chesterfield news

Chesterfield’s Crooked Spire Church receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund

Chesterfield Parish Church is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

445 organisations will share £103 million, including Chesterfield Parish Church, to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage sites, keeping venues open and supporting those working in the sector.

The Crooked Spire will receive £281,548, which amounts to 80% of the cost of replacing failing roofs on the Chancel and the side aisles.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund – funded by Government and administered at arms length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

433 organisations will receive a share of £67 million from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage to help with costs for operating, reopening and recovery. This includes famous heritage sites across the country, from Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, Blyth Tall Ship to the Severn Valley Railway, the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincolnshire to the Piecehall in Halifax. The funds will save sites that are a source of pride for communities across the country.

12 organisations, including English Heritage, Landmark Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and the Canal and River Trust, will receive £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to restart construction and maintenance on cherished heritage sites to preserve visitor attractions and protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors in the sector.

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has also been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund through Historic England. The AHF will use the funding to support charities and social enterprises occupying historic buildings to develop new business plans and strategies for organisations affected by the pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounceback post covid.”

Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator, Historic Royal Palaces, said: “There’s no truer way to experience the past than to walk in the footsteps of those who have lived it – that’s why preserving our built heritage is so important. “At Historic Royal Palaces, we care for six nationally significant buildings, opening them to the public and preserving them for future generations. Sadly, the pandemic meant that we had to stop some of our critical conservation work. The grant we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund will enable to this work to resume – so we can give some of Britain’s most historic buildings the care and attention they deserve, while supporting the specialist craftspeople who are vital for the future of our national heritage. We are enormously grateful to the Government for this support.”

The Vicar, Patrick Coleman, said:

“The Crooked Spire is consistently among the ten greatest visitor attractions in the East Midlands, and brings in tens of thousands of visitors to Chesterfield in a normal year. As the premier tourist venue in Chesterfield, it is a significant national treasure, keeping at its heart the purposes of worship of God and telling the Good News of Christ, which are always its primary purpose, and – as visitors so often tell us – this makes the place so much more than a museum.

“The team at the Parish Church has worked tirelessly to make the building accessible and COVID-secure for all who visit for any reason, and this grant will enable us to ensure a safe and dry welcome, as well as making up for lost visitor income, and enabling us to continue our programme of investment in improving facilities within the building.”

Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s Chief Executive said:

“It is heartening to see grants, both large and small, from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund helping heritage sites and organisations across the country which have been hit hard by the effects of Covid-19. These grants range from giving skilled craft workers the chance to keep their trades alive to helping heritage organisations pay the bills, and to kick-starting repair works at our best-loved historic sites. The funding is an essential lifeline for our heritage and the people who work tirelessly to conserve it for us all, so that we can hand it on to future generations.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “It is absolutely right that investing in heritage should be a priority during this crisis and this support by Government is crucial. Heritage creates jobs and economic prosperity, is a major driver for tourism and makes our towns, cities, and rural areas better places to live. All of this is so important for our wellbeing and will be particularly vital when we start to emerge from this incredibly difficult time. “Our heritage is still facing a perilous future – we are not out of the woods yet. But this hugely welcome funding from Government, and the money we continue to invest from the National Lottery, has undoubtedly stopped heritage and the organisations that care for it being permanently lost.”

Kate Mavor, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said:

“This support for our nation’s heritage is fantastic news. Over the last few months, our teams have been working hard to welcome visitors back safely to the great castles, stone circles, abbeys and historic houses in our care. This funding will help us invest to safeguard the historic fabric of these much-loved places, which everyone can learn from and enjoy.”

Crooked Spire Lunchtime concerts

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Sustainable East Midlands campaign launched to put region at forefront of UK’s ‘Build Back Greener’ vision

East Midlands Chamber has urged the region’s businesses to go green and reap the benefits to their bottom line in a new campaign.

The Sustainable East Midlands initiative will highlight both the business case and regulatory requirements for companies that engage with the low-carbon agenda.

It includes a new online information portal that will point firms to financial support available to them and a series of educational events, beginning with the East Midlands Energy Summit later this month.

