Made in Chesterfield

Young people encouraged to discover career pathways in construction

A series of three events aim to help young people and their and parents and carers learn more about apprenticeships and the options available to them after completing school.

The first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Event will be held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare Football Club on Wednesday 15 November from 6pm to 7.30pm. The event is free to attend and designed to allow parents, carers and young people to speak directly with local employers about their options after completing school.

This event has a construction focus with local firms including The Devonshire Group, Harron Homes and Oasis Studio, talking about the wide range of roles in the sector including the building trades but also other roles including architecture, surveying, marketing, business support and many more.

There will be a question-and-answer panel where the attendees can ask about opportunities in the construction sector and pathways into it.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Young Apprentice ambassadors about their apprenticeship experience. Free refreshments and hot food will be provided to everyone attending.

The event is organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, the D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is crucial that we provide the support young people, and their parents need to make informed decisions about the future. Earlier this year we launched our Skills Action Plan which is all about taking a more collaborative approach to developing skills and career opportunities in Chesterfield and events like this are key to realising that ambitious approach.

“Working with our partners at D2N2 and the ASK programme, along with local employers ensures that young people attending the event can develop a really good understanding of careers available in the construction industry and the paths they can follow from school to secure these careers. We are creating a thriving borough where everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“Please do come along to this event or one of the other sector specific events later this year – it’s a fantastic way to help young people make the right decision for themselves to develop a great career in our borough.”

Laura Wilkins, Operational Careers Hub Lead, said: “The D2N2 Careers Hub are thrilled to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and WorkPays to hold the first Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information event. We are excited to invite young people, parents/carers and the wider community to meet local employers from the construction sector and hear from apprentices about their experience of working and learning.

“This will be the first of three events to be held in the Chesterfield area, our aim for these events is to ensure that young people and their parents/carers receive the information, advice and support they need to be able to make an informed decision about their next steps, and whether an apprenticeship or technical education pathway is right for them.”

Tina Patel, from the ASK programme, said: “I am looking forward to meeting parents and carers who can expect an in depth and insightful talk about the world of apprenticeships to enable you to support your child with their future career decisions. The event will provide you with a greater understanding of the vocational pathways available and how you can support your child to apply for vacancies.”

Details about further Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Events will be shared on the council’s website and social media.

Oasis Studio, The Devonshire Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 Careers Hub and Workpays support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

College students construction
Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

Eco-friendly train launched in Chesterfield

Positive Traction has launched the UK’s first re-engineered battery-powered shunting locomotive.

The eco-friendly train is free from carbon and particulate emissions.

Invited guests from the Railfreight sector, UK government & local authorities as well as rolling stock owners attended the launch at  Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield.

Alistair Gregory, Director of Positive Traction said: “Class 08 shunting locomotives have been the workhorses of ports, distribution centres and depots across Britain’s railway for over 60 years. As the UK moves towards Net Zero, diesel engines are increasingly unacceptable. To address this challenge, the 08e is a cost-effective battery-powered alternative for environmentally friendly facility operations.

“I’d like to thank all our partners for supporting our cleaner, greener UK transport vision, including Lithion Battery Inc. and Barrow Hill Limited.

Stagecoach Yorkshire and their partner Volvo, who supplied the latest electric Volvo BXL bus to bring guests from Chesterfield station to the launch in a  sustainable way.”

After the launch, the eco-friendly train will remain on test at Barrow Hill before moving to a customer site for operational evaluation.

Rail Innovation in Chesterfield

Chesterfield has a history of innovation and is located at the heart of the UK’s largest rail cluster.

This will continue at Barrow Hill with the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle, which will be built as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The centre will provide 1,423 square metres of floor space, consisting of classroom and workshop training areas. Additionally, the centre will boast specialist research and development facilities including a digital laboratory, and commercial offices.

DRIIVe will support a network of speciality training providers – offering rail-related education from level 2 through to postgraduate training and research.

Becoming a prominent location for rail technology, DRIIVe will also serve as a base for rail-related supply chain businesses. These companies will also have access to the latest research and innovation.

Eco-friendly train e-o8 on track at Barrow Hill Roundhouse

The 08E locomotive created by Positive Traction

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Dalton Roofing scoops major prize at regional apprenticeship awards ceremony

A Chesterfield Company specialising in roof building and maintenance has won a prestigious award for its work with apprentices in the area.

Dalton Roofing was awarded SME Employer of the Year at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

The company has a strong reputation of taking on apprentices, helping them to learn new skills, and develop a career in the construction sector.

