Made in Chesterfield

Superior Wellness launches new Platinum Spas Deluxe Range

Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer Superior Wellness has launched a range of new products, which are set to be unveiled at the UK’s leading pool, spa and wellness show today.

The Platinum Spas Deluxe Range boasts premium features and upgrades – introducing the Tahiti, Refresh, Happy, Palma and the brand new all seater Seville.

With a brand-new look and feel the Deluxe range has changed with a more aesthetically pleasing design with the curvature of the acrylic. Designed with comfort in mind the seats are now sculpted and shaped around your body.

For a cleaner look the control panel is now solely located on one side without the distraction of other components and features. Featuring more modern and premium looking side panels complete with an LED Platinum Spas logo the new models are certainly more stylish.

Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “The Deluxe range now includes the award-winning energy efficient insulation Platinum Premium Shield. This is designed by the Superior Heatlock Insulation Process which provides a considerable difference in the heat retained in the hot tub as well as a reduction in energy costs.

“With a focus on innovation, the latest technology and an abundance of features, the new range includes a number of improvements.”

The jets and diverters have been upgraded promoting a better hydrotherapy massage.

The audio system has also improved with brand new speakers which are located on top of the acrylic rather than on side panels, giving the Deluxe range a more modern look and feel.

The hot tub cover is now fabric instead of vinyl. We’ve also increased the overall thickness of the cover providing greater insulation and creating energy savings.

The new deluxe range has also been CEC tested which shows the commitment to being more energy efficient. The circ pump has also been upgraded to a new circulation pump, which is much quieter and more energy efficient.

Gareth Ward, Sales Director at Superior Wellness: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Deluxe range.

“The Seville hot tub is brand new in the range and an all seater spa.  All seater hot tubs are very popular, particularly in the US. They are perfect for families and friends who want to spend time relaxing and enjoying the hot tub together.”

“We always listen to feedback from our customers and partner network to help inform our decisions on innovation.”

The Platinum Spas brand continues to innovate every year with new models being introduced to ensure they offer the very best in technology and design, with a wide choice to suit every budget.

For more information on becoming an authorised Platinum Spas partner or would like to find your nearest Platinum Spas showroom, visit the Platinum Spas website today.

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

superior wellness exterior

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Shadow Minister for Skills & Further Education visits Chesterfield’s new Heat Pump Training Academy

Chesterfield’s MP and the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education recently paid a visit to NIBE’s newly refurbished Training Academy in the area.

Toby Perkins MP met with NIBE’s Managing Director Phil Hurley, where they held discussions on the role of heat pumps in decarbonising the economy and the need to upskill the installer base to meet net zero targets.

Mr Toby Perkins was also given a tour around the firm’s latest heat pump products and smart solutions. The refurbished training centre will provide for increasing the available heat pump installer base in the UK.

Mr Perkins’ visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of upskilling the new generation of installers and engineers on the route to net zero – and the drive needed to meet the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installs per year by 2028.

The Shadow Minister for Skills & Further Education commented: “I was delighted to visit NIBE’s new training academy and very pleased that they have chosen to further invest in Chesterfield. Green investment is vital to the future of our economy and our ability to meet our Net Zero commitments and fight climate change.

“The development of new technologies, such as advanced heat pumps, also requires the development of new skills in the workforce. The NIBE training academy will help provide the next generation of skilled engineers in this sector and provide vital new job opportunities locally.  I look forward to watching their progress and hope to come back and meet some of the people who have been trained here in Chesterfield.”

The NIBE Training Academy in Chesterfield is currently taking bookings for best-in-class comprehensive installation, commissioning, and servicing and maintenance courses, alongside the NIBE Pro installer partnership scheme, providing MCS & NAPIT recognised and Ofqual regulated training and technical support.

The visit follows the academy’s grand re-opening in December, where NIBE was joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield Tony Rogers and his wife Mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling. Attendees got the chance to gain greater insight into the low carbon training opportunities available as NIBE called for a growing installer base.

