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Innovative skills service to support growth for Chesterfield businesses

Businesses in Chesterfield can access a skills service which aims to help them to grow their business and boost productivity.

The Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service provides businesses with free impartial advice that will help them to identify skills gaps in their business, access training programmes, including the University of Derby’s Executive and Professional Education courses and navigate wider funding opportunities available for training.

Together this will enable businesses to access the tools that they need to grow.

Delivered by the University of Derby on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, the free service is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A series of workshops and events have been planned to provide further support for businesses and create networking opportunities where participants can collaborate to enhance skills provision in their organisations.

Dr Matt Snowden, Associate Provost – Industry Engagement at the University of Derby, said: “The University of Derby is delighted to be supporting the Skills Brokerage Service with our partners at Chesterfield Borough Council. As the city and county’s only university, we take our role working with communities and organisations seriously.

“Those using the Skills Brokerage Service will have access to a team which has extensive experience working with businesses of all sizes to identify relevant training solutions from across a range of training providers that drive real results from consultation to implementation.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Skills Brokerage Service is a fantastic initiative which can help deliver higher level skills and education to people and employers in Chesterfield.

“This helps businesses to develop the skills they need to grow and can help our residents to access higher paying jobs which in turn will help strengthen our local economy.

“I’m proud that we are working in partnership with the University of Derby to deliver this service which has the potential to make a real difference in our borough.”

The Skills Brokerage Service complements and provides access to the Executive and Professional Education offering from the University’s St Helena Campus in Chesterfield.

Businesses can access a wide range of courses through the University of Derby including CPD and short courses focused on leadership and management, management apprenticeships spanning business, marketing and human resource management, logistics and accounting.

Matt Bromley, Academic Manager of Professional Executive Education, said: “The University has direct links to a wide range of organisations working across a variety of sectors, and our Executive Education programmes have been built on our knowledge and interactions with partners and stakeholders.

“The holistic offer is designed for public and private organisations through to major organisations and SMEs.

“There are several benefits to both the employer and employee. For the employer, it demonstrates a commitment to investing in people and ensures that they acquire  the exact knowledge, skills and behaviours they need.

“The employee, meanwhile, will develop important capabilities that all employers demand from their leaders and the ability to engage employees, forge collaborative relationships and develop people.”

Find out more about the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service and the University of Derby’s Executive Education offering.

Looking for business support in Chesterfield? Contact Destination Chesterfield and we will refer you to the services your organisation requires.

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Work begins on enhanced community facilities at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall

Work to refurbish Barrow Hill Memorial Hall and create enhanced community and healthcare facilities has started on site.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is refurbishing its historic home to create a social space for the community and add new facilities that will enable local residents to access healthcare services.

With funding provided through the Staveley Town Deal and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the first phase of the ambitious project should be completed by March 2026.

Simon Redding at Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “It is fantastic to get started on site and start to see our plans come together. This is a community building and will make a real difference in Barrow Hill, helping people to access the services they need at every stage of life but also ensuring that as a community we have a space that we can call our own and celebrate our achievements.”

Plans for the memorial hall include classroom space, healthcare facilities and a new social space for the community to come together. The work will be carried out in phases, with some elements dependent on further external funding.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal, said: “The Trust have worked incredibly hard to bring this project to life and I want to thank them for all their hard work. This project has the ability to transform lives and support our aim of ensuring that Staveley is a place where everyone can have the best start to their lives, stay, grow and ultimately achieve their potential.”

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is owned and managed by the Trustees of Barrow Hill Community Trust on behalf of the community.

The Trust has owned the Hall since 1924 when Charles Paxton Markham gave the Workmen’s Hall at Barrow Hill to the community as a war memorial.

The refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is just one project that is being funded through the Staveley Town Deal. To find out more about the wider programme visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

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New luxury hair salon to open at Elder Way

Elder Way will welcome a third business to the development later this year, with a new luxury hair salon, Feather & Fern set to open in Unit 1 on Knifesmithgate in May.

Feather & Fern owners and hairdressers Kerry Featherstone and Sara Fern have agreed a 10-year lease on the prominent 1,636 sq. ft unit with Elder Way developer Jomast marking another exciting tenant for the iconic former Co-op department store.

Feather & Fern will now join Bottle & Thyme and Hotpod Yoga who both moved to the development last year.

Both hailing and currently working in Chesterfield, the opening of Feather & Fern is the first business venture for Kerry and Sara.

