Home

Family Law Group moves to employee ownership model

Family Law Group, which has an office in Chesterfield has announced that 2022 will see the transfer of ownership to the firm’s staff, by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

This is the first step in empowering the company’s lawyers to drive the business forward and to support the strategic growth plan to become the largest and best Family Law Firm in the country. The aim is to grow to 15 offices, creating up to 100 new jobs, and the launch of a national telephone advice line, in the next five years.

75% of the group, which currently has over 130 employees across 10 offices, will now be owned by the EOT, and all staff, regardless of seniority, will receive equal annual bonuses based upon the firm’s performance. Whilst the day to day running of the firm will remain with the existing management team, as an employee-owned business, any decisions taken are now done for the benefit of all staff.

This move is about empowering lawyers to take ownership of the firm in respect of its direction and commitment to Family Law Group’s core values and purpose. They will now have a greater input in to the day to day running of the firm, and the decisions that are made as it grows.

A statement on Family Law Group’s website said: “The company has already grown considerably over the last 4 years. It is imperative that we ensure our model is right to not only retain the lawyers who contribute to our success, but also to be able to attract the highest quality talent to our growing business.

“The move to an EOT is a way of ensuring the longevity of our firm. We really value our staff, and this was one way of demonstrating that. In the long term as we grow, we intend to become 100% employee owned.

“We don’t intend upon standing still and we differentiate ourselves from other firms by not just targeting high net worth individuals, but by also ensuring that the most disadvantaged in society have access to our expert legal advice. In addition to the move to becoming an EOT, we have invested heavily in our IT infrastructure this year and have refreshed our brand. We are confident that these changes, and our whole ethos, will ensure that we continue to grow within the family law world.”

Established in 2005, Family Law Group has over 130 employees across 10 offices in Nottingham, Chesterfield, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Wellingborough, Derby, Loughborough, Peterborough, Bedford and Cambridge.

Family Law Group provides expert legal advice across the full range of Family Law matters including Divorce & Separation, Child Arrangements & Social Services, Care Proceedings, Matrimonial Finance & Property, Mediation, Collaborative Law, Forced Marriage and Domestic Abuse Injunctions. Family Law Group is Investors in People and Lexcel accredited.

Derbyshire Family Law 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 , , , ,

World leading company moves to Markham Vale

After spending several decades in their old site at Staveley, BeaconMedaes Limited, the world’s leading medical gas pipeline (MPGS) turnkey provider has recently relocated to a 42,000 sq. ft. facility in Markham Vale.

Having outgrown their old premises in Staveley, the move indicates the growth the business has experienced over recent years.

The new facility on Greaves Close has two clear objectives for the company. First, it is an opportunity to improve logistics support by consolidating the company’s off-site storage and expanding their export stock holding, centralising export picking, and bringing their export packing in-house. Furthermore, the facility will house the company’s UK Customer Centre which acts as a global Competence Centre for HTM medical installation in the UK and across the Globe. Alongside three floors of office space, the building hosts a demonstration area and a state of the art training facility.

With the company’s move there is a real focus on sustainability and environmental improvement. The consolidation of logistics will bring a solid reduction in their road transport footprint and the use of solar panels, alongside a complete switch to LED lighting which will help them to deliver on their sustainability commitments.

General Manager, Sean Fairest commented: “The relocation of our business is an exciting time for everyone. We are very proud of our new home in Markham Vale and are delighted to add our globally recognised brand to the growing list of successful companies on this prestigious site.

“Looking to the future, this long-term commitment to expansion sends a clear message to the market that BeaconMedaes is determined to build on its history by further strengthening our position in the market for decades to come. I see no reason to doubt that we will be in Markham Vale for as long as we were in Staveley and with this, we will add to the growing reputation of Markham Vale as a Blue-Chip site.”

Markham Vale 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, Development, Featured, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Kickstart Scheme Delivers Permanent Jobs For Young People on Chatsworth Estate

Young people on work placements at Chatsworth set up to address rising youth unemployment have praised the valuable experience with several now progressing into permanent roles.

The Devonshire Group created a number of six-month placements under the Kickstart scheme last year across the garden, catering, farmyard, textiles, collections and wider operations at its Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey Estates.

