Almost 100 delegates, including six regional MPs, businesses and all levels of government united yesterday to call for improved and fairer infrastructure investment for the East Midlands.

East Midlands Councils and East Midlands Chamber jointly hosted an infrastructure summit at which regional MPs, led by the Rt Hon Nicky Morgan and Lilian Greenwood, signed a declaration calling national parity funding for projects that lead to jobs creation, improving skills and driving up productivity.

Using Government data, the declaration shows that the East Midlands received only 60% of average per capita investment compared with the rest of England and calls for this to be increased to match the national average by the 2020.

The declaration was unveiled at the East Midlands Infrastructure Summit – Driving Growth: Investing in our Infrastructure – which took place at Leicester City Hall, from 10am to 3pm.

Sir Peter Soulsby, the Mayor of Leicester, opened the event. Keynote speakers included Nicky Morgan – MP for Loughborough and Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, Lilian Greenwood – MP for Nottingham South and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Sir John Peace – Chair at Midlands Engine and Councillor Kay Cutts – Leader at Nottinghamshire County Council.

Business responses came from Richard Blackmore – Regional Director at the CBI in the East Midlands, Michelle Craven-Faulkner – Chair of the Rail Forum East Midlands, Scott Knowles – Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, Howard Ebison, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, Jake Kelly – Managing Director at East Midlands Trains and Gwyn Stubbings – Planning Director at IDI Gazeley.

Question-and-answer sessions were led by Stuart Young – Executive Director at East Midlands Councils, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber and Rob Mayo – President at East Midlands Chamber.

Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It was only a matter of about 60 hours in the summer between Chris Grayling announcing that Midland Main Line electrification would not go ahead and then that £30bn had been found for London’s Crossrail 2 project.

“Announcements like this are unfortunately indicative of a wider laissez-faire approach when it comes to Government spending in the East Midlands. We make more here than anywhere else in the country and we are very good at shipping what we make to global markets. But we could be significantly more productive if we had 21^st Century infrastructure.

“Nothing we saw in the recent Budget suggests this is about to change. The time has come to stand up and fight for the investment that our hard-won growth deserves. Government should back a proven winner, and the collective message today – from private and public sector – is for them to get on and do that.”

Dr Stuart Young, Executive Director of East Midlands Councils, said:-

“Treasury data confirms that the East Midlands is losing out in terms of public investment.  We are the lowest-funded region for transport, rail and wider infrastructure.  This risks chocking-off future growth.

“This is despite the fact that investment in the local economies that make up the East Midlands offers a greater economic return than other parts of the country.  By increasing the proportion of national infrastructure spending in the East Midlands, there will be a much better chance of unlocking the private sector investment needed to revive and rebalance the UK economy.

“If we are to deliver greater levels of infrastructure investment to the region – securing the jobs, productivity and housing growth that we all need – then councils, businesses and MPs will need to hunt together as a pack.”

The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan criticised various Governments for failing to invest in the East Midlands and pointed out that 21% of the country’s manufacturing output came from the region.

She added that congestion alone was costing regional businesses £1bn a year but infrastructure investment amounted to only £660 per capita and said that was £930 a head worse than, for example, the Northern Powerhouse area.

Nicky said:-

“We have a number of great opportunities to transform our connectivity and infrastructure.  These bring enormous economic opportunities – but also the challenge of making the most of them.

“Businesses, MPs and councils are a powerful force – and I’ve seen just how successful this type of approach can be elsewhere in the country.

“That is why I have pledged my support to a public commitment to increase the levels of investment. This is a rallying cry that needs to be heard locally and in Westminster.”

Howard Ebison, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, said:-

“With the right investment in improving infrastructure across the region, the East Midlands faces a future of significant prosperity.

“All the raw ingredients are in place to provide the foundation for future growth. Key to this is improved connectivity. We have a 15/20 year vision for the airport to double passenger numbers and grow what is already the UK’s number one pure freight facility.

“By better linking this to an improved road and rail network and the opportunities that HS2 will bring, alongside the significance of the rail freight terminal operation adjacent to the airport, we’re looking at thousands of new jobs being created and new and existing businesses flourishing.

