Manufacturing

Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector says it must stay proactive to thrive

Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector is navigating a challenging economic landscape. But local leaders say the key to long-term success lies in collaboration, proactive engagement, and a shared commitment to shaping the future.

At a recent roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with the Derbyshire Times, the manufacturing industry and support organisations discussed the sector’s resilience. Participants stressed, however, that resilience alone would not be enough.

Ivan Fomin of MSE Hiller said, “You can’t sell to customers who aren’t investing. We’ve got the technology and talent, but without demand, we’re treading water.

“Yet, if we want to lay the groundwork for future growth, we must continue to engage with the wider eco-system, from mock interviews to celebratory initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. We’ve got a very cooperative business community. It’s not everywhere. When I talk about it in other places, they wish they had what we have in Chesterfield.”

The need to develop networks was echoed by Josh Kirkwood of Graphoidal. He said, “We’re keen to engage with colleges and support initiatives that showcase what manufacturing in Chesterfield is all about. Even when times are tough, it’s vital to keep those relationships strong.”

The round table also showcased how education providers are stepping up. Chesterfield College is launching a new Engineering, Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre, alongside a fresh approach to business partnerships.

“We’re building a framework to understand what employers need, reward collaboration, and measure impact,” said Rhys Robinson, Director of Engineering and Digital Services to Business. “It’s not just about guest lectures – it’s about shaping curriculum and outcomes.”

The University of Derby is also evolving its strategy.

“We’re aiming to be the most industry-engaged university in the UK,” said Rob Ricketts, Industry Engagement Lead. “Every academic must bring industry into their teaching. Students will leave with real experience, not just theory.”

Manufacturing is deeply embedded in Chesterfield’s identity.

“We’ve got 335 manufacturing businesses – 9% of our total – compared to a national average of 4.5%,” said Lynda Sharp from Chesterfield Borough Council. “A significant portion of our workforce is employed in the sector.”

Support for this key sector is available from East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Destination Chesterfield, offering routes to access funding, skills development, and strategic advice. But as Ian Bates from the Chamber noted: “Businesses say they need help, but they don’t always engage.”

Practical steps for manufacturers to build networks:

Discover support for your business: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Join the next Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum on 21st October at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-and-north-derbyshire-manufacturing-forum

Posted in Blog, Business, Home, Manufacturing

Behind the scenes: how Chesterfield makes everyday life possible

By Ann Fomukong-Boden, board member of Destination Chesterfield and local business owner

When you think of engineering, you might picture hard hats and heavy machinery. But Chesterfield offers much more. As a local business owner and engineer, I see our makers, designers and technology experts quietly improving our everyday lives.

Our architects and engineers work with digital specialists to power regeneration projects, both locally and nationally. Our manufacturers produce everything from food and packaging to custom CCTV.

At Kakou, we proudly contribute to this story. We specialise in technology that helps people with disabilities access mainstream culture, heritage, and wellbeing activities.

Recently, we collaborated with local charity Junction Arts to create an interactive tool that collects audience data at events and transforms it into bespoke artworks for participants to take home. It’s a fusion of engineering, design, and creativity that makes the arts more inclusive. All designed and built right here in Chesterfield.

Nine more makers with purpose

Chesterfield’s manufacturers and engineers make many things – from iron bars to flood defences.

AECOM’s 300-strong team works on UK-wide infrastructure. After last year’s floods, they helped design local resilience schemes to protect homes, schools, and businesses.

MTM Products makes industrial labels and signage used worldwide – from emergency exits to home appliances.

System Q creates bespoke CCTV solutions and support. The team helps major retailers as well as schools, police and government bodies.

Eyesiteview specialises in interactive digital tools, which bring properties to life, supporting local and national housing developers.

Mould Ability in Staveley turns ideas into products, crafting custom moulds for housing and theme park rides. MSE Hiller’s centrifuge technology helps food producers clean and process ingredients – including your frozen peas.

Brampton Brewery revived its historic name in 2007 with the rebuilding of a precision mill next to the original site that had been closed for 50 years. They now brew up to 10,000 pints a week.

