business support

Chesterfield businesses get Shop Appy

Chesterfield businesses can now sign up to the Shop Appy web platform for free.

Shop Appy is a one stop, local, online support platform which enables customers to see what local shops and services have to offer, all in one place. 

Many independent businesses in Chesterfield have been looking at new ways to adapt and innovate during the Covid lockdowns. Chesterfield Borough Council has partnered with Derbyshire County Council to help businesses take advantage of the fast growing Shopappy.com.

The Derbyshire Economic Partnership, which is made up of Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and other district councils, has paid for the membership fee to the ShopAppy.com platform for local businesses. This free membership will last until November 2021.

As part of the Supporting Our High Street campaign from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, is a new push to get more Chesterfield businesses to sign up for free to Shop Appy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Shop Appy is another helping hand for our businesses. Many have already adapted, and offer click & collect or delivery services, but the option to have Shop Appy free until November 2021 is a great addition to their business offer.

“As part of our campaign – Supporting Our High Street – we are promoting the benefits of taking advantage of this offer for businesses to use Shop Appy for free. Our businesses need our support now more than ever. Shopping online, but making the local choice, and using our favourite local businesses is what we must do.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is working with businesses to encourage sign up to the Shop Appy platform. Any business needing support with Shop Appy can contact the council’s town centre engagement officer, Rebecca Bland, by emailing Rebecca.bland@chesterfield.gov.uk

Businesses can register for Shop Appy at www.shopappy.com/vendor

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Supporting Our High Streets – make the local choice

Stay at home and shop local online is the message from Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield during this lockdown.

Supporting Our High Streets is the theme of our new campaign this winter. The campaign aims to highlight that many local businesses have an online shop that is open during lockdown and a lot offer delivery as well as click and collect options.

To help residents find the best local buys online, local businesses with an online option have been listed on one convenient webpage at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/shopping/shopping-during-lockdown/

The Supporting Our High Streets campaign also includes direct communication with businesses offering training on, Writing for Online and Social Media, as well as signposting training, advice and guidance from other organisations who work with and support businesses.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “It is so important, especially during this lockdown that we stay at home but that doesn’t mean we can’t shop with many of our favourite local shops. Many are open online and a lot offer delivery.

“We have some fantastic shops and businesses here in Chesterfield and now more than ever they need our support. So, when you think about your shopping don’t forget to make the local choice.

“We have throughout the pandemic provided businesses with advice and guidance; and over the next few months we will continue to signpost businesses to training, advice and guidance that could help them.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Now, more than ever, we must support local. Lockdown has given us a taste of a deserted high street and it is a scenario no-one likes. We can ensure the survival of all local shops, stores and market traders by continuing to buy from them in lockdown and beyond. Together we can make a real difference to Chesterfield’s high street and the many individuals and families it supports.”

You can also find a Dine at Home list on the Destination Chesterfield website at www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/eating-out/dine-at-home/

Supporting our high street

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

D2 Business Starter Programme set to continue into 2021

A pioneering project aimed at helping people across Derby and Derbyshire to start their own business will continue throughout 2021 to support workers affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The D2 Business Starter Programme was launched in January 2017 to help people move into self-employment and develop their ideas into commercially viable businesses.

Through a series of themed workshops and one-to-one support from expert advisers, the programme aims to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills they need to get up and running.

The programme is funded by Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council and delivered by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), the region’s leading business organisation.

So far, it has supported more than 1,000 people and helped to create more than 190 new businesses and 220 new jobs. More than 10,000 hours of free support have been provided to those taking part.

Due to the success of the scheme, it has been extended into 2021 and an online taster session, to give would-be entrepreneurs the opportunity to find out more, takes place between 4pm and 5pm on 27 January.

Paul Stuart, the Chamber’s head of enterprise, said: “The D2 Business Starter Programme has been a huge success since launching in 2017 and has helped many people across Derby and Derbyshire to take the leap into self-employment and start their own businesses.

“We’re delighted to be able to continue to offer this free support throughout 2021, to help even more people follow their dreams and make their business ideas a reality.”

What does the D2 Starter Programme involve?

An individual, tailored package of support is offered to each person taking part in the programme. It includes one-to-one mentor support and a series of workshops, led by experienced professionals and designed to complement the mentoring sessions.

Workshops include subjects such as an introduction to self-employment, marketing, business planning, book-keeping and social media.

