Manufacturing

New bespoke, handcrafted design business opens at Chesterfield Market Hall

GL Laser Creations is a new independent business now trading from Chesterfield Market Hall, offering handmade and personalised wooden gifts designed and made on site.

Owner, Gemma spent many years working as a manager for a large corporate company, having worked her way up from the bottom. Alongside a busy family life, she always had a creative side, which first came to light when she designed unique items for her own wedding. With support from her husband, a chief engineer working with industrial machinery, including lasers and CNC equipment, those early designs were cut and made with industry professionals and quickly became a hobby.

The business has its roots in a very personal story. Gemma’s mum always encouraged her to follow what she loved and noticed how her passion for creating lit her up. After her mum sadly passed away 16 months ago, shortly after reaching retirement age, that encouragement became the motivation to finally take the leap.

While organising the funeral, Gemma created wooden book-style covers for the order of service, as she wanted people to keep something meaningful rather than something that would be folded away. These later developed into her now best-selling wooden cards.

After leaving her corporate role to support her dad, an opportunity came through a friend who offered workshop space and access to an industrial laser at Arena UK in Grantham. This allowed her to continue creating while also caring for her family, and gave her the confidence to see whether the business could stand on its own.

Speaking on her decision to open at the Market Hall, Gemma said:

“When it came to opening a shop, Chesterfield Market Hall stood out for its support of new and independent businesses. The affordable setup allowed GL Laser Creations to start small, build a customer base, and test the market.”

The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers returning regularly to check in and support the business.

Around 80% of the products sold are original designs, exclusive to the shop. Everything can be personalised at no extra cost, and bespoke items are made to order. Customers only pay once they are happy with the finished piece.

All products are made by hand from start to finish. Gemma designs each item on her own software, runs the laser herself, and completes all building and painting. A laser engraver is also available in the shop, allowing customers to have items personalised while they wait and be involved in choosing fonts and layouts.

Popular products include wooden cards, wine holders, and decorative lanterns, all designed to offer something different from what is usually available on the high street.

New designs are added weekly, and the business continues to grow through word of mouth, leaflets, and support from Market Hall management through social media.

GL Laser Creations is open at Chesterfield Market Hall and can also be found on Facebook: www.facebook.com

For more independent retailers in Chesterfield, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Manufacturing, Stay, Visiting

Progression made on Chesterfield Canal as part of Staveley Town Deal

Significant progress continues on the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal at Staveley, one of the projects within the Staveley Town Deal.

The restoration will reconnect key sections, protect historic features, and create new opportunities for leisure, tourism, and economic growth. The Chesterfield Canal Trust is leading the main phase of restoration works, supported by £5.8 million of the Staveley Town Deal.

Contractor O’Brien Construction Ltd is delivering the main phase of works on the Chesterfield Canal, which includes:

    • Construction of the new Keith Ayling Lock
    • Installation of a water pumping system designed to allow fish and eel passage,
    • Restoration of Bellhouse Basin, including its historic narrows,
    • Reinstatement of the canal through the Hartington Railway Bridge abutments
    • Upgrading footpaths between Bent Lane and Bellhouse Lane
    • Installation of new benches, interpretation panels and extensive landscaping

By restoring navigability and improving surrounding infrastructure, the project will help to encourage an increase in visitor numbers to Staveley, supporting local businesses and tourism as well as enhancing public spaces, including footpaths, bridges and green areas, having an overall impact on improving the quality of life for residents through better access, recreation and employment opportunities.

Over the past months, visible progress has been made on the site. Towards the end of November, the lock excavation was completed, followed by extensive rebar installation and concrete pours throughout early December.

Staveley Town deal

By mid-December, the base slab for the Keith Ayling Lock had been completed, clearly showing how the restored basin will be raised to its final level. Historic stonework from Bellhouse Basin was carefully removed, labelled and stored, ready to be reinstated as part of the restoration.

Meanwhile, Severn Trent Water has been working alongside the project to lower a major 500mm water main beneath the restored canal at Bellhouse Basin, with this element expected to be completed by the end of the month.

The current completion date for the main works is mid-July, bringing Staveley another step closer to seeing the Chesterfield Canal fully restored through this key section.

The Staveley canal restoration is a powerful example of how the Staveley Town Deal is investing in heritage, infrastructure and community wellbeing, creating a destination that will support economic growth while celebrating the area’s industrial past.