Northern Tea Merchants has blended fine teas and coffees for over 90 years, supplying retailers and hospitality venues across the UK.

United Cast Bar’s high-quality continuous cast iron bars are easier to machine than steel. It saves time for car manufacturers compared to steel.

Engineering a better future for Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s spirit of innovation and inclusion means these companies shape more than products. They shape lives by offering stable jobs and apprenticeships for local families, giving our young people a real future.

So, next time you enjoy a treat baked by Jackson’s, pass the Growth Sculpture on Horns Bridge Roundabout, or spot a safety label in our shops, remember that local talent made it happen.

I aim to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers, and doers, and I hope you’ll help.

To learn more about Chesterfield makers, including tours for schools, visit: https://www.chesterfeld.co.uk/made

Find more Chesterfield manufacturers and engineers: Our Chesterfield Champions | Destination Chesterfield

Posted in Blog, Destination Chesterfield, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

NeoDyne expands its Chesterfield office

NeoDyne has recently taken on further office space in Spire Walk in Chesterfield to support its rapid growth.

NeoDyne is building a hub for advanced engineering and digital technology in Chesterfield. From BESS and Biomethane Gas Injection to global MES rollouts, NeoDyne is driving innovation on projects like Botley BESS and UK-wide energy initiatives, while supporting customers across Europe and beyond.

Matt Close from NeoDyne said, “The company was reaching the point where we were outgrowing its current space. Expanding our high-quality Chesterfield office space made good sense to build on the investment made two and a half years ago when we first invested in the United Kingdom.

NeoDyne’s culture is heavily based on employing young, talented people and seeing them grow when they invest in them. Since they started two and a half years ago, they have employed over 10 graduates and two apprentices, as well as some more experienced staff.

Matt continued, “ While this is far quicker than they expected, we are looking to replicate this growth over the coming years and will need additional office space to accommodate the additional resources.

We look to recruit graduates and apprentices in engineering roles, from Electrical Engineers, Automation, Digital Manufacturing, and similar skills.”

Chesterfield is currently NeoDyne’s only office in the UK.  Its location provides Neodyne with a good central base and excellent transportation options. It also offers a strong pool of local engineering talent, especially from the local universities with which it partners.  Recently, they have also undertaken a promotional video to strengthen their ties with the University of Sheffield.

Matt added, “Chesterfield plays a vital role in NeoDyne’s UK operations by combining strategic connectivity with a strong talent proposition. Its excellent transport links provide efficient access to clients and industry hubs. Realistic house prices and quality schools create an attractive environment for staff seeking work-life balance. This blend of accessibility, affordability, and lifestyle advantages not only supports effective customer service but also strengthens NeoDyne’s ability to attract and retain high-calibre talent.”

Discover more about the benefits of investing in Chesterfield.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

City and Guilds present Excellence Award to Chesterfield College Group this National Manufacturing Day

Chesterfield College Group is absolutely delighted to have received an End Point Assessment Excellence Award from Awarding Body City and Guilds in recognition for exceptional apprenticeship success rates.

With several areas registering 100% success rates including Fabrication Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metal Fabrication and Data Technician, the college’s long standing reputation for quality apprenticeship training is going from strength to strength.

Jonathan Price, City & Guilds Business Development Manager – Central North explains, “City & Guilds are proud to partner Chesterfield College and recognise their fantastic EPA achievements. The college has well above benchmark success rates and the work staff do to make sure apprentices are looked after from day 1. The commitment to the apprentices and to support local and regional employers is clear to see. It is no surprise to see growth in apprenticeships year on year. The college also work hard to make sure the right learners go on to the right apprenticeships which has had a fantastic impact on retention and success rates.”

Director of Engineering, Digital and Services to Business at Chesterfield College Group, Rhys Robinson explains, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication, hard work, and commitment shown by our team in supporting both apprentices and employers. Their efforts have led to a significant increase in retention and success rates, with over 100 successful EPA achievements facilitated through City & Guilds last year alone. Being recognised for excellence in EPA is a fantastic honour, and it reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality programmes that develop the future workforce.”

