nature of the approach.
The Centre and its owner Alterx have both been working with tech specialist Maybe*Tech to engage with the Chesterfield audience. The fascinating results have helped to shape the future design and function of Vicar Lane as well as helping to create a better experience for visitors.
The findings have led to a new approach to the leasing of empty shops with Steeplegate coming to life again as a venue for independent brands.
The approach has also helped shape the development of the centre’s marketing and promotions, and led to innovations like the giant new screen which opens in St James’ Square next month.
David Goldstein of Alterx explains: “The innovative work with Maybe*Tech has allowed us to actively use social media to monitor and communicate with our customers to understand what they want from Vicar Lane. This has led to us developing a series of successful pop-up events such as flower arranging, cinema screenings and a micro pub to compliment Vicar Lane’s current retail offer.”
Other new technology innovations have seen a partnership with parking specialists Reef, which has led to the Vicar Lane car park being upgraded to be fully automated and ticketless. Number plate recognition and an easy mobile payment enables a faster and frictionless parking system which is more efficient and environmentally conscious.
Behind the scenes, Alterx has set up new in-house communication channels for Vicar Lane retailers. This enables greater visibility on tenant trading performance which allows retailers to make better informed decisions.
The results have also seen increases in pedestrian counts, which is great news for Chesterfield, especially when so many similar towns across the country are struggling.
It has been revealed that the Peak District and Derbyshire has won bronze in the prestigious 2019 British Travel Awards, which are considered the benchmark for excellence in the travel industry and are voted for by the travelling public.
It is the second year in a row that Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire has scooped bronze in the ‘Best UK Holiday County or Region’ category – fending off stiff competition from key contenders Devon, Cumbria and the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, beaten only by Cornwall (gold) and Northumberland (silver).
The announcement came amidst a month of success for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire after the destination also reached the final of the i news Staycation Awards, which celebrate the quality and diversity of Britain’s thriving domestic travel industry.
Out of over 1,000 entries in total, the Peak District and Derbyshire reached the final three in the ‘Rural Location of the Year’ category alongside Dumfries and Galloway (winners) and Northumberland.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said “It’s been a fantastic month for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire and we are delighted that our world-class destination has been recognised in these prestigious awards.
“The area saw a 13.5 per cent increase in overnight stays last year with more than 42 million overall visitors – and these awards clearly showcase how the Peak District and Derbyshire is a top-quality choice for both domestic and international visitors. Hopefully, we will achieve even greater things in 2020!”
The Staycation Awards also showcased the area’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism. Hoe Grange Holidays self-catering accommodation, near Brassington, was shortlisted from hundreds of entrants in the sustainable tourism category – with special recognition for its commitment to the environment.
In a further boost to the local tourism industry, luxury lodge holiday park, Landal Darwin Forest near Matlock, was presented with two top awards by UK staycation specialist Hoseasons – including the coveted ‘Best in Britain: Large Resort’ title.
Pronto Industrial Paints in Chesterfield has expanded the size of its Holmewood premises for the second time this year after acquiring an adjoining one-acre site.
A £575,000 funding package from NatWest was used to purchase the land and an empty workshop at its Stainsby Close site, growing it to three acres. Over the next 12 months, the site will be transformed into a training academy, allowing the firm to educate both customers and apprentices on the use of its specialist paints, including compliant coatings, one coat systems and CV systems.
The funding will also support the purchase of new machinery in the main factory to enable Pronto Industrial Paints to increase its production capacity in 2020. The investment will create 10 new jobs, which will increase the size of its staff base to 49 employees.
David Beckford, Managing Director at Pronto Industrial Paints, said: “We are committed to investing in the future of our business by expanding our premises and machinery assets, but also investing in the future of others by educating customers and apprentices on how to use our paints.
“As we transform our expanded premises into a training centre, we are keen to partner with local colleges and support a recognised apprenticeship scheme for Industrial Applicators that will set young people up for a future career in the industry. With the support of NatWest, we look forward to incorporating our additional acre-site into our current premises and renovating it into a fit-for-purpose academy.”
Founded in 1989, Pronto Industrial Paints is a family-run manufacturer of high technology surface coatings, supplying commercial partners and clients with paints specific to their exact needs. The business has doubled in size over the last 10 years and the aim is to continue this growth and double the size of the business again over the next 10 years.
Students from Outwood Academy Newbold have kicked off the first of a year-long programme of Made in Chesterfield events which are designed to introduce young people to careers in the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries in the town.
Seven A Level Chemistry students from the school visited Aztec Oils in Bolsover to learn about the company, wider industry and career opportunities available. The students had a tour of the manufacturing facility with particular emphasis on the laboratory where Aztec Oils carries out extensive quality control procedures as well as Research and Development into new products.
Aztec Oils is one of a number of companies operating in the town’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) sector that have signed up to the Made in Chesterfield.
Launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties, Made in Chesterfield has been instrumental in raising awareness of careers in the sector with 3,000 students reached since the campaign began.
As part of the year-long campaign, which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, a number of companies in the sector will be following Aztec Oils; lead and hosting hands-on tours of their sites and going into schools to meet students and give talks.