For more information and to keep up to date with developments in and around our town, please visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Heritage, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Derbyshire property group to deliver new trade and industrial scheme

Litton Property Group, Derbyshire based development and investment company, has completed the purchase of a 2.18-acre site at Markham Vale from HBD to deliver a scheme of industrial and trade units.

With current schemes in Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire, the property company has more than 25 years’ experience in commercial and mixed use development, delivering property solutions to often complex sites, and works in partnership with land owners, occupiers and its supply chain.

Commercial property agents Knight Frank and Curson Sowerby Partners (CSP) have been appointed to market and secure new occupiers for the new development Markham Vale Trade Park, which will offer seven units from 3,817 to 5,745 sq ft. The scheme offers flexibility and units can be combined to accommodate larger occupier requirements of up to 17,000 sq ft.

It will be developed speculatively with completion expected by Quarter 4 later on in the year, and is expected to create over 100 jobs.

Based on the ongoing development of Markham Vale, the new trade park will offer a roadside position close to occupiers, including CHH Connex, Gould Alloys, Subway, Grangers, McDonald’s, KFC, Greggs, SPAR, Shell and Starbucks.

Mark Twelves, Managing Director at Litton Property Group, said: “Markham Vale Trade Park will deliver a new benchmark for trade counter, warehouse and light industrial accommodation in Derbyshire.

“The development is tailored to offer flexibility to accommodate the operational needs of occupiers from a range of sectors. The units have been designed to a high specification with generous parking, efficient circulation space, and excellent visibility within the thriving Markham Vale estate.

“Our purchase and the development of the site sends out a strong signal that Derbyshire is a place that helps businesses to establish, grow and thrive. With a growing workforce, new housing nearby, and strong regional links, it is perfectly positioned for ambitious businesses.”

The specification of the units include high-quality design with glazed facades, 6.5m Eaves Height to allow for internal fit out and mezzanine first floors where required and generous parking with EV chargers. The development will be BREEAM rating of Very Good and have an EPC rating of A.

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, said: “The development will be attractive to both trade occupiers and traditional industrial occupiers wanting to benefit from the scheme’s prominence and accessibility to the surrounding demographic.

“It will provide much-needed Grade A space in a prime business location, with access to a strong labour market, as well as providing a supplies hub to trades operating in the area.

George Haworth from CSP added: “The seven units offer flexibility and we are already seeing good interest from trade and local occupiers. We expect to announce the first occupiers shortly.”

The wider Markham Vale development totals 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme delivered in a joint venture between HBD and Derbyshire County Council. The award-winning development remains one of the region’s best-located industrial and logistics schemes, sitting at the heart of the UK motorway network and providing direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, J29a. Chesterfield town centre sits five miles away; Mansfield is 10 miles, Sheffield 21 miles, with easy access to East Midlands Airport.

Research has shown that 119,000 vehicles pass the site a day; 4,080 new homes are within 10 miles of the site; 270,000 people live within 20 minutes; a population of 5.8 million people are within 60 minutes of the site; with 27.7 per cent of the local workforce in construction and manufacturing.

 

For more information on Markham Vale and the latest developments happening in and around chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/

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

New era announced for Penny Engineering

Penny Engineering is marking a major milestone by transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This change secures the company’s long-term independence and preserves the values that have guided its success for generations.

The decision reflects the Penny family’s long-standing belief that the business should benefit its employees rather than external shareholders.

Managing Director Tim Penny highlighted the motivation behind the shift, stating:
“Our commitment has always been to the long-term stability of this business and the people who work within it. By transitioning to employee ownership, we are decisively guaranteeing that Penny Engineering’s success, survival and future for the next 100 years will be determined by our team, free from the volatility of external shareholder demands.”

Chairman Robin Penny emphasised the family’s custodianship ethos, adding:
“We were brought up by our dad to believe that we were custodians of the business, not owners. He believed that only people working in the business should benefit from it. This transition brings that principle to life, ensuring that the team who work within Penny, the ones who drive our success, are the ultimate beneficiaries.”

The company has long maintained strong staff retention, with many senior leaders developing their careers within the organisation. Employee ownership builds on this foundation by reinforcing job security and strengthening employee influence across all levels of the business.