Speaking about the move, Kerry said: “We are really excited by the Elder Way development. It is the new place to be in town. The unit and space wowed us and we wanted it immediately.”

Feather & Fern will be located in what was the electrical department of the former Co-Op department store. Work is now underway to transform the split-level unit.

Sara added: “Jomast has allowed us to be flexible with the interior and that was important to us. We want to put our own stamp on the space and create an environment unlike other hair salon in town.”

The lower level will host a welcoming area with a reception desk, sea grass pendant lighting, a seating area, and a coffee bar. “It’s an area for people to not just wait for their appointment, but relax,” Kerry added.

The second level will be zoned into cutting, washing, and mixing areas. In keeping with the wider Elder Way development, Feather and Fern will have a fresh and contemporary look.

The original unit 1 has been split in order to accommodate Fern & Feather’s business needs. The split has created a smaller 1,109 sq.ft unit which Jomast is confident will appeal to independent and start-up businesses in the area.

Mark Hill, Jomast’s Commercial Property Director said: “I am delighted that we have been able to accommodate Sara and Kerry’s new business and help them realise their dream.

“Feather & Fern will be a great addition to Elder Way and Chesterfield town centre. It’s a prominent unit with lots of parking nearby as well as neighbouring businesses like Bottle & Thyme which will assist them in getting their business established quickly.

The move to Elder Way by Feather & Fern means that all three corner units at the development on Knifesmithgate and Elder Way – are now fully occupied. Just one unit remains available on Knifesmithgate.

Set to open in May later this year, Feather & Fern aims to create nine jobs, including six stylist roles, two apprenticeships, and a beauty therapist role. The salon will have ten hair sections with extra seating for colours and treatments.

Looking forward to opening their first business, Sara said: “It’s very exciting and scary. We can’t wait to welcome clients – new and old – to Feather & Fern. We are delighted that we are able to bring our vision to life at Elder Way. It’s the place to be in Chesterfield.”

Just five units now remain available at Elder Way with agent WSB Property reporting strong interest from a number of operators.

For enquiries or further information about the available units, visit www.elderway.co.uk

Enterprises of every kind already benefit from Chesterfield’s positive approach, supportive community, superb travel links and excellent strategic location. Find out more about locating your business in our town at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

 

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Education recruitment agency opens new Chesterfield office to support growth

An award-winning education recruitment agency has opened a new office in Renishaw, Chesterfield to support business growth across the region.

Trust Education Ltd, which has its headquarters in Rotherham, works in partnership with schools to match job vacancies with candidates across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and East Midlands.

Established in 2022, the specialist independent agency aims to expand its client base in the East Midlands region through investment in this additional office.

Based in Renishaw Hall Stable Block, Chesterfield, the new Trust Education office accommodates a dedicated team of recruitment consultants and provides space to meet candidates in-person to discuss their specific needs.

Co-director of Trust Education Barry Simmons said: “Our new Renishaw office enables us to better support all the candidates and schools we already work with in and around Chesterfield, the communities south of Sheffield, and across the East Midlands region. And, it means we have the capacity to reach out to, and work with, many more.

“We’ve built our business on an absolute dedication to building good relationships with clients and candidates, based on open and honest communication and support. Having an office on the ground in East Midlands with dedicated staff in situ shows our commitment to this ethos and we look forward to working with many more schools and candidates in the region.”

Trust Education Ltd was founded in 2022 and has grown rapidly in two and half years, attracting more than 500 candidates to its books and 100 partner schools. The company’s own team of recruitment consultants and support staff has grown from five to 13 since they launched.

Trust Education supports short, medium and long-term recruitment for teaching, non-teaching and support roles in Primary, Secondary and SEND Schools, as well as FE establishments. Find out more about Trust Education here: https://www.trust-education.co.uk/

Looking to base your business in Chesterfield? Find out why out town is perfectly positioned to help your company grow: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket returns this summer with four exciting matches

The BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, will return to Queen’s Park this summer.

The Falcons Men return to one of the UK’s most picturesque cricket grounds on Sunday 6 July (2.30pm), to face Yorkshire in T20 action.

2024’s encounter saw the Falcons extend their unbeaten streak over the White Rose at Chesterfield to seven games, and they’ll be aiming to continue their good form in 2025.