Honours at the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards were presented in 13 different categories, recognising the contributions that local apprentices make to the region’s businesses – and the people who help support them on their journey

Speaking on the firm’s award win, Philip Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing commented: “Words can’t explain how happy we are! We are ecstatic and extremely proud and grateful.

“A lot of time, effort, support and mentoring is put into our apprentices, they will work alongside some great roofers and also get the help and support from our Site Manager, Paul Stephenson.

Philip also commented on the importance of apprentices, in terms of securing the future workforce of his organisation: “Apprentices are our future; we really need to work hard and train our apprentices to keep up the succession and skills that our businesses require.

“Apprentices usually start with no experience of roofing, they will work alongside a mentor, be given training with our Site Manager Paul and training through college, this is how they will learn lifelong skills. It doesn’t stop here either, as they will continue to be given training and achieve more qualifications throughout their time with us at Dalton Roofing. We have just started three apprentices on their pathway.”

The company also raises awareness of skills in the sector as a member of Chesterfield’s Property & Construction Group, which promotes development and regeneration across the town. Dalton Roofing will also take part in this year’s Made in Chesterfield initiative, which will see young people from Chesterfield schools visiting the business to gain valuable insight into careers in the sector.

Find out more about Apprentice Town, demonstrating Chesterfield’s commitment to developing apprentices and delivering skilled careers to help people and businesses grow.

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

Dalton Roofing apprentice award

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

Why build a career in Property and Construction?

Are you interested in a practical or professional career? Something that would make the most of your problem-solving skills and your eye for detail? Then why not consider getting into the property and construction sector with an apprenticeship in Chesterfield? With 17,500 extra workers needed in the East Midlands by 2027 and 10 local development sites being monitored across the borough, now is an exciting time to get involved.

But where to start on your job hunt – with so many options to choose from? Careers Made in Chesterfield showcases the wide range of opportunities available through workshops and placements with local businesses.

Man in a fleece which says 'Stepnell'

Careers Made in Chesterfield workshop – Stepnell

Lauren, a trainee preconstruction estimator who works for Henry Boot Construction, was one of the individuals involved – check out her video below:


Lauren, Henry Boot Construction

We spoke to Lauren and three other apprentices across the sector: a joiner, a roofer, and an assistant property manager. They gave us three strong reasons why they love their jobs. Which was exactly what we needed to help answer your question: Why build a career in property and construction?


1. Every day is different

Not only can you choose from a variety of jobs in property and construction, but within each role there is a range of responsibilities to be undertaken. Dale, an apprentice joiner at Stepnell, might find himself erecting stud walls one day and hanging doors the next. Working on different sites means taking on different roles, and each location presents different challenges:

“I like the variety of work with no two sites being the same. I can be working on any of Stepnell’s sites in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire and all of them are very different. I’ve worked on several school sites recently. This has included doing some traditional work on the roof at Anthony Gell School. Usually, roof trusses would be made off-site and brought in but we couldn’t do that there. So, we repaired the timbers on-site.”

Man in hard hat and high vis vest drilling into wooden wall

Dale, Stepnell

Plus, you’ll be working with lots of different people. Whether it’s a new team, residents of an estate or owners of a business premises. This adds further diversity to your role. George is an apprentice in property management at Roy Peters Estates and finds this one of the most enjoyable elements of his job:

“I enjoy meeting new people and growing my knowledge of the industry. No two days are the same. I get to think on my feet and use my initiative to ensure our management clients and tenants get the best service I can offer. Being able to travel to see interesting property and to meet interesting people adds a lot of variety to the work.”

Man in shirt and tie sitting at a computer desk on the phone

George, Roy Peters Estates

2. You’ll always find new challenges

For many of us, doing the same thing every day can get boring. But the pace of jobs in the property and construction sector means plenty of new things to learn. That means you will always be growing and developing your skillset. Lots of apprentices find the practical nature of their roles, as well as the need to be able to use their initiative, helps keep things interesting in their working day. This is important for William, who is Dalton Roofing‘s apprentice roofer:

“I enjoy the roofing maintenance side of my job the most. It is a problem-solving exercise to ensure you get to the bottom of an issue, which is interesting. I also enjoy being active in my work and being hands on. Plus, there are so many different roof types, so each day has new things to tackle.”