NIBE Managing Director Phil Hurley said: “It was a pleasure to once again meet our local Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, on Friday and to show him around our flagship Training Academy. We held productive talks on the vital need to expand the heat pump installer base in order to meet Government installation targets and how our products will contribute to producing more sustainable heating across the country.”

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

Phil Hurley meets Toby Perkins MP

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

Local businesses, schools and education providers invited to help shape the future of education and skills delivery

‘Careers Made In Chesterfield’ – a brand new Careers Workshop pilot, which is designed to inspire and inform local students, will be launched at this year’s Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference.

Schools and employers, who are keen to support the future career and job opportunities for local young people, are being urged to attend the free annual conference to learn more about the exciting initiative.

The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and businesses, is returning for a seventh year and will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 8 February, from 8am -11am.

Confirmed speakers at the go-to event include Andy Byrne, Property Development Director for the Devonshire Group, which is behind the Staveley Works scheme. He will be updating on the innovative Construction Skills Hub, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

Alongside Andy Byrne, Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group will be speaking at the event. The College, with support from the University of Derby, has been appointed as the training provider for the new Hub. Over 10 years, the public/private sector collaboration aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

The conference will also welcome students from Whittington Green School and apprentices from Tarmac as well as Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council.

The conference is an opportunity for businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to come together and shape the future of education and skills delivery in the area.

During the morning, businesses are invited to feed into local and regional skills plans and help shape the strategic direction through discussion of business needs, challenges and successes.

Organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub, the conference is part of the Derbyshire Festival of Business programme and open to all businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to attend.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This year’s Skills and Employability Conference looks set to be another packed showcase of the exciting opportunities and aspirations which exist across our borough. It’s a great way to strengthen the links between business and education, which ensures that our young people can develop the skills local employers need – creating a thriving and ambitious local workforce for the future.

“On the day, we will be delighted to be joined by students from Whittington Green School and look forward to hearing from senior leaders at Brookfield Community School about steps we can take together to develop robust career strategies that will further benefit the borough’s young people, along with an employer panel that will be chaired by Tarmac’s apprentice.

“The spotlight will also be on some of our innovative skills projects which are moving ahead in the borough, including investment in the Construction Skills Hub through the Staveley Town Deal which is set to create some fantastic opportunities for thousands of learners over the coming years, especially young people living in the Staveley area.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “With over 15,000 students set to gain their GCSEs and A Levels over the next five years in North Derbyshire, a strong and successful partnership between education providers and local businesses is critical. We need to ensure young people have the right skills, are work-ready and can make the most of the employment opportunities available in a wide range of sectors and industries on their doorstep. This conference is the first step in making this happen.”

Tickets for the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference are free and can be booked at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-north-derbyshire-employability-skills-conference/.

2023 employability eventbrite image dfob

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

White Rose Beauty Colleges to showcase a range of skills and career opportunities in Chesterfield

Chesterfield’s White Rose Beauty Colleges is reminding people across the town of the range of career opportunities in the sector, by hosting a relaunch event this month.

The business opened in the town back in November 2019, just months before the lockdown. Head of Recruitment, Helen Bradshaw takes up the story on how the business had to quickly adapt to changes brought on by the pandemic:

“We successfully navigated our business through this difficult period by adapting our courses to facilitate online learning but like most businesses we were unable to execute all our plans due to the restrictions in place.

“With lockdown firmly behind us we feel now is a great time to host an open event to showcase who we are, what courses we offer and reach out to those in the community who may still not of heard of us.”

Helen and her colleagues are hopeful that the relaunch event will help to engage the local community and provide people with an insignt into the key learning opportunities they are able to offer.

She commented: “We have an evening of positivity and fun planned, with music and light refreshments, mini treatments such as hand and arm massage or shoulder massage to enjoy, make-up demonstrations and a tour of our college with staff on hand to answer any questions about the importance of our role in the learning and development of others and contribution to our town.  In addition, and our way of saying thank you all attendees will receive a voucher which can be redeemed against a treatment at another time.”