Now several of the young people who have completed their placements have been offered permanent jobs. The good news looks set to continue with further roles being offered to others due to complete their Kickstart placements over the coming weeks, while other candidates successfully used the experience as a launchpad into related employment elsewhere.

Kickstarters Beth Cartwright and Georgia Wilson, who have been taken on as Collections Assistants, found the placements were an invaluable experience.

Beth said: “I’ve really enjoyed my placement here at Chatsworth, I’ve learned lots about conservation and what goes into keeping a collection. This is something I never thought would be available to me and I’m thrilled to be staying on full time.”

Georgia added: “I have learnt so much about the work that goes into running and maintaining a heritage site such as Chatsworth. I am delighted to now have a job as a result of my placement, allowing me to continue working in a field I love, and gain new experience.”

Chatsworth’s Head of Textiles Susie Stokoe said: “ Kickstart has been a great way to bring young people into the workplace giving them the flexibility to work in positions they may not have originally thought of.”

Over in the Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground, Josh Nicholls will be joining as an apprentice and Jordan Henshaw now has a permanent job as Farmyard and Adventure Playground Assistant.

Melissa Underwood, Farmyard and Adventure Playground Manager, said: “Kickstart has been a great programme and it has been a pleasure to watch our Kickstarters grow in confidence and gain new skills in a variety of ways.”

Farmyard apprentice Josh said: “I’ve had lots of fantastic support from everyone at Chatsworth. I’m absolutely thrilled to be starting an apprenticeship and look forward to learning more about animal care.”

Jordan added: “I feel like I’ve learnt a lot. The placement has also improved my general agricultural knowledge and I enjoy sharing the farming story with visitors. I feel brilliant about gaining a permanent job and look forward to the start of lambing and the new season.”

With Sustainability such an important area for the Devonshire Group, Tom Hendry was keen to create a high quality placement for a young person in this area. Following a successful placement, Ella Thompson has now been offered a full time role.

She said:  “I knew I wanted a job where my work could contribute towards supporting the community or environment and that’s what sustainability is all about. I was happy that this placement allowed me to build experience and then continue into a permanent role, as I felt very welcomed here by colleagues. I hope to continue to become more confident and get involved in more sustainable initiatives.”

Nathan Fairhead, Talent and Training Coordinator, Devonshire Group, said: “We are thrilled at the progress of our Kickstarters and the attitude they have shown to working with us. They have thrown themselves into their placements, becoming valued members of their teams. We are very excited for how their experience with us will influence their careers, especially those who will remain with us.”

The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are receiving Universal Credit, and at risk of long term unemployment.

Chatsworth and The Devonshire Group 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, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , ,

Derbyshire named as one of 55 areas to benefit as a government ‘education investment area’

Derbyshire is one of the areas to be included in new government plans to transform education.

The County has been identified as one of 55 ‘cold spots’ across the country to benefit as an ‘Education Investment Area’.

In these new areas the Department for Education will target investment, support and action to help children from all backgrounds and areas to succeed at the very highest levels.

Derbyshire County Council’s Member for Education, Cllr Alex Dale said: “We very much welcome today’s announcement that Derbyshire has been recognised as one of 55 areas across the country to benefit from this new government investment in education to ensure every child has the same opportunities, wherever they live and whatever their background.

“This investment into the county is a great opportunity to support our schools and will complement work we’ve already started by investing £1m into local programmes to improve reading and essential life skills for young people.

“The detail of exactly what this announcement means for Derbyshire is to follow and we will be studying it closely, but meanwhile we look forward to working with the Department for Education on our collective ambition to improve education in Derbyshire and give every child the best possible start in life.”

The new government investment will build on the county’s work during the coronavirus pandemic to deliver a £2.8 million Holiday Activities and Food programme, which established a network of 62 community and voluntary providers to deliver more than 60,000 holiday activity and food places to vulnerable children eligible to free school meals over summer and Christmas.

At the height of the pandemic between June 2020 and October 2021 the council also offered an additional 816 places through its sports and outdoor education services, delivered more than 9,000 digital devices to Derbyshire children through government schemes and provided internet connection to 562 children and young people across Derbyshire.