The campaign has been launched following research by the Chamber and University of Derby, which highlighted how sustainability is rising up the business agenda – but also showed a gap in awareness for many organisations.

East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “With the seismic shift in the economy and the way businesses look to develop new ways to operate, there is no better time to focus on the opportunities and the potential offered by the sustainability agenda.

“With its manufacturing heritage, innovative businesses and academic base, the East Midlands has the raw ingredients to be at the forefront of delivering a low-carbon economy – particularly important at a time when the UK Government has a vision to ‘build back greener’ from the pandemic.

“This isn’t just about sustainability for the sake of being greener, as this translates into the bottom line of businesses through efficiency and resilience. Adopting greener credentials reduces running costs and helps to win new contracts and business.

“The Sustainable East Midlands campaign will play a pivotal role in shining a spotlight on the great companies already heavily engaged in the low-carbon agenda, while signposting more businesses in this direction – because now is the time to take responsibility and reap the rewards.”

University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber research on sustainability engagement and awareness among businesses

Sustainable East Midlands is the product of a long-standing partnership between the Chamber and University of Derby, which has yielded unique data about the region’s engagement with the sustainability agenda.

In February, the university included a set of questions related to this topic for the Q1 2020 edition of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, which explores a range of business interests to gauge the state of the region’s economy.

More than 400 Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire businesses took part in the survey and it showed the percentage of businesses deriving turnover from low-carbon and pro-environmental goods and services has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020 – growing from 16% to 31% during this period.

Just over a third (35%) of businesses said they were integrating clean growth into their business plan, while the proportion of firms not considering clean growth opportunities at all had decreased from 36% in 2018 to 14% in 2020.

On the flip side, four in 10 businesses said they did not feel well-informed about support for clean growth.
Dr Fred Paterson, an associate professor at the University of Derby and the Low Carbon Business Network lead at Derby Business School, led the research team.

He said: “There is growing evidence that companies putting environmental sustainability at the heart of their operations are more successful and more likely to survive over time than other firms.

“At the same time, the UK low-carbon economy has been growing steadily for more than a decade and has weathered storms like the financial crash of 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic better than other sectors of the economy.

“It’s no surprise that our research has shown the number of businesses in the East Midlands that provide pro-environmental goods and services has doubled over the past five years.

“The Sustainable East Midlands initiative is therefore a really welcome support for the increasing number of smaller business that want to build their sustainable credentials and grow their business in ways that are also positive for the environment.”

The topic of sustainability was also discussed recently at the Destination Chesterfield Round Table event, with several local business figures speaking on what more can be done to drive sustainability in our region.

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Local Mortgage Brokers Mortgage 1st are shortlisted as finalists for national award

Mortgage 1st, a Chesterfield based Mortgage broker firm have been shortlisted as finalists in this year’s national Mortgage Introducer Awards.

Out of nearly 30 broker firms who entered from across the UK, Mortgage 1st are now down to the final 5 in the Broker of the Year (under 40 Advisers) Category.

It was based on the votes they received from their customers alone that has secured them a place on the shortlist which is testament to the quality service they provide.

The housing market has seen a boom since the end of the first lockdown earlier this year and has benefited from government incentives such as the stamp duty holiday which has encouraged many additional house purchases.

Due to the increase in demand Mortgage 1st have recruited 8 new team members since June to manage all the new enquires and to ensure they can continue to offer their customers the same high levels of service, especially during these very uncertain and stressful times.

Lisa Stones, HR & Marketing Director, Mortgage 1st said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our team for going above and beyond in what’s been the busiest year in our company’s history. It’s been tough but extremely rewarding seeing how well our team have coped with changes, adapted to new ways of working and managed an increased workload all with a smile on their face! We are delighted to have reached the finals and all have our fingers crossed for the 10th of December!”

The Mortgage 1st team will all be watching the Mortgage Introducer Awards live on the 10th of December when the winners will be announced.

Mortgage 1st supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield-based Avant Homes appoints new head of sales for its central region

Chesterfield Housebuilder Avant Homes Central has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Dawn Bennett to the newly created role of Head of Sales.