The next workshop programme kicks off on 3 February.

There are no costs for those taking part. The only eligibility criteria are that people wishing to access the programme’s free support have a Derby or Derbyshire postcode and the desire to start a business.

Derby-based CRZyBest, a maker of eco-friendly bespoke jewellery, gifts and accessories, was one of the first businesses supported by the programme.

Its founder, Claire Zwozny-Bestwick, enrolled on the programme to learn more about the fundamentals of starting a business, finance, sales and marketing, along with setting short and long-term objectives and developing and refining a business plan.

Over the past year, she has moved the business full-time into a purpose-built workshop in her garden, as well as investing time in developing her website and social media presence in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and   diversifying her product offering to suit a more online audience.

Claire said: “The support I received was really useful in giving me the confidence and the skills to follow my dream of setting up in business.

“It also provided a vital support network and has enabled me to keep accessing advice and support to continue to grow the business.

“The past year has been all about adapting what I do to what’s been happening in the world, so I’ve had the time to learn some new skills and focus on improving my website and online presence.”

Business founded by furloughed employee receives support from D2 Starter Programme

Coffee lover Matthew Hilton-Webb, meanwhile, founded his business, The Cloth Filter Co, while on furlough from his job in nature conservation in the High Peak, last summer.

He manufactures and sells handmade coffee filters online and enrolled on the programme in September. His business took off after a major coffee roastery in London placed a bulk order for his products and started recommending them on social media.

Matthew said: “The programme gave me a good grounding in the basics of running my own business and helped fill in some gaps in knowledge.

“I love coffee and tried making my own cloth filters after seeing a few videos online about the difference compared to paper ones.

“I had a lot of time on my hands because of the pandemic, but quickly realised there was a gap in the UK for the products I make, so what started as a hobby quickly became a full-time business.”

Businesses wanting to find out more and register for the online taster session can do so at www.pushthebuttontoday.com.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Fifth cohort of RISE graduate scheme now available to Chesterfield businesses

The latest cohort of graduates is now available to Chesterfield businesses, as part of a unique business support initiative focussed on enabling small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to grow through the employment of graduate talent.

RISE has been effective in helping SMEs overcome the barriers faced in graduate recruitment and equipping them with the tools and know-how to become successful graduate employers.

Since 2013 RISE has supported more than 400 SMEs based across the Sheffield City Region, including Chesterfield successfully recruit over 500 graduates.

Many of those businesses have gone on to report increases in turnover, productivity, innovation and growth as a result. The enhanced RISE project now provides even more comprehensive business support and business benefits.

  • RISE support is free for businesses to use
  • The scheme will help businesses access top quality graduate talent for your business through the following means:
    • Help to draft an advert, providing graduate-specific labour market advice and expertise
    • Advertise the role as part of a national targeted advertising campaign
    • Undertake candidate selection processes using application forms, technical tests, video interviews and assessment centres
    • Assist in the logistics of setting up final interviews
  • Sessions/training on best-practice recruitment, allowing us to transfer the know-how to recruit graduates in the future
  • A grant available for businesses who use the scheme for the first time

Oliver Tarrant, SME Engagement manager with RISE said: “During these uncertain times we recognise how important it is that small and medium sized businesses, who are wanting to grow their business and recruit talented graduates, receive high-quality, straightforward, and safe support.

“We will work closely with businesses to provide a tailored service and to help them save costs and time, offering a rigorous selection process.

“We are engaging with businesses from now until 10th February, but we are ideally looking for businesses to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Rikki Stout, Head of HR at Barlborough-based e-commerce business, Xbite, explains: “We connected with RISE because we wanted to meet, train and develop fresh graduate talent. We understand the value in finding ambitious young people who are hungry for experience and seeking a challenge. RISE has matched us with excellent people straight from university, meaning we can nurture and develop them early on. We are part of their journey and they are part of ours.

“There are many challenges faced by businesses looking to recruit graduates. Time to recruit well is a big one. As is the cost of sourcing, meeting and connecting with people. This is addressed by RISE. But fear of bringing in new people who might not have the exact experience of your systems or industry shouldn’t be a barrier to growth.”

Rikki Stout, Xbite

You can find out more by going to the RISE website or by emailing  oliver@risescr.co.uk

RISE is part-funded by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , ,

ActionCOACH Chesterfield offers six local companies complimentary acess to 2021 business bootcamp

ActionCOACH Chesterfield are offering six businesses complimentary access to its Business Bootcamp 2021.