Dalton Roofing apprentice

William, Dalton Roofing

This applies to other areas of the industry too. As a trainee preconstruction estimator, Lauren’s job involves planning for projects and thinking about materials, costs and staffing:

“It is a very high paced industry, but I love the different type of work we receive. It keeps me on my toes with all the different projects I’m working on. I enjoy coming to work and learning new things every single day. Having an apprenticeship encourages me to thrive and develop my skills at work and at college. I get site experience and an amazing team in the office to work with, who are supportive and drive me on to do my best.”

Woman sitting at a computer desk

Lauren, Henry Boot

3. Skills for life

You’ve probably heard it said, “Get a trade under your belt, you’ll have skills for life”. The reason this is such a common phrase is because it’s true! By taking on an apprenticeship in property and construction, you’ll not only build a career, but you’ll develop abilities which you can use in your personal life, too.

There’s also good job security within the industry, as the practical skills are useful in lots of ways and to lots of people. Lauren tells us it’s a big part of why she thinks a job in the sector is a good choice for anyone:

“Just do it. It is an industry that will never die. Society will always need properties and construction, there will always be jobs in this industry. There are a wide range of jobs in the industry too, including ones you wouldn’t think of.”

Dale agrees, saying:

“I wanted to have a trade that would stay with me for the rest of my life. There are endless opportunities and, if you are prepared to work hard and learn, you will succeed.”


Still wondering whether a career in property and construction could be for you? There are many reasons to give it a go, and the ones we’ve talked about are just the beginning. Start your journey by checking out the apprenticeships available in Chesterfield today.


Need some support? The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have several platforms that can support careers in construction, along with funding for apprenticeships and work experience. Check out the links below:

Employers can also explore the Into Work grant webpage, which offers financial support to those who offer an initial work experience placement through to employment.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , , ,

University of Derby awarded prestigious Gold status for teaching excellence

The University of Derby has been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country.

The university, which has a campus in Chesterfield, was recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

As well as achieving an overall rating of Gold, in the two underpinning ratings of the TEF, Derby was awarded Gold for student experience and Silver for student outcomes.

Derby’s continued success in the TEF, as it was awarded Gold when the Framework first launched in 2017, comes off the back of recent achievements in the National Student Survey 2023, in which the University was ranked in the Top 20 nationally for assessment and feedback, as well as in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, where the University was rated in the Top 20 for teaching quality, and in the Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted that we have once again been awarded Gold in the TEF and I am so proud of colleagues at the University of Derby for their hard work and commitment to excellence which has resulted in this fantastic achievement.

“Our students are at the heart of all that we do at the University of Derby, and we are fully focused on ensuring that they receive the highest-quality teaching and learning experience, one that is underpinned by innovation, academic excellence, ground-breaking research and is aligned to industry needs.

“We are proud to have established a strong reputation for learning and teaching over the years, reinforced by this TEF result, and we will continue to drive forward as an ambitious, applied university which focuses on enabling students to achieve the best possible outcomes for their future.”

The TEF ratings reflect the extent to which a provider delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its mix of undergraduate students and across the range of its undergraduate courses and subjects. 228 providers took part in TEF 2023.

Professor Keith McLay, Provost – Learning & Teaching at the University of Derby, said: “Our approach to learning and teaching at Derby is one that is student-focused, tailored and inclusive, to ensure our students get an outstanding experience during their time with us and that they are challenged to fulfil their full potential.

“We have invested significantly in our learning and teaching frameworks and take seriously our role in providing students with not only state-of-the-art facilities, but ensuring they are surrounded by academic rigour, excellence and expertise. We are therefore delighted with this result.”

In 2017, the University of Derby was awarded a Gold rating in the country’s first TEF. The 2023 TEF results last for four years.

To find out more about studying at the University of Derby, visit derby.ac.uk.

Learn more about learning in Chesterfield.

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

derby uni nursing students st helena chesterfield

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

Specialist metals supplier confirms major expansion at Markham Vale

Gould Alloys has expanded at Markham Vale, taking a further 55,000 sq. ft. on a 10-year lease.

The deal, which will see Gould Alloys expand into the MV55 unit, comes almost a decade after the business first arrived at Markham Vale, moving into a purpose-built 50,000 sq. ft. building and investing more than £1million in new technology and machinery.

Markham Vale is a flagship 200-acre industrial and logistics scheme in Chesterfield; a joint venture partnership between property developer HBD and Derbyshire County Council. It remains one of the region’s best-located developments, sitting at the heart of the UK motorway network and providing direct access to the M1 via a dedicated junction, J29a.