Dawn has worked at Avant Homes for 15 years, originally joining as a sales administrator in 2005 with Avant Homes’ Midlands operation before progressing to sales coordinator in 2010 and then area sales manager in 2016. In 2019 Dawn joined the Central team, based out of Chesterfield.

In her new role Dawn will be responsible for overseeing the sales function for the region whilst working closely with Avant Homes Central managing director Stuart Rowlands and with external partners.

Commenting on her appointment, Dawn said: “I’m proud to have worked at Avant Homes for the past 15 years and to be a part of the success of the business. Avant Homes Central is a fantastic, growing region with lots of opportunity. It’s an extremely exciting time to be stepping into this new role working with our teams to help drive the business forward. After starting my career in the housebuilding sector with Avant Homes I’m very excited to be given the chance to further develop my skills and continue my journey with the business.”

Based in Chesterfield, Avant Homes Central is part of the Avant Homes group, one of the leading private developers of residential property in the UK. The group currently has 59 developments across its five operating regions, 10 of which are part of Avant Homes Central. Its development operations cover South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Avant Homes Central managing director, Stuart Rowlands said: “Dawn is a great addition to the Avant Homes Central leadership team. She has progressed through the ranks from sales administrator and brings a wealth of sales experience to her new position as head of sales.

“Dawn’s knowledge, expertise and love of Avant Homes really made her stand out. Dawn is a much-valued member of the Avant team and will play an important part in the continuing success of Avant Homes Central. We wish her every success.”

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

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70th apprentice for Chesterfield e-commerce firm

Xbite’s 70th apprentice says the opportunity has changed his life around.

Kieran Taylor (21) from Clowne became the Derbyshire e-commerce firm’s latest apprentice to join the firm which operates retail brands including 365 Games.co.uk, Roov.co.uk, Maison & White, Pukkr and Shop4.

Xbite, which has a £42m turnover, has been running a successful apprenticeship programme for seven years with a proven track record of growing and developing people and offering career progression.

Its apprentices have graduated to become buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments at the company, which now employs 170 people at its HQ offices and warehouse at Barlborough.

Digital marketing apprentice Kieran said: “This apprenticeship has given my life direction. I was stuck in a rut and didn’t know what I wanted to do. It has changed my life around. Now my creativity is fuelled and I have found a new focus. I am learning so many skills and getting paid for what I love doing.

“This is such an amazing company. The management are friendly, supportive and so helpful. They are really forward thinking and adapt to staff needs constantly.

“I have found the first proper job I have ever wanted to do and take pride in. I have made a proper commitment to a job and have found a career. It is the best move I have ever made. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship at Xbite.”

HR advisor Marcy White who was once an apprentice herself, oversees Xbite’s apprenticeship scheme which takes on employees between 16 – 25 in roles across the company. Xbite works with Chesterfield College, Sheffield College, Baltic Training, Yorkshire Training Provider and Chambers of Commerce to guide its apprentices who mainly come from Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Nick Whitehead, managing director at Xbite, said: “We are so proud to have Kieran as our 70th apprentice at Xbite.

“We are a growing company and it is difficult to be commercially successful whilst delivering a good, and relevant apprenticeship programme, but we have the right ingredients to do it including the best work environment and people at all levels supporting our Xbite rookies.

“Apprenticeship schemes are a really good source of talent. They can be ingrained in the fabric of the business. We have a lot of people in middle management roles that have come through that route and succeeded.

“There are so many success stories here across all ages, even people taking a step backward from their previous career path to be trained up and who now enjoy a better future.

“Xbite rookies have turned into buyers, marketing experts, accountants, software developers, and even managers of departments. Making 70 is such a proud moment for our history and its also really important to us to support local people. Our retention rate for apprentices is 95 percent – we put the effort in with staff and they give us commitment and loyalty back.”

Wade Harris, who joined Xbite as an apprentice in buying admin five years ago and is now Head of In-house Brand, said: “Going to university was not for me and a chance meeting at a family party brought me to Xbite. I started working and studying for an NVQ in digital marketing, then became junior buyer, product sourcing manager for three years and then from senior manager to Head of In-house Brand.