White Rose Beauty Colleges is confident that the business will continue to grow  in Chesterfield  and is dedicated to its commitment and contribution towards the Chesterfield community.

white-rose-beauty-colleges

Helen added: “Recently we became part of The Learning Curve Group and feel excited about the opportunities this will offer in the future.  We will continue to provide an excellent training environment in the heart of Chesterfield where White Rose Beauty Colleges is an accredited centre of excellence offering VTCT and ITEC registered qualifications.  These awarding bodies are recognised worldwide and make us a great choice for those wishing to use their qualification in the professional environment.

“Our college plays an active role in supporting Derbyshire schools by attending their careers events, also we host open days and taster sessions in our college throughout the year. Our excellent two-year Study Programme for school leavers helps prepare the learner for work in the industry by providing a realistic salon environment where members of the public can book treatments.

“We are passionate to introduce the concept of how diverse a career in beauty can be, with excellent links to organisations who we regularly invite as guest speakers to our college.  We have forged good links with local salons and are happy to advertise job opportunities around our college.  We provide the opportunity for NEETS learners who often come to us with challenges and obstacles which we help and support them to overcome.  We literally encourage every learner to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.”

“Our adult learners can choose from a varied and interesting course programme, we find our learners are either looking for a career change or have a job they enjoy but want to learn something creative.  We have strong links with the Job Centre and have attended career events, our Level 2 Diploma courses are fully funded including kit and uniform to anyone who is unemployed to ensure those in need are not denied the chance to join us.

“Most recently we have offered and facilitated courses for a local group of Ukrainian refugees who wished to upskill whilst they are in the UK or simply enjoy the sociability of meeting new friends. We will continue to reach out and support local charities and businesses alike, my belief is we can and do make a difference.”

Find out more about the upcoming open day at White Rose Beauty Colleges here. 

White Rose Beuty Colleges Supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

white-rose-beauty-colleges

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Workpays’ Big Assembly 2023 event set to inspire the next generation

A major skills event hosted by Chesterfield training provider, Workpays, is returning to Derbyshire on National Apprenticeship Week 2023.

The Big Assembly is an award-winning, annual broadcast that provides apprenticeship advice to schools, parents, students, and employers. Last year’s broadcast was watched live and on demand by 100,000 people.

Today, Workpays is proud to announce The Big Assembly will be broadcast live at the National Stone Centre, a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Tens of thousands of people have signed up already and, if you haven’t yet, you can too at www.bigassembly.org.

Alex Glasner, MD, Workpays, said: “The aim of the Big Assembly is simple: inspire the next generation of apprentices. For many school leavers, the broadcast is a starting point to discover what their next steps are after graduation – whether it be employment or further education. The Big Assembly is the jewel in the crown of National Apprenticeship Week.

“With more and more people tuning in each year, we are excited to partner with the stunning National Stone Centre in Derbyshire, which supports many different types of apprenticeships.

“This year’s Big Assembly will be the BIGGEST one ever.”

Sarah Fry, Head of Membership and Marketing, Institute of Quarrying said: “The National Stone Centre is the home of the Institute of Quarrying, a membership organisation which serves the on-going training and development needs of the skilled workforces of the mineral products industry. We are delighted to be hosting the Big Assembly.”

Emily Noble, Future Careers Manager, Minerals Matter said: “Minerals Matter is working across the mineral products sector and with educators to demonstrate the sustainable and diverse, exciting career opportunities that exist for young people. Having the Big Assembly at the National Stone Centre, in partnership with the D2N2 Careers Hub, enables us to further showcase this great sector and how young people can shape their world within it.”

The 2023 Big Assembly is being broadcast live from the National Stone Centre near Matlock, Derbyshire, on the 7th February at 11:10 am.

This year’s live event will include careers advice from companies big and small and from people who work in lots of different sectors, including media, construction, cars, finance, and our panel has some well-known names.

The 2023 Big Assembly is free and can be watched online. Simply sign up in advance: www.BigAssembly.org

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

The Big Assembly

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

2023 Made in Chesterfield festival inspires girls to consider careers in engineering and manufacturing

Girls have been inspired to consider a career in engineering and manufacturing thanks to this year’s Made in Chesterfield festival, co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP).

