chesterfield business news

Construction begins on new electric forecourt at Markham Vale

Construction has officially started on a new electric forecourt at Markham Vale.

Gridserve has begun construction on the project, which will serve visitors, local businesses and communities around Markham Vale and the wider Derbyshire area.

Located on Enterprise Way and conveniently placed for passing motorway traffic, the new Electric Forecourt is scheduled to open this winter. It’s a significant milestone for the area and clean energy.

Once completed, Markham Vale Electric Forecourt will enable 30 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with High Power chargers that can deliver up to 360kW, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 5 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier than ever to charge.

The site will be powered by net zero carbon energy as Gridserve continues to make vital changes to the UK EV infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of transport and move the needle on climate change.

While charging, visitors can enjoy a coffee in the comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast WiFi, plus convenience retail, a children’s play area and a dedicated EV educational space to increase understanding and awareness around electric vehicles. The Electric Forecourt will include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms and lifts to all areas, making easy charging accessible to all.

Gridserve Markham Vale

Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Experience Officer, said: “We are happy to keep the momentum going with our award-winning Electric Forecourts following the success opening of London Gatwick Electric Forecourt. We have found with our Electric Forecourt sites that they serve as an excellent hub for the local community and can help with the uptake of electric vehicles. Electric Forecourts offer the best charging and retail experience available and we can’t wait to welcome new and returning customers to the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt.”

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “Gridserve’s new Electric Forecourt will be a great addition to Markham Vale right next to the M1 motorway. It will help to give motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle and move us closer to our target of getting hundreds more public facing electric vehicle charge points in place throughout the county.

“Decarbonising transport is one of our top priorities as part of our climate change strategy which aims to reduce emissions generated by the county council to net zero by 2032 or sooner and help the rest of Derbyshire reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

David Wells, Director at HBD, said: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome Gridserve to Markham Vale as work starts on site. The project will enhance the scheme’s amenity offer, while also strengthening Derbyshire’s sustainability ambitions. We look forward to working alongside Gridserve as the new Electric Forecourt takes shape.”

Gridserve’s Electric Highway now has over 175 locations with more than 1,200 charging bays, with 11 new locations with 90 charging bays opened in the first three months of 2024.

Find out more about the Markham Vale development here.

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Digital Management company announces move to 100,000 sq ft Markham Vale warehouse

A warehouse totaling more than 100,000 sq. ft will soon be occupied by digital and information specialists, Restore Records Management.

Devonshire Property Group, part of the portfolio of Devonshire Group businesses, has successfully let its 102,515 sq ft Markham Vale warehouse following the agreement of a new letting at the development.

Restore Records Management has agreed to take the unit on a long-term lease. The move is part of a consolidation of properties, as it looks to move into newer, more efficient buildings. Restore expects to be operational at the new site later this spring.

Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at Devonshire Property Group said: “Letting our property at Markham Vale is not only a really positive milestone for the scheme, but a testament to the site’s proposition and the quality of space on offer. Alongside Derbyshire County Council and HBD, we’re fully committed to ensuring that the site continues to generate value and quality job opportunities for the surrounding communities. Bringing another strong business in Restore Records Management to the site is part of our work to fulfil that promise.”

Nigel Dews, Managing Director at Restore Records Management said: “The entire facility, will be able to accommodate a staggering 1.4 million boxes, making it one of the biggest sites in our portfolio. We look forward to taking management of the site in the forthcoming weeks.”

The agents representing The Devonshire Group were Rebecca Schofield at Knight Frank and Stuart Waite, of CPP. Restore were represented by Cameron Frazer of Berrys.

Markham Vale, a joint venture partnership between HBD and Derbyshire County Council that began in 2006, has created more than 2,700 jobs across a wide range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing and logistics.

It is home to a range of businesses, including Bilstein Group, which manufactures and distributes automotive parts, Granger International, manufacturers of waterproof outdoor products and shoe care products, and Sterigenics, makers of sterile healthcare products.

With an excellent location and ideal connectivity to several major UK cities and airports, find out why Chesterfield is the perfect place to base your organisation: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

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

Chesterfield-based Platinum Spas brand recognised by leading hot tub and swim spa magazines

Superior Wellness, A Chesterfield-based manufacturer and distributor of hot tub and swim spas has announced that its flagship brand, Platinum Spas, has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? 2024 hot tub and swim spa manufacturer for the sixth year in a row.

Platinum Spas is an innovative hot tub and swim spa brand creating premium quality products focused on improving health and wellbeing. With a focus on innovation and the latest technology, the range boasts premium features to provide the ultimate hot tub and swim spa experience.

WhatSpa? magazine celebrates its 19th anniversary this year and it has helped over 1 million UK homeowners to buy their dream hot tub since its launch in 2005. WhatSwimSpa? magazine followed in the footsteps of its sister publication and has been helping UK swim spa buyers in their vital research since 2013.

Rob Carlin, Superior Wellness Managing Director said “I am delighted that Platinum Spas has been approved as a WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? Approved Manufacturer once again.

“The WhatSpa? magazine and website are a very important tool for the end customer to use when finding their perfect hot tub.  It is also great for our partner network to proudly say they are selling an approved and leading hot tub and swim spa brand.”

Nick Clamp, WhatSpa? Media Group’s Editor-in-Chief added: “It’s been a pleasure to see Superior Wellness grow to become such a worldwide success in the hot tub, swim spa and wellness sectors, especially since they are headquartered right here in the UK.”

“It’s rare to see a brand scale to the levels that Rob and the team have achieved in the last 13 years, and we look forward to seeing more innovative new products from the Superior Wellness team over the next decade.”

Both WhatSpa? and WhatSwimSpa? magazines unveil their Best Buy Awards every year which feature the very best hot tubs and swim spas from the World’s leading brands. The awards acknowledge the hot tub and swim spa models that excel across a range of criteria, including design, aesthetics, comfort, hydrotherapy and value-for-money.

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

Two men in fluorescent yellow jackets in warehouse at Superior Wellness, Chesterfield

Superior Wellness, Broombank Park, Chesterfield

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

MTM Products nominated for regional sustainability and ethics award

Chesterfield’s MTM Products has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award, following several sustainability successes at the company.

The business is one of the UK’s leading industrial graphics suppliers, and recently announced it had reduced its operational carbon footprint by 34 tonnes of CO2e – or 37 per cent – by cutting its consumption of gas, grid electricity and water. MTM has also revealed a bold set of annual targets to further cut its carbon emissions before 2030.

Now, the business has been recognised in the shortlist for the Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer Award at the 2024 Insider Made in the Midlands Awards. Now in their 14th year, the awards are one of the region’s premier events, attracting entries from more than 70 companies and culminating in a black-tie ceremony in Birmingham. The winners will go on to represent the Midlands, and their sectors, at the national Made in the UK Awards.

Managing Director Mark Niblett explained why these initiatives were so important: “Exploring the switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity and looking at sustainable vehicle options is not just about meeting environmental regulations, it’s about leading by example and inspiring change within our industry.

Mark believes this approach will help attract talent into the business: “Candidates are increasingly seeking employers who think and act sustainably. At MTM, we understand that sustainability isn’t just about ethics. It’s a necessity for attracting and retaining the best people.”

The work MTM is doing also involves challenging partners on their approaches to sustainability, as well as continuously assessing internal processes.

“We hope that by us demonstrating what we’re doing, we’re sharing best practices for the wider industry, in the hopes we can all begin to make a positive change,” Mark said.

Based in Chesterfield, MTM has been supplying original equipment manufacturers in the automotive, electrical and electronic, rail, medical, construction and machinery equipment sectors in the UK and across the EU for almost 50 years.

Chesterfield is a town renowned for its industrial roots, and is now home to a long list of world-leading manufactureres. Find out more about locating your business in our town: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

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

MTM_manufacturing

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

Vibrant new children’s nursery to open in Brimington

A brand new children’s nursery will be opening in Brimington this May, and prospective parents and families are invited to pay a visit.

Heywood House will provide quality childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years in a fun, vibrant and safe learning environment with fresh and healthy meals delivered every day.

The owners have over 35 years’ experience within the childcare sector. Having purchased the grade II listed building on High Street, Brimington last Autumn, substantial renovation works have been made to create a vibrant and welcoming children’s nursery for all.

The nursery will be open from 7.15am until 6pm 52 weeks a year excluding Bank Holidays. Early Years funded places are available. The striking feature of the nursery is its location, within a charming and attractive grade II listed building which has been redecorated with fun bright colours.

Its gardens to the rear have been extensively renovated so that the children can learn and develop in a secure green space, outdoors with nature, whilst having fun with their friends.

Company Director Matt Bell said: “As an organisation, we strive to provide the highest quality care for every child in a safe and friendly environment. This enables all our children to learn whilst having fun and reaching their full potential in preparation for school.

“The nursery will be Ofsted registered and we follow the Birth to 5 Matters guidance and the setting will be a mix of child centred and adult led learning. We’d also like to thank the Vision Derbyshire Business Start-Up team for helping us on our way with this new venture in Brimington.”

The nursery will officially open its doors in May 2024, but has open days planned throughout April for parents and carers to have a look around. These are:

  • 10th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 13th April 11.00 – 14.00
  • 6th May 11.00 – 14.00

Find out more about the Vision Derbyshire business support scheme, and other initiatives available for businesses in Chesterfield.

Did you know Chesterfield was recently ranked as one of the best places in the UK to raise a family? Find out about why our town is a great place to live here.

heywood house exterior 2

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Chesterfield’s Whittam Cox appointed to lead revamp of well-known Sheffield hotel

A Chesterfield architectural practice has been appointed to lead the refurbishment of Sheffield United Football Club Hotel, located at Bramall Lane.

With 155 rooms, a rejuvenated restaurant, bar, fitness centre, ballroom and guest suites, Whittam Cox’s vision for the new DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City hotel encompasses modern design elements infused with nods to Sheffield’s industrial past.

Helen Davis, Head of Interior Design at Whittam Cox, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying: “As a locally based firm, we are passionate about this opportunity to reimagine this landmark hotel. Our goal is to provide a cohesive design throughout that seamlessly integrates modern interiors with nods to Sheffield’s unique culture and heritage, recognising the city’s resilience and innovation.”

tv to door Whittam Cox Bramall Lane hotel plan

Drawing inspiration from the city, we aim to infuse the hotel’s design with subtle yet impactful references to Sheffield’s industrial legacy. Contrasting this, with a colour palette, influenced by the natural beauty of the Peak District and Sheffield’s status as ‘The Outdoor City’, a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests will be created.”

Richard Farrar, Managing Director of Leaf Hospitality, expressed his excitement, stating: “We are delighted to embark on this exciting project at Bramall Lane on behalf of the club. The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City conversion will elevate the hospitality experience for visitors and fans alike. This is a really special project, and we’re delighted to kick off.”

Whilst the work of Whittam Cox takes the company and its staff around the entire UK, its focus and impact in Chesterfield are of equal importance to the organisation. Supporting local communities, economy and built environment is something the company is passionate about. Whittam Cox has been involved in recent projects such as the Chesterfield Station Masterplan, Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre, Chesterfield Waterside and many others.

Lounge-&-Bar_cropped Whittam Cox Bramall Lane

The company is also a member of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group, which Whittam Cox Director Andy Dabbs currently chairs.

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

Andy Dabbs

Andy Dabbs, Whittam Cox Architects

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

Collaboration is key to unlocking jobs and growth, say Chesterfield business owners

A panel of Chesterfield business leaders has highlighted the ongoing collaboration and togetherness of the town’s organisations as a major contributor to our local economy.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times at the Celebrate Local Round Table event, members of the town’s community of Chesterfield Champions spoke about how they see fellow businesses in the town as partners and colleagues, rather than rivals.

Businesses agreed that collaboration among local businesses in Chesterfield is a necessity for driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity. By building a vibrant community, enhancing knowledge and resilience, nurturing talent, and attracting investment, collaborative efforts lay the foundation for a thriving economy that benefits everyone in the town.

Drawing on her experience of owning a business in Chesterfield, Mel Archbould, of Cloud-Busting, a business dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses scale up and grow, commented:

“People just get on. It’s not ego-driven and people just get on with their business and build up those networks. It’s about creating an ecosystem and making sure it evolves and moves. We are all doing different things, but that symbiotic relationship is vital, in terms of how we feed off each other and work together. Collaboration between different industries, such as the public sector, private sector, education, healthcare, and voluntary organisations feed into giving our town its identity. We all need each other.”

Celebrate Chesterfield 2024 exhibition

Crucially, collaboration enables local businesses to tap into new markets and opportunities. By forming strategic partnerships and alliances, firms in our town can amplify their reach and visibility, helping to raise further regional and national awareness of Chesterfield’s offer to businesses, visitors and people searching for jobs and homes.

The round table discussion heard how companies in the town’s legal and financial sectors often refer clients to each other, in order to ensure local people and businesses are given the best specialist advice and care possible.

Ryan Wilkes, Senior Manager of Owner Managed Business, Shorts Chartered Accountants said: “We refer to lots of other places too. For any CVs that are not quite suited to us, we refer to smaller businesses in the town. We also do a lot of work with local solicitors, and we also do a lot of work alongside Mitchells Chartered Accountants who people on the outside would see as a competitor. When I look at the accounts of clients, you’d be surprised to see how many businesses in our town are linked. Everybody knows everybody.”

Moreover, collaborative efforts can enhance the overall attractiveness of Chesterfield as a destination for investment and entrepreneurship. This, in turn, can attract new businesses, spur job creation, and stimulate economic activity. In 2023, statistics showed that there were 580 more businesses operating in Chesterfield compared to figures measured 10 years previously. In addition, Chesterfield Borough Council’s growth strategy sets out ambitions to increase the number of businesses by another 12% by 2030, equating to another 400 businesses.

Celebrate Chesterfield exhibition 2024

Paul Chapman, owner and editor of S40 Local Magazine, commented: I get to see lots of different businesses, ranging from small to large, and I have been blown away by the businesses I’ve found. I’m fortunate to have met some fantastic people who put their life and soul into what they’re doing. Love goes into what they do. We know that it has been hard times for many, but we all keep going. Through the magazine, it is my job to be positive, and as local business owners, we should try to lead by example by spending our money locally with an independent business.

“I bought my bike from a business in Sheepbridge. Our milkman gets his milk from fields in Tideswell. I regularly visit the local butcher, market stalls, and other local shops. For my wife’s 50th birthday party, everything was sourced within a couple of miles of Chesterfield. I think it is so important to think about where we get our products and services from.”

Furthermore, collaboration fosters resilience in the face of recent economic challenges being faced by businesses across the UK. Whether it’s navigating rising costs, adapting to new ways of working brought about by advances in technology, or helping to protect fellow businesses from falling victim to crime, a community of organisations that stands united is better equipped to handle any arising issues, making them more resilient.

Laura Jo Owen, Owner of Adorn Jewellers, based in The Shambles in Chesterfield Town Centre, added: “As independent businesses in the town, we have a WhatsApp group which is a good way to keep in touch and support each other. It could be for a product launch, or if someone is looking for staff, we can send them some CVs across. If you are a one-person business, it can be quite lonely, so it is good to keep in touch. We find the community very supportive from a small business point of view.

“Also from a crime prevention standpoint, town centre businesses are working well together to create that community and make them aware of any potential threats or issues. Shopping locally with independent businesses helps to build our community as well as our economy. It means that more people looking out for each other and keeping in touch with them, which is a positive thing all round.”

AdornJewellersShopping

In a landscape where independent organisations must find new ways to compete with global conglomerates, fostering a strong network of local enterprises becomes a major strategic advantage for Chesterfield businesses. By supporting one another, sharing best practices, and collectively advocating for common interests, our small businesses aim to continue working together, to fortify Chesterfield’s economic prosperity.

Anne Batty, Managing Director of Paperclip, a telephone answering service provider based in Dronfield commented: “It feels natural to refer people and pass on information. For example, if you have had a good experience with an SEO provider, it is just natural to want to provide them with more business. If everybody is using local businesses, hopefully, those connections will only get stronger. When I started my business, it was important to have good people around you who knew where to go and what to look for. I’m sure I speak for all of us around the table when I say that I would be willing to help a new business with the knowledge that I’ve gained to be able to support them.”

If you own a business locally, find out more about becoming part of our network of Chesterfield Champions, and join a community of organisations committed to raising the profile of the town.

Round Table Discussion - Celebrate Local

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

Franklin & Sons Partners with Red Engine to achieve sustainability goals

Independent soft drinks and mixers brand, Franklin & Sons, part of Chesterfield-based Global Brands is launching a new-to-market product format.

The product will be launched across all UK Red Engine sites, the team behind Flight Club and Electric Shuffle.

Franklin & Sons has been working on producing a 200ml can for its Premium Indian & Premium Light Tonic in a bid to support the company with its sustainability goals, and has found perfect launch partner in Red Engine.

Flight Club and Electric Shuffle are two competitive socialising venues that have risen rapidly in popularity over the last few years, modernising traditional games such as darts and shuffleboard to reinvent the bar experience for the 21st century.

The aluminium cans weigh 94% less than the 200ml glass bottles, leading to a reduction in weight per case, significantly reducing transportation costs, fuel consumption and packaging volume, leading to a much lower carbon contribution.

Crucially for a hospitality venue, this initiative will also minimise waste and is projected to create a substantial 42% reduction in wastage removal expenses for Red Engine.

Dustin Acton, Chief Operating Officer at Red Engine, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership, commenting: “We have worked with the team at Franklin & Sons for a couple of years now and we’re impressed with how much they value our partnership, going above and beyond to meet our business needs.

“Franklin & Sons is fully aligned with our morals and values and consistently looks for ways to add value to our business, showing true commitment to nurturing a collaborative relationship.”

James Stimson, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons added: “At Franklin & Sons, we are constantly innovating, and pride ourselves on demonstrating agility when it comes to meeting our customers’ needs.

“We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with an institution such as Red Engine, and that we have been able to provide a solution for such a valued customer. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, using 95% less energy than producing new packaging, and creating 65% less CO2e during the recycling process than their glass counterparts.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this will bring to the business and are excited to be alongside them in their sustainability journey.”

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

Global Branks team packing products in warehouse

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Peak Pharmacy invests in new technology to support staff and customers

Chesterfield-based Peak Pharmacy has invested in new, innovative equipment to speed up its processes, along with improving accuracy and capacity.

The organisation recently moved to a new headquarters at the Horizon 29 development near Chesterfield and is now investing in an Austrian system provided by Knapp to improve the way it dispenses medications for customers.

Managing Director, Joe Cattee explained: “Knapp partners with a number of organisations within the country already and supports with the ability to pick products by using fully automated and manual picking zones for speed and convenience.

“The attraction to work with this provider was that they have designed a system that enables us to dispense patients’ medication at our site. This takes this workload out of community pharmacy and creates capacity within our pharmacy network for our teams to support patients in different ways.

“The machine is significantly more accurate than human dispensing, and the speed in which we can dispense medication means that we can do approximately half of all the prescriptions we do on a monthly basis through our Hub. Clearly, there will be some requirements to support and educate both our pharmacy teams and patients, but it enables us to revolutionise what we do under extremely challenging conditions.”

The new technology is helping Peak Pharmacy to revolutionise how it operates, enabling the business to continue thriving during a challenging economic climate.

Joe Cattee added: “Community pharmacy is vastly underfunded across England. It’s being reported that 8 pharmacies a week are closing in the current climate with funding decreases between 2015 & 2019, and a flat fee funding contract introduced from 2019 – 2024. This obviously has a detrimental effect on the million visits to community pharmacy in England every day.

“By investing in automation at our Hub, we reduce the stress and pressure on our pharmacy teams, ensuring a better level of patient care is provided. The launch of the ‘Pharmacy First’ scheme on 31st January 2024, enabling community pharmacy to treat seven common health conditions without visiting a GP, shows the direction of travel that community pharmacy needs to undertake.

“By removing dispensing volume across our estate, and assembling centrally, we can ensure a more accurate and timely service of medication provision, whilst also having capacity to engage in more NHS and private services to support patient wellbeing. In short, if we don’t adapt then we will not remain a viable business. Community pharmacy plays a huge part in supporting the country, but the financial reimbursement for what we do means that the costs of running our business now outweigh the revenue we receive for the services we provide.”

Speaking of the company’s recent relocation to the Horizon 29 development, Joe commented: “Relocating to our new Hub at Horizon 29 in Bolsover enables the closure of our multi-site depots across Derbyshire. This creates efficiencies, consolidating the operation under one roof with the ability to start afresh with a new automative system.

“We currently process around 1.5% of the country’s prescriptions across our 140 pharmacy branches, and this need to adapt what we do ensures that we’re at the forefront of community pharmacy. This creates an opportunity for us to survive during very real economic challenges. We must engage with other ways to support our patients, rather than just focusing on prescription fulfilment. By using technology I know that we can offer so much more to our patients across the country and support them with their requirements.”

If your business is based in Chesterfield and you’re looking for support to innovate and grow, find out more about the latest initiatives on our business support page.

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

Knapp automative system at Peak Pharmacy headquarters

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

Chesterfield Business community shows support for local initiatives

Businesses across Chesterfield have once again showed their commitment and generosity by helping a number of local causes.

The last month has seen our organisations support schools, charities, ex-servicemen and women, and local foodbanks.

Read the latest from our network of Chesterfield Champions below:

Local support provides music to the ears of Brookfield students

Music to their ears

A team of local businesses have pooled their resources to put an end to crackles and feedback by replacing Brookfield’s old microphones and speakers with a state-of-the-art sound system.

The PFA, headed by Greg Campbell, explains more: “As a group of Brookfield parents, we come together a few times each term and raise money for the school. When the opportunity arose to match the school’s funding budget for a new sound system, we were quick to accept the challenge.”

He said, “Having the support of Palfreymans from Chatsworth Road, Specsavers Chesterfield, Validate consulting and Londis all pull together has been a brilliant team effort.”

Keith Hirst, Headteacher commented: “We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hard-working parent association. The BPFA [Brookfield Parent and Friends Association] work tirelessly throughout the year to raise funds to support students at Brookfield.”

“The new sound system is something that will benefit the whole school community and I am very grateful for the support of the BPFA, along with local businesses – Specsavers, Londis, Validate and Palfreyman’s – in helping to provide this system.”

Chesterfield Champion, Validate Consulting made a substantial financial contribution towards the equipment. “We have been enjoying performances at Brookfield for many years and it has been a pleasure to be able to support the school in this way,” Said Damien Eaves, Managing Director of Validate. “We hope that the equipment will be useful to the school for many years to come.”

Representatives from all the local business were treated to a VIP experience at the performance of the Little Mermaid at Brookfield Community School, which ran the week before the half-term break. Once again, the student performances were outstanding, and the new sound system ensured not a single line was missed.

BRM hosts a Free Wills Month in partnership with Ashgate Hospice

Leading Derbyshire and South Yorkshire law firm BRM is hosting its annual Free Wills Month in support of Ashgate Hospice this April.

Between 1 and 30 April, people of North Derbyshire can have a will professionally drafted for free. In return, clients are asked to consider making a voluntary donation to Chesterfield-based Ashgate Hospice.

Local people will benefit from a complete wills service from BRM’s expert team, including free registration with Certainty, The National Wills Register. The suggested minimum voluntary donation is just £75 for a single will and £150 for a mirror will for a couple.

BRM has supported Ashgate Hospice for many years and has raised an impressive £71,000 for the charity through its Free Wills Months, helping fund Ashgate Hospice’s vital end-of-life and palliative care for patients and their families across North Derbyshire.

Rob Woodhead, Executive Director at BRM, said: “Ashgate Hospice is an organisation we hold close to our hearts here at BRM and we are delighted to be partnered with them again this year to host our annual Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.

“We know the care and support that Ashgate Hospice provides for our community is truly outstanding, so we are honoured to have raised more than £71,000 for them so far.

“Last year we managed to raise an amazing £20,000 for Ashgate during the month and this year we’re aiming to raise even more!

“We’re encouraging anyone who doesn’t have a Will to take advantage of this fantastic offer that not only benefits you and your family but also supports such a worthy organisation.

“It’s very important to have a Will in place, as it ensures that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are provided for.

“I would like to say thank you to our clients for their generous donations and also to our Wills team for their hard work during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month.”

Laura Law, Legacy and In Memory Officer at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to BRM for once again supporting the hospice during the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month this year.

“Having a will in place is an important part of making sure that our affairs are in order and ensuring our loved ones are cared for when we’re no longer here.

“Most importantly it enables us to put plans in place so that we can get on with living and make the most of the time we have.

“Not only will supporting Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month give people a fantastic opportunity to write their will for free, but they’ll be helping us provide care for families across North Derbyshire when they need us most.”

People can make their Will at BRM’s Chesterfield office on Saltergate, with disabled access and free parking. The firm is also offering free home, hospital, and hospice visits for those physically unable to attend the office.

Anyone making a will must book an appointment to take place between 1 April and 30 April to take advantage of the offer.

Appointment spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

To find out more about the Ashgate Hospice Free Wills Month, and to register for an appointment, visit brmlaw.co.uk/ashgate or call 01246 555 111.

Spireites help provide food bank collection stations

Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Chesterfield FC have teamed up with Rural Action Derbyshire to provide food bank collection stations at the SMH Group Stadium and The Youth Hub in Chesterfield town centre.

Paula Dealtry, project co-ordinator at Feeding Derbyshire, who visited the HUB to deliver the boxes, said: “Through collaboration with Chesterfield FC Community Trust, we will increase the amount of food donations we can provide to projects across Derbyshire, which will in turn directly support residents in need.

“Establishing accessible food collection points for the general public to donate essential food items will greatly benefit communities across Derbyshire by aiding those in need.

“It also promotes awareness of the various ways individuals and organisations can offer support. We’re thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to partner with the Trust in aiding the residents of Derbyshire.”

Jayne Bacon, the Trust’s chief operating officer, added: “We look forward to working together to collect essential food items for local families. During a cost of living crisis, the need has never been greater.

“I am so pleased that the Trust, the club and our community can help to contribute to this vital service.”

To find out more about Rural Action Derbyshire, please visit: www.ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk.

Local Charity awarded funding by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

AFCT have announced that they have awarded over £2.8 million of funding that will deliver significant changes and improvements in armed forces communities with hidden or compelling needs across the UK.

Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service is one of the 32 successful projects awarded funding for its STAND TO Derbyshire Veterans Community Services project.

John Ydlibi, Chair of Derbyshire Addictions Advice Service said: “It is fantastic that we are able to partner again with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and deliver support to Derbyshire ex- servicemen and women, some of whom have struggled immensely since leaving the Armed Forces.

“We are extremely proud of our STAND TO Programme, which has been successfully run by veterans for veterans, and this RECONNECT project will ensure that our Derbyshire veterans have the opportunity to connect with peers who have gone or are going through similar challenges”.

The RECONNECT project will reach out to veterans who are struggling to engage in services, who may be isolated, and whose needs are often hidden and complex. The Veteran-to-Veteran programme will facilitate early-stage engagement, offering regular contact and supported access to established Derbyshire Mutual Ex Service Support groups, peer support, buddying and volunteer opportunities.

The organisations featured in this article support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chamber welcomes new government support for apprenticeships

Small businesses (SMEs) in Chesterfield and the East Midlands region could get a surge in under 21s taking up apprenticeships, thanks to new government funding announced recently.

The Prime Minister has outlined plans to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships with a number of reforms. The government says it will pay the full cost of apprenticeships for people aged 21 or under at small firms from 1 April, and is pledging £60m of new investment for next year.

The government says this will reduce costs and burdens for businesses and deliver more opportunities for young people to kick start their careers. It also says the reforms will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training, whilst saving time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Employment Services Paul Needham said: “We know the value apprenticeships have on young people, in giving them real skills from a busy workplace and experiencing the challenges a business faces in a real world situation each day. For too long cost has been a barrier for many would-be apprentices and SMEs.

“For opportunities to be opened in this way is something I very much welcome. We work with a number of apprenticeship providers and see success after success when people achieve their goals; often they gain skills they had never envisaged. Businesses really see the benefit too as the enthusiasm to learn translates to good work so they’re a win-win. The more we can help young people get into work and develop the skills SMEs need will have a positive effect on the wider economy in the East Midlands.”

Is your business looking to upskill or recruit? Find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice and inspiring the next generation at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Apprentice welder and mentor at a local manufacturing business in Chesterfield

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