Skills

Council receives national award for innovative construction skills support

The Construction Skills Hub, operated by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with local organisations, has been awarded National Skills Academy for Construction qualifying status by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

This national recognition highlights Chesterfield’s leadership as a centre of excellence for construction training and best practice in local labour processes. It further strengthens collaboration between the council, CITB, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, and the Devonshire Group to expand opportunities at the Construction Skills Hub.

Achieving the new status provides a formal framework for delivering local labour initiatives. Contractors including, Stepnell, Vistry, and Harron Homes will now collaborate more closely with the hub to boost skills development and employment opportunities for local residents.

The Construction Skills Hub, a sector-specific training facility linked to the Devonshire Group’s emerging development at Mastin Moor, is a flagship project within the Staveley Town Deal. Over the next decade, it is expected to support more than 5,000 learners, from school pupils exploring careers to adults seeking to re-skill, providing careers insights, training and work experience.

The hub has been created to help tackle well-documented skills shortages across the construction industry. CITB’s latest Industry Outlook Report highlights that the East Midlands alone needs over 3,000 new construction workers every year until 2029 to keep pace with demand for housing and infrastructure.

The Construction Skills Hub is a unique collaboration between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby and the Devonshire Group. The project supports the council’s ambition to make Chesterfield a thriving, modern borough and improve the quality of life for local people.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said:

“I’m delighted Chesterfield Borough Council has received this award. As the first council in our region to enter into this positive partnership with the CITB, we are truly leading the way when it comes to providing support for skills development.

Securing National Skills Academy for Construction qualifying status endorses our approach to creating fantastic opportunities for local people arising from development, not only through training but also by strengthening the local supply chain. The work we do has real impact too—students at our Construction Skills Hub are more than three times more likely to go into construction-related employment, giving them the best chance to build a bright future in our borough.”

Luke Mantle, Director of School (Construction, Plumbing, Electrical and Automotive) at Chesterfield College, said: “Being awarded the status of National Skills Academy for Construction is another huge milestone for our Skills Hub.

The quality of our training begins with its unique setting – a live construction site, where students gain real-world experience from day one. This hands-on approach is strengthened by the expertise of our industry-leading tutors. They equip students with the practical skills and knowledge employers need to tackle the well-documented skills gap in construction.

This initiative continues to go from strength to strength, demonstrating the powerful impact that collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and local community can achieve. Securing NSAfC status will further deepen our partnership with employers, enabling us to support both the recruitment of new talent and the upskilling of existing staff.”

Andrew Byrne, Group Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group, emphasised the long-term value of the project: “The Devonshire Group is delighted to support the Construction Skills Hub, and this latest achievement is a credit to all the teams involved.

Creating great communities is core to our values, and we hope to create a lasting legacy for Chesterfield by supporting construction skills for those who will help build communities in the future.”

Nathan Wilkins, Customer Engagement Manager for the East Midlands and East of England at CITB, added: “We’re excited to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council and local partners to bring the National Skills Academy for Construction to the area.

This collaboration will create new opportunities for local people to gain high-quality training, apprenticeships and careers, ensuring major developments directly benefit the community. CITB is proud to help strengthen the local workforce and support Chesterfield’s growth for years to come.” 

Cllr jean Innes and nathan wilkins skills

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Development, Home, Skills

New video highlights Supported Internships for young people

A new video is shining a light on how Supported Internships are helping young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into work.

The film features eight young people from across the East Midlands sharing what inspired them to join and how the experience is shaping their future.

Research by the Connected Futures programme found that many young people and families are unaware of Supported Internships. It also showed that more information is needed on how to access them.

The video aims to raise awareness and show how Supported Internships can make a real difference. It also encourages more employers to take part by offering placements or shorter externships that match an intern’s skills and interests.

Supported Internships are one-year programmes for 16 to 24 year olds with SEND who have an Education Health and Care Plan. Interns work with local employers, gaining experience in real workplaces and building practical skills for paid employment.

DEBP highlights Supported internships

Paula Symonds, Projects Manager for Connected Futures, said:

“The campaign video was commissioned to encourage more young people to consider a Supported Internship as a step towards employment. We also want to encourage more employers to offer internships or shorter externships where the intern moves out of the host business to a local employer that is better matched to their skills and future goals.”

The campaign was created by Connected Futures in the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). It is supported by Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), Nottinghamshire County Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Derby City Council.

To find out more and watch the video, visit: www.youtube.com

DEBP is one of over 200 businesses working with Destination Chesterfield to support the town’s economic growth. Find out more about the town’s Chesterfield Champions.

Posted in Business, Home, Skills

Students learn about creative career paths

Students at Chesterfield College took part in an event that aimed to provide careers inspiration for creative roles.

