Chesterfield

Essential Site Skills Director Shortlisted for Learning Leader of the Year

Essential Site Skills are proud to announce that their Training & Consultancy Director, Darren O’Neill, has been nominated for Learning Leader of the Year at the prestigious Learning Awards 2021.

It’s been another incredible 12 months for Darren, who has worked tirelessly as Essential Site Skills have adapted to face all the challenges that 2020 has thrown their way. Under his direction, ESS have introduced new ways of providing the training that workplaces need during this difficult time, all while maintaining and improving the overall level of quality across the board.

Darren has worked his way up to a leadership role, starting out as a trainer after leaving the armed forces. His training expertise and knowledge of the industry has allowed him to work his way up to become an industry leader in learning and development.

The Learning Awards are an annual event that celebrates outstanding individuals in the world of learning and development, run by The Learning and Performance Institute (LPI). Receiving one of these awards is the ultimate accolade for anyone working in the industry.

Darren said he was “super thrilled and very humbled” by the news, saying he was “thankful to be able to work alongside some fantastic talented colleagues at Essential Site Skills Ltd, and clients alike, across the Learning & Performance Industry.”

This is just the latest success for the company at the Learning Awards. At the 2019 awards, ESS were finalists in the Learning Provider of the Year category, with Training and Consultancy Manager, Michael Harcourt, winning the Rising Star Silver Award. Last year also saw ESS trainer Matt Fletcher nominated for the Rising Star award.

The Learning Awards 2021 will take place on 18th February at London’s Hilton Hotel.

Essential Site Skills Ltd 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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Bridge Help brings new talent to bridging finance

Bridge Help’s latest appointment brings new talent to the male-dominated bridging and finance industry.

Phoebe Sellars has been appointed as Business Development and Loan Manager at the Chesterfield-based bridging finance company.

Phoebe brings a background in retail management and law to the brand new role at the company. She was most recently employed in the Wills team at a leading firm of solicitors.

Her interest in and subsequent move to the bridging finance sector has been triggered by her father and chief executive of Bridge Help, Chris Sellars.

She explained: “I was previously working for a legal firm and my role was furloughed during lockdown. During this time I witnessed the fact that the bridging loan industry didn’t stop. It was very much business as usual and deals were still being done and no two days were the same. I loved the proactive and flexible approach to working in the face of adversity. I am a person that likes to be busy and challenged and it was a career move that excited me.”

Within the newly created role, Phoebe will be responsible for building relationships with Bridge Help’s broker and client network as well as managing the company’s loan pipeline.

She added: “I am surrounded by an experienced and knowledgeable team, including the bridging industry stalwart Danny Power. With the business plans we have in place I am excited by what the future holds for both me and Bridge Help.”

Phoebe is one of three new appointments made at the growing firm since the start of the year. The company also made the move to larger premises last month to accommodate its increasing workforce, all of which is instrumental in achieving Bridge Help’s ambitions to achieve a £100 million loan book by 2024.

For further information about Bridge Help visit www.bridgehelp.co.uk or follow the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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

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

Brampton Manor announces innovative ‘watch out to help out’ events

Brampton Manor has announced the launch of a series of drive-in movies next month, giving local people the opportunity to enjoy cinema in a safe environment.

A full schedule of movies has been planned throughout November and in the run up to Christmas, featuring a mixture of early evening family favourites and late-night big screen classics. The audio from the films will be played through each individual car radio using FM transmitters. Tickets are now available to book online.

The schedule is as follows:

  • 5th November – Bonfire Night Special! Hocus Pocus / Grease
  • 12th November – Frozen / The Conjuring (eve of Friday 13th!)
  • 19th November – The Greatest Showman / Back to the Future
  • 26th November – Lion King / Dirty Dancing
  • 3rd December – Home Alone 1 / Gremlins
  • 10th December – Elf / Bad Santa
  • 17th December – Frozen 2 / Love Actually

In-car dining will be available with a full drinks delivery service, alongside VIP pre-show or after-show dining in the brand-new outdoor Alpine Igloo Village. The late show will also include a ‘leave your car overnight’ option for those wishing to enjoy an alcoholic drink during the screening. Guests are being asked to arrive 30 minutes before the film is due to start.

Marshalls will be on-hand to assist with parking. For those wanting to get closer to the action, there is a VIP ‘golden circle’ option ensuring you get a spot near the screen.

The manor has also announced its new Winter Igloo Village will be offering a tea-time Halloween experience for families during half-term and are now available to book online only for Thursday 29th 4-8pm and Friday 30th October from 4-6pm.

