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Kids Planet surpasses 100 nursery milestone

With nurseries across the UK, family-owned, award-winning group Kids Planet has reached a milestone of surpassing 100 settings, having acquired Twinkles Nurseries group of six nurseries in North and West Yorkshire.

The company runs several nurseries across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with sites in Chesterfield Town Centre, North Wingfield, Sheepbridge, Brampton and Newbold.

CEO Clare Roberts first set up Kids Planet when she was struggling to find childcare in her local area with flexible hours. Working with her father John, and sister Lucy, Kids Planet has grown exponentially since opening, but still remains a family-orientated business.

Since opening in 2008, the group has expanded rapidly, with the current 103 active nurseries responsible for the care of over 11,500 children. Kids Planet even opened a dedicated Training Academy in 2018 for both internal and external employees, and has shown no signs of slowing down, even amidst the pandemic.

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “This is a really impressive milestone when you think of where the company started almost 14 years ago. It is a true testament to the adaptability and dedication of our wonderful colleagues who have grown and developed alongside the business.

“I am delighted that the core values of Kids Planet have remained consistent and engrained in our daily work and it is truly a privilege to work with colleagues who share the same vision. I am so proud to reach such an incredible milestone of over 100 nurseries in the Kids Planet family.

“Well done to everyone that has been on the journey with us and I look forward to the exciting future we have ahead as a company and more importantly, as a team.”

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Love Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Pop-up shop initiative comes to Chesterfield Market Hall

A new pop-up shop is being offered to traders in Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall, alongside a wide range of  business support opportunities.

The Market Hall in Chesterfield is home to a wealth of businesses and is based in the heart of Chesterfield, and even more businesses are being offered the opportunity to be based there too.

Chesterfield Borough Council has a number of options available for local retailers looking for a new location for their business, whether they are looking for a short-term trading solution or a longer-term base.

There is currently a pop-up shop offer available to new traders who would like to be based inside the Market Hall. The pop-up offer is £60 per week and the stall can be held for a maximum of three months, with no minimum term.

After the maximum of three months at the pop-up rate the tenant will be offered the opportunity to remain (conditional to signing up to a full lease at the full rate for that stall).

As part of the package, Chesterfield Borough Council also offers access to free business support for pre-start businesses or businesses in their first year through the Vision Derbyshire Scheme. The Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up and Business Support Grant Scheme is open to people who live in Derbyshire who are starting their own business or have recently set up a business in the last year.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “A team of local expert business advisers at Vision Derbyshire are in place to offer free advice and support so this could have huge benefits for your future business planning.

“Council officers can also discuss access to the Digital High Street Campaign for businesses that are eligible which could allow you to develop a website equipped with the latest forms of payment and consider options such as “click and collect” if you do not have this set up already.”

Each of the stalls inside the Market Hall can also be rented on a permanent let basis also, the start dates for this can be negotiated at the enquiry stage.

For more established businesses, there are currently two larger external shops on the outside of the Market Hall available for permanent lease also.

To find out more about the temporary pop up-offer or more permanent solutions inside or outside the Market Hall, businesses are encouraged to contact 01246 345 255 or email claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Bridge Help Strengthens business development team with new appointment

Chesterfield Champion Bridge Help has further strengthened its business development team with the appointment of Mo Miah.

Bringing 11 years’ experience with major high street banks and building societies, Mo joins Bridge Help’s team of regional Business Development Managers.

His appointment follows significant growth for Bridge Help during 2021 in which the short-term lender exceeded its own projections, lending more than £23 million.

Mo will be working alongside Bridge Help’s business development team managing broker and lender relationships throughout the country.

Making the move from a high street lender background, Mo is looking forward to the challenge of working with Bridge Help which specialises in complex deals that mainstream lenders traditionally avoid.

He said: “I’m passionate about helping people and providing great customer service, that’s why I got into this sector. Working at Bridge Help is a great opportunity for me to develop broker relationships and work alongside them throughout the loan process from initial enquiry to securing funds. That is a very exciting prospect for me.”

Welcoming Mo to the team, Chris Sellars, Chief Executive of Bridge Help said: “We’re delighted to welcome Mo onboard. Developing and maintaining strong broker relationships is at the heart of what we do and a key reason why we can make what seems like an impossible deal, possible.”

Mo added: “Bridge Help takes a refreshing approach to commercial lending and I’m excited to be part of it. I already feel like I’m very much part of the team.”