Before that, cricket fans can soak up plenty of action in our town as Falcons Women take on Worcestershire Rapids on Saturday 28 June in the Vitality Blast Women’s League Two (T20).

Derbyshire Men will then face Lancashire in the Rothesay County Championship (First-class) on Sunday 29 June – Wednesday 2 July.

Then, The Blaze will take to the field against Hampshire Women on Friday 4 July in the Vitality Blast Women’s Competition (T20).

The T20 fixture between Derbyshire and Yorkshire has become a regular fixture in the cricketing calendar and has sold out on each of the last six occasions, so it is recommended fans secure their tickets early.

Jimmy Drew, Commercial Manager of Derbyshire County Cricket Club commented: “The club really looks forward to the BRM Chesterfield Festival of Cricket each season, and it’s always amazing to see so many people from Chesterfield and the surrounding area support this.  The atmosphere created around Queen’s Park, particularly for our T20 match against Yorkshire, is second to none, and it’s great to feel the buzz from those supporting Derbyshire, especially if we win.”

Find out more about the event at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/the-chesterfield-festival-of-cricket/

Looking for details of events, and festivals happening in Chesterfield check out www.chestrfield.co.uk/events or sign up for our weekly email update here.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club and BRM Solicitors support 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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New owners of Chesterfield’s oldest pub say venue has ‘huge potential’

The new owners of Chesterfield’s oldest pub say they have big plans for the venue after recently receiving the keys to their new business.

Meg Hartman and Patrick Hopkins are the landlords of Ye Royal Oak, based in Chesterfield’s historic Shambles in the heart of the town. The couple are currently working as teachers, and are balancing the pub’s renovation with their demanding jobs.

Speaking about their decision to take on the pub, which is claimed to date back to the 12th century, Meg explained: “Having lived in Chesterfield for almost three years now, we frequently passed the Royal Oak and spoke about how we’d love to be in the position to buy the pub to transform it back to being a beautiful boozer.

“We are currently both teachers (Patrick – a secondary history teacher – and Meg – a special needs primary school teacher) and while this has been a rewarding career for us both, it has been a lifelong dream of ours to own a pub. We knew that we wanted something in the area and we also wanted a historic pub whose heritage we could celebrate and restore. The Royal Oak, obviously, ticked both of these boxes and we were fortunate enough to be in a position to buy the pub as independent owners.”

The couple say once the pub is back up and running, they are keen to turn it into a venue which can be used by all corners of the local community.

Meg added: “We think it has huge potential as a town centre venue. We are aiming to be a wet led pub with a warm and welcome atmosphere selling regional, national and international craft ale, beer and cider. Having both spent a lot of time working up in the Highlands, we also hope to provide a robust whisky offering.

“Our food offering will be a fine selection of bar snacks (think butties, pork pies, sausage rolls, pickled eggs and the best crisp selection you could imagine). As we become more settled in the rituals and routines of Royal Oak life, we may look to extend this offering to pies and toasties. We will also have a solid roster of regular events (such as a weekly pub quiz, folk sessions, chess nights) as well as one-off events (tap takeovers, meet the brewers etc.). We are also hoping to serve as a space for groups within the local community to come together and connect.”

Since moving to Chesterfield three years ago, Meg and Patrick say they have fallen in love with the town and its people: “We love living in Chesterfield. It’s such a great town that is really made by the people that live here. We have had such an overwhelmingly lovely response from locals who love the pub and have shared their own stories with us.

“We feel very supported in this venture. As the oldest pub in Chesterfield, we are thrilled to add to its layers of history and want to do our best to preserve its heritage. We are looking forward to collaborating with local pub history tours to bring in locals and visitors to the town alike to share in the thrilling history of the town’s pubs. Sitting just in the Shambles, we are looking forward to the developments being made in the market and look forward to being a destination for shoppers to come for a pint, a coffee or a chat. We are also looking forward to joining a network of superb local independent businesses.”

Keep up to date with the pub’s renovation on Ye Royal Oak’s social media pages:

Want to discover more about what Chesterfield has to offer? Head over to our visiting pages and plan your stay in Chesterfield.

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£5 million home to be built in Chesterfield for children with significant disabilities and complex learning needs

A £5 million purpose-built children’s home in Chesterfield will provide essential short-break and long-term care for children and young people with significant disabilities and complex learning needs.

Derbyshire County Council officials joined project design and build partners at a ground-breaking ceremony at Spire Lodge in Chesterfield earlier this month.