Craig Lynch, Managing Director at Brampton Manor said: “It’s an option for getting out safely. Innovation is always key. If you stand still in life, you go backwards.

“There are advertising opportunities on the big screen for businesses pre-show with a special reduced rate for Chesterfield Champions. Anyone interested should contact me directly and I’ll put them in touch with the event company.”

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

 

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

Chesterfield accountant Shorts leads the way on completing Chase Hardware management buyout

Chesterfield-based accountancy firm Shorts recently teamed up with Bell & Buxton and HSBC UK to act as lead advisors, legal representatives, and funders on the management buy-out of architectural ironmongery and general hardware distributers, Chase Hardware Ltd.

Chase Hardware Ltd was founded in 1978, with their head office based in Uttoxeter. Existing Director James Thomas has now taken full control following the acquisition of 100% of the share capital from the long-term owner Robert Roebuck.

Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner with Shorts comments: “In these challenging times it is fantastic to see that transactions can be successfully completed. Chase is a great business and James has been key to driving that success over recent times. It was therefore a pleasure for myself and Adam Ames to advise James on completing the buy-out and we expect to see the business continue to go from strength to strength.”

Corporate Finance Partner at Bell & Buxton, Alex Ross added “Although funded corporate transactions have been difficult to complete since lockdown began, HSBC clearly bought into the ability of James as a manager and an individual and were very proactive in ensuring this deal was completed on pre-lockdown terms. James’ tenacity in ensuring the deal completed after months of delays should stand the business well in the future.”

James Thomas added “Having been in The Hardware & Ironmongery business for over 20 years and with Chase Hardware for the last 10 years, I am delighted to finally complete the management buy-out and to drive the business forward. We have a young dynamic team that are all excited to modernise the business, work more closely with our customers and firmly re-establish our identity in the market. Although it was a rollercoaster ride to get the deal done during such a difficult time, the company proved to be robust enough to trade successfully during the lockdown period. We reported continued growth and things are now looking even brighter for our future success.”
HSBC were advised by Duncan Shepherd of Wake Smith (legal advice) and Hawsons (financial due diligence), and the vendors were advised by Joanna Dawson of Dawson Radford Solicitors.

With a long-standing heritage of 130 years, Shorts has grown from a local business to a nationally recognised award-winning firm. Shorts 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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Rosewood Wealth Management take on new apprentice

Independent financial advisor Rosewood Wealth Management has added new apprentice, Abigail Denman to its team.

Whilst studying Level 3 Business at Chesterfield College, Abigail developed a passion for finance. Abigail’s ambitious attitude at the outset of her career in the sector, her engagement with analytical challenges, as well as her natural talent for business and finance made her the perfect candidate for Rosewood’s apprenticeship scheme.

Upon joining the company, Abigail said: “When I saw the opportunity of starting an apprenticeship with Rosewood, I was so excited as I saw this a chance to start my career in finance. Donna and Shannan have really embraced me into the team and provided me with all the support and a specialised finance apprenticeship provider to ensure my journey is a success. I am excited for what the future holds.”

According to the team at Rosewood: “On top of her skillset and dedication, what makes Abigail such a good fit is her friendly manner and bubbly personality. We’re sure that you will agree when you’re greeted at the office for your next appointment!”

Rosewood Wealth Management believe in providing all clients with a truly individualised independent financial advice service. Whether you are just starting your property journey and buying your first home, looking towards your first investment, saving for your future, exploring pension options or looking to enjoy your wealth, they are there to help and guide you. Rosewood was founded upon the fundamental principles of personal, intimate support and frank, honest advice tailored to the needs of the client.

They aim to help you achieve the best results from your financial planning by offering financial advice in all areas, including mortgages, investments, retirement advice, pensions, equity release, savings wealth management, and insurance.

You can find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice here

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

 

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

Dronfield Hall Barn to strengthen ties with local business community

A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant has been awarded to The Dronfield Heritage Trust for work on a campaign to attract more commercial users to Dronfield Hall Barn.

The High Street heritage building is home to a wide range of arts, cultural and community events as well as having an outdoor and indoor coffee shop.

The Trust has appointed PR consultant Louise Third MBE who is originally from Holmesfield to work with the DHB managers and current business partners to shape the new plans.

Alan Powell, chair of the Dronfield Heritage Trust, believes the new commercial landscape presents the perfect opportunity to plan ahead and offer somewhere unique where businesses can work and meet.