The new building forms a key part of Gould Alloys’ sustainability strategy, while providing additional space to deliver new contracts in the future.

The deal also demonstrates the continued demand for space at Markham Vale, with MV55 immediately let with no void period.

Tom Wheldon, Head of Region at HBD, said: “It’s great to see Gould Alloys expanding further at Markham Vale. MV55 is the ideal location for the business’ second base at the scheme; a best-in-class building, its sustainable features will support the company’s environmental strategy and help to minimise its carbon output.”

Jane Bradshaw of Gould Alloys, said: “We’ve been at Markham Vale for almost a decade, so it’s great to be able to secure MV55 for our next chapter. The additional 55,000 sq. ft. is a key component of our environmental strategy, ensuring we can operate as sustainably as possible by limiting the movement of materials and reducing our carbon output, while providing additional capacity for the servicing of future contracts as we continue to grow.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “Gould Alloys is a real Derbyshire success story and we’re pleased we’ve been able to accommodate their needs and cater for their growth with additional space here at Markham to help them become more sustainable. They are an established part of our business community and we look forward to following their success for many more years to come.”

Gould Alloys is a global supplier of high integrity components for critical applications and one of the fastest growing specialist metals stockholders in the UK. It serves the ferrous and non-ferrous metals requirements of multiple leading-edge industries, with a specific focus on aerospace.

An award-winning property developer, HBD delivers impactful industrial and logistics, urban regeneration and residential schemes. Part of the Henry Boot Group, it operates from six UK offices and is currently working with a £1.25bn development pipeline.

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

Markham Vale MV55

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

Chesterfield showcased in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards

Chesterfield businesses and organisations have made the prestigious shortlist for the 2023 Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards.

14 category awards are up for grabs to recognise the incredible apprenticeship network across the region.

Brookfield Community School, Dalton Roofing, Central Technology and Chesterfield Royal Hospital are among the Chesterfield firms to make the final shortlist:

  • Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Alfie Wooldridge Derby City Council; Franchescia Davies Buxton & Leek College; Jordan Pirie Brookfield Community School; Olivia Scane HM Land Registry
  • Higher Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Nottingham Trent University: Alison Liles The Gables Residential Care Home; Sarah Westwood BWB Consulting;
  • Degree Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by University of Nottingham; Arron Faulkner E.ON UK; Connell Parker E.ON UK; Holly Johnson Derby Homes Ltd; Mia Outram No7 Beauty Company; Stuart Rendall Continental Engineering Services
  • Construction Apprentice of the Year: Avikaash Manon Derby Homes; Ben Wilcox BWB Consulting; Eddy Palethorpe Crawford & Co Surveyors; Lloyd Dabell Crawford & Co Surveyors; William Thompson Dalton Roofing
  • Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year: To be announced
  • Professional Services Apprentice of the Year: Eleanor Ancliffe Reach Separations; Jacob Whitty Crawford & Co Surveyors; Lloyd Dabell Crawford & Co Surveyors; Megan Tuohy Crawford & Co Surveyors.
  • Health and Public Service Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Auto Windscreens: Holly Johnson Derby Homes Ltd; Jade Smith St Albans Medical centre; Poppie Staden Blythe House Hospice Care and Helen’s Trust.
  • Technology and Digital Apprentice of the Year, Sponsored by Aim Qualifications Group: Arron Faulkner E.ON UK; Connell Parker E.ON UK; Hannah Jones Experian; James Bennington BWB ConsultingJames Cox Central Technology; Joe Hawksworth Althaus Digital.
  • Mentor of the Year, Sponsored by Greatest Hits FM: Janet Quinlan-Jones Sort Legal; Kiera Bailey Reach Separations; Sarah Walker BWB Consulting; Sophie Bancroft – Employee Development Manager Derby Homes Limited; Waqas Matloob Althaus Digital.
  • Diversity & Inclusion Award: Auto Windscreens; Broxtowe Borough Council;
  • SME Employer of the Year: Sponsored by EMAAN; Crawford & Co Surveyors; Dalton Roofing; Project D; Sort Legal.
  • Large Employer of the Year: Broxtowe Borough Council; BWB Consulting; Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Derby Homes Ltd; Experian; Motus Commercials; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust;
  • Training Provider/Programme of the Year: Althaus Digital; Auto Windscreens; JTL

East Midlands Apprenticeship Ambassador Network are headline sponsors of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards with a special focus on the SME Employer of the Year award category, which is open to businesses with up to 249 employees, which offer an apprenticeship programme.