“The advantages of being on an apprenticeship is you gain experience from day one, train and get paid, have a guaranteed job at the end, and can take advantage of other opportunities in the company and pathways to different job roles in an environment you have already got to know really well. If you are driven here, the opportunities are yours to take. It’s a great business and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Xbite also operates a successful graduate recruitment programme with Sheffield City Region’s RISE and has taken on four graduates this year.

Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Corrugated Case Company featured in Britain’s Got Talent semi-final

Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer, Corrugated Case Company were taken by surprise recently, when they found out their products had been featured in an episode of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

The company’s boxes featured in a death-defying stunt during a semi-final episode, which was carried out by The Magic Marine (aka James Stott). The stunt saw the brave magician put his life in the hands of BGT judges David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Ashley Banjo.

Concealed in one of five giant boxes, The Magic Marine asked each of the four judges to release a ton of explosives dangling precariously overhead at random.

You can see the dramatic action in the video below:

Founded in 1996, The Corrugated Case Company is recognised today as one of the UK’s leading specialists in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging products, establishing a firm reputation for quality, innovation and delivering value to customers. However, the team believes this is the first time their products have featured in front of a national television audience!

Melissa Wilcockson, Technical Sales Manager for the Corrugated Case Company said: “We had no idea our boxes were going to be featured in the act. It wasn’t until a few weeks after the programme aired that we learned the order was shipped to a commercial provider of magical props, which is how they ended up in the hands of The Magic Marine.

“As you can imagine, it was a huge surprise for everybody. Our boxes and packaging have been used in all manner of industries, but this is the first time — as far as we know — they’ve been used for something like this!”

The company also joked in a statement on its website: “We can throw a few shapes here and there on the dance floor, but not much beyond the classic Big Fish / Little Fish / Cardboard Box routine. And as for comedy, well, we think it’s fair to say that joke just now is a prime example to suggest we wouldn’t make it past the front door — let alone the auditions round!”

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

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Export Growth Plan launched to boost Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses in overseas trading

The Department for International Trade (DIT) has launched its ‘Export Growth Plan,’ which will provide additional financial support and expertise to help boost overseas activity for businesses.

Some of the plan is targeted towards companies based in Chesterfield and Derbyshire, including:

The Export Academy

Launched on 16 October 2020, The Export Academy is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000 to help build capabilities and confidence to trade internationally; and to overcome the challenges that businesses may face when they start to export.

Businesses can pick and mix which modules they would like to attend to find out how to understand customs procedures, export controls and documentation, getting paid, how to research international markets, pricing and distribution, export procedures, exporting products and services and Inco terms.

Structured around free one hour webinars, round tables and mentoring sessions, the Academy will give small and micro-businesses the opportunity to complete an export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers.

Internationalisation Fund

DIT is soon to release grants to help companies that have significant potential to grow their international sales. Match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 will be available for future activity for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire businesses (subject to eligibility and availability).

They are now accepting expressions of interest so that as soon as the fund is made available they can include you. The grants could cover the following areas – internationalising a website, procuring translation services, international consultancy, international legal advice, international IP advice, independent market visits or attendance at non TAP trade fairs.

1:1 consultations with an International Trade Adviser

DIT is offering a 30 minute 1:1 video or telephone consultation with an International Trade Adviser. If a business is experiencing issues in relation to international trade we are here to help.

Ian Harrison, Department for International Trade’s Head of Exports for Midlands said: “The Department’s recently launched Export Growth Plan will have a big impact across our region. Importantly, it will allow businesses in Chesterfield to grow their overseas trade and help them recover from the economic impact of coronavirus. This package of measures will ensure Midlands companies are supported from the start, with more funding, more Trade Advisers and the establishment of the Export Academy to help businesses build back better.”

You can find out more about what’s available here.

 

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Terminally ill patient marries the love of her life at Ashgate Hospicecare

Lindsay, a terminally ill patient at Ashgate Hospicecare who lives with pancreatic cancer, chose to tie the knot with her – now – husband, Simon, last week in Ashgate Hospicecare’s boardroom.