If you’re interested in taking on an apprentice in your business, Chesterfield College Group can provide a clear, uncomplicated path for you to follow. Take a look at the college’s hub of information for employers here.

If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, then why not take a look at the subjects on offer here? An interview with Chesterfield College is all it takes to add you to our talent pool of next-generation talent for employers to choose from.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Chesterfield celebrates National Manufacturing Day

Over 100 students from five schools got an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Chesterfield’s leading manufacturers as part of the first large-scale National Manufacturing Day event in Derbyshire.

Organised as part of the Made in Chesterfield Festival with support from the Work-wise Foundation, Destination Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Council, the event coincided with Make UK’s nationwide open house on 25 September, when manufacturers across the UK opened their doors to students, communities and the public.

Pupils from The Bolsover School, Tupton Hall, Parkside Community School, Springwell Community College and Early Life Enterprise visited United Cast Bar, CBE+, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Penny Engineering and Weightron Bilanciai Ltd.

The day included factory tours, hands-on workshops, and an Innovation Challenge in the morning, with students presenting their ideas at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in the afternoon. Participants discovered a variety of manufacturing processes, as well as insights into engineering, design, and project management.

Event organiser, David Beet from United Cast Bar Ltd, said: “National Manufacturing Day is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity and innovation happening right here in Chesterfield and Derbyshire. It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged and excited about the career possibilities in manufacturing.”

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd and board member for Destination Chesterfield, added, “Here in Chesterfield, we’re proud to be part of a community that not only makes world-class products but also invests in the next generation of talent. Events like the Innovation Challenge for National Manufacturing Day demonstrate to young people that manufacturing isn’t just about machines, but also about ideas and collaboration.  It was fantastic to see so many schools taking part and businesses opening their doors and minds to inspire tomorrow’s engineers and creators.  What a great way to launch this year’s Made in Chesterfield Festival.”

National Manufacturing Day celebrates the diversity of UK manufacturing and helps strengthen connections between education and industry, supporting the development of the skilled workforce needed for the future.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “National Manufacturing Day is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to learn more about industries right here in Chesterfield.

“Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield provide us with the opportunity to work in partnership with businesses and the community sector so we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available.

“Chesterfield Borough Council prides itself on the relationships that have been formed between schools and businesses, allowing students to find out more about the options open to them in the workplace.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Cllr Jayne Barry, said, “This is a great opportunity for our next generation of innovators to get hands-on with employers, opening new doors and insights into the world of work.

“As a council, we are passionate about helping our local economy grow and provide real chances of high-skilled employment for our communities, and this festival does just that.”

The Made in Chesterfield Festival runs until the end of October, providing young people with the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and engineering careers in Chesterfield.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership in association with Chesterfield College and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, the EMCCA Career Hub, United Cast Bar Ltd and MSE Hiller.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Capital Angling hooks unit at Markham Vale

Capital Angling has snapped up the first unit at ARK, a new £27million GDV scheme at Markham Vale, a flagship industrial scheme delivered by HBD, part of Henry Boot.

The leading fishing brand has taken a 17,050sq ft unit at the sustainable new industrial and logistics (I&L) development close to the M1 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Work began on-site in Spring 2025 to deliver the first phase of ARK, which includes four units ranging from 17,000sq ft to 36,000sq ft. The buildings will complete later this year.

ARK is being developed by Origin, a joint venture partnership between HBD and Feldberg Capital.

Origin is committed to delivering ESG-compliant I&L space and ARK is no exception, with all four units targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings.

HBD recently submitted a planning application for the final 53,000sq ft unit at the scheme. Work is expected to begin on-site later this year subject to planning consent.

Vivienne Clements, Executive Director at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is an attractive location for fast-growing businesses like Capital Angling, which can take advantage of its strategic location right off the M1 and its excellent infrastructure. We’re pleased to be able to provide the business with high-quality, sustainable space as it continues to expand; we’ve no doubt that ARK will prove a very successful location.”