The newly established Trustee Board will lead the EOT. Chaired by Robin Penny, it includes employee representatives Jocelyn Cole (General Manager, Goods Lifts) and Sam Dobson (General Manager, Sidetracker), independent trustee David Ball and Finance Director Ashley Holmes. The Board will also form an employee council, giving staff a direct voice on welfare and community matters.

The company completed the transition at a substantial discount to market value, an intentional decision to ensure the business does not face financial strain.

The directors also extended their thanks to professional advisers Shorts Chartered Accountants and Knights Plc for their support throughout the process.

David Robinson, Tax Partner at Shorts, commented: “ Throughout the past 20 years or so that Shorts has been a trusted adviser to Penny Engineering and its stakeholders, it has been clear that employees are at the heart of the business. We look forward to working with the Directors and Trustees in this exciting new chapter.”

This transition marks a significant step forward for one of our town’s longstanding industrial innovators. Penny Engineering will continue to strengthen the region’s engineering sector for decades to come.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing

East Midlands Investment Zone celebrates first year of growth

Thousands of jobs are set to be created across the East Midlands thanks to a “once-in-a-generation” growth and investment initiative.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority is now celebrating a major milestone this month as the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) marks its first year of activity.

The 10-year programme aims to unlock millions of pounds in investment, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities, and laying the foundations for thousands of high-quality jobs in the region.

Launched in October 2024 with £160 million of funding from the Government, EMIZ is designed to supercharge growth across the region by focusing on two key strengths: clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands Investment Zone provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the people in our region – and in just 12 months we are already seeing the results.

“Thanks to £160m of Government funding, we are investing in the skills, innovation, and infrastructure that will create thousands of well-paid jobs and make the East Midlands a magnet for clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing.”

The programme aims to attract at least £383m in private sector investment and generate up to 4,300 skilled jobs – driving inclusive economic growth for communities in the region.

Investing in places, people, and potential

The first year of EMIZ has seen progress across its three designated strategic sites – Infinity Park in Derby, Hartington Staveley near Chesterfield, and Explore Park near Worksop – as well as a number of supporting projects across the wider region.

Key achievements include:

  • Hartington Commerce Park in Chesterfield: outline planning permission has been granted and initial work has started on industrial and warehouse developments on the 20-hectare site.
  • Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) in Chesterfield: enabling works to support the region’s growing rail cluster.
  • Research & Innovation Sprint: the University of Nottingham has created innovation roadmaps and supported 15 cutting-edge projects testing innovative products and processes for the green economy and advanced manufacturing.
  • Skills Sprint: the University of Derby has shaped a skills pipeline to connect local people to high-value careers.
  • Nuclear Skills Academy: feasibility work on a second academy at Infinity Park Derby.

Together, these projects are helping to unlock brownfield land, boost local supply chains, and strengthen the region’s position as a leader in green growth and advanced manufacturing.

Mayor Claire continued: “This first year has built strong foundations for the future, and we are determined to go further – attracting more private investment, supporting local businesses to grow, and ensuring every community can share in the benefits of this new era for our region. This is inclusive growth in action.”

Next steps

As the East Midlands Investment Zone moves into its second year, the focus will be on:

  • Building the pipeline of new projects to keep up momentum.
  • Bringing forward investments identified in the EMIZ Strategy and Investment Plan for funding approval.
  • Working with local partners to deliver infrastructure, training programmes, and innovations which unlock further opportunities for residents and employers.

With its ambitious vision, strong local partnerships, and long-term commitment from Government, the East Midlands Investment Zone is set to keep powering growth in the region for the next decade and beyond.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Chesterfield’s collaborative spirit drives economic growth and skills development in manufacturing

Chesterfield has a well-established manufacturing heritage and a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration. Across education, business, local government, and strategic partnerships, the town demonstrates how joined-up thinking can boost economic growth, skills development, and place transformation.

At a recent roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield, held at the Casa Hotel, participants highlighted Chesterfield’s ability to bring people together and how this continues to support the growth of the local manufacturing sector.

“We’ve got a very cooperative business community in Chesterfield,” said Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller. “We get used to it and forget how good it is. When I talk about it in other places, they wish they had it.”