The home on the Ashgate Croft School campus will offer tailored support and create a nurturing environment for children and their families to improve services for children with special needs and disabilities (SEND).

The project has been designed by design consultant Concertus and is being built by Stepnell. It is due to open in November.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families Councillor Julie Patten said: “It was great to see the council’s design and build partners join together to mark the start of construction on the new Spire Lodge children’s home.

“Alongside the £7.5 million investment into new children’s homes recently approved by the council’s Cabinet, projects like these demonstrate our continued and long-term commitment to supporting some of the county’s most vulnerable children and young people.

“The new children’s home features a bespoke design to support children in an individual but social environment in the heart of the community, with local shops, amenities, and parks nearby and is next to Ashgate School where some of the children will attend.

“I’m particularly pleased to hear about the provision the home gives to children in care with disabilities and how it builds a bridge to adult services, supporting families in managing transitions and helping to maintain education placements.

“l look forward to seeing the building’s completion offering an exciting new chapter of memories and experiences for the children and young people of Spire Lodge.”

Spire Lodge will provide short breaks to enable families to continue living together at home and offer children opportunities they may not have in a domestic setting which can help to support independence, education and health routines.

These breaks also give families respite from the pressures of caring for a child with SEND and can improve children’s health and independence helping them develop into adults with a better quality of life resulting in better outcomes for families.

Concertus Principal Architectural Designer Andrew Elliot said: “We are excited to be part of such a vital project for young people in Derbyshire, which will provide residential facilities in new flagship accommodation.

“We are pleased to further collaborate with our appointed contractor Stepnell and strengthen our positive working relationship with our client Derbyshire County Council.”

Stepnell Regional Director Tom Sewell said: “Our work at Spire Lodge shows how an effective construction process can have positive impacts not only on end users but also the wider community.

“The finished facility is set to provide such essential care for children and young people that need it the most, and we’re proud to have been involved.

“The project is one example within a collection that we’ve had the opportunity to be part of alongside both Concertus and Derbyshire County Council, both of which are partnerships that we’re looking forward to continuing in our work across the region.”

Stepnell 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 Pride announces line-up for 10th anniversary event

Chesterfield Pride has announced an exciting line-up for its 10th anniversary event this July.

The festival, which sees thousands of visitors celebrating in Stand Road Park returns on Saturday July 19th.

The event will have two stages, with the main stage to be headlined by chart-topping boyband, 911. The group scored 10 top ten singles in the UK including a number one single. The Main Stage will also see performances from MOBO award-winning Big Brovaz, chart-topper and West End star Diana Vickers, 90s artists Alex Party and Berri.

Also announced on this year’s lineup is the iconic Honey G, Pride legend Kelly Wilde, Dene Michael from Black Lace and Britain’s Got Talent star, Rob King.

The event also hosts the Cabaret Stage which will see some of the UK’s most well-known drag artists appearing, alongside the best in unsigned talent. This year’s Cabaret Stage will see performances from the fabulous Baga Chipz, Fatt Butcher and Bernie De Bra. Aditionally, this stage will see some of the world’s best tributes including Donna Marie as Lady Gaga and Melissa Totten as Madonna. Unsigned artists appreating at the event include Toni Lee, Poppy-Mai, Davey Stuart and Lexi Whiteside.

Chesterfield Pride Organiser, Dan Walker commented: “I am so proud to see the event reach its 10th Birthday. To see Chesterfield Pride grow over 10 years has been fantastic. To know we are now the region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration is an amazing achievement. The event has a fantastic team of volunteers working on it to make it happen.

“Chesterfield Pride is a day about bringing the community together and having fun. Chesterfield Pride would not be possible without the amazing support from everyone that attends the event and all the businesses that sponsor us.”

Tickets are £10 if bought in advance. Under 16’s are free entry but must be accompanied with an adult. Tickets available through Skiddle or by visiting: chesterfieldpride.co.uk

Find out more about events and activities taking place in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Partnership working enables promotion of the Peak District and Derbyshire on the international stage

Recent international marketing activity work has been undertaken by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to boost overseas visitors to the area.

2025 is off to a flying start with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire spearheading international tourism activity to support the destination’s core aims to increase overnight stays, extend the tourism season and grow the value of the visitor economy.

As lead partner of the area’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), Visit Peak District & Derbyshire recently worked in partnership with VisitBritain and West Midlands Growth Company to host travel buyers from the Netherlands and Belgium on a familiarisation trip to the area.

