A series of three events aim to help young people and their and parents and carers learn more about apprenticeships and the options available to them after completing school.
The first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event will be held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare Football Club on Wednesday 15 November from 6pm to 7.30pm. The event is free to attend and designed to allow parents, carers and young people to speak directly with local employers about their options after completing school.
This event has a construction focus with local firms including The Devonshire Group, Harron Homes and Oasis Studio, talking about the wide range of roles in the sector including the building trades but also other roles including architecture, surveying, marketing, business support and many more.
There will be a question-and-answer panel where the attendees can ask about opportunities in the construction sector and pathways into it.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Young Apprentice ambassadors about their apprenticeship experience. Free refreshments and hot food will be provided to everyone attending.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is crucial that we provide the support young people, and their parents need to make informed decisions about the future. Earlier this year we launched our Skills Action Plan which is all about taking a more collaborative approach to developing skills and career opportunities in Chesterfield and events like this are key to realising that ambitious approach.
“Working with our partners at D2N2 and the ASK programme, along with local employers ensures that young people attending the event can develop a really good understanding of careers available in the construction industry and the paths they can follow from school to secure these careers. We are creating a thriving borough where everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.
“Please do come along to this event or one of the other sector specific events later this year – it’s a fantastic way to help young people make the right decision for themselves to develop a great career in our borough.”
Laura Wilkins, Operational Careers Hub Lead, said: “The D2N2 Careers Hub are thrilled to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and WorkPays to hold the first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information event. We are excited to invite young people, parents/carers and the wider community to meet local employers from the construction sector and hear from apprentices about their experience of working and learning.
“This will be the first of three events to be held in the Chesterfield area, our aim for these events is to ensure that young people and their parents/carers receive the information, advice and support they need to be able to make an informed decision about their next steps, and whether an apprenticeship or technical education pathway is right for them.”
Tina Patel, from the ASK programme, said: “I am looking forward to meeting parents and carers who can expect an in depth and insightful talk about the world of apprenticeships to enable you to support your child with their future career decisions. The event will provide you with a greater understanding of the vocational pathways available and how you can support your child to apply for vacancies.”
Details about further Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Events will be shared on the council’s website and social media.
Oasis Studio, The Devonshire Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Rishi Sunak has been urged to ‘switch on’ the East Midlands rail network as fast as possible by accelerating work to electrify the region’s main link to London.
The Midland Main Line carries 3.75 million passenger journeys a year between Chesterfield, Derby, Leicester and London, but trains still have to travel on diesel power for part of the journey – impacting emissions, reliability and the time it takes to travel.
While the Midland Main Line section between London and Bedford was switched to electric power in the 1980s, the final section into the heart of the East Midlands still hasn’t been upgraded 40 years on.
Now, the region’s local authorities have come together under the banner of East Midlands Councils to call on government to name the date when work will start on a project that has been planned for years and was highlighted as a transport priority two years ago in government’s Integrated Rail Plan.
Sir Peter Soulsby, the elected Mayor of Leicester who also chairs Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) said: “In the wake of the decision to cancel HS2, our message to the Government is simple and unequivocal – name the date for Midland Mainline electrification, sign the project off and switch on the East Midlands rail network.
“If we’re not proceeding with high-speed rail then we must upgrade our existing infrastructure as a matter of urgency. Midland Main Line will be able to offer a better service for more people on upgraded trains if the final stretch into the East Midlands is at last electrified.”
Sir Peter added: “We need to change Westminster’s attitude towards transport investment in the East Midlands. We receive too little, it takes too long, and the huge potential of our businesses and communities is not being fulfilled. This has to change if we’re to power up our future.”
As it stands, 80% of the environmental benefits of travelling by train instead of car can be lost due to the emissions from locomotives moving under diesel power. Diesel trains are also noisier, and impact air quality along the line and in stations.
East Midlands Councils has set out the case for Midland Mainline electrification in a new report called ‘The Future is Electric’. Produced by expert transport analysts, the report shows that:
Midland Main Line adds £450m a year to the economy
Passenger numbers on the line have more than doubled since the 1990s
Midland Main Line’s catchment is more densely populated than either West Coast or East Coast mainlines
But while they are fully electrified, Midland Main Line is not
Fully electric trains will be cheaper to operate, faster and more reliable
Midland Main Line’s diesel operations emit 48,000 tonnes of CO2 a year
Experience shows an electrification programme will benefit local jobs and businesses first
The push to speed up electrification of the Midland Main Line is being supported by East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, which represents thousands of firms across the region and is the biggest organisation of its type in the UK.