The chosen 6 will have access to the group’s ActionCLUB sessions. these will be 2 hour sessions for up to 2 people per business, for 4 weeks. Everything will be measurable so ActionCOACH can actively track the results they know you will achieve.

At the end of January a panel of judges, including Actioncoach Chesterfield’s Fiaz Sadiq and Dom Stevens from Destination Chesterfield will analyse the results of all 6 businesses and pick a winner.

The winning prize will be 12 months complimentary ActionCLUB membership worth £5940, with sessions being held every 2 weeks.

Business Coach and managing director of ActionCOACH, Fiaz Sadiq said: “Many business owners work IN their business and it’s even more important now to invest time in learning on how to work ON your business. Creating synergies between all the moving parts of their business from Mindset, Marketing, Finance, Virtual Leadership and Management in an ever-changing Digital Economy”

“ActionCOACH Chesterfield has been open for Business since September 2020, and during the short time we have been open we have not only serviced paying clients – but opened our doors to any local businesses struggling in the current climate, by gifting them free coaching sessions to help them achieve their goals and teach them basic business survival skills.

“We have shared one on one coaching sessions with local businesses in need, as well as gifted webinars to help them shift their mindset from “how will I survive this” to “I will survive this”.

Applicants should send the following details to the email address provided:

  • Who they are
  • Brief into to their business
  • What their goals are and the help they need to achieve them

The application deadline is Friday the 29th January 2020 – so make sure you submit your application to Chesterfield@actioncoach.co.uk before then to be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize.

ActionCOACH supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

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

East Midlands Chamber responds to national lockdown announcement

East Midlands Chamber is welcoming One-off £9,000 business grants, but says firms need the inside track to the Government’s plan for coming out of the newly-announced national lockdown.

Responding to the Government’s announcement of a third national lockdown for England, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) chief executive Scott Knowles said: “After a desperate 2020 for businesses and communities, a third national lockdown is another devastating blow to business confidence as it follows hard on the heels of lost trade during the festive season – not to mention the uncertainty that prevailed up until the eleventh hour of the Brexit transition period.

“The Government’s need to act in the face of spiralling threat to public health is obviously understood but after already spending billions on helping good firms to survive this crisis and save jobs, it must not let these companies fail now when the vaccine rollout provides light at the end of this long, dark tunnel.

“The Chancellor’s announcement today of a one-off £9,000 grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will hopefully help keep their heads above water for a couple more months, but Westminster must remember financial support – while certainly welcomed and required – is no substitute for a fully open economy that allows businesses to generate their own revenue.

“It’s now time for the Government to open the lines of communication with businesses by sharing its plan for how the brakes will be lifted on the economy over the coming months to allow businesses to plan properly.”

For more information on guidance and business support available during the current lockdown, visit our Covid-19 support page here.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield company’s pledge to help get local community finances back on track

A Chesterfield company has opened up a new office in the town as part of its efforts to support clients and the wider community in its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Sovereign Wealth want to help reassure people and local businesses who are concerned about the recent economic uncertainty caused by the virus, or those who have been hit hard financially.

Dominic Fallon, Partner of Sovereign Wealth LLP and founder of the Chesterfield branch said: “We’ve decided to focus our energy on where we feel we can help the most in the local community. At the moment, financial plans that may have seemed secure pre-Covid should be re-evaluated. Financial decisions made before March 2020 were not based on the current economic environment.

“Volatility in equity and financial markets are rightly causing concerns, and it’s important to understand any knock-on effects on pensions or other financial arrangements, and how to protect them.”

When life becomes unpredictable, it’s easy to feel out of control with finances, but it doesn’t have to be like that, says Dominic.

“One way to help yourself through this is to seek the best advice. We are bombarded by information daily about recessions and dips, and often these aren’t the things we need to be worrying about, but we do as they are at the forefront of our minds. One way to stay sane and stop worrying unnecessarily is to seek reliable, dependable advice, and getting to know the whole situation, not just now, but any long-term financial implications. This way, you can make an informed decision.”

“We’ve set up an office in Chesterfield so that we can work Covid securely; we have the correct distance requirements etc. Much safer in the current climate for our clients. But, we can also use Zoom for clients who can’t manage to get to the office.”