“If the past few months have taught us anything, it is that we need to adapt and serve our community in different ways. During the Covid lockdown, we stayed active by putting many of our activities online and our home grocery delivery service proved vital to many Dronfield residents.

“We now we feel we can do even more to maximise our brilliant facilities and at the same time help the business community as they continue the process of recovery. Put simply, the more activity we can generate, the more sustainable The Barn becomes for the future.

He added: “Louise has been a Friend of DHB for several years and brings strong commercial and creative expertise to this project. Back in 2004 she handled the press work when Sainsbury’s gifted the Barn and has followed our progress ever since.”

Covid-related travel and social distancing restrictions are placing more pressure on employees to work closer to home, and on businesses to find alternative places to meet. This project will look into how the Dronfield Hall Barn might help solve some of these issues for Sheffield and north Derbyshire businesses and other organisations.

Louise is keen to hear from local business owners and managers who can help her research. “I used to work in Sheffield and my family was well-established in the business communities of the city and north-east Derbyshire. So it is a privilege to be back working in a familiar part of the country.”

Anyone interested in talking to Louise can email her at louise@louisethird.com or message via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisethird/

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

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

New consultation to be launched on North East Derbyshire District Council’s local plan

A new consultation is due to be launched on North East Derbyshire District Council’s draft Local Plan, which sets the plan for future development in the area. This will allow over seven full weeks for the public and groups to comment.

The draft Local Plan is currently under examination and the new consultation will be on changes to the plan, called ‘Main Modifications’ which are proposed by the independent inspector.

It is expected that the consultation, set to be approved by the Cabinet on the 29th October, will run for 7 ½ weeks, from the 2nd November 2020 to the 23rd December 2020. Full details on the consultation and how it will work will be posted on the Council’s website and social media over the next week.

Cllr Charlotte Cupit, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, commented: “This consultation will allow residents to have their say on the changes proposed by the Inspector to the draft Plan so far, including the removal of three large previously allocated Green Belt sites and the updated housing land supply in our District.

“I would urge everyone to submit their views on the proposed changes as part of this consultation. I understand there is particular concern over the remaining allocations in the Green Belt and why the Inspector has only removed some allocations from the Plan but not others. This is the last chance for communities to highlight their concerns and test the Inspector’s reasoning by commenting on her Main Modifications proposals.

“We recognise that Covid-19 provides challenges to how consultations were previously run, but we’ve been working hard to make sure this consultation is accessible to residents and making extra provisions, including for anyone who may be self-isolating. As well as being available online, consultation documents can be posted out on request, to local residents who are self-isolating and unable to access deposit venues or view material online.”

You can find the Cabinet paper, including details of the proposed Main Modifications consultation, here https://democracy.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1137&MId=1763&Ver=4

Previous Examination updates are available here. https://www.ne-derbyshire.gov.uk/planning-and-local-plan/planning-policy-and-local-plan/examination/latest-news-and-updates

The Avenue, Wingerworth

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

Mortgage 1st go ‘back to school’ to teach students about future financial planning

Mortgage 1st, a Chesterfield based Mortgage Advice firm have been ‘Back to School’ this October delivering a lesson they created for year 9 students as part of the schools personal development topic, the lesson focuses on future financial planning which is a very important and key life skill for young people.

The team at Mortgage 1st are passionate about supporting young people, they already offer an ‘Apprentice to Adviser’ program to school & college leavers and more recently have taken part in the My Future Platform which is a virtual careers fair showcasing the jobs available in their industry to inspire the next generation.

Developing a partnership with local schools and designing a lesson plan based around financial planning, mortgages and buying a house is something HR & Marketing Director, Lisa Stones has been keen to do for a while and after linking with Shirebrook Academy earlier this year the project took shape.

Along with her colleague Carly Montisci, Senior Manager at Mortgage 1st, Lisa delivered the lesson to 6 tutor groups, over 150 students in total, over a course of 3 weeks. The lessons were well received by the tutors and students alike even after the shock of discovering the actual cost of buying a house!

Many students expressed an interest in the financial service industry as a career option they may now consider but most importantly a seed has been planted with the 13 year olds about the importance of budgeting and sensible money management to enable a financially stable future.

Lisa Stones, HR & Marketing Director, Mortgage 1st said: “I am thrilled to have been able to see this project through, I wasn’t going to let any COVID restrictions get in my way this year! The team at Shirebrook Academy have been fantastic and provided me with all the guidance I needed to create an interesting and engaging lesson for the students. The feedback from the tutors has been great and the level of engagement and questions from the students was amazing, they were genuinely interested in what is a fairly complex and ‘grown-up’ subject. This is only the start as we hope to be able to offer this programme to more local school on a regular basis.”