Its director of policy, Chris Hobson, said: “We cannot cancel our way to economic growth and we want to see government end years of uncertainty by committing to electrify the last leg of the Midland Main Line now. In the space of the last seven years, this project has been paused, cancelled and then revived. It needs to be delivered.
“We already have teams of engineers working to electrify the line as far as South Wigston in Leicestershire. At a time when government is concerned about funding, it would make absolute sense to electrify the next stage as soon as this work is completed so that we avoid the costs and delays involved in having to remobilise a specialist workforce.
“The decision to cancel HS2 has been a bitter blow for a region that has both rail engineering expertise and huge potential for expansion. Given the growth challenges our economy faces, we cannot afford to wait any longer for an investment that is long overdue – Midland Main Line electrification must happen now.”
Electrification of the final section of the Midland Main Line would also become part of a much wider electrically-powered rail corridor, joining up with government’s Network North plan for electrification of the Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield, the line between Leeds and Sheffield, and enhancements between Nottingham and Newark.
Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This isn’t just about the Midland Main Line finally receiving the investment it needs. It also makes strategic sense to upgrade the line so that it becomes part of a regional and national electrified rail network.”
The East Midlands has moved closer to becoming a combined authority and unlocking billions of pounds of additional funding after key legislation was approved in Westminster.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been granted Royal Assent, paving the way for the creation of the EMCCA and the region’s first Mayoral elections next May.
Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council will now decide whether to move forward with devolution plans, with decisions expected before the end of the year.
The East Midlands devolution deal, agreed with Government ministers last summer, would see Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham benefit from £1.14 billion of funding over 30 years to invest in local projects related to transport, education and skills, housing, the environment and economic development.
Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “This is a key milestone on the road to agreeing plans to bring in £38 million a year for the East Midlands and move major decision-making to the people who best know our communities, rather than Westminster.
“It’s about improving the lives of people across our region by bringing more and better jobs, opportunities for training, better transport and housing, improving the local economy and accelerating our route to Net Zero. But that’s just the start. If this deal is agreed, we’re determined to build on it over time as other areas have done, bringing further benefits for our residents in the future.”
The powers and funding will be held by the proposed East Midlands Combined County Authority, for which there will be an elected mayor from May 2024, and is presently being steered by the elected leaders from the two city and two county councils which signed the deal.
Representatives from District and Borough Councils, alongside wider partners from business and other sectors, will further support the organisation’s development and governance.
Devolution plans for the East Midlands are similar to those already in place across other mayoral regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
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.
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.
Earlier this month, the Government announced around £1.5 billion in transport funding for the East Midlands Mayor, who would be in place from May 2024.
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.
Further investment to boost local projects across the region would also be provided through annual Whitehall budgets and spending reviews.
The Chesterfield and Clowne based agency, Pinewood Property Estates received the Gold award in the Best 2-5 Branch Network in the UK at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2023, the biggest awards in the UK property industry.
The winners were announced at the Grosvenor House in London and hosted by the country’s favourite TV property presenter Phil Spencer in front of 1,000 guests.
Pinewood Chesterfield also went on to win Gold for Best Letting Agent in the East Midlands with the Clowne branch scooping Silver in the same category. This is an achievement that very few agents have achieved in the past. The Chesterfield branch finally went on to finish second and receive Silver for Best Letting Agent in the UK.
Stacey Davies-Bowler, Managing Director of Pinewood Property Estates said “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of our personal service, and this proves we are delivering what we promise. It’s amazing that our independent agency from Chesterfield can smash some of the big boys out of the water.”
Phil Spencer, who has hosted The ESTAS every year since their inception in 2003 addressed the live audience “Everyone one shortlisted here today has attained the ESTAS Standard of Excellence which is based purely on service ratings from customers at the end of the moving experience, giving a highly accurate overview of the standard of service that’s been delivered to the end client. This is a great achievement in its own right so whatever unfolds this afternoon you should all be immensely proud.”
Living in Chesterfield
If you’re looking for a perfect location and quality of life for you and your family, look no further than Chesterfield.
Recently rated the 2nd best place in the UK to raise a family, our town has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking for a bustling market town or a picturesque village, Chesterfield boasts mix of contemporary and traditional housing.
Living in Chesterfield and the surrounding area is affordable too! According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chesterfield is at least £10,000 cheaper than Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham.
Pinewood Properties supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Positive Traction has launched the UK’s first re-engineered battery-powered shunting locomotive.