Find out more about learning and skills in Chesterfield here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

DBCP provides advice to local homeowners and tenants following increase in energy prices

With energy prices on the rise, people are turning off their heating to save money. However, it could end up costing them more long term.

Derbyshire’s building control services provider, DBCP, is urging people to try and keep their heating on and not block ventilation in their homes, as they risk causing damp and mould problems which are damaging not only to the fabric of a building but also pose a health hazard.

Building Regulations require all new buildings and alterations to existing buildings to include damp proof courses where walls and floors are in contact with the earth. However, damp proof courses do not protect the building from internal moisture build up caused by condensation which can damage plaster and paint, as well as lead to window frame decay.

A family of four generates around 280 full buckets of moisture on average per year through everyday activities such as cooking, showering, drying clothes and even breathing. In new build homes, the problem is worse as up to 8,000 litres of water (about 800 full buckets) may be included in mixtures and materials and will take up to two years to evaporate.

If excess moisture cannot escape, then it can also become a health hazard. Moulds produce allergens (substances that can cause an allergic reaction), irritants and, sometimes, toxic substances.

According to the NHS website, inhaling or touching mould spores can cause an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes, a skin rash and even asthma attacks. Babies, elderly people and those with respiratory and skin problems or weakened immune system are among those affected the most.

David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP explained: “To conserve heat as we try to manage our energy bills, people can be tempted to block all draughts, like covering an air vent, in an attempt to make their homes warm. However, it’s important to ensure that air is able to circulate in order to maintain a good moisture balance. If there isn’t a good moisture balance in then it will cause damp and mould problems in your home.”

To ensure you have a moisture-balanced home, David recommends five simple steps:

  1. Open a window – when moisture generation is higher than usual, (e.g. when showering or cooking) increase ventilation by simply opening a window or turning on an extractor fan.
  2. Keep gutters clean – ensure there are no rainwater or plumbing leaks which could cause damp.
  3. Dry laundry outside – drying laundry inside typically increases interior humidity by 30% on laundry day and 15% overall. Even in freezing temperatures, your clothes will dry eventually.
  4. Take cooler showers – lowering the temperature of your shower by just a few degrees, won’t add as much steam to the air, which helps with humidity levels.
  5. Heat your home – although energy prices are continuing to rise, avoiding damp and mould issues will save you more money long term.

David added “Dampness and mould in properties has always been an issue and it’s partly due to the cold climate we have here in the UK. Fortunately, there are many low cost and free solutions we can put in place to tackle the problem and ensure we all maintain a healthy, moisture-balanced home. However, if you are worried about moisture build-up, damp, mould or any other issue with your property, seek advice from a property maintenance of construction professional.”

DBCP is the leading provider of building control services in Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. It was formed following a collaboration of  eight established Local Authority Building Control Services from: Derby City Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Bolsover District Council, Amber Valley Borough Council, High Peak Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

This collaboration has created the most effective and efficient service to deliver building control requirements throughout Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands.

If you’re worried about potential structural damage caused to your home by damp, get in touch with DBCP’s team for advice, by calling 0333 880 2000 or via the website – dbcp.co.uk.

DBCP 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, Home, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Superior Wellness adds two new brands to its growing portfolio

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness has announced the launch of two new brands for 2022, both welcomed extensions to its growing brand portfolio.

The two new brands, AquaSolus and Fiji Spas, will offer improved choice, innovation and exceptional designs.

AquaSolus is Superior Wellness’ most high-end product offering in its ten-year history. The new hot tubs from this range will be marketed to prospective partners looking to expand their product offering.

Superior Wellness, the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, currently offers a wide range of hot tubs and swim spas from leading brands including Platinum Spas, Be Well, Thermals Spas and California Spas.

The two new brands were recently soft launched at SPATEX: The Pool, Spa & Wellness Show 2022. Superior Wellness proudly showcased a variety of hot tubs at the show. Six of the models displayed were completely new to the market for 2022.

AquaSolus

AquaSolus, meaning ‘health through water’ in Latin, is the essence of what users will experience with this range. The hot tubs have been developed with wellness and hydrotherapy at the forefront, offering the most premium hot tub range from the Superior Wellness portfolio yet.