This collaboration is the result of years of relationship-building, shared initiatives, and a commitment to cross-sector working. The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership, Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum, Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield play vital roles in connecting people and aligning efforts.

Lynda Sharp, Economic Development Manager at Chesterfield Borough Council, said:

“We’ve got 335 manufacturing businesses, which is 9% of our total, compared to a national average of 4.5%. There’s strength in numbers, and opportunity.”

Through collaboration, major projects are being completed, driving the sector’s long-term growth and attracting investor interest. These include the new Investment Zone, the DRiiVE rail innovation centre, and the Engineering, Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre at Chesterfield College.

These developments also extend into education and workforce engagement, ensuring long-term sector resilience.

Rhys Robinson, Director of Employer Partnerships at Chesterfield College, shared how the college is embedding employer engagement into its curriculum. He said:

“We’ve developed a partnership framework that allows us to understand what our employers need, recognise collaboration, and measure the output. It’s about making the college a community space where employers come and go, shaping the curriculum and supporting students.”

The University of Derby is taking a similar approach. Rob Ricketts, Industry Engagement Lead, said:

“We’re aiming to be the most industry-engaged university in the UK. That means every academic must bring industry into their teaching. We’re flipping the model, students will leave with real experience, not just theory.”

This joined-up approach is helping Chesterfield respond to national challenges such as skills shortages, funding uncertainty, and shifting policy landscapes.

Ian Bates, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:

“We’ve had a lot of changes in funding. But if you’ve got a framework to deliver support and the funding feeds into that, it makes things simpler. Businesses don’t always need help when you knock on the door; they need it when they need it.”

Destination Chesterfield plays a key role in highlighting the support on offer and opportunities to collaborate.

Dom Stevens, Head of Destination Chesterfield, said:

“We’re a marketing organisation, but we’re also a collaboration organisation. We bring people together to support the economy and the people of Chesterfield.”

As the East Midlands Combined County Authority launches its inclusive growth strategy, Chesterfield is well-positioned to support delivery through its coordinated, cross-sector approach. Strategic investment, strong partnerships, and collaborative initiatives underpin the town’s ability to turn ambition into action.

Initiatives such as the Made in Chesterfield Festival have evolved into region-wide programmes that connect businesses and students with real opportunities. Meanwhile, coordinated investment in place marketing has helped to raise the borough’s profile and attract growth.

Get Involved
If you are a business based in Chesterfield or North Derbyshire and would like to support a collaborative approach to inclusive growth, discover more about Destination Chesterfield and the Chesterfield Champions at www.chesterfield.co.uk/champions.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing

Made in Chesterfield Festival showcases local careers in manufacturing, property and construction

Secondary school students across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire have been given a hands-on introduction to careers in manufacturing, property and construction during this year’s Made in Chesterfield festival.

Throughout the festival, 220 young people participated in workplace visits and the innovation challenge, gaining real-world insights into opportunities available locally.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) in association with Chesterfield College, the festival connected students with employers and educators to explore the exciting opportunities available.

Workplace visits

Shirebrook Academy students visited MSE Hiller and were given a full tour of the engineering workshop and laboratory.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to see how sciences are applied in the lab and how different roles from fabrication and welding to mechanical and electrical engineering work together in a successful workplace,” said Danielle Evans, Careers Guidance Adviser at Shirebrook Academy.

“Students explored career pathways including A levels, T-Levels, apprenticeships and work experience. It’s great that Made in Chesterfield encourages these partnerships and collaborations.”

Tupton Hall School also praised the experience after visiting Highlight Crafts.

“The trip was fantastic, the students were incredibly invested and even asked to stay longer,” said Nicolle Stokes, Art Teacher.

“Some are now considering job roles they didn’t even know existed before. It’s so good to see companies like this operating locally and inspiring our students.”

Laura Waterhouse, from the Personal Development Team, added: “We are so grateful – the students came back buzzing and inspired by a local business. This is definitely one to do again next year.”

Tupton Hall students visiting Highlight Crafts as part of Made in Chesterfield

The festival raises awareness of Chesterfield’s strengths in manufacturing, property and construction, with businesses including Penny Hydraulics, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Highlight Crafts, Superior Wellness and Heraeus electro-nite opening their doors to students.

“Made in Chesterfield is about showing young people that they don’t need to leave the area to build a successful career,” said Ivan Fomin, Destination Chesterfield Board Member and Managing Director of MSE Hiller.