Outside work, Mo is kept busy with his two young children, spending time with his wife and his extended family. When he does get time to himself, he enjoys playing 5-a-side and 8-a-side football.

To arrange a meeting with Mo or to speak to one of our business development team, contact Bridge Help on 033 3303 4681.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Hundreds of jobs to be showcased at local tourism recruitment fair

The wide variety of exciting, rewarding and long-term careers offered by the Peak District and Derbyshire’s hospitality and tourism industry are set to be showcased at a local recruitment fair in March.

The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair will be held at The Whitworth in Darley Dale, near Matlock, on Monday 21 March 2022 from 10am to 2pm, promoting hundreds of current jobs available in the sector as well as shining a spotlight on future career paths into the industry.

Offering a fantastic opportunity for both job seekers and employers, the free jobs fair takes place during English Tourism Week (18-27 March 2022) and aims to address the ongoing hospitality recruitment crisis, whilst helping to change perceptions that hospitality jobs offer ‘long hours for little pay’.

Attendees will have the opportunity to get hands-on with live demonstrations showcasing different aspects of working in the sector – from setting a restaurant table and making a hotel bed, to creating mocktails and learning about foraging and food presentation.

In addition, a ‘Live Apply’ zone will feature full-time, part-time and seasonal job opportunities currently available in the Peak District and Derbyshire, with a fast-track application process removing the need for lengthy application forms and CVs.

One-to-one advice will be available for attendees wishing to further their confidence and skills to be ‘job-ready’, and there will also be a rolling programme of inspirational speakers from local hospitality and tourism businesses.

The event has been arranged by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the UK Community Renewal Fund and is part of a programme of support to drive the recovery of visitor economy businesses.

It follows the recent launch of the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter, which aims to raise the profile of the hospitality industry, boost recruitment and promote the sector as a career of choice to parents, schools, colleges and universities.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair is a great opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to discover the diverse careers available in this rewarding sector, connecting employers to new emerging talent.

“We’re in an unprecedented time in terms of the challenges faced by local businesses and following the launch of the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter, we’re working closely with local authorities and education providers to identify opportunities and target support where it’s most needed.

“This Jobs Fair is another step in that process, and we’re looking forward to shining a light on all the benefits that a career in hospitality can bring – from fulfilling, long-term employment to fantastic opportunities for training and development.”

The Hospitality & Tourism Jobs Fair is free to attend, and visitors can simply turn up on the day or register in advance at visitpeakdistrict.com/jobs-fair.

Businesses and education providers can find more information at visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/jobs-fair.

Businesses are encouraged to join the conversation and to promote hospitality jobs on social media using the hashtag #AGreatPlacetoWork.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield businesses encouraged to sign up to low carbon courses

Chesterfield businesses are being encouraged to sign up to a range of low carbon courses, which will enable organisations to prepare for the upcoming challenge of meeting sustainability targets.

The free, fully-funded programmes are being delivered locally in partnership between training firm Essential Site Skills and the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce scheme.

The courses are tailored and specialised for a range of sectors, including health and care, construction, logistics and office-based organisations. Participants will gain a level two NVQ award in understanding carbon awareness and energy management.

  • The healthcare-based course will focus on dealing with routine and non-routine waste along with the the principles of decontamination, cleaning and waste management in healthcare settings.
  • In construction, course leaders will guide participants though removing non-hazardous waste in the workplace and confirming the occupational method of work in the workplace.
  • Meanwhile logistics businesses will be able to learn about sorting goods and materials for recycling or disposal in logistics operations.
  • Businesses based in an office environment will also gain a level two certificate in understanding climate change and environmental awareness.

Catherine Storer, Executive Director at Essential Site Skills said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside the Serco Skills Support for the Workforce programme to roll out these low carbon courses to businesses across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

“More and more businesses are realising the importance of sustainability and environment awareness. Prepare your workforce to meet carbon emission targets with our fully funded Carbon Awareness NVQs.”

For further information, or to sign up for the carbon awareness courses, contact Serco’s Partnership Coordinator, Howard Cordingley at howard.cordingley@serco.com or call 07738894879

To find out more about the range of business support on offer here in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Excitement builds as food & drink businesses move into The Batch House at Chesterfield’s Glassyard development

Excitement is building ahead of the opening of an all-new food and drink hotspot in Chesterfield.