The influential group of buyers and tour operators – all experts in selling trips to the UK – were in the destination as part of VisitBritain’s ‘Showcase Britain’ event, which includes a series of special educational visits to shine the spotlight on the latest products and experiences on offer for future visitors.

The programme enables overseas buyers to make new connections and gain first-hand experience of destinations, so they are equipped with the latest product knowledge to create new itineraries and drive international visits that will support and grow the visitor economy.

According to VisitBritain research, the UK welcomed 2 million visitors from the Netherlands in 2023 who spent a record £1.1 billion. In the same year, 867,000 visitors from Belgium travelled to the UK, spending a record £481.4 million.

With a strong focus on travelling for culture, heritage, nature and the outdoors, the aim is to encourage Dutch and Belgian visitors to add the Peak District and Derbyshire to future itineraries and help grow the destination’s £2.9bn visitor economy.

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire worked alongside six local tourism operators to bring the ‘Showcase Britain’ trip to life – and in connection with VisitBritain’s new Starring GREAT Britain campaign, the visit was designed to highlight some of the area’s many film locations which have featured in films and TV programmes shown across the world.

The buyers discovered the breathtaking beauty of the Peak District National Park on a guided walk with Peak Walking Adventures on Stanage Edge, as seen in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

The group also visited Haddon Hall, historic home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners, to discover the backdrop for famous films and TV shows including Wolf Hall, Mary Queen of Scots, The King, The Princess Bride and numerous adaptations of Jane Eyre.

The buyers enjoyed Bakewell Pudding Making at the Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, sampled local food at The George, Hathersage and The Pilsley Inn on the Chatsworth Estate, and stayed at the newly-opened Bike & Boot Hotel in Hope, a walking, cycling and dog-friendly hotel in the heart of the Peak District.

The activity to drive international visits came hot on the heels of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire attending the Britain & Ireland Marketplace (BIM) trade event in London on 26th January, which offers British tourism suppliers and destinations an opportunity to meet 1-1 with overseas buyers from across the world.

Other recent activity has included an international workshop with VisitBritain Germany in November to meet major tour operators and travel agents, and promoting the area’s trade-ready product at the ‘Vakantiebeurs’ Trade Day event in Utrecht earlier this year, which is regarded as a key annual travel event for the Netherlands.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Attracting international visits to the Peak District and Derbyshire is vitally important to creating a sustainable, year-round visitor economy that supports local jobs, businesses and communities.

“International markets can be key for supporting tourism businesses in the traditionally quieter months, encouraging longer stays, increasing visitor spend, and driving economic growth right across the region.

“Being part of these important face-to-face events and familiarisation visits helps showcase the area as a world-class destination for key travel trade buyers, ensuring the Peak District and Derbyshire is ‘front of mind’ for them when programming and recommending destinations to their clients in 2025 and beyond.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, says: “People across the region know and enjoy the beautiful towns, villages and breathtaking countryside in Derbyshire, and we’re so fortunate to have the incredible Peak District on our doorstep. I have loved spending so much time in Derbyshire and the Peak District, it’s such a joy to visit either in my role as Mayor or going there with my family on rare days off.

“I am delighted with the work being done by the team at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, as we rightly showcase to the world all we have to offer tourists and businesses. It is so important to me that we protect and promote this part of our region, support and grow the businesses here and make sure as many people across the globe add ‘Visit Derbyshire’ to their travel plans.”

Planning your trip to the Peak District or Derbyshire? Make sure you visit the historic market town of Chesterfield! Find out more about what our town has to offer at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

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Banner Jones Solicitors shortlisted for four prestigious Sheffield & District Law Society Awards

Leading regional law firm Banner Jones has been shortlisted for four awards at the upcoming Sheffield & District Law Society Awards.

The firm is amongst the finalists for Employment Law Team of the Year, Residential Property Team of the Year, Commercial Property Team of the Year, and Rising Star.

The Residential Property team ranks among the top 1.6% of conveyancing firms in the UK. Processing over 3,000 new residential property matters annually, Banner Jones now ranks second in Sheffield for number of completions, moving up one place since July 2024.

The Rising Star award nomination recognises Lauren Mahon for her expertise in family law, including divorce, children matters, civil partnership dissolution, and pre/post-nuptial agreements. She has successfully led several complex cases involving children and financial settlements.