Artists who have created works as part of the Animate Chesterfield programme led the event by talking about their careers and work in Chesterfield before answering questions from the students.

All the students who took part are currently studying art and design. The event aimed to show them the types of careers available once they complete their studies and let them discover how others have built their artistic careers.

The speakers included Lucie Maycock who was Chesterfield’s first artist in residence, Coralie Turpin who is creating a new sculpture for Staveley town centre, Megan Russell (Peachzz) who is creating a mural in Chesterfield town centre, Sally Anderson who created a window trail last Christmas and is working on the same project this year and Denis O’Connor from Sculpture Works who are leading the creative installations for A Sense of Chesterfield, a new heritage arts trail.

Sally Anderson said: “I think it’s important to share it back, I started out here at Chesterfield College, and it’s good to come back and talk about what we’ve worked on and how we’ve built our practices. I think we develop a lot of creatives in Chesterfield and it’s good to come back and show that it’s not always plain sailing, but it is a process and a journey that they could achieve too and hopefully that is really inspiring for them.”

The session also formed part of Chesterfield College’s Creative Industries careers week.

Georgie Long, Curriculum Manager for Creative Industries at Chesterfield College Group adds, “These fabulous talks added so much to an already rich week-long programme of Creative Industries guest lectures and workshops by artists, performers and freelancers across a wide range of creative practice. We had over 140 of our creative students attending this talk alone, and they were given a real insight into the day-to-day lives of a practicing artist.

 “It’s wonderful to see our students making so many notes in these lectures and asking such intelligent questions. We’re here to help our students not just with skills, advice and direction but also to prepare them for a creative career after their studies, how to pitch for commissions, meet with clients and manage workloads for example. Hearing from these artists has provided them with invaluable advice and insight to help guide their future success.”

Animate Chesterfield is a public art programme which is creating new artworks and activities for visitors throughout the regeneration programmes happening in both Chesterfield and Staveley.

The programme is run by Chesterfield Borough Council, with funding secured through planning agreements, and delivered by Beam a leading cultural development organisation.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This was a great event that provides useful insights for young people who are trying to plan for their future. We support events like this across lots of different sectors, but this was the first time we’ve focussed on a creative field.

“We think it is important that young people hear directly from industry experts because it could help show them how they could achieve their dreams and work in a field they are passionate about. Thank you to everyone who took part and supported this event.”

To find out more about Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Skills

Employers urged to inspire and recruit local talent

Businesses across Chesterfield are encouraged to play a vital role in developing the town’s future workforce by actively engaging with local schools.

Local employers are invited to participate in activities that provide students with invaluable exposure to the world of work, including:

  • Attending careers fairs
  • Supporting mock interviews
  • Participating in employer Q&A sessions
  • Offering work experience placements for students

These activities also allow businesses to identify and nurture emerging talent early.

Schools seeking to collaborate with employers this year include Brookfield Community School, Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School, Outwood Academy Hasland Hall, Outwood Academy Newbold, Parkside Community School, Springwell Community College, St Mary’s Catholic High School, Tupton Hall, Whittington Green School, and Netherthorpe School.

There is also an opportunity to work with Chesterfield College and the University of Derby students.

The aim is to strengthen links between education and business, giving young people real-world experience and guidance to help shape their career paths.

Andy Kelly, Headteacher at Parkside Community School, highlights the value of collaboration between local schools and businesses. He said:

“When businesses and schools work together, they have a powerful impact on the future of young people. Activities like mock interviews, careers fairs, and Q&A sessions offer students meaningful insights into the world of work – helping them build confidence, raise aspirations and make informed career choices.

“At Parkside Community School, we are committed to preparing our students for life beyond the classroom. We welcome and encourage Chesterfield businesses to get involved. Together, we can inspire the next generation and ensure they’re equipped and motivated to contribute to the success of the local economy.

Diane Beresford, Chair of the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership and Deputy CEO of East Midlands Chamber said:

“Engaging with schools isn’t just about giving back – it’s a strategic move for businesses looking to future proof their workforce. By connecting with students early, businesses can identify emerging talent, shape young people’s understanding of industry expectations, and build awareness of the career paths available locally.

This collaboration allows businesses to influence the skills being developed, ensuring they align with real-world needs. It’s also a chance to raise your company’s profile among future employees and gain fresh insights into the mindset of the next generation entering the workforce.”

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

“We’ve seen first-hand the value of engaging with local schools. By offering work experience placements and participating in careers events, we’ve been able to connect with young people who are enthusiastic, curious, and eager to learn. It’s helped us raise awareness of the career opportunities available in engineering and manufacturing, while also giving us insight into the expectations and aspirations of the next generation. These interactions have not only benefited the students – they’ve also helped us shape our recruitment approach and strengthen our ties with the local community.”