The awards night is set to be held at The Village Hotel, Nottingham on Thursday 6th October.

For further information and to purchase your tickets to attend the event – visit the event website www.dnapprenticeshipawards.co.uk.

Dalton Roofing, Central Technology and Chesterfield Royal Hospital support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

DERBYSHIRE-NOTTS-APPRENTICE 2022

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

Support available to assist Chesterfield manufacturers in utilising digital technology

Businesses in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector are being encouraged to find out more about a scheme aimed at helping them boost their organisations with digital technology.

Made Smarter East Midlands is a support programme which aims to help firms in the sector grow by utilising digital technologies, increasing efficiency, reducing downtime and getting products to market faster.

The project is supporting manufacturers which employ ten or more staff and are based in the D2N2 region (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire), along with Leicestershire or Lincolnshire.

The Made Smarter Programme offers ‘Digital Transformation Road Mapping’ to help companies set out their 3-5 year transformation and cultural change journey. The scheme can provide technical expertise, consultancy and grant funding to help implement the changes detailed in the road map.

Made Smarter East Midlands will support firms in their development, adoption and implementation of emerging technologies, making a real, everyday difference to people across the business, from the boardroom to the factory floor.

World-renowned businesses and the UK government back this programme, and a team of specialist technology experts can provide businesses with personalised advice, identify the right digital tools, and help companies make strategic and everyday improvements to their manufacturing business.

In addition, business leaders can advance their own skills with the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation Programme. Developed with Loughborough University, this programme enhances leadership capabilities and makes the transition to digital technology easier.

D2N2 LEP’s Sector Engagement Manager, Lucie Andrews, said: “I encourage local businesses to apply for the Made Smarter East Midlands support programme. You’ll get a real boost for your manufacturing, help in driving up your productivity and efficiency savings and receive support for your business to work leaner and smarter.”

Applications for the Made Smarter programme are proving very popular, so be sure to express your interest now to avoid disappointment. To find out more and take the first step towards digitising your manufacturing business, register your interest today.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your manufacturing business here in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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New product launched by Weightron to help firms cut costs and be more sustainable

Chesterfield-based manufacturer, Weightron Bilanciai has launched a new product, which will support businesses in improving their accuracy, efficiency and compliance.

The company has unveiled WinWeigh 5, a dedicated, user-friendly cloud based weighing package, which gives unrivalled versatility and flexibility, opening up new dimensions in the management of weighing data.

WinWeigh5 revolutionises the way businesses manage their weighbridge and weighing operations by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform. This powerful software is designed to streamline weighbridge processes, reduce manual errors, and improve overall productivity for businesses of all sizes.

Weightron WinWeigh 5 software

Companies can seamlessly integrate WinWeigh5 with their existing systems, such as accounting software, ERP solutions, and more. Users can automate data entry, invoicing, and reporting to save time and reduce errors.

The software enables businesses to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards with built-in reporting tools, by generating accurate reports for regulatory authorities, audits, and internal analysis.

WinWeigh 5 also has the ability to weigh lorry loads without the need for drivers to leave their cabs. The software controls integrated ANPR cameras, traffic lights, traffic barriers and driver-operated terminals. These touch screen terminals, fitted with RFID card readers, guide drivers through the weighing process, without the need for them to leave their cabs.

Weightron winweigh 5

The WinWeigh technology has already helped to revolutionise major organisations, such as the King George Dock in Hull, Breedon Group and Germinor.

Weightron Bilanciai is a leading provider of software solutions for the logistics, waste and recycling and transportation industry. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the firm develops cutting-edge technologies that streamline operations and drive business success.

“We are excited to introduce WinWeigh5 to the market,” said Nick Catt, CEO of Weightron Bilanciai. “We believe this software will significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of weighbridge data management and weighing processes for our customers. With its cloud-based architecture, robust features, and user-friendly design, WinWeigh5 sets a new standard for weighbridge automation and management.”

Weightron Bilanciai 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, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

New strategy published to meet skills demand in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

A new localised strategy has been published to ensure people have the skills to meet economic, technological, climate and social challenges in our region.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a UK Government Department for Education (DfE) project designed to place local employers at the heart of a specific region’s skills system.

This means consulting with employers of all sizes and sectors to understand what skills, capabilities, qualifications, and attributes local companies need from their staff to meet growing productivity, tech, environmental and economic issues, and working with training providers to deliver the right range and calibre of courses.