“We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the businesses that are shaping our town and investing in its future.”

Claire Godfrey, Deputy Principal at Chesterfield College Group, the headline sponsor of the festival, added:

“We see this as a vital opportunity to connect education with industry. We support our local employers with the future skills and talent they need to flourish here, giving our students the knowledge and ability to enjoy successful careers in the area.

This fantastic festival engages students at an earlier age, providing a real-world insight and enthusiasm about the fantastic career paths that are available in and around Chesterfield.”

Developing future talent through industry and education collaboration

The festival is a key part of Chesterfield’s commitment to inclusive growth and skills development.

It also included a business event at Chesterfield College, attended by over 60 local employers. The event showcased how these organisations can support schools, colleges and universities to develop future talent. Chesterfield College launched its new partnerships framework and highlighted the success of the Construction Skills Hub, along with progress on its new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre.

DEBP introduced delegates to the Employer Standards framework, a practical tool that helps businesses engage effectively with careers support.

“As one of the organisers of Made in Chesterfield, we’re passionate about helping businesses understand how they can support careers education in meaningful ways,” said Clare Talati, DEBP CEO.

“The Careers and Enterprise Company Employer Standards provide a framework that supports businesses in offering impactful experiences, and it was fantastic to see so many businesses at the event and supporting Made in Chesterfield.”

This year’s Made in Chesterfield Festival was delivered by Destination Chesterfield, DEBP, Chesterfield College and local employers, with support from MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, CBE+, Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Workwise and local schools.

Discover more about the Made in Chesterfield Festival and the manufacturing sector in Chesterfield at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made.

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

Origin reaches major milestone at £20m Markham Vale scheme

Origin has reached PC on the first phase of its £20million ARK development, providing 107,000sq ft of ESG-compliant industrial and logistics space at Markham Vale.

Origin is a joint venture partnership between HBD, part of Henry Boot, and Feldberg Capital. It owns and develops next-generation, ESG-compliant I&L assets in the mid box market and aims to deliver £1billion of high-quality schemes over the next seven years.

Capital Angling recently secured the first unit at ARK, taking 17,050sq ft at the flagship M1 industrial and logistics destination.

Phase one comprises four units; all BREEAM Excellent with EPC A rating, ensuring occupiers are meeting increasingly stringent ESG expectations while reducing costs.

HBD recently submitted a planning application for the second phase of ARK, which comprises a final 53,000sq ft unit.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “ARK was one of the first Origin schemes on site so it’s great to see phase one complete. Markham Vale is a proven I&L location, providing occupiers with excellent transport links and sustainable infrastructure plus a strong local labour supply. While supply has increased within the region, there remains a shortage of good quality stock in prime locations; particularly for best-in-class, ESG compliant space.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, commented: “The completion of the first phase of ARK marks an important milestone in Origin’s long-term strategy to build a high-quality, scalable portfolio in the mid box I&L sector. This segment continues to show strong occupational demand and resilience and we see significant opportunity to create value through well-located, sustainable developments. The scheme sets a strong precedent for what we aim to achieve and it’s fantastic to see phase one completed to budget and ahead of schedule.”

Markham Vale is a landmark 200-acre I&L scheme delivered by HBD in joint venture with Derbyshire County Council. An award-winning development, it sits at the heart of the motorway network with direct access to the M1 via J29a. More than 2,600 new jobs have been created since work began, with occupiers including Great Bear and Sterigenics.

JLL and CPP are joint letting agents at ARK on behalf of Origin.

Discover more about regeneration and investment opportunities taking place in Chesterfield at the Chesterfield Investment Summit taking place on the 5th November.  Discover who will be speaking and book your place at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction

Skills and people in Chesterfield: Building futures, celebrating success

Explore how Chesterfield is investing in skills and people, from award-winning training hubs and apprenticeship success to inspiring events connecting young people with industry.

Construction Skills Hub highly commended at East Midlands Property Awards

Chesterfield’s Construction Skills Hub has been highly commended in the Regeneration and Restoration Project of the Year category at Insider Media’s East Midlands Property Awards 2025, recognising its innovative approach to tackling the construction industry’s skills shortage.