Maddy, a Year 9 pupil from Whittington Green School who visited performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic in Wingerworth, said: “I would definitely consider a future career in STEM. There’s a stigma about STEM being just for boys but actually more women should give it a go; they can do it. It’s not just for boys.”

Maddy was one of more than 150 male and female students from secondary schools throughout Chesterfield that took part in workplace visits to companies operating in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector during the four-week festival.

The visits, which were organised by Direct Education Business Partnership, were designed to introduce secondary school students to the varied STEM careers available in the local economy.

Sonya Martin, Out of School Tuition Tutor at Whittington Green Secondary School, praised the campaign, saying: “We’ve had quite a few female students say they didn’t realise engineering was open to them and that, actually, the work would be a lot of fun. Having the chance to bring them around different workplaces, especially Scooby Clinic, has been really good for them because we very rarely get to know what goes on in our local environment.”

Scooby Clinic was one of a number of businesses that welcomed students into the workplace during the festival. MSE Hiller, Weightron Bilanciai, United Cast Bar, Superior Wellness, Atlantic Pumps, Robinson PLC and Aztec Oils also opened their doors to students.

Aztec Oils, which is based in Bolsover and is one of the UK’s leading specialists in high-performance lubricant manufacture and distribution, welcomed students from Springwell Community College.

Scooby Clinic Made in Chesterfield

During the visit Year 9 pupil Lara commented; “Being here today has made me reconsider my GCSE options. It’s shown me that STEM is more than science and there are lots of jobs and so many opportunities out there.”

Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group, explained: “It is so positive to see the impact of raising aspirations in STEM subjects with girls across the region thanks to initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. This is the latest in a long line of positive actions to breakdown any perceived barriers for young women who enter a career in STEM. Year on year we are delighted to see more and more young, driven women studying programmes and apprenticeships at Chesterfield College in STEM industries. These students consistently inform us that when talking to school age girls about getting into a STEM related career they should ‘just go for it!’ Whilst they admitted they felt daunted when first entering the industry, that apprehension quickly subsided when they realised how supported and valued they were by their classmates or work colleagues.”

According to a report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, only 27% of the UK’s STEM workforce is female compared to 52% of the wider workforce.

Made in Chesterfield, which is sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, is now in its eighth year. The annual festival is playing a key role in addressing the technical skills shortage amongst local businesses.

Research by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills found that 43 per cent of national STEM vacancies are hard to fill due to a shortage of skilled and experienced applicants.

Ivan Fomin Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough said: “I am delighted at the impact the Made in Chesterfield festival has made with students, schools and businesses this year. Seeing so many mixed groups of students undertaking visits to STEM workplaces in Chesterfield is incredibly encouraging. Ensuring that our workplaces are diverse is critical to tackling skills shortages in the sector both locally and nationally.”

Clare Talati, Chief Executive of DEBP added: “DEBP are delighted to work in partnership on the initiative; at a time with increased pressures for schools and employers, the feedback demonstrates just how important workplace visits are in enabling young people to understand more about the amazing opportunities available locally.”

Since its 2014 launch, Made in Chesterfield has introduced over 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available operating in the STEM sector within local businesses.

Whittington Green Made in Chesterfield Scooby Clinic Visit

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

Optimism over ‘green shoots of recovery’ in 2023, says East Midlands Chamber study

The East Midlands economy has suffered a series of knocks throughout the year, with cost pressures hitting businesses hard – but there are hopes for a more optimistic outlook in 2023.

This is the verdict of East Midlands Chamber after its latest research, which showed a decline in customer demand for products and services, investment intentions and recruitment prospects – yet a slight upturn in business confidence for the year ahead.

As part of its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester School of Business and gauges the health of the region’s economy, the Chamber produces a State of the Economy Index to provide an “at a glance” picture showing the direction of travel for the local economy based on aggregated indicators.