“Therefore, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our local partners to call on Government for the means by which to make this a reality.”

Lilian said:-

“It’s good to see businesses and local authorities coming together with MPs in putting a collective shoulder against the very clear problem that our region has been consistently overlooked by successive Governments when investing in the economies and infrastructure outside of London.

“Why is this – it’s probably down to a combination of factors. Perhaps we don’t have the lagging economy of say the North East that pulls in public spend. Perhaps we don’t have the high-profile cities of Manchester and Birmingham with metro-mayors that exert ever-greater political pressure. Perhaps it’s down to a lack of investment propositions.

“Or perhaps it’s down to the fact that when the Government doesn’t invest – or when it pulls previously committed investment – it can be confident that the political fall-out will be minimal. Whatever the reason, we really do need to do something about it.”

She was highly critical of Chris Grayling’s plans to introduce bi-mode trains (powered alternatively by either diesel or electricity) on to Midland Main Line, and added: “If DfT is going to procure bi-mode trains, then procure ones that can be converted to full electric mode in the future – preferably from the East Midlands rail sector.  This would at least allow the option of full electrification within the 30-year lifetime of the rolling stock if the opportunity arose.”

Both Nicky and Lilian referenced the need for significant road improvements in the area as well as rail improvements.

Gwyn said:-

“On behalf of Gazeley and the logistics sector as a whole, it was pleasure to attend an event focused on investment in infrastructure and delivering economic growth within the key sectors in the East Midlands.

“It was a valuable opportunity to draw together so many stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and focus on the challenges that need to be overcome in terms of improving all aspects of road, rail and air infrastructure across the East Midlands and beyond.

“I was also heartened to hear calls for further investment in skills as an essential part of overall infrastructure delivery.”

The event was supported by CBI East Midlands, FSB East Midlands, IoD East Midlands and the Rail Forum East Midlands.

A Chesterfield food specialist which produces a range of mouth-watering pâtés and terrines is aiming to treble its capacity after securing a £25,000 investment from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), in order to fulfil its growing order book.

Father and son team Alistair and Will Sutherland founded Original Recipes in 2012, drawing upon secret formulas first produced by Alistair’s grandmother in the 1920’s, transforming the Sutherland name into a household brand with its range of spreads and pâtés enjoyed by millions of people each week.

Finance For Enterprise helped to secure funding to purchase additional new equipment after seeing an increase in demand for their new products with a growing number of sports stadia and event management businesses including the Royal Armouries, Hull Kingston Rovers and Derby County FC, as well as securing regular orders from pubs and restaurants across the UK.

Since securing a NPIF loan, the Chesterfield-based business has invested in new kitchen equipment, enabling production capacity to increase from just over 1,000 terrines per week to more than 3,300.

The funding has also been used to safeguard two jobs within the business, and two new jobs are due to be added to the Original Recipe’s workforce within the next six months.

Alistair Sutherland, Managing Director, Original Recipes said:

“Since launching the business in 2012, we explored a number of different routes to market, and realised that whilst pâtés and terrines are always a popular choice whenever they appear on the menu, they can be complicated and costly for professional chefs to produce. Terrines take specialist knowledge and lots of time to perfect, which can often be incompatible with the demands of catering for large events.”

David Lee, Investment Manager, Finance For Enterprise said:

“As a not-for-profit organisation, Finance For Enterprise works closely with business owners to help them choose the right form of funding to meet their needs. We worked with Original Recipes to help them access the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund which was created with businesses like Original Recipes in mind, who require short-term investment to unlock the true potential of their business”.

Grant Peggie, Director at British Business Bank, said:

“The Sheffield City Region is home to an abundance of ambitious SMEs that are looking to expand and access new markets. It’s good to see that NPIF’s fund managers are seeking out these fascinating businesses that are looking to grow.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

Sheffield City Region is set to receive up to £5million from the Department of Work and Pensions to support more people into employment.

Thousands of disadvantaged people and those at risk of becoming long-term jobseekers across the region are set to receive a combination of specialist advice and support to get into work. The scheme will start in January and run for five years.

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Borough Council and Chair of the SCR Skills, Employment and Education board, said: “I am very pleased to see this pilot, which will help underpin the inclusive approach of the Sheffield City Region.