But Dominic’s aim to help the community doesn’t stop there. Working with other local businesses, Dominic and his team and working to give something back to the community of Chesterfield this Christmas.

“Everyone has struggled this year, whether it be financially or mentally, and we wanted to give something back. We are working with other local businesses to organise a food collection which will be distributed to local schools to pass on to any families who might struggle without school meals over the holiday period. If you have any food items to donate, please drop them to our office at Sovereign Wealth LLP 3 Old Road, Chesterfield S40 2RE. Give yourself the feel-good factor – there is no better feeling than doing good.”

If you’d like to sign up for Dominic’s top tips to keeping calm through the pandemic, you can email Dominic.Fallon@sjpp.co.uk

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

Just half of local businesses have applied for the latest business grant from Chesterfield Borough Council

Local businesses have received almost £1 million in Government grant support from Chesterfield Borough Council to help them deal with the impact of Covid-19 restrictions – but only half of eligible business have applied so far.

The council has identified more than 1500 local businesses that are eligible for the Government’s Local Restrictions Support Grants but has only received 750 applications since early November.

These grants aim to provide much needed support for businesses affected by the national lockdown which began on 5 November and eligible companies are now being urged to put forward an application.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for economic development, said: “We understand that this is an incredibly difficult period for many local businesses and there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. For many businesses these grants are a lifeline that can help them survive through ongoing restrictions.

“So far almost £1 million has been paid to local businesses through this support grant, but we are aware that there are still lots of businesses that need to apply. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online. We are prioritising processing and making these payments, so I would encourage every local business owner to check if they are eligible and get their application in as soon as possible.”

Businesses will qualify for support grants if they are a Chesterfield Borough Council rates payer and meet all the following criteria:

• the business was open and trading as usual on 4 November 2020
• it was registered for Business Rates on 5 November 2020
• it is one of the types of business that have been instructed to close

The amount that businesses can receive is dependent upon the rateable value of its premises. Find out more details about the amount of funding available here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/businessgrants
Business owners can apply for these grants using the digital form on the Council’s website, but they will need to register for a My Chesterfield account. This will also allow the management of business rates accounts online.

As part of the application process some evidence is required, these will need to be uploaded as electronic copies, scanned images or clear photos of the following documents:

• Business Rates account reference – this is an eight-character reference beginning with five, you can find this on your annual bill
• Business bank account details – this is the account the grant will be paid into
• Proof of business bank account – the most recent statement or a screenshot of online banking, which shows the business bank details, is from within the last month and shows business transactions during this period

Find out more about the eligibility criteria and apply online here: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/businessgrants

You can also find out more about the support available to local businesses here: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Twist Magazine sets up loyalty card scheme for local shoppers and businesses

Twist magazine responded to the coronavirus crisis by setting up the largest loyalty card scheme in Chesterfield, enabling any local business to offer money-saving offers to its readers – entirely for free.

The publication distributed 15,500 Twist & Save Cards to its readers and each month it publishes a list of local businesses and services where Chesterfield folk can claim discounts or other benefits.

Dozens of businesses have been quick to join the scheme, offering all manner of incentives to attract new customers.

Said Heron Publications director Mike Firth: “We had been considering a scheme such as this for a long while and, with many businesses going through the toughest of times in 2020, this was the perfect time to launch it.

“It’s one way we have been able to put something back into the community which supports our publication so well.

“Businesses can promote their own individual deals and card-holders can take advantage of all manner of special offers. Everyone benefits – and no-one has to pay a penny to be involved.”

Additional Twist & Save Cards are available from the magazine for people wanting to pass them on to relations or friends.

Added Mike: “Everyone knows the importance of dealing with local shops and services. When people can also show their Twist & Save Card to make a saving or pick up a ‘freebie’ locally, it’s a no-brainer for them.”

Heron Publications have launched similar schemes through its other three magazines – Wings, Dronfield Eye and Active8 – with a total of almost 52,000 cards distributed to readers.

The Twist & Save Card scheme is supported by Chesterfield Borough Council. To discover how your business or service can benefit, email twistcard@heronpublications.co.uk or call Mandy Goulding on 01246 416027.

You can find out more about local shopping in Chesterfield here.