The eco-friendly train is free from carbon and particulate emissions.
Invited guests from the Railfreight sector, UK government & local authorities as well as rolling stock owners attended the launch at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield.
Alistair Gregory, Director of Positive Traction said: “Class 08 shunting locomotives have been the workhorses of ports, distribution centres and depots across Britain’s railway for over 60 years. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, diesel engines are increasingly unacceptable. To address this challenge, the 08e is a cost-effective battery-powered alternative for environmentally friendly facility operations.
“I’d like to thank all our partners for supporting our cleaner, greener UK transport vision, including Lithion Battery Inc. and Barrow Hill Limited.
Stagecoach Yorkshire and their partner Volvo, who supplied the latest electric Volvo BXL bus to bring guests from Chesterfield station to the launch in a sustainable way.”
After the launch, the eco-friendly train will remain on test at Barrow Hill before moving to a customer site for operational evaluation.
Rail Innovation in Chesterfield
Chesterfield has a history of innovation and is located at the heart of the UK’s largest rail cluster.
The centre will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space, consisting of classroom and workshop training areas. Additionally, the centre will boast specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.
DRIIVe will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.
Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses. These companies will also have access to the latest research and innovation.
Hartington Business Park at Staveley, which completed a refurbishment in July, has already secured significant lettings since its launch to market in January this year.
Marketed by letting specialists Commercial Property Partners (CPP), alongside Knight Frank, on behalf of the Devonshire Property Group, interest to date in the brand new, terraced, industrial warehouse accommodation has been exceptionally strong, resulting in three of the units already snapped up with a fourth under offer – leaving just two available.
Ranging in size from 2,479 sq. ft up to 4,899 sq. ft, the units have been built to a shell specification allowing occupiers the flexibility to utilise the space for maximum business benefits. Office fit-out packages are also available from the landlord, if required.
The Hartington units, built with a steel portal frame and steel profile cladding, offer 6m clear height, secure concrete yards, EV charging points, full fibre broadband and ample parking spaces.
The Park is conveniently located on the northern edge of Staveley, five miles to the North East of Chesterfield. The site further benefits from easy access to the M1 via J30 and J29A, located just 3.5 miles and 2.5 miles away respectively.
CPP Senior Surveyor Max Pickering said: “Hartington Business Park has been built to a high specification and is in a great location for a range of commercial or industrial businesses looking to have a base in central Derbyshire.
“Its easy access to the M1 has garnered interest from a variety of would-be tenants and we are confident the remaining units will be occupied in the very near future.
“Its accessibility to a large skilled workforce within commuting distance of Chesterfield, Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, has also been a strong pull for businesses looking to relocate.”
Commenting on the recent deals, Adam Mayfield, Property Development Surveyor at the Devonshire Property Group said, “We are delighted at the current appetite for Hartington Business Park, testament to a first-class build, fit out and premium location.
“Our thanks to the team at CPP for their support and expertise in securing the current deals and ongoing marketing.”
A new play space for youngsters has opened at The Glass Yard in Chesterfield, one of the town’s newest developments.
Sugar Snap Play is a unique space which offers access to high end toys for children, to encourage their learning and progression. The centre, which is suitable for babies and children under 5 years old offers three stay and play sessions per day.
In addition, the centre boasts several facilities to boost child development. They include:
Sensory Table – children can discover mini-beasts, nature building, small worlds, sensory play and so much more.
Craft Table – each sensory session, children will have the opportunity to feel inspired and get creative with play dough and other craft items.
A Montessori-inspired block play shelf, with access to high quality vibrant building blocks, wooden animals and plenty of resources to ignite your child’s imagination.
Sensory Space – A special dark room filled with different calming areas, bean bags, soft seating, bubble lamps and fibre optic lights
A home corner which includes a beautiful wooden Montessori-style shopping market, baby role play, kitchen and dining set and a dressing up rail
A modern luxury soft play, set up with ball pit, ride on cars and hoppers for extra fun
The Baby Space – Perfect for newborns right up to wobbly walkers. You can expect to find soft seating with frosted windows for extra privacy, soft luxury tumble mats with access to sensory toys, ball pit and soft play perfectly safe for babies.
Speaking on the company’s investment at The Glass Yard, business owner Alysha Rushton commented: “From the moment we viewed the space, we fell in love with it and knew it would be a perfect space to create our dream business.
“We particularly liked how central it was in Chesterfield, meaning it was easy for people to access. The two hours free parking that The Glass Yard offers for our customers is a great bonus. We love working with the businesses around us and we have already started to work with The Batch House for our Parties and Meet Your Miracle for our Mummy to be Events!”