The LSIP for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been led and delivered by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), due to their close but independent connections to local employers, stakeholders and training professionals.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s new skills plan has found that while the area has enormous economic potential in manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, tourism, and technology, there are a range of skills and labour vulnerabilities in the counties that could threaten growth and productivity if not addressed.

Work readiness, digital capabilities and navigating Net Zero opportunities were all found to be of concern among employers, while growing occupational gaps in construction, information and communication technologies, engineering and conservation particularly must be closed to maximise opportunities in service industries, infrastructure, energy security and industrial decarbonisation.

The LSIP report outlines the needs of local businesses, especially in light of recent shifts in the workforce such as the impact of Covid lockdowns, remote working and changes to how young people gain exposure to the workplace. Local problems in recruiting skilled tutors in certain sectors has been highlighted as an urgent need to be tackled.

Understanding how the area’s vast size– as well as having several areas of deprivation – create challenges for people accessing education and work factor into the plan. Evolutions in Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the pressures of adapting to climate change also shape the LSIP’s recommendations.

The LSIP has put forward 18 actionable priorities that require local training providers, councils, trade bodies and other regional stakeholders to make changes before June 2025. The plan has been formally approved by the Secretary of State for Education The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP.

Local lead for the LSIP and author of the approved report, Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, Development Manager for FSB said: “I’m delighted that Government has granted approval and officially unveiled our strategy aimed at providing the local community with the precise skills required by businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“The LSIP encompasses both a structured methodology and a comprehensive blueprint, focusing on active engagement with employers. This approach ensures a thorough grasp of their critical skill deficiencies, challenges, and prospects, while aligning these requirements with local skills provision. It represents a bold stride towards the future, with the welfare of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s people and businesses at its core.

“We are instigating reforms tailored to a workforce spanning generations. The task of catering to diverse generational needs and expectations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is undeniably challenging, yet it’s a challenge that we, alongside local training providers and stakeholders are eager to embrace.

“A robust skills foundation in any locality is intimately tied to business efficiency and the well-being of individual employees. The opportunity to play a role in enhancing these vital facets has been truly rewarding. With the official release of the plan, I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our local educational institutions, independent training providers, governing bodies, skill development entities, and industry leaders to transform this vision into reality.”

Following approval and publication of the LSIP, the Federation of Small Businesses can now continue to work with these stakeholders – as well as monitor and report progress – over the next two years.

The full LSIP report is available for download now at: https://www.fsb.org.uk/derbyshire-and-nottinghamshire-lsip.html

Find out more about the range of skills and employability initiatives taking place across Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

Students learning construction skills at Chesterfield College

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Work due to start on 650 new houses in Mastin Moor

Work is due to begin on the new 650-home community in Mastin Moor, near Staveley after planning approval was granted this week.

The Devonshire Group, which owns the 46-hectare site, will now begin enabling works for phases 1 and 2 of the project, which will pave the way for the first homes to be delivered. These include creation of a new access road, services and the formation of public open space.

The preparatory works are due to complete in late spring 2024, with work on the new homes set to begin over the summer of 2024 on the first phase of 143 three, four and five- bedroom homes, by local developer Harron Homes.

The enabling works will also pave the way for the launch of the Construction Skills Hub, a Staveley Town Deal project, developed by Chesterfield Borough Council and to be operated by Chesterfield College in conjunction with the University of Derby. The Devonshire Group has collaborated on and supported the Council to deliver this innovative project.

The Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site. Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

As well as providing support for trade skills, this partnership provides the opportunity to progress to a university level and develop the skills needed for roles like quantity surveyor or estimator, helping develop skills in the local community and provide new career opportunities.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group, said: “Receiving planning approval marks an exciting next step for our development at Mastin Moor. We are now able to get underway with works in earnest and start to see the project really take shape.

“Our focus now is to ensure that we move the project forward quickly, while also prioritising a considered, sustainable and sensitive approach for the benefit of the wider community that we serve. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey and creating a place that will contribute to the area and provide new homes for local people.’

Upon completion, the new community at Mastin Moor will deliver 650 new homes, including affordable and accessible properties, elderly accommodation and a local centre. The development will also provide almost 20 hectares of publicly accessible open space and landscaping, significantly enhancing the biodiversity on site.

The project is expected to take 10 years to complete and create 150 direct construction jobs, as well as 250 roles in the supply chain and elsewhere.

Outline planning permission for the site was approved by Committee in December 2022.

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.

Indicative-masterplan-Mastin-Moor

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

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