The ceremony, which was put on with the support of the hospice staff and a number of kind donations from local businesses, was incredibly moving despite social distancing rules. It was attended by a small group of the couple’s family and friends, as well as their 19-month-old son Isaac.

Lindsay, who can now also be referred to as Mrs Birley, told us: “We had such a special day thanks to Ashgate. We had hoped I would be well enough to get married in Chesterfield, but it wasn’t possible so I can’t thank the hospice enough for everything they have done. We’ve been going through some tough times but it was a really lovely day.

“I’d class Ashgate as my second home. My family can’t believe how well I’ve looked since I’ve been here but it’s because my medication got switched around so I’ve been sleeping so much better and shows how comfortable I am.”

Anne-Marie Carey, a Consultant in Palliative Medicine as part of the hospice’s In-Patient Unit, regularly looks after Lindsay. She added: “I’m so happy that this special day was able to go ahead and Lindsay, Simon and Isaac were able to have the special day they had hoped for and we all wanted for them.”

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 guidelines, no reception could take place so instead the hospice’s Head Chef, Mark Taylor, created a special takeaway wedding breakfast box for each of the guests.

Other local businesses that pulled out all the stops for Ashgate’s happy couple included: Blanc & Blanc Occasions which provided shoes, Fresh Ideas Florists which provided all the flower arrangements, Natalie Reynolds MUA who provided hair and makeup services, Weddings by Dragonfly which decorated the room and Tom Hodgson who photographed the whole event and captured a memory which the family will keep forever.

And finally, Lambs Cupcakes of Chesterfield made the spectacular wedding cake which was colour coordinated with Lindsay’s dress for a fraction of its usual price.

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

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Chesterfield Borough Council named among Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers

Chesterfield Borough Council is celebrating after being named as one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England.

The council placed 82nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers which ranks the very best of England’s large apprenticeship employers, with employers recognised for providing some of the most successful apprenticeship programmes over the previous 12 months.

Chesterfield Borough Council currently employs more than 40 apprentices and has done a lot of work to promote apprenticeships throughout the borough by demonstrating the value of apprenticeships and through its pioneering ‘Apprentice Town’ project.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for business transformation and customers, said: “I’m delighted that we have been recognised in this way for the work we do with apprentices. We were the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’ and we are committed to ensuring that young people in Chesterfield can build the skills and careers they want because this is key to ensuring that we are a thriving borough.

“We want Chesterfield to be a town where young people, businesses and parents think apprenticeship first and the council has to lead by example. That is why we have more than 40 apprentices working across the organisation in a wide range of disciplines including project management, legal services and commercial services.”

The council has apprentices working in almost every service area and they are helping ensure that the council has skilled individuals for the future.

Paul Davis, who is taking part in an apprenticeship programme with the council working towards a CIPFA Professional Qualification (Level 7), said: “I wanted to do the an apprenticeship with Chesterfield Borough Council because it allowed me to study further and to progress within my area of work. The apprenticeship gave me a greater understanding of the authority’s finances and management which I could apply directly to my everyday work for the council and enhance my future prospects with a globally recognised qualification.

“I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to other people as they are great way to learn and it provides you the opportunity to progress further in your career with the added benefit of not being left with a heavy burden of student debt at the end.”

Rachel O’Neil, assistant director for customers, commissioning and change, said: “I’m delighted that we have been recognised with this award for the work we do employing apprentices. Our apprenticeship programme provides the council with highly skilled individuals and in return help ensure they can build a career and a future they are proud of with the council.”

Miles Thirnwell, who recently completed a Housing/Property Management Level two apprenticeship with distinction whilst working for the council, said: “After leaving University this was a difficult time in terms of deciding on an alternative career path. However looking back, I am incredibly pleased with my decision of applying for an apprenticeship and despite the fact that they are often overlooked, they can provide an endless amount of opportunities and the provision of skills you need to develop in your desired career.

“My knowledge and skills were constantly progressing as I was always learning something new, whether this was in the office or whilst carrying out practical tasks throughout the borough. With Chesterfield Borough Council being eager to progress young employees and apprentices, this allowed my knowledge and experiences to develop even further as I was given access to training along with key college courses.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is just one of nine Local Government organisations to feature in the top 100.