“The Chesterfield community have already been nothing but supportive of our new business since we opened and every week we are so excited to welcome new and returning customers through our doors for more fun!
“Sugar Snap Play is not only a play space, but each area has been thought through thoroughly to provide excellent learning and communication opportunities to help children get a head start towards preschool and their progression later in life.”
Chesterfield’s businesses, organisations and community groups are working hard to support residents affected by flooding in recent days caused by Storm Babet.
Some residents and businesses had to evacuate their homes and premises due to the rising water levels on Friday.
Read more about some of the support and community fundrainsing efforts taking place across the town in our roundup below:
East Midlands Chamber offers support for affected businesses
The chamber of commerce’s information team, which can be contacted by calling 0333 320 0333, can provide advice to businesses – whether or not they are Chamber members – on what they can do and where support is available in their local area.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major floods like we’ve seen during Storm Babet can cause huge anguish for business owners, but it’s important they know they aren’t alone and support is available.
“Our information team has already provided key advice to some businesses in our region since the floods hit at the end of last week, and we would urge anyone who would benefit from speaking to a friendly voice to get in touch.”
Some local authorities, including Derby City Council, have also asked employers in the area to encourage employees to work from home where possible to minimise traffic while a clean-up operation is carried out.
Scott added: “During an emergency like this, we are all in it together and there are small steps businesses may be able to take to offer their support, such as through encouraging staff to work from home, where this is possible, for a temporary period.
“It’s also important that all parties – such as local authorities, emergency services, central Government and other local stakeholders – co-ordinate effectively during the clean-up to help everyone get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
Fundraiser launched for residents affected by floods
Lifehouse church, based in the Brampton area has launched the appeal in partnership with Toby Perkins MP and local charities, agencies and businesses.
Hundreds of people in Chesterfield have been affected by the flooding over the weekend. Homes were flooded and businesses were forced to close due to the conditions.
Having already raised more than £25,000 over the weekend, the church is hoping to be able to provide food, clothing, supplies and the necessary essentials for those in need. A dedicated pot from the Church charity will seek to directly support families and homes that have been affected.
Church Pastor, Paul Hollingworth commented in a video posted by the church: “We are right in the heart of the community here in Brampton. The floods swept through the whole heart of the town and has had a huge impact on many people’s lives, not just today but for the months ahead.
“We’ve decided to do as much as we practically can today, by setting up a funding page which is going to help people with some of life’s necessities.”
Paul’s wife Sarah, also a Pastor with the church, said: “What we really want people to do is not only give, but to share, because the more people share it the wider the reach is. We have a £50,000 target and I’m really confident that we can smash that.”
They have a double-width shop front on glumangate (our building was once two properties which we knocked through many years ago) and some offices on three floors, some of which are currently empty.
• They could possibly house part of a small business to sit along our normal office set up on their shop floor.
• They also have some empty space on the upper floors, with IT and telephone connectivity.
•Their shop front has digital displays, so we would be happy for business to use some of these to help with marketing!
Chesterfield, with its rich history and vibrant community, is not just a picturesque town with its unique Crooked Spire, but also a thriving hub undergoing a series of multi-million-pound regeneration projects.
Thanks to its strategic location in the centre of England alongside the M1 corridor with proximity to several major cities, Chesterfield has the ingredients that make it an enticing prospect for investors seeking growth and potential.
But don’t just take it from us, take it from the businesses which have invested here and call our town their home!
We think the responses below speak for themselves!
‘Tremendous support’
Emily Smith, Property Developer behind the highly anticipated Holywell Hotel by Voeberg said: “Chesterfield caught our attention initially due to its strategic location along the M1 and the opportunities for restoring and converting properties.
“The Council and local services have shown us tremendous support for our projects, which makes it an exciting place to be investing. Chesterfield’s unique local charm and welcoming community make it an ideal place to create something new to meet a growing market demand.
“It’s a town where you feel the warmth of support, and investing here has been a truly positive experience.”
‘Experienced workforce’
Roy Peters Estates have been active in Chesterfield since the early 1970s and have seen many changes in our Market Town during the last 50 years. The company offers a locally focused letting and management service.
Emma Gallagher, Director, Office Manager and Head of Commercial Operations has seen a marked increase in quality retail and office instructions over the last six months.
She said: “Chesterfield is centrally located and remains a busy market town with a good retail offering and access to an experienced workforce.”