The Batch house is set to open in The Glassyard on Sheffield Road at the beginning of March, with several new food and drink experiences on offer for visitors to try.

Destination Chesterfield recently paid a visit to the development as the finishing touches were being made to the food stalls ahead of next week’s grand opening.

The Batch House features a new pub/bar, ‘The Hop Lamp,’ serving a range of beverages, specialising in craft beer.

Darren Filsell and Ben Stephenson will be running The Hop Lamp. Ben said: “It’s all very new to us, hopefully it’s going to be very busy down here and with that comes a lot of excitement and anticipation.”

Darren commented: “It’s Craft beer that people will recognise, and we’ve got the keg wall for something a little more unusual. It’s going to be a good offering to compliment all the other independent food vendors.”

A gelato stall will also be open to the public, Giuseppes, serving more than 30 different flavours. Craig Paterson, who is opening the stall said: “We do all your typical flavours, but we do quite exciting ones like Biscoff and Percy Pig. We’ve been producing ice cream since 1926.

Craig explained why he chose to expand into the new development: “We really like the concept of it and have seen it done in a few other locations. It’s a good thing for Chesterfield and it’s exciting to be part of it.”

There will also be an artisan bakery, known as 4 eyes bakery providing some delicious breads and sweet patisserie treats. The stall will also be serving up artisan pizza during lunch and evenings, which will be available to eat in and take away.

Matthew Rhodes and Stuart Griffin are getting ready to open the business, Stuart said: “We just saw it as a great opportunity. There’s nothing like this in the area, and we have this purpose-built unit with everything in.

Matthew said: “We’re really excited. There’s all sorts of products that we’re going to be bringing to Chesterfield; coffee, cakes croissants that people are going to be able to buy on the day.”

John Tompkins, owner of The Devonshire Arms pub in Middle Handley  is opening six units in the new food hall, including ‘The Bubba Bar’ which will comprise of tapas dishes and small plates from around the world.

He is also opening stalls serving street food from India and Portugal, loaded hot dogs, along with a wine and prosecco bar, which will sit directly at the side of a deli serving cheeses and cured meats from across the globe.

John explained why taking up so much new business space in the Batch House was an easy decision: “I’ve seen other concepts that haven’t got a patch on this, I think this is Premier League.

“The landlord has got it right, and I’m one hundred and ten percent confident that we’re going to take it by storm. I think it’s going to be a tremendous success.”

The Batch House is only one part of The Glassyard development, which will also see a Hair and Beauty Salon, a bathroom showroom, 4D baby scanning services and a tattoo parlour open on site.

Find out more about the opportunities available here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/the-glass-yard/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Support to help boost business performance and growth comes to Chesterfield

Small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Chesterfield can access support in developing leadership and management skills through programmes which have recently been launched by the University of Derby.

The courses have been created to help those new to management, as well as senior managers and leaders. The Help to Grow: Management: Chesterfield cohort starts 30th March 2022.

Help To Grow: Management

Help to Grow: Management is ideally suited to managers and leaders, providing an opportunity to boost your organisation’s performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The next intake for the programme is 30th March 2022

The 12-week programme will combine online learning with face-to-face case study workshops in Chesterfield, 1:1 mentor support and peer group networking.

Topics include strategy, innovation, engaging teams, digital technology and building the brand. By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a tailored business growth plan to lead their business to its full potential.

Help to Grow is 90 per cent funded by the government. The University of Derby will be delivering the programme across the East Midlands and West Midlands, with their next cohort taking place in Chesterfield at St Helena’s.

Angela Tooley, Enterprise Development Manager at the University of Derby, said: “We are proud to be a partner in delivering the Help to Grow: Management programme.

“This programme has been designed in partnership with CABS, Small Business Charter accredited business schools from across the UK, and business leaders. Our hand-picked delivery team all have real-life relatable experiences to share from their own business careers and understand the pressures of working in a small business.

“Many small business leaders are time-poor and often struggle to find time to plan the future and engage with likeminded ambitious leaders. Our current participants are seeing the results both personally and professionally. Seeing the impact straight away from their actions they quickly start to reap the benefits of taking time to work on the business, rather than in it.”

Find out more about the programme here.

If your business would like to request more information from the University of Derby, click here. 