The range encompasses various well sculptured models, from all seater models to models with one lounger. There are six hot tubs in total, all which are named after famous lakes from across globe.

The moulds and placements of jets have been carefully crafted to offer a world-class hydrotherapy experience. AquaSolus will help Superior Wellness and its global partner network attract a completely new target market.

Fiji Spas

Fiji Spas, the new Canadian built hot tub range from Superior Wellness, brings together quality engineering alongside industry leading materials and experienced manufacturing.

The hot tubs have been carefully designed with the end user in mind offering a selection of family orientated hot tubs that incorporate a range of benefits to suit all customer requirements. Fiji Spas encompasses various well sculptured models, from a compact single lounger to a 3-hydrotherapy pump social seater.

Graham Message, Business Development Manager at Superior Wellness, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to launch the new brands at SPATEX this year. This was our first return since the 2020 show, and it was fantastic to return with such a strong presence.

“The response we received from prospect partners was incredibly positive. We are excited about the latest additions to our brand portfolio and are confident that both AquaSolus and Fiji Spas will offer customers across the globe improved choice and exceptional hydrotherapy.

“We welcome any new partners who are interested in partnering with Superior Wellness to reach out to us. There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the journey.”

In addition to the new brands, Platinum Spas, the long-standing flagship brand by Superior Wellness, has also launched three new hot tubs for 2022. The Marseille, Monaco and Mykonos are the latest additions to the Platinum Spas premium range. The Monaco hot tub was proudly displayed on the Superior Wellness stand at SPATEX 2022.

Superior Wellness 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, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Starbucks to open new branch in Chesterfield

Major international coffee chain Starbucks is set to open a new branch in Chesterfield.

Plans to open a new drive-through outlet have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council, in a move which is set to create 25 jobs. Currently the chain has two outlets in the area, situated on the A617 bypass at Heath and near J29a of the M1 on the Markham Vale site.

The site on Meltham Lane, which is owned by Arnold Clark automobiles has sat vacant for a number of years, since Tesco relocated it’s main Chesterfield store to Lockoford Lane more than a decade ago. The new Starbucks outlet will be situated next to the A61, on the site of the former petrol station.

The new development will cover an area of 2,100 square-feet and will also provide parking for 20 vehicles, as well as two disabled bays. Cycle storage for five bicycles is also proposed. One electronic vehicle charging point will be installed, with the capacity to add more in the future.

A statement from the applicant which sits alongside the planning documents said: “The proposals will provide new retail and leisure facilities in the local area and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The development of these new business premises is welcome news, it regenerates a disused site, will create more jobs for local people and provides another facility for local residents to enjoy. I wish them every success in bringing this development forward.”

Through a range of significant regeneration and redevelopment underway across the town, Chesterfield is building on its industrial roots and market town heritage to become a contemporary destination with a prosperous future. Find out more about some of the major developments taking place across our town here. 

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

Peak Edge Hotel wins prestigious wedding award

Chesterfield’s four-star hotel, Peak Edge, has been awarded the best wedding venue in Derbyshire courtesy of the ‘2022 Hitched Wedding Awards’.

Hitched, the online wedding planning platform, celebrate the UKs most spectacular wedding venues and suppliers, honouring vendors for their professionalism, quality of work, flexibility, and customer service. As one of Derbyshire’s leading wedding venues, Peak Edge was recognised for its unrivalled location on the edge of the Peak District alongside the recent developments to refurbish their event spaces.

Boasting panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the renovation works completed have transformed the existing orangery suite, into the new Oak Room, which can accommodate over 200 wedding guests, featuring a grand fireplace, open sky lights with vaulted chandeliers and outdoor private terrace area and pagoda. The award also recognised the service provided by the dedicated wedding team and the 2 AA rosette food served featuring produce direct from the local area.

Senior Wedding & Events Coordinator, Michelle Bartle, said ‘We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded best venue in Derbyshire. We’ve been working incredibly hard to deliver the most special of days to each of our couples, despite the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions over the past year. With business returning to usual, this award has given us the best motivation to head into 2022 ready to create another year full of wonderful experiences.’