Tim Knowles, founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), commented: “We have seen first hand the positive impact that our investment has had on Chesterfield.
“We’re passionate about putting Chesterfield on the map as a great place to work, improving its offering in line with nearby cities and enriching the lives of the local business community.
“Further investment is vital to ensuring the town continues to grow and develop in line with neighbouring cities, such as Sheffield and Nottingham, making Chesterfield a thriving business landscape for all.”
‘Excellent location’
HBD’s successful Markham Vale scheme continues to be developed alongside Derbyshire County Council. The project, off J29a of the M1 has ensured new premises for dozens of businesses and thousands of jobs for local people.
Richard Hinds, Senior Development Manager at HBD, said: “Chesterfield is an excellent place to do business, demonstrated by the huge success of our Markham Vale scheme. The development is now home to more than 78 businesses and has created over 2,700 new jobs.
“Chesterfield not only benefits from an excellent location at the heart of the UK transport network, but offers a strong local labour market, supporting companies as they continue to grow.
“HBD is pleased to invest in Chesterfield and look forward to progressing the expansion of Markham Vale, providing more high-quality industrial and logistics space to meet occupier demand.”
‘Extremely welcoming’
Dalton Roofing provides residential and industrial roofing solutions to people and businesses across the area.
Speaking about locating his business in the town, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing said: “I moved my business to Chesterfield in 2018, after running my business from Sheffield for 28 years, as you can imagine, this was a big change for me.
“Not only did I move my business, but I also moved my family to live in Chesterfield and I can honestly say I have never looked back.
“The location is fabulous, being close to the M1 and the Peak district, we feel central to all the areas that we cover. The business community are extremely welcoming and offer great business support. Chesterfield is up and coming and full of future potential.”
‘Training for tomorrow’s workforce’
Lime Living is an estate agency which recently expanded into new premises at The Glassyard.
Jamie Wajs, owner of Lime Living commented: “Our town is the ideal location, with it being very placed for excellent access to the M1 network, direct train links to London and other nearby major cities.
“We also have Chesterfield College and the University of Derby Campus providing education and training for tomorrow’s workforce. Not only is our town able to train and retain a business’s workforce through exceptional facilities and resources, but it can attract employees too, through the welcoming community living our town offers.
“For me, it is a no brainer for businesses to invest in our town! There is an excellent access to a wide range of local support networks and we also have a wide variety of commercial property. This ranges from land & new build, warehouses & industrial, business parks to Grade A offices, meaning our town provides excellent opportunity, whether it be a new start up, expansion, relocation or modern hybrid working hubs.”
‘A refreshing level of cohesiveness’
Harworth Group has acquired a 133-acre stalled brownfield site in Staveley, and is now bringing forward exciting plans to deliver 600 new homes, extensive green space and other amenities.
Joanne Neville, Head of Regional Planning at Harworth commented: “We have found all local partners to be engaging and responsive as we work with adjacent landowners to develop this important site.
“We have seen a real commitment from all local partners to promote the economic growth of the town, for example in the development of the Chesterfield & Staveley Regeneration Route, demonstrating a refreshing level of cohesiveness between the public and private sector. Chesterfield is definitely open for business.”
‘Great proximity to major road networks’
Mascot Management has worked on several projects in Chesterfield recently, including The Glassyard and 33 new homes in Duckmanton. Jason Evans, Director at Mascot Management said: “I see the quality of life in Chesterfield as an important factor in attracting talent and investors.
Key factors like the lower cost of living, friendly residents and businesses, good access to cultural amenities, and the open countryside of the nearby Peak District make Chesterfield a great place.
“It has established industrial clusters, and business parks that benefit from being in the heart of the country with great proximity to all the major road networks, including the M1 motorway. This makes Chesterfield an attractive place for people to access, live and work”.
Hannah Rutter, Property Consultant at Redbrik commented: “The proximity to the Peaks make for a great living environment and offers ease of access to the countryside for their employees during their free time.
“Chesterfield is a fantastically efficient commuting hub for their business and staff with Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leeds and Leicester all being within a 90 minute journey. A wonderful town with a great blend of character and modern, from the Crooked Spire to Casa Hotel.”
Want to find out more about how Chesterfield can provide the perfect location for your business base? Head over to our Invest in Chesterfield page.
BHP, an accountancy firm based at Chesterfield’s flagship One Waterside Place office development, has announced 79 promotions across its office network in the North Derbyshire and Yorkshire region.
The promotions cover Chesterfield, Sheffield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton, spaning a range of departments and including recognition across accountancy, management and director positions.