Located on a live construction site in Mastin Moor, the Hub provides hands-on training in groundworks, brickwork, and joinery. It is delivered through a partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, and the Devonshire Group, and is funded by the Staveley Town Deal.

Over the next decade, the Hub aims to support more than 5,000 learners, offering trade-based qualifications and expanding into degree-level apprenticeships in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, and Civil Engineering.

Future plans also include training in retrofit and green technologies, ensuring learners gain future-ready skills aligned with industry needs.

Mitchells celebrates apprenticeship success at Chesterfield College AAT Awards

Mitchells Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers celebrated a proud moment at the first annual AAT Awards hosted by Chesterfield College, recognising the achievements of their talented apprentices.

Two Mitchells apprentices received top honours:

  • Jordon Langley – Level 4 Apprentice of the Year
  • Aiden Siddall – Level 2 Apprentice of the Year

Mitchells also received the award for Services to the Development of Apprenticeships, highlighting the firm’s long-standing commitment to nurturing future talent in the accounting profession.

“Their hard work, commitment, and excellent progress are truly inspiring,” said Andrew McDaid, Partner at Mitchells. “This recognition reflects our belief in the power of apprenticeships to build careers and strengthen our profession.”

Discover more about how apprentices can support your business

Made in Chesterfield launch inspires future talent and innovation

The Made in Chesterfield festival was officially launched at an event at Chesterfield College on 8 October 2025, celebrating the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector and its impact on young people.

Since 2014, the initiative has supported over 4,000 young people, connecting them with real-world experiences in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and construction. Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and sponsored by Chesterfield College, the festival continues to build a strong pipeline of future talent.

New for 2025 was the Innovation Challenge, introduced to mark National Manufacturing Day, where students teamed up with local manufacturers to solve real-world problems.

The event also showcased Chesterfield College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre, and the college launched a new partnership framework to strengthen employer engagement in education.

DEBP introduced the Employer Standards Framework, a tool to help businesses deliver consistent and meaningful experiences for young people. Learn more at Debp.org/portfolio/employer-standards.

In Chesterfield, there is a commitment to developing talent, fostering innovation, and building strong partnerships between education and industry.

From apprenticeships and award-winning training hubs to inspiring events, Chesterfield continues to invest in its people, shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Discover more about developing skills in your business and supporting careers initiatives at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Plan for growth across the East Midlands launched

Residents across the East Midlands could see better jobs, more affordable homes, and stronger, fairer communities through a bold new 10-year growth plan.  

The East Midlands Growth Plan 2025-2035 sets out a long-term vision to deliver fast, fair growth for all, ensuring every community and resident across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire benefits from economic progress. 

The plan will add £13 billion to the regional economy and support 60,000 more people into work over the next decade. It also sets ambitious goals to deliver more than 100,000 new homes, 210,000 new qualifications, and invest more than £2 billion in new transport infrastructure to better connect people to jobs and opportunity. 

At its heart is a commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that the proceeds of economic success are shared fairly, with investment directed where it will have the greatest impact on people’s lives. 

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “For the first time, we have a growth plan that is backed by the region and puts us in pole position to succeed.

“This plan is about unlocking growth while tackling inequality, creating better jobs, fairer pay, and new opportunities in every community. By working with business, government, and local partners, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that delivers for everyone.

“The East Midlands has the people, the ideas and the determination to drive Britain’s growth. We must now turn our potential into prosperity, creating the right conditions for business to thrive and local people to succeed.”

The plan identifies key sectors which will power future growth, including clean energy, MedTech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital industries, and the visitor economy. It also outlines major place-based projects such as the Trent Arc and Supercluster, which together could deliver £3.3bn in economic value and create more than 55,000 high-quality jobs. 

EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth Framework, developed from the East Midlands Inclusive Growth Commission’s findings, is a key step in making sure everyone in the region benefits from growth. It sets out a vision for 2040 in which every young person has a fair start, every resident has a route to good work, and every community shares in the region’s success. 

Using practical ideas like better skills, housing, transport, and the Opportunity Escalator pathway to better jobs, the Framework turns this vision into action. The East Midlands Growth Plan puts the Framework into practice by guiding investment, supporting local industries, and creating thriving communities with fair opportunities for all. 

Mayor Claire added: “I want the East Midlands to be one of the UK’s fastest growing and most inclusive regional economies – a place where people are proud to live, work, and build their futures. This plan is the roadmap to get us there.”