Developments continue to evolve at Peak Edge, including ongoing refurbishments to renovate adjoining function suite, The Ashover, with a new bespoke bar, private toilet facilities and outdoor terrace space.

The hotels sister property, Casa Hotel, located in Chesterfield’s town centre, also hosts two fully licensed ceremony suites for up to 200 guests along with 100 bedrooms, including four balcony hot tub and sauna suites.

For all enquiries and further information regarding weddings at Peak Edge, visit www.peakedgehotel.co.uk or email weddings@peakedgehotel.co.uk

The Peak Edge Hotel 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, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Chesterfield MP congratulates local construction apprentices

The Chesterfield MP and Shadow Minister, Toby Perkins, has praised the work of local construction apprentices during a visit to William Davis Homes’ Skylarks development.

Mr Perkins, Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, presented certificates to bricklayer Kieran Moulds and joiners Joshua Ford and Dominic Heardman.

The trio completed their apprenticeships with the house builder at the development in Dunston. All three live in Chesterfield, attended Chesterfield College and will continue to work at Skylarks in their chosen trades.

Mr Perkins was joined by Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and representatives from Chesterfield College. Both organisations worked with William Davis Homes to create these local apprenticeships opportunities.

Gary Long is the Apprenticeship Manager at William Davis Homes. He said: “It’s rewarding to see these three completing their apprenticeships after what has been a difficult couple of years for them. They have seen their training disrupted because of the pandemic and I’m proud of the resilience and commitment they have shown despite this challenge.

“We were also pleased to work with Chesterfield College and the Borough Council to offer our apprenticeships to young people in the Chesterfield area looking to build a career in construction. Over the years, a large part of our workforce has been built on apprenticeships and we aim to continue to create these opportunities.”

The MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins, said: “I am delighted to present these apprentices with their certificates and congratulate them on their hard work and achievement. I also want to thank William Davis Homes, Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield College for working together to create these positions and help these apprentices with their skills development and career progression. This cooperation by local authorities, providers and businesses is great to see.

“Recent research proves that our nation’s economic growth is being held back because too few young people are being attracted into the Construction industry. It is estimated that we need to train as many as 40,000 more apprentices every year to keep pace with demand and retirements from the industry. We need many more apprenticeship opportunities so I am delighted to herald the work of these young people today.

“Skills and retraining should be a vital part of our economic recovery and high-quality apprenticeships are central to this. These apprentices now have a foothold in the construction industry, which they can use to build a career in many different directions.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant added: “Developing the skills young people have is vital to ensuring they have the ability to access career opportunities created by investment in Chesterfield. Our local labour clauses help ensure that investment creates these local employment opportunities and prioritises local suppliers.

“The progress of the apprentices on this site is just one of many successful examples of this policy in action. We can help create the opportunities with investors and developers but it is the hard work of these apprentices that has ensured they achieve their qualifications and developed the skills they need to be successful. I want to congratulate them all on this fantastic achievement.”

This week marks National Apprenticeships Week in the UK, running between 7th-13th February. The week is being marked in Chesterfield with the town’s Employability and Skills Conference on Wednesday, 9th February at The Speedwell Rooms in Staveley.

The conference will focus on the future skills and green growth agenda and examine the current recruitment challenges that employers face. A selection of local skills providers based in Chesterfield & North Derbyshire will also be showcased in an exhibition at the event.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Robert Woodhead Ltd commits to social value initiatives with defibrillator donation

Construction firm Robert Woodhead Ltd has displayed a further commitment to social values by donating a defibrillator to a village in the Bolsover district.

The house-building partnership between Robert Woodhead Ltd and Bolsover District Council is one of the most ambitious housing programmes to provide energy efficient properties, built to the ‘highest standards and to meet local communities housing needs.’

The contractor has committed to a number of social value initiatives throughout the programme and in the company’s latest efforts towards building social value, Robert Woodhead Ltd. have gifted the Whitwell community with a new defibrillator.

The defibrillator will be housed next to the entrance of local business, Planterior Landscape Services Ltd, who will also take responsibility for its maintenance.