Chesterfield Borough Council launched ‘Apprentice Town’ in 2017. It is run in partnership by Chesterfield Borough Council, Destination Chesterfield, the local business community, apprenticeship providers and The Apprentice Town steering group in order to raise awareness of apprenticeship activities and promote all aspects of apprenticeship provision.

2020 is the first year a ranking of the top 100 apprenticeship providers has been compiled. Find out more about ‘Apprentice Town’ here

apprentice town steering group

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Chesterfield’s Avant Homes becomes 1st UK housebuilder to introduce Honda E vehicle fleet

Chesterfield-based housebuilder Avant Homes has become the first UK housebuilder to introduce a fleet of 30 Honda e electric vehicles for its regional sales teams to use.

With 60 live developments across the Midlands, Yorkshire, north east England and Scotland, the new fleet will enable Avant Homes to provide prospective homebuyers with a more mobile and accessible sales service.

Supplied by motor retailer Stoneacre Chesterfield, the leasing deal is the biggest transaction the Tapton Lock dealership has ever brokered with a corporate client. The leasing agreement for the fleet was handled by Lex Autolease.

The cars have been introduced as part of a new commitment by the homebuilder to meet prospective buyers by appointment only at their preferred location, whether that is at a development, their home or the workplace.

Commenting on the new fleet, Avant Homes chief executive officer, Colin Lewis, said: “We learnt a lot during lockdown about how best to continue to provide our customers with exceptional service that is tailored to their needs.

“We identified that our customers need greater flexibility due to the changing circumstances they face and that we needed to evolve our sales function. We wanted to be able to meet our customers wherever was most convenient for them, so our idea was to be able to take Avant Homes to them on demand, and this led us to securing and introducing our new fleet of Honda e cars.

“We chose the Honda e so that we could not only provide our people with a state-of-the-art vehicle, but also minimise the environmental impact of the increased travel our sales team will be undertaking. The car’s contemporary and exciting design also appealed to us due to our desire to be a housebuilder that is different from the competition. So, like Avant Homes, the Honda e embodies an excellent combination of innovation, practicality and fun.

“We were clear from the outset that we wanted to support a local business to help deliver this initiative, so we are very pleased to have been able to partner with Stoneacre Chesterfield to acquire the new fleet. The service provided by the team there has been outstanding, and we can’t wait to get the cars delivered to our team across our five regional offices.”

Avant Homes is one of the UK’s leading private residential property developers. The business currently builds approximately 2,000 homes each year, has a turnover of circa £500m and employs around 780 people.

The Honda e, which was launched earlier this year, is the first electric Honda vehicle to be sold in Europe. At the beginning of October, it won the City Car of the Year category in the Sunday Times Motor Awards 2020 due to its unique combination of dynamic performance, refined comfort and futuristic technology. Inside, the modern minimalist passenger cabin utilises contemporary materials and is spacious and uncluttered to creates a comfortable lounge-like feel.

The Honda e features a water-cooled 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using either Type 2 AC connection or a CCS2 DC rapid charge. The car is capable of travelling up to 137 miles before drivers need to recharge the battery which can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in only 30 minutes.

Regional manager for Stoneacre Chesterfield , David Harding, said: “The popularity of hybrid and e-vehicles is rapidly increasing, so we were delighted to see Avant Homes select the Honda e as the vehicle of choice for their sales fleet. We’re thrilled to be able to provide an affordable, efficient and stylish option, and help Avant Homes to optimise their customer experience.”

The fleet was officially handed over to Avant Homes at a special event at Chesterfield FC where the cars were revealed to Avant staff for the first time.

Avant Homes are also currently involved in building part of the residential area at Chesterfield Waterside. Find out more here.

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

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Young Chesterfield rally driver claims second place in Italian rally event

21-year-old Chesterfield racing sensation Seb Perez claimed an impressive second place at the Modena Cento Ore historic rally earlier this month (October 11 – 15)), having tackled a challenging four days across idyllic Italian terrain alongside team-mate and car owner Andrew Siddall.

After taking some time out due to the Coronavirus lockdown since March and after his European GT4 Championship debut was quashed he showed that none of his motorsport talent had been lost.