It has trended downwards every quarter since the start of the year to reach its lowest level since the end of 2020 – a period of local Covid-19 restrictions and the beginning of a second national lockdown – but underlying data in the Q4 2022 survey offers room for optimism.

East Midlands Chamber director of policy and external affairs Chris Hobson said: “2022 has been a difficult year economically, with a series of events negatively impacting activity and sentiment – some out of our control and others self-inflicted.

“Domestic demand and international activity has softened slightly as the year has gone on, with cashflow deteriorating and investment intentions down.

“Recruitment difficulties have been the perennial issue, with this final set of data suggesting a drop-off in businesses seeking to grow their workforce.

“However, within that data lies a multitude of experiences, not all negative, and some signs for positivity as we enter 2023.

“Although business confidence – which affects tangible decisions like investment – has dropped significantly from where it was at the start of the year amid the war in Ukraine, political stability and policy flip-flops, there has been a small rise in optimism over profitability and turnover prospects during the final quarter of the year due to a more consistent approach to policy.

“While the gradual slowdown in demand has created capacity within the economy – opening the pressure valve on prices that has been one of the inflationary drivers – there are also signs that other drivers of inflation are starting to soften.”

Key findings from the Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2022 for the East Midlands*, which was conducted between 7 November and 1 December 2022, included:

  • UK sales stagnated between the third and fourth quarters of the year, with UK advanced orders down by 9%
  • Overseas sales were up by 5% quarter on quarter but advanced orders decreased by 2%
  • The proportion of businesses that added to their headcount in the past three months fell by 8% compared to the previous quarter, while there was a similar decline in firms expecting to recruit new staff in the next three months
  • A net 57% of businesses expect they will be forced to raise prices as they grapple with rising costs for energy, interest rates, people, raw materials and fuel – although this is down from 62% and 58% in the previous two quarters
  • A net 17% of firms reported a decrease in cashflow, marking a 3% rise in the proportion of companies affected
  • A lack of room at the margins means investment intentions continue to trend downwards – falling by 6% quarter-on-quarter for plant and machinery, and 8% for training
  • After nosediving in recent months, business confidence in the prospects of profitability improvements rose 10% compared to the previous quarter, although optimism over improved turnover was down by 1%.

Chris added: “To turn these green shoots into real economic growth in 2023, it is essential that policymakers work with businesses to support them in their growth aspirations.

“Our Business Manifesto for Growth, launched at Westminster in November, provides a blueprint for this.

“While there is no one silver bullet, an immediate action Government could take is to better incentivise business investment in equipment and training, reducing inflationary pressures by both creating further capacity and softening the impact of high staff costs.

“Policy and geopolitical events aside, the biggest thing businesses will be hoping for in 2023 is a bit of calmness and consistency from those taking decisions on the direction of the UK economy – along with meaningful engagement with those businesses that will ultimately deliver the growth to ensure any recession is not just shallow, but short.”

The results will be discussed at the Chamber’s Annual State of the Economy Review on Friday (16 December), held in partnership with the University of Leicester, Geldards and emh group at Memorial House, in Coalville.

Professor Mohamed Shaban, associate dean for business and civic engagement at the University of Leicester School of Business, said there was support available for businesses affected by the economic climate.

He added: “We are proud of our long heritage providing research-informed knowledge exchange to businesses in the East Midlands and beyond through degrees, management development courses such as Help to Grow: Management, business support services, internships, placements, consultancy, knowledge transfer partnerships and contract research.

“Our academics thrive on solving business problems with world-changing research and innovative solutions providing real-world impact.”

To read the full Quarterly Economic Survey report for Q4 2022, click here.

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

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

NIBE officially opens newly refurbished Chesterfield training academy

A newly refurbished training centre for heat pump installers has opened its doors in Chesterfield.

The grand reopening of NIBE Energy Systems Ltd’s flagship Heat Pump Training Academy in Chesterfield took place on Friday December 9th, after the closure of the site for refurbishment.

NIBE’s UK employees along with Phil Hurley, UK Managing Director, and Stefan Nordenfors, Sales Director EMEA, were joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield Tony Rogers and his wife Mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling of the newly refurbished centre.