The Employment team, led by Katie Ash and Sara Patel, has been recognised for its broad expertise in advising individuals and businesses. Their work includes settlement agreements, contract preparation, training, complex dismissals, discrimination claims, disciplinaries and grievances, consultancy agreements, enforcement of restrictive covenants, and business transfers and disposals.

Katie Ash, Head of Employment Law commented “We are very proud to have won this award for the last 3 consecutive years and to be short-listed again is very humbling.”

The firm’s small but highly effective Commercial Property team in Sheffield, led by Solicitor Rachael Flintoft, is recognised for its comprehensive expertise in handling the full spectrum of commercial property services. The team has expanded, increasing efficiency and volume of transactions in the past year. They take great pride in cultivating strong relationships, with 50% of their 2024 customer base consisting of repeat business, from large PLCs to solo entrepreneurs.

The winners of the awards will be announced at the annual ceremony on the 28th of February at the historic Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Hotel, Sheffield.

Commenting on the news, Banner Jones’ Chief Executive Simon Wright said: “The Sheffield & District Law Society Awards are a key event in our calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the region’s legal community. We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted in four categories this year.

“These nominations are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our teams. From our employment and residential property teams to our commercial property specialists and rising talent within the firm, we are incredibly proud of this recognition.”

Banner Jones Solicitors 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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More Chesterfield businesses must access apprenticeships and skills support to meet economic need

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of funded training to accelerate workforce development and boost productivity, to support the town’s economic growth.

Delegates at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference heard about support for skills development in Chesterfield and the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s priority to further improve training and skills to match the region’s economic needs.

Regional skills and employment initiatives will be backed by a £70m investment spanning six workstreams, each designed to offer a clear pathway of support from early careers inspiration through to skills delivery at higher levels for all residents.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), addressed the town’s role in the growth of the region. He said:

“With a working age population of some 64,000, and a town that currently supports 51,000 jobs, forecasted to grow further in the coming years, Chesterfield is an important economic centre; the town’s growth principles of delivering higher value, sustainable and inclusive growth support our vision and will be intrinsic in us delivering our priorities.”

Cllr Paul Hazelgrave

The conference also heard how young people in our region and people with disabilities are becoming more involved through the Connected Futures Project. Discussions around skills and inclusive recruitment seek to improve employment outcomes for working-age young people with learning difficulties and autism spectrum disorders.

A team of Youth Voice Ambassadors representing our region spoke to delegates about the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes and empowering young people along their journey into the world of work.

In addition to regional investment, delegates heard how later this year a £40m investment from the government via the Growth and Skills Levy will replace the existing Apprenticeship Levy, bringing more flexibility to skills and talent growth, funding a wider range of apprenticeships and training that is aligned with the evolving needs of business.

The Conference was held during National Apprenticeship Week, which Chesterfield celebrates proudly as the first town in the UK to officially declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town.’

New figures released during National Apprenticeship Week highlight the growing success of apprenticeships in Chesterfield, with achievement rates rising by 33% in 2023/24 compared to 2019/20. In the past financial year alone, 370 individuals successfully completed apprenticeships in the town.

As well as allowing learners to progress quickly whilst in paid employment, research further underscores the significant economic benefits of apprenticeships, with a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research finding that every pound invested in apprenticeships delivers a net gain of £21 to the UK economy. Currently, over 1,500 individuals are undertaking apprenticeships in Chesterfield, representing a substantial investment in local talent.

To help businesses navigate their options, the Chesterfield Skills Brokerage Service offers specialist support tailored to workforce development needs. Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, urged local companies to take action:

“I welcome the additional investment that EMCCA is bringing to skills and employment activity in Chesterfield.  It strengthens the offer that we are already delivering to support businesses in the borough.  I strongly encourage all businesses to get in touch with our Skills Brokerage Service at the earliest opportunity to see how we can provide the support they need to enhance skills and grow their business. We need to work together to ensure Chesterfield possesses a vibrant and talented workforce that can take advantage of future opportunities to grow our economy.”

Cllr Tricia Gilby speaking to room of delegates

Businesses looking to access skills support and apprenticeship funding can find out more by visiting: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/skills-brokerage-service/ or by emailing info@chesterfield.co.uk

The Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service is one of many initiatives benefiting from funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The council successfully secured £2.6m from the UK Government to support local businesses and improve opportunities for residents, with funding available until the end of March 2025.

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