Smart and Inclusive Leadership

Participants will develop their unique leadership skills and learn how to build resilience in themselves and others, so that they can create positive impact within their organisation. The next intake for the programme is 25th April 2022.

The programme is suitable for aspiring leaders, graduates, supervisors, and managers and is funded by the European Social Fund and delivering partners (including the University of Derby), meaning participants can attend without any cost to their organisation.

The course will be offered through a blend of online learning methods and has been designed to allow participants to tailor learning to their individual needs. There are four taught units including Developing Your Inner Leader, Leading Through Challenge and Change, Inclusive Leadership, and Leader as Coach and Mentor.

Participants can decide whether to take a single unit or complete the entire programme. There are a choice of start dates with the next intake starting at the end of January.

Find out more about Smart and Inclusive Leadership.

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

St Helena's Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Collaboration leads to eye-catching display for SDL Minorfern

A collaborative project between two local businesses has led to an eye-catching display being produced and displayed at SDL Minorfern.

The motor parts company has worked with creative experts FWD motion to produce graphics on a Perspex display highlighting the company’s values and achievements. The display is now proudly showcased in the company’s reception area to welcome customers and visitors to the business.

Julie Havenhand, Human Resources Director at SDL Minorfern said: “We are extremely pleased with the result of both the reception wall and the values branding that FWD did, they are a pleasure to work with and very supportive of our vision.

“With the wall being at head office in Clay Cross where the business originally started 42 years ago, it has even more importance to display the history and the growth of the business, from then until now. When visitors and candidates arrive they have the opportunity to see our journey and it’s a great talking point.

“SDL is really proactive in using local business where possible and we value it as vitally important, giving back to the community and also supporting small businesses where possible. Having 12 branches we therefore have the opportunity to support local businesses in all of those areas.”

Emma Cole, Head of Marketing at FWD Motion commented: “FWD were delighted to work with SDL developing their company core value graphics.  Working not only on design, but also installation means we get to see a project delivered and in use. Seeing it on display in the Head Office makes a real difference as you can visualise the impact it will have in the workplace.

“As a fully integrated creative agency we can work with clients on design, print, installation, development and marketing projects.  We love working with local companies and helping make a positive branding impact.  If anyone has a project they’d like to discuss, we’d love to help.

SDL Minorfern and FWD Motion support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Get up to Speed with STEM to inspire young people across North Derbyshire

Young People in North Derbyshire are set to find out more about careers in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and construction at an annual showcase organised by The Work-Wise Foundation.

Get up to Speed with STEM is the area’s largest annual employer-inspired STEM showcase for young people, and organisers are encouraging businesses interested in taking part in this year’s event to sign up as soon as possible.

Taking place at Magna Science Adventure Centre on Wednesday 23rd March, the event gives young people the chance to see some of the UK’s most exciting STEM inventions and meet the people who design, build and operate them. Attendees can also speak to a host of businesses, inventors, apprentices and education providers on the future of these industries and the career opportunities within them.

Get up to Speed with STEM also gives companies taking part the opportunity to showcase their business, highlight career opportunities and current vacancies and meet with other businesses, whilst helping to address the skills gap in STEM-related industries.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation (organiser of the event) said: “We’ve had a fantastic level of support from businesses already this year and, with just seven weeks to go, we’re almost sold out of exhibition space!  We’re encouraging any companies to get in touch as soon as possible to book a stand, or to become a sponsor, and take part in what is one of the north’s leading interactive science and technology events for young people.”

For the first time, the Get up to Speed live showcase will also be followed by an online event where registered attendees can gain exclusive access to a digital platform. Here users can access virtual tours, demonstrations, career stories, inventions, company profiles and interviews, created by some of the UK’s leading STEM businesses.

Schools wishing to attend the event and gain access to the online platform, are also being encouraged to secure a place as soon as possible, with only afternoon slots now remaining for larger groups. Individuals can also register for the free of charge event.

John Barber adds: “Feedback from our online experience in 2021 was fantastic, so we wanted to ensure that this digital element wasn’t lost now the live event can go ahead again. Every year is a sell out and with the physical showcase and digital platform combined, we have no doubt this year will be our biggest yet. Already 3,000 places have been snapped up by schools, but we do still have afternoon slots available for any schools or individuals and their families that wish to register.”

For over ten years, Get up to Speed, which is championed by employers and organised by The Work-wise Foundation alongside key partners in the private and public sectors, has showcased engineering career opportunities to over 30,000 young people and their families.