Mark Lord, Managing Director of Aztec Oils, commented: We welcome the opportunity to partner with local education establishments to bridge the gap between learning and workplace environments. Aztec Oils is a rapidly growing company and we recognise the real need to encourage youngsters to consider a career in manufacturing. By showcasing the company, we hope to demonstrate what great opportunities there are for well-paid, long term employment with good prospects for career development.”
Kirsty Beggar, a Chemistry teacher at Outwood Academy Newbold who led the trip to Aztec oils commented: “Trips like these really benefit our students. It gives them a chance to see some real-life application of what they learn in their textbook. When they are going through what they’ve learnt and are revising it, they’ll think of this visit to Aztec Oils, what goes on in the labs and what the industry is about.”
All primary and secondary schools throughout North East Derbyshire are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign and discover the opportunities in the sector available to current and future school leavers. Employers in the sector are offering school leavers a variety of opportunities, including apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and graduate training scheme.
Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, highlighted the importance of attracting young people to companies operating within Chesterfield’s STEM sector. He said: “With HS2 on the horizon and Talgo’s recent investment in the town, there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation.
“Made in Chesterfield is playing an instrumental role in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”
Charlotte Land, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at DEBP, added: “The Made in Chesterfield programme is a brilliant opportunity for young people and teachers to gain an insight into the amazing companies on their doorstep. DEBP work with employers to develop their programme offer and introduce them to local schools.
“The programme is an essential part of our work as a STEM Ambassador Hub to bridge the STEM skills gap through challenging perceptions of engineering and manufacturing by introducing young people to positive role models and work environments.”
Sponsored by University of Derby, the 2019/20 Made in Chesterfield campaign was officially launched at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in November following news that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo has established its UK head office at the facility. At the event, plans were also unveiled for an innovation centre which Talgo has plans to build on land at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.
In addition to the University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures.
Owner of Stanedge Golf Club and PGA Professional, Fame Tate, has received National recognition from the Golf Club Managers’ Association.
During the Golf Club Managers’ Association annual two day National Conference, Fame received a special commendation award for her hard work in regenerating the fortunes of Stanedge Golf Club.
Fame was nominated for Best Newcomer Manager of the Year, along with Kerry Alligan-Sith of Redditch Golf Club, for her achievements after acquiring Stanedge Golf Club and bringing it back from the edge of closure and extinction.
Fame took over Stanedge Golf Club in March 2019 and has transformed the place from a run down clubhouse and golf course, to a thriving facility which is an accessible, warm and welcoming place where people of all ages, gender and backgrounds can come enjoy playing the golf course or socialise in the clubhouse.
Despite being named runner-up, Fame was over the moon to be selected as one of the two finalists and receive a special commendation: “I feel incredibly proud and honored to have received this commendation award, to be recognized for what we have achieved at the club in such a short space of time is incredible. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, members, visitors, local businesses for hole sponsorship and our scorecard sponsors Il Mondo Travel – a massive thank you to my team at the club, I couldn’t have done it without your hard work and long hours, putting Stanedge Golf Club back on the map!”
Fame, who is a PGA professional, has a quite a year in 2019 picking up awards – to add to her commendation was earlier in the year awarded the “Outstanding Achievement” Award at The English Women’s Awards North, and also named as the PGA Female Assistant of the year for 2019.
Fame said: “I had a strong vision in place when I purchased Stanedge Golf Club, which was to break away from the traditional golf club model, making it a venue that is welcoming, affordable, accessible, friendly and fun”.
Commenting on the journey so far, Fame said: “The resurrection of Stanedge Golf Club has not been easy, it really has been a monumental effort by many people who put many unsociable hours into making the club a place people now want to visit and enjoy being at.”
“Since we acquired the club in February, we have attracted over 120 new members and many visitors in response to our various offers, with different groups getting involved in our coaching and learn to play offers.”
“We have recently launched Tyzack’s Bar at the club which is open to the public as well as members and we serve home cooked food daily, including our breakfasts, Sunday lunches and currently starting on our Christmas Fayre menu and programme of activities.”
A round of 9 holes at Stanedge should not take more than a couple of hours and if you have time to spare afterwards you can drop into the friendly and welcoming clubhouse for refreshments, where there is a fully licensed bar and food served daily.
Angie Smithson pledged to meet over 4,000 members of staff when she began working at Chesterfield Royal in September 2019, and she’s on target to do just that.
With visits to all departments and community bases at regular intervals to hear staff concerns and improvement ideas, she is also working around every shift pattern so night staff and weekend workers are also covered.
The voluntary service is growing – with 177 volunteers of all ages bringing their skills and talents to teams. They are invaluable – with last year’s infographic showing just how much they contribute to ‘Royal’ life.
From driving the ‘Royal Rider’ which safely delivers patients who may suffer mobility problems to appointments and wards, to providing valuable and widely recognised ‘end of life’ support, volunteers are a vital part of ‘Royal’ life.
Volunteer Services Manager, Richard Ball commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Angie for taking the time to say thank you to our volunteers and hear their views. This is a team that gives up their own time, day in and day out, to brighten up the days of our patients, and we are extremely proud of all of them.”
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