“We are in the vanguard of this work. As we see the numbers of our high value jobs growing we are ensuring that no one in our communities misses out on this growth.”

Nigel Brewster, Vice Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership and Co-Chair of Skills, Employment and Education board, added: “This is a visionary exercise. Employers want the best people, and they are very keen to see help for those who face hurdles getting into work. This scheme will benefit the whole region.”

In the Sheffield City Region the scheme is expected to help support 3,000 people – including disabled people and older people. Employment and health specialists will work together to help vulnerable people facing multiple barriers to getting or keeping work.

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, David Gauke said: “We have record numbers of people in work which is great news, but there are still people missing out on the available opportunities because of barriers to employment.

“This new scheme led by the Sheffield City Region is a great step forward in our efforts to identify groups of people most at risk of long-term unemployment, and ways we can support them in work.

“This pilot is yet another step forward in our efforts to help people of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of work, and will boost the wide ranging support we currently offer through local experts like Jobcentre Plus.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry added: “We’re boosting jobs and growth across the Northern Powerhouse, with Sheffield City Region set to benefit from up to £5million for a new employment scheme. This pilot will help people across Sheffield City Region to find high quality jobs and help the people most vulnerable in the jobs market.”

Throughout May, several local solicitors have agreed to support Ashgate Hospicecare’s ‘Make a Will’ Campaign.

The campaign, which is designed to educate the public on the importance of Wills and to encourage them to make one, will be supported by local solicitors who will offer a free service for the making of a basic Will in return for a donation to Ashgate Hospicecare.

Every year supporters of Ashgate Hospicecare help to ensure that the hospice can continue to help patients and their families whose lives have been affected by a life limiting illness by leaving a gift in their Will.

Alison chose to support Ashgate Hospicecare by leaving a gift in her Will after her husband, Mark, died in the Hospice. She said:-

“The Hospice kind of tracked our journey and came into and out of our lives as and when we needed it. We were absolutely overwhelmed at the kindness of everyone, just the smallest of things that the staff and volunteers did all built up and meant so much to us both.

“Ashgate Hospicecare is a community resource and I know that the gift I am leaving in my Will really will make a huge difference to those people facing a similar situation to ours.”

Each year, gifts in Wills help to ensure that the Hospice can go on helping patients and their families whose lives are affected by life limiting illnesses. In fact, one in five of our patients are cared for by using gifts in Wills. Without those gifts, it is likely that 275 fewer patients would be cared for by the Hospice each year.

Ashgate Hospicecare is encouraging those who haven’t made a Will to use this opportunity to do so. Appointments can be made directly with the solicitor and a list of those participating in the campaign can be found here.

Talented former Chesterfield College fashion student, April Spence, age 20, launched her new ethical and sustainable clothing company, Blue Oxen at a special event in the businesses new base in West Studios on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield last week.

The event showcased her bespoke and eye catching clothing collections to invited guests including representatives from the local fashion industry the mayor of Chesterfield, Councillor Steve Brunt, and Mayoress of Chesterfield, Mrs Jill Mannion-Brunt who congratulated April on her new venture. Guests were also treated to a dance performance and a chance to see the newly launched web site.

Her business idea came from a personal passion and the chance to explore sustainable fashion during her studies at college.

April sources materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, by using remnants or fabric she finds in charity shops and she also sources new materials that are created with the environment in mind. She designs and makes unique pieces of clothing for individual commissions which are a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, with underlying African themes and inspiration.

She has planned and launched her business in just 4 months and says it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of former tutors, the staff and other tenants of West Studios who have helped her get her business off the ground.

April said:

“I didn’t want to go to university after I finished college and had always dreamt of owning my own business. It feels great to be making that happen here. West Studios is an ideal place for me to be creative, develop my business skills and see my idea come to fruition. My dream is to be a market leader in sustainable fashion.”

“Blue Oxen is all about sustainability with flair. I am creating exciting clothes that you can’t get on the high street. Eventually, when the business grows, I would like to be able to manufacture in some of the tribal communities which inspired my first collection of sustainable clothing as well as in the UK.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote in the general election on Thursday 8 June.