Jamie Acheson, Managing Director of Feldberg Capital, commented: “Securing Capital Angling as our first pre-let at ARK marks an important milestone for the development, with their decision validating our focus on delivering best-in-class, sustainable industrial and logistics space in strategic UK locations. We look forward to building on this success over the coming months as we approach practical completion.”

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.

Discover more about investing in Chesterfield

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

Chesterfield’s manufacturing festival inspires next generation of engineers and innovators

Chesterfield recognises its manufacturers and engineers over the next month through the return of an annual celebratory campaign. Taking place from 25 September until the end of October, the Made in Chesterfield festival aims to change perceptions of the manufacturing industry by connecting Chesterfield’s students with real-world experiences in local advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership in association with Chesterfield College, the initiative supports businesses in showcasing the sector and creating a pipeline of talent while giving students access to cutting-edge technologies, from precision engineering to sustainable manufacturing practices.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Board Member at Destination Chesterfield, said: “Modern manufacturing is full of innovation and opportunity, right here in Chesterfield. But do our young people know about the businesses and careers open to them locally? Perhaps only if they have parents working in the sector. Made in Chesterfield helps our young people see what’s possible. It also shows employers like us at MSE the future talent being nurtured right here.”

To celebrate National Manufacturing Day, the 2025 festival introduces the Innovation Challenge, where students team up with local manufacturers to solve real-world problems.  They’ll visit workplaces, collaborate on ideas, and present their solutions at a showcase event at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Ltd, said: “The Innovation Challenge is an exciting way to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. It connects the classroom to real careers and gives young people a genuine opportunity to develop ideas and confidence.”

The festival showcases the links between the education sector and business, aiming to inspire a pipeline of future talent to consider a career in manufacturing.

Claire Godfrey, Deputy Principal at Chesterfield College Group, the headline sponsor of the festival, added: “Our new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre will equip students with the latest industry skills, including green technologies and digital innovation. Supporting the Made in Chesterfield Festival allows us to showcase these skills and facilities to both young people and employers as we continually help to supply a future-ready workforce locally. 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, so we’re delighted to be headline sponsor once again.”

Other highlights in the festival include the Made in Chesterfield Business Event on the 8th October at Chesterfield College.  Businesses, head teachers and careers leads will have the opportunity to network and discover more about the College’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre.

Businesses taking part in this year’s festival include United Cast Bar Ltd, MSE Hiller, Weightron Bilanciai, Penny Engineering, Fast Signs, Superior Wellness, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Fast Signs and CBE+

Also supporting this year’s festival are Chesterfield Borough Council, the EMCCA Career Hub, Workwise, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and North East Derbyshire District Council.

For more information, visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made-in-chesterfield/

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

Upscaling Chesterfield firms can get funding and support from new programme

Businesses in Chesterfield looking to grow are invited to join a new programme of events and workshops made up of tailored academic and business support, with funding also available.

The new High Growth Academy aims to equip scaling businesses with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to innovate and grow sustainably. The Academy is delivered by East Midlands Chamber on behalf of EMCCA (the East Midlands Combined County Authority) and in partnership with the University of Derby, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.

The Academy is part of the wider High Growth Accelerator project that has received £450, 352 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). It is open to businesses that can demonstrate 20% annual growth in revenue, employment, or market share over the past three consecutive years.

High Growth Academy support includes:

  • A series of workshops reflecting the needs of businesses at different stages of their growth journeys: ‘Growth Drivers’ for early-stage businesses with sessions on subjects such as sales, leadership and emerging markets; and ‘Growth Builders’ for senior leaders in more established businesses, with sessions on subjects such as governance, structure and performance management.
  • Monthly High Growth forums enabling businesses to access support, hear from industry experts and share insight with peers. The first forum, taking place on 6th November, “Big Business, Small Feel: Strategy, Systems, and the Human Touch” will be led by Professor Marvin Cooke OBE, former Executive Vice President for Manufacturing at Toyota Motor Europe. It will explore how organisations can maintain a personalised, human-centred approach while scaling operations through strategic planning and robust systems

Additional support to help businesses with their growth journeys is being offered as part of the wider High Growth Accelerator project:

  • One-to-one business support from a High Growth Adviser including advice, mentoring and diagnostic support on areas of relevance to the business
  • Innovation Vouchers of up to £5,000 to support businesses in accessing specialist support from university innovation delivery centres including on food innovation, chemistry innovation, aerospace technology, precision manufacturing, design matters, and virtual and immersive production
  • Student placement support of up to £2,000 to cover the salary cost of an intern for a minimum 8-week period to work on a defined project including, for example, developing new products, bringing new products to market or increasing sustainability
  • Training bursaries of up to £2,000 to attend one of the Chamber’s highly regarded Commercial Training courses, including its Director and Manager Development Programmes

East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford said: “Growing at pace is only possible if the business has the right products, processes and people in place. Together with our partners at the University of Derby, University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, East Midlands Chamber has curated a programme of expert High Growth Academy support through its High Growth Accelerator project.

“Our aim is to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to rise to the challenges of today’s business environment, not least tackling recruitment, skills, cashflow and funding concerns. Whether a business is seeking to drive innovation, improve how it manages its finances, adapt its structures or coach its leaders and emerging leaders in high performance, we have the expertise and resources to turn ideas into real action.”

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “Businesses across the East Midlands have boundless potential for growth, but those same businesses tell me every day just how few hours in the day there are to think and plan for this. The High Growth Academy makes that space, drawing on the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s UKSPF funding but also expertise from business and academia. So, whether your business is starting or scaling, this could be the programme for you.”

Businesses can register by completing the Registration Form and a High Growth adviser will respond.

High Growth Academy workshops can be booked here.

The Chamber’s schedule of Commercial Training courses, for which eligible businesses can apply for a £2,000 subsidy to attend, can be accessed on the East Midlands Chamber site.

If you would like more information on business support available to businesses in Chesterfield visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

New minibus and office space provide more opportunities to support young people

Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) has recently taken delivery of a minibus to further expand its programme offer to schools.

The minibus has been kindly sponsored by MSE Hiller, a Chesterfield-based company that supplies, rents and services centrifuges and environmental engineering products to the water and industrial effluent treatment sectors.

MSE Hiller supports many of DEBP’s programmes, including Made in Chesterfield, where they offer workplace tours to give students the chance to learn about and see what it is like working in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and construction industries and careers.

Laura Duck, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said, “We offer a range of careers and employability programmes to support young people, but this mainly takes place in school or with a host organisation. Over the last academic year we have been welcoming students to our new learning space in Chesterfield. Whilst we offered transportation, the associated costs meant there were limitations based on school locations and distance to travel. With our own minibus, we can expand access to some of our programmes.”

A newly reconfigured office space has also created a new on-site learning area to deliver a range of programmes to support young people.

The programmes offered on-site include the  Supported Insight Scheme, a work placement for small groups of students with special educational needs and disabilities. It supports students to learn about the world of work, whilst acquiring a range of transferable skills. It involves creating a range of marketing materials to support a business need or an upcoming company event.

They also offer Future Focus, which links with the Bolsover Partnership and Bolsover District Council to support the co-production of a ‘creative hub’ within the district. Students come up with innovative ideas for the hub and present these to employers associated with the planning process at the end of the programme.

Sophie Haley, Future Focus Programme Leader said, “The open-plan learning space is designed to be welcoming, helping students to feel at ease, and build their confidence. With the addition of the minibus, we’re able to invite more schools and support more young people to recognise their potential.”

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

Business support programme powers growth for Chesterfield businesses

Nearly 5,000 businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicester have received expert support through the Accelerator Programme.  The initiative is helping Chesterfield firms grow, innovate, and create jobs.

Delivered by East Midlands Chamber and backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Accelerator Programme launched in 2023 and has already supported 4,790 businesses across the region. The programme offers tailored advice, access to funding, sustainability support, and specialist services for exporters and high-growth firms.

Thanks to its success, the programme has been extended until March 2026.