The event is designed for young people, their families and teachers to see some of the UK’s best innovations first-hand, hear from and talk to those involved in their success and learn about the future of the sector and its evolution through technology.

Get up to Speed with STEM is open to young people, families, individuals, schools and employers to visit. For more details and to book places, go to www.getuptospeed.org.uk.

Businesses wishing to take part in the event or find out more about booking a stand and/or sponsoring, should email Emily Woods at emily@work-wise.co.uk or call 07847433088.

The Work-Wise Foundation supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Corrugated Case Company to Support Chesterfield’s Plastic Free Festival

Chesterfield’s Plastic Free Festival, which debuted last year, has announced it’s headline sponsor for the 2022 event – Corrugated Case Company.

The festival, which takes place on Sunday 12th June 10am-4pm in New Square marketplace, aims to be the one-stop place to help people to reduce their single-use plastics, with a special plastic-free marketplace with stallholders selling products that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, craft workshops for upcycling and recycling, food and drink, and live music performances. No single-use plastics will be given out at the event, with attendees encouraged to bring their own bottles, cups and containers.

This year’s event will feature special guests, Pride of Britain winners Amy and Ella Meek of Kids Against Plastic, who have given numerous TED talks, picked up countless pieces of litter, and influenced businesses, schools and thousands of young people around the world.

Since the festival announced it’s 2022 date towards the end of last year, the event organisation has signed up two main sponsors, Superior Wellness and CCS Media. Now the Corrugated Case Company has come on board as the headline sponsor. The company is one of the UK’s leading cardboard and corrugated packaging manufacturers, specialising in the design and production of cardboard boxes and promotional material.

Mark Wilcockson, CEO of Corrugated Case Company said: “We are delighted to be supporting and exhibiting at the Plastic Free Festival 2022.  Being local manufacturers of cardboard packaging, we relish the opportunity to showcase our work with this sector and our in-house creative venture Deckle & Chop.  There is a great need to move away from plastics, now more than ever and by thinking ‘outside the box’ we aim to do this. We look forward to seeing you there!”

CCS Media, one of the two main sponsors, said ‘At CCS Media we are proud to support the 2022 Plastic Free Festival as helping our communities forms a great part of our culture and ESG sustainability is vital to who we are.’

Greg Hewitt, Chair of the Plastic Free Festival Organising Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the local companies signing up to sponsor the festival, helping us to put on a great event for the second year. I’m particularly excited that Corrugated Case Company have signed up, with their incredible plastic-free packaging proving that single-use plastics can be a thing of the past. We’re really looking forward to being able to showcase their work at the festival.”

Corrugated Case Company and Superior Wellness support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Popular fish and chip restaurant confirms expansion to Markham Vale

Popular fish & chip restaurant and takeaway Chesters is set to expand it’s presence even further across North Derbyshire, with plans moving forward to open a new restaurant at Markham Vale.

Chesters has been trading from it’s original base on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield for more than a decade, picking up a number of awards and positive reviews from customers in the process.

Now, owner Chris Ioannides is excited to expand the business to another site in the area. He said: “We are ecstatic & proud that we can be expanding in this current climate.

“It’s a struggle and very challenging but like others we are battling through and although our date has been pushed back we can’t wait to open and to be able to offer our services to the other side of Chesterfield.

“It’s been 10 years of hard work with some weeks working up to to 60 hours to establish our branch on Sheffield road. This has created us a successful brand name in the industry and won us local and national awards which has helped build out reputation to what it is today.

“This along with all our hard work and the great support of people of chesterfield has now helped us to expand.”

The new Chester’s will combine a restaurant, takeaway & drive through. The building will have tall vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass bi-fold doors and windows, which will make it a great dining experience in the summer. A reclaimed boat, man-made sea huts and huge reclaimed walls with artistic drawing will also make up the impressive décor.

The team is hoping to open the new premises in June, despite a few setbacks in the building process caused by Covid-19 and other factors.

Chris continued: “Being local ourselves and being that it’s the people of chesterfield that have supported us over the decade it certainly makes us want to expand our branch within chesterfield & surrounding areas. This gives our community something back by providing many jobs and opportunities for the people of chesterfield. When we are mentioned nationally we are proud to put chesterfield on the map.”

Chesters

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

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