The handover took place on Tuesday, 25th January with representatives from both companies in attendance. Bolsover TV also attended the event to interview David Pearson, Bolsover Homes Framework Manager, who spoke about what these pledges to the local communities mean to the company.

As the Sandy Lane scheme draws to a close, David Pearson reflects on the project: “We’re starting to see the positive impact on the community develop as we’re completing the sites and working through the programme”.

Local district and parish councillor for Whitwell, councillor Tom Munro said, “It’s very important to have these defibs in the Parish and we are delighted that Robert Woodheads have funded the device and Planterior are managing it on our behalf. They are a vital piece of equipment and can help save lives so the more we can have available in the area, the better it is.”

Robert Woodhead are currently working on planning permission for further housing sites throughout Bolsover District, with 31 plots already granted planning permission within the Langwith and Shirebrook areas.

This donation forms part of the company’s 4-year partnership with Bolsover District Council, in which Robert Woodhead Ltd are currently building various new build properties on Sandy Lane which are due to complete later this year.

The company are dedicated to going above and beyond and demonstrates the commitment to the local community they work in. Social value benefits that Robert Woodhead have offered Bolsover District Council include the delivery of 48 training courses and 20 work experience placements through the Bolsover Homes partnership in 2021 alone.

The company have also improved parking facilities at Whitwell Football Club as a thank you for letting their workers use the facility during the Sandy Lane project.

The Woodhead Group 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, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , ,

Three local young people kickstart their career in recruitment at Edwards Employment Solutions

Three young people have had their careers in Chesterfield’s recruitment sector kickstarted by Edwards Employment Solutions.

Adam Chapman (25) from Dronfield and Tia Lowe-Fowler (23) from Eckington have joined Edwards Employment Solutions through the Kickstart Scheme as Recruitment Co-ordinators, while Ellie Hartshorn (27) from Chesterfield has joined the business as an apprentice.

The Kickstart Scheme was launched last summer by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, with the aim of creating six-month paid work placements for young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director of Edwards Employment Solutions explained: “As soon as I heard about the Kickstart scheme I was keen to use it to bring young people into the business and give them a step into the recruitment sector.”

She added: “It has been an incredibly challenging time for many employers and the Kickstart scheme is a really brilliant incentive to support young, local people at risk of not being able to get back into work any time soon because of the pandemic.”

Both Adam and Tia bring a wide range of experience across a variety of sectors to their new roles at Edwards Employment Solutions, where they will be helping match candidates and employers.

It was a previous tennis coaching position at Beauchief Tennis Club, that initially introduced Adam to a customer/client facing role and ignited his interest.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed helping people and, with this role, you have the ability to make a really big impact on someone’s life by helping them find the right job. I’m really excited to start working with the Edwards team and put my people skills to use.”

Like Adam, Tia has also held a number of customer-facing jobs, including one as a dog groomer. She said: “I’ve enjoyed a number of roles from bar work to dog grooming but really wanted a career change. The position with Edwards really appealed to me as I wanted more of a commercial role. I am keen to provide great customer service and help effectively match candidates and employers.”

Ellie Hartshorn joins the business alongside Adam and Tia as an apprentice. With previous roles in nursery and social care, Ellie decided she wanted a complete career change and is now using an apprenticeship to retrain.

She explained: “I was looking into a career change for a while, but I am really passionate about helping people and wanted this to continue, the role with Edwards felt like a perfect fit. I get to work in an office environment yet still talk to people on a daily basis to help them find the right positions for them. It’s a really interesting sector.”

Praising Ellie, Adam and Tia, Izabella said: “Our new starters have already surpassed our expectations!

“I am committed to giving them all the help and support they need to really enjoy and succeed in the recruitment industry. But, more than that, I really want to help Ellie, Adam and Tia to progress at Edwards beyond their training programmes.”

Despite the pandemic, Edwards Employment Solutions has experienced two successful years, helping many key worker industries to find the staff they need.

Established in May 2018, Edwards Employment Solutions has helped thousands of local people secure employment, placing more than 600 people in permanent roles and over 3,000 in weekly assignments, throughout Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Anyone interested in exploring a career in recruitment, please email izabella@edwards-employment.co.uk or call on 01246 886 366.

Edwards Employment Solutions 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, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter