chesterfield business news

Councils update on proposed devolution deal for East Midlands

Four councils across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are due to decide whether to formally agree that a public consultation about the devolution deal proposal for the East Midlands should go ahead.

Nottingham City Council is the first to discuss the deal at its Full Council meeting on Monday 31 October 2022, followed by Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council on 2 November 2022 and Nottinghamshire County Council on 4 November 2022.

The leaders of each of the 4 councils signed up to work on a devolution deal on 30 August 2022, after the government offered the region a package of new powers and funding worth £1.14 billion. Since August, the councils have been working on agreeing a more detailed proposal, which includes more information about how devolution would work in our area.

These proposals will be discussed for formal agreement at key council meetings and if approved, a full consultation would follow – giving residents, businesses and other organisations the chance to have their say on the plans for a devolution deal, which would see a new regional mayor and new type of combined authority created for the area from 2024.

The deal would provide the region with a guaranteed income stream of £38 million per year over a 30-year period, and would cover around 2.2 million people, making it one of the biggest in the country.

The 4 leaders, Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, and David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said in a joint statement:

“Formal agreement by each council to go ahead with a consultation is the next step towards securing a devolution deal. It is about us getting a better deal for our area and getting a fairer share for both counties and cities. It would mean more funding for our region, and the opportunity to have more meaningful decisions made here, near the people they affect, rather than in London, so they can be better tailored to local needs.

“We don’t want to miss out on the advantages that devolution would bring, which other parts of the country have already benefited from. We’ve seen how devolution has given other areas more influence, a bigger presence, and helped them make the most of their strengths.

“We want to make the most of every opportunity, and of every penny, that this deal would bring in. It could make a real difference to people’s lives. More and better jobs, more investment, economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training, an improved greener and more sustainable environment. These are the things we all want to see, as we work together for a better future for the East Midlands.

“We often haven’t had the same level of funding or influence as other areas, and this is a big chance to turn that around and help us live up to our potential as a region.”

 

If the devolution deal goes ahead, it would create the first of a new type of combined authority, which requires new legislation from central government. As well as the £1.14 billion, it would include an extra £16 million for new homes on brownfield land and control over a range of budgets, like the adult education budget, which could be better tailored to the needs of people in our communities.

The devolution deal on the table is a level 3 deal, which offers the most local powers and funding. It would mean a new elected regional mayor, like those which already exist in other areas, who would represent both cities and counties. The role of the mayor would be to look at major issues affecting the whole region, give the area a bigger voice, and take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.

The deal means that a future mayor and combined authority could:

  • work towards Net Zero and cleaner air with new low carbon homes, retrofit existing houses with external wall insulation, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect and enhance green spaces, like areas for wildlife and green verges
  • build on the region’s existing knowledge and expertise in green technology and promote the growth of a future low carbon economy by investing in related skills training at colleges and other training facilities
  • set up and co-ordinate smart integrated ticketing and enhanced concessionary fares schemes
  • work with Homes England to build more affordable homes, by using new powers to buy land and housing (with district and borough council consent)
  • enhance the region’s economy by developing new commercial space to maximise opportunities
  • work with national government on initiatives to address homelessness, domestic abuse, community safety, social mobility and support for young people
  • take advantage of economies of scale by using combined and devolved budgets to deliver more value for taxpayers and more cost-efficient services

The 4 councils sent initial proposals to negotiate a combined devolution deal in March, after being named as pathfinder areas by the government in February and then being invited to apply for a devolution deal.

The councils have been working with the government to develop details of the deal, alongside discussions with district and borough councils, businesses and other stakeholders.

If the devolution deal is formally approved, the government would pass legislation bringing a new mayoral county combined authority for the east midlands into existence. The first election for a regional mayor for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham would be in May 2024.

The regional mayor would lead the new combined authority, which would also include representatives from local councils, with decision making powers and resources moving from London to the East Midlands. Local businesses would also have a voice, as well as other organisations.

The devolution deal would not mean scrapping or merging local councils, which would all continue to exist as they do now and would still be responsible for most public services in the area. The mayor and combined authority would instead focus on wider issues like transport, regeneration, and employment across both cities and counties.

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Chesterfield’s Custom Solar wins national award for innovative project

Custom Solar has recently been awarded ‘Commercial Solar Project of the Year’ at this year’s Solar and Storage LIVE, for its innovative work at Portsmouth International Ports.

The Solar PV Project, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council involved designing and developing a Solar PV carport canopy system, a 1.2Mw battery storage solution and a 600kWp rooftop solar system.

This project was unique due to challenges faced at foundation and surveying. Operations teams encountered a plague burial site on the planned locations for the carport canopies. After archeologists surveyed the site, the team were instructed to widen the site and ensure that the structures were less than 1m deep. Considering this, the foundations had to be redesigned completely by Customs design engineers to revert to a concrete pad foundation of 3m x 3m per post fixing.

This makes the 2,660 solar panel installation a landmark moment, worthy of its award, as it is one of the first carport canopies to sit at 5 meters high with only 1-meter depth for fixings. Portsmouth International Ports are also the first UK port to have solar canopies, which will contribute to generating 35% of the site’s power.

Custom Solar’s CEO, Gary Sucharewycz, Said: “We are delighted to have won the award for Commercial Solar and Storage project of the year. To have been recognised at the main industry awards for such a prestige project that the team have developed from concept, is a great reward for everyone involved.

“We have worked with a fantastic client in Portsmouth City Council to have successfully delivered the project through many challenges. We see this as a great case study for how solar and storage can be deployed in major operational environments, with solar car port canopy’s set to play a big role in clients generating their own power and assisting their Net zero ambitions to be realised.”

Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment at Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Kimberly Barrett, said: “It is the council’s priority to support clean growth. I’m delighted that we’ve met our target to begin generating clean energy at the port by the end of 2022, and when fully operational, it will reduce annual emissions by 239 tonnes at this busy site. We’re committed to take positive action to tackle climate change, and this cut in emissions will boost our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions across the city to net-zero by 2030″.

Custom Solar LTD designs, develops, installs, and maintains large scale infrastructure storage and solar systems for clientele including commercial and public sector institutions across the UK. The firm’s track record of tailoring projects for large-scale commercial clients relies on our creativity, our expertise in engineering, and an industry-leading attitude to health & safety.

The company supports 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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Award-winning Chesterfield entrepreneur to unveil new ‘Business Lounge,’ aiming to boost business growth

Business growth and support company, Great2, is hosting a launch event on Tuesday 15th November 2022, 4-6pm to unveil a new Business Lounge at their coworking space Great2Work in Chesterfield.

The new lounge at Hayfield House (on Devonshire Street, off Holywell Street) is thought to be the first of its kind in the area.

The event will hear speakers including Dom Stevens of Destination Chesterfield introducing the space, Beverley Beck (a member of the coworking space and supporter of the business) and Andy Ball CEO of Great2 who will explain the ethos behind Great2 and why he is so passionate about helping local businesses to grow.

There will also be time to network with local businesspeople over free drinks and nibbles. There will be a raffle with prizes including a month of free hot-desking at the coworking space, a free business lounge membership for a month, a bottle of Prosecco plus other great prizes. Great2Work’s Front of House, Hannah Finney, will also be conducting tours of the building including the coworking space, training rooms and meeting rooms so that attendees can see how we are encouraging businesses into the town.

The Business Lounge was developed to attract freelancers, micro and small businesses to the town centre. Giving them a comfortable place to go for informal meetings with colleagues or clients and a place to work from in between meetings. With a monthly membership, you can come and go as you please (no need to book). WiFi is included and there’s an ‘honesty box’ for refreshments.

Andy Ball, CEO of Great2 commented: “My vision for Great2 is to become the ‘go-to’ partner for local businesses who want to grow sustainably and make a difference. Our new business lounge is a first for Chesterfield and our aim is to give local businesspeople a professional, flexible and comfortable place to work from – keeping businesses in the town and using town centre facilities. The business lounge alongside our coworking space and business support services allows Great2 to provide a full suite of tools to help local businesses grow.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager said: “I look forward to updating on the regeneration of Chesterfield at the Great2Work Open House Event.  Great 2 are one of many independent companies that have decided to Invest in Chesterfield over the past couple of years and make the town their home.”

If you’d like to come along to the event please email marketing@great2.co.uk

Find out more about Great2Work here

To find out more about the range of great office spaces available across Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/office/

Great2 supports 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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Chesterfield Champions provide support to the local community

Several businesses and organisations in Chesterfield are doing their bit to support the community.

A number of initiatives and fundraising efforts have been launched to support charities and local residents. Find out more in our roundup below:

Chesterfield Football Club launches ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’

Feed Chesterfield Together has been launched by the Community Trust as a joint venture with Chesterfield Locality Children’s Partnership (LCP). The aim of the campaign is to support local food provisions within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.

Community manager Jayne Bacon outlined the new initiative, explaining: “It’s about helping local families through what’s going to be a difficult winter.

“Feed Chesterfield Together will raise funds to support existing food provisions such as food banks and distribution units to help and support vulnerable families in the town.

“We want to provide our support and help to feed the most vulnerable this winter as it’s going to be a tough time for everyone.

“We’re delighted with how things have gone so far. We began with a bucket collection at the last home match, raising £250 to begin with, which is a great start.”

David Mills, chair of the LCP, is proud that Chesterfield Schools and pupils have come together to support this crucial initiative. He said: “Schools have provided a platform for children and young people to support the most vulnerable families in Chesterfield.

“This demonstrates the tremendous positive contribution children and young people can make to their local community in a very challenging time.”

Jayne spoke about the importance of the Trust being involved with these sorts of projects.

“It’s absolutely vital for us,” she said. ”We are a community facility, and we want to be here for the people of Chesterfield when they most need help and support.

“It’s essential that we provide support to the most vulnerable in Chesterfield and help them in any way we can.”

Jayne also revealed that a warm space in the HUB will be made available for families over the winter. She said: “We will be opening the HUB from 5pm to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, where the heating will be on and we will provide books, magazines and board games.

“It’s a space for people to stay warm and safe. Some of the Feed Chesterfield Together funds will be allocated to offering food and drinks in the warm HUB via Chester’s Den cafe.

“We want people who use the warm HUB to feel welcome, have fun, stay warm and have food available too. It’s vital for us to provide these opportunities and we really want to provide a safe space for families to make use of.

“It’s important that we open our doors. We are a community facility, and we want to open that up for people to use. We’re hopeful this will help a number of families.”

A GoFundMe page has been set-up for people who would like to make a donation to help the project. To access this, please visit www.gofundme.com and search for ‘Feed Chesterfield Together’.

Paperclip takes part in ‘Wear it Pink’ day

Paperclip has been ‘Wearing it Pink’ to raise monies for the charity, Breast Cancer Now. The ‘official’ day is Friday (21 October).

Each team member made a donation and Paperclip agreed to match the funds raised.  1 in 8 Women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime

Find out more on the ‘Wear it Pink’ website.

Kids Planet Sheepbridge creates accessible indoor pumpkin patch

Autumn is in full swing at the Kids Planet nurseries, and one nursery in particular has gone above and beyond in its pursuit to provide children with an accessible magical space to experience pumpkin picking.

The Kids Planet Sheepbridge team have created their own indoor pumpkin patch for the children to explore, truly bringing the outside in with hay, pumpkins, leaves, wheelbarrows, wellington boots, and more.

The children of all ages are using the pumpkin patch, and will be doing some pumpkin decorating and sensory activities with the inside of the pumpkins, working in line Kids Planet’s values of inspiring awe and wonder.

Lauren Poundall, Acting Nursery Manager at Kids Planet Sheepbridge, said: “We are thrilled with our indoor pumpkin patch. It was important to us to create this in order to give all children the opportunity to experience Pumpkin Picking, as sometimes these types of places are not easily accessible to all.

“We wanted to build an inspiring environment which would interest and spark children’s communication. Our Families have loved the Pumkin Patch and the children come into nursery asking to go and see the hay and the Pumpkins.”

Ashgate Hospice’s ‘Light up a life’ returns

Ashgate Hospice’s new-look Light Up a Life campaign has launched and the charity is giving the community a way to remember their loved ones during what can be a difficult time for many.

Supporters will receive a lantern in the post which can be personalised with a photo of their loved one and a special message in return for a suggested £20 donation.

They will also be sent an electric light to place inside their lantern and an invitation to join a special procession and remembrance ceremony in Chesterfield on the evening of Sunday 4th December.

The poignant 1.2-mile procession, which will start around 5pm, will bring walkers to the hospice at Old Brampton for a special remembrance ceremony in the beautifully lit gardens from 6pm.

The evening will include a touching reflection from local celebrant Jonathan Reeve, gentle live music and refreshments.

Jack Wood, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Every year, Ashgate Hospice unites our community to remember our loved ones during this difficult time.

“But this year will be especially poignant as we will finally get to remember together, in-person, for the first time since the pandemic.

“We hope our Light Up a Life event will bring some comfort to families like Ali’s at such an emotional time of year.

“I hope you will join us at this very special remembrance event and help raise vital funds to support many more families when they need urgent care and support.”

Find out more about Ashgate Hospice’s Light Up a Life appeal at https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life or by calling 01246 567250.

Chesterfield Football Club, Paperclip, Kids Planet and Ashgate Hospice 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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Council to host pop-up recruitment event this October

Chesterfield Borough Council is hosting a pop-up recruitment event in the Pavements Shopping Centre on Thursday 27 October from 10am to 2pm.

The event will take place in Unit 25 of the Pavements Shopping Centre, previously Wards Shoe Shop, opposite Boots.

Also attending the recruitment event are colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Careers Service at Derbyshire County Council.

People can find out more about current vacancies at the council, and representatives from the Human Resources department will be on hand to answer any questions people may have about working for the organisation.

New vacancies are added to the council’s website every week, so whether residents are looking to take their first steps into the workplace or are looking for a more senior role, they can visit the website to find out more about current opportunities to work at the council.

Councillor Sharon Blank, cabinet member for governance, said: “This is the second pop-up event we have held in the Pavement’s Shopping Centre, and we are encouraging anyone looking for work to drop in to see us during the event times.

“The recruitment event is taking place on the same day as the popular 1940s market, so if you are heading into the town centre, come along to see us and find out what roles are available at the council and ask any questions you have about how to complete application forms, or the level of experience needed for various positions”.

The council has a commitment to support residents to find new job opportunities, and have access to skills, training and apprenticeships, and the council colleagues who are hosting the event will also be able to provide information about what’s on offer.

Those attending can bring their CV along and leave it with the team to be considered for any future vacancies that may be suitable for them.

The council’s website and social media channels are updated regularly with new positions, so anyone looking for work is encouraged to check these sites for the latest opportunities.

This is a drop in event, and no appointment is needed.

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Growth for Chesterfield IT firm with new Head of Sales & Marketing announced

Addooco, the leading Managed IT, Cloud & Communications provider are excited to announce the recent appointment of Nigel Mallender as Head of Sales & Marketing.

Nigel joins Addooco to assist with their next phase of growth and brings with him over 20 years’ experience in the IT solutions sector.

He commented: “Having worked for my previous employer for nearly 24 years it felt like the right time for a new challenge and change. I took my time to find the right opportunity and business.”

Nigel went on to add: “and it was only through a chance meeting with Paul Walters, Head of Operations, I learned of this position and Addooco’s ambitious plans for the future. I’m very much looking forward to being part of the Team and I’m confident this will prove a great fit for all.”

Nigel hails from Yorkshire but has lived in Chesterfield for 25 years. He is married with a young daughter, works for a charity part time and is Chairman of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

Richard Walters, Addooco’s Managing Director commented on Nigel’s arrival: “We’ve known Nigel for a number of years and are thrilled to welcome him to our Management Team. Nigel is an experienced individual and a people person who appreciates the importance of building relationships and developing a client base. That’s exactly what we were looking for”.

Addooco is based on Dunston Technology Park in Chesterfield and have been delivering cutting edge IT solutions since 2008. To find out more please call 01246 887887 or visit their website – www.addooco.it

Find out more about the benefits of locating and growing your business here in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/invest-in-chesterfield/

The company supports 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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Mining memorial at Markham Vale reaches completion

A moving tribute to miners who died in 3 disasters at a Derbyshire colliery has been completed 10 years after it was commissioned.

The final 13 life-size steel figures have been unveiled as part of the Walking Together Mining Memorial, taking the total number of statues to commemorate those tragically killed at Markham Colliery to 106 – one for each man who died in the disasters.

Originally commissioned in 2012, the figures form a trail which stretches between the village of Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, to Markham Vale, close to where the former pithead of Markham Colliery once stood.

Markham Vale is the council’s flagship regeneration site reclaimed and developed in partnership with HBD (formally known as Henry Boot Developments) to create new jobs and attract investment into the area.

The trail symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and each figure carries a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role.

Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent designed the memorial supported by Markham Vale Heritage Group which researched the lives of the miners who were commemorated.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “I feel honoured to have been part of this fantastic project and it’s great to see it finally completed.

“It’s incredibly important that we don’t forget the site’s mining history, the challenging jobs the pit workers had and the sacrifices they made.

“This permanent memorial is a place where the miner’s community spirit can be remembered and where families, friends and future generations can come together to pay tribute.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the project including the local community, the families and friends of the miners who tragically lost their lives and the sponsors who have helped make this project possible.

“I would also like to thank the artist Stephen Broadbent, fabricator at CB Arts, the team at Beam and the Markham Vale Heritage Group for all their fantastic work.”

 

The first disaster commemorated by the memorial was an underground explosion on 21 January 1937 which claimed the lives of 9 men. This was followed by a second explosion a year later in 1938 when 79 miners lost their lives and 40 were seriously injured.

The final disaster occurred 35 years later when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying miners to the coalface failed, killing 18 miners and seriously injuring 11 others on 30 July, 1973.

The final 13 figures have been dedicated to:

  1. David Bann, 54, Contractor
  2. Alfred Garland, 52, Timber Drawer
  3. Robert Gregson, 36, Contractor
  4. John William Hadley, 31, Contractor
  5. Joseph Hibbard, 51, Timber Drawer
  6. Joseph Lilley, 30, Road Repairer
  7. Felix Linathan, 48, Contractor
  8. Mark Richards, 31, Ripper
  9. Samuel Edward Salt, 41, Deputy
  10. Clarence Silcock, 42, Ripper
  11. Fred Taylor, 53, Contractor
  12. Redvers Baden Whitehead, 37, Shot-firer
  13. Matthew Williams, 36, Contractor

A grant of £17,830 has been awarded by Valencia Communities Fund through the Landfill Communities Fund to support and install 8 out of the 13 remaining figures.

Great Bear Distribution Limited sponsored three figures, while a further grant of £38,950 was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which distributes funding raised by National Lottery players. The further grant will cover the cost of 1 figure and fund several activities, including engagement workshops with the local community, a commemorative publication, heritage walking tours of the site and more.

For more information about the memorial visit The Markham Story Mine website. The Story Mine project is supported by The Heritage Lottery Fund and ourselves to unearth and share stories from Markham Colliery.

Anyone interested in joining the volunteers at Markham Vale Heritage Group can email contact@beam.uk.net

Markham miners memorial unveiling marks halfway point

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East Midlands Chamber named UK Chamber of the Year in national awards

East Midlands Chamber has secured one of the most significant accolades in business after being named the UK Chamber of the Year.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire was recognised for supporting businesses to engage with the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda as it took the top prize at the British of Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) annual Chamber Business Awards, sponsored by Quest. There are 53 accredited chambers of commerce in the UK.

Judges said East Midlands Chamber succeeded in striking a good geographical balance across its membership base, serving more than 4,000 businesses across the three counties. Its strength in the areas of diversity and environmental sustainability also stood out as particularly impressive.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “We are delighted to receive such recognition and this award is testament to the hard work of the whole Chamber team over the past few years in supporting businesses through one of the most challenging periods in memory.

“We have always sought to provide a comprehensive offer in supporting our members through whatever the world throws at us. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we pivoted our service online with a focus on business resilience and took advantage of opportunities such as the Kickstart Scheme to become the UK’s biggest gateway provider.

“This approach has continued to evolve within a hybrid delivery model as we seek to help guide members through the important business issues of today and tomorrow – including the rapidly-growing ESG agenda, which comprises a commitment to net zero, a diverse and inclusive workforce, and building relationships with communities.

“As new opportunities come forward, we will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring our members are at the leading edge of new business trends, while flying the flag for the East Midlands in order to help attract new investment and grow our region’s economy.”

The Chamber’s achievements in recent years have included:

  • Providing a £100,000 membership relief fund during the pandemic and helping 982 businesses to access Covid-19 funds valued at £1.4m
  • Supporting 902 businesses to fill 2,093 placements in the Kickstart Scheme, which created work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds, with 81% of participants securing a job, or returning to further or higher education
  • Leading a Digital High Street project supporting 322 retailers to improve their digital offering
  • Supporting 700 exporters and 200 importers annually via the international trade service
  • Establishing a Sustainable East Midlands initiative to collate practical advice that supports members on their net zero journey, holding 26 events that attracted more than 1,000 delegates in 2021/22
  • Launching a free ESG toolkit in partnership with RSM UK for members
  • Being an exemplar to businesses in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce by achieving Disability Confident Leader status, leading a prison employment advisory board, signing a menopause workplace pledge and “Time to Change” pledge, and supporting the Midlands Mental Health Productivity Pilot.

The Chamber Business Awards, now in its 19th year, is one of the showpieces of the business calendar, highlighting the role that chambers of commerce play in assisting firms to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.

The awards provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Chamber Network, and the vital support chambers provide to businesses.

Sarah Howard, chair of the BCC, said: “The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is an extremely worthy winner of this award.

“The Chamber’s commitment to sustainability and net zero ambitions is paving the way for other chambers to follow in the fight against the climate crisis.

“Running a successful and vibrant chamber of commerce, with its members’ interests at the core, is no easy task and I want to congratulate all members of the East Midlands Chamber team for their hard work and dedication.”

Steve Charles, head of business partnerships at Quest added: “Congratulations to East Midlands Chamber, a worthy winner of the Chamber of the Year award.

“A strong financial performance enabled it to offer a wide range of support to members including Kickstart, in particular during the pandemic.

“It has led the way on helping members build a diverse and inclusive workforce, as well as meeting their net zero targets. It also has an exciting investment strategy to help it offer even more support to members in the future. Well done.”

To find out about how East Midlands Chamber can support businesses, visit www.emc-dnl.co.uk/about-us/key-chamber-services or call 0333 320 0333.

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Chesterfield manufacturer Robinson invests in new equipment for its fast-growing Paperbox division

Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer Robinson has invested more than half a million pounds in state-of-the-art SATE machinery for its UK Paperbox division.

Demand has risen as more and more luxury goods manufacturers seek out UK based packaging suppliers for reliability of delivery and quality of product. Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier meeting sustainability commitments.

The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging and why we are now investing in SATE machinery to create the best packaging in the most sustainable way.”

The new equipment – based at the site in Chesterfield – offers huge advantages in terms of production and quality of the finished product with savings on fixed production costs, consistency and reliability, and ease of use and maintenance.

Robinson UK MD Steve Haley States: “We are all really excited about the recent investments at Paperbox which is aligned to our strategic growth plans. This latest new machine will take us to new levels in terms of production output, machine capabilities and efficiencies to support our customer base.”

The SATE format change over time is reduced, even up to 15 minutes in the case of changes between similar formats, and never more than 1 hour in the case of assembly of kits for special formats or formats completely different from the previous one.

The operational logic and simplicity allow the creation of boxes with large windows without burrs or misalignments. Better management of the gluing process has made it possible to eliminate the annoying problem of “glue gaps”, especially visible in the final part of the sheet, which ruin the final result.

The renewed paper feeding system means the machine can manage sheets with a minimum weight of 70 g/m2 without the need for special measures and the machine can start fully automatically, until the glue is ready on the moving rollers. It is possible to set a schedule for shifts, daily and weekly, in order to find the machine ready upon arrival at the company.

At the end of the work, on a simple command from the operator, the machine takes care of carrying out the washing process in a totally automatic and accurate way.

Internal and external bubbles are completely eliminated during processing, increasing the actual and perceived quality of the final product.

It has the lowest energy consumption in its class, up to 60% less energy requirement compared to competing lines because the S-Line recovers energy when it decelerates. A completely new and innovative approach to save energy and increase efficiency.

The S line machines work a wide variety of different boxes, even punched, with tape or Hot-Melt stitching. Everything has been done to enhance speed and precision, reducing any dead time and machine downtime. In addition to this, the line offers integrated tele-assistance, generating a final report, and a complete processing control that gives maximum choice to the customer.

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

Robinson’s paperboard factory in Chesterfield is strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Robinson specialises in custom packaging with technical solutions for hygiene, safety, protection, and convenience. It manufactures injection and blow moulded plastic packaging and rigid paperboard luxury packaging.

The company supports 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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Shorts advises on sale of Staveley-based Hopkinson Waste Group

Chesterfield’s Shorts Chartered Accountants recently teamed up with Actons Solicitors to act as lead advisers and legal representatives to David Hopkinson on the sale of the Hopkinson Waste Group, to Highgate Capital BC Limited for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1986, Staveley based Hopkinson Waste Management has grown into one of the largest privately owned waste management companies in the area. The firm has a modern fleet of GPS-controlled vehicles and skips in a variety of sizes, suitable for all types of commercial or domestic waste. Its materials recovery facility also produces recycled materials from their waste processing operation.

Andy Ryder, Partner at Shorts commented: “We are delighted to have advised David on the completion of this transaction. We have little doubt the business will continue to be successful and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength under ambitious new owners.”

Jules Gaylor, representing Highgate Capital said: “We aim to invest in companies with long term sustainable growth potential. The Hopkinson Waste Group, with its strong ethical values and environmental credentials, is a superb fit for us. David has created a magnificent legacy and we are excited to become custodians and deliver the next chapter.”

David Hopkinson added: “I’m delighted to see the new owner’s plans already taking shape. Their long-term vision will see considerable investment in the business, bringing with it local jobs for local people and the wider environment will also benefit from their ‘zero waste to landfill’ initiatives, making for a bright future for everyone connected with The Hopkinson Waste Group.”

Peter Flowerday, Director of Actons added “ It has been a pleasure to work alongside David and Shorts, together with the buyer and their advisors, in order to complete this transaction within the target timescales”

Landon Bowdler Solicitors and BHP Chartered Accountants also advised.

Shorts and BHP 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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Cash injection to explore upgrades to the A61 South of Chesterfield

£50,000 has been awarded to Derbyshire County Council, to assist in making a business case to the government for work on the A61 corridor, to the south of Chesterfield.

The council is contributing by matching the funding to he proposed work, which takes the pot up to £100,000.

Midlands Connect will provide the funding to research and develop a business case to submit to government and will also supply support to the local authority. This allows the council to explore all options available to improve the corridor, which may include improved access for pedestrians and cyclists or enhanced public transport provision along the route.

Swati Mittal, Strategic Roads Manager at Midlands Connect, said: “We are so pleased to be able to give Derbyshire County Council this funding and to help them make their case to government.

“This scheme is exactly in line with Midlands Connect’s values and objectives for the region, and could benefit from a great variety of improvements, which we look forward to exploring with the council.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, commented: “I hugely welcome this additional funding that has been announced today.

“We remain at a pretty early stage in terms of how to mitigate the long-term challenges on the A61 but the work that we have done locally in recent years is now starting to be recognised more broadly – including through grants such as this – and I hope it will allow us to make progress in the years ahead. Thank you to Midlands Connect for being willing to support this important work.”

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We are grateful for the funding from Midlands Connect which will help us to develop future plans for the A61.

“This busy road is important for so many people living between Chesterfield and Clay Cross, and for commuters. The road is likely to get busier as new housing developments and business growth brings more people to the area, so it’s vital we look at what we can do to manage congestion and reduce emissions. This money will enable us to further develop our plans.”

The A61 corridor is a crucial part of the major road network in Derbyshire, connecting the county to Chesterfield and beyond into South Yorkshire. The area for improvement spans from the Horns Bridge roundabout in Chesterfield to the A6175 junction in the centre of Clay Cross.

The road is one of the most congested in the county, with several “pinch points” at key junctions as well as Horns Bridge roundabout. During peak hours, average delays of up to twelve minutes affect travellers along the route in either direction.

New housing developments are being built along the corridor and once completed, their residents will benefit from the improvements. Two key construction sites in the vicinity will deliver up to 2,100 new dwellings.

Improvements to the corridor would support better air quality in the surrounding residential area, which includes housing estates and schools. There are also plans to improve pedestrian and cyclist accessibility, by looking into drop-kerbs, crossing points, and cycle parking.

The business case will build on the outcome of a public consultation undertaken by the council. The consultation runs from 25 July to 16 October 2022.

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

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