The prestigious rally featured eleven special stages and three circuit races that started in the City of Rome before moving across Italy, taking in iconic race tracks on the way finishing in Modena, the home town of Enzo Ferrari.

The Derbyshire race and rally driver currently took to the passenger seat as co-driver for the second time on the event alongside Andrew in the Ford Escort RS1800 MK2 LAR 800P, the historic rally car that was driven to second place in the 1975 Lombard RAC Rally in the hands of the master of rallying himself rally legend Roger Clark.

The start in the historic City of Rome followed a parade the day before of the fantastic rally machinery that was to be thrashed over the picturesque Italian countryside.

Day one saw Andrew at the wheel to tackle the first two stages at Terminillo, the historic hillclimb site that’s used in the European Rally Championship. The pair got off to a good start finishing fourth fastest after the two stages and by the time they got to the end of the day in Perugia were 1 minute 24 seconds off the top spot but dropping to fifth.

A great start to the second day saw Siddall get the Escort back into fourth spot with Perez’s map reading skills keeping the car on the road by the end of SS3 at Colonnetta. The time had come as they arrived at Autodromo di Magione for Perez to get the gloves on and show his rival what he could do. Perez was like wildfire as the lights went out showing he hadn’t lost any of his past two years of championship Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing skills apart from racing in a 45 year old rally car on a race circuit. As usual Perez became the master at work and reworked the car to his needs that saw him take the chequered flag for a podium third place.

An ecstatic Perez sat back in the co driver’s seat and back on the maps as Siddall took to the fast twisty stage of SS4 Portole and ploughed back to take second place and just over one minute behind the leader. Next up was SS5 La Rossinata, the stage was taken a little slower but consistency ruled and second spot was not defeated.

An overnight halt in Florence for the duo was in hand and a well earned rest before Wednesdays leg of the rally.

Perez was in the seat again first thing for leg three, it took them to the delights of Autodromo del Mugello Circuit, Perez was straight into it with a practice session that saw him make good pace and up at the top. The race proved just the same with again lightning speed and precision that would have made the late Clark very proud of his Works Escort.

Fighting side by side on the curbs with the 27 cars on track Perez took the flag after the statutory 7 lap race finishing in 2nd place behind the Dansport prepared Porsche Carrera RS of Brits Philip Lawrance Kadoorie and Dan Wells.

Four stages followed, two at Passo del Giogo and the same at Cornacchiaia that saw them keep on track and consistent through and through keeping the car in second place and some fastest times thrown in as a bonus. After it was back to Florence again for another night’s sleep.

Leg 4 and last day saw two stages and another circuit race on the cards, special stage 10 was at Monte Faggiola that saw Perez and Siddall retain second slot and move onto SS11 Sambuca where again they held onto second pulling out every stop to get closer to the number one car.

Final trial of the race was down to Perez and his circuit skills, he lined up on the tarmac at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. Perez had another great start and for 7 laps he tried to take the car to number one but had to settle for third, 37 seconds behind the Dansport Porsche again but three podium spots out of three races was good enough to end on a high for the demanding but exciting 4 day adventure and to take second place only 1minute 58 seconds behind the winner.

The Perez and Siddall duo took honours in the final ranking at the event finish in Modena taking second overall, first on the race circuit sections, third fastest on the special stages, They also were awarded a class winner’s trophy.

Dansport from Walton Chesterfield came third in the Team Award, they prepared and made sure both the Escort of Perez and Siddall and Porsche RS of Kadoorie and Wells were in ship shape order throughout the rally.

Perez said after the Italian adventure “It was an fantastic week out in Italy. This was only my second event this year and was great working with Andrew for the second year on the rally and being able to drive in the races, Driving the car again was such a honour, it was very different to drive and there was very little we could change on the car that meant I had to drive around a lot of the cars traits to get the best out of it. I gained even more experience in the co-driving world, I have to give a big thanks to both Andrew and DANSPORT for giving me this amazing opportunity in such an historic car.”

Image Credit to Modena Cento Ore

Editorial by Paul Horton

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Leisure, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

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