Chesterfield residents who are already registered to vote will automatically be sent poll cards to vote in the general election.

Residents have until Monday 22 May to register to vote in the general election.

The quickest and simplest way to register is online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. The process takes only a few minutes. People wanting to register will need details including: date of birth, address and National Insurance number.

Huw Bowen, Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive and electoral registration officer, said:-

“Since the general election has been called, our elections team has been contacted by people asking if they need to re-register to vote and we would like to reassure them that if they are already on the electoral register, they will be entitled to vote on 8 June.

“Time is running out, though, for anyone who is not already registered to vote in the general election and I would urge anyone who is not registered, to do this as soon as possible.”

The deadline for people to register to vote in the Derbyshire County Council elections on Thursday 4 May has now passed and it is too late for people who are not already registered to register to vote in these elections.

Anyone with any queries can contact the council’s elections team on 01246 345402 or email elections@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Museum is appealing for memories of the Crooked Spire church for a forthcoming exhibition.

The exhibition will take place at the popular Chesterfield Borough Council run attraction this summer and will explore St Mary and All Saints’ Church as a historic building, the heart of a community and the symbol of the town.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said:-

“People around the world recognise the Crooked Spire church as a symbol of Chesterfield.

“We would really like local people to come forward with their memories of the church but we also want to know what the spire means to the people of Chesterfield as a symbol of the town and how it has played a part in their lives.”

Anyone with memories should contact Rachel Fannen, museum collections officer, on 01246 345722, email rachel.fannen@chesterfield.gov.uk or call into the museum during the normal opening times.

Chesterfield Museum is open each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.

The Secret Dining Company, the team behind award winning sites in Derby & Burton on Trent, will open their 4th site in March.

The Rectory in Chesterfield will develop the former Crooked Spire pub site, with a six figure sum investment. The Secret Dining Company’s managing director Martin Roper said “We’re pleased and excited to be working with Enterprise Inns for a third time. The Rectory will bring our cutting edge gastro pub, cask ale and craft keg offer to this iconic Derbyshire town, as we look to develop and expand our vibrant brand”.

In light of opening a 4th site, the Secret Dining Company have taken on Gez McCormick as operations manager for the business. Mr McCormick brings substantial experience to the business having spent over 10 years with Marston’s as a business develop manager for the midlands region.

Concurrently with overseeing the day-to-day running of his pub business, Martin Roper still fronts punk rock legends anti-pasti, who recently returned from headline shows in Belgium and France to promote their new album ‘Rise Up’.

A New Year campaign with a difference aims to spark hundreds more people across Chesterfield into taking up an active lifestyle in 2017.

The Active Lunch Challenge will help people to complete ‘bite size’ chunks of exercise of just 10 minutes in and around their working day.

Participants can then log their progress online, set personal targets and check their progress alongside their colleagues – with spot prizes for taking part providing even more of a motivation.

Rachael Dyer, Sport Development Officer for Derbyshire Sport, who run the challenge locally, said:-

“We know that not having enough time in the day presents the biggest barrier to people staying active every day.

“This is about encouraging people to make the most of their time at work especially during the lightest and brightest part of the day over lunch. By introducing small amounts of activity, it can help adults reach a recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

“Whether that is a quick 10-minute walk to the shop at lunch or taking the stairs to see another colleague, it all counts. Just a little makes a big difference to your life.”

The Active Lunch Challenge is the latest concept by the Derbyshire Workplace Challenge that has already helped more than 2,300 people get up from their desk chairs and get moving.

More than 400 workplaces have signed up, with more than a quarter of people taking part describing themselves as inactive when started.

Of those who have joined so far, 65 per cent of registrations are women with the national This Girl Can underlining the value of staying active.

Chesterfield workplaces to get involved include Kier Asset Management, Rykneld Holmes, Royal Mail, Brookfield Community School and Chesterfield Borough Council.

The eight-week challenge begins on Wednesday January 4 and runs until February 28. It is free for employees, allowing them to log activity and support colleagues in company-wide, local and national challenges.

It aims to tackle Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and help address Public Health England figures that show an estimated 40 per cent of people do not exercise enough.