For more information on how your business can support local schools, including a list of schools and event dates, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/engage-with-schools-and-colleges/.

Looking to upskill your workforce and strengthen your business? Chesterfield businesses of all sizes can access skills advice by emailing: info@chesterfield.co.uk or visiting: Https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/Skills and Training | Destination Chesterfield

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

Attend the next recruitment event

Local people looking for work are encouraged to attend the upcoming recruitment event at Chesterfield Town Hall on 21 and 22 October.

The two-day event offers the opportunity to engage with employers from a wide range of sectors. Attendees can discover how local organisations recruit and what they look for in new employees.

On Tuesday, 21 October, from 1pm to 4pm, visitors can meet directly with employers. They’ll gain insight into recruitment processes and learn how to strengthen applications and interview performance.

The second day, Wednesday, 22 October, from 9am to 12pm, will feature employer-led workshops focusing on recruitment and career pathways. These sessions will provide more detailed information about available roles and offer participants the opportunity to apply for current vacancies.

Both days of the event are free to attend, and anyone looking for work are welcome to drop in – no booking is required. People interested in the workshops on the second day are encouraged to attend the first day. This gives them a chance to meet employers, learn about available opportunities, and book a place.

A range of employers will be represented, including organisations from the public sector, care sector, and beyond. Employers attending include Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, East Midlands Combined County Authority, and several social care providers.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said:

“This recruitment event is a great opportunity for people to engage directly with employers, as well as find out more about training and education pathways from local providers. It’s also a good chance to get practical careers support and guidance, which could really help people to move jobs, change careers or take their first steps into the workplace.

As a council, we want to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy, and through working in partnership with businesses and the community sector, we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available.”

Brian Grant, from Joined Up Careers, which is part of Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board, added:

“We are delighted to be working this year in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council to showcase the work of employers and providers on making opportunities available to all across the Chesterfield area. The Inclusive Recruitment Festival continues this important work on widening participation in employment and improving inclusion to help employers represent the true diversity of the local population.

We are aware of the invaluable contribution that all members of our diverse local communities can make. Our aim is to improve access to employment and career opportunities as well as to sources of advice and support.

Although we represent the health and social care system across Derbyshire, we are committed to working with employers from all sectors to help tackle the barriers that often face individuals when trying to secure employment. We invite everyone to attend the festival and to take advantage of this new event in the recruitment calendar.”

For more information on this recruitment event please click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Skills

Skills and people in Chesterfield: Building futures, celebrating success

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

Construction Skills Hub highly commended at East Midlands Property Awards

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

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

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

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

Mitchells celebrates apprenticeship success at Chesterfield College AAT Awards

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

Two Mitchells apprentices received top honours:

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

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

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

Discover more about how apprentices can support your business

Made in Chesterfield launch inspires future talent and innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan for growth across the East Midlands launched

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free brick and groundworks training to be provided at Chesterfield Construction Skills Hub

A new pilot aims to attract new entrants to work in the construction industry.

Chesterfield College Group has partnered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to deliver the Access to Homebuilding pilot scheme to attract new entrants into the construction industry. The pilot scheme is the latest in a line of initiatives CITB has undertaken as part of its commitment to supporting the Government’s homebuilding target of 1.5 million new homes.

The pilot will see three different 4–6-week intensive courses take place on-site at the Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor, Chesterfield. Located within a live 650-unit housing development, the courses provide a unique opportunity for real-time learning and working directly with employers.

CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook report forecasts that about 150 extra bricklayers and groundworkers will be needed in the East Midlands each year for the next four years to meet demand.

The three courses on offer from October 2025 are:

  • A 4-week intensive Bricklaying course for anyone aged 18+ and unemployed
  • A 6-week Bricklaying Upskilling programme for Labourers (one day a week, must 18+)
  • A 6-week Groundworks Upskilling programme for Labourers (one day a week, must be 18+)

The 4-week intensive Bricklaying course is designed to give unemployed individuals aged 18+ hands-on skills and site experience with a clear pathway to working in the industry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attain the industry-required health and safety CSCS card to enable them to start work on-site in industry.

The 6-week programmes for Labourers offer employers the chance to upskill their workforce with practical Brickwork and/or Groundworks training, equipping attendees with site-ready skills.

Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, England, at CITB said: “We are delighted to launch this partnership with Chesterfield College Group, these sorts of initiatives are vital to attract a diverse range of new talent into the construction industry and address the skills shortage.

“The average construction salary is nearly £7,000 higher than the UK average. So, if you want a well-paid, fulfilling career that teaches you valuable skills for life, then look no further than the construction industry.”

To find out more about the free courses on offer and to apply, visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/citb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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