In Chesterfield, the programme has made a tangible difference to local businesses, helping them scale up, adapt, and thrive in a changing economy.  Businesses have already benefited from the programme, include:

  • Black Swan Cyber Security received expert advice and funding to develop a new cybersecurity product, helping the business grow its client base and expand its service offer.
  • Images Costumes, a theatrical costume supplier, used Accelerator support to invest in digital marketing and streamline operations, boosting visibility and efficiency.
  • Ellenvale Interiors, a bespoke furniture and interiors business, accessed one-to-one adviser support and workshops to refine its growth strategy and reach new markets.
  • Finneys Wood Finishes received help to explore decarbonisation options and improve sustainability, reducing costs and future-proofing the business.

Across the region, the Accelerator Programme has:

  • Created 143 new businesses
  • Supported the creation of 598 jobs
  • Safeguarded 505 existing roles
  • Helped 401 businesses introduce new products, technologies or processes

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The tailored business support and workshops the Chamber delivered under the Accelerator Programme have made a very tangible impact in the region when it comes to business expansion, job creation and safeguarding, and the introduction of new products, technologies and processes.
With time limited to get registered, I’d urge businesses interested in exploring the wide range of support available to take that first step and get in touch.”

The Accelerator Programme offers the following support:

  • One-to-one support from expert business advisers
  • Access to grant funding (where available)
  • Growth vouchers for new technology
  • Decarbonisation and sustainability support
  • Export and high-growth business services
  • Workshops and webinars on key business topics

Businesses can register now to access support before the programme ends in March 2026. A full schedule of upcoming training events is available at:
https://bit.ly/AcceleratorTrainingEv

A wide range of business and skills support is available for businesses in Chesterfield.  Discover more at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

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

Made in Chesterfield Festival builds future talent pipeline for economic growth

Chesterfield businesses are once again leading the way in shaping the town’s future workforce as the Made in Chesterfield Festival returns this autumn. Running from 25 September to the end of October, the festival introduces students to careers in the manufacturing and property sectors through hands-on experiences.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, in association with Chesterfield College, the festival provides a direct link between employers and future talent. At the same time, it helps schools meet the updated Gatsby Benchmark requirements for careers education.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Board Member at Destination Chesterfield, said:

“Modern manufacturing is full of innovation and opportunity, right here in Chesterfield. But do our young people know about the businesses and careers open to them locally? Made in Chesterfield helps our young people see what’s possible. It also shows employers like us at MSE the future talent that is available.”

This year, the festival introduces the Innovation Challenge, a new programme that pairs schools with local employers to solve real-world business problems. Students will visit a workplace, collaborate in teams, and present their solutions at a showcase event. As a result, they will gain valuable insight into how classroom learning connects to real careers.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Ltd, added:

“The Innovation Challenge is an exciting way to celebrate National Manufacturing Day. It connects the classroom to real careers and gives students a chance to apply their learning in a practical setting.”

Claire Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership, said:

“Made in Chesterfield is tailor-made for the Gatsby Benchmarks and takes away pressure from schools to organise visits themselves. The Made in Chesterfield Festival provides meaningful encounters to support businesses to inspire and find their employees of the future.”

Andrew Knowles, Head Teacher at Tupton Hall School, said:

“As a headteacher, I see firsthand how powerful it is when students engage with real employers. The Made in Chesterfield Festival brings careers education to life and helps our pupils see a future for themselves in the local economy.”

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, so we’re delighted to be headline sponsor once again.”

Since its launch in 2014, the festival has reached more than 3,500 students. It continues to challenge outdated perceptions of careers in manufacturing and the property sector. Moreover, it strengthens the relationship between education and industry across North Derbyshire.

Businesses supporting include United Cast Bar Ltd, Weightron Bilanchai, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydrolics, Fast Signs, Aztec Oils, and Superior Wellness.

Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership deliver Made in Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College. Chesterfield Borough Council, EMCCA Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and headteachers from schools across the region support the delivery of the Festival.

The Innovation Challenge event is organised in partnership with CBE+, Workwise, and North East Derbyshire District Council.

To find out more about taking part in the festival, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/made-in-chesterfield

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