BHP is an independent firm of chartered accountants in Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, which acts for for many of the leading SMEs in the Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire area; providing high quality assurance, advisory, corporate finance and tax services.
The news follows the recent appointment of 44 new trainees as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to investing in future talent. The latest cohort is the second highest for BHP’s training scheme, which provides an opportunity for those looking to break into the finance industry to gain hands-on experience while studying for a professional qualification. Read more about the trainee scheme here.
Karen Arch, Director of People at BHP, said: “These promotions are thoroughly deserved and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all those involved.
“We’re committed to developing our people and supporting them in all aspects of their working life at BHP. These are key reasons why one in three of our employees have been with us for more than six years.”
Lisa Leighton, Joint CEO, said: “The 79 promotions not only represent the quality of our people but also the confidence we have as a business as we continue to fulfil our ambition of being the firm of choice for owner managed businesses across the North.
“Our people are vital to our success, and we’re proud to have been able to make 104 promotions across the business this year.”
BHP Supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Chesterfield Champions have shared uplifting stories throughout October on how they’re helping to support people in our area.
Organisations have been creating connections across the community to help strengthen local groups, improve accessibility, and even teaching people how to save a life.
Find out more in our latest roundup below:
Save a Life Scheme receives record sign ups at Chesterfield College
Local charity, the Community Save a Life Scheme (CSALS), visited Chesterfield College to celebrate the fantastic uptake from both staff and students with the programme.
Nick was astonished by the number of staff and students who have been involved saying, “The support and interest from the college has been incredible.”
Both staff and students told Nick that they have walked away feeling more confident due to completing the course. Nick adds, “A lot of people are fearful of the unknown and wouldn’t always step in to help in a difficult situation. Having the basic lifesaving skills that the course equips them with, gives them enough knowledge to save a life.
Support Dog’s successful visit to Chesterfield FC
A successful trial recently saw a support dog pay a visit to Chesterfield FC for a matchday experience.
When the Community Trust took over the running of Chesterfield FC, one of the stated aims was to make the stadium accessible for everyone.
The club recently received positive feedback following Pauline McAllister’s visit to the SMH Group Stadium with Gordon, a 22-month-old support dog, for the game against Oldham Athletic earlier this season.
Speaking about the experience, Pauline said: “We’re socialisers – not trainers. We’ve had lots of different experiences to get the dog used to it.
“We thought a football match would be really good to get used to the noise. We hadn’t got a clue on how to get in or how to get tickets but our experience was absolutely wonderful.
“I was quite nervous about going but we didn’t have any worries at all. The whole thing was lovely. I can’t thank everybody enough.”
Vicar Lane to host Pumpkin Patch this weekend
Vicar Lane is hosting a hauntingly good time for visitors this weekend, with a free Pumpkin Patch returning to the centre on Saturday 21st October.
From 10am – 3pm, a range of spooktacular activities will be on offer for all the family to enjoy. Visitors can take their pick of pumpkins from the patch while stocks last, and join in with lots of fang-tastic fun brewed up by the trio of witches.
Spellbinding makeovers will also be available from a themed face painter throughout the day, so visitors can transform into their favourite spine-chilling characters.
Sarah Bowler, Tenant and Community Liaison Manager said: “We are so excited to welcome local families back to Vicar Lane to get involved in lots of exciting Halloween activities. It’s sure to be a great day out for all!”
Chatsworth Walk Connects Nursing Students and Carers
Led by Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield project the Chatsworth Walk took participants on a picturesque journey from Baslow to Chatsworth House in the Peak District, providing not just breathtaking scenery but also a platform for important conversations about the experiences of unpaid carers and their role in healthcare.
This partnership event with the University of Derby, and Derbyshire Carers Association on 27 September brought together future healthcare professionals and carers for a day of connection, mindfulness, and dialogue.
The Chatsworth Walk underscored the power of community, empathy, and the willingness to engage in conversations that matter. By bringing together unpaid carers, staff, and students, this event highlighted the importance of understanding the experiences of carers, ultimately leading to more compassionate, communicative, and effective healthcare.
Jennifer Raschbauer, Community Chesterfield Project Director commented: “It was a lovely day with some brilliant conversations. It was wonderful to hear some of the shared stories and to see people learning.”
Community Chesterfield, CSALS, Chesterfield College, Vicar Lane and Chesterfield FC 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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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
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Preference cookies are used to store user preferences to provide content that is customized and convenient for the users, like the language of the website or the location of the visitor.