The Growth Plan was formally approved by the EMCCA Board before being launched at Derby’s Museum of Making, where business leaders and civic partners were invited to pledge their support to “drive inclusive growth that benefits every person and place across the East Midlands.”

David Williams, chair of EMCCA’s business advisory board, said: “This is an exciting plan with a bold ambition to place the East Midlands at the very forefront of the UK economy, especially in key, growing sectors such as clean energy, medical technology and advanced manufacturing.

“Backed by a stronger local skills base, with more apprenticeships and graduate retention, businesses will be supported to grow, scale and innovate, with upgraded infrastructure to cut costs and boost competitiveness, alongside improved access to finance, investment, and export markets.”

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, Scott Knowles said:

“Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands play a huge role in driving the UK economy, boasting world-class firms and outstanding talent and innovation. Investment into skills, green energy and business support is essential for all three counties to thrive going forward into the future, so I welcome the plans that have been outlined by Mayor Claire Ward today.  The East Midlands Growth Plan details how the two counties and cities will focus on addressing the age-old challenge of the East Midlands receiving less investment compared to other regions of the UK.

The East Midlands Growth Plan is the first of a new suite of mayoral strategies, including the upcoming Mayor’s Transport Plan and Get East Midlands Working Plan, which together will deliver the Mayor’s vision of inclusive, sustainable growth. 

For residents, this means more chances to access training, better-paid jobs, affordable energy-efficient homes, and improved transport links that make daily life easier. For business, it means a clearer route to invest, scale, and thrive in a region that’s open for growth.

Mayor Claire will be discussing regional growth at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on the 5th November at the Casa Hotel.
Find out more and book your place at the event at www.chesterfield.co.uk/investmentsummit

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Property and Construction, Skills

Summit to spotlight how investment in Chesterfield is fuelling inclusive growth for the East Midlands

Business owners are invited to discover how Chesterfield’s ongoing regeneration is unlocking significant investment opportunities and driving inclusive growth across the region. 

The Chesterfield Investment Summit takes place on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at the Casa Hotel. The event will provide an in-depth update on the transformative projects shaping the town’s future. It will highlight how regeneration is creating new opportunities for local people, businesses, and investors. 

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, will address the summit, sharing her vision and priorities for the East Midlands.

Claire Ward commented: “Chesterfield is part of our region’s ambitions for inclusive growth. By working together, we can ensure that investment benefits every community, creating new opportunities and a brighter future for all. I look forward to engaging with local businesses and partners at the summit.” 

Andrew Byrne, Development Director for the Devonshire Group and Chair of Destination Chesterfield, will discuss what inclusive growth means to the Devonshire Group and how this is being delivered across their sites in the borough.

Andrew Byrne said: “Inclusive growth is about ensuring that everyone in Chesterfield can share in the benefits of regeneration. At Devonshire Group, we are committed to creating places that support local jobs, skills, and communities. The summit is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress being made and to invite more partners to join us on this journey.” 

A key feature of this year’s summit will be a panel discussion focusing on the East Midlands Investment Zone site in Staveley. The session will explore the unique opportunities and benefits the Investment Zone brings to the borough, including its potential to attract new businesses, create skilled jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth. Simon White from Tawnywood will join a panel to share insights on how the Investment Zone is supporting business expansion and innovation in Chesterfield. 

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Devonshire Group and Tawnywood, the event will showcase major regeneration projects across the borough.  Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council, will provide updates on the £2 billion of regeneration projects across the borough. 

There will also be a focus on activity in Chesterfield town centre.  This includes an update from Dominic Staniforth, Chair of  Chesterfield Town Board, and insights from  Amy Revell, Co-Founder of We Are Spaces, a commercial interior firm, which is refurbishing an office space in the town centre. 

Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice-Chair of Destination Chesterfield, added: 

“The Investment Summit is a fantastic opportunity to spread the word about all the incredible things happening in Chesterfield. I look forward to welcoming local businesses and investors to the summit and discussing with them how they can play a key role in Chesterfield’s future.” 

The Chesterfield Investment Summit is also supported by East Midlands Chamber and We Are Spaces. 

To see full event details and secure your place, please book online at:
https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/investment-summit/ 

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