Twist Magazine supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Mike Firth, Heron Publications

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Central Technology offers free strategic IT reviews for local businesses

Sheepbridge-based Central Technology has announced it will be providing free strategic IT audits to all local businesses throughout December and January

Ian Snow, Managing Director at Central technology, has reviewed the transition of IT over the last few months in a recent blog post.

He commented: “2020 has been a tough business year, but together with our customers we have learnt a lot over the past nine months.
At the beginning of March our service desk helped move over 4,000 people to home working. During this process, it became clear very quickly that some businesses were not equipped for the move to remote working and faced big challenges such as security and communication.

“As the months went on we saw a major transition once again with customers wanting to ensure a flexible future for the business and its employees, looking towards a more long term hybrid workplace model.

“During this period of change, many of our customers used this time, alongside our senior consultants, to review the role technology plays in their business and how by having a comprehensive plan in place to support their business goals now and for the long term was vital for enabling growth and security in the current climate.

“We have seen how customers have benefited from this process and how it has provided vital reassurance and given them a strong technological foundation to hit 2021 and beyond in a far better position than they started 2020.

“We know that many businesses may not be able to justify the cost of this process during this difficult time and that any money spent in 2021 needs to count. With this in mind, in December and January, CT is offering a Free Strategic IT review to all businesses within the S postcode. We want to help businesses in our area by offering something that could make a big difference to their business moving forwards.”

How will this work?

Businesses looking to request a review should do so on the company’s website and a senior member of the CT team will then arrange a remote or face to face meeting. They will use this time to understand your business goals, challenges and risks. They will then carry out an IT audit either onsite or remotely and will deliver their findings back to you. This will be presented as a high level roadmap which will outline the prioritisation of short, medium and long term IT requirements.

Companies undertaking an audit will be under no obligation to take this any further, but it will provide some insight into their current situations and provide guidance that could help individual businesses in 2021 and beyond.

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance, Ashgate Hospicecare said: “We enlisted the services of CT to help us ensure technology provided the foundations we need to support our charitable objectives and long term future goals. The team have worked closely with our IT Manager, leadership team and board of trustees to develop a technology roadmap that met these long term charitable and business objectives. They continue to deliver high levels of customer service at all times and we are confident that should any problems arise they are addressed swiftly and effectively. We are looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with CT into the future.”

Central Technology supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

December blog- Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Destination Chesterfield chair Peter Swallow has provided an update to businesses and residents in Chesterfield, as we take a look back on the positive developments which have progressed in the town this year and look ahead to Christmas and 2021.

Peter Swallow Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Despite the challenges that 2020 has thrown at us all, we end the year on a positive note and a message of hope.

It would be very easy to write-off 2020 as an unmitigated disaster. We have all been bombarded with Covid-related bad news throughout the year. However, amongst the doom and gloom there has been some good news, and a common thread of hope throughout the year.

Development and investment, which will lay the foundation for future jobs in the town, has continued throughout 2020. Significant headway has been made on the new Enterprise Centre being constructed on the donut car park, and construction of the new ‘grade a’ offices at Chesterfield Waterside got underway.

Despite the imposed social distancing, I believe that Chesterfield’s communities have become closer and more supportive of each other during the pandemic. Although there are high hopes for the vaccine which has recently been announced, it is important that we maintain the Shop Local momentum over Christmas.

Chesterfield is a resilient and adaptable town and nowhere is this more evident that on our high street.

We have seen businesses adapt overnight – from doorstep deliveries of beer, tea and coffee, drive and buy fruit and veg on the market, to website launches and takeaway gourmet meals to cook at home. These small things have kept us all connected and smiling!

Non-food retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes have had it particularly tough. However, we have embraced the Shop Local message and gone out and supported local businesses enabling the survival of many.

In these challenging times it has never been more important to support each other. I am delighted that Destination Chesterfield and Chesterfield Borough Council have continued to work collaboratively this year on the Christmas in Chesterfield Campaign. Combining our efforts will reinforce the Support Local message.

We may not be able to physically get into the high street businesses, but many independent retailers, restaurants and cafes offer us access to their products and services from the comfort of our homes using our laptops, tablets, telephones and perhaps even carrier pigeons (OK, maybe not carrier pigeons——!)

Making the decision to choose an independent retailer for your gifts and food both now and beyond the pandemic will make a huge difference to our high street.

As we look to 2021, there can be no simpler message for the town other than ‘support each other.’

I wish you all a happy and HEALTHY Christmas and New Year.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Blog, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

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