NIBE’s state of the art technology and innovative products were showcased at the event – including the award-winning S2125 Air Source Heat Pump, which uses a natural refrigerant for a low environmental impact. Visitors also viewed NIBE’s ground-breaking and award-winning PV-T panel, which transform ground source heat pumps into multi source heat pumps as well as other low carbon home heating products and controls.

The reopening event provided a chance to gain insight into the low-carbon training opportunities available with NIBE as the industry gears up for the growing demand for heat pump systems across the country. The much-needed improvements will further help installers deliver the government’s net zero targets. To meet these targets, the UK will need over 50,000 installers by 2030 delivering 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028.

The Chesterfield Training Academy is vital for supporting the heat pump installer base, providing comprehensive installation and commissioning and service and maintenance courses, alongside the industry leading NIBE Pro training. This RQF Level 3 Award in Heat Pump Technology provides training and requirements for MCS, is recognised by NAPIT and is LCL Awards approved. The Ofqual regulated course forms part of the support provided on the NIBE Pro installer partnership scheme.

Partnerships between NIBE, colleges and other training centres have also been formed to boost access to training across the country for installers. These centres, alongside the Chesterfield site, are at the forefront of levelling up installers to possess the in-demand skills needed to install heat pumps into new and existing homes in the coming years.

Phil Hurley, Managing Director, at NIBE Energy Systems, said: “We’re really excited to reopen this flagship NIBE Training Academy and were delighted to welcome attendees on Friday. We’ve been working hard to ensure the facility gives the best possible learning for installers so they can effectively and confidently install heat pumps right here in Chesterfield and across the UK.

“At NIBE we’ve started to address the gaps in industry training for heat pumps, through courses such as our MCS & NAPIT recognised NIBE Pro installer training. All our courses have a hands-on learning approach, facilitated by our new Academy’s working displays. We are looking forward to working with new and existing installers throughout their heat pump journey.”

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

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

Chesterfield’s CBE+ invests £2m in Europe’s first robotic automated Electroless Nickel Plating line

Engineering supply chain provider CBE+ is installing the first 6+1 robotic Electroless Nickel Plating (ENP) line in the UK and Europe at its 70,000sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

Representing a £2 million investment, the automated plating line will allow the company to undertake a range of innovative projects at its Chesterfield base, including the processing of small, precision-engineered components in high volumes and the ability to deliver high-quality parts at a consistently high standard.

The automated line from Sidasa Engineering will also facilitate a highly repeatable surface treatment process, reducing the time taken to complete and send large orders to customers and significantly increasing CBE+’s Electroless Nickel production capacity.

Chief Executive Officer, Marie Cooper, said, “This is a significant investment for CBE+ and one that will bring many benefits to the business and our customers. The new plating line reduces the scope for human error by automating dosing control and deposition monitoring and measuring. This results in a consistently high-quality finish on the products we process.

“Automating these tasks means we can redeploy skilled employees to projects that require higher levels of expertise. As well as freeing up time from the plating line, we are also automating parts of the jigging process in partnership with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). This will enable the team to use their skills and expertise on projects that will interest and challenge them, as well as helping to drive the business forward.”

This investment continues CBE+’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, the new nickel-plating line will be linked with the newly commissioned effluent water treatment plant and combined heat and power (CHP) system. The CHP system captures heat generated as a by-product of electrical power generation which is then used to provide heat energy for the surface treatment processes. The effluent plant filters and neutralises all waste chemistry on-site and allows for environmentally safe disposal and recycling.

Mark Lawson, Managing Director said, “The Effluent and CHP investments are both critical steps made to Ensure CBE+ are reducing our Environmental footprint.”

The new ENP line will be delivered in December. The line will be commissioned from February and fully operational in March 2023.

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield manufacturer works with chocolatier to produce festive range for John Lewis

Robinson, a Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has teamed up with Holdsworth Chocolates to create a Christmas confectionery range for John Lewis.