Mortgage 1st will soon be on the lookout for their next new young apprentice to join their head office team in Barlborugh, Chesterfield. Details will be published on their website and social media later in the year.

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.

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

Chesterfield welcomes Councillor Glenys Falconer as town’s 380th mayor

Councillor Glenys Falconer has been appointed as Chesterfield’s 380th Mayor.

Councillor Falconer will serve as Mayor of Chesterfield until May 2022, as her term in office has been extended due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Councillor Glenys Falconer said: “I am honoured to take the position of Mayor of Chesterfield. These are difficult times for everyone, so I hope that I can help the town look forward to a happier year.”

As a Liberal Democrat Councillor, she represents Holmebrook Ward and has served as a councillor for a total of 13 years having first been elected in 1999. She has been a member of the Appeals and Regulatory Committee as well as the Planning Committee.

After a varied career that included working as a childminder for over a decade, Glenys who is now retired, volunteers as a befriender and sits on the board of local charity Hope Springs. In her spare time, she sings with the choir at the Royal Hospital and spends as much time as possible with her 16 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She is married to Councillor Keith Falconer who has previously served as Mayor of Chesterfield.

Councillor Tony Rogers will become Deputy Mayor until May 2022.

Councillor Rogers, a Liberal Democrat, has previously served on the council from 2003 to 2011 and was elected again in 2018 representing Moor Ward. He is a member of the Appeals and Regulatory Committee as well as the Licensing Committee.

The Mayor carries out our civic ceremonial duties and chairs meetings of full council. They are elected on an annual basis by full council.
Councillor Falconer will replace Councillor Gordon Simmons who served as Mayor in 2019/20.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House introduce “work from home, but away” scheme

With half term fast approaching, Chesterfield tea and coffee house Stephensons are introducing a creative new idea to help those in need of a quiet and productive space to do their work over the holidays and beyond.

Staff there have set up the “working from home, but away” initiative to help those struggling to find the peace and quiet needed to carry out their jobs.

Anyone who books a “working from home, but away” table will receive a hot drink on arrival, breakfast or lunch with a hot or cold drink, and a piece of cake or scone when in need!

All tables in the tea and coffee house are situated near power points and WIFI is available too, meaning customers will have everything required to set up their own workstations.

The prices for half term are as follows…

  • Breakfast sessions from 9.30 – 11.30, £11.95
  • Lunch sessions from 12.00 -2.00, £13.95.

In addition, dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free will all be catered for.

Stephensons Tea and Coffee House owner, Claire Wood said: “We are constantly trying to think of new ways that not only help our business, but also support the people of Chesterfield.

“If you are working at home, it is not always easy to be totally motivated and focused, and there could be distractions, particularly during half term. I also think, for our emotional well-being, a change of environment, with high quality food and drink, in a safe environment is a well deserved treat.”

Limited tables are available, so staff are asking those interested to request a “Work at Home, but Away” table when booking. You can book by calling 01246 205111 or by contacting them online.

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

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

Lime Living Estate Agents announces collaboration with local coffee shop

Lime Living Estate Agents has created its own branded coffee in collaboration with a local coffee shop.

The partnership has been created in response to the current climate in a drive to support the local economy. Lime Living are working with Society Coffee Shop & Bar to provide those moving into a new home with a bag of ground coffee as a welcoming gift.

Director at Lime Living Estate Agents, Jamie Wajs is keen to trade locally in order to support other local companies.

He said: “Over the last year or so, we have established a good business working relationship with Society Coffee Shop & Bar and the owner Liam, who has kept us in good supply of arabica coffees, tasty grilled Cheeses and speciality cakes and donuts, both at the office and also for our client and staff meetings. So, it was only natural when we had a discussion on how we can help each other in the current climate and the outcome was the branded bags of coffee.

“Originally we looked at offering a goodwill gesture drink for our clients, however with the ever changing Covid restrictions, we decided to offer the ground coffee for Cafetieres, handy for home movers, so they can enjoy a nice coffee to destress once they have completed the rush of move in day. Anybody enjoying the coffee and wanting more, can simply pop down to Society to purchase further coffee or enjoy other offerings down at their town centre shop.

“As well as raising that little extra awareness for both our businesses, it also shows the crossover many town centre independent businesses can create and how we can all help support & work together, so people know we are all still here and very much open for business, especially at a time the town centre is struggling for footfall, in particular the towns hospitality sector. Support Local, use local!”

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

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

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