The bespoke festive range includes a selection of 100% recyclable rigid boxes, sleeves and treat bags printed in a six-colour design and foil blocked on gold.

Robinson produced the 200g and 400g box and lid on a recently acquired rigid box line. The new equipment – SATE machinery – is based at the site in Chesterfield and offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

Jon Walker, New Business Development Manager at Robinson said: “Producing high quality, creative, engaging packaging for brands and retailers at an affordable price is key. Being an independent company means that we can be flexible to the needs of Holdsworth. We turned around production from design to delivery in just 3-4 weeks.”

David Sharples, Managing Director at Holdsworth Chocolates said: “Whenever we produce packaging, including for special celebrations such as Christmas, we aim to make sure all the materials we use are sustainable and can be recycled.

“Sustainable packaging is a collective goal for both Robinson and Holdsworth. Our brand was developed on a passion for creating beautiful hand-crafted chocolates, using the finest of everything, that’s why it is so important that we invest in high quality sustainable packaging that reflects our values too.

“The packaging has been printed using six colours and is completed with foil blocking; the perfect finishing touch to add a stunning and luxurious feel to the design. As the Christmas packaging was only needed in limited quantity, Robinson provided a small bespoke run for Holdsworth’s needs, making them the perfect packaging partner.

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson 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, Christmas, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Training provider appointed for Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed as the training provider for the new Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.

The innovative Construction Skills Hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site in Mastin Moor.

Over ten years, the hub aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce that the college and university will be working together to support this project. 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, ensuring that everyone in Staveley can start, stay, and grow in the town.

“I look forward to working with them and our partners the Devonshire Group to progress the development of the Hub and start welcoming learners in Autumn 2023.”

A site has already been identified for the Construction Skills Hub in collaboration with the Devonshire Group, which will be bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor. This will allow trainees to develop their skills on a live housing site, and in time there will also be opportunities to gain experience on other Staveley Town Deal construction projects.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director for Devonshire Group, said: “When I first saw the concept of a Construction Skills Hub and was asked if we could help deliver one for Chesterfield, my resounding response was yes, and I know just where.

“Devonshire Group are deeply committed to offering opportunities for learning and skills development, and to making a real difference to the lives and employment prospects of those in our communities, so we are delighted to be able to assist the Council in providing a home for the Skills Hub. Supporting the next generation of people who will help create our built environment is something to be truly proud of.”

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

Gavin Varley, Director of Advanced Engineering, Building Technologies and Construction at The Chesterfield College Group, explains: “We make a commitment to our students to not only provide them with the skills and qualifications they need, they are just the start, but with the work experience and industry knowledge that gives them the clarity of how and where to progress their career for years to come. We’re delighted to be a partner of this project as it comprehensively addresses this wider student experience, we commit to providing for all.”

Professor Chris Bussell, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed the training provider, alongside Chesterfield College, for the new Construction Skills Hub, which will provide real-world learning opportunities to thousands of people looking to embark on a career in the construction industry or develop their skills so they can progress onto new roles.

“The Hub will enhance the existing construction training offer by providing the opportunity for local learners to develop their skills in a live on-site centre. Our ambition is for this to be ground-breaking, delivering a model that builds on the innovative approach of other such centres, and we are looking forward to developing our relationship with Chesterfield College as well as working with prominent private sector companies on this exciting project.

“As a Civic University, we are committed to supporting the city and county’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, improving the life chances of people, developing a pipeline of talent that choose to live and work in the area, and addressing the skills gap through our involvement in initiatives such as the Construction Skills Hub.”

Working on a live construction site will not only allow learners to develop the skills they need, but it will also provide practical experience and help provide a link to construction companies where they could find permanent roles.

Staveley is set to benefit from £25.2 million of investment through the Town Deal with the aim to create a town where everyone can start, stay and grow. This investment will support eleven different projects across the town and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to help shape the future by improving transport links, creating new housing, providing skills for local people, enhancing community facilities, and regenerating the town centre.

Find out more about Staveley Town Deal: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

property and construction

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